MIGHTY NINETY

Nathaniel P. Willis
Coxswain, USS ASTORIA 1944-1945


 
Mighty Ninety plankowner Nathaniel P. Willis.  This photo appears to have been taken circa August 1944 following USS ASTORIA's shakedown cruise.
-photo courtesy of his daughter Helen Willis-Waltrup


Nathaniel Parker Willis, a hatmaker from Connecticut, enlisted in the U.S. Navy in November 1943.  After attending recruit training at NTS Sampson in New York, he joined the ship's company mustering in Newport, Rhode Island in April 1944.  He reported aboard ship at her commissioning and served in USS ASTORIA's Gunnery Department throughout her wartime cruise.  When Mighty Ninety returned to San Pedro, California after the war ended, Willis had earned enough points to return home.  He was honorably discharged from the Navy at Lido Beach, Long Island in November 1945.


                                             BACK TO SHIPMATE PHOTOS AND TRIBUTES


Website Builder