Harry Beeman

Seventy years after the end of World War II, five Southwest Florida veterans share their experiences, including 93-year-old Harry Beeman of Cape Coral. He was 19-years old when he signed up as an Apprentice Seaman in the US Navy the day after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. His father had refused to allow him to enlist in the Navy, despite his determination to serve his country. Beeman served four years on the USS Ellet, a small destroyer that survived ten major battles during the Pacific War, including the Battle of Midway. He reflects on his view of war, sometimes in wonderment, he ponders not wanting to miss any action, despite being severely injured.