Ford's Navy record one of his many accomplishments The passing of President Gerald R. Ford brought back many memories of life during his tenure. He was the consummate gentleman. He never lost his cool under some of the worst times in American history. He never belittled any of the nastiest, narrow-minded people in government or the media. Raising children in that era was a lot easier than it is for parents today. Ford set the right examples for young people to follow. Television and radio were less violent and more reserved. Profanity was a rare occurrence and entertainers who went overboard were banished from the media. I enjoyed the reviews of his life and accomplishments. I was particularly impressed with his record of service during World War II. I was surprised to learn of his heroic actions aboard the aircraft carrier USS Monterey, CVL26. A typhoon struck the carrier and caused extensive fire damage on the hangar and flight decks in 1944. The secretary of the Navy ordered her abandoned but the captain refused. He believed that she could be saved. He proved to be correct. She was put in dry dock in Bremerton, Wash., for repaired and overhaul. She was reassigned to the Pacific Fleet and remained on duty until the war ended. During the Korean War, I was assigned to the USS Monterey and some of the damages caused by the fire were still visible on the hangar and lower decks. A Web site, www.military.com, has the complete history of President Ford and the USS Monterey. It is an interesting story of heroism by a young officer who was doing his duty for America. I am grateful for the opportunity to have lived in the era of great leaders and a strong Navy. Robert A. Brown Edison