My name is Jim C. McLafferty and I served on the Salt Lake City. I was classified as F1c but later promoted to 3c Motor Machinist Mate. I worked in the Evaporator section [converts sea water into fresh water]. My battle station was Assistant to the 20mm AA gun on top of #3 8" Gun Turrett.

I was an 18 year old single young man living in San Francisco, CA. when I joined the service in August of 1942. I went to "Boot Camp" in San Diego, CA. It was pretty rough getting used to taking orders.

I boarded the Salt Lake City at Pearl Harbor. I liked that the ship was always on the move and there was lots of action. I served during battles at Attu, Kiska, Komandorski's & Tarawa.


Oct. 21st, 99 Message from Jim...
Sandy,

I received the pictures of SLC today and can't thank you enough.

I left the SLC after Tarawa at Funafuti which makes my service from January 43 to January 44. At any rate it is one year of my life I can never forget. That ship was one heck of a fighter and it was an honor to be part of her.
Thanks again
Jim C. "Mac" McLafferty