Lee Coffman
USS Helena CA-75
Company 826
(Lee 3rd row from front, 5th man from the right)
Graduation Day
Saturday January 17, 1953 arrived, the big day; the company was graduating from boot camp at last. The company assembled for the last time, we wore our undress blue uniforms with leggings and web belts. We were all very excited and talkative and the Chief had to yell at us to knock off the chatter. Then he said," Men you have made me proud, this is the best company I have ever had the privilege to instruct, now lets go out on that parade ground and show everyone that we are the best damn company on the field. Left face, forward march." We marched to the parade ground, it was a cool but clear morning and our spirits were high. The company took our position at the front right of the battalion formation, the number one position facing the grandstands. The stands were full of people that had come to see the ceremony. I had to remain at attention and I could not look around too much but then I spotted my family in the stands. It was such a thrill for me to see them there and I am sure that they were thrilled too. It was a magnificent sight seeing 2000 Navy men in formation, clean, sharp and in top condition.
After a few introductory speeches by the brass, each company performed the manual of arms and semaphore drills. Then the companies passed in review in front of the grandstands. Our company was the first and I was thrilled to be marching to the military band music and passing in review. The company marched with perfect order and precision and we did look sharp! When we reached the area where the brass was standing the Chief commanded, "Eyes right" as a salute to the officers. Then we marched off the parade ground and the Chief said, "Company dismissed." Many men had relatives that had come to see the ceremony and we all searched the crowd to find them. Mom, Dad, Dick, Grace, Bob and Norine were there and they all congratulated Chuck and me on graduating. Mary Ann and Deta could not make it and I was sorry they could not come.
The relatives were guests for noon chow and we all headed for the mass hall and enjoyed lunch together. Mom asked me where I would be sent to and I told her that I would be at NTC for one month and then be sent to Oregon. Dad said, "Then we will be able to see you again?" I told him I could come up every weekend until I was sent to Oregon, I would find out if I could keep my car on the base and that way it would be easier for me to come up, it was only a two-hour drive to LA. They gave me graduation cards with money gifts totaling $60; I was elated to have the money and thanked them heartily. Dick asked if I had liberty this weekend and I told him no, most of the company was leaving the next morning for their assignments and there was not time for liberty. After lunch, I said goodbye to my family and headed back to the barracks.
At the barracks there was much activity getting our gear ready and preparing to ship out. The Chief was there and again he congratulated us and shook hands with many of the men, he acted downright nice and cordial. We all could see now that the toughness he displayed previously was necessary to toughen us up and it worked because we were tough and conditioned.
The company marched with Amoux leading one last time to the supply depot to turn in our rifles, leggings and web belts. Ah, free at last of those damn leggings and the weight of carrying that rifle everywhere! Then we went back to the barracks for one last night at NTC, except for me that is. A yeoman petty officer handed out the assignment orders to all of us and after we went to the mess hall for evening chow. That evening was full of goodbyes and well wishing and exchanging addresses and phone numbers as friends talked to each other probably for the last time. I never saw any of them again after that night except Chuck Monson who became my life long friend and Walter Hansen who served on the same ship that I was assigned to later.
