by Elmer S.
I was born on October 14, 1921. I was employed at the Glenn
L. Martin Company on August 23, 1940, as a riveter and assembler. Pearl Harbor
was attacked on December 7, 1941. In June 1942, I tried to join the Navy. I was
rejected because I was colorblind.
I continued to work at Martin until my deferment expired
in 1944. I was called to my Draft Board. My first test was x-ray and the last
test was the colorblind test. I wanted to go into the service and I was the fourth
man in line designated for the Navy. I was far enough back that I could
memorize the colorblind cards on the table from the other men. I passed. I was
directed to the bleacher with the other approximately 25 men. We were told to bring
a toothbrush, towel and a couple dollars. To my dismay, I was called from the bleacher
by a Navy doctor who told me I was rejected due to a spot on my lung. I was
very disappointed, especially when I was classified 4F.
I worked at Martin until 1960 when I was laid off. I then
went to Boeing to build helicopters for three years. I was called back to
Martin to work on the RC-135 fuel cell replacement. In January 1982, I retired from
Martin Marietta at age 62. I have enjoyed my retirement.
At age 70, I had a hernia and was scheduled to enter the hospital.
I was to have a physical exam prior to the surgery. I told the doctor the only
problem I had was a spot on my lung. To my surprise, the X-ray of my lungs was clear.
There was no spot. Did he get my X-ray mixed up with others? Then, at age 79, I
fell on the ice and thought I had broken my ribs. I checked in at Franklin Square
Hospital for X-rays. The doctor in emergency said "no broken ribs." I asked her if she saw a spot on my
lung. She said she would check the X-ray again. She returned and said there was
no spot on my lung. I began to think, "Where
was the spot on my lung. Had it cleared up?"
