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Ernest Eldon Decker
Ernest Eldon Decker (1913 – 1942) was a United States Navy officer who served in World War II. He was killed in action in the Guadalcanal Campaign.

Early Life
Decker was born September 15 1913 in Portland, Maine. The son of insurance executive Ernest Eldon Decker Sr. and Helen Briary (née Purington}. His boyhood home still stands at 46 Lawn Avenue, Portland, Maine.

Education
He attended University of California, Berkeley from 1931 to 1934 enrolled in the College of Letters and Science and was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon. In 1934 he was awarded Bachelor of Arts - Public Speaking

Military Service
Decker enlisted in the Naval Reserve September 14 1940. Lieutenant (junior grade) Decker was killed in action in the Solomon Islands September 5 1942 when his ship USS Gregory (APD-3) was sunk in a night engagement with Japanese surface ships. Check Ref: Morison - History of United States Naval Operations in World War II, Vol 5, The Struggle for Guadalcanal, August 1942 – February 1943

Legacy
In recognition of his sacrifice USS Decker (DE-47) was named in his honor.

Note on USS Decker: For action of 11May 1944 see: Morison - History of United States Naval Operations in World War II, Vol 10, Appendix relating to UGS40

Namesake: USS Decker (DE-47)