I was almost 15 - it erupted on my brother's 16th birthday...it really freaked him out and he has had issues with his birthday ever since (honest!).
I also remember all of the news coverage and interviews with Harry Truman. I haven't forgotten his name (the "R" coming before "S"...Harry S. Truman who approved the drop of the A" bomb and was born in Independence, MO as I was). I was freaked out to think that this guy was buried in 50+ feet of ash, etc. within seconds of the eruption. Dumba$$.
Geesh. Spooky!