Military Service

Jerry J. O’Keefe was a pilot in World War II. On a mission, he shot down five Japanese planes and the next week he shot down another two planes earning him the status of “ace.” In the photograph Jerry holds up seven fingers representing the seven Japanese planes shot down. The photograph is in color.

Jerry J. O'Keefe signals he shot down seven Japanese airplanes

Jeremiah J. “Jerry” O’Keefe III, a Marine Corps fighter pilot, at nineteen became one of the youngest aces of World War II when he shot down five Japanese airplanes in a combat mission off the coast of Okinawa, Japan. He shot down two more airplanes the next week. He received the Navy Cross, a military honor second only to the Medal of Honor, the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, and Gold Star.

Jerry J. O’Keefe in a portrait image wearing his dress uniform. He is around 20 years old. The photograph is sepia color.

Jerry J. O'Keefe in dress uniform

After the military Jerry enrolled at Soule Business College in New Orleans and then Loyola University where he graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science. Following college, in 1948 Jerry J. O’Keefe joined his father in O’Keefe Funeral Service.