By Deborah Larsen
David Edward Laverdiere
David Edward Laverdiere was born in Cooksville, Ontario, on May 18, 1920, the son of Joseph and Mary Warne Laverdiere. The Laverdiere family emigrated to Michigan in 1924 and lived in Macomb County, where David graduated from East Detroit High School. The family later moved to Dequindre Road on the Avon Township/Shelby Township border. Before the war, David was employed by the Michigan Bell Telephone Company.
In October 1941, David enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Forces and was trained in radio communications. He was assigned to the 32nd Bomb Squadron of the 301st Bombardment Group, which flew the B-17 “Flying Fortress,” and became his unit’s communications chief. His squadron was first based in England and operated against targets in Germany and North Africa. In December 1943, the squadron moved to a base at Lucera, Italy. In May 1945, David was awarded the Bronze Star medal and cited for “meritorious service in direct support of combat operations against the enemy.” He was released from military service in September 1945.
After the war, David married, started a family, and resumed his career with Michigan Bell Telephone Company. He and his wife also owned and operated the Tiny Tim Family Hobby Center in Royal Oak, Michigan.
David Edward Laverdiere died at age 94 on December 10, 2014, and was laid to rest at Great Lakes National Cemetery.