John J. Bepko III – The Admiral’s Last Laugh
Retired Rear Admiral John J. Bepko III describes how the Orleck was chosen to be the ship for the burial at sea of the one admiral who was killed in Vietnam.
Steve Around Town – USS Orleck
Jacksonville Naval Museum
Final Orleck Music Video
Orleck Promo
Ronald E. Birchall – The Green Berets
Ronald E. Birchall speaks about his pride in being a Green Beret for 25 years. He states that it was one of his proudest accomplishments because it isn’t easy to qualify for the Special Forces. He mostly has wonderful memories of his time as a Green Beret.
Ronald E. Birchall – “I Thought I Was Dead”
Ronald E. Birchall recalls the experience of jumping out of airplanes and remembers one instance at MacDill Air Force Base where he could have died after getting his parachute caught in high-tension wires.
Ronald E. Birchall – Bosnia: Christmas at the Orphanage
Ronald E. Birchall was in Bosnia around Christmastime during the war. He remembers visiting orphanages and one in particular in Sarajevo, run by Catholic nuns from Croatia. The nuns were very kind, and the children were happy to see Birchall and his fellow soldiers, who brought them candy. Before they began their visits, the nuns […]
Ronald E. Birchall – 8th Army Baseball Championship
Ronald E. Birchall recalls his time in Korea. After returning from the DMZ, he received a call from the commanding general of the 2nd Infantry Division, who invited him to coach and play for the division’s baseball team. Birchall eagerly accepted the offer, viewing it as a “gift from God.” He left his post at […]