Born in 1925 and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Stephen Kovach enlisted in the U.S. Navy after he completed high school. He served from 1943-1946. During WWII he was a Radarman, assigned to the destroyer escort ship U.S.S. Joseph E. Campbell. For his service he received the American Campaign, European African Middle Eastern Campaign, Asiatic Pacific Campaign and Occupation Service medals.
After his naval service Mr. Kovach played professional baseball, spending many years as a catcher in the minor leagues. While in the minors, he caught future New York Yankees pitching legends Bob Turley and Don Larsen.
Mr. Kovach eventually moved to Commack in 1959 and worked for various aerospace companies on Long Island, including Grumman.
Mr. Kovach's interview was recorded at his home in Commack on December 3, 2018.
Most of the images below illustrate Mr. Kovach's service in the U.S. Navy. Images courtesy of Stephen Kovach.
