Retired Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary guard George DeVincenzi served on “The Rock” from 1950 to 1958, departing just five years before the infamous island prison closed forever in 1963. Correspondent Tom Wilmer met with DeVincenzi in the old prison hospital, directly across the corridor from where DeVincenzi long ago played checkers with the infamous Bird Man of Alcatraz.
Come along and join WWII veteran and San Francisco native DeVincenzi as he recalls his life on The Rock. Alcatraz Island is now administered by the National Park Service's Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Alcatraz tours are so popular that it is recommended to book tickets three months in advance.
This show originally aired November 29, 2016 as a Journey of Discovery podcast and KCBX Central Coast Public Radio on-air travel feature.
You are invited to subscribe to the Lowell Thomas Award-winning travel show podcast, Journeys of Discovery with Tom Wilmer, featured on the NPR Podcast Directory, Apple Podcast, iHeartRadio, the NPR One App & Stitcher.com. Twitter: TomCWilmer. Instagram: Thomas.Wilmer. Member of the National Press Club in Washington D.C. Underwriting support provided by the Society of St. Vincent De Paul.
