B F AYDELETTE
US NAVY WWII
USS LAVALLETTE
US NAVY WWII
USS LAVALLETTE
Section: 2
Row: 1
Service Branch, Rank
Navy
unavailable
Theater(s) / Campaign(s) / Operations(s)
WWII
Period of Service
unavailable
Biography
Bernard Fields Aydelette was born in 1922 in Guilford County. He graduated from Greensboro Senior High School and enlisted in the US Navy in June 1942 to join our country's fight during World War II.
He was trained as a gunner's mate and became a "plankowner" (original crew member) of the USS Lavellette 448 and served on the ship until December 5, 1945. On January 30, 1943, his ship took a torpedo defending the USS Chicago. She was put into Espirito Santo for repairs, went back into battle, and on February 14, 1945, hit a mine in Mariveles Harbor in the Philippines.
The ship later transited to Pearl Harbor (arriving May 22, 1945) and was given a five-minute salute from short guns — an honor marking her resilient service.This was the first time a destroyer received this salute. CINCPAC sent this message: "The battle record of the USS Lavellette is an inspiration to all hands. Hearty Congratulations." The USS Lavellette was the only destroyer to take an aerial torpedo and mine hit and survive.
After the war, Bernard returned to Greensboro. Shortly thereafter he met the love of his life, Hazel, at a Women's College dance in 1950. They were married and blessed with three children.
He worked with his parents in the family business: West End Ice Cream Company (later known as “Yum Yum Better Ice Cream Company”), which he helped grow into a well-known local brand, especially around the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) campus.
Bernard passed away peacefully in 2017 at age 94.
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