Criteria The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspa... The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspace; or, for any period of service during the same time period in Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia or the air spaces thereover and in direct support of operations in Vietnam. MoreHide
Best Moment
On ASVAB Test day (a Saturday) the Commanding Officer came down to see how things were going. No candidates testing for the Navy. 3 minutes before the test three car loads of high school students roll in. (Berlin HS, football practice was over so 12 students took the test for the Navy)
Other Memories
Took my 3 months leave, and still managed to get 167 assessions. Only actually missed star once. (However we were in a situation were we had to share assessions.)
Criteria The Navy Good Conduct Medal (NGCM) is a decoration presented by the United States Navy to recognize members who have completed three years of honorable service. Medals awarded before January 1, 1996 r... The Navy Good Conduct Medal (NGCM) is a decoration presented by the United States Navy to recognize members who have completed three years of honorable service. Medals awarded before January 1, 1996 required four years of service. MoreHide
Criteria The Navy Good Conduct Medal (NGCM) is a decoration presented by the United States Navy to recognize members who have completed three years of honorable service. Medals awarded before January 1, 1996 r... The Navy Good Conduct Medal (NGCM) is a decoration presented by the United States Navy to recognize members who have completed three years of honorable service. Medals awarded before January 1, 1996 required four years of service. MoreHide
Best Moment
Daughter number 2 born December 17, 1971
Other Memories
Keflavik was a great duty assignment. After a year we felt that we wanted to extend and did prepare the paper work. In the mean time Chief Steve Drago started talking up ADCOP. So I submitted that paper work. ADCOP came through before time for an extension.
Selected for ADCOP May 1972
Have you ever requested duty with brother? Well my brother did. He graduated at the top of his class in RM A school in Bainbridge. The duty assignment program was to post the available slots and allow the class to sign up by rank in the class. Harry said that there were 9 billets in Pensacola. Being at the top, he found that there were 3 slots in Keflavik. He took one. One of the requirements for assignment with dependents in Iceland was that you had to have a contract on an apartment before your wife was allowed to travel. We found a great spot on the main drag of Keflavik, got his contract and every thing was in motion. His wife Carol arrived three days before he did. (Just a side smile, her seat mate was another girl from St. Joseph, Mo. they did not know each other. They did have one thing in common though, they had both dated the same guy. My brother!) As wives are want to do, she did not like the apartment. Later found that it was the color of the bathroom not the apartment. But she would not move in. They stayed with us a couple of weeks and then the base temp housing. (Since we were in the process of packing for transfer to ADCOP in Pensacola) Remember the other girl on the airplane. The four of them shared an apartment for a while.
Criteria The Navy Good Conduct Medal (NGCM) is a decoration presented by the United States Navy to recognize members who have completed three years of honorable service. Medals awarded before January 1, 1996 r... The Navy Good Conduct Medal (NGCM) is a decoration presented by the United States Navy to recognize members who have completed three years of honorable service. Medals awarded before January 1, 1996 required four years of service. MoreHide
Best Friends
Bob Grimes Jerry Mays Mike Keys the entire watch section
Other Memories
I worked for Bob and Knobby at CINCLANT, made one TAD trip. After 11 years in the Navy I had just gotten married the year before and we had a 3 month old daughter. As it happened just before lunch Bob advised me that I would be going on a 120 day north Atlantic cruise. I am old Navy, no problem there. I was a rider in the PI so no big fear factor. I went home for lunch, while there I told my wife about the WASP TAD trip. Well this young lady that I met in WDC is a college graduate and independent, so she replies, "No your not, you have a 3 month old daughter and me in a town where we don't know anyone. Your not going!" I explained the needs of the Navy an orders are orders. "No, your not going!" Thinking that she married into my Navy and that was that, I headed back to the office.
The first person I met coming into the Comm Center was WO Proctor. (This is all leading somewhere about Knobby, honest). "I hear you will be leading the "O" branch detail on the WASP." "Oh, my wife says I can't go!" And I went on into the Comm Center.
Just before my shift was up, Mr. Proctor comes in and asks if we were going to be home this particular evening? Of course. Would it be alright if the Communications Officer, He and their wives stopped by? "Yeah? Sure!" I really did not relate the two events.
After supper I ran to Giant for cheese and coke. You know the visit was of course to convince Sandy that I was going. And of course they promised her all the help and support that she could need. (Oh, and Dawn (months) peed on Carol, that time and each time we got together.)
Skipping ahead, at the end of my ADCOP, I get a personal letter from Knobby. Welcome to Rota, we will help you getting settled, don' t know who your sponsor will be that will come in the official communications. Just wanted to give you a heads up, "what kind of ship do you want, we are DIRSUP here and we have all kinds!"
I ended up working for Skip McGee in the Training Division and never went TAD.
Criteria The Meritorious Unit Commendation may be awarded by the Secretary of the Navy to any unit of the Navy or Marine Corps that distinguishes itself under combat or noncombat conditions by either valorous ... The Meritorious Unit Commendation may be awarded by the Secretary of the Navy to any unit of the Navy or Marine Corps that distinguishes itself under combat or noncombat conditions by either valorous or meritorious achievement which renders that unit outstanding compared to other units performing similar service, but not sufficient to justify the award of the Navy Unit Commendation. MoreHide
Criteria The Meritorious Unit Commendation may be awarded by the Secretary of the Navy to any unit of the Navy or Marine Corps that distinguishes itself under combat or noncombat conditions by either valorous ... The Meritorious Unit Commendation may be awarded by the Secretary of the Navy to any unit of the Navy or Marine Corps that distinguishes itself under combat or noncombat conditions by either valorous or meritorious achievement which renders that unit outstanding compared to other units performing similar service, but not sufficient to justify the award of the Navy Unit Commendation. MoreHide
Criteria The Meritorious Unit Commendation may be awarded by the Secretary of the Navy to any unit of the Navy or Marine Corps that distinguishes itself under combat or noncombat conditions by either valorous ... The Meritorious Unit Commendation may be awarded by the Secretary of the Navy to any unit of the Navy or Marine Corps that distinguishes itself under combat or noncombat conditions by either valorous or meritorious achievement which renders that unit outstanding compared to other units performing similar service, but not sufficient to justify the award of the Navy Unit Commendation. MoreHide
Criteria The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspa... The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspace; or, for any period of service during the same time period in Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia or the air spaces thereover and in direct support of operations in Vietnam. MoreHide
Criteria The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspa... The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspace; or, for any period of service during the same time period in Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia or the air spaces thereover and in direct support of operations in Vietnam. MoreHide
Criteria The Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross Colors) was authorized to be worn by units individually cited for service in military operations in support of the government of Sout... The Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross Colors) was authorized to be worn by units individually cited for service in military operations in support of the government of South Vietnam. The actions cited are for the same services that would have resulted in the award of a Valorous Unit Citation by the Army or a Navy Unit Citation MoreHide
Criteria This medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who: 1. Served for 6 months in South Vietnam during the period 1 Mar 61 and 28 Mar 73; or 2. Served outside the geographical l... This medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who: 1. Served for 6 months in South Vietnam during the period 1 Mar 61 and 28 Mar 73; or 2. Served outside the geographical limits of South Vietnam and contributed direct combat support to the RVN Armed Forces for an aggregate of six months. Only members of the Armed Forces of the United States who meet the criteria established for the AFEM (Vietnam) or Vietnam Service Medal during the period of service required are considered to have contributed direct combat support to the RVN Armed Forces; or 3. Did not complete the length of service required in item (1) or (2) above, but who, during wartime, were: a. Wounded by the enemy (in a military action); b. Captured by the enemy during action or in the line of duty, but later rescued or released; or c. Killed in action or in the line of duty; or 4. Were assigned in Vietnam on 28 Jan 73, and who served a minimum of 60 calendar days in Vietnam during the period 29 Jan 73 to 28 Mar 73. MoreHide
Description This Campaign period was from 1 July 1966 to 31 May 1967. The growing Coastal Force devoted most of its attention to amphibious raids, patrols of shallow inlets and river mouths, troop lifts, and blocThis Campaign period was from 1 July 1966 to 31 May 1967. The growing Coastal Force devoted most of its attention to amphibious raids, patrols of shallow inlets and river mouths, troop lifts, and blocking support for allied ground sweeps. For instance, during Operation Irving in October 1966, ground forces and junk units in II Coastal Zone killed 681 Viet Cong troops. In addition, the junkmen established a government presence among the fishermen and provided them with medical services and other assistance. Sometimes the Coastal Force sailors convinced Communist soldiers to desert their units.
The enemy, who often attacked the 27 vulnerable Coastal Force bases, overran the triangular-shaped fortifications of Coastal Group 15 at Cua An Hoa in July 1965 and of Coastal Group 16 at Co Luy in August 1967. Other bases, however, withstood repeated assaults. In doing so, these facilities played a part in the allied effort that denied the enemy easy access to the coastal regions.
Viet Cong mines also took their toll of the command's MLMS fleet, which worked to keep open the shipping channel to Saigon. In August 1966 and again in January 1967, enemy mines sank an MLMS in the Rung Sat. The River Force did not fully employ its strength. The political troubles of 1965 and 1966 in the Republic of Vietnam, in which high-ranking River Force officers figured prominently, damaged morale and distracted personnel from their military mission.
The navy and the army rarely launched joint amphibious assaults against the Viet Cong. Operations reflected the River Force's lack of technically skilled crewmen, the poor maintenance and repair of river craft, and the absence of inspired leadership. Usually, only half of the command's units were ready for combat action, and many of these boats were committed by the army to static guard, resupply, troop lift, or other nonoffensive duties.
The reliance on defense over offense reflected the historic Vietnamese strategy of husbanding resources until there was clear advantage over an enemy. The Vietnamese Navy's River Force sailors often fought hard and bravely, killing many of the enemy and suffering heavy losses of their own, but their valor and sacrifice was not rewarded with strategic success. ... More
Memories 1966-1967 Each of the Cruisers were involved in Gunfire Support.
In one case we did not leave the line1966-1967 Each of the Cruisers were involved in Gunfire Support.
In one case we did not leave the line until the morning (early) of the first of the month. But not before we fired a full salvo of ordinance. When the CO came on the 1-MC, he announced that this month was tax free and combat pay eligble. Lets go to Manila! "Chorus of loud cheers throughout the ship"... More
Other Memories
First direct support assignment. Smallest possible space. The SUPRAD mobile boxes were actually wider. Everyone had to take turns doing thier job. Sometimes it was like you had to breathe at the same time.
Best Friends
Jerry Robinson Dave Guernsey Pat Fleming Vernon Sherill Darrel Wilkey
Other Memories
First assignment together with Joe Novak, first talked to him as a Chief - Detailer 1961 when he told me he was giving me a west coast assignment, which turned out to be Germany. Thank you Mr. Novak.
The barrack converstions following the night Chief Cox (Barracks MAA and NCO Club MAA), encountered a young sailor who was on his way from the barracks to the club in his cowboy outfit, that included Hat and boots and two strapped down real pistols.
Riding in Dave's TR Flipping the switch in the glove box to ignite the spark plug in the exhaust, flaming the car behind, usually a speeding taxi.
Criteria The Navy Unit Commendation may be awarded by the Secretary of the Navy to any unit of the Navy or Marine Corps that distinguishes itself by outstanding heroism in action against an enemy (but not suff... The Navy Unit Commendation may be awarded by the Secretary of the Navy to any unit of the Navy or Marine Corps that distinguishes itself by outstanding heroism in action against an enemy (but not sufficiently to justify the award of the Presidential Unit Citation). It may also be awarded to a unit that distinguishes itself by extremely meritorious service not involving combat (but in support of military operations), which renders that unit outstanding when compared to other units performing similar service. MoreHide
Description
USS CHICAGO Operations, Gulf of Tonkin
Criteria The Navy Good Conduct Medal (NGCM) is a decoration presented by the United States Navy to recognize members who have completed three years of honorable service. Medals awarded before January 1, 1996 r... The Navy Good Conduct Medal (NGCM) is a decoration presented by the United States Navy to recognize members who have completed three years of honorable service. Medals awarded before January 1, 1996 required four years of service. MoreHide
Criteria The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspa... The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspace; or, for any period of service during the same time period in Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia or the air spaces thereover and in direct support of operations in Vietnam. MoreHide
Best Friends
Sam Bass, my roommate from Bremerhaven. He was assigned to NAS Anacostia.
Best Moment
Meeting Johnny Units for the first time. Jack Cannon suggested that we might be able to get game movies from the Colts. Drove up, Johnny U was in the outer office with several others, just chatting. We ended up on the distribution for two 16MM reels, last weeks game and an older game. Since I ran the warehouse down the hill on Thursday afternoons we would make the bulk storage into a theater. Don't know how long it lasted since I transferred to PNSY a month or so later.
Years later we renewed our acquaintance, his office for his truck line was in the same building as AFEES, in Lithicum. The break area was an atrium with patio tables. He didn't remember me but he remembered "Jake Cannon" the greatest "Johnny U!" fan.
Worst Moment
The Navy guys would work on Saturday to protect the Records Manager. We liked him but the front office wanted him out, (civilian politics) so they just kept taking people away from him. Roger and I spent many a Saturday posting records.
The funny part about that was that I decided not to apply for a Supply Department job when I retired. So for the last 30 years I have done every job in the Supply Chain.
Other Memories
Working at GIECO four nights a week as a Quality Control analyst. We laughed, 4 of us would do in three/four hours a night what 12 did in an 8hr day. And we took a break. Got the same paycheck each week that I got for a month in the Navy. Using an old Marchant calculator, we became Karate experts with the tip of our fingers.
Living at Quarters K. Club Jason, wave quarters, talking to the folks in cars as they sat in traffic going up the hill.
Best Friends
Jesse James Johanna Hicks Herman Eugene Wood III Charlie Craign Ben Truitt Omar Sites
and the rest of a good crew
Worst Moment
November 1962 -- Todendorf, Germany. An O Brancher handed me a yellow piece of teletype paper on which was a short message. Return Petty Office Novak to Bremerhaven for immediate transfer to the USNS Muller. It seems the DK1 Phillip (Daddy)Adams; PN2 Omar Allen Sites and I were on our way ASAP!!!
Chain of Command
LCDR George Daniel Stien LtJG Richard Neoploitan
Other Memories
Where is the Muller??? We were sent to Brooklyn because it was supposed to be in the yard there for reoutfitting. (Not here! Rumored to have been moved to Philly. No, not here!) No one was sure, it might be in New Orleans! Following a week end in DC (New Years weekend)a kindly detailer who had been with us in Bremerhaven, got us orders out of the Receiving Station in Brooklyn. I ended up at Fort Meade, Daddy Adams at Anacostia, and I think Omar went to SecSta. Can't be sure,my ginsing and ginko biloba have not kicked in for the day.
My office was in the mat shop. Where else I was there to support the equipment supporters. One space in the back of the shop had large steel door to lock up things that should be locked up. We never locked it because Ops was locked. Any way the swing area of the doors made for a large open room. One of the Mat men was a good artist and draftsman. So he soon had a drafting table and a lot of work. Well Jack had a foul mouth. And it ran full time. From my office I could tell who came into the Mat shop, Jack could not, so it became fun to taunt him and wait for the response, which was certain, just as certain to be foul. The XO/Maint/Supply Officer did not appreciate the language... Needless to say, he was constantly remining Jack. (Sorry, Jack did John T and I do that to you.. you bet your bippy!)
While I am here. Novak is a family name. My grandfather came from Poland in 1913, his brother came a couple of years earlier. The brother went to Chicago and did not keep in touch. My grandfather went to St Joe Missouri. Well, I kept autographed photos of Kim Novak under the glass on my desk. The CO got in the habit of stoping by my office, flipping up any paper or material covering the pictures and saying, "Good morning beautiful." the first time that I responded, he let me know that it was not meant for me. Being the type that Iam, I cut out a series of bubbles, and wrote a bunch of smart assed sayings in them all addressed to him. Didn't stop him, thank goodness.
HAS ANYBODY SEEN LC??? Prior to becoming a CT, I enjoyed the benefit of being a Storekeeper, assigned as logistical support to the U.S. Naval Security Group Command. My first exposure to the CT's as was at the Receiving Station in Washington, D.C. As a group, and individually, these folks were quite friendly and helpful. So friendly in fact that they drew me right into the group with them. It wasn't until I arrived in Bremerhaven that I became aware of the difference. These folks felt themselves to be elite troops - hey, seriously. I mean like the Green Berets are to the regular Army! At least that is how it appeared to me. Honest, the first guy I met in the barracks said, "Hello, my name is Joe, what is your GCT(the basic score in the Armed Forces Qualifying Test), and then, do you play chess?" As it happened my score was quite high, and I played a very good game of Chess(that is until Keflavik in the early 70's, when suddenly everybody became a Bobby Fischer). Due to the lack of advancement opportunities for Storekeepers I was asked to consider conversion to a technical rating - one of which was CT. Having now served with SecGru for several years, it was only natural to switch. After a long talk with Commander Stein the decision was made to go for Communications Technician "O" Branch. This was a decision I enjoyed until I retired. After "A" school my assignment was Okinawa where my first Watch Supervisor was Vernon Sherrill. I believe had I have had another supervisor I would not have become as good a CT as I did. As a matter of fact, Vern and I both went before the LDO Board in Pensacola a few years later. It was during this LDO interview that the question was asked, "Petty Officer Novak, have you ever had a leadership problem?" Somewhere among my reviews is one that says something to the effect that "Petty Officer Novak while quite efficient lacks somewhat in tact!" True to that review I responded, "No, Sir, not now that I am a CT!" To which the Commander appropriately enough said, "Please, explain yourself" "Well sir, the young men who come through Communications Technicians School have such a high opinion of themselves that frequently when they encounter a GENSER Petty Officer, they often as not ignore the order or at a minimum, ask why?" The Commander sitting to the right of the Chair promptly inquired, "Our school?" This question was not answered by me but by the Chairman. "Commander, you haven't listened to very many of your own graduation speeches!" Needless to say I did not make LDO. Have you ever participated in a tug-o-war, or played Chess? Chess is a game where you have thought out several moves in advance, only to find that your opponent has countered before you actually make your first move. At this type of strategy LC was good, one of the best the Security Group ever trained. I first met LC in the midst of a horrible snow storm at Fort Meade, Maryland. I had the Barracks MAA watch when the Duty Officer called from the Palace to tell me to mobilize everyone E-6 and below in the barracks to clean sidewalks to the big building. It was 9 PM. The blizzard had just stopped and it was as bitter cold across that hilltop as only Fort Meade can be. The eerie glow of the lights of the building on the other side of the woods (there were woods in 1963) produced an iridescence against the fresh snow like the Aurora Borealis. The storm had begun early in the afternoon and condition white had been declared about 1:30 It had not been a safe night for neither man nor beast to be out. Thus everyone was in the barracks even a couple of married types who lived in Virginia. I dispatched the two duty seamen to roust out the residents. As I was completing roll call and giving the traditional "If we all work together the sooner we will be done" speech, a very quick, bright seaman stepped up to the locker where the shovels, brooms and scrapers were stored, and began passing them out. As six seperate details left the barracks each under the supervision of one of the resident First Class Petty Officers and one Marine Sergeant, things suddenly became quiet in the MAA office, with me at the desk and "LC" sitting up on the counter swinging his legs and smiling. "Why aren't you out there with the rest of the detail?" I asked. "no more equipment!" I had just met "LC" a relationship that was to continue for several years. (Even to this day and exchange of Christmas cards.) Before too long LC and I found ourselves assigned to ship construction. Being a plank owner on ship construction is not easy work. It means that you have to move every box, chair and whatnot that goes onboard. You do much that is outside of your job description and, frequently, rank has nothing to do with it. We were assigned to Camp Leroy Johnson, New Orleans, Louisiana as part of the 60 or so individuals assigned to put the USNS Sgt. Joseph E. Muller T-AG171 together. Yep, LC and I. At this time I was still a Storekeeper - in fact the only one onboard. This meant that all supplies came through me and it was my njob to see to the loading and storage. As the first of many, many semi-trailers were pulled along side, Capt. Stein told me to direct an all hands evolution. We had soon formed a daisy chain from dock to deck, and deck to store rooms. Even a couple of Chiefs were seen in the chain. But wait a minute! "Has anyone seen LC?" The duty officer standing at the head of the gangway was quick to inform me that since LC's great-great-grandfather had been a doctor LC was assisting Doc Taylor, our Corpsman, in setting up the Sickbay. You know, stowing away those 1/2 oz squat little bottles with the tin seals on top and those little blue and white boxes containing a weighty 25 or 50 4x4 gauze dressings. As we continued to sing the Jamaican Banana song, "Day O!" LC continued working in the only air conditioned space on the ship. Each month when the Muller pulled into port we were met by a contingent of trucks loaded with the supplies that we had been ordering throughout the month. Those first two days in port were always duty days for me as we had to release the drivers as soon as possible. It was a given - all hands evolution. dock to deck, deck to storeroom. Wait a minute!! "Has anyone seen LC?" Oh, says the Duty Communications Chief, "LC volunteered to courier the classified down to the Coast Guard Station in south Miami. "you mean in the air-conditioned sedan assigned to the Commanding Officer?" "yes, he will be back sometime this afternoon. Did you need him for something?" We continued to sing the Jamaica Banana song, "Day O!" Now don't get me wrong since Fort Meade LC and I had become the best of friends. We enjoyed taking liberties together, often double dating since both had girl friends that lived in Fort Lauderdale. We would club hop or gather at one or another of the pool lounges that were scattered along the beach. In fact we had been known to take our lady friends for an evening swim. fully clothed. Yes, we were friends. In November of 1964 I was due to transfer. About this same time the powers that be realized, after many communications on the matter, that they had initially overlaoded us by nearly 4,000 boxes of paper - 4,000 forty four pound boxes. This time the semi that met the ship was empty. The Captain said, "Tony, you will need all hands for this one!" Daisy chain, storeroom to deck, deck to dock. Did I mention the bulk storeroom on the Muller was a mid deck below the operations center? The overhead clearance was 4 feet 4 inches? When I made issues I crawled, bent low or just banged my head for the heck of it. Now Ben Truitt was one of several great First Class Petty Officers onboard the Muller at that time and he joined me at the head of the daisy chain, bending low swinging the boxes out of the storeroom to the ladder. But wait a minute! "Has anyone seen LC?" Ben was quick, "Go get him Tony!" On deck I encountered the Captain, "Captain have you by any chance seen LC?" "No," came the ready reply. To be followed by, "Wait a minute, Tony, yesterday, LC volunteered to clean every weapon in the armory when we got into port. Look in the Armory!" Sure enough, smelling of suntan oil not gun oil, wearing only his swim suit and thongs, there was LC. Sitting cocked back from the workbench with his crossed feet resting on a workbench. The Captains .38 cal. revolver held in a soft cloth as LC wiped the blue-black metal to a well cleaned shine. "petty Officer Second Class LC, your assistance is needed below decks." After a very brief stop to get him into dungrees and shoes it was to the head of the line where Ben had begun a steady cadence. Well I have always been round and continually at the edge of being out of shape, but that day LC and I moved every box, from that storeroom to deck, and deck to dock to the rhythum of the Jamaican banana song, "Day O"!" The last time I saw LC, he invited Warrant Officer Truitt and I to lunch in Norfolk, by this time it was Lieutenant LC. DID I MENTION THAT LC WAS ONE OF THE BEST SECGRU EVER TRAINED?
Let me tell you about Willey Wilberforce, not his real name. In those long ago times when we were known as Communications Technicians, what we were called before we were Cryptologic Technicians, it was felt that the various branches of the CT's came in academic or intellectual tiers. Today, I imagine the term "airhead" might be used to describe those attuned to such loftier stratospheres. Well, Wilberforce was a few notches above genius and very into amateur radio. So much so that his 1960ish Nash, you remember, big as a tank and a ride like a boat was outfitted with two of those long, long whip type antennas, and a huge radio apparatus under the dash board.
Back in the days when our homeport was Fort Lauderdale, Fla, many of us who were without personal transportation were relegated to hitching a ride with whoever might be going our way. On this particular morning, five of us had talked Willey into taking us downtown.
Contrary to some likes and other tales about sailors that mothers use to scare their daughters with, some of us actually did go shopping and just browsing about the downtown stores, followed by a light luncheon in a nice department store restaurant.
Returning to the story, we all piled into Wilberforce?s boat (car). Young men seem to pile, especially in the days before seatbelt laws. Even with the radio apparatus in place there was room for two passengers in the front seat. Remember back then cars came with what is fondly remembered as bench seats.
We headed west out of the port area and then right onto Highway 1. That broad eight lane artery that connected Fort Liquordale with Hollywood, Miami and West Palm Beach. This was well before the interstates; in fact Wilberforce had been heard to comment that, "Ashville only had one stop sign as you headed for Ellsworth." Going into Fort Lauderdale, there were a number of intersections that had signal lights, and some of those intersections were also multi-lanes crossing Highway 1. Well about a minute before we arrived at one such major intersection, probably Broward Boulevard, Wilberforce put out his CQ "anybody copy, this is Kxxjxx?" Then came the Intersection and the light was red. Appropriately Willey stops his vehicle.
All five of us were chattering about the things that we each hoped to accomplish with our lives, the last play we had attended in New York before this assignment and our planned activities for this in port period. Above all we were not particularly paying attention to the driver who was in another world! When all of a sudden, from some unseen speaker hidden under the dashboard of this monster car, built like a tank and a ride like a boat, comes this loud voice "go ahead Kxxjxx, this is Kxxnxx! Willey and his car, with us in it, went straight through that intersection against a very bright RED light. We scrambled for the floor, each looking for some sort of protection within that car. That Nash fairly flew through that intersection, delivering us unscratched and highly shaken on the other side. There is a God in heaven, and the six of us who owe our lives and the lives of our as yet unborn families to Him, love and appreciate Him. During the following in port period I had occasion to purchase a car for myself...
Have you ever heard of a Sea Bat? Sea Bats proliferate onboard Navy ships that have not experienced long excursions at sea for a period of time. They require a steady source of uninitiated sailors, the more junior the better. But occasionally they have been known to attack a commissioned officer. This is one such occasion aboard the USNS Muller.
We had been lulling along for nearly a week; the off watch crew had been enjoying the customary topside activities. Topside, off-duty time usually involved some variation of sunning. We enjoyed a good Commanding Officer who with his Executive Officer did their best to make a long boring task palatable. Thus the topside attire was more often than not a swimsuit, or at least shirtless. Playing pinochle on a blanket spread out on the wooden deck scoured to a powdery white; writing letters while seated on the hatch cover of one of the cargo holds; or sunning in general while watching dolphin, counting waves or clouds were all common activities.
One bright hot afternoon, we were enjoying these consuming activities when suddenly the word spread! A Sea Bat had been captured and was being held captive on the #2 hatch cover. Almost immediately, no longer was it just the off-duty crew but the watch-standers as well had found a way to come topside for a look-see.
A loud chorus of laughter broke out as the first neophyte took a close look at the Sea Bat! Soon followed by several other loud screams and cheers. Among the onlookers were the CO and the XO both of whom seemed to be enjoying the proceedings right along with everyone else. Needless to say, the Duty Watch Officer (a full fledged Navy Lieutenant) isolated down in the Operations Center, found the voicestrous comings and goings of his watch very puzzling.
Sure enough he was soon compelled to come topside for a look-see himself. Without hesitation, he marched past the CO, the XO, assembled Chiefs and various other ranks, bounded up onto the #2 hatch cover and asked, "Do you really have a Sea Bat in that box?" Using a stick similar to the ones used by fraternities and sororities, the keeper of the bat pointed to the overturned wooden box and loudly replied, "Yes, Sir!" The keeper of the bat then, with a questioning look, peered over at the CO and the XO and receiving one of those nods that says, "If you must, you must" The khaki-clad figure bent to peer under the box, being appropriately cautious so as to not release this previously unseen mammal. "Smack!" was closely followed by a chorus of laughter. With a sudden jerk, the Lieutenant stood up to his full height, extended his hand to his backside while turning to the keeper of the bat, "Hey," whereupon he once again turned his full attention to the box. Now the keeper of the bat, after that first, possibly restrained activity, once again turned toward the Commanding Officer, as to ask, "What now?" The CO responded with those raised eyebrows that senior officers typically give to juniors after they've been returned by Shore Patrol or when they're explaining a traffic ticket in a military vehicle; he followed this with a definite, affirmative nod of the head. By this time, the Lieutenant had taken a fully exposed position in preparation to lifting the edge of the box. "CRACK! KAPOW! SMACK! POP! BANG! The bat-keeper's previously restrained arm now swung the fraternity paddle with all the strength and vigor that a young, healthy male can muster on a hot, sunny afternoon. "Hey," I said quit that I want to see the Bat!!! The yell that erupted could be heard two decks below as the assembled crew let out a roar of laughter the equal of which is yet to be heard on any Navy ship since.
Criteria The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service... The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service during the current War on Terrorism. In addition, all members of the National Guard and Reserve who were part of the Selected Reserve in good standing between August 2, 1990, to November 30, 1995, are eligible for the National Defense Service Medal. In the case of Navy personnel, Midshipment attending the Naval Academy during the qualifying periods are eligible for this award, and Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Midshipmen ae only eligible if they participated in a summer cruise that was in an area which qualified for a campaign medal. MoreHide
Best Moment
Playing Bridge at Schraffts at the training center during lunch hour and during the day down the hall in the wing that was set up like a (ships storeroom).
Worst Moment
That would have been just like being an SK2 at Fort Meade. No one knew why I was there. So they dumped me in a Procurement Group, I had LT. Hill on one side Captain Demolin behind me, and two civilians on the right side, and we picked our work out of the same in basket. And my boss did not find me until I had been on board for 4 weeks. He called me on the phone, asked why I had not checked in with him. I started looking around the room to see who was on the phone. None of the officers were talking on the phone. He finally explained that he worked on the top floor of the old building, I was on the bottom floor and we were at opposite ends of the building. I made one trip up to his office, shook hands and said good bye. He asked me to call him to check in each day. Some time he would call and ask if I could meet LCDR Stien and himself for coffee at one of the snack bars.
Other Memories
Bridge at Schraffts, we played a few hundred hands. We hand people who came and went. A few years ago, my brother married a girl in Overland Park, Kansas. Her parents had worked at Fort Levenworth until they both retired. While talking with the young ladies mother we found that we both liked bridge. She had worked in DC. Where? Aaah, Fort Meade! Do you mean NSA? We finally decided that she probably played a few hands with us at the training center. But she had not come down to the storeroom for any of the extended lunch hours. And the world grows smaller.
Criteria The Navy Good Conduct Medal (NGCM) is a decoration presented by the United States Navy to recognize members who have completed three years of honorable service. Medals awarded before January 1, 1996 r... The Navy Good Conduct Medal (NGCM) is a decoration presented by the United States Navy to recognize members who have completed three years of honorable service. Medals awarded before January 1, 1996 required four years of service. MoreHide
Comments
Stayed clear of recordable trouble, somehow.
Best Friends
Larry Bass Dave Mayberry Jerre Robinson
Worst Moment
On the train leaving Bremerhaven
Other Memories
GEOGRAPHY LESSON "The early ' 60s saw many of us return to active duty. The receiving station at Anacostia, across the river from Washington, D.C., was the place many of us were assigned to while waiting for Orders to our future Navy homes. It was here in 1961 that I encountered my first "CT". As a seagoing storekeeper, I had never seen one that I knew of. Life at the Receiving Station, after morning muster, was full of "kill time" assignments that sent you about the station and out of the Master-at-Arms hair. Since we were almost all third, second or first class petty officers, we did our share of supervising this leaf brigade, or other cleanup details. Like a proper sailor, I was prepared to await the roll of the dice and accept whatever the future held for me in the way of orders. Not so these "CT's". They were on the telephone every day to "their detailer", arguing, cussing and a fussin'. About half would get what they wanted, or, at least they were prepared for the phrase on the orders that said, "Transfer to." About that time Anacostia was swamped with CT's, so a Storekeeper was really out of place. These guys didn't even know how to spell ship, and did not expect orders to any type of seagoing duty. Honest! (1961! Things have changed since then) Well, one evening, while lounging around the recreation room, one of them asked me if I had called the detailer? "What?", I asked. "How do you do that?" "You don't know the phone number for your detailer?" "Here, call mine, he might have something for you!" The next morning I placed my first telephone call to the BUPERS detailer, as it turned out, the Naval Security Group detailer. "Detailer, Chief Novak, how can I help you?" "Chief, this is Storekeeper Second Class Novak. I was told you could help me with a duty assignment." Chief Novak responded in a friendly manner. "Where do you want to go?" "Well, Chief, I like the West Coast!" After what seemed a truly short pause, he came back at me. "You're in luck, I just happen to have a set of West Coast orders for a Storekeeper on my desk. Do you want them?" "Wow, sure and thanks." "We'll cut the orders today. They will be at Anacostia by day after tomorrow." True to his word, the PN from the Receiving Station called the Galley and asked me to report to fill out some paper work. The Galley was a temporary assignment, where, it seems that the First Class Commissaryman Cook who ran the galley office had been hospitalized. They needed an office manager ASAP and I was available. So, I had been working in that position for about four weeks. In fact, that morning the Supply Officer, a Lieutenant Commander, who was in charge of the Galley, had just told me the job was mine if I wanted it for a permanent assignment. Off to Personnel I went. At that office, a person named Carolyn, flopped a bundle of papers on the counter when I came in. "Here, start filling these out. You have to have a Security Clearance for these orders." "Wait a minute, what's a clearance?" "This unit gets a security clearance for all their troops. Start writing!" "What ship is it and which homeport? San Diego or Long Beach?" "Neither one, you're going to Bremerhaven, Germany." "Germany! No, there must be some mistake. That Chief at BUPERS told me I was going to the West Coast!" Well, one of the CT's quickly came to the rescue. Taking me over to the large world map on the wall, he explained it to me that, "Bremerhaven, is indeed on the west coast of Germany!"
Oh, how different life might have been had I staid at Anacostia. The kids would have called Carolyn mom and we might have ended up in south Georgia?:)
EUROPE
The early 1960?s
Germany, in the seaport city of Bremerhaven, late January, the hour is late!
As most stories of this sort begin. It was a dark and windy night, the cold winds pressed in off of the North Sea, carrying the smell of sea and a light taste of salt. The dampness eased itself into your clothing, chilling deep within the lungs. The evening?s festivities had just about wound down as I stepped out of the Rio Rita. The cobble stone sidewalk, slick with an accumulation of mist was treacherous. Walking cautiously to the corner, past the empty space between the buildings that served as a parking lot for the Rio Rita and the two Angels, past the Angels to the corner. I turned down the narrow street that led toward Rieckmastrasse. As I approached the intersection, the lights grew brighter with huge yellow-white halos casting a glow up onto the darkened windows of the second and third floors of the gray stucco buildings on the far side of the street. I waited at the curb as the wet smack of tires accompanied by a rumbling sound as each tire passed rapidly from one large cobble stone to the next announcing the swift passing of an automobile. I recognized immediately the headlights of a Mercedes as it sped buy me, with motor making that tapping click like a clock, and whizzed on, leaving for just a second an empty space in the mist and an odor that let me know it had been a diesel engine. Following closely behind was the dark yet distinct outline of a huge BMW sedan, gleaming black almost frightening as it passed with its engine so quiet that only the movement of air and the thump of the tires on the street made you aware of it. I crossed the street angling to the left. The lights of the theater marquee spread an eerie glow in middle of the block. In that haze of pale yellow light stood a cluster of folks huddled with their backs to the wind, standing close to each other at the bus stop. A light behind the crowd, identified the tiny ?Worst Stand? next door to the theater, it drew me like a moth. The smell of the various fried meats wafted out in to the night air as a customer exited the shop, his collar turned up against the chill of the breeze, with a ?bratwurst? firmly clutched by its handle of bread wrapped around the middle of the wurst. A brownish yellow stripe of mustard down its length shone against the shine of the meat casing. Entering, the narrow shop, little more than a corridor between two tall buildings that had been closed in, I edged toward the back of the shop, my left shoulder brushing the slot machine. That ever present glow of pale yellow light from the night outside seemed to follow me inside, just slightly brighter as it reflected grease and smoke stained walls that once might have been white. The heat from the grill and the huddled diners made the niche at the counter a welcome place to stop. Just one bratwurst and a small plate of potato salad and then it would be time to continue on this solitary journey. The hiss of the air brakes from the brownish green bus announced its arrival. It had it stopped to pick up passengers from the curb outside serving to remind me of my mission for it was late and only one more bus remained for the evening. Inside the bus gloved hands wiped the fog from the windows exposing dark eyes in expressionless faces, passengers huddled together, hardly speaking, friends, acquaintances maybe, but all were going toward that one destination across the flat land hidden behind the dikes.
The hot spicy mustard combined with the freshly grilled bratwurst begun to warm my insides. Turning to leave I dropped a 5 phennig piece in the coin opening of the slot machine mounted on the wall, giving the little red know a turn. The two clock like dials spun in opposite directions, stopping with a shudder the arrows were just one notch off, nothing. What the heck, a second 5 phennig piece followed the first; the second coin resulted in the clatter of change into the metal box at the bottom of the machine as the spinning dials came to rest on the 5 mark spot. Refreshed, warm and aglow with this new prosperity, I returned to the street. The wind was still there?not blowing, not pressing, just there. The damp made everything look as though it was covered with a glaze of ice. Each step toward the bus stop reminded me of my winnings as the change now in the form of 1 mark coins clanked together and rubbed against my leg thru the pocket.
At that moment the deep roar of a powerful car burst through the night followed by the headlights and the shadowy outline of a large OPEL, Capatain. The outline was broken by the orangish glow in the right front window, indicating that it was a TAXI available for hire. ?Why not?? Suddenly I was anxious to have this evening over with, besides I had won enough to pay the fare to my destination. Flagging the Taxi to a stop, I climbed into the back seat. Oh, the leather was so soft, not the stretched canvas of the military bus that would have carried me. In my now improved German I gave him directions to the airport, since the locals still referred to it by its now minor occupation. Inside the warmth and softness begun to lull me to drowsiness, as the driver negotiated the streets. The tires bouncing off of the trolley rails could hardly be felt. The driver sped around the corner and down the narrow windy street that led to the main thoroughfare. I had just about given into closing my eyes, when all of sudden the blast of police whistles and shouts of ?HALT!? roused me slightly?enough so that I was able to catch myself to keep from being hurdled over the huge bucket seat that was in front of me. All of a sudden there were two Police Officers. One stood on each side of the Taxi, yelling and gesturing wildly to the driver. My childhood German had begun to return as I had mentioned, but I could not make out all of the meaning. From the jesters and the jabber I was certain that a criminal, possibly a major villain had gone down the street in front of us and that this taxi, my taxi was being commandeered for a chase. Suddenly I was wide-awake, my hands still continued to grip the thick leather upholstery of the front seat. The officers in their long black leather overcoats were frightening. The dull glow of the beam of light coming from small flashlights clipped to the left shoulder of those coats seemed surreal. Just as suddenly as they stopped the car, they were now inside, one in with the driver and the second joining me in the back seat. His coat damp with an evening?s accumulation of mist looked like it was made of patent leather or shiny plastic. As he set down on the edge of the seat next to me he only nodded. He didn?t speak; just nodded and then curtly said to the driver, ?rous mit die? and slapped the back of the driver?s seat with a nightstick that I had not noticed before.
Oh, the OPEL Capatain (what a car?it seemed larger than the Mercedes) truly leapt to the call, throwing all of us back with a jolt as the TAXI lunged forward. The driver had waited many years to be called into action like this. I had seen the movies and TV shows (Black and White) of foreign intrigue, the chases of Brian Keith. They all came rushing to my mind, the screech and hiss of steam from the Budapest Express; it was all here tonight in this TAXI. James Bond was still being read by President Kennedy, and thus had not been translated to the Movies. Onward charged this dynamo of a car rounding the turns at high speed while keeping all four tires firmly on the knobby cobble stones sliding only slightly as we crossed the damp trolley rails. ?HALT!?
Just as suddenly as they had appeared the officer brought the taxi to a stop. Leaping out as the car continued to rock, they raced forward, running and once again blowing their whistles, and yelling ?HALT!?
In front of us appeared in the mist, the object of their chase, was a nearly out of control vehicle with its wheels careening from the curb, their quarry a ?Drunken Bicycle Rider!?
My taxi and I continued on to the Army Base and my cot in the barracks to dream of the adventure that might have been that night in Bremerhaven, Germany.
One night at the bowling alley in Bremerhaven, Germany, LCDR C. Benjamin; the Chaplain and myself had a little contest to see who had the best developed profile. I don't remember who won but we used Jimmy Durante as a benchmark. The Chaplain was fun, his favorit expression both positive and negative was, "HOT HAM!"
Reminders from Capt East's Bio, Been working my mind over to recognize names and folks.
Thanks for the Don Ward and Collier reminder. Then you add baseball, and were we all went for enjoyment. And one catcher who loved to throw dirt on the shoes of the batter. Being a Storekeeper of course we kept an eye on Carl Mitchell would throw himself into the game with flying horizontal catches. And McBride the unbeatable pitcher.
One of my tasks was to be responsible for the records of "accountable equipments." Many of which were just model numbers. Being the only cleared SK in the Division at the time, it fell to me, twice a year to account for all signed out items. So I walked through the spaces, top to bottom. (You can't come in here, Yeah, he can, was always the comments). T Bird spaces were the most difficult, one fellow sat inside the double doors on the front room. "Find what your looking for", "No this modelxx is driving me and Chief Cox nuts" After a week of cris crossing the building, deep in the keller, up in the dormers, a Chief in the sub sub keller seemed to think that it was reperf tape machine, that is now called a.... Well it was back up to the main floor. "Howie, whats that thing your working in front of, thats what I have been looking for!" And this went on regularly.
The Navy motor pool in Bremerhaven was overseen by a mechanic named "Pete." One week I was assigned a new chevy pickup to get a classifed package to Todendorf. He advised me to keep the speed down to 45 since the engine was new...
When I returned the truck four days later, he asked if I had done as he said, oh, sure never over 45.
A couple of weeks later I was at the motor pool when they get a note from admin that a unidentified navy vehicle blew threw Hamburg at about 60 mph. Took about five minutes to figure out who that was....
When Pete opened his own shop, he took personal care of Mercedes...
Other Memories
Released from the USS BOSTON CAG 1, as it was going to the Med and I was due for discharge. Good month. Bowling 4-5 hours a day Trips Boston
Best Moment
Finding out that I was being assigned to NSGA GEOGRAPHY LESSON "The early ' 60s saw many of us return to active duty. The receiving station at Anacostia, across the river from Washington, D.C., was the place many of us were assigned to while waiting for Orders to our future Navy homes. It was here in 1961 that I encountered my first "CT". As a seagoing storekeeper, I had never seen one that I knew of. Life at the Receiving Station, after morning muster, was full of "kill time" assignments that sent you about the station and out of the Master-at-Arms hair. Since we were almost all third, second or first class petty officers, we did our share of supervising this leaf brigade, or other cleanup details. Like a proper sailor, I was prepared to await the roll of the dice and accept whatever the future held for me in the way of orders. Not so these "CT's". They were on the telephone every day to "their detailer", arguing, cussing and a fussin'. About half would get what they wanted, or, at least they were prepared for the phrase on the orders that said, "Transfer to." About that time Anacostia was swamped with CT's, so a Storekeeper was really out of place. These guys didn't even know how to spell ship, and did not expect orders to any type of seagoing duty. Honest! (1961! Things have changed since then) Well, one evening, while lounging around the recreation room, one of them asked me if I had called the detailer? "What?", I asked. "How do you do that?" "You don't know the phone number for your detailer?" "Here, call mine, he might have something for you!" The next morning I placed my first telephone call to the BUPERS detailer, as it turned out, the Naval Security Group detailer. "Detailer, Chief Novak, how can I help you?" "Chief, this is Storekeeper Second Class Novak. I was told you could help me with a duty assignment." Chief Novak responded in a friendly manner. "Where do you want to go?" "Well, Chief, I like the West Coast!" After what seemed a truly short pause, he came back at me. "You're in luck, I just happen to have a set of West Coast orders for a Storekeeper on my desk. Do you want them?" "Wow, sure and thanks." "We'll cut the orders today. They will be at Anacostia by day after tomorrow." True to his word, the PN from the Receiving Station called the Galley and asked me to report to fill out some paper work. The Galley was a temporary assignment, where, it seems that the First Class Commissaryman Cook who ran the galley office had been hospitalized. They needed an office manager ASAP and I was available. So, I had been working in that position for about four weeks. In fact, that morning the Supply Officer, a Lieutenant Commander, who was in charge of the Galley, had just told me the job was mine if I wanted it for a permanent assignment. Off to Personnel I went. At that office, a person named Carolyn, flopped a bundle of papers on the counter when I came in. "Here, start filling these out. You have to have a Security Clearance for these orders." "Wait a minute, what's a clearance?" "This unit gets a security clearance for all their troops. Start writing!" "What ship is it and which homeport? San Diego or Long Beach?" "Neither one, you're going to Bremerhaven, Germany." "Germany! No, there must be some mistake. That Chief at BUPERS told me I was going to the West Coast!" Well, one of the CT's quickly came to the rescue. Taking me over to the large world map on the wall, he explained it to me that, "Bremerhaven, is indeed on the west coast of Germany!"
Oh, how different life might have been had I staid at Anacostia. The kids would have called Carolyn mom and we might have ended up in south Georgia?:)
Worst Moment
Finding out that I was being assigned to a group called NSGA-Bremerhaven. The detailer had promised me west coast. (West Coast of Germany was not a consideration!)
Other Memories
Meeting my first CT's Filling out my first BI request
Criteria The Navy Unit Commendation may be awarded by the Secretary of the Navy to any unit of the Navy or Marine Corps that distinguishes itself by outstanding heroism in action against an enemy (but not suff... The Navy Unit Commendation may be awarded by the Secretary of the Navy to any unit of the Navy or Marine Corps that distinguishes itself by outstanding heroism in action against an enemy (but not sufficiently to justify the award of the Presidential Unit Citation). It may also be awarded to a unit that distinguishes itself by extremely meritorious service not involving combat (but in support of military operations), which renders that unit outstanding when compared to other units performing similar service. MoreHide
Criteria The Navy Expeditionary Medal is awarded to Navy personnel who have landed on foreign territory and engaged in operations against armed opposition or who have operated under circumstances deemed to mer... The Navy Expeditionary Medal is awarded to Navy personnel who have landed on foreign territory and engaged in operations against armed opposition or who have operated under circumstances deemed to merit special recognition and for which no campaign medal has been awarded. MoreHide
Best Moment
My transfer from NAS Memphis was in December. Following the usual 2 weeks at home I boarded a train (cool way to travel in 1961)for Boston. In Chicago I had a surprise, had to change trains and what a change it was. Of course I was traveling in Uniform so I stood out to start with, but the car the conductor put me in was "Outstanding!" Guys, if you have to suffer try two days on a train in a car with nothing but Wellesley College girls returning from Christmas break. Hit it off with one young lady, a sophomore from Portland, Oregon. The fact that we had an extra 17 hours in Buffalo during a blizzard helped. For the next two years she was number one on the wish list. Saturdays was open cafateria day, so I would go up on the MTA. Had to ride out to the end of the line and then walk about a mile. Of course we are talking January on, so that met deep snow. Well when the guys who were visiting other young ladies at Wellesley found that I was "enlisted!" I was informed that this was "Officer Country!" Most were up from Newport and at that point "wannabes." Wrong thing to say, I came up every Saturday after that, at least whenever the USS Boston was in port. Much to my horror, she sent me a dear john while I was stationed in Bremerhaven, she was going to marry a Navy Officer:)! But I had a lot of fun until then at the movies in Framingham and just being friends with a great girl.
After three months of not having the opportunity to paint the yellowing walls of my 7 storerooms, during which time I was constantly reminded that the 2nd class in charge of the forward storerooms had his looking like showrooms. (he had 12 guys and 5 storerooms; I had 2 guys and 7 storerooms). We had our quarterly inspection. A boatswains mate seaman who had 8 years in was converting to SK, did a fast clean up, then went to the galley and got a tray of cinnamon rolls, made a fresh pot of coffee (all coffee messes were to be secured during the inspection). When the toughest inspector on the ship a Commander who even the Captain was said to fear came down the ladder, he leaped for the overhead light fixture, dragging all eight fingers across the fixture, looked at his fingers, no dirt, down to his knees, runs his hand back under my desk and files (supply still used pull out card files), no dirt. He stood for a second looked around the storeroom pulled out a storage drawer that was at waist high, ran his hand around inside, no dirt. "Outstanding!" The ensign carring the towel, said, "but sir there are 6 other store rooms!" "You check them out, if there is coffee in that coffee pot I'be right here with this Petty Officer." "Is there coffee?, is it fresh?, do you have milk?, good." "And rolls!, good going, thats what I like about the Supply Department." When my supervisor called for a report on the inspection, he nearly dropped when advised that it was "Outstanding!" Oh the forward storerooms, the EX O inspected them. He asked if this was also and office space since it included, desks, file cabinets and a stock index file. When advised that it was, He noted that the file cabinet and desk drawers were not open and staggered, "Unsat" Needless to say I very happy to have transferred before the next quarterly inspection. Thank you Johnson, I understand that you staid on board and made Chief before I came back aboard in 1967.
Worst Moment
Not really but could have been. On liberty in unauthorized civilian clothes in Puerto Rico, we were at the casio, having a good run of luck, when the Supply Officer and his wife came in. Gave us that, may you burn in hell look, smiled, said good evening. He suggested that we might want to "leave". We asked if we might be allowed to invite he and his lady for dinner before our liberty ended. They joined us, it was pleasant, and never a word was said back on the ship..... As Supply Officer it was reported that he had never had a Storekeeper reenlist on the ship, I did not break his record.
Ships ground defense team. How many of you belonged to such a group on your ship. I was tagged on the Bremerton and the Boston. About Feb or March we were bused out to Fort Devens for Infantry Training. Part of the drill was to prepare a defensive position and dig fox holes. Well cold is cold and the ground was as hard as bedrock. The Top that was our instructor allowed that we could scrape a 6 foot circle in the snow and call it the fox hole. You know I am very glad that I was USN. Side note: While attending Salisbury State in 1978 I attended a seminar on the Middle East which was followed by a Chancellors Tea for the Presentor. At that gathering a gentleman came up to me and asked if I had attended "AIT" at Fort Devens? Yes, "Thought so, I taught that class for a couple of years!" Note: he was there working on his Masters in Biology as an RN.
Best Friends
Dale Lundquist Tom Jones Jimmy Dean Beck Richard Ashford Robert Pasley Ken Covell Emery Sites Sue Escott
Worst Moment
Mine turned out to be a very quiet gentleman. As a new third class at NAS Memphis I was assigned to conduct a "Training Session" for the whole Supply Department (Our Department Head was a full Captain and the Assistant DH was a full Commander.) The Department Chief sent me over to the "Naval Air Reserve Technical Training Center" which was located across the street to obtain a 16mm projector and instructions on the operation of said projector.
After walking around inside what appeared to be an empty building, hey Reseves are "Week-end" warriors! for a few minutes I encounter this older Chief, starched Khikis, you know. He asks if he can help, I explained my needs. "Its been years since I operated one of these, but lets see if we can get done together!" Half an hour later I very politely thanked the Chief for his assistance. His response was plesant and with a broad smile, "son don't ever call a boot Ensign Chief" Whereupon I took a closer look at the two stars on each collar. "Thank you Admiral,I appreciate your help" and left. I was back across the street instructed in the use of the projector and ready for the presentation the next day. While setting at my desk in the Technical Research Section, I relayed my little story to the civilian that ran our group. Himself a reserve LCDR. He bounced out of that chair, flew to the Captains office, five minutes later they were both flying across the street.
When he returned, he looked a little taken down and said to me, "don't make that mistake again!"
And I didn't, I never told him anything again.
When I put the fork of a forklift through the side of the Admirals (Same Admiral) aircraft while loading a tiptank as cargo. (Fortuately, my direction giver was an Ensign and I took no blame since he was guiding me the whole way.) Took the ground crew about an hour to patch the hole..thank goodness.
Other Memories
Dale the mail clerk would collect jokes as she delivered mail and repeat them as she continued on. My desk was to the back of the Supply Department in an enclosure, techinal services. For a couple of days she did not tell me any jokes. I asked why? She said the Commander advised her not to tell me dirty jokes because my ears turned red and he could tell from his office at the front of the building!!!
Jimmy Beck and I were dating two girls who went to school together. While visiting my parents in St. Joseph, Mo, my father asked, "are you boys dating anyone?" "Jimmy Dean didnt miss a stroke, "Oh yes sir, were going with Claude and Fred!" Dad had a thoughful moment, before Jimmy finished with, Claudia and Fredrica.
We did a lot of week ends to someones home. One Sunday as were were returning from Robert Pasley's home in Thomaston, Ga we were approaching the Georgia/Alabama line when a State Trooper pulled us over. "Is one of you Robert Pasley?" Bob acknowleded that he was. "Your mother said that you left this behind and felt that you might need it." He gave him a lunch sack with a small box in side!" The office saluted and got back in his car. Bob looked in the sack, a military belt buckle. Yep, standard navy issue, 35 cent brass buckle.
Best Friends
Tom Jones Larry Fisher Junior Martinez Louis Guardadio Patrick Jeminez
Best Moment
The tower
How many during their boot camp and school days looked around at the hill sides about the Training Center? Would any of those homes, obviously featured in ?Better Homes and Gardens eventually slide down on Rosecrans road? Or looking the other way, what is that tower on that hill?
When I returned for SK ?A? School with several of the individuals who had enlisted with me, (we had 8 from the graduating class who shipped on the same day -- one day after HS Graduation) decided to pay a visit to the tower.
Oh, I guess you need a little background; we all graduated from an all boy?s school, Christian Brothers, St. Joe. Across town was the Convent of the Sacred Heart an all girl?s school often referred to as, ?The Hilltop? because it too sat on a high hill. Only in this case it was perched on a bluff overlooking St. Joe and the Missouri River. As it happens I was born at the Convent, my dad was employed there. All of the sisters (known in that organization as "Mothers") knew me from prediaper time. During my last visit home one of the Mothers, I believe it might have been Mother Regan, suggested that I stop in and see Mothers Thompson and Danz, since I was going to be in San Diego. Of the four that started off on this adventure all of our mothers had graduated from the Convent and thus their mothers were acquainted with the sisters as also. Okay, not the diapers and the running through the Convent part but at least acquainted none the less.
Back to the story:
The facility turns out to be, San Diego College. Oh well we were all High School graduates a college can?t scare us.
Mother Danz and Mother Thompson welcomed us in the main receiving parlor. The convent at home and this one also had these large reception rooms (living rooms) that were furnished with high couches that were covered with brocaded fabric that looked silk. You know the kind; you set on the edge to keep from damaging the fabric.
Mother Danz was the head mistress and quite busy, she turned us over to Mother Thompson to show us around. It was like going on a guided museum tour. Mother Thompson had been there several years and was able to tell us who had donated each peace of furniture, wall hanging and wing. If you are ever a visitor, Duchesne Hall was the original part of the school, and just the inlaid wooden flooring with its marvelous designs was marvelous. Actually it was not as large as the Convent in St. Joe. But the library was much bigger, it looked like a larger version of one of those fancy studies that appear in movies where the secret book is on the top shelf and can only be reached by a roll around two story mahogany ladder.
Being four good Catholic boys, and since it was nearing 3 PM we were invited to join the Mother?s for Benediction and prayer in the Sisters Chapel. Some of the chapels we would see years later in Spain would be hard pressed to equal this one.
Following Chapel we were invited to stay for ?Tea!? Oh sure Mother! The entire teaching faculty at that time was members of the Sacred Heart Community and several of the other nuns had also taught in St. Joe and were acquainted with our families, which made these 18 year old sailors feel very much at home. (Remember, how at home you ever felt with a former teacher when you were 18 and then cloak them in black robes and wrap there face with nuns head dress!) So the tea invitation did not seem special. Oooop!
This is a ?Catholic Girls College.? (I repeat, a Catholic Girls College) All of the students are live in students, the Saturday afternoon tea was the social event of the week for the College. What Officers know that they never tell Enlisted? (See the 1940 OCS instructions to new officers with regard to enlisted). The young ladies are introduced to the eligible male community from 4-5:30 at a Formal Tea chaperoned by nearly the entire staff, but oh boy were Navy Dress Blue Uniform everywhere but most of them had the half stripe or the one and a half of the ensign and LTJG. And four enlisted SN?s.
The fun was in that the young ladies did not seem to care or notice that the uniforms were so different.
So if the tower is still on the crest of Mission valley, take a taxi to the Linda Vista section, maybe you too can get a tour?..
PS: Mother Danz informed us in a side conversation during the Tea that, these fine young men had all undergone a Background Investigation. Their Pastors had written a letter through their local Bishops to the Bishop of San Diego and Mother Danz attesting to their being fine young men. (There was no comment of Navy endorsement.) ?However, in as much as we know each of your mothers personally and are aware of your Christian Brother?s background you are welcome here every Saturday afternoon that you would like to visit.? (Smile, on later visits we were allowed to escort a couple of the ladies to the Zoo, and I even brought one down to the Training center one Saturday afternoon, no I do not remember her name.)
Being tapped to be the Officer In Charges extra typist. He had a First Class YN, but they put a small desk in his office and I did personal letters, answered the phone and other activities when not in the classroom, about 1/2 the working day.
Other Memories
Our class had entirely come from the fleet. No current basic training graduates. End result, we were telling the school command how it really was in the fleet. Most of us had been used as most SAs and SN's aboard ship, "made the changes to Busanda Manuals.""What has changed boot, what do we have to do to emplement?" When we began bringing these things to the instructors attention, that brought our class to sudden stop. The Commander started asking what we were talking about? Oh, it seems that they had not entered the changes themselves because it would have required changes in the study guides and tests..." Heavens to mercy, how could that be. Our class was split up, typists and non typists. The typists were assigned to the instructors lounge to begin typing new study guides and tests. We were loved and hated. Even in the barracks, we all still hand shipboard liberty cards, if we didn't have a watch assignment we were in San Diego. Oh, civilian clothes, we folded them in our blues, and various hiding places. We learned that a local pizza shop would delivery booze in pizza boxes. Came right through the gate and delivered to the barracks. We were a tough special bunch. One week after we left, they had a surprise barracks inspection. Rumor had it that there was civilian clothes and booze in the Storekeeper barracks. The SA's hadn't learned quite how to do it yet.
Supply Officer LCDR John Lipscomb, had the pleasure of attending his wetting down party in WDC (Military Sealift Command) when he made Captain.
Stores Officer Lt. Grant
SK2 Puchlich SK2 Marx (Allentown, Pa) SK3 Hoffman SK2 Price T. A. Bear (Galveston) SK3 Wayne Diffie SK3 Mosel Flemming Visted with he and his family in Anacostia WDC, a few years later. SK3 Ed Labee Knew the new Pope by first name SK3 Monty Reins Had a great place to chase rabbits in the Hollywood hills. SA Pat Jimenez St. Joseph, Mo. SN Geno Chenoweth Idaho Batwinis Faircloth SA/SN Tony Novak St. Joseph, Mo.
Spam came in long square cans, we would get a can from dry stores, a couple of loaves of bread from the baker, a 5 gallon can of milk and have a party on the Supply office. We had a hot plate and would use the top of the spam can for a skillet and heat the spam. We dumped the paper clips out of the glass holders and used them for drinking the milk. One night we were a little rowdy and LCDR Lipscomb comes into the office. Looked around, went over to his desk, dumped out the paper clips from his glass holder, poured himself a shot of milk and then made himself a sandwich, never said a negative comment and the chiefs made no mention the next day so we knew the LCDR had not made an issue.
When I first went aboard from Boot Camp, I was assigned to the Supply Office, an SA who could type. Well it was soon noted by one of the two second classes that I needed a hair cut. They sent me down for a hair cut. The Ships Barbers were also part of the S Division, but I was not designated nor was I known. But I was a "boot" and therefore I recieved a "boot" hair cut. I wouldn't take my hat off in the office for two days. Finally the LCDR asked me to take it off!. Then he and I went down to the barber shop. He advised the barbers that we were all part of Supply Department and would be treated accordingly. I started growing my hair long again after that, with a part.
As one of the three seamen in the Supply Office it our job to clean the office on field days. Officers and Chiefs would disappear so it was the 2nds that honchoed the cleaning process. All the chairs were moved out to the passage way so that we could scrub the deck, I beams on the bulkheads and clean the cable trays etc. Well two of the "leaders" were setting in the passage way BS ing when the LCDR came through the doorway into green country. He suggested that they might want to assist us with the swabing.. Afterword they treated us like we had reported them..for a while..
On ASVAB Test day (a Saturday) the Commanding Officer came down to see how things were going. No candidates testing for the Navy. 3 minutes before the test three car loads of high school students roll in. (Berlin HS, football practice was over so 12 students took the test for the Navy)
Took my 3 months leave, and still managed to get 167 assessions.
Only actually missed star once. (However we were in a situation were we had to share assessions.)