Armstrong – Table of Contents

after treating the Captain’s alcoholic debauch, Armstrong was conflicted about presenting
the medical log for the Captain’s inspection because he had not reported treating the
Captain’s “medical” condition. He was indecisive about making a report that would
reflect badly on the Captain’s long and otherwise exemplary career in the Navy. As both
men looked wordlessly for several minutes at the innocent appearing medical log,
Armstrong finally said, “Captain, I owe you an apology”. The Captain replied, “Why
so”? Armstrong responded, “I have been using your bathroom but I did not know it was
yours. I had been misinformed. The information given me was that it was to be my
bathroom. Right now it is yours, and I have no business being there. I’m sorry. It won’t
happen again.” The Captain said, “Well now, I want you to continue using it as you have.
If you run out of soap or towels, just let me know, and I’ll see they are provided.”
Armstrong protested that he didn’t think he would like to do that, but the Captain retorted
that if Armstrong didn’t continue using the bathroom he would feel very badly. This
conversation seemed to defuse a delicate situation associated with Armstrong’s treatment
of the Captain’s early morning medical “emergency”. Armstrong continued using the
Captain’s bathroom, and they both maintained a cordial, sober relationship for the
remainder of the homeward journey.
An unexpected windfall resulted from the above episode and the Captain’s role as
“grateful patient.” When the ship was about 11 hours from New York City, the Captain
called Armstrong into his office for the following conversation:
Captain: “You told me you were from Ohio.”
Armstrong: “Yes.”
Captain: “What part?”