Pauline A. Platt

Pauline graduate from Gettysburg College in 1953. She went to ROTC training and was commissioned in the US Navy. Her first tour was at National Security Agency (NSA) where she was a courier between NSA and the White Hhouse. Later she was transferred to US Naval flight school as an Administrative Officer. One job was to teach “speedy reading” to the Aviation Cadets. Another transfer took her to the Naval Post Graduate School in Monterey CA. There she studied meteorology, and there she met Bob. They were married in 1959. Bob completed his degree at that time and was transferred to Washington Radio Station. Pauline managed to leave PG School, without a degree, and got a transfer to the Pentagon. In 1961, Pauline got orders to Beeville TX at the Naval Air Station when Bob received orders to Corpus Christi as XO CGC Triton.

In 1963 Pauline wanted to start a family so she resigned her commission. (In those days when a female member got pregnant, they were given a Section 8 discharge.) Their son was born that year.

Pauline and son accompanied Bob when he received orders to St Louis MO, to Naples Italy, and then to Washington Radio Station again, where she an Bob brought their current home in Alexandria VA. Then Pauline and son travelied to San Francisco when Bob got orders as DIRAUX. As wife of the DIRAUX, Pauline fell into “Auxiliary life” and was warmly welcomed. She made many lifelong friends there. Next it was back to their home in Alexandria VA and a tour for Bob in CG Headquarters, where he retired in November 1981.

Bob joined the Auxiliary in 1982. Although she never joined the Auxiliary, Pauline went with Bob to all functions where her cheery smile and willingness to help made her welcome. She was never “pushy” and that made her twice welcomed. Pauline always went with Bob after he was appointed to the National staff, and started traveling to conferences and training sessions. For 25 years, Pauline and Bob went back and forth across the nation where Pauline was welcomed by the spouses of Commodores on down, with whom many she still communicated.

Pauline’s help and support will be greatly missed.

There will be a grave side service when she is interred at Arlington National Cemetery, at a date to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, it is suggested that a donation, in Pauline’s name, be made to Coast Guard Mutual Assistance, 1005 N Glebe Rd, Suite 220, Arlington, VA 22201, ATTN: RADM Cari Thomas, (RET).