Rediscovering A Grandfather's Heroic Service

Over the years, many families have made some wonderful discoveries hidden away in long forgotten boxes or buried among dusty treasures in their attic.

For veterans’ families (especially World War II or Korean War veterans), the discovery of military service artifacts and memorabilia may help them to uncover a part of the family history that had not been spoken about for decades, if at all.

It is fitting that on Veterans Day 2021 we celebrate the grandfather of one Marco Island resident whose grandfather’s heroic service to our nation and the free world was only recently disclosed.

That resident is Daniel High, the General Manager of the Rose Marco River Marina on Marco Island. Daniel’s grandfather, Paul Laverne High, was a World War II veteran with a story of Naval warfare, bravery and skill. 

In addition to Daniel High's grandfather Paul High, other Rose Company executives have connections to military service.  President and CEO Dwight Stiehl's father Ernest Otto Stiehl saw combat on the USS Yorktown in the Pacific during World War II.   Rose Company Executive Vice President James Vandenbergh was also a Navy veteran,  having served on a destroyer.  

Daniel High’s grandfather, Paul High was a proud 1927 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. His first assignment was a four-year tour on the battleship USS Idaho. In 1928, 1930 and 1932, Paul High was stationed on temporary duty to assist in the U.S. Electoral Mission in Nicaragua. Prior to World War II, he also served in the Philippines and various ports in China as part of an assignment to the U.S. Asiatic Fleet.

Paul Laverne High took command of the USS Bryant in December 1943, after it was commissioned in Charleston, South Carolina. 

During World War II, then-Lieutenant Commander Paul Laverne High skillfully led the crew of the USS Bryant, which had been deployed to the South Pacific for battle against the Japanese Navy. The USS Bryant had numerous engagements with the enemy, as U.S. forces began retaking the Mariana Islands. During fierce battles in the Surigao Straits, the USS Bryant was engaged in blocking attempts by the enemy fleet to push into the entrance of the Leyte Gulf. Commander High skillfully maneuvered the ship against numerous Japanese kamikaze pilot attacks, and laid down fire against the enemy.

The USS Bryant moved on to protect supply ships that were under attack while on mission into Mindoro. During one such attack, a plane clipped the ship, showering it with shrapnel. A machinist mate later crafted a replica of the plane from the shrapnel, which is now on display (along with Paul High’s Command Flag) outside the Rose Marina executive offices.

As a result of its actions in the Marianas Campaign under Commander High, the USS Bryant was awarded the Navy Unit Commendation. It received a second commendation for its support of the amphibious assault on Peleliu during the Palau operation. A third commendation was received for its actions against the Japanese Fleet in the Battle of Surigao Strait.

Commander Paul Laverne High was recognized for his extraordinary heroism and distinguished service as Commanding Officer of the USS Bryant, and awarded the Navy Cross. 

Commander High was then given command of Destroyer Division 104. He assumed the rank of Captain and transferred his Command Flag to the USS Hickox. Rose Companies President and CEO, constructed a special frame for the Command Flag. The Command Flag is proudly on display at Rose Marina, on loan from the High Family in honor of Paul Laverne High and his heroic service in World War II.

In addition to the Navy Cross, Captain Paul High was awarded the Bronze Star with five gold stars for his actions during the Pacific Campaign. He also received the Second Nicaraguan Campaign Ribbon, China Service Medal, American Defense Service Medal, Atlantic Theater Ribbon, Pacific Theater Ribbon with six stars, the World War II Victory Medal and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with two stars.

In 1947,  Paul High retired from the Navy as a Rear Admiral. His military service was followed by a distinguished career with several companies and organizations. He passed away in September 1986 and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.

Each year on November 11, Americans pay their respects to the men and women who have served our nation in all branches of the U.S. Armed Services, whether active duty, Reserve, National Guard or the Merchant Marine. Thank you all for your service to a grateful nation.