Frank Bahl

I was born on March 31, 1927, in St. Paul, Missouri and lived in the same neighborhood until I enlisted in the Navy on May 12, 1944. I was sent to Farragut, Idaho for Boot Camp, and after a little more than a days stay back at home I reported to Treasure Island. After spending one night on Treasure Island I reported aboard the Nassau.

 I can't remember the exact date, but in the afternoon of July or August of 1944 we got underway for Pearl Harbor. I was assigned to the V-2 Division, but also worked with the V- l, now and then.

 I met and worked with some of the "Best People in the World," some of who are still in my life today. When the war ended, I remember we were two days out of Pearl Harbor. The Skipper let us each have two cans of beer. Needless to day, we were all pretty happy that it was over!

 When the war ended we became part of the Magic Carpet! We brought troops home, some of which were overseas for four years or more. We also brought a couple of Marine Squadrons to Tsing-tao, China.

 On the way back to the States, we stopped off at Okinawa, I believe, and anchored in the bay. That night we were hit by a storm that caused us to break anchor, drift into the P.C. and shear the bow off of it. I remember seeing some of the crewmembers running around the deck in the wind and rain. We didn't sink her. Thank God!

We finally returned to the U.S.A., and were sent in for decommissioning. I had gotten up to 23 points by then and was ordered to the Naval Air Station in Minneapolis, MN, after which I returned to civilian life.

 I married Betty Darveaux on February 26, 1949, the best move I ever made. We had 5 children, 3 girls and 2 boys, who have brought me great happiness. We now have 14 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. I don't think I could ask for a better life.