Roy Molder US Navy |
Information provided by Roy Molder. |
My ship was nearby when the Arizona was hit and blew up. I just happened to be looking that way when it happened. I still remember the fear and rage I felt at that moment. I supposed I always will to some extent. That was a very busy day. After our ship was repaired, we headed for the South Pacific, where I spent the next 3 ½ years. We visited a number of "beautiful" South Sea Islands and I must say that the people who occupied some of them were down right "unfriendly". In 1944, I was ordered back to the good old USA for a little overdue leave and school "Oh happy days". While on leave, I met and wed my bride of 58 years. "Life was good". The navy then decided I was too happy so they gave me an invitation to attend a "beach party" on another island paradise, "Guam". Here again, the little people who had taken the island before us, were very "unfriendly". We finally convinced them that we were there to stay. After about a year on Guam, the war over, I was ordered back to the states for shore duty, so I thought, but the Navy had other plans. I soon found myself on another ship leaving the West Coast, headed for the East Coast. Lucky me! My new wife flew east, to arrive just in time to return to the West Coast again for shore duty. This time for real. About two years later, we had our only child, a boy. He grew into a wonderful young man and followed in my foot steps into the Navy. I had the honor of swearing him in, while my wife looked on with pride. We were so proud of him. He had chosen to serve his country in the Navy, not carry a placard, which was so popular at that time. He was killed about three years later in an accident and laid to rest with full military honors. I retired later on with about 36 years of service to our country. For the most part, life has been good and I thank God each day for his blessings. |
