William A. McCombs
Sea.2c
5th Division
USN
USS West Virginia
1940-1941

William A. McCombs, Signalman 2/c, born Aug. 23, 1919, Steubenville, OH, joined the USN on Aug. 27, 1940. He was stationed at NTS Newport, RI; USS West Virginia; USS Mahan; USS Kittson; USS LCS (L) (21); and the US Naval Receiving Station, Seattle, WA.
Memorable experiences include being on board the Wee Vee. He was a member of the 5th Div. Rowing Team and they had a few wins to their credit. He received a sweater with letters WV and crossed oars on it plus several medals, but all were lost due to the oil fire caused by the sinking of the USS Arizona.

Discharged Aug. 29, 1946, with the rank of SM2/c. Awards include Good Conduct Medal, American Defense Service Medal w/ Fleet Clasp, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, WWII Victory Medal, Navy Occupation Service Medal w/Asia Clasp, China Service Medal and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon.

He has been married twice, 1950-80, and again from 1980-86. He has five stepchildren and three grandchildren. He worked in a steel mill. He enjoys dancing and traveling.

Reprinted with permission from Turner Publishing


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