Veterans History Project

The Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress collects, preserves, and makes accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war.

Jmyle Koretz left high school at graduation time then moved about the country doing many jobs, getting training in several subjects, but seemingly not setting down any roots. At age twenty-three, he needed a job.

He went to one of many US Navy recruiters in the Washington DC area. The recruiter provided Jmyle a time for a physical exam and for taking the ASVAB. Jmyle was in favor of the US Navy since he already knew the ranks of officers - thanks to Star Trek!

Jmyle had a very high score on the ASVAB. This test is one of the most critical events at the entry level of anyone joining the military. A high score gives one his pick of one of three fields of endeavor. Due to citizenship issues pertaining to his father’s situation, Jymle’s clearance was delayed. He accepted a position and training in mine detection.

Jmyle entered boot camp at Great Lakes Naval Training Station near Chicago, Ill in February. The winter months are tough for new people. There were no difficulties for this young man, and graduation was going to happen.

Jmyle went on to “A” School at Ingleside, Texas. This site was near Corpus Christie, TX, along the Gulf Shore. This location was not going to last long in the training scheme. The new sailors knew this. The training for mine sweeping was not good. It was not what was expected.

The training lasted just long enough so that a certificate stating qualification was published. Jmyle was next headed for Sasebo, Japan where, in August 2007, he would become a crew member on the USS Patriot (MCM-7).

On arrival in Japan, every sailor is required to attend a two day course to learn as much as they can about Japanese culture and ways. The next morning, after classes, Jmyle and his group were subjected to a Chief’s Inspection. The Inspection was to start at 0800 hrs. Jmyle wasn’t quite ready. The failure to be ready was eased because Jmyle had been nice to the Chief’s wife in the orientation classes!

Mine sweeping ships are made of wood…even to this day. Mines sit on a bottom of the body of water. They are sensitive to big, metal and noisy ships which can set off the mines. As the mine-sweepers are made of wood, they had somewhat of an advantage.

Jmyle was happy being where he was. Any task he was assigned, he took on with enthusiasm! He took pride in his appearance, looking good in his uniform. He was also talented with a camera. Jmyle was assigned photographer duties.

The mine sweeper carries limited food stuffs when at sea. After fourteen days, the groceries run low, but there are several ports of call along the way.

Jmyle had some skills with computers and the reporting software they provided. He was filling in for another sailor and was required to produce a report of a sighting of an enemy ship. The report he submitted was so detailed and so comprehensive that his situation changed. Someone in the management hierarchy noticed his good work and placed Jmyle in a position where he generated superb reports for the rest of his career. Although six people in the various steps of operations had to proof read his work, it was far better than required.

Now the same sailor is the photographer and “scribe”! Like many of the interviewees, Jmyle asserted himself and plied his skills and experiences to better serve the Navy! Theirs was one of the first US ships to visit the harbors in the Mekong Delta since the Viet Nam war. At least one of Jmyle’s photos showed up in the military newspaper, “Stars and Stripes”.

In sailing experiences, the ship got caught in a typhoon. The USS Patriot is/was not a large vessel. Sea swells are one thing, but a typhoon brings a much more perilous change to a mission. During this storm, the ship was moving to such highs and lows that no matter how good a sailors “sea legs” were, he would be nauseous. Vending machines were moved from one side to another. Their ship lost a .50 cal machine gun that was shaken loose from its mounts. There was more vomit than imaginable. Survival mode took over. When the storm subsided, the ship made it to the US Marine base in Okinawa. There was no shore leave allowed as the sailors just had to get their ship back in order.

When free time was available, Jmyle was off the ship enjoying the shops and coffee houses of Sasebo, Japan as well as other ports. Jmyle was a very committed, opportunistic member of the US Navy. He could do many tasks just by being there when a hand was needed. He was named “Sailor of the year” for the USS Patriot and her crew.

One issue/flag that would not go away was obtaining a Top Secret security clearance. Jmyle wanted to go to language school so he could translate for espionage units. His record of service was stellar, but the clearance was essential.

Six months before ending his service school, a Senior Chief in personnel explained that the clearance was not forth-coming and the Navy wanted to know if Jmyle would extend in his service. After serving four years, and doing so many things, Jmyle thought it was the Navy’s turn to work for him. The security clearance had years to get through yet…

Jmyle left service in the Navy and out-processed in Bremerton, WA. He joined a Navy Reserve unit in Utah. Things in the Reserve were going well. One drill meeting, the administrative Chief passed around a clipboard containing a list of people who needed a security clearance. Jmyle’s name was not in the need column, but in the “already had one” column. His clearance came through 11 days before his active duty tour ended.

Chief Petty Officer Jmyle Koretz, the best scenario would be that you were still a part of the US Navy…dang! Thank you for your service!