9th Ward Veteran Interviews - Kenneth Van

Spotlight on Brother Kenneth Van

In 1942 at the age of nineteen, Brother Kenneth Van left home and family to serve his country in the conflict of World War II. Knowing the increasing need for military personnel and that he would most likely be drafted, he chose to enlist in the United States Navy. He received training first in Farragut, Idaho and next in Norfolk, Virginia. His first ship carried him to North Africa. His four years in the navy also sent him to China, Australia, California, England, Hawaii, Iwo Jima, Saipan and many other places in the Sea of Japan. He had responsibility as a boat’s mate, who also did shore patrol duty, and anything else he was told to do including being a kitchen police (KP).

One of his most important duties, however, was that of a cable splicer. A man from the Boston Naval Yard who was a wire rope splicer took him under his wing and taught him how to splice cable. There were very few who were adept at this job, so consequently, Ken was stationed wherever they needed help with the cable splicing. This responsibility was essential on the LST’s or landing ships for tanks. These ships had pontoons on each side that were about six feet square that were tied to each side of the ship by the cables that were spliced together by Brother Van and others. Usually there were 12 to 14 pontoons on each side of the ship. When they approached the shore of a place where an invasion was to take place, these large cables were cut with an axe letting the pontoons into the water. The pontoons formed a bridge to the shore allowing tanks, men and other needed supplies to have access to the shore. This behind the scenes work aided tremendously to our country’s military success.

One of the most frightening experiences of his military service was when his ship was going through the Strait of Gibraltar and came under torpedo fire from enemy ships. Luckily, they navigated through to safety.

In 1946 Brother Van completed his tour in the military and was able to return home and meet his wonderful wife, Marilyn, who he said was the best thing that ever happened to him.

If you want to know how Brother Van feels about his country, look at the beautiful American flag that has flown on a pole in his front lawn for many decades!