Gerald Feola Oral History
Object NameRecording, Video
Transcript
Narrator
Gerald Feola
Association
USS Intrepid (CV/CVA/CVS-11)
DateMay 28, 2013
MediumMTS, PDF
ClassificationsCommunication Artifacts
Credit LineCollection of the Intrepid Museum. Gift of former crew member Gerald Feola. OHP.002
Object numberOHP.002
DescriptionGerald Feola served aboard the aircraft carrier USS Intrepid (CVS-11) as an aviation structural mechanic third class (AMS3) with carrier airborne early warning squadron VAW-33 during the ship’s second Vietnam War deployment, from May to December 1967. The Intrepid Museum recorded his oral history interview on May 28, 2013. The Museum recorded a subsequent interview with him in 2018 (OHP.158).See transcript for complete interview. Below is a summary:
Feola began his interview by mentioning his two uncles and one cousin who served in World War II, and his Catholic Church’s sea cadets program, which provided him with an exposure to the Navy. Feola then described his decision to join the U.S. Navy, being assigned to a squadron, seeing Intrepid for the first time, and Intrepid’s trip to Vietnam, which involved transiting the Suez Canal as the Six Day War was about to begin.
After describing Intrepid’s passage to Vietnam, Feola discussed his squadron’s mission, his job operating electronic countermeasures (ECM) aboard an EA1F Skyraider, and his opportunity to sit in the navigator’s seat aboard the Skyraider, which gave him a new perspective on launching from and landing on a carrier. Feola then recounted Intrepid’s trip home, where he experienced a crossing the line ceremony and rough seas. He also discussed his return home, where he received a mixed reception. He was welcomed back by family and friends, while simultaneously feeling unwelcome in other circumstances.
Feola ended his interview by discussing his life after separating from the Navy, which included serving in the New York City Fire Department for 28 years. He also stated what Intrepid means to him and described his role with the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum as a volunteer.
Extent: 7 media files, 20 page transcript
On View
On viewCollections
