John Ara was born in Brooklyn in 1922 and raised in Spain until the age of sixteen. He returned to the United States and faced challenges in proving his American citizenship due to the destruction of his birth documents during the Spanish Civil War. Ara's journey to establish his citizenship involved a series of encounters, including a fortuitous meeting with a doctor who had delivered him as a child. Ara's first job in the U.S. was in the fish canneries. He then joined the Merchant Marine and served for about four years before joining the Navy during World War II.

Scope and Content Note
The interview with John Ara provides a detailed account of his experiences working in various capacities, highlighting his resilience, work ethic, and interactions with colleagues and superiors. Ara discusses his initial employment in the fish canneries, where he demonstrated diligence and skill in loading fish meal, earning the respect of his supervisor and coworkers. He recounts his time working on a ferry, including a significant incident involving the rescue of Captain Patton. Throughout the interview, Ara shares anecdotes that reveal the challenges he faced, his ability to adapt and excel in his roles, and the camaraderie and respect he developed with figures of authority, such as Captain Wyand, who supported him during his tenure at the pilot station. The interview sheds light on Ara's character, his contributions to his workplace, and the social dynamics of his work environment.