The Fading Voices of Alcatraz

The distinguished men charged with the care, custody, and control of the Alcatraz prisoners were formally titled as Correctional Officers. Screws, Bulls, Guards, Hacks, Red Ties, and Goons were but a few and less vulgar informal titles bestowed upon the Correctional Officers by the prison population.

These were men of moral essence, integrity, and professionalism. They were men of valor and “keepers of the flock.” Instead of meek lambs, the flock consisted of murderers, rapist, and other societal degenerates. The Correctional Officers were steadfast and diligent in performing their duties of security. Survival was of key importance to the prison staff as it was to the prisoner. This nest of evil would claim the lives of three Correctional Officers in its 29 year history. The fallen heroes are Correctional Officer Royal C. Cline whom was murdered on May 23, 1938. Senior Officer Harold P. Stites died on May 2, 1946, and Correctional Officer William A. Miller died on May 3, 1946. Correctional Officers Stites and Miller were both victims of the 46’ “Battle of Alcatraz.” Let us not forget these men or their families as we forever honor their sacrifices.

The ensemble of staff mirrored that of the military. Many of these men were military veterans and many were war veterans. They were clean cut, professional, dedicated, and disciplined men in pressed uniforms.