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Catalog number: VIS 201.0777
In this interview, Gerald Roberts recalls his experiences serving in the United States Navy. He remembers his upbringing, his father pushing for his education, and he playfully admits to aggravating all his teachers. He recalls joining the Army Specialized Training Program, attending university, being sent to boot camp, and the mix-up that occurred when he tried to transfer to the Naval Academy. He describes slowly moving up in rank until he became Commander of the destroyer USS Boyd, providing "plane guard" for an aircraft carrier, and patrolling waters between China and Taiwan during the Vietnam War. He discusses his relationship with fellow Navy ship Commander Sam Gravely, his time in Australia, and a prank involving a cactus. Roberts shares stories about his time as Commodore in Italy, his duties, his retirement, and working for the Pentagon. He finishes by talking about his family.