Morris Thompson - Mickey Strand - Veterans Series

Mickey Strand - Veterans Series

Korean War

Click on Veteran's photo to see their service story. These Warriors served during the Korean War

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Where can I donate?

I have created a way to accept donations to grow the project, use the WWII Veterans Portrait Series Go Fund Me.

Where are you located?

I live in the San Diego area but have traveled to many locations to interview and photograph Veterans.


How Long is an Appointment?

Appointments usually last an hour. But please free up time for Mickey to set up lights and cameras, hold the interview, and take some still photographers for in the project.

Do you accept reservations?

Yes is the simple answer to the question. Each appointment is set up as an individual session. Group sessions have been set up when I visited a senior living facility or many of the California Veterans Homes.

Copyright © 2024 Mickey Strand – Veterans Series
US Navy SN Korean War Morris E. Thompson was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on June 9, 1935, but grew up in Indianapolis, Indiana. He left Cathedral High School after his junior year when he decided to enlist in the Navy at 17. His mother signed the waiver to allow him to enlist in the Navy on 18 August 1952 at the recruiter’s office in Indianapolis, Indiana. He traveled by train from Indiana and reported to Boot Camp at the San Diego Recruit Training Command. SN Thompson reported directly to the fleet aboard the USS Clearwater County (LST-602), a Landing Ship Tank, part of the amphibious arm of the Navy. The ship was a shallow draft with doors on the bow, opening to allow landings on shallow beachheads. The ship had served in WW2 and was reconditioned in 1950 for service in the Korean War. Morris was assigned to the ship’s Deck department and manned a 40mm gun mount during General Quarters as a loader. Abled body seamen are the heart of every ship. Morris performed a wide range of duties as one of them, making him the jack-of-all-trades on ships and onshore. Whether you’re standing watch as a lookout, assisting as a search and rescue swimmer, or piping calls during a Navy ceremony, this job comes with adventure and pride. One of Morris’ favorite memories is training with the 40mm and shooting targets to stay proficient. Morris received his draft board notice after his 18th birthday while stationed overseas. He had already enlisted, and he told the board he was already busy when they came looking for him. He reported to the USS Guadalupe (AO-32), a Cimarron-class fleet replenishment oiler named for the Guadalupe River in Texas. He had a short tour on board the oiler. SN Thompson was recommended for reenlistment but was ready to end his service after one tour. He was sent home when the ship visited its forward operation port in Manilla in the Philippine Islands. After three years, seven months, and 15 days, SN Morris received his honorable discharge after completing his enlistment on April 2, 1956. Morris earned the Korean Service Medal with one engagement star, the National Defense Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, and a Good Conduct Medal while on active duty. He returned to Los Angeles, his home of record. Morris was married to Mrs. Constance Johnson, and they had one son. Morris has lived at the Cal Vet Home for many years.
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Morris Thompson - Mickey Strand - Veterans Series
US Navy SN Korean War Morris E. Thompson was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on June 9, 1935, but grew up in Indianapolis, Indiana. He left Cathedral High School after his junior year when he decided to enlist in the Navy at 17. His mother signed the waiver to allow him to enlist in the Navy on 18 August 1952 at the recruiter’s office in Indianapolis, Indiana. He traveled by train from Indiana and reported to Boot Camp at the San Diego Recruit Training Command. SN Thompson reported directly to the fleet aboard the USS Clearwater County (LST-602), a Landing Ship Tank, part of the amphibious arm of the Navy. The ship was a shallow draft with doors on the bow, opening to allow landings on shallow beachheads. The ship had served in WW2 and was reconditioned in 1950 for service in the Korean War. Morris was assigned to the ship’s Deck department and manned a 40mm gun mount during General Quarters as a loader. Abled body seamen are the heart of every ship. Morris performed a wide range of duties as one of them, making him the jack-of-all-trades on ships and onshore. Whether you’re standing watch as a lookout, assisting as a search and rescue swimmer, or piping calls during a Navy ceremony, this job comes with adventure and pride. One of Morris’ favorite memories is training with the 40mm and shooting targets to stay proficient. Morris received his draft board notice after his 18th birthday while stationed overseas. He had already enlisted, and he told the board he was already busy when they came looking for him. He reported to the USS Guadalupe (AO-32), a Cimarron-class fleet replenishment oiler named for the Guadalupe River in Texas. He had a short tour on board the oiler. SN Thompson was recommended for reenlistment but was ready to end his service after one tour. He was sent home when the ship visited its forward operation port in Manilla in the Philippine Islands. After three years, seven months, and 15 days, SN Morris received his honorable discharge after completing his enlistment on April 2, 1956. Morris earned the Korean Service Medal with one engagement star, the National Defense Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, and a Good Conduct Medal while on active duty. He returned to Los Angeles, his home of record. Morris was married to Mrs. Constance Johnson, and they had one son. Morris has lived at the Cal Vet Home for many years.