The Remarkable Journey of Arthur Thomas Hunsberger: From a Virginia Farm to the Pacific Theater

Arthur Thomas Hunsberger, at the ripe age of 98, shares a riveting tale that spans nearly a century, weaving through the fabric of American history with personal anecdotes that illuminate the life of a man who has lived through some of the most pivotal moments of the 20th century. Born on October 15, 1925, in Clifton, Virginia, Arthur’s story begins on a farm in Fairfax County, where the simplicity of rural life shielded his family from the harshest impacts of the Great Depression. His early memories are filled with the self-sufficiency of farm life, a childhood spent amidst the chores and rhythms of the seasons without the modern conveniences of electricity or indoor plumbing.

The young Hunsberger’s life took a turn with the onset of World War II. At 17, he joined the Navy, seeking to avoid the draft and choose his own path in the service. His naval career was marked by assignments that placed him in the thick of the war’s dangers, including serving on armed guard duty aboard merchant ships. These vessels, vital to the war effort, faced the constant threat of submarine attacks, navigating treacherous waters from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic. Arthur recounts harrowing experiences of storms and near-misses with enemy submarines, painting a vivid picture of the life of a sailor in wartime.

USS Meriwether

After the war, Arthur returned to civilian life, embarking on a successful career as a licensed professional engineer. His post-war journey reflects the American dream, marked by marriage, family, and the establishment of his own business. Throughout, Arthur maintained a connection to his roots, visiting the family farm and the graves of his loved ones, reflecting on the changes time had wrought on the landscapes of his youth.

Arthur’s narrative is not just a chronicle of personal achievement but a testament to the values of hard work, resilience, and the pursuit of dreams. His life story, from the fields of Virginia to the theaters of World War II and back to the heart of America, offers a unique lens through which to view the tapestry of American life in the 20th century. As he approaches his centennial year, Arthur Thomas Hunsberger stands as a living bridge to a bygone era, his memories a treasure trove of lessons and inspirations for future generations.

About the USS Meriwether

The USS Meriwether (APA-203) stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit and resilience of the United States Navy during World War II. Constructed by Kaiser Shipbuilding in Vancouver, Washington, with her keel laid down on 27 July 1944, the Meriwether was a Haskell-class attack transport designed to carry troops and their equipment into the very heart of battle. Launched into a world at war on 18 October 1944 and commissioned shortly thereafter on 4 November, the Meriwether embarked on a journey that would see her play a critical role in the Pacific Theater.

Following a month of intensive amphibious training along the California coastline, the USS Meriwether set sail from San Diego on 8 January 1945, bound for Hawaii with a contingent of Marine Corps replacements. Her arrival on 14 January marked the beginning of a series of preparations aimed at readying the vessel and her crew for the upcoming Okinawa campaign, a battle that would prove to be one of the fiercest of the Pacific War.

The invasion of Okinawa saw the Meriwether at the forefront of the action on 1 April 1945. After making her way through Eniwetok, Ulithi, Palau, and Leyte, she played a pivotal role in landing troops and equipment of the 10th Army amid the constant threat of kamikaze attacks. Notably, she contributed to the downing of one such suicide plane on 3 April. Following her invaluable service at Okinawa, the Meriwether departed for Saipan on 15 April, carrying wounded soldiers whom she would safely deliver to care on the 18th. Her journey continued to Pearl Harbor and then San Francisco, where she embarked additional Navy support personnel for return to Okinawa.

The end of hostilities in August 1945 saw the USS Meriwether participating in the initial occupation of the Tokyo Bay area, bringing forces of the 6th Marine Division ashore on the 30th. She would later ferry occupation troops to Nagasaki from Saipan, marking her as a key player in the post-war reconstruction efforts in Japan.

With the conclusion of her active service in late 1945, the USS Meriwether transitioned to Operation Magic Carpet duties, returning American servicemen home. She continued in this capacity until joining the 19th Fleet at the year’s end. The Meriwether’s decommissioning and subsequent striking from the Navy Vessel Register on 1 October 1959, followed by her transfer to the Maritime Administration and final resting at Suisun Bay, marked the end of her storied service. Eventually scrapped, the USS Meriwether’s legacy lives on, honored with a battle star for her World War II service as a symbol of American naval prowess and dedication to the cause of freedom and peace.