CWO4 Jerry D. Murdock, U. S. Coast Guard (Retired) of Onalaska, formerly of Jacksonville, Texas passed away on June 1, 2020. Jerry was a Coast Guard veteran of the Vietnam War with 21 years of service to the United States of America. Born in Jacksonville, Texas in 1941, he graduated from Jacksonville High School in 1959 and entered the United States Coast Guard that same year. Jerry started his Coast Guard career as an Electronics Technician aboard USCGC Chincoteague (WAVP-375) and was a crewmember aboard USCGC Eastwind (WAGB-279), the first Coast Guard cutter to circumnavigate the globe. During Operation Deepfreeze 1965, Jerry "wintered over" in Antartica where he earned the Coast Guard Antarctic Service Medal.  He later served aboard USCGC Sherman (WHEC-720) during her historic assignment to Coast Guard Squadron Three in Vietnam, where he was awarded the Vietnam Service Award and the Combat Action Ribbon for action in the Vietnam War. SHERMAN's tasking during the war was primarily in support of Operation Market Time, which involved sorting through hundreds of small vessels off the Vietnamese coast in search of enemy weapons smugglers. SHERMAN's crew inspected some 900 vessels during their 10-month tour in Southeast Asia and her guns answered 152 calls for naval gunfire support, including a running fight on the night of November 21, 1970 which resulted in sinking a North Vietnamese armed freighter which was carrying several tons of enemy munitions. Sherman was one of only two Coast Guard Cutters to deploy and participate in the Vietnam War.

Moving quickly through the ranks, Jerry pinned on Chief Petty Officer in just 8 years of active duty service and in 1968, he commissioned as a Chief Warrant Officer after only 9 years of service. His decorations included the Coast Guard Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation with Bronze Star, Navy Achievement Medal with Valor Device, the Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Gallantry Cross Medal with Palm Device, Republic of Vietnam Civil Action Medal, the USCG Cutterman Insignia and the USCG Command Ashore Insignia.  His last unit, before retiring in in 1980, was as Officer in Charge of Loran Station Caribou, Maine.

Preceded in death by his parents, Arlie and Era (Warren) Murdock, and daughters Juliana and Jerrie Ann, Mr. Murdock is survived by his wife of 58 years, Patricia, two daughters Dixie and Vickie, one grandson, five granddaughters and five great grandchildren.  He is also survived by his brothers, Ronald (Cathy) and Larry (Mary Ellen), six nieces and one nephew.

Known for his wit, intelligence, kindness and dry humor, Jerry was an adventurer who saw the good in everyone and everything.  He was a pragmatic man, a good listener, an excellent leader, familial peacekeeper and a friend to many.  He was a salty dog who loved the sea, a glass of good bourbon, the Coast Guard. Above all, he was a loving husband, an awesome Dad and a very cool Grandpa who is missed and loved.  In keeping with his wishes, he will be inurned with his wife, in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. You can honor his memory by taking the time to thank all who served and those men in women in uniform who are serving this nation. Dad, We Miss You and We Love You Semper...Always.