 James H. Woodward, F1c U.S.S. Salt Lake City CA25 1937-1941 |
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James H. Woodward, F1c U.S.S. Salt Lake City CA25 1937-1941 |
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U.S.S. SLC...USN...James H. Woodward, F1c
James H. Woodward passed away on July 7th, 2015 at the age of 96. Information
from his son Woody
James H Woodward born on June 17, 1919 in Sturgis, MS. He was 18 years old living in Hunter, AR. when he joined the service. He was still a single young man when he went to boot camp in San Diego, CA. During WWII he served on the following ships: Plank owner, USS McComb (Atlantic theater); Plank owner, USS Tolman (Pacific theater) and boarded the USS SLC CA25 in Sept, 1937. His ratings and divisions while on the SLC were Div 1, Boiler Room, Engine Room; Seaman II, I; Fireman II, I; Water Tender II; Machinest Mate II. He took Special schooling while in the Service of Diesel Engines, Fire Fighters School (and others) Names of shipmates he remembers are Ferguson, Elliott, McDougal Early in my stay aboard the SLC I was in Division 1 and was working with the scout plane. In recovering the plane, a sled is placed in the water to the rear of the ship and the plane rides up on it. The sled is towed alongside the ship and then a crane is used to recover the plane. Should any sort of problem develop an order is given to cut the line and the sled and plane are set free. As the sled approaches the wake of the starboard propeller an order is given “up behind”, meaning to pull fast. Having been up for about 30 hours, I had nodded off. When the “up behind” order was given, I heard “cut the line”. The line runs across a large block of wood and I had a broad ax! I was transferred to the boiler room! About halfway through my stay on the SLC I spent a few days in the brig. The SLC was scheduled to leave Pearl Harbor for a training mission which was to last a short time. I was taking the trolley car back to the harbor and it broke down (not an unusual occurance). I missed the ship. Inquiring what I was to do, I was instructed to board a destroyer that was in for repairs and I could get meals and a bed. When the SLC returned to port I boarded and soon found myself in the brig, on bread and water for having been AWOL. Prior to going into the brig I was weighed. The brig backed up to a food service room. A rivet was missing. I made contact with sailors and they prepared milk shakes for me. I refused the bread and water. A few days passed, the ships Dr and Chaplin were sent to me. I was weighed (had gained weight) and the Chaplin was sent knowing that I was remorseful for my sins (the reason I wasn’t eating). A marine guard was placed at the entry to the brig. A few more days passed, I continued to receive the milk shakes. The Dr returned, I was weighed and found to have continued to gain weight. I was released. Some of the special events that took place during his SLC days were Crossing the equator and Shellback He left the USS SLC CA25 in Oct, 1941 Feb 1946. Career with Arkansas Power and Light Co. (now Entergy). Retired, 1980, worked for DRAVO in Saudi Arabia for 4 years. 1939 Rope Yarn There are a lot more pictures to be added soon.... |
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2014 Picture of James H. Woodward Message from Sandy Eskew I was honored to meet James Woodward along with his son Woody & several of his family members in Claremore, OK. for breakfast. We had a wonderful visit and I'm so glad I got to meet them all. |
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The address of this page is woodward.htm
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