Jenkins, John

FC3c JOHN FRANKLIN JENKINS 3 February 45

I was a range finder operator.

I was present on 3 February 1945, for commissioning USS FRANK E EVANS DD 754. I am a Plank Holder because I was there the first time FRANK E. EVANS went to sea. I was there too for her first Christmas, and to celebrate her first anniversary. I provided a list of all men present during FRANK E. EVANS’ commissioning ceremony as well as the ceremonial program. I provided copies of the Christmas menu and the first-anniversary menu complete with the names of the men present. I presented a copy of an abbreviated WWII action log which was provided by the quartermaster.

There is a copy of the message we received ending the offensive operations against the Japs. As you can guess there was quite a celebration aboard ship. We were all glad President Truman gave the orders to drop those bombs. (I didn’t know there was that much booze stashed away aboard the ship.)

We spent a good part of our time after the war cruising up and down the China coast collecting and destroying Japanese guns, ammo, etc. The crew managed to confiscate some of the better rifles. We all had one.

Seems like every time we had gunnery practice, our mascot Major would manage to jump overboard. We would then have man-overboard drills. Unfortunately, we were not able to stop one time, and that was the end of Major.

I have several picture albums and other memorabilia of my time in the Navy and aboard FRANK E. EVANS. I plan to donate them to the Danville, Illinois War Museum.

Post Navy, I was an educator, teacher, and principal. I was called back in service during the Korean war, but when they asked if I wanted to go to the East coast or West coast, you can imagine my answer. I spent most of my time in the Mediterranean aboard destroyers RICH, NEW, and KENNEDY. At least I got to see most of the world, paid for by my Uncle Sam.

John currently (1993) resides at 1005 Skyline Drive, Danville, IL. You can reach him at 217-442-5319.