Lee Coffman
USS Helena CA-75
Family and the Navy
The top on the car was down and it was great driving along with beautiful views of the ocean and coastal hills with the fresh sea air blowing on us. I asked them how far they were driving and the wife said they were going all the way to Los Angeles, she asked where Flanner and I were going and we both said LA. As it turned out, they said that it was not out of their way to drop us off at our houses. I told them how kind and considerate that was and the man said he was glad to do it because he had been in the Navy in WWII and he was glad to be able to help service men. It took only two hours from the time they picked us up to arrive at my house, I gave Flanner directions to my house and he said he would be there at 1800 Sunday to pick me up. I said good-bye and again thanked the kind people who had given me a ride home.
Mom and Dad were so happy to see me, it had been seven weeks since last saw them. It was 1600 and Mom had already prepared a great home cooked dinner, she made her specialty pot roast and all the trimmings. It was so wonderful to be home again and sit in the dining room enjoying dinner and their company. Of course, they had many questions to ask about my boot camp experience and they told me that I looked so good, strong and healthy. I told them about the rigorous exercise and regimen of boot camp and that it was good for me and I liked being in the Navy and that I was thinking of making a career out of it. Bob, Norine, Dick and Grace arrived and we all had a piece of Mom's apple pie for dessert, they all had numerous questions to ask me and I was busy for several hours in conversation. My family was all democrats and one topic of discussion was the recent election, Truman had lost the election to Eisenhower a Republican. The way Mom and Dad talked it was the end of the world! I told them that I had always admired Eisenhower and he was a great military leader so maybe it would not be too bad. Finally, I was able to call Mary Ann and I told her that I was busy with my family and I would not be able to see her until tomorrow. She said I could pick her up at 0900 and we could go to church together and I replied that would be great. She asked me to wear my uniform because wanted to show me off to her friends. It was getting late and the visitors left at 2300, I got into my very own bed and the bedroom was just as I had left it. It was such a pleasure to be in my own bed and to be home, I was glad that I took the risk of coming home.
In the morning Mom fixed a wonderful breakfast of eggs, bacon and her home made biscuits. Then I showered, put on my uniform, went to the garage, and got into my car, Dad had taken very good care of it and it was a great feeling being behind the wheel driving down familiar streets listening to music on the radio. It only took me 15 minutes to reach Mary Ann's house. As I drove up she came running out of her house and I barely got out of the car when she hugged me and gave me a big kiss. Man, this was so great! I felt like I was dreaming all that was happening I had dreamed about this for seven weeks and now it was real, I was at home with my folks and my girl. We drove to the church and during the service; Mary Ann sat close to me and held my hand the whole time.
After the service Mary Ann introduced me to some of her friends, all the girls made eyes at me and I heard some of them comment, "Oh, he's so handsome!" Mary Ann jokingly told them," Lay off girls, he's mine." We all laughed and then Mary Ann and I walked to my car, I asked her if she would like to go to a movie but she said that her folks had invited me for lunch, so we drove back to her house. Before we got there, I stopped at Montebello Park and we strolled among the beautiful trees and ponds, sat down on the grass in the shade near some rose bushes, it was romantic and we did a little smooching. She told me how glad she was to see me and how much she missed me. I told her that I would try to make it home every weekend. We drove to her home and her Morn had fixed a great lunch of German food, her folks were from Germany and her mother was a wonderful cook. Of course, I had to re-tell all my experiences of boot camp and it was getting late in the afternoon and I said I had to go and see my folks before my ride picked me up at 1800. Mary Ann and I walked to my car, we hugged, and kissed goodbye, I told her I would call her and then we waved to each other as I drove off.
I drove back home, Mom, and Dad looked anxious, they wanted to be sure that I did not miss my ride back to San Diego and it was already 1600. Mom wanted me to have dinner before I left; I told Mom that I would only have dessert because I had eaten a lot that day. We visited for a while and soon Flanner drove up at 1730 and Mom invited him in and offered him dessert, he said yes because he could not resist Mom's apple pie. At 1800, Flanner said we had better get going to make sure that we made it back to the base before 2400, we had six hours to make it but we wanted to be on the safe side. We said good bye to Mom and Dad and drove off in Flanders 1941 Ford coupe', it was an old car but in good condition. Flanner said, "Don't worry Lee, my Ford is old but it will make it just fine. Aren't you going to take you car to the base? I told him that I could not bring it on the base and I was afraid it would be stolen parking it on the street all week. He said," Well, I am going to chance it, I talked to other guys in boot camp and they are doing the same thing. I just have to have my car and get up to LA on the weekends."
The miles rolled by quickly, it was a cool evening and there was hardly any traffic, we cruised along at 70 mph, which was over the speed limit of 55 mph then, but no police caught us. We talked about our trip to LA how great it was to be home again. Flanner said he was going home every weekend and I could ride with him if I wanted to. I told him it sounded like a good deal to me. We reached the base at 2000, it was a smooth enjoyable ride, Flanner parked his car on the street in front of the base and we walked in, it was a feeling like going back into a prison, not quite that bad but similar. However, we had a great weekend and a taste of being home again and it was all worth it, we could put up with anything if we could do this every weekend and it looked like we would.
During the week the company did a lot of close order drill and going to classes and of course there was another whaleboat race on Saturday morning and our crew won again easily. Old Daddy Graham actually showed a lot of pride in us and even paid us some compliments; I guess he wasn't such an SOB after all. I asked Chuck if he would like to go to LA next Saturday and he said he sure would like it. I called Mom and told her about Chuck coming with me and she said he was more than welcome. On Saturday December 13, after the whaleboat race, Chuck, Flanner and I hurried out o Flanner's car. The car was safe, a little dirty but it started right away and ran fine. We breezed up the highway and at 1330; we pulled up in front of my house. My folks were so happy to see us and they took an instant liking to Chuck, we had a lively conversation and Chuck told them about his background, how we met and had become close friends.
After dinner, which Chuck relished after being away from home cooked meals so long, I asked Chuck if he would like to meet a girl that I knew and he said he would like that. I called Deta Williamson, who lived down the street from us, and told her I was in town and would like to visit her; I told her that I had a sailor friend I would like to introduce to her. She said that would be wonderful, she was glad I was in town and would like to see me again, Deta introduced me to Mary Ann and we had double dated with her many times. Then I called Mary Ann and asked her if I could pick her up and of course, she said she would love it.
We went out to the garage and got into my Ford, Chuck said, Wow Lee, this is a nice car, I can see now why you don't want to park it on the street in San Diego." We drove to Mary Ann's house and she ran to the curb when we drove up, I got out and gave her a big kiss. On the way to Deta's house we cruised along listening to the radio and talked, Chuck said, tee, this is great I can't believe I am here it's like being released from prison'"
We drove up to Deta's house on Simmons Ave, it was a house in the back down a long driveway, and she lived there with her father, her mother had passed away. I knocked on the door, Deta came out and gave me a hug, and I introduced her to Chuck and I could tell that there was an instant attraction between them, which proved to be the case later on. Deta introduced Chuck to her father, we all called him Pappy, and as usual, he was listening to his radio and one of his favorite programs "Bulldog Drummond", a detective show. Pappy was quite a character and was always telling jokes and he made us laugh with his antics. We sat down and visited for a while then I asked Deta and Mary Ann if they would like to go anywhere and Mary Ann said, 'Oh, let's just go for a ride and stop at Stan's Drive In for dessert." We all agreed and took off, Pappy said, "I know you young folks want to be by yourselves, go along now and have fun."
We drove around for about two hours cruising on Whittier Blvd and listening to the music on the radio. Mary Ann sat next to me and cuddled up and we kissed when I wasn't busy driving. Deta and Chuck seemed to be getting well acquainted in the back seat and they were having a good time talking and laughing.
We stopped at Stan's Drive- in which was at the corner of Whittier and Atlantic blvds, in 1952 there were actual drive- in restaurants where waitresses on roller skates waited you on while you sat in your car. We all ordered deep dish berry pie with whipped cream on top, a favorite for us and it was delicious! Chuck said, "I'm sorry if I keep repeating myself but I can't believe I am here. This is so great Lee, thanks for bringing me along." We headed to Deta's house and got there about 2200, Chuck and Deta had hit it off very well and they asked each other for phone numbers and addresses and then said goodbye. Mary Ann said, "Hey Deta, are you going to church with us tomorrow?" Deta said yes and we said we would pick her up at 0900.
Chuck and Deta
When Chuck and I arrived at my house we went right to bed, there were twin beds in my room. We lay awake for a while and talked, Chuck said, "Lee, I think I am dreaming all this, lying in a real bed in a real house, and I will wake up and see old Daddy Graham scowling down at me!" I told him, "This is real buddy, now you see why I risked coming all the way to LA." In the morning after a great breakfast, we picked the girls up and went to church. After the service there was a crowd of Deta and Mary Ann's girlfriends around us and one of them said, 'Where are you getting these handsome sailors?" Deta replied, "Never mind girls it's a well kept secret. And don't get any ideas, these are our guys!" We took the girls out to lunch and then took them home. Chuck and I went back to my house and visited with my folks, I didn't want them to feel neglected, and they were happy to have us stay with them. I told Mom and Dad that I hoped they understood us spending time with friends and Mom said,"Oh, I know how it is with young people it is fun to date. But don't forget that we miss you very much and are so happy when you come to see us."
Flanner arrived at 1800, Chuck and I said good-bye to my folks and we drove away. We headed to the Santa Ana freeway five miles to the south. In 1952, there were only a few freeways in the LA area, the Hollywood freeway, the Pasadena freeway and the Santa Ana freeway. The Hollywood freeway went south from Hollywood to downtown LA and connected to the Pasadena freeway going north and the Santa Ana freeway going south. The Santa Ana freeway went from LA to Santa Ana, there the freeway ended, and there was regular highway all the way to San Diego. However, in those days, there was much lighter traffic on the roads and you could make very good time any time of the day. Flanner said to us, "Hey guys, I think it would be best if you didn't tell anyone that we are going to LA on the weekends. Word might get back to Daddy Graham and we all would be in hot water." Chuck and I agreed. The trip was pleasant and we talked all the way to San Diego and enjoyed the scenery, we arrived at NTC at 2030. All of us had a dream weekend and it was so nice to be able to get away from the boot camp routine, we felt for the guys that could not get away like us, but that's life.
Monday was December 15 and the company had only on month until we graduated from boot camp, it seemed like I had been in boot camp more that two months. It seemed like I had been here for a year because we had all experienced so much and during that time, we had made good friends and had close companionship and pride in our company. The following weeks went by much faster and before we knew it, our stay at NTC was almost over. The men in the company were thoroughly trained, hardened and physically fit; we were lean, mean fighting machines!
The next Saturday our crew won the whaleboat race again, it was becoming an expected result because we were the champions and the crew to beat. Again, we made the trip to IA and a taste of home, it was Saturday December 20 and in a few days, it would be Christmas, which was on a Thursday. The company did not get liberty that day so I had to wait until Saturday December 27 to go up and see my folks but they said they would have their Christmas on the 27th and celebrate with me when I came home. The family did have a wonderful Christmas and it was so great to be home with them, Chuck came with me and he thoroughly enjoyed himself. When we got back to NTC on the 28"` the company had an easy time of it because the Chief had taken a week leave for Christmas through New Year to be with his family.
It rained hard all that week so there was not much activity for us, mostly we hung around the barracks and talked, read, played cards or went to the movies or the gee dunk. While at the gee dunk, one of the guys happened to buy the very first issue of Playboy magazine and featured inside a nude centerfold of Marilyn Monroe. The company went wild taking turns looking at that magazine and making comments such as; "Man, I'd crawl a mile through cactus just to touch her " or " Oh baby I'd give you a million dollars for one night" and other such drooling statements of desire. Soon the magazine was well worn and tattered, needless to say,
Because of rain, there was no whaleboat race on Saturday January 3 but the crew still got their liberty from 1200 Saturday until 2400 Sunday and Chuck, Flanner and I made the trip to LA. It turned out that this would be our last trip together because the whaleboat competition was ending. It was only two weeks until the company graduated so that part of our training was over. On Saturday January 10, all of us got Cinderella liberty for Saturday only so there was not enough time to make to LA and back. I called my folks and Mary Ann and they were disappointed but I told them I would graduate on Saturday January 17 so they could come down and see me.
On Monday January 12. there was a special ceremony for the whaleboat crew; a Lieutenant presented a trophy to Chief Graham and the crew for special achievement in winning the whaleboat races five weeks in a row. The Officer also cited the company as being the best in the whole boot camp class and outstanding in many areas of the training course. After the ceremony, Flanner and Chuck came over to me and said, "Daddy Graham is crying. Can you believe that? The old SOB must have a heart after all." Then the Chief addressed the crew and said with teary eyes, "You men have made me proud of you. I have never been so honored, you did a terrific job men, thank you," we all gathered around him and shook his hand and patted him on the back. It was a very touching moment.
The men in the photo from left to right are;
Flanner, Ridgeway, Appleyard, Bellinger, Banglos, Hansen (hidden by Chief Graham) Hebertson (coxwain),
Monson, Berg, Bills, Conrad, Coffman and Parrott.
Standing in front are QMC Graham (Co. Cmdr) and an unknown Lt.
Whaleboat crew Company 826
On Tuesday the company assembled in front of the administration building for a group photograph, we wore our dress blue uniforms. When we received the photographs, I had all the men in the company sign the back for a remembrance. For the next three days, the company practiced the graduation ceremony on the huge parade ground; all the graduating companies were there, twenty-five companies. On Friday duty station assignments were posted on a bulletin board and we all eagerly crowded around to see where we would be assigned. I was hoping that my assignment was to a ship; many of the men did get sea-going assignments. When I read my assignment I was a little disappointed, it read,
"Coffman, Lee M. 420-95-34 assigned to Tongue Point NAS Astoria, Oregon.
Report for duty on Feb 15, 1953. Interim assignment NTC San Diego
commissary." I told Chuck, "Damn, I wanted to go to sea, now they put me on
mess duty for a month and then to some out of the way place in Oregon of all
places." Chuck said, "Well don't take it too hard old man; my assignment is to
Naval Shipyard in Charleston, South Carolina. I was assigned to work in the
personnel office, which isn't too bad; it goes along with my training. Don't worry
Lee you will get out to sea soon I am sure. And at least while you are here you
will be able to go to LA on the weekends."