Gary Fletcher
Bio
Gary Fletcher was born on November 1, 1932, in West Virginia and later moved to Wisconsin, on the shores of Lake Superior. After graduating from Lincoln High School in Bayfield, WI, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in July 1951 to avoid the draft. He completed basic training at Great Lakes Naval Station in Illinois and then attended submarine school in New London, CT. During the Korean War, he was deployed on the USS Razorback (SS-394) in the North Atlantic. After his military service, he became a bricklayer and stone mason, eventually teaching masonry and leading manpower development at the Brick Institute of America. He remains an active member of the Korean War Veterans Chapter 313 and played a key role in organizing and constructing the Korean War Memorial in Jim Barnett Park, as well as other memorials in Stephens City and Middletown.
Video Clips
Stationed on the USS Razorback
Gary Fletcher reflects on his time aboard the USS Razorback in the North Atlantic during the Korean War. He describes the submarine's layout, noting the absence of a Chaplain, yet still holding church services led by an enlisted man. The crew consisted mostly of a few executive officers, with the remaining ranks descending from there.
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"A Man's Home is His Castle"
Gary Fletcher describes life on the submarine, highlighting how small "home" truly was. While the crew had strong camaraderie, he notes it was difficult to form close bonds as they would in normal life. He also shares how they were nicknamed "sewer pipers" because, despite the constant smell of diesel, they rarely had the opportunity to bathe.
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Boatswain's Mate on a Submarine
Gary Fletcher describes his role as a Boatswain's Mate on the USS Razorback, where part of his duties included loading torpedoes into the ship. To do so, he had to qualify and be certified, ultimately earning his "dolphin" insignia. This certification marked his expertise and commitment to the submarine's operations.
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Impactful Part of Life
Gary Fletcher considers his service during the Korean War era one of the greatest experiences of his life. He valued the camaraderie, discipline, and all the knowledge he gained through school and training. Looking back, he believes it was an invaluable experience he wouldn't trade for anything.
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