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LAKEWOOD, NY (WNY News Now) – A Jamestown area World War II Veteran was honored by his friends and family on Veterans Day.
Charlie Walsh signed up to serve in the second World War, alongside his brothers.
Working on a “Liberty Ship” Walsh was part of an exclusive group, the Armed Guard of the Navy.
“We were running convoys against the German U-Boats, we were moving ships, we had 70 ships of supplies that were protected by destroyers, and D.E. units, to try and keep the subs from getting the ships,” explained Charlie Walsh.
From 1944 to 1946 he manned the 22-millimeter artillery, serving first in the Atlantic and later in the Pacific.
“I was moving 300-pound bombs, 50 caliber ammunition, from one island to one island, to get closer and closer to Japan,” continued Charlie Walsh.
His nephew Jim Walsh, an Air Force Vet of 29-years, put together a “shadow box” to document his uncle’s service to our country.
“I got those same ribbons that are on Uncle Charlie’s hat, the metals attached to each ribbon, with the insignia of the United States Navy, the anchor and rope that’s a traditional symbol of the Navy, and his rank,” displayed Jim Walsh.
“Which was first class seamen,” explained Charlie Walsh.
Mr. Walsh’s family is proud, but most of all, thankful for their time together, sharing stories of the greatest generation.
“I want to pass that on to my kids, I have three boys and a daughter, none of them have been in the military, but I have, they know people in my family have, they know the importance of it, even if they haven’t served themselves,” explained Jim Walsh.
The 96-year-old currently lives at the Brookdale Senior Community in Lakewood. By displaying the shadow box in his room, his family hopes all visitors will take some time to thank Mr. Walsh for his service, but most of all, take time to sit and chat with him about his experience over 78-years ago.
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