coralsea

The following Pamphlet was given to guests who came aboard the U.S. ships that visited Australia
to commemorate the 18th anniversary of the battle of the Coral Sea.
Donated by RD2 Harold Zimmerman, USS Helena CA-75. 1959 - 1960.

The visit to Australia is one of the more memorable events of my life. Besides becoming a "Shellback" which anyone who isn't a lowly "Pollywog" will tell you is a major happening. I will never forget how the mayor of Sydney came aboard with the harbor pilot and announced over the 1MC, that during our stay in Sydney all public transportation was free to American sailors,and many movies and restaurants are half price. What was also amazing was that in just about every bar we went to the Australians wouldn't let us put our hands in our pockets. They insisted on treating the Yanks.

I'm afraid those days are over. I don't think servicemen and women will get treatment like that in today's world.