9th Ward Veteran Interviews - George Shutt

Spotlight on Brother George Shutt

Freda Shutt’s husband, George, served in the U.S. Navy during the end of World War II, then in the Korean War, and in the Persian Gulf War. He served from 1944 until he retired in 1966. He and his brothers all enlisted; they preferred to choose which branch of service instead of being drafted into one. He was a Seaman through 1959, then became Chief Personnel man which is like the secretary to the man in charge—it’s the highest you can get as a personnel man. His duties would rotate—three years shore then three years land.

Brother Shutt trained in Great Lakes Naval Training Center Illinois, and Hunters Point San Francisco. Ships he served on: (Destroyers) USS Richard B. Anderson, USS Boxer, USS Bremington, (Ice Breaker) Ship that established base in the Arctic. He also served on the same ship (White Planes) as President Thomas S. Monson’s neighbor friend who died.

One experience Freda remembers George had was when George was going to carpool to the ship in the mornings with his friend but when his friend didn’t show up he liked to be prompt and didn’t want to risk being late, so Freda would take him at night and he would sleep over at night.

Brother Shutt loved the sea. When he was gone Freda would live with his mother. Three of his six children were born without him being home.