Embedded Files
Interviewed by:
Sammy Maes and Ethan Keeney
1954
2017
"Another thing - the time goes so quick, you don't even know where it goes, it just flies by and particularly in the military because they keep you busy all the time so if you are thinking
that way, think hard on it, and don't turn it down."
~ Frank Hynes (32:50)
Name:
Francis J. Hynes
Date of Birth:
1929
Branch of Service:
U.S. Navy
Dates of Service:
1953 - 1964
Location of Military Service: Aircraft Carrier, Korean War
Current Residence:
South Yarmouth, MA
Frank Hynes' Story:
Out of all the heroes in the Korean War, no one tells their story better than Frank Hynes. He grew up in a Navy family with his two older brothers, who had also served in the Navy. He started studying dentistry at Georgetown University in 1950. During his studies he became interested in the U.S. Navy, so he decided at the age of 25 to enlist. He enrolled as a Dental Officer, while in Washington DC in 1953.
A short time after in 1954, he was deployed on active duty and boarded the U.S.S. Kula Gulf. This was a light aircraft carrier designed during and for World War II. He spent most of his days on board at the dental clinic, where his job was to take care of the dental needs of the personnel. Although Frank did not see much action during his time at sea, he still claims these times were the best of his life.
During his time in the Navy, Frank had duty stations in several parts of the East Coast. For example, Bainbridge, Maryland. This is a recruit depot where soldiers get their first exposure to military life. Here was one of the best experiences of his career. He met several other dental officers at this location. His first duty was to take care of the dental needs of the naval recruits.
On his Navy journey, Frank met many fantastic people and reunited with many of his classmates from the Naval Academy. Come 1956 Frank was taken off active duty and put on reserves, two years later in 1958 he and his family moved to Cape Cod, where he has lived since. Six years later he received his discharge papers. “I knew it was coming and it was fine, I was a civilian, but I never regretted for a minute serving”.
U.S.S. Kula Gulf (CVE 108) Commissioned in 1945 and entered service in the final year of World War II.
One of the last of the class of light (25,000 tons) aircraft carriers designed during World War II and designated escort carrier class (CVE). Recalled to active duty during the Korean War, 1950. entered thereserve fleet, 1956. Reactivated during the Vietnam War, 1965.
This is a picture of Captains' Inspection that is held on the ship. The ship's company wears all one uniform, Dress Blues, for inspection. All of the crew is required to attend inspection except those that are at their duty stations. Our veteran, Frank Hynes, is located on the very left of the screen.
This is a map of the Korean War at the time Mr. Hynes was serving on active duty.
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