When Did Carl Brashear Retire?
In 1966, He Lost Half of His Left Leg in a Shipboard Accident. After a Long Struggle in Physical Therapy and Using an Artificial Leg, He Became the Navy's...
In 1966, he lost half of his left leg in a shipboard accident. After a long struggle in physical therapy and using an artificial leg, he became the Navy's first amputee diver. He retired in 1979 at the top enlisted rank of master chief petty officer. Carl Maxie Brashear was born Jan.
How was Carl Brashear injured?
Master Diver Carl Brashear At The U.S. Naval Undersea Museum
In 1966, while taking part in the recovery of a lost hydrogen bomb, he was struck in the leg by a steel pipe as he pushed another Sailor out of harm's way. Brashear elected to amputate his leg after learning the injury could take up to four years to heal.
What ships did Carl Brashear serve on?
He served on USS Coucal (ASR-8), USS Shakori (ATF-162), and USS Hoist (ARS-40). While on board the latter in 1966 for the recovery of a nuclear weapon off Spain, Brashear was badly injured in an accident.