Harry Chester 1989
“Butting Heads”
Anyone who served on the Swanson for any length of time knew Warhead Williams, if he didn’t he was hiding or asleep. For a brief biography of Warhead, he was of the black race and served as officers Stewards mate on the Swanson. He got along real well with his shipmates, was liked by everyone and in turns liked everyone. He was pretty much of a comedian and a clown. He had two moods, happy go lucky let the good times roll (which was most of the time) or very worried.
One type of life jacket we were issued you had to blow up by lungpower. Warhead would blow his up for general quarters like a truck tire. He did get excited.
Andrew J. Dowdle Torpedoman striker was one who nicked named Williams – “Warhead”. I was there when he did it and a few more people heard it and from then on he was Warhead. As I said Warhead liked to joke and clown around. A lot of times the enlisted mens chow line would be formed in 2 lines outside the officer’s pantry. When Warhead would get a chance to come out of the pantry, he would on a little show. A soft shoe dance or whatever. One time Warhead wanted to butt heads with some of the guys, which a couple of them were silly enough to do. Warhead won of course. Any one seeing his head would know what I mean. Seen from behind it looked to be an exact replica in miniature of a 21 inch torpedo warhead. A.J. Dowdle named him right. Also standing in that line was seaman Billy Jones double tough and with a disposition to match. Jones about 5’9” or 10” tall and weighed about 180 pounds and had done a lot of prize fighting in civilian life. He told Warhead he would butt heads with him. Warhead jumped at the chance.
They got ready; Jones faced Warhead and placed his hands behind his head and then they jerked their heads together with a kind of mushy, sickening sound. Warhead legs gave way and collapsed on his knees. He was not hurt bad, just stunned. He never wanted to butt heads again.
I was surprised and talked with Dowdle about it later. He explained to me that boxing and getting hit with boxing gloves in the forehead built up cartilage on his head. He laughed and said: “Warhead never had a chance!”