On that Sunday, December 7, 1941, Henry was in church in
Cleburne Texas. The news of the attack on Pearl Harbor was broadcast to the
American people starting around noon on that Sunday. No doubt Henry walked out
of church and immediately got the news of the surprise attack.
Henry was inducted into the U.S.Navy on September 12, 1944
at the age of 18.
His job aboard ship was that of a Motor Machinist. He was
assigned to the USS Scania AKA 40. Part of his job was that of transporting troops
to various islands in the Pacific to replace those who had been lost or wounded
in battle. Another task was that of transporting Japanese POW’s from combat
zones into captivity.
His most memorable war experience was his participation in
the Wake Island campaign. The ship was tasked with transporting troops to and
from this strategic island in the South Pacific.
Henry’s war experience had a profound impact on him. He says
that it caused him to “grow up,” and appreciate his family and the United
States more.
His awards include the WWII Victory Medal, and the
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal.
He was discharged with the rank of 2nd Class
Petty Officer on July 2, 1946.
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