Eldon Maynard “Ozzie” Osberg served in the US Navy from 2/5/1944 to 5/27/1946.

Ozzie was stationed at Farragut, Idaho for his basic training.  He was then sent to San Diego for deployment on 3 different ships:  SS Norman J. Coleman, SS Santa Monica, & SS Alexander Ramsey. 

 

Ozzie was a Gunner assigned to catch the hot shells from the 5”/38 caliber gun.  He also had his own 20 mm anti-aircraft gun to defend against enemy planes.  While sailing the Pacific they had to be aware of Japanese torpedo planes that dropped torpedos into the water hoping to destroy the ship.  Fortunately their ship was never hit.

 

Their ship would sail for several months, stopping at various ports.  They were not always allowed to get off at the ports.  When they were granted “Liberty” at port they would often hang out at the canteens where there would be entertainment, dancing, food & drinks.  They received $20 to $30 a month which was usually spent on candy & cigarettes.  Ozzie had one 15-day liberty & returned to Genoa, NE to see his family.  He was not able to see Bernice since she was at home in Tripp, SD.

 

While aboard the ship, the men would work in shifts to watch for enemy aircraft.  When not on duty, they would play cards or jump off the ship for a swim to pass the time.  Occasionally there was a movie shown for them to watch.  There were no radios or telephones.  They slept in bunks in very cramped quarters.

 

Ozzie was responsible for washing his own uniforms.  He would roll them up  tightly to press out the wrinkles.  He wore dungarees (blue jeans & blue shirt) & of course his Navy cap for everyday.  For special occasions when in port they were expected to be in their “dress” uniform.  Ozzie remembers being in Okinawa & the Philippine Islands.  Their ship sailed into Hawaii after the attack on Pearl Harbor.

 

Ozzie met Bernie at a dance in Omaha right before leaving for the Navy.  He looked forward to her many letters which would be delivered at the different ports.  He admits to getting in trouble for not responding to her letters! 

 

Ozzie’s ship was in the middle of the Pacific Ocean when they received word that World War II was finally over and they would be returning home.  There was much rejoicing on board that day.  Ozzie was most anxious to return to Omaha to see Bernice.  When his train arrived at Union Station she was there to greet him.

 

Bernice & Eldon were then married on June 2nd, 1946.  They were blessed with 3 daughters:  Jerry, Joanie, & June; 11 grand children, & 9 great grand children.