NOVEMBER 2017 HONOREES (Listed in Alphabetical Order by Last Name)

Alfred J. Allega

George H. W. Bush

Louis de Beer

M. Spence Dry

James W. Hardy

Francis R. Kaine

Peter L. Litrenta

James C. Lonnon

Richard “Dick” Lyon

Hoyt D. Mann

Edmund J. Mansueto

Philip “Moki” Martin

Richard R. Pratt

William H. “Buck” Rogers

Elliot Schubert

Carl E. Swepston

William B. Thomas

Alfred J. Allega _____ Written by Bunni Allega

Colonel Alfred “Fred” Allega (USMC retired) had long, distinguished military and private industry careers. After receiving his wings in 1962 in Pensacola, , he served two combat tours (1963-64 / 1967-68) as a helicopter pilot in the Republic of , earning two Distinguished Flying Crosses, two Single Mission Air Medals, and 25 Air Medals.

After Vietnam, Colonel Allega served in the aviation department at Headquarters US Marine Corps. As Director, Aviation Program Requirements, he contributed to advancing the organizational strategy and investment decision making process to increase funding for Marine Corps aviation programs. Additionally, he served as aircraft commander for Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford.

In 1981, he was selected as the Marine Corps “Aviator of the Year” receiving the prestigious Alfred A. Cunningham Award. Simultaneously, his squadron HMM-163, was awarded “Squadron of the Year.” Following his command of Marine Aircraft Group 16, Colonel Allega retired from the Marine Corps in 1990 accumulating nearly 4,300 flight hours in 15 different types of aircraft in the following squadrons: VT-2, HMM-361, HMM-265, HMM-262, HMX-1 (Marine One), HMM-165, and HMM-163.

In his second career (1990-2006), Fred had responsibility for six fixed base operations in and Nevada with Mercury Air Group where he oversaw commercial and corporate aircraft maintenance. In 2007, he and his wife Bunni, moved to their dream city of Coronado where he has continued to serve on the Flying Leatherneck Historical Foundation’s board providing strategic and financial oversight supporting efforts to preserve USMC aviation history.

He holds a B.A. in psychology, M.A. in education, and graduated from The National War College. Fred and Bunni have two sons: Philip, wife Ann, grandson Austin, who live in London, and Lance, wife Anna, grandsons Noah and Adam, who live in Maryland.

George H. W. Bush _____ Written by Don Hubbard

When the Japanese bombed , on December 7, 1941, the population of the United States of America underwent a fundamental change. Gone were the old isolationist ways, to be replaced by a new patriotic and driving zeal.

George H. W. Bush was no exception. He was in his senior year of high school and his family was planning for him to go to college, but now a war was on and the 18-year-old Bush saw it as his duty to enlist in the service and defend his country.

He was accepted into the Naval Aviation Program and was commissioned and designated to a naval aviator when he was 18. He is believed to be the youngest person ever to reach this goal. He went on to fly the new Grumman “Avenger” aircraft, and was assigned to VT-51, a squadron, flying off the light carrier, the USS San Jacinto.

In 1944, the squadron was assigned the task of blowing-up the radio antennas on the island if Chichi Jima during the campaign. Bush dropped his four 500# bombs on the target, but his aircraft was hit by the Japanese anti-aircraft batteries and set on fire. He was forced to bail out and landed in the water north of the island. Luckily he was sighted and picked up by the American USS Finback SS305. The submarine was on war patrol, so Bush became part of the crew for the next 30 days, standing watches and participating on the ship’s daily war routine. When the ship finally made port at Midway Island, Bush disembarked and returned to his squadron to continue flying combat missions. He accumulated 215 carrier landings while flying off this ship.

During his naval carrier, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and three Air Medals. Fittingly, in 2009, after his presidency, the new nuclear aircraft carrier USS George H. W. Bush (CVN-77) joined the fleet.

Louis de Beer ______Written by Tamara Merrill

During the Korean War, Coronado resident, Louis (Lou) de Beer, served honorably with the United States Marines Corps. As a rifleman and field radio operator, assigned to the 1st Marine division, 1st Marine Regiment A, Company Mortars, he took part in the outpost war battles of Bunker Hill, Siberia and other actions. During the three year, Korean War, the Marines experienced nearly 40 % combat casualties, resulting in the loss of almost 30,000 men. Extreme cold, frostbite and heavy enemy artillery and mortar fire contributed to the high casualty rate.

After , he was transferred to the 2nd Amphibious Tractor (AMTRAC) battalion, 2nd Marine Division at Camp Le Jeune NC as a radio operator and machine gunner. He completed his two years of active duty and served an additional six years in the ready and inactive reserves.

He worked in the defense electronics industry at locations throughout the U.S and during an overseas assignment, met and married his naturalized American wife Evelyne. The two share a history of experiencing the German invasion into their countries of birth. Lou joined the National Security Agency (NSA) and for his work with that agency, he was awarded the Meritorious Civilian Service Award.

Lou and Evelyne travelled extensively and lived in Europe, North and South Africa and throughout the United States. At retirement, they settled in Coronado. Lou is an active radio amateur, a member of the Military Radio Affiliate System (MARS), a volunteer aboard USS Midway (CV41) and plays the viola and violin.

M. Spence Dry ______Written by Gordon Peterson

Lieutenant M. Spence Dry was the officer-in- charge of a platoon assigned to SEAL Team One when he was killed June 6, 1972, during a mission to rescue US prisoners of war held captive in North Vietnam.

Dry graduated from the US Naval Academy in 1968, attended postgraduate school, and served on a before graduating from Basic UDT/SEAL training at Naval Amphibious Base, Coronado in June 1970. Assigned to UDT-13, Dry served in the Republic of Vietnam in 1971 and was next assigned to SEAL Team One.

In November 1971, Dry received orders to form a contingency platoon. In April 1972, he and his platoon embarked in the amphibious-transport submarine USS Grayback (LPSS 574). In May, the US Seventh Fleet was ordered to participate in Operation Thunderhead, a mission to rescue any US prisoners escaping from the infamous “ Hilton” prison. Grayback took up a position in North Vietnam’s hostile coastal waters in early June.

During a night reconnaissance on June 3, Dry and three men were forced to abandon their swimmer delivery vehicle when its batteries were exhausted by heavy currents. Following rescue and transport to the nuclear-powered guided- missile USS Long Beach (CGN 9), the men were flown on June 5 by helicopter for a night water drop to return to Grayback. The helicopter crew experienced difficulty locating the submarine. Despite excessive height, when given the signal to exit the helicopter, Dry was the first to jump. He was killed upon impact with the water.

In 2008, the Navy awarded Dry a posthumous Bronze Star Medal with combat distinguishing device for his “heroic leadership, courageous actions, and loyal devotion to duty” during the highly classified mission. Dry’s brother, Robert, accepted the award on behalf of his family and the members of Dry’s platoon.

James W. Hardy ______Written by Joe Ditler

James Warren Hardy was born May 15, 1917, and enlisted in the Navy in 1937. He began his naval career flying PBY Catalina seaplanes. His squadron was stationed at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. In the Japanese attack that morning his squadron of seaplanes was decimated. “Our planes were shot so full of holes, there was no way we could fly them,” he said.

Six months later Hardy was ordered to join a new patrol squadron forming in Alameda, California. From there the squadron was deployed to Iceland, , and then Morocco. Flying regular patrols over the Straits of Gibraltar his squadron detected two subs and nailed them. The British Commander-in-Chief credited them with clearing the of German U-Boats.

After the war Hardy served as navigator on the aircraft carrier USS Tarawa (CV 40). In the late 50’s he flew R6-D transport aircraft. Hardy retired from the Navy in 1961.

Joining the civilian world, Jim served as the bank manager for the local Coronado branch of Security Pacific National Bank before retiring. Hardy and his wife of 73 years, Jean, chose to retire in Coronado. They were very active in the tennis community, played a mean game of bridge, and Jim’s group of golf buddies was legendary.

Jim and Jean are survived by son Jim Hardy (Melissa) of Martinez, California; son John Hardy (Debbi) of Olympia, ; daughter Gail Young (Bob) of Santa Barbara; and daughter Patricia Weinberg (Jed) of Solana Beach. They were pre- deceased by grandson Brenden Hardy and Jim’s sister Mary Louise Waldrop. They are also survived by five grandchildren, Spencer Hardy, Erin and Jessica Hardy, Julia and Nolan Weinberg, and one great grandchild, Hollin Hardy.

Francis R. Kaine ______Written by Ken Ireland

Captain Francis Riley Kaine was a pioneer of Naval Special Warfare, serving in the Navy for 28 years from the Second World War to the Vietnam conflict. He was born February 13, 1920, in Brattleboro, Vermont; graduated from Loyola College in Montreal, ; and was studying for an advanced degree at the University of Rochester when World War II ended his studies.

As a newly commissioned Ensign, Kaine reported to the first Navy Combat Demolition Unit (NCDU) at Fort Pierce, Florida. A distinguished graduate of the course, Kaine deployed to the Southwest Pacific where he became known as “MacArthur’s Frogman,” providing essential information about beaches immediately before the assaults began.

At war’s end, Kaine returned to civilian life. He was recalled to active duty for the Korean War, taking command of Underwater Demolition Team TWO (UDT-2), then later UDT TWENTY-ONE and Underwater Demolition Unit TWO. Among his innovations were the introduction of submersibles to UDT and the use of helicopter and parachute techniques for swimmer delivery.

In his final assignment Captain Kaine was Commander, Naval Operations Support Group Pacific at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado. At his retirement, Captain Kaine could look back on decades of distinguished service during which he had key roles in taking Naval Special Warfare forces from their infancy at Fort Pierce to their present mature state as the world’s preeminent sea-based special operators. In 1991, the headquarters of the Naval Special Warfare Command was named in Captain Kaine’s honor.

After retiring from the Navy, Kaine worked as a consultant. From 1975 through 1979, he was executive director of Coronado’s Chamber of Commerce. From 1980 to 1986 he was a manager for the Bank of Coronado. He retired from that position in June 1986 and died in 1999.

Peter L. Litrenta ______Written by Brendan Doud

Racine, Wisconsin native and 1964 Notre Dame graduate, Captain Peter Litrenta had an illustrious 25 year-long Navy career as a Public Affairs Officer. He actively participated in a number of significant historical events throughout his career. These included the incident and the terrorist bombing of the Marine barracks in Beirut. Litrenta organized the news bureau in Beirut and was spokesman when the Marines landed in 1982.

He directed the public relations and media activities for the first U.S. Navy ship visit to China in 47 years. He also directed the U.S. Navy's public affairs activities in the Mediterranean and the Pacific and coordinated community relations for the Navy in .

Upon retirement in 1989, Litrenta maintained deep ties with the military, becoming the Vice President of Communications and Military Affairs at the Greater San Diego Chamber of Commerce. Litrenta served as San Diego Fleet Week Foundation president and helped spearhead efforts to bring the USS Midway to San Diego. He also served as a board member of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce as Chairman of Military Affairs, the San Diego USO, the USS Midway Museum, and the Holiday and Poinsettia Bowls. “His great vision and insight led to the unique partnership and relationship the Pacific Life Holiday Bowl enjoys today,'' related Bruce Binkowski, Holiday Bowl Executive Director. Litrenta was also President of the Coronado Schools Foundation and Coronado Rotary member.

Of Captain Litrenta, Rear Admiral Frank Thorp IV, USN said, “He lived his life by the simple principle of doing the right thing.”

Litrenta resided in Coronado until his passing in 2009. He especially enjoyed golfing with son in-laws David Barnes and Scott Hart and is survived by his wife Linda; daughters Danielle, LyAnne, and Katie; grandchildren Tyler, Griffin and Maizie Hart; Peter and Hazel Barnes; and brother David Litrenta of Racine, Wisconsin.

James C. Lonnon ______Written by Tamara Merrill

James (Jim) C. Lonnon, E-5, USN retired, served with the , Beach Jumpers Unit One, Naval Amphibious Base, Coronado, California during the Vietnam War. Few people know the history or the work of this illustrious group. Organized during World War II by Lieutenant Douglas Fairbanks, the Hollywood actor, the mission of this small group of men is "to plan and execute Psychological Operations in support of commands to which it has been assigned." They specialize in deception and psychological warfare.

As a member of Beach Jumpers Unit One, Team Twelve, DELTA detachment. Lonnon's two tours in Vietnam took place from the TET Offensive of 1968 through August of 1969. His team consisted of one officer and four enlisted men. They were assigned to Commander Naval Forces Vietnam. Their mission was highly secret and required interaction with units from the United States Navy, the United States Army and the Vietnamese Navy. He participated in diversified psychological operations, conducted from both US Marine helicopters and from river patrol boats on all waterways in Vietnam. These operations including loudspeaker broadcasts, leaflet drops, civic action projects, and other techniques. On one occasion, he worked with Beach Jumper Team Thirteen. In honor of the combined efforts of Lonnon, his team mates, and those attached to Team Thirteen, Beach Jumper Unit One, Team Thirteen was presented the Navy Unit Commendation.

James Lonnon currently resides in Lincoln City, Oregon. He works security on NOAA ships when they are in port, fall to early spring.

Richard “Dick” Lyon ______Written by Jamie Gold

Warrior, scholar, athlete, civic leader and family man Rear Admiral Richard Lyon led a distinguished life. He was born on July 14, 1923 in Pasadena, the son of a Navy captain. His swimming skills qualified him for the 1940 Olympics, but World War II preempted the games.

Lyon went to Yale instead, captaining the university’s championship swim team and graduating with honors in 1944. At Midshipman School, he saw a poster recruiting special warfare volunteers with strong swimming skills. The newly-minted ensign became a “Naked Warrior” and went to the Pacific to conduct beach surveys.

Lyon is believed to be one of – possibly the first – commandos to walk on Japanese soil after the atomic bombs. Post-war, he headed to China as a staff scout intelligence officer for the Seventh Fleet. He served there for about eight months, shadowing Mao’s military buildup.

In 1946, he shifted to the Reserves and returned to California. His life plans were again interrupted when he was recalled to active duty for the Korean War; his Stanford MBA would have to wait.

Lyon reported to the Naval Amphibious Base San Diego to complete Underwater Demolition Team training, and became a plank owner in Team 5. Their duties included destroying mines and blowing up railroads and tunnels behind enemy lines.

After the war, Lyon returned to the Reserves, transitioned into the SEAL teams, and belatedly finished at Stanford. He was promoted to Rear Admiral in 1975, the first SEAL reservist to achieve flag rank.

Lyon met his wife, Cindy, and married her in 1976. They would eventually have nine children, 14 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He retired from the Navy after 41 years in 1983 and successfully ran for Oceanside mayor in 1992 and 1996.

Richard Lyon passed away on February 3, 2017 at 93 – after a life extremely well- lived.

Hoyt D. Mann ______Written by Brendan Doud

As part of America’s “greatest generation,” Roanoke, Alabama native Hoyt Mann had a noteworthy career that took him through the turmoil of World War II to the beginnings of the Vietnam War. Leadership and courage were hallmarks throughout his service to our country.

A 1936 US Naval Academy graduate, Captain Mann earned his naval aviator’s wings in June of 1939. As a pilot for Scouting Squadron Two onboard USS Lexington (CV 2), Mann survived the ship’s sinking during the Battle of in May of 1942 and received a Distinguished Flying Cross for his efforts in the fray.

His Air Medal citation for gallantry during the campaign from April 26 to July 12, 1943, exemplifies his character. “As Commanding Officer of a Scout Bombing Squadron, LCDR Mann personally inflicted heavy damage on many strongly defended Japanese positions near Bougainville. His courageous and skillful leadership contributed in large measure to the success of his squadron.”

After World War II, Mann filled various staff and training positions ashore while seeking ever more demanding billets at sea. Highlights included serving as the Assistant Air Officer for the commissioning crew of USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CV 42) and Operations Officer and Executive Office for USS Kearsarge (CV 33). Ultimately, he commanded both USS Firedrake (AE14) and USS Hornet (CV 12), and he was the last Commander of Naval Forces NORAD.

His military decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star with Combat V for Valor, Air Medal, and a number of campaign and service ribbons.

Captain Mann originally established roots in Coronado in 1947 before retiring to the Crown City in 1966, where he resided until his passing in 1975. Mann’s wife, Mildred, lived in Coronado until her death in 2007.

Edmund J. Mansueto ______Written by Dr. Frank Mansueto and edited by Steve Leonard

Captain Edmund J. Mansueto was a highly decorated and distinguished naval aviator who served over 28 years in the U.S. Navy in both World War II and the Korean War and called Coronado his family’s home since 1959.

Ed was born in the Bronx neighborhood of City, to Italian immigrant parents. At the outbreak of WWII, he was stationed in the South Pacific flying the famed PBY Catalina, a welcome sight to any downed airman or sailor.

Ed was awarded the Silver Star for a daring rescue of a downed Navy pilot a mere 100 yards off a Japanese-held island while under heavy enemy shore fire, telling his air crew that “we’re not going back without that downed pilot.” He was later awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with three Gold Stars, and the Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon.

Ed’s PBY squadron was among the first to use an early version of Jet Assisted Take Off (JATO) bottles. He related how surprised the Japanese must have been to see a lumbering PBY with a rocket-assisted takeoff escape from the water quickly enough to return his crew and a fellow pilot to safety.

Ed later led “Hurricane Hunter” missions, flying into hurricanes to help predict their movement to protect the public. In the late 1950’s, Ed performed airborne reconnaissance and radar surveillance along the Russian border. Ed was often a spokesman for the Navy in television news.

Ed and his family moved to Coronado in 1959. In 1960, Ed was promoted to captain and commanded the last squadron of P-5 Marlins at Naval Air Station (NAS) North Island, and later assumed command of Naval Air Facility El Centro. In 1966, Ed and his family returned to North Island to serve at AIRPAC for his final tour of duty.

Philip “Moki” Martin______Written by Jamie Gold

Lieutenant Philip Martin grew up swimming, diving and surfing in , past-times that would later help fulfill his dream of becoming a Navy SEAL. He enlisted right out of high school and soon found himself on a destroyer. The once slight young man – known as Moki to his friends and shipmates –had never participated in team sports in school, but now qualified for Underwater Demolition Team Training. He was one of 36 graduates of Class 35’s original 130 in September 1965.

The Navy sent him to Vietnam with his UDT team, and then to SEAL training. He earned two Bronze Stars with the Combat V for Valor for his service in the Mekong Delta, conducting intelligence gathering operations against the Viet Cong.

In 1972, Martin took part in Operation Thunderhead, a highly-classified mission to free American POWs jailed in the infamous “Hanoi Hilton.” It was a complex operation that was aborted, but not before another SEAL lost his life. Martin was decorated with a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with a Combat “V” for his role.

He became a BUD/S instructor in 1975 and got interested in triathlons, soon creating his own SUPERFROG race in 1978. He later added shorter SUPERSEAL and the SEAL Sprint competitions. All three benefit local charities.

In 1982, the decorated SEAL was struck by another cyclist on a Silver Strand ride. His spinal cord was damaged and he became a quadriplegic. He now gives lectures about the Vietnam War and disabilities, paints and draws. He earned a Bachelor’s in Arts and Letters from San Diego State University in 1991 and has had his artwork featured in numerous shows.

He and his wife of 50 years, Cindy, live in Coronado.

Richard R. Pratt______Written by Jane Simeral

Richard Rockwell Pratt was born on October 17, 1914, in San Diego, California, to Harold and Marguerite Pratt. He was a graduate of the Class of 1936 of the United States Naval Academy.

In 1938, he met his bride, Ann Virginia Mecleary, in Hawaii. After a six-week courtship they were married. Ann accompanied her husband to his next duty station in aboard USS August (CA 31), flagship of the Asiatic Fleet. Some of Admiral Pratt’s assignments included Executive Officer, USS Lansdowne (DD 486), Commanding Officer USS Hudson (DD 475), Executive Officer USS New Jersey (BB 62), Commanding Officer, USS Norfolk (DL 1) and Commanding Officer of Destroyer Division 222 (COMDESDIV222). Upon selection to Rear Admiral, he assumed command of Amphibious Group Three (COMPHIBGRUTHREE).

His next assignment was to European Command (EUCOM). He then commanded Amphibious Training Command (COMPHIBTRAPAC) and served on the Board of Inquiry for the Pueblo (AEGR 2). He retired as Commander Service Force Atlantic Fleet (COMSERVLANT) in 1972. He also served at the Naval Academy for two tours teaching Ordnance and Gunnery, and was the Assistant to the Superintendent and Executive Director of Bancroft Hall.

Admiral Pratt served in the US Navy for 36 years. His personal decorations include two Navy Crosses, the Silver Star, the Distinguished Service Medal, four Legions of Merit, two Bronze Stars with “V,” and the Navy Commendation Medal with “V.” Both Navy Crosses were awarded for acts of heroism during operations against Japanese forces on Okinawa and in the vicinity of Okinawa Gunto while Admiral Pratt was serving as Commanding Officer of the destroyer Hudson.

Admiral Pratt passed away on May 25, 2006, at the age of 91. His wife survived him. They were married 67 years. They had six children: Richard Jr., Pamela Pratt O’Keefe, John, Ann Pratt Roy, David, and Stephen.

William H. “Buck” Rogers______Written by Ron Pickett

Rich in maritime heritage, Chatham, Massachusetts, located on the elbow of Cape Cod, is where William H. Rogers was born in 1924. Following graduation from High School he enlisted in the Navy and was selected for the V-5 Aviation Cadet program. Following flight training, he received his wings on January 1, 1944, and completed carrier qualification on the side- paddle-wheel propelled USS Sable (IX 81) on Lake Michigan. “Buck” Rogers was in his first combat squadron before he was 21.

His initial assignment was with VF-30 flying the F6F Hellcat from USS Belleau Wood (CVL 24). A veteran of the and Okinawa campaigns, he earned the first of his two Distinguished Flying Cross awards for shooting down two enemy “Val” dive bombers and, combined with his section leader, an enemy “Zero” that were headed for a attack on the U. S. fleet. Buck left active service in August 1946.

Remaining in the Naval Air Reserve and completing his BS in Business Administration at Suffolk University in Boston, he returned to active duty in the Navy in June 1952. He was assigned to VF-84 flying the F8F Bearcat and later transitioned to the F9F Panther. Additionally, he served as Commanding Officer of VA-192 flying the A4C off the USS Bon Homme Richard (CV 31) over Vietnam. Later staff assignments include AirPac, Seventh Fleet, USS Midway (CV 41), and OpNav.

William H. “Buck” Rogers retired as a Captain on June 30, 1975, following command of San Diego’s Fleet Area Control and Surveillance Facility on NAS North Island. He accumulated over 4,200 flight hours and 427 arrested carrier landings.

Today, Buck is a vibrant and healthy 93-year-old who has lived in Coronado for over 45 years. Sponsored by The Optimist Club of Coronado, he remains an active and much-admired member of the club where he has served as Club President, District Lt. Governor, and District Governor.

Elliot Schubert ______Written by Ken Schubert and edited by Sam Brown

Elliot Schubert was born on September 6, 1923, in , to a working-class family. His grandparents were Jewish refugees from Eastern Europe in the late nineteenth century. His father owned a dry-cleaning store and was active in the labor movement, while his mother was a devoted housewife. Both of his parents were lovers of reading and learning.

Elliot worked his way through high school and undergraduate school. He was a high achiever in the classroom and played varsity baseball as well. During the war, he enlisted in midshipman's school and was sent overseas on USS Casablanca, (CVE 55) an aircraft carrier, in 1945 prior to the Japanese surrender. He spent six months on board the ship as a communications officer with the rank of ensign. Following his discharge in 1946, he and his wife Eileen moved to Madison, Wisconsin, where he obtained a PhD in Chemistry with assistance from the GI Bill and Eileen's employment as a stenographer.

Elliot and Eileen eventually moved back to Chicago, where they raised four children. He worked for a leading pharmaceutical company as a laboratory chemist, patent specialist and research coordinator, while she taught the hard of hearing in the public schools.

In 1984, Eileen and Elliott retired to San Diego, where he dedicated his time to writing fiction and she to woodworking, bridge and golf. Elliot moved to Coronado in 2012 to reside in an assisted living facility. Eileen moved to be with him in late 2016 and passed away in May of 2017. Elliot is currently involved in writing, community activities, listening to music, watching movies and YouTube, and keeping up with the news.

Carl E. Swepston______Written by John Tato

Lieutenant Carl E. Swepston joined the Navy in 1959. His first assignment was Navy Beachmaster-BMU 1 West Pac Detachment. In 1962 Carl graduated from UDTRA Class 28, and he served in UDT-11, UDT-21, UDT- 22, and SEAL Team ONE. He is Explosive Ordnance Disposal Qualified and did four deployments to Vietnam in 1963, 1964, 1966, and 1969.

Carl served as a point man for a SEAL platoon in Vietnam and made two tours as a Provincial Reconnaissance Unit Advisor-CIA Phoenix program. He worked in the Navy Marine Mammal Program and held the rates/ranks of E-1 through E-7, W-1 through W-4, and 0-1 through 0-3.

Carl was awarded the Bronze Star with "V" for Valor, two Presidential Unit Citations, two Navy Unit Citations, Combat Action Ribbon, Vietnam Service Medal with 6+ stars, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, Navy Good Conduct medal, and a Combat Action Ribbon. He retired from the Navy in 1979 with an honorable discharge.

Carl earned his GED in the Navy in addition to his bachelor's degree in behavioral science from Westminster College and master's degree in counseling psychology from National University. He became a California licensed marriage and family therapist and was an Assistant Principal/Counselor at Julian High School, a counselor at the Borrego Springs School District, and college adjunct faculty member at Palomar College.

Carl is an FAA licensed pilot and a former flight leader of the Young Eagles at Ramona Airport. He is on the board of the Final Honor Funeral Carriage, Military Order of World Wars - General JP Holland Rancho Bernardo Chapter and the Old Frogs and SEALS. He continues to contribute to the community and is blessed to live in San Diego with a wife, son, daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren. He has four siblings in Ohio.

He would like to dedicate any and all accolades to his fallen teammates.

William B. Thomas ______Written by John Tato

Captain William Bismarck “Bill” Thomas was born on October 25, 1913, in Harlan, Iowa. Having grown up in Marysville, Kansas, he graduated from the US Naval Academy in 1936, and following graduation, served aboard USS Chicago (CA 29) and USS Dent (DD 116). After attending submarine school in 1940, Captain Thomas served on USS R- 11 (SS 88) and commanded USS R-15 (SS 92) in the Atlantic.

During WWII, in the Pacific theater, Captain Thomas commanded USS Trepang (SS 412) and USS Croaker (SS 246). For his “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as Commanding Officer of the USS Croaker”,” Captain Thomas was awarded the Silver Star. During USS Croaker’s Fifth War Patrol, from May 5 to June 5, 1945, Capt. Thomas boldly carried out five night surface attacks, which resulted in the destruction of three of four ships in an enemy convoy.

After the war, Captain Thomas served on submarine staffs in both New London and Pearl Harbor, was a member of the staff that converted the Del Monte Hotel in Monterey, California into the Navy Post Graduate School, where he also was an instructor and served on the staff of the Commandant. He attended both the Armed Forces Staff College and the National War College and was part of the planning staff of CINCNELM in London, England. After his final tour of duty as Chief of Staff, Eleventh Naval District, San Diego, California, Captain Thomas retired from active duty in 1966.

Captain Thomas and his family remained in Coronado, having moved there in 1963. After retirement, he taught high school math for five years. He was a lifetime member of the Naval Academy Alumni Association, the Retired Officers Association, and an Elder of the Graham Memorial Presbyterian Church. He was also an avid golfer for 70 years, having maintained a single digit handicap in his heyday, and served as past president of the Coronado Men's Golf Club. He died in 2004 at the age of 90.