It was July 1968. The Tet Offensive had occurred in January. I had just graduated from high school and did not want to continue my education. I would have been drafted into the Army and sent to the jungle (Vietnam). I joined the Navy so I would not get shot at. I was a surfer and thought being on the ocean would be "cool." I served on three different ships in four years: USS New Jersey BB 62, USS Isle Royal AD 29 and USS Henderson DD 785. I made one "WESTPAC" cruise on a World War II-era destroyer that provided naval gunfire support to in-country troops.

At the end of my tour, my last quarterly marks stated, in part, "Due to IC2's Wagner's detrimental attitude towards the Navy, he is NOT recommended for advancement and NOT recommended for reenlistment."

In the 50-plus years since my service, my attitude has softened towards my naval days, and I'm now glad I served.

David Wagner, American Legion Post 113, Napa, Calif.