I was talking to a couple of my buddies and they said I better send a picture and a brief note about myself. Here goes!

I was born in MN. in 1921. I moved to CA. for my folks health (cancer) in my senior year. I graduated from Hollywood High school with Jason Robards, the actor. I became a banker, then enlisted in the Navy on Aug. 18th, 1942. Went to 5 weeks of Boot Camp in San Diego. Two of us made school... I was one. I was sent to Texas A. & M. for Radio School. I graduated on Jan. 23rd, 1943 with a rate of RM3c. I had no leave...Off to Pearl Harbor and was assigned to the SLC in early Feb. of 1943.

Soon after we went out to patrol the Aleutian Islands and WOW! The Battle of the Komandorskis....what a way to begin duty in the Navy. Longest naval battle in History (Sat. Evening Post "My Speed Zero").

Then it was back to the Aleutians after repairs, then Pearl Harbor. I became a "Shellback" on Nov. 13th, 1943. I made RM2c in March of 1944 & RM1c in Jan. of 1945.

I believe it was around the Marshall Islands we had been on board for 9 months without getting our feet off the deck. They had a beer bust over on a coral reef, and not being a drinker, a buddy of mine and I walked down the shoreline and found a native that went up the tree and got us some coconuts. Good! We enjoyed them for several days. Our other buddy said - all we had was warm beer.

Another thing that happened about the same time... One night on Radio Watch, I was in charge and I might say we were all getting slap happy with all the long days and nights out to sea. The phone rang about 2 a.m. and for some unknown reason I said, "Joe's pool room" and the voice on the other end said, "Let me talk to Joe"... and I said, "Joe speaking"... then he said... "this is the Captain. I thought "O' boy... I'm going to get it"...but he laughed and took it as a joke.

I was transferred off the SLC in early Feb. 1945. I waited a couple of months after my 3 week leave home for the PC1134 for the invasion of Japan. Thank the Lord for the Bomb.

Thanks Sandy for what you are doing. See you in Reno.

God Bless

Dick Thunstedt

PS
I moved back to MN after being a banker for 5 years after the war. Then I farmed with my wife's 2 brothers for 30 years. I retired and have a son and a grandson on the farm. A good life.