White House History Quarterly 70 - Dart

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IRINEO ESPERANCILLA U.S. Navy Steward to Four Presidents Faithful

MELINDA M. DART WITH MARCIA ANDERSON

in 1901, following the cession of the Philippines to the United States by Spain in the Treaty of Paris that ended the Spanish-American War, President William McKinley issued an executive order permitting the United States Navy to enlist Filipino men. For many who chose to volunteer, active service in the navy offered the opportunity for adventure and advancement beyond what they could expect to find at home. Most of these Filipino recruits were assigned to serve as stewards aboard U.S. Navy ships. One such recruit, Irineo Esperancilla, would ultimately serve a long and distinguished career as a “special steward attached to the persons” of four U.S. presidents. From 1930 to 1955, he witnessed some of the most consequential chapters of American history unfold as he attended to Herbert Hoover, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry S. Truman, and Dwight D. Eisenhower in the White House itself; aboard the USS Arizona, USS Augusta, USS Houston, USS Indianapolis, USS Iowa, USS Potomac, USS Sequoia, and USS Williamsburg; at such presidential retreats at Camp Rapidan, Hyde Park, Shangri-La (now Camp David), the Little White House, and Gettysburg; and on presidential campaign trains that stopped in nearly every state in the nation. During years of war and peace, Esperancilla traveled with the presidents to Europe, Africa, South America, the Middle East, and the

Virgin Islands, and on vacations to such distant places as the Galapagos Islands. He served whiskey to Winston Churchill, prepared food that Joseph Stalin refused to taste, and ensured countless world leaders and diplomats were made comfortable during visits with the presidents. From 1945 to 1955 as chief steward of the U.S. Navy he was in charge of all stewards serving the first families.

With the help and encouragement of his wife, Maryann, Esperancilla drafted a memoir, and saved photographs, letters, and mementos documenting his career. He explained, “I know that I did not have any part in history, but I was in the rare position to closely observe these four leaders of the greatest democracy in the world (not just as historical figures, but also as human beings). I feel, therefore, it is my duty toward the American people to put into writing my recollections of the great men whose service is the glory of my life, that of my children, my children’s children, for the ages to come.” Although his memoir was not published in his lifetime, his granddaughter, Melinda Dart, took on the task of compiling and editing his story, which she self-published in 2022 as a book entitled A Glimpse of Greatness. In the interview that follows she shares her grandfather’s story and her own experience creating the book with Marcia Anderson, editor of White House History Quarterly

LEFT

A postcard captures a view of Irineo Esperancilla’s rst homeland. Fishermen are seen at work on the Iloilo River, lined with thatchedroof houses along the river bank, Panay Island, the Philippines, 1910.

PREVIOUS SPREAD

Irineo Esperancilla is seen in a photograph that accompanied a 1938 press release announcing his selection as President Franklin Roosevelt’s personal chef (p. 34) and in uniform (p. 35).

After joining the United States Navy, Esperancilla rst served as a steward on the rst USS Noa, a Clemsonclass destroyer.

MARCIA ANDERSON: Melinda, could you start by telling us what led your grandfather, Irineo Esperancilla, from the Philippines to a career in the U.S. Navy?

MELINDA DART: Yes. My grandfather loved his homeland, but he wrote that he was always fascinated by the “open sea and the exalted history of the United States.” He longed to see America and what it had to offer him. When the USS Noa arrived in the bay of Iloilo in 1925, near his hometown, he took the opportunity to answer his call to serve. Without even telling his parents, my grandfather enlisted for four years in the United States Navy. He was immediately assigned as a temporary steward. His first few years were typical for a navy recruit, but my grandfather took great pride in his job as a navy steward.

In 1930 your grandfather was assigned to work at Camp Rapidan for President and Mrs. Herbert Hoover. Did he imagine his assignments would include working for the presidents when he joined the navy?

Being assigned to serve President and Mrs. Hoover was something he never would have imagined. Considering the circumstances that preceded this assignment, he believed that it must have been his God-given destiny. You see, prior to receiving these orders, my grandfather had served a disciplinary

action for being considered AWOL when his leave status ended. He had been visiting his family in the Philippines and sent a wire telegram requesting an extension; he did not receive a reply. His grandmother had passed away, and he stayed to attend her funeral. Upon returning to the ship, my grandfather was given “forced residence in the brig” for thirty days. He thought his career might be over, but you can imagine his sigh of relief when he was released after fifteen days for good behavior. Receiving orders that he would be one of the stewards serving President and Mrs. Hoover was beyond his every dream!

It was interesting to read that several presidents gave your grandfather nicknames. Why was that, and which name should we use in this interview?

My grandfather began his memoir by stating his full name, Irineo Esperancilla, so the nicknames given by the presidents were significant to him. My grandfather described his first encounter with President Roosevelt aboard the presidential yacht, the USS Sequoia. As his personal attendant, he reported to FDR aboard the ship, giving his first and last name (while checking his strong Filipino accent). The president immediately told my grandfather that he would never be able to pronounce that name and asked if he could simply call him “Isaac.” So Isaac he remained

for his twelve years of service to FDR.

When my grandfather was promoted through the ranks to chief steward, the presidents who followed called him “Chief.” Another nickname mentioned at the end of the book was “Renny.” This was the name my grandmother called my grandfather; I heard it often growing up. I also noticed that throughout the collection of materials my grandmother kept, she had written my grandfather’s initials while labeling and referencing items, such as “IE’s notes” or “Letter to IE.” I would like to use his initials, IE, for this interview because they reference his full name.

After working for President Hoover, IE was assigned to serve Presidents Roosevelt, Truman, and Eisenhower. His role immersed him in the most significant events of the twentieth century. Tell us about the records he kept of his career and why he felt it was important to preserve the history he witnessed.

My grandfather kept so many original documents and artifacts related to his time in service to the presidents! There is a collection of a variety of menus from presidential meals. These include the “President’s Mess Thanksgiving Dinner” from the USS Indianapolis in 1936 and a dinner menu from Key West, Florida, with President Truman in 1951. A Christmas dinner was also in this collection, titled “Season’s Greetings from the USS Williamsburg.” Turkey gumbo, baked Smithfield ham, and Parkerhouse rolls were items on this presidential menu. Others in this collection even had IE’s notes on what to serve first, second, third, fourth, and last. I also discovered typed menus on paper for meals aboard the ships, mainly the USS Williamsburg. Along with the menus, I found several copies of military orders, detailing IE’s trips with presidents abroad, as well as his responsibilities aboard presidential yachts and at the Little White House in Key West. One document that stood out to my family and me was IE’s orders aboard the USS Potomac with President Roosevelt. These orders specified that he was not to leave the immediate vicinity of the president unless ordered to do so, and in the case of “Abandon Ship” my grandfather was to assist the president.

In addition to orders, IE kept other important documents. I found lists that included stewards’ names and duties he had recorded, mainly during the Truman years. Original booklets from Camp

Rapidan, the USS Williamsburg, and “Trips of the President of the United States in 1948” were among the items preserved. There were also memos from navy commanders and the naval aide to the president, commending IE’s “almost legendary service.” Letters of appreciation from Presidents Truman and Eisenhower were a special part of IE’s historical collection.

Among these records and artifacts were pictures of the Filipino staff and crew from the USS Williamsburg at Key West and at Camp David. His collection even included an ashtray and patch from the USS Williamsburg, newspapers signed by FDR and President Truman, and personally signed photos from President and Mrs. Eisenhower.

My grandfather was fully aware that history was unfolding before him as he quietly served behind the scenes. He knew that by preserving everything he could, he would be able to tell another side of the story, another side of history—the history that we don’t always see.

Why did you decide to share IE’s story, and how did you go about compiling the material?

Although I had this historical treasure for a few years, I never had the time I truly needed to spend going through it. During the pandemic, I realized my opportunity had come; I opened my grandmother’s trunk where everything was kept. As I began to read and process the original manuscript, notes, letters, and other records, I knew that this had now become my God-given destiny. Just like my grandmother, I knew this was a story that had to be told, no matter what it took.

To begin, I simply took out my laptop and started typing my grandfather’s manuscript. Word by word, page by page, I created a digital form of the original. Once this was complete, I sorted through the material—the letters, memos, pictures, and notes. If there was a reference in the manuscript pertaining to something I found, I added details in the appropriate place. I researched the events my grandfather described to learn more about the history he witnessed.

I wanted to keep my grandfather’s perspective, vision, and voice for the book authentic. His words rang true to me as I compiled the material: “I am not a historian, only a modest witness to history; therefore, it is not my job to describe dates and accounts of historical events. My aim is only to contribute to history my personal observations.”

OPPOSITE

IE preserved the story of his White House service with his own memoir. His granddaughter Melinda Dart would later digitize his typewritten pages (opposite) as she began to compile his biography in book form.

OPPOSITE

IE’s collection of newspaper clippings, memos, menus, and other ephemera help to tell the story of his years of service.

opposite IE’s collection of newspaper clippings, memos, menus, and other ephemera help to tell the story of his years of service.

love the title of the book, A Glimpse of Greatness

I love the title of the book, A Glimpse of Greatness. Is it a quote from the text?

you, not he

Thank you, Marcia. A Glimpse of Greatness is not an exact quote from the original manuscript, but IE used the word “greatness” often when he described the presidents. After learning how he contributed “to the ease and success of all the functions involved” behind the scenes at the White House and other places he served, it was clear to me that my grandfather also carried that greatness. In the preface I described the book as the amazing experience of a Filipino American and his comrades and how they were destined to be that “glimpse of greatness” that was never recorded in the history books about four of the nation’s presidents.

Among the things that come through so strongly in the text is the pride IE took in his service, his humility, and his respect for the presidents he served. His memoir is written without any hint of judgment or criticism. What do you think was behind his perspective?

I appreciate your acknowledging this. My grandfather’s pride in service, humility, and respect for the presidents stood out to me as well. I believe IE’s perspective was rooted in his belief that he was called to serve a greater purpose in history. This call to serve the presidents had nothing to do with position, politics, or party; he was committed to serving them to the best of his ability simply because that was his job—to work behind the scenes for the men who held the office of the presidency. His work also allowed him to gain a unique perspective.

While serving President Hoover at the beginning of IE’s career, he discovered that “despite all its glory, it is very hard to be the president of the United States.” IE considered it a privilege and saw the men he served not just as historical figures but also as human beings. His observations and positive interactions with the presidents resulted in this genuine perspective that he summarized in one sentence: “He who reaches the presidency of the United States is not just a great human being, but also a great gentleman.”

You were just three years old when IE died. Do you remember him?

he would take me to his home afterward. I have clear memories of eating breakfast at my grandparents’ house, where he made me cream of wheat. Of course, I had no idea that the hands that prepared my breakfast had also prepared meals for presidents and world leaders such as Sir Winston Churchill. To me, he was simply my Pop-Pop.

Was it your grandmother who encouraged you and your family to learn about grandfather’s career?

Yes, my grandmother kept my grandfather’s legacy alive in simple ways. She proudly displayed his picture that is on the front cover of the book in her home for as long as I can remember. She talked about my grandfather’s service often, recalling notable stories including the cracked chimney incident with Mrs. Hoover and the run-in with Joseph Stalin in Tehran. My grandmother also did research of her own, looking for books or articles that could have possibly acknowledged her husband who served the presidents so well. She knew what an important role he played in history and believed that this was a story worth telling. With notes addressed to me throughout the collection of materials, my grandmother hoped that I would one day share it with the world.

It is clear from the letters and documents you share in the book that the presidents appreciated the dedication and efficiency of IE. Tell us about the mutual respect that they shared.

Just as my grandfather honored the office of the presidency, I believe each of the presidents honored the “office” or roles of those assigned to work at the White House, presidential yachts, and retreats. IE faithfully performed his duties behind the scenes as the presidents performed their official duties. I believe they shared an understanding that although their roles were vastly different, each was valued and important. This understanding created an environment in which those who served and those who were being served genuinely treated each other with kindness and respect. From the “usual friendly” greetings of President Hoover to the meaningful conversation with President Eisenhower, IE’s memoir is filled with stories that reflect this mutual respect and understanding on a daily basis.

siblings

Yes, I do remember him. The nickname my siblings and I gave him was Pop-Pop. I remember him helping my parents by taking my older brother and sister to school. I would happily tag along, knowing

Throughout his White House career, Irineo Esperancilla was in many group photographs of the Filipino stewards who served the presidents. He is seen (above), standing to the right of President Frankin D. Roosevelt aboard the USS Houston, 1936. At left he stands on the far left in Key West while serving President Harry S. Truman.

President Truman joins the Filipino stewards (top)

Williamsburg. IE is in the center of the second row, in front of the president.

President Truman joins the Filipino stewards aboard the USS Williamsburg. IE is in the center of the second row, in front of the president.

Shortly before his retirement, IE posed with Dwight and Mamie Eisenhower, his fourth and last president and rst lady, at Camp David. He is seated second from the left of the president, 1955.

Shortly before his IE posed with Dwight and Mamie president first David (below). He is seated second from the left of the president, 1955.

Irineo Esperancilla served President Franklin D. Roosevelt for his entire twelve-year presidency. Among the mementos IE saved from that period are the menu for the Thanksgiving Dinner served in the President’s Mess aboard the USS Indianapolis, the cover of This Week magazine signed for him by the president, and his orders for service to the president dated June 3, 1940.

Esperancilla’s ephemera collection from his years of service to President Harry S. Truman includes many menus from dinners he planned and served on the USS Williamsburg and at Key West. President Truman wished IE good luck in an autographed copy of his photo on the cover of Parade.

Your grandfather also greatly admired each of the first ladies he served. He described Lou Hoover as gracious, kind, and caring. He remembered Eleanor Roosevelt as a friendly, caring person who was always doing something for others. What can you tell us about IE’s relationships with these two women and with Bess Truman and Mamie Eisenhower?

My grandfather truly embraced every part of his job, which included serving these first ladies. His relationships with each of them were filled with that same mutual respect that was evident with the presidents he served. I found it both heartwarming and fascinating to read the untold stories of the first ladies and the stewards who served them.

Since Camp Rapidan was IE’s first assignment at a presidential retreat, he was immediately able to observe and discern the genuine kindheartedness of Mrs. Hoover. I believe she also embraced her duties as first lady and enjoyed talking to the stewards as she took charge over them on each visit. Mrs. Hoover valued the Filipinos as navy stewards, but, more important, as human beings. She listened to their story of discrimination in Culpeper, Virginia, and took action on it. She led by example as she brought guests to the kitchen and complimented the Filipino staff. IE also wrote about a smoking cracked chimney he rushed to repair with Mrs. Hoover. The caring relationship shared was evident when Mrs. Hoover rang the bell and waited for my grandfather to arrive. The crack was patched with flour, water, and a conversation with Mrs. Hoover. At the end of her term, she took the time to gather the stewards and show gratitude for the fine service they provided. My grandfather became a part of this untold history of this first lady. I do not think her graciousness came as a surprise because IE believed that if she was a first lady, then she must also carry that same greatness that he observed in her husband.

While serving Presidents Roosevelt and Truman, IE became a familiar face to the first ladies. He experienced Mrs. Roosevelt’s kindness and wrote that everyone always felt at ease in her presence. Mrs. Truman’s kind, quiet nature was observed often during my grandfather’s time at Key West and aboard the presidential yachts. IE was filled with emotion during his farewell to President and Mrs. Truman.

As for his time serving Mrs. Eisenhower, my grandfather wrote about a special memory that

truly touched his heart. Once at Camp David, the first lady arrived at the retreat and presented the Filipino stewards with a basket of fresh mangoes. He remembered that she spent some time in the Philippines during the president’s military career and knew that Filipinos enjoyed this fruit. IE recalled other special moments with Mrs. Eisenhower as well, including planning a successful menu with her at the Geneva Summit in Switzerland and helping her granddaughter sign the guest book at Camp David.

After his retirement, IE would occasionally see Hoover, Truman, and Eisenhower, but he wrote, “I can no longer see the boss whom I served for the longest time, during the most beautiful years of my own life, the late President Roosevelt.” Do you have a sense of how Roosevelt’s death affected your grandfather? And did he play a role in his funeral?

Yes. When I read this part of the manuscript, it brought tears to my eyes. With the death of President Roosevelt, my grandfather had suffered a great loss.

IE hands a newspaper to First Lady Mamie Eisenhower at Camp David. He fondly remembered her gift of fresh mangoes to the Filipino stewards, a favorite fruit of many from the Philippines.

He wrote that there were “no words that can describe the feelings of a man who spent twelve years of his life with this extraordinary human being.” Spending almost every one of those days serving this president, witnessing his superhuman strength despite his physical limitations, IE felt that his own life had changed forever.

Although my grandfather did not write about having a role in the funeral, he rushed to the White House to wait for the body of FDR to arrive. IE stood before the open coffin of his former boss, commander in chief, and friend, unable to believe that he would no longer hear this president call the name Isaac again. FDR’s daughter was there and touched my grandfather’s arm, whispering, “I know how you feel, Isaac.”

After the president’s burial at Hyde Park, the Filipino stewards received orders to stay at the White House to assist with packing and moving the Roosevelt family’s belongings. This was a difficult task for my grandfather; he wrote that FDR’s “voice that had called me often throughout the past twelve years was silent for eternity.” IE also expressed his gratitude for the opportunity given to him to go to Hyde Park to see the president’s grave; he spent time visiting Mrs. Roosevelt after this great tragedy.

IE wrote that President Truman was “like some good neighbor of yours” and that he had “simplicity in greatness.” Do you have any favorite stories from the Truman years?

I have so many favorite stories that my grandfather wrote about in the Truman chapter. I’ll start with the discovery of President Truman’s simple greatness aboard the USS Augusta. When the president first came aboard, he gave the order that no crew member should come to attention when he met the president. IE had the great pleasure of observing President Truman walk around the ship, making personal connections with service members, regardless of rank. He asked where they were from, signed letters, and he even ate meals with the seamen. President Truman refused to be served at a table while aboard the ship; he stood in the self-service waiting line with his tray in hand. Regarding these simple actions, IE wrote, “Here was living proof that in the American democracy, the presidency has nothing to do with birthright or other social privileges, but it is the right of any citizen who is qualified by his talents and honesty.”

Another favorite story from the Truman years was aboard the USS Williamsburg. IE truly loved serving the president on this yacht. He took great pride in his duties and preparations for the presidential quarters and kept them in “tip-top shape.” When President Truman entered for inspection, I can envision him smiling at my grandfather, shaking his hand, and offering kind words of a job well done.

One of many noteworthy stories with President Truman was the laying of the cornerstone of the United Nations Building in 1949. IE accompanied the president to New York and called it an “especially great day”; General Carlos Romulo of the Philippines, the president of the General Assembly of the United Nations, was also there. My grandfather witnessed the historic exchange of compliments of these two presidents. “General Romulo, you are the president of the greatest organization in the world,” my grandfather recalled his commander in chief saying. General Romulo replied, “You are the president of one of the greatest countries in the world.” My grandfather was proud to be an American citizen who was born in the Philippines.

I must mention one more story about President Truman that occurred after his time in office. He was visiting the Library of Congress where my grandfather worked as a guard after he retired. Truman recognized IE immediately, greeted him, and shook his hand. A January 1959 article in the Washington Post described this reunion saying that, “Mr. Truman had a warm handclasp for an old friend.” Their picture was taken on that day. IE sent the photo to the former president, requesting his signature, along with a box of candy for Mrs. Truman’s birthday. President Truman signed and returned the photo with a letter expressing how much he enjoyed seeing IE in Washington.

Your grandfather first met Eisenhower while he was traveling with Roosevelt during World War II. IE served primarily at Camp David during the Eisenhower presidency and was especially impressed by Eisenhower’s culinary skills. What strikes you as special about this time?

During these final years of service to the presidents, my grandfather continued to perform each of his duties with excellence and ease. He described President Eisenhower’s culinary skills as a highlight at Camp David. IE’s job was to prepare and heat the charcoals for the outdoor grill. The president

immediately followed, tying a steward’s apron around his waist and placing the steak on the grill. What strikes me about this special time is that even during the last years of my grandfather’s service, he continued to look for the simple greatness in each president he served. IE delighted in observing President Eisenhower as his guests complimented him and asked for more of his famous tenderloin.

Your grandfather didn’t discuss his own personal life in his memoir, but it is hard not to wonder how he found time to marry and raise a family during the years he spent long hours serving the presidents.

Although I do not have the details of how my grandparents met, I know that family was important to them. As my grandfather spent time away from home to serve the presidents, he knew that his family contributed to his success. My beautiful

grandmother was his glimpse of greatness on the home front. Her quiet strength as a military spouse allowed my grandfather to fully embrace his service to the presidents. Their daughter, my mom, Ann, lived her whole life as a navy family member. She met and married a navy recruit from the Philippines, my dad, Johnny Paje. He was also one of the many dedicated Filipinos who quietly served behind the scenes at the White House. The basement kitchen, which serves the White House staff, is named JP’s Cafe in honor of him. Although I was proud to have a dad who “worked at the White House” and a grandfather who “served four presidents,” I never fully realized their contribution to presidential history. Now my younger brother, Joseph Paje, plays an important role in and around the White House as the operations foreman. He carries the simple greatness of those before him, faithfully serving behind the scenes.

IE married Maryann Esperancilla in the 1940s. Their daughter Ann married Johnny Paje, a navy recruit from the Philippines who served in the White House as a cook for many years. The sta kitchen is now known as JP’s Cafe in his honor. Their grandson Joseph Paje now serves on the White House Residence sta as the operations foreman, and their granddaughter Melinda Dart, is editor of her grandfather’s memoir.

Following his retirement in 1955, IE worked to preserve his memories of the history he witnessed during his years of service to the presidents. In 1959, he shared his story with Eugene Gonda for a feature story in Look magazine. Gonda and IE are pictured outside of the White House during the interview.

It was during the Eisenhower years that IE chose to retire from the navy at about age fifty. Why do you think he made that decision?

I believe my grandfather’s decision was based on his simple desire to live a “normal” life and be home with his family. Retiring from the service at this time in his life would give him the opportunity to secure employment and enable him to be home. Seeing three of the four presidents with their adult children, I think IE knew that the time for him would come when his own children would soon be adults. In his memoir, he described a final conversation with a sitting president about retirement:

I remember clearly the president looked at me and said, “What is this bad news I hear? Are you leaving us, Chief?”

With all the guests now listening I replied, “Mister President, I am retiring now because I would like to get another job before I am fty years old.” President Eisenhower then asked me how much my retirement pay would be, and we had quite a meaningful exchange of ideas and thoughts about the retirement conditions for service members and the strict limitation of

their earnings while receiving a pension from the government. Then the boss gave me a warm handshake, followed by his guests, and I left the room. This conversation with President Eisenhower was profound to me. I felt that he was genuinely concerned and understood the challenges of a man in the military like me.

This issue of White House History Quarterly is titled “Behind the Scenes,” a fitting title for your grandfather’s story. After publishing A Glimpse of Greatness, do you have a sense of the significance of preserving the stories of those who served behind the scenes?

Preserving the stories of those who served behind the scenes has never been more important to me than it is now. I have a greater understanding of how the untold stories are necessary to gain insight on major events in history and the smaller events that surround them. These stories provide a unique perspective. I also think it’s important to recognize and honor those who served behind the scenes; the tasks they performed were invaluable to the ease and success of both daily living and major events of presidential life.

Have you learned more about other Filipino stewards as a result of publishing the book?

Publishing the book has shed light on the untold stories of those who served behind the scenes during the presidencies of Hoover through Eisenhower. As a result, some family members of the stewards who served have reached out to me to express gratitude for the insight they gained from reading A Glimpse of Greatness. I am continuing to research to learn more about those Filipino stewards who served during my grandfather’s time in service, since there is so little information recorded. I am currently in the process of working on another book to recognize the contribution of the Filipino stewards who served the presidents.

IE passed away in 1976. Where is he buried?

My grandfather was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery. Our family visited often with my dear grandmother when I was growing up. We continue to visit and share the untold stories with our own children. I believe that they will also bring to the world their own glimpse of greatness, as they carry the legacy of their great-grandfather, a Filipino navy steward who personally served behind the scenes of four of the nation’s presidents.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

Yes, I’d like to close with this excerpt from a letter from the naval aide to the president to IE, 1955, which summarizes my grandfather’s service:

I cannot but feel the deep sense of loss to this o ce, to the Navy, and to all of us aware of your faithful and almost legendary service to Presidents Hoover, Roosevelt, Truman and nally President Eisenhower. When all the histories for this era are written, you may indeed have the grati cation of reading between the lines and knowing to what extent you played an important part in the making of these histories. During the famed trips of the former Presidents, and in helping them ful ll engagements with the distinguished guests they have entertained and were entertained by in the United States and in other countries—your knowledge, understanding, leadership ability and the necessary tact and courtesy required, which you never failed to exhibit, contributed much to the ease and success of all the functions involved. There was never a concern as to the

successful outcome of any services rendered by you. Your assured manner and unvarying competence left nothing to be desired. For all this you have a right to feel singularly rich in memories of a job well done.

Your service record, while o cially correct as to your outstanding service, does not give you full justice for the many unwritten talents contributed by you to each instance of your assigned missions. Were detailed credits to be written I’m sure they would ll many pages. It is understandably not possible to list them all. note

Following his retirement from the navy, IE remained in touch with Presidents Truman, Eisenhower, and Hoover. In 1959, while working as a security guard at the Library of Congress, he crossed paths with Truman who was attending an event. A photo of their encounter was published in the Library’s Information Bulletin.

1. All quotations in Melinda Dart’s responses are from the book that she edited A Glimpse of Greatness: The Memoir of Irineo Esperancilla (self-published, 2022).

A memo to IE from the Naval Aide to the President, dated June 25, 1955, summarizes IE’s accomplishments during his years of “faithful and almost legendary” active service to Presidents Hoover, Roosevelt, Truman, and Eisenhower.