37th Infantry Division Sgt. Otis Earl Hawkins, Munda Field, Bougainville

Earl was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II, earning the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star and the Silver Star, and with his wife, Betty, went on to become owner/operators of Hawkins Markets Inc.

During the Battle of Hill 700, Bougainville, he showed Squad G, 145th Infantry Regiment how to rig cans of jellied gas on the wire. When the IJA got near the wire they lit the cans w flares and went to town.


http://www.the-daily-record.com/obituaries/2015/04/25/otis-earl-hawkins-100-wooster

He was friends with my Great Uncle and my friend Jim Underwood during those days. Later he was friends with my Uncle's family from Nashville, Ohio. A truly great man.

http://www.historynet.com/battle-of-bougainville-37th-infantry-divisions-battle-for-hill-700.htm

 

I am very sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Hawkins. My condolences to his family and friends.

Be at peace, Mr. Hawkins. :S!

 

Thank you, my friend. He bought his wife a golf course to run in Wooster, Ohio where they lived and raised their 3 girls. When Mrs. Hawkins died in 2011 he bequeathed it to the City of Wooster.