Oral History Interview with Roy Blood, July 28, 2011

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Roy Blood. Blood joined the Naval Reserves when war started in Europe. He was called to active duty in early 1941. After boot camp in Newport, he received specialized training in signaling and radio communication. In early 1942, Blood joined a radio maintenance group and boarded USS Lexington (CV-2). He was then transferred to Fighter Squadron 2 (VF-2) aboard USS Saratoga (CV-3). He transferred again, to USS Enterprise (CV-6) and Fighter Squadron 6 (VF-6) as a petty officer and third class radioman. Near Guadalcanal, Blood was on the flight deck and realized after launching aircraft that he was in danger based on radar readings and radio chatter. He took cover below deck just before enemy aircraft strafed and bombed the deck. In August 1944, Blood received orders to go to advanced radio school. Upon completion, he stayed on as an instructor, making chief before the war ended. He turned down full lieutenancy in favor of returning home. Blood later rejoined the Navy and accumulated 23 years of service