Joe Coe

Joe Coe

I was born in Swifton, Arkansas on April 22, 1925. I enlisted in the Navy at Little Rock, Arkansas during December of 1942, and was sent to San Diego, California for Boot Camp.

I went aboard the U.S.S. Nassau in April of 1943, and left the ship in April of 1945. I served as Yeoman for the 1St Division, 2"a Division and Gunnery Department. My duties were to keep the roster for these three divisions.

The Gunnery Department was responsible for keeping the inventory of all the firearms. We also did all the ordering of ammunition, bombs for the planes, and pyrotechnics. We also loaded them aboard the ship.

During General Quarters I was on the bridge with the Gunnery Officer. I was on the phone set with all the gun crews to make sure they were manned and ready. I also passed on orders to the gun crews when the Gunnery Officer gave me the orders. '

I will always remember when one of my shipmates was wounded by one of our plane's gunfire. It was an accident, but I often wonder what happened to him.

I was discharged from the Navy at Nashville, Tennessee during December of 1945.

I married my high school sweetheart, Angela McCartney in May 1945, in Newport, Arkansas. We had three children, two sons and a daughter. Our youngest son was killed in a plane crash at 32 years of age. We have three grandchildren and one great grandson.

Today we are retired, but I still enjoy looking after our farm ground and making improvement.

I will always remember my experiences, duties and shipmates. I was proud to serve with them aboard the U.S.S. Nassau.