Congressman Tim Bishop recently secured a number of posthumous medals for Raymond R. Beyel. Beyel served in the U.S. Navy from December 29, 1942 to February 22, 1946. The medals were presented to his daughter Claudia Burns, a resident of Sag Harbor, at a ceremony in Bishop’s Coram district office last Tuesday, August 25.
At the ceremony, Bishop presented the Navy Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal w/ three bronze service stars, World War II Victory Medal, Philippine Liberation Ribbon w/ two bronze service stars, Presidential Unit Citation w/ one bronze service star, Twin Dolphin Award, New York State Conspicuous Service Cross, and the New York State Medal for Merit.
“Raymond Beyel went halfway around the world to secure our freedom and way of life,” Congressman Bishop said. “We are grateful for his service to our country and I am pleased to honor his legacy with these well-deserved medals.”
Born on September 14, 1925 in New York City, Beyel joined the U.S. Navy upon graduation from Central Islip High School in 1942. Beyel served on the submarine USS Gurnard as a Torpedoman 3rd class. The submarine was credited with sinking or destroying 21 enemy ships. He served at the Panama Canal, Hawaiian Islands, Marshall Islands, Iwo Jima, the Marinas, the South China Seas of the Philippines and participated in the invasion of the Tinian Islands. After his service, Beyel worked for the Long Island Lighting Company and retired after 37 years. He passed away on September 2, 1993.
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On behalf of my family I wanted to say thank you for the recogniton extended to my father and grandfather of our children. Dad was one of millions of people who were willing to lay down their lives for freedom. While he was fortunate, many others gave the supreme sacrifice and his awards really represent the cumulative efforts of so many during troubled times. We are all humbled by the efforts for Raymond’s recognition and wished to extend our sincere gratitude. May God bless all the men and women who have served and are serving our country and may we never forget the sacrifices our service men and women make.
God Bless
Jeff Beyel
Thank you for honoring my grandfather. He was a special and wonderful man. My mother, grandmother, his brothers and sisters and entire family are very proud of him.
Justin DuPree