Donald C. Nohrden was 18 years old when he joined the Navy on Jan. 12th, 1943 in Watsonville, CA.

He served on the USS Salt Lake City from Sept. 1943 until Mar. 1946. He was part of the "G" Division [Group of Extra Firemen] for 3 months & was on a 20mm Gun.

Then he was assigned to the "A" Division for 2 1/4 years. He worked in the evaporators making fresh water - steam heat and finally the 'ice machines"- refridgeration. His rating at this time was a MM2c.

Some of his memories was while on a 20mm gun at general quarters, he saw a torpedo wake pass by.

He remembers USO shows and seeing the American Flag planted on Mt. Suribachi on Iwo Jima.

He remembers two officers being wash off the bow after being warned to stay off.

On Oct. 12, 1945, he remembers that the SLC almost capsized in the Columbia River. The wing of the airplane on the starboard side went under water while still on the catapult.

He received the Asiatic Pacific (7 Stars), American Theatre, Philipine Liberation, Good Conduct & Victory Medal.

Don Nohrden