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Diary of a Cruiser Sailor WW II

by Edward J. Buckalew QMC USN Ret.

150 pages; quality trade paperback (softcover); catalogue #03-0392; ISBN 1-4120-0029-7; US$16.50, C$24.00, EUR15.60, £10.90

A Veteran brings to light the unsung life and experiences of a cruiser sailor during World War II. Dedicated to his friends and shipmates on the USS Mobile (CL-63).

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about the book      about the author      sample excerpts      catalogue info

About the Book Preface This book was written for the sole purpose of bringing to light the life and experiences of a cruiser sailor during World War II. Most people to this day haven't the slightest idea of what we had to endure personally, and so many know less about Word War II. Who is at fault? We the veterans, including myself, for not telling our family and friends about where we had been and the hardships we experienced, so that they were able to live and enjoy all the freedoms for which we fought. For many years, my wife Betty had been suggesting that I write this book, and all the while I wanted to but just didn't think I was capable. But once I got into it I realized that with the diary I had and my many stories that came to mind, more and more memories kept coming back to me. Incidents I had completely forgotten about just seemed to pop out of nowhere. So to all my friends and shipmates who sailed with me in the U.S.S. Mobile (CL-63), and to my wife, I dedicate this book. My many thanks also to my sister-in-law Jean for allowing me to publish an outstanding article, "What Price Peace," written and presented by her upon graduation. Respectfully, Edward J. Buckalew, QMC, USN, Ret.

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About the Author Born in Wilmington, Delaware on February 14, 1922, to poor parents struggling to raise a family during the Depression years, I dropped out of school in the ninth grade and went to work at various odd jobs to help support our family. Along came World War II with three years of Naval Service in the South Pacific Ocean, chasing after the enemy from one island to the next. At the end of the war and in November 1945, I was discharged from the Navy. Three months later and unable to find steady employment, it became a reality for three more years in the Navy. The first re-enlistment in Philadelphia, resulted in my assignment to the light aircraft carrier, U.S.S. Saipan (CVL-48), in Camden, New Jersey where she was in the final stages of construction and fitting out. That day was another memorable one for me because it happened on my 24th birthday. Five months later, on July 14th, 1946, Saipan was Commissioned and I became Plank Owner of my second ship. In 1949 my enlistment expired, and upon discharge I transferred to the Naval Reserve, inactive status. Landing a job with the U.S. Postal Service as a mail carrier, I lasted for about eleven months when I was called back to active duty during the Korean Conflict. I was then assigned to the Staff of Task Force 77, onboard the U.S.S. Princeton (CV-37). Completing two years off the coast of Korea and returning to San Diego late in 1952, I was then assigned to the Staff of Commander Naval Air Pacific Fleet, under Vice Admiral H.M. Martin. This enlistment expiring in 1954, I took my discharge and returned to Wilmington, Delaware. With 10 years' service under my belt, and as much as I loved the Navy, I decided it was time for me to settle down and continue my service as a career sailor, just as my father wanted me to. So from then on I enjoyed another 18 years of faithful service to my country and the greatest Navy in the world. Through those years I have sailed in one tanker, one destroyer escort, two minesweepers (converted to geodesic survey ships), one repair ship, one battleship, and three other aircraft carriers, the last being the U.S.S. John F. Kennedy (CVA-67), of which I was the first Chief Quartermaster assigned as a Plank Owner. Having made the first Mediterranean cruise on the Kennedy's maiden voyage and return, I was piped over the side on 1 May 1970, thus ending 28 1/2 years service, of which 5 1/2 were on shore duty. And I would do it all over again if I were called upon to do so. Edward J. Buckalew QMC USN Ret.

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Excerpts

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Catalogue Information

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