Midway to Da Nang Vietnam.

  I left Midway in late December, but before Christmas. Packed me an imperial gallon of liquor (5-fifths)
boarded the flight to Honolulu, and caught a commercial flight to San Diego.  On the flight to DAgo, we were limited to how many drinks we could by, and the fact that I was only 20 didn't help much either. I wanted some more so I asked the stewardess, "If i was to share my bottle with my friends would there be a problem?", she said as long as we kept the bottle out of sight and didn't get too rowdy, she would turn her back and sell us cokes LOL, I broke out a bottle of Bacardi 151, and the party began. there were 4 or 5 of us returning from Midway together , and a few civilians in seats around and between us. and we were happy to share lol. Everyone had a good time and the flight went by quickly. Arriving at San Diego International, I found my Sister Pat, and my Mom waiting to greet me.  I had 14 days leave and spent it between Pat's house in San Diego, and Dad's house in Holtville. Dad had moved his girlfriend in after I moved out and she and I did not see eye to eye, so most of it was spent in San Diego.  I had went to Dad's,  which I might add was a house I had helped pay rent on for over a year, and was shining my shoes in the Kitched when she  informed me that we did not put our shoes on the table in this house!!, I not very  polietly informed her that although she was my dad's bed partner she was not my Boss. She went to dad and all he said was "Son I know she can be annoying bur for my sake please try to get along with her.." I called my Best Friend Jerry Butler, and he drove me back to San Diego to Pat's the same day. My Sister Phyllis and her family were coming to Dad's for Christmas, so I decided to stay at Pat's and wait until all the Family was going down to Dad's.   Phyllis, Chuck, and their three Kids arrived at Pat's first so we could all go down together.  I might explain that my sisters were also not fond of Dad's girl friend lol, and the kids would say, "We are going to Grandpa's and Vivian's, and the girls would reply, It Grandpa's house, not Vivian's. well the first afternoon we were there I was left to Babysit the 6 grandkids, while Dad was at work and the adults went out shopping. SSOO that left me, Vivian, and 6 children 5 and under.  Well Vivian said something about "Her House", and  one of the little one replied "This ain't your house, Its PawPa's house!" I got a really dirty look but she said nothing so I was good with it. LOLI never did tell her I hadn't taught them that, she figured I did and since I was not here favorite, I took the heat for my sisters. lol..Christmas came and went, and I headed back to San diego with Pat & Sam. and finished my leave there.   In January 1969,  I reported to Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, for my pre-Vietnam training.   I split my time there between staying at the barracks, and going to PAt & Sams for the weekend.

The Rest of My Thoughts on Midway Island

Gooney Birds:   The main "Native" of Midway Atoll was the Laysan Albatross. AKA Gooney Bird. They were very graceful in flight, but take off and landing were awkward. always landing and crashing on their face, and they needed a runway to get airborne.  They were a Protected species, and if you got caught doing anything to them you would get arrested.  I was a country boy and I learned to sneak up behind them on their nest and tuck their heads under their wings and put them to sleep like a chicken. It was a challenge as they could do some damage with their beaks and feet.  One evening I managed to grab two of them and walked to the barracks with one under each arm. I was met at the door by the Duty Petty Officer, and he informed me if I let them go I would not be arrested for "Molesting the Goonies.".
    The Goonies had quite a mating ritual and we learned to mock it. walking around in circles facing each other, our arms tucked at our sides like wings flapping them and bobbing our heads up and down, then stretching our necks head way back making their honking sound. We would always do this when newbies came aboard.  One night a party from the St. Louis Zoo came to capture some to try to put in their zoo. I volunteered and we caught maybe 6 or 8. But they cannot be kept in captivity.

Freaking out Newbies::  We had a Jewish guy named Myra and an Italian named Mento, they loved to freak out newbies by acting gay. but not right out in public. 1. A bunch of us invited some newbies to a card game in our cubicle. We had a day sleeper in our cube and his rack had a blanket hanging to block the light. Well Myra and Mento had climbed into the bunk and were waiting. Soon they started whispering things.  and making kissing sounds. rocking the bunk. The Older guys just kept playing cards and the newbies kept looking at the bunk, and making weird faces. Well the Duty Officer picked this time to make an appearance, and Myra and Mento couldn't help but bust up laughing. He pulled the blanket back and they had to explain their actions. Another time 3 newbies reserves arrived, college students, they were all placed in the same cube, and that night Myra and Mento went into their act outside that cube.  All along the barracks heads were watching over the top walls of the cubes to see the show, It took a while but all of a sudden there heads popped over the cubicle wall to see the guys standing about 3 feet apart kissing the back of their hands and talking dirty.. we all bust out laughing.

The Beach::  Midway had a beautiful white sand beach. Swimming was great, and snorkeling was a blast. Next to the Club it was the best place on Midway.Sun and Sand year round. Fishing was good, and we had a great recreation area there. Picnics and Parties, Steaks and Hot Dogs. Boston Whaler boats were available to rent. It was truly a pacific paradise. After bad weather we would walk all around the shoreline and find things washed up. Debris from the ocean, from passing ships, and all the way from Japan and other places. Saki Bottles, pop bottles, beer bottles, floats of many kinds. Our Favorite was the "Fish Balls" and before you say "I didn't know they had any!" these were glass balls used to float fishing nets by the Japanese.

We would gather these and "Net" them in Macrame and sell them to others. Going prices was $1.00 an Inch by circumference. The biggest I netted was 50" around.  They would come in different sizes and shapes.

Stories:  I was sitting in my cube, listening to country music. I was an SKSN (E-3) at the time. The Duty PO was an SK3, the same one I had had run ins with before. He came to my cube, and said "I Can't believe you listen to the Shit!!" I explained that this was My music I had grown up with and I enjoyed it. I understood he was a college kid from New York and had different tastes. He said "Well You could try to  BETTER Yourself!!"    That did it I jumped up grabbed him by the neck threw him against the wall with his feet barely touching and explained to him. "If you ever try to say you are better than me because of my raising, I will kick your freaking a$& . You may be a college student,  from NY but you are no better than anyone else on this base!!" I dropped him he hit the floor and I walked away. He said nothing more and after that he was a nicer guy.

  I grew up a lot on Midway, taught some and learned some, and when I returned I realized I was now taller than my dad.  It was an interesting year and I have great memories from it.

Liberty on Midway Island.

  There were no "Natives" on Midway, just US Military Personnel. No locals, no nothing. There fore any young ladies were dependants of E-5 and up, and most were too young to date also. It was said and I came to believe it that when a young lady turned 18 she was removed from the Island.  On Midway since it was one big military installation, we had what you would have on most stateside bases. Base Theater, Bowling, Library, and of course, 4 "Clubs"  The "Enlisted Men's Club, the Acey-Ducey, the CPO Club and the Officers club.  This was where most of us could be found.  A lot of us were under 21, but we were allowed to drink beer anyway, so the EM Club was divided into the beer side and the "21" side. A guard at the  door of the 21 side would check your ID before letting you in to get hard liquor.  But many times these guards were very lax in their duties, lol. Once I walked up and the guard asked "How old are you?" I replied "Old Enough!" and he let me in. and many times they just sat their and let you walk in without checking.  I was 19 and turned 20 on Midway.   I guess you could say I learned to "hold my Liquor" on Midway, but what I should have learned is that I was an budding alcoholic.  I got sick may times at first, and at one point gave up drinking for a period of about 90 days. But then my Birthday came around, two others in my division had the same birthday, and we had agreed to have a big party on our big day. I tried to back out but gave in to the peer pressure and away we went.  We had a heck of a big blast and I did not get sick, and it was the beginning of my long battle with alcohol.
     Every so often they would have a live band at the club, and of course it would be packed. One evening we had gotten pretty wasted, and the last song played was the "bunny Hop". Well we the members of the Supply division bunny hopped all the way back to our barracks, and then someone came up with the bright idea of going skinny dippin at the beach. (and NO it wasn't me) We grabbed our trunks and headed to the EM Beach where about 30-35 sailors stripped to their birthday suits and started having a naked beach party.  Bolten and I were found wading about chest deep saying "Here Sharky...Here Sharky!!  By "Harry "Big Red" Ovitt, and escorted back to the beach. Shortly the Shore Patrol arrived, made us get dressed and escorted us back to Charlie Barracks, where we were all under house arrest until our division could deal with us the next day. We got our butts chewed out and things were back to normal.
     Another outlet were "Division Parties" where they would buy all the beer we could drink, and grill steaks with all the side dishes and let us blow off some steam. At one of these parties we were using the CPO Club as it was near the beach. Our Aviation Storekeeper Chief, Chief Sparks, had his family there, and he had a daughter about 12 or 13. she was constantly flirting with the sailors, but most of us were ignoring us. I got pretty drunk and went to the barracks, when I was awoken to be told my best friend had been arrested for rape. I went to the brig and was allowed to visit him and got his side of the story. He had too many and thing heated up between him and the girl, and they went off into the bushes to make out. He had indeed pulled her bottoms off and was playing with her when her brother came near and called her name, well she yelled "Rape" and he was arrested.  I have never forgotten that day, and I still feel that she was a willing participant in all activities that day but he was stupid because she was way too young.  Chief Sparks was a friend of mine as was the sailor charged. The day after the party I was scheduled to go to Chief's house to help with some painting, and of course he started about my friend. I said Chief I was not there so I have nothing to say about it. Chiefs wife, got me to the side, and asked me if I had seen the daughter flirting around that afternoon, and I told her the truth, yes she was flirting with a lot of the guys. Well that was of no matter as he had admitted fondling her, and he was sentenced to 6 months in the brig in Hawaii, and a bad conduct discharge. His life screwed up over a young tart, and alcohol. He was a great guy and I have always prayed for him to over come this incident and have a successful life.
      I spent a lot of time at the beach, did some fishing and some skin diving. worked a lot and the rest of my time was at the club. In December I was scheduled for rotation, as they were planning the division Christmas party, and at muster, SK1 Evans was going over the party supplies needed. He came to me and I informed him that I would be gone before the party, then he came to Harry, and Harry was going to be gone also so Evens made the Statement "If little Red and Big Red are going to be gone then we can cut the beer supply in half".. I had earned the reputation that would follow me for the next 12 years. A hard drinking party person.  I had always wanted to be like my Dad and I had made it. 

Work Related, Duty Section!

    Work life at NavSta Midway was basically just like having a job.  Report to work in the Morning, leave at quiting time.  Unless you were in that days "Duty Section" !  If it was your day to stand the duty, at quiting time you reported to the duty office. There were 3 major duty positions to be filled. Duty Storekeeper, Assistant Duty Storekeeper, and Duty Driver.  Duty SK was in charge, usually a third class but sometimes a Seaman.  They were responsible for keeping the duty log, and making sure any emergency issues were properly documented. At times that meant getting up in the middle of the night to go to the Airstation, and get paperwork signed for the Aircraft Refuelers when a Non-Midway flight refueled. at times commercial aircraft would be diverted to Midway because of weather or other problems at Wake or another atoll in the area.We liked this because commercial airlines meant pretty stewardess.
    Assistant SK is pretty basic, he helped the Duty SK, and when the Duty SK was not in the office he was in charge. Then there was Duty Driver, He made messenger runs to the communications  center, checked the security on the reefers and various out buildings. and also kept a log of the reefer temperatures. If a unit was too warm he would go get the Duty SK and they would investigate.  If necessary they would inform the Duty Section Leader, a First or Second Class SK.
    The duty driver was the only member of the duty section to have duties in the workday part of the day. He was the Messenger, Picked up the Mail if we had a Mail Call, and made coffee for the ladies in the office. Also if we had a VIP coming in on on the bi-weekly flight he was chauffeur. I was the Duty Driver the day a new Ensign reported to the Supply Department. I waited for the "Log Flight" to arrive at Midway International, and checked out all  the new Officers. I saw a young man with the supply oak leaf insignia, and approached him. I asked "Ensign Walischien?" (sp) and he said Yes!. I introduced my self as Storekeeper Seaman Apprentice Dickey at you service SIR!!"   He introduced me to his wife, and WOW She was a good lookin lady.and wearing a short skirt.  Keep in mind there were only dependents! NO natives. Well I was impressed lol. I loaded there luggage onto the 3/4 ton Flatbed Ford, and opened the passenger door for them. When I got into the truck, There were her legs right by the 4-speed. DDANG. I composed myself and drove them to their quarters and was real careful when I shifted.  I carried their luggage in and saluted smartly and left. As it turns out They and I became good friends. I was invited to their quarters on occasion to have dinner, and visit. He was in charge of my area, and she worked as a Secretary in the office. I still remember her as one of the nicest prettiest ladies I have ever met. He was a great officer, and coached our department Baseball team. at our first game he informed us that he had reserved the back room of the EM Club for our Victory party! I replied what if we lose? He replied then we will go drown our sorrows. We did a little of each during the season but always had a team party and good time after.
     As the duty section you had to stay overnight in the warehouse. we had a small cubicle by the office, and there was one single bed and 1 bunk bed. At one point my Friend Howie Collins, was usually Duty SK, I was Assistant, and a black man  named Sweat! was our duty driver. we kept this group together because we mad a good team, and we enjoyed each others friendship. Sweat was easily frightened. And Howie and I were always ready to scare him.  Howie was on the single rack, and I was on the lower bunk when Howie started telling scary stories. I waited until Sweat was totally engrossed in Howie's story, and slid my hand up the wall and just as Howie yelled, I goosed Sweat in the back. He wound up in bed with Howie LMAO. I thought he was going to kill me. Another time Howie deliberately left a light on in the front office, he asked Sweat to go turn it off. Well along the aisle going to the office were rows of shelves for supplies. I grabbed a bed sheet, and covered with it, and waited. As Sweat was walking back, Howie was talking to him to assure him, Howie said the secret word (LOL) and I jumped out covered with the sheet. I though he was going to have a heart attack.  We made the duty very fun.

Midway Island Supply Department.

    I was in transit for a few days, probably a week, and was assigned to work in the Disbursing Office. I typed information about a persons pay, deductions and basically worked on their pay records. At the end of the time working there, the DK1 in charge asked me if I wanted to switch from Storekeeper to Disbursing clerk, I politely declined as I did not want to sit at a desk all day. Well I reported to Supply, and was assigned to the Inventory Office. Yep there was my desk. It wasn't too bad because I was to spend a lot of time in the warehouses going over inventory. This was a new department in supply, and in charge was SK1 Rogelio Fernandez, from the Philippine Islands. I was his assistant, and for most of the time the only other person in the department. When staffing was good, I would have another SKSA to work with me, and when we were doing a big inventory there might be 2 or 3 others. Our "Office" was two partitions made from plywood in a corner of the warehouse.  forming kind of a U shape facing the Control Office where a good friend worked, Robert "Bob" McCoy from Cincinnati OHIO. He also worked for a SK1 Filipino. Both were extremely good Petty Officers and great to work for.  Our jobs kept Bob and I at the office late many a night, and they would tell us to sleep in the next morning. 
     My job was to inventory everything in the supply department according to Navy Procedure. Basically one section at a time according to Stock Numbers. LOL  After counting everything with in certain category, I would compare my count against the records. If I needed I would recount a certain item. After assuring my count was correct, I would issue a "Loss/Gain by inventory" and correct the records.  I would then prepare all paper work to be sent to our main office in Honolulu.  We had deadlines to meet so many nights I would work till midnight and at times later to meet them. Roger, always took this into consideration and gave me many afternoons off to compensate.
    Bob and I shared a room in the barracks, and one morning we had "Authorized Late Sleeper" status, but no one had told the duty Petty Officer. This day the Duty PO was an SK2 that Bob and I had been in more than one confrontation with.  He came over to the Barracks and burst into our room, he grabbed McCoy by the shoulder and started to shake him, I was awake as our other room mates had just left and was watching what was about to take place. In the military you are not allowed to touch another person if they are sleeping, if you do the sleeping person is not responsible for their reactions.
   Well as soon as he touched McCoy, Bob rolled over and punched him right in the face. He started screaming assault on a Petty Officer and I'm writing you up!!!. I told him, Hey go ahead I saw the whole thing and you grabbed him and he reacted!! He claimed Bob was awake when he grabbed him and I replied NO  he wasn't he was asleep.     This was one of those "That's My Story and I am sticking to it" Moments because I was the only witness. He was really mad when he found out we were authorized to miss muster that morning.Made him look real bad. He never worried about Bob and I missing Muster again though.
  As I look back, this was going to be the first of many times where I was going to be in a position where I was going to be given more authority than my status called for. I made SKSN, E-3 while I was on Midway, and had a few SKSA's and junior SKSN's work for me at various time. One day I had 2 men working an Inventory in the Warehouse when an SK3 from that area assigned them to a different job.  I of course Jumped his butt for moving my people and he started in about being a E-4 Third Class and out ranking me. I told him I didn't care those people were not working for him they were working for me. Well he called his Department Petty Office over to settle it. He was informed that since those men were assigned to my department he could not reassign them without my permission.  He hated that and it was not the last confrontation between us.
  I have quite a few stories from Midway and they will be told as I remember them not necessarily in order of how they happened.

US Naval Station Midway Island.

   After my 14 days leave I was to report to US Naval Station Midway Island, I had my ticket for my first airplane ride in my paperwork. I went to The airport in San Diego, and boarded a flight for Honolulu Hawaii. Once in Hawaii I was transferred to Hickam AFB for a military contract flight to Midway. The flight from Diego to Hono was great, pretty stewardesses, nice seats, everything I expected.  Then We saw the plane we would fly to Midway on. It looked like something out of Skyking. An old DC-3 from Northwest Orient Airlines, Propeller driven. And when they started the motors, the belched smoke and fire and shook real bad.  We boarded our "luxury Flight" and were taxing to the runway when the pilot announced we had to turn around and go back to change aircraft because ours had engine problems. Very reassuring to all of us already nervous passengers.  Well we got our other aircraft and made the flight to Midway safely. It was new Years Eve 1969-70.
      
      Midway Island lies in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, The main Island of 2 is Sand Island, approximately 1250 acres.  Famous for a turning point in WWII, There is not much there. But it was home to a couple of  thousand Sailors, Seabees, and US Air force personnel in 1968. Mostly it is home to thousands and thousands of Laysan Albatross, fondly referred to as "Gooney Birds".   These Birds are very beautiful and graceful in flight, but when they land it is a comedy of errors. With most making a three point landing every time.  Take off is better but requires a long run before getting airborne.  They spend part of the year on Midway for breeding and the rest I am not sure where, but on the Island they are thick and they have the right of way. There are a few stories about these birds so remember them.

  As I mentioned earlier I arrived on Midway on New Years Eve. After checking in at the transit barracks, I went to explore my new home.  I walked down to an area where we had deep water piers, It was beautiful. The water around us was so blue, white sand and even where the largest ships docked to unload supplies, the water was so clear you could see the bottom of the ocean.  A bunch of people were fishing there, and I noticed a lot of activity near  the corner of the pier so I walked over to check it out. There you could see a small octopus on the bottom, and about 3 guys were trying to catch it. They would cast their bait out and drag it near or over the octopus but it would not react in any way.
I watched for a bit and then walked to the other side of the pier and saw a fishing line hanging there, I pulled it up and on the end was a dead eel. I took it over to the others, and we cut the body off and left just the head. I threw it out and dragged it past the octopus and the octopus moved, I threw it a second time and  the octopus grabbed it. I started pulling, and the others assisted and we got the octopus up on the dock. I remember someone was filming this with an old movie camera, and have always wished I had a copy of it. We kept the octopus on shore for a few minutes, prodding it with sticks, and admiring my catch, then used boards to push It back into the ocean. When it hit the water It took off leaving a thick cloud of black ink behind it.  Very exciting day for my first day to say the least.
    The Enlisted Men's Club or "EM" Club on Midway was the center of our off duty life. That evening I ventured to the "EM" Club, as the drinking age on station was 18 for beer, and 21 for hard liquor. I still had my tropical white uniform on and I heard a couple of guys say "Hey Keys!" the insignia for Storekeeper was crossed keys,  and asked them whats up. They told me they were from the supply department and we would probably be working around each other and invited me to have a beer with them. Soon there was a large group of "Keys" gathered and I was meeting my shipmates for the next year.
     Midway was a refueling stop for Navy Ships back then, and that evening 4 Destroyers (AKA Tin Cans) docked for refueling and to celebrate the new year. Well on Midway we wore civilian clothes when off duty,  so it was fairly simple to see who was Midway, and who was "Fleet" except for me cause I was still in uniform. The drinks flowed and at some point the Fleet sailors, got into a disagreement with  some Sea Bees, and next thing everyone was fighting. Fleet against Midway sailors. I held my own and managed to escape before the MP's got there, but the next day when i passed the club it was a mess, broken chairs and tables. Man glad I didn't have to clean that up. I had my first real hangover and felt like crap!!!
  

Leave and SK "A" School

       While I was in Boot, I was offered a chance to go to any school the Navy offered, I choose Storekeeper School. I was going to learn Warehousing and to operate Forklifts, and things.  Why I choose SK School is still a bit of a mystery, but I wanted to operate equipment like my dad and this was a start. 
     In September 1967 I graduated from Naval Training Center, Recruit Training Command, San Diego CA.   I remember putting on those Dress Blues and waiting for My family to come pick me up.  Saying good bye to those I had been through a rough 12 weeks with was hard, I still remember many of the guys. Cavey from Alaska, Deason from Saugus CA, Moffet from Minnesota, Andrews, the first Black friend I ever had. and the Twins. But in the Navy you say your goodbyes and move on to the next station.
    I had 14 days of Boot Leave, I headed back to Holtville to see old friends and show off my Uniform.  I visited with friends and family and prepared to return to Navy life. Holtville was just a small town, I really hadn't heard about "Hippies and Protesters" at this point, and everyone was Proud of me. A lot of my friends had been drafted or joined since I went to Boot camp. and the 2 weeks went fast.
     In Late September I reported to Storekeeper Class "A" School at Naval Training Center Annex, 32nd Street Naval Station San Diego CA.  Some of my Friends from Boot had also gotten Order to NTC Schools, and 4 of us met the weekend before reporting at my sister Pat's house in Santee near San Diego for a quick week end of fun. She loaned me her car and we went to the Beach and had a great time. Also drank a few beers while at the house. It was a great weekend

I had received a promotion when I graduated so i was now an E-2, Storekeeper Seamen Apprentice, or SKSA.  School was basically like a trade school, 5 days a week with weekends off unless you had the duty.  Also you had Liberty every evening unless you had the duty.  I was your typical Sailor, ready to hit the beach every day after school but in the Navy "Hit the Beach" does not always mean sand and surf. LOL It is a term used to mean leave the base and go on Liberty. In this case the streets of San Diego. I was too young to drink but did manage to get into a  couple of Bars, mostly though I went to the Titty Bars that only served "Near Beer" and you could get into at 18. They had dancers but always had at least "Pasties" covering their breast. It wasn't until Hawaii a year later I saw my first "Nude" Dancer. I did spend sometime in the local Adult Novelty shops watched some very X-Rated movies and even seen a couple of "Live Models" you would go into a room and be separated by glass and put quarters in the slot to raise the blind and the girl would dance for you. Needed lots of quarters though LMAO.  week-ends would find me mostly at Pat & Sam's place, where sometimes I would take some friends and we would  Play cards and Drink Beer. Jim Hunnicutt and Bill King were the usual gang.
     Memories of SK "A" School with out a time line are, Guys smoking "Catnip" to try to get a buzz cause they couldn't get Weed. My first introduction to Drugs other than Alcohol A friend Named Bailey was the instigator, also dried Banana peels called "Mellow Yellow" I tried neither by the way.
  I remember going to the mess hall seeing all the Ships and wondering if I would be on one of these. I did visit a ship though, a Friend from Boot was on a Tin Can at the Naval Station and I was invited aboard for supper and to visit him. Who knew that would be my longest tour of "Sea Duty" while I was in the Navy LOL
  While there we had a visit from two recent graduates of SK "A" School that had gotten order to Vietnam, they had been to "SERE" School in Warner Springs and were bruised and tired looking.
I hoped that when my orders came in it would not be Vietnam.  I was among the last to receive orders, and when the instructor, said "SKSA Dickey, US Naval Station Midway Island" I was relieved.
  I had requested the USS New Jersey that was being reactivated but that's why they call it a dream sheet.    Some of my friends laughed because Midway is a small island in the middle of the Pacific and I was going to spend a year with the Gooney Birds, but it turned out that Midway was beautiful and there was lots of Beach time. fishing swimming snorkeling and such.  Jim Hunnicutt laughed also but then the instructor read "SKSA Hunnicutt US Naval Station Adak Alaska!"  The laugh was on him I had sunny beaches in a tropical setting and he had a year in the deep freeze. Before Christmas I was given 14 more days leave for the holidays. I had been in the 7 months and already used 28 days of leave.

More Boot Camp Ramblings

As we get older our memories get jumbled. I remember things that happened, but not the chronological order they were in.  This is basically the rest of my Boot Camp memories but not necessarily in the order they happened.  Lets start with the Weideman Twins. 

       As mentioned earlier I first met the Weideman Twins when reporting for active duty. We shared a bathroom at the Hotel the night before processing at AFEES.  I want to start by saying that the twins were special guys, they had hearts of gold. They were some of my best friends in Boot Camp, and they looked up to me to help them as a squad leader and friend.  And they needed all the help they could get. I guess during Vietnam recruiters were meeting quotas with warm bodies to fill billets. During Boot, we dealt with several men that I do not believe should have been recruited.  Among this group were the Weidemen Twins.  Do not get me wrong, Rob & Rick tried very hard to become good sailors, and I hope that after boot camp they were able to survive the fleet. Young Sailors was cruel, and the Navy was an extension of High School. If you were different , or not  with the in crowd you were  heckled and picked on.  The twins were not "stupid" by any means, but they did have difficulties learning how to adapt to navy life.  Both were probably like the rest of us in the 17-19 year old range, but had led a "sheltered" life.  Their family  while I do not know that they were "rich", lived in a well to do area of San Diego. Money was not a problem for sure, and they were not "street-wise" .  They were innocents, never had girlfriends, never had booze, never been in trouble to speak of.  While most of the rest of the company were partiers, Jocks, players, and pretty wild guys. 
   Everybody liked the twins, and we looked out for them like their big brothers. We took every chance to teach them what they needed to know.  We would fold their clothes for them, sit and explain how to tie knots and work with them. On one occasion, they had both gotten gigged on inspection, neither had got
ten a good shave. I had them both in my squad so I had to counsel them on shaving.  I came up with a plan!!  I told them Rob tomorrow you give Rick a shave, and Rick you shave Rob. That way you can see what you are doing better.  Whew problem solved!!  I THOUGHT!! The next morning I walked into the head and noticed a small crowd gathering laughing loudly, I looked and there were my twins, Rick & Rob arms intertwined, shaving each other at the same time. It was quite a sight. I stop them, and explained, OK Rob you shave Rick, Rick you stand still and do not move until he is done, and then trade places!!!!!!!
   I hope I taught them something, I know I tried, and at times they tried my patience. But I refused to give up and later in boot camp when we were allowed to have visitors, they invited me to meet their parents one evening. They told their folks how much I had done for them and how much the liked me. The parents told me about the twins writing home and bragging on me as their squad leader and friend.
     As I look back on that evening it is a great memory. In the end the Twins graduated Boot camp with the rest of the company, and had received orders to the USS Enterprise!!  THE BIG "E", l often wonder how they did in the fleet. Did they make it 4 years, heck did they make a career out of it?
I am hoping they both had good lives and somewhere sit and remember me today. Their Friend and Squad Leader...

Confrontation with RCPO Lyons

    RCPO Lyons and I had a problem with each other from day one. He thought because he had a bit of Academy training he was better than the rest of us. His position as head of the company went to his head.
He was forever giving orders, and expecting respect he did not earn.  We for the most part felt we had to respect the position but not the man.  As I had mentioned earlier, our company was mainly composed of laid back guys. We wanted to survive boot camp and get into the fleet. We were also a group of jokers and pranksters.  Often while marching in formation, one of the squad leaders would  quietly give a command like "Right turn Harch!" or "Company Halt!"  Leaving Lyons marching to his own drummer until he realized he didn't have a company following him. Well one afternoon as we were marching back from a class, one of the Squad Leaders gave the command, "COMPANY, HALF STEP........MARCH!!"  Well we went to half-step, and Lyons kept going until hes was a good 75 feet in front of the company!  He looked and seen what was going on and returned to us saying "Company....HALT!!" which we did.  Well he walked right up to me and said, "I KNOW YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS!!!!!", and pulled my dixie cup of my head and slapped me across the face with it.  WHOA NELLIE, Well instinct took over and I grabbed him by the throat, and pushed him up against a wall with his feet dangling and was ready to open a big can O' Whup AZZ on him when the guys started yelling "DICKEY NO!!! Look Up!!"   Well I looked up and across the passageway and there were all the guards in Unit 4050 looking out their window.  I let Lyons fall to the ground, and walked back to the company and shouted "COMPANY.... FORWARD,  ....mar CH!!" quite loudly leaving Lyons lying there until he regained composure and followed us back to the barracks.
       ell needless to say Lyons went to the Company Commander and reported my part of the incident, and I found my self in the office.   I explained to him about the White Hat part of the story, and he gave it some thought.  He did not blame me for what I had done, but he was in a position where a member of his company had assaulted a senior member of the company and he had to "Punish me" for assault on a senior Petty Officer"  He also counseled and gave Lyons some small punishment. Your basic punishment in Boot Camp, other than 4050, was a "Marching Party". An afternoon of punishment by exercising  for 2 hours and they pushed you hard.  You had to wear your sweater and black watch camp to go to the marching party so everyone would know you were in trouble.  My punishment was 2 marching parties.  But he explained I was to dress for the Marching Party and report there but I would be released  and would go to the snack bar until time to return back to my company. He felt I was right in my reaction but I had put him in a bad position, I should have just reported the incident to him.

      I went along with it, cussed him for giving me marching parties, and told Lyons He better never hit me again.He avoided any other confrontations with me, and I heard after boot leave that 4 members of the company had caught him in the head at the airport and worked him over pretty good.  I do know that after our graduation, while waiting for the go home day, a bunch of US me included threw him into the big empty dumpster locked the doors, and beat the dumpster with anything we had to hit with...  Paybacks are a BIT&%

Off to secondary training.

   The rest of primary training was pretty uneventful. We  studied, practiced marching, got further checkups, and got to know each other.  Friendships were made that I can still remember, many of us started writing our shipmates sisters. I wrote to Mike Deason's sister in Sagus Ca, and to Bruce Mosslett's sister in Minnesota.  It was great to get mail at mail call. I never did get to meet either girl in person, but enjoyed my time corresponding with them. I think about them often and wonder what they are doing today.   I also made friends with the many Filipino guys in our company, they were on their way to be cooks or stewards mates, the only ratings they were allowed to take at the time.  Once in the fleet they could "cross rate" and many of them became things other than cooks and servants lol.  Many of them spoke only broken English, and it was interesting to learn of their culture.  There were also a couple of guys from the Island of Guam. and I did some corresponding with one of their sisters as well.
      I do not remember how long primary lasted, maybe 4 weeks, and then we went over the bridge to secondary training.  We had made it this far, were issued our White uniforms, and the Sailors Badge of Honor, or "White Hat"  also know affectionately as our "Dixie Cup".   We were no longer classified as "Squirrels"  .  We packed our Sea Bags, and marched to our new barracks closer to the classrooms and the mess hall.  Our training continued, and although I cannot say for sure the timeline many things happened on the secondary training side of the bridge. Lyons kept his better than thou- I am in charge attitude, and made many enemies. We exchanged shaving cream wars with company 343. Seems they attacked our Company commanders office with shaving cream grenades, so we returned the favor. But instead of hitting the small office we tossed multiple shaving cream grenades through the open windows of their barracks. LOL made a huge mess. 
    One day while waiting for lunch, our company yeoman approached me and asked "Hey Dickey does Rice's smell offend you too?"  It seems our APO1 was not the cleanest sailor in the fleet. His lack of hygiene did not go unnoticed, and I told Steve I would call a squad leaders meeting that evening to discuss it. Steve attended the  meeting and a plan was formed.   The next day was Rice's turn to report for company muster in the evening, reporting to brigade that all were present and accounted for.  While he was gone, my squad took 4 galvanized trash cans into the shower and filled them with cold water.  The Squad leaders sat on the steps to the barracks waiting for him to return from muster. As he came up the stairs, we all six grabbed him and carried him to the shower, taking anything that would get damaged out of his pockets and removing his shoes.  We entered the gang shower with all shower heads spraying full force, and took our scrub brushes that we used to wash our clothes, and began his cleaning. We scrubbed his clothes, and removed them down to his scivvies, and scrubbed his body as well. The guys with the trash cans full of cold water dumped them over the pack, and we gave him a good shower. After it was over we told him it would happen again if he refused to take care of himself.  No one reported this to the Company Commander and life was good..

Boot Camp Primary Side.

  Once we had gotten our checkups, haircuts, and uniforms. We had taken our GCT, and formed into a basic company.  And we had been introduced to our Company Commander, Commisaryman First Class, Pippen,  Company petty officers were chosen.  First Recruit Chief Petty Officer.  CS1 Pippen asked if anyone had had prior Naval service, and Recruit Lyons stepped forward, he had been a midshipman at the Naval Academy but failed academically and was dropped, because of this "prior service" Recruit Lyons became RCPO Lyons.  The RCPO was responsible for the entire company and right below the Company Commander in rank.  Lyons was a short chubby rosy cheeked young man, and took his position seriously. The next position was RPO1, 2nd in command, and a guy named Rice was chosen for this position.  Then the Guidon carrier  and company Yeoman (Secretary)  The only Black man in the company was chosen to be guidon bearer,  Herbert Andrews from Florida, he was a great choice, and a fine gentleman. He and I became good friends.  Steve  Harabedian was chosen Yeoman. Then the 6 squad leaders were chosen.  Steve was also a great guy and we became good friends during boot camp..
      I had not volunteered nor been asked to take a position and was fine to be just a member of the company. But that would change shortly.  We were moved to our barracks on the Primary Training side of the base, across the channel from the secondary and advanced training area. We started attending classes on Naval History, Rank and recognition, knot tying, and other aspects of Naval Life to prepare us for the Fleet.  We were issued or rifles, and each morning after breakfast we were taken to the grinder and given physical training and learned to march and workout with our rifles. We learned the 9 count and 16 count rifle drills, and basically trained for our graduation parade. Our company was not the greatest at marching and drill. Almost every morning as we passed in review in front of the grandstand we would hear the call "Company 341 bring 'em around again" which meant we hadn't done very well and needed more practice. I do not believe a day passed without hearing that at least once. 

      After being released from the grinder, we commenced the days classes. some classroom and some on the grinder learning basic marching orders, Right Turn, company mark time, half-step, double time, things of that nature.
      Maybe a week or so into primary training, my life would change. Our first squad leader had decided he wasn't cut out for the Navy and tried to desert. He snuck out of the barracks, and swam the channel to escape, but the other side of that channel was secondary training and the Shore Patrol was there waiting to arrest him when he crawled ashore.  He was taken to the Recruit Brig, Unit 4050, and eventually given a mental discharge.  We ran across him for a short time during his stay at 4050, as they were marched from place to place, they were forced to wear Pink sailor hats and had Prisoner stenciled on their shirts. They also had to stomp their left foot as they marched and were given hard labor chores to do. Unit 4050 will be mentioned again in the course of my boot camp story.
      At this point, CS1 Pippen came to me to discuss my GCT test scores and mention that he felt I would make a good replacement for the First squad leader.  I reluctantly agreed to assume the position, and their I was front left corner of the company, right behind Steve, and responsible for the training of of up to 9 other recruits.  Including the Weideman Twins.  It is with the greatest respect that I say The twins were great guys, I still love them to death, but to put it nicely they were not the brightest bulbs in the pack.  They were proud to be sailors, and wanted to do everything right but they had a few problems. LOL and I was to make sure they graduated with the rest of us. And they did!!!!!
       Primary companies were distinguished from secondary companies by the fact that we wore our blue utility ball caps, and they wore the Official "US Navy Dixie Cup" it was a mark of honor when we were issued our white hats, we had made it halfway to graduation.  And with primary companies you would hear them called "squirrels" quite often.  As they would still be learning to stand still in formation, and wiggling around a lot.
     We had many inspections, first at company level, then at muster where brigade would inspect us. It was during one of these inspections that I started losing respect for RCPO Lyons. I was being inspected and the inspector decided my ears were dirty, he called Lyons over and said look at that you could grow a potato in there. Lyons being the kiss ass he was replied "Yes Sir a good Irish Potato Sir. Lyons let his position go to his head, actually thought it made him better than the rest of us, which would cause him problems later. As squad leaders myself and 5 others were responsible for making sure our squads were prepared for inspection One day the entire company failed, CS1 Pippen was not happy and decided to punish the squad leaders for their failure.  I am sure he thought "piss the leaders off and they will get tough on their squads" Well the entire company was formed at the foot of our bunks, and the squad leaders asked to step forward. The rest of the company was then allowed to sit and rest while we were made to tie 2 rifles together butt to muzzle, this became an 18 pound workout tool.  We stood in the middle of the barracks doing our workout by the count, 1. Rifles across our chest, 2 straight out fully extending our arms and holding it until the count of 3  rifles back across the chest 4. 5 rifles above our heads arms straight , 6 back to chest, 7 arms extended to the right, 8 back to chest, 9 arms fully extended to the left, and start over . This went on for a good 30-45 minutes.  And his plan had worked for the moment we were not happy and were ready to chew butt on our squads.  But we all got to thinking and had a squad leaders only meeting.  We discussed the events of the day and came to the conclusion we were being "Brainwashed" lol We decided to take a different approach and just talk to our squads and explain to them we had to do good for 12 weeks and it would be better "In The Fleet"  Instead of getting pushy with those that would be our shipmates in the future, we talked them through it.  This worked and we were soon passing inspections regularly.  It turns out that our company was "different" than the others, ours mostly just wanted to get boot over with, while the others strived to be the "BEST" We strived to survive, not to gain ribbons, special flags, or streamers on our company flag. We graduated right along with the "meatball" companies but our guidon was bare except for the 2 silver diamonds that represented the entire company had bought US Savings Bonds. LOL We won no competitions, physical or mental, we just did our job and survived boot camp. And we had a great time doing it.

Boot Camp, Recieving and Outftting.

The first morning of boot camp was something out of an old movie, a cross between a war movie and a horror movie LOL... It began around 4 AM, people came rushing in with night sticks, pounding on trash cans and screaming get your AZZEZ out of bed, let's go NOW. we all came flying out of bed, and dressed and assembled outside, all the time people yelling and rushing us.. Man what had I done? They formed us into an assemlance of ranks, and started barking commands. Left Face!! Your other left Squirrel!! Stand Straight!!! Now you bunch of Squirrels we are going to Take you to Breakfast, see if you can keep up!!!!! FORWARD MARCH!! we crossed the base and were placed on the blacktop parking lot in front of the chow hall. Excuse me the "MESS HALL" in Navy talk.. and the blacktop was the “Grinder” a proper name for the practice parade grounds to be sure. Many of use were afraid to move and made the mistake of locking our legs and started to feel faint. They took us and sit us down with our heads between our knees, I was wondering if I should kiss my butt goodbye while I had the chance. After Chow, we were taken to what they called Receiving and Outfitting! "R&O". Here we were given our first haircuts, and yes they took it all off. They particularly liked getting the long haired guys in there. LOL I had been warned so I had a regular haircut when I reported. In R&O They also gave us our first shots and did check ups and issued us our first uniforms. And we took our General Classification Tests. These were our utilities or "Dungarees" Blue chambray shirts, and Blue denim pants, and our military issue underwear..

Our civilian clothes were packed and shipped home and we became official US Navy Seaman Recruits. Between checkups and clothes issues we began our indoctrination into Naval Service.

I do not remember how many days we were in R&O, but it was a few. I do remember we had started to make friends before our first haircut which I think was day 3, and after with our shaven heads we had to re introduce ourselves, we all looked so different. We were now Recruit Training Company 67-341, and there beside me in the ranks were the Weideman Twins, Richard and Robert. They were great guys, although a bit different, and we became good friends through boot camp. After R&O, we were formed up and taken to Primary Training, across the bridge. By this time we had the basic formation down and could look like something of a company while marching. But we were still called squirrels constantly because we still moved around in ranks, chatting and looking around!! This is where we had our Recruit Chief Petty Officer, Assistant Company Petty Officer ,Squad Leaders Yeoman, Guidon Bearer, and other company leaders assigned. I felt I was lucky because I was just another recruit.

I had no desire to be a company leader. I wanted to get Boot over with and get to the Fleet, board a ship and see the world!! Exotic places called my name, and most of all I wanted to do my service and return to my little corner of the world. I had never given a career in the Navy much thought, just wanted to serve my time and return to being a civilian.

Waiting for Boot Camp

  After all charges were dropped in my confrontation with the law.  I did what everybody else was doing. Of course I worked almost everyday, and hung around with Meredith and Wayne at night.  On Sunday after noons we had the drags out at the old navy base, lots of good cars would show there. In fact we actually had a few big name racers compete on special days. Gas Rhonda, was there once and a special car from the Service Center in LA, "Peanuts". the car was a fiberglass bodied Ford galaxy, but was unique in that it was a four door not a two door. It turns out the body was made to shoot a commercial high on a hilltop in the middle of no where, I believe in the monument valley. And had to be put up there by helicopter.  After filming the body was acquired by the service center and made into a drag racer.

      When we had a day off  we would have Hot Dog Roast out at "Wienie Roast Hill" near the old navy base.  This sand hill was a popular place, used by church groups and families to have a good time.  It was just off the old runway, and the sand was packed on the road out to it so plain cars could get out there. the hill itself was a 20 foot or so tall  sand hill sticking up in the middle of no where.  We would play games, do some sand surfing and just visit with friends.

     Other times we would "drag main" in El Centro, Start on the west side at Fosters Freeze, down main to 4 corners turn around at Bakers Burgers, and go back. All the time shouting and laughing. Hollering at the other cars and folks along the street.  Many nights were spent with my girlfriend at the time  Beverly Davidson.  She was a year older and we had many good times.  But we parted ways when I was going into the Navy. I didn't want to tie her down or be tied down for four years.

      A few weeks before I was to report to AFEES, I ran a red light  hitting a pickup, and totalled my dad's 58 Ford. My cousin Meredith and I took a Farmall "H" Tractor to the accident scene and pulled the car back to the house, and my sister Pat came and picked me up until we could call dad and let him know. To say the least he was quite upset, but I survived.

     Finally the day came and I boarded the Greyhound for Los Angeles, and AFEES I spent the night in a hotel, and the next morning I reported in to become an active duty sailor.  I was asked if I had gotten into any trouble while waiting to report, and told them about my incident with the law. The Petty Officer asked what the out come was and I told the truth as I understood it, the Charge were dropped so I could continue into the Navy. Well that did not set well with them, and I had to talk to the Officer in Charge, He listened to my story and said, well if the reason  charges were dropped for to allow me to get into the Navy, then that wasn't good enough and the Navy would not take me. He sent me back to the Hotel for another night and told me to report to him the next morning.  That was where I met the Wiedeman Twins, which are another part of the story later.

    The next morning I reported to the O  in C, and was informed that according to court records charges were dropped because of "Lack of Evidence" I said OK and he sent me out to be processed and began my Tour for Duty with the United States Navy.  Late that afternoon I along with the Weideman Twins, and several other sailors were bussed to Naval Training Center, Recruit Training Command, San Diego California. It was dusk when we arrived, and the NTC Band was marching along the road in perfect formation, as we passed we heard the cry "You'll Be Sorry!!" from one of the band members.  We were taken to a barracks where we would spend our first night as Sailors!!!
   
   

Veteran of the US Navy

   I joined the US Navy in February 1967 under a plan that allowed me to be inactive reserve for 120 days before reporting to boot camp.  This allowed me to gain "Time in service" towards pay raises and such things.  I went to AFEES in Los Angeles, and took my physical, and exams and was sworn in as a member of the United States Navy. My decision to join the Navy was based on the Vietnam Conflict, many of my friends had been drafted and I did not want to go into the Jungle so choose Navy for my Service to Country.  Plus I needed a secure way to leave home and still survive.   I then went home and waited to report to duty.  I was employed at the time by Holtville Alfalfa Mills Inc. a tractor operator, I had been there since September 1966. It was a low paying job but it was an income.  I did not like the fact that it was 7 days a week, and wanted something better.

     During my wait to report, I ran afoul of the law, A friend and I went out and managed to get a guy to buy us a couple of 6-packs and commenced to get drunk.  Both of us trying to impress the other with our badness, we went on a vandalizing spree. As I look back on what we did I am totally ashamed that I had any part of it. We poked holes in the radiators of a couple of Caterpillar tractors, dumped oil and diesel in irrigation water, and just were complete a-holes. We also stole a few things and had them in the backseat  of my 56 Ford.    During our spree of stupidity, we had picked up 2 Coleman camping lanterns and a can of fuel. No doubt the property of the irrigator we ran across later. My friend decided he wanted the irrigator's wrist watch, and we were wanting to trade the lanterns and fuel for the watch.  Well due to the language barrier the gentleman thought we were going to burn him and his car if we didn't get the watch.  We left the lanterns and fuel with him and left with the watch.  I took my friend home and headed back to Holtville. Just before the city limits, near the Alamo River, I was surrounded with law enforcement.  Pistols and shotguns drawn they placed me under arrest.  I was booked on felony strong arm robbery.  This was 4:00 am sat morning, and I remained incarcerated until Wednesday. 

    My Dad had always said you get in trouble, get yourself out!!  So I called to let him know where I was and did not ask for help.  During my time in the felony tank. I had lots to occupy my mind. I was in the cell with many felons, including "The Arizona Gunman" that had went on a robbery, killing spree around the area until he got caught. He and another guy were going up on the three strikes deal. Both knew they would be going to Chino State prison and sit and talked with me about prison.  They had me convinced that I was going to Chino, and described the condition's there. They told me to get assigned to the prison farm, as that is where they would be and they would help me break-out with them.  I was scared, I did not want to be in prison. They treated me like I was going to get a long sentence, and as I look back   nit they were trying to scare me to straighten up if I got the chance.

     The county sheriff took a liking to me, and although they had all they needed to convict, he gave my friend and I a chance to get our crap together.  After Talking to him he decided we were just stupid kids and deserved another chance so all charges were dropped. God had his hand on me that day.  The sheriff had me brought to his office many times, one occasion they had busted some underage drinkers at the lake and we watched through his door as the teenage girls in bikinis were booked and released to their parents. At one point the jailer joked that he was going to wear out a pair of shoes transporting me to the sheriff's office.  Going for arraignment, I was handcuffed to a rather large man of African-American descent. He said If I start running you best keep up!!!, I simply said if you start running you will have to drag or carry me cause I ain't running no where with armed guards around!!!
  On Wednesday a bail bondsman came and talked to me about bond, I had half the money, and would have the other half on Friday, so he arranged my bail. He drove me to the field where the company was working and got the payment from my Dad who was holding my money for me.  I never found out who arranged the bondsman, but it was one of three, My Dad, My Uncle Andrew,or the Sheriff himself. After one court appearance, the charges were drooped and I was cleared to go into the Navy.