World War Ii Interview

Baylee Bell

History 1302

Memories of World War II

Told By Ralph McKinney

Veteran United States Navy

Ralph McKinney, Great Grandfather to Baylee Bell, served in the United States

Navy May 26, 1943 to June 27, 1946. Ralph McKinney, called Mack by those who knew him, was a Coxswain Honorably Discharged. He is still serving veterans in everyway he can. As Post Commander to V.F.W. Post 9873 in Franklin, Texas , he continues to be an inspiration to veterans and their families. Love and pride for his country radiates as he relives the months he laid out his life to protect what was most dear to his heart. My Grandfather is a true American Patriot.

Question:

Grandpa, tell me what made you so eager to join the Military Service.

Answer:

"I was raised in East Texas in a area just outside of Lufkin, called Keltys, which is a little sawmill community." "Graduating in 1941 at the age of sixteen, I was to young to enlist." "I was going to have to wait until I turned 18." "By that time I was really "Gung Ho", ready to go." "Going down to the draft board, registering and then waiting for a Page 2

Bell, Baylee

call." "I could not wait any longer so about a week later I went down to the draft board again saying, hey, put my name at the top to the list, I am ready to go.:

Question:

How did you decide on the Naval Branch?

Answer:

Mack, had watch all the news reels and knew he did not want to join the Army. So, still uncertain as to which branch he wanted to enlist in, he boarded the bus to Tyler, Texas with the other young men. Although his local doctor had already determined that he was in good physical shape, the doctors in Tyler re-examined them. "We all go into a big room, all the recruiters from various branches of services were there." "If you failed to get the branch of service you wanted you went into the Army." "I will never forget, the Navy recruiters came in and said "we need six men." "I volunteered for the Navy." "That was the best...