Ben Rotchild (l) had an experience on the Talladega that he won't forget soon. We were anchored off Coronado (in the 50's) while practice landings on the beach. At the time, I was assigned to an LCVP as an engineer on boat # 21.

 Rothchild was looking down into one of our cargo holds from the main deck. The ship rolled and Rothchild fell head first into the hold. He was wearing his battle helmet. Otherwise, I don't think that he would have survived the fall of about three decks down into the hold.

 He was in the hospital for a long stay, but recovered.