December 7, 1942 - Died November 24, 1943
on the U.S.S. Liscome Bay, off the Makin Islands
Ross wanted to join the Navy but his father remembered his own experiences in World War I and he didn't want him to go until his name came up. He said 'Son, I've been through it and its Hell on Earth, but I would much rather go through it again than have you go." Ross said the first time he ever saw Dad cry was when he signed the papers. Ross enlisted in the Navy December 7, 1942, in Provo, Utah. Ross should have graduated from Manti High School, May 5, 1943. Instead, he graduated from basic training in the United States Navy February 18, 1943.
The following information was taken from family information about the letters Ross wrote home:
December 11, 1942, Company 152, Camp Bennion, Farragut, Idaho.
We had our vaccinations and other shots arms are pretty sore. We get drilled rather heavy, only allowed to smoke three times a day. Traveled through Washington and Oregon to get here close to the Canadian border. He got his work clothes. Quite a bit of snow.
December 17
I still like the Navy it's a good place up every morning at 5:00 a.m. and to bed by 9:00 p.m. We have a nice C.P.O. (Company Petty Officer). He asked about the family and to tell everyone hello.
December 19
Wanted mom to send him a C.C.C. type towel he had two but needs three. I will pay you for it later. I have never felt better in my life. I sure have learned a lot since I came up here. I miss you mother, wish I would have shown more appreciation for you at home. Tell kids hello.
January 1, 1943
We have been here three weeks, got out of quarantine today. I go on guard duty from 12:00 to 4:00 this afternoon. In the Navy they don't ask you if you know how to do things, they tell you to do them or else. Tell Laurine and Valine to be good and to keep up with their school work.
January 4, 1943
We got our dress blues today they have set our graduation for February 19. Undress blues is regulation until we finish boot camp. Tell the grandparents hello.
January 9
We never see the sun. Wish I could have been home to share Christmas with all of you. It was really nice up here. I signed up for Aviation machinist mate or gunners mate. I did pretty well on the tests. I ranked one of the highest in the company in the shooting tests. I scored 147 out of 150. I am going to Spokane, Washington.
Barbara, if you get around to it, how about sending me some cake or cookies. We get those things, but not as good as you make. I have been doing a little boxing.
Hi Donnie. How are you doing? I will bring you something nice when I come home. Be good won't you.
January 20
Letter to Daddy saying there was 14 inches of snow in Farragut. He would have about $100 in back pay to come home on.
January 28
Hoping to get into school which will last about 6 months. He talked of two of his friends, Leslie Johnson and Chet Simpson.
February 2
He had sprained his ankle playing basketball. He was working in the library at this time. Four of the boys in his company had left for school. They are starting to leave often now.
February 17
Tomorrow I will receive an advancement to Seaman second class S 2/c. He was sending a company picture home for mother to keep for him .
Closed his letter -Love to the dearest one I ever knew, Your Son, Ross.
February 18, 1943
We had our graduation exercises this morning. I hate waiting around here but it won't do me any good to hate it because that is what I must do until school opens up for me. How are the kids and everyone at home?
February 21
Ships Company-He had liberty and went to Spokane, Washington. He and two other sailors stayed in a private home. It was arranged by the U.S.O. and Navy Mothers. We slept there and had breakfast with the family. They were such swell people and treated us so well, I will always remember them. I am now in temporary Ships Company, it is very nice here. Quite a different life style than Boot Camp. Still Navy rules.
February 27
We are beginning to see signs of spring up here seeing the sun. I have grown a little myself since I came up here. In fact quite a bit.
March 3 Letter to Mom
I haven't heard from you since graduation. Michael, Charles and I went up and visited Harvey Christiansen and some other fellows from down that way.
March 24
He had sent Mom a pillow case wondered if Helen would like one. It would cost him about $30.00 to come home and back. He had to buy a return ticket.
Ross had his first leave of ten days the first part of May.
Pictures were taken in his Navy Blues
in Salt Lake on North Temple and down by the old home.
May 20
First letter after his leave telling the folks he arrived back safely and that he had a swell time while he was home, sorry I didn't stay home more.
May 26
He was with an outgoing unit. He said that he would write as soon as he got settled.
June 3
Bremerton, Washington - Very beautiful, a lot of rain. Tell everyone hello.
July 2
Your sailor is doing fine. Mom how is your garden? I guess Dale Whitlock has left for the Army. I am sure glad I left when I did I would rather be in the Navy two to one. Tell the kids hello.
July 11
I am still going to school. We had captains inspection it is more like the Navy again we are being pressed a lot harder. I don't mind having something to do and look forward to.
July 23
A Ietter to Laurine telling her to study hard and get the best grades in her class. I know you can do it. He was still going to school, but would soon be traveling around the world. He was depending on Laurine and Valine to he1p Mom with all her work. Be good to Mom sometime you are going to miss her an awful lot as I do now.
July 26
I wish I could be with Dad a couple of days I kinda miss the mountain breeze. We have been very busy, I wish you all the best of luck and above all Mother don't worry about me because one of these days I will be with you again for keeps. My new address. U.S.S. Liscome Bay, Fleet Post Office, San Francisco, California. Keep writing I will answer when I can. P.S. Keep smiling I will be with you soon.
July 26
How is Don Lewis and the rest of the kids? There isn't much I can tell you except I am well and thinking of all of you.1 can't give out any information. I am not on the USS Glacier anymore.
August 1
Our ship has been delayed, they sent us to the Naval Station it's just like living in a big classy hotel.
August18
I am always thinking of each one of you and missing you all. The days do roll by very fast. This isn't much of a letter but I want to express my gratitude to you all and leave you all happy. Love to everyone dear to me. Ross
September 25
1 wish someday you could all see all these beautiful places. Tell kids hello. Thanks mother for the swell box of candy. How is Father doing?
The1ast letter the family wrote to him was returned
One of the saddest experiences in his parent's lives came when they received word from the War Department that their son, Ross, was missing in action. Their lives were never quite the same.
It is presumed Ross died November 24, 1943 on active duty in the US Navy aboard the air craft carrier U.S.S. Liscome Bay near Tarawa in the Gilbert Islands. His body was never recovered. Word received from the Navy stated presumptive date of death November 25, 1943. The folks received $762.88 on April 6, 1945 back pay subsistence and transportation.
There is a marker at the Mayfield City Cemetery in his memory and his name is on a War Memorial at the Punch Bowl Cemetery in Hawaii along with hundreds of other service people.