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Why Brooklyn, New York? Dad was serving a second tour in the United States Navy, currently stationed at the Brooklyn Naval Yard. This was to be home. Established in 1801, it served as America's premier naval shipbuilding facility for 165 years. It launched America’s mightiest warships, including the USS Monitor, the USS Arizona, and the USS Missouri. Peak activity occurred during World War II, when some 70,000 people worked at the Yard. With the Korean Conflict on the other side of the world in play, it continued to fill the Navy’s mission. The Yard would be in continuous operation until 1966, when decommissioned and then sold to the City of New York.
My dad first served his country as a member of the United States Navy, beginning on January 13, 1944. He received the Victory Medal, American Theatre Medal, Asiatic Pacific Medal and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon during his military service. He never displayed these medals. Perhaps hidden at the back of a dresser drawer. Now gone forever?
He was a Carpenter’s Mate Third Class when honorably discharged on May 17, 1946 (Notice of Separation From U. S. Naval Service). They stationed him at a Fleet Hospital 114, at Samar, Philippine Islands. He entered the Navy again December 17, 1952, went to Rochester in May 1953, then to Brooklyn again, finally discharged November 1953.
We never sat and talked about his experiences, what he faced while serving, absolutely nothing. When I was older, we watched military movies each Sunday afternoon, after church and lunch. Pork Chop Hill, Mr. Roberts, The Enemy Below, Hellcats of the Navy, PT 109, Halls of Montezuma, To Hell and Back, Sergent York and others whose names have long since slipped away, still he never discussed these or his time in the Navy and unfortunately I never thought to ask. These were quiet moments. Now, that is impossible.
Looking back now, constant communal anxiety was appropriate. We were living in a target zone, or at least a potential target and for many a sneak attack at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, a reasonable expectation so yes, fear was tangible.
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