Edwin M. Baldwin

I served on the USS Truxtun from Feb. 2, 1979 to June 15, 1981 as an FTM2 and later, FTM1. Capt. Baldwin may have been the commanding officer of the Truxtun my entire stay. (The Truxtun was my 3rd ship I served on, during 4 1/3 years of sea duty). Capt. Baldwin by far was my favorite commanding officer I served under. I became his ship's assistant master at arms my last year on the ship. He also encouraged me to study on my own time to receive the coveted "Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist" medal as an FTM2. He had my photograph taken as I was presented with the medal in front of the ship's company. It was even given to a San Diego newspaper in April, 1980. I have the original photograph. He also typed out a letter, wrote a handwritten note in it and had it mailed to my parents after the presentation. I did not know about this until after leaving the Navy. My mother kept the letter. He basically bragged on me a little. An honor I will never forget and still think I may have made a mistake in, is about one month prior to my discharge, he called me into his office. He offered me a chance to reconsider staying in the Navy attending officer candidate school. I would ship over for 6 years, attend the 18 week school, and upon completion be commissioned as a LT. JG, not an ensign, because of my time in service. He also said the Navy would allow me to ship over up to 90 days after leaving. I would only need to report to a Navy recruiter and they would do the rest. My orders would be to return to the Truxtun under his command or another ship under his command. What an offer and what an honor. I did not return to the Navy, having hired on as an Electronic (instrument) technician at a local steel mill in Indiana that early August, 1981. I tried off and on to locate Capt. Baldwin online throughout the last more than 40 years, but until now was unable to locate him. Of course I am very sorry for your loss. If there is a heaven, he is there. Below is my wife of 43 years, and one of my granddaughters during Veterans Day, 2024.

Mister Baldwin was my skipper, one of '3' I served under on USS Truxtun, CGN 35., for the 5 years I was aboard her. I am so very very sad to hear of his passing so late from the Truxtun roster of those who have 'passed' but he was a very very decent man and I had the pleasure of presenting him with a photo taken from an aircraft I flew an antenna radiation pattern measurement from, as a 'gift', when we brought the test report to him. He said to me: "I always knew you would do well" being I was now a civilian and I think I told him; "I always knew you were a quality skipper of my ship..", as was Billy Tally before him. In any case it's ironic that I lived in Portland until having to 'move' due to crime but it would have been a pleasure to see him and shake his hand again. Few human beings can be such gentlemen and truly it was an honor to have served aboard the ship under his command after another legend, Billy Tally, left her. Rest in Peace, Captain.

I am so sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in knowing how much God cares for you and He will help you during this time. 1 Pet. 5: 7.
BB.

The Baldwins' were a great Marshfield presence.
I recall with fondness, being in the old Wing's "drug store" choosing a greeting care and hearing Dr. Elizabeth singing "We Shall Overcome....." as she shopped along side me.