The Weed

The scuttlebutt around Boston's sprawling Navy Yard was too hot to ignore. For a price, went the rumors, a sailor could get a peek at secret examination questions, latch on to a promotion, or wangle a cushy desk job instead of sea duty. The commandant of the First Naval District started an investigation.

Last week the Navy announced that it had caught its man. Lieut. William G. Bigony, 31, Enlisted Personnel District Officer and a member of the main examining board, admitted taking bribes up to $100 to help six enlisted men get transfers and promotions. Court-martialed for conduct unbecoming an officer, Lieut. Bigony, a mustang who had worked his way up from the ranks in 13 years of spotless service, faced up to 18 years in prison, dishonorable discharge, and forfeiture of pay. Sighed a Navy officer: "This sort of thing happens all the time ... we just do our best to weed it out."

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