During World War II, my father served on a Landing Craft Infantry - LCI (L). As I was learning about these ships, I came across a book by John J. O'Connor, Jr. titled USS LCI "Landing Craft Infantry". At the back of the book, a number of veteran's supplied their biographies. In reading through these, I was struck by one in particular. I am including it here.
“Bobby Lee Pettit, electrician’s
mate first class, USS LCI(L) 750. Was
born December 31, 1928 in Houston, Texas.
Joined U.S. Navy December 22, 1942 at the age of 13. Boot camp San Diego Naval Training
Station. Assigned to USS Tallulah,
AO-50. Made three trips to South Pacific
with oil, gasoline, aircraft and PT Boats.
Later participated in invasion of the Marshall Island and the Gilbert
Islands. Transferred to Naval Receiving
Station, Aiea, Pearl Harbor for further transfer Naval Receiving Station,
Balboa Park, San Diego. Assigned to USS
LCI(L) 750. Participated in landings in
New Guinea, Morotai and numerous landings in the Philippines. Encountered numerous air attacks off
Leyte. Following end of war at age 16,
requested discharge to return to school.
Transferred to separation center, Camp Wallace, Texas where Navy
verbally abused him for enlisting under age, voided his enlistment and refused
him an honorable discharge and GI benefits.
After much publicity, action by the
Veteran’s Service Center in Houston and Congressman Albert Thomas he received
an honorable discharge on November 22, 1945 with GI benefits, permitting him to
return to high school and later attend Texas A&M University where he
received a degree in electrical engineering in 1952. He returned to serving the fleet as an
electronics field engineer and later represented Texas Instrument in the
Pentagon…"
Source: USS LCI “Landing Craft Infantry” by John J.
O’Connor, Jr. page 135.
Mr. Pettit died in 2020 at the age of 91. His obituary includes the statement that: "Mr. Pettit dedicated his life to the United States Navy. Joining at the
age of 13 years old he was the youngest Navy Veteran, as well as the
third youngest World War II Veteran."
As part of the Library of Congress, the Veterans History Project preserves service members story in their own words. If you would like to hear Mr. Pettit tell his story, follow the link below.
Mr. Pettit's Story
