Obituary of Harold Palmer, Jr
Harold Palmer Jr, 78, passed away August 14,2024 at FDR VA Hospital in Montrose with family
by his side.
Born June 12,1946 in Poughkeepsie, he was the son of the late Harold Palmer Sr and Mildred
Tompkins.
He was a Vietnam Veteran serving in the US Navy from October 1965 to November 1971. He
was stationed aboard the USS Westchester LST 1167 (WESCO). At 3:22 am November 1,1968
VC swimmers mined the WESCO, killing 25 and wounding many others. It was the greatest
loss of life suffered by a US Navy ship in the entire Vietnam War. As a member of a repair party,
he manned his general quarters station immediately and began assisting his scene leader in
removing wounded men up a ladder from a quickly flooding and dangerously explosive area,
putting his own life at risk. It was through his efforts, calmness and determination that
approximately 65 men, some seriously wounded, were able to escape without further injury or
death. He stayed on scene throughout the entire day evacuating wounded and removing
casualties. He was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat V for his courageous
actions and devotion to duty for his actions that day. He is considered one of the heroes by his
fellow shipmates.
He married Gwendolyn Ward in Poughkeepsie. She predeceased him on September 7, 2005.
He is survived by his children Jennifer Staring, NY; Joanmarie Miller and Dennis Palmer, TN;
Melissa (Bryan) Bramley and Elizabeth Palmer, NY; his grandchildren Sadie (Joseph) Daley,
TN; Tyler and Jacob Palmer; Chloe Mann; Bianca and Myles Bramley; Logan and Gwendolyn
Rodschat of NY; Alexis and Kaitlynn Palmer, GA and Zachary Palmer, TN; great-grandchildren
Payton, Mason and Lucy Daley of TN, sisters Roxanne Barnes, TX and Linda Empert, NY. Also
surviving is his very dear friend of 15 years, Joann Marone. He also leaves behind his beloved
dogs, Ki and Chewy.
In keeping with his wishes, cremation has taken place. A graveside service, with military
honors, will be held at St. Peters Cemetery, 171 Salt Point Turnpike, Poughkeepsie on Friday,
August 23 rd at 12:00 pm.
The family would like to thank the staff of 15AB at FDR VA Hospital for the care they provided
for our father. We would especially like to thank Sharon Lennon and Shannon O’Sullivan for
always being there for him, and us. It was comforting knowing he was spending his final days
being cared for by people he considered friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Harolds name to Alzheimer’s Association,
225 N Michigan Ave, Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601 or a Veteran’s charity of your choice.
