Gordon’s spirit of adventure started almost at birth. He and his brother would lie on the floor in front of the radio completely engrossed in “Jack Armstrong, the All American Boy,” “The Green Hornet,” and “Sky King.” Later, his favorite lullaby was the sound of the late night train passing through town. In his imagination, he traveled the world. In the final year of World War II, when he turned sixteen, his father suggested he join the Merchant Marines. Gordon jumped at the chance. His imaginary places soon became reality far beyond his wildest dreams and changed his life forever.