THEODORE H. "TED" ABBEY, COL, born March 21, 1921, Atlanta, GA, enlisted in the USMC while a student at Georgia Tech. Called to active duty Jan. 31, 1942, to attend Candidate's Class and Reserve Officers Class at Quantico, VA.

Reported to the USS Washington July 29, 1942, a second lieutenant fresh out of Sea School, Portsmouth, VA.

Remained on board until June 27, 1945. During these months served as a company officer and finally commanding officer of the Marine detachment. The Marines were a part of the gunnery division manning two 5" mounts and the controlling fire control director. Participated in all engagements from Guadalcanal to Iwo Jima. Most vivid memory was of the night battle off Savo Island Nov. 14-15, 1942, when as searchlight control officer had a great view of the sinking of a Jap battleship.

Released from active duty March 27, 1946. Later promoted to colonel USMCR and now lives in Atlanta.

ELTON RAY ADAMS, CW04, born Aug. 13, 1921, Terre Haute, IN, joined the USN Aug. 26, 1940. Assigned to the USS Washington May 15, 1941, signal bridge, signalman second class.

While at sea he participated in all naval action including the collision with Indiana. (He left the ship soon after in the spring of 1944.)

His memorable experiences: There was a skirmish with a Japanese plane. He stuck his head over the signal bridge shield at the wrong time and found himself looking into the business end of a 5" twin mount. Before he could move the guns fired and he was deaf for three days. His ears still ring.

Adams was discharged in August 1967 (after 27 years service).

He has two sons, twin daughters, two step-sons, one step-daughter, 16 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He and his wife live in central Florida on four acres in the woods.

ALBERT C. ANDERSON SR., born Aug. 22, 1924, Marion, SC, enlisted in the USN Aug. 26, 1941, graduated boot camp at Norfolk, VA Oct. 7, 1941.

Was then assigned to the USS Washington (BB-56) which was soon escorting convoys to Murmansk, Russia, while based at the British naval anchorage at Scapa Flow, Scotland.

After several months convoy duty the ship returned to the States for overhaul at the New York Navy Yard, leaving in August 1942 for the South Pacific via the Panama Canal, with a stop at Tongatabu, arriving Noumea, New Caledonia in late September or early October 1942.

In one of the battles for Guadalcanal (Third Savo) the Washington sank the Japanese battleship Kirishima and destroyer Ayanami, not taking a single hit itself.

After this and other Pacific actions, the ship was ordered to the Puget Sound Navy Yard for replacement of the bow which had been badly damaged in a collision with the USS Indiana. After going on leave and to trade school, Anderson and his fiancee, Frances McBride of Shenandoah, VA, were married. He was then assigned to the USS Farragut, also in the Pacific, there completing his enlistment.

After the war, in September 1945, he went to work for Merck & Co., Inc., manufacturer of pharmaceuticals, retiring Oct. 1, 1983, after 38 years. After retiring Anderson and Frances moved from Harrisonburg, VA to their present home in Burleson, TX. They have a son, a daughter, a grandson, two granddaughters and a great-grandson.

PAUL W. ANDERSON, BM/2-DO, born Oct. 19, 1924, Jefferson County, KY, joined the USN Dec. 17, 1941, and boarded the USS Washington Jan. 13, 1942, off Key West, FL, and assigned to the 2nd Div.

He served aboard the Washington until after Japan's surrender Aug. 15, 194.5. His memorable experiences were many. Washington's first plane shot down, he was on a 20mm next to 5" mount two (they should have issued them a mouth piece and earplugs).

He doesn't recall if the number of torpedoes fired at the Washington in the 3rd Battle of Savo Islands were recorded, but swears he hit the deck of the powder magazine in turret two 27 times. The lost anchor was probably one of the most chaotic moments in the Washington�s history. On entering port all hands at quarters, the starboard anchor was dropped. As coxswain he had the 2nd Div. at quarters but noticed the chain markers and as the danger markers appeared called out, "CLEAR THE DECK, IT'S COMING OUT" [end of chain], as he dove over the lifeline onto the billboard with the spare anchor. BM Gough stopped a disaster by preventing the dropping of the port anchor into a mass of men who dove or jumped overboard to escape the sweeping chain.

He departed the ship in Bremerton in September 1945 for shipping--over leave and reassignment.

He later served aboard the USS Navasotta, Wyoming, and Orion. He was discharged March 10, 1949, but served in the USNR, USAFR and retired from USCGR as chief warrant officer 4 with 35 years service. Retired lieutenant, Louisville Police Department, now runs a private detective agency in Somerset, KY.

He has three sons: Donald, Ronald and Gerry; and two daughters, Denise and Lynnl, by a previous marriage. Now married to Mildred Beasley Howson and has two step-sons, Charles and Michael, and eight grandchildren.

WILLIAM T. ANDERSON, LCDR, born Dec. 14, 1916, Orlando, FL, joined the USN in September 1936. Boot camp at Norfolk, VA. Spent four years on the WWI destroyer DD-156. Transferred to Philadelphia, PA in March 1941 to Washington BB-56 until April 19, 1943. Went to Diesel School and changed rate to MoMM to PC 1246. Commissioned ensign in August 1944. Nine months later was engineering officer on APDs, DMS, DD and DDR, two and one-half years, Ship's Parts Control Center, Mechanicsburg, PA. His last assignment was with repair office, destroyer tender Yosemite AD-19. Anderson retired in August 1959 as lieutenant commander, USN.

He has two sons and one daughter.

LAURENCE ARTS, CM1, born July 5, 1913, Tony, W1, joined the USN Feb. 23, 1942, as mechanic third class at Great Lakes Naval Training Station.

He was assigned to the USS Washington during the last part of April 1942 at a receiving station in Washington, D.C.

He went aboard the USS Washington in July 1942 at the Brooklyn Navy Yard.

While on leave from the ship in April 1944 he got married to the girl back home.

In May he left the ship at Pearl Harbor with scarlet fever and went to the Base Eight Hospital in Oahu.

He got back to the ship in October 1944.

He left the ship for discharge as mechanic first class at Bremerton, WA Aug. 31, 1945, and was discharged at Great Lakes Naval Training Station Sept. 19, 1945.

Back home in Wisconsin he finished his last year of college. He taught agriculture, science and math at a local high school for 14 years. He then worked for the Farmer's Home Administration, a federal agency that made loans to farmers and for individual housing, for 18 years. He purchased a 120+ acre dairy farm in 1947 and added 160 more acres through the years. He milked from 24 to 45 cows for many years. The family increased to two boys and two girls, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He sold the farm in 1979 and retired on a hobby farm in north central Wisconsin near Ladysmith.

ROBERT T. AUGHTON, SN1, born Nov. 21, 1924, Detroit, M1, joined the USN Dec. 17, 1941. He was assigned to the USS Washington Jan. 13, 1942, and served with 1st Div. and 8th Div. While at sea he was aboard for all major actions. Also the Murmansk Run, third battle of Savo Island, 57 air attacks and sinking of the Kirishima and Ayanami.

All of his experiences were memorable.

Aughton was awarded 15 Battle Stars, American Theater Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, European and African Campaign Medal, Philippine Liberation Medal, Philippine Independence Medal, Philippine Presidential Unit Citation and WWII Victory Medal.

He was discharged Dec. 21, 1945. as seaman first class.

He married the former Merriann Adams of Los Angeles, CA June 21, 1952. They have one son, John Adam. Aughton retired from the Long Beach Police Department (California) after 32 years service.

MELVIN D. AVANT, S1/C, born Nov. 12, 1923, Kannapolis, NC, son of Henry and Ola Mae Avant. Volunteered for the USN Feb. 20, 1941, and was assigned to the USS Washington BB-.56 in May 1941.

Stood gun watches in 5" 38 mounts, his job was hotcasement.

Avant was awarded the American Area Campaign Medal, European African Campaign Medal (1), Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal(12), American Defense Service Medal, Philippine Liberation Medal (2), and WWII Victory Medal.

Served in North Atlantic and South Pacific. He was discharged Oct. 24, 1946. He and his wife, June, live in Umatilla, FL.

CHARLTON B. BARFIELD, born in Columbia, SC, joined the USN Feb. 22. 1941. Assigned to the USS Washington BB-56. May 15, 1941-0ct. 3 1, 1944.

Served on 1st Div. Deck and Turret No. 1. Barfield retired in 1960.

EUGENE H. BARNABY, born April 19, 1922, Grand Rapids, MI. Joined the USN Dec. 18, 1941. Boot camp: Great Lakes (Navy Pier), Chicago. Boarded the USS Washington in the Gulf Jan. 13, 1942, with Co.20 B, Great Lakes. Was aboard during all major action.

Some of his most memorable experiences included: being on Man Overboard Watch seated on the found of the starboard catapult, when the destroyer Hailey, in trying to abort its fueling approach, backed down taking the catapult with her and dumping the kingfisher on deck about three feet from his head. Also, he was on surface lookout when the Washington collided with the Indiana. Due to zero visibility and darkened ships. there were only about 150 yards between the ships, when the Indiana hove into view and the Washington broadsided her.

Left the Washington at Bremerton, WA in August 1945 for Fleet Air Alameda. CA, then to Jacksonville Naval AS, after that to Naval AS. Deland, FL. From there to Great Lakes. IL for discharge Oct. 2, 1945.

Served in the Merchant Marines in 1949, and USNR again in 1955-59 as airman first, and aviation machinist's mate third.

He was married to Ellen Monison Feb. 21, 1948, in Detroit, MI. They have five children and seven grandchildren.

Returned to California in 1949 to Cal Fliers School of Aeronautics and received his A&E license. Worked for Western Airlines and North American Aviation on the flight line then worked as a tech writer for North American and Douglas.

Moved back to Michigan in 1961 to work for 34 years as a partner in the family trucking business. Retired in 1995.

WAYNE HAMPTON BARNETT, BM 2/C, born July 24, 1922, Williamstown, SC. Joined the USN Feb. 24, 1941, had boot camp at Norfolk, VA and went aboard the USS Washington May 15, 1941.He served with the 6th Div.

Barnett was awarded six Battle Stars and was discharged April 15, 1946.

His most memorable moment was taking part in the battle that sank Japanese battlewagon and other ships in that battle.

Has been married to his wife, Mary, for 51 years and they have one daughter and two granddaughters. Worked 34 years for the H.K. Porter Co. Barnett is presently retired.

ROGER G. BAYLOR, CPL, born March 7, 1925, Georgetown, IN. Joined the USMC Sept. 28, 1942. Transferred to 1Oth Replacement Bn., South Pacific; assigned to USS Washington in January 1943 with 7th Div. Served on board until July 1945 as a gun striker and shellman on the 5-inch guns.

Participated in all major action while on board, including Saipan, Iwo Jima and Okinawa. Memorable experiences were the collision with USS indiana and the encounter with the typhoon December 1944.

Honorably discharged Oct. 4, 1945, with rank of Corporal. Remained in USMCR, returned to active duty in Korean War in August 1950-August 1951,as a sergeant with D Co., 16th Inf., Camp Pendleton, CA.

Worked as a farmer, route foreman for Bowman Dairy and for Pierce Electric Co. until retirement in 1987. Married the former Bettye Sue Alien June 27, 1955, and has one son, Roger A.

VERNON J. BAYS, born Feb. 21, 1923, Eccles, WV. joined the USN Dec. 20, 1940, and was assigned to the USS Washington in March 1941. Station/job while on ship was carpenter mate, damage control. He achieved the rank of damage control mate first class.

While at sea he participated in the Murmansk/Archangel runs; third battle of Save Island; collision with USS Indiana and many bombardments and numerous air attacks.

His memorable experiences include. (1)Atlantic convoys receiving Bluenose Certificate April 30, 1942. (2) The loss of Adm. Wilcox March 27, 1942. (3) The loss of the HMS Punjahi May 1, 1942. He was on 01 level and watched half of ship and numerous men float by him. (4) Their first burial at sea - two seamen, their cause of death unknown. (5) Entering Pearl Harbor after the Japanese attacked and seeing the men with cutting torches retrieving the dead and knowing they were the only capital ship left in the South Pacific. (6) Receiving his subpoena and summons extraordinary and finally becoming a shellback - a story in this. (7) The Third Battle of Savo Islands Nov. 15, 1942 - his battle station was directly behind #2 turret on the main deck and someone had left the door improperly dogged down. They tied two lines to it and fought the door all night not knowing whether the Japs would sink them or the concussion from their 16" guns would. Was he scared? Hell, yes! (8) The bombing of Nauru in December 1942 - they bombarded this island two or three times with 5" guns. The mystery was how could they get their radio towers back up so quickly. (9) The bombardment of Kwajalein. (10) The collision between the USS Washington and the USS Indiana - their admiral's orders were to change course and for some unknown reason the USS Indiana failed to do so and the results were disastrous! (11)The ship returned to Pearl Harbor for temporary bow work and they returned to Seattle, WA after 34 months of continuous combat.

He was transferred from the USS Washington to Seattle, WA. He and other crew members were in need of R&R. He was told he could put in for two air stations near his home. He put in for Bainbridge, MD and Jacksonville. FL - orders came in for Norman, OK. He was in charge of four crash crews and was told he would get nine months flight for trying four hours a month. He was even more scared of flying with the cadets than he was in Guadalcanal - if this was R&R he did not want any more!

He was honorably discharged from the USN personnel separation center as a carpenter mate first class USN Norman, OK Feb. 23, 1946

He stayed in the USNR and was recalled to active service July 4, 1950. His rating by this time was changed from CM 1/c to DCW 1/c. He was sent to Little Creek, VA and was told he could send for his family in a month. One week later he got his orders to report aboard the USS Missouri BB-63. He knew he was in for more R&R.

The rest of his story is written about his duties aboard the USS Missouri and his commendation on board hand delivered to him in sickbay personally by Capt. Duke.

He knows that he owes all his training and experience to the members of the USS Washington - they were trained well!

LLOYD PAUL BEARD, QMED, served in the USNR from Oct. 2, 1943-December 1945 (active). He was sent to San Diego, CA for boot camp. Served aboard the USS Washington BB-56 as fireman, #1 fireroom, firing boilers. After discharge he taught school for 20 years as teacher, coach and principal.

From 1966-85 he served on merchant ships for Merchant Marines for 20 years. Beard retired as QMED.

PAUL C. BEATTY, EM 1/C, born Aug. 17, 1917, Ironton, OH ,joined the USN in January 1942. He was assigned to the USS Washington as damage control electrician, interior communication.

While at sea his duties included the North Atlantic and Pacific. Beatty was awarded 15 Battle Stars. He was discharged in October 1945.

Beatty and his wife, Jean G.. have one daughter. Cynthia B. Benedetti. and two grandchildren, Danny and Teresa. He is presently retired.