Emery Thompson enlisted in the Navy on October 16, 1942 and reported aboard the Calvert on April 23, 1943 following graduation from the US Navy’s Wentworth Institute service school, Boston MA on April 10, 1943 where he had completed Machinist Mate training and certification.

He transferred off the Calvert sometime during late 1943 or early 1944.

Appreciation to Emery’s son, NCCS Bruce E. Thompson, USN, Retired for the personal items shown below.

View and download the 55 page document here: USS Calvert – Chronological Research Notes – 1941.11.15 to 1942.12.31

The document contains detailed chronological research notes for the period November 15, 1941 to December 31, 1942. During this period the USS Calvert:

• Was built, launched, trialed at dock and at sea, and placed into commission.
• Converted to transport by the U.S. Navy and underwent her shakedown cruise.
• Exchanged boat crews and officers with the USS Harry Lee and readied for emergency departure to participate in the Invasion of North Africa.
• Sailed to Safi, French Morocco and participated in the landings and unloading at Safi, French Morocco as part of Operation Torch.
  • Please note that the details for November 8th are relatively complicated given a series of contingent plans for landing plan at Safi, the Calvert’s specific role in the invasion, and lack of USS Calvert-specific deck logs for this period..
• Returned to Norfolk, VA and underwent repair, upkeep, and yard work.

Additional documents covering other periods of WWII are available here: https://www.usscalvert.com/history/apa32-1942-1947/

Notes:

• The document was last updated on February 2, 2026.
• Please contact me with any questions, additions, or corrections.

As always, thank you for visiting the website and anything you are wiling or able to share regarding the history of the USS Calvert.

Acquired this holiday card on Ebay a few days ago. Based on the configuration of the stack, the card is circa 1958 or later.

“All Good Wishes for Christmas and the New Year” and is signed Skipper, to Mom, is on the inside of the card.

Happy Holidays to everyone!