My sincerest thanks to George and Shirley Chaisson for these images. Mr. Chaisson is a "Plankowner" of USS LERAY WILSON (DE 414), and was on the fantail during the kamikaze attack. George was a S1C (E-3) Gunner's Mate at this time. He retired from the U.S. Navy in 1965 as a Chief Gunner's Mate.

USS LERAY WILSON (DE 414) -- dates and locations unknown

USS LERAY WILSON "War Cruise" Map

Returning from war

The below photographs and documents were provided by Rick Culliton whose father, Dan, also a "Plankowner," served as a S1C Radioman on board the WILSON from May 1944 - December 1945. Dan died while Rick was in his teens, so he really didn't get to know him. To learn more about him, he has been researching his father's naval career.

At sea, in camouflage colors.

In dry-dock, Manus, Admiralty Islands

Date and Location unknown

Sister ships (DE 418 in foreground). Date and Location unknown

Pulling into port

Message from Prime Minister, New Zealand

Cease fire notification

LeRay Wilson Deck Log 2/19/42 Launching WILSON War Map Wog Day Kamikaze Tokyo Bay USS WILSON Assorted pictures WILSON story CAPT M.V. Carson ADM Burke China, 1945 Family Family II Family III A bit about me My Library Navy Hymn Bluejackets Links Send Me E-Mail

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