Gordon Read Key Biscayne, Florida Call sign; W4YIH Gordon started with a home-built ham radio in high school as a young man. Unbeknownst to him his knowledge as a ham operator would bring him to World War II. Gordon became proficient in CW and as the war intensified, Gordon joined the Navy reserve, and eventually joined the regular Navy, his rate would be Radioman Seaman first class. His station was Pearl Harbor aboard the USS Trever DMS 16, a World War one destroyer modified to a high-speed mine sweep, patrolling off the shores of Hawaii. Gordon still does ham radio but not as often as he would like because Gordon is 99 years old and will celebrate his 100-year birthday on May 28, 2022. You can catch Gordon in the morning on the Submarine Veterans Net at 14.343 MHz. Monday thru Friday’s from 11:30am to 12:30pm. The members of the Submarine Veterans Net always give Gordon the time he needs to talk to as many members as he can. After all, he has earned the right. You can see the interview with Gordon and a local TV station at the link below. Respectfully submitted, Robert (bud) Riestenberg (N4RJR) 73’s Link to Gordon’s interview at his home on Key Biscayne at the age of 95, with Chanel 77 Miami Florida "To open link control click"
God Bless SFC Read and all those of our "Greatest Generation"! Dad (the original W3KKO) was Army Signal Corps in WW-2 in the Pacific. Thank you for the post Bud. 73
Thank you so much! My Father IS Army pacfic. Two Uncles US Army Eourpe. Father In law US Navy Wife's Uncle D Day Airborn wounded in France.
"GO NAVY"!!!!! Navy Radioman Viet-Nam Chu Lai and Da Nang. 66-67. Met a number of Navy WWll Vets in my Career from 63-78. They were outstanding Radioman and Sailors! "Fair Seas and Following Winds" To your SIR!!
Nice, Bud ... and I suspect there is a lot more to the story than what you could put here. Many thanks!
Gordon is an awesome guy, still sharp at 99.5 years. It is a privilege to talk to him on the Submarine Veteran's Net. One of the last survivors of Pearl Harbor still with us.
LARRY, THREE CHEERS FOR GORDON. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE ON THE NUKIE SUBS. 73 ES MAY YOU ALWAY BE BLESSED WID POSITIVE BUOYANCY. K1LKP
Hello Larry. I knew and "OLE BUBBLHEAD" like you would comment on this forum. What a life this "SPARKS" has lived!! A true legend for all Generations!! 73's Steve
What a wonderful story. I'm off the air right now until I can get the PA of my old rig repaired. I wasn't a boat sailor during my 6 years in the Navy during Viet Nam, but I worked out of a submarine group. They made a lot of friendly fun of my "skimmer" and "target" group. I hope I can work him. Thank you for posting. Ken USN 1969-1975 W4KJG
God Bless Gordon Read, and all of the Greatest Generation! My Dad was in the Army Air Corp in WWII, China, India, Burma P-38 Lightning's. If I even thought I was half the man my Dad was I'd be a giant among men today.
I suggest that we (Navy Radioman), active or retired, appoint Gordon as R.M.I.C. of QRZ Navy Radio Gang!