William D'Antico Oral History
Object NameRecording, Video
Transcript
Narrator
William J. D'Antico
Association
USS Intrepid (CV/CVA/CVS-11)
DateJuly 29, 2015
PeriodCold War
MediumMTS, PDF
ClassificationsCommunication Artifacts
Credit LineCollection of the Intrepid Museum. Gift of Seaman First Class William D'Antico. OHP.080
Object numberOHP.080
DescriptionWilliam (Bill) D’Antico served aboard the aircraft carrier USS Intrepid (CVS-11) from 1961 to 1964. He worked in the S-3 Division as a barber. He also had his own radio show on the ship’s radio station, WINT. The Intrepid Museum recorded his oral history interview on July 29, 2015.See transcript for complete interview. Below is a summary:
William D’Antico began his oral history with an overview of his time in service, including his arrival on Intrepid on a single-prop supply plane. Then D’Antico described his childhood in Connecticut and his decision to join the military. He recounted his experiences in boot camp and his hope that he’d find a career path.
Next, D’Antico talked about his work in the deck crew as a boatswain’s mate. A chief petty officer showed him to different parts of the Supply Department, and D’Antico chose to work in the barber shop. He explained what he found appealing about S-3. A transfer to the officer’s barber shop led him to have a show on WINT, the ship’s radio station. His DJ persona was “The Mad Barber.” After his time in the Navy, D’Antico went on to cut hair while studying to become a broadcaster. He attributed his career success in both fields to his time on Intrepid.
Then, D’Antico went into more detail about the radio station on Intrepid. He explained the different stations available to crew members, the formats of different shows, special requests and the reception his show got from shipmates. D’Antico shared how he was able to record his air check with the help of an audio engineer from the ship’s TV station.
The interview then turned to D’Antico’s work in the barber shop. He described the different grooming standards aboard ship: strict rules for inspection and liberty and more relaxed rules for everyday haircuts. He explained how haircuts were scheduled, how he learned to cut hair and some bad haircuts he gave to some crew members. He recalled Abe Guzman, a first class petty officer in the shop, Benny Wimbush in the officer’s barber shop and another crew member who worked as a barber before he joined the Navy. D’Antico also described how he would use his work to barter with other departments.
Next, D’Antico described larger events on the ship. He recalled picking up astronaut Scott Carpenter during the Mercury space mission and shared his perception of the Cold War. He remembered being sent to Guantanamo Bay while the ship stayed at general quarters 24 hours a day.
Toward the end of his interview, D’Antico reflected on the pleasure he had visiting the Museum. His wife, Diane D’Antico, came on camera briefly to show her engagement ring, which was purchased on the ship.
Extent: 5 video files, 19 page transcript
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