Served December 12, 1944 - 1946

Branch of service:  Navy

Basic Training/Boot Camp (Location):  San Diego Naval Base Training Center

Specific area of training:  Boatswain (cook and baker)

Duty locations:  IwoJima, Okinawa, Australia, 3 months China (Peaking, Tunisia, Tachoo)

Brief summary of WWII experiences:  My duty was on L.S.Ms and L.S.Ts.  This is a ship approximately 215 feet long and flat bottom used mostly in invasions, hauling troops and heavy equipment from big transport ships to the beaches.

We were used extensively in the invasions to lay smoke screen for protection of big ships and protection for troops hitting beaches.  This was very effective for safety of ships and troops.

Most vivid memories from your WWII experiences:  In the first day of the invasion of IwoJima we had a big diesel engine knocked out.  Had to return to Guam for repairs.  Was in the invasion of  Okinawa for first 33 days.  Leaving Okinawa we encountered a typhoon storm.  This was my most frightening experience the whole war.  Waves over 30 feet high.  Unless you were strapped in bed, it would throw you right out of bed.

Long-term friendships after the war:  I ran into three servicemen from my own small town.  Melvin Mellor, Ivan Olsen, and Elmo James.  We met down to the Philippines Islands on shore leave.

How did your war experience affect you as an American?  I saw lots of countries and islands.  I learned to respect all kinds of people and races.  It was worth a fortune for me, but I would not give 5 cents to go see any of it again!  China was the hell hole of the earth.  We were down there moving troops and equipment out to the big ships.

What message would you like to send to young Americans today?  Learn all you can about the American flag and show respect to the flag when and where ever it is being displayed.  This flag means everything to you that is called freedom.

My Grandpa helped take over two islands those islands were called Okinawa and IwoJima.  They made a smoke screen so the khamakasy planes could not see the firing ships. 

My grandpa's other mission was to take over the southern tip of Japan. That very day on the ships radio they heard that the atomic bomb was dropped right on Japan. Then their commander said we were going to hold back and see if the general wanted them to attack the southern tip.  They did not attack and a month later Japan surrendered.