Howard E. "Hank" Swain on Diodon circa 1959

Biography

HOWARD E. "HANK" SWAIN, born Sept. 1, 1940 in Boone County, IA. Enlisted July 1958 and attended basic in San Diego. After basic he completed MMA School in Great Lakes and Sub School in New London.

His first assignment was USS Diodon (SS-349) out of San Diego.

Volunteered for Vietnam in 1968 and received orders to NIOTC, Vallejo for PBR School. After completing PBR training and a course in Vietnamese Language at NAB Coronado. He reported to COMRIVPATFLOT 5 for assignment to RIVDIV 593, Iron Butterfly. Chief Swain was assigned as a patrol officer and made over 200 combat patrols.

His decorations include Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Navy Commendation, RVN Gallantry Cross, Vietnam Service, Vietnam Campaign and Combat Action.

He remained in the Navy for 30 years retiring as a master chief in 1988. After completing college he signed on with the California Department of Corrections and is a correctional officer at San Quentin prison. He is a life member of Gamewardens and DAV. Also a member of the Fleet Reserve Assoc.

Married to the former Diane Rusk of Vallejo.