Soon to be centenarian Bob Netzley receives a standing ovation at last month's Town Hall Debate.
Photo by Kurt Hildebrand.
“It is my distinct honor to wish you a very happy 100th birthday and express my sincere appreciation for your faithful and honorable service to our nation and Navy,” Smith wrote. “Your patriotism and dedication speaks volumes about who you are and what you stand for as an American.”
Born, June 6, 1922, Netzley’s daughter Bobbi Thompson said he joined the Navy in the wake of Pearl Harbor and served on four ships during his tour.
One of those ships, the attack transport USS Bayfield, served as the headquarters for Utah Beach during the Normandy invasion.
According to the Naval history, a shipmate on the Bayfield was Hall of Fame Baseball player Yogi Berra.
She said he was at sea on June 6, 1944, for his 22nd birthday.
“He said he was a throttleman and did a lot of welding, which is why he was on a few different ships,” Thompson said.
Netzley also served on the attack transport USS Andromeda and the minesweeper USS Dutton.
A birthday celebration is 2-4 p.m. Sunday in Minden Park. A birthday box has been established for Netzley care of Minden-Tahoe Airport, 1146 Airport Road, Minden NV 89423.
On Thursday, Douglas County commissioners approved a proclamation in honor of Netzley.
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