by Bert Royster

In 1965...or was it 1966...time and tides both have a way of getting away from you after a while.  Anyway, our 'Road Runner' was with most of our destroyer squadron and staying a couple weeks in Yokosuka, Japan.  Plenty of time for sailor men to catch some good R & R. 

I had suddenly come into some money, so one 48 hour liberty I stayed at a very nice Japanese Inn.  A traditional style inn, located a little outside the city, one with tatami mats for floors, sliding paper walls and shoes not to be worn inside.  A place for your shoes was provided outside your room.  For over night guests, they were shined while you slept...a really nice touch huh?

I was to report back to the USS Ernest G. Small by 0800 Monday morning, then to get a 72 hour liberty the next weekend.  To ensure an efficient return to my ship, my wake up call was at 0600, breakfast was served (in my room) at 0630 and my taxi was at the front door by 0700...for the approximate 20 minute ride back to my ship.  Yes sir, everything was going to work out just great and plans for next weekend were already thought of! 

My morning went as planned, except when I left my room (clad in my best dress blues) my shoes couldn't be found!  The inn's staff checked everywhere.  They determined my shoes had last been seen around 0500, shined and placed by the door.  Tracing what had happened to my shoes took a while, but in the end nothing could be done...they were gone!  I kept track of the time and knew either I left then (without my shoes) or I would be late reporting aboard ship.  So I would have something on my feet (besides my black socks) I was given the largest open backed slippers the inn had.  Those who made it to Japan should remember - they were the kind that made the distinctive sound of ker-slop every time you took a step.  Unfortunately, I wore a size 12 DDD shoe and those light brown colored slippers were only about 1/2 the size of my foot! 

Riding in the back seat of the taxi I arrived at the Main Gate at about 0745. The Marine sentry checked my ID, my pass and gave me the once over.  Although I tried to cover my feet, he spotted my...errrr...problem.  As I was 'removed' from the taxi, I managed to tell the driver to wait for me. 

I was escorted over to the guard room building and ordered to stand at attention.  A few minutes later, the officer in charge of the Main Gate came out, noted my foot wear and told me...'You are out of uniform.'  He added, 'At 0800, the guard will be changed' and that I was to wait there for the next duty officer to make the decision as to whether or not I would be allowed to pass through the gate.  I attempted to explain what had happened to my shoes and that my pass was up at 0800.  Asking too, 'If someone steals your shoes, just what can you to do SIR?'  I attempted to reason further with him, saying, 'If I was released, I could still make it to my ship by 0800, obtain another pair of shoes and report back, but it was no use as it seemed he already had plans for me.