WWII Veteran Recalls Joining Navy At Just 17 Years Old
Guest Contributor
As the world reflects on the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, stories from surviving veterans offer a deeply personal window into a pivotal moment in history. One such voice belongs to 98-year-old Bill Reeves of Henrico County, Virginia. A World War II Navy veteran, Reeves shared his memories of service and homecoming, providing a moving account of duty, sacrifice, and the enduring pride of those who served. His story brings new life to the phrase “Greatest Generation,” and offers younger audiences a chance to understand the war through the eyes of someone who lived it.
Reeves served aboard the USS Arlington, a transport ship based in San Francisco. His decision to enlist in the Navy at just 17 years old was driven by a desire to serve his country on the sea rather than be drafted into the Army at 18. “My mother and dad let me join early because they knew I didn't want to go in the Army when I was 18 years old,” Reeves told CBS 6 anchor Bill Fitzgerald. “That's what would have happened. That's the reason I joined the Navy at 17.” This early enlistment placed him among the many young Americans who stepped forward during a time of global upheaval.
The USS Arlington played a vital role in transporting troops, and for Reeves, it became the backdrop of a defining chapter in his life. Although his time in the Navy came near the end of the war, the experience left a lasting impression. One of the most vivid memories he shared was the emotional return to San Francisco after the war’s conclusion. As the ship approached the Golden Gate Bridge, the sight and sounds of celebration were unforgettable. “When we hit the Golden Gate Bridge, we began to hear horns blowing,” Reeves recalled. “And water. When we got through that bridge, you never saw as many boats as ever were there. And every one squirting water up.”
I found this detail striking—not just for its imagery, but for what it reveals about the collective relief and joy Americans felt at the war’s end. The spontaneous celebration, the water cannons, the cheers—it was a moment of national catharsis, seen through the eyes of a young sailor who had just helped bring troops home from Tokyo.
Reeves’ story is a reminder of how young many service members were during World War II. Originally from Chattanooga, Tennessee, he was only a teenager when he joined the Navy in 1944. The war would end about a year later, but that year was transformative. Like many veterans, Reeves returned to civilian life with a strong sense of purpose. He built a successful career as a corporate manager with Sears Roebuck and raised four daughters. In 1970, he was transferred to Richmond, Virginia, where he would eventually find a new passion in retirement.
In his later years, Reeves turned to painting, studying at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. His transition from serviceman to artist is a powerful illustration of resilience and reinvention. It’s also a testament to the richness of post-war lives that many veterans built—lives filled with family, work, creativity, and community involvement.
As we mark eight decades since the end of World War II, stories like Reeves’ help ensure that the personal experiences of those who served are not lost to time. The war may be a distant chapter in history books, but for veterans like Bill Reeves, the memories are vivid and enduring. His account offers valuable insights into what it meant to serve during that era, and what it felt like to come home victorious, forever changed by the experience.
In a time when surviving World War II veterans are nearing or surpassing the age of 100, capturing and sharing their stories is more important than ever. These individuals are living links to a defining global conflict, and their firsthand narratives provide context that no textbook can replicate. Reeves’ reflections serve not only as a personal testimony but also as a tribute to the many who served alongside him, many of whom never returned home.
In honoring veterans like Bill Reeves, we preserve more than just memories—we uphold the legacy of courage, commitment, and community that helped shape the modern world. His journey from a 17-year-old enlistee to a Navy sailor, from a corporate leader to a dedicated artist, reflects the multifaceted lives of those who served. And in sharing his story, we are reminded of the importance of listening, remembering, and learning from the past.
