June 2015 Volume 25 Issue 2 Official Newsletter of the The Purdy Report USS Purdy (DD-734) Special points of interest:

 2015 Reunion Recap

 New President’s Message

 Welcome Mat and Taps

 Chaplain’s Corner

 Story about Robert Espeseth

 Mail Call from Omar Collins 2015 USS PURDY REUNION RECAP The former sailors from the USS The audience was asked a question like Purdy (DD-734) held their annual reun- “Things you should never do with your ion in Charleston, SC, on May 13-17, mouth open”. The audience response 2015 at the Radisson North Charleston was to select the most popular answer. Hotel. Twenty-two of the crew and twen- The number one answer was “Chew ty-one of their guests attended the reun- food”. Several people answered correct- ion. Ray Baker started the reunion off on ly. The trivia questions also had specific Wednesday by being the first to register. questions. There was a three way tie He was followed by others who quickly between Vernon Van Grevenhof , Bill made their way into the hospitality room Dow, and Robert Pridemore. Three tie- for snacks, soft drinks, coffee and, of breaker questions were asked. Vernon course, to see old friends and begin Van Grevenhof got all three and was sharing news since the last time they declared the winner, unseating two year had been together. That evening the Champion Kenneth and Turbia Joyce. welcome reception brought everyone Vernon got his image captured and his together for wings, pizza, a beverage photo in the memory book to and greeting those they hadn’t seen in acknowledge his big win. Published by: the hospitality room. The remainder of After breakfast on Friday the optional Premier Reunion Services the evening was free to have dinner or tour to the Confederate Submarine Hun- relax in the hospitality room with friends. ley and a carriage ride departed the ho- P.O. Box 11438 Thursday was scheduled as a leisure tel. First stop was at the Warren Lasche Hickory, NC 28603 time to see Charleston on one’s own or Center where the Confederate subma- just relax in the hotel after a day or more rine Hunley is being preserved and Phone: 828-256-6008 of travel. Some took a trip to the down- where the clues to her mysterious past or Fax: 828-256-6559 town Charleston Visitor’s Center to walk are being discovered. H. L. Hunley was through the visitor’s hall to see the ex- a submarine of the Confederate States E-mail: [email protected] hibits. The “hop on – hop off” trolleys or of America that played a small part in busses were a good way to see the American Civil War. Hunley demon- or [email protected] Charleston on one’s own also. Dinner strated the advantages and the dangers that evening kicked off with a social hour of undersea warfare. She was the first web: www.mlrsinc.com/purdy at 6:00 pm and then dinner at 7:00. En- combat submarine to sink a warship, tertainment following dinner was a game although Hunley was not completely Our reunions work so you called the Trivia Game. The first set of submerged and, following her success- don’t have to. questions were called “Things” – mod- ful attack, was lost along with her crew eled after the Family Feud TV show. (Continued on page 2) Page 2 The Purdy Report Volume 25 Issue 2

(Continued from page 1) The game was modeled after the TV to the Association. It is greatly appre- before she could return to her base. show Newly Wed Game. Four cou- ciated by all. The next decision was The Confederacy lost 21 crewmen in ples volunteered to participate: choosing the site of the 2016 reunion, three sinkings of Hunley during her Vernon and Gerry Van Grevenhof, and Dayton, Ohio was selected. short career. Hunley, nearly 40 feet Kenneth and Turbia Joyce, Robert Following the business meeting, (12 m) long, was built at Mobile, Ala- and Judy Smith and Fred and Judy there was some time to prepare for bama, and launched in July 1863. Harrington. Barney and Lou Strutton the other much anticipated event of She was then shipped by rail on Au- were kind enough to be the judges. the reunion, the USS Purdy (DD-734) gust 12, 1863 to Charleston, South They had a tough job keeping score banquet The evening started off with Carolina. Hunley (then called Fish and their help was greatly appreciat- the pre-dinner cocktail hour and pho- Boat) sank on August 29, 1863, dur- ed. The whole group of observers to session at 6:00 pm, followed by ing a training exercise, killing five laughed and moaned at some of the the banquet at 7.00. Everyone members of her crew. She sank again responses—it was really a fun time! “cleaned up well” for their photos to on October 15, 1863, killing all eight The winners were Robert and Judy be included in the post reunion of her second crew, including Horace Smith. Congratulations! Memory Book. Larry DiPasquale, Hunley himself, who was aboard at Saturday was a most anticipated Don Hazen and Daniel Zavisza the time, even though he was not en- day because a trip to Patriot’s Point looked especially handsome in their listed in the Confederate armed forc- and Boone Hall Plantation was on uniforms! During the photo sessions, es. Both times Hunley was raised and the agenda. The first stop was at the group was entertained with songs returned to service. On February 17, Patriots Point where there was a self by Carl Sansone. He continued his 1864, Hunley attacked and sank the -guided tour of the world’s largest beautiful music by opening the ban- 1240-short ton (1124 metric tons) maritime museum. In addition to the quet by singing “Anchors Aweigh” screw sloop USS Housatonic on Un- “anchor” ship USS Yorktown CV-10 while the old sailors marched into the ion blockade duty in Charleston's out- there was also the Laffey, banquet room and stood behind their er harbor. Soon after, Hunley sank, the submarine Clamagore , and the ladies for the National Anthem and killing all eight of her third crew. This Vietnam era River Patrol Base. the invocation rendered by Purdy time, the innovative ship was lost. Lunch was in Yorktown’s CPO mess Chaplain Fred Harrington. Bill Dow Finally located in 1995, Hunley was featuring authentic Navy food, pre- welcomed everyone to the banquet recovered in 2000 and is on display in pared in the ship’s galley. Ahhhh! and then dinner was served. Follow- Charleston. Examination in 2012 of Just like the olden days when mem- ing dinner Carl belted out tune after recovered Hunley artifacts suggests bers of the crew were privileged to tune in the Sinatra, Humperdinck, that the submarine was as close as serve as mess men. Immediately Tom Jones (no Ernest Tubb) style. 20 feet to her target, Housatonic, after lunch the tour was off to Boone He put on a great show and everyone when her deployed torpedo exploded, Hall Plantation. Arrival at the planta- was sad to see him leave the spot- which eventually caused the sub's tion was via the three-quarter mile light! Thanks, Carl. Next on the own demise. After the Hunley it was “Avenue of Oaks”. Boone Hall was evening’s agenda was a raffle. A off for one of Charleston’s most originally a cotton plantation founded book entitled “Truman’s Decision”, unique attractions, a carriage ride. On in 1681 and at that time covering autographed by the author, was giv- the ride everyone enjoyed the favorite 17,000 acres. Boone Hall is still one en to his friend, former USS Purdy Charleston sights and sites like Rain- of America’s few working plantations. crewman Ed Crawshaw. To ensure bow Row, the cobblestone streets, The main house is rich with history the book remained in the Purdy fami- quaint gardens, 18th and 19th century and on the grounds today, besides ly, Audrey, Ed’s widow, gave the homes, buildings and churches and the house, sit nine of the original book to the association to present to the Battery overlooking Charleston slave cabins which date back to a worthy shipmate. In order to give Harbor and Ft Sumter. Following the 1790-1810, a smoke house dating everyone a chance to win the book, it ride, there was time to browse back to 1750, the Cotton Gin house was decided to sell raffle tickets for through the old Market area and have (1853) and the grand Avenue of the book with the proceeds going to lunch at one of the many pubs or res- Oaks that was created in 1743 and the Purdy treasury. Slightly over taurants or shop in one of the bou- completed in 1843. Another great $50.00 was raised and Larry tiques. Charleston is a beautiful city day in Charleston! DiPasquale won the book. It was a and everyone enjoyed their day of At 3:30 pm the business meeting great evening and everyone enjoyed sight-seeing. was held to decide on the future path themselves greatly. Dinner on Friday evening was a of the association’s reunions. Bill Sunday morning following break- low-country meal featuring fried chick- Dow was chosen as the new leader fast, the Memorial Service to honor en, beef tips and gravy, fillet of sole, for the group, replacing longtime all USS Purdy shipmates who have crab dressing, yellow rice, salad and leader Larry DiPasquale who de- passed away, especially those since dessert. Following dinner, the Purdy’s clined to seek re-election. Thank the last reunion, was held. Fred Har- Old Newly Wed Game was played. you, Larry, for your years of service (Continued on page 3) Page 3 The Purdy Report Volume 25 Issue 2 rington, Chaplain, led the service. He was assisted by Charles Gerardi, bell 2015 REUNION ATTENDEES ringer; Barney Strutton, memorial ad- dress speaker; and Armindo Rebeiro, candle lighter. Those honored at the service were as follows: Dwight Barlow, Gene Boley, Louis Kava, Kenneth Kleist, Charles McAlexander, Thomas Mills, Robert Morris, Richard Osborn, Gene Razzi, Salvatore Romeo, Don Vandersnick, Robert Wertz and Keith Yates. The Memorial Service was fol- Ray Baker John Mikulak lowed by good byes, because the reun- Lemackey Barlow & Lenell Black Robert & Karen Pridemore ion was officially over. There is some- Larry & Karen DiPasquale Armindo & Annette Rebeiro thing special about USS Purdy fare- William & Janet Dow Carl & Mary Sansone wells. They are so sincere, no little Charles & Eileen Gerardi Larry & Laurette Sharp cliques that only say goodbye to “their” Fred & Judy Harrington Robert & Judy Smith group. It takes half the morning to work Donald Hazen Barney & Lou Strutton their way from shipmate to shipmate – Gerald & Beverly Hicks Vernon & Gerry Van Grevenhof and the wives have become close and Kenneth & Turibia Joyce Daniel & Jean Zavisza saying goodbye is just as hard for them Chester & Sybil Kahapea as for the shipmates. But, there’s al- Richard & Nancy Kain Total Members: 22 ways next year to look forward to, so James & Margaret Martin Guests: 21 we’ll see you in Dayton, OH in 2016! James & Mary Meechan GRAND TOTAL: 43 ______Tony & Judi Meyer ______A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

We wish to Thank Larry and Brenda ton for a carriage tour. That night we for there excellent job of making our had a buffet at the hotel. After dinner reunion a success. we played a “not so newly wed” We just returned from our 25th game. Judy & Fred Harrington, Ken Reunion in Charleston SC. We really & Trib Joyce, Jerry & Beverly Hicks, enjoyed seeing everyone who was and Gerry & Vern Van Grevenhof able to attend. Thank you Chet and played. Jerry and Beverly Hicks won. Chubby Kahapea for traveling from I still think that Karen & Bob , and Jerry and Beverly Hicks Pridemore should have been up Hi Purdy Shipmates, Purdy Ladies coming from California by train. We there, as they are truly newlyweds. and Friends of the Purdy Family, were honored to have the widow of Saturday tours were USS Yorktown, We wish to thank Larry DiPasquale Dwight Barlow, Lemackey Barlow, Destroyer Laffey, then off to Boone for being the Purdy president for 20 and her friend Lenell Black attending Hall Plantation. It is still a working years. Larry has decided to step down our reunion. plantation. Upon returning to the ho- after 20 years. We must thank the We had a meet and greet tel, we had the Saturday afternoon First Lady Karen for her patience as Wednesday night. Thursday was an business meeting, election of officers First Lady. Thank you both. off day. Six of us went golfing at Pa- and picking places to go next year. We held an election of Officers at triots Point, with the wives going to We are going to Dayton, Ohio next the reunion meeting. New Officers downtown Charleston for shopping year. are: and a trolley ride. Thursday night we That evening we had our banquet. Bill Dow, President had supper at the hotel with trivia The Purdy men still clean-up pretty Dan Zavisza, Vice-President questions after the meal. Ken and good. Looking good in suits and with Jim Meechan, Secretary-Treasurer Trib Joyce were dethroned. We had a some still able to wear their uniforms. Fred Harrington, Chaplain 3-way tie with Vern and Gerry Van Purdy ladies looked better than ever. Grevenhof winning. Friday was a Good food, drink and stories we have I thank the membership for sup- tour day with Purdy folks going to heard many times, but are still inter- porting me and I will not last 20 years Warren Lascae Center to see the esting, as we forget year to year. (sorry). Hunley Sub, and then on to Charles- (Continued on page 4) Page 4 The Purdy Report Volume 25 Issue 2

(Continued from page 3) I will still be doing the jackets, hats service was slow but OK. The bar- The entertainment for the evening was and shirts. Contact me at: Bill Dow tender was hitting on my Judy & Bob one of our own Purdy Shipmates, Carl 11 Riverside Dr. Southington, CT Smith’s Judy. We let him buy their Sansone. It is the first time that no one 06489. drinks. Smitty and I are so good look- left the room until Carl finished. He Finally as we get ready to go to ing he didn’t have a chance. Tours sang and entertained all evening long. Dayton, OH, we would really like to were great. Thanks Brenda and Larry. I want to say thank you for a great see some of the Purdy men return Missed Bill Arnold. We love you, Bill. evening. It will always be one that I will to a reunion who haven’t been in a When Carl sang “Oh Danny Boy,” remember. It also was great having while. We miss you. Anyone hav- Peg Martin and I shed a few tears. Toni there. We haven’t seen her in a ing any questions or concerns (It’s an Irish thing.) Hi, Uncle Art and while. about the next reunion can call me, Sweetie. It’s so good to see Laurette Any one owing dues, please be Bill Dow, at 860 426-1278 or Fred Sharp looking so good.. PTL. Chuck sure to send yours in to Jim Meechan, Harrington 585 669-2877. Gerardi and I got our vans fixed under at 145 Laura Dr. Gahanna, OH 43230- warranty cost of around $3,000 while 2140. It is $10.00 per year, Also if any- Enjoy the summer, we were there. Good deal. Don’t say one would like to donate a little extra to Bill Dow, President – Purdy As- anything to Jim Meechan about the Purdy Fund we would appreciate it. sociation worthless nuts (Ohio thing). I would ask the following guys to call me at 1- 585-749-9747: Carl P, Harry N and Norm B. Thanks, Maurice & Phyllis. We missed you. Will see Bill and Ja- net Dow next week. Boy, those Hicks from California are a real blessing. Keep coming. Chuck G, how about WELCOME MAT TAPS those Yankees? Sorry, Red Sox fans. John M., Alex Rodriquez says hi. Ken The USS PURDY Association The Purdy Report was notified of & Turbie, see you at John & Sweetie’s welcomes the following recently the following shipmates’ deaths since and we’ll make plans for Fla. It’s al- located crewmembers. We hope the last newsletter. Not all members ways good to see Capt. Don Hazen. to see you at our next reunion, died recently, but we just learned of Quiet, but fun. George & Shirley, you and trust that you will become an their deaths. The entire crew sends missed a good time. Chet & Chubby, active member of the Association. our deepest sympathy to the families you two always bless us with your Welcome Aboard! and friends of the deceased. Please sincere warmth. Aloha. Richard & let Premier Reunion know if you Nancy Kain, we will see you in Fla. learn of the death of a former ship- Richard, I’m mixing the drinks. It was Gary Ryno mate so he can be recognized in (1961-64) ST2 Fox Div great to meet D.W. Barlow’s widow here and on the Honor Roll at the Lemackey & Lenell. Both fun and I 4669 Targee Ave reunion. North Port, FL 34287 look forward to seeing them again. 941-400-3539 Missed Dom & June. Dom, hope you [email protected] Dwight “Bark” Barlow are feeling better. We all know Doug (1959-62) GMGM 2nd Div Harvey can get in trouble without my John Summerhill Died August 16, 2013 help, but he said, “Tell all those Buck- (1964)SN eyes to be ready to give up on foot- Box 116 Don Vandersnick ball next year, Uncle Jim.” Vern, I’m McAlister, MT 59740 Died February 26, 2015 working on your sign. It says, [email protected] ______“I love NY Yan- kees.” It’s as tall as ______Jerry—three foot! Barney & Lou, love you guys and the Blue Ridge Moun- tains. Now I can brag about my dad. He’s vice president. Hi, Monk CHAPLAIN’S CORNER Zavisza. Some of you may not know By Fred Harrington they have adopted me. R.E. Smith, remember when you tried to steal Hi Purdy Guys & Gals, third? Anyone remember who started Great reunion. First, thanks to Larry D for all the years as our president. that fight in Naples, Italy at the White Larry, you left no “holedays”. Any one remember that term? Good luck, Pres. Hats Club? He may live in Paradise? Bill. We want more of Carl S. Great voice. Pretty wife too. Judy and I just had Jim and Peg, time for a dinner date. breakfast with Mindo. Thanks for the bread. The food was good, rooms OK, (Continued on page 6) Page 5 The Purdy Report Volume 25 Issue 2 EVEN ENTERTAINMENT HAD ITS RISKS UI Professor emeritus braved typhoon in Philippines to set movies to shipmates Taken from The News Gazette, Champlain, IL May4, 2015

By PAUL WOOD safely, and intercepting boats along War II, Korea and Vietnam traveled [email protected] the North Korean coast. from Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport In one memorable mission, the in Springfield to visit war memorials SAVOY — Though he served in the destroyer fired on North Korean in Washington on a free day trip. , Navy Capt. Robert Es- trains when they emerged from tun- “It was so well organized that I peseth’s closest brush with death nels from which they’d been hiding, was truly impressed,” Espeseth said. came in Manila Bay. where mountains dipped directly into “They really have it well oiled.” Espeseth, a retired University of the sea. He had not seen the World War II Illinois professor at 84, was an ensign It was pretty amazing stuff for a Memorial at all, and had never seen in the Navy when he was the films Wisconsin boy who played football— the Air Force Memorial up close. officer for the USS PURDY (DD-734), and switched to crew—at the Univer- The veterans watched the chang- a destroyer that traveled around the sity of Wisconsin and earned a de- ing of the guard at Arlington National world to provide support in the Kore- gree in landscape architecture there, Cemetery. an War. all while serving in the ROTC. On their return to Springfield, the The Purdy was in the Philippines His ROTC commitment sent him group was greeted by bag pipers, when it fell upon Espeseth to get into the Navy, where he was on ac- guitars and dozens of well-wishers, some movies to entertain the sailors tive duty for three years, then 27 including Espeseth’s brother’s family on board. years in the Reserves. He left as a from Milwaukee. But there was a typhoon in Manila captain. “I cried when I saw Mary Ann,” the Bay, and it was a job in itself to find a Espeseth worked in parks admin- professor says of his return. boat willing to take him out to the de- istration in Wisconsin and Michigan Of the Korean War, he thinks stroyer. before coming to the UI, where he is sometimes “It didn’t make a lot of a “It was a damn good blow,” he a professor emeritus of leisure stud- difference.” says. ies. On the other hand, the difference The seas were heaving, and at an He and his wife Mary Ann have in the lifestyles of those living in the opportune moment, Espeseth heaved been here since 1973, the longest north and south show that if the U.S. the movie reels into the Purdy’s deck. they’ve lived anywhere. and U.N. forces hadn’t been there, Then, when the moment was right, They had five children; one South Korea might be a much less he jumped onto the ship’s lifelines daughter still lives in the area. fortunate he says. and pulled himself on board. Early in April, Espeseth went on ______There were other dangerous du- an Honor Flight through Land of Lin- ties, to be sure—such as shooting at coln Honor Flight. floating mines to make them explode He and other veterans of World

tion will remember VICTORY OVER I would hope the many Navy mates JAPAN and of the many lives lost will remember and have a prayer in since. Seventy years ago the PURDY remembrance of the Armed Forces DD-734 was in one of the great bat- of the United States of America. tles of World War II, while many Navy Best wishes for your family and ships took their place at Okinawa, the Navy mates who are able to at- Mail Call Easter Sunday, April 1st, 1945. On tend the reunion. April 12, 1945, the battle lasted 90 The following letters were sent to minutes. We lost or killed, seriously Best regards, Premier Reunion Services by Omar injured, or injured many Navy mates. Omar Collins Collins. The first was originally sent USS PURDY received for her service 98 E. Padonia Rd to Larry DiPasquale and the second the Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, Timonium, MD 21093 to Senator John D. Rockefeller, IV. “For outstanding heroism in action as ______a Support Destroyer on station. One during an attack by ene- January 12, 1995 Larry DiPasquale, President, my Japanese aerial forces.” PURDY Association, As for the USS PURDY Reunion Dear Senator Rockefeller: On September 2, 2015, the na- on May 13-16, I cannot make the trip. First let me thank you for the let- Volume 25 Issue 2 Page 6

(Continued from page 5) Academy which opened in late 1845. suicide aircraft of all types. ter dated August 05, 1994. Second, I He could see ahead and knew “our Blood and gasoline mixed freely wish to say to you and your staff my country’s greatest asset was the re- over our decks. The harbors quickly appreciation for the energies and sourcefulness of the American sail- filled with —battered be- motivation in order to help veterans or.” yond recognition. Young Americans who are under continuous stress for on small destroyers stood face to various medical disabilities. Respectfully, face with pilots. Each kami- This year, 1995, represents the Omar Collins kaze pilot faced death only once, but 50th Anniversary of several im- ______Americans faced theirs over and portant events. One being one of the over, like a recurring nightmare. “We great battles of World War II, Okina- The following article was also sub- looked them in the eye to stand and wa. April 1, 1945, Easter Sunday mitted by Omar Collins: die. I know— I was there!” morning. Enclosed are photo-copies In Japan, kamikaze pilots are im- of the records of my ship, USS THE SAGA OF “OKINAWA mortalized in a major museum en- PURDY (DD-734) and the heroic PICKET DESTROYERS” shrined in the Yasukuni Shrine as “Thunder Gods” and revered as right- efforts of the crew, especially on “THE GREATEST AIR-SEA BAT- ful heroes of the highest order. They April 12, 1945, the day President TLE OF ALL TIME” even enjoy a hero status in American Roosevelt died. documentaries. On the other hand, Also the year 1995 brings us Each day of the 90-day campaign the United States has minimized, triv- back again to the atomic bomb and an average of 55 American sailors ialized and still deny the truth. Ameri- Hiroshima on August 6, 1945, and were killed and 55 wounded (mostly can kamikaze survivors still relive the adverse effects of ionizing radia- destroyer-men). Terrible yes— their nightmares in silence and soli- tion. Note the PURDY was the first however, did not come tude, 55 years later: Why, America? atomic-biological-chemical wash- over at an even rate. They often Without destroyers this war of wars down system a ship ever received. came in swarms. April 6, 1945, 13 could have wiped out our entire U.S. Your concern is genuine and 50 destroyers were hit (7 sunk or Fleet. years is the proof of everyone efforts scrapped); April 11&12 sixteen had This entire battle needs to be that the atomic bomb was a new era their decks crashed into; May 26 & told—remembered. At Okinawa, the for the people who valued life and 27—four; April 14-16—eight; April 27 U.S. suffered 49,159 casualties in- health and the whys for the veterans -29—seven; May 3-5—nine; May 25- cluding 9,760 Navy men from kami- involved. (Sic) 28— kazes. In the first 30-days at Norman- In closing, the United States Na- eleven; dy, Americans suffered 42,000 casu- val Academy will honor 150 years in destroy- alties. We ask, “Why not tell it like it 1995. My G-G-Great Grandfather ers fell happened?” (on my mother’s side), President victim to ______John Tyler, 1841-1845, had a great Japanese passion and supported the Navy

CHAPLAIN’S CORNER CONTINUED FINANCIAL (Continued from page 4) gardens, mow, wash the van, and go Will call. Miss you, Ben Salvo, Tony & help clean the church. REPORT Carl. Let’s go to Mel’s Diner. The Bi- This is the best joke yet. I can’t ble says to mingle with those you love think of a joke. Tom Carroll, give me a and respect. We do a good job. May call. Here are the directions to Heav- see Roy Long. Come on, Roy. Chet en: turn right and go straight. God is needs someone to pick on him. Larry, good all the time. All the time. God is we are marketing our relish. Will good. make 4,000 jars next year. Hate to This Purdy Report is being sent to repeat myself but Bev & Jerry Hicks You are all in our prayers, 164 dues paying members only. are great. Many shipmates sailing Chaplain Fred Harrington & Judy the Please send your annual $10.00 con- West so keep coming to reunions. Cutie tribution (checks made out to “Purdy Ray, enjoy your sign. John M, you Association”) to: Jim Meechan, 145 can bring your hot sauce and Anna to P.S. Judy and I love you all Laura Dr, Gahanna, OH 43230. Ohio, OK? Missed the Petits. Good ______The cost of this issue of the Purdy time at Tony & Judy Myers. If I forgot Report is $312.40. anyone, tell me. You will be first next ______report. Judy says it’s time to weed our