Paul M. Gerrish was born 2 October 1916 near a farm in Glidden, Iowa. At the age of 6, the family moved to Nebraska. Gerrish started working on ranches in the area at the age of 16. After a few years, he had started working with heavy construction machinery and this was his occupation when he went into the United States Army. Gerrish was assigned to a Headquarters Company and sent to radio operator's school. Then, he was assigned to the 40th Cavalry Reconnaissance Troop where he served until the end of the War. Paul M. Gerrrish was a Staff Sergeant of the 40th Cavalry Reconnaissance Troop which was a presidential citation unit in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater. They were cited for outstanding performance of duty in action against the enemy. On 16 November 1945 Gerrish was discharged from the U.S. Army. After the War, he never completely recovered from his ordeals. He never stopped taking medical treatment from the Veteran's Administration and was classified with a 10% disability. He took rehabilitation training and by 1949 he was able to start working steadily. In 1950, he went to work at the Bremerton Navy Shipyard. In 1955, he transferred to the Bonneville Power Administration. In 1975 he would be able to retire with 20 years federal service. When he wrote his reminiscences, he was living in Olympia, WA. Paul M. Gerrish passed away on 5 March 2001.
From the description of My Army days, March 11, 1941 to Nov. 16, 1945, 1941-1945 / by Paul M. Gerrish. (Washington State Library, Office of Secretary of State). WorldCat record id: 297118315
