George D. Overfelt US Navy USS Conyngham |
At seventeen years of age, I entered the service (after eating 2 lbs. Of bananas so I would weigh enough) on August 9, 1938. I caught the train in Roanoke, VA and traveled to Norfolk where we missed the evening meal and all they had left was scalloped potatoes and lime-aid. I knew then, I was not going to like the Navy. I would spend my 4 years that I had signed for and then be home to mama's "good cooking", but the Japanese & Germans interfered with my plans, so I ended up serving 7 years, 1 month, 11 days, 9 hours, and 15 minutes. I took boot training at Naval Operation Base, Norfolk. The first ship I served on was the USS Conyngham (DD-371), leaving Norfolk, January 1939, traveling thru the Panama Canal and on to San Diego, California, then we went to Merri Island Navy Yard for a major overhaul before going to sea and then on to Hawaii. On December 7, 1941, I was in my bunk addressing Christmas cards when the Japanese attacked. My ship was near some of the battle wagons but not close enough to be hit. On August 28, 1942, I was assigned a new ship USS Taylor, left Boston and returned to the Pacific and went thru 13 battles during my time of service. At the end of the war, our ship was one that helped escort the USS Missouri into Tokyo Bay for the signing of the surrender. We were allowed to go with an officer into the countryside north of Tokyo where we found the people friendly and kind. An older couple invited us into their home for watermelon. We picked up American prisoners and brought them back to Tokyo and they boarded a hospital ship, given a complete check-up and later returned to the states. After a few days I caught an air-craft carrier, the USS Shangrila and headed for the states. I was scared lots of times and did a lot of praying for myself and the other guys, as I headed home I had so much to be thankful for. I was discharged October 17, 1945 at Camp Shelton, VA. I arrived back at Dugwell about 2 days later and thankful to be home. I consider this experience as a growing up process and a traveling education, I have seen a lot of this beautiful world and had a rare experience of being at Pearl Harbor at the beginning and at the signing of the surrender and I am thankful to God to get home without injury. A year later I was married to Goldie Jones and have had 55 happy years together. We established a business together (Overfelts Garage & Snack Bar) for 50 years, retiring in 2001. We have two children. We have been able to visit some of the former places and we stay in touch with former shipmates and Pearl Harbor guys and attend some of the ship reunions. Thank God for those that have fought to keep us free. |
Information provided by George D. Overfelt. |
