Bernard John Holmquist

U.S. Navy 1956 - 1962

Bud really wanted to get into Christian work and considered that the navy would be a good place to do it. Doris liked the navy and ships, and that fact too influenced him to get into that branch of the armed forces. He felt the Lord was leading him into navy. Bud went into recruiting office in North Hollywood, and was interviewed by a navy admiral chaplain at a navy base in San Diego. They hit it off well and Bud thought he probably got a good recommendation from the admiral because things went well afterward.

The admiral asked Bud to turn in his ordination papers, but he did not have them. He was not ordained as a minister yet. That was the next step.

Ordination

To pass his ordination to become a minister he had to appear before an ordination council and pass a question and answer session given by pastors of the Conservative Baptist Association of Southern California. It was large gathering at the Laurel Heights Baptist church in Los Angeles. Bud's ordination happened to fall at the same time as a conference of churches. Besides many ministers who were there for the conference there were also friends, including friends from Bendix, and family.

Bud stood in front of them all as the council fired questions at him. They were very thorough, tough questions. Bud came from a Swedish Baptist background, so he was not one of them. He had to be careful with his answers. One tough question was would he recommend Amillennialist as a pastor. This was a tricky question because a few of the pastors there did not think that someone should be a pastor in their group unless they were Premillennialist. (Bud found out earlier that some of those pastors were amillennialist).

'Would he recommend an "a-mil" for ordination,' one asked.

'Yes I would though I am a "pre-mill."

He answered this one and other questions correctly. Also, in Bud's favor the fact that attending the ordination was a pastor from a local church who knew Bud's parents from the old days. This man was Cedric Peterson. At the time he was helping out pastor in Pacoima Heights because of ill health of the pastor.

Bud passed his ordination. Everyone stayed for refreshments

His ordination certificate gives the date of June 17, 1956.

Later the church was replaced by a car wash.

Chaplain's School, Newport, Rhode Island

Bud applied and was accepted into the Chaplain school at Newport, Rhode Island, an historical spot and a home of the to-be-famous Kennedy family.

Subjects at chaplains school included practical counseling, fire control (a good subject to know if your duty is aboard a ship at sea), and they marched. They made trips to other naval installations. They didn't study theology. That was a subject they should have gotten plenty of before attending chaplain's school. Every morning they took turns giving devotions, which scared Bud to death. He was also scared of speaking before Captain Butler head of chaplains school. But there was not a lot for them to be worried about. They were already commissioned - all were lieutenants. Bud was always impressed with the chaplains he met though their theology was different. He was not always impressed though with the professionalism of the other officers.

For his turn at devotions Bud would use old Daily Bread a publication that many used for their daily devotions. It provided good stories to use for illustrating a point. He would use this for this outlines. Bud came to be known as a very good speaker because of this and was given important assignments. For example one Easter he was sent to a naval hospital were there were high ranking naval officers. Another time he was assigned to conduct an Episcopal service. He learned how to do all the rituals, performed the service and got a good rating for this assignment.

He and about a dozen chaplains graduated in this particular class.

Bud appreciated Newport. It was an interesting old town with old homes kept up, but no one living in them. A stone structure supposedly built by vikings sat in middle of the mansions

Bud was appointed a reserve officer in the United States Navy in the grade of Lieutenant (Junior Grade), Chaplain Corps on July 16, 1956

San Diego, California

Previously, Bud was in the Navy reserves. He joined the navy on active duty the spring of 1957.30

Bud's first orders was to report to the Naval Training Center (NTC) in San Diego. He first went home on leave because he and Doris had to find housing. They heard about a house free in the naval housing area. They took it without even looking at it. Naval housing was sparse but adequate, and had little furniture of their own to move in. They bought their food and other necessities at the base commissary and post exchange (PX).

Len would go walking down in the gully nearby and look at what appeared to be the remains of an old ranch with wood posts dug into the dry hard clay soil and barbed wire stretched between the posts. An old rusty tin can, nailed to one of the posts, was full of bullet holes. The navy had many activities. The kids learned how to swim at the base pool. Doris and Bud attended official functions - one had to go really both for the sake of courtesy and to help ensure Bud's advancement in the navy. They met nice people. The 4th of July celebrations were hard to believe - a lot of food, fireworks, entertainment, and games for kids. This was all free, paid for by the PX profits. The navy was turning out to be a good experience.

They bought a bright yellow house on Providence Road and moved out of navy housing. Doris grew flowers. Bud spoke every Sunday before the recruits which numbered 2000 to 3,000. Here he gained his experience preaching before large crowds. He did unexpectedly well.

He also volunteered to speak at south chapel. These services were more evangelistic and included not only navy personnel or recruits, but also civilians, some being pretty girls which the recruits and sailors appreciated. Members of the Navigators bible organization attended too. When invitation would be given the Navigators took care of converts and followed up on them. Bud also taught small bible class of officers. They studied book of John.

Bud's duties included giving character guidance lectures on ethical and moral subjects to the sailors. Bud was required by the navy to cover certain subject areas. These lectures were well-organized and structured. Flannel graphs were used on which illustrations could be placed. Some of the illustrations were provided by the navy, but Bud could use own illustrations to. These lectures took a good part of the day.

A certain amount of time during the week was set aside for counseling recruits. The chaplains were divided up according to number of recruits in each denomination. Bud of course took the Baptist recruits. Each recruit was given fifteen minutes with a chaplain if they wanted it. They all had to come in a talk, but they didn't have to stay.

Sometimes the men had problems. Some were naturally homesick. One recruit told Bud that the recruiter who talked him into joining the navy said he did not have to go to sea. When he got into the navy he found out this wasn't true. He did not like the sea, so he wanted to get out.

Another new recruit was still in civilian clothes or 'civvies'. Next day the navy barber was going to give him his navy haircut. He was concerned because his wife and three children were coming in on bus station. He had been promised navy housing for them, but this was ridiculous. There were no accommodations for families. A navy officer dispatched to meet them and got them housing for a few days. Bud reported the situation to Captain Dornin. A few days later this sailor was out of the navy, and the recruiter relieved of duty.

Sometime Bud was on night duty. Phone calls were directed to chaplain's home. One particular night Bud got call regarding sailor messing around in barracks. One sailor went through window, and was cut by the glass, but he was Christian Science and would not take medical attention because of his religious beliefs. Bud called the Christian Science Reader who talked to sailor. The Reader said to the sailor he must take orders. If you are ordered to do something you must.He then accepted the medical help he needed.

Bud and Doris were driving to a social function when they saw two drunk kids - two young sailors - on a curb.They looked a mess.

"Were are you stationed," Bud asked.

"32nd naval base," one sailor mumbled. They both just knew they were going to get in trouble.

They got them into the car and down to their ship. Bud first walked up the gangplank of the ship leaving the two sailors on the docks, and talked to officer on quarter deck.

"I've picked up a couple drunk sailors, but don't want them to get in trouble. However, I am holding chapel services on your ship tomorrow morning. Can you get these two sailors on board and get them to the service tomorrow?".

"No problem. I'll take care of it.

When Bud got on board the ship the next day the two sailor were sitting in the front row looking sheepish. Doris saw them too. She was playing the pump organ.

When church services were in port Doris played the organ. She did this earlier in China also, and was an excellent asset.

Another job Bud had was a choir officer. He had a number of pianos organs under is responsibility, and had to oversee that they were kept clean and only used by authorized people. Bud had rules of use scotch taped to each organ and piano. In was also in charge of the recruit choir- quite good one. The choir had a choir director, thankfully, because Bud was not very musical, but Bud was officially in charge. A friend, Bill Huffman who was much more musical than Bud, helped Bud get started. The choir was very professional, and many were good musicians. The pianist was a sailor hired as choir director. They were requested to sing at Miramar Air Force base in San Diego. All in all the being in charge of the choir was a good experience and Bud was given a good formal report by his superior.

Bud was interviewed on television, representing the navy and of course representing the commanding officer, Dornan. Bud was given other assignments also.

His immediate boss Raymond Holenstein a very fine person. He was the first chaplain was to be wounded earlier in WWII.

Doris was a good support. She enjoyed social activities. About 200 chaplains were in San Diego at the time at various installations in San Diego. She mixed well with chaplain's wives, and became Vice-President of the Chaplain's Wives Association. An article appeared in newspaper about her about 1957-58 . She was good for Bud's career.

Martin Luther King was controversial figure in 1957-58. Bud did not know if he was for him or against him really though he was sympathetic with some of his views. Bud thought him to be a very fine orator, one of the finest Bud has heard. He enjoyable listening to him speak. King was controversial. Many opposed him. Though King represented a lot of good will, the Navy did not want officers to be involved in anything controversial

King was going to speak in civic auditorium. Bud wanted to hear him, but didn't have time to go home and change. Bud got to the auditorium early, still in uniform. He thought it was alright. He as sitting about two thirds back in the auditorium. A delegation comes in with Martin Luther King, Jr., and King went to front. About 5 minutes later came to Bud and said, "Lieutenant, I would like to ask a favor would you lead in a pledge of allegiance to the flag."

Bud thought that King did not realize what he was asking. Bud felt he didn't have a choice. Bud wanted to show support of black community, but he was also afraid of getting into trouble with his superiors. Bud went up to stage with MLK and the major of San Diego, and others. He wasn't even sure if he remembered the Pledge of Allegiance. Bud got through it fine.

King probably asked Bud to do it because he was in uniform and it seemed more appropriate not that he was using Bud.

Bud left the stage. After the Kings speech Bud was leaving, and was partly down the aisle. King shouted to him "Lieutenant!, I just want to thank you for taking part!" and King walked up to Bud and shook his hand.

Later Bud was called into the commander's Holenstein's office. Holenstein stood up and said, "I want to congratulate you. That was a brave and bold thing you did." (or words to that effect).

Bud also met Hubert Humphrey at one time. Humphrey came to the base cafeteria. Bud grabbed his coat tail, "Senator, why don't you sit with us." He did, and they had lunch together. Hubert Humphrey later became the 38th vice president of the United States.

Garden Grove, Orange County, California

Bud received good fitness reports from San Diego. He requested destroyer duty and was transferred to Long Beach to join Destroyer Squadron 13. He would be the only chaplain on eight destroyers or two divisions of four destroyers each. One of these destroyers was the new USS Turner Joy. His good friend Chaplain Huffman got orders for the destroyer tender Bryce Canyon.

Bud and Doris sold their home and the family moved to 8851 Imperial in Garden Grove in Orange County. A middle class suburban neighborhood of tract housing each house had its own small piece of land with a front and back lawn small enough to cut with a push lawn mower in about a half hour. The house plans were cookie cutter with every sixth house or so looking nearly identical the house six houses away.

Garden Grove had once been outside of greater Los Angeles and consisted of groves of trees as its name implied -possibly oranges - and ranches, and some of these still existed in 1958 and 1959. On the other side of the Holmquist family's pale pink cement block backyard wall was a field ringed by a barbed wire fence. Three strands of parallel barbed wire tacked to vertical wood posts. In the yellow dry field was a bull. Lennie and Meilynn (Meimei)would dare each other to climb down from the cement block, and over or through the strands of barbed wired into the bull's pasture. The bull incensed by such a trespass came to chase them out. Lennie and Meilynn would climb back over the barbed wire before the bull got too close. Other times they would simply sit on the cement block wall and irritate the bull. Beige grasshoppers startled by the rantings of the bull would fly away over the yellow grass and dry bull piles.

About three blocks away was Sunnyside Grammar school, a typical California school of flat-roofed stucco buildings with a minimum of aesthetics and a maximum of utility. Lennie and Meimie went to school here. Across the street was a dry, dusty polo field ringed by eucalyptus trees. On an occasional weekend polo players in their bright uniforms and astride their mounts batted a ball back and forth across the dry grassless field. Clouds of dust drifted between the trees.

The Huffman family lived just about six house down the street. Bud and Chaplain Huffman, whose denomination was Nazarene, would often drive in together to Terminal Island. Bud thought his friend was a great guy, and they got along well together.

Being a chaplain on destroyers was hard work. Sometimes Bud could hold only one service if destroyers were tied up together at the docks, but this was rare. Usually Bud had to go to several ships at various locations to hold Sunday services though sometimes some destroyers were out to sea.

Upon going aboard a destroyer and making his way down to the mess deck where the Sunday services were normally held, Bud would need to set up up for the service. Often Lennie went along to help out if the destroyers were not at sea. First Bud or Lennie would lay out the alter cloth on one of the metal dining room tables, take out the heavy brass cross and brass candlesticks from their case and place them on the alter cloth. Since this was a protestant service the figure of Jesus hanging on the cross was faced toward the wall, and the Christ-less side of the cross turned toward the congregation of sailors.

A tract rack was placed on a table, leaned against a metal post or hung on the the gray metal wall if there was something to hang it on. Printed on the tracts were 'testimonies' of Christian athletes, politicians and other notables or short writings on leading a Christian life or how to becoming a Christian, the latter of which Bud himself had written, and which was published by Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. Lennie kept the track rack neat and the tract slots filled with tracts. His father asked Lennie to read all the tracks and write up a report on each track so that his father would know which tracks are the best ones. Lennie made some extra money this way. It dawned on Lennie either then or later that this was a ruse for his father to read all the tracts, so as to influence him toward a Christian mind set.

Now and then sailors would 'adopt' Lennie for a half hour or so and give him goodies to eat. On special occasions, such as Christmas, the whole family would go on board the ship. The galley served good meals on board for the holidays.

Sailors dressed in working blue came to the services but rarely officers. Sometimes only two or three or four sailors showed up. Normally for music Bud would turn on a reel to reel tape player which provided appropriate music and supplemented the often meager turnout. This was usually on special Sundays or holidays. The sailors sang along with the tape with song books. Bud had several varieties of these tapes with a range of hymns. More sailors would come to the service if it was a special day such as Easter Sunday in which the mess hall could be nearly filled with sailors. Doris may come to play the portable pump organ. And, sometimes the service was held on deck in which case many sailors and officers attended the service, with officers in dressed whites.

When the the squadron went out to sea Bud could not get to all the ships. He had lay leaders on board each ship who conducted the service, play the music tapes and and read printed sermons which sometimes Bud wrote. Sometimes the lay leaders would do their own speaking. They would do a good job usually. The lay leaders were selected from sailors interested in coming to the services. Service were held in various places such as the fantail or the mess deck. The services were a special treat if the day was sunny and the service was on deck. A breeze filled with salt ocean sent often wafted over the ship, and between the sailors, gun turrets, and depth charges. If the captain on board he usually came and this influenced sailors. If the commodore came to the service, and let it be know that he was coming, and all the officers came to the service.

Lay leaders were often leaders back home. There were exceptions to good lay leaders. One who was a good preacher and a friend of Bud's was an alcoholic. He had sports car and would drive down main drag and get arrested. Bud would get him from police station and agreed to confine to ship. Bud went to captain and said they can not have an alcohol be a lay leader because not a good example. Captain did not agree. Bud actually worked for the commodore and not the captains. Bud went over captain's head to commodore. Commodore agreed and this was changed. Reporting directly to the commodore gave Bud a lot of leverage. Bud arranged it so this particular lay leader always had other duties Sunday morning - Bud didn't want to hurt his feelings.

One day Bud went on board and went to captain directly as usual bypassing the executive officer. One day the exec read Bud off for bypassing him. Bud asked if the commodore had to do this? No. Bud said he represents commodore, and so he did not have go report to the executive officer. The captain apologized for the exec officer after Bud talked to commodore. The captain asked Bud to go down to exec officer and receive his apologies.

One day on St. Patrick's day Bud came on board with a green tie, which officially made him 'out of uniform'. Bud picked the right ship to do it though, and the sailors appreciated his levity. Bud changed ties later though.

The operations officer who is the third in command on board one of the ships could not understand how a chaplain could know anything about machine shop. Undoubtedly, he faulted on the side of stereotyping chaplains. He quizzed Bud on details of a machine shop, and realized that Bud knew what he was talking about.

Another time Bud got to the fan tail of a ship and got down in machine shop where a sailor was working on a round piece of steel 1 1/2" diameter on the lathe. The sailor was trying to cut it off, but it was 'jumping' around. He did not know how to use the lathe. Bud asked if he would mind if you would help him out. Sailor couldn't refuse an officer. Bud sharpened the required tool, set it up properly in the lathe, and cut off the metal using automatic feed. The sailor was speechless. Bud later went to wardroom. An officer in the wardroom said that it had gotten around the ship that a chaplain had taught a machinist how to use a lathe. After that Bud was really "in" with that ship.

Bud got along well with the commodores. One new one call "Mac the Knife" demanded perfection. Bud was there when he arrived and helped him unload his car. Doris helped wife get acquainted with the area. They got along well after that. Mac was rough on the officers. A few officers received bad fitness reports because of him and some captains careers were hurt so they would not get promotions. He asked Bud if he saw anything outstanding that was wrong to tell him. Bud recommended to him a few men for advancement. He thought they did excellent job on the ships.

Bud asked a black chief petty officer how they provided such good food for men. "It's not difficult," he said. "You watch garbage can to see what men throw out. If they throw out beans don't serve beans. Don't ration them. Let them take what they want except for meat, but they can come for seconds or thirds." Bud reported all this to commodore. Mac had a special meeting of officers and petty officers, and had special commendations for some. This man was commended, and were those on the list was that Bud had given Mac. Also on this ship anyone would get his pay up to date at any time so Lt. received commendation for a good job.[?]

At sea Bud would have to go from one ship to another for services. If the ships were close he would take a boat. Sometimes he would take boson's chair. To use the boson's chair sailors would shoot a line over to the other ship, secure it, and attach the boson's chair. Bud would climb into the chair, and would be pulled across the waters from one ship to the other while the ships were sailing. He naturally had to wear a life jacket because the crossing could be dangerous. The chair was heavy with or without a person in it. It could easily be dragged in the water or squished between the ships. A third ship followed the other two in case something happened. No more than three worship services occurred each Sunday thankfully.

Sometimes Bud would be picked up by a helicopter. He would have chapel service on one ship while lay leaders were setting up service on another ship. The radio operator would radio to air craft carrier, and helicopter would fly in. Of course being picked up by a helicopter was a bit dangerous with a moving bouncing ship. Burning fuel would kill people if a helicopter crashed on ship for instance. Carrying his brief case which contained his Bible and papers, But would put the sling under arms and hold on. Away he would go. The chopper would swing away as soon as possible to avoid mishaps. Bud would swing hundreds of feet into the air before being pulled up. But would try not to think about the dangling maneuver too much out of fear of being scared. Though he didn't exactly look forward to it if he was at sea for a while he had to get to others ships. This transport by helicopter did not hurt Bud's prestige as a chaplain.

Bud was on destroyers for two years during which time he took one tour to West Pac (Western Pacific) for five months. When the ships were back to home port in the States Bud would be at sea maybe two weeks out of the month on much shorter jaunts, but sometimes longer. The ships and crew would go to sea to practice by competing with each other. Bud found that captains would compete to have Bud on their ship. He could not understand what was going on. He finally Bud found out it was for good luck. It was a good omen for the ship, crew and captain. As the chaplain he had communication with God. For that reason he was often invited to join the captain on the the bridge during competitive exercises.

Bud was at sea a good deal of the time, and more than most of the sailors because their ship would come in to port with him on it, Bud would go on another ship heading out. When ships were in dry docks then there was more time on shore. But then another division might be going out to sea.

When the ship came in on Friday night they had Port and Starboard leave: half the men would go on shore and half would remain onboard. This was usually not an option for Bud because he had duties to perform such as counseling, services. He probably had less liberty than the other sailors and officers which made it hard for him because he couldn't be with his own family.

One time he went aboard on a sunday. The day looked stormy. The ship was to leave the next morning. The ship's doctor Newton. Bud often felt sorry for him because he had nothing to do aboard except treating bruises or minor emergencies. Two years on destroyers were two years wasted. The doctors on various ships would wanted the chaplain to play checkers or something. But chaplains should be circulating through the ship, visiting with sailors, counseling, giving character study lectures and the like. The doctors were bored.

Newton talked Bud into going to shore to see a movie. Bud had just gotten on board ship, and really wanted to just settle in. Bud gave in and agreed to go with Newton, Rain was pouting when they left the theatre for the ship. While waiting for a taxi they got their navy blue uniforms soaked. When they got down to ship in Long Beach they found out that the boat that had been sent by the ship to get the sailors had been dashed on the rocks. Besides Bud and Newton more sailors were waiting. Ship was not even there. It had to go out to sea because of the storm or risk being driven onto the rocks. Both the captain and exec officer were at home not aware or not aware in time of the potential danger the ship was in. The operations officer was in command of the ship (Knutt). He was ordered by the authorities to get the ship out to sea as soon as possible. though he had only half or less of crew on board. He was lucky not to lose the ship. Eventually the captain nd said not anything to be done. He went back home to bed.

Bud, Newton and the supply officer who also missed the ship took a taxi to Garden Grove to home. The three went there to home, and they all undressed and bedded down. Doris pressed the men's uniforms dry though the time was after midnight. In the morning they all went back to docks and were able to get on board about noon.

When out in Pacific islands Bud would try to get sailors off ship. Many sailors worked down in engineering spaces, which was terribly hot. These men were called "snipes".

When they had arrived in Okinawa Bud contacted the Special Services unit on the island. They refused to do anything for the men, saying that their responsibility does not include doing anything for sailors at sea. Bud told Special Service that he had been a Marine, so he was given the use of two busses.

The captains did not want the sailors to leave the ship, but Bud had already talked to commodore. They toured the island, eating food that ships cooks had kindly provided. Besides the sailors, Bud wanted to see things too. They all went to suicide cliff where hundreds or thousands of Japanese including women and children had jumped off during WWII. They heard rumors of a cave filled with bones. Bud and the men went down a path at the bottom of which they found memorial stones to Japanese soldiers. They continued a couple hundred yards through the brush and found a big cave. The mouth of the gave was about 40 or 50 feet width and about 12 feet high. The sun was setting just at the right position for a beam of light to illuminate the interior. As far back as they could see bones were piled up about eight feet high. A monument in front was made of cement. Sailors being respectful of the dead or worried about getting into trouble did not take any of the bones.

Went to the Cave of the Virgins. Japanese had built hospital in caves. Okinawan girls were nurses aids. When soldiers arrived they used megaphones to order anyone inside the caves to come out. Didn't know this was a hospital. They didn't come out so everyone inside were killed with flame throwers. Dreadful tragedy. Caves were often installations - barracks, kitchens, etc. So would try to find all the openings and would bomb the openings shut or would use flame throwers. Anyone who would glorify war is doing a great disservice.

Went down to south end actually saw spot where friends killed: Graham, Sergaent Shanesee, Dusty wounded.

Presently in contact with Gordon Barker, Warren Lobdel (Dusty), Gene Chemeries, John Lother.

Ended trip at Tea House Under the August Moon. Sailors got drunk. Hard to get them back. Made it with two minutes to spare.

When got to Japan it was a dramatic experience. Had not been in Japan before. Earlier in marines had gone to Sasabo but not permitted to get off ship.

Pulled ships in (Desron 13, 1st Division, Com. Florence) pier in Yokohama. Bud walked down and wondered what the Japanese were doing there. He laughed at himself that he was wondering why they were able to walk around without a guard. Over period of time got to like and respect them.

Took sailor on tours. Pearl farm. Japanese temples. Japanese meal sitting on floor. Imperial palace. Diet.

Went on shore leave with Christian Science friend Lt. Commander Bob Braybrant. Visited wife of missionary who had been there during the war. Went through the bombings, etc. Visited sushi bar - raw fish with rice cakes. Bud ate it without problem as did the missionary. Bob couldn't eat them. He was nibbling on his first one after Bud had eaten 10.

One of tours Oscar Rinell came and met Bud. Arranged for Oscar to stay on board all night. Quite unusual. He ate in ward room. Attended chapel service. Was there during change of command service where Bud was giving invocation. Went out on tour with them and went to Kabashi (sp?) theater. Oscar was the life of the party. At theater was men dressed as women - traditional Japanese. Joked in Oscar about it asking him if this was what missionary life is like.

While Bud was out out at sea his forth child and second daughter, Carolynn Ruth Holmquist, was born. She went by the name Cookie.31 Bud was 36 years old at the time, and Doris 31 years old. Doris was given seven or eight baby showers, organized by officers wives of the destroyers on which Bud was a chaplain.

Went back to States by way of Philippines. Ran tour of Manila. Has schools, a large American military cemetery, etc. Went back to states, terminal island, Doris waving from the docks. After few minutes able to leave the ship.

Always had problem with sea sickness though the food was good. As walked down the pier got "pier sick" as he walked with Doris and kids. He thinks that he may have been the first person in the navy to get pier sick. Later able to go to Knott's Berry Farm, Disneyland etc.

Taiwan

Not home too long when got orders to Taiwan. Requested Taiwan because always wanted to be a missionary to China. Oriented to China anyway - art and cooking. Commanding officer Bud knew pulled strings and got him assigned there. Had to pack household effects for storage or sending. Drove HWY 1 to San Francisco. Temporary quarters - terrible quarters. Civilian personnel were impolite.

Got on board plane. Requested leave before. Landed in Tokyo. Got housing at Bachelor Officer Qurters (BOQ) at Yokosuka. Shopped at Post eXchange (PX). While there old missionary friend, Dr.Itel, German missionary doctor met them at officer's club. Spent whole day together. Doris and he were close. Worked together at Farber Krankenhaus in Tsingtao. They had played together piano and he flute.

While in Japan Yokohama area visited Egron and Gerda. Good time together. Ate German pastry. Asked to see grave of Dr. Frank H. Connolly. Had been missionary in China. Helped Bud with Youth for Christ in Tsingtao. Became good friend and also friend of Rinell family. Doris called him Uncle Frank. Taken on top of big hill in foreign section of cemetery to pay respects. He meant a lot of Bud.

Then board the bullet train and headed for Hemeji where Rinells were at. Carrying 13 suitcases. Couldn't possibly get them all on board the punctual bullet trains. Japanese would laugh and help them. Everything always save.

Got to Kobe. Margie Rinell came to see them and then they rode on the Hemeji.

Arrived in Japan and visited Oscar and Hellen in Hemeji for about 20 days. Meilynn made friends with a Japanese girl. Blonde and black haired. Became the best of friends. Len made friends with Japanese Sergeant who had been in Manchuria. Egron took Doris and Bud on tour of Kobe and Nara. Japanese businessman provided transportation in company car. Egron lived in Kyoto about a block from the royal palace. Gerda and Egron were good hosts.

Dr. Oguni took them on tour of beautiful park and had everyone over for dinner. Beautiful home and garden. Home had one western room. He traveled world widely. He was outstanding Christian. Chairman Christian girls school, International Director of Lions Club for many years. City councilman at one time too probably. When left by train to Yokohama a large group of people perhaps 50 saw them off. Reflected respect they had for Oscar and Hellen. Mr. and Mrs. Oguni visited Bud and Doris one 4th of July in California. Hellen and Oscar lived next door to the Ogunis.

Oscar and Hellen had started Himeji Christian Center and church. Oscar spent time teaching conversational English at Himeji branch of Kobe University.

Cookie would have bath in kitchen sink. Our baths were Japanese hot bath. Slept on tatami.

Oguni for many years international president of Lions Club. Visited often.

Flight to Taiwan was uneventful except for the landing. When approaching the airport in Taipei found we were in a typhoon. Propeller plane. All were sick including flight attendants. Doris had to have oxygen. Len slept through the whole thing. Kept circling. Found out cargo plane had crashed on the runway. No one was hurt but it was lunch time and the workers had taken off for lunch.

Decided we would fly down to Tainan. About an hour flight south. Landed there still raining. Got to terminal. Unloaded luggage and then informed us this was not a point of entry and we and the luggage had to get back on the plane. But there was a marine major there and he made a few phone calls and they got custom officials out there. Worried they would be hard on us going thru luggage. Turned out though that one came from same home town in China as Doris. Did not go through luggage at all.

Went to Kaishung to temporary housing an then into former American chaplains residence. Some blocks from Love River. Sewage river. Tidal river connected to the sea. Sewage would flow out, tide would change and sewage would flow back in again. Navy said that you could turn off radar 10 miles out and go into the island by smell. After returning to states took several weeks to loose smell from household effects.

Chaplain relieved was Don Kingsley. Fine person. Methodist probably. Chapel met in KCC Kaoshung Christian Center. Sat about 150 people. Downstairs SS classrooms. Did not look like church on the outside. Good attendance. MAG group - Military Advisory Group. Various branches of military. Rather formal service. Len and friend were candle lighters. (On destroyers Len would recite the 100th Psalm.) Duties included getting the tracks together, turning on PA.

Service was formal because navy people liked formal service. Later organized evening bible studies around town. Not really successful.

In morning service "divine communion". Reason was people always going home after tour of duty. They figured if they took communion this was good luck charm. Went back to communion one Sunday a month so that people would not think that would keep them safe.

Bud used grape juice for communion and not wine but he kept getting his issue of wine from navy. One time one of the missionary fathers asked if they had any sacramental wine. Said to come up to the chapel and see. Really wanted to get rid of it. He explained he had to use Taiwan wine and it was terrible. The priest would drink the communion wine normally and not the practitioners so that it was important to him to have good wine. Bud would give the gospel when giving communion. Month after month. Made sure they realized they were not obtaining any type of grace thru communion because grace was free. Sacraments and good works would not get them to heaven.

Preaching was almost totally expository. Good choir and organist. Doris sang in choir. Doris worked hard as a support. Became SS superintendant. Could not be too selective with SS classes. Tried to check up on them to make sure they were teaching orthodox Christianity. One did not believe that Jesus was God and in authority of scripture. Could not get rid of her. Eventually she transferred which was good.

Other activities. Served refreshments after chapel so people could mix. Went over sell. Started Tri C club. Kids in community were kind of scattered and bored. STarted 3 clubs. Main one was senior one. One lady did a fine job though some did not trust her - she was Mennonite perhaps, strict and looked to religious but theology was good. Eventually community accepted her. Tri C: Crusaders for Christ in China. Good turn out. Organize recreational activities. Outings. Would find things to do in down. Fill up trash can with ice. and canned soda. Would have Sunday afternoon meetings. Good leadership training for young people. Would have business meetings, etc. Many [western] kids in city became a part of it. Had virtually no juvenile problems in Kiaoshung and Tsoying. Taipei had severe juvenile problems. Their lack of juvenile problems was credited in part to the events they had to take part in.

Outings included O Lan Be, a beach area to the south of the island. Young people really enjoyed it. Doris acted as life guard. She was swimming instructor during those days. Would stop along the way and see other interesting sites. An arboretum for instance. Had to be careful for cobras and other snakes though.

Young people's group went to central part of island once. Large Buddha they were building there. Probably one of biggest Buddhas in the orient. Bud visited there again at Morrison academy and spoke at a teachers conference.

Went also to Sun Moon Lake in mountains. Girls were in one hotel (stretching it to say it was a hotel) and boys in another hotel. Age range was high school. Went out on boats in Sun Moon Lake. Chinese architecture very oriental but still different. Very primitive. Covered with fog. Wind down the mountains. Slide area.

Doris and Bud were up all night trying to keep the kids in line.

Many such activities. Interested the kids. Bible stories in Sunday afternoon meeting. Film strips were shown. No videos in those days.

New years. Volunteered to give kids a New Year's party. Had a lot of fun. Possibly stayed up all night. Gave them excuse not to go to officers party where there would be a lot of boozing up. People thought Holmquist were great to give up their partying. Second year gave it over to missionary couple to take over who were supposed to be experts but they were to strict and did a lousy job.

During all that time really didn't get any time off. Tried to get Monday off but commanding officer would not hear of it even though Bud. would work on Sundays. Advisory group really not sympathetic to their program. Head of army group was always sympathetic. Colonel Buchanan was also sympathetic and would in fact speak at chapel. Tragically he was killed there with another couple in a helicopter crash. They were out on maneuvers and killed when crashed into side of mountain. Just before Christmas. Had to cancel it. Many of the children were in the Christmas play. Doris had written it. Bud conducted the memorial service. Special letter from Pres. Chiang Kai Shek. Very sad event.

First Christmas. Chinese fellow said that he would decorate the chapel and had done it every year. Charged a hundred dollars. It was a hundred dollars wasted. Every inch of wall was covered with paper. Had Christmas tree up. Looked more like a christmas carnival.

Had a good Christmas program. Skit put on by SS. Good music. Doris singing. Goodies given to kids. Good program. Sometime guests would come out to chapels as with Orient Crusades. Norm Nelson would come and sing as well. Bud Shaeffer, Norm Cook. Morrison Academy would sing. A few missionaries would come for chapel though not necessarily. speak.

Assistant chaplain was J. Hudson Taylor the III or IV. He really didn't do any assisting. More an honorary title. But he was able to use PX as a result and it was an honor to be associated. His son now head of China Inland Mission, Jim Taylor. Later when Taylor went on furlough Bud had to choose a replacement. Bud's C.O. wanted someone who could give time to the navy.

One time had E. Stanley Jones visiting the Hudsons. Taylor asked Bud if he would provide transportation for him. Gladly accepted. Sat 3 in front seat. Thought they were both acquainted but they had just met. Asked who is this Dr. Taylor. Said this was J. Hudson Taylor. Two important people met.

Told E.S. Jones that in Shantung University that a friend of his had discovered a small library that was in one of the class rooms that was used by a Japanese officer. This officer was undoubtedly Christian because library had many Christian books in it. ONe of these was Abundant Living by E. Stanley Jones. Marine asked Bud if you would like to have it. Said he would be glad to have it. Bud still has the book in his possession. Jones was interested in hearing Japanese officer would have one of his books during the war.

Had difficult time accepting speaking engagements. But commanders were not favorably disposed to give permission for this. He should serve just military.

Relations with Catholic church. As chaplain must cooperate with other denominations or churches. Doesn't mean you water down your own convictions. Some chaplains are not even of the Christian faith though these are few. Cooperate on welfare, moral, navy relief, red cross and other common concerns. Largest religious group other than protestant was the catholic church. Became friends with some of these priests. Find you have a lot in common with their goals and convictions. Don't try to accentuate the differences. Realize what you have in common and learn to appreciate one another.

Bud only navy chaplain on island for the first year and the only one in southern end of island. So had to provide for needs of other groups as well.

One of first things was to contact the Catholic mission. Half were probably American and others from other countries - Germany, Spain. They appreciate his friendship toward them.

They conducted mass for the Catholic personnel and instruction for the kids. Counseling also. Arranged for them to get paid for this. Appointed one of these priests as assistant chaplain; it was either Father Smith or Father Hickey. Navy would get the benefit of all the priests. They would get PX privileges as a result. Money they received they could spend in PX where they could only spend U.S. currency. For liquor Bud was able to get them a permit for alcohol. Helped to cement the relationship.

A Few Catholics in Tri C club. Talked to Father Smith and asked if they could become part of Tri C. Without hesitation he said they could attend their parties and meetings, and then many came. There would be nothing offensive to the Catholic church. Once gave dinner for priests to discuss local problems. Also provided them with military vehicle so that they could take care of funeral arrangements for a Spanish priest who had died.

Elderly nun, Sister Hilda, partly lame had a number of clinics. Did not have vehicle so road in pedicab and would walk great distances. She was well know for her humanitarian efforts.

(About 4 paragraphs lost here pertaining to brochure of needs mission organizations would have in Taiwan - see tape.)

Reporter from Stars and Stripes worked near Bud. Medical supplies would be out of date. They would find these and bring it in. It would be piled on the ship and the captain would get full Stars and Stripes coverage. Captains like the publicity. Word got around and tons of it would come in. Distributed according to need. Missions and missionaries usually picked it up. Reporter enjoyed this arrangement. Bud published a brochure listing medical missionary needs.

One of outstanding medical missionary Mr. and Mrs. Bjorgas had a clinic near Tainan air base. Clinic was an old large house. Not in very good condition. His specialty was children conducting operations of deformities. Also had an orphanage. Chinese did not like deformed children. Not treated well. Often ignored. He got a lot of supplies and money. Air Force had done a lot for him. A few months before Bud left Taiwan Bjorgas had build paraplegic hospital for children. Asked Bud to give dedication addresses. Said that Bud had done more for the hospital for supplies etc. than anyone else on the island. Dedication translated into Chinese. Many Chinese and American dignitaries. Didn't realize he had done so much.

Bjorgas was a marvelous man. Took care of them. Gave them back their self-respect. Many children who had physical disabilities were given a chance on life. Also given education and so perhaps better prepared for life than most on Taiwan. Worked most with Taiwanese than Chinese. Chinese would take care of their own usually. Taiwanese didn't so much. Many of these Taiwanese were partly Japanese.

One time Bud outside of chapel. Saw girl 8 or 10 years old. Had dirty and ragged cloths. Had knee joint that would swing both ways. Had crutch made out of tree branch. Hobbled along. Bud used poor chinese on her and she became frightened and ran away like a frightened puppy. Bud went to the Chinese custodian of KCC. Asked him to find out where girl lived. Asked for information. He said everything was alright. Said that she would not come back and bother any more. Thought that they would not want such a creature around. Explained to him that wanted to know where she lived. Bjorgas went a visited the parents and got permission for him to take her away. They were glad to get rid of her.

He took her into hospital and performed surgery. With therapy she would be alright. Enrolled her in his school. How much would it cost per month. About $10 or so a month for support but the surgery was free. Told he was one of the finest surgeons in the far east. He was about 42 years old. He could make a lot of money elsewhere. You would see great people when you are out like that. Bjorgas also had leprosy clinics.

He would have to go out and find the people with leprosy. Family members would hide them. No one would say anything even if asked. Had convince them that they could be helped. some where wealthy people but they were still a disgrace. Would see people without toes and noses etc. He could cure them if they could find them. ONe time saw lady with toes bleeding. When sleeping at night rats would come and jew off flesh (lepers have no feelings in limbs after a while). She couldn't feel it. (Bud remembers that leprosy sores are pale white and don't bleed.

When people would come would have Bible lessons. As a result many of these lepers were Christians. Usually used Chinese pastors to minister to them.

Mrs. Bjorgas was probably a registered nurse. spent years with these kids nursing them back to health. Hurtful thing for Mr. Bjorgas was that he had to be selective - only those that he was most likely to help because he only had so many beds and staff. He had to make decisions who was to live and who to die [Think he was Lutheran].

Met many other medical people. Mrs. Dixon had a well established organization.

Southern Baptist group wanted Bud to join them in Taiwan. Would have loved to stay. Missionaries recommended him to S. Baptist mission board. Got interview. But rule said that you had to have served with S. Baptist for at least 2 years as an assistant pastor or something. Said WCC had program going for seamen with service center. Needed someone to head this. He would see that Bud would get appointed in Hong Kong and could be life time appointment. Bud wanted to work with Chinese instead of westerners and wasn't sure of schooling for children. Bud turned it down.

One day Sister Hilda sent a letter to Bud. Received by chief petty officer in Japan. He was afraid he would get in trouble with military. He had been stationed on Taiwan. He had his wife and children with him on Taiwan but also had Taiwanese girlfriend. When she found out of girlfriend she left him and eventually divorced him. She could not take household effects with because this not an ordinary military transfer. Taiwanese girl moved in with him. She was a worker in a Chinese tea house. He probably had to buy her but not sure.

Apparently a very beautiful girl. She had a child by him - a little girl. She was about 1 1/2 years old. Navy chief transferred to Japan. Told mistress that he would send for her. Left $1000 and the household effects. His letters became less and less frequent. Money didn't come. She started selling household effects. Was getting more and more depressed. She loved him, but eventually figured out she would not see her again.

She took daughter and went to mother's home about 4 hours jeep ride from Koashung; she had given up hope. She died that night though it is not known how. And now daughter was property of grandmother. This grandmother had sold her daughter to the tea house some years before.

Sister Tilda gave Bud the letter. He went to the commanding officer and asked what he could do. Navy does not have responsibility in such cases unless it may proved to be an embarrassment to the navy. Grandmother had written to chief in Japan that he must send money (blackmailed). Commander said that this situation may become embarrassing.

Bud got hold of interpreter, Chinese Chief Petty Officer Gee, who was Bud's jeep driver. Found the village. Asked about the girl. They said she was there. Bud had to confirm that the mother had died. They took her out to the graveyard. She had been buried in someone else's grave because she was without money when she died.

Grandmother was not there and someone was taking care of the granddaughter while grandmother was away. They brought her out. When she came out she saw Bud and said "daddy" and came running up. Bud picked her up and she squeezed him. Perhaps she recognized the uniform. She was a beautiful little girl though was sick. Few minutes later the grandmother arrived. Bud explained the situation. Said to grandmother that little girl was sick. Asked if he could take her to hospital. Would have nothing to do with the idea. She had sold the girls shoes and cloths. Grandmother was a very vain woman with gold jewelry. Dressed well. Lived in thatched house with a dirt floor, chickens running about in the house.

Not much Bud could do so went back to Kaishung and talked with a particular missionary. He and his wife had mentioned they always wanted children. When they would go back to the state on furlough they would try to adopt children but when their name would come up it was time to go.

Bud told them about little girl. Said she was beautiful. He said no and said S. Baptists would not accept a Eurasian. Their policy was not to adopt out on the field. Asked him if he would just go out and look at the girl.

He also got cold feet at the thought of being a father. Bud told the missionary that his jeep would be at his gate at 8:00am to pick him up. He would let the missionary's conscience be his guide. Later that morning the jeep did not come by to pick up Bud, so Bud knew that the missionary had decided to go.

9 or 10 PM got a phone call. Got the girl and the grandmother and brought them back to the missionary clinic. did not know if his wife or mission would go along with it. Little girl and grandmother stayed in a hospital. The missionary had to pay the grandmother $500 for the little girl. That was the going rate for a Eurasian. They canceled their trip to Europe to take the little girl. Named the girl Linda. Don't know what happened with the mission. Beautiful story really.

Similar things would happen with illegitimate children and finding parents for them. On one occasion had baby shower for child. One person said "My, how much she looks like her mother!" And she really did. (This was back on destroyers. Executive officer George who was second in command) said they would like to adopt a baby. Bud spread the word. A Chaplain told of a Marine Sergeant's wife who had gotten into trouble while the Marine was overseas. (They had five children already). Bud told George about it and said he and his wife could see the baby at the Army Hospital at San Pedro (Calif.) They adopted the baby and it really did look like George's wife. **Then comes shower story. **

Similar to the way the Lord is toward us. He elevates us from nothing to be his own children.

Difficulties in being a chaplain On Taiwan. One night had a navy wife pounding on the door rather late. Had a fight with husband. She made succotash. He did not like it and pushed her face into it. She was hurt and angry so she slept on the coach that night. Bud had a talk with him the next day.

Personally liked Taiwan very much. Beautiful, exciting, interesting. Liked the people. Would have like to have stayed there. Though Doris would not have like it. Like architecture, the vegetation but did not like the snakes. Len was playing one day with friend Robert Taylor (no relation to the movie star) and almost stepped on cobra. Doris tripped over "hundred pacer". Picked up Carey with one hand at arm's length. Coral snake, bamboo snake, Crate. Island was tropical: sugar cane, bananas. Works of art in Taipei. Good Chinese food. Careful where you get it because not sure what is in it. It was purported that vendors sold "rat sausage" on the streets. Once an article in an English language Chinese newspaper warned not to eat sausage for a while because the manufacturers had gathered dead r4ats from the sugar fields and made sausages out of them. The rats (big, fat, and juicy giants) had been poisoned because they had been destroying the sugar cane. The reason they were warning everyone was perhaps not because rats had been used in sausage but rather the meet was poisoned. At another time a farmer had a big field of watermelon that didn't ripen in time. He squirted a large number of melons with coloring. People became sick from eating it and many died. Bud believes the farmer was executed.

Went up into mountains with aborigines. Had to be cleared with police to go up there. Short, stout way up in the tall mountains. Huge trees, pythons. Mountain people known to be headhunters. Japanese would not go up there unless with sufficient strength. Had service in thatched church. Benches with no backs and no lights. Just one flash light bulb hanging from wire. English to Japanese to aborigine language translation. Sang beautifully. Terrific voices. This was a Christian village. Rather poor people but loved the Lord.

Invited to the aborigine mayor of the town in a stone house. Bedroom was filled with silk worms. Raised them. Covered with mulberry leaves which they ate. Kept someone on guard all night to chase away rats who would eat the silk worms. He had a nice stone home. The other villagers had straw-thatched houses.

Did not stay all night but Mrs. J. Hudson Taylor would stay often. Older lady with knot on back of head. Very plane. Straight-laced. Doris one made a joke about baptism, rather mild and acceptable joke Bud thought, but Mrs. Taylor told her she was being disrespectful. Though straightlaced she was still a fine woman. Had with her a sleeping mat and a nylon mosquito net. Slept in one of the chapels perhaps or one of the homes. Tucked netting under matting. Did not have netting for mosquitoes but for rats. She could see them running around the netting.

Problem with being there was being in the navy. Longed to be out of the navy and be working with the people - Chinese and Taiwanese. For two years don't remember having a day off. Tired. Went to commanding officer and asked for day off. How about Sunday? Sunday he worked: chapel and visitation.

Sometime during the second year had another navy chaplain stationed in Taipei. Hoped he could give some relief. He didn't think he could probably not do anything. Said he did not have a day off in 20 years. Did not want to stay in organization that had such policies. Also for 2 years probably had dysentery from water. This weakens a person. Bud worked hard did a good job. Visited military installations and the men. Some became friends others who did not tried to shoot down policies. Did not realize it but no doubt had hypoglycemia. No energy after sermons. Nothing else to give. Did not know what was wrong until years later. Would go home in afternoon would feel OK. If known about hypo could have done something about it such as changing his diet.

When leaving chapel every Sunday would see peanut vendor. Never saw peanut vendor otherwise. Would sell peanuts in cone cups made out of newspaper. Eat them in the carryall with shells everywhere. Peanuts are high in protein. It was as if the Lord was providing peanuts because of hypo. Wondered if Chinese was really an angel. NOt really but often wondered about it.

Sundays would go to officer's club and have dinner and see movie. Later started fellowship groups. Had some success. Wanted people to fellowship with one another with Bible discussion.

Commanding officers:

Navy group had various commanders. Always supportive except the last one. Turned out to be friends.

Army different. One supportive. Others not. One arranged that they no longer had bus. Would have to pay for transportation which was ridiculous. One tried to keep Catholic personnel from coming.

Chinese military dependents would be riding all over in American-based buses. An army Lt. Col. cut off Bud use of buses to pick up American kids for Sunday School unless the church paid for it. But says that it could not have happened if his C.O., Commander Lester J. Nicholas had let him get away with it. (Question: did Lester but a stop to this?). Another Lt. Burton tried to keep Catholic kids from Tri-C because he was Catholic. Bud told him he had nothing to say about it because the CAtholic mission had already approved it. Bud didn't know how that problem turned out because his tour of duty was up at that time.

Most people were very cooperative and appreciative of what Bud and Doris were doing.

In general the navy treated Bud well - far better than it treated most chaplains. Generally speaking the navy though did not give proper respect to chaplains. Nor did they treat them well. The navy would consider the Chaplain to be _____ God on Satan and not let Chaplains be themselves. Accordingly the chaplains found themselves trying to serve others and also be God's representatives.

Leaving the Chaplain's Corp.: Why? Burnout. That hits it on the head. It happens to a lot of chaplains and to the naval officers in general who are never at home. Bud as a chaplain frequently going 7 days a week. Only time took off to see a movie at Samoc (in Taiwan).

Chaplains are alone. Always alone. There is nobody to confide in year after year, decade after decade.

At MPC got together more as chaplains. Bud had friendships with some like Catholic padres. On a good size ship there was usually a protestant chaplain and catholic one. Otherwise there was just Bud. Still alone.

There was even competitiveness among chaplains. But they had prayer meetings together from diverse denominations. If Bud was having a prayer meeting with a chaplain who he was sure was not a Christian he would half seriously ask himself if this was really getting through to God.

Chapel parties would be held. But who would you invite? Fellow officers seldom took you seriously. Officers generally hostile toward chaplains. You are either cog or you are the devil to the men. Looked at you as a goldbrick. They were doing the work and you are sitting around playing cards (therefore Bud never played cards).

Frequently bothered by ship's doctors who felt his career was stagnating. They didn't have anything to do. Officers really picked on doctors, probably worse than on chaplains. They really thought they were goldbricks.

Bud always felt he was in combat fighting God, the flesh and the devil. "Who are you fighting?"

Always tiring.

Bud covered every working or living quarters everyday. Men would never come to see the chaplain on their own. Sometimes he would get the signal that someone wanted to talk. If it was something embarrassing he would set up an appointment. Issues were family problems, homosexuality (he would never turn them in).

1962 Hunters Point

Hunters Point Naval Shipyard smelled of oil, had few trees and little grass. Most the ground was paved with cement or asphalt including the sides of the hills. Buildings were utilitarian. The family lived in a quonset hut of which the corrugated tine roof, walls and ceiling were one and the same. With no insulation and no air condition the interior of the huts were roasting hot during the day.

Hunters Point Naval Shipyard

Within a short walking distance the kids played on a steel swing set and slide. They each brought a length of wax paper from the kitchen to sit on when sliding. Wax paper on the steel slide made for a fast ride. Few families seemed to live at the shipyards so the Holmquist kids had the playground much to themselves. Lennie sometimes walked down the asphalted hillside with shallow cement water runoffs, to the small shipyard library to check out, one at a time, a book series, Tom Corbett, Space Cadet or buy a model ship or plane kit, which he glued together and painted in the quonset hut.

Doris volunteered for a Daily Vacation Bible School for which she received from chaplains John K. Bontragen and Orvelle A. Westlund a New English Bible New Testament.

During this time Bud told Doris of his decision to leave the navy. She cried and cried. The navy and the life she and her family had in the service meant a lot to her.

Bud's final discharge papers came through.

On July 20, Lennie's birthday, Lennie was given a number gifts, one of which was a model ship, the USS Constitution a masted ship from the 1700s, he could paint and glue together. After unwrapping the gifts his Dad placed them minutes later in their car's nearly full trunk, and the family left Hunters Point and the U.S. Navy for southern California.

Bud decided to get out of the navy. The family left Taiwan for San Francisco where they lived in a quonset house on a bare hill at the Naval shipyards. Across the San Francisco Bay they could hear the shouts of the Giants baseball fans at Candlestick Park.

NOTES