My name is Rodney Watson. My father served on the SLC during WWII. He talked very little of his experience. He was injured when the SLC was struck by a torpedo in Okinawa.

I have very little information and I am trying to obtain more. I have just become interested in genealogy. My sisters and I were delighted to find your website. My father's name was C. V. Watson, Jr. I am not sure about the exact dates that he served but I will get them. I do have a few pictures I will get them to you also.

This site will be a very big help. Thank you for doing such a wonderful job . Any information you have or hints on how to get more would be appreciated. Thank you again.

Rodney Watson

Our father, C. V. Watson, Jr. died on May 23, 1997 from multiple myleloma. He never told me anything about his time in the Navy. The only information we have is what was told to our brother and 2 letters I have found since his death. One of the letters is dated November 7, 1946, from the Bureau of Naval Personnel. It was sent to the US Naval Hospital in Charleston, SC. The subject: Navy Unit Commendation awarded to U.S.S. Salt Lake City. It states the following:

On 3 September 1946, the Secretary of the Navy awarded the Navy Unit Commendation to the U.S.S. Salt Lake City for outstanding heroism displayed by her crew in action against a superior enemy Japanese surface in the Naval Engagement of Komandorski Island, March 26, 1943. This letter was forwarded to my father at USNH Camp LeJeune, NC where he was transferred on December 15, 1945. I do know that his leg was severly injured during the war but am not sure during which battle. We would like to hear from anyone who might remember Dad or have any information about him.

Thank you for all the hard work that has gone into this site.

Faye Wiggins, Dau.