In February 1945, Willie Clemons, Jr. joined the U.S. Navy while still 17 years old. Within just a couple of months, he was off to the Pacific Theater. Within a few more months, the Japanese surrendered and the war was over. After leaving the military, Clemons returned to the Navy in 1953 and served in the Korean theater.
In this edition of "Veterans Chronicles," Clemons discusses why he joined the Navy at a young age and what it was like to serve while the military was segregated. He tells us about his service in the Philippines and the reaction of the men when they learned Japan had surrendered.
Then Mr. Clemons tells us about his second stint in the Navy and what he and his ship were doing in the waters off of Korea. He also shares how life was different in the Navy after desegregation and what it's like for him to see South Korea thriving after the U.S. and others saved it from Communism.
In February 1945, Willie Clemons, Jr. joined the U.S. Navy while still 17 years old. Within just a couple of months, he was off to the Pacific Theater. Within a few more months, the Japanese surrendered and the war was over. After leaving the military, Clemons returned to the Navy in 1953 and served in the Korean theater. In this edition of "Veterans Chronicles," Clemons discusses why he joined the Navy at a young age and what it was like to serve while the military was segregated. He tells us about his service in the Philippines and the reaction of the men when they learned Japan had surrendered. Then Mr. Clemons tells us about his second stint in the Navy and what he and his ship were doing in the waters off of Korea. He also shares how life was different in the Navy after desegregation and what it's like for him to see South Korea thriving after the U.S. and others saved it from Communism.
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