In February 1942 I worked as a shipfitter in the Philadelphia Navy Yard.
I was assigned to work on a Battleship that was as yet (to my knowledge) unknown. I found out latter it was the WISCONSIN.
I went into the Navy on 9/20/42. Boot' s was in Great Lakes . Then went to Ft. Lauderdale Fl,  for training in FIRE CONTROL.then to Newport RI to await assignment. Guess where I was assigned? Philadelphia (My Home Town) to the BB64 Wisconsin!!
After "Shakedown" we went through the "Canal" and out to join the 3rd Fleet We saw much action from "South China Sea Campaign" including IWO-JIMA and OKINAWA and finally Tokyo Bay (Thank GOD for Harry Truman and the TWO BOMBS!! otherwise I would not be here today!!!). Then we went back to the "STATES" and a welcome I will never forget in San Francisco. Upon separation (BIG MISTAKE I SHOULD HAVE STAYED IN!!) a shipmate of mine made the following comment "You know I would not go through that again,But I would have not missed it for anything" Very apropos
Would like to hear from anyone who was there especially the Carrier PILOTS!! What a heroic bunch they were!!!