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Topic: The burden of command......and beyond |
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TED WALTHER
TOP BOSS
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Posted on: Sep 26, 2012 - 8:51pm
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I know everyone here has thought of this before, but, I just want to bring to light the life long burden of RADM Bulkeley. I only recieved a detailed letter from him, but Charlie met him at his home, and some of you others have met him also.
From 1942 on he was a larger than life character, which is understandable. But this one humble man carried the burden of not knowing what happened to his remaining boat crews for 3+ years, men he never wanted to leave behind, but because of immediate circumstances, was forced too.
He carried this personal wieght/burden for actually 4 1/2 years, Al Knows. Bulkeley was involved with his men on a momentary basis, and for some, he was their seadaddy in RON 3, others in the squadron were from RON 1, others followed him from PTC RON 1.
With all of this plus RON 7 and RON 2(2), RON 34 and RON 35, He prided himself on always knowing everyone within his command. I can't even imagine the amount of personal emotion this man kept buried within himself. He was a very one on one type of guy, a sailors sailor type. Just to realate a storey I was told by a buddy years later while RADM Bulkeley was at INSURV, he was always in blue coveralls while inspecting a ship, no rank insignia(on purpose), going into the filthiest bilges and for the most part, the ships crews thorught he was a civilian contractor, some old guy. He always listened to the input of the seaman on the deckplate and his input, was most important to him, because he knew the deckplate seaman would not candy coat the response to any question he asked. He was always my hero, and always will be.
Thank You John Duncan Bulkeley for showing me what is expected and required for a man in Naval Special Warfare and beyond.
TED WALTHER
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Will Day
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Posted on: Sep 26, 2012 - 10:03pm
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Well said, Ted. Bravo Zulu.....
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Frank J Andruss Sr
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Posted on: Sep 27, 2012 - 1:16am
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No doubt a special man who took pride in everything he did. Men like this only come around once in a life-time. I met him at Battleship Cove once, and although not a large man, he scared the hell out of me, with that long cold stare that he had. Once we spoke, he was a real nice man, something I shall never forget...........
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