Alfred B. Sherman, 87, of Boothbay, died on Dec. 29 at St. Andrews Village in Boothbay Harbor.
He was born Nov. 12, 1921 in Boothbay Harbor, the son of Raymond Oscar and Clara Spinney Sherman. In 1939 he graduated from Boothbay Harbor High School. Al was the owner of Campbell-Built Products located on Rt. 27 in Boothbay.
Al enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in August 1942 and took his recruit training at Parris Island, S.C. After additional training at Camp Lejeune Tent City then on to Maui, Hawaii with the 4th Marine Division for final combat training, he was assigned to Co C Engineers, 20th Regiment 4th Marine Division.
He advanced in rank to Gunnery Sergeant through the 4th Marine Division Pacific Operations on Roi Namur, Saipan, Tinian and Iwo Jima.
He was Acting Lieutenant on Iwo Jima due to the Platoon Officer being wounded on the first day.
For wounds received in action on Saipan and Iwo Jima he was awarded the Bronze Star w/V for Valor, three Purple Hearts, and Combat Action Ribbon.
Upon the Division’s return to Maui after Iwo Jima, he received orders to report to Murray State College, Murray, Ky. for a six-month refresher course prior to entering flight training.
While at Murray, the military unit was allowed to participate in the college football program and Al played the full fall season. He was elected football captain for the last game.
The end of the course saw the war over and the program was canceled. Al made the decision to return to civilian life. He received an honorable discharge from Great Lakes Naval Station.
He entered the G.I. Program for upholstery and has been self-employed since 1951 in the upholstery, canvas and decorating business.
He was Past President Chapter 21 – 4th Marine Division Association WWII. He was a member of the Marine Corps League, American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was Commander of the American Legion Post 36 in 1995, and Past President Boothbay Harbor Rotary Club. He served on many youth committees throughout the region, including the Boosters Club, the Community Field Committee, was a school committee member for nine years and active in the Boy Scout programs. He started the tradition of honoring high school senior athletes with a candle-lighting ceremony which he conducted for 30 years. He also served as a town selectman and a volunteer fireman.
On Dec. 29, 2007 he was presented the Silver Star Honorable Service Medal for his honorable service in the Armed Forces of our Country and for his award of the Purple Hearts (three) for wounds received during WWII. Also included in this presentation was a Certificate of Appreciation from the Citizens of Maine.
He was predeceased by six brothers; four sisters; and a grandson, Alfred B. Sherman III, “BJ”.
Surviving are his wife Marguerite Sherman of Boothbay Harbor; six sons, Alfred B. Sherman, Jr. of Boothbay, Paul Sherman and wife Joni of Boothbay Harbor, Andrew Sherman and wife Kathy of Hobe Sound, Fla., Daniel Sherman and wife Lita of Atlantic Beach, Fla., Michael Sherman and wife Bonnie of Newnan, Ga., and Russell Sherman of San Rafael, Cal.; one daughter, Linda Sherman of Boothbay Harbor; 14 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
Memorial service 1 p.m., Sat., Jan. 10 at the Congregational Church, 1 Eastern Ave., Boothbay Harbor. Al Roberts will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make contributions in his memory to Lincoln County Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 7, Edgecomb, ME 04556; Charles Sherman American Legion, P.O. Box 874, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538; The Miles Home Health and Hospice, 35 Miles St., Damariscotta, ME 04543, or a charity of your choice.
