CA32/ USS NEW ORLEANS Taku, China   5 October 1945   To Whom It May Concern: The purpose of this letter is to introduce the bearer, John R. Radford, Machinist Mate First Class, United States Naval Reserve. I have been the Division Officer of this man for twelve months. I have found him to be desirable and dependable in his work as a watchstander and repairman on this vessel, showing intelligent initiative, industry, loyalty, and capably and tactfully handling the men under him. He has served thus aboard this vessel in time of war for twenty five months. His work has been primarily with the main propulsion turbines, turbo-generators, and many types of pumps. His character has been beyond reproach in sobriety, neatness and speech. He has never caused me to doubt his sincerity. There is no doubt in my mind that he will prove to be an asset in whatever capacity he is employed. C. S. Swift   Lieut. (jg), U. S. Navy "M" Division Officer         Left to Right, Front: Teresa, John Sr, Nadine, and Alexandria Radford    Left to Right, Back: John Jr, Debbie, Cindy and Dwight Radford Family Photo Taken January 1st, 1997, at Ann's Birthday Party John Radford stayed with the USS New Orleans until it arrived at the Philadelphia Navy Yard, arriving 12 March 1946, where he got his discharge, as Chief Machinist Mate. His skills were highly valued in the Navy. Now he had to adjust to civillian life. At this point, he figured that the best thing to do was to head back to Friends and Family in Chattanooga Tennessee, where he belonged, and start a new life. Teresa N. Radford Writes: My Father worked at Southern Railroad before the war. During WWII, the railroad's let men either join the service or be drafted. They would have their jobs, when they returned. He later started building houses part time. He build such good homes, that he quit the railroad, after 17 years, and started building homes, full time.  Around 1953 or 1954, my Mother's sister Ann and her husband Bob, bought a house from Dad. They got to know him and Ann introduced him, to my Mother,Nadine Jordan Radford.. They were married on August 21, 1954. I was born December 15, 1955. I am the oldest of three children. I have two younger brothers, John R. Radford, Jr. and Dwight A. Radford.  We lived in Hamilton County.  In 1959, Dad bought 160 acres, that is beautiful. He raised Charlois Cattle. That is a French breed. They are a beef cattle. Their meat is the best beef, you can eat. During the early 1960's, my Father developed bad health problems. It was so bad, that he retired to the farm. It was in the late 1960's that a Heart doctor found the problem. He had a micro valve that was bad in his heart. He had it replaced in July of 1975. It lasted for 30 years and it started to go bad. It caused him to have two major strokes and six mini strokes, that we know. He went down, so bad that Mom, had to put him in a Nursing Home. He died in September of 2004. It was Fluid around the Heart. The heart condition and Strokes also played a role, in his death. He and Mom were married just over 50 years!