Donald (Doug) Wamberg  was born August 22, 1943 to Don and Ferne(Cook) Wamberg on a farm by Hartington, NE. I spent most of his early life in the Wausa, NE area. My brother Terry, was born May 30, 1946. I  graduated from Wausa high school in 1961 and left for the Navy on May 30th. I and a good friend entered on the buddy plan. Did my basic training, Naval Training Center in San Diego, CA.  After basic I spent a month in the Balboa Naval Hospital in San Diego. I was treated for inflammation on my left arm. My Gramma Ellen came out to spend some time with me while I was in the hospital. When I got out of the hospital went to Company 270. Then I graduated in September. Got 2 weeks leave. I think I spent as much time on the bus as I did at home. When  got back I had orders for Class A Electrician School which lasted 16 weeks at San Diego Training Center. During that time I went home for Christmas. Road the train that took about as long as the bus. A guy left when I did, hitch hiking, and he was ahead of me. My folks left my car in Omaha with an Aunt and Uncle. Took off and headed for Wausa and on HWY 81 / 20 we picked the guy up. When I got back to San Diego finished up my Electrician school and motion picture operators school. Then got orders for USS Catamount, Landing Ship Dock 17 at Long Beach. It was in dry dock. After dry dock and sea trial and shake down cruise got orders to go to West PAC. Took us 30 days to go to Subic Bay, Philippines.