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Memories of Chuck Kennedy

  Here's SM1c Frank Romito and I at the commissioning of the Bergall, June, 1944.

I had joined the Navy on Oct. 10, 1941 and was an EM2c when assigned to the Bergall.   Frank was transferred one month later to SUBAD, Mare Island, FFT, SUBSPACEFOR, FFA.

In '44, when we were heading for the war front and on our way to Panama when, on a trim dive, we had an auxiliary throw the wrong switch and we lost power to the main controls during our dive.   Having read the "Wrong Switch" page   ......   That was a new slant on the story but from someone that was up forward.  I stand by my version, I received no orders, verbal or otherwise.   I knew that we were heading down and no orders were coming to take corrective action.   I backed the boat out of the depths on my own volition. But now I know why I never received any recognition for saving the boat, the CO may have given the order to back down but I never received it from anyone or any means. I am not looking for anything, just saying that's what happened back aft.

Here's a recent picture from the Bergall reunion at Nags Head with me and my bride to the right of our battle flag!

Here's my convention vest, along with Allen Cook and Ted Drought at my side in St. Louis, 2001.

I recently was able to help arrange a very nice tour of the new Swedish submarine down in San Diego...  HMS GOTLAND

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