FROM THE SKIPPER Capt. Paul Odenthal NCBC Commanding Officer Although not the intent of those who picked the dates, it seems extremely appropriate that we, as a Nation, celebrate both Veterans Day and Thanksgiving in the same month. When we count our blessings surely we must include our Freedom, and the rights and privileges we enjoy as American citizens near the top of that list. No one knows better than we who serve in the defense of our Country, both military and civilian, that we enjoy these freedoms because of our Veterans from George Washington’s Army to those who wear the uniform today. I want to share the story of one Veteran who was the Grand Marshall for the Gulf Coast Veterans Day Parade in Biloxi and I had the pleasure of meeting that day, GMC(SS) Clifford Kuykendall. Here is the condensed version: Mr. Kuykendall grew up on a small North Texas ranch and joined the Navy straight out of high school in September of 1941, at the age 17. He was at boot camp when Pearl Harbor was attacked. After duty in the surface Navy, he volunteered and joined the submarine service being assigned to the USS Tullibee operating between Pearl Harbor and Midway. On March 26, 1944, he was an above deck lookout when the submarine was hit and sunk by a torpedo. The torpedo blew him clear of the submarine and he was the lone survivor. After seven hours in the water, a Japanese destroyer picked him up only after circling and trying to shoot him. He was grazed five times. He endured 18 months of captivity including torture and hard labor at Yokosuka, Japan after being held briefly in Palau and Saipan. He weighed 90 pounds upon his release in 1945. Despite this ordeal, he returned to the service and served on several other submarines until his discharge in 1947. Now the story could end there, but it doesn’t. With the Korean War on the horizon, Mr. Kuykendall joined the Army as an infantryman and served with distinction on the Peninsula, earning a temporary field promotion to Captain. His awards include the Silver Star and four Purple Hearts. This is an incredible story and there are many more like it in our military and naval heritage. Stories of ordinary men and women achieving the extraordinary. Deeds like those at Iwo Jima that led to Admiral Nimitz’s now famous quote that “uncommon valor was a common virtue.” And still others that are being written by our troops on the battlefield today. I ask that you reflect on Chief Kuykendall’s story and the contributions of all who has served as you celebrate Thanksgiving this year. And remember, that his story is our story. It is part of who we are, part of the traditions we uphold, and a superb example of our Navy core values in action. Please know that as my family offers thanksgiving for Veterans like Chief Kuykendall, we are equally grateful to all of you; military, civilian and our families, that make NCBC Gulfport what it is. Each of you is important to us, so remember to be safe whether traveling or just staying at home. Take care of yourself, and take care of your Shipmates. Have a great Thanksgiving!
Posted on: Mon, 24 Nov 2014 18:00:31 +0000
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