William H. Graham, I US Navy USS Whitney

At the age of 17, dad talked his father into allowing him to join the United States Navy - was his mom angry about that!  He quit school and joined the Navy.  On December 7, 1941, he was aboard the USS Whitney, a destroyer tender when the attack took place. With the Japanese fighters dropping their bombs on "Battleship Row" where your dad was, they straffed the U. S. S. Whitney with machine gun fire.  Dad manned a gun and returned fire.  Fortunately, the bullets struck close by, but dad survived.  Over the next several days, he took part in the recovery of many of those who did not make it and has told his close family of those details.  So much to do and see at such a young age. He served for the entire duration of World War II and served on a number of Navy craft.  He changed ships frequently whenever he heard that a specific ship was going closer into action.  We, too, are so proud of dad and his accomplishments.  He has taught us respect for this great country and his flag.  He has taught us honesty and integrity and ethics.  I thank God that he has given me this dad for my lifetime and dread the day that God finally takes him to that better world. My brother, Jim, served in the Army during the Vietnam "conflict." Being a lifelong diabetic, I was unable to serve but took a career as a police officer and have served for 33 years.  Late in life, at the age of 52, I had my first and only child, William H. Graham III, who is the apple of his grandfather's life.  Willy is what keeps grandpa wanting to see tomorrow.

Information provided by William H. Graham II.