CPO Emil A. DeOcampo
Born: September 1, 1907 Died: October 13, 2008 Emil DeOcampo, Sr., loving father and generous grandfather, who celebrated his 101st birthday on September 1, 2008. The Coast Guard honored him for his 25 years of service and being the oldest living enlisted retiree. Emil was called home to be with Our Lord on Monday, October 13, 2008 at 6:32 pm. The USCG Command Master Chief, Charles Bowen made a personal visit from Washington, D.C., to join in his birthday celebration. He received a USCG Coin from Admiral Thad Allen and Command Master Chief. From his days as a kid growing up as the second of nine in Santa Cruz, Illocos Sur, Philippines, Emil came to the U.S. in 1923 at age 16. He was following his older brother, Vincent, with whom he'd remain close until Vincent died in 1989 at age 84. Emil worked laying track in Washington State for the Pacific Railroad and then in a fish cannery in Alaska. For six years on the East Coast, Emil worked in New York and New Jersey until the Great Depression hit and he enlisted in the Coast Guard in 1930. In 1945, off Okinawa, Emil was the ship's steward aboard the USCGC Campbell and took care of the infamous 'Sinbad' the stow-away dog who later became the ship's mascot. After he retired as a Chief Petty Officer in 1955, Emil worked part-time at the Admiral Nimitz Club, Naval Base Treasure Island in San Francisco. Emil actively played a role in raising all of his grandchildren and was a resident of the Bay Area for over the last 50 years. Emil was the last living of the nine DeOcampo siblings. Father of five children, Irene, Emil, Jr., Richard, Michael and Melissa, husband of 60 years to Fedie Monje DeOcampo, loving Grandpa to Sally Ann, Tina, Brian, Vincent, Isaac, Susan, Jena, and Alena, and great-grandpa to Chris, Alexa and Dylan Emil. Stewards Mate Chief Petty Officer Emil DeOcampo, Sr. received numerous decorations and medals, just received from Washington D.C. on Oct 16, 2008 which included the American Defense Service Medal with Fleet Clasp, American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal (Seventh Award), China Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Navy Occupation Medal with Asia Clasp, Navy Combat Action Ribbon, and the World War II Victory Medal, Korean War Medal.
03/31/09 Submitted by: 
James Demerin
