Oral Histories Archives - Tulane Naval ROTC Alumni Association

Judge Thomas C. Wicker, Jr. (ret) – Class of 1944

Tom Dolan2022-06-28T14:12:57-05:00

I graduated from Tulane in Feb 1944 with a BBA degree, was commissioned an ensign on the same day and received orders to report aboard the USS LACKAWANNA (AO40) at about the same time. While aboard the LACKAWANNA, my ship participated in the Hollandia campaign, Saipan, Guam, Battle of the Philippine Sea, invasion of the Philippines, Okinawa and was among the first ships to enter Tokyo Bay after the surrender by Japan. After returning home and inactive duty in the Navy, I enter the Tulane Law School in September 1946 and graduated in June 1949. One of my early [...]

Judge Thomas C. Wicker, Jr. (ret) – Class of 1944Tom Dolan2022-06-28T14:12:57-05:00

Edwin S. Wright – Class of 1944

Brian Bourgeois2019-10-21T10:32:39-05:00

Personal Data Edwin S. Wright, USN (Ret) Tulane Naval ROTC Class of 1944 BS Civil Engineering, Southern Methodist University Commissioned February 1944 at 20 years old. Historical Events World War II, Pacific Theater Korean War Assignments / Engagements Amphibious training in Norfolk, Virginia Invasion at Mindoro. Invasion at Okinawa Gunnery Officer on LST 578 Skipper of LCI 446 Skipper of LST 666 Leyte Gulf Operation He was recalled in 1950 for two years of duty during the Korean War. Eight years active duty, Twenty-six years Naval reserve, retired 1976. Other Notable Content Witnessed the USS Mt. Hood blow up [...]

Edwin S. Wright – Class of 1944Brian Bourgeois2019-10-21T10:32:39-05:00

James W. Stevenson, JR – Class of 1976

Brian Bourgeois2019-09-13T15:47:30-05:00

Personal Data James W. Stevenson, JR, RADM USN (Ret) Tulane Naval ROTC Class of 1976 BA in Political Science from Tulane University, 1976 MS in Information Systems, Naval Post Graduate School Commissioned May 1976 Historical Events Cold War End of Cold War Desert Storm Assignments / Engagements His sea service tours include: Electronic Material and Warfare Officer, Anti-Submarine Warfare Officer and First Lieutenant of the guided missile frigate USS Richard L. Page (FFG 5) home ported in Norfolk, Virginia Combat Systems Officer and Engineer Officer in the guided missile frigate USS Aubrey Fitch (FFG 34) home-ported in Mayport, Florida [...]

James W. Stevenson, JR – Class of 1976Brian Bourgeois2019-09-13T15:47:30-05:00

Conrad Meyer III – Class of 1942

Brian Bourgeois2019-10-10T14:35:08-05:00

Personal Data Conrad Meyer III, USN Tulane Naval ROTC Class of 1942 Commissioned June 1942 Louisiana Native Historical Events World War II, Pacific Theater Assignments / Engagements Commissioned upon graduation in June 1942. Served aboard USS Monssen (DD 436) as a gunnery officer. During Mr. Meyer's service aboard Monssen, and within months following his commissioning, the Monssen was operating in the Pacific Theater, spending 3 months in the area of Guadalcanal and Tulagi, supporting the US Navy's giant amphibious landing. During its course, in the Battle of Savo Island, three US heavy cruisers and one allied cruiser were lost. [...]

Conrad Meyer III – Class of 1942Brian Bourgeois2019-10-10T14:35:08-05:00

James L. Mcconnell – Class of 1944

Brian Bourgeois2019-10-10T14:35:20-05:00

Personal DataJames L. Mcconnell, USNTulane Naval ROTC Class of 1944BS in Geology from Tulane University, 1948Commissioned 1942Historical EventsWorld War IIAssignments / EngagementsAtlantic Theater:Was assigned to a ship in the north Atlantic whose mission was mine sweeping but was there for only two months.Went to Miami anti-sub school to learn how to use sonar for two months.Then was moved to Key West to instruct other officers on submarine warfare if the attack came to the States.Next he was stationed to Columbia University to teach Midshipmen about Navigation for a year and did not enjoy it.Pacific Theater:He tried to apply for submarine [...]

James L. Mcconnell – Class of 1944Brian Bourgeois2019-10-10T14:35:20-05:00

Spalding Kenan Manson, JR – Class of 1942

Brian Bourgeois2019-10-10T14:35:30-05:00

Personal Data Spalding Kenan Manson, JR, LT, USN Tulane Naval ROTC Class of 1942 BS Civil Engineering Commissioned 1942 Historical Events World War II, Atlantic and Pacific Theaters Assignments / Engagements Atlantic Theater: USS TEXAS, BB 35, gunnery junior officer in turret #1. Escort convoys to Freetown, Sierra Leone and Prestwick, Scotland. Assigned to admiral's staff (Commander Battleships Atlantic Fleet - COMBATLANT) as a decoder – Admiral’s staff embarked in USS TEXAS; Escort convoy to Casablanca to reinforce Gen. George Patton; First amphibious invasion. Transfer with admiral's staff to USS SOUTH DAKOTA, BB 57; Deploy with British Fleet, to [...]

Spalding Kenan Manson, JR – Class of 1942Brian Bourgeois2019-10-10T14:35:30-05:00

Noah H. Long, JR – Class of 1965

Brian Bourgeois2021-06-23T10:16:59-05:00

Personal Data Noah H. Long, JR, RDML USN (Ret) Tulane Naval ROTC Class of 1965 BS Civil Engineering Commissioned May 1965 Historical Events Vietnam War Desert Storm/Desert Shield Assignments / Engagements RADM Long received a NROTC scholarship and attended Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana. He studied civil engineering with studies emphasizing structural design. He received his degree as a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering in 1965. In college he continued to be an active leader. He was in Delta Tau Delta social fraternity where he was elected as his pledge class President and later served as the [...]

Noah H. Long, JR – Class of 1965Brian Bourgeois2021-06-23T10:16:59-05:00

Thomas G. Lilly – Class of 1955

Brian Bourgeois2019-09-13T15:46:54-05:00

Personal Data Thomas G. Lilly, RADM USN (Ret) Tulane Naval ROTC Class of 1955 BS Business, Tulane University LL.B. degree in 1960, University of MS J.D. degree in 1968, University of MS Commissioned May 1955 Historical Events Cold War Assignments / Engagements After receiving his commission, RADM Lilly attended the Navy Supply Corps School, Athens, GA. Upon graduation, he served as Supply & Disbursing Officer of the USS Betelgeuse (AK-260), an attack cargo ship attached to COMSERVLANT, which was used primarily to provide support to the Sixth Fleet in the Mediterranean. He then served as Disbursing Officer & Assistant [...]

Thomas G. Lilly – Class of 1955Brian Bourgeois2019-09-13T15:46:54-05:00

Allen B. Koltun – Class of 1943

Brian Bourgeois2019-10-10T14:35:41-05:00

Personal Data Allen B. Koltun, USN Tulane Naval ROTC Class of 1943 BA Business Commissioned October 1943 Louisiana Native Historical Events WW II Assignments / Engagements Pacific Ocean Convoy Was assigned to the USS SC-1028 (Submarine Chaser, SC-497 Class) but didn't find it until 60 days later 10 days sailing to Pearl Harbor from San Francisco 09FEB1944, Transferred to a cargo vessel and was put in charge of Landing craft for tanks Naval Civil Engineering Group (Seabees), Large troop transport headed to Kwajelein Found SC-102 late March 1944 On board SC-1028 3rd in command- Navigation Assigned as XO Promoted [...]

Allen B. Koltun – Class of 1943Brian Bourgeois2019-10-10T14:35:41-05:00

Gregory W. Kahn – Class of 1966

Brian Bourgeois2019-12-16T12:28:42-06:00

Personal Data Gregory W. Kahn, LCDR USN (Ret) Tulane Naval ROTC Class of 1966 BA Political Science Commissioned May 1966 Louisiana Native Historical Events Korean War Assignments / Engagements Initial Schools ( Jun 1966 - Jul 1966) CIC at Point Lorna Amphibious Warfare at Coronado - Mexican Invasion Journey to USS Tortuga (LSD 26 ) (Jul1966) Travis Air Force Base - vaccinations Clark AFB to Subic NS harrowing bus ride AP A across South China Sea - typhoon Ora LST Floyd County USS Tortuga (Ju11966 - Jun 1968) Built 1945, Pacific Duty, Extensive Korean War Service 450 Ft. Length, [...]

Gregory W. Kahn – Class of 1966Brian Bourgeois2019-12-16T12:28:42-06:00

Ernest P. Johnson, JR

Brian Bourgeois2019-10-10T14:35:53-05:00

Personal Data Ernest P. Johnson, JR, CAPT USN (Ret) Tulane Naval ROTC Class of 1942 Commissioned 1942 Louisiana Native Historical Events WW II Assignments / Engagements Started active duty in 1942 on the USS Portland along with two other Tulane midshipmen. November 1944 promoted to Lt Junior Grade, was a division officer then an assistant gunnery officer, and later sent to support the 24th regiment in 1945 land invasion with marines. Battle of Salvo Island on 20 October 1945. Embarked on the USS Oakland anti air-craft vessel. Protected carrier enterprise from aerial attack during 5 engagements. On USS Portland [...]

Ernest P. Johnson, JRBrian Bourgeois2019-10-10T14:35:53-05:00

James B. Godwin, III

Brian Bourgeois2022-06-27T12:37:55-05:00

Personal Data James B. Godwin III, RADM USN (Ret) Tulane Naval ROTC Class of 1973 BS Civil Engineering at Tulane University MBA at George Mason University Commissioned May 1973 Historical Events Desert Storm Assignments / Engagements Rear Admiral Godwin's initial tours included numerous fleet assignments with VA-147, VA-122 and Air Wing 9 flying the A-7 Corsair II and VFA-125 and VFA-25 flying the F/A-18 Hornet. From March 1991 until June 1992 he served as a Commanding Officer of Strike Fighter Squadron 192 (VFA-192) while embarked in USS Midway (CV-41) and USS Independence (CV-62). As a combat veteran during his [...]

James B. Godwin, IIIBrian Bourgeois2022-06-27T12:37:55-05:00

Charles W. Frank – Class of 1943

Brian Bourgeois2019-10-10T14:36:04-05:00

Personal Data Charles W. Frank, JR, CAPT USN (Ret) Tulane Naval ROTC Class of 1943 BS Chemical Engineering Commissioned 1943 Historical Events WWII Southwest Pacific Theater Assignments / Engagements USS New Jersey, BB 62, DEVG (Deck or Engineering Volunteer General) First engagement was Operation Flintlock in the Marshall Islands Sent to take the Marianas Islands, 1st of 9 total career campaigns Assigned to Admiral Halsey’s Staff as a Barge Officer First junior officer to be given command of a division, and among the youngest group of Naval Reserve Officers to achieve the rank of Captain Landed in Japan with [...]

Charles W. Frank – Class of 1943Brian Bourgeois2019-10-10T14:36:04-05:00

Arthur W. Foss, Jr. – Class of 1944

Brian Bourgeois2019-10-21T10:35:34-05:00

Personal Data Arthur W. Foss, JR CDR, USN (Ret) Tulane Naval ROTC Class of 1944 BS Chemistry Commissioned 1984 Louisiana Native Historical Events WW II Pacific Theater Korean War Homefront Assignments / Engagements Pacific Theater WWII Joined NROTC unit at age of 16. Enlisted in February 1942 at the age of 17. Went to an accelerated officer-training program in 1943. Eventually commissioned three days after the Tulane NROTC seniors to give them seniority. As a 19 year old 1st LT, he went to school for two weeks to learn the basics of the job and then was assigned to [...]

Arthur W. Foss, Jr. – Class of 1944Brian Bourgeois2019-10-21T10:35:34-05:00

Norris L. Fant – Class of 1944

Brian Bourgeois2019-10-10T14:36:25-05:00

Personal Data Norris L. Fant, LCDR Tulane Naval ROTC Class of 1944 BS Engineering Commissioned February 1944 Louisiana Native Historical Events World War II Short Atlantic Theater Involvement Assignments / Engagements Commanding Officer of OCIL-1033 Helped move Chinese Nationalists under Chiang Kai-shek to Taiwan Active duty for 2.5 years; Received a satisfactory service completion before retirement for 26 year commitment Hauled a regimental combat team to Legaspi, Luzon, Philippines Involved in two operations in 1945 to help land troops in Asian regions Worked for General Douglas MacArthur Did navigation for his ship; forte was ship handling Other Notable Content [...]

Norris L. Fant – Class of 1944Brian Bourgeois2019-10-10T14:36:25-05:00

David L. Eustis – Class of 1964

Brian Bourgeois2019-02-10T22:09:13-06:00

Personal Data David L. Eustis USN Tulane Naval ROTC Class of 1964 Commissioned December 1964 Historical Events Vietnam War Cold War Assignments / Engagements 1965 Flight training, designated Naval Aviator and Helicopter Pilot Dec.1965-May 1969 HS-10(RAG) HS-2 San Diego May-Jun 1969-Aug 1971 HT-8 Pensacola (Ellyson Field) Other Notable Content Audio

David L. Eustis – Class of 1964Brian Bourgeois2019-02-10T22:09:13-06:00

Albert “Gus” Caire – Class of 1943

Brian Bourgeois2019-10-10T14:36:34-05:00

Personal Data Albert "Gus" Caire Tulane Naval ROTC Class of 1943 Commissioned 1943 Historical Events World War II Pacific and Philippine Typhoon Assignments / Engagements Assigned to the USS EVENS DD-552 1943-1945 roughly a 2 year deployment. Went to Anti Submarine School and Radar School, although he feels most of his training was from being switched around on jobs on ship. Worked with SECNAV briefly. Other Notable Content During the Battle of the Marianas recovered American pilots, manned guns, directed his gun crew, and warded off submarines. During the battle his ship was most effective at anti aircraft and [...]

Albert “Gus” Caire – Class of 1943Brian Bourgeois2019-10-10T14:36:34-05:00

Wayne Bienvenu – Class of 1959

Brian Bourgeois2019-02-10T22:09:44-06:00

Personal Data Wayne J. Bienvenu, Colonel, USMC (Ret) Tulane Naval ROTC Class of 1959 Commissioned June 1959 Louisiana Native Historical Events Vietnam Cold War Assignments / Engagements 1JUN59 Student, TBS, MCS, Qunatico, VA 7MAR60 TAD, OSO, RS, New Orleans, LA 7APR60 Plat Comdr, 2d Plat, Co E, 2nd Bn 9th Mar 8SEP61 Executive Officer, Enlisted Instr Co, HS Bn, TBS 29MAR62 Instructor, S-3, TBS, MCDEC 6SEP62 Plat Comdr, Weapons Plat, Co E, 3d Bn, 24th Mar 2JUN63 Training Assistant, RLU, 29 Palms, CA 13SEP63 Plat Comdr, Co E 3d Bn, 24th Mar 1SEP64 Adjutant, 3d Bn, 24th Mar 1SEP65 [...]

Wayne Bienvenu – Class of 1959Brian Bourgeois2019-02-10T22:09:44-06:00

Mike Hallal – Class of 1984

exceller2019-02-10T22:09:55-06:00

Personal Data Hallal, Mike, CDR, USN (Ret.) Tulane Naval ROTC Class of 1984 BS Physics Commissioned May 1984 Louisiana Native Historical Events Cold War End of Cold War Submarines Assignments / Engagements Enlisted: Nuclear Power School, Orlando, FL Nuclear Prototype training, Idaho Falls, ID PCU CARL VINSON (CVN 70) Officer: Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab (temporary duty) USS WOODROW WILSON (SSBN 624) (GOLD) Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA (MS in Physics) USS MARIANO G. VALLEJO (SSBN 658)(GOLD) U.S. Naval Academy (taught physics) Executive Officer for USS TUNNY (SSN 682), USS SANDLANCE (SSN 660), and USS POGY (SSN 647) inactivations [...]

Mike Hallal – Class of 1984exceller2019-02-10T22:09:55-06:00

Brian Bourgeois – Class of 1982

exceller2019-02-10T22:10:12-06:00

Personal Data Bourgeois, Brian, CAPT, USN (Ret) Tulane Naval ROTC Class of 1982 PhD in Electrical Engineering, Tulane University, 1991 Historical Events: Cold War Persian Gulf Tanker War Assignments / Engagements Enlisted: Dec 1975 – Enlisted USN JAN-MAR 76 Recruit, Recruit Training Command, Orlando, FL Basic Electricity and Electronics School, 19 MAR-16 APR 76, Naval Training Center, Great Lakes, IL BEE & Electricians Mate A School, 19 APR-17 JUN 76, Naval Training Center, Great Lakes, IL; promoted to EM3 JUL-NOV76 Instructor, BEE school, SSC Orlando, FL Naval Nuclear Power School, 6 DEC76-26 MAY 77, Naval Training Center, Orlando, FL [...]

Brian Bourgeois – Class of 1982exceller2019-02-10T22:10:12-06:00

James W. Stevenson, Jr. – Class of 1976

exceller2019-09-13T15:48:03-05:00

Personal Data Native of Boston, Massachusetts and raised in Alexandria, Virginia Rear Admiral Stevenson graduated from Tulane University with a Bachelors of Arts degree in political science in May of 1976. Assignments / Engagements Commissioned as an Ensign through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (Naval ROTC) in May 1976. His sea service tours include: Electronic Material and Warfare Officer, Anti-Submarine Warfare Officer and First Lieutenant of the guided missile frigate USS Richard L. Page (FFG 5) homeported in Norfolk, Virginia; Combat Systems Officer and Engineer Officer in the guided missile frigate USS Aubrey Fitch (FFG 34) home-ported in Mayport, Florida; Commanding Officer of the minesweeper [...]

James W. Stevenson, Jr. – Class of 1976exceller2019-09-13T15:48:03-05:00

Michael Bagot – Class of 1943

Brian Bourgeois2020-12-12T08:04:35-06:00

Personal Data Michael H. Bagot, USN Tulane Naval ROTC Class of 1943 Historical Events World War II Assignments / Engagements Served aboard USS Colorado BB45 as a gunner officer assigned to 20mm and 40mm anti-aircraft batteries. Other Notable Content During Mr. Bagot's service aboard Colorado, she operated in the Pacific Theater, steaming from Tarawa in late 1943 to provide pre-invasion bombardment and fire support in the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan, Guam and Tinian), Leyte Gulf and Okinawa.Mr. Bagot vividly describes the Colorado's steaming up and down the Tinian Channel firing on shore batteries to eliminate their threat to landing [...]

Michael Bagot – Class of 1943Brian Bourgeois2020-12-12T08:04:35-06:00

W. Scott Howson, Jr. – Class of 1942

exceller2019-02-10T22:11:33-06:00

Personal Data Howson, Jr., W. Scott US Naval Reserve Tulane NROTC, Tulane University (1st ROTC Class) Class of 1942 Historical Events World War II Atlantic Theater and South Pacific Theater Assignments / Engagements USS Wyoming, BB 32, Gunnery Training Virginia Beach, Fire-fighting School USS Ericson, DD 440, Assistant Communication Officer, Assistant 1st Lieutenant in charge of hull, Machine Gun Officer Convoy Escort from US to Gibraltar through October 1942 OPERATION TORCH USS Ericson transferred to British control to support operations at Anzio OPERATION OVERLORD, participated as a landing craft deployment vessel USS Currier, DE-700, Assistant Executive Officer Participated in [...]

W. Scott Howson, Jr. – Class of 1942exceller2019-02-10T22:11:33-06:00

William Goldman – Class of 1942

exceller2019-02-10T22:11:50-06:00

Personal Data William S. Goldman Retired Lieutenant Commander Tulane NROTC Class of 1942 BS Civil Engineering Tulane University Historical Events WWII, Battle of Mid-Way WWII, Invasion of Guadalcanal WWII, Battle of Santa Cruz Assignments / Engagements Battle of Mid-Way ship was damaged and had to be taken to Pearl Harbor to get repaired Was hit by 3 Japanese torpedoes on the starboard side of the ship in the Battle of Santa Cruz; was working in the damage control station Became a part of the Task Force 65 which was composed of all different types of ships Transfer to new [...]

William Goldman – Class of 1942exceller2019-02-10T22:11:50-06:00

St Marc Flotte – Class of 1942

Michael Hallal, Jr.2019-02-10T22:12:07-06:00

Personal Data Native of New Orleans Graduated Jesuit High School Tulane Class of 1942, College of Commerce, Beta Gama Sigma USMC Assignments / Engagements New Orleans Airport: Elimination-Based (E-Base) training. Member of Black Wing. Responsible for construction of new air base. Passed through E-base with 4 hours solo time—6 short of normal requirements. Corpus Christi, TX; Flight Training: Successfully complete ground school and flight training at Corpus Christi. Received Commission in 1941. Saw Marines were going to be flying B-26s, and applied. Marine Corps eventually scrapped program. Made Marine Naval Aviators instructors. Transferred from Corpus to Dallas, TX. Dallas, TX; [...]

St Marc Flotte – Class of 1942Michael Hallal, Jr.2019-02-10T22:12:07-06:00