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Pharmacist’s Mate Second Class Hubert Albert Awtrey

A color headshot of an older White man in a suit and tie.
  • Unit: 1st Marine Division, 1st Medical Battalion, Company E
  • Date of Birth: March 9, 1925
  • Entered the Military: February 11, 1943
  • Date of Death: August 6, 2014
  • Hometown: Birmingham, Alabama
  • Place of Death: Birmingham, Alabama
  • Award(s): Two Presidential Unit Citations, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Ribbon with Bronze Service Star
  • Cemetery: Section 1, Grave 131. Alabama National Cemetery, Montevallo, Alabama
Contributed by Quale Beito, Gracie Brooks, Karis Langkawel, McCarley Moorer, Elle Nguyen, Quynh Nguyen, Audrey Price, and Stacy Rose
Mentored by Ms. Callie Rhodes Outlaw
Tuscaloosa Academy, Tuscaloosa, Alabama
2025/2026

Early Life

Hubert Albert Awtrey was born on March 9, 1925, in the Central Park neighborhood of Birmingham, Alabama. He was the son of Hubert Alexander Awtrey and Edna Irene Kirk Awtrey. His grandparents were Joseph and Permelia Awtrey and Louis and Annie Kirk. Awtrey was the oldest of three children; his siblings were Doris and Charles Awtrey. In January 1943, Awtrey graduated from Ensley High School.

A snippet of the 1930 Census.
The 1930 Census shows the Awtrey family renting a house in Birmingham, Alabama, in April 1930. Hubert Awtrey’s father is working as a fireman. National Archives and Records Administration.
A newspaper article.
This newspaper article discusses the commencement ceremony for Awtrey’s graduating class. Schools accelerated graduation ceremonies to allow young men into military service and to fill labor shortages. Birmingham Post-Herald, January 15, 1943.

Homefront

History

An industrial city founded in 1871 as the center of Alabama’s new steel industry, Birmingham and the surrounding areas are rich with both coal and iron ore. The city is surrounded by a sprawling cluster of smaller urban neighborhoods and suburban enclaves, all nestled at the southern terminus of the Appalachian Mountains. 

Production

Birmingham was home to the Bechtel-McCone-Parsons Birmingham Modification Center. This plant modified planes before they were deployed. It employed 14,000 people, 40 percent of whom were women. In addition to manufacturing work, the plant employed female pilots to shuttle planes between facilities and conduct some test flights, thus freeing up male pilots for combat roles. Half of the B-29 bombers used in World War II were modified in Birmingham.

Tennessee Coal & Iron’s workforce went from 7,000 in 1939 to 30,000 in 1941, due to the massive demand for steel. During the Depression, Franklin Roosevelt called Birmingham “the worst-hit town in the country.” While the New Deal’s welfare and employment programs helped Birmingham significantly, war production ended the Depression.

Community Involvement

Birmingham residents grew Victory Gardens to support the war effort. The city offered up land for the gardens. The major industrial plants offered employees land and usually took care of plowing. Upper-middle-class clubwomen used their civic leadership to head up the local Victory Garden movement. The Birmingham Post sold a pamphlet on Victory Gardening. Birmingham residents adhered to the same kinds of rationing that all Americans were subject to — everything from sugar to shoes. Birmingham businesses encouraged residents to buy war bonds, and the Red Cross raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for the war effort. 

Population Influx

The Birmingham United Service Organizations (USO) canteen received over 1 million visitors in its first 22 months of operation. Birmingham’s overall population increased by about 13 percent by September 1942, but it did not experience the same drastic influx of war workers as cities like Childersburg and Mobile, Alabama. This was due to Birmingham’s already-established industrial presence. 

Upper- and middle-class women who did not need to enter the workforce volunteered at organizations such as the Red Cross and USO, drawing on their prior experience leading women’s clubs in the state. Black Alabamians did enter into industry jobs in large numbers, but were excluded from higher-paying skilled jobs in most cases. 

A newspaper article titled “City’s Industrial Plants Will Help Workers in Victory Garden Projects.”
Major companies in and around Birmingham helped their employees plant victory gardens, April 1, 1944. The Birmingham Post.
A newspaper article titled “Red Cross War Fund Campaign Plan Outlined.”
Women in Birmingham contributed to the war effort through volunteering, fundraising, and working in the defense industries, February 28, 1943. The Birmingham Post.

Military Experience

Enlistment and Training

Awtrey enlisted at the Naval Receiving Station on February 11, 1943, in Birmingham, Alabama, and departed the next day with the rank of Apprentice Seaman. He arrived at the Naval Training Station in San Diego, California, on February 19, 1943, and completed his initial training on May 13, 1943. At this time, he was promoted to Seaman Second Class. He then completed Hospital Corpsman School in San Diego on June 25, 1943, and was promoted to Hospital Apprentice Second Class. 

Awtrey underwent further training at the U.S. Naval Hospital and attended Medical Field Service School at Camp Elliott until October 15, 1943. During this time, he was promoted to Hospital Apprentice First Class. He was then assigned to the 29th Replacement Battalion Training Center until February 15, 1944. At that point, Awtrey’s training was complete, and he was assigned to Company E, 1st Medical Battalion, 1st Marine Division, where he remained until August 8, 1945. The United States Marine Corps has no medical corps of its own. Instead, Navy Hospital Corpsmen are assigned to serve as frontline medics with Marine divisions.

Serving with the 1st Marine Division

While with E Company, Awtrey was promoted to Pharmacist’s Mate Third Class, and then to Pharmacist’s Mate Second Class. In June 1944, he was authorized to wear a bronze service star on his Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Ribbon for participation in the 1st Marine Division’s Cape Gloucester operation.

On August 25, 1944, Awtrey embarked aboard USS Windsor to Peleliu Island. He arrived on September 15, 1944. He participated in combat against Japanese forces there until October 20, when he embarked aboard USS Rotanin to return to Pavuvu. 

On February 23, 1945, Pharmacist’s Mate Second Class Awtrey embarked aboard USS Marathon to Okinawa Shima. He disembarked on April 2, 1945, and participated in combat operations at Okinawa. The 1st Marines, Reinforced, earned a Presidential Unit Citation for their actions between April 1 and June 21, 1945.

Awtrey was honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy on February 13, 1946, in Memphis, Tennessee. 

A short newspaper snippet.
The Birmingham News reports on two locals leaving for military training, February 17, 1943.
A typed report.
Lieutenant Lay authorizing Awtrey to wear the bronze service star Asiatic-Pacific Ribbon for his participation at Cape Gloucester, New Britain, 1945. Portions have been redacted for privacy reasons. Official Military Personnel File, National Archives and Records Administration.
A hand-written card with information about Awtrey
Because he enlisted in the Navy before he reached adulthood, Awtrey did not register for the draft until he left the service, February 15, 1946. Portions have been redacted for privacy reasons. National Archives and Records Administration.

Veteran Experience

After Awtrey’s discharge, he returned to Birmingham, Alabama. In April 1946, Awtrey married Mildred “Mickey” Darden. Between 1947 and 1958, they had three children: Albert, Donna, and Russell. In 1948, Awtrey joined the Birmingham Fire Department. He also served in the Army Reserves from 1951 to 1962, and served in an administrative role at the Birmingham Army training field hospital.

In addition to his firefighting career, Awtrey began working for Seale Lumber Company in 1951. In 1959, while saving a child from a house fire, Awtrey was seriously injured by a collapsing chimney, and his career as a firefighter ended soon after. By 1960, Awtrey was a partner in the homebuilding firm of Scott and Awtrey, and in 1964, he went into business for himself as the founder and operator of Awtrey Construction. 

Awtrey’s first marriage ended in divorce in 1965, and he married his second wife, Rosemarie Carlin, in 1966. Awtrey Construction became very successful, and Awtrey was a fixture of Birmingham construction for the rest of his life. He held a number of offices in the Birmingham Home Builders Association, participated in the building of a scholarship house at Auburn University, led the Partnership for Assistance to the Homeless, and was the chairman of Birmingham’s Housing and Zoning Commission. 

A newspaper article titled “City fireman injured battling Southside fire.”
Awtrey was a Birmingham firefighter from 1948 to 1960; he was seriously injured in 1959 when he saved a child from a burning house, February 11, 1959. The Birmingham News.
A newspaper advertisement.
An advertisement from Awtrey’s first venture into home construction, June 5, 1960. The Birmingham News.
A newspaper article title “Builders Plan Scholarships.”
In 1962, Awtrey collaborated with other Birmingham builders to construct a scholarship house at Auburn University, April 15, 1962. The Birmingham News.

Commemoration

Awtrey died on August 6, 2014, at the age of 89. He is buried at Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo, Alabama, where his service in the Navy and as a United States Marine Corps Corpsman is honored.

An arched gray marble headstone engraved with a cross and the words "Hubert Albert Awtrey PHM2C US Navy World War II Mar 9 1925 Aug 5 2014 USMC Corpsman Father Builder Friend Matt 7-24"
Awtrey’s grave at Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo, February 19, 2026. Courtesy of Gracie Brooks.

Bibliography

Primary Sources

“20 Model Homes on Display in Parade Village in Green Valley Area of Hoover.” The Birmingham News [Birmingham, Alabama], September 13, 1964. Newspapers.com (1148930986).

Alabama. Jefferson County. 1910 US Census. Digital Images. https://familysearch.org.

Alabama. Jefferson County. 1930 U.S. Census. Digital Images. https://familysearch.org.

Alabama. Pickens County. 1870 US Census. Digital Images. https://familysearch.org. 

Alabama. Pickens County. 1900 US Census. Digital Images. https://familysearch.org.

Annie Elizabeth McQueen. Alabama Deaths, 1908-1974. Digital Images. https://familysearch.org. 

“Awtrey, Edna Irene.” The Birmingham News [Birmingham, Alabama], August 25, 1994. Newspapers.com (1156252736). 

“Awtrey, Joseph Alexander.” The Birmingham News [Birmingham, Alabama], September 1, 1940. Newspapers.com (574148289).

Beach, Clarke. “Sugar Rationing May Be Followed by Doling Out Some Other Items.” The Birmingham Post [Birmingham, Alabama], March 9, 1942.  Newspapers.com (574115759). 

“Builders Plan Scholarships.” The Birmingham News [Birmingham, Alabama], April 15, 1962. Newspapers.com (574977248). 

“Charles Awtrey.” Jefferson Memorial Gardens. Accessed October 24, 2025. https://www.jmgardens.com/obituaries/charles-awtrey. 

“Citizens Urged to Lend Hand on Rationing Boards.” The Birmingham Post [Birmingham, Alabama], December 14, 1942. Newspapers.com (1002240063).

“City Fireman Injured Battling Southside Fire.” The Birmingham News [Birmingham, Alabama], February 11, 1959. Newspapers.com (574699541). 

Dalrymple, Dolly. “Red Cross War Fund Campaigns Plans Outlined.” The Birmingham Post [Birmingham, Alabama], February 28, 1943. Newspapers.com (573993352).

“Deaths. Awtrey, Mrs. Permelia Ann Elizabeth.” The Birmingham News [Birmingham, Alabama], March 18, 1956. Newspapers.com (574890710).

“Doing Your Bit in Tin Drive?” The Birmingham Post [Birmingham, Alabama], July 20, 1944. Newspapers.com (573555054).

Edge, M.C. “200 Volunteers Ready to Aid Motorists with Gas Ration Cards.” The Birmingham Post [Birmingham, Alabama], November 8, 1942.  Newspapers.com (573885369). 

“Ensley High School.” Birmingham Post-Herald [Birmingham, Alabama], January 15, 1943. Newspapers.com (1001523024).

“Finest Remodeling Work Through Seale Lumber Company.” The Birmingham News [Birmingham, Alabama], August 25, 1951. Newspapers.com (574432695). 

“Give Generously.” The Birmingham Post [Birmingham, Alabama], February 25, 1944. Newspapers.com (1002280534).

“H. Albert Awtrey.” al.com. Accessed October 24, 2025. https://obits.al.com/us/obituaries/birmingham/name/h-awtrey-obituary?id=11002102. 

“Historical New Rationing Program Outlined by Secretary Wickard.” The Birmingham Post [Birmingham, Alabama], December 28, 1942. Newspapers.com (573976659).

“Housewives of City Not Doing Their Part in Tin Can Salvage.” The Birmingham Post [Birmingham, AL], August 6, 1944. Newspapers.com (573516805).

Hubert Albert Awtrey. Alabama County Marriages, 1711-1992. Digital Images. https://familysearch.org. 

Hubert Albert Awtrey. Alabama World War II Draft Registration Cards, 1940-1945. Digital Images. https://familysearch.org. 

“Hubert Alexander Awtrey.” Birmingham Post-Herald [Birmingham, Alabama], April 6, 1980. Newspapers.com (1150937586).

“Hubert Alexander Awtrey.” Birmingham Post-Herald [Birmingham, Alabama], April 7, 1980. Newspapers.com (794747102). 

Hubert Albert Awtrey, Notice of Separation from U.S. Naval Service, Department of the Navy, National Archives and Records Administration – St. Louis.

Hubert Albert Awtrey, Official Military Personnel File, Department of the Navy, National Archives and Records Administration – St. Louis.

“Invest in Your Own America — Buy U.S. War Savings Bonds and Stamps.” The Birmingham Post [Birmingham, Alabama], June 30, 1942.  Newspapers.com (573542190).

Lively, Cornelia. “Local Man Gets USO Millionth Visitor Awards– and a Nickel.”  The Birmingham Post [Birmingham, Alabama], May 7, 1945. Newspapers.com (574076974).

“Mildred Darden Awtrey.” al.com. Accessed February 17, 2005. https://obits.al.com/us/obituaries/birmingham/name/mildred-awtrey-obituary?id=14272927. 

“Mrs. Doris Louise Doyal.” Birmingham Post-Herald [Birmingham, Alabama], April 24, 1998. Newspapers.com (1156848951).

“Open 1 to 5.” The Birmingham News [Birmingham, Alabama], June 5, 1960. Newspapers.com (1148236344). 

Permelia Ann Elizabeth Sanders. Alabama County Marriages, 1711-1992. Digital Images. https://familysearch.org. 

“Resurfacing Set for Fourth Avenue.” The Birmingham Post [Birmingham, Alabama], April 13, 1948. Newspapers.com (1002177525).

Rosemarie J. Carlin. Alabama County Marriages, 1711-1992. Digital Images. https://familysearch.org. 

“Russell Scott Awtrey.” al.com. Accessed August 1, 2023. https://obits.al.com/us/obituaries/birmingham/name/russell-awtrey-obituary?id=52602516. 

“Society Personals.” The Birmingham News [Birmingham, Alabama], February 17, 1943. Newspapers.com (573982866).

Taylor, Percy. “City’s Industrial Plants Will Help Workers in Victory Garden Projects.” The Birmingham Post [Birmingham, Alabama], April 1, 1944. Newspapers.com (1002322392).

Taylor, Percy. “Early V-Garden Planting Urged.” The Birmingham Post [Birmingham, AL], February 12, 1944. Newspapers.com (1002277390). 

Taylor, Percy. “Mrs. Linton to Aid Drive for Gardens.” The Birmingham Post [Birmingham, Alabama], February 11, 1943. Newspapers.com (1002474067). 

“Utility Meter Installations Here Show Big Growth in Population.” The Birmingham Post [Birmingham, Alabama], September 13, 1942. Newspapers.com (573881176).

Vanderveer, Virginia. “USO Hostesses Called Upon for Great Variety of Jobs.”  The Birmingham Post [Birmingham, AL], October 20, 1942. Newspapers.com (573978608).

“Victory Garden Booklet Offered Readers of Post.” The Birmingham Post [Birmingham, Alabama], March 23, 1943. Newspapers.com (1002474836). 

Secondary Sources

“Albert L.  Awtrey.” Veterans Legacy Memorial, National Cemetery Administration. Accessed May 5, 2026. https://www.vlm.cem.va.gov/ALBERTLAWTREY/20030A9.

Bridges, Edwin C. Alabama: The Making of an American State. Tuscaloosa, Alabama: University of Alabama Press, 2016.

Ellis, Peter S. H. “Later Campaigns: Neutralization of the Carolines, Marianas Campaign, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa.” Hale’s Handful . . . Up from the Ashes: The Forging of the Seventh Air Force from the Ashes of Pearl Harbor to the Triumph of VJ-Day. Air University Press, 2002. http://www.jstor.org/stable/resrep13845.11. 

Floyd, Dale E. “Cave Warfare on Okinawa.” Army History, no. 34 (1995): 6–9. http://www.jstor.org/stable/26304578. 

“Hubert Albert Awtrey.” Find a Grave. Accessed November 1, 2025. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/134067841/hubert_albert-awtrey. 

LePore, Herbert P. “Contribution to Victory: The Distribution and Supply of Ammunition and Ordnance in the Pacific Theater of Operations.”Army History, no. 34 (1995): 31–36. http://www.jstor.org/stable/26304588. 

“Sgt. Albert Lawrence ‘Larry’ Awtrey.” Find a Grave. Accessed Oct. 24, 2025. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/130790485/albert-lawrence-awtrey.


This profile was funded by a grant from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. The opinions, findings, and conclusions stated herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.