George Stephen Morrison facts for kids

Quick facts for kids George Stephen Morrison
Nickname(s)	Steve
Born	(1919-01-07)January 7, 1919 Rome, Georgia, U.S.
Died	November 17, 2008(2008-11-17) (aged 89) Coronado, California, U.S.
Allegiance	United States
Service/branch	United States Navy
Years of service	1941–1975
Rank	Rear Admiral
Commands held	Naval Forces Marianas USS Bon Homme Richard
Battles/wars	World War II Battle of Pearl Harbor Korean War Vietnam War
Awards	Navy Distinguished Service Medal Legion of Merit (2) Bronze Star Medal
Spouse(s)	Clara Virginia Clarke ​ ​ (m. 1942; died 2005)​
Children	3, including Jim

George Stephen Morrison (born January 7, 1919, died November 17, 2008) was a brave United States Navy officer. He was a pilot who flew planes for the Navy. Morrison became a Rear Admiral, a very high rank. He led important naval forces during the Vietnam War. He was also the father of Jim Morrison, the famous singer from the band the Doors.

The Early Life of George Morrison

George Stephen Morrison was born on January 7, 1919, in Rome, Georgia. He grew up in Leesburg, Florida. His family had roots in Scotland and Ireland.

In 1938, George Morrison joined the U.S. Naval Academy. This is a special school for future Navy officers. He graduated in 1941 and became an ensign, a junior officer. He was sent to Hawaii and served on a ship called the USS Pruitt. On December 7, 1941, he saw the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. This event led the United States into World War II.

George Morrison's Naval Career

Captain Morrison and his son Jim on the bridge of the Bon Homme Richard in January 1964

In 1943, Morrison started flight training in Florida. He became a pilot in 1944. He flew combat missions during World War II in the Pacific Ocean. After the war, he taught about advanced weapons programs.

During the Korean War, he worked at a special operations center in Seoul. For his brave service, he received the Bronze Star Medal.

In 1963, Morrison became the commander of the aircraft carrier USS Bon Homme Richard. This ship was a very important part of the Navy's fleet in the Pacific. In 1964, his ship moved to the Western Pacific.

Morrison was promoted to Rear Admiral in 1967. In 1968, he led a group of ships called a Task Group. They operated near Vietnam and Korea. His forces helped protect South Korean troops. He also managed to keep Soviet Navy ships from interfering with his operations.

In 1972, he became the Commander Naval Forces Marianas. He helped with relief efforts for people from Vietnam who came to Guam in 1975.

Morrison gave a speech when the carrier Bon Homme Richard was retired in 1971. He retired from the Navy in August 1975. He had achieved the high rank of rear admiral (upper half).

Family Life and Retirement

George Morrison married Clara Virginia Clarke in Hawaii in 1942. They had three children. Their son, Jim Morrison, became the lead singer of the famous rock band The Doors. He was born in 1943 and passed away in 1971. Their daughter, Anne Robin Morrison, was born in 1947 and later became a teacher. Their second son, Andrew Lee Morrison, was born in 1948.

After retiring, the Morrisons lived in Coronado, California and Chula Vista, California. Clara Morrison passed away in 2005. Rear Admiral Morrison passed away on November 17, 2008, at 89 years old. His memorial service was held in San Diego, California. His ashes were scattered at sea, near where his wife's ashes had been scattered.

Awards and Honors

Rear Admiral George Morrison received many important awards and decorations for his service. These honors show his bravery and dedication to the United States Navy.