To See History is One Thing

To See History is One Thing

John Horton, of Pensacola, lived through some challenging parts of history – as many have. But John’s family wanted some of his personal remembrances recorded because his early life in Chumuckla, and his WWII experience with the  Navy and Marines in the Pacific War offer a vivid heritage.  Mr. Horton, who will be 87 in February, was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for extraordinary heroism and life-saving efforts under fire on the beaches of Saipan.  As a pharmacist’s mate and member of a Beach Master Platoon assigned to the fast attack transport, USS Sheridan, he participated in numerous Pacific island invasions. Roy Allen, pictured with Mr. Horton, is blind, but enjoys helping local families collect their heritage on video.

WIth the help of a driver and camera operator, he is able to enjoy first hand accounts of the lives of people in our area.  Recently a recording session was held with Ed Bailly of Bagdad, whose WWII experience included being shot down over a bay in Japan and subsequent rescue. Another interview captured the history of Walt Reese a retired Navy Captain in Milton, whose career included the development of long range radio communications for submarines via naval air support  squadrons.

When the interviews are completed and copied to computer files, they are given to the families and with their permission, shared with local libraries. Instructions are included so people can send their interviews to the Veteran’s HIstory Project with the Library of Congress.

caption:  Roy Allen is shown with John Horton, holding a photo of the USS Sheridan (APA-51), fast attack transport

Photo by BuzzCreek