Page 83 - Senior Link Magazine Fall 2025 - Online Magazine

navy | vietnam

“The cruise logbook describes many artillery barrage to stop us. We came “Well, I still fold my underwear the
significant missions conducted by in close, started firing, and blew up same way. I still use the military date
the Robison. What was especially the entire load. Then the ship turned system. And the skills I learned have
memorable?” to run full speed out of range. The served us well throughout our lives.
Robison and the second ship, the The military taught me discipline
“We went on over 100 combat Wilson, were built around 1960. The and self-reliance. It was there I began
missions, but one stands out. third ship was the Hollister, a WWII often to pray, which developed into a
We were one of three ships on destroyer. When we headed full deep, lifelong relationship with God.
Linebacker strikes off the coast of speed out of range, the old Hollister Feeling far from home—from you
North Vietnam. After sundown, easily outran both of our newer and my family—made me realize
we went to general quarters and ships! That was the most memorable how blessed I was to have so much
attacked targets inland. We would mission. It reminded me of an old to go back to, and I have never since
attack, pull out of range, move up John Wayne movie, steaming into taken for granted my blessings.
the coast to attack another one, and combat with shells exploding on Finally, I also am more deeply aware
repeat five to six times all night. At every side, and still accomplishing of how blessed I am to have been
daybreak, a spotter plane would our mission with no casualties or born in the USA. Along with inherent
fly over to assess damage. One damage. For that daylight raid, all freedoms and opportunities come
morning, the plane spotted a whole three captains received the Silver obligations and responsibilities, and
barge of ammunition the Viet Cong Star, and all three crews received a the military was one good way to
had offloaded and left on the beach. Presidential Unit Citation.” fulfill them.”
We turned around and moved back
in to blow it up. Since it was now “How has your time in the military
broad daylight, the enemy began an impacted the rest of your life?”

Lubbock Senior Link 83