HORALD MCRAY HUGHES, CDR, born Jan. 4, 1923, in New Bern, NC, enlisted Dec. 12, 1940, attending boot camp in Norfolk, VA. He reported to the USS Washington (BB-56), May 15, 1941, participating on the Washington 's shakedown operation, before engaging in active war duty, March 1942.

He served as storekeeper on the USS Washington, until April 10. 1945. While on the USS Washington, he participated in all major actions.

His 30 year career also included seeing action in the Korean Conflict, Cuban Missile Crisis and Vietnam. He was honorably discharged Jan. 31, 1971. His distinguished career was marked by his rise from an enlisted man to a commander.

He was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Good Conduct w/2 Stars, Navy Expeditionary Medal, China Service Ribbon (extended), American Defense Service Medal, American Area Ribbon, FAME Ribbon, Asiatic-Pacific Area Ribbon w/ II Stars, WWII Victory Medal, National Defense Service Medal w/Star, Korean Service Medal w/2 Stars, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal w/2 Stars, Philippine Presidential Unit Citation, Philippine Liberation Medal, United Nations Medal and the Republic of Vietnam Service Medal.

He went to work after retirement for 14 years with the city of Norfolk as city transportation manager, and then opened his own accounting firm, Security Accounting Associates.

He was married to the former, Dorothy Nelson for 51 years. They had two daughters, seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Mac died Jan. 15, 1997 and is buried in Norfolk, VA. His wife Dorothy is also deceased.

RODNEY WM. HUGHES, CWO, born April 19, 1910 in Burnside, KY. first enlisted in the USN at Louisville. KY on April 10, 1935. Reenlisted as SK2c on Jan. 14, 1941 for duty in connection with outfitting and commissioning of the USS Washington (BB-56). Reported aboard May 15, 1941 the day of commissioning and assigned to duty in the pay office, paying the officers and crew twice a month. This duty was very much enjoyed as he became acquainted with many of the officers and crew, now fond memories.

His battle station was in the main battery plotting room during the Third Battle of Savo Island (Guadalcanal). Never to forget. Detached as a warrant officer after 31 months for duty ashore in the USA.

THOMAS INCH, EC/3, born Oct. 8, 1918 in Detroit, MI, joined the USN, May 10, 1944. Attended boot camp at Great Lakes; FC School at Treasure Island, San Francisco, CA. Sailed on Admiral Coontz to Ulithi. Assigned to the USS Washington Feb. 5, 1945 as S 1/c. GQS was Sec/Plat, then SRY4 as MTCE/OPR. He made FC/3 May 1945.

A good time was a swim at Ulithi, action at Iwo and Okinawa plus the air raids on carriers; S/W kamikaae hit carrier; he has mixed feelings of crossing the equator; the ship in dry dock was awesome. Cruised the Philippines, Navy Yard Bremerton; gunnery Long Beach, Panama Canal; Philly Naval Yard; he left the ship for leave but went to Philly Hospital for hearing. After schooling he was discharged Dec. 18, 1945.

He went home to family and work. Now retired 15 years after 44 years working with Michigan Bell and living alone at his lake home.

AMON LEE JACKSON JR., born Sept. 23, 1926 in Galatia, a small town in Saline County of Southern Illinois. In 1929 his family moved to Anna, IL which continues to be his home.

Lee joined the USN on Sept. 15. 1944. He spent 16 weeks at boot camp at USNTC, Great Lakes, IL. After boot camp, he was sent to Cooks and Bakers School for 16 weeks in Bainbridge, MD. After graduating in the top five of his class, Lee was given the opportunity to choose his desired type or duty vessel, a battleship.

Having the luck of the Irish, he was sent to Bremerton, WA to serve on the USS Washington. He felt both proud and thrilled at his first glance of the magnificent battleship. He was assigned to the "S" Div. as a butcher. To this day, Lee still feels that serving on the USS Washington was one of the best times of his life.

On March 5, 1949 A.L. Jackson married Bonnie Rendlemen. The couple had three children: (daughters: Bonnie Lee and Janet and son Mike). There are three grandchildren. A.L.'s wife. Bonnie died in 1987

He later married Eva (Graves) Parrott. He has stepsons. Terry and Rob and stepdaughter, Judy and three step-grandchildren.

After serving in the USN, Jackson was employed at Bunny Bread Bakery in Anna, IL in the position of sales manager for 25 years before retiring. A.L. is currently employed as manager of the Lylera Lake Hunting Lodge in Southern Illinois.

GEORGE EARL JAMES, S1/C, born Feb. 24. 1921,Asheville, NC, joined the USN on Dec. 13, 1941. After boot camp, went aboard the USS Washington, Jan. 13, 1942, off the coast of Key West, FL, 6th Div., mount six as gun striker. He joined the British home fleet in 1942 and served four months. Sailed to the Pacific on Aug. 23. 1942. Participated in all major actions. He received 15 Battle Stars. A big thrill going from pollywog to shell back. He was discharged Oct. 15, 1945.

James is married to Margaret Pressley and they have two sons and two grandsons. He retired from A.B.F. Freight Systems in 1986.