Charles P. Jordan

Charles P. Jordan

I was born in Mitchell, South Dakota on August 13, 1926, and moved to Joliet, Illinois at a very early age. (Two years old.) I enlisted in the U.S. Navy at the age of seventeen, which seemed to be the thing to do at this time of my life.

I enlisted in Joliet, Illinois, and reported for Boot Camp in Green Bay, Wisconsin. I completed my training in the first three months of 1944, and was then shipped out to Shoemaker, California. From Shoemaker, I was assigned to the Chaplain's Office at Goat Island, in the San Francisco Bay Area, as a Librarian. A short time later, I requested a ship assignment and received orders to report to the U.S.S. Nassau in March 1944. I completed my duty aboard the Nassau in May 1946, and was discharged from my point of entry in June 1946.

My service aboard the Nassau consisted of Spare Parts and General Storekeeper. I was assigned to Battle Station No. II, a 20mm Cannon Gunner, Starboard side.

I didn't know it at the time, but found out years later, that the Gunner on No. 13 Mount was a guy by the name of Sam Moore, who also served in the "S" Division, as a Baker. A tall drink of water, he was, and the only 20mm Gunner who traveled the gun turrent rail on his knees.

There are many memorable events of months, years at sea, and steaming over 200,000 miles, one could dwell on for a long period of time. However, the crossing of the Equator for the first time, and the initiation that took place is something I'll never forget. From a Pollywog to becoming a Shellback, made a true sailor of me.

I was married to my wife, Rosalie on April 26, 1953. we raised two daughters, and have one granddaughter and two grandsons.

"The Lone Sailor," by Charles P. Jordan:

My twenty-six points were reached and my tour of duty was over.

If my memory serves correctly, I was the last of the Storekeepers to leave Nassau that day, the month of May, 1946.

As I packed by gear, I reflected, there was no one left for me to say good-bye to. Except for a few cooks, I was the last Storekeeper to leave.

Sea bag on my shoulder I left the quarter deck, a salute aft knowing I wouldn't be back ever again. I felt sick as I left the gangway and headed for Seattle. Halfway down the pier I looked back and never stopped walking. There she was, my home for over two years, I was now leaving.

I truly was alone and wanted to return to my ship but going home one day was one that every sailor dreams of.

I honestly feel I was the last Storekeeper