| Raymond L. Smith 211-01 46th Road Bayside, NY 11361 |
Tel: (718-229-6549) |
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Ray served on the Kretchmer from 1957 to 1958. He was an Engineman 3rd Class. His duties
were keeping the main engines,auxillary engines, pumps, etc. running so we could get to
and from the picket stations. He is also a card holding picketeer.
Ray married Irene Bielawa on January 16, 1960. They have two grown daughters, Karen and
Cathleen. They each have one son – Eric who is 14 and Kevin who is 10. Ray and Irene will
be happily married for 47 years in January 2007.
After leaving the Kretchmer in October 1959, Ray served 2 years inactive reserves. He then
worked for the airlines for fifteen years, drove a New York City Cab for 7 years. He is
now assistant collection manager for Coin Mach Corp, an apartment house supplier of washers
and dryers (coin operated). Ray has been there for the last twenty years.
Ray has many memories from his years on the Mighty K, such as the working parties bringing
provisions aboard for our pickets, which a lot of cheeses, canned hams, fresh milk and
fruit didn’t make it past the hatches to the engine rooms. The A/C ducts were their
refrigerator box. They ate good on their late night watches. He also remembers their
liberties to Cuba (White Hat Club and EM Club) Porte Av Prince, London, Leave, Paris,
Amsterdam and Rotterdam.