Gene Aldrich
US NAVY HERO.
Prince Jordan’s immediate “Paternal” Grandpa. (Gene Aldrich) also his immediate Uncle, (Tony Pastula) are both stars of the Book, The Raft (published 12 times) since 1945. most recent in 2022. and BOTH stars of the Movie “Against the sun.” A monument has been dedicated to them at the “National Naval Aviation Historical Museum,” since 1945. (Naval Medal Recipient)
The Navy cross is the Second Highest Award given to US Naval Service Personnel.
Gene Aldrich and Tony Pastula both of Prince Jordan’s (immediate) Grandpa and Uncle were awarded along with their superior Harold Dixon. Once they made it back to shore from the Raft incident, Gene Aldrich saved everyone’s life on the Raft. The Navy Cross was given to all 3 men, but officially to Harold Dixon although he was not the Hero. Gene was!
Famous Names:
Even, Prince Jordans name came about as a result of a famous event. His immediate Grandpa, Gene Aldrich and (uncle) Tony Pastula were both on this raft. They promised each other, that if they lived, they would name their children after each other.
That promise was kept, Gene named his first born son “Anthony” (after) Anthony Pastula. (Tony). When Genes son grew up and had a child of his own, he too named his son “Anthony” (aka) Prince Jordan, carrying on traditional family values.
* Prince was mentioned in one version of this book; “as a baby in his mothers belly” (approximately page 210). That version of the book was published and written, in 1972 or 1973. Yes, Prince was famous, in print, before he was even born.
