Joseph Scherf was born on 24 October 1886 in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. He enlisted in the United States Navy on 9 August 1907 at a recruiting station in St. Louis, Missouri. Scherf's first assignment was that of a commissaryman on USS Franklin from 6 December 1907 until his transfer to USS Alabama on 3 November 1908. He remained on Alabama for less than two months, and was serving on USS Hancock by 22 December. On 1 April 1912 Scherf began service on USS Saratoga, which was stationed in Shanghai, China from August 1913 until 12 December 1915. During this time Scherf was advanced to the rate of Ship's Cook First Class, and the following year he was appointed Commissary Steward. In June 1916 Scherf extended his enlistment for an additional four years and commenced duty on USS North Carolina. He served these four years on North Carolina before again reenlisting in 1920. After retiring from active duty, Joseph Scherf was employed as a civilian in the Supply Department of the U.S. Naval Air Station in Pensacola, Florida.
From the description of Papers, 1907-1933. (Navy Department Library, Naval History & Heritage Command). WorldCat record id: 52371602
