A Family's Tribute: Honoring Paul A. Patterson Aboard the USS Stewart

At the Galveston Naval Museum, some visits transcend ordinary tours, they become sacred journeys through time. When Lindsey and her family stepped aboard the USS Stewart (DE-238), they came seeking more than information; they came to connect with a beloved grandfather who once walked these very decks.

Paul A. Patterson

This month, we proudly highlight a new addition to our collection: a photo and interview of Paul A. Patterson, who served aboard the USS Stewart during

World War II.

Patterson was drafted shortly after his 18th birthday and sent to Geneva, New York, to train at Sampson Military Base. Despite the fact that he couldn't swim, the Navy accepted him. After completing his training, he boarded the USS Stewart in Norfolk, Virginia, where he primarily served as a gunner on the 20mm guns. He spent two years aboard the Stewart, completing a total of seven trips across the Atlantic.

GNM staff had the honor of sharing a special moment with the Patterson family by providing a personal tour of the Stewart. We sincerely thank the family for entrusting us with sharing their grandfather’s remarkable story

Experiences like this remind us that historic ships are more than steel relics, they're time capsules holding countless personal stories. The USS Stewart continues her service today as a teacher, helping families like Lindsey's gain new appreciation for their loved one's service and sacrifice.