John W. Pullen

John W. Pullen

FC2

(Commander, USNR, Retired): I enlisted in the United States Navy at Macon, Georgia on October 19, 1933. I attended Boot Camp at Hampton Roads, Virginia from October 1933 to January 1934.

I reported aboard the U.S.S. New Mexico BB40 on January 10, 1934. I served as a Seaman Second Class; Fireman Second Class; Fireman First Class and Water Tender Second Class. I helped win the Engineering Efficiency 2 years in a row. I transferred to Brooklyn Naval Shipyard for discharge in September 1937. I was discharged on October 20, 1937 to serve in the U.S. Naval Reserve for ten years.

I was recalled to active duty, with the rate of Water Tender First Class, on July 7, 1942. I reported to the pre-commission detail for the CVE-16 U.S.S. Nassau on August 2, 1942. The ship was commissioned on August 20, 1942.

I was recommended for a commission in the Naval Reserve (temporary) in January 1944; promoted to chief Petty Officer on February 28, 1944; and promoted to Ensign (temporary) in the Naval Reserve on February 29, 1944.

I was transferred to the pre-commissioning detail for the CVE-105 U.S.S. Commencement Bay in May 1944.

I was released from active duty to report to the Naval Reserve Unit in Seattle, Washington in October 1945. I accepted a permanent commission in the Naval Reserve, as an Ensign, in January 1946. In February 1948, I transferred to the Naval Reserve Unit in Everett, Washington. I was promoted to Lieutenant Junior Grade, in the Naval Reserve, in March 1948. In June 1950, I was promoted to full Lieutenant in the Naval Reserve. I was recalled to active duty in March 1951 and stationed at NTC San Diego, California. I was transferred to Inchon, Korea in April 1951, and served as Commanding Officer of an Intelligence unit. My records are still sealed.

I was released from active duty in San Diego, California and assigned to a Naval Reserve Unit in June 1954. I was promoted to Lieutenant Commander in November 1954, and to Commander in January 1959. I was assigned to the Naval Reserve Unit in Portland, Oregon in 1960. I retired without pay in 1964, and in 1974, at age 62, I began drawing my retirement pay.

I saw the Battles at Guadalcanal, Marshall Islands, Gilbert Islands and ATTU.

I served aboard battleships, cruisers, destroyers, destroyer Escorts, Steam Tug, Aircraft Carriers, APA, and AKA.

On March 6, 1937 I married Helen D. Summerlin in Seattle, Washington.