[CW] The Radio Officer's FINAL SOS

[D.J.J. Ring, Jr.]

http://commdocs.house.gov/committees/edu/hedcew5-146.000/hedcew5-146.htm

Mr. Schalestock. I'm almost finished, Mr. Chairman.

It has been said that poetry is the natural language of mankind. Thus,
I would like to leave you with a verse written in honor of those who
spend their lives at sea. Perhaps it can convey some small essence of
this other world that few people experience.

"I shall tell you then of storms at sea and bitter frozen nights
within that realm of roaring gloom and in Nature's darkest heart.
Where a steel ship is laid hull down far beneath the waves and china
cups and containers lashed teeter four rows high. While in the radio
room the lights grow dim and Sparks is bathed in sweat. A soldier at a
ruined wall with only three rounds left. He feels the ghosts of
Phillips near and Smith and Albion Lane. Steady old man, steady, they
whisper and send the SOS. His fist upon the brass-found key, he pounds
the lightening free. The blue spark flies across the room and over the
darkling sea. Come quick, old man, we're going down at latitude 53."

Mr. Chairman, we have sent our final SOS. I pray it will be received
in time, and I sincerely thank you and this Committee on behalf of all
my union brothers.

[Applause.]

[The statement of Mr. Schalestock follows:]

Written TESTIMONY OF JOHN SCHALESTOCK, MEMBER, AMERICAN RADIO
ASSOCIATION, CASANOVA, VIRGINIA - see appendix c

http://commdocs.house.gov/committees/edu/hedcew5-146.000/hedcew5-146.htm