John McBroom

Enlisting in the U.S. Navy

John McBroom recalls his short experience in college. After one year of college, he decided to enlist in the U.S. Navy and attended both boot camp training and sonar school in San Diego, California. He recalls leaving for Sasebo, Japan, in the spring of 1953 and sailing to Wonsan, Korea, from there.

The U.S.S. Symbol

John McBroom speaks about his experience aboard the U.S.S. Symbol, the oldest minesweeper ship in the United States fleet that was built out of steel in 1941. McBroom recalls how large the ship was, capable of holding 100 men, and describes how it was reinforced in the front so it could safely smash into submarines. Minesweeping, McBroom explains, was mostly a middle-of-the-night type of work and shares how they avoid daytime sweeps at all possible.

Several Incidents on Board

John McBroom recalls several incidents on board the U.S.S. Symbol while in the Heungnam area. He remembers North Koreans firing at the ship from the beach and recalls gunfire from both the North Koreans and another U.S. ship that was posted nearby for protection.

Life Onboard

Life as an mine-sweeping Navy sailor was both grueling and enjoyable. In this clip, McBroom remembers how close the sleeping arrangements were and how he had to strap himself into bed because the ship was small and would move up and down with the waves. Minesweepers worked 4-hour watch shifts, which McBroom describes as full of adrenaline.

On the positive side, McBroom enjoyed the Navy's food, such as baked beans and cornbread. Sailors would even have steaks and pork chops on special occasions. He fondly remembers coffee always brewing on board and helping the cook clean in exchange for extra fresh bread and butter. Showers were also regularly available but very short.