Interview of David A. Mayeres, Jr. by Kimberle Rosinus

March 26, 2014

David A. Mayeres was born on January 5,1961, to David A. Mayeres Sr. and his wife, Irene Mayeres, in Baltimore, Maryland. After completing high school, David had found a job working in a mill and foundry in Wheeling, West Virginia, making tanks for the U.S. Army. It was November of 1979 when David heard about the hostage situation in Iran. Moved by America’s response, David decided to follow in the footsteps of his father and uncle before him and joined the U.S. Navy at 19 years old.

David's first assignment was the U.S.S. Oldendorf, a Spruance Class Destroyer. He was assigned to the 1^st Auxiliary Unit where he was responsible for several mechanic duties. During this time, he received training to be a part of the Rescue and Recovery Unit that served to locate downed craft behind Soviet lines.

His second assignment was aboard the U.S.S. Hector, where he enjoyed mentoring some of the new recruits in his division. He was later assigned to recruiting duty in Cleveland, Ohio. During his service, David won several awards that included Sailor of the Quarter, Sailor of the Year, and a Good Conduct medal. David was paralyzed from the waist down in a motorcycle accident while on recruiting duty. He was then retired from service and has since lived in Summerville, South Carolina, with his son, Ian Mayeres. He has made many friends who enjoy his sense of humor, which has helped him maintain a positive outlook over the years.

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