Editor’s note: This tribute is one in a series of reader-submitted tributes to World War II-era veterans that will be posted during September.

SGT. ALBA N. BLACKERBY, USMC

Hometown: Kingston.

Branch: U.S. Marine Corps.

Years of service: 1942-45.

Highest rank attained: Sergeant.

Significant duty stations or deployments during the War: Tailgunner on a USMC TBF (VMTBN-232), Red Devil Squadron. Combat missions in Solomon Islands, Guadalcanal, Munda, Bougainville, Rabaul, Vela LaVela, New Britannia. Distinguished Flying Cross, four Air Medals, Presidential Unit Citation.

POST-WAR CAREER: Worked for Boeing, later became a residential home builder in Kitsap.