WWII Veteran Doyle Boothroy Reflects on Service Aboard USS Missouri

Enlisting in the Navy

• ⚓ Doyle Boothroy enlisted in the Navy to avoid the draft for World War II, influenced by his uncles' experiences in the first war.
• 🚢 He joined the USS Missouri in February 1945 at the age of 19, boarding in Guam.

Life Aboard the USS "Mighty Mo"

• 🚢 The USS Missouri is described as a massive ship, originally built for 2800 crew members, measuring 900 feet long and 96 feet wide.
• 🌊 Boothroy recalls sailing close to a typhoon, noting that the ship's strategy involved using the fringe of the storm for cover.
• 💥 He experienced the intense sounds of war, particularly the impact of the ship's 16-inch guns, which could move the 50,000-ton vessel significantly.

World War II Events and Surrender

• 💥 A kamikaze plane hit the USS Missouri, but caused minimal damage and resulted in a military funeral at sea for the pilot.
• 🗓️ Boothroy learned of Japan's surrender on August 15th, 1945, through the ship's radio shack, located near the bridge.
• 🤝 He witnessed the Japanese surrender ceremony aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay, observing the arrival of Japanese officials and representatives from eight other foreign countries.
• 🌍 As a 19-year-old, he was primarily focused on the war ending and the prospect of returning home, rather than the historical significance of the moment.

Reflections on History and Service

• 🧠 Boothroy expresses concern that younger generations do not understand World War II, emphasizing the importance of studying history for respect for the country.
• 🎖️ He reflects on his service, finding it interesting and anticipating that his experience as a weather observer would be valuable after his service.
• 🇺🇸 He believes understanding World War II would help people better understand the meaning of the United States.
• 🌟 He looks forward to representing what happened 80 years ago at an anniversary event.