Dogs and Sailors Stay Off The Grass

During our formative years, we often gaze up to our parents with admiration, aspiring to emulate their qualities and life experiences as we mature. Their influence on our development is profound, shaping our values, beliefs, and character.

However, it is often in their absence—when they are no longer physically present—that we truly comprehend the depth of their impact. Their legacy echoes through our memories, guiding our choices, and reminding us of the immeasurable love and wisdom they bestowed upon us.

My father was a proud member of the Navy for a total of 22 years. Throughout my childhood, he would often regale me with tales of his numerous missions and travels across the globe. He bravely fought in the Vietnam War on two separate occasions, earning a plethora of medals and accolades in recognition of his dedicated service to his country. I never knew this about him until he was gone. There was a funny story he used to tell me, I will get to that in a moment.

The Department of the Navy maintains a wealth of records that chronicle the valor and sacrifices of its service members. While some of these records have been digitized and are accessible online, many are still available only in paper or microfilm format at national archive locations.

In the midst of the ship's machinery, where heat and tension coiled like serpents, my father's courage blazed forth. As the crew toiled in the belly of the vessel, a fellow sailor found himself ensnared by the treacherous embrace of electricity. The air crackled with danger, and life hung in the balance.

Without hesitation, your father stepped into the fray. His hands, calloused from duty, reached out to rescue his imperiled comrade. The searing current threatened to consume them both, but he clung to hope and determination. Muscles strained, sweat mingled with saltwater, and the ship's heartbeat echoed through the metal walls.

In that crucible of courage, my father defied fear. He wrestled the stricken crew member from the jaws of death, pulling him to safety. He ended up saving this man's life. I often wondered after reading this account, what ever happened to him? It's been well over 50 years.

There are other examples of his bravery but even writing this one I am overcome with emotions, he wasn't an easy person to live with at times, he commanded the household like one of his ships. With strict rules and some harsh words he could definitely make you feel very small and with his presence afraid to step out of line.

The funny story was something that stuck with me. I remember hearing this, probably around 7 years old, so bear with me if the account of it is not totally accurate. My dad was stationed somewhere in Virginia, early in his naval career. There was an older gentleman that lived near the base that had a sign up on his lawn, Dogs and sailors stay off the grass! At seven, you don't really understand the jargon and and insults very well. There are a lot of different ways to interpret this old saying or insult depending how you look at it.

We may never know the full tapestry of his life, but one thing remains certain: he saved a life, a singular thread woven into the vast fabric of naval history. His legacy, like the ship's wake, ripples through time—an echo of courage that defies the abyss.

And so, we honor him—the sailor who bridged peril and salvation, whose bravery transcends the confines of boiler rooms and spans the expanse of eternity.

Fair winds and following seas, brave sailor. Your story sails on, carried by the winds of memory and the currents of valor.