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I'm posting this for Gordo, who is now on his way to Fla for Thanksgiving ......
Seawolf Squadron Patch: Army-Navy Game, Dec. 13
During the week before the Army-Navy game, members of the Naval Academy's football team select squadron, ship, and unit patches to wear on their jerseys during the "nation's classic." This year, we're hopeful a member of the team will select our Seawolf squadron patch to wear Dec. 13 when the teams play in Baltimore, Md.
Kelly Delaney, the daughter of RADM and Mrs. Kevin Delaney, set this initiative in motion earlier this autumn. Many of you know that her dad is battling stage 4 lung cancer. His wife, Pat, and Kelly represented him at our Seawolf reunion this summer. One of our gunners gave them a squadron patch and asked if it would be possible to have a Navy player wear it in the game.
Kelly took it from there, writing the Naval Academy Athletic Association to convey the request in an eloquent letter that enclosed the patch and background information on the history of our squadron, its combat exploits, and linkage to the Naval Academy. Two of our commanding officers were Naval Academy alumni, including our first CO, CDR Howard, and later CAPT Beckwith. A total of 111 Naval Academy alumni served in HAL-3, spanning the classes from 1948 to 1970. I believe I can speak for all of them in saying that serving with the Seawolves of HAL-3 was arguably the most memorable assignment in our naval careers.
RADM Delaney expressly sought to have our door gunners and maintenance technicians, as well as those wounded and killed in action, honored. As a pilot myself (Seawolf 27, 1970-1971), I've said many times over the years that we staked our lives on our door gunners and the maintenance that kept our birds flying. Simply stated, they were ... and are ... the best of the best.
I decided to write a letter endorsing Kelly's request. I am indebted to Seawolves Dan Arnes and Tom Phillips for their meticulous work assisting me compile a complete listing of USNA alumni who served in our squadron. Mike Dobson promptly filled my order for 12 additional Seawolf patches to forward to the team. There is a limit on the number of patches the team can wear, of course, but what the hell--nothing ventured, nothing gained!
The text of my letter to the Naval Academy Athletic Association follows. Let's hope for the best. Tune into the Army-Navy game on CBS-TV Dec. 13 to see how this plays out! Go Navy, Beat Army!
Keep your turns up, fellow Seawolves ... and Happy Thanksgiving!
All the best, Gordo
Gordon I Peterson
Captain, U.S. Navy (Ret)
Seawolf 27
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