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Leslie Axelrod - Korean War

Leslie Axelrod enlisted in the U.S. Navy in September 1950, and following Electronics Technician School, he was accepted into the Navy's Officer Candidate School at Newport, Rhode Island, receiving his commission in March, 1952. He began his active service on the USS Lewis, a destroyer escort that was stationed off the coast of North Korea supporting ROK Navy mine sweeping operations. In December 1952 the Lewis was hit by North Korean artillery, sustaining serious damage and loss of life. Axelrod finished his service on the USS Wilkinson, helping install electronic equipment on one of the navy's newest vessels.

Interview Links

Feature Excerpt

Ship is Hit

Abstract

Interview Session 01 (Audio)

Early life, enlistment, and training in the Navy

Interview Session 02 (Audio)

Experiences on the USS Lewis off North Korea, and USS Wilkinson

Photos

Caption
Leah and Leslie Axelrod in their home in Highland Park, Illinois in 2017.

Where:
Highland Park, Illinois

When:
2017

Ownership:
Narrator’s photo

Caption
Leslie Axelrod, taken in his home in Highland Park, Illinois in 2017.

Where:
Highland Park, Illinois

When:
2017

Ownership:
Narrator’s photo