Welcome: This is the true story of a shy and inarticulate lad from the Known Center of the Universe, Powers Oregon,
Who on the morning of Dec. 7, a bright and sunny day heard of the infamy on the radio and proceeded to act there on. The route leading to Coos Bay and interviews with Chief Post, Navy Recruiter par excellent, then in due time the train ride to Portland where after various tests the enlistment procedure ended with ''swearing in''.
A few days later it was off to San Diego where I was whisked off to the Naval Hospital for repair of a hernia, and then duty in a ''marking company'' until time for Ordinance School, where I started my career as a Torpedo man. From there it was on to Melville RI where I was instructed in the fine art of being a well rounded PT Boat sailor and Torpedo man.
Upon graduation from the Motor Torpedo Boat 
Training Center I was assigned to the Commission- ing Detail MTB's at Brooklyn Navy Yard where I was designated driver of the Details station wagon. Primary duty, daily visit to the Fleet Post office to pick up any mail for the Detail and the lads who were arriving for the formation of Squadron 11, that led to my assignment to (click here) PT 185. Squadron 11completed its outfitting and was loaded on the (click here) White Plains tanker and the adventures enumerated started.
E-mail comments to Beaty Lay
beatylay@comcast.net
Last revised January 6, 2008.