IVAN WATKINS, S2/C, born Jan. 9, 1927 in South Bend, IN, joined the USN March 21, 1944 and was assigned to the USS Washington May 1944, as S2/c, 9th Div. as 20mm gunner. While at sea he served in the following: neutralization of Japanese bases in the Bonins, Marianas and Western Pacific, June 10-24, 1944; neutralization of Japanese bases in the Bonins, Marianas and Western Pacific, July 3-Aug. 15, 1944; capture and occupation of Saipan, June 11-24, 1944; bombardment of Saipan, June 13, 1944; battle of the Philippine Sea, June 19-20, 1944; capture and occupation of Guam, July 12-Aug. 15, 1944; Palau, Yap, Ulithi raid, July 25-27, 1944; capture and occupation of Peleliu and Anguar, including carrier strikes on the Central Philippines and Luzon, Aug. 30-0ct. 5, 1944; Okinawa Jima, Taiwan (Formosa) raids, Oct. 6-31, 1945; battle of Cape Engano Oct. 24-26, 1944, Luzon raids, Nov. 5-14, 1944; Luzon raids, Nov. 5-14, 1944; Luzon raid Nov. 25, 1944; Luzon Dec. 14-16, 1944; Okinawa Jima, Formosa and Luzon raids, Jan. 3-9, 1945; Cam Rahn Bay-Saigon, French Indo-China raid, Jan. 16, 1945; Formosa raid, Jan. 21, 1945; Hong Kong, Hainan, Canton, China raid, Jan. 16, 1945; Formosa raid, Jan. 21, 1945; Mansei Shoto raid, Jan. 22, 1945; Tokyo raids, Feb. 16-17, 1945; bombardment of Iwo Jima, Feb. 19-22, 1945; Tokyo raid, Feb. 25, 194.5. He was awarded the Asiatic-Pacific Ribbon w/6 Stars, American Service Ribbon, American Campaign Medal, Liberation Guam, Philippine Liberation w/2 Stars, Philippine Unit Citation. His memorable experiences include kamikaze attacks; total battles of many ships; Pacific; typhoon. Watkins was honorably discharged May 7, 1946. He married Betty J. Stockton on June 26, 1948. They have been married for 48 years. They have two sons, Daniel and Robert and two grandsons, Jeremy and Dusten. He is a retired plumber(Local 172) South Bend and member of USS Washington reunion group. 
|
EDWARD D. WATTS, GM1, born May 16, 1923 in Mineola, NY, joined the USN Feb. 25, 1941. After boot camp at Newport, RI, he was assigned to BB-56 May 2, 1941. Served in the 4th Div. and attained the rank of GM1 . He served aboard USS Remey (DD-688) and USS Champlain. He earned nine Battle Stars and serviced 5" and 40mm gunmounts. His most memorable was being on deck watching the battle of Savo. Watts was honorably discharged May 21, 1946. He received Asiatic-Pacific, EAME, Armed Forces Expeditionary Service, Good Conduct, National Defense, WWII Medals. Employed as a truck mechanic for Grumman Corp. for 35 years. He married Thelma M. Scudder, June 15, 1947 and they have a son, Edward, a daughter, Linda, three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. His wife died Nov. 14, 1979. He remarried Edith McKenna Oct. 10, 1981 and has a stepson Alexander, and stepdaughter, Sandra.
|
JOHN L. WEBB, born March 18, 1918 in Huron, TN, joined the USN Oct. 26, 1936. First cruise, reenlisted Jan. 3, 1941 and assigned to crew of USS Washington for fitting out on board when commissioned May 15,1941. His first four years were served on board four-piper destroyers, Sands 243 and Reuben James 245. Discharged from the Reuben James October 1940. Reenlisted on Washington until May 1943 at this time he was appointed warrant officer. While at sea he participated in convoy duty to Russia, Arctic Circle and Guadalcanal Campaign November1942. Crossing the equator and the Guadalcanal were the most exciting. When crossing the equator became a shellback. Going through the Panama Canal was interesting. Webb was awarded the Good Conduct Medal and was discharged February 1946. He married and has four children and six grandchildren. He is now retired.
|
HARVEY B. WEINER, S1/C, born Oct. 2, 1922 in Brooklyn, joined the USN March 4, 1941 and was assigned to the USS Washington May 15, 1941 and stationed on deck as S1/c. He participated in all actions while at sea. His memorable experience includes being a bluenose and a shellback. Weiner was discharged Dec. 9, 1946 and awarded all medals except the Good Conduct. He is now retired and married to Josephine. Harvey passed on December 7, 2008
|
CHARLES C. "TODD" WEST, GM1/C, born Aug. 29, 1919 in Kingmont, WV, served aboard USS Washington from its commission through spring of 1945 when he was transferred to USS Dade. He was a gunners mate first class. He saw all major actions while aboard and before his discharge on Nov. 20, 1946, and was awarded the following: Asiatic-Pacific w/8 Stars, American Area, EAME w/Star, American Defense, Good Conduct, WWII Victory and Philippine Liberation Medals. He married Hazel Pauline Drake of Kingmont and had a daughter, Gloria Jean and son, Gary V. Charles passed away on Veterans Day of 1990. His wife and children still live in Fairmont, WV. For the most of his post-war days, he was a short and long haul truck driver for three separate companies. He enjoyed fishing and hunting and was a follower of WVU sports and Pittsburgh sports teams. He was a loved father and husband and a fine gentleman. His descendants can be contacted by e-mail, mellowgrey@hotmail.com. Submitted by: Gary West.
|
JESSE C. WHEELESS, SM3/C, born Dec. 11, 1915 in Texas, joined the USN in Dallas, TX, October 1936. Boot camp San Diego Co. 36-30. Reenlisted 1940 for new construction (Washington) Philadelphia, PA and wore crew button #49. He was in first watch (SM3/c) set upon commissioning 1941. One memorable experience was the ramming of the USS Indiana. While he was sleeping on a cot on the signal bridge, found himself on deck and it was very dark. After daylight they found they lost 6 men and 60 feet of bow. Only made approximately 10 knots. After repairs he returned to the war zone. Wheeless left the Washington in 1945. After time and other stations retired in 1957 to New Mexico. He feels rewarded to have been a crew member of a good ship and crew.
|
ROGER MILTON MAJORS. Gunners Mate. Born in Rockwood, Tennessee. He lived out his life in Oak Ridge, TN. Had 4 children. Lost his battle with brain cancer in 1970.
|
