Earnest B. Mercer, CTR2 USN, 1950-1953


Korean Conflict started Spring of 1950
Graduated from high school June 1950, age 17
No money, no job, talked to Navy recruiter
    asked about radio, suggested Communications Technician
    recruiter nor I knew what that was, but sounded cool so I said yes
    he told me he could sign me up as High School Seaman Recruit 
(guaranteed CT school)
    got parents to sign for a "kiddie cruise"
Enlisted August 1, 1950
Boot at NTC San Diego, Company 291
Radio/CT school San Diego
Imperial Beach
Arlington Hall Russian language school (Wash. DC)
Top of class, offered billet in Japan, rest of class went to Pearl Harbor 
7th Fleet
Arrived Yokosuka Sept. 1951 (Authorized to wear Japanese Occupation Ribbon)
TDY Chitose 1952
Kami Seya 1952-1953 (Commissioned base)
Discharged on 21st birthday
 
Earnest Mercer CTR2 (Voice)