STORY BEHIND THE PLAQUE
Service Reflections of YN3 George P. Di Francesco Coppola, U.S. Coast Guard (1974-1979)

I joined the Coast Guard in 1967 and that was due to the conversation with the recruiter. He let me know just what the Coast Guard was all about and filled me in on the history of the Guard.

It was everything that I wanted and signed up.

After a tour in Vietnam and a couple of Ocean Stations, I was accepted in Yeoman school. It was the perfect path for me. I was always had good organizational skills since I took all the business courses in high school.

At the time the Coast Guard was not a good place to be. I was having some issues and needed to attend to them so I got out.

I do regret leaving the Guard for me it would have made a fantastic career.

Onboard USCGC CAMPBELL (WHEC-32) we were assigned to Squadron Three Coastal Surveillance we took part in many gunfire supports and intercepts of both steel and wooden hull vessels that were carrying contraband.

As for significance, there are quite a few but the one that stands out is the sinking of PCF-19 on June 16, 1968. This was significant due to it was the first patrol boat to be sunk by N. Vietnam aircraft. There is a wonderful book called “Swift Boat Down” that describes the whole incident.

As for me and our crew, I know that they will never forget that night.

Another memory was the rescue and surgery of a young girl on board that was wounded during the gunfire.

I learned the hard way that “Here today and gone tomorrow” is a very true statement. Life is so fragile.

Was there a particular incident during your service when you believed you were in a situation you might not survive? Please describe what happened and what was the outcome.

Not really, the crew was extremely well trained and we all knew our jobs.

My job for everything was on the bridge as the Captain’s talker. I was with the Captain for all underway drills, dockings and general quarters.

Best job on board.

Having served on the CAMPBELL with the WESTPAC crew I can honestly say that these were the finest people I have ever met. We have had a few who have crossed the bar, but thanks to Mike Truex who kept the crew together until his passing. He had asked me to follow up with the crew when he became ill, so I did. Our crew remains intact for the last 50 years.

I have lunch with three of my shipmates once a month, we meet and bring our cruise books and go over memories.

I cannot say that I have had a least favorite. I went to Yeoman school, and my last duty station was at the Coast Guard Depot in Sewickley, Pa just 19 miles from my home.

From your entire service, including combat, describe the personal memories which have impacted you most?

There are many but I can say that the people I met and the shipmates who I served with in Vietnam have become great friends and Brothers.

Being awarded the Republic of Vietnam service medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, Meritorious Gallantry Cross, and the Yeoman school highest grades throughout.

Most of my medals were earned aboard CAMPBELL.

Just about all that I met from Boot Camp (Golf 69) and especially the WESTPAC crew of the CAMPBELL. They were and are still my great brothers and It was my pleasure to serve with and know them.

To name a few would not be correct, but there are some that come to mind such as, Ray, Tommy, Tim, Blaine, Thornton, Yamka, Canner, Barrett, Kit Campbell, Mrs. Townley, Tulich, Bossard, Alvey & list could go on and on.

WESTPAC crew, of course, names of friends Tommy Bernatzky, Ray Lindahl, Timmy Johnson, Blaine Holden, Mike Leonard, Randy Bartlett, Henry Newbold, Mike Truex, Mr. James T. Townley, and I am in contact with them and most of the crew and their families.

I became a professional photographer and I am presently retired due to medical conditions from Agent Orange.

I would have liked to serve in the Auxiliary and tried it but found out it was not for me.

American Legion, VFW, Disabled American Veteran, Vietnam Veterans Incorporated, Swift Boat Sailors Association, Vietnam Veterans of the War, Shellbacks and Golden Dragons, Coast Guard Sea veterans, Coast Guard Combat Veterans, Marine Corp Three Rivers Detachment (Assoc.). Four Chaplains Legion of Honor, Military order of the Cootie, Three Rivers Marine Detachment. Jefferson Awards member.

As of one of only two Coast Guardsman, myself and a mess attendant aboard the USCGC COMANCHE, Charles W. David Jr. who died after saving several men during this sinking of the USAT DORCHESTER, his story is considered the fifth part of the story. that I could find to win the Four Chaplains Award, here is an explanation of what it is:

The Legion of Honor Humanitarian Award is given in recognition of a lifetime commitment to selfless service and societal advancement that has demonstrably affected the quality of life in the community, state or nation, service without regard to faith or race.

It gave me the discipline to do a good job and to be able to deal with all types of people.

You are in the best of services, we are small but large in the eyes of the public and respected by the other services for what we do and who we are. if you choose to make a career of the Guard this is a very wise choice. There is much to learn.

Very much so. Made me think about shipmates and where they are and what they are doing. It has also helped me find old friends. It has kept me up with folks that I served with in Boot Camp and the instructors who helped me learn despite the push-ups.