Jimmie Clark joined the Navy in 1940. The 17 year old Iowa farm boy said goodbye to Ma, slopping pigs and digging ditches. On December 7, 1941 his USS Nevada battle station was shattered and covered in blood as she attempted to cross Pearl Harbor. Despite the carnage of the sneak attack the Japanese withdrew due to American response two hours into this yet undeclared war. The Navy said goodbye to paradise and peace. Through the next four and a half years a generation of Americans grew up and became the sword Admirals and Generals needed for victory. Machinist Mate Clark toured many of the Pacific battles with USS Northampton covering over 135,000 nautical miles in less than twelve months. A transfer back to the West Coast saved himself and a buddy from the final goodbye for USS Northampton at the Battle of Tassfaronga. As Chief Petty Officer, James W. Clark Jr. stated: "The countries of the world must understand when the United States says 'Knock it off, ' we mean it and I'll be there to help." Along the way of growing up for this Lone Wolf came romance, opportunities Iowa farm life couldn't offer, discovering his father, marriage and family heartache. This is a glimpse of his Navy life that was repeated man after man, family after family across the nation during World War II. Today soldiers, Marines, and sailors of the titled "Greatest Generation" are saying goodbye to their final battles in record numbers. Let's never forget.
About the Author: My Midwest life has provided me an education, a family, Christian beliefs and a foundation of integrity in my country's principles. When my oldest grandchild was a little one, she insisted I "tell" her stories, not read them. Her fascination ignited my desire to write. Weaving this goal into a thirty year career in healthcare, raising grandchildren in our home, following my education in music and enjoying gardening and bridge provided ample stories to tell but not the time I wanted to devote to the telling. With retirement has come the opportunity to fulfill my goal of sharing life's stories and seeing them in print. Although the majority of my stories are geared to young children, the opportunity to collaborate with my father and focus on his experiences has been very gratifying. When we began the book, his memories were sketchy and broken. Each time I would send him another section of what I had heard from his telling, he would respond with more clarity and sparked interest. He again became my mentor and teacher. Together we have revisited World War II and overlaid the battles of freedom onto his personal life. I can feel a lot more stories a coming.