Richard W. Votapka - U.S Coast Guard 1942-45

In Memory of Richard W. Votapka was 20 years old when he joined the Coast Guard in 1942. After training he was assigned to a Destroyer Escort, the USS Hurst, as a Machinist Mate. His ship was tasked with supporting convoys in the North Atlantic from German submarines and warships. He made 13 trips across the Atlantic and was discharged in 1945. He went on to work in law enforcement on Long Island and was active in coordinating Reunions for his shipmates from the Hurst. His story is told by his son, also named Richard, and with some audio tapes he recorded before he passed away.