"Well the Boise finally did her duty for democracy and for a wonder we are still afloat…" (Diary, October 11, 1942)

Garnett Bailey Moneymaker

Garnett Moneymaker in uniform [n.d.] War: Korean War, 1950-1953; World War, 1939-1945 Branch: Navy; Navy Unit: USS Boise (CL 47) Service Location: Washington, DC; also: Pacific Theater Rank: Lieutenant; Lieutenant Junior Grade

When World War II erupted in December 1941, Garnett Moneymaker had already served several years of duty aboard the USS Boise as an electrician. Upon his re-enlistment, he recorded his day-to-day experiences in three diaries, which span his time in the Pacific Theater as well as in the Mediterranean during the invasion of Sicily. He discusses the politics, pleasures and annoyances of shipboard life, as well as providing a blow-by-blow account of the Battle of Cape Esperance on October 11, 1942, off the coast of Guadalcanal. In the midst of the battle, Moneymaker relates, "Can’t say just how I feel but I am definitely scared, but I can still do all that I am supposed to do. Just feel sorta small."