Morrow, Jack

Jack Morrow was born December 6, 1925 in Butler, Pennsylvania, though he grew up mainly in the nearby community of Kittanning, on the Allegheny River.  Jack’s father had worked for Pullman, but he lost that job as the Depression took hold, though he did find work with Metropolitan Life.  Jack remembers that the times were tough, but that they were tough for everybody.  He went to school in the small town, and when graduation came he was ready for his anticipated time in the military; Jack chose the Marines.  Basic training at Parris Island ensued, followed by advanced training at Camp Lejeune, where Jack trained on radar.  From there it was off to Hawaii for further training on Kauai, where the men learned the new radar system for the flak guns.  The next stop was Ulithi for a little R&R before the journey north to Okinawa, where the battle was already underway.  Jack’s job on Okinawa was to man the AA guns at Kadena Airfield, defending against Japanese air attacks.  In this capacity Jack witnessed the devastating Japanese use of kamikaze attacks, which were escalating against the US fleet.  He learned of the atomic bomb and end of the war while stationed on Okinawa, news that led to a tremendous celebration.  Jack ended up staying in Okinawa for about a year, serving in the army of occupation.  Then the long trip home began:  he was discharged and ready to resume his education and later start a family.  We interviewed Jack over zoom in March 2022 and would like to thank the Veterans’ Breakfast Club for their help in facilitating this.