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World War I US Navy Veteran Lester Hillegass talks with his family about his time in the US Navy in World War I. This includes the tale of the Rat Tail Soup and facing court martial for skylarking in church. Not mentioned on the tape, he saw the first plane to cross the Atlantic - the NC-4. After leaving the Navy, he worked in business, and also served over 60 years as a Methodist minister in Western Pennsylvania. He was married for 67 years and passed away in 1989. ... "Veterans Day" "USS ...

Tags: Veterans Day USS Florida World War I US Navy

World War I veteran Lester Hillegas (my grandfather) recalls his experiences aboard the USS Florida. This section he describes service in the North Sea during the war, including taking part in the surrender of the German Fleet that ended the war and Wilson's arrival in France. This was recorded in 1980.

Tags: World War I Veterans Day Armistice Day Oral History USS Florida German Surrender

World War I veteran Lester Hillegas (my grandfather) recalls his experiences joining the US Navy and serving aboard USS Florida. Recorded around 1980 with pictures from his time in the Navy. In this section he talks about enlistment, traveling to boot camp in Portsmouth, NH, and the crossing to the Scotland. Parts 2 and 3 he talks about service in the North Sea, the surrender of the German fleet, and life in the Navy. He passed away in 1989. ... "World War I" "US Navy Veteran" "The Great War ...

Tags: World War I US Navy Veteran The Great War Oral History USS Florida