STORY BEHIND THE PLAQUE
Service Reflections of ET3 John Warren, U.S. Coast Guard (1970-1974)

Like so many young men in the late 1960’s and early 70’s, I found myself with a 1A classification in the draft. When the first draft lottery was drawn, my birthday came up number 23. Growing up on Coastal Maryland, I had always been around the water, although had not spent that much time on boats, enough to know that I would rather rock and roll than sleep in a tent. My Dad knew a couple of people, as did I who had gone into the Coast Guard and really enjoyed their duty. Hoping to find myself on small boats possibly in Ocean City, Maryland or Chincoteague, Virginia, I went into the recruiter’s office. I was immediately informed that there was a long wait to get into the Coast Guard, so being between semesters at college, I went to enroll for the spring semester. A couple of days later, my mother called to let me know that someone had backed out and decided not to go into the Coast Guard and that I could go in the next week.

So on February 16, 1970, I took the oath and reported to Cape May for recruit training.

I was really naive about the Coast Guard. My limited exposure was just watching small boats patrol the Coastal Bays, occasionally towing a small boat in, or hearing about a search and rescue. In boot camp, I discovered the many career paths offered but still envisioned myself running small boats. Several weeks into boot camp we all took the Naval Basic Test Battery. Today, I think they’re referred to as the ASVAB, I was always pretty strong in math and science, so the counselor told me that I scored high enough to go to ET (Electronics Technician) school. I had auditioned for the recruit band in Cape May and was playing the trumpet. There was a fair opportunity for me to remain as a permanent party in the band, so I had a decision to make. I was a decent trumpet player, but not a great one. I knew nothing about electronics, but after weighing out my opportunities, I figured that if I did not make a career in the Coast Guard, I had a better chance of making a living with some electronics knowledge, than playing the trumpet.

I reported directly to the training center on Governors Island, NY from boot camp for ET “A” school. Upon graduation, I applied to and was accepted directly into LORAN C school. I was supposed to be assigned to a Northern European LORAN chain for LORAN C monitoring. Through some foul-up in orders or other unforeseen circumstances, I ended up with orders to CGC Gallatin (WHEC721), homeported at GINNY. Gallatin had just returned from refresher training at GITMO, and her next deployment was to be Viet Nam, replacing I believe CGC Dallas. I called my Electronics Dispatcher, to plead my case, but he said that Gallatin had just lost an ET due to an unfortunate accident, and needed an ET immediately. He said in 18 months I could go to a LORAN station. Within the next thirty days, Gallatin’s orders were changed, and I think Marganthau went to Viet Nam. I went on Gallatin for the best experience of my life.

From the period 5 March to 21 March 1972, while deployed to Ocean Station Charlie CGC Gallatin was diverted to offer aid to a disabled Russian submarine. If any of you saw the movie K19, The Widowmaker, this was the same submarine. She had three accidents during her tenure, and we took part in the third. Arriving on the scene on March 5, 1972, we relieved CGC Boutwell, who was low on fuel. Soon after our arrival, Russian cruiser Vice Admiral Drozd took the stricken submarine into tow, along with nine other Russian ships. We were told by the Russians that our assistance was not needed. Our CO replied that we would stand by for assistance. The submarine had experienced a hydraulic system fire in compartment 9 with 28 deaths. The sub was dead in the water in about 35-foot seas when we arrived but denied our offers for assistance. The significance of K19 is that she was the first Russian submarine capable of deploying a nuclear warhead while submerged. Most of us in the crew did not realize all this at the time.

Despite harassing moves by the numerous Soviet units, shouldering and blocking efforts, and message injunctions by the Soviets, Gallatin continued to observe the cripple submarine and provide vital operational informational and intelligence reports. By their exceptional professionalism, determination, and resourcefulness throughout the period, the officers and men of Gallatin upheld the highest traditions of the United States Armed Forces and were awarded the Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation Medal.

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.

I really did not have an incident where I didn’t think I would survive, but I did have a harrowing experience on Christmas Eve of 1971. Gallatin was originally scheduled to be in port for the Christmas holidays. Ocean Station Charlie was rougher than usual before Christmas, and CGC Mendota (WHEC-69) had to abandon the station. Christmas leaves were canceled, and we set the special sea detail on December 18th. Apparently, we got some bad fuel and had to pull in to St. Johns, Newfoundland, for some engineering parts, I still don’t understand. Something about filters, and fuel treatment. I also needed a joystick control for one of the air search radar indicators. We got pretty iced up before arriving in St. Johns, so our first order of business was de-icing. As we pulled into port, Mendota was pulling out. At special sea detail, my billet was being a bearing taker on the wing of the bridge. I still remember how pretty St. Johns harbor was as we navigated the narrow mountain pass, made a left turn and there sat St. Johns on the hillside. I think it was due to weather conditions, but the parts we needed did not arrive for three days, so after some really unexpected great cold-weather liberty, we departed St. Johns on the morning of December 23rd.

We arrived at Ocean Station Charlie at around 2200 hours on Christmas Eve in 55-foot seas and 85 to 90-knot winds. Around 0200, on Christmas morning, I was awakened and informed that the air search radar antenna was not rotating. After checking everything I knew to check, I awakened ETC Larry Gemoets. Eventually, CW04 Charles “Bo” Branch was awakened, and it was decided/ordered to go aloft to investigate further. The climb was all inside the aft mast to the crow’s nest some 105 feet in the air. Light bulbs were burned out inside the mast, so we replaced them as we climbed.

I learned later that BM3 Dan Pzcotowski, a skilled helmsman, was awakened to take the helm to give us a more controlled ride. Chief Gemoets was first out on the crow’s nest, and he immediately harnessed himself to the railing of the nest. I was about halfway out on the platform when we took a tremendous roll to starboard, and port, latter learning than it was 47 degrees both ways, 105 feet in the air in 85 to 90-knot winds. We immediately saw the problem. Apparently, while in St. Johns, the electricians had changed the bulb in the aft mast range light. There was a pin that is supposed to lock the light pole in position. It’s hard to explain but the light was not fully in the upright position when the pin was slid through. The winds had blown the range light into the air search array, preventing it from rotating. It was an easy fix, so the Chief and I got back to safety as soon as we could.

No damage and no one was hurt, just a good story, even 48 years later.

After recruit training in Cape May, ET and LORAN schools at Governors Island, the only duty station I had was CGC Gallatin. After approximately 24 months on Gallatin, orders came in for me to go to CGC Tamoroa, also at Governor’s Island. I didn’t like the recall status of liberty, as I would not be able to go home on weekends. My warrant said I did not have to take the orders, so I declined them and stayed on Gallatin for the remainder of my enlistment. ET3 Tom Tarpey took the orders as he lived close by.

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

I can honestly say it was the camaraderie among the shipmates. We had some tough moments at sea, heavy seas, engine room fires, refresher training at GITMO, and just some really good liberty ports. It was all a great experience with a great crew.

Just before discharge from active duty, I was awarded the Coast Guard Achievement Medal. It made me very proud to receive this. I was never a rate grabber, and although I never made second class, I filled the first-class billet in the ET shop. I had as much fun as anyone in port, but when it came to my job, I gave 100%. I enjoyed my time at sea, and the guys I worked within the shop. I, with the rest of the crew also received a Navy Meritorious Commendation Medal while performing surveillance operations on a disabled Russian nuclear submarine.

To this day, I regret not making Second Class. Midway through my fourth year, I finally took the Second Class course, upon urging from our XO Commander Thompson. He said to me, “Warren, you’re doing the work, you might as well get paid for it..” I took the course, and the service side exam scored well and was high on the list. Unfortunately, there was a wage and hiring freeze.

About two weeks after my discharge, a Yeoman friend of mine wrote to me and said my Second Class came in. I wish I could get my DD214 changed, but too late.

Any of us who served during wartime received the National Defense Service Medal. This was the first, that I received and wore it proudly.

Shortly before my discharge in 1974, I was awarded the Coast Guard Achievement Medal for outstanding achievement and superior performance of duty from the period of February 1972 to October 1973. The medal recognized my dedication and perseverance in solving difficult problems with surface and air search radars, IFF, and other navigational electronic equipment.

I was internally proud of my accomplishment, yet somehow embarrassed at the same time for receiving the award in front of the entire crew for just doing my job to the best of my abilities.

As so many did I also received medals for expert marksmanship on the range with the handgun and long rifle. This was not as big of an accomplishment for me as I grew up on the farm hunting and shooting since I was old enough to hold a gun.

I also received the Good Conduct Medal, and as previously mentioned, the Navy Meritorious Achievement Medal.

I served under the first three Commanding Officers of Gallatin. Briefly, under Captain K. L. Moser, for about 18 months under Captain Donald Davidson, and finally Captain Charles Hathaway. All demonstrated, the highest degree of seamanship, and professionalism.

In the electronics shop I also had three chiefs, and a great Warrant Officer in the person of Charles “Bo” Branch. Bo may have not been the best Warrant to work under as a Cheif, and I commend Chief Larry Gemoets for persevering. Bo was a hands-on guy, and maybe not the most administrative type, but a real nuts and bolts guy who would attack the most difficult problems with you, and didn’t mind digging in right beside you. Chief Gemoets, now retired CWO3, I think, was a very talented, and bright individual. Both taught me well and treated me with great respect. I have kept in touch with Chief Gemoets, but have never been able to contact Bo Branch. I understand he is still alive and living in the Houston area. If anyone can provide me with contact information, it would be greatly appreciated.

Many others, I have kept as lifetime friends, RD3 Melvin Willey, ET3 Harry, Gomez. ET2 Dave Bauscher, TT2 Art White, TT2 Mike Halzack, and GM2 Steve Applegate, just to name a few.

I’ve already mentioned, that I would love to hear from Bo Branch. I would also like to hear from my last ET Chief Corley. There are so many to mention, and I have already been in contact with so many, and we have visited. We met many Gallatin shipmates at her decommissioning in Charleston about 5 years ago.

My first time at sea on Gallatin was a late winter Ocean Station Bravo. Any of you who ever pulled a Bravo, especially in the winter, know that it stays pretty rough up there in the Labrador Sea. I got mildly seasick on two occasions, but eventually, it did not matter how rough it got, I was not bothered.

In preparation for the Captain’s weekly material inspection on Saturday morning, the ET’s were responsible for cleaning the ladder outside the ET shack on the 01 decks leading up to CIC and the Captain’s Cabin. As I was cleaning the ladder, I was whistling. Immediately upon hearing whistling, our CO, Captain (Midnight) Moser stormed out of his cabin, and in a very stern, loud voice, asked, “Who is Whistling?” To which, I very sheepishly replied, “I am sir.” “Boy, do not you know that when you whistle, you whistle up a storm?” the Captain asked. To which, I replied that I had never heard that. I was thinking that it could not get much worse, as we already had about 30-foot seas. In a threatening voice, Captain Moser informed me that if he heard me whistling again, I would be restricted to the ship for 30 days upon arrival to port.

It was not funny at the time, but I laugh often about it now. In Captain Moser’s later years, the Captain and I emailed back and forth a couple of times. I reminded him of how he scared me half to death. Although he could not remember the specific instance, he said he had to remind several sailors of the superstition over the years. To him, it was more than a superstition.

The Coast Guard was very instrumental in shaping my career choice. I had no inclination, nor had any knowledge of anything in the electronics field. The Coast Guard taught me many valuable lessons about respect, honor, and seamanship.

Upon my discharge, I received an AAS degree in Electrical/Electronics Engineering which got me in the door at the local power company. I eventually completed my Bachelor of Science at night while working full time. I worked for my last 23 years in the Information Technology Department and retired as a Network Engineer. I hired back and still work as a part-time Telecommunications Consultant in the Telecommunications and System Protection Department.

I am a member of Worcester Post 67 of the American Legion in Snow Hill, Maryland. Again, it is the camaraderie with the fellow serviceman and our local’s involvement with community affairs.

I tell people that the Coast Guard has cost me a lot of money. I have had several boats, mostly powerboats, but one sailboat also. I still love the feel of the fall and rise of the sea beneath me. My wife and family have traveled extensively, mainly on cruises, and I can’t wait for the next cruise experience.

The camaraderie is what I miss most, and still jump at the opportunity to spend time with shipmates.

Learn all you can, respect authority, and enjoy every moment of your youth. I understand that the Coast Guard has the highest retention rate of any branch of the armed services. That says a lot for the Coast Guard, and the important mission they provide.

I enjoy reading the service reflections of other Coast Guard Veterans, especially those of the Viet Nam Era. I have read of veterans who have served only four years as I did, and I have read the stories of those who have enjoyed a long career in what I consider the best branch of service, The United States Coast Guard.

You can’t go back, but I often wish that I had also made that career choice, but if I had my life with my wife, daughters, and grandchildren would have been so different. I thank God every day for seeing me through the choices that I have made and providing me with the experiences, family, and successes that I have achieved.

Thank you TogetherWeServed!