USS Squalus

I need to take a moment to acknowledge a man that I knew only briefly, my Great-Grandpa Bill. His name was William David Boulton, and was a lifelong U.S. Navy submariner. I would encourage anyone to explore the sinking of the submarine USS Squalus on May 23,1939.  During one of its initial dives, it suffered catastrophic failure and sunk under 240 feet of water.  This was the first time an underwater rescue of this type was ever attempted.  Thanks to the McCann chamber, some submariners were saved, my Great-Grandpa Bill being one of them.

My great grandfather was cut from a rough cloth. I remember our last conversation on October 27, 1983.  I showed him my report card and his response was that there were "too many damn B's." Also that I should get perfect attendence for the year, since I had not missed any days of school at that point.  We went home and got a call the next morning that he had passed during the night.  I did my best to honor his wishes.  I did raise my grades and made it until the 3rd to last day of school without missing a day. Then, the chickenpox struck. Ugh! I knew I could hide it and finish the year out.  I snuck into my mom's makeup and gave myself what I considered a professional makeup job.  What could possibly go wrong?  Oh yeah, chickenpox itch and I wasn't good at putting on make up.  So close!

Please take the time to think of my great grandfather this Memorial Day, and especially those lost on that tragic day.

This poem is written on a plaque at the memorial in New Hampshire:

59 Men all good and true,
59 Men, in Navy blue.
59 Men without a care,
Going to sea to do their share

59 Men in a new "pig boat,"
59 Men, who could sink, yet float.
59 Men in a submarine,
Doing their bit for peace, supreme.

59 Men, and a signal crossed.
59 Men, but some were lost.
59 Men in a tail end dive,
Twenty-six dead - 33 alive.

26 Men in a watery grave,
33 Men, a door did save,
Blocking the sea, with all its might,
Saving some from their shipmates' plight.

59 Men, all tempting the fates,
To protect our home, the United States.
26 Men of a husky crew,
Who gave their lives protecting you.

59 Men on the ocean's floor,
26 Men who are no more.
26 Men who gave their lives,
Protecting our homes, our kids, our wives