Millard Clark Gatchell in Navy

Here's another great photo of my grandfather, Millard Clark Gatchell in his Navy uniform. I didn't realize until I began writing this blog that there were so many pictures of my grandfather--and alot of them in his Navy uniform.

I need to do some research to see if I can see what ships he served on and what campaigns he participated in during World War II. Not many stories have been passed down to me about his military experience.

My father recently shared a story with me about when my grandfather worked for the railroad he would at times bring home cases of Kelloggs cereal when a box car would bust open. I'd never thought of this happening but it makes sense. As a kid we'd always stop when we found something in the road.

One of the found items I can recall from my childhood is finding a large racoon hit on the road. My Dad picked it up and skinned it, took it to town and got $20 for the skin.

Steven Wisniewski & Millard Gatchell

This is a early picture of Steven Wisniewski (my Great Uncle) & Millard Clark Gatchell (my Grandfather) with Uncle Steve's two daughters. Note Millard must have been visiting home from the Navy has he wears his uniform.

Millard Clark Gatchell in Navy

Millard Clark Gatchell is pictured in the top row, far right. He's pictured with unknown fellow sailors. I'm guessing that this was at his graduation from naval school based on other photographs I've seen of him at the time. He'd be about 18 years old at the time of this picture.

Millard Clark Gatchell in Navy

We find here Mick Gatchell in his Navy cap sawing a log with a primitive wood bow saw.

Someone must have said 'Smile!' as this certainly isn't a smiling task!

Millard Clark Gatchell in Navy

My grandfather Millard Clark Gatchell (on left) is pictured here with an unidentified shipmate during his Navy service days. He was is reported to have shot down a Japanese Zero during World War II.

The story that has been passed down to me is grandpa was living with an uncle of his that was very mean to him (both his parents passed away quite early in his life) and as soon as he was old enough to leave home he jointed the Navy.

I was only 12 years old when grandpa passed away so I don't have that many memories as they lived in Fort Wayne, Indiana and we lived in Nashville, Michigan which only allowed us to see them on occasion.

Grandpa Gatchell is part of the Greatest Generation which was coined by journalist Tom Brokaw.