Virgil Manning

Virgil Manning

I was born, at home, at 292 Poplar Street in Brea, California on November 29, 1924. That was a good year. I was the youngest of three children. My brother, Wallace, was lost aboard the U.S.S. Growler in World War II.

When I was 5-1/2 years old, I started school, and would say I was a below average student. I graduated from the fourth grade, and also the eighth grade. We moved to Whittier, CA, my sophomore year of high school. I enlisted in the Navy at the age of 17 after completing my junior year of high school.

On July 2, 1942 I was sent to San Diego into Camp Parragut Company 337. After Boot Camp, I was transferred to Sandpoint Naval Air Station in Seattle, Washington. On August 24, 1942 I was assigned and boarded the U.S.S. Copahee as VGS 12 duty. At midnight, on February 2, 1943, I was transferred at sea to the U.S.S. Nassau. I crossed the Equator for the second time on February 25,1943.

I had a good life on the Nassau. I spent most of my time in Catapult, in V-1 Division. I enjoyed meeting new friends, going in liberty, and seeing the World. I left the ship on August 27, 1945. I was discharged on December 9, 1945 at San Pedro, California. The Navy issued me 60 cents travel expenses home for the streetcar fare to Los Angeles.

After having four different jobs that I didn't tike in the Los Angeles area, I decided to leave the area to find work. I landed in Vancouver, Washington on August II, 1946. I met this very nice girl, Thelma Armstrong, on my first day in town. Two days later, I wrote my mother a letter telling her I had met the girl I was going to marry. On November 30, 1946 we were married at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Vancouver. That was the best thing that ever happened to me.

I went to work for an electrical company, and became a Journeyman Lineman. Three years later, I went to work for dark County Public Utility District. I worked there until I retired with 30 years of service at the age of 53, in 1978.

Traveling was one of our priorities, after retiring, and so we bought a travel trailer. We have been to every state, studying the history of our great country, and thoroughly enjoying what it has to offer.

We were blessed with two daughters and one son. We have seven very nice grandchildren that we are very proud of. My sister, Grace, is living about three miles from now.

Thelma and I enjoy playing golf and traveling. Thelma does a lot of needlework; I enjoy my yard work; and we both do volunteer work in our community.

For the past several years, the U.S.S. Nassau's annual reunions have been a highlight in our life. It is wonderful to see old friends and meeting new ones. We owe a debt of gratitude to Sam and Mary Moore for their unselfish commitment of their time to make this possible.