FRANCIS ROY CHERRY, EC 3/C, born July 21, 1921, Ogden, UT, joined the USN Sept. 4, 1943, with boot camp in Farragut, ID. Attended Type "A" School at Lake Union Seattle, WA. Joined the Washington in Bremerton, WA after the bow was repaired. Served in 40 & 20mm shop, sky control, talker on watch, main director # 1, and worked GQ station. Ranking: fire control third class(T) SV6 USNR.
Some memories include dry docking in ABSD2 Manus Island, passing through the Panama Canal and the typhoon. In the director, saw three waves of Marines wiped out in Iwo Jima, kamikaze attack on aircraft carrier and the whole saga off USS Franklin.
Medals awarded during service include Philippine Liberation Medal w/2 stars, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal w/6 stars, Victory Medal and American Area Medal.
Currently retired after 36 years with Utah Power and Light. Married Laura D. Cherry in 1941. They have four children, 20 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
 |