John E. Osguthorpe, Salt Lake City, Utah: an interview by Becky B. Lloyd, June 24, 2004: Saving the Legacy tape no. 667

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JOHN E. 0 GUTHORPE J 24,2004 malaria or dengue fever which we always had or so it seemed. I volunte r d to accompany Duane home and to represent the Navy, but instead they chose his assi tant flight chief, a person who'd only been in the squadron about nine months and did not have the bitterness I had. I was given a complete physical, issued new clothes, and a debriefing before going on a month's home leave. It should be noted that I had been advanced to the rank of aviation chief machinists mate. This was as high as a person could go in the noncommissioned ranks. It also was a change of uniform to pants, coats, shirts, ties, and caps with bills. This was the same uniform as a commissioned officer's except with different insignias showing ratings or rank. I was ordered to one of the best positions in my field as crew chief for Admiral Russell. He was stationed in Washington, but visited various operations throughout the Navy. He had asked for someone with combat experience as the overseas flights would be into combat areas. He would feel better knowing someone who had experience was in charge of the crew. I was told that in Washington, it was strictly Navy dress, dress blues at all times, saluting officers on all occasions, "Yes, Sir," "No, Sir" to any question. I told them I didn't feel like I could do such formalities and restrictions. He said, "Think it over on home leave, as you have been specifically requested by name by Admiral Russell." I returned home but could not relax and enjoy my leave. I refused to talk to anyone who asked me about the war. I would stay in the basement most of the day and walk the streets and fields most of the nights avoiding everyone as much as possible. Numerous telephone calls to interview me I would ignore. When an aircraft 42