Veteran for July 2009
Ira Wingo was born in Roby, Texas, to Charlie Wingo and his wife, Susie, on September 20, 1925. Ira and his sister grew up and went to school in Henrietta, Texas.
Like so many of his generation Ira's youth was dominated by the Great Depression. Ira married Sue Anderson on July 17, 1942 and in 1943, at 18, he left his bride and entered the U.S. Navy. He spent the next three years aboard the LST 799 as he served on missions at Subic Bay in the Philippine Islands and participated in the Okinawa Gunto Operation, as well as the occupation of Japan.
Sixty-four years haven't erased the images in Ira's mind of the crater left by the atomic bomb and the widespread devastation in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. But he also retains memories of the beautiful sunrises and sunsets he witnessed from the deck of his temporary home on the ocean.
Ira returned home to his wife and family in 1946 where they spent the ensuing years raising their sons, Gary and Dennis, and their daughter Nancy. Ira's leisure hours were spent fishing and pursing his hobby of woodworking. Gary, Dennis and Nancy gifted their parents with seven grandchildren who have, in turn, provided Ira and Sue with seven great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
Thank you Ira for your sacrifice and for your contribution to the safety and success of America.
