ALVA WALTER PERATROVICH, born April 3, 1926 in Klawock, AK, enlisted in Ketchikan, AK, Dec. 17, 1943 and went to PSC, Bremerton, WA, Dec. 20, 1943. He was sent to Farragut, ID for six weeks training and on February 1943 was assigned to USS Washington (BB-56), 8th Div. Participated in bombardment of Nauru; Kavieng raids: bombardment of Kwajalein, Saipan and battle of Philippine Sea: battle for Leyte Gulf; bombardment of Iwo Jima; Okinawa; occupation of Gilbert and Marshall Islands.

His most memorable experiences were Iwo Jima; the collision with Indiana; bombardment of Saipan; passing through the Panama Canal enroute to Philadelphia for Navy Day, Oct. 27, 1945; assignment to USS Nantahala, USS Vulcan; passing through Panama Canal the second and last time.

He was honorably discharged April 23, 1946 with WWII Victory Medal, Philippine Liberation Medal, two Bronze Stars, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Area Campaign Medal and six Bronze Stars.

Peratrovich is a retired lumber mill trimsaw operator. He married Janet Nix of Hydaburg, AK and they had two sons and one daughter. He remarried his high school friend Clara George on Aug. 9, 1975 in Klawock, AK and has five stepchildren.

THEODORE S. "TED" PERLMAN, S1/C born Sept. 5, 1926 in Chicago, IL, enlisted in the USN, Oct. 6, 1944. After boot camp and radio school he was assigned to the USS Washington in June 194.5. He per formed duties in the radio shack and later transferred to the first lieutenant's office. He participated in the "Magic Carpet" operation when the USS Washington was assigned to bring back troops from Europe after war's end.

His most memorable was receiving a message, while on duty in the radio shack, that Gen. George Patton was to board the Washington for the trip home from Europe, just before his fatal accident.

He was discharged on July 12, 1946 as seaman first class (RM) and received the American Area and Asiatic-Pacific Area Medals.

He is a retired accountant and is presently performing volunteer duties for the Recording for the Blind organization and as a tax aide for AARP He has been married to Elaine for 37 years and has a daughter, Susan and a granddaughter.

JOSEPH "JOE PIE" PIECZATKIEWICZ, born Dec. 14, 1924, joined the USN, July 1943. After training at Great Lakes Naval Station he was assigned to the USS Washington October 1943, 6th Div. as shellman in a 5" mount. He remained on the ship until February 1946.

He was awarded the American Theater, Asiatic Pacific w/9 Stars, Philippine Liberation w/2 Stars, Philippine Independence, Philippine Presidential Unit Citation and WWII Victory Medal.

He married Jean Samczyk in 1949 and they have two daughters, Ellen Koehler and Karen Picchietti and two grandsons, Johnny and Jared Picchietti. Employed in general contracting and a building engineer in a nursing home.

CLIFFORD E. PILCHER JR., born Aug. 11, 1925 in Americus, GA, joined the USMC Oct. 28, 1943 and attended boot camp and sea school, San Diego, CA. Assigned to USS Washington March 16, 1944 at Bremerton, WA, stationed in 20mm guns on boat deck, starboard side forward. Later stationed upper handling room 5" 38 gun mount, near library. He served as Marine detachment company clerk.

He saw action from Saipan to last battle of war. His most memorable experiences were coming up on deck and the first view of Iwo Jima and all the battleships in formation firing one right after the other; going swimming in the Pacific Ocean where the water was over seven miles deep.

Discharged at Camp Lejeune, NC, Sept. 20, 1945. He arrived home on Saturday and began school at Georgia Southwestern College on Monday. Graduated from University of Georgia June 1948. He married Josephine Edwards Feb. 13, 1955 and they have a son, Clifford III, daughter, Ellen A. and three granddaughters. He is self-employed in the accounting business.

JOHN PIZZO, RDM1/C, born Nov. 10, 1919 in Province of Palermo, Sicily, Italy, joined the USN Sept. 6, 1939 and was assigned to USS Washington April 1, 1941 as radioman.

While at sea he participated in the Murmansk Run, 1942; Savo Island 1942; Philippine Campaign.

His memorable experience includes the battle of Savo Island.

He was discharged Sept. 17, 1945. He is married to Mary and they have children: Jo Ann Hosier, Terry Lynn Baumbarger and Deborah M. Stein and four grandchildren. He is now enjoying winters in Florida.

VALLENTINE GEORGE POPOFF, LCDR, born Oct. 12, 1914, joined the USN in 1940 and was assigned to the USS Washington before commissioning as CIC.

While at sea he participated in the Atlantic, Murmansk and most Pacific battles.

His memorable experiences include starting as first class radioman and receiving orders to be commissioned as ensign at sea.

He was discharged October 1945. The Navy sent him for six months special radar training, then back to the USS Washington.

Popoff married Mary Elizabeth Richardson and they had five children. He was employed for the Defense Department in DC for 15 years as aerospace engineer. He is now deceased.