Pier 92submitted by Dick Millington June, 2007
This true story may sound unbelievable but actually happened to me and shipmate Jim Logan (deceased} when stationed at Pier 92 awaiting completion of the Euryale at the Brooklyn Shipyard. After being transfered from Long Beach, Long Island I found life at Pier 92 boring ,other than the time spent training on the Euryale main engine room. As a young, naive 19 year old Fireman 1/c, I asked Logan if he would like to go with me to see the Captain, Harry Guthrie, located at the Shipyard. My objective was to get 2 weeks leave to see my family and fiancée. Jim was reluctant but said OK so off we went to the Captain's Office. Upon arrival I spotted the Captain at a long table like desk along with several other officers. I walked right by the others and stood in front of Guthrie and saluted. He looked a little surprised and returned my salute and asked what I wanted. I told him I was stationed at Pier 92 and would like 2 weeks leave to go home to Long Beach, California. He said he had lived in Long Beach for several years and knew the town well. He asked what high school I attended and did I play any football. I went to Jordan High School and did play on a 3 year undefeated team. He asked me a few more questions and then turned to the officer sitting next to him and said, "Give this sailor 2 weeks leave." I thanked him and said I have my friend Jim with me and he would also like leave to go home near San Diego...by that time I could tell I was in deep trouble with his staff. The Captain said, "Give these two leave." A yeoman cut our orders and we returned to Pier 92 and started packing our gear. All the other crew members thought we were kidding as apparently getting leave was unheard of. They were in total disbelief until we walked out the door for the train station. We had to change trains in Chicago and it was really tough to get seats, but the military had priority. Jim and I spotted a little old lady crying at the gate. She couldn't get a seat so Jim took one hand and I took the other and we quickly pushed through the gate telling the train agent that she was our mother. He knew what we were doing but let us pass. She wanted to see her son in St. Louis as he was in the Army and was being shipped to Europe. The train trip took 10 days round trip, so we only had a short 4 days at home, We returned on time and had a good laugh as people still couldn't believe we had leave, especially from the famous Pier 92. |
Euryale Main Entrance Gorgon Front Page Gorgon Archival Index Contact Me All material contained herein © 2004 and beyond USS Euryale Association This site created and lovingly maintained by katiebuglove |
