Joseph Kratka, Radioman 2nd Class United States Navy 1958 - 1961

Joe Kratka...  In his own words:

I enlisted in the U.S. Navy in July of 1958 along with Ralph Noel, Bruce Bradshaw, Ron Distin, Jack Haddock, Dave Hiltpold and Boyde Ripley.  We all left together for boot camp in Great Lakes, Illinois.  After boot camp, I went on to Bainbridge, Maryland to Radioman School and upon completion of that school was assigned to the USS Courtney DE 1021 stationed in Newport, Rhode Island. 

While on the Courtney, I got to see countries like Ireland, England and Portugal.  I also got to travel around South America and when crossing the equator, I became a "Shellback".  That ceremony was one I will never forget.  During the trip around South America, we made a stop at each of the countries and I also went through the Panama Canal, which was a great sight.  The Courtney was also sent along with others to patrol our base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba during the "Cuban Crisis".  I was honorably discharged from active duty as a Radioman Second Class with a Secret Clearance in July of 1961 and spent the next year in the Navy Reserves.

My experience with the US Navy was one I will never forget and will carry with me always.
 
 

	Anchors Aweigh!  We recognize those sailors... why it's Ralph Noel at parade rest and at right are classmates Joe Kratka and Jack Haddock. This looks like this may the Great Lakes Naval Training Center and the time is fall of 1958.  As you were, sailors. (This photo from Ginny Hill Noel's collection.)
October 1958.  Below: Joe Kratka, Bruce Bradshaw and John Haddock in training in 1958. Great Iwo Jima pose, guys.  (Photo from Pat Pasniewski Haddock collection)