On the road

On the road

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Profiles Spring-Summer 2013 HFDFW


 

Jamse enlisted into the U.S.Navy in December, 1944 at the age of 17. He had always wanted to be a sailor and to see the world. He did just that!

He sailed on the U.S.S. Chester; a heavy cruiser that was launched in the late 1920’s and eventually received 11 battle stars. The cruiser was assigned to the 16th fleet and had participated in many campaigns during WWII, including operating out of the gigantic anchorage at Ulithi. From November 1944 to February 1945 the Chester was involved in the bombardment of the island of Iwo Jima and also the Bonin Islands.  

During the spring of 1945 the Chester patrolled off the island of Okinawa during the battle that involved both Marines and soldiers of the U.S. Army.

In August, 1945 the Chester sailed to the Aleutian Islands. In September, 1945 the Chester sailed to the Japanese home islands, which according to John, was one his most memorable experiences. The cruiser participated in the occupation landings of the Japanese islands of Ominato, Hakodate and Otaru during September and October, 1945. The cruiser also transported troops from the Pacific back to the States after the end of the war.   

Jamse crossed the equator on September 2, 1945 on the U.S.S. Chester. This was an important time in the life of a sailor in the U.S.Navy and he remembers the ceremony well!

Jamse received the Asiatic- Pacific Theater medal, and the World War II Victory medal. He was discharged from the Navy on August 8, 1946 with the rank of 3rd Class Petty Officer.

The U.S.S. Chester, as happens to most naval vessels and after a long and honorable career with the U.S. Navy, was sold for scrap in 1959.  

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