Tag: #USSConsolation

National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day: Thank You for Your Service

Let’s celebrate the 69th anniversary of the National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day. It was on this day 69 years ago in 1953 that the United States of America and North Korea reached a ceasefire agreement. This is a time to remember the many American troops which is estimated to be around 50,000 who died in the conflict and more than 100,000 soldiers were wounded and thousands of prisoners of war.

My dad never talked with me about his time in the U S Navy or his time serving during the Korean War. I wish I knew more, to have asked questions while he was still alive. I honor my dad’s service to America, remember and appreciate the sacrifices he made for our country. My dad was fortunate to not have been wounded or made a prisoner of war, however, thousands plus were not as fortunate. I remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice, those who were wounded, and those who were captured and held prisoners of war. Our Korean War Veterans should be remembered, honored, and appreciated for their service to America and the freedoms we have because of their service. My dad, Nornal Hule Waters, served in the U S Navy from the time he enlisted on September 24, 1948, until his release on September 12, 1952. He was a hospital corpsman stationed on the USS Consolation during his service in the Korean War. While he was aboard ship serving his country, his brother, Eddie Woodrow Waters, was service on the ground in the mist of the battleground. My uncle was wounded during his time of service in the Korean War and was awarded the Purple Heart. I am proud of my Korean War Veterans and will continue to remember and honor their service.

The Korean War was fought on the ground, in the air, and on the seas for three years before the Ceasefire Agreement was signed at Panmunjom in 1953. North Korea has at times refused to recognize the armistice. This on-off engagement has historically been frustrating for world leaders. Both South Korea and the United States of America hold observances remembering the armistice in which they honor and remember the veterans who served during the Korean War. Let us all remember and thank our Korean War Veterans for their service as we should do for all our servicemen and women.

U S S Consolation
The ship my dad, Nornal Hule Waters
served on during the Korean War

God Bless America. God Bless y’all. Veterans and active-duty military, thank you for your service. I appreciate your service and your sacrifice for our country. Thank You!

Nornal Hule Waters: My Dad’s life as I know it…Part One

Nornal Hule Waters was born in Lancaster, South Carolina to John Thomas Waters and Mary Alma Jorden (aka Jordan) on May 24, 1929. He and his parents lived in Lancaster until 1934. Two years after his birth he gained a sister when his parent’s had Mary Dalline Waters on March 31, 1931. His little brother, Eddie Woodrow Waters was born three years later at home in Great Falls, South Carolina on June 25, 1934.

Mary Dalline Waters
and
Nornal Hule Waters

From my understanding my dad’s family moved a few times from Lancaster to Great Falls a couple times. Nornal went to School in Great Falls. He lived with his family in a house, once known as a Mill House, at 14 Walnut Street which was directly across from Miller’s Grocery and kitty corner from the J P Stevens Mill #3.

In Back: Nornal Hule Waters and
Mary Dalline Waters.
In front: Eddie Woodrow Waters

Upon completing his education, Nornal began working at the local Ford dealership in Great Falls. He worked there until he joined the US Navy, at the age of nineteen, on September 24, 1948. From South Carolina, he was transferred to San Diego Naval Base in San Diego, California.

While at San Diego Naval Base, he received training as a hospital corpsman through the Naval Hospital. Upon completion of his training, he was assigned to the U.S.S. Consolation. He served in the Navy from his enlistment in 1948 until his discharge in 1952. During his time aboard the U.S.S. Consolation, he was out at sea helping the wounded soldiers during the Korean War.

U.S.S. Consolation
U.S. Naval Hospital Ship

During the time he was stationed in San Diego, he met Doyce Eileen Watson. The dated during the times he was in port, and after a time they decided to marry. So, at the age of twenty-two Nornal and Doyce drove to Yuma, Arizona and got married on July 31, 1951. [I guess that Arizona did not have a waiting period at that time]. Shortly after they were married, he brought her home to Great Falls, South Carolina to meet his family.

They stayed with his parents during his leave and Doyce was able to spend time with not only his parents but also his brother and sister. Once his leave was over, they drove back to San Diego. They shared a home together and he decided not to reenlist in the Navy. He was discharge from the Navy on September 24, 1952. After getting out of the Navy, He went to work for Pearson Ford in San Diego. He continued working there for thirty-five plus years. He worked in the Parts Department, keeping track of the parts inventory and servicing customer needs. On June 1, 1953, Nornal and Doyce had a son they named Larry Dean Waters.

Thank You for visiting. I will continue the remembrance of my father, Nornal Hule Waters, in my next post. Remember I appreciate y’all.