This is a departure from my previous posts, but I hope you find it interesting. The Naval History and Heritage Command has official histories on most naval vessels dating all…
Author: matt
Charlie wrote down detailed notes about his service medals and included the ribbons in his binder. The corresponding medals are in a display case in my parent’s house. These decorations…
As we steamed back to join the task force in the war zone it was announced over the “squawk box” that Japan had surrendered. The entire crew responded with cheers…
On March 20, 1945 we were in the process of transferring three pilots we had rescued back to their carrier the USS Hancock. We had successfully switched two of them…
I asked for a transfer to a fleet ship, preferably a destroyer. My request was granted. We were given 30 days leave and new orders. I was assigned to the…
On May 4, 1943 we arrived at Bahia, Brazil and stayed for 10 days. I do not remember why we stayed so long unless it was for some engine repairs….
We left Cape Town and headed for our destination; the Persian Gulf. We sailed without a convoy, kept out in the middle of the Indian Ocean to avoid contact with…
Finally, we were assigned to a new Liberty Ship being completed at Mobile Alabama Shipyard. Her name was “Alexander H. Stephens” named after the vice president of the Confederacy. They…
The day after Pearl Harbor, Dec. 8, 1941 Warren and I enlisted in the USNR. We thought it would be a short war and our enlistment was for the duration….
December 7, 1990 Pearl Harbor Day To my grandson Matthew: Do you recall your father saying it would be nice if I could make a recording of my many…