Source: Vanessa Williams and Traci Lords September 1984 Penthouse Issue – Illegal Penthouse Issue Backstory
In the summer of 1984, I was in off-crew, having made my first of six deterrent patrols aboard USS Michigan. My submarine qualifications were proceeding well, and I had finished up my In-Port Fire Control Supervisor Board, meaning that I was almost useful as a non-qual puke.
We had come back from Patrol 3 and while we had been able to watch the original pageant, I missed all of the build-up to the resignation of Ms. Williams. to come back from three months underwater with almost zero news was surreal. The biggest story in the country wasn’t foreign policy issues or some shocking crime, it was (gasp), Miss America was naked!
Now, let me say this. at the time, I was almost 21 years old, and I had a good job with no debt. And, at the time, no girlfriend.
So yes, I bought a copy at the Navy exchange and I can say that I saw it. I have zero recollection of the Traci Lords layout, but I vividly recall Ms. Willims’ photo set.
Maybe there is a lesson in that? Thiry-six years later what I would tell you is that the photos were not designed to show Ms. Williams as a beautiful person who had overcome racism and challenges about which I knew nothing, but rather as a plaything to be enjoyed and leered over by young men with more money than common sense.
In the end, I’m glad it worked out for her better than for Penthouse. Maybe that’s the lesson, that if you are true to yourself, and Ms. Williams was, things will eventually work themselves out.
DAVE DOES HISTORY 
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