WALTER ALBERT SCHULTE, S1/C, born Nov. 27, 1909 in Detroit, MI, joined the USN Oct. 4, 1943 and served on the USS Washington as chaplains assistant. He achieved the rank of seaman first class.

While at sea he participated in all major battles from Jan. 2, 1944 to May 1945. He was discharged Oct. 13, 1945 and received the Atlantic Pacific Ribbon, American Defense Ribbon and the Philippine Ribbon w/2 Stars.

Schultze married Veronica E. He died June 10, 1991. They had a son Jame L.

NELSON E. SEBRIGHT, CM2/c, born Jan. 20, 1919 in Allegan, MI. He joined the service in November, was assigned to the USS Washington June 22, 1942 and stationed in the ship carpenter shop and damage control.

Memorable experiences include crossing the Equator and the night they sank the Kirishima. He was discharged at PSC NOB T.I., San Pedro, CA, Dec. 7, 1945.

Married June 1944 to Bernice Powell and family consists of six married children; 23 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. He is retired.

Deceased on December 26, 2006

RAYMOND SERENSON, S1/C, born Sept. 11, 1924 in New York City, Manhattan joined the USN Apri123, 1942 and was assigned to the USS Washington Aug. 1, 1942, AA Btry., deck. He achieved the rank of S1/c.

While at sea he participated in the Pacific from third battle of Savo Island and most all action to VJ.

His memorable experiences include shooting down a Jap betty with crew of three Jap men, along side the USS Washington with 55 rounds of 20mm.

He was discharged Dec. 5, 1945 and was awarded the Good Conduct, 15 Battle Stars and the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medals.

Serenson was married Oct. 5, 1947 and has two daughters, and six grandchildren (four boys and two girls). He is now retired as a cargo supervisor for South African Airways, JFK, NY.

DICK ALLEN SHEPHERD, born Dec. 15, 1921 in Triffin, OH. He joined the USN Feb. 10, 1944 and boarded the USS Washington May 13, 1944. He was in sick bay when their group had rifle range, he never fired a gun or rifle. Before being assigned to the R Div. he was a deck hand. While at Anchorage in the atolls, for a number of nights he spent two hours carrying a sub-machine gun. His partner carried the ammunition. He didn't know how to load it and he didn't know how to fire it.

While serving as bugle-master third class, the saddest day was when he played Taps for his first burial at sea.

Shepherd was honorably discharged Jan. 2, 1946.

He is vice president of a family owned machine shop making special machines and dies. Retired in 1990 and still plays first trumpet in dance and classical bands.

He married Dorothea Gable and they have one daughter, two sons, five grandsons and two granddaughters.

WILMER SHEPHERD, MM1/C, born Feb. 4, 1923 in Mansfield, LA, enlisted in the USN, Dec. 10, 1940, Shreveport, LA was sworn in to USN Dec. 11, 1940, New Orleans, LA. He went through Navy boot camp at Norfolk, VA. His platoon, #196 was selected to represent the USN and marched in the inaugural parade of Franklin D. Roosevelt for a third term as president of the USA.

He was assigned to the USS Washington April 1941, under construction at Philadelphia Navy Yard. Selected by Cdr. Parr, chief engineering officer, and assigned to the #2 engine room. Assisted construction workers and started training in the operation of the steam propulsion system. Advanced to machinist mate first class (MM 1/c) and acting chief petty officer.

The USS Washington was commissioned May 15, 1941. Secretary of the Navy Frank Knox attended. Shepherd remained aboard the Washington until Oct. 20. 1945. Departed to New Orleans, LA and was discharged Oct. 21, 1945.

He was awarded the American Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, FAME Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal w/15 Battle Stars, Philippine Liberation Medal w/2 Bronze Stars, WWII Victory Medal, Russian Victory Medal and the Guam Liberation Pin.

His memorable experiences include losing Adm. Wilcox at sea in the North Atlantic. The only Admiral ever lost at sea in the history of the USN; King George VII of England came aboard the Washington while anchored at Scapa Flow in the Orkney Islands to inspect the ship and crew.

Shepherd was aboard for all activities in the Pacific in which the USS Washington participated. His GQ battle station was "throttleman" in the #2 engine room. Responded to signals from the ships bridge and controlled speed of ships #2 screw accordingly.

May 1946 he went to work for Standard Oil Company (Indiana) at Superior Refinery in North Louisiana.

He married Bonnie S. Cantley Sept. 20, 1947 and they have three daughters, including twins, one son, three granddaughters, one grandson, two great-granddaughters and one great-grandson.

Retired May 1980 after 34 years with Standard Oil Co., now Amoco Chemical Corp. He had great experiences during his work career. He lived and worked in Louisiana, Texas, Illinois, California, Alabama, Japan, Taiwan, Holland and Turkey. Presently enjoying family, life and good health, yard work, travel in travel trailer, lots of golf.

JOHN J. SHIELDS, SF1/C, born Feb. 12, 1923 in Brooklyn, NY, joined the USN Oct. 5, 1942 and was assigned to the USS Washington R Div. November 1945.

Prior to being assigned to the USS Washington he had 27 months service at submarine bases in Pacific Ocean areas.

His memorable experiences include leaving Southampton, England on their second run Dec. 14, 1945 for a 5 1/2 day return trip to New York. It turned out to be a rough trip with 40 foot waves engulfing the ship. Finally on Dec. 24. 1945 they arrived in New York. He was lucky he lived. In South Ozone Park which was a subway ride away. (05 cent fare in those days), he was home for Christmas after missing 1942, 1943, and 1944.

His naval time was a wonderful experience which he will always cherish. He also met a great group of men and they still meet every I8 months or so. Shields is widowed and has two sons and has been employed with an engineering company since 1950.