Armen Enkababian

The only son of the late Antranik and Mary Enkababian, Armen was born at Parsons Hospital in Flushing, New York. He graduated from Flushing High School and attended Long Island University before enlisting in the United States Navy in 1966. Upon completion of basic training, he attended Radar “A” School and graduated near the top of his class; he then served on the USS John A. Bole, DD 755, a World War II era destroyer.

On his first overseas cruise, Radarman Third Class Enkababian was part of the naval presence in the Sea of Japan after the North Koreans seized the USS Pueblo. For their service during this difficult time, his ship was awarded the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for their two month deployment under adverse conditions.

Radarman Enkababian went on to serve on three successful tours off the coast of Vietnam, providing gunfire support and plane guard duty. As the watch commander in the Combat Information Center, Enkababian spoke directly with groundbased spotters and directed the gunfire support of his ship. For his service in the waters off Vietnam, Radarman Enkababian was awarded the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal with three Bronze Stars In addition, New York State awarded Enkababian the Medal for Merit and the Conspicuous Service Star with three silver medal shields for succeeding awards.

Radarman Enkababian has received numerous awards and citations from the United States Navy in recognition of his outstanding service. During his three years on the USS John A. Bole, the Radar and Sonar Units were awarded the AntiSubmarine Warfare “A,” exemplifying their excellence in antisubmarine warfare. In 1968, he received a commendation when the Operations Department was awarded the Operations “E”; the award read “The Operations “E” is awarded in recognition of that ship which leads the others in Operations performance and readiness. Your efforts materially contributed to the winning of this award. You have demonstrated your ability to perform as an essential member of a winning team, and your industry and performance of duty were directly responsible for achieving this single honor. You are hereby commended for your performance which led to this achievement. Congratulations and well done.” Through his own initiative, he designed and taught a training class for seamen that stood outside watches so that they would understand the importance of their duties. In addition to his other duties, he was the ship’s photographer and the Cruise Book Editor. He trained junior radarmen on the equipment and received advanced training on Electronic Counter Measures and Electronic Counter Counter Measures.

After his return to civilian life, Enkababian was awarded a Bachelor’s Degree and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration. Selected as a Presidential Management Intern by President Carter, he went on to a very successful career with the Social Security Administration. Mr. Enkababian is known among members of his community for his honesty, integrity and loyalty. After he retired, Enkababian continued to serve his country through community service. He has been a member of the American Legion for 30 years and has served in numerous management positions within Babylon Post 94, where he is currently serving his second term as Post Commander. Mr. Enkababian is also a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans and Vietnam Veterans of America.