“Many members of VP-21 will remember me for my exploits in that squadron. Some of these are of a nature that I would not like to disclose, so I will limit my comments to some extent.

Before continuing, however, I would like to remind one and all that my middle initial stands for Hallmark. (“Hallmark, when you care enough to send the very best.”)

It is possible that certain details of my time in the squadron may have faded from my memory, undoubtedly due to my advanced age, but I do have several fond recollections. I would certainly invite any of my shipmates to add to my remembrances as deemed appropriate and generally within the bounds of decency.

It was a great day for me when the Commanding Officer gave me a check ride for Patrol Plane Commander (PPC) designation. For some reason, he marked all the evaluation items on the check sheet as “Below Average” – except for the item evaluating my performance in starting the jets. For that item he marked me “Outstanding”. (I was pleased, as I am certain you all remember how extremely difficult it was to start the jets.)

Anyhow, the recommendation for PPC was sent to the Commander, Fleet Air Wing THREE. Not only did the Commodore approve, he even marked the PPC designation, “With kindest personal regards” above his signature. I believe this was the only time the Commodore ever put such a personal note on a PPC document. (Some say that he did that because it had been rumored that I did not even exist and he wanted all to know that he was well aware of what was going on. Can you imagine?)

I was particularly proud of my fellow crewmembers in CAC13. The names I recall:

Angelo Sangiavani
Wyandotte Plunker
Leopold Hershfield (His initials were on the tail of all VP-21 aircraft.)

Several years after I had left the squadron, I had the pleasure of revisiting NAS Brunswick. The Neptune had long been out of active squadron service, but some kind souls had arranged to have an old P2V mounted for display just inside the main gate. See photo below.

It was an incredibly proud moment for me.

(I am particularly pleased with the high quality of my picture, as attached hereto. Some
have commented that they note that various parts of my handsome visage would seem to resemble parts of the faces of several other members of the squadron in the 1964-66 time frame. Remarkable!). Also see what my friends and shipmates have had to say about my career and history. Go to my official ‘living biography’ website at http://www.vp-21.org/GLICK”