IN THE NAVY

 My paternal grandfather, Arthur Helge Jonsson, the only child of his Swedish immigrant parents, enlisted to serve in the United States Armed Forces early in his life. Fortunately for him, he entered The Navy when WWII was coming to a close.

  

Art Jonsson, Navy Photo

For all we knew, he had served on the USS Walker. It wasn't until I was able to do a search for military documents that I learned he was not only on the the USS Walker, but also another ship, called the USS Hale.

The USS Walker

   

In my search I was able to locate two muster rolls, showing he was on the USS Hale, but was also recruited for duty from the USS Hale onto the USS Walker. I was unable to find a muster roll for him on the USS Walker.

Arthur Jonsson, Seaman First Class, Recruited from the USS Walker for duty.

 

   These are my grandfather's photos from part of his time in the U.S. Navy. I do not know who the men are, besides one photo labeled "Wagnon" and "Cook". The Cook fellow shows up quite a lot in my grandpa's photos so I imagine they were buddies during their time in the Navy. so if you happen to find this page in a search for your own sailor on the Walker and the Hale, and recognize a family member please let me know!!

Somewhere out there there is a photo of my grandpa on the other end of that guys camera. :)