On the road

On the road

Thursday, March 14, 2013

Profiles Spring-Summer 2013 HFDFW


 

Jack joined the U.S.Navy and reported for basic training on October 25, 1943. Jack was 17 years old and decided to join the Navy in part because he didn’t want to wear a tie!

After basic training he was assigned to what is arguably the most famous battleship of all time, the U.S.S. New Jersey. The New Jersey was an Iowa class battleship that was launched in 1943. She received a total of 19 battle stars up to and including the Persian Gulf War.

Truman had the job of crewing a 40mm anti-aircraft gun on the “Big J.” He took part in all the major campaigns that the New Jersey fought in during World War II. These included but not limited to action off New Guinea and later the “Marianas Turkey Shoot” where the Japanese Army and Naval air forces were effectively destroyed.

The New Jersey was unfortunately at sea during “Typhoon Cobra,” in December, 1944. At a time when the fleet was caught unawares of an approaching storm, the typhoon hit as many ships were refueling at sea. After the devastating storm, more than 790 officers and crew were killed as a result of the storm.

Jack also was on board during the battle of the Philippine Sea. He witnessed the horrific massive suicide attack on the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Intrepid when she was hit by a kamikaze aircraft. The New Jersey, and Jack as part of the ships anti-aircraft crew, fought off wave after wave of aircraft trying to take out as many ships as possible in these desperate attacks that seemed unstoppable.

The New Jersey had the honor of being in Tokyo Bay in September, 1945 where the Japanese government came on board  and walked the teak deck to surrender their forces to the Allies.

Jack was awarded the American Theater medal, as well as the Asiatic-Pacific Theater medal with 4 stars. He received the Philippine Campaign medal with 1 star, the WWII Victory medal and the Japanese Occupation medal. Later he was awarded the Korean Campaign with 1 star, the China Services ribbon and the United Nations medal.

Jack was discharged from active service on April 15, 1946 with the rank of FC/2, but was called up again during the Korean War.

 

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