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<< Previous   of   Next >> Dan Bates / The Herald  (click to enlarge) Lyle Kell, 84, wants to get the word out to all World War II U.S. Navy Armed Guard veterans to contact their congressional representatives and request the recognition they earned while serving in the Armed Guard. Kell has placed his certificates and letters with a photo taken of him in 1944 in a frame designed with historic significance.   ADVERTISEMENT   Recognition for Navy Armed Guards If you served as a U.S. Navy Armed Guard in World War II or know someone who has, call 360-652-1884 for more information on how to receive the citation.   CONTACT THE HERALD Robert Frank, City Editor frank@heraldnet.com   Published: Thursday, September 25, 2008 World War II vet wants recognition for fellow guards Marysville man earns congressional award By Justin Arnold Herald Writer MARYSVILLE -- As a member of the Greatest Generation, it was Lyle Kell's greatest disappointment. Kell served as a U.S. Navy Armed Guard from 1943 to '46, defending Merchant Marine and Liberty ships against German and Japanese attackers during World War II. Armed guards were vital to the defense of supply ships that fueled the war effort during what he described as "those last desperate days." Kell would then watch as his contributions as a World War II combat veteran went largely unnoticed by the Navy. Now, after 60 years of waiting, Kell and others who were mebers of the Armed Guard are getting some acknowledgement. Armed Guards who served in World War II are eligible under an existing law for a certificate of special congressional recognition, Kell said. Getting the word out may prove difficult for Kell, but even at 84 years old, he's got plenty of fight left in him. "I'm not tooting my own horn, this isn't about me but about all the fellas who might not know that this citation exists," he said. Kell discovered the citation in 1999, and encourages any and all former U.S. Navy Armed Guards to write their congressional representative. Rep. Rick Larsen, who met with Kell and presented him with the certificate, has introduced measures in the past on behalf of Armed Guards. "Throughout World War II, members of the United States Navy Armed Guard played a critical role in protecting merchant ships from attack," Larsen said in a statement. "I was honored to present Mr. Kell with a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition for his service to our country." It's a recognition that Kell said is long overdue. As an Armed Guard, Kell saw his share of action, including defending the SS John Muir from Japanese Zero fighters in Okinawa and sailing the Strait of Hormuz in the Persian Gulf so the Navy so could "prove it safe." Safe, in this instance, meant sailing through the strait without hitting an underwater mine, being dive-bombed by planes or attacked by local raiders. "I joined the Navy just shy of 19, and when we proved Hormuz my hair turned white. Everyone on board was anxious to say the least," Kell said. Kell was also wounded in an attack in which he took shrapnel in his left hand, shrapnel that wasn't removed until he had left military service. Yet he never received a Purple Heart for being wounded in action. Kell said the Navy wanted two witnesses who could verify his claim. Kell shook his head and smiled, saying the only way you can take the Navy's bureaucracy is with a dash of humor. "Navy said they wanted two witnesses. My gosh, they're all dead!" Kell said. "I did get two Good Conduct medals, though only one counts." Armed Guards were recognized by Russia and awarded medals for bringing the nation much-needed supplies during the war. The irony is not lost on Kell, who said, "I can get a medal from Boris Yeltsin but not the U.S. Navy. It's an atrocity." Kell plans to continue to volunteer, informing any and all Armed Guards who live in Snohomish County that their sacrifices and contributions can finally be recognized. "We didn't get the medal we wanted but we got recognition from Congress, which is better than nothing I guess," Kell said. "Since we're all dying, it'll keep." Reporter Justin Arnold: 425-339-3432 or jarnold@heraldnet.com. READER COMMENTS Be the first to comment. You must be a registered user and verify your e-mail address to post comments to blogs or articles on HeraldNet. To register, click here. To read other terms and conditions, click here. Log out

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