Enlisted in the US Navy on the 4th of August 1941, at age 17 years and ten days, on a MINORITY CRUISE. Then extended for two more years in July 1945 and discharged in July of 1947. At that time he enlisted with the inactive reserves and was recalled to active duty in September 1950. Served as one of President Truman's policemen, during the Korean War in the USS SALISBURY SOUND (a seaplane tender, AV-13). Discharged November 4, 1951. Re-enlisted in the drilling inactive reserves, June 24, 1966 and served in that capacity until he retired from the Naval reserves, on July 24, 1984. Discharged with the rate of Senior Chief Aviation Boatswains Mate (ABCS). The Chief, served a total of 7 years 2 1/2 months of active duty, encompassing all of WW II and a portion of the Korean War. Plus 20 years 3 months of inactive reserve duty. Total years of service, 27 years 5 1/2 months. Married to his wife Ann, for fifty-five years they have a total of six children. Joanne is his favorite daughter. As of 2001 his five sons, all have honorable service in the Navy, for a total of 24 years and 2 months of active duty. Plus 44 years of inactive reserve duty. At present the Skeldon Naval tradition is being carried on by a granddaughter, Jessica, with 8 years of active duty at the present time, serving as a second class corpsman. The Chief, retired from the railroad in July 1984 after thirty-seven years of railroad service. Books by the author: MINORITY CRUISE Plus 2 (c) USS KADASHAN BAY VC-20 ESCORT CARRIERS in the PACIFIC (c) ESCORT CARRIERS in the ATLANTIC (c)
