Okinawa Memories from Victory Ship
Comments : 10
Navy Veteran Defended Merchant Ships
Use controls above or click here to open this Hometown Heroes podcast in a new window
97-year-old John Stokes of San Leandro, CA appears on episode #784 of Hometown Heroes, airing May 6-11, 2023. A native of San Francisco, Stokes saw action in World War II in a Navy contingent of “hatchmen and winchmen” aboard merchant ships.
97-year-old John Stokes.
Stokes left high school to join the Navy at age 17, eventually serving in the Pacific during World War II aboard the Victory ship SS Saginaw Victory and Liberty ship SS Louis Weule. In recent years, he’s revived his merchant vessel memories by serving as a docent aboard the Liberty ship SS Jeremiah O’Brien in San Francisco.
Well done John.
Thank You!
Bob and Carolyn
Thank you so much for interviewing my Dad. I recently put many of these stories together in a book, but there were parts in your interview that I knew and didn’t know. Thank you so much for your genuine interest and asking those questions that I didn’t even think of. Blessing to you as you continue recognizing our veterans.
My Dad, Jerry London, was a friend of your father.
Very Nice info from John Stokes. Proud to know him and work with him on the SS Jeremiah O’Brien.
Great stories. So glad Mr. Stokes was willing to share. I work on the Jeremiah O’ Brien in the steward’s department and am able to experience a bit of the life on a Liberty ship. I recommend a visit to the ship.
Great stories! Thank you Swisher for your service to defend our freedom!
Thanks John well done
Thanks John
Great information
Dear John Stokes;
You have an amazing memory of your heroic past. When we see you on the Liberty Ship as a member of the crew of the JEREMIAH O’BRIEN, we stand tall and proud … to declare that we have worked with you.
Stu Quan, O’Brien crew
I remember you’re telling about this incident, John, and I was in awe at how hard the crew on your ship fought to take down that Kamikaze pilot. I wish you’d been able to swap WWIINavy stories.