Like so many families, I have many relatives who served in the American armed forces during World War Two. My father, several uncles, and at least one grand-uncle all were in the military at some point during the war. By sharing these war-time pictures, I would like to pay tribute to all American veterans of all wars.

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John Patric Jones joined the Navy November 18, 1943 and was discharged in March of 1944 because he was only 16 years old. He was later drafted into the army and left for Camp Wheeler, Georgia before being transported to the European theater.

"2nd Platoon, Company A, 4th Battalion -- Camp Wheeler, Georgia -- October 1945"

My father, John Patric Jones, is 2nd from the left in the last row. Boot camp is concluded, and the "boys" are ready to leave for overseas -- some to Europe, while others somewhere in the Pacific.

Adventures in Europe

By the time my father was eligible for the draft, the war was all but over. His time in Europe -- Germany and Austria primarily -- was as part of the occupation forces stationed there at the conclusion of World War II. These are some pictures he kept from his days "over there."

Wedding

While in Europe, one of Dad's army buddies -- Carl Bost -- got married. The bride's name was Margaret, but that's about all I ever got out of Dad. I'm not even sure where the wedding took place, but suspect it may have been Vienna. In the first picture are Carl Bost (I believe he may be the man standing on the left), Dad (standing in middle), Sgt. Stolkeep and the rest are unknown. The picture in the middle is of Dad with the bride, standing next to a carriage. The picture on the right is from the reception, and is of Carl and Margaret.

"The Jeep"

One story Dad used to enjoy telling was of how he and another buddy, Harry Burns, got drunk one night, "borrowed" a general's jeep and went for a joy ride. The ride came to an end when they crashed the jeep into a tree. No one was seriously hurt, but Dad and Harry both had to face a court-martial. The picture on the left is of Harry Burns and a female friend (name unknown). The other two pictures are of the infamous Jeep!

R and R

These two pictures were taken while Dad was on R & R at Berchtesgarden, Germany. Dad's standing fourth from the left in the first picture. The second picture was taken while Dad and some of his buddies were clowning around, dressed for a trip to the "salt mines" at Berchtesgarden. Dad is in the center.

Home

Here's Dad aboard the USAT General Harry Taylor, bound for the US and home.

During the early days of World War II, perhaps in search of excitement and adventure or maybe just thinking he could distance himself from the army and the draft, Gale Walker along with one of his friends one day decided to join the Merchant Marines. Not even his family knew where he was until they received mail from Port Said! When Gale returned home, however, Uncle Sam caught up with him in the form of his draft notice. These are two pictures of "GI" Gale.

Picture taken in the backyard at home, 702 Bowman Street in Toledo, Ohio.

Norman posing with his fiance's aunt, Evelyn Myers, while home on leave.

Norman Walker, brother of Gale above, served in the Navy during World War II. Part of his tour of duty was spent in Brazil where he had the opportunity to see Rio de Janero and Recife. He also was part of the naval forces that hunted the Nazi submarine wolfpacks, clearing shipping lanes in the Atlantic Ocean. The pictures below are from his stay in Rio.

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