STORY BEHIND THE PLAQUE
Service Reflections of EM2 Michael Lewis, U.S. Coast Guard (1967-1971)

As a young man in the 60’s after my HS graduation, I was employed in Canton, Ohio, in the summer of 1966.

Growing up during the Vietnam era, I knew that at the age of 18, I would most likely get drafted into the military. At that time, I felt that if I were going to serve our country, I would take it upon myself to choose the branch of service that appealed to my character. So the US Post Office was right across the street from my employment, and one lunch hour, I walked over to look at the branches represented by recruiters.

Of course, I was very familiar with the US Army, US Air Force, US Marine Corp., and US Navy. But I noticed a sign that said US Coast Guard. It was my lucky day as the US Coast Guard recruiter only came to my hometown once a month from Pittsburgh, PA, to recruit. I walked in, sat down with the recruiters, listened to his presentation, and asked questions. I was immediately drawn to the USCG and made arrangements to take the test to determine if I qualified. Low and behold, I did pass and made arrangements to attend Boot Camp in Cape May in January 1967.

Upon leaving Basic Training in March 1967, I was fortunate to go to EMA School, Groton, CN. After my schooling, I was transferred to USCGC Storis, Kodiak, AK, in September 1967. I advanced to EM3 while on the Storis and left Alaska in March 1969.

I went to Base GINY (Governors Island New York), TAD, to determine my next duty, and I was accepted into GINY Base Security. During that period, I advanced to EM2 until my discharge in January 1971. I had a job to return to at home, but I did consider re-enlisting, but the job at home won.

Not necessarily a fear of not surviving but in January 1968, while on patrol in the Bering Sea, we received word of the capture of the USS Pueblo by the North Koreans. Our location was very close to the capture and was a bit nerve-wracking.

Even though I was thousands of miles from my home in Ohio, I have fond memories of my Cutter Storis service. We did a lot of good for the State of Alaska in monitoring US waters and the many SAR calls we encountered.

My four years were some of the best years of my life, and I can honestly say I did not have a least favorite.

From your entire military service, describe any memories you still reflect on to this day.

Again, I have to mention my 18 months on the Cutter Storis. We had great times and some not-so-great during nasty weather, but we were family.

We had a reunion of those that sailed on the Storis in 2021, and I met up with four others that I sailed with in the ’60s. I stay in touch with many others via social media to this day.

From a young recruit in January 1967 as a Seaman Recruit in Basic at Cape May, progressing from SA to FMEM after schooling in Groton, CN on to the Cutter Storis where I advanced to EM3 and finally my final 22 months on GINY (Governors Island, New York) where I advanced to EM2 with enough time left in my career to advance to EM1. However, knowing I was getting out at four years, I decided not to take the exam.

In addition to my advancement throughout my CG Career, I feel the CG taught me how to grow up, which aided my civilian career.

Too many to mention, but the crew of the Cutter Storis received many accommodations for our SAR missions during my period on the ship.

Secondly, as a member of the GINY Base Security, we also received similar accommodations during the performance of our duties. One, in particular, was our recognition for operating a smooth and flawless visit by General Westmoreland in April 1970. During Basic, I was chosen as part of the CG Base Honor Guard.

Finally, the one award I am most proud of is my Honorable Discharge in January 1973 after reserve duty of two years.

My BMC Lynn Kleckner was in charge of the Base Security under the command of CWO Seidl. Chief called me after discharge at my job in Ohio to encourage me to return to service, but the job won again. He was one of a kind. Also, fond of my EMC Don Bucci on the Cutter Storis.

After I reported on board the Cutter Storis in Ketchikan, AK, in September 1967, as a young 19-year-old, to begin my 18-month duty, I had no idea what to expect. That first evening as I was attempting to sleep in my new environment on a 2″ thick mattress on a canvas laced frame, I heard some of the liberty crew returning to the ship after hitting the bars in town.

A little under the weather, one Seaman was coming down the forward ladder with a lady’s bra wrapped around his head. He was spewing a little verse that he either created or learned on the many liberty ports that I will not repeat. That incident added to my uneasiness but quickly wore off as my days on the ship progressed.

In another incident, while on duty as a new gullible EM “snipe,” I was directed by a senior in the Engine room to take a can of Diesel Fuel to the Bridge to refuel the running lights; they got me good. I later learned how to refuel the lights the correct way.

After my CG Career, I returned to my position as a Draftsman for a major electric utility in the Midwest. After many job changes and progression, I retired after 44 years.

My career in the CG helped me grow up, work hard, respect my peers, and how to maintain a good lifestyle for my family. As the military would say, “stay squared away” at all times.

Listen, learn, work hard, and walk the straight and narrow.

Also, let them know that they are now part of the best military branch so enjoy.

I have kept in touch with many that I served with through TWS and still do to this day.