RONALD PULIZOTTO

When Ron Pulizotto talks about his life, the stories unfold like a cinematic adventure — from the bustling neighborhoods of Brooklyn, New York, to the open seas of the Vietnam War, with moments that span from recovering astronauts to meeting the Pope in Rome. His journey is one of curiosity, service, and a lifelong dedication to living with respect and joy.

Brooklyn Beginnings and a Growing Curiosity

Ron grew up in the tight-knit community of Brooklyn, where children played stickball in the streets and everyone looked out for each other. “Cars would come, and you’d stop the game, wave them through, and pick right back up again,” he recalls with a smile. Life was fast-paced, full of noise and neighbors.

When his family moved to Long Island at age 10, Ron found himself surrounded by green fields and wide-open spaces — but with no one to play ball with. Determined, he would ride his bike through nearby neighborhoods until he found a game, introducing himself and jumping right in.

It was during these formative years that two powerful influences began to shape his ambitions: the space race and the United States Navy. He vividly remembers watching rockets launch and explode, Sputnik’s historic orbit in 1957, and military planes flying overhead from nearby Floyd Bennett Field. The pilots sometimes dipped their wings in acknowledgment, fueling his fascination with aviation and service.

Adding to that inspiration was his older brother, ten years his senior, who served in the Navy. The brothers would watch “Victory at Sea,” a television series showcasing World War II naval battles, and Ron’s interest deepened.

A Decision to Serve

After graduating high school at just 17, Ron attended one year of college. But during that time, the Cuban Missile Crisis erupted. President Kennedy’s blockade of Cuba, enforced by the Navy, brought the world to the brink of nuclear conflict — and Ron closer to a decision.

Unsure about continuing college, he confided in his brother, who gave him practical advice: join the Naval Reserve. That path meant two years of active duty and four years of reserve time, with the option to extend if he enjoyed the service. In 1963, Ron enlisted, went to boot camp, and began his reserve duties.

By November 1964, it was time for active duty. Following his brother’s advice again, Ron requested a spot on a destroyer — fast, versatile ships that traveled the world. His orders sent him to Newport, Rhode Island, a hub for destroyers, just after his assigned vessel returned from the Arctic Circle’s “Operation Blue Nose.” The ship was beautifully decorated for Christmas, a welcome sight for the young sailor.

Life at Sea and a Radarman’s Path

Initially assigned to deck duty, Ron soon met with the executive officer to discuss his career goals. He expressed a desire to become a radarman. Though he never attended the Navy’s formal radar school in Chicago, Ron completed extensive correspondence courses while serving aboard ship. His initiative paid off — he passed the qualification test and advanced to Radarman Third Class.

Life aboard a destroyer was demanding. Small ships felt every wave, and “sea legs” were a real necessity. The crew worked long hours, from mess duty in rough seas to complex underway replenishments, where two ships moved side-by-side at sea to transfer food, fuel, and supplies. Camaraderie formed quickly, whether through hard work or sneaking pies into the radar room with a captain’s silent approval.

From Gemini to Vietnam

In 1965, Ron’s ship took part in a historic mission — the recovery of the Gemini 4 astronauts. For someone who had grown up inspired by the space race, it was an unforgettable moment.

Shortly afterward, while docked in New York Harbor, orders came unexpectedly: the destroyer squadron would deploy to Vietnam. This was unprecedented — an Atlantic Fleet squadron heading to assist the Pacific Fleet.

The journey took them through the Panama Canal, to Hawaii for a hero’s welcome, and then to Midway Island, where they encountered a Japanese fleet — the first joint presence there since the Battle of Midway. Stops in Japan and the Philippines followed before the ship joined the USS Enterprise, the Navy’s first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, serving as plane guard to rescue pilots in case of mishaps during takeoff or landing.

Combat Operations in Vietnam

Ron’s role as a radarman placed him in the Combat Information Center (CIC), coordinating with Army and Marine spotters to provide naval gunfire support. The destroyer’s 5-inch/38-caliber guns targeted enemy positions, destroying bridges and supply areas for U.S. forces on the ground.

In Da Nang Harbor, his ship acted as harbor control for a month, monitoring traffic by day and patrolling for enemy vessels and submarines by night. At one point, sonar detected a contact they believed to be a Russian nuclear submarine, shadowing it for days before losing it.

One of the most harrowing moments came during transit to the Philippines, when the destroyer was struck by what the officer of the deck called a rogue wave. The massive force buckled watertight doors, tore away ladders, and flooded compartments. “I thought it was over,” Ron admits. Repairs in Taiwan followed, but the memory of that wave stayed with him.

Around the World and an Unexpected Meeting

Instead of returning through the Panama Canal, the squadron circumnavigated the globe. Crossing the equator brought the traditional “shellback” ceremony — an initiation for sailors making the crossing for the first time, full of playful hazing and camaraderie.

In Naples, Italy, Ron and friends traveled to Rome, where they stumbled into a crowd gathered for a papal procession. Climbing a lamppost with his movie camera, Ron captured Pope Paul VI’s motorcade stopping directly in front of him. The moment was unforgettable — until the restaurant owner tracked him down mid-filming, reminding him he hadn’t paid his bill.

Life After the Navy

Ron served two years active duty and several years in the reserves, totaling about 11 years before leaving service. Returning to New York, he quickly found work with IBM repairing electric typewriters — a job that took him into the secretarial pools of Manhattan and eventually into the copier business.

When Kodak bought IBM’s copier division, Ron negotiated a transfer to Florida, ultimately landing in Tampa. His life after the Navy was filled with family, work, and travel, but the lessons of service never left him.

Family, Values, and Lasting Advice

Ron’s pride extends to his children and grandchildren, including a daughter who earned a soccer scholarship — rare for women at the time. Surrounded by family in Florida, he treasures every moment with them.

Reflecting on his time in the Navy, he emphasizes respect as the defining value:

“The service shows you respect — for others and for yourself. Always have a smile on your face. Life is too short. Be kind to people. Do unto others as you want them to do unto you.”

From Brooklyn’s sidewalks to Vietnam’s coastline, from recovering astronauts to meeting the Pope, Ron Pulizotto’s life is a testament to seizing opportunities, embracing adventure, and carrying forward the values learned in service.