->Ledyard - George Smith Henson, 86, of Gales Ferry, passed away on Aug. 7, 2011, and is now on eternal patrol. He was raised as a poor, simple farm boy in the heart of the bluegrass, Paris, Ky.George was a retired master chief, torpedoman who served his country faithfully for 30 years. He fought in World War II, the Korean War, and the Cold War. He spent all of World War II on the USS Cabrilla. He made seven war patrols on this submarine. During the Korean War, he served on the USS Pickerel and made three war patrols. He was on the Pickerel when it set a never broken record for a 72 degree up angle and for a 5,100 mile snorkel trip from Hawaii to California. For most of the Cold War, he was attached to the USS Lafayette where he served as chief of the boat. George also spent time on the USS Corsair, USS Threadfin, USS Crevalle, USS Grouper, USS Guavina, USS Gato, USS Lionfish, and USS Archerfish.Upon retiring from the Navy, he worked at General Dynamics, Electric Boat Division in Groton as a program planner for 20 years.His greatest and most important job was a father of eight children. He also has 16 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. He loved each and every one of them and they adored him.George was happily married to Pauline Weiser Henson for over 50 years. Pauline passed away in August of 2009. George always said she was the best thing that ever happened to him.George loved God, his wife and family, the Navy, the Yankees, and traveling. He recently wrote his obituary and wanted to mention that it had always been his greatest desire in life for each of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren come to know and love the Lord as their personal savior with whom he is now "Face to face."A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Wednesday at the Groton Bible Chapel.In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be directed to Camp Berea, c/o Groton Bible Chapel, 84 Tollgate Road, Groton CT 06340.Please visit www.byles.com for the family's online registry.