Personal Histories

George O. Hodgson COX

George O. Hodgson was born February 14, 1924 in Jackson County, Jackson, Ohio. He graduated from Broomfield High School in 1942.

After graduation, Hodgson enlisted in the U.S. Navy and went to Great Lakes Training Center in Chicago, Illinois. From there, he went on to New York and was assigned to the USS Iowa BB6l where he served in the European-African Middle Eastern Theaters.

Hodgson transferred to the USS Hadley DD774 in 1944 and served in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater. He was discharged October 9, 1945 and received the Presidential Unit Citation and Bronze Star Medal six months later.

In 1949 Hodgson rejoined the Navy and was assigned to the USS Sperry DD697 and served in the American Theater. This tour involved taking reserve forces on two week cruises. This was not challenging enough for Hodgson and he became dissatisfied and discouraged. He separated from the Navy in March, 1950. Hodgson says, “On the day I was discharged, a new skipper came onboard. During his inspection he came to me and said, ‘Son, where did you get the Presidential Unit Citation and the Bronze Star Medal?’ I told him that I earned it while serving aboard the USS Hadley. He invited me up to his room after inspection, but I declined and explained that I was leaving soon. He was our Executive Officer, Robert W. Brownlee.

George Hodgson married Rebecca Swingle on August 18, 1950. They have one daughter, Ruth, who lives in Mesa, Arizona with her husband and three children.

Hodgson retired from Goodyear Atomic Corporation, Portsmouth, Ohio in November, 1985 after thirty-five years service. After retirement, he and Rebecca moved to 6207 East Duncan Street in Mesa, Arizona to be near their family.