Gunners Mate 2nd Class Douglas Reese
Serving during WW2 Douglas was stationed onboard the famed battleship USS Texas. Douglas made several trips across the Atlantic during the early war years. He would be promoted to chief and ended up serving on a LST (Landing Ship Tank) in the Pacific.
October 17, 2023
The USS Texas (BB-35) was a battleship of the United States Navy that saw extensive service during both World Wars. Here are some key details about the USS Texas in World War II:
Early Years and World War I: USS Texas was commissioned on March 12, 1914, and was the second ship of the United States Navy named after the state of Texas. During World War I, the Texas primarily operated as an escort for Allied convoys in the North Atlantic to protect them from German U-boats.
Interwar Period: After the end of World War I, USS Texas underwent various refits and modernizations. During the interwar years, it participated in training exercises, gunnery drills, and fleet maneuvers.
World War II: At the outbreak of World War II, USS Texas was one of the oldest battleships in the U.S. Navy, but it was still considered a valuable asset. The ship played a significant role in several key operations during the war:
North Africa (Operation Torch): In November 1942, USS Texas provided gunfire support during the Allied landings in North Africa as part of Operation Torch. It bombarded enemy positions to assist in the capture of Casablanca, Morocco.
Normandy (Operation Overlord): On June 6, 1944, USS Texas participated in the D-Day landings in Normandy, France. It provided heavy naval gunfire support to the Allied troops ashore.
Southern France (Operation Dragoon): In August 1944, USS Texas supported the Allied landings in Southern France as part of Operation Dragoon, again providing crucial naval gunfire support.
Iwo Jima and Okinawa: In 1945, USS Texas participated in the Pacific theater, providing fire support for the amphibious landings on Iwo Jima and Okinawa, two of the most fiercely contested battles of the Pacific War.