John Baker and Roger Williams

Recorded June 27, 2024 41:19 minutes
0:00 / 0:00
Id: ddf000692

Description

Roger Williams (69) interviews his childhood friend John Baker (77) about his service in the Navy, particularly aboard the USS New Jersey.

Subject Log / Time Code

John Baker (JB) remembers his neighborhood growing up next to Roger Williams (RW) in Princeton, New Jersey.
Participants retell the story of JB's father buying a mustang for his wife and storing it in RW's garage.
JB recalls his family's military history.
RW recalls when his father was drafted into the military at the start of WWII.
JB remembers how he enlisted in the Navy out of fear from having a low lottery number in the Vietnam draft.
JB remembers getting commissioned the day before getting married.
JB describes the career advice his father gave him.
JB talks about serving on the USS New Jersey and going to Beirut.
JB describes how he feels when civilians thank him for his service.
JB finishes the story of how his wife found out he was commissioned during their honeymoon.

Participants

  • John Baker
  • Roger Williams

Recording Locations

WHYY

Venue / Recording Kit

Partnership

Partnership Type

Outreach