Mr. Tavenner. What year was that?
Mr. Dennett. In 1942, October 19.
And after being employed there for some little time I was classified I-A in the draft. I didn’t know until after it was all over, but the company evidently thought enough of my work to get at least two deferments for me unbeknownst to myself. You remember there was something of a manpower shortage at that time.
I was finally inducted into service on the 27th of August 1943, took my 3-week furlough which was permitted to married men at that time, and reported to the service. I think it was the 17th of September of 1943, reported for active duty.
I remained in the service until, I think it was about October 10 of 1945, at which time I received an honorable discharge. But I was in somewhat broken health. So upon my return to Seattle I had to take some little time to recuperate, and spent a little time at the naval hospital which was conducted by the Navy at that time. It is now known as Firlands.
By the time I got out of the hospital the steelworkers were in their famous 1946 strike. So I couldn’t return to work until the strike was over. I did, however, return to work shortly after the strike was over. I think it was in April of 1946. And I have been working continuously there ever since.
Mr. Tavenner. Will you tell the committee whether or not you were a member of the Communist Party at the time that your pass was lifted?
Mr. Dennett. I was.
Mr. Tavenner. How long had you been a member?
Mr. Dennett. Well, originally I joined the Communist Party in 1931.