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00000176-e6f7-dce8-adff-f6f7713f0000Veterans' Stories: Project 412 is a series of interviews created and produced by a group of Pittsburgh-area active-duty military personnel and veterans in 2014. 90.5 WESA partnered with Leadership Pittsburgh's Community Leadership Course for Veterans to shine a spotlight on area veterans from all branches of the military, who share personal memories and stories about their service in conflicts from World War II to Iraq and Afghanistan.This project supported in part by a Seed Award from The Sprout Fund.

Tom Jones: Reflecting On His Time Of Service

Courtesy photo

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.