I had no idea Bill Cosby was a Hospital Corpsman at Argentia in the later 1950s. - Jim
Navy Hails Cosby as Honorary Chief Petty Officer
By Navy Chief Petty Officer Sonya Ansarov
Office of the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy
WASHINGTON, Feb. 18, 2011 -
Navy Secretary Ray Mabus and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Rick D. West recognized actor, comedian and former sailor Bill Cosby as an honorary chief petty officer in a ceremony yesterday at the U.S. Navy Memorial and Naval Heritage Center.
"Bill Cosby is not just a comedian and an actor -- although he's pretty good at both -- he's also been a tireless advocate for social responsibility and education and a constant friend to the Navy," Mabus said. "Last year was the highest compliment I've ever received –- being made an honorary chief petty officer, and now Dr. Cosby –- you're about to get the same honor."
Cosby holds a doctor of education degree from the University of Massachusetts.
Mabus and West placed chief petty officer anchors on Cosby in front of a huge gathering of chief petty officers and other sailors. West helped Cosby don a chief hospital corpsman's service dress blue jacket, and Mabus presented Cosby with the accompanying visored hat.
"I will tell to you like I tell all of our new chiefs ... when I pin these anchors on you, your job isn't over and your journey is just beginning," West said to Cosby. "There is no greater honor than having earned the title "Chief" -- and the responsibility to our sailors and our Navy that comes with it -- and we will expect more of you."
Cosby expressed his gratitude for the honor and for the lessons he learned in his Navy service.
"Over the years I spent in the Navy, and so many moments remembering that, the Navy gave me a wake-up call. The Navy showed me obedience, and that's the thing that pushed me to realize the mistakes I had made in my young life at 19 years old, and that I could do something with myself and become somebody."
Cosby began his relationship with the Navy in 1956, when he joined as a hospital corpsman and attended recruit training at Naval Training Center Bainbridge, Md.
During his four-year tour, Cosby was stationed at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va.; the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md.; Naval Hospital Argentia, Newfoundland; aboard USS Fort Mandan; and Philadelphia Naval Hospital.
At Quantico and Bethesda, Cosby worked in physical therapy, helping to rehabilitate Korean War veterans, a duty he said he liked and excelled at. He was also an athlete for the Navy, playing football, basketball, baseball, and running track and field.
Cosby said the Navy transformed him from an aimless, uneducated kid into a man with drive, discipline and self-respect.
He was honorably discharged in 1960 as a petty officer 3rd class. His awards included Navy Good Conduct Medal and National Defense Service Medal. He also received the 2010 Lone Sailor Award from the U.S. Navy Memorial.
Very neat, I think Bill Cosby is one of the best comics ever and now he's an honorary Chief, what more could he wish for in life...
My husband (Rush Johnson) was the HMCS at the medical clinic at Arg from 77-79 and found the log books with his entries. It was pretty cool.
How many of you recall the 78 recordings made by Bill Cosby?? - especially hilarious was the one about the submarine returning from an extended patrol - where he voiced some of the following quips (not exact quotes) "This is the Captain speaking ---- You all know I can take a joke as well as the next person, but whoever took the XO, would you please return him to the wardroom??" ----- or how about -------"We are now at periscope depth and soon will be looking upon the familiar skyline of New ....RIO de JANEIRO !!!???"
Yeah, he is one funny guy. Wonder if he would maintain the same of humor if he were lucky enough to undergo a Chief's Initiation?? ------just a thought..........!!
After reading his comments to the youth of America I suspect he would understand and appreciate the true meaning of the initiation. Bill Cosby has always had "perspective" that only comes from military sacrifice.
Rick - totally agree. The last part of my posting about the CPO initiation was intended as a "tounge-in-cheek" comment, perhaps to provide some thought as to all the "hullabaloo" about these initiations in recent years - not to be taken seriously, which I can tell - you did not. Be well-------Dee
Discussions with association members indicate an Honorary Membership in the IUSS Caesar Alumni Association for Mr. Cosby might be in order. Just throwing that out there. Any thoughts?
Didn't see any mention of "Truth Serum". Maybe that issue should be explored.
Nick
Good thought Jim...
Seems our membership isn't exclusively Ex-OT's. He was stationed at one of the Sites and I believe the main requirement for membership is to have an interest in what IUSS does and accomplished. If you are taking votes enter mine in the affirative.
Sounds appropriate to me.
After a bit of research we have determined that Mr. Cosby was not stationed at Argentia during NAVFAC Argentia's operations. NAVFAC Argentia wasn’t commissioned until Oct 1959, and didn’t become operational until Aug 1960. Mr. Cosby was discharged from USN in 1960 and Argentia was not his last duty station; that was NavHosp Philadelphia.
We will not be making him an honorary member of the association.
Jim Donovan
Director IUSSCAA
The truth will out.
Marshall