USS LEXINGTON Former Crew Member

Name: Massingill, Jerl D. †

Service Dates: 1943-1945

Rank/Duty Assigned: Seaman 1st Class

Jerl D. Massingill, my father, died February 2, 1980. I’m entering this information in his behalf. According to one the citations he received, while serving on the Lexington, he operated a AA twin mount.

He was very proud of his service in U.S. Navy, especially serving on the USS Lexington. I grew up hearing stories about his service and the adventures he had. Not all of them fond memories of course. He lost his best friend on November 5, 1944 when a Japanese kamikaze plane struck the ship. He stopped writing in his journal after that and was haunted by it for many years.

My gratitude goes out to all the brave men who served during WWII. And the men and women who are serving our country today.