Edward Gavigan

Edward Gavigan

I was born In San Francisco, California on February 15, 1922. I enlisted in the Navy at NRS in San Francisco, California on August 21, 1942. On August 22, 1942, I was sent to receiving station PSNY Bremerton, Washington for assignment by CSPSG, Pacific Fleet.

I transferred to the U.S.S. Nassau on October 13, 1942, and on October 16, 1942 my rating changed from SA to S2C. On October 31, 1942 we crossed the Equator, and I qualified as a Shell Back. On February 1, 1943 my rating changed from S2C to SIC; on June I, 1943 I was appointed Y3C; and on January 1, 1944 my rating changed to Y2C.

I was transferred to R.S. Navy N. 128 FFT, the nearest Fleet Air Command on December 17, 1944; received by COM. Fair, Alameda on December 24, 1944; and reported to CASU-6 on December 28, 1944.

I was Honorably Discharged from U.S. Naval Personnel Separation Center, Shoemaker, California on March 4, 1946. I had served in V3 Division, and worked in the Air Officer Office doing Yeoman duties. My most memorable event was while I was in Boot Camp In San Diego, California. The Chief in charge asked if there was anyone who could type. Out of the 150 men in the division, I stepped forward. He asked me to report to the personnel office. For 6 weeks in Boot Camp, I did Yeoman duties. When I reported onboard the Nassau, the next day, I was assigned to the Deck Division. I was swabbing the deck and I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned around and an officer was there. I saluted him, and he said, "At ease. I see by your records you were the Assistant Company Yeoman in Boot Camp." He asked me how I would like to strike for Yeoman. I replied, "YES." He said to report to the Captain's office tomorrow morning. I was assigned to the Air Officer's Office where I striked for Yeoman.

I married Patricia on May 12, 1947. We have two sons, 3 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.