That's the problem, or was the problem. The waters were roiling and waves dashed as over the deck as far as the forward 5" gun turret as we plowed the waters of the North Atlantic in winter. Sub patrol, and we were on the open bridge of the old destroyer. Then, sonar pinged a sub, a U-boat! We changed course and brought the old girl to flank speed...this one wasn't going to get away! Another course correction put up parallel to the U-boat and we ran right over the top of her. As we did so I ordered "Roll six! and as we passed six depth charges fell, three from each of our stern racks.

Explosions, and then a bubble, and then a slick of oil...the U-boat was dead and our shipping, at least for a while, safe.

Then the radio demanded we return to port...the German Embassy was quite annoyed, the war being over for better than twenty years and all...

I lost my naval commission for some silly reasons, but as I left the Admiral said to me, "Good attack and good work. Too bad it's not 1943. Now THERE was service! I remember I was an ensign on an old open-bridge destroyer, the waves of the stormy North Atlantic crashing over the bow as we plowed the waters in search of U-boats...."

He had the vacant stare of an Old Reminiscing Sailor in his eyes and I managed to sneak away. I never again saw that look until Amos started one of his sea stories at Getaway....