Young, Paul R., SKCM

PLEASE DESCRIBE WHO OR WHAT INFLUENCED YOUR DECISION TO JOIN THE NAVY.

Swabby Johnny - Out of Boot Camp

As a kid growing up in a rural farming community in Iowa during the depression and WWII, many of our neighbors served in the various branches of the Armed Forces. I was always in awe of a person in a uniform when they were home from the service, and always wanted to be one of them someday. I chose the Navy when I was in high school as I had several Uncles who had served in the Navy during the war and was impressed with the stories they told me about their service and duties. I enlisted in the Navy at Cedar Rapids, Iowa on the 27th of May 1952, six days after my 17th birthday. I actually filled out the paperwork when I was 16, and the Recruiter told me to give him a call on my 17th birthday.

WHETHER YOU WERE IN THE SERVICE FOR SEVERAL YEARS OR AS A CAREER, PLEASE DESCRIBE THE DIRECTION OR PATH YOU TOOK. WHERE DID YOU GO TO BOOT CAMP AND WHAT UNITS, BASES, SHIPS OR SQUADRONS WERE YOU ASSIGNED TO? WHAT WAS YOUR REASON FOR LEAVING?

Young Paul

After recruit training I wanted to be in the CB's. However, I was given an assignment with a Moth Ball Fleet in San Diego. I was assigned to Engineering, and as the Junior person there, was immediately assigned to Mess Cooking. After six months of mess cooking, I was reassigned to the Supply Department, and started training as a Storekeeper. I liked the type of work I was doing and continued on in this field, eventually making Master Chief Storekeeper. From day one in Recruit Training I had decided to make the Navy a Career, and it became a reality with me retiring from the Navy in December 1981.

IF YOU PARTICIPATED IN ANY MILITARY OPERATIONS, INCLUDING COMBAT, HUMANITARIAN AND PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS, PLEASE DESCRIBE THOSE WHICH MADE A LASTING IMPACT ON YOU AND, IF LIFE-CHANGING, IN WHAT WAY?

Saigon

In March of 1969 I reported for duty at the Naval Support Activity, Saigon, Vietnam, where I served as CPO in charge of the Receipt Control Division. I worked in support of the U.S. Naval Forces and also in support of the Vietnamese Navy and Coast Guard Activities. I served in country until December 1970. During this tour I received the Vietnam Gallantry Cross, Vietnam Staff Service Medal 2nd Class, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Civil Action Unit Commendation, my fifth Navy Good Conduct Medal, two Navy Unit Commendations and the Navy Achievement Medal with Combat "V".

OF ALL YOUR DUTY STATIONS OR ASSIGNMENTS, WHICH ONE DO YOU HAVE FONDEST MEMORIES OF AND WHY? WHICH WAS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE?

Mr. & Mrs. Young - Guam

I have many fond memories of all of my duty stations. I have no least favorite assignment, however some assignments were much more pleasant than others. I accepted the challenges of each assignment and attempted to do my best at each assignment. My first assignment on Guam in 1954, I met the love of my life, Dolores San Agustin, and as of this time, 2015, we have been married 60 years in November. I had a second assignment on Guam on the USS Proteus (AS-19. So Guam is forever in my heart. In 1962 I was assigned to the USS Charr (SS 328) and qualified in Submarines that same year. So this is high on my list also. Midway Island was certainly interesting and rewarding. All ships and stations certainly had their challenges, but I was always able to rise to those challenges.

FROM YOUR ENTIRE MILITARY SERVICE, DESCRIBE ANY MEMORIES YOU STILL REFLECT BACK ON TO THIS DAY.

Midway Island Crew

I will forever remember those shipmates I have served with and the sacrifices we all had to make to serve our country. From boot camp to retirement there were hundreds of memories and incidents and hardships that come to mind and are too numerous to write here. It would take a book!!! Those I served with and for, and friends in all of the services, Army, Marines, Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard I am forever grateful to you all for having known and/or served with you.

WHAT PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF FROM YOUR MILITARY CAREER?

Retirement TriTraFac

I think this paragraph from my retirement Letter of Appreciation from Captain John L. Sullivan says it all in regards to my career. "Your performance of duty at TRIDENT Training Facility has been a further example of your outstanding professionalism and resourcefulness. You have guided the Supply Division through the demanding, initial phases of its operations, through a continuing program of supply outfitting, and through a major project to implement an automated inventory control system for repair parts. Every aspect of your military, professional, and personal life continues to represent a superb example of excellence, dedication, and individual achievement. Your many contributions to the development of effective supply support at TRIDENT Training Facility and the positive example you have set throughout your Naval career reflect great credit upon you personally and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service".

OF ALL THE MEDALS, AWARDS, FORMAL PRESENTATIONS AND QUALIFICATION BADGES YOU RECEIVED, OR OTHER MEMORABILIA, WHICH ONE IS THE MOST MEANINGFUL TO YOU AND WHY?

Navy Enlisted Submarine Dolphins

The most meaningful of the medals, awards, and qualification badges I have received are The Submarine Dolphins for being qualified in Diesel Boats. Diesel Boats Forever!!! Navy Good Conduct Medal - 8 awards. Keep your nose clean and stay out of trouble!!! Vietnam medals for my service in NAM. A memory that will never be forgotten. Navy Achievement Medal with Combat "V" (2) for superior service.

WHICH INDIVIDUAL(S) FROM YOUR TIME IN THE MILITARY STAND OUT AS HAVING THE MOST POSITIVE IMPACT ON YOU AND WHY?

Adm. Elmo Zumwalt

I can not point out any particular individual as having the most positive impact on me or my career. There were many from Admirals on down to E-1 whom I respected and admired their abilities and dedication. I learned from them all, and it made me a better person.

CAN YOU RECOUNT A PARTICULAR INCIDENT FROM YOUR SERVICE, WHICH MAY OR MAY NOT HAVE BEEN FUNNY AT THE TIME, BUT STILL MAKES YOU LAUGH?
On a Westpac cruise on the USS Benner (DD807) the ship anchored offshore of Beppu, Japan for a day and the crew was allowed to go ashore. Beppu is a popular Japanese resort town with no U.S. Military present. Volunteers for Shore Patrol were solicited by the ship and several

Bumboat

of us volunteered. Since there were no Shore Patrol headquarters there, we were assigned to the local Police Department and were assigned certain sections of the downtown area. Myself and another shipmate happened to get an area of Bars and Restaurants that were mostly frequented by the Japanese visitors. We patrolled the area in the evening, and had absolutely no problems at all, and very few sailors were in that area. We were told that we would be picked up at 2300 so we could catch the 2400 ships liberty boat. Come 2300 and no one showed up to pick us up. My shipmate and I finally talked a Japanese Taxi Driver to take us to the Police Headquarters. Upon arrival at the Headquarters we were informed that the Ship had picked up the Shore Patrol Members at 2200 and took them all back to the Ship.

We were also informed that the Ship would have a boat to pick up anyone of the crew who did not make the last Boat that evening at 0600 in the morning. We hung around the Police Station the rest of the night and early in the morning the Police took us to the Dock to meet the Liberty Boat. We arrived at 0605 or about and the Boat had already departed!! We could see it offshore and waved and hollered, but no one seen us. The Benner was due to depart at 0800! The only other way to get back was to hire a local boat. The XO had indicated before Liberty Call that no one was to take a local boat to or from the ship. Since we had no other way back to the ship, we hired the boat anyway. As the local pulled up to the ship, Morning Quarters was being held. All of our shipmates were hooping, hollering and laughing at us because they believed that we were going to be in trouble. As we boarded the ship, another local boat pulled up to the Gangway and we heard more hooping and hollering, and we turned around to see who was coming aboard next. Lo and Behold! The XO had spent the night ashore and missed the Liberty Boat!!! Needless to say, we did not have to explain to the XO why we missed the Liberty Boat.It also turned out to be that the Shore Patrol Party had been booked back on board, and our names were included. I won't go into the rest of the story!!!

WHAT PROFESSION DID YOU FOLLOW AFTER YOUR MILITARY SERVICE AND WHAT ARE YOU DOING NOW? IF YOU ARE CURRENTLY SERVING, WHAT IS YOUR PRESENT OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY?

Broker Paul

After my retirement on a Friday, I went to work on Monday for a Government contractor doing material procurement and repair. After a few months of commuting long distance, I was able to get a civil service job in the update and overhaul of ships supply systems. I remained in this field for several years, then went to work as a Real Estate Managing Broker. I sold and bought homes, managed HUD Foreclosed properties, and also done Appraisal and Broker Opinion work. Finally in January of 2015, due to medical problems, I no longer am able to work. I am still active in the American Legion, DAV, FRA, VFW, Elks, Guamanian Club and other community activities.

WHAT MILITARY ASSOCIATIONS ARE YOU A MEMBER OF, IF ANY? WHAT SPECIFIC BENEFITS DO YOU DERIVE FROM YOUR MEMBERSHIPS?

Paul Young, Post 68 Commander

I belong to the following Military Associations: The Fleet Reserve Association (FRA), The American Legion; The Forty & Eight USS Charr (SS-328 Association; USS Sperry (AS-12) Association; USS Benner (DD-807) Association; Disabled American Veterans (DAV); Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW); Armed Forces Top Enlisted Association (AFTEA); Korean War Veterans Association (KWVA); Each organization has its own programs for Veterans issues, providing programs for members and their families, youth groups, service to the community, state, and nation. Family events offer social functions for all to attend. I encourage all veterans to choose the organization or organizations that interest them and become involved. You will be glad you did.

IN WHAT WAYS HAS SERVING IN THE MILITARY INFLUENCED THE WAY YOU HAVE APPROACHED YOUR LIFE AND YOUR CAREER? WHAT DO YOU MISS MOST ABOUT YOUR TIME IN THE SERVICE?

Family 1967

I could say many things have influenced the way I have approached my life and career in the Navy. I will be brief. I did not finish high school and had no immediate plans for the future. I was heading down the wrong way on the road. Fortunately I was able to enlist in the Navy. I was determined to succeed in my chosen career. By hard work, study, and education I obtained my GED, and later went on to obtain a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration. I was able to advance from E-1 to E-9. I was able to see much of the world and visit with many different people and religions. I married the love of my life. I had many interesting and challenging duties and assignments. I have 4 wonderful children and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Myself and my family have wonderful medical and dental coverage through benefits of service. My military career prepared me for my civilian career which was substantial. God Bless America and God Bless the U.S. Navy.

BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THOSE WHO HAVE RECENTLY JOINED THE NAVY?

Navy Recruiting Poster

The Navy of Today is certainly different than the Navy of Yesterday. For those who have recently joined the Navy, learn all you can, do your part, study, work hard, and success will come to you.

IN WHAT WAYS HAS TOGETHERWESERVED.COM HELPED YOU REMEMBER YOUR MILITARY SERVICE AND THE FRIENDS YOU SERVED WITH.

I love TogetherWeServed !!!

In my estimation TogetherWeServed.com is the Premier site for Military personnel and Veterans to Post their service and find friends they have made and served with during their time in service. Thank you to all who provide TogetherWeServed.

DS 10/13/16