Leo Siegenthaler joined the Navy in Seattle Washington in June, 1948 for a
three year hitch. He received Basic Training in San Diego, then was
assigned to 3 months in the Bakery. Navy life at this time was flipping
do-nuts and going on liberty. He finally got his assignment for schooling
to become a Disbursing Clerk, after which he was assigned to the USS
Askari (ARL-30). Leo spent about 18 months aboard Askari, acting as
Disbursing Clerk. The Askari operated out of San Diego at this time, with
one cruise to Hawaii.
The North Koreans invaded South Korea on 25 June 1950. On 27 June, Leo
Siegenthaler was transferred to the USS Diachenko, APD-123, and on 30 June
1950 the Diachenko headed west toward Korea. Leo missed the Inchon
Invasion (in the Hospital at Sasebo, diagnosed as polio, which turned out to be
mononucleosis), but was returned to Diachenko in time for Wonsan, Hungnam,
etc.
The Diachenko went back to The States in May 1951 for overhaul. Leo's
three years were just about up, but his enlistment had been extended by
the US Government. In March 1952, the Diachenko was back in action off
the Korean coast, and Leo was still aboard.
In early July 1952, the Diachenko's squadron mate USS Bass (APD-124) was
scheduled for a return to The States. As Leo's extended enlistment was
close to expiration, he was transferred to Bass to be sent home. The Bass
arrived on the West Coast in late July, and three weeks later, Leo
Siegenthaler was a civilian again.
Comments courtesy of Leo's Nephew, Ron Bansemer
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