Sept. 08, 1943

[Dick]

This day was the first tim,e I said, "I do", to anyone! After twenty ywars, I was glad I did. I joined the Navy.
Dick

[MaryJF]

Congratulations and thank you, Dick.

Where'd you serve while you were in? My dad was in the Navy at the same time.

You just brough me back to remembering my dad's stories of his service in the Navy. He used tell us that when he decided to join the service he thought about which branch he wanted to serve with. He said he chose the Navy because he was petrified of flying and figured this way he'd be on a ship and wouldn't have to fly to Europe or elsewhere to get to his destination. His buddy signed up at the same time. They hoped they would be assigned somewhere together. His buddy was Claustrophobic.

My dad wound up doing recon missions over the Caribbean. He told us he'd have to take a "swig" of something every morning so he could get up the nerve to get on the plane and go look for German subs and warships trying to make their way down to Argentina for repairs. And his buddy? Where did he wind up you ask? On a submarine, of course.

After getting out of the Navy, my dad only flew twice more during his lifetime. And let me tell you, he only did it because he HAD to. He was not a happy camper either time. My daugher now has his flight log and she so cherishes it.

I still have to laugh every time I remember his stories of WWII and him in that plane. Thanks for bringing back those great memories, Dick. And again, thank you for your service.