1924 - 1944

— WWII Naval Hero, Checotah —

Gunner's Mate 3rd Class Paul Henry Carr, USNR (1924-1944), heroic Gun Captain of the After 5-inch Mount of the Destroyer Escort, Samuel B. Roberts (DE-413), died during the battle off Samar, Battle of Leyte Gulf, 25 Oct. 1944. He was awarded a posthumous Silver Star for his "outstanding technical skill" and "courageous initiative." Carr's Mount fired over 300 rounds, crippling the enemy, but Japanese shells severely damaged the Sammy B.

Carr and his crew continued to fire 6 charges by hand, however a 7th shell prematurely exploded, wrecking the gun and killing and wounding all but 3 men in the gunhouse. Although severely wounded, Carr continued unassisted to try to fire one last available round before being dragged from the gun mount. He perished a few minutes later. The USS Carr (FFG-52) was named in 1982 in honor of this enlisted man.

Family: Wife, Parents (Thomas Henry and Minnie Mae Austin Carr, farmers east of Checotah) and eight sisters.

To commemorate his heroism, this memorial placed on Paul Carr Drive.

Dedicated July 4, 1989

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