308 Worley Road
Greenville, SC 29609
(864) 232-2086
March 5, 2007
Mr Bob Kern
582 W. Clark Street
Upland, CA 91784
Dear Mr. Kern:
I, John W. Bruster joined the U.S. Navy proudly on a windy day, March 24, 1947. I was excited about this life changing journey.
The most difficult thing was to leave my childhood sweetheart, Grace Brooks behind; however, the desire to serve my counter and provide financial support to my parents exceeded any reservation.
On a spring day in May of 1947, I boarded the USS Helena, which was docked at Long Beach, CA. During my tour on the USS Helena, we sunk a ship off the coast of Marshall Islands, toured Pearl Harbor, Iwo Jima and received an honorable discharge in March, 1950, in Seattle, WA.
I sincerely thank the military for the opportunity to serve our country. O also thank God for blessing me to return to civilian life and to marry my childhood sweetheart.
After we left Pearl Harbor we went to Yokosuka, Japan, Tokyo, Japan, St Tow, China, Chang hai China and then to India. After thirteen months (13) we returned to Los Angles, California. This took place in 1949. From California I was shipped to Seattle, Washington as first class fireman and then I retired March 25, 1950.
Enclosed is a picture of me and my grammar school sweetheart, who is now my wife of 57 years.
Sincerely,
John W. Bruster
JWB/agh
Enclosure: