1. Did you go overseas during WW II in the Armed Forces , if so where?

A. Yes. South Atlantic, Trinidad, aboard aircraft carrier doing Anti-submarine patrols in Atlantic. In Western Pacific - Marianas Islands, Phillipines (was on Liberation of Phillipines from Japanese) Ashore in the Phillipines (Leyte).

With Carrier Air Group that bombed Japanese Homeland and went ashore at Yokosuka with Air Group supplying Marines from our Carrier.

2. Describe your combat experience.

A. Combat experience consisted of Maintenance of Aircraft and ground operational of same. This being with Carrier Air Groups based aboard aircraft carriers - Namely, USS Essex, USS Bon Homme Richard, & USS Randolph.

3. Did you participate in the occupation of Germany, Japan, or Italy? What were the conditions of those areas, and what were the feelings of the people?

A. Even though I did not participate in the occupation of Japan, I did go into Yokosuka and survey the area before the surrender had been signed. The Truce was in effect, but populace was in shock and confusion. They were regimented as puppets. Upon sighting our Forces, they were reticent, scared, and expected to be shot on the spot. Living conditions were frugal to say the least. Many hardships stood out everywhere.

In going onto Islands that had been occupied by the Japs, the people were overjoyed and welcomed the troops with open arms. (Saipan, Tinian, Guam, Phillipines, etc.).

When flying over the metropolis of Tokyo, the destruction of the burned city was visible for miles. The result of B29 aircraft and Navy Aircraft continuous pounding of the Homeland. As far as the eyes could see, the burned out homes stood out - only the base of millions of flimsy constructed homes stood out in formation.

When the Japanese Rulers signed the Surrender aboard the USS Missouri on 2 Sep 1945, thousands and thousands of aircraft flew overhead and I felt very lucky to be one of those witnessing such a significant occasion.

/s/ Granddad
Ben Tidwell Jones
U. S. Navy Retired