Tom Jones served aboard amphibious assault ships for the U.S. Navy during the Battle of Okinawa during World War II.
As 18 and 19 year olds, Jones said he thinks he was too young and inexperienced to be scared.
“I think being young at that time, it was just an experience," he said. "You don’t realize exactly what is going on until you get a lot older and reflect back on those situations you were in.”
Jones is now retired and lives in Pittsburgh, but said he will never forget his time of service.
“I was able to participate in one small part of ending that conflict," he said. "(That) gives you the satisfaction you could bring it to an end."
Jones was interviewed by CLCV team member and former member of the U.S. Navy, Benjamin Stahl. Read more about Veterans' Stories: Project 412 and its participating team members.
