The Greatest Navy in the World

As soon as my Pop heard about Pearl Harbor, he was determined to join the military. The Army didn't want him, so he joined the Navy. Because of his age, education, and experience, he started his service as a Lieutenant JG Gunnery Officer, and was in charge of the Navy Armed Guard on cargo ships. He served on the SS Esso Concord, the SS Trevilian, and the SS William Pepper.

My Mom kept a scrapbook full of mementos of his service, including lots of snapshots of the places he went, including Jerusalem, Istanbul, and Egypt. There are also menus and hotel bills, a couple of funny notes from his friends, and his separation papers.

I love this letter from James Forrestal, the Secretary of the Navy.

Thank you for your service, Pop. Thank you for saving this history, Mom.