Pat joined the Navy on Oct. 10, 1940. He was a 19 year old single young man living in Venice, CA. at the time. He took his training in San Diego, CA. and boarded the SLC in Nov. of 1940 at Mare Island, CA.

His most vivid memories while on board were arriving at Australia & the Komandorski Islands. The Battles that took place while Pat was on board were; Wotje Island, Wake Island, Kiska, Cape Esperance & Komandorski. His battle station was "Search Lights".

The searchlights were used at the Battle of Cape Esperance because it was a night battle. They were tried at the Komandorskis in the daytime to help throw off the enemy. The Captain thought the glare from the lights would throw off the enemy from figuring the distance. They were only used for a short time in that battle.

Pat was a Storekeeper on the SLC. He left the ship as SK2c and later made SK1c. He turned down Chief in order to take a transfer back to the states. He was in Okinawa at the time on a Radar repair ship.

During his tour on the SLC, Pat got to leave the ship at New Caldonia, New Heberdes, New Zealand, Australia & Dutch Harbor. He served 6 years active duty and 5 years in the reserves.

Other ships Pat served on during his time in the service are
USS MUNDA CVE 104
USS CHICAGO CA136
USS BELLE ISLE AG73
USS HECTOR AR7
CASU 5 Air Base
CASU 33 Air Base