This book describes the life story of John LeDoux. Born in 1924 and reared in California, this story recounts the adventures of growing up in the 20s and 30s when there was no TV or youth sports' programs. Youngsters in those days played sandlot ball, cops and robbers, cowboys and Indians, kick the can, and various other activities. There was little parental interaction but most of the time the kids did behave although the story does recount some mischievous behavior, especially on Halloween.
This fleet footed Broadmoor gang all saw service in WWII. Some did not make it home. LeDoux went to the Naval Academy when it was still a military school not influenced by feminism. The story describes the life of midshipmen and their officers and how sometimes the strict military code was avoided. The description of one officer, "Uncle Beany Jarrett" is a classic.
His "sea stories" about life in the Navy, even in peacetime, are interesting and funny, like his "Mr. Roberts" role on a cargo ship. He did see much of the world: the arctic, the South pole, the Western Pacific, and several trips to Europe. But it is the personalities and their interactions that grab your attention. During this time he married and fathered and helped rear 8 children. In 9 years this family moved coast to coast 8 times. He was the first civil engineer in the Navy to receive nuclear PG training. His role as a "Poor man's Rickover" when he was in charge of the Shore Based Nuclear power program provided grist for the mill. The Fairway Rock project illustrates how government red tape was avoided to accomplish an important task.
After the Navy, his many jobs in civilian life show that people interactions are again the salt of life. These experiences also go coast to coast. How he handled a tough personnel problem coming in as a high level civilian and an outsider, is a lesson in leadership.
His last position before retiring for good, was as a university professor teaching engineering freshman provided more "sea stories". It is interesting to read how education of children has changed from his experience in the 40s to the present. The three Rs, reading, 'riting and 'rithmatic, are now the three Ss, self esteem, socialization, and low SATs. The story recounts many human interest events that are at times funny and at times sad but intriguing. The marriage of over 50 years that produced 8 children, 11 grandkids, 6 greatkids mixed with a varied professional career on a world wide stage provided the fodder for these stories and how to be a father, husband, and a popular leader of men.
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