doi:10.7916/d8-33py-bz91Oral history interview with Henry G. Walter 1997Walter, Henry Goral historiessound recordingssound recording - nonmusicalWalter, Henry GColumbia UniversityLamont-Doherty Earth ObservatoryWoods Hole Oceanographic InstitutionVema (Ship)Childhood: Elmhurst, Queens, New York, family reminiscences, father’s political involvement; B.A. Columbia University [CU], 1926-1929; rowing team member, history coursework, financing education, social life; CU Law School, 1929-1933, Bugle Law Review decision editor; Cravath, de Gersdorf, Swaine, and Wood Law Firm position; penicillin and explosive plants manager; establishing law firm; notable clients; founding Vetlesen Foundation, 1955: donation of ship Vema to U.S. Navy, funding Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory [LDEO], encouraging CU funding, 1980s; CU and LDEO interactions, late 1970s; Vetlesen Foundation funding research interest LDEO, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, Scripps Institution of Oceanography; biological and earth sciences personal interests; LDEO administrations: CU Geology Department, advisory structure; establishment Vetlesen Prize; funding weather research; Palisades Geophysical Institute military contract work; colleague reminiscences.