Elmer "Red" Ring

Elmer "Red" Ring

I was raised at Walthill, Nebraska, in a very poor farming area. I wasn't cut out to be a farmer. So, upon my graduation from high school, I enlisted in the Navy in October 1944. I went through Boot Camp at Farragut, Idaho. It was my first time away from home, but I enjoyed the training much more than I thought I would. It seemed easier than farm life.

After going home for my leave, I was assigned to radio School at Oahu, Hawaii. Upon completing school, I was very lucky to be assigned to the U.S.S. Nassau. I vividly remember being greeted by Paul Begley and working with a great bunch of guys from the Radio Room.

Names that I remember are Lt. Stauffacher, Jake, Mills, Vince, Freddie from Brooklyn, and Bob Applebaum. I hope they read this and know who I am talking about. My sailing to China, Okinawa and the Philippines, etc., will always be remembered.

Upon my discharge in 1946, I went back to Nebraska, said my Good-byes, and headed to California that offered more job opportunities and warmer weather. I worked for Firestone for about five years. I ended up with my own station/garage and auto mechanic type work for about 30 years, and also a National Car Rental agency.

I have four grown children ages 40 to 52, and two step children, about the same age. I have six grandsons and one great grandson who is five years old.

My wife, Lettie, and I live in Modesto, California and travel whenever we can. We love cruises. We have a 32' 5th wheel and belong to a travel group. We go as much as our budget allows. I would appreciate hearing from any of my shipmates. I am thinking about trying to make the 2002 meeting.