Honoring the Service of WWII Veteran Lloyd Stoops

It was my privilege to join the American Legion, VFW and members of the Port Lavaca community last week to honor late WWII Veteran Lloyd Stoops. From 1943 to 1946, Stoops served honorably as a Torpedoman on the USS O'Flaherty in the Pacific. During his service, he assisted the Naval Academy on training cruises; was involved in an offensive launch against Imperial Japanese forces which led to the reoccupation of Guam; assisted in the rescue of 12 crew members after a patrol bomber crashed at sea; carried out operations to report on enemy submarine movements between Pearl Harbor and California; served in the Lingayen Gulf Attack Force, was exposed to frequent kamikaze raids; and supported the Iwo Jima invasion.

Like most of our greatest generation, Mr. Stoops never sought out recognition for his service. After his passing last year, his family was unable to find the many medals he had earned during his service, and approached my office for help. I was able to present his wife, Joann, with new copies of Torpedoman Stoops' awards that will be cherished by the family. Thank you for your service