great post

Been there.Beautiful country,good trout fishing!My older sister was born in Faragut just north of Yellow Pine.

I like this stuff . . . But then I spend my summer vacations in a place that has dirt roads -- no pavement -- and hitching posts.

I was in the Pacific during the last above ground testing of atomic weapons. I was witness to 32 atomic bomb tests. The one I remember most was the atomic depth charge. They wanted to see how close a destroyer could get to the blast area and what degree of roll the ship could endure with the shock wave. If I remember correctly, we took a 30 degree roll. Also spent 30 days in the straits of Tiawan during the Quemoy and Matsu crises of 1958. We were in a covert action that is still classified after over 50 years.

I was a radioman. One time we were in Yokuska and I was supposed the pick up some radio messages from the Kearsage. I had never been on a flat top before so I walked over to the Kearsage. I asked how to get to the radio shack and that was a mistake. I was given directions that lasted over 2 hours. Anyway, I was completely amazed at the size of the ship. I can't imagine what it was like being on the Ranger, America and Constellation.

Was your father in World War II?

Do you have a commission? Are you an airdale?

Thanks for your service and your sacrifice.

Thanks for adding me. Have a great weekend.
Chuck Best

Karl, I don't think I ever got back to you; still learning some of this Soda Head stuff. Thank for the comment. Serving my country was the honor of my life.

Same to you!

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