CHESTER "PETE" ZELLER   Chief Machinist's Mate, U.S. Navy, 1939-1945, U.S.S. Lexington "Plankowner" HISTORY Page 6

The Navy allowed stars on the Asiatic Pacific medal for each battle. On this one, I had 11 stars. On the American Defense [medal] I had an A signifying combat before December 7, 1941. I also had a Good Conduct Medal and a Phillipean Liberation medal and the U.S.S. Lexington was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation.

Lady Lex Links Veterans of the Blue Ghost Home Page George "Ray" Rabenstine History Page Helen Rabenstine History Pages Chester "Pete" Zeller History Pages Add Your Oral History! Questionnaire for Veterans of the Blue Ghost US.S. Lexington Museum on the Bay Tarawa to Tokyo Sabrina Roper's Fantastic site on the U.S.S. Lexington U.S.S. Lexington CV-16 Association NavSource Online: Aircraft Carrier Photo Archive History of the U.S.S. Lexington at Wordiq.com About Me References Send Some Love to "Iraqi Bill"

Q.     When you were discharged from the Navy was it hard for you to settle back into civilian life? Were you changed by your war experiences? if yes, how so. A.     I did not have any trouble adjusting to civilian life and the only change in my life was that I had more freedom.

(Photo Credit 17) Campaign Medals and Ribbons please see Site References.

My next recollection is the close of the war and at the end of hostilities we proceeded into Tokyo Bay. As we entered Tokyo Bay there were minesweepers blowing up mines ahead of us that the Japanese had placed there. Admiral Halsey's flag ship was the U.S.S. New Jersey, but Truman, being from Missouri, had the surrender proceedings conducted on the [U.S.S.] Missouri. We didn't go to the surrender because everyone except Adam and Eve was on the Missouri. We did go ashore in Tokyo, but I was somewhat cautious because the war hadn't been over [for] more than a  few days and after all I had been through, I wasn't about to get stabbed or shot or maybe poisoned at that late date. Within a few weeks I was transferred to a returning ship and arrived in the USA shortly after and I don't remember if I told you that my father had died during the Leyte landings and I learned about that about two or three weeks later. At my mother's request, I left the Navy to be of help to her and my two young sisters. Shortly after my discharge I was in an auto accident and was hospitalized for some time, where my favorite nurse (Helen) looked out for me and helped me get well. A year after my hospitalization we were married in 1947, and we [are] still married, (57 years this December) and [had] two children. I was employed by the US Geological Survey as a machinist where I worked in the Instrument Shop and was later transfered to the Printing Division. After 35 years of Federal service I retired in 1977 and worked in the private sector for about 12 years. Q.     After the war did you keep in touch with any of your Navy buddies? If yes, please describe your friendships, did they last for years, or did you fall out of touch? A.     After the war I did not keep in touch with any shipmates. Q.     What advice would you give to a young man considering joining the Navy today? A.    Respect your seniors. Obey orders cheerfully, don't grumble, choose your friends wisely. Apply for schooling of your interest and choose a line of work that will continue if and when you leave the Navy. The Navy has some of the best schools and students are taught at an alarming rate of speed. Keep your person clean and neat and as presentable as possible. Don't wind the anchor watch or tie knots in the water line!!

Continue Reading about Chester "Pete" Zeller Page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

NOTE: Interview edited to provide chronological series of events.

Site design by A. Whitson Last modified: November 28,  2004