Dallas J. Stephens - U.S. Navy 1943-46

To commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII in 1945, USAWS is showcasing a WWII Veteran each month. Amazingly Dallas J. Stephens had already turned 100 years old when USA Warrior Stories producer Ross Rowlinson recorded his story.

Dallas Stephens was born in Nacogdoches, Texas on March 15, 1925. Dallas signed up for the U.S. Navy and was sworn in January 5, 1943, eventually serving as a Supply Depot Officer. After graduating from Naval Supply School Dallas was assigned to the USS Pine Island serving in Kodiak, Alaska for close to 12 months. After returning to San Diego, Dallas began training as a Landing Craft Vehicle Personal Coxswain in support of the USMC with the intent to invade the northern Japanese islands but luckily the war ended. His ship was redirected to Okinawa just as Typhoon Louise hit which had a devastating effect on Japan, with casualties including at least 377 persons dead, 202 injured, and 74 missing.