Jack Herron was born on February 24, 1927 in Long Beach, California. He was a resident of Long Beach during the earthquake of 1933 and attended public schools in the area. In November of 1944, at the age of 17, and having completed 9 weeks of his senior year, he enlisted in the Navy. He completed basic training in San Diego, California, before attending Basic Submarine School and Diesel School in New London, Connecticut, receiving his high school diploma after completion of submarine school.
In September 1945, Jack was transferred to new construction aboard USS CUSK (SS-348) at Electric Boat Company, Groton, Connecticut. In November of that year, he was transferred to USS ATULE (SS-403) at Portsmouth Navy Yard, New Hampshire. From June 30 to September 15, 1946, he participated in Operation Nanook, which was the first fleet boat submerged run under the Artic ice, in the Kane Basin. It was during the return trip to New London, in August of 1946, that Jack "Qualified-in-Submarines" and received his dolphins. He also made MoMM3/C in December 1946. In April 1947, Jack was transferred to USS TORO (SS-422) and served aboard her until discharched in October 1947.
Returning home to Long Beach, he attended Long Beach City College. He was married in October 1950 and moved to Ventura, California, where he continued his education at Ventura City College, while working for Shell Chemical (1950-1962), also attending Calfiornia State University at Santa Barbara. Jack joined the securities investment business in 1962, retiring in 1993. Since retirement, his interests include surfing, sailing, powerboating, and is active in the Los Angeles Area Chapter of U.S. Submarine Veterans of World War II and the Los Angeles - Pasadena Base of United States Submarine Veterans Inc. Jack and his wife, Shirley, now live in Seal Beach, California.
Suggested Reading:
Williams, M.D., Submarines Under Ice, 1998, Naval Institute Press, Annapolis, MD (Ch. 4, pp. 42-51)
