On this 80th anniversary of Japan’s surrender in World War II, I’d like to share with you a story of mine that ran Sunday in The Morning Call of Allentown, Pennsylvania.
It’s about a local man, 99-year-old Harley J. Wenninger, who was a teenage sailor aboard the first Allied warship to enter Tokyo Bay after the Japanese gave up. In his own words, he tells what it was like to be a member of a 5-inch gun crew on the USS San Diego, CL-53, an antiaircraft light cruiser that has been called “the unbeatable ship that nobody ever heard of.”
(Harley J. Wenninger)
I wanted to interview Wenninger after hearing him speak last March at the Lehigh Valley Veterans History Project. We spent eight hours together over four days in July and August. One of the things that interested me was the picture he painted of growing up in the Allentown area in the 1920s and ’30s.
You can read my story here. I hope you like it.
David Venditta 
They witnessed a part of history that will never be forgotten!
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As you’ve showed us with your dad, it’s these personal stories that future generations will need to know.
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There’s so many views that have been left undocumented and myths re-written so many times, they mistakenly are now considered fact.
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Another great story from one of the heroes of WWII. i’m so glad you have a chance to share his story. Sometimes just sitting back and listening is the best education of all.
thanks for letting us know these nen and women.
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Thanks, Steve. As you well know, it’s these personal stories that future generations need to know.
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Thanks again for another story. These are very valuable to save while there is still time.
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