Frank Nelson

When Frank Nelson tells fond stories about the Navy, he transports you back to 1942. "I can still see my shipmates, just as they were. Courageous." Frank served four years - three in the South Pacific on the USS Foote. This famed battleship is one reason America won. "We got credit for sinking a Japanese destroyer. Radar was our trump card, because they couldn't see us at night!"

Yet, the Solomons Campaign was cut short when a Japanese torpedo hit the Foote's fantail - destroying 55 feet and killing 19 gallant men. "I watched my buddies' faces as they died." The blow, while nearly fatal, didn't destroy her. A fast-acting fleet got the Foote to port for repairs - and she and her crew returned to the Pacific in fighting trim to join the assault on the Philippines. Today, Frank is active in the Foote Association and enjoys shipping off to the racetrack now and then. "Our ship reunion is this November in Orlando: 15 out of 300 are still alive." Which means others can hear firsthand battle tales from 'the Greatest Generation.'