District 2 Commissioner Kohler Honors Pearl Harbor Survivors

Published Dec 9, 2022

During an event at NAS Pensacola on Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, Wednesday, Dec. 7, Escambia County District 2 Commissioner Mike Kohler honored Pearl Harbor survivors Sergeant Major William Mansfield Braddock, Jr., and Frank Emond. Commissioner Kohler presented proclamations to Sergeant Major Braddock’s family and Mr. Emond.

Sergeant Major Braddock joined the United States Marine Corps in 1940 at 17 and served his country for 27 years. His military career included serving as a drill instructor at Parris Island, S.C.; a second tour in Japan as a member of the 3rd Marine Division; additional time with a reserve unit in Detroit, Mich.; Marine Airwing Service duty in Atsugi, Japan; and Naval Weapons Station, Yorktown, Va. He survived the attack on Pearl Harbor during World War II on Dec. 7, 1941.

Sergeant Major Braddock retired from active duty in October 1967. He began his second career as an Athletic Director at the Naval Technical Training Center, Corry Field, in 1968, where he served until his retirement in 1988. He was an active sportsman and longtime member of the Pineville Sportsmen Club, a coach for the Myrtle Grove Ballpark, and an active member of Myrtle Grove Baptist Church. He passed away peacefully at his home in Pensacola on March 16, 2022, at 99 years old.

Frank Emond served in the United States Navy from 1938 to 1968. He spent his career as a musician playing the French horn for the ship's band and as a band director. Additionally, his band performed at the 1939 World’s Fair in New York. Mr. Emond was aboard the USS Pennsylvania, preparing to play his French horn when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. Mr. Emond recalls that he walked to the conductor’s stand, picked up the baton and directed his band in “Stars and Stripes.”

Mr. Emond was named the oldest conductor by the Guinness Book of World Records after participating in a 2019 Memorial Day concert. He has invested in his community through his musical talents since his retirement in 1968 by leading musical pieces at Gonzalez United Methodist Church and performing with the Pensacola Civic Band. He celebrated his 104th birthday on May 30, 2022.

“What an honor to pay tribute to two incredible heroes,” said Commissioner Kohler. “It's important that we honor our veterans and remember them for their service. We are blessed to have Frank Emond, one of the last living survivors of Pearl Harbor, with us and give our heartfelt condolences to Sergeant Major Braddock’s family. Celebrating these two men and their contributions to our nation on Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day is only fitting. Thank you, Sergeant Major Braddock and Mr. Emond, for your service.”

The Escambia County Board of County Commissioners honors Sergeant Major William Mansfield Braddock, Jr., and Frank Emond for their contributions to Escambia County and the United States of America.

Commissioner Kohler and Frank Emond at NAS Pearl Harbor Event