Chief Cunningham stepped forward and said, “The captain told us something like this might happen, sir, so we took the liberty of making these up for you. They should do till you get ashore and find a proper pair.”
The COB presented Eric with two rear admiral silver-star collar devices fashioned by a gifted auxiliaryman.
Eric Danis took the gift. With just a trace of emotion in his voice, he said, “Thank you, Chief. Thank you very much indeed. I can think of no greater honor than to wear devices of this rank fashioned by a combat submarine crewman. I could find no better pair ashore.”
Although Eric Danis believed his storm had long passed, a vindicating bolt of lightning reached back and struck home.
About the Author
D.M. Ulmer
Author D. M. Ulmer enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1947. In two-years, he was promoted to third class electronic technician onboard the submarine USS CLAMAGORE. Six months later, he was advised he’d be transferred to the Naval Academy Prep School. When Ulmer asked his captain “why me?” the skipper replied facetiously, "I don't think you're smart enough to make second class and I need the bunk space!"
Ulmer returned to CLAMAGORE in 1967 as Commanding Officer. He then became one of the few, if not only, to have served in an enlisted status and as commanding officer in the same warship. Captain Ulmer’s 32 year Navy Career included:
1949
German submarine U-2513;
Given to the US Navy in 1945
as partial reparation for WWII.
Mar. — Sept. 1949
USS Clamagore (SS 343).
1954
US Naval Academy graduate.
July 1954 — 55
USS Fremont (APA 44).
July — 55
US Navy Officers’ Submarine School.
Jan. 1956 — June 58
USS Halfbeak (SS 352).
June 1958 — Sept 59
USS Barracuda (SSK1).
1959 — 60
Aide to Commandant
8th Naval District.
July — Oct. 1960
Polaris Weapons School
Dam Neck, VA.
Dec. 1960 — July 62
USS Patrick Henry (SSBN 599).
1963 — 65
Staff, Commander Submarine
Squadron 14.
Nov. 1965 — July 67
Executive Officer
USS Corporal (SS 346).
July 1967 — Mar. 69
Commanding Officer
USS Clamagore (SS 343).
1969 — 72
Office of
Chief of Naval Operations.
1972 –77
Naval Sea Systems Command.
1977 — 79
Trident Project Manager Staff.
April, 1979 — Retired.