RECOLLECTION

Sal Rossitto 1989

“Health through exercise !”

Some time in early 1942, the Navy decided that our sailors needed some regular scheduled physical exercise to improve their health. Former heavy weight champion of the world Gene Tuney was commissioned as a Lieut. Commander to organize and train some physical exercise specialist. They would be given the rate of Chief Specialist “A”.

After a particular arduous convoy run to Iceland while in the Navy Yard in Boston a Chief Specialist “A” reported on board and immediately began exercising the crew at morning quarters with bends, knee squats, etc. Naturally the crew had not used some of the muscles in several months and having just spent a rough few weeks at sea in the North Atlantic and wanting to concentrate on liberty, wine, women and song, they did not appreciate the value of true exercise. But they did become aware of their sore muscles!

Then came the day that we sailed back into the North Atlantic with the usual pitching and rolling of the ship. The Chief Specialist “A” turned green and laid down in the galley passageway. For the entire trip, he did not budge from the spot. With all the crew passing through there on the way to the mess hall or to their quarters he just laid there. Some kind souls tried to offer him “greasy pork chops” or conversation but he was not having any of it! Of course that ended the physical exercise program, much to the delight of our crew! I believe he was transferred shortly after we returned to the States.

R-40