Through the eyes and emotions of a teenager in 1941. It explains what inspires me to work in a defense plant after school, when barely sixteen. Ditched school with pals, lied about my age and enlisted in the Navy. Boot Camp and electricians school at Great Lakes, Illinois. Sent to Pier 92 in New York City for further schooling. Asked for Destroyer duty, which was granted. Sent by train to Norfolk Naval Base. January 1944 received orders assigning me to train to Norfolk Naval Base. January 1944 received orders assigning me to the U.S.S. Murphy DD603. Board the Murphy at Brooklyn Navy Yard. After a brief stay and a shake down cruise, head for Ireland. I get my first taste of foreign soil.