The story that you are about to read is about my experience during World War II. But as I prepare to tell this story I think I must first start with recognition of my wife Betty. You see in life we are like the destroyer I lived and worked on during the war. We need a rudder to guide us along our course and an anchor to hold us in safe harbor.

While many sailors had pin-ups of popular celebrities of the day I had several photos of a real live girl that would become my rudder and anchor through much of my life. Betty and I had met prior to the war and as I braved the perils of the South Pacific her memory reminded me of a future that held great promise. I am saddened when I think of her passing five years ago. But when I look back at our life together I realize just how much her guidance and steadfastness meant to me.

So I dedicate this story to her, you see, she was the primary reason I fought so hard to return to Iowa.