Omer Lee Tyson, Jr.

Conflicts & Campaigns

• USS Helena (CL-50)

Significant Duty Stations

• Omer was a member of the crew of the USS Helena (CL-50) but was not aboard when it was hit by a torpedo on December 7, 1941 at Pearl Harbor. He was one of the survivors who were rescued by the USS Gwin (DD-433) or USS Wood (DD-460) from a small island after the Helena sank on July 5, 1943. Other duty assignments: Headquarters Squadron Fleet Air Wing Fourteen; Rescue Squadron One; Air Evacuation Squadron One; Air Transportation Evacuation ATB Four.

Decorations & Citations

• American Campaign Medal; American Defense Medal; Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with one Silver Star and two battle stars; Good Conduct Medal; Navy Unit Commendation with second award

Notes

Omer received a BS in Biology from the University of Georgia in 1951. He was in the first class to graduate in Fisheries. During the summers, he worked for the Tennessee Valley Authority, surveying species of fish. His first job after graduation was with Charles Pfizer Company, Omer's business career included opening and operating the Cairo Veterinary Supply; salesman for Cairo Auto Supply; Administrative Assistant for the Grady County Board of Education in charge of purchasing and maintenance. Omer was an avid outdoorsman. He loved hunting and fishing. He was well known in bass fishing circles as an authority on the Ochlocknee River system. His education and experience made him a much sought-after source of information to other fisherman. He was the subject of feature articles in Georgia Sportsman and other outdoor publications. He also authored publish article. Although he was not a native, he always considered Grady County his home. He never ran for a political office, but was always active in the campaigns of those candidates that he felt would be best for Grady County. He was a deacon in the Baptist denomination and is buried in the New Ochlocknee Baptist Church Cemetery, Beachton, Grady County, Georgia.