Posted by Fred Borgmann
on 4/17/2003, 4:58 pm
12.229.78.240
I received this message and the author agreed that I could pass this on:
Sir,
I am a 51 year old lover of subs who was very saddened to learn that Captain Beach has left us. My father, Hilry Smith CSC (Ret), is a 30 year career Navy Chief having served from 1943 to 1973 (I joined the Air Force because I couldn't get into subs!) who just celebrated his 80th birthday. As a matter of fact it was my father, when he was a Company Commander in San Diego, who introduced me to "Your Navy".
Since a young lad I have always loved submarines and I can still remember the first time I picked up Capt. Beach's book "Submarine!" when I was in the 7th grade. I have it almost memorized and last year I contacted the captain and he graciously authographed my hardbound copy of his book. We corresponded once or twice and I treasure his letters (even more so now that he has passed on).
His passing was not just a loss for the Silent Service, but also for our nation as he was a hero in every sense of the word. As I have had the chance to listen to him speak (on the History Channel and other programming about submarines) it makes him become even more real to me.
If I may share with you, perhaps one of the greatest thrills in my life was having the opportunity to tour the USS Drum in Mobile, Alabama in the early 80's. To be able to stand where you men stood, to see, touch and feel the boat ran me through a bunch of emotions.
I have thanked my father for his service to our nation and so I thank all of you who served to preserve our freedoms. Especially I want to thank the families of those who have passed on - their sacrifice is not forgotten.
Thank you for listening to me go on. Again, for me it was a great pleasure to have known, in a very small way, Captain Beach, warrior, author, hero.
Mario Smith
Message Thread:
« Back to thread