Introduction

You will learn or recall much about America in the 1950s, as seen through the eyes of a young serviceman. You will feel like a member of the crew aboard an icebreaker as it crosses the Arctic from Alaska to Nova Scotia to become the first US ship to circumnavigate the North American continent and find a deep water route through the Northwest Passage.

Historical Context

In 1955 Dick Juge dropped out of his final senior semester of high school to join the U.S. Coast Guard in time to qualify for the Korean Conflict GI Bill, which was phased out at the end of January 1955.

Journey Overview

This book takes you on his journey through the Coast Guard enlistment and training processes and then on to voyages aboard three Coast Guard Cutters: SEBAGO out of Mobile, Alabama, STORIS in Alaska, and DUANE from Boston, Massachusetts.

Stories and Experiences

There are stories of boot camp mishaps, formidable icebergs, special swimming escapades, liberty adventures in many ports, and much more as the author grows to maturity with the sometimes-unwelcome assistance of the U. S. military. If you served in the military you will love this as you recall your own youth.