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USNAVY LST 639 A WAR and MORE 1944 - 2004 ^TTt-aujy/dytZOtOy August 28, 2010
Donated to the archives of LST-325
In memory of the crew of LST-639
Naomi Sams 1275 South 21st Street Sebring, Ohio 44672
Ph. 330-938-2449
US NAVY LST 639 US NAVY LST 639 A WAR and MORE 1944 - 2004
•^—r .- Friends,
This is submitted to you in friendship. I have tried to make it as nearly complete and accurate as possible. If you detect any Inaccuracies, or feel that something Is omitted that you feel is important, I hope you will be kind enough to overlook them.
If you should happen to like this and wish to thank anyone, please thank my grandson Jason Rice. He asked the question that caused this to be compiled. His address is:
c/o Janet Rice, 44 East Ely Street, Alliance, Ohio 44601 I'm sure lt would make him happy to receive a note from you.
I would like to thank all those who helped with submissions of Information, pictures, memories, phone calls, and letters of support. Your assistance is greatly appreciated.
Jncui/ Jiooy THE COST OF FREEDOM IS ALWAYS HIGH, BUT AMERICANS HAVE ALWAYS PAID IT, AND ONE PATH WE SHALL NEVER CHOOSE IS THE PATH OF STJRRENDER, OR SUBMISSION. JOHN F.KENNEDY
This booklet is dedicated to all those who have sacrificed their time, endured hardships and faced danger in their efforts to protect our freedom. It is especially dedicated to all the officers and crewmen who served aboard USS LST 639. You have my sincere and deep appreciation.
Information used was obtained from records prepared by Riley Hammond, details from the diary kept by John Branch, information submitted by former officers George Brown, John Carlson, Chester Mai ins, official records from the National Archives and from many of the former crew members. I offer a special thanks to Riley Hammond for all his input, co-operation and patience in Instructing me In "Navy talk", to Chester Mallns for his letters and many contributions, Cecil Hoyle, Edmund Rogala, Frank Calauttl, Fred DeVinney, Louis Strlckler and Russell Kntz for their lists of names of former crew members. Every effort was made to make this record as nearly complete as possible. However, it is impossible to declare it truly complete for the reason that all memories cannot be expressed in print, but will remain forever with the men who experienced this memorable journey and in doing so unknowingly lntwlned their lives forever.
Perhaps the best example of the depths of their feelings for each other was to happen 34 years after they left the ship when the crew held their first reunion. They gathered, and, one by one, by a glint In an eye, the tilt of a head, they recognized one another, and the years rolled away. Through tears, hand shakes, hugs and slaps on the back the old comraderie returned. The stories began to be told, the teasing started. They fell into old remembered ways of talking to each other. In small and large groups the phrase "do you remember?" was heard again and again. And they DID remember.
The greatest display of group respect I have ever seen occurred when, as "Bobble" Brown and I stood to one side, hesitantly, George Brown entered that huge meeting room. As the men realised he was in the room, and as if drawn by some unseen giant magnet, the gravitation towards him began. Unplanned, they formed a large circle. Alter a while George Brown began to relax. Later he explained that he was afraid there would be resentment carried over the years because of his orders on the ship. There was NONE. The crew had all come to realize he had carried out his orders well and to the benefit of them ail.
lfM*P Mm#'i.iiii^«Slt > THE SHIP
It began when the keel of the USS LST-639 was laid down on May 26,1944. It was one of 1051 LST's built from June 10,1942 to August of 1945. 50 Feet wide, 328 feet long and with a minimum draft of 3 feet 9 1/2 Inches, lt was relatively small for an oceangoing ship. Small, but mighty her crew would say. Though she weighed only 2000 tons she was capable of carrying her own weight plus another ton of troops, cargo and equipment. A real "work horse" of the Navy. One of the 157 built in Seneca, Illinois by the Chicago Bridge and Iron Works, she was completed and launched on August 28,1944. Following an invocation by Rev. F. Ball, she was Jolted to life with a christening bottle of champagne by Isabel C. Christofferson, wife of DeWane Christofferson, Supervisor of Launchings.
A sideways launch into the waters of the Illinois River was how her journey began. A journey that would take her a long way from Seneca, Illinois to places with names difficult to pronounce, but years later still clear in the memories of the crew for which she was to become "home" for two long and dangerous years.
The bow doors opened 14 feet wide, enough to allow most of the military vehicles in use at that time to enter and exit easily. Armed with a defense system that consisted of 2 - twin 40 MMaa guns, 4 - single 40 MMaa guns, 12 - 20 MMaa guns, numerous machine guns and small arms, she and others like her served until the end of the war. LSTs were first used in the Solomon Islands in June, 1943 and saw action in all invasions of the war. 26 of them would be lost to enemy action during those two years. Although she suffered some bruises, she carried out her duties honorably and survived to serve beyond the time of conflict in a more humanitarian capacity.
Officially Commissioned September 14,1944, the ship left the USA October 19 of that year to fulfill her mission. Following the Japanese Surrender on August 15, 1945 she continued to serve until the official Decommissioning on June 1,1946. Sold to the Bosey Company in the Philippines, the ship was struck from the U.S. Navy list December 5,1946. A more detailed account of her travels is included in this booklet.
She was to taste the peaceful waters of the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers, the Gulf of Mexico, the Panama Canal, the great expanse of the Pacific Ocean, and the turbulent waters of the Coral Sea, the Philippine and Sulu Seas near the Philippine Islands, the Celebes Sea near Borneo and the China Seas before her days of service for her country would end and her "crew family" would return to their families and homes. It was a long way to travel for a little ship with a maximum speed of approximately 11.5 knots. Although her story is late coming, it deserves to be told.
The LST-639 existed as a United States Navy vessel for the short span of 22 months, but the memories made and the friendships formed during that time have lasted all their lives for the members of her crew. Faces have changed and names are sometimes difficult to recall, but the shared experience of their days as a crew have formed a permanent bond for these men. They willingly left their homes and families to serve their country, and, by the Grace of God, they all returned home safely. No casualties and no serious injuries are known to have happened to any of them though they went through some of the fiercest Invasions of the war.
As each man was Inducted Into the Navy he was required to take the following; OATH OF ALLEGIANCE From Recruiting Station, Cleveland, Ohio
I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the Unites States of America, and that I will serve them honestly and faithfully against all their enemies whomsoever, and that I will obey the orders of the President of the Unites States and the orders of the Officers appointed over me, according to the rules and articles for the government of the Navy. And I do further swear (or affirm) that all statements made by me, as now given In this record are correct. THE OFiaCERS AND CREW
The crew was assembled from all over the country. From tiny hamlets in Kentucky and Tennessee where everyone knew everyone else, cities and small towns in America's heartland states of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, the lake states of Michigan and Minnesota. From the bayous of Louisiana, from Florida, New York, and from Maine to California. The ship became a melting pot.
Enlisting or dratted to serve their country were young college students, farm boys, some just out of high school, a young attorney from Brooklyn, New York who could have had an officers comm ission, but chose to serve as an ordinary seaman. Some had families, most were young, single and away from home for the first time In their lives. There was one thing they had In common. They were willing and eager to do whatever would be their part to defend the country to which they grew up pledging their all legance. The time they were to spend on the 639 together would change them forever in many ways. The young ones were forced to mature. The older ones were to set a good example for them. None would return home unchanged. It was a time they would always look back on with a far away look in their eyes as the memories rush Into their minds.
Chosen as commanding officer was a tall young red head with sparkling eyes and an ambling stride. George Maynard Brown, a Lieutenant in the Naval Reserves came from Michigan.
Executive officer was a detail oriented "stick to the rules" type of a person, a quality necessary If he was to be effective in that position. Chester W. Mai Ins, Lieutenant, J.G. also in the Naval Reserves, came from Corpus Christ!, Texas.
Gunnery officer was a calm, level beaded man capable of making instant decisions vital to the safety of the ship and her crew. Ira Robbins, Ensign in the Naval Reserves whose home was in Newark, New Jersey.
Engineering officer was Ensign Carl A. Steuernagel from Staten Island, New York.
Communications officer was Ensign William E. Pasco of Chagrin Falls, Ohio.
Stores officer Ensign John E. Carlson came from St. Louis, Missouri. Later he would also be called upon to serve as commanding officer.
1st Lieutenant, J.G. Guy C. Davis, regular navy from Atlantic Beach, Florida.
1st Lieutenant, J.G. Phillip Xavier Ley.
Naval Reserve Ensigns William H Helnlen of Ashland, Ohio, Albert S. Povlch of Bath, Maine, George Ehler Bell, Robert G. Boal from Philadelphia, Penna., Morris Abouaf of Oakland, California completed the list of officers on the new ship.
#119474 Brown, George Maynard Lieut. DE USNR, Commanding Officer #225124 Mallns, Chester W. Lt. (|g) D USNR, Executive Officer #309666 Davis, Guy C. Lt. (jg) USN, 1 st Lieutenant #358229 Robins, Ira Ensign D USNR, Gunnery Officer #338745 Steuernagel, Carl A Ensign E USNR, Engineering Officer #361385 Pasco, William E. Ensign D USNR, Communications Officer #331690 Carlson, John E. Ensign D USNR, Stores Officer #371066 Helnlen, William H Ensign DL USNR, Supernumerary #361669 Boal, Robert G. Ensign DL USNR, Supernumerary #371798 Abouaf, Morris (n) Ensign DL USNR, Supernumerary #421908 Povlch, Albert S. Ensign DL USNR, Supernumerary #286936 Bell, George Ehler Ensign #324479 Ley, Philip Xavier Lieut. (Jg) The following is a Muster Roll of the Crew of USS-LST-639 at her commissioning September 14,1944 as they set out to complete the task demanded of them.
Name and Rank Duty
119474 Brown, George Maynard Lieut. DE USNR, Commanding Officer 225124 Mallns, Chester W.Lt.(jg) DUSNR, Executive Officer 309666 Davis, Guy C. Lt. (Jg) USN, 1st Lieutenant
358229 Robbins, Ira Ensign D USNR, Gunnery Officer 338745 Steuernagel, Carl A Ensign E USNR, Engineering Officer 361385 Pasco, William E. Ensign D USNR, Communications Officer
331690 Carlson, John E. Ensign D USNR, Stores Officer 371066 Helnlen, William H Ensign DL USNR, Supernumerary 361669 Boal, Robert G. Ensign DL USNR, Supernumerary
371798 Abouaf, Morris (n) Ensign DL USNR, Supernumerary 421908 Povlch, Albert S. Ensign DL USNR, Supernumerary
Service No. Date Enlisted Name and Rank 313-83-21 4-11-44 Allen, Lloyd Ervln S2c 557-15-45 1-10-44 Alvarez, Guy Sidney F lc 944-26-31 3-21-44 Andersen, Robert James S lc 635-37-54 3-31-44 Atkins, Burton Bailey, Jr. Sic 283-94-68 3-11-44 Baker, Leroy Albert S2c
668-85-32 6-22-42 Barnes, Marvin Eugene SC 3c 606-98-66 6-29-42 Barrett, James Joseph GM 3c 958-71-94 4-12-44 Begley, Julius S2c 961-87-74 3-15-44 Bianchlni, Felix John S2c 924-70-81 4-19-44 Bowler, Joseph Thomas S2c
924-71^*9 4-20-44 Branch, John Henry S 2c 613-70-83 4-25-44 Brannen, Robert Francis S2c 956-78-71 3-11-44 Breckenridge, Harry Dennis S 2c 857-13-52 5-18-43 Bright, Arthur Paul GM3c 952-54-10 5-5-44 Bushey, Alfred S 2c
959-29-62 4-11-44 Butala, Peter Paul, Sr. S 2c 601-49-00 8-25-43 Calautti, Francis Nicodemus S lc 709-12-61 2-17-43 Chipko, Paul Cox 930-66-47 1-21-44 Christopher, Harold David Sic 872-22-45 11-3-43 Clemens, WlllardEllsworth Flc
945-13-70 5-10-44 Cole, Leo Harold, Sr. S2c 623-13-01 7-20-42 Crow, Floyd Albert GM3c 408-73-12 4-21-44 Daberitz, Kurt Walter S 2c 708-35-20 4-26-43 Deluccia, Frank S lc 285-51-61 10-29-43 Deminico, Alberto John Sic 405-25-69 12-23-41 DeVinney, Frederick Thomas BM2c 941-32-08 4-19-44 Dillon, Carl Eugene S 2c 727-27-49 4-5-44 Dowdal, Robert Lava S2c 952-29-98 4-20-44 Dreader, Carl Albert S 2c 806-47-04 2-19-44 Drzewiecki, Joseph Alfred F lc
836-10-79 10-27-43 Elliott, Matthew Fletcher, Jr. Sic 24+49-36 10-27-42 Eskrldge.Hai-lanDovled SC 3c 894-77-59 11-12-43 Fender, Merlin Donald FC 3c 613-70-72 4-25-44 Gatewood, Stewart Ogan S 2c 618-14-54 1-15-42 Gibson, Robert Theodore PhM3c
306-78-62 4-20-44 Gile, Robert William S2c 806-47-30 2-19-44 Gromoll, William Frank F lc 860-22-29 3-9-44 GueUT, John Albert, Jr. Flc 575-49-67 1-27-44 Hammond, Riley Green GM3c 835-94-42 9-6-43 Harvell, William Bryant PhM3c
64449-29 5-18-42 Hebert, Woodrow Joseph GM3c 712-14-63 12-16-43 Ilellgren, Roy Bruno Sic 941-52-94 5-31-44 Henthom, John Boughton S 2c 700-40-23 12-11-42 Heyl, Richard Fanning QM3c 932-03-68 4-25-44 Hodges, John Edward, Jr. S 2c
860-03-92 1-8-44 Hoyle, Cecil Albert F lc 958-72-73 4-14-44 Hutchinson, John S 2c 952-57-72 5-9-55 Jenary, Max John S2c 758-10-70 4-1-44 Johnson, Herbert Harold S2c 643-54-36 2-19-44 Johnson, Hllding Gottfried F lc
205-30-87 12-9-42 Jordan, Harold Allan SC3c 95SSO-16 5-8-44 Kordys, Joseph Frank S2c 819-68-57 11-23-43 Kutz, Russell Irwin Flc 250-94-12 10-1-43 Lelbal, John Vincent Sic 643-45-63 11-26-43 Leonard, Raymond Frederick Flc
816-99-52 12-18-43 Listing, WiHard Peter QM3c 952-34-07 4-24-44 Maconochie, Stewart William S 2c 313-91-33 4-29-44 Maskell, Melvin Dale S2c 727-17-78 3-1^14 Mathlesen, Jacob Alfred F 2c 961-75-33 3-6-44 Mattox, Leroy Frank F2c
818-10-34 7-21-43 McGraw, Isaac Ross, Jr. PhM 2c 883-26-48 8-11-43 Meier, Francis Anthony F2c 955-46-92 3-23-44 Miller, Kenneth S 2c 604-24-59 2-9-42 Minns, Herman Leroy SKlc 828-73-33 9-28-43 Nelson, Chester Joseph S 2c
898-41-72 3-16-44 Neureuter, Franklin Allen Sic (RT) 811-31-29 7-2-43 Nicholson, Francis Vincent MoMM2c 924-28-88 3-24-44 Niel, ClarenceMogle Flc 285-74-24 4-10-44 O'Toole. Robert Thomas S 2c 860-52-83 4-22-44 Pavelka, James George S 2c 555-99-47 1-22-44 Peterson, Joel Lloyd, Jr. F2c 342-74-09 12-10-42 Rakestraw, Thomas Dale SF 3c 966-13-38 11-30-43 Raley, Shelby Flc 257-63-28 7-15-42 Roberts, Alwyn Austin CM 2c 951-30-65 12-21-43 Rogala, Edmund Edward Sic
958-88-80 5-5-44 Rose, William Thomas S2c 838-59-90 2-23-44 Russell, Alfred Veipeau S2c 908-23-77 4-3-44 Russo, Louis Joseph S 2c 806-28-43 12-13-43 Sahr, Robert William S2c 311-57-80 12-13-40 Salata, Martin Joseph EMlc
949-31-44 3-28-44 Sams, Harry Richard S 2c 560-96-18 1-26-44 Saxon, Robert Elmer S 2c 816-13-16 10-25-43 Schneider, Alfred Joseph F lc 816-48-63 11-27-43 Schwartz, Sidney F lc 942-86-76 12-10-43 Smoron, Louis Flc
615-93-14 11-17-42 Socha, Frank Paul S2c 959-27-27 3-30-44 Steinhage, George Albert BKR3c 633-66-84 5-20-44 Stevens, James Columbus COX 874-20-58 4-18-44 Strickler, Louis Edward S 2c 801-19-81 12-27-43 Tighe, John Francis MoMM 2c
952-29-03 4-20-44 Vemey, Earl Joseph Sic 342-32-56 11-13-40 Waggoner, George Alfred BKR lc 924-65-96 4-10-44 Wal den, John Zack.Sr. StMSc 272-35-45 1 7-12-40 Waldrop, WilbumMarshall MoMMlc 931-16-46 5-5-44 Walker, Ellis, StM 3c
285-74-66 4-11-44 Weidinger, Robert Charles, Jr. S 2c 872-98-03 8-9-43 Westerman, James Franklin MoMM3c 639-30-37 9-11-42 Wolfe, Ralph Edwin MoMMlc 941-29-15 4-10-44 Woodcox, Keith Gordon S 2c 958-70-59 4-11-44 Woosley, Harrison Lee Sic
705-29-01 2-11-42 Young, Foster Brooks Y2c 945-09-38 5-8-44 Zully, Joseph John S 2c a sal-
For those of you who have a copy of the large picture of the crew In clress whites. We have been able to determine the following people and where they are in (lie picture.
Rowl: 4th from left Robert Sahr 6th from left: John Carlson 7th from left: George E.Bell 8th from left: Phillip Ley 9th from left: George Brown 10th from left: Carl Steuniacrle llth from left: IraRobbir.s 12th from left: Robert Boa!
Row 2: 2nd from left: Merlin Fender 6th from left: Louis Russo 7th from left: Fred Devinney 8th from left: JolmTighe 9th from left: Edmund Rogala 12th from left: Riley Hammond 18 from left: Keith Woodcox
Row3: 4th from right: John Hutchinson 6th from right: Floyd Crow 7thfrom right: Art Bright 12th from right: Alfred Russell
Row 4: 1st from left: Matthew Elliott 4th from left: Robert O'Toole 5th from left Frank Calauttt
Row 4: 6rh from right: Leroy Maddox 7th from right: Hilding Johnson 8th from right: Joseph Drzewieckl 9tli from right: Jolm GueliT lOtli from right: John Branch
Row 5: 2nd from left: Win, Harvell 3rd from left: Isaac McGraw 4th from left: Robert Gibson 7th from left: Burton Atkins 11th from left: Carl Di-exler
Row 5: 3rd from right: Harry Sams 4th from right: Foster Young 5th from right: Chester Nelson 7th from right: Carl Dillon 8th from right: Joseph Bowler
CHOW TUWE or"
THE OFFICERS AND CRE ON BOARD SHIP WHILE'
(Second in a j I the att The combat crew, arriving a few Tiinute details before time for days after the ferry crew, comes aboard ship Just in time for chow. And what chowl Delicious and tempt ing enough for any swank cafe menu. Meat loaf, mashed potatoes, gravy, asparagus, baked beans, spring salad, and peaches, constitute the typical which is served to the boys in generous helpings. It takes only 25 minutes or less for both the combat and ferry crew to be served in chow line - and only three cooks serving. the boys
lllghtl Wills sllv.rwor. lis shirt pocket and tray ba tons him, tha first In chow Htsa givas tha order to '.oka. «"* BOARD AN LST
AND COMBAT) HAVE CHOW SITING TO DEPART FROM SENECA
Juggle their filled trays and coffee or milk as they hurry down the steep ..ladders to the mess hall. Their friendliness is catching and the mess hall soon seems overflowing with these robust sailors as they "dig into their vittles." Meanwhile in the officers mess, the same food is being served to the officers of the
Expert cooks, finest of foods, up to date equipment, and planned daily menus assure the health of the sailors who man our LSTs. More of this series In the next issue.
^ ffojLuLja^-
(Above) Ellis Walke Steward Male 2/t hold a delicious bowl of pineapple which he pre- pored in Ihe office r'l pantry just before 1 Is xerved lo Ihe officers. r,' The Journey Page 1
August 17,1944 crew #4595 was formed to serve on LST 639. They immediately had about 2 weeks of intensive training at Camp Bradford, Norfolk, Virginia. During this time they lived in tents and some of their training was on wooden ship mock tips. From there they went to Navy Pier In Chicago and remained there until about September 7 when the ship was ready for them to go aboard. During that time they were able to enjoy some "outstanding" liberty in Chicago and further their training at the . Great Lakes Training Station.
The day after they boarded the ship the trip down the Illinois and Mississippi rivers began. A river ferry crew commanded by Lt. E. M. Jacobsen was employed to navigate them to New Orleans. The LST 639 crew was to assist them and to begin to know the ship and how things worked on it. Traveling south they had a short lay-over of about 2 hours at St, Louis, Missouri which gave the crew an opportunity to mail letters, but no leave was granted during the trip. They passed by the cities of Memphis, Vlcksburg, and Natchez. This trip was described by Riley Hammond as being picturesque and scenic and described by others as a "nice trip".
The arrival at New Orleans was quickly followed by the ship's commissioning on September 14 at the Naval Station, Algiers, Louisiana, then a shake down cruise on the Gulf of Mexico. During this training period one LCVP sank in the surf and was recovered by the crew. They then returned to New Orleans for Inspection, repairs and additional fitting out and liberty for the crew. Then on October 16,1944 the ship proceeded to Gulfport, Mississippi where trucks were loaded on and the crew again enjoyed liberty.
The BIG day, October 19,1944 LST 639 left the United States and sailed for the Panama Canal. Arrival there on October 24 at Coco Solo was followed by another liberty for the crew. Three days later LST 639 and other ships in the convoy transited the Panama Canal. When all the ships were passed through the canal and the convoy was formed they began a month long journey across the Pacific Ocean. On November 3,1944 a seaman from LST 595 died and was burled at sea. A very sobering experience for everyone.
On November 7,1944 at 117 degrees the LST 639 crossed the equator and crew members were initiated into "Solemn Mysteries Of The Ancient Ortier Of The Deep", King Neptunes realm, and earned their "Shellback" certificates. This was an unforgettable experience for the men. November 24,1944 the first sight of land since leaving the Panama Canal as they passed by the Ell ice Islands. November 27 they arrived at Espirltu Santos in the New Hebrides Islands. On December 2,1944 they were enroute from Espirltu Santos heading for Manus Island In the Admiralty Islands. On the way they passed the "Infamous" Guadalcanal, New Georgia and Bouganville. Hard battles had been fought to gain control of these islands for the Allies. Their December 9 arrival at Manus Island was followed on December 10 with an "Air Alert" while some of the crew were on shore watching a movie. The crew observed the Christmas holidays during their stay at Manus Island. Other ships In the area at this time were the battleships, Pennsylvania, Montana, Mississippi, West Virginia, Maryland, California and the one that was to become very famous later, the Missouri. The Admiralty Islands was a training and staging area for the final asssult on the Philippines and LST 639 remained in this area until January 16,1945. They left Manus Island with LST 595 and LST 722 and arrived at Hollandia, New Guinea on January 18 where they discharged cargo and took on supplies. On January 22, 1945 they sailed from Hollandia to Blak Island In the Shorten Islands, a part of what was known then a* Dutch East Indies, arriving there on January 25. The next day troops were loaded. It was also a day all the crew remembers because that day there was a fire in the galley of the ship.
On January 26,1945 the ship sailed to Windy Island and on to Biak where they remained for 3 days loading 255 tons of TNT and troops of the 41st Infantry. On January 29 they were again at sea heading for Leyte in the Philippine Islands. This destination was predicted by Tokyo Rose In a radio broadcast on February 3. They arrived at Leyte on February 5 and left there on the same day heading for Mindoro, also In the Philippines. On February 8th they arrived at Mindoro and remained there until February 13 when they sailed again to Leyte. The Journey Page 2
On February 15,1945 they arrived at Tacoloban, Leyte, Philippine Islands where they picked up the 32nd Infantry and replacements for the 41 st Infantry. Leaving there on February 20th they headed back to Mlnoro. On tha way there, on February 21, one of the ships In the convoy, the DJ). Renshaw, was torpedoed and had to go back to Leyte for repairs. The remainder of the convoy arrived back at Mlnoro on February 22 and the 639 remained there until February 27 when they joined other ships taking part In the Invasion of Palawan, also in the Philippine Island group. They arrived March 1 at Peorto Princessa and were greatly relieved that the Japanese had fled to the hills. They anchored in the harbor for the night and left Palawan on March 2 to return to Mlnoro where they remained until March 6. They sailed from Mlnoro on March 6 enroute to the Llngayen Gulf, Luzon, Philippines. From March 10 until March 15 In the Llngayen Gulf, they endured nightly air alerts at around 2100 hours. On March 15 they left Llngayen to participate in the Invasion of the island of Panay arriving there on March 18 to find that the Japanese were bombing the city of Hollo Iloilo.
Following the invasion of Panay, they left on March 19 to return to Llngayan Gulf and arrived there on March 22 where they again were under an air alert. The ammunition dump was hit by Japanese planes and burned all night. March 24, they left Luzon, Philippines with supplies for Panay. On March 26 the supplies were delivered to Panay and on the 30th of March they set out to sea for the invasion of the Island of Negros. They arrived at Negros 22 hours after the initial invasion and learned that the enemy was trying hard to hold onto the island, and that there was too much coral for a landing on the beach. They remained in that harbor until April 1 when they left to go to Leyte. From April 3 until April 7 they were at Leyte and from there, they returned again to Panay. This time they saw some of the Philippine natives and were able to communicate with them and do some trading. John Branch made a note in his diary that he spoke with a school teacher during this visit. On April 10, they left Panay going to Mlnoro. Arrived on April 11 at Mlnoro and left there on April 13 to take three tanks to Cebu City. When they arrived at Cebu City on the 15th of April they found lt had been devlstated by bombs and fighting was still going on in the hills surrounding the town. They returned to Leyte on April 16 and remained there through April 25th when they set out for Hollandia, New Guinea.
The ship arrived at Hollandia, New Guinea on May 4,1945 and left the following day for Milne Bay. At Milne Bay they took on pontoons and a load of CB' s. On May 16 they left Milne Bay, New Guinea and sailed for Cairns, Australia arriving there on May 18. They then loaded amphibious vehicles and Australian troops intended for the invasion of Borneo. They left Calms, Australia on May 26 and encountered a typhoon on their way to Milne Bay. When they arrived at Milne Bay, New Guinea the storm damage to the pontoons had to be repaired. They spent the month of June, 1945 In and around Blak and Morotai taking part in training for the coming invasion of the island of Borneo.
July 1,1945 was "D" day at Ballkpapan, the last major invasion of the war. Following heavy air and Naval bombardment, the LST 639 was In the first wave to go In to the beach. Over 300 Naval vessels were Involved In this effort. During the landing a B-24 Liberator Bomber went down just about 200 feet off the stem of the 639. LCVP's from the ship were able to rescue some of the crew from the plane. Other ships also picked up survivors. All those who left the plane were rescued and the plane went down In just a few minutes. On July 2 the ship headed for Morotai arriving on July 5. They spent the next few days loading Australian troops and left there on July 9 to return to Ballkpapan, Borneo. July 22, the ship left Ballkpapan taking a group of 15 Japanese prisoners to Morotai. Some of the prisoners were wounded. From Palawan to Ballkpapan the 8th Army using the 7the Fleet had conducted 14 major and 24 minor landings in only 44 days.
On August 5,1945 the first atomic bomb was dropped on the city of Hiroshima. On August 8,1945 a second atomic bomb was dropped on the city of Nagasaki. On August 9, the ship left Morotai heading for Blak and on this trip they learned about the surrender offer. On August 10,1945 the Japanese had offered to surrender. By August 15, the terms were worked out and the war was ended. Frank Calautti, the radioman on duty said the message came through plain, not garbled as other radio messages were. For Riley Hammond it was the best memory of his time on the 639. The Journey Page 3
On August 13 the ship left Blak and arrived at Manila on August 21. The bay was littered with sunken vessels. The crew was granted liberty and discovered that most of the city had been destroyed In the battle. It had been defended by over 20,000 enemy troops and nearly all of them had been wiped out in the month long battle for the city. An amount equal to the number of Americans killed and wounded In the battle for Iwo Jlma In February, 1945. On August 27 they left Manila to return to Leyte where they arrived on August 30, Ihey remained there until September 13. During this time the engines were repaired.
On September 2,1945 Tokyo time, the formal surrender was signed on the deck of the battleship the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay. Our friend, who was there, was amazed at the small stature of the Japanese officials. The Japanese asked only that their emperor, Hlrohlto should be left on the throne of Japan, The allies agreed, but made lt clear he would be a mere puppet acting under the orders of the allied supreme commander. (From Encyclopedia Americana)
Riley Hammond In his summary said "At a designated time, all the ships In the harbor fired pyrotechnics and flares. This was a rather spectacular display of fireworks." John Branch said In his diary entry "It's VJ Day. We shot rockets around midnight. They sure were a pretty sight."
Now a far less frightening part of the journey would begin. The ship would serve to help with the job of returning displaced persons to their homelands. On September 5 they had their annual Military Inspection by the Commander of the LST 934 and on September 13 left Leyte heading for Okinawa. On September 14 an Impending typhoon would cause them to make a 180 degree turn to avoid the storm. They would later learn that the typhoon devastated Buckner Bay, Okinawa. September 15 found them returning to their course for Okinawa arriving there on September 20. On September 24 they left Okinawa with a load of troops and sailed for Korea. They arrived at Jinsen, Korea on September 28 and the crew had liberty there before leaving on October 7 to return to Okinawa. On October 10 they were hit by a typhoon with waves 40 to 50 feet high Some seasickness was experienced by the crew. They arrived at Okinawa on October 11 and left there on October 18 to go back to Korea. On October 22 they arrived at Jinsen, Korea leaving there on October 25 heading for the island of Saishu. On October 27 at Salshu they took on some 1400 Japanese troops and left Immediately for Japan. Two days later they were at Sasebo, Kyushu, Japan and remained there until November 2 when they sailed for Okinawa. Arriving there on November 4, the crew received some long awaited mail. They took on a load of troops and headed again for Korea. November 10 found them again In Korea and on November 14, they sailed for China arriving there on November 16. On the way there another danger appeared in the form of a mine. Although lt was spotted, lt was lost from the sight of the crew and they were unable to destroy lt.
November 20,1945 found them at Tslngtao, China where the crew had their first liberty In China. They stayed there over the Thanksgiving holiday and left on November 29 to take 112 Marines to Taku, China. They arrived at Taku on December 1 and left there one week later on December 6 heading for Chlnwangtao, North China. From December 7 through December 9 they loaded 1,000 tons of flour and then headed for Taku where lt took three days for the Chinese to unload the flour. On December 18 they tied up beside LST 729 and loaded 980 Japanese civilians and 28 soldiers. One Japanese woman fell overboard and was rescued by two Japanese soldiers. December 19 they headed for Sasebo, Japan. The next day a baby died and was buried at sea. Rough seas caused some of the passengers to be seasick. December 22 another baby died and was burled at sea. On December 23, they arrived at Sasebo and they remained there over the Christmas holiday. Leaving there on December29 they took a load of Koreans to Kunsan, Korea arriving there on New Year" s Day.
They remained at Kunsan until January 5,1946. January 7 they arrived at Taku and did not leave there until January 22 when they headed for Sasebo, Japan. They arrived there on January 26 and left on January 28 to return to Taku. The Journey Page 4
On February 1,1946 the ship arrived at Taku, China and left there on February 2 to go to Shanghai. They arrived there on February 6 and stayed there until February 14 when they sailed to Hong Kong. On February 18 they arrived at Hong Kong and left there on February 22 to go to Chinwangtao. From March 1 through March 29 they went back and forth from Chinwangtao to Shanghai. On March 29 they left Shanghai and arrived at Haiphong, Viet Nam on April 5. On April 7 they left Haiphong and went back to Chinwangtao, then on to Hulutao and back again to Shanghai.
In May, 1946 LST 639 returned to Manila and on June 1,1946 she was decommissioned. On May 11, 1946 the official records of the crew ended. The last crew members remember leaving the ship In Sublc Bay which Is bounded on one side by the infamous Corregldor Peninsula. This Is on the opposite side of Corregldor from Manila Bay.
On September 16,1947 LST 639 was struck from the US Navy List of Ships and on December 5,1947 it was sold to the Bosey Co. In the Philippines. No further official records are available.
In July of 1956, Charles Sams, a younger brother of Harry Sams, was on duty with the U S Marines In Japan and LST 639 was anchored in Tokyo Bay and manned by a crew of Japanese sailors. She had served her country well in war and was then fulfilling a new mission, of peace.
LSTs served In every invasion of the war LST 639 Loaded ready to go
Seven LSTs were lost at Pearl Harbor
George Brown submitted the following Information.
More sailors served on LSTs than any other branch of Naval service in WWIL
1000 LETTs Crew of 120 120,000 Sailors 300 Destroyers 300 90,000 20 Battleships 4,000 80,000
,ixi Mat
USS General George M. Randall The ship on which many of the crew returned to the USA. Many years later It would transport a young singer named Elvis Presley to Germany for his tour of duty. The Operations orUSS LST 639 Submitted by John Carlson
23 Sept. 1944 New Orleans, Louisiana 24 Sept. 1944 Panama City, Florida 6 Oct. 1944 Panama City, Florida 8 Oct. 1944 New Orleans, Louisiana 16 Oct. 1944 New Orleans, Louisiana 16 Oct. 1944 Gulfport, Mississippi 19 Oct. 1944 Guhport, Mississippi 25 Oct. 1944 Panama Canal Zone 27 Oct. 1944 Panama Canal Zone 27 Nov. 1944 Espirltu Santos, New Hebrides 2 Dec. 1944 Espirltu Santos 9 Dec. 1944 Manus Island 16 Jan. 1945 Manus Island 18 Jan. 1945 Hollandia, New Guinea 22 Jan. 1945 Hollandia 25 Jan. 1945 Blak Island 26 Jan. 1945 Windy Island 26 Jan. 1945 Blak 29 Jan. 1945 Blak 5 Feb. 1945 Leyte, Phi llpplnes 5 Feb. 1945 Leyte 8 Feb. 1945 Mindoro, Philippines 13 Feb. 1945 Mindoro, Philippines 15 Feb. 1945 Leyte 20 Feb. 1945 Leyte 22 Feb. 1945 Mindoro 27 Feb. 1945 Mindoro 1 March 1945 Palowan, Philippines 2 March 1945 Palowan 4 March 1945 Mindoro 6 March 1945 Mindoro 10 March 1945 Llngayan, Philippines 15 March 1945 Llngayan 18 March 1945 Panay, Philippines 19 March 1945 Panay 21 March 1945 Llngayan 24 March 1945 Llngayan 26 March 194S Panay 30 March 1945 Panay 31 March 1945 Negros, Philippines 1 April 1945 Negros 3 April 1945 Leyte 7 April 194S Leyte 9 April 1945 Panay 9 April 1945 Panay 10 April 1945 Mindoro 13 April 1945 Mindoro 15 April 1945 Cebu, Philippines 15 April 1945 Cebu 16 April 1945 Leyte 26 April 1945 Leyte 4 May 1945 Hollandia 5 May 1945 Hollandia 9 May 1945 Milne Bay, New Guinea 16 May 1945 Milne Bay 18 May 1945 Cairns, Australia The Operati ons of USS LST 639 Page 2
26 May 1945 Calms, Australia 31 May 1945 Milne Bay 3 June 1945 Milne Bay 8 June 1945 Blak 9 June 1945 Blak 12 June 1945 Morotai 26 June 1945 Morotai 1 July 1945 Ballkpapan, Borneo 2 July 1945 Ballkpapan, Borneo 5 July 1945 Morotai 9 July 1945 Morotai 14 July 1945 Ballkpapan, Borneo 22 July 15*45 SNMcpatpsBX, Borneo 27 July 1945 Morotai 9 Aug. 1945 Morotai 12 Aug. 1945 Blak 13 Aug. 1945 Biak 15 August 1945 Japanese surrender 21 Aug. 1945 Manila 27 Aug. 1945 Manila 30 Aug. 1945 Leyte 13 Sept. 1945 Leyte 15 Sept. 1945 Executed a 180 turn to avoid a typhoon 20 Sept. 1945 Okinawa 24 Sept. 1945 Okinawa 28 Sept. 1945 Jinsen, Korea 7 Oct. 1945 Jinsen, Korea 11 Oct. 1945 Okinawa 18 Oct. 1945 Okinawa 22 Oct 1945 Jinsen, Korea 25 Oct. 1945 Jinsen, Korea 27 Oct. 1945 Salshu To 27 Oct. 1945 Salshu To 29 Oct. 1945 Sauaobo, Kyu.hu, Japan 2 Nov. 1945 Sasebo, Kyushu, Japan 4 Nov. 1945 Okinawa 6 Nov. 1945 Okinawa 10 Nov. 1945 Jinsen, Korea 14 Nov. 1945 Jinsen, Korea 16 Nov. 1945 Tientsin (Taku), China 18 Nov. 1945 Tientsin, China 20 Nov. 1945 Tslngtao, China 29 Nov. 1945 Tslngtao, China 1 Dec. 1945 Taku, China 7 Dec. 1945 Chinwangtao, North China 9 Dec. 1945 Chinwangtao 10 Dec. 1945 Taku 19 Dec. 1945 Taku 23 Dec. 1945 Sasebo 29 Dec. 1945 Sasebo 1 Jan. 1946 Kunsan, Korea 5 Jan 1946 Kunsan, Korea I Jaata. lOHaj Xastau 22 Jan. 1946 Taku 26 Jan. 1946 Sasebo 28 Jan. 1946 Sasebo OPERATIONS USS LST 639 Page 3 lFeb. 1946 Taku 2 Feb. 1946 Taku 6 Feb. 1946 Shanghai 14 Feb. 1946 Shanghai 18 Feb. 1946 Hong Kong 22 Feb. 1946 Hong Kong 1 March 1946 Chinwangtao 2 March 1946 Chinwangtao 5 March 1946 Shanghai 12 March 1946 Shanghai 15 March 1946 Chinwangtao 18 March 1946 Chinwangtao 21 March 1946 Shanghai 29 March 1946 Shanghai 5 April 1946 Haiphong, Viet Nam 7 April 1946 Haiphong 18 April 1946 Chinwangtao 18 April 1946 Hulutao, North China 19 April 1946 Hulutao 23 April 1946 Shanghai
John Carlson's records ended here. On April 30,1946 he transferred to the USS Orvetta for his return home.
March 10,1945 at Llngayan Gulf
' >- •-
— ,i re c X BORNEO (INDONESLV) INVASION Juiy 1,1945
On June 26,1945 a 300 ship US Navy Task Foi-ce weighed anchor at Moratat, a small island In the remote eastern part of Indonesia and west of the dp of Dutch New Guinea, and headed for the Makassar Strait to invade Japanese held Ballikpiipan, Borneo. We had trained for weeks on these landings and were loaded with the ti-oops and equipment of the Royal Australian 7th Army which our LST Flotilla of 25 ships had picked up recently in Cairns, Australia. Though this was the ! St 639'« fourth invasion, it was the first time that we would be going in on the first wave and we had reason to be tense. Borneo is the (bird largest island in die world after Greenland and New Guinea. It had about 4 million inhaitants. The Japanese invaders occupied and fortified most of the coastal sections of the island.
Planing and training for an amphibious operation Is probably the most difficult branch of military preparation. Ii never approaches perfection because the units employed connot be trained as a team. No one base is big enough to hold them all. It's an operation requiring the most detailed planning and the finest sense of timing.
Early detailed photographic air reconnaiseiice is necessary. Diversionary air strikes ami ship bombardment must be conducted on other nearby enemy strongholds for days before the invasion of the actual target. Ships, aircraft and submarines must all receive orders with duties detailed and outlined with specific time frames designated. All segments must know how to get to their assigned positions in orderto perform their specific tasks.
All this has been accomplished and our 300 ship Task Force is steaming into the Makassar Straits headed for Balikpapan under the cover of darkness. Tills is it "D-Day"! The weather is favorable. The preliminary air strikes had set some big oil dumps on fire. In the gray dawn one could vividly see and hear the bombardment from the big ships. Every fourth shell was a tracer shell and left an orange-red streak across the sky so the gunnery officer could see where it was going. We'd see a fireball at the gun muzzle, then a large puff of smoke, out of which came this pencil line of orange tracer streaking across the sky.... and so many seconds later we'd hear tlie big boom. It was fascinating...but scarry also. You knew when those shells hit something, it would be blown to bits.
One of the B-24's doing support duty bombing was hit and was having engine trouble. The pilot flew the plane around emptying his tanks, he gave his crew the option of parachuting and being picked up by a Navy ship or staying with the plane as he'd try to land in the water. The beachhead was not yet secure and there was the possibility or being shot while descending. Tne plane made B beautiful descent and in it's final glide hit the water about 200 feet from the stem of the 639. All the ships In the area had their small boats ready for rescue. When the plane's tali hit the water, it flipped over and in a matter of minutes it sank. To my knowledge the crew members that remained with the plane wuva saved.
The following day I went ashore with the LCVP crew and what do you know? There was a Salvation Army Tent serving coffee and donuts.
Tills was written by Chester W. "diet" Mallns on 11 July,2003, Executive officer of LST 639 at the time. After WWII Chet continued to serve in the Naval Reserve for 31 years and retired as a Captain on I July 1973.
Credits: To John Branch S lc of the LST 639 crew. He gave copies of a personal log he kept while on hoard to members of the crew at our reunion in Charleston, S.C. on 22 May 1981.
and to; Samuel E. Morrison, a renown historian, for facts taken out of his Two Ocean War- A Short History of the US Navy in WWII. Morrison was an Admiral in the US Navy Reserve. LST-639 at Okinawa October 11 -18,1945
+ A captured Japanese Hospital ship in Moratai, July 28, 1945. All tiie patients had false bandages. They were actually troop replacements to the islands.
All the medical supplies cartons when opened contained amnvunitir.il and guns.
Beach operations in Borneo, July, 1945 These photos were submitted by Chester Maiins
Beach operations in Borneo, July 1, 1945 Naval attack group under R. Adm. A. G. Noble, consisting of some 300 ships made amphibious landings at Ballkpapan. LST 639 was in the first wave.
I ,< rVP Landing Craft Vehicle and Personnel The LST-639 had four of these. Capacity was 26 fully armed soldiers. This picture shows an LCVP landing troops ashore during amphibious operati View from the bow-hookman's position Before Harry's 70th birthday I sent letters out requesting that his friends and family send a letter back with a "memory" for a greeting for him. One of the letters came from Chester Maiins. Even after all those years had passed his letter caused chills. Here is what he wrote.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Harry, As you reminisce about your naval service during WWII, the USS LST 639 must appear foremost in your thought s. Of the medals and ribons that you earned during those exciting and sustained months of duty, the Battle of the Philippines must be the most dramatic.,,.,., for which you earned the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with a bronze star and the Philippine Presidential Unit Citation.
Die Philippines are an island country In the southwest Pacific Ocean 7,800 miles west of California. It's rugged mountains rise above die thick jungles and green plains of the more than 7,100 ti-oplcal islands. Land of the Caraboo, coconuts, rice and sugar..., also fine mahogany, gold, p and much fishing.
Japan initiated it's carefully planned takeover of the Philippines on Dec. 10,1941, just, three days after Pearl Harbor, with two landings on Luzon. With our Pacific Fleet crippled at Pearl Harbor, OUT tired, sick and poorly equipped soldiers and sailors fought valiantly, but had to surrender. About 35,000 combat troops and 25,000 civilians were taken prisoner. By March '.942, the Japanese controlled die Pacific from Manchuria to Australia widi very little resistance. Harry, you had just passed your I6di birthday at this time.
Three years later, on March 22nd, 1945 die USS LST 639 sailed into Llngayen Gulf, Luzon and soon had it's bow beached on the shore and began off-loading it's military cargo. Then followed the most exciting and traumatic hours in the colorful history of the LST 639. in the European Theater Italy had already signed an armistice and Germany was within two months of a complete surrender (May 8th). In die Pacific Theater, dm Japanese were "on die run". Most of tile Philippine Islands were under allied control. As the 639 sat beached in Llngayen Gulf, the startling news came our way. "Enemy aircraft heading our way! Sound General Quartersl" Wow! The whole harbor was packed with mostly US ships. Orders came rapidly. Make Smoke. Every available smoke making device was hurriedly put into action ine hiding die cj39'i: smoke puts. Soon die harbor was one big, husjS cloud. One couldn't even see the ship alongside. You could hear aircraft roaring back and forth overhead. This was vei-y confidence shattering as just before we were enveloped in total smoke, we spotted two Japanese fighter/bombers. Every aircraft battery, including die 639, in die harbor took a pot shot at them. What a spectacular display of tracer bullets streaking across the sky. There was no evidence of a hit.
At desperate as die Japanese now were and widi die many atrocious things they had committed thus far, there was great fear dial they would resort to their gas warfare capability. Hiis was an ideal situation. Hundreds of ships clustered in a harbor enveloped in a huge cloud of manu factured smoke. So, the order came thru for everyone to wear their gas masks until further notice. Now if ever diere was a time when one needed die solace of prayer, this was die time. We were sitting diere helplessly couldn't see anything. Hie roaring of aircraft overhead continuing from both far and near. We heard big booming explosions....like bombs bursting Where??....fortunately they sounded a little distance away. Oh, these gas masks... are they ever uncomfortable... is there really poison gas in all this foggy smoke? Wow! Please, Dear God, help us live thru this.
After two of the seemingly longest hours of our lives...hours of fear and apprehension... of suffering the sweaty and itchy constraints of die gas masks, orders finally came thru that it was safe to take them off. Oh! Thank you, Dear God...no poisonous gas. As die wind started blowing away die dense smoke, word came thru that the Japanese objective was to blow up the large central ammunition supply dump which they had hurriedly abandoned in their retreat. These were the earth shaking explosions we had heard earlier. Their bombing mission was n success. The burning and explosions, like a spectacular 4th of July fireworks display, continued for about three days. Thank God that we are still here on this good old earth, 51 years- later, to reminisce about our World War Two naval service years on the good old USS LST639.
Happy 70di Birthday. Harry, 31, Dec. 1995 Chet Maiins Dear Naomi,
Ihopediis will do. Chet
Harry read this letter more than once.
The following is from a letter Chet sent to Vivian Steurnagel following Carl's passing. Though Carl had never been sick, while vacationing with his wife in Canada, he had a heart attack in their hotel room and died at the age of 58.
"hi September of 1945 Carl and I enjoyed a pleasant stroll ashore one afternoon In Jensin, Korea. We were filled with curlousity by an ornate oriental entrance to a Japanese garden, lite winding, rocky path took us up a hill to an unexpected clearing and a large oriental house. Before we could catch our breatii a sliding door opened and a low-bowing Japanese was inviting us inside.
Our minds were still filled with the treacherous deeds of the Japanese soldiers during the war. So, it was widi some reluctance and hesitation that we placed our shoes alongside numerous others on the stairsteps and went inside. We were In die home of the President of the Bank of Korea in Jensin,
Another time previous to Korea, Carl, Dr. Bussee (die ship's doctor), and I took a long day's hike into the interior of the island of Morotai (Dutch East Indies), where we planned to do some trading at a native village and also visit a Dutch Hospital Colony. It was a long, dusty, thirsty, unfruitful hike. Our first food since breakfast was at an Aussie Army Field Camp. They were limited In rations, but the Sgt. gave us one can of large sardines in mustard and oil and a thin slice of rye broad for each of US. We sat on a large log we found on the beach and hungrily ate die food. We sopped up the mustard oil with the bread and licked our fingers."
Chet further explained "Dr. Arthur E. Busse, Lt. MC was a character and just had to go inland trying to find this Dutch Hospital. Carl thought it might be Interesting and came along. We hiked through bad trails...about 15 or 20 miles. AH we got at the hospital was a glass of waterfront an old fat Dutch nurse. We were hot, exhausted, AND hungry. The Aussie's didn't have food to feed us. We missed evening chow on board the LST. What an adventure!" MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION
Winston Churchill once said "The destinies of two great empires seem to be tied up with some Goddamed things called LST s".
"D" Day for Mindoro was labeled "N" Day. 30 LST s, the battleships West Virginia, Colorado, and New Mexico were involved in the invasion landing on December 15,1944 along with many other support vessels. The Island of Mindoro is about 58 miles wide by 110 miles long. For this Invasion, over 16500 men and 27,600 tons of equipment were taken in. An additional 5,100 men and 16,800 tons of equipment were brought In during the resupply phase. It was believed the Japanese had a strong force there. Later it was determined that they had only 500 men on the island. The rest had been evacuated beforehand.
During the first 30 days there were 334 air alerts.
In mid December 1944 the Japanese controlled 70 airfields In the Philippines with approjdmately 405 planes. By mid January only 47 planes were left to be evacuated. Their Kamikaze tactics and allied air raids had destroyed the rest.
General MacArthur's favorite ferryboat was the light cruiser Nashville. It was hit by Kamikaze and had to return to Leyte Gulf.
This Information is from the book "The Liberation of the Philippines" by Samuel Eliot Morrison.
At some point in the journey, the ship acquired some uninvited and very unwelcome " enemies". They moved into the galley and created problems for the cooks by multiplying at a furious rate In the tropical heat. Crew members onboard at that time all tried to dispose of them, butfinally surrendered. This enemy started as "bugs" in the flour and ended as "raisins" in the bread. The men have often spoken of them at the reunions.
More than one explanation has been offered as to how the crew obtained an Army jeep. They managed to repaint it and "hide" lt on the tank deck. When the ship had to prepare for an official Navy inspection, the Jeep had to go. Two former crew members have "confessed" to taking part in the disposal.
A number of the men have expressed how much they enjoyed the "liquid refreshments" that were " cooked" on the ship. One former crewman has admitted to taking part in that operation. I have revealed his Identity in the hope that, at this time, there Is no way for him to be punished.
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She gave it to her brother who took lt to a place called Cack's and although they could tell lt was names, they could not enlarge lt enough to make lt readable. She and her brother also tried the Upjohn Company, and the Kalamazoo Library. It was old and needed out-dated machinery to enlarge and print it. The following January, Floyd Crow, Jr. came home to visit with them and took the microfilm back with him to Wibey Naval Base. He was Anally able to find the proper equipment to reproduce the microfilm and In March of 1986 his wife Linda brought lt back to Michigan. He said the copies would soon fade and lt would need to be typed as soon as possible. There are about 126 pages. At the reunion in October, 1986 Art Bright asked if he could have the film and I gave it to him. This year I have finally typed the information and included It In this booklet. Most of the copies were extremely difficult to read, and with some it was Just impossible. Please keep this In mind as you read through the records. The following is a list of the names of the crew as recorded In the National Archives records. This Is a copy or a page from the official records from the National Archives microfilm VVl •at- * .alul- V to,, .. «5 I? "a .s « 8 6C to 1 _\M si T • « i m '-a r ; :!' fits jtBOUAF, MORRIS #371798 Ensign Transferred from Camp Bradford, Norfolk, Va. and came on board September 27,1944. He served in the position of supernumerary and later relieved Ira Robbins as gunnery officer. He remained on board until January 28,1946 when he left the ship at Sasebo, Kyushu, Japan for his return to the USA for discharge. hi our effoi-ts to contact him we learned that he had passed away as a result of a massive heart attack at the age of 38. ADAMS, HAROLD FRANKLIN F 2/c October 9, 1944 Received from Phib Tra Base, Soloman, Maryland December i, 1944 Rated F 1/c January 1,1945 Rated Em 3/c February 10, 1945 Transferred to LCT-1257 ALLEN, GERALD GENE #577-30-55 S 1/c Came on Board December 6,1945 from the USS Tutulla He rosldes in Austin, Texas ALLEN, LLOYD ERVIN #313-83-21 S 2/c Enlisted April II, 1944 Came on board September 14,1944 December 1,1944 Rated S 1/c February 19,1945 Transferred to LST 635 April 3,1945 Returned from LST 635 July 1,1945 Rated Cox January 28,1946 Transferred to Poit Director Sasebo, Japan for return to USA He and his wile Diane have built a solar heated and cooled home in the mountains near Seligman, Arizona. ALVAREZ, GUY SIDNEY #557-15-45 F 1/c Enlisted January 10,1944 Came on board September 15,1944 December 13,1944 Transferred to USN Base Hospital #15 December 19,1944 Returned from Base Hospital January 1,1945 Rated MOMM 3/c June 13,1945 Transferred to Navy #936 ANDERSEN, ROBERT JAMES #944-26-31 S 1/c EnlistedMarch21,1944 Came on board September 14,1944 December 1,1944 Rated QM 3/c November 27,1945 At Tsingtao, China, Transferred to USS Minneapolis for return to USA He and his wife Ann often attended the reunions, sometimes with the aid of his son Arthur. Robert passed away in December, 2000 and Ann died the following year. ARlVijaJO.RTJDYZENORA #553-84-79 S 1/c Came on board December 6,194S from USS Tutulla May 10,1946 Transferred to LST 634 FFT USA He wrote once that old LST sailors never fade away, they Just pull up the ramp and secure the doors. He offered a "Well Done" for efforts in organizing the reunion and wished everyone "smooth sailing and a following sea". Rudy made his home in El Paso, Texas until his death in April, 1983. ATKINS, BURTON BAILEY, Jr. #635-37-54 S 1/c Enlisted March 31,1944 Came on board September 14,1944. March 28,1946 Cox TransfeiredtoUSSOrveijUFFTTJSA. & BADDTNG, RAPHAEL #307-33-48 S2/c October 16,1945 Received from USNRS 3256 BADER, JOSEPH FREDRICK #814-97-56 Sl/c October 16,1945 Received from USNRS 3256 March 28,1946 Transferred to USS Orvetta to USA BAJfllSH,JAMES #923-99-65 Sl/c January 28,1946 Transferred to Port Director, Sasebo, Japan FFT USA BAKER, LEROY ALBERT #283-94-68 S2/c Enlisted March 11,1944 Came on board September 14,1944 July 1,1945 Rated Sl/c January 1,1946 Rated Cox TJ March 28,1946 Transferred to USS Orvetta to USA BAKER, ROBERT EDWIN #950-10-95 S2/c October 16,1945 Received from US NRS, NOB, Navy 3256 February 1,1946 Rated Sl/c BARGER.WILLARDWASHINGTON #928-86-76 Sl/c October 16,1945 Received from USNRS 3265 February 26,1946 Transferred to USS Winged Arrow FFT USA BARTLEY,WHalJAM MHaLER S2/c October 9,1944 Received from Phlb Tra Base, Soloman' s Maryland February 10,1945 Transferred to LCT1257 BARNES, MARVIN EUGENE #668-85-32 SG 3/c Enlisted June 22,1942 Came on board September 14,1944 December 1,1944 Rated SG 2/c October 7,1945 Transferred to USS Hampton APA 115, FFT USA BARRErr, JAMES JOSEPH #606-98-66 GM3/C Enlisted June 29,1942 Came on board September 14,1944 December 1,1944 Rated GM 2/c October 7, 1945 Transferrud to USS Hampton APA 115, FFT USA BEGLEY.JULIOUS #958-71-94 S2/c Enlisted April 12,1944 Came on board September 14,1944 December I, 1944 Rated S 1/c January 14,1945 Transferred to USS Wakefield BELL, GEORGE EHLER 286936 Ensign Received October 10,1944 From Camp Bradford, Norfolk, Va. BENNINGTON, LAMOIN C. #661-10-95 S2/c January 1,1946 Received from Com LST Grp. 103 & Com 5th Fleet BERGE, DONALD L. #387-52-58 S 2/c December 26,1945 Received from COM LST grp. 103 & COM 5th Fleet BIANCHim, FELIX JOHN #951-87-74 S2/c Enlisted March 15,1944 Came on board September 14,1944 December 1,1944 Rated S 1/c June 28,1945 Disrated S 2/c Captains Mast October 1,1945 Change of rate to F 2/c January 28,1946 F 2/c Transferred to Port Director, Sasebo, Japan FFT to USA BIGGSON, ROBERT WESLEY February 10,1945 Transferred to LCT-1257 BINGIIAM,HANBABBERS MoMM 1/c May 15,1945 Received from 111th Naval Construction Bat. for Temp. Duty June 26,1945 Transferred to 7th Australian Division (Temp. Duty) BISHOP, CLIFFORD E. #948-52-57 October 9,1944 Received from Pen & Tra Com (SS) RepBase, N.O. La. February 26,1945 Disrated to AS - Deck Court July 1,1945 Rated S 2/c March 28,1946 Transferred to USS Orvetta FFT - USA BLACKERBY, MORRIS #435358 Ensign March 24,1946 Received from Com. 7th Dispatch BOAL, ROBERT GATLEY, JR. #361669 Ensign September 11,1944 Received from US Naval Hospital, Memphis, Tenn. September 27,1944 Received from ATB Camp Bradford, Norfolk, Va. January 14,1946 Transferred to USS Wakefield (PA-21) Trans, to USA BOLTON, CARL J. #672-41-95 S2/c December 26,1945 Received from COM LST Grp. 103 & Com. 5th Fleet January 1,1946 Rated F 2/c May 10,1946 Transferred to USS-LST 634 FFT-USA BOWLER, JOSEPH THOMAS #924-70-81 S2/c Enlisted April 19,1944 Came on board September 14,1944 July 1,1945 Rated Sl/c January 1,1946 Change of rating F 1/c February 1,1946 Rated MOMM 3/c March 28,1946 Transferred to USS Orvetta FFT USA BRADY, ROBERT L. #258374 Lt. (j.g.) February 11,1946 Received from USS Orvetta Com Task Unit 70.23 March 29,1946 Transferred to USS LST 559 BRANCH, JOHN HENRY #924-71-49 S2/c Enlisted April 20,1944 Came on board September 14,1944 December 1,1944 Rated Sl/c January 28,1946 Transferred to Port Director, Sasebo, Japan FFT to USA BRANNEN, ROBERT FRANCIS #616-70-83 S2/c Enlisted April 25,1944 Came on board September 14,1944 December 1,1944 Rated S 1/c March 28,1946 Transferred to USS Orvetta to USA BRANSON,ROBERT Sl/c October 9,1944 Received from Phlb Tra Base, Soloman's Maryland January 1,1945 Rated QM 3/c BREOKENRIDGE, HARRY DENNIS #956-78-71 S2/c Enlisted March 11,1944 Came on board September 14,1944 December 1,1944 Rated Sl/c October 1,1945 Rated RdM 2/c Nov.mb.r 11,1945 MOMM 2/c Trnufsrrsd to USS Kane to USA He wrote In October 1979 that we were the first contact he had from any of the crew since he left ihe ship. Our letter WH» fpnrardod to him from Smith™ 11», Mo. to Man, Aria. BisiKlNHOLT, HARVEY COWLEY #660-84-30 F 1/c February 9,1946 Received from Com Task Unit 70.23. May 10,1946 Transferred to USS LST 634 FFT USA BRIGHT, ARTHUR PAUL #857-13-52 December 1,1944 Rated GM 2/c September 1,1945 Rated GM 1/c (T) November 11,1945 Transferred to USS Kane FFT - to USA BROWN, GEORGE MAYNARD #119474 Lena, Came on board September 14,1944 Served as Captain January 14,1946 Transferred to USS Wakefield (PA-21) Trans to USA BUDDIAS, GEORGE ANDREW #249-77-41 Fl/c February 9,1946 Received from Com Task Unit 70.23 March 28,1946 Transferred to USS Orvetta FFT USA BUNNERY, RICHARD WASHINGTON #928-33-38 S 2/c January 1,1946 Rated Sl/c BUSHEY, AIJcTOED #952-54-10 S2/c Enlisted May 5,1944 Came on board September 14,1944 December 1,1944 Rated F 2/c July 1,1945 Rated EM 3/c September 6,1945 Transferred to USNRS - Navy #3964 FFT Classification Center Receiving Station, San Francisco, California (School) BUSSE, EDWIN ARTHUR Lieut. (MC) May 13,1945 Received from LCL (L) Flotilla Eight BUTALA, PETER PAUL, Sr. #959-29-62 S 2/c Enlisted April 11,1944 Came on board September 14,1944 December 1,1944 Rated Sl/c May 1,1945 Rated SC 3/c November 1,1945 Rated SC 2/c November 11,1945 Transferred to USS Kane FFT to USA BUTLER, WILLIAM EUGENE #759-03-15 Sl/c (GM) September 6,1945 Received from LST Flotilla #22 Flag USS LST 632 CAIaAUTTI, FRANCIS MCODEMUS #610-49-00 Sl/c Enlisted August 25,1943 Came on board September 14,1944 December 1,1944 Rated RM 3/c October 1,1945 Rated RM 2/c March 11,1946 Transferred to USS Orvetta FFT to USA C_ALLAWAY, SAMUEL THEODORE #313-60-82 F2/c February 9,1946 Received from Com Task Unit 70.23 March 28,1946 Transferred to USS Orvetta FFT-USA CARLSON, JOHN ERIC Jr. #331690 Ensign D USNR Came on board September 14,1944 Served as Stores Officer April 30,1946 Transferred to USS Orvetta FFT USA CARTER, DAVID BENNETT #622-03-36 MOMM 2/c June 11,1945 Received from LST 632 October 30,1945 Transferred to DD-389 for FFT USA CHIPKO.PAUL #709-12-61 Cox Enlisted February 17,1943 Came on board September 14,1944 February 11,1946 Transferred to USS Orvetta FFT to USA CHRISTOPHER, HAROLD DAvTD #930-66-47 Sl/c Enlisted January 21,1944 December 1,1944 Rated GM 3/c July 28,1945 Transferred to USN Hospital #15 Navy 3205 CLEMENS, WILLARD ELLSWORTH #872-22-45 F 1/c Enlisted November 3,1943 Came on board September 14,1944 October 13,1944 Transferred to USN Hospital, New Orleans, La. COLE, LEO HAROLD, Sr. #945-13-70 S2/c Enlisted May 10,1944 Came on board September 14,1944 December 1,1944 Rated SF 3/c April 1,1945 Rated SF 2/c October 25,1945 Transferred to APA FFT USA 0 Leo came to the first reunion and seemed to enjoy himself. CONOVER, RAYMOND KENNETH #224-69-31 BM2/C March 8,1946 Received from Com Task Unit 70.23 May 10,1946 Transferred to USS LST 634 FFT USA CORTOPASSLROYULLYSSIS Ensign DL-USNR December 31,1945 Officer In charge of LCT-1257 Listed as a passenger to Mandus Island. COOMER, ROBERT MORRIS #890-74-90 RT3/C June 26,1945 Received from LST Flotilla #22 Temporary Duty CRESSY, HAROLD WARREN #867-13-07 RM2/c January 13,1945 Received from Con Ser For 7th Fleet May 1,1945 Rated EM 3/c April 25,1946 Transferred to USS Orvetta FFT USA Harold wrote some long letters explaining his reasons for being unable to attend the reunions. He farmed over 280 acres alone and still managed to care for his ill mother. CROW, FLOYD ALBERT #623-13-01 GM 3/c Enlisted July 20,1942 Came on board September 14,1944 December 1,1944 Rated GM 2/c October 7,1945 Transferred to USS Hampton APA 115 FFT USA DABIN, Alexander S2/c October 9,1944 Received from Phlb. Tra. Base, Solomon's, Maryland DABORTTZ, Kurt, Walker S 2/c #408-73-12 Enlisted April 21,1944 Came on board September 14,1944 December 1,1944 Rated S 1/c November 11,1945 Transferred to USS Kane to USA DAMON, George Edward MOMM 3/c #378-18-78 March 11,1946 Received from Com Task Unit 70.23 May 10,1946 Transferred to LST-«34 FFT USA DAVIS, Alexander February 10,1945 Transferred to LCT-125? DAVIS, Edward Albert, Sr. S2/c #947-43-12 September 6,1945 Received from LST 632 February 21,1946 Transferred to USS Winged Arrow FFT to USA DAVIS, Guy Clifford, Jr. Ensign #309666 October 8,1944 Received from Camp Bradford, Norfolk, VaJJ December 26,1945 Transferred to Port Director, Sasebo, Kyushu, Japan For FFT to USA DELUCCIA, Frank #708-35-20 Sl/c Enlisted April 26,1943 Came on board September 14,1944 December 1,1944 Rated Sl/c December 1,1945 Rated EM 2/c February 1,1946 Transferred to USS Orvetta to USA Frank was the fl rst to return the form letter letting us know he was Interested In a reunion. His letter was recleved September 26,1979. DEJMINICO, Albert John #285-51-61 S 1/c Enlisted October 29,1943 October 19,1944 Came on board from USN Dlsp. Train. Station, Gulfport, Mississippi DEPRIEST, WILLIAM BRYAN S2/c October 9,1944 Received from Phlb Tra. Base, Solomon's Maryland December 31,1945 Promoted to Lieut, (j.g.) February 10,1945 Transferred to LCT -1257 DEYINNEY, Fredrick Thomas #405-25-69 BM2/c Enlisted December 23,1941 Came on board September 14,1944 January 1,1945 Rated BM 1/c November 27,1945 Transferred to USS Mhmiapolis to UST DILLON, Carl Eugene #941-32-08 S2/c Enlisted April 19,1944 Came on board September 14,1944 December 1,1944 Rated Sl/c February 1,1946 Rated Cox March 28,1946 Transferred to USS Orvetta to USA DOWDAL, Robert Lava #727-27-49 S2/c Enlisted April 5,1944 Came on board September 14,1944 December 1,1944 Rated Sl/c March 28,1946 Transferred to USS Orvetta to USA DREXLER, Carl Albert #952-29-98 S2/c Enlisted April 20,1944 Came on board September 14,1944 December 1,1944 Rated S 1/c March 28,1946 Transferred to USS Orvetta to USA DRZEW1EOCL Joseph Alfred #806-47-04 VVc Enlisted February 19,1944 Came onboard September 14,1944 December 1,1944 Rated MOMM 3/c July 1,1945 Rated MOMM 2/c March 28,1946 Transferred to USS Orvetta to USA DUVAL, Francis Warren #57341-73 S2/c September 6,1945 Received from LST-632, Flotilla #22 January 1,1946 Rated S 1/c He remained on the ship until it was decommissioned on June 1,1946. ETT, HERBERT #910-40-97 S 1/c (RT) February 9,1946 Received from Com Task Unit 70.23 EIJ.JOTT, MATTHEW FLETCHER, Jr. #836-10-79 Sl/c Enlisted October 27,1943 Came on board September 14,1944 December 1,1944 Rated SM 3/c October 1,1945 Rated SM 2/c December 19,1945 Transferred to LST 856 to USA ENGLAND, WILBUR JOE #888-73-68 S2/c December 6,1945 Received from USS Tutulla January 1,1946 Rated SL/c February II, 1946 Transferred to USS Orvetta FFT USA ESKRIDGE, HARLAN DAVIED #24449-36 SC3/c Enlisted October 27,1942 Came on board September 14,1944 November 1,1944 Received from ATC Camp Bradford, Norfolk, Va. October 7,1945 Transferred to USS Hampton to USA FENDER, MERLIN DONALD #894-77-59 FC3/c Enlisted November 12,1943 Came on board September 14,1944 November 11,1945 Transferred to USS Kane to USA FAGER, CHARLES RICHARD #379-42-25 Sl/c February 9,1946 Received from Com Task Unit 70.23 FLAGG, JAMES A. #409914 Ensign March 25,1946 Received from Commander Task Unit 70.23 GARBER,J.W. Lt.JG September 22,1944 Received from Panama City, Florida GATEWOOD, STEWART OGAN #613-70-72 S 2/c Enlisted April 25,1944 September 18,1944 Came on Board from USN Hospital at New Orleans October 13,1944 S 2/c From Pers & Tre Com (SS) Rep Base N.O., La. December 1,1944 Transferred to USN Base Hospital #15 January 2,1945 Received from ase Hospital #15 January 1,1946 Change of rate F 1/c March 28,1946 Transferred to USS Orvetta to USA GIBSON, ROBERT THEODORE #618-14-54 PhM3/c Enlisted January 15,1942 Came on board September 14,1944 February 19,1945 Transferred to LST - 404 April 17,1945 Received from Navy Hospital #17 October 7,1945 Transferred to USS Hampton FFT USA GJXE, ROBERT WILLIAM #306-78-62 S2/c Enlisted April 20,1944 Came on board September 14,1944 December 1,1944 Rated S 2/c March 28,1946 Transferred to USS Orvetta FFT USA GROMOIJJ, WTLLIAM FRANK #806-47-30 F 1/c Enlisted February 19,1944 Came on board September 14,1944 July 28,1945 Transferred to USN Dispensary Navy 936 GUELFF, JOHN ALBERT, JR. #860-22-29 F 1/c Enlisted March 9,1944 Came on board September 14,1944 April 12,1945 Disrated Phm 1/c Deck Court September 1,1945 Rated F 1/c November 27,1945 Transferred to USS Minneapolis FFT to USA GUZZO, SAMUEL #898-44-60 EM 2/c (T) September 23,1944 Received from ATB Camp Bradford, Norfolk, Va. December 1,1944 Rated F 1/c to EM 3/c September 1,1945 Rated EM 2/c (T) January 14,1946 Transferred to USS Wakefield HAGGERTY, EDWARD J. #410093 Ensign March 25,1946 Received from Commander Task Unit 7053 BAKSC£, LOUIS A. #372141 Ensign March 23,1946 Received from Commander 7th Dispatch HAMILTON, JOHN BRIGHT, JR. #783-80-32 GM3/c April 26,1946 Received from Commander Task Unit 7053 May 10,1946 Transferred to LST 636 for duty HAMMOND, RILEY GREEN #575^49-67 GM3/c Enlisted January 27,1944 Came on board September 14,1944 May 1,1945 Rated GM 2/c March 28,1946 Transferred to USS Orvetta FFT to USA 1 HARVtOa.WTLLIAM BRYANT #835-94-42 PhM3/c Enlisted September 6,1943 Came on board September 14,1944 April 1,1945 Rated PhM 2/c April 6,1945 Transferred to USN Med. Supply Depot, Navy 128 HEBJaKT, WOODROYV JOSEPH #644-49-29 GM3/C Enlisted May 18,1942 Came on board September 14,1944 January 1,1945 Rated GM2/c November 11,1945 Transferred to USS Kane FFT to USA HEINLEN, WILLIAM a #371066 Ensign Came on board September 14,1944 September 6,1945 Transferred - Commander, Destroyers US Pacific Fleet (Duty) HELGREN, WILLIAM PRESTON #804-63-81 Sl/c September 6,1945 Received from LST Flotilla 22 (flag USS LST 632) IHEIJJGREN, ROY BRUNO #712-14-63 Sl/c Enlisted December 16, 1943 Came on board September 14,1944 January 1,1945 Rated GM 3/c March 28,1946 Transferred to USS Orvetta FFT USA HENLEY, BOYLE CALVIN #980-69-82 Sl/c February 9,1946 Received from Com. Task Unit 7053 HENTHORN.JOHNBROUGHTON #941 -52-94 S2/c Enlisted May 31,1944 Came on board September 14,1944 December 1,1944 Rated S 1/c July 1,1945 Rated Cox December 19,1945 Transferred to LST 856 FFT to USA HEYL,MCa"HARD FANNING #700-40-23 QM3/c Enlisted December 11,1942 Came on board September 14,1944 January 1,1945 Rated QM 2/c March 11,1946 Transferred to USS Orvetta FFT to USA HODGES, JOHN EDWARD, JR. #932-03-68 S2/c Enlisted April 25,1944 Came on board September 14,1944 July 1,1945 Rated Cox December 19,1945 Transferred to LST 856 FFT to USA HOLLAND, EDWARD LEWIS #863-71-66 St 2/c (T) December 16,1945 Received from USS Tutulla January 28,1946 Transferred to Port Director Sasebo, Japan FFT to USA Edward made his home In Evansville, Indiana until his death on May 11,2002. His wife Eva remains on the mailing list. HOYLE, CECIL ALBERT #860-03-92 F 1/c Enlisted January 8,1944 July 1,1945 Rated MOMM 2/c October 25,1945 Transferred to APA FFT to USA HUTCHINSON, JOHN #958-72-73 S2/c Enlisted April 14,1944 Came on board September 14,1944 July 1,1945 Rated Cox JAGrGER, ROBERT KENNETH F2/c October 9,1944 Received from Phlb Tra Base Soloman' s, Maryland February 10,1945 Transferred to LCT1257 JENARY, MAX JOHN #952-57-72 S2/c Enlisted May 9,1944 Came on board September 14,1944 July 1,1945 Rated Cox December 19,1945 Transferred to LST 856 FFT to USA JENKINS, HOWARD LEWIS #978-39-77 BM3/c April 3,1945 Received from LST 635 May 1,1945 Rated S 1/c (RM) October 1,1945 Rated RM 3/c (T) February 11,1946 Transferred to USS Orvetta FFT to USA JENSEN, PAUL WILLIAM #451978 Ensign April 30,1946 Received from Coram. Task Unit 70.2.3 JOHNSON, HERBERT HAROLD #758-10-70 S2/c Enlisted April 1,1944 Came on board September 14,1944 March 13,1945 Transferred to USS LSM #54 JOHNSON, HILDING GOTTFRIED #643-54-36 F 1/c Enlisted February 19,1944 Came on board September 14,1944 February 19,1945 Disrated Captains Mast July 1,1945 Rated MOMM 3/c December 1,1945 Rated MOMM 2/c March 28,1946 Transferred to USS Orvetta FFT to USA JOHNSON, WARNER SWAIN #639-18-10 Bkr2/c October 15,1945 Transferred to USS Sumner for duty JORDAN, HAROLD ALLAN #205-30-87 SC3/c Enlisted December 9,1942 Came on board September 14,1944 April 5,1945 Transferred to USS Hospital ship Refuge JUROSCaHEK, JOHN #958-72-73 Cox October 25,1945 Transferred to APA FFT to USA JUROSHEK, FERDINAND GEORGE SF 2/c April 3,1945 Received from LST 635 August 25,1945 Transferred to Navy 3142 FFT to USA for discharge KOLBITS, GEORGE NICHOLAS #875-74-70 S2/c March 26,1946 Received from Comm Task Unit 7053 KORDEYS, JOSEPH FRANK Sl/c #955-80-76 Enlisted May 8,1944 Came on board September 14,1944 June 12,1945 Transferred to US Navy Dispensary #936 September 10,1945 Received from USN Base Hospital #15 via USNRS Navy #3205 March 28,1946 Transferred to USS Olvetta FFT USA KUTZ, RUSSELL IRWIN *819-68-57 WT3/c Enlisted November 23,1943 Came on board September 14,1944 July 1,1945 Rated WT 2/c November 11,1945 Transferred to USS Kane FFT to USA LEE, RAY SHANK #262-87-76 PhMl/c April 6,1945 Received from USN Receiving Station #128 November 25,1945 Transferred to LST 1050 for Duty on USS Feshora IaETBAL, JOHN VINCENT #250-94-12 S2/c Enlisted October 1,1943 Came on board September 14,1944 July 1,1945 Rated Sl/c March 28,1946 Transferred to USS Olvetta FFT USA LEONARD, JESSY GABLE #847-89-42 F 1/c October 15,1945 Transferred to NCB Navy 3256 FFT to USS Sumner for Duty LEONARD. RAYMOND FREDRICK #643-45-63 F 1/c Enlisted November 26.1943 Came on board September 14,1944 January 1,1945 Rated MOMM 3/c June 3,1945 Transferred to Navy 936 LEY, PHILLIP XAVTER #324479 Lieut. (J.g.) October 10,1944 Received from Camp Bradford, Norfolk, Va. USTTNG, WILLARD PETER #816-99-52 QM3/c Enlisted December 18,1943 Came on board September 14,1944 November 1,1945 Rated QM 1/c January 8,1946 Transferred to LST 876 LLOYD,JOSEPHWTLLIAM Sl/c October9,1944 Received from Phlb. Tra. Base Soloman's, Maryland December 1,1944 Rated SC 3/c February 10,1945 Transferred to LCT-1257 LUCE, ICENNETH MARSHALL S2/c October 9,1944 Received from Phlb Tra Base Soloman's, Maryland December 1,1944 Rated Sl/c January 1,1945 Rated Cox February 10,1945 Transferred to LCT-1257 MCFALL, CARROLL STEWART #858-82-57 RDM 3/c February 9,1946 Received from Com Task Unit 7053 March 28,1946 Transferred to USS Orvetta FFT USA l^aATHIS, JOHN DEE a2Q4-64-97 S2/c November II, 1945 Received from Commander Task Force (For Duty) j*UTrOa\,Ia£ROY FRANK #961 75-33 F2/c Enlisted Mai ch 6,1944 Came on board September 14,1944 September 1,1945 Rated MOMM 3/c (T) March 28,1946 Transferred to USS Orvetta FFT USA MEIER, FRANCIS ANTHONY #883-26-48 F 2/c Enlisted August 11, 1343 Came on boai-d September 14,1944 October 25,1945 Transferred to APA FFT to USA IsajOaCHER, WUJJIAM PRESTON #804-63-81 October 1,1945 Rated F 1/c December i, 1945 Rated MOMM 3/c MTT.T.ER, KENNETH #955-46-92 S2/c Enlisted March 23,1944 .ber 1,1944 Received from USN Base Hospital #3 NAB #740 I*OMS, HERMAN LEROY #604 24-59 SKl/c Enlisted February 9,1942 Cante on board SepteuVber 14,1944 August 25,1945 Transferred to USNRS, Navy 3142 FFT to USA for discharge MONFREDO, PHILIP JOSEPH #602-01-53 EMl/c September 23,1944 Received from «1TB Camp Bradford, Norfolk, Va. August 1,1945 Rated BM 1/c August 25,1945 Transferred to USNRS, Navy 3142 FFT to USA for discharge MOONE, JOHN ROGER #717-45-93 S2/c March 26,1946 Received from Comm Task Unit 7053 MOORE, LAWRENCE STANLEY #734-47-87 F2/c March 26,1946 Received from Comm Task Unit 7053 MORAIaES,ESriEVEN"R" #587-22-25 S2/c November 11,1945 Received from Commander Task Force (for Duty) December 24,1945 Transferred to Hospital Ship USS Samaritan MCGOVERN, JOHN SMITH #205-58-47 Phm2/c April 26,1946 Received from Comm Task Unit 7053 May 10,1946 Transferred to LST 634 FFT USA MCGRAW, ISAAC ROSS, JR. #818-10-34 Phm2/c Enlisted July 21,1943 Came on board September 14,1944 April 1,1945 Rated Phm 1/c April 30,1946 Transferred to USS Orvetta FFT USA MCGRILLIS, FLOYD S2/c October 9,1944 Received from Phlb Tra Base Soloman's, Maryland December 1,1944 Rated RM 3/c February 5,1945 Disrated Captains Mast S 1/c February 10,1045 Transferred to LCT-1257 MCKDSNON, HARRY CLAY MOMM 1/c May 15,1945 Received for temp, duty from Naval Construction Bat. June 26,1945 Transferred to 7th Australian Division (Temp. Duty) MACONOOra.STlLTWARTWIIJjIAM #952-34-07 S2/c Enlisted April 24,1944 October 12,1944 Received from Rep. Base, N.O. La. MALINS, CHESTER WALTER #225124 Lt.J.g. October 8,1944 Received from Camp Bradford, Norfolk, Va. November 14,1945 Transferred to USS Eastlund for FFT to USA MASKEL.MELVTNDALE #313-91-33 S2/c Enlisted April 29,1944 Came on board September 14,1944 September 22,1945 Transferred to Hospital Ship USS Repose MATHERN, JOHN STANLEY #247-80-35 F2/c March 26,1946 Received from Comm Task Unit 70503 May 10,1946 Transferred to LST 636 for Duty MATfflESEN, JACOB ALFRED #727-17-78 F2/c Enlisted March 1,1944 Came on board September 14,1944 September 1,1945 Rated F 1/c January 1,1946 Rated MOMM 3/c January 27,1946 Transferred to Port Director, Sasebo, Japan FFT to USA The following men all received from Comm Task Unit 70-2S March 26,1946 MORRIS, WARREN JOHN #307-96-30 S2/c MOYER, DAVID JOHN #247-90-71 S2/c MULLINS, CLARK #929-84-69 S2/c MURPHY, LERAN RAY #875-52-68 S2/c MTJTISCBI.jHji^ROBJaTRTFicJjiNCIS #717-12-91 S2/c NEAL, RONALD LEE #928-42-71 Phm3/c October 15,1945 Transferred to NCB Navy 3256 FFT to USS Sumner for Duty NEIL, CLARENCE MOGLE #929-28-88 F 1/c Enlisted March 24,1944 Came on board September 14,1944 February 10,1945 Transferred to Com LST Flot 22 aboard LST 635 April 3,1945 Received from LST 635 November 11,1945 Transferred to USS Kane FFT to USA NELSON, CHESTER JOSEPH #828-73-33 S2/c Enlisted September 28,1943 Came aboard September 14,1944 November 11,1945 Transferred to USS Kane FFT to USA fs NELSON, HARRY ALVTN #769-54-78 F 1/c March 26,1946 Received from Comm Task Unit 7053 May 10,1946 Transferred to LST 636 for Duty Nttl \KVt YIV.U, FRAMCT.TN AT.T.FiV #898-41-72 S 1/c Enlisted March 16,1944 Came on board September 14,1944 May 1,1945 Rated RDM 3/c March 28,1946 Transferred to USS Orvetta FFT to USA NICHOLS, ROBERT JOSEPH #481-00-27 S2/c March 26,1946 Received from Comm Task Unit 7053 NICHOLSON, FRANCIS VINCENT #811-31-29 MOMM2/c Enlisted July 2,1943 Came on board September 14,1944 January 1,1945 Rated MOMM 1/c Octoer 25,1945 Transferred to APA FFT to USA NICOSIA, MICHAEL #724-71-99 S2/c March 26,1946 Received from Comm Task Unit 70.2.3 May 10,1946 Transferred to LST-72 for Duty NOLAN, FRANCIS JOSEPH #728-55-04 S2/c March 26,1946 Received from Comm Task Unit 705.3 May 10,1946 Transferred to LST-72 for Duly NORBITS, GEORGE NICHOLAS #875-74-70 F2/c March 26,1946 Received from Comm Task Unit 705.3 May 10,1946 Transferred to LST 636 for Duty NORRIS, BFJSJAMTN FRANKLIN Sl/c October 9,1944 Received from Phlb Tra Base, Soloman's, Maryland December 1,1944 Rated GM 3/c February 10,1945 Transferred to LCT-1257 NORRIS, CLIFFORD MITCHELL #843-06-«3 Cox October 15,1945 Transferred to NCB Navy 3256 FFT to USS Sumner for Duty NURMBERGER, MARVIN L. Ensign May 15,1945 Received for Temp. Duty 111th Naval Construction Battalion June 13,1945 Transferred to 7th Australian Division (Temp. Duty) NYBERT, JOHN WARREN #855-92-60 HA 1/c April 22,1945 Received from USNRS Navy #3149 November 1,1945 Rated PHM 3/c November 12,1945 Transferred to USS Zaurak FFT to USA O'TOOLE, ROBERT THOMAS #285-74-24 S2/c Enlisted April 10,1944 Came aboard September 14,1944 December 1,1944 Rated S 1/c October 1,1945 Rated SG 3/c March 28,1946 Transferred to USS Orvetta FFT USA OLLER, WILLIAM THOMAS #875-72-89 S2/c March 26,1946 Received from Comm Task Unit 70.23 OLMSTEAD, LLOYD VVTLLIAM #315-59-10 S2/c March 26,1946 Received from Comm Task Unit 7053 May 10,1946 Transferred to LST 72 for Duty ORR, KENNETH CnHARLES #785-46-40 S2/c March 26,1946 Received from Comm Task Unit S 2/c ORAVEC, ROBERT GEORGE #750-54-32 S2/c March 26,1946 Received from Comm Task Unit S 2/c OWT, FRED CaHARLES #717-45-27 S2/c March 26,1946 Received from Comm Task Unit 7053 OWENS, WILLIAM STUART #947-06-59 S2/c March 26,1946 Received from Comm Task Unit 7053 May 10,1946 Transferred to LST-72 for Duty PARKS, THOMAS LEE #581-70-69 S2/c March 26,1946 Received from Comm Task Unit 7053 May 10,1946 Transferred to LST 72 for Duty /}% PATHOLE, ElMER GAERY #708-06-88 F2/c March 26,1946 Received from Comm Task Unit 7053 PASCO, WILLIAM EARL #361385 Lt. (J.g.) February 12,1946 Received from USS Orvetta Comm Task Unit 70.2.3 PAVELKA^IAMES GEORGE #860-52-83 S2/c Enlisted April 22,1944 Came on board September 14,1944 April 25,1946 Transferred to USS Orvetta FFT USA PEARCE, VAL GENE #876-76-22 S2/c March 26,1946 Received from Comm. Task Unit 7053 PEARSON, ROBERT WARREN #958-17-47 F 1/c February 9,1946 Received from Comm Task Unit 705.3 PENCE, ERNEST ALBERT #343-77-77 F2/c March 26,1946 Received from Comm Task Unit 70.23 PERSHINSKY, JOHN JR. #343-77-5 March 26,1946 Received from Comm Task Unit 70.23 May 10,1946 Transferred to LST 72 for Duty PETERSON, JOEL LLOYD, JR. #555-99-47 F2/c Enlisted January 22,1944 Came on board September 14,1944 May i,1945 Bstsi WT 3/c December 23,1945 Transferred to tfSN Hospital Ship USS Samaritan PFAFF, LEROY VERNON #783-58-56 MOMM 3/c May 10,1946 Received from USS LST 635 for Duty PTKE, CHARLES MARTIN #769-35-57 S2/c March 26,1946 Received from Comm Task Unit 7053 POORE, HENRY BARTLETT #672-04-96 GM3/c April 26,1946 Received from Comm. Task Unit 7053 May 10,1946 Transferred to LST 636 for Duty POVICH, ALBERT SIMON Ensign DL June 13,1945 Received from LST-632 PUE,EMMlTT MONROE CTM (AA) (CB) (T) May 15,1945 Received from 11th Naval Construction Batt. for temp, duty June 26,1945 Transferred to 7th Australian Division (Temp. Duty) RAKESTRAW, THOMAS DALE #342-74-09 SF3/c Enlisted December 10,1942 November 1,1944 Received from ATB Camp Bradford, Norfolk, Va. December 1,1945 Rated SF 1/c (T) March 28,1946 Transferred to USS Orvetta FFT USA RALEY, SHELBY #966-13-38 F 1/c Enlisted November 30,1943 Came on board September 14,1944 October 30,1945 Transferred to DD 389 for FFT to USA RAWLS, THOMAS EVERETT F 1/c June 13,1945 Received from LST 632 September 1,1945 Rated WT 3/c REESE, ROBERT POWELL #955-68-08 RT3/c(T) October 16,1945 Received from USNRS 3256 January 27,1946 Transferred to Port Director, Sasebo, Japan FFT to USA REYBURN, THOMAS T. #340937 LT(Jg) April 30,1946 Transferred to USS Orvetta FFT USA ROBBINS.TRA #358229 Ensign October 4,1945 Transferred to USN Hospital Ship USS Mercy March 9,1946 Received from Com Task Grp. 78.12 April 30,1946 Transferred to USS Orvetta FFT USA ROBERSON, LLOYD W. #371349 Lt.Jg March 25,1946 Received from Commander Task Unit 7053 ROBERTS, ALWYN AUSTIN #257-63-28 GM2/c Enlisted July 15,1942 October 13,1944 Received from USN Hospital ROGALA, EDMUND EDWARD #951-30-65 Sl/c Enlisted December 21,1943 Came aboard September 14,1944 January 1,1945 Rated GM 3/c March 28, 1946 Transferred to USS Orvetta FFT USA ROSE, WILLIAM THOMAS #958-88-80 S2/c Enlisted May 5,1944 Came aboard September 14,1944 December 1,1944 Rated Sl/c January 28,1946 Transferred to Port Director Sasebo, Japan FFT to USA RUSSELL, ALFRED VELPEAU #838-59-90 S 2/c Enlisted February 23,1944 Came aboard September 14,1944 December 1,1944 Rated Sl/c January 14,1946 Transferred to USS Wakefield RUSSO, LOUIS JOSEPH #908-23-77 S2/c Enlisted April 3,19443- Came on board September 14,1944 January 1,1945 Rated S 1/c RYAN, FRANK #375-74-36 S2/c March 26,1946 Received from Comm. Task Unit 7053 A*° May 10,1946 Transferred to LST 632 for Duty SAHRa ROBERT WILLIAM #806-28-43 S2/c Enlisted December 13,1943 Came aboard September 14,1944 December 1,1944 Rated Sl/c September 1,1945 Rated SM 3/c (T) March 28,1946 Transferred to USS Orvetta FFT USA fate*? 3*4*. SALATA, MARTIN JOSEPH #311-57-80 EM 1/c Enlisted December 13,1940 Came aboard September 14,1944 SAMS, HARRY RICHARD #949-31-44 S2/c Enlisted March 28,1944 Came aboard September 14,1944 March 23,1945 Disrated to A/S Deck Court July 1,1945 Rated S 2/c March 28,1946 Transferred to USS Olvetta FFT USA SANTOS, LAWRENCE, JR. STM2/C January 21,1945 Received from USS Henry T. Allen May 25,1945 Declared a straggler, records transferred to USS LST 1018 Navy #144 Navy Pars 64C Issued June 2,1945 Received from LST 1018 November 27,1945 Transferred to USS Minneapolis FFT to USA f//mn/ R. SAM$ SAUNDERS, CLYDE ARCHER, JR. #358-16-68 S 1/c SM March 8,1946 Received from Com Task Unit 7053 SAVAGE, JOHN ABNER F 1/c October 9,1944 Received from Phlb Tra Base Soloman' s, Maryland January 1,1945 Rated MOMM 3/c February 10,1945 Transferred to LCT - 1257 SAXON, ROBERT ELMER #560-96-18 S2/c Enlisted January 26,1944 Came aboard September 14,1944 December 1,1944 Rated Sl/c February 1,1946 Rated Cox March 28,1946 Transferred to USS Olvetta FFT USA SCALANANOKS, VINCENT FRANK #225-70-77 S2/c March 26,1946 Received from Comm Task Unit 7053 May 10,1946 Transferred to LST 634 FFT to USA SC3NEIDER, ALFRED JOSEPH #816-13-16 F 1/c Enlisted October 25,1943 November 1,1944 Received from Camp Bradford, Norfolk, Va. October 30,1945 Transferred to DD389 FFT to USA SCHRAGEN, PETER #718-65-14 March 26,1946 Received from Comm Task Unit 7053 SCSROGER, PETER #73fi-iSS-14 S lie QM May 10,1946 Transferred to LST 72 for Duty SCHWARTZ, SIDNEY #816-48-63 F 1/c Enlisted November 27,1943 Came on board September 14,1944 December 1,1944 Rated MOMM 3/c July 1,1945 Rated MOMM 2/c November 1,1945 Transferred to 1X115 FFT to USA SCOTT, JAMES ROBERT #570-24-66 March 26,1946 Received from Comm Task Unit 7053 SCUNZIANO, JOSEPH HENRY #711-93-03 F 1/c October 9,1944 Received from Pers Tra Comm (SS) Rep Base November 1,1945 Rated EM 3/c December 19,1945 Transferred to LST-8S6 FFT to USA SHUCK, ORVILLE ORRIS MOMM 3/c February 1945 Transferred to LCT-1257 SMnH,WrUJcAMKENNETH #281-24-46 S2/c March 26,1946 Received from Comm. Task Unit 7053 SMORON, LOUIS #942-86-76 F 1/c Enlisted December 10,1943 Came on board September 14,1944 February 21,1946 Transferred to USS Winged Arrow FFT to USA SOCHA, FRANK PAUL #615-93-14 S2/c Enlisted November 17,1942 Came on board September 14,1944 December 1,1944 Rated S 1/c May 1,1945 Rated SM 3/c January 27,1946 Transferred to Port Director Sasebo, Japan FFT to USA SOLOMON, DONALD ELWOOD #248-05-72 S2/c March 26,1946 Received from Comm. Task Unit 7053 May 10,1946 Transferred to LST 559 for Duty SONDERS, THOMAS LEROY #294-43-62 S2/c March 26,1946 Received from Comm. Task Unit 7053 SORENSON, KERMTT CHARLES #984-61-46 MOMM 3/c May 10,1946 Received from LST 635 for Duty SPERRY, EARL HENRY, JR. #252-9-1-89 S2/c May 10,1946 Transferred to USS LCM28S for Duty SPRAYBERRY.BHXY HOPKINS #964-89-46 S2/c March 26,1946 Received from Comm Task Unit 7053 STALLING. NATHANIEL #722-17-26 STM 1/c March 11,1946 Transferred to USS Orvetta FFT to USA STATES, HORACE ALAN #252-92-08 S2/c March 26,1946 Received from Comm. Task Unit 7053 STEGALL.RAYVAN #991-11-00 S2/c March 26,1946 Received from Comm. Task Unit 7053 May 10,1946 Transferred to LST 634 FFT to USA STEINHAGE, GEORGE ALBERT #959-27-27 BKR3/c Enlisted March 30,1944 Came on board September 14,1944 December 1,1944 Rated BKR 2/c November 11,1945 Transferred to USS Kane FFT to USA STEURNAGEL, CARL ANTHONY #33875 LT.J.g. Came on board September 14,1944 April 30,1946 Transferred to USS Orvetta FFT USA STEVENS, JAMES COLUMBUS #633-66-84 Cox Enlisted May 20,1944 November 1,1944 Received from ATB Camp Bradford, Norfolk, Va. STEVENS, JULUIS CONE #790-06-39 S 2/c March 26,1946 Received from Comm Task Unit 7053 STOOPS. LLOYD #252-86-97 S2/c March 26,1946 Received from Comm Task Unit 7053 STTOTIaER, LEWIS WESLEY #759-41-94 F2/c March 26,1946 Received from Comm Task Unit 70.23 May 10,1946 Transferred to LST 634 FFT to USA STOVALL, JAMES RALPH #296-22-99 S2/c March 26,1946 Received from Comm Task Unit 70.23 May 10,1946 Transferred to LSIT-634 FFT to USA STmCKLER, LOUIS EDWARD #874-20-58 S2/c Enlisted April 18,1944 Came on board September 14,1944 July 1,1945 Rated Sl/c January 28,1946 Transferred to Port Director Sasebo, Japan FFT to USA TAYLOR, THOMAS EDWIN #561-00-57 S2/c January 13,1945 Received from Con Ser for 7th Fleet April 25,1946 Transferred to USS Orvetta FFT USA THURBER,MARvTNLESLT£ Cox(CB) May 15,1945 Received from 111th Naval Construction Bat. for temp, duty June 26,1945 Transferred to 7th Australian Division (Temp. Duty) TIGHE, JOHN FRANCIS #801-19-61 MOMM 3/c Enlisted December 27,1943 Came on board September 14,1944 January 1,1945 Rated MOMM 2/c October 1,1945 Rated MOMM 1/c November 27,1945 Transferred to USS Minneapolis FFT to USA TINGLER, WALTER THOMAS #283-85-41 Cor March 11,1946 Received from Com Task Unit 7053 May 7,1946 Transferred to USS Kermit Roosevelt TRABUE, LAWRENCE NELSON S 1/c (GM) June 13,1945 Received from LST 632 November 1,1945 Rated GM 3/c (T) January 14,1946 Transferred to USS Wakefield TURNER,JACKS. Sl/c(RM) January 21,1945 Received from USS Henry T. Allen November 27,1945 Transferred to USS Minneapolis FFT to USA VERNEY, EARL JOSEPH #952-29-03 Sl/c Enlisted April 20,1944 Came onboard September 14,1944 October 27,1945 Disrated Captain's Mast March 28,1946 Transferred to USS Orvetta to USA WAGGONER, GEORGE ALFRED #342-32-56 BKRl/c Enlisted November 13,1940 Came on board September 14,1944 December 1,1944 Rated CCS March 28,1946 Transferred to USS Orvetta to USA WAGNER, RICHARD VERNARD #983-30-99 S2/c(SM) March 8,1946 Received from Com Task Unit 7053 WALDEN, JOHN ZACK, SR. #924-65-96 STM3/C Enlisted April 10,1944 Came on board September 14,1944 May 1,1945 Rated STM 1/c September 1,1945 Rated CK 3/c (T) November 11,1945 Transferred to USS Kane FFT to USA f WALDROP, WTLBURN MARSHALL #272-35-45 MOMM 1/c Enlisted July 12,1940 Came on board September 14,1944 August 1,1945 Rated CMOMM (T) March 28,1946 Transferred to USS Orvetta FFT USA WALKER, ELLIS #931-16-46 STM 3/c Enlisted May 5,1944 October 15,1944 Received from USN Hospital New Orleans, La. WALLS, FRANCIS JOSEPH SM2/e September 30,1944 Received from ATB Camp Bradford, Norfolk, Va. December 5,1945 Transferred to USS Teshara WARD, ROBERT HENRY S2/c January 13,1945 Received from Con Ser for 7th Fleet November 1,1945 Rated Y 3/c April 25,1946 Transferred to USS Orvetta FFT USA WATSON, ROBERT E. #433694 Ensign March 24,1946 Received from Com 7th Dispatch WEAVER, BYRON LEO #293-37-24 Sl/c February 9,1946 Received from Com Task Unit 7053 March 28,1946 Transferred to USS Orvetta FFT to USA WETDINGER, ROBERT CHARLES, JR. #285-74-66 S2/c Enlisted April 11,1944 Came on board September 14,1944 November 1,1945 Rated S 1/c March 28,1946 Transferred to USS Orvetta FFT USA WESTERMAN, JAMES FRANKLIN #872-98-03 MOMM 3/c Enlisted August 9,1943 Came on board September 14,1944 January 1,1945 Rated MOMM 2/c October 1,1945 Rated SM 3/c (T) November 11,1945 Transferred to USS Kane FFT to USA WILLARD, CLAYTON HARLOW #343-51-48 Sl/c February 9,1946 Received from Com Task Unit 7053 WILLIAMS, ROBERT ALLAN #6U8-80-89 GM2/c October 17,1945 Received from USNRS 3256 WOLFE, RALPH EDWIN #639-30-37 MOMM 1/c Enlisted September 11,1942 Came on board September 14,1944 August 1,1945 Rated CMOMM (T) August 25,1945 Transferred to USNRS Navy 3142 FFT to USA for discharge WOODCOX, KEITH GORDON #941-29-15 S2/c Enlisted April 10,1944 Came on board September 14,1944 December 1,1944 Rated S 1/c May 1,1945 Rated QM 3/c October 30,1945 Transferred to DD 389 FFT to USA WOOSLEY, HARRISON LEE #958-70-59 S 1/c Enlisted April 11,1944 Came on board September 14,1944 October 30,1945 Transferred to DD 389 FFT to USA WRIGHT, LLOYD EARL F 1/c June 13,1945 Received from LST 632 September 1,1945 Rated EM 3/c (T) May 10,1946 Transferred to USS LST 634 FFT USA YAPPLE, FRED WAYNE #980-92-20 Sl/c December 26,1945 Received from Com LST Grp 103 & Com 5th Fleet YOUNG, EDWARD DEAN #629-96-89 S I/c December 19,1945 Received from USS Tutulla March 9,1946 Rated S 1/c FC YOUNG, FOSTER BROOKS #705-29-01 Y2/c Enlisted November 2,1942 Came on board September 14,1944 October 7,1945 Transferred to USS Hampton FFT USA Z.ACASELLA, SALVATORE ANTHONY #751-14-17 Sl/c February 9,1946 Received from Com Task Unit 70.2.3 ZULLY, JOSEPH JOHN #945-09-38 S2/c Enlisted May 5,1944 Came on board September 14,1944 December 1,1944 Rated Sl/c October 1,1945 Rated MOMM 1/c The "Pet" Crew List Salty and Wafer The Dogs Sam Waitley The Monkey Dick Heyl provided us with his name. Two Ducks Val Pearce remembered the ducks who entertained the crew with their antics when they would become Inebriated. Although it was against the rules to have them, the pets served to take the thoughts of the crew away from the reality of war and it's aftermath and reminded them of more carefree times. ANDERSEN, ROBERT JAMES #944-26-31 Sl/c Enlisted March 21,1944 Came on board September 14,1944 December 1,1944 Rated QM 3/c November 27,1945 At Tslngtao, China, Transferred to USS Minneapolis for return to USA He and his wife Ann often attended the reunions, sometimes with the aid of his son Arthur. Robert passed away In December, 2000 and Ann died the following year. ATKINS, BURTON BAHaEY, Jr. #635-37-54 Sl/c Enlisted March 31,1944 Burton Atkins was bom on Sunday, June 27,1926 and was nearly 18 when he enlisted In the Navy. Following boot training, he was assigned to be a member of the crew of LST 639. He came on the ship with other crew members on September 14,1944. He left the ship on March 28,1946 and transferred to the USS Orvetta for his trip back to the USA On Friday, September 2,1949 he married his sweetheart, Glenna and together they had four children. Through some family circumstances, they raised 17 children, their own plus nieces, nephews and grandchildren. They have 13 grandchildren, 2 great-grand sons and another great-grandchild "coming soon". They make their home In Flatwoods, Kentucky and hosted a reunion there In October, 1996 for 9 crew members and their guests. A total of 25 attended that year. The group enjoyed a picnic at the Atkins home and Glenna served as bus driver for touring the interesting places in the area. Burton and Glenna attend the reunions whenever it is possible and have served the group as volunteer Chaplains. Burton's woodworking hobby has provided many items for the auctions and gifts. BADDING, RAPHAEL #367-33-48 Ray was born March 15,1927 in Carroll, Iowa. His family Includes 5 brothers and 2 sisters. He enlisted in the Navy in March 1945 and received his boot training at the Great Lakes Naval Training Station. He recalls that he traveled on a freighter type ship to the South Pacific where he boarded LST 639 on October 16,1945. His rank was S 2/c and he worked as a machinist and as one of the "cooks" for the liquid refreshment. He remembered that lt was very good. He served to take the captain ashore when that was needed. Also recalled that he helped dispose of the Jeep when lt became necessary. His most frightening time was when they were in the typhoon and he remembered they assisted another ship that was damaged in the storm. He remained on the ship until lt was decommissioned and believes he was the last one to leave her. He then returned to Los Angeles where he served on an LCI until he was discharged on July 29,1947. He and Virginia were married November 27,1954. They have one son, 2 granddaughters, 4 great grandsons, 3 great granddaughters and another on the way. They have made their home In Wauwatosa, Wisconsin and travel at least twice a year to Georgia visit with their family. Ray worked 40 years for a moving company and Virginia worked for AT&T. Since their retirement they spend as much time as possible at their second home on the lake. Ray likes to fish and hunt and Virginia likes to ride her bike, or just walk. He enjoys helping other people with chores large and small and has zero tolerance policy for weeds In his yard. They both said they enjoyed the first reunion and hope to attend another one someday. Virginia sends notes with Christmas cards each year and often says how much they enjoy reading the newsletters even though Ray doesn't remember many of the crew. 9*1 *•.*•• **zt****z attvrsx BARGER, WILLARD WASHINGTON #928-86-76 Willard was born February 22,1916. He came on LST 639 as S 1/c on October 16,1945 and on February 21,1946 was transferred to USS Winged Arrow for his return to the USA for discharge He and his first wife made their home in Brunswick, Maryland. They had 1 son and 1 daughter. He served for 20 years as a town Councilman and for 12 of those years also was Mayor pro-tem. This meant that If the Mayor was unable to perform his duties, Willard served In his place. He was employed by the Southern Railroad. After the death of his first wife in 1974, he married Millie Corun in 1976. They sold the home In Maryland and moved to Florida. They attended several reunions and Willard seemed to enjoy his time with the crew members. Willard enjoyed Ashing, gardening and hunting and held memberships in American Legion, Masonic Lodge and Moose Lodge, Following Willard's death on June 9,1997 Millie changed back to her previous name and has moved to Brasstown, North Carolina. She and her friend keep busy renovating a home in the mountains. She remains on the mailing list. BOWLER, JOSEPH T. #924-70-81 In Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on February 17,1926 two older brothers welcomed Joe to the family. Later a sister would also become part of the family. When Joe went to the Navy he received his boot training at the Great Lakes Training Station at Chicago. He come on board the LST 639 on September 14,1944 and on July 1,1945 was rated S 1/c. January 1,1946 his rating changed to F 1/c and on February 1,1946 it was changed again to MOMM 3/c. On March 28,1946 he was transferred to the USS Orvetta. He returned to the San Diego on the George M. Randall. Joe started working for the Port Authority of Allegheny County In 1948 as a street car operator and progressed to driving a bus in 1954. He worked there until his retirement. After retiring Joe worked part time as helper for a local funeral director. He used to enjoy playing golf, and now enjoys watching others play on TV. Joe and Mary Ann were married .April 26,1952 and they have two daughters, three grand daughters and 2 grandsons. They still make their home In Pittsburgh and he prepares special foods for Mary Ann's gluten free diet. Joe made arrangements for the first reunion at the Holiday Inn Airport near Pittsburgh and he and Mary Ann hosted the group for the reunion in Pittsburgh In 1995. They attended a number of reunions until health related problems made it difficult. BRANCH, JOHN H #924-71-49 John was born on January 23,1926. On April 20,1944 when he was eighteen years old he went into the Navy. Following his initial training, he was assigned to the crew of LST 639. He came on board September 14,1944. On December 1,1944 he was rated S 1/c and he remained on the ship until January 28,1946. On that date he was transferred to the Port Director Sasebo, Japan for his return to USA John attended Buffalo State Technical Institute and also ministerial school. He worked for the railroad for 37 1/2 years from the names Pennsylvania Railroad through Conrail. He served as crew dispatcher. He also worked for 16 years In the ministry serving as many as four Methodist churches at one time. John married Dorothy on July 17,1950 and they made their home In Flnleyvtlle, Pa. and had five children. On September 29,1979 when we first contacted him, he and Dorothy were just leaving the house to attend the funeral for his youngest daughter. He said the timing was just right as he needed some good news then. John had kept a diary during his time on the ship and had typed copies made up. We referred many times to his notes and they were used in making up the history of LST 639. John and Dorothy attended the reunions and John served as Chaplain for the group until his death In 1993. Dorothy attended them until her death In 1996. They were quiet people and Dorothy was always pleasant and courteous. 1 BRIGHT, ARTHUR P. #857-13-52 Art was the first crewman to send his tape. It arrived In July, 2003. He and Eileen borrowed a tape recorder from a friend to tell his story Art and Eileen's families lived next door to each other as they were growing up. During the summer following Eileen's junior year In high school, Art worked at Camp Y Noah and they dated some during that time and during her senior year at school. Art enlisted in the Navy May 18,1943 and following boot training he was assigned to ships out of the Naval Aimed Guard Center at the Brooklyn Naval Station. He had made two trips to the European Theater before he was transferred to Norfolk Training Station. Others transferred at that time were, James Barrett, Harold Christopher, Merlin Fender, Riley Hammond, Floyd Crow, Edmund Rogala and Woodrow Hebert. During the time ART was stationed at Norfolk he obtained a leave and, while at home, he and Eileen were married on May 28,1944. Tney were on their honeymoon when the allies landed at Normandy. Eileen came to Norfolk while the crew trained there. After training at Norfolk, the crew was then transferred to Chicago and she went there with him. While they were still at the shipyard, he took her on board and she was able to have lunch with the crew. She waved to him from the bridge as the ship left Seneca, Illinois to begin the journey. While the river pilot navigated the ship down the Mississippi, Art and other members of the gunnery crew were kept busy unpacking, cleaning, assembling and mounting the guns so they were all ready to fire by the time the ship arrived at New Orleans. On the shake down cruise In the Gulf of Mexico the guns were fired for the first time. While at New Orleans the ship was supplied and commissioned. During a practice landing they approached too close to shore and it was necessary for a tug to pull them back out. They were all leaning bow to do their jobs, Including the Commanding Officer. Art remembered being involved in some lively drinking parties while on leave. One In particular where he was enticed to go swimming. While he was In the water, the other members of the party took his clothes and returned to the ship leaving Art to report back unclothed. He recalls that he was not punished, probably because the very next day they sailed for the Panama Canal. While they were waiting to go through the locks at Panama, Art was sent to the submarine base at Coco Solo for supplies. While he was ashore LST 639 was allowed to go through the canal. A message was left for him to take the next transport and meet them on the other side. So Art went through the Panama Canal on the deck of a submarine. He then returned to the ship and the long trip across the Pacific Ocean began. He remembers that on the way there was a burial for a sailor on another ship In the fleet. Much of what Art remembered Is covered In another part of this booklet covering the Journey. He states that the place known then as Hollandia is now known as Sukarnapura. He also remembered that while they were at Calms, Australia the ship was fitted with large floating steel docks on the side to be used In the Invasion at Ballkpapan. He recalls the Australians asking "got a little sugar, Mate?", for their tea. While at Norfolk, Art had some training as a diver and while at Ballkpapan, the ship's propeller became entangled In a steel cable. Art went down to try to free the ship and found he had to burn the cable off with a torch While doing this he was praying no one would start an engine. He also recalled the officers giving him a "Well Done", a beer, a shot of whiskey, and a promotion to the rating of F irst CI ass for his efforts. Following the landing at Panay, Art and some others found a gallon can, painted Army OD. When they got back to the ship and opened lt they found lt ful 1 of peanut butter. The Army had peanut butter] They obtained a loaf of bread from the galley and began spreading the slices with peanut butter and passing lt out to other members of the crew. He remembers lt tasted pretty good. A well guarded secret on the ship was that there was a swimmimg pool on board. When the tank ramp was up and the bow doors were closed there was an area In between that would fill up with sea water. By going down through the chain locker, you could go down a ladder and get Into the water. When the ship was underway the seawater would come flowing in just like a Jacuzzi. There were ten gunners mates, and Ensign Robins in the Gunnery Division. Their duty was to keep the guns clean and In operative condition. They also maintained the ammunition storage magazines and recorded minimum and maximum temperatures. If repairs were needed they called upon Fred DeVinney as a ship fitter to do the work. They also trained some of the crew to use small arms in case lt would be necessary to defend the ship. After about a year at sea, the gunners mates were also called upon for watch duty , wheel watch, and gangway watch For the gangway watch they were equipped with small side arms. After the Philippine operations the 639 was heading for Okinawa where they were to prepare for the invasion of Japan when they became Involved In a typhoon. The ship was bounced around a lot, but the fleet post office on Okinawa was blown away along with some Navy mail. It was during this time that the surrender of Japan was negotiated and the ship then proceeded to Sasebo, Japan. There, some of the gunners mates had to board Japanese ships and remove the breech blocks from their guns to make them inoperable. Discharging was done on a "point" system and when Art earned enough points, Captain Brown made arrangements for him to return to the USA. The ship was an old World War I attack transport, converted destroyer. It was headed for Philadelphia to be decommissioned at it's home port. Since the ship was In such poor shape, it had to stop at Guam, Wake, Johnson and the Hawaiian Islands for water. It finally arrived at San Diego where it was Inspected and condemmed. All the men had to leave the ship and transfer to a troop train for the rest of the trip home. Art left LST 639 on November 11 and hoped to be home in time for Thanksgiving. By the tune he got back to his home town of Akron, Ohio it was Christmas Eve, 1945. Eileen knew he was In the process of being discharged, she did not know when lt would be done. So, .Art called her from the Goose Town Cafe at the corner and she ran to meet him In the snow. They had Christmas Eve with her family then went to their own home —as a family, finally. Art remembered going ashore for some heavy supplies at Hollandia. There he had to sign out a jeep from the motor pool. He did that, drove to the ship, and somewhere along the way decided it was a good idea to have a Jeep on board. Against the rules, but that's how Art remembers it. 8; $ ^\&^: tii)a>s c ^ c J~ occ-c > 2 2! "e^ ox o _5 .!2 fc "CSJ M1".? _5aLa^Ss.>2!g 4 2B -pL H* ^ 111 *- isS gxgo>..a.I c S>.«3S - a s 3 Sci- g o.m •§ 5 - j? E •.Sa&ji = I Uss £ * s H.'S. D-" 33 2 «i si ? gS-c- Z QO'ro>- 5 w= -^ 8 J. V cx5 « fc -5 3— gljs S 8 « c X ^ o_ o.^ * 0M8.5-.= >g»> Zs.WtW ~" B~Z%% g, Sio 77 . S. fcg JSHHSS^-CUC j-xuffS^jfe i 2s 33 3,-fi U, "1 " s 2- ° =J= 3 H O co a- ., o 0 . llflg IfelEJ flllgt jsS?Sg*-a§a d.ct.r,3ffl 5 5 * o5^S= -c5Fj3- |a«!3s.8B!2vSPr.|lH««x >, o fc co M CJ •= 5P a, OJ Si 1- _ „-* g Su»Ol).SSS H*S«X-? S -0= J->° Ulna-lfiS ! aXJoa Semi Ba Ja flr BROWN, GEORGE M. #119474 Leiut. George was bom December 28,1918 on a farm near Ellsworth, Michigan. His family included 2 brothers August and John, and one sister, Leona. From 1937 through 1941 he attended school at Western Michigan University. In September 1941 he enlisted in the Navy and from January of 1942 until May 1942 he attended the US Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland. From May 1942 until September 1942 he attended Diesel School at Cornell University. From September 1942 until May 1944 he served aboard the Yard Mine Sweeper YMS 259 in the Pacific Theater. In May 1944 he was transferred to Little Creek, Virginia and trained there until September 1944 when he was assigned to serve as Commanding Officer of LST-639. On September 14,1944 he came aboard and remained until January 14,1946 when he transferred to USS Wakefield (PA21) for his return to the USA, George recalls his best times aboard LST 639 were the days on the trip down the Mississippi River. The ferry crew were in command of the ship and he was a "learning" passenger. He declared his worst memory was what he called the "big blow" near Okinawa. A frightening time for all on board at that time, George wrote "All of you know what duty serving aboard an LST in wartime was like. In my case after serving on the YMS 259 it was like going from a Model "T" to a Cadillac. Apparently the Navy was In dire need of minesweepers in the southwest Pacific, so they sent three, small, all wooden ships out there. I was assigned as an Engineering Officer on one of them. These small sweepers were Intended to be used off our coastal harbor and be berthed at night. We sailed on them for two weeks or more at a time before landing at a base. Water was always rationed, showers were with salt water. Lots of sandwiches as we had little refrigeration. When weather was Inclement, we took on water. Our work was sweeping minefields, not really knowing where the boundaries were. Only 3 officers Including the Captain served 4 on and 8 off around the clock. Space was limited on board." He didn't say much about his previous duty to the men of the 639. George met Bobble in Chicago during the time he was being discharged from the Navy at the Naval Training Station. They were married on January 29,1949 and have three sons, Hunter, Craig and Forrest (Woody). Four grandchildren complete the family. From September 1946 through January 1977 he was employed by the Public Schools of Michigan. In June 1953 he earned his M.A. from the University of Michigan. In January 1977 he and Bobbie both retired and now spend their winters In Mesa, Arizona. CALAUrn, FRANCIS N. #610-49-00 "Frank" enlisted in the Navy on August 25,1943 and on September 14,1944 came on board the LST 639. On December 1, 1944 he was rated RM 3/c and on October 1,1945 was rated RM 2/c. On March 11,1946 he was transferred to USS Orvetta for his return to the USA On November 5,1949 he and Celia were married and they had 4 children. Until his retirement, Frank worked for the Postal Service, Frank has had several "turns" of putting out the crew newsletter. He has also served the group as treasurer and often has been assistant auctioneer. The Calauttt's hosted the reunion group in Nashville, Tennessee In September, 1990. They make their home In Albany, New York and have attended most of the reunions. CARLSON, JOHN E., Jr. #331690 John was bora January 22,1924. Both parents were ordained ministers. He enlisted in the Naval Reserves and held the rank of ensign. He came on LST 639 on September 14,1944 and served as Stores Officer until he became Commanding Officer. During the time he was Commanding Officer John recalls that the ship encountered a very bad storm. Over 100 new men had come on the ship and the Chief Pharmacist named McGraw reported to him that the men were on the tank deck and were extremely seasick. At one point they had to turn the ship 245 degrees in the opposite direction to keep from being thrown on tne rocks. In the North China Sea they were dealing with 40 foot tides which would leave them on dry land. John remained on the ship until April 30,19-46 when he was transferred to USS Orvetta to begin his trip back to the USA. John remembered that when tie left tne ship It was to be turned over to the Philippines. Executive officer at that time was Robert Brady. While the ship was still at New Orleans, John had token Laura on board and presented her with an engagement ring. She said it was the only time she was the ship. After he returned to theUSA they were married, on July 28,1946. iohn was in the Naval Reserves for 32 years. During the time of the Korean Conflict he was stationed in the Mediterranean area and Laura was able to be there with their son Eric who was only 6 months old at the time. His lost job while in the Naval Reserves was as an evaluator. It was his duty to talk with every high school student who wanted to go to the Naval Academy- He and Laura had one son, Eric and there are two grandch] ldren. Their son and one grandson graduated from the Naval Academy. The grandson is now a Marine and wants to train to fly the F-18 planes. Laura passed away December 1,1996 after a courageous 10 year battle with cancer. John now works 3 days a week at the Dallas-Fort Worth airport greeting people and helping them find the proper gates for their flights. He enjoys walking and walks 2 miles a day. He also plays bridge 2 nights a week. John was kind enough to send us a copy of the muster list from the LST which helped us a great deal when we were trying to locate crew members. For tbe booklet he sent his record of the "Operations" of the ship, a list of the places and dates where the ship went during the time he was on board. It Is Included in this booklet. CHRISTOPHER, HAROLD DAVID #930-66-47 Enlisted January 21,1944 Harold was on board when the LST-639 was commissioned on September 14,1944. Listed as S 1/c. According to the official records from the National Archives, he was rated as GM 3/c on December 1,1944. He remained on board until July 28,1945 when he was transferred to US Naval Hospital #15, Navy 3205. His wife Bessie remembered that this was because he had a problem with his teeth. Bessie also remembered that he often spoke of Woodrow Hebert and Riley Hammond. Harold attended the second reunion In Charleston, S.C. and enjoyed his time there. He passed away in 1986. Bessie remains on the mailing list. CONOVER, RAYMOND KENNETH #224-69-31 Bom October 1,1921 In South Amboy, New Jersey, Kermey enlisted in the Navy just three days after Pearl Harbor was attacked, on December 10,1941. On January 28,1942 he reported to the training station at Newport, Rhode Island for his boot training. He served at the Charleston Navy Yard at Boston, Massachusetts. From March until December 1942 he was stationed at the Naval Base at Argentla, New Foundland and from December 1942 until February, 1944 he was assigned to serve on the USS Junaluska YT-176 a harbor tug at Argentla, New Foundland. He remembers that on June 6,1942 he met the five Sullivan brothers from the USS Juneau. Jim Borden, an old school chum, was also on that ship. It was lost November 13,1942 at Guadalcanal. May 1943 he was rated Cox and January 1944 was rated BM 2/c. Ken was a plank owner of the next ship he served on, USS Collett DD 730 which was commissioned on May 16,1944 at Charleston Navy Yard, Boston, me snip wnl ch joined Adni. Halsey's fleet was one or tne first destroyers to go into Tokyo Bay on July 22,1945. They were at the battles for Leyte, Luzon, Iwo Jims, and Okinawa. They were on duty guarding the entrance to Tokyo Bay at the time the surrender was signed on the deck of the USS "Mighty Mo" Missouri. He came on board LST 639 March 8,1946 while the ship was at Shanghai, China. His rating was BM 2/c. He remained on the ship until May 10,1946 when he transferred to LST 634 also at Shanghai, China. He went from there to Tslngtao to board LCI 632 and served on that ship earning the rating of BM l/c on June 15,1946. He was discharged on January 28,1948. He was recalled for duty on August 1,1950 during the Korean War. He reported to Philadelphia then to Norfolk and boarded the USS Bayfield Again he went through the Panama Canal to Kobe, Japan and participated in the Inchon invasion, then to Wonsan, Chosen Resovolr and to Puson December 25,1950. Following his service there he was discharged again on September 28,1951 and returned home October 2,1951. Ken earned 18 Medals with 7 battle stars for WWII and 4 battle stars for Korea. The most recent honor was August 20,2002 when he received the New Jersey Distinguished Service Medal. Kenny and Betty were married on June 21,1952 and have made their home in Freehold, New Jersey. They have one son, one grandson and one granddaughter and another grandchild "coming soon" from Guatemala. Following his retirement on November 1,1983 from the 3 M Company, Kenny then worked part time for the Freeman Funeral Home. Kenny was proud to be a member of the following organizations, Elks Lodge, VFW #4374, American Legion #54, Tin Can Sailors, National Assn. Fleet Tug Sailors, USS Collett #730, and an honorary member of USS Davison DD618-DMS37. They have been active members of the "639ers" group and have attended many reunions starting with #3 in Cleveland. Kenny and Betty enjoy traveling as much as their health allows. KOBE, JAPAN-1950 CROW, FLOYD A #623-13-01 Floyd enlisted on July 20,1942 Following his boot training, he attended Gunnery School at the Great Lakes Training Station, then transferred to Booklyn Navy Yard. He was assigned as an anti-aircraft gunner on convoy duty In the Atlantic, European, African and Middle Eastern Areas before being assigned to the crew of LST 639. He came on board September 14,1944. He was rated GM 2/c on December 1,1944. He remained on board until October 7,1945 when he was transferred to USS Hampton APA 115 for his return to the USA. Floyd and his wife Janice built their home in Galesburg, Michigan. One son, Floyd Jr., one • laughter Rebecca and four grandchildren make up their family. They hosted a group of us at their home July 11,1981 for fishing and picnicking. They attended reunions when Floyd's health permitted. He passed away September 3,1986. Janice continues to be an active member of the group. She hosted the reunion In Battle Creek In September, 2001. Janice remains In the family home and enjoys oil painting, swimming, golf, fishing and flower drying and arranging. DOUGLASS, CHARLES WILLIAM LT. J.g. "Bill" was bom February 7,1920 at Fair-filed, Ohio. He entered the Navy in April, 1944 with a direct commission. Trained at Ft. Schyier, New York, and l-ecelved further training at Camp Bradford, Virginia. He served in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater from 1944 thru 1946. He assumed command of LST-639 in January 1946. In February 1946 he boarded PA - 170 for return to the USA. At that time, John Carlson assumed command of LST-639. His best memory ofhis Navy years was that it was a good trip. His worst memory was of the typhoon the ship endured. Following discharge from the Navy, he was employed by the government as a Material Engineer. He Is married to Kathryn and they have two sons, one daughter, and 7 grandchildren, He lists his hobbies as golf and fishing. ROBERT L. DOWDAL S 1/c His story in his own words, received September IS, 2003 Recollections before and on my journey on LST-639. Navy life began on April 5,1944 when I enlisted at the age of 17. My training was boot camp at Great Lakes Training Station, Illinois, then transferred to Camp Bradford Amphibious Training Base. As I remember, the crew was formed at this base and I believe there were 114 in the crew. The crew left Camp Bradford by train to Navy Pier, Chicago and waited orders to board ship which was built at Seneca, Illinois. If I am correct, we boarded the ship at Seneca, Illinois on the Illinois River. We traveled down to the Mississippi River and on to St. Louis and then to New Orleans. As I remember, there was liberty for Port and Starboard crews. Wo loft Now Orlaan. for aholco down ci-uiao in ths. Owlf and if I'm riant, it IBUKKI throo daya. All during that time I was seasick. We returned to New Orleans to be loaded with an LCT on our deck. Our next port of call was Gulf Port, Mississippi where we loaded army vehicles and other machines on the tank deck. From Gulf Port we proceeded with two other LST's to CoCo Solo, the entrance to the Panama Canal. I believe we stayed at CoCo Solo for two days having liberty, then proceeded thru the canal to the Pacific side and out to sea. First stop after 30 days at sea wasEspirutu Santo, part of the New Hebrides Islands. I believe the nejct stop was the Admiralty Islands Bay, and then on to Leyte, Samar in the Philippines. Then on to Mindoro, part of the Philippines. The LCT we had on deck was slid off the ship to be left there I believe we returned to Leyte to reload our ship with army troops and vehicles. These troops and supplies were taken to Panay and Negros Island and landed there to push to the capital of that island, also part of the Philippines. From here on I'm at a loss where or what came next so I can remember where we went. We did go back to Leyte, and to the island of Palawan with some Army troops. Then back to Leyte, I believe, mid we loaded up with cargo and took to Linguyan Gulf for the Army fighting at BaGuio in the Philippines. My recollection is that we left there and stopped in Manilla Bay near the capital. Now things arc a little hazy. I do remember going to Biak Island and to Hollandia, New Guinea. From there we went to Cairns, Australia to pick up Australian troops. Then to Dutch Harbor, Morati, part of New Guinea and on to Ballkpapan, Borneo for the invasion of a Japanese base. Next, I believe we returned to Leyte, Philippines and on to Okinawa as the war came to an end. We unloaded at Okinawa and left for Korea to pick up some personnel and take them back to Okinawa. During that trip to Korea we were in a typhoon. As the war was over with Japan, we made our way from Okinawa and dropped off the personnel at Sasebo, Japan, a Navy Base. From there I believe we picked up some interpreters (Japanese) and left for Saslhu Island where more Japanese troops were waiting to surrender. I believe our Captain Brown would know more than I would since I am just a lowly seaman. We then proceeded to Hong Kong, China, I guess for rest and relaxation. We then proceeded to Tsingtao, China and picked up Japanese soldiers to repatriate to Sasebo, Japan. Then we went to Tslngtao to pick up Nationalist Chinese troops and take them to Chinwangtao, China, up North to engage the Communist army. Again my recollection tells me we went to Tientsin, China. We had liberty and had to take an LCI up the river to the city as our ship was too large and depth of the river was too low. We left from there to Shanghai, China, up the Yangtze river and everyone had liberty. At that time, those who had the most points left the ship . I was one of them. I left a lot of good shipmates but never forgot them in my prayers. He left the ship on March 28, 1946 , transferred to the USS Orvetta for his return to the USA. ROBERT L. DOWDAL My wife's name Is Lorraine and we have three children, Debra, Robert, Jr., and Mark. They are are all married and we have 11 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. I guess I better close for now and hope the Info I 've written is of some use. I am 77 years old and in good health, although my mind doesn't remember. Also, my spelling isn't that good anymore, so please forgive me. Other memories were that he served as bow hookman on the small boat with Robert Saxon. He stated that he learned many "seaman" things from Kurt Daborltz who was an older man who had served during WW1. Remembers that an officer named Davis was a very good officer, but strict. He was deeply impressed with the lifestyles In the countries he visited while in the services. He stayed in the Naval Reserve about 2 years, then went Into the Marine Reserves and served again during the Korean War. One son served In the Navy for about 6 years on a Sub Tender. The other son was in the Marines. His wife Lorraine has experienced a stroke and he keeps busy caring for her and fulfilling other family obligations. He expressed his regret that he was never able to attend a reunion but stated he always has remembered the crew members in his prayers. DREXLER, CARL ALBERT #952-29-98 Carl was born December 15,1925. Went into the Navy April 20,1944 and came on board the LST 639 on September 14,1944. He said he served as a deck hand with the rank of S l/c. Carl clearly remembered the typhoon and was amazed at how fast It happened. On March 28,1946 he transferred to the USS Orvetta then to the George M Randall for his return to the USA. He was discharged from the Navy May 4,1946. He and Virginia were married September 25,1954. Carl built a home In Rockford, Michigan where they raised their seven children. He worked at what he called "shopwork" until his retirement. They both loved gardening and raised much of their own food. Virginia enjoyed doing crafts and beautiful beadwork. They welcomed ua to their home on our way to the reunion in Michigan and introduced us to the vegetable okra. DRZEWIECKI, JOSEPH ALFRED #806-47-04 The Drzewiecki family In New York welcomed Joseph Alfred to their home on Tuesday, August 5,1924. When he was 20 and was drafted, Joe left his family of four brothers and two sisters to report to the Naval Training Station at Sampson, New York. Feb. 19,1944. At the completion of Boot training, Joe then was sent to Camp Bradford, Va. for amphibious training. As a member of the original crew of LST-639, Joe remembers that lt was a "nice" trip down the rivers to New Orleans. He also recalls the initiation ceremony when the ship crossed the equator. The best memory of his Navy years was liberty in Seoul, Korea. While on the ship his job was to serve as part of the engine crew. "Black Gang" he calls it. He recalls that there was a crew of three men on each shift to operate the diesel engines which powered the ship. Joe left the ship on March 28,1946, and was transferred to the USS Orvetta then to the General George S. Randall for his trip home. The ship brought him to the port of San Diego, California in .April, 1944. LST He put his Navy years behind him, and out of mind as much as possible following discharge and was employed for 33 years with a powdered metals company in Buffalo until his retirement in 1979. He and his wife Gertrude had two sons Paul and Kevin and one daughter, Mary. Five grandchildren complete the family picture. Alter Gertrude passed away in 1987, Joe remained in bis home in Cheektowaga, New York. His daughter Mary lives In Toledo, Ohio, his son Paul lives in Molneville, Ohio, and son Kevin lives in Syracuse, New York. He enjoys spectator sports and maintains his membership in American Legion Post #1731 and VFW #6251. He also enjoys playing Pinochle with his friends. He attends reunions when he can with the aid of his tender hearted neighbor, Mary Anne Dee. DUVAL, FRANCIS WARREN #573-41-73 Frank was born August 15,1927 in Hillsboro, New Hampshire. He was the oldest of Ave children. Three sisters and a younger brother completed the family. He says it was great growing up in a small town. Relatives still possess the family home. On August 15,1944, his 17th birthday, Just after completing his junior year at high school, he enlisted In the Navy. He received his boot training at Sampson Naval Training Stati on and following his boot leave was transferred to an Advance Gunnery Training School at Dearborn, Michigan where he was assigned to the amphibious unit for further training. On September 6,1945 as S 2/c he came aboard LST 639 from LST 632, at Leyte. On January 1,1946 he was rated S 1/c. First assigned to work with the "deck gang", he later served as bow hookman on the LCVP. Later still, he became Coxswain of the LCVP with Ray Bedding and Stewart Gatewood as his crew. He remained on the ship until it was decommissioned June 1,1946. He remembers having fun on the ship and on liberty in Hong Kong, Shanghai and other places. Alio remembers having a problem getting started in the mornings which caused him a little trouble. Following his discharge in July, 1946, he returned home and completed his high school education. He attended college for a while until he and some friends decided to go to a warmer climate. After some traveling around the country, he settled in his wife's home town of Lima, Ohio. He and his wife had six children. There are 18 grandchildren, and, as of August, 2003 there are 5 great grandchildren. His wife passed away In December, 1998. Frank still resides in Lima, Ohio. He reports that a stroke In December, 2000 has "slowed him down a little" but he still enjoys playing golf and bridge. ^**~*~* FENDER, MERLIN D. #894-77-59 Merlin was born October 2,1913. He enlisted November 12,1943 and had his boot training at the Great Lakes Training Station. He came on board LST 639 September 14,1944. His job on the ship was fire control in the gunnery division. He said he enjoyed good times with other crew members. His best memories were of the times In Australia and New Zealand. On November 11,1945 he was transferred to the USS Kane to return to the USA. He was discharged on Christmas Day 1945. Merlin and Caryl were married January 3,1934 and had one daughter and three grand children. When he gave us his information, they also had two great-grandchildren. He worked for 41 years at Post Cereals Co. and following retirement, they enjoyed traveling. They were able to visit 56 countries and said that the worst poverty they saw was in India. Merlin liked to play golf. He held memberships In the Masonic Lodge, American Legion and Shrine. Caryl's hobbles Included quilting, crocheting and painting. Merlin and Caryl attended many reunions. He passed away In July 1997 and we have lost contact with Caryl. u.*-H*r GIBSON, ROBERT T. #618-14-54 Robert was bom Jmuary 3,1924. He enlisted January 15,1942. He came on board LST 639 on September 14,1944. He served as PH 3/c. He was transferred to LST 464 on Febraury 29,1945. On jAprll 17,1945 he was received back on the 639 from Navy Hospital #17. On October 7,1945 he transferred to the USS Hampton for his return to the USA. After high school Bob received further training In Air Conditioning, Mechanics, and Tractor Electrical repairs. Until his retirement, he worked for the John Deere Company. Following retirement he assisted an acutloneer as a part time occupation. Robert and Margaret were married December 25,1945. They had six children and there were 11 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. 1 grandchild and 1 great grandchild are deceased. There are 2 more great-grandchildren coming soon. They have made their home In Haze it on, Iowa. He served on the Volunteer Fire Department and enjoyed membership in the Masonic Club and Eastern Star. His hobies included woodworking, fishing, and he was a "rock hound" collecting, cutting and polishing stones for use and enjoyment. Bob and Margaret attended many of the reunions and Margaret served as "clerk" for the group while Bob was the auctioneer's assistant. Margaret's sister Grace Davis often accompanied them to the reunions. Bob passed away on May 25,2002 and Margaret on February 18,2004. They aro missed. GUZZO, SAMUEL #898-44-60 Sam came on board September 23,1944 from Camp Bradford, Norfolk, Virginia. He was rated EM 3/c on December 1,1944 and on September 1,1945 was rated EM 2/c. On January 14,1946 he transferred to USS Wakefield for his return to the USA Sam and his wife Janet made their home near Alden, New York. Their children were, Sally, Diane, Patricia, Joanne, Joyce, John and Mike. Sam enjoyed gardening and canning and freezing the harvest from his garden. Janet enjoyed making ceramic Items and was proud of her work with the Alden Environmental Conservation Commission. Janet created the information questlonaire which enabled us to learn many things about crew members, birthdays, anniversaries, etc. The Guzzo's attended several of the reunions. It seemed that Sam was always smiling. They both seemed to enjoy their time with the group. Janet died February 17,1992 after a valiant battle with cancer. Sam remained In their home until his death In August, 1997. They have been greatly missed. HAMMOND, RILEY G. #575-49-67 Enlisted January 27,1944 Riley was bom December 18,1925 near Columbia, South Carolina. The family also Included two sisters. He enlisted in the Navy on January 27,1944 and received his boot training at the Naval Training Station, Jacksonville, Florida. He remembers It as being a shortened version and he was then transferred to Gunnery School at Balnbridge, Maryland Training Station. He came on board LST 639 on September 14,1944. On May 1,1945 he was rated GM 2/c. On March 28,1946 he was transferred to the USS Orvetta while It was on the Yangtze River at Shanghai, China. From there to the USS General George M. Randall and arrived at San Diego, California hi May, 1946. Riley served in the Naval Reserves and trained as a diver. He did a great deal of underwater exploration. He retired with the rank of Lelut. in August, 1973. His best memory Is of about Midnight on August 14,1945 when Frank Calauttl announced that the war was over. When asked about the worst memory his reply was "most of the rest of lt". He and his wife Virginia had two children and 4 grandchildren. After Virginia passed away, he married Frances, two times. Once In a "mock" ceremony at the LST 639 reunion and again in a more serene ceremony on November 21,1992. They make their home in Lexington, South Carolina and have been kept very busy helping to raise a little grandson. They enjoy traveling and camping. Frances loves gardening and cooking. Riley contributed a great amount of help In searching for crew members and also put a lot of time and effort into plans for the first reunion and researching the ship history. He then hosted the second reunion In Charleston, South Carolina TUMMOND.RTLEYG. #575-49-67 The foHnwlng picture was submitted by Riley August 21, 2004. It was taken in 1972. V HEBERT.WOODROWJ. #644-49-29 Woody was born August 10,1921. His family Included 7 brothers and 3 sisters. One brother was so tiny he was not expected to live, but survived and grew up to be a priest for a time. When he wanted to enlist Woody first tried to be in the Marines, but that did not work out. He succeeded m enlisting in the Navy on May 18,1942. From his home in Louisiana, he was sent to San Diego, California for his boot training, then to San Francisco for Gunnery School. The first ship he served on was called a "Liberty Ship", The Francis Parkman. On this ship he went through the Panama Canal and on to New York to join a convoy headed for the North Atlantic. They were warned they would be in sub- Infested waters with no escort. A number of the ships in the convoy were lost to German torpedos on that trip. The next ship he served on was the Joshua Alexander, also a Liberty Ship. During the trip to the North Atlantic several ships from that convoy were also victims of German submarines. Woody recalled that It was so cold they had to wear many layers of clothing to survive. Woody came on board LST 639 on September 14,1944 and served as a Gunners Mote. Then on January 1,1945 he was rated GM 2/c. He transferred to the USS Kane on November 11,1945 for his return to San Diego, California His best memories of his time on the ship were the good times he had with the other crew members. He recalls being good friends with Leroy Baker and called him "Jack of the Dust". The worst times were when they were Involved In the island invasions and would spend long hours at the guns with no sleep, or Just anap while there was a lull In the activities. Following his discharge from the Navy, he obtained his High School diploma, then attended trade school for two years to learn welding. This turned out to be good training and he was able to work up to a supervisors position before he retired at age 57. He and Mary Ann were married January 20,1946 and have four children, Ronald, David, Allen and Ann. 12 Grandchildren, Mellnda, Robert, Jennifer, Erin, Allen, Justin, Ashley, Melissa, Matthew, Danielle, Cory and Anastacla, and 2 great grandchildren Alec and Sophia complete the family. Woody has often related to us how happy he was when Riley Hammond called him to ask If he would be interested in attending a reunion with the crew members. He and Mary Ann have attended every reunion and now their son Ronnie brings them and Mary Ann's twin sister Lena Richard. Mary Ann has kept a record of who has attended each reunion and was glad to share lt with me for the booklet. The Hebert's hosted the reunion in 1987 In Gretna, Louisiana, a suburb of New Orleans. Woody lists his hobbles as : attending LST 639 reunions, boating, fishing, riding his bicycle. Mary Ann enjoys traveling and crocheting and has donated her handiwork for the auctions. HEYL, RICHARD FANNING #700-40-23 Richard was bom on January 17,1925 and enlisted December 11,1942 when he was only 17 years old. He received his boot training at the Great Lakes Naval Training Station and further training at Newport, Rhode Island. Then he transferred to Camp Bradford, Norfolk, Virginia where he joined the crew of LST 639. He came on board September 14,1944 and enjoyed serving as quartermaster. January 1,1945 he was rated QM 2/c. He remained on the ship until March 11,1946 when he was U-ausferred to USS Orvetta for his return to the USA. He especially remembers the landing at Ballkpapan, Borneo In 1945. Following his discharge he earned his law degree and worked for a title company. He and Peg were married on December 28,1963 and they raised a family often children. Mary, John, Carlos, Ann, Paul, Joe, Jane, Jim, Peter and Carolyn. Dick enjoyed yard work, walking, and bicycling. Peg enjoyed traveling to, and tending her property in, Ireland. On April 6, 2003 Dick underwent brain surgery and slowly is regaining his speech. He was quick to remember the names of the pets on the LST. They make their home In Napervllle, Dl. Dick and Peg attended reunions whenever lt was possible. Peg said In a letter that he likes to talk about the Navy and his friends. She also said he has been a very good husband and father. High praise for a father of ten. HOYLE, CECIL ALBERT #860-03-92 Enlisted January 8,1944 InfoiroattonsubnuttedbyVERLAi^OYI^HILL July 28,2003 On Monday, November 25,1912, the Hoyle family had their first and only son, Cecil Albert. He grew up in Iowa and on Wednesday, October 30,1935 he was married to his best friend Verla. When their first son, Larry, was Just a small baby, Cecil was called for active duty. On January 8,1944 he left he left by train from Lauraville, Iowa to travel to DesMoines where he was Inducted into the Navy. From there he was sent to Farragut, Idaho for training, then to Ames, Iowa to diesel training school. He received Anther diesel training at Camp Bradford, Norfolk, Virginia. On his trips across the country he was impressed with the singing porters on the trains and the fact that they offered no milk, only beer and coffee. Final training was at Seneca, IClllnois where he was to board LST-639. He remembered the trip down the Mississippi, the Gulf of Mexico and through the Panama Canal. He also remembered the long month of crossing the Pacific with no sight of land. During most of this time he served below decks in the engine room as a Motor Machinist. Verla remembers that her first mall from him arrived on a holiday. She was living at the edge of a small town and the mailman delivered her mall even though It was a holdlay. Their own version of "Special Delivery". During the crossing, Cecil was Impressed with the ceremony at the crossing of the equator. During times of action, Cecil's station was on a 40 MM gun. He told Verla he was strapped into lt. He was deeply Impressed with the burning of the large oil tanks on the hills In the Philippines and expressed to her the deplorable living conditions there. The area around Manilla was devastated by the bombing and people still lived in grass huts, often with pigs tied under them. Meats were on display in open markets. He also recalled to her the loading and unloading of the small boat that was on the deck of the 639. He was on board through the battles for the Philippines and Borneo. He also vividly recalled the LST dealing with the terrible wind and waves of the Typhoons. He left the 639 on October 25,1945 to return to the USA. His trip home was somewhat delayed due to a bus strike in Portland, Oregon. It was there that he phoned home and heard the first words from his son "Hello Daddy". He arrived home Just two days before his mother passed away. When he left home to go to the Navy Cecil weighed 185 pounds. When he returned home he weighed only 138 pounds He did remember about the "raisin" bread, and talked of the food. Cecil worked as a tractor mechanic for John Deere Company until 1954 when they moved to California. He became a production machinist and was part of the crew that built the first Apollo space craft. He retired In 1974 and they moved to their acreage in Oregon. He continued repairing their tractors and cars as long as his sight was good. He was not a "party" person, more of a homebody who loved his home and family. He and Verla had three children, Larry, Barbara, and David, 11 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren and soon will have 2 more. At last count there were more than 11 great-great grandchildren. In his later years, Verla became his "eyes and ears". Cecil passed away in 1990 and their son David In 2001. Verla still lives In Oregon and observed her 87th birthday October 20. She enjoys sewing, quilting and oil painting, but is troubled with arthritis and Parkinson's. Her son Larry encouraged her to send a tape. They feel this is a special project. My thanks goes to both of them. When we first started trying to find the former crew members, Cecil sent us copies of pages from his autograph book complete with many names and addresses. It was a great help In locating some of the crew. We will always be grateful for his help. KUTZ, RUSSELL L #819-68-57 Information submitted by Barbara McGarvey, daughter of Russell and Grace Kutz. Russell was bom on June 24,1914 in Easton, Pennsylvania. On November 23,1943 he enlisted In the Navy and reported for duty In December of that year. He received his boot training at the Naval Training Station, Sampson, New York, then attended the Naval Training School at Richmond, Virginia. He then went to the Naval Training Station, Great Lakes for engineering u-aining. He was then assigned to the Amphibious Training Base, Camp Bradford, Norfolk, Virginia and ultimately to the crew of LST 639. His job was to serve as a water tender. He came on board the ship on September 14,1944. On July 1,1945 he was rated WT 2/c. He remained on the ship until November 11,1945 when he was transferred to the USS Kane for his return to the USA, He was discharged from the Navy on December 17,1945. Russell married Grace Stout on June 17,1939 and they had two daughters, Sharon and Barbara, two grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Prior to his retirement in 1977 he was employed for over 40 years as a supervisor in the Rock Drill Division of the Ingersol-Rand Company. He was very active In his church, St. Peters Lutheran, where he was a councilman and also treasurer for many years. He was a life long member of 87 years. Russell was always proud of his time in the Navy and kept a Navy book with his pictures and other memorabilia. He enjoyed bowling and golf. Grace and Russell were married for 62 years. As their daughter, I'd like to say that they were the most wonderful of parents and were devoted to each other and our family. Grace passed away on December 14,2001 and Russell passed away April 27,2002. MALINS, CHESTER W. #225124 Chester was born July 20,1920. His parents had met and married In the USA after escaping from Poland during the time it was under the rule of Austria-Hungary. Chet was the middle child with three brothers and one sister. Though he originally wanted to join the Marines, he enlisted In the Navy on April 16,1942 at St, Louis, Missouri. On December 4,1942 he was appointed Midshipman at Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois. On March 5,1943 he was commissioned Ensign at Navy Pier, Chicago. On May 1.1944 he was promoted to Lieutenant j.g. while at Naval Operating Base, Kodlak, Alaska. He received the rank of Lieutenant on November 1,1945 at Sasebo, Japan while servlns on LST 639. Then on March 1, 1952 at Naval Air Station, Corpus Christi, Texas he was promoted to Lt. Commander. His next promotion, to Commander, occurred on July 1,1957 at the Naval Air Station, Corpus Christi, Texas. On August 1,1963 while at the same station, Chet received the rank of Captain. July 1,1973 he transferred to the Retired Reserve and retired with pay on July 20,1980 He came on board LST 639 on October 8,1944 and served as Executive Officer until leaving the ship on November 14,1945. He was transferred to USS Eastlund for his return to the USA. Chet and Toni were married on May 28,1944 and their family consists of three girls, then three boys. They now have 6 grandsons and 4 granddaughters. They make their home In Corpus Christi, Texas. Chefs avocation is music performance. For 72 years now eveiything from Symphony, Big Band, Jazz, etc. As a Vocation, Chet represented the New York Life Ins. Co. and earned the coveted CLU designation. Since 1946 Chet has been Involved In Just about everything and the Texas A & M University In 1996 requested that he write his memoirs which will be housed In the University Library Archives. He and Toni attended several reunions and nave always been supporters of the group. Many years ago, he suggested that a booklet of Information on the LST 639 be compiled. He has contributed pictures and battle descriptions which are included elsewhere. His enthusiasm and support have been greatly appreciated. 3rd Reunion Cleveland, Ohio July 10-11,1983 MORALES, ESTEVEN"R" #587-22-25 Steve was bom December 26,1927. He had 5 brothers and 1 sister. He come on board LST 639 on November 11,1945 and served as a temporary steward until December 24,1945 when he was transferred to the hospital ship USS Samaritan. He and Marie were married June 14,1953. They have three daughters, Carmen, Rebecca Ann, and Rosemarie, and 5 grandsons. Steve was a certified locksmith and he and Marie operated their own business. He was proud to have been an "Honorary Mayor1' of the city of Wilmington. He enjoyed golf, travel, gardening and dancing. Marie enjoys cooking and shopping. They were able to attend several reunions and Marie served the group as " clerk" for the auction. Steve passed away March 20,2002 in Torrance, California. Marie remains on the mailing list and keeps in touch with the group by regular and E Mall. O'TOOLE, ROBERT T. #28S-7«a-24 Robert O'Toole was bom May 17,1926 in Cleveland, Ohio, hi his family were two sisters and a brother. Bob grew up in the Cleveland area and went Into the Navy April 10,1944. He received his boot training at the Great Lakes Naval Training Station. He came on board the LST 639 September 14,1944. While on the ship be served as a cook. On December 1,1944 he was rated S 1/c and on October 1,1945 his rating changed to SG 3/c. On March 28,1944 he transferred to the USS Olvetta for his return to the USA. He was discharged from the Navy June 9,1946. Bob sold his best memory of his time in the Navy was when the war was all over and he was coming home. On September3,1961 Bob and Carmela were married. He worked as a dispatcher for the Cleveland Police Department. Following his retirement In 1975 he enjoyed caring for a large garden and still enjoys his hobby of woodworking. He has always been a sports fan. He and Carmela have attended most of the reunions and have hosted one In 1983 and another in 2002 in Independence, a suburb of Cleveland. Bob usually has Items he has mode to donate for the auction and often has gifts for those who attend the reunions. PEARCE,VALG. #876-76-22 Val was bom June 4,1928. His parents were formers and he had one brother Elwood who was six yean older. Six years later his sister Mory was born, and six years after that, his sister Trella arrived to complete the family. His sister Mary reminded Val that when he was bom it was so cold he was placed in a basket on the open oven door to keep him warm. He grew up In southern Illinois and stayed pretty close to the farm, never farther than 60 miles from home until he was 17. By that time his brother was already In the Marines, But Vol chose to enlist in the Navy after hearing the local recruiting officer speak at his high school. His military career began even before he graduated. He took his first bus ride to Marlon, Illinois about 40 miles from home and enlisted. One week later he was on another bus going 60 miles away to Carbondale, Illinois. He boarded the train going to Chicago where he was met by Naval Personnel who escorted htm to the Great Lakes Training Base for his boot training. He recalls being stripped of his clothes which were put In a box to ship home to his parents. He was then issued a mattress cover, 1 pair of shoes, 1 pair of dress blues, shirts, pants, and seven pairs of underwear. He also remembers that his sizes were marked on his body so the men Issuing the clothing would know what size to give him. Next stop was the barracks where he was taught the proper way to make abed. Following his eight weeks of boot training he caught a train and went home on leave for 5 days. Returning to the base he was put In Ogu and in another 5 days, he was sent to Shoemaker, California. Tan days there, then on to Treasure Island where he spent three days just eating and sleeping. Following that rest, he boarded the USS Randall and ten days later was In Guam. From there he traveled on the USS Calvert to Sasebo, Japan. He recalled that they encountered mine fields and destroyed some of them on the way. After a week at Sasebo, they sailed another four days to Shanghai, Chhia. It was there that he boarded LST 639 on March 26,1946. Once on board the 639 the ship sailed to Hslpong, Indochina. After loading 300 Chinese troops, the ship headed for Hulstu, Manchuria and on this trip encountered what Val described as the worst storm of his life. The storm lasted all day and attunes the ship would be partly out of tha water. The Chinese had to stay below deck and many of them were seasick. Everyone was glad whan the storm was over. The trip took 12 days and went from warm weather to very cold weather. The Chinese had come on board In shorts, but now had to dress for cold weather. Val recalls that each Chinese soldier left the ship with his rifle and a sack of stained rice. They Immediately left to go to Shanghai and there they hired Chinese men to clean the tank deck. They worked all day for a can of corned beef hash that had been packed in Australia in 1936. He said the Chinese were happy with their pay, and the LST crew was happy with a clean ship. Other than the storm Val remembers this as the best part of his trip. While they were in Shanghai, Vol was able to send a telegram to his mother for Mother's Day and to let her know he was OK. In their rural area the sheriff delivered the telegrams and when she saw him coming with it, she assumed the worst bad news and nearly fainted. He recalled that they went to Hong kong then on to Subic Bey. On the way there, they were ordered to unload anything that was not tied down. Val recalls jeeps, a crane, barrels all going overboard. At Subic Boy the weather was so hot that he recalls the men sleeping in the top gun turrets. Val left the ship there and did not board another LST until 2003 when one come to Evansville, Indiana. He and his family waited 2 hours In the heat to tour LST 325. Val recalls that he either was putting paint on the ship, or chipping lt off. Other jobs he did were loading and unloading, handling food supplies, serving as a deck hand. He remembers watching movies nearly every night and trading them with the other ships in the area to see new ones. Val remembered that the crew members gave beer to the duck and were amused to watch it trying to walk when lt became inebriated and would tall backward. He recalled that the dogs were still on the ship when he left it on June 3,1946. On that day he boarded a ship headed for San Francisco. After his arrival at San Francisco he served about 3 months with the SJ*'s on the USS Rocky Mount, than was transferred to Schumaker, California where be was discharged. He returned to Illinois by bus. San Francisco to Los Angeles, then Phoenix, Arizona, Tulsa, Oklahoma and finally St. Louis. PEARCE.VALG. Page 2 From St. Louis Val carried his seabag across the bridge over the Mississippi River and from there he hitchhiked home by way of highway 460. After serving In the Navy, Val then served 2 years in the Army. When that time was done, he .-eturned home and obtained a job with Texas Eastern. He worked there for 41 years. For 30 years of that time, he was a heavy equipment operator. He retired February 1,1991 and now enjoys raising cows, a couple cats and traveling to watch his grandchildren's sports events. He also likes to read. Val married Irma on July 18,1959 and they have two sons Brad and Bruce and one daughter, Vallssa. They have six grandchildren, Brooke, Brandon, Kory, Casey, Kody and Megan. Irma enjoys participating in church activities, quilting, reading and dally walks. They have attended several reunions and have been very helpful whenever help is needed. ROGALA, EDMUND E. #951-30-65 Ed was bom October 11,1925 and enlisted In the Navy on December 21,1943. Following his boot training at Great Lakes Training Station, he had further training at Balnbridge, Maryland and with the crew at Camp Bradford, Norfolk, Virginia. He stated that he come on board LST 639 on September 6,1944. He served as Gunners Mate and on January 1,1945 received 3/c rating. On March 28,1946 he transferred to USS Olvetta for his return to the USA. The time spent In China was Ed's best memory of his time In the Navy. He married Alice (Elsie) on January 3,1948. They have two sons and make their home In Rochester Hills, Michigan. He worked in the machine repair business until his retirement. Ed enjoys nshlng, golf, and bowling and Elsie's hobbles Include crafts, gardening, reading and cooking. They have attended many reunions and for several years Ed has submitted the notices to veterans publications for the group. RUSSELL, ALFRED V. #838-23-44 Alfred enlisted on February 23,1944. He come on board the LST 639 on September 14,1944. On December 1,1944 he was rated S 1/c. And, on January 14,1946 he was transferred to the USS Wakefield for his return to the USA. He and his wife Lorene live inMcCalla, Alabama. Lorene loves to make beautiful quilts and sells some of them. They brought some of her work to show us at the reunions. SAHR, ROBERT W. #806-28-43 Bob was born September 30,1925 and enlisted In the Navy on December 13,1943. He received his boot training at Sampson Naval Training Station in New York. He came on board LIST 639 on September 14,1944 and served as a signalman. December 1,1944 he was rated as S 1/c and on September 1,1945 was rated as SM 3/c (T). He transferred to the USS Orvetta on March 28,1946 for his return to the USA. For his best memory Bob stated "too many to select one as best. A good ship and a close knit crew made everything worthwhile". He and Jane were married August 2,1947. They have two sons, Douglas and Robert, 1 granddaughter, 1 grandson and 1 great-grandson. Until his retirement, Bob made his living as a cabinet maker. His hobbles Include boating, fishing, reading and cooking. He also enjoys sports on TV. Jane enjoys boating, fishing along with crafts and needlework. They made their home In Cowlesvllle, New York until health conditions caused them to move to a care facility in Alden, New York. SAMS, HARRY RICHARD #949-31-44 On Friday, January 26,1926 Harry L. and Emelene Sams welcomed their third child, a second son. He was bom in the family home at 458 West Harrison Street, in Alliance, Ohio. His mother often told us the Doctor said he had pugilistic shoulders. His early childhood was pretty much carefree. The family was poor as everyone else was during the depression. He spent a lot of his summer time with the other neighborhood boys playing at Rockhlll Park. He became friendly with an older man who whould take him fishing and taught htm many things about that sport He attended school at North Lincoln School for first through eighth grades, carved his initials in a couple desks that I would later sit In when I attended that school. He went to Alliance High School for ninth and tenth grades, carved his initals there too, and by that time was not much Interested In school. During the summers while Harry was growing up he often worked at an area known as "The Swamps". It is an area northwest of Alliance where the ground Is VERY black and loose and Is very well suited to growing vegetables. The growers would send trucks Into town and they would pick up any child willing to work and haul them out to the farms. After a long hot day In the fields, the trucks would return the children to town. When he was 16 he decided to quit school and take a job to try to help with family expenses. By that time there were nine children in the family. His first job was at the Lembright Bakery Company and he always said he liked the job but left there to work at Transue-Williams Co. It was a steel forging company and the pay was much better. Also lt was much closer to home, just a block away and he walked to work as almost everyone did in those days. When he had enough money saved up, he bought himself a bicycle. Often he would ride around the neighborhood with the handlebars turned straight i ip and his hat on backward to keep from losing it. Sometime during his teen years Harry went to the old Park Street School for summer activities. He learned to dance there and Deep Purple became his favorite song. His first girl friend was named Zonla Ludwig. She went on to become a nurse and was assigned to stay with me In the labor room when Larry was born, She also remembered that he was her first boyfriend and that they had learned to dance together. Sometimes I also went to Park Street School, but I went to the sewing classes and didn't know Harry or his family then. I would have been 9 or 10 years old at that time. By the time Harry was 17 our country was at war and he tried to enlist In November of 1943. He was rejected because he was too small and did not weigh enough. He was 5 feet and 4 Inches tall and was 115 pounds. They told him to go home and eat bananas and drink buttermilk. At that time, fruit was rationed here at home and he would go to the store and get the family allottment of bananas and eat more than his reasonable share. His mother often laughed as she told about him doing this as lt upset his father to have him do such a thing. March 28,1944 when he was eighteen and was drafted he was accepted although he still was the same height and weight. By that time things were not going well for our country and we were losing the war. So It became Important for anyone who was eligible to be In the service of our country. He said he wanted to be in the Navy was why he had tried to enlist. His older brother was already in the Navy. As they went down the line at the draft board, they were placing one person in the Army and one in the Navy. He always said It was luck that he went to the Navy, but that was his choice anyway. Harry was friends with my cousin and he came up to the house to let us know he had been drafted and to say goodbye. On his bike, hat on backwards was how we saw him last before he left home. When Harry left home to go to the Navy he said goodbye to his family which Included a younger brother Robert. It was the last time he was to see him as his brother passed away when he was only 13 years old and Harry was In the South Pacific at that time. As it turned out, he and his best friend Andy Sukosd were Inducted Into the Navy together and were together during their "Boot" training at the Great Lakes Naval Training Station, Chicago, Illinois. They came home together for "leave". They arrived home at about 2 AM and wakened the family so he could get In the house. I remember seeing him and Andy and both of them seemed to be standing much taller than they had before. Training?? Proudof the uniform77 Possibly just proud. SAMS, HARRY mCHARD Page 2 He had to report back to the Great Lakes Training Station following leave and after that he was transferred to the Amphibious Training Station at Camp Bradford, Virginia. He wrote home from there that it was nice to see the "tracers" in the sky at night when they were training out on the water. He sent pictures home of him in an outfit that looked like an aviation helmet with goggles. Later he told us lt was what he had to wear for his job as bow hookman on the LCVP boat. That was a small boat that carried troops and supplies from the LST closer to the shore. From the training station at Camp Bradford, he went back to Great Lakes Training Station and from there the crew went on the ship and his long trip began. The story of it is covered on other pages in this booklet. For a time he was also stationed at Corpus Christi, Texas before leaving the USA One part of the trip that greatly impressed Harry was the passing through the Panama Canal. He often spoke of lt and how long it took to go the 26 miles of it's length. He also spoke often of the liberty they had both In China and Japan. He purchased souvenlers from both countries. A little blue glass Sake set of decanter and tiny glasses somehow survived the trip home and we still have the set. A small wooden smoking set on a tray was another treasure from the orient. He was very touched by the small Japanese flag given to him by some of the people on the ship. Most of all he treasured the friends he had while on the ship. For many years he wished for a reunion with them. With much effort on our part, and the help of many others, he was happy to hare that wish fulfilled. When the war was over, Harry's mother waited for him to come home. When Christmas came that year, she left the tree up for him until his birthday on January 26. Then she kept lt In the back yard until all the needles fell off, and still he wasn't home. When he did come home, he arrived at about 3i30 am and had to waken her to get into the house. Then all the kids got up out of bed to see him. Following leave, he had to report back to the Great Lakes Training Center to be discharged. He left the ship on March 28,1946 and was discharged from the Navy on June 9,1946. When Harry returned home from the Navy, jobs were scarce in our little hometown of Alliance. He did not find work for several months. When he did, It was at the Alliance Appliance Company where he worked at making washing machines. First it was the old conventional type with the wringers, then later they started making automatic ones. He was working there when we were married. When the company moved most of it's operations to Iowa, he was offered a job if he would move there, but he wanted to stay home. Said he had been away long enough when he was in the Navy. By that time we had two small children. Harry was on unemployment for a while, then his father came one day and asked him if he would be interested in a job where he would have to climb around. The Job was as a painter at the Morgan Engineering Company In Alliance. His lather set up an appointment for him with the Personnel Manager a man called "Pop" Alexander. Harry got the job and worked at that company for 32 years until it closed. He bad several different Jobs over that time, and finally was a receiving clerk. After Morgan's closed, Harry did not have a regular, full time job for 3 1/2 years. In those years he did some odd Jobs, worked as a night watchman at Transue & Williams Company and on one night discovered a Are that would have destroyed the factory if he had not been there to find It. He finally was hired as a janitor at the Deft Company and stayed there until he retired. Harry always enjoyed fishing. For many years we were all involved with the local Boy Scout troop. I say we, because the whole family was involved. Janet became more adept at some of the skills than some of the boys in the troop, she was with them so much. We traveled with the troop one year to Gettysburg, Pa. where we camped on the battleground. On another occasion we went with the troop to the Washington, D.C. area. The boys were impressed with the guards at the tomb of the unknown soldier. We were proud to have a part in helping every boy in the troop at that time attain the rank of Eagle Scout. For a number of years we were active members of the local Rurltan Club. Harry also held a membership in the local VFW Tor many years. He suffered with emphysema for a number of years before he passed away on August 31,2000. KAaRRY R. SAM-! (5) 6A6-30.W. Authority for discharge. BUKSES MAHUAL AET. D-910A FOLLOWING DATA TRANSCRIBED FROM NAVPERS-553. HOTICE OF SEPARATION Serial or file number 949-31-/14 Date and place of birth. 1-26-26 ALLIANCE, OH 10 (Date) (Place) Date of entry into active service. ?-28-44 Highest rank or rating held Service (vessels and stations served on)_ NTS GRT.LKS.,ILL. ATB CAMP BRADFORD,NOB,NORFOLK,VA. USS LST 639 ternaries POINTS AMERICAN AREA RIBBON ASIATIC PACIFIC AREA RIBBON PEILIPPIKE LIBERATION RIBBON 'WORLD WAR II VICTORY RIBBON K.Ti.KNAPP.TiT.dTr.) Other entries previously made hereon now covered by NAVFER£-553» Noti Separation. , Harry'j mew hall pan UNITED STATES NAVY Identification Card ATB nxm~&'-&N8i-— CAMP BRADFORD Color Hair.Bl«»5- Eyei.^i^,- BU,LD,NG Weight...115- BirthVstW-**-- 38 38 Vojd alter}§i«rg?SCy--- jV. JVaa. 544 VaJiAltiap Qtyiaas- MESS HALL PASS ALMOST TJNBELIEVEABLE - - BUT TRUE Harry's older brother Donald was In the Navy before Harry was drafted. After his first tour of duty, the war was still going on, and he was into his second tour, serving with GROPAK15 and was on an LCVP. As the ship he was on was leaving the harbor at Taku, China, he noticed that LST-639 was just coming Into the harbor. He apparently had enough "Rank" that he was able to have the ship turned around and returned to the harbor. He was able to have a gangplank put in place so he could board the 639. His work at that time required that he wear not Navy but Marine green winter gear. He said as he approached and requested permission to come aboard, the officer on the 639 asked him if he was "Friend or Foe?". When he answered "Friend" and explained his purpose, that he had a brother on the 639, he was then given permission to board and was directed to the galley where Harry was woi-king. He and Harry talked about this many times over the years. I still find It amazing that they were able to see each other halfway around the world from home. By using the approximate date he gave me and comparing it with the "Operations" list that .John Carlson submitted, we were able to determine the dates to be Feburary 1 and 2,1946. They were given leave and had a good time together. The story changed a little every time we heard lt. But they were very glad to see each other. Not long after that, Don returned home and came to our house with a message for me from Harry. My aunt nearly had a heart attack when she answered the door and he asked for me. I was just IS at that time so lt Is easy to understand why she would have been upset. SAMS, HARRY R. SOUVENIRS Mess Hall Pass , ATB Camp Bradford, Building 38 Post Cord to his Mom dated June 10,1944, Written on a 2 hour lay-over at St. Louis. Missouri. Cards from places with addresses like: Taku Road, E-Wo road, Huang Tao Road, Tientsin Money with beautifully detailed edges and pictures of oriental men with very long mustaches and unusual looking hats. January 21,1946 Note Harry's Mom received written on a piece of cardboard by Joe Scunzlano. He left lt at the train station in Alliance with a canteen worker named Mrs. O. W. Rardon. Joe was passing through Alliance on his way home to New York. March 31,1946 letter he wrote to his mother from the SS Randall on his way home. C loth Japanese flag given to him by one of the people they transported back to Japan. Blue glass Sake' set from Japan. Small jug type decanter with 6 tiny glasses. Wooden smoking set from China. Tray and little boxes. July 2,1946 His new Draft Card reading "Notification of Classification - Discharged, Classification 1-C". Two dangerous looking knives. One in a long metal slip-case. SCUNZIANO, JOSEPH H. #711-93-03 Joe enlisted In January, 1943. Following boot training at Sampson Navy Base, New York he attended Electrician's Mate schooling. He joined the crew at Camp Bradford and, following a delay at Chicago, rejoined the crew and came on board on October 9,1944 at Algiers, La. On November 1,1945 he was rated EM 3/c. On December 19,1945 he was transferred to LST 856 to return to the USJA In 1946 he re-enllsted and served two more years. Part of that time at the submarine base at Pearl Harbor as base electrician. He earned that position duo to his knowledge of "gyro" electronics. His best memory is of the supply of liquid refreshments on the 639. .And his worst memory is of 3 days confinement because of a physical disagreement with another crewman. In his words "defendingHarry (Sams) from an abusive shipmate". He worked as a warehouseman for a number of years, then as an administrator for Chase Manhattan Bank until his retirement. He was married In 1946 and he and his wife had a family of 3 sons and3 daughters. He counts 15 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren as his"hobbies". AJXer 50 years of marriage, his wife passed away. Joe makes his home on Staten Island, New York. His enemy now is an Illness named emphysema. IHHf TAYLOR, THOMAS E. #561-00-57 Thomas Taylor came on board the LST 639 on January 13,1945. He remained on board until April 25,1946 when he was transferred to USS Orvetta for return to the USA. Following discharge he lived In Florida and did long distance truck driving for his living. He visited us on two occasions when he was in our area to pick up loads. On his last trip he put a ladder up to the truck so our son and daughter could get Into the cab. He was very patient with them and answered all their questions. We were unable to locate him when we were planing the reunion. HGHE.JOHNF. #801-19-81 John enlisted In the Navy December 27,1943 and following boot training came on board the LST 639 on September 14,1944. On Janaury 1,1945 he was rated MOMM 2/c and then on October 1,1945 was rated MOMM 1/c. On November 27,1945 he was transferred to the USS Minneapolis to return to the USA. At the first reunion, when everyone was asked to stand up and tell about themselves, he told about his work and, to explain about his friend Shirley, he said, "God said Love Thy Neighbor, and I do". He and his Shirley were later married and attended several more reunions before John became too ill to travel. He passed away on July 22,1995. .« ( l Walls, Francis J. #817-99-43 Enlisted July 13,1943 Francis Walls was born in Media, Pennsylvania on June 4,1925. When he was 18 he enlisted In the Navy on July 13,1943. He received his boot training at Sampson Naval Training Station, New York. Following further training at Camp Bradford, Norfolk, Virginia he was assigned to LST 639 and came on board on September 30,1944 at Panama City, Florida. He served as signalman with the rating of SM 2/c and remained on board until December S, 1945 when he was transferred to the USS Teshara for his return to the US.A He was discharged from the Navy on April 8,1946. Fran's best memory of his time on the 639 was their arrival In Australia following the end of the war. He lists as his worst memory a day in December, 1944 when he received a telegram from the Red Cross requesting his presence at home due to his father's serious illness. Fran and his wife Peg moke their home In Aston, Pennsylvania and have one daughter, Trish, and two sons Francis, and Harry. Six granddaughters and three grandsons are Included in their family. He reports that his hobby is telling jokes, and he knows many of them. Fran "signed" In at the first reunion by " signalling" his name. He was very touched with the idea of a reunion and he and Peg have always been staunch supporters of the group. They hosted the fourth reunion In 1984 at Cape May, New Jersey and provided the group with "Ylppie Sticks". Fran always comes to the reunion with a new supply of laugh provoking jokes. WEID1NGER, ROBERT CHARLES, JR. 285-74-66 82/ Enlisted April 4,1944 From his letter dated February 24, 2000. Following discharge from the Navy, he went back to school for a year, met and married his high school sweetheart. Worked in a paper mill just S miles from home. This marriage lasted for ten years during which time they had two sons and a daughter. He retained custody of the children when the marriage ended. A year later he married his second wife and they had two more boys and mother daughter, He and Jackie have been married for over 45 years, He wrote that lie worked for 42 years in the same building but for 3 different companies. Held jobs from laborer to supervisor and retired in 1989 due to heart and knee problems. In 1959 he was badly burned when a gas ieak caused his house to explode. He endured a lot of skin grafting on his arms and stomach during a long stay in the hospital. He wrote that he was 110 pounds when he was on the ship and now is over 200 pounds. Recalls that he served on the deck gang then on the small boat crew and finally as a rook in the galley and remained there until he left the ship. All three of his sons were in the services. One in the Army, one in the Navy, and the other one in the Marines. Two served in Viet Nam where one in the Marines was wounded. The one in the Navy was on the Nimicz during the Iran crisis. He now lias 9 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. He expressed his appreciation for the newsletters as they are his way of keeping In touch with the former crew members. Said he doesn't write much due to arthritis in his hands, otherwise he Is doing OK. WOOD, FRANK P. #615-93-14 Frank was born Frank Socha on October 6,1917. Before entering the Navy, Frank joined the C.C. Corps and served three - six month tours. During that time he fought forest fires in Montana, repaired roads In Utah, and worked at building roads in Wyoming. Frank enlisted in the Navy November 17,1942. He came on board LST 639 on September 14,1944. On December 1, 1944 he was rated S 1/c. On May 1,1945 he received the rating SM 3/c and on January 27,1946 he was transferred to the Port Director at Sasebo, Japan for his return trip to the USA. Frank was the only crew member to mention seeing the Great Wall of China. Following his discharge, Frank worked as a carpenter and then for the Postal Service. He and Dolores were married on May 17,1952. They have one daughter, Kathy and two grandsons, Steven and Joe and one granddaughter Julie. They make their home In Garfield Heights, Ohio. Frank enjoys fishing and Dolores hobbles include baking, sewing, crafts and candy making. She was hi charge of "Ye Old Candy Booth" at her club's Easter Fair for many years and made most of the candy sold. Frank was also involved with liie Easter Fair and made cabbage and noodles which was a favorite of the customers. Many people came to the fair just for the food Frank and Dolores made. She is now retired from her position as Finance Director for the City of Brecksville. They have attended most of the reunions and served as co-hosts for the reunions In 1983 and In 2002, Dolores has provided many delicious goodies for the snack table. Frank often donates his home made wine for the auction. Francis Walls and Frank Wood WOODCOX, KEITH G. #941-29-15 Keith was born on February 3,1908. Following his enlistment April 10,1944, he received his boot • raining at the Great Lakes Naval Training Station. On September 14,1944 he came on board the LST 639 and served as quartermaster. On December 1,1944 he was rated S 1/c and his rating was changed to QM 3/c on May 1,1945. He remained on board until October 30,1945 when he trans erred to DD 389, then to USS Mugford for his return to the USA. He was discharged from the Navy in November, 1945. Keith wrote that his best memory of his Navy years , i that he steered the ship through the Panama Canal. Keith and Mabel were married April 11,1930 and made their home In the Columbus, Ohio area. They had 2 sons Walter and Wayne, eight grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Keith worked for the Columbus Dispatch newspaper until he retired. He and "Chick" enjoyed traveling, fishing and bowling. He was proud that he had served through all the "chairs" of the Elks Lodge. Keith and Chick attended the reunions whenever it was possible, often with the aid of their son Walter and his wife Lots. Keith passed away November 13,1997 and Mable"Chlck" on October 17,1999. Lois and Walter continue to be a part of the "9ers" group and hove been very helpful over the yaors. WOLFE, RALPH E. #639-30-37 Ralph was born in Hibblng, Minnesota. He enlisted in the Navy September II, 1942 and following his boot training, became part of the crew of LST 639. He come on board September 14,1944. On August 1,1945 he was rated CMOMM (T) and remained on the ship until August 25,1945 when he transferred to Navy 3142 for his trip back to the USA. Ralph and Helen were married on October 12,1940 and they have 2 sons and 7 grandchildren. They made their home in St Paul, Minnesota. Ralph enjoyed woodworking, biking, fishing and he especially liked to go " downtown" to visit with his friends. His wood items were often given to the group for the auctions. Ralph passed away In June, 1998. Helen was able to attend the 1999 reunion with the help of her friend Dorothy Ewert. She lives in an apartment in St. Paul and remains on the mailing list. BARNES, MARVIN #668-85-32 Marvin said he had served on LST 353 which was sunk at Pearl Harbor. He came on board the LST 639 on September 14,1944 and remained on board until October 7,1945 when he transferred to USS Hampton for his return to the USA. He said his job on the ship was as a cook. He said he, a Barnes, married Christine House and together they raised 4 little out buildings. 2 sons and 2 daughters, They made their home in Spring Hill, Missouri. He wrote that he really would like to attend the reunions, but Christine suffered with Parkinsons for a number of years and he was kept busy caring for her. He also wrote how much he enjoyed reading the newsletters and looked forward to receiving them. CRESSY, HAROLD W. #867-13-07 Harold came on board January 13,1945 and remained on board until April 25,1946 when he was transferred to USS Orvetta for his return to the USA He landed at Portland, Oregon in May 1946. Harold wrote some long letters telling us about himself. He said when he was on the ship he was small but grew to be 5 Ft, 11 Inches tall and weighed 300 pounds. He said he was an electrician on the ship, but became a farmer. He called us on St. Patrick's Day In 1985 to wish us a good day and to tell us why he was unable to attend the reunions. He said he had 1 sister In Kansas and 1 brother in Missouri, but he looked after his elderly, 111 mother. He also told us that over the years he had developed a special breed of hybrid-magnum cattle using "Red Sailor" bulls. He was very proud of his work in this area. WESTERMAN, JAMES F. #872-98-03 He came on board September 14,1944 and in January, 1945 was rated MOMM. On October 1,1945 he was rated SM 3/c. He transferred November 11,1945 to USS Kane for his return home. He said he arrived home on Christmas day 1945. He made his living as a postal worker. He and his wife, Violet hosted the reunion group at St. Charles, Missouri In 1991. We learned last year that Violet passed away in 1999 and that Jim passed away on his 82nd birthday January 4,2002. Robert Oravec and Robert O'Toole both worked for the Cleveland Police Department and did not know that they had served on the some ship, but at different times. TRULY GREAT FRIENDS ARE HARD TO FTND, DIFFICULT TO LEAVE, IMPOSSIBLE TO FORGET REUNIONS - HOW THEY STARTED It was something Harry always wanted, looked forward to, dreamed of, but lt wasn't to happen until many years had passed. He had tried once to find a man be had been friends with on the ship. It was on the way home from a trip to New York. We drove to the address he had for Mr. Baker, but he had moved and no-one we talked with seemed to be able to tell us how to find him. On another occasion, Mr. Glle visited while he was on a business trip to Ohio. The possibility of a reunion was discussed. One day Alfred and Lorene Russell and their family drove up from Alabama to visit and the subject of a renion came Into the conversation. On one trip to visit Harry's sister in New York, we stopped in Buffalo and visited with Bob and Jane Sahr and their two sons. Harry's friend Tommy Taylor stopped on more than one of his trips up North. Some of the talk covered the Idea of a reunion. How lt finally came about Is another story. Each month when the Veterans magazines would arrive, Harry would turn Immediately to the Reunions page. Each month he was to, again, be disappointed. On at least two occasions I wrote letters to the magazine to have a notice printed. It never appeared. Reason was that I had failed to read tha "fine print" which Instructed that all notices HAD to be In typewritten form. Through the years, at Christmas time, we would receive a greeting card from the Alfred Russell family, the Sahr family and perhaps one time from the Glle family. So, one day in late summer of 1979,1 wrote to the people we had addresses for and suggested that we have a reunion. Perhaps a picnic in our backyard. I didn't tell Harry what I had done to avoid yet another disappointment. To our amazement and to Harry's great surprise, Bob Sahr called us and was yelling into the phone he was THAT excited about the thought of having a reunion. That was the beginning. Bob Sahr sent us the names and addresses he had and I wrote to them and requested any other names and addresses they had. When John Carlson was contacted he was kind enough to send a copy of the old Muster Roll from the ship. This had names and addresses of the crew members and officers. Cecil Hoyle wrote a nice letter and sent copies of the pages of his autograph book from the years he was on the 639. Everyone seemed to be happy with the thought of having a reunion and shared names and addresses of those they had kept In touch with through the years. I do believe that the midnight shift telephone operators In several states grew to know my voice during that year. I worked during the day and the evening operators were Just too busy to be very helpful. But the ones who worked the late shift proved to be extremely helpful. Especially those in the southern states. On one particular occasion an operator In Kentucky, who couldn't find who I was looking for, transferred me to another operator, then on to another, and yet another until I was talking with an operator from Tennessee! And they did find a person by the name I was seeking. The operators were very courteous and cheerful about lt when I had explained why I was trying to find the people on my list. Some of the people I found had the same name, or was a relative of the crew member. Sometimes I would send a letter to an old address and the people would forward it on to the correct person, or write back to me with the current address I needed, even from a different state than where I had originally sent the request. It was trying, frustrating and at the same time rewarding to be able to finally locate the right person. Probably Harry's greatest disappointment was that we never were able to locate the correct Thomas E. Taylor and Robert E. Saxon. Through the years we have contacted quite a few men by those names, but sadly, never the right ones. The house we lived In at that time had a large dining room and a neighbor had given us a big table. That table was to be In almost constant use for reunion purposes from late 1979 through early July, 1980. Any visitors usually pitched right in and helped with whatever project was in progress. All family members had a hand In the preparations. REUNIONS - HOW THEY STARTED - Continued As the list of interested crew members grew, we realized that we could not have the reunion In our backyard. Harry and I made several trips to Canton, Ohio and worked out arrangements for the reunion at a motel located just beside the Interstate 77. When we thought we had everything worked out, we passed the Information on to the two men who had been In almost constant contact with ideas and moral support, Riley Hammond and Joe Bowler. They both thought everything was fine EXCEPT that there were no arrangements for a BAR. At that point, Joe Bowler took over and worked at making arrangements for a motel, WITH bar, In the Pittsburgh area. It turned out to be a Holiday Inn with a beautiful meeting room for us. Lots of space and even a gazebo. Dates were worked out and plans proceeded from there. Many times I would be awakened from sleep with an Idea that Just couldn't wait until morning. I was not the only one. It seemed to me that just about the time I would be working on some Idea, Riley would call or write with his thoughts on exactly the same thing. And he took on a project of his own that consumed a great deal of time and effort. He worked at preparing a map of the route of the ship and a written history covering the life of the 639. When he read this at the reunion, that huge room became extremely quiet. It seemed as If each man, In his own mind was back on the ship reliving the trip. It was truly moving experience to hear his account of the trip. All during the time of planning the first reunion a lot of help was received from Vincent Monglello from Mercer, Pa. He was listed In the veterans magazine as the contact person for LST-177. When I first contacted him he offered all sorts of suggestions and was very kind In following through with his help. He was on our mailing list for several years, and we were also on his mailing list. I lost touch with him when I was not doing the letters. He was very proud to have the "Wheel" from LST-177. By November 22,1979 we had located 35 of the old crew members 4 of whom were deceased. And the number kept growing. Of those we were able to locate, only a couple were not Interested in getting together again. Through the years, Woodrow and Mary Ann Hebert are the only couple who have been able to attend every reunion. Mary Aim kept a little booklet with the names of all those who came to each reunion. She has shared that Information for this booklet and we thank her. jfcgrSi r* Reunion records were compiled and submitted by Mary Ann Hebert REUNIONS 1980 - July II & 12 Holiday Inn, Beers School Road, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 59 People, 29 crew members and guests, plus Larry and Leslie Sams Burton and Glenna Atkins, Rafael and Virginia Baddlng, Joeseph and Mary Ann Bowler, John and Dorothy Branch, George and Bobbl Brown, Frank and Celia Calauttl, John and Laura Carlson, Leo Cole, Floyd and Janice Crow, Fred and Ruth Devinney, Joseph and Gertrude Drzewiecki, Merlin and Caryl Fender, Robert and Margaret Gibson, Samuel and Janet Guzzo, Riley and Virginia Hammond, Woodrow and Mary Ann Hebert, Chester Nelson and Claud Frymler, Franklin and Ruth Neureuter, Edmund and Elsie Rogali ir Louis and Camllle Russo, Alfred and Lorene Russell, Robert and Jane Sahr, Harry and Naomi Sams, John Tlghe and Shirley, John and Doris Walden, Francis and Margaret Walls, Clayton Willard and Peggy Oliver, Frank and Dolores Wood, Keith and Mable Woodcox. Special items - lots of paper flowers for everyone. Time was mostly spent just visiting and catching up on the years since the men left the ship. 1981 - May 22-23 Holiday Inn, Downtown Charleston, South Carolina 47 People, 23 crew members and guests and special guests Marguerite and Clyde Hunt Burton and Glenna Atkins, Joseph and Mary Ann Bowler, John and Dorothy Branch, Frank and Celia Calauttl, Harold Christopher, Joseph and Gertrude Drzewiecki, Merlin and Caryl Fender, Robert and Margaret Gibson, Robert and Frances Gile, Samuel and Janet Guzzo, Riley and Virginia Hammond, Woodrow and Mary Ann Hebert, Howard and Barbara Jenkins, Russell and Grace Kutz, Chester and Toni Maiins, Robert and Carmen O'Toole, Alfred and Lorene Russell, Robert and Jane Sahr, i Harry and Naomi Sams, John Tlghe and Shirley, Francis and Margaret Walls, Frank and Dolores Wood, Keith and Mable Woodcox. Special items - little wooden sailboats Time was spent sightseeing - Fort Sumpter, Old Charleston Market When lt was over, Riley spotted a mouse in his motel room. Too tired to chase It, he quietly went to sleep. 1983 - June 10-11 Holiday Inn, 6001 Rockslde Road, Independence, Ohio 58 People, 29 crew members and guests Robert and Ann Andersen, Burton and Glenna Atkins, Joseph and Mary Ann Bowler, John and Dorothy Branch, George and Bobbl Brown, Frank and Celia Calauttl, Kenneth and Betty Conover, Floyd and Janice Crow, Guy and Doris Davis, Charles and Katie Douglass, Merlin and Caryl Fender, Roert and Margaret Gibson, Robert and Frances Glle, Samuel and Janet Guzzo, Riley and Virginia Hammond, Woodrow and Mary Ann Hebert, Max and Judy Jenary, Chester and Toni Maiins, Robert and Dorothy Oravec, Robert and Carmen O'Toole, Edmund and Elsie Rogala, Alfred and Lorene Russell, Robert and Jane Sahr, Harry and Naomi Sams, John and Doris Walden, Francis and Margaret Walls, Ralph and Helen Wolfe Frank and Dolores Wood, Keith and Mabel Woodcox. Special items - Little wooden cars, needlepoint Items, a power failure caused a great delay of the evening meal and to pass the time, Chester Maiins entertained the group with his clarinet, tour of the submarine USS COD at Lake Erie. REUNIONS - - Page 2 1984 - May 18-19 Atlas Motor Inn, 1005 Beach Drive, Cope May, New Jersey 27 People -14 crew members and guests John and Dorothy Branch, George and Bobbl Brown, Frank and Celia Calauttl, Kenneth and Betty Conover, Robert and Margaret Gibson, Robert Glle, Samuel and Janet Guzzo, Woodrow and Mary Ann Hebert, Russell and Grace Kutz, Robert and Jane Sahr, Harry and Naomi Sams, John Tlghe and Shirley, Francis and Margaret Walls, Keith and Mabel Woodcox Special items - Ylppie sticks, side trip to Atlantic City, wading in the surf 1985-August 9-10 Muskegon, Michigan 41 People - 20 crew members and guests Special guests Jayne and Carolyn Heyl Robert and Ann Andersen, Burton and Glenna Atkins, John and Dorothy Branch, Arthur and Eileen Bright, George and Bobbl Brown, Frank and Celia Calauttl, Floyd and Janice Crow, Guy and Doris Davis, Merlin and Caryl Fender, Robert and Frances Glle, Robert and Margaret Gibson, Woodrow and Mary Ann Hebert, Richard and Peg Heyl, Edmund and Elsie Rogala, Robert and Jane Sahr, Harry and Naomi Sams, John Tlghe, Francis and Margaret Walls, Frank and Dolores Wood, Ralph and Helen Wolfe Special Items - Butterfly trimmings 1986 - June 6 - 7 Hotel Niagara, 201 Rainbow Boulevard, Niagara Fails, New York John and Dorothy Branch, George and Bobbl Brown, Frank and Celia Calauttl, Kenneth and Betty Conover, Joseph Drzewiecki, Merlin and Caryl Fender, Robert and Margaret Gibson, Samuel and Janet Guzzo, Woodrow and Mary Hebert, Franklin and Ruth Neurerter, Robert and Carmen O'Toole, Edmund and Elsie Rogala, Robert and Jane Sahr, Harry and Naomi Sams, Francis and Margaret Walls, Ralph and Helen Wolfe, Frank and Dolores Wood Special Items - Niagara Falls, kazoos, entertainment by the kazoo and wind chime band 1987 - October 16-17 Holiday Inn Gretna, Louisiana 40 People, 19 crew members and guests Willard and Millie Barger, John and Dorothy Branch, Arthur and Eileen Bright, George and Bobbi Brown, Frank and Celia Calauttl, Kenneth and Betty Conover, Janice Crow, Merlin and Caryl Fender, Robert and Margaret Gibson and Grace Davis, Samuel and Janet Gusso, Riley and Virginia Hammond, Woodrow and Mary Hebert, Franklin Neureuter and Erma Swader, Edmund and Elsie Rogala, Robert and Jane Sahr, Harry and Naomi Sams, John and Shirley Tlghe, Francis and Margaret Walls, Ralph and Helen Wolfe, Frank and Dolores Wood Special Items - The Riverwalk, the sights and sounds of Bourbon Street Ceramic turkeys and pumpkins, LST badges, Cajun food Reunions - Page 3 1988 - September 17 - 18 Quality Inn, near Clnclrmattl, Ohio 44 People - 21 crew members and guests Robert Andersen, Burton and Glenna Atkins, Joseph and Mary Ann Bowler, John and Dorothy Branch, George and Bobbl Brown, Frank and Celia Calauttl, Kenneth and Betty Conover, Janice Crow, Joseph Drzewiecki, Merlin and Caryl Fender, Robert and Margaret Gibson and Grace Davis, Samuel and Janet Guzzo, Woodrow and Mary Ann Hebert, Robert and Carmen O'Toole, Edmund and ElsieRogala, Alfred and Lorene Russell, Robert and Jane Sahr, Harry and Naomi Sams, Praiicia and Margaret Walla, Frank and Doloros Wood, Keith and Mabsl Woodcox, Walter and Lois Woodcox, Ralph and Helen Wolfe 1989 - September 8-9 Colony Budget Inn, Little Amana, Iowa 44 People - 21 crew members and guests Lloyd and Diane Allen, Robert Andersen, Burton and Glenna Atkins, Joseph and Mary Ann Bowler, John and Dorothy Branch, Arthur and Eileen Bright, Frank and Celia Calauttl, Kenneth and Betty Conover, Robert and Margaret Gibson, Woodrow and Mary Ann Hebert, Richard and Peg Heyl, Janice Crow, Samuel and Janet Guzzo, Merlin and Caryl Fender, Robert and Carmen O'Toole, Edmumd and Elsie Rogala, Robert and Jane Sahr, Harry and Naomi Sams, Francis and Margaret Walls, Frank and Dolores Wood, Keith, Mabel, Walter and Lois Woodcox, Ralph and Helen Wolfe Special items - Wooden massagers, Amish shops, huge cinnamon rolls 1990 - September 29 - 30 Best Western Music City Inn, Nashville, Tennessee 39 People - 17 crew members and guests Willard and Millie Barge r, Joseph and Mary Ann Bowler, John and Dorothy Branch, Frank and Celia Calauttl and Lucille Smith, Kenneth and Betty Conover, Robert and Margaret Gibson and Grace Davis, Joseph Drzewiecki and Mary Anne Dee Woodrow and Mary Ann Hebert, Janice Crow, Merlin and Caryl Fender, Howard and Barbara Jenkins, Robert and Carmen O'Toole, Edmund and Elsie Rogala, Robert and Jane Sahr, Harry and Naomi Sams, Frank and Dolores Wood, Keith, Mabel, Walter and Lois Woodcox, Ralph and Helen Wolfe Special items - Singing "on stage" at the Ryman Auditorium, Riding the rivet-boat visiting Opreyland, wooden "sailor" shelf sitters made by several woodworkers In the group and painted by Janice Crow 1991 - September 13 - 14 Best Western Noah's Ark, St. Charles, Missouri 45 People - 20 crew members and guests Willard and Millie Barger, John and Dorothy Branch, Arthur and Eileen Bright, Frank and Celia Calauttl and Lucille, Janice Crow, Joe Drzewiecki and Mary Anne Dee, Merlin and Caryl Fender, Robert and Margaret Gibson and Grace Davis, Robert and Frances Glle, Samuel and Janet Guzzo, Riley Hammond and Louise, Woodrow and Mary Ann Hebert, Robert and Carmen O'Toole, Edmund and Elsie Rogala, Robert and Jane Sahr, Harry and Naomi Sams, Francis and Margaret Walls, Robert and Violet Westerman, Frank and Dolores Wood, Keith and Mable Woodcox, Walter and Lois Woodcox, Ralph and Helen Wolfe Special items - Really BIG animals, The Gateway Arch, and the beautiful Clydesdales at Grant's Farm, and the beautiful stables, General MacArthur's car Reunions - Page 4 1992 - October 9 - 10 Colonial Inn Motel, Virginia Beach, Virginia 51 People - 21 crew members and guests Burton and Glenna Atkins, Willard and Millie Barger, John and Dorothy Branch, Frank and Celia Calauttl and Tommy, Kenneth and Betty Conover, Janice Crow, Joseph Drzewiecki and Mary Anne Dee, Merlin and Caryl Fender, Robert and Margaret Gibson and Grace Davis, Samuel and Janet Guzzo Riley Hammond and Frances, Woodrow and Mary Ann Hebert, Howard and Barbara Jenkins, Russell and Grace Kutz, Chester and Toni Maiins Robert and Carmen O'Toole, Albert and Doris Povlch, Edmund and Elsie Rogala Robert and Jane Sahr, Harry and Naomi Sams, William and Jean Grimes, Frank and Dolores Wood, Keith, Mabel, Walter and Lois Woodcox Ralph and Helen Wolfe Special Items - Watching the ships and sailboats, door-stop dolls, and Lunch on LST a "mock" wedding for Riley Hammond and his Frances 1993 - October 1-2 Overland Park, Kansas City, Kansas 39 People -15 crew members and guests Robert and Ann Andersen, Dorothy Branch, John and Laura Carlson and sister and brother in law, daughter-in-law, grandsons Brandon and Justin Frank and Celia Calauttl, Joe Drzewiecki and Mary Anne Dee, Merlin and Caryl Fender Robert and Margaret Gibson and Grace Davis, Riley and Frances Hammond Woodrow and Mary Ann Hebert, Chester and Toni Maiins, Robert and Carmen O'Toole Edmund and Elsie Rogala, Robert and Jane Sahr, Frank and Dolores Wood Keith, Mabel, Walter and Lois Woodcox, Ralph and Helen Wolfe 1994 - October 7-8 Colonla Inn Motel, Virginia Beach, Virginia 48 People - 20 crew members and guests Willard and Millie Barger, Dorothy Branch Arthur and Eileen Bright and friends, George and Bobble Brown, Frank and Celia Calauttl, Kenneth and Betty Conover, Janice Crow, Joseph Drzewiecki and Mary Anne Dee, Matthew and Peg Elliott, Merlin and Caryl Fender, Robert and Margaret Gibson and Grace Davis Riley and Frances Hammond, Woodrow and Mary Ann Hebert Richard and Peg Heyl, Russell and Grace Kutz, Robert and Carmen O'Toole Albert and Doris Povlch, Edmund and Elsie Rogala, Camilla Russo Robert and Jane Sahr, Harry and Naomi Sams, Frank and Dolores Wood Keith, Mabel, Walter and Lois Woodcox 1995- September29-30 Holiday Inn, Greentree, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 32 People - 14 crew members and guests Burton and Glenna Atkins, Dorothy Branch, Joseph and Mary Ann Bowler, Arthur end Eileen Bright, Frank and Celia Calauttl, Kenneth and Betty Conover Joseph Drzewiecki and Mary Anne Dee, Robert and Margaret Gibson and Grace Davis Woodrow and Mary .Ann Hebert, Robert and Carmen O'Toole, Robert and Jane Sahr Harry and Naomi Sams, Frank and Dolores Wood, Keith, Mabel, Walter and Lois Woodcox Ralph and Helen Wolfe Special items - Riverboat ride with fireworks, handi-wipe "PJ's" Eileen Bright had a bad fall and broke both arms, spent her time In the hospital Reunions - Page 5 1996 - October 18 - 19 Ashland Plaza Hotel, Ashland, Kentucky 26 People - 9 crew members and guests Burton and Glenna, Claude and Deble Atkins, Arthur and Eileen Bright, Kenneth and Betty Conover, Jan Crow and Pennie Stevens, Joseph Drzewiecki and Mary Anne Dee, Robert and Margaret Gibson and Grace Davis, Woodrow and Mary Hebert Edmund and Elsie Rogala, Robert and Jane Sahr, Harry and Naomi Sams, Mabel, Walter and Lois Woodcox Special Items - Glenna's "mini bus" tours to glass factory and the flea market Feeling the safety of the small town atmosphere for walking tours of downtown 1997 - October 4-5 The Lord Amherst Motor Inn, 5000 Main Street, Buffalo, New York 46 People - 15 crew members and guests Robert Andersen, Burton and Glenna Atkins, Frank and Celia Calauttl Kenneth and Betty Conover, Janice Crow and Pennie Stevens, Joseph Drzewiecki and Mary Anne Dee, Robert and Margaret Gibson, Woodrow and Mary Ann Hebert Steve and Marie Morales, Robert and Carmen O'Toole, Edmund and Elsie Rogala Robert and Jane Sahr, Sam and Claudia, Sahr's children Robbie and Doug and their families, Sam Guzzo's daughter and her family .Harry and Naomi Sams, Francis and Margaret Walls,Frank and Dolores Wood, Ralph and Helen Wolfe 1998 - October 23-24 Colonial Inn Motel, Virginia Beach, Virginia 39 People - 15 crew members and guests Burton and Glenna Atkins, Frank and Celia Calauttl and 2 son-In-laws Kenneth and Betty Conover, Janice Crow and Pennie Stevens, Joseph Drzewiecki and Mary Anne Dee, Matthew and Peg Elliott, Robert and Margaret Gibson, Woodrow and Mary Ann Hebert, Steve and Marie Morales, Robert and Carmen O'Toole Val and Irma Pearce, Albert and Doris Povlch, Edmund and Elsie Rogala Robert and Jane Sahr, Jim and Kris Steil, Francis and Margaret Walls Frank and Dolores Wood, Mabel, Walter and Lois Woodcox 1999 - September 30 and October 1 Comfort Inn, Belden Village Canton, Ohio 34 People - 15 crew members and guests Robert and Arthur Andersen, Burton and Glenna Atkins, Arthur and Eileen Bright Frank and Celia Calauttl, Kenneth and Betty Conover, Joseph Drzewiecki and Mary Anne Dee, Woodrow and Mary Ann Hebert, Steve and Marie Morales, Robert and Dorothy Oravec.Robert and Carmen O'Toole, Val and Irma Pearce Edmund and Elsie Rogala, Harry and Naomi Sams, Howard and Nancy Heckman Francis and Margaret Walls, Frank and Dolores Wood, Helen Wolfe and Dorothy Ewert Special items - Swiss Festival celebration at Sugarcreek, lots of live flowers 2000 - September 30 - October 1 Lord Amherst Motor Hotel, 5000 Main Street, Buffalo, New York 25 People - 10 crew members and guests Frank and Celia Calauttl, Janice Crow and Pennie Stevens, Joseph Drzewiecki and Mary Anne Dee, Woodrow, Mary Ann, and Ronnie Hebert, Steve and Marie Morales, Robert and Dorothy Oravec, Robert and Carmen O'Toole, Edmund and Elsie Rogala Robert and Jane Sahr, Francis and Margaret Walls, Frank and Dolores Wood Walter and Lois Woodcox Reunions - Page 6 2001 - September 28-29 Battlecreek, Michigan 24 People - 9 crew members and guests Arthur and Eileen Bright, George and Bobbl Brown, Janice Crow and Lyle Frank and Celia Calauttl, Woodrow, Mary Ann and Ronnie Hebert, Marie Morales Robert and Carmen O'Toole, Val and Irma Pearce, Edmund and Elsie Rogala Robert and Jane Sahr, Pennie Stevens and Lucky, Frank and Dolores Wood 2002 - October 4-5 Four Points Hotel Sheraton, 5300 Rockslde Road, Independence, Ohio 25 People - 9 crew members and guests Arthur and Eileen Bright, Frank and Celia Calauttl, Woodrow and Mary Ann Hebert Ronnie Hebert, Lena Richard, Marie Morales, Robert and Dorothy Oravec, Robert and Carmen O'Toole, Edmund and Elsie Rogala, Robert and Jane Sahr Naomi Sams and Janet Rice, Francis and Margaret Walls, Frank and Dolores Wood Walter and Lois Woodcox Special items - Little angels and shiny gold "goodie bags" 2003 - September 26-27 Hampton Inn, New Philadelphia, Ohio 24 People - 10 crew members and guests Burton Atkins, Arthur and Eileen Bright, Frank and Celia Calauttl Riley and Frances Hammond, Woodrow, Mary Ann and Ronnie Hebert and Lena Richard, Robert and Dorothy Oravec, Robert and Carmen O'Toole Val and Irma Pearce, Edmund and Elsie Rogala, Naomi Sams Frank and Dolores Wood, Walter and Lois Woodcox Special items- Reading of ship's history and "Tolling of the Bell" by Riley Hammond • * assisted by Ronnie Hebert, little red hots for the ladles, yo yo's for men 2004 - September 23 - 25 Hampton Inn, New Philadelphia, Ohio Some people come into our lives and quickly go, Some stay for a while and leave footprints on our hearts And we are never the same Reunions - Page 7 2004 - September 23, 24, 25 Hampton Inn, New Philadelphia, Ohio 20 People - 7 crew members Janice Crow, Marge (Jan's friend), Frank Duval, Riley and Frances Hammond, Woodrow, Mary, and Ronnie Hebert, Robert and Dorothy Oravec, Robert and Carmen O'Toole, Val and Irma Pearce, Lena Richard, Naomi Sams, Frank and Dolores Wood, Walter and Lois Woodcox. 2005 - September 30, October 1 Hampton Inn, New Philadelphia, Ohio 27 People - 9 crew members Joseph Bowler and his daughter, Diane, Arthur and Eileen Bright and daughter- in-law, Karen, Janice Crow and friend Marge, Frank Duval, Riley and Frances Hammond Woodrow, Mary and Ronnie Hebert, Marie Morales, Robert and Dorothy Oravec, Robert and Carmen O'Toole, Val, Irma, and Bruce Pearce, Lena Richard, Edmund and Elsie Rogala, Naomi Sams, Walter and Lois Woodcox. 2006 - September 29, 30 Hampton Inn, Evansville, Indiana 19 People - 3 crew members Woodrow, Mary and Ronnie Hebert, Marie Morales, Val, Irma, Bruce, Kelli, Kory, and Casey Pearce, Lena Richard, Edmund and Elsie Rogala, Valissa, Kurt, Kody and Megan Sutton, Walter and Lois Woodcox. 2007 - September 28, 29 Hampton Inn, New Philadelphia, Ohio 21 People - 6 crew members Joseph Bowler and daughter Joanne Hershey, David Bright ( son of Arthur and Eileen), John and Eric Carlson, Frank Duval, Woodrow, Mary and Ronnie Hebert, Robert and Dorothy Oravec, Val, Irma and Bruce Pearce, Lena Richard, Naomi Sams and daughter Janet Rice, Margaret Walls and daughter Trish Barr, Walter and Lois Woodcox. Reunions - Page 8 2008 - September 25 - 26 - 27 Hampton Inn, New Philadelphia, Ohio 23 People - 7 Crew members Joseph Bowler and daughter Joanne Hershey, John and Eric Carlson, Frank Duval, Woodrow, Mary and Ronnie Hebert, Robert and Dorothy Oravec, Val, Irma, Bruce and Kelli Pearce, Lena Richard, Edmund and Elsie Rogala, Naomi Sams and daughter Janet Rice, Margaret Walls and daughter Trish Barr, Walter and Lois Woodcox. 2009 - September 24 - 25 - 26 Hampton Inn, New Philadelphia, Ohio 15 People - 4 Crew members Joseph Bowler and daughter Joanne Hershey, Frank Duval, Mary and Ronnie Hebert, Robert and Dorothy Oravec, Val, Irma, Bruce and Kelli Pearce, Lena Richard, Naomi Sams. Walter and Lois Woodcox. 63 years after leaving the ship, we had 20 crew members believed to be living. And after 29 years of crew reunions, with travel becoming more difficult due to age, no plans were made for another reunion. CHESTER MALINS 4-041451S192 07/10/80 ICS IPM8NGZ CSP PGHB 5128^)50610 MGM TDBN CORPUS CHRISTI TX 86 07-10 0159P EST HARRY SAMS, CARE LST 639 REUNION HOLIDAY INN PITTSBURGH AIRPORT 1406 BEERS SCHOOL RD CORAPOLIS PA 15108 GREETINGS AND BEST WISHtS FOR A SUCCESSFUL REUNION TO ALL THE FINE PERSONNEL WHO HAVE SERVED ABOARD THAT GREAT SHIP LST 63<>. MY WIFE AND I REGRET WE ARE UNABLE TO ATTEND THIS FIRST REUNION. WE SINCERELY HOPE THERE WILL BE ANOTHER, SPECIAL THANKS TO HARRY AND NAOMI, JOE, RILEY AND OTHERS WHO HAVE WORKED SO HARD TO MAKE THIS FIRST ONE POSSIBLE. SINCERELY, CHESTER MALINS X.O, 1944-45 13159 EST MGMCOMP MGM \ / ^CSJES POST, MAILGRAM POSTAL CHARGES PAID western Hunion Mailgranr \_\ THIS MA11GRAM WAS TRANSMITTED ELECTRONICALLY BY WESTERN UNION TO A POST OFFICE NEAR YOU FOR DELIVERY Chet Maiins found it impossible to attend the first reunion. He sent this greeting to the group at the hotel. This prayer was composed specially for the crew when we met at Virginia Beach in 1994. Chaplain Alan Travers from Amphibious Group 2 stationed at Little Creek, Virginia used it as a blessing for the evening meal. It seems appropriate to include lt here. We thank You for bringing us to another reunion where memory Is Ignited and we are transported to the decks of LST 639 Lord, once again we meet with a Joy that took root some 50 years ago watered by the sea, tears and the shower of Your grace By Your favor each reunion brings forth the marvelous fruits of friendship for us to savor anew This profound pleasure has a flavor all it's own; the unique esprit de corps born In wartime We came of age In harm's way. We were dedicated to Ideals which ruled each one of us The spectre of the supreme sacrifice did not deter us from serving Goo: and country Our absent shipmates are on our minds, Lord, compensate for whatever circumstance prevented their attendance with a double portion of this evenings spirit of fraternal good will Also remembered are our shipmates who have reached the other shore While we are sad not to have them here, we hope they anticipate our presence there for the ultimate reunion which is the timeless victory of Your peace And now Lord, bless this supper which will enable us to be well nourished and to enjoy our fellowship body and soul. Amen THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY WASHINGTON January 24, 1946 My dear Mr. Kut z: I have addressed this letter to reach you after all the formalities of your separation from active service are completed. I have done so because, without formality but as clearly as I know how to say it, I want the Navy's pride in you, which it is my privilege to express, to reach into your civil life and to remain with you always. You have served in the greatest Navy in the world. It crushed two enemy fleets at once, receiving their surrenders only four months apart. It brought our land-based airpower within bombing range of the enemy, and set our ground armies on the beachheads of final victory. It performed the multitude of tasks necessary to support these military operations. No other Navy at any time has done so much. For your part in these achievements you deserve to be proud as long as you live. The Nation which you served at a time of crisis will remember you with gratitude. The best wishes of the Navy go with you into civilian life. Good luck! Sincerely yours. James J/orrestal Mr. Russell Irwin Kutz 326 A Porter Sz. iaaston, Pennsylvania Thouah tltis letter is addressed to Russell Kut£, every crewman probably received a similar one. wes #37***, /?/? n i 'JU^ /?&<™^' 7 4/a-^y V c hadn't heard from Fran Walls for quite some time, then we received this letter. Typical of Fran. This poem was written by Cecil Hoyle Verla sent it with their Christmas letter in 1987. Christmas is here and all through the house Not a creature can get through, not even a mouse Packages and wrapping are piled to the celling It gives one that penned In feeling Now I am not one to complain but It seems to me lt is rather insane We go out an buy things others might need And they take them back to the store full speed The tops are broken and left in a pile You try to accept It all with a smile Cheer up, three hundred and sixty five days and then, You can start all over again. A Tribute to the "9ers" By Naomi Sams A picture taken years ago, young men in Navy white Is safely in the album now, completely out of sight. Now and then we open that book and turn It's dusty pages and wonder where they are right now, and just what are their ages They were the crew of the 639, in battle they stood fast they followed orders, did their job, and came back home at last. The years slipped away and the men of this crew failed to keep in touch but, tho It wasn't every day, they thought of each other, much. That picture taken years ago, and many others was a link in a chain of memories that connected them as brothers Then one day, there came a chance for them to be reunited and when it actually happened, getting together made them excited There was laughing and even a tear here and there teasing about their weight and hair. The memories came flooding back and the stories began to be told of things that happened up on the deck, and down in the hold If only someone had thought to keep a running tally we' d know how many times they spoke of the fire down in the gal ley The 639ers could sit and talk for over an hour of little things like the bugs in the flour The men survived the war, and the battle here at home of making a living for them and their wives and doing something good with their lives hi shops, and stores and offices they earn their daily bread and wonder if they should have tried something else instead. They each have followed a different path in the work they do each day but if you asked them - to a man - they would proudly say "The 639 was a darned good ship" and they might add this too "When we served aboard that ship we were a darned good crewl" HONOR ROLL As of April S, 2004 MORRIS ABOUAF ROBERT L. BRADY JOHN E. HODGES 1950 FRANCIS V. NICHOLSON 1952 FOSTER B. YOUNG 1966 PETERP.BUTALA 1976 SHELBY RALEY 10- 1976 GEORGE A. STEINHAGE 4 -1977 FRANCIS A MEIER 12-24--1977 JAMES G. PAVELKA 1-1-1978 PAUL C. CHIPKO 1981 WILLARD E. CLEMENS 1981 CARL A STTEUERNAGEL 1981 HERMANL.M1MS 1983 RUDYZ. ARMLTO 1983 MAXJ.JENARY 1984 HARRY D.BRECKENRIDGE 6-30- 1985 FLOYD A CROW 9- 3- 1986 WTLBURN M WALDROP HAROLD D. CHRISTOPHER 10- -8 - 1986 GUY C. DAVIS 8-15-1987 HAROLD W. CRESSEY 1988 CECIL A HOYLE 1990 JOHN H. BRANCH 3--9- 1993 CARL DJTLLON LOUISJ.RUSSO 5-13- 1993 CHESTER J. NELSON HOWARD L. JENKINS 11-12-1994 JOHNF.HGHE 7-22-1995 JOHN Z. WALDEN, Sr. 1997 WILLARD W. BARGER 6-9- 1997 MERLIN D. FENDER 7- 1997 SAMUEL GUZZO 8--1997 HARRISON L. WOOSXJEY 9 - - 1997 KEITH G. WOODCOX 11-13- 1997 RALPH E. WOLFE 6- 6-1998 JOHN B. HENTHORN 2-11-1999 CARROLL S.MCFALL 1999 EDWARD YOUNG HONOR ROLL August 15, 2010 HARRY R. SAMS 8-31-2000 ROBERT J. ANDERSEN 2000 JAMES F. WESTERMAN 1-4-2002 ESTEVEN "R" MORALES 3-20-2002 RUSSELL L. KUTZ 4-27-2002 EDWARD L. HOLLAND 5-11 -2002 MARVIN E. BARNES ROBERT T. GIBSON 5-25-2002 CLAYTON H. WILLARD 3-9-2003 ROBERT F. BRANNEN 1-11-2004 ROBERT W. SAHR 6-28-2004 FREDRICK T. DEVINNEY 9-2004 WILLIAM H. HEINLEN 1980 ARTHUR P. BRIGHT 9-2006 JOSEPH H. SCUNZIANO 5-25-21 RICHARD F. HEYL 9-2005 FRANCIS J. WALLS 4-13-2007 CHARLES W. DOUGLASS 3-2007 JOHNGUELFF 1-3-2007 CHESTER W. MALINS 2-19-2008 MATTHEW F. ELLIOTT 6-1 -2008 FRANCIS N. CALAUTT1 12-26-2008 LEROY F. MATTOX 1 -28-2009 WOODROW J. HEBERT 1 -15-2009 JOSEPH A. DRZEWIECKI 9-27-2009 RAPHAEL B. BADDING 4-18-2010 LADIES HONOR ROLL August 19, 2010 RUTH NEUREUTER August 1, 1986 GERTRUDE DRZEWIECKI 1987 VIRGINIA HAMMOND March 20. 1991 JANET GUZZO February 17, 1992 DOROTHY BRANCH March 3,1996 DORIS WALDEN MILDRED FENDER only child of Merlin and Caryl May 12, 1996 LAURA CARLSON December 1, 1996 PATRICIA DUVAL December 10, 1998 VIOLET WESTERMAN 1999 MABEL WOODCOX October 17, 1999 GRACE KUTZ December 14, 2001 ANN ANDERSEN 2002 VELMA GUELFF RUTH DEVINNEY June, 2003 MARGARET GIBSON February 18, 2004 PEGGY HEYL March 24, 2004 DIANE ALLEN 2004 CARYL FENDER August 26, 2004 HELEN WOLFE July 19, 2005 MARY ANN BOWLER November 3, 2005 JANE SAHR July 19,2006 ELIZABETH CONOVER April 21, 2007 JANICE CROW November 22, 2007 TONI MALINS February 5, 2009 P.S. "I shall pais through this world but once. If, therefore, there be any kindness I can show, or any good thing I can do, let me do it now; let me not defer it or neglect it, for I shall never pass this way again." Etlenne De Grellet 19th century The Idea for a booklet was suggested over 20 years ago. I am very much aware that 20 years ago I was just NOT capable of compiling such a booklet. Only now, with the input of the remaining crew members and the Grace of God in allowing me the time, could this be done. I want to express to you how very grateful I am for your help. This Is simply not a one person project. It has required the assistance of everyone who contributed even one letter over the years as well as the support and encouragement the crew family has given me In the past few years. I really wanted to "bow out", but as I have learned, true friends Just don't let you be down. They keep pulling at you to get back up. Even If they must do It from a great distance. I sincerely hope this will be something you will approve of and treasure because it is truly a labor of love. If there Is any thanks to be given, lt should go to my grandson Jason for asking that one question that made me realize this project HAD to be done. "Where was Papa when he was In the ARMY7" A sincere effort was made to locate all former crew members except one. Harry would not let me try to find the man he said had 1 led and caused him to lose his rating. That was one regret he carried with him all his life. The "jungle rot" on his feet was a lifelong reminder of his time In the South Pacific and the fingers he had crushed on the ship caused him much discomfort whenever they became cold. Irritating reminders that he had given over two years of his life to his country. He was very proud to have served in the Navy and treasured his momentos, pictures and most of all the friendships that were formed during that time and renewed many years later. Friendship - - By Dinah Maria Mulock Craik Oh, the comfort - the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person, having neither to weigh thoughts, nor measure words - but pouring them all right out - - just as they are - - chaiT and grain together - - Certain that a faithful hand will take and sift them Keep what Is worth keeping and with a breath of kindness, Blow the rest away. LEST WE FORGET This book has been compiled In the memory of Harry Richard Sams for his children Larry Drew Sams and Janet Lynn Rice, and for his grandchildren Andrea Lynn Conny, Lori Michelle (Sams) Offenbecher and Jason Douglas Rice. /lacrrru— "A WAR and MORE" Disclaimer US Navy and Amphibious Emblem Tide Page with small picture Dedication The Ship Officers and Crew - 3 pages Launching Party picture Christening picture Crew picture list - those known Launch and Crew pictures Shipyard picture Chow Time on LST - 2 pages Journey - 4 pages Operations - fromJoh n Carlson - 3 pages Map - 2 pages Borneo page and 2 pages of pictures from Chet Maiins Birthday letter to Harry from Chet Maiins - 2 pages Miscellaneous Information MacArthur and Halsey pictures Harry's cards and V mail to his mother Nsvylfyrnn Microfilm Story Crew list from Microfilm - 30 pages - plus Crew pages with personal information, pictures Reunion Story - 2 pages Reunions - 6 pages Group at Crow's -1981 Maflgram from Chet Maiins - first reunion Prayer from reunion at Norfolk Kutz - letter from James Forrestal Walls - Teep" letter Poems Honor Roil - Men - 2 pages Honor Roll - Ladies Harry's pages - SjJlouette - Discharge - Picture and Medals His story - 2 pages Pictures Donnie and Harry meeting List of Souvenirs Place Mat from LST 1193 P.S. Index LST-63Q Harry R. Sams 17791 Firth Street R. D. ff\ Belolt, Ohio 4i+609 Phone 1-216-Q38-244-9 Dear Sin I am trying to locate former cew members of LST-63Q vjho served during World War II. If you are the right party and are a former crew member, I would like to add your name to the list. I have been in touch with Bob Sahr and we are hoping to arrange a reunion for next summer. Please fill out the form below and return it as soon as possible. If you are a crew member, please list any o+her crew members you may have an address for _ no matter how old It Is. Later I will send you a list of the members we are able to locate, If you wish. Please fill out this form as soon as possible as we need confirmation of your status so we can get our list up to date and ready to send out. I AM A FORl-iliR CREW MtiriBjiR OF LST-63Q YES NAM*, WIFE'S NAME_ ADDRcSS CITY. STATE ZIP_ PHONe, NUMBER OTHER CREW MEMBERS YOU KNOW AND TrialR ADDRESSES rllaASia FILL OUT AND RETURN TODAY fli August 28, 2010 Donated to the archives of LST-325 In memory of the crew of LST-639 Naomi Sams 1275 South 21st Street Sebring, Ohio 44672 Ph. 330-938-2449