Heard Saturday at 1 p.m. on KMJ 580
February 27, 2010: Jim Botkin of Dinuba, CA. Served on the USS Sterett (DD-407).
Of the 27 young men in his graduating class at Exeter Union High School (Exeter, CA)
in 1940, 23 served in the Armed Forces during World War II, and all 23 made it home
from the war. Jim enlisted shortly after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, and
ended up serving on the destroyer USS Sterett.
Of the 27 young men in his graduating class at Exeter Union High School (Exeter, CA)
in 1940, 23 served in the Armed Forces during World War II, and all 23 made it home
from the war. Jim enlisted shortly after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, and
ended up serving on the destroyer USS Sterett.
Click play to listen
In November of 1942, the Sterett was involved
in the marathon naval battle of Guadalcanal,
earning the Presidential Unit Citation (below)
for its efforts. At right is Jim with his wife of 64
years, Juanita.
in the marathon naval battle of Guadalcanal,
earning the Presidential Unit Citation (below)
for its efforts. At right is Jim with his wife of 64
years, Juanita.