- The Chaplain came aboard our sister ship, the Shannon.
This Chaplain, he was a Catholic,
said that, "I cannot tell you where you're going.
"I can only say some of you are not coming back."
Well, I took the attitude
no one said this was gonna be a picnic.
(somber music)
The Japanese Kamikazes carried one 500 pound bomb
and all the gasoline that they could possibly carry.
The idea of the gasoline is to start fires.
Do as much damage as they possibly could.
This being the bow,
and that's the stern.
They came down from a very steep dive
and crashed 50 feet either side of the stern of the ship.
I remember telling my shipmates, behind the magazine,
that was my battle station,
that I think we got hit, that makes sense.
That's the way it felt.
My life was interrupted because of war.
Because this country, at that time,
was on 100% mobilization.
I hope you people never have to face a situation like that.
(somber music)
(emcee introduces speaker)
- He has a natural ability to capture our attention,
our respect, and especially our hearts.
Is this because of his experiences during World War II?
Survival at sea?
Okinawa?
Iwo Jima?
Korea?
70, 70 years of service to his country and his Navy.
Perhaps it's because of his time contributing,
and volunteering to help others.
I believe it's because of the person he is.
(crowd applauds)
- I was taken aback,
the number of people who came to my dedication.
So I told Admiral McCormick,
I received awards from time to time,
but usually it was in a private, semi-private atmosphere.
And this is the first time ever
that a program was set up for me, specifically.
Never, in my wildest dreams, did I ever think
that I would retire from the Navy
as a Master Chief Petty Officer.
Never in my wildest dreams.
I am concerned about these young people.
And I've spoken to them many times,
trying to get them to think about tomorrow.
These young people, if you ask them,
what are you going to do once you graduate from high school?
They give you a blank look.
They don't even think in those terms.
And I'm trying to get it to jar their heads.
And, you know your not going to live with mom and dad
all your life.
Forget about it.
Dad will soon kick you out of the house, you know?
Make your own way, as I have made mine.
So you young people had better start thinking a little bit
about tomorrow, and the day after, and the day after.
And that is my message to them is,
you've got to find out what you want to do
for the rest of your life.
(bell rings)
(somber music)