Lawrence Parisi joined the Navy, and the U.S.S. Texas
in early summer 1943. He was a Gunners Mate serving in Division 4 as a
sightsetter (or 'pointer' responsible fot the 14" gun's
elevation). He took part in the Atlantic convoy crossings, and the
Normandy Invasion, and the battle at Cherbourg. He was also with the
ship in the Pacific, taking part in the battles of Iwo Jima and
Okinawa, and the "Magic Carpet" duties.
His favorite memories include going ashore in Italy and
purchasing fresh fruits, passing through the Panama Canal, and meeting
his brother Nunzio in the So. Pacific. He said he was never
scared, even at Normandy or Iwo Jima - just too young to be scared.
He left the U.S.S. Texas, and the Navy, late in 1946.
Larry currently lives with his wife Pam in Yarmouth, Maine.
