This is an extraordinary memoir, both because of Parker's long period of active duty in the Navy--1942 to 1987--but also because of his achievement of flag rank without benefit of college education. As a machinist's mate, Parker served in the destroyer USS Mervine (DD-489/DMS-31) in World War II, attack transport USS Fremont (APA-44), and destroyer USS Trathen (DD-530) in the Korean War. Interspersed were tours of recruiting duty. He was a warrant...