Emery L. Houde

Seaman 2/c

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Emery Lyle Houde was born in Sisseton, South Dakota, on August 29, 1914. He was the son of Leo and Caroline Houde. Emery had two brothers, Wallace and Paul, and one sister, Hattie. Emery lived and attended school in many different towns. These include Sisseton, South Dakota; White Rock, South Dakota; Webster, South Dakota; West La Fayette, Ohio; and Brandt, South Dakota. After graduating from Brandt, South Dakota, he enlisted in the Navy in 1936. While waiting to be called, he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps. He married Selma Hale of Long Beach, California, in 1940.

Emery enlisted at Ottumwa, Iowa, and was trained at the Naval Training Station in San Diego, California. He was sent overseas in 1936 and was stationed at Pearl Harbor. Houde was ranked as Baker second class. He served on the U.S.S. Argonne, the U.S.S. Arizona, and the U.S.S. Utah.

When the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, Baker Second Class Emery Houde was on board the U.S.S. Utah when it sank. Baker Houde was one of the many sailors entombed in the ship when it sank.

Emery Lyle Houde was awarded the Purple Heart for his sacrifice for his country. He is listed on the Tablets of the Missing at Honolulu Memorial, Honolulu, Hawaii.

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