Tom "Shorty" Ellenburg

I joined the Navy Nov. 1959. Did boot training in San Diego. Reported to the USS PARSONS DD-949 late Feb. 1960. I was assigned to the deck crew in 1st division. About six months later I became a gunners mate striker, assigned to mount 51. Later in my career I made GMG3. We made two WestPac cruises during my tour of duty. I think most people that remember me will agree that I was seasick most of my time at sea. I stayed on the PARSONS until I was discharged Nov. 15, 1963. I have many great memories of the men that I served with, unfortunately I don't remember their first names.

After getting out of the Navy I returned to Pumpkintown, S.C. In Jan. 1964 I was hired by DuPont located in Brevard, N.C. We made medical x-ray film. I took early retirement Mar. 1993. I enjoyed my career with DuPont but I really enjoy retirement.

I got married June 1964 and moved to Brevard. We still live here. I have one son that lives in La Vergne, Tenn. and one daughter living in Woodbury, Minn. She has blessed us with our only grand child.