George Eidsness

He graduated from the city’s public schools and worked for the government at the Pentagon. At the outbreak of World War II, he enlisted in the United Sates Navy. While stationed with the Seabees in Alaska he was accepted into the Navy’s V-12 College Training Program, attended Bowling Green State University, and was commissioned. He served in the Pacific Theater on minesweeper preparing for the invasion of Japan. After demobilization he completed his studies then returned to the Navy. At the outbreak of the Korean War, he was Executive Officer of the USS Pledge and conducted minesweeping in advance of the invasion at Inchon. The pledge captured 44 North Koreans during patrols off the Korean coast. While conducting mine sweeping operations at Wonsan Harbor he was seriously wounded when North Korean artillery sank the Pledge as it maneuvered to rescue the survivors of its sister ship the USS Pirate. For his service in Korea, he and his shipmates were awarded the Presidential Unit Citation and he was awarded a Purple Heart. After a long convalescence at Bethesda Hospital, he returned to duty on destroyers. After his active service he made a distinguished career in the Navy Department, while remaining in the Naval Reserve. He retired as a Lieutenant Commander.

In retirement he and his wife Pat moved to West Virginia and used their Recreational Vehicle as a second home. They traveled with their beloved Siamese cats to Florida each winter to Tindell Air Force Base to enjoy the sun and the good company that returned each year to the same RV site.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Patricia Carrington Beach Eidsness, his daughter Natalie Eidsness from his first marriage, and his step children Patricia Beach Witschi, Robert E. Beach, and Michael O. Beach. Sadly, his stepson John Beach preceded him in death. A host of nieces, nephews, and younger cousins will miss his bright wit, astonishing memory, and generous heart.

A visitation will be held at Rosedale Funeral Home on Saturday October 16, 2021 at 10:00 am until the time of the Funeral Service at 11:00 am. Burial will be at a later date in Arlington Cemetery.