Cradle Cruise

The term "Cradle Cruise" refers to the enlistment of a US Navy recruit who was less than eighteen years of age when joining, a period that extended to his 21st birthday. When Lon Dawson, a kid from Chicago's north side, joined the navy in the spring of 1941, little did he know that war was just around the corner. When the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor later that year, he had to grow up, and fast. Cradle Cruise is an account of Lon Dawson's experiences during WWII and his observations as a US Navy Bluejacket. Dawson is the author of "The Jennie Hodgers Story," "A Promise Kept," and editor of the upcoming "Culinary Campaign: A History of Military Cuisine."