| USS Smith DD-378 USS Copora (Lib. Ship) USS Bache DD-470 Pacific World War II |
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James C. Kesel Fredericksburg, Virginia Inducted 1 April 1941 Discharged 1 April 1946 |
Mr. Kesel trained in aviation radio school. After transport to Pearl Harbor, he was assigned to USS Smith DD-378 as ship cook and powder handler. In August 1942, the Smith went to the Solomons Islands and participated in the Guadalcanal Campaign. On October 27, 1942, a Kamakazi attack hit the Smith and severely damaged her. He was sent on shore duty on Savo Island before assigned to USS Copora (liberty ship) for one year. IN 1944, he was assigned to USS Bache and cruised the North Pacific near the Alutians among other destinations.
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