The Salt Lake City was my first ship, my "mother" ship as I recall. I had just turned 17 when I boarded. A boot camp shipmate by the name of Martin DeBaer went on board at the same time. We were assigned to the "3rd Division".

The day was late and a couple of fellows, "Mormon"? Hatch and "Blue Dog" Evans, were going on liberty. Martin said to me we have to sail on this "old tub". N. H. "Pete" Hatch grabbed my dress blouse, Evans grabbed DeBaer and guess what?. They kick our "a--". Slammed against the bulkhead and slapped around real bad. They told us to treat that ship better than your mother cause from now on she is your mother. We both came to love that old ship and what a lesson in life. Perhaps one of the bests ones I have ever received. I will never forget them two fellas. They have probably passed on by now.

Maybe I will write more memories later

Harley Peterson

Also served on the USS West Virginia Veteran, Dec. 7th, 1941