This is the USS Brooklyn, CL-40 with Palisades Park in the background, as she cruises along the Hudson River near New York City. My Dad was an Electricians Mate, First Class, on this vessel.
The Brooklyn departed from Norfolk for the Mediterranean on 24 October 1942. My 20 month old brother, Billy, and Mom were in Norfolk to give Dad a send-off. Mom and Billy then took the train back to California, where I was born about 9 months, or so, afterward.
Dad did not meet me until I was 18 months old, since he and the Brooklyn were engaging the Axis in the Mediterranean. Rommel was there, Montgomery was there, Patton was there and the USS Brooklyn’s 5 and 6 inch guns were there helping the Allies to victory.
