Worst Moment
Heart attack in the CPO quarters 13, August 1979 while in Yokosuka Japan. Transferred TAD to Balboa Naval Hospital San Diego, CA for open heart surgery. Transfered to the temporary disability list effective 1, January 1980. Completed 23 years, one month and 22 days active duty with credit for 24 years of service.
Chain of Command
Capt. R.E. Helms JR. and CWO4 Henry Boyd, the best division officer in the navy.
Other Memories
Assigned duties as R-2 Division LCPO, Ships Superintendent and Shop 31A (Machine Shop)LCPO. Enjoyed my tour. Prairie was a good ship and a had great crew
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 U.S. Navy has issued two marksmanship ribbons: the Navy Pistol Marksmanship Ribbon and Navy Rifle Marksmanship Ribbon, since 1920. The pistol ribbon is currently awarded for qualification on the B... The U.S. Navy has issued two marksmanship ribbons: the Navy Pistol Marksmanship Ribbon and Navy Rifle Marksmanship Ribbon, since 1920. The pistol ribbon is currently awarded for qualification on the Beretta 9mm pistol, while the rifle ribbon is currently awarded for qualification on the M14 and M16 assault rifle variants. The Navy issues the marksmanship ribbon in three levels, that of Marksman, Sharpshooter, and Expert. The basic ribbon is awarded for the Marksman level while the specific Marksmanship Device is awarded for qualification as a Sharpshooter or Expert. Those receiving an Expert qualification receive the Marksmanship Medal, in addition to the Marksmanship Ribbon. MoreHide
Best Friends
Jim Ellard, Earl Rivers, Dave Dutton, and Bob McCully.
Best Moment
Promotion to Chief Petty Officer.
Other Memories
Assigned duties as LPO of "A" Division, Ships Career Counselor, and Engineering Dept 3-M Coordinator. Deployed to Westpac and carried Marines everywhere including a short stay for repairs in Yokosuka. Don't recall any names, but they had a great bunch of Staff NCO's.
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
Jerry Ayala, Dick Pozzi, Norm Thompson and Jack Stone from the Jason, Jim Rodenkirch and Jack Woolsey from the Acey-Ducey Club.
Worst Moment
Racial problems and drug problems aboard ships in those days. Admiral Zumwalt and his Z-Grams may have been the beginning of political correctness in the navy. These were not always happy times.
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 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
Other Memories
Arrived along with 60 shipmates and instructors from RTC San Diego, CA. Commisioned RTC July 1968. Spent the remainder of my tour teaching shipboard damage control, fire fighting( no fires) and electrical safety. When off duty I worked as a bar tender at the "Top Three Club". When the navy took over the base from the air force we kept the clubs. I think a good mixed drink was about a quarter?
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
Other Memories
Busy times. Company Commander of Companies 179 and 340 in 1967, and Company 072 in 1968. CO-340 won the Academic Excellance Trophy by maintaing a 82.5 academic average during it's entire traning cycle. Taught damage control and fire fighting between company assighments. July 1968 headed for RTC/NTC Orlando, FL for a split tour. Pushing boots should have been required duty for all PO1's. I think I learned more then the recruits did.
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
Other Memories
Reported to Bath Iron Works, Bath Maine, May 1965. Commisioned the USS Glover (AGDE-1) November 13, 1965 at Naval Shipyard, Boston, MA. The crew charmingly refered to Glover as the grey ghost of the GITMO Coast. Great crew, terrible skipper.
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
Worked for MRCS Chester (Chet) Clark. He became a long time friend and was the best machinery repairman I ever knew. Chet Clark could repair the "crack of dawn".
Best Moment
Promotion to MR2.
Other Memories
Initial assignment was as a base policeman working for LT. Tim McCoy. A former Japanese POW during the War, he was fair, honest and tough as nails. It was a privilege to work for such a man. My son and second daughter were born at Tripler Army Hospital during this tour.
Criteria The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces who, after July 1, 1958, participate in specified United States operations or those in direct support of the United Natio... The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces who, after July 1, 1958, participate in specified United States operations or those in direct support of the United Nations or friendly foreign nations MoreHide
Description Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for operations in the Quemoy-Matsu area, the Taiwan Straits and Vietnam. Dehaven participated in carrier task group operations and performed radar picket and surveilla... Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for operations in the Quemoy-Matsu area, the Taiwan Straits and Vietnam. Dehaven participated in carrier task group operations and performed radar picket and surveillance tracking assignments throughout the Western Pacific. MoreHide
Criteria The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces who, after July 1, 1958, participate in specified United States operations or those in direct support of the United Natio... The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces who, after July 1, 1958, participate in specified United States operations or those in direct support of the United Nations or friendly foreign nations MoreHide
Description
USS DeHaven DD-727. First DeSoto patrol off of Tsingtao China.
Other Memories
Good Command. Always at sea. Formosa Patrol and other fun places. Approved for SCORE program. Transfered to NTC San Diego, CA for MR/A school July 1962.
Other Memories
Reenlisted early November 1960 and after 30 days advanced leave reported aboard December 1960. Assigned to the carpenter shop.
1960 - 1961
Navy Good Conduct Medal
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 Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces who, after July 1, 1958, participate in specified United States operations or those in direct support of the United Natio... The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces who, after July 1, 1958, participate in specified United States operations or those in direct support of the United Nations or friendly foreign nations MoreHide
Description
USS Dehaven DD-727 for operations in the Quemoy Matsu area, Taiwan Straits and Vietnam.
Other Memories
Although used as an ammo ship she was still designated as (AKA-58). Transferred to Chara from duty aboard Merapi. Very short tour. We sailed up the weat coast to Astoria Oregon where she was decommisioned in the spring of 1959. I was surprised a few years later when as a company commander at RTC San Diego I sent a few of my recruits to the USS Chara (AE-31)
Other Memories
Ship had a crew of 84. Spent most of our time carrying stores to the south pacific and watching atomic bombs blow up during Operation Hardtack from March through August 1958. Also made my first WESPAC trip. Was assigned to the Engine Room and finally the DC/Shipfitter Shop. Decommisiond Merapi at Astoria Oregon in late 1958.
Other Memories
First command out of boot camp. Inactive Service Craft Facility, Pearl Harbor, T.H. Lived aboard USS APL-17. Also know as mosquito junction. We tended old tugs, floating dry dock's etc. Mess cooked forever, made fireman and worked in the boiler room.
BRCM "Snuffy" Ashmore.
Heart attack in the CPO quarters 13, August 1979 while in Yokosuka Japan. Transferred TAD to Balboa Naval Hospital San Diego, CA for open heart surgery. Transfered to the temporary disability list effective 1, January 1980. Completed 23 years, one month and 22 days active duty with credit for 24 years of service.
Capt. R.E. Helms JR. and CWO4 Henry Boyd, the best division officer in the navy.
Assigned duties as R-2 Division LCPO, Ships Superintendent and Shop 31A (Machine Shop)LCPO. Enjoyed my tour. Prairie was a good ship and a had great crew