USS BRISTOL DD 857 Veterans Association

NEWSLETTER Spring 2018

The Brown Water Navy in Operation GAME WARDEN In This Issue Vietnam Task Force 116 was established on The Brown Water Navy in by Robert H. Stoner, GMCM December 18, 1965 and given the Vietnam…………………………..1 (SW)(Ret) n a m e O p e r a t i o n G A M E WARDEN. During the Vietnam Part 2 War, there were over 50 LSTs Historic Trivia .19 serving in direct support of the [Part 1 covered Operation Navy’s Brown Water forces. LSTs In Memoriam………………….20 MARKET TIME. In Part 2 we in Vietnam earned 360 battle stars, will look at Operation GAME 19 Presidential Unit Citations Heroes Among Us……………22 WARDEN. This is operation (PUC), 45 Navy Unit Citations took the war from the coastal (NUC), and 39 Meritorious Unit Any Volunteers………………..23 regions, up the river deltas, up Citations (MUC). the rivers and into the canals of 10 Essential Health Tips…..24 South Vietnam.] By mid-1968 and just prior to the Tet Offensive, the compliment of PBRs was increased to 250. USS MASON………………….24 The naval war in South Vietnam during the years 1964 to 1975 Patrol areas were expanded into I was very dynamic. For the Corps and even into Cambodia President’s Message…………28 Americans aiding the South under Operation SEALORDS Vietnamese, the effort was (South East Asia Land, Ocean, several fold: (1) build and equip River, and Delta Strategy) in the a capable Vietnamese Navy; (2) fall of 1968. teach the new VNN how to fight; (3) how to keep itself supplied; and (4) how to keep itself operational.

At the same time, the United States Navy found itself embroiled in a war that was fought at first, off the coastal waters of South Vietnam, and then in the river deltas, smaller waterways and canals of the country. To combat North The original Game Warden Vietnamese infiltration of men TF-116 consisted of the following and supplies by sea, three Task units: Forces were formed: TF-115 called Operation MARKET TIME; TF-116 called Operation Support Ships (1966) GAME WARDEN; and TF-117 called the MOBILE RIVERINE USS BELLE GROVE (LSD-2) FORCE (a joint amphibious USS COMSTOCK (LSD-19) Army-Navy riverine operation).

1 USS TORTUGA (LSD-26) The LSTs provided important USS FLOYD COUNTY supply and maintenance facilities (LST-762) for the PBRs (and other small boats). Many of these services Support Ships 1967-1968 were unavailable at shore bases. After the modifications, the LSTs had so much new equipment stuffed into their hulls that living conditions for crews were 4 specially modified Landing Ship seriously overcrowded. Tank (LST) USS GARRETT COUNTY (LST-786) Below: The LSTs that supported USS HARNETT COUNTY Operation GAME WARDEN saw (LST-821) lots of service – some spanning USS HUNTERDON COUNTY three wars – World War 2, Korea, (LST-821) and Vietnam. USS JENNINGS USS JENNINGS COUNTY COUNTY (LST-846) was typical (LST-846) of those unsung warriors that 20 Landing Craft (LCVP) accomplished great things. Like 8 UH-1B Huey Helicopters the sailors that man them, ships earn and wear awards and 120 specially designed River decorations. Jennings Country P a t r o l B o a t s ( P B R s ) earned a lot of them over her long River Patrol Force (PBR) service. Here is her awards and River Division 51 Can Tho / Binh decorations in order of precedence Thuy (top to bottom, left to right): River Division 52 Sa Dec (later C o m b a t A c t i o n R i b b o n , Vinh Long) Presidential Unit Citation, Navy River Division 53 My Tho Unit Citation, China Service River Division 54 Nha Be Medal, American Campaign River Division 55 DaNang Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, WW2 Victory Medal, Four LSTs were specially Navy Occupation Medal (Asia configured as mobile PBR bases. Service), National Defense The original Operation Game Service Medal, Korean Service Warden LSTs were: USS Medal (2 awards), Vietnam GARRETT COUNTY (LST-786), Service Medal (9 awards), USS HARNETT COUNTY Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry (LST-821), USS HUNTERDON Citation (w/palm), Vietnamese COUNTY (LST-838) and USS Civil Actions Citation (w/palm), JENNINGS COUNTY United Nations Service Medal, Areas of operation for the four (LST-846). Specialized LST Vietnamese Campaign Medal, GAME WARDEN floating bases modifications included: Korean War Service Medal. were the Bassac, Co Chien, and Ham Luong Rivers. A rotation A day and night landing area for plan was set up where three UH-1 helicopters.Refuel and GAME WARDEN units were rearm facilities for the gunships always on station while the fourth were provided. Four boat booms was out of Vietnam for R&R (rest for mooring up to 16 PBRs and recuperation) and repairs. In alongside the ship. A cargo boom most cases, repairs were in the to lift PBRs out of the water Philippines and lasted for one to repairs aboard ship. Repair shops two months at a time. to do engine, pump, hull, and repairs on PBRs. Fresh water The flat-bottomed LSTs could distillation was improved for the navigate upstream all the way to increased manning. Upgraded the Cambodian border using the radio, navigation, and electronic rivers of the Mekong Delta from equipment installed.

2 multiple entrances from the South PBR crews “augmented” vehicles engaged in Operation China Sea. Although the LSTs firepower with such weapons as GAME WARDEN were: Landing made it possible to project a 57mm and 90mm recoilless rifles, Ship Tank (LST), Landing Craft mobile support base for PBR boats M72 light anti-tank weapon Vehicle-Personnel (LCVP – and helicopters deep inland, ( L AW ) r o c k e t l a u n c h e r s , 1966-1971), Patrol Boat River putting such large slow moving flamethrowers, 7.62 NATO Mini- (PBR), STrike Assault Boat ships like these on narrow guns, 60mm mortars, or 20mm (STAB – 1970), SEAL Team (aka waterways surrounded by dense cannon. Tactical) Assault Boat (STAB – jungle presented risks. 1967 to 1968), Heavy SEAL The crew of a PBR was four men S u p p o r t C r a f t ( H S S C – On September 12, 1968, USS -- A first class or chief petty 1966-1971), Medium SEAL HUNTERDON COUNTY was officer, a gunner's mate, an S u p p o r t C r a f t ( M S S C – ambushed near Ben Tre. She was engineman, and a seaman. Each 1969-1971), Light SEAL Support hit by rocket and recoilless rifle man was cross-trained to do the Craft – 1968-1971), Landing Craft fire from shore and suffered other man’s job if he was wounded P e r s o n n e l , L a r g e M k 4 extensive structural damage. Two or killed. PBRs operated in pairs (1967-1969), Boston Whaler (13- crewmen were killed and another and patrolled the various rivers foot – 1966-1971), Kenner Ski twenty-five were wounded. and canals day and night. The Barge (17-foot – 1968-1971), PBRs searched sampans and junks Inflatable Boat Small (IBS – for weapons and supplies. The 1966-1971), Landing Craft The PBRs (Patrol Boat, River) Viet Cong were very good at Mechanized Mk 3, Mk 6, and Mk became known as the mainstay of concealing such material in even 8 (1966-1971), Patrol Air Cushion river patrol operations. But, when the smallest of boats. Only by Vehicle (PACV – 1966-1968), the Navy decided to commit itself thoroughly checking every boat Landing Craft Utility (LCU – to river patrol operations in could the flow of weapons and 1966-1971), and Swamp or Air Vietnam, it did not have a readily supplies be stopped. Boats (1967-1971). available small fast patrol craft, nor did it have time to design one The PBR crews (along with the LST – LST-542-class tank landing of its own. The Navy decided to rest of the GAME WARDEN fleet craft find a commercially available hull carried out this mission so and modify it for combat. They effectively that movement of needed a small, light boat with supplies to the Viet Cong by these high speed, shallow draft, water jet waterways was severely curtailed. propulsion system, and heavy firepower. A contract for 120 Other GAME WARDEN Units PBRs (called Mark I) was awarded to United Boat Builders (Uniflite) Task Force 116 was more than just of Bellingham, Washington at a LSTs and PBRs. Task Force 116 cost of $75,000 each. also included Naval Special Operations Groups including: ! The Mk I PBR had a 31-foot long Mobile Support Team ONE, fiberglass hull. It could do 28 Mobile Support Team TWO, knots and was powered by two Beach Jumper Unit ONE, Assault GM 6V53 220 hp diesel truck Craft Unit ONE, Harbor Clearance engines that gave 2,800 rpm direct Unit ONE, SEAL Team ONE and Above: The 328-foot USS drive to the Jacuzzi water jet TWO, Underwater Demolition GARRETT COUNTY (LST-786) propulsion pumps. Each boat Team 12 and 13, Explosive was a LST-542 class World War 2 carried a Raytheon 1900 radar unit Ordnance Disposal detachments. built ship. In this photo the ship is for night operations. Armament Also included were Strike Assault shown with her brood of PBRs, consisted of twin .50 machine Boat Squadron 20 (StabRon 20); a boat booms, and the boat lift guns in a gun tub on the bow, a Patrol Aircushion Vehicle crane. [Photo: Gerald Busic] single .50 machine gun was aft, Squadron (PACV); and Naval two M60 7.62 NATO caliber Support Activities (to man the machine guns (or one M60 and forward bases ashore and afloat). one Mk 18 40mm grenade Below: USS HARNETT launcher) were on armored shields Taken together, these units fielded COUNTY (LST-821) was also amidships, plus the personal some very interesting and diverse home to the Navy Seawolf UH-1B weapons of the crew. Later, some craft. Ships and boats and other gunships of Light Helicopter

3 Attack Squadron 3 (HAL-3). Two alert birds are spotted on her foredeck ready to launch. [Photo: Seawolf.org]

! ! LCVP – Landing Craft Vehicle- Personnel (LST ship’s boat) Above: An LCVP from USS DRAKE (APA-159), heavily Below: The LCVP was a World loaded with troops, heads to the Wa r 2 d e s i g n b y H i g g i n s beach in World War 2. [Photo: US ! Industries in New Orleans, LA. It Navy] was a 36-foot boat designed to move troops, cargo, or small vehicles like Jeeps from ship to shore. An LCVP was crewed by three men: coxswain, boat PBR – Patrol Boat River, Mark I engineer and a seaman. When the machine gun mounts were fitted, the latter two manned the guns. Later LCVP models were made of fiberglass instead of wood. A ¼- inch steel armored plate was fitted on both sides of the hull to offer some protection to the occupants. The boat had a diesel engine and a ! single prop. The prop, shaft, and rudder were protected by a skeg when the boat was driven onto the beach. LSTs carried two or four LCVPs on davits. [Drawing: US ! Navy]

A bove: A n A rmy CH -47A “Chinook” heavy-lift helicopter in ! the process of hooking up a d a m a g e d U H - 1 B S e a w o l f Above: One of the 120 Mk I PBRs helicopter for transportation to deployed to Vietnam in 1966. The NAS Binh Thuy for repairs. The PBR was a commercial design photo was taken aboard USS adapted for patrol work. Left, Mk HARNETT COUNTY (LST-821). I PBR number 138 heads out on [Photo: Seawolf.org] patrol. Right, two Mk I PBRs demonstrate how the boats Below: USS HARNETT ! patrolled in pairs: one boat would COUNTY (LST-821) shows off assume the lead and the other boat her boats and helicopter facilities would cover it. If either boat were in this photo. The helicopter in the attacked, the other boat would center is an UH-34 Sea Horse engage the attackers to catch them admin helicopter, a UH-1B in crossfire. One hundred sixty- gunship is to the right. Judging by one PBRs were delivered in 1966. the mud and sand stirred up, the [Photos: Lee Wahler] waters must be quite shallow in this anchorage. [Photo: Ed Pietzuch]

4 Below: A good profile shot of the Above: The Mk II PBR was Above: The STAB was the Mk I PBR. [Photo: Lee Wahler] brought into service in 1967. The brainchild of ComNavForV, Mk II was a redesign of the Mk I VADM Elmo R. Zumwalt. The to incorporate lessons learned in boat was designed around the 24- Vietnam. The Mk II introduced a foot Light SEAL Support Craft redesigned forward twin gun ( L S S C ) b u i l t b y G r a f t o n m o u n t , i n i n c r e a s e d s i z e Boatworks, Grafton, IL. The pilothouse with additional armor STAB boat was lengthened from for the coxswain, and the hull was 24 feet to 26 feet and the strengthened – especially where propulsion changed from two 427 the main deck and hull join. Left, Ford gasoline engines and Jacuzzi a Mk II plows at low speed on water jet pumps to two 427 Chevy patrol. Right, like other PBRs, the gasoline engines and MerCruiser Mk II was very maneuverable and stern drives. [Photo: Tom could turn within its own length. Lefavour] In this photo, a Mk II does a crash turn to starboard. [Photos: Lee Wahler]

! Above: This Mk I PBR is ! Above: The STAB was the fastest being brought aboard USS boat deployed to Vietnam – 20 GARRETT COUNTY Above: A Mk III PBR. Eighty- were deployed there during the (LST-786) for maintenance. seven Mk II PBRs were brought year 1970 with StabRon 20. The running lights, radome, into service in 1967-1968. The [Photo: Dan Kurant] and pilothouse cover have M k I I I w a s e x t e r n a l l y indistinguishable from the Mk II. Below: Three boats of StabRon 20 been removed or relocated The Mk III was the most returning from an operation. Note for the lift. [Photo: Gerald numerous variation of the PBR: the heavy armament used on the Busic] 145 were delivered in 1968-1969; STABs – M60 machine guns and 37 were delivered in 1969-1970; 40mm grenade launchers. The LSSC used by MST-2 units were PBR – Patrol Boat River, Mark II/ 23 in 1970-1971, 30 in 1971-1972; 10 in 1972-1973; 37 in 1973-1974; more lightly armed because they and 7 in 1976-1978 (289 total). could rely on the SEAL squad’s The last 5 operational Mk III firepower if they were ambushed. PBRs belong to Special Boat The STABs relied on more Team 22 in Stennis, MS. One of firepower with less manpower. the SBT-22 boats is shown here [Photo: Dan Kurant] completing a sharp starboard turn. [Photo: US Navy] III! STAB – STrike Assault Boat

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! Naval Special Operations Craft ! (MST-1, MST-2)

5 Mobile Support Team ONE through PTF 22; and the Osprey had four Packard marine engines predated Operation GAME Group – U.S. built boats PTF 23 burning 115/145 octane aviation WA R D E N . M S T- 1 w a s through PTF 24. gasoline. This boat became PTF 1 established in early 1964 to in 1962 and was one of the first conduct covert missions against Of the four groups, the PTF 1 and four craft sent to MST-1 at Da North Vietnam by VNN-crewed PTF 2 were Korean War-era Nang, RVN in early 1964. All boats whose crews were trained prototype PT boats that had been USN PTFs were on-loan to the and the boats maintained by USN refurbished for Vietnam service. V N N a n d n o P T F s w e r e personnel. These boats were The boats were aluminum transferred to the VNN. [Photo: drawn from Boat Support Unit construction, the engines burned Jim Gray] ONE, Coronado, CA and were 115/145 octane aviation gasoline, called PTF (Patrol Torpedo, Fast). and parts were difficult to find for The PTF was actually a misnomer, them. These boats were discarded because this multi-purpose boat as soon as possible and replaced was designed function as either: by the modern Norwegian Nasty- (1) a patrol torpedo – PT – boat; class boats. (2) a motor gunboat; or (3) a fast minelayer. The USN used the PTF There were 14 Nasty-class boats ! as a motor gunboat throughout its purchased from Norway by the service (1962 to 1979). MST-1 USN; PTF 3 through PTF 8 were Below: The 95-foot PTF 2 (ex-PT operated from Da Nang, Vietnam. taken directly from Norwegian 811), built by John Trumpy and Navy stocks and PTF 9 though Sons for the USN in 1951. The Operational control of the PTFs in PTF 16 purchased from the boat was aluminum, weighed 95 Vietnam was through the Military Norwegian builders. These boats tons and had four Packard marine Assistance Command, Vietnam - were delivered from 1962 through engines burning 115/145 octane Studies and Observation Group 1966. All Nasty-class boats were aviation gasoline. This boat (MACV - SOG). SOG was a joint 80 feet by 24 feet, of wooden became PTF 2 in 1962 and was unconventional warfare command construction and weighted 75 tons. one of the first four craft sent to that integrated many different MST-1 at Da Nang, RVN in early units of the American armed There were 6 Trumpy-class boats 1964. [Photo: US Naval Institute] forces and intelligence purchased from Trumpy and Sons, community. MACV-SOG was Annapolis, Maryland for the USN established on 24 January 1964. and delivered in 1968 and 1969. The Trumpy boats were very U n d e r S O G a u s p i c e s , t h e similar to the Nasty-class boats, American sailors of MST-1 trained but were differences in internal the VNN in PTF operation and arrangement, in engineering, and maintained the PTFs under their in the electronics carried. ! care. The VNN crews took the Construction, dimensions, and PTFs into North Vietnamese weights were the same as the waters to raise all kinds of Nasty-class boats. particular hell. Over 1,000 of these OP 34A raids were There were 4 Osprey-class boats conducted by the VNN from purchased from Stewart Seacraft March-April 1964 until January in Berwick, Louisiana for the USN ! 1972. In January 1972, all PTFs and delivered in 1968. The were transferred back to the Osprey-class was aluminum Above: PTF 3 was a Nasty-class custody of the USN and brought construction, 95 feet by 24 feet, back to the United States. motor gunboat. She is shown at and about 125 tons. top speed in Manila Bay during February 1964. This boat was one There were a total of 26 PTF boats PTF – PTF 1, PTF 2, Nasty-class, of four that began operations from that could be divided into four Trumpy-class, Osprey-class Da Nang, Vietnam in March-April general groups: (1) the Legacy (patrol torpedo, fast) 1964. All PTFs were shipped Group – PTF 1 (ex-PT 810) and through the Philippines prior to PTF 2 (ex-PT 811); (2) the Nasty Below: The 89-foot PTF 1 (ex-PT deployment to Vietnam. The Group – Norwegian boats PTF 3 810) built by Bath Iron Works for MST-1 repair shops at Subic Bay, through PTF 16; the Trumpy the USN in 1951. The boat was made changes to the boats to Group – U.S. built boats PTF 17 aluminum, weighed 95 tons, and prepare them for war. One of the

6 changes was to remove the from the earlier PTFs. The through the years 1966 through forward 40mm Bofors gun and Ospreys were designed to take gas 1971. Roughly speaking, we can replace it with the Navy Mk 2 turbine engines, but they were trace this as: Mod 0 81mm mortar. The mortar never installed. The Ospreys used was used for indirect fire and for the same Napier Deltic T18-37K 1966 – ST-1 personnel are using at illumination of North Vietnamese turbo-supercharged diesels of the least one LCPL fitted with targets. [Photo: Mark Tondel] Nasty and Trumpy boats. [Photos: armament and a modified LCM-6 Warboats.org] (Heavy SEAL Support Craft 1) as Below: PTF 7 is seen next to USS well as Boston Whalers and the SAINT PAUL (CA-73) at Subic ubiquitous IBS (inflatable boat, Bay Naval Base. The sleek lines small). of the PTF are well shown in this photo. The Mk 2 Mod 0 81mm 1967 -- ST-1 modified HSSC 1 is mortar is installed forward of the h e a v y d a m a g e d ( o n t w o bridge under the gray cover. occasions) by direct mortar hits; [Photo: Robert T. Webb] MST-2 brings two purpose-built HSSCs (HSSC 2 and HSSC 3) to ! Vietnam along with four modified LCPLs. ST-2 brings two STAB (SEAL Tactical Assault Boats) to Vietnam. MST-2 also uses Boston Whalers and the IBS on some operations.

1968 -- STAB boats and Boston Whalers are retired from tactical ! operations in favor of the new ! Light SEAL Support Craft Mobile Support Team TWO was (LSSC); HSSCs and LCPLs established in 1967 to provide boat continue in use. Some use of support for Navy SEAL Teams Kenner Ski Barges and Boston and UDT Detachments assigned to Whalers are used for non-tactical the Republic of Vietnam. Early operations.1969 -- LCPLs are SEAL operations (begun in 1966) phased-out in favor of the Medium had relied on SEALs operating SEAL Support Craft (MSSC). their own makeshift craft. It soon HSSCs and LSSCs continue in became obvious that the SEALs use. and UDTs were needed fulltime ! for their tasks and the boat support 1970-1971 -- All SEAL/UDT needed to be spun-off to a support is done with LSSCs, Above: PTF 21 is seen at top dedicated unit. Boat Support Unit MSSCs, and HSSCs. There is speed off Hawaii about 1972. One ONE created Mobile Support some use of Boston Whalers and of six Trumpy-class boats, she Team TWO that had its Kenner Ski Barges, but not for differed in minor details from the headquarters at Binh Thuy. Binh tactical ops. One HSSC is lost in a Nasty-class. Thuy was on the Bassac River, a storm in the Gulf of Thailand, couple of miles from the large city January 1971. All MST-2, SEAL, Note the difference between the of Can Tho. The MST-2 OIC and UDT units stand down in Decca and Litton radar antennas (officer-in-charge) shared his November 1971. and ammunition box arrangement. office with the SEAL/UDT OIC. [Photo: Chip Marshall] Together, they were responsible 1966 – LCPL, HSSC, Boston for all the boat and special Whalers, IBS Below: PTF 23 was the lead boat operations in Vietnam from Saigon of the Osprey-class. Of aluminum south to the tip of the Ca Mau construction, the Ospreys were 15 Peninsula. feet longer than the Nasty and Trumpy boats. As can be seen Special operations craft in from the photos, the superstructure Vietnam went through continuous of the Osprey was quite different development and improvement !

7 Above and below: SEAL Team ONE at Nha Be was forced by circumstances to scrounge boats and modify them for use in Vietnam. Here ST-1 members are in the process of converting an LCM-6 that became known as the “Mighty Mo” due to its armor and ! heavy armament of 7.62 NATO, . 50 machine guns, a 60mm mortar, a 57mm recoilless rifle and a Mk Above: The MST-2 LCPL noses into the beach to insert its SEALs. 18 40mm grenade launcher. ! [Photo: Frank Anderson] Whether this is a practice insertion 1967 – LCPL, HSSC, STAB, and or actual mission is unknown.

Boston Whaler Most missions like this were conducted at night. (Photo: Tom Hawkins]

Below: A bow-on shot of the LCPL nosing into the beach for an insertion. The presence of the photographer on the shore and the background suggest this is a ! practice insertion for the camera. ! [Photo: Tom Hawkins] Above: A rare shot of a Mk 4 LCPL conversion by BSU-1 as part of Project ZULU. The LCPL has been fitted with heavy machine guns, gun shields and additional armor. Four LCPLs would be converted and were heavily utilized by MST-2 from 1967 through 1969 when they ! were replaced by the new MSSC. The problem that plagued both the Above: A Mk 4 LCPL as hastily Project ZULU conversions of the modified by members of ST-1. LCM-6 and LCPL Mk 4s were Some guns lack armored shields to their lack of speed. This was not protect the gunners and the crew is solved until the advent of the ! much too exposed. Whether it LSSC and MSSC. [Photo: Tom was used on operations is not Hawkins] known. [Photo: Chuck LeMoyne] Below: Loaded with SEALs and Below: The ubiquitous IBS was an MST-2 personnel, this LCPL is on inflatable boat that traced back to its way to an insertion somewhere the days of the Navy Combat near Can Tho, Vietnam. [Photo: Demolition Units and Underwater Tom Hawkins] Demolition Teams of WW2 and ! Korea. This IBS belonged to MST-2 detachment Alpha at My Above and below: The LCM-6 Tho. [Photo: Jim Born] conversion by ST-1 was called the “Mighty Mo” due to its heavy armament. This was the first of the Heavy SEAL Support Craft (HSSC). Two MST-2 purpose- built HSSCs replaced the ”Mighty ! Mo” in mid 1967. [Photos: Jerry

8 Clark (upper); Erasmo Riojas Above and below: The third STAB (lower)] of ST-2 under going air transport trials by a CH-46 “Sea Knight” helicopter at Little Creek, VA. On one trial, the straps holding the boat failed and it was sent crashing into a parking lot on base where it demolished a car. This boat was used for weapons ! immunity trials before being scrapped. [Photos: Tom Hawkins] Above: The two STABs of MST on their way back from an ! operation. This was not a time to relax as shown by the SEAL scanning the riverbank and ready to return any enemy fire. [Photo: LIFE Magazine via Jim Gray]

Below: Mission completed, one of the STABs is pulling up to the pier at Nha Be. The fellow at the far ! ! left is a Vietnamese LDNN while some of the SEAL operators are still wearing their inflatable life jackets. [Photo: LIFE Magazine via Jim Gray]

!

Above: Members of ST-2 and ! MST at Nha Be attend a pre- operation briefing before setting ! out in their STABs. [Photo: LIFE Magazine via Jim Gray]

Below: A shot of STAB 1 underway. Note how low the transom sits relative to the water. ! This feature caused the capsizing Above: Three photos of the SEAL of the STABs on several occasions Tactical Assault Boat at Little and several SEALs and LDNNs Creek, VA. Two of these boats (Vietnamese SEALs) were hurt. ! were brought to Vietnam by ST-2 [Photo: Jim Gray] in 1967. [Photos: Tom Hawkins] Above: A well-worn STAB comes up to the LCPL with detainees aboard. The detainees would be questioned and their identity papers checked. If they were OK, they’d be released. If not, they’d b e t a k e n b a c k f o r m o r e questioning. [Photo: Gary Smity] ! ! Below: The same LCPL with its two detainees aboard. There were no good roads in the Delta and so

9 everyone, friend and foe, took Above: MST modified their wasn’t a lot of protection on a sampans. These detainees may be Whalers to move the coxswain to Whaler if you were ambushed and innocent villagers or fishermen or the center of the boat and added the best tactic was to run away as VC. Time will tell. [Photo: Gary armor plate to protect him. A fast as you could go. [Photo: Bill Smity] similar plate was added to the bow Moreo] to afford some protection for the gunner. MST crews put the same engines as the STABs on their boats to give them greater speed. [Photo: Bill Moreo]

Below: It did not take long to use up what space there was in the Whaler. Here two Nha Be ! Whalers move out on an operation with some “visitors.” Both boats ! have been modified to place the coxswain in the center of the craft 1968 – HSSC evolution, Kenner behind some armor plate and put Ski Barge, and LSSC the radio next to him. [Photo: Randy Miller]

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Above: A factory-fresh 13-foot Boston Whaler at the BSU-1 piers at Coronado, CA. The Whaler ! was a very robust boat, but got very cramped when you put MST Above: HSSC evolution (Can Tho and SEALs aboard it. [Photo: ! boat). As received as part of Tom Hawkins] Project ZULU in 1967, this HSSC had no armor for the engine room Below: An MST-2 crew checking and a soft top. The Can Tho boat the papers of a Vietnamese can be recognized by the diamond- sampan’s occupants. These people shaped ballistic plates to protect could be innocent civilians or VC the well deck gunners from trying to smuggle arms and incoming shots. Two MST-2 supplies. [Photo: Bill Moreo] LCPLs are outboard of the HSSC. [Photo: Jim Gray]

! Below: The same boat after the fitting of armor around the engine Above: An overhead view of the room. A solid deck replaced the MST-modified Whaler showing well deck soft top. This deck was the added armor plate for both the capable of supporting a UH-1 coxswain and gunner. Note the helicopter. [Photo: Jim Gray] radio location to the coxswain’s ! left. [Photo: Randy Miller]

Below: Sometimes operations with the Whalers required a tow from the LCPL. In this photo, both Nha Be MST-run Whalers are towed by the LCPL. If SEALs were along for the operation, they would be ! aboard the LCPL due to safety and ! room considerations. There

10 object in side lowered bow ramp) tide in mid 1967 and before with the Mod 1. The Mk 2 Mod 1 armament upgrades were made. was an over and under rig with a . [Photo: Randy Miller] 50 machine gun above the 81mm barrel. At the same time, bar Below: The first armament ! armor was installed from the upgrade to the Nha Be HSSC was armor bulge around the engine the addition of an M40A1 106mm Above: The Can Tho HSSC with room to the bow ramp. Bar armor recoilless rifle and sand bags over its first major armament upgrade – had proved very effective on the solid helicopter landing pad. an M40A1 106mm recoilless similar LCM conversions used by Left, the HSSC beached in the rifle. [Photo: Tom Hawkins] the Mobile Riverine Force RSSZ. Right, a close-up of the (TF-117). [Photo: Don Crawford] recoilless rifle and the sand bag Below: Loading a 106mm round “armor” on the well deck overhead into the recoilless rifle. The .50 Below: Typical bar armor cover. spotting gun was used to put the arrangement on command and 106mm round on target. The control boat CCB-18 (now a gunner, wearing sound powered memorial at Coronado, CA) as phones, sits on the tripod leg. seen from the stern starboard side. [Photo: Bill Moreo] The space between the hull and bar armor was filled with Styrofoam blocks to absorb shrapnel from projectile ! explosions. The bar armor was very effective against rockets, but less so against recoilless rifle fire. [Photo: Lee Wahler] !

Below: The next major armament upgrade to the Can Tho boat – a GAU-2B/A (M134) 7.62 NATO Mini-gun (rotary barrel machine ! gun). Note the gun smoke from the Mini-gun that partially obscures the recoilless rifle barrel. Below: Close-up of the conning [Photo: Bill Moreo] station on the Nha Be HSSC. Note the long box at the back of the sunroof. This box carried all ! the boat’s radio equipment. Various antennas, including the radome for the radar and running lights, attached to the sunroof. Armor for the conning station was arranged in the form of a box on ! the Nha Be boat; the Can Tho boat’s armor was roughly octagonal in shape. [Photo: Randy !

Above: The evolution of the Nha Be HSSC was similar to the Can Tho boat. However, the Nha Be boat was different in appearance. ! Note the square armor around the pilot house, different armor plating Above: The Can Tho HSSC prior around the engine room spaces to its last major upgrade in 1969. and overhead cover for the well Miller]! This last upgrade replaced the Mk deck. The boat is seen here at low 2 Mod 0 81mm mortar (gray

11 ! ! Above: The next armament ! upgrade to the Nha Be HSSC was Above: Detail shots of the twin .50 the addition of a large gun tub for gun tub, shields, and ammunition twin .50 machine guns. Unlike the supply for the guns. Left, the .50 Mini-gun tub for the Can Tho machine guns were set side-by- boat, the tub on the Nha Be boat side and had extended oversize was not attached to the edge of the ammunition boxes. The extent of helicopter deck. The helicopter the boxes can be seen behind both crewmen. Right, the twin guns deck has been reinforced to land a ! UH-1 helicopter and the sand bags and their oversize ammunition have been removed. [Photo: Ron boxes from the gunner’s position. [Photos: Ron Allen] Above: The MST-2 detachment at Allen] Vinh Long had an LCPL that had Below: In addition to the Boston twin .50 machine guns behind a Whaler, the Kenner Ski Barge was custom armored gun shield. The larger and wider. Often called a center plate was designed to stop “Boston Whaler”, the Kenner was straight-on shots from hitting the 17 feet long and mounted two gunner. [Photo: Bill Strawbridge] outboard engines. The Kenner had a pedestal mount for an M60 Below: The MST-2 detachment at machine gun, a distinctive side Nam Can used a 7.62 NATO Mini- ! railing on both sides, and the gun in the bow position and had a coxswain sat at his station in the Navy Mk 4 60mm mortar next to Above: A port side view of the rear by the twin outboards. Shown it. [Photo: John Engstrom] Nha Be HSSC. Note the gap here is one of the Kenner boats between the edge of the top deck belonging to MST-2. [Photo: with the M40A1 recoilless rifle Dave Porter. and the twin .50 gun tub. [Photo: Ron Allen]

Below: Another look at the arrangement of the Nha Be HSSC. It is not known whether this boat received the bar armor upgrade of the Can Tho boat. [ P h o t o : R o n A l l e n ] ! ! B e l o w : A n M S T- 2 L C P L alongside an Ammi pontoon. Each of the four Mk 4 LCPLs used by MST were slightly different. This LCPL has a single .50 ! machine gun forward. The sunroof of this LCPL is being ! repainted – the yellow color is the primer coat that was applied just Above: A brand new LSSC on the before the final green paint coat Mississippi River near Grafton and aircraft recognition marking. Boatworks, Grafton, IL in 1968. An LSSC is nested outboard of the Grafton delivered 16 LSSCs to the LCPL. [Photo: Rick Erwin] USN during 1968 and early 1969. ! The LSSC replaced the worn-out

12 STABs and Boston Whalers (and Kenner Ski Barges) for SEAL and UDT operations. [Photo: Tom Hawkins]

Below: When a load of SEALs went aboard the LSSC, it got rather crowded as shown here. This LSSC is on a training exercise in 1968. [Photo: Tom ! Hawkins]

!

Above: The LSSC typically ! carried a .50 machine gun and two or more M60 or M60D (shown Above: The Navy was fascinated here) machine guns. The excellent by the idea of flying the LSSC condition of this boat indicates this from one location to an other picture was taken in early to mid behind enemy lines. This was the 1969. By 1970, operations origin of the STAB (STrike dictated the removal of the Assault Boat) concept that created Raytheon 1900 radar and its StabRon 20 (1970). However, the ! cumbersome radome. The radar LSSC fared no better at airlift than was not very useful on the small the STAB of ST-2 had at Little rivers and canals where the LSSC Creek, VA in 1967. On the third operated and the radome was seen LSSC lift, the slings supporting as a B-40 rocket shrapnel hazard. the boat failed and the boat fell [Photo: Jim Gray] into a rice paddy from about 3,000 feet. The boat engines kept right Below: An LSSC operating with on going at impact with the the LCPL just ahead. A ground. Tactical aircraft bombed Vietnamese LDNN (SEAL) is the remains. [Photo: Jim Gray] standing on the bow, while a SEAL with an M60 machine gun 1969-1971 – MSSC and LSSC is standing just behind him and to Evolution ! the left. SEALs would do insertions and extractions over the Above: A new LSSC drops off its bow of the LSSC. Many MST SEAL squad during training detachments removed the forward operations in 1968. The LSSC firing M60s as an aid to the saw much hard fighting during SEALs’ movement on and off the 1968 to 1971. [Photo: Tom boat. The forward guns were Hawkins] relocated amidships with the .50 covering the after part of the boat. ! Below: Its SEALs inserted, the same LSSC retracts from the shore. The LSSC would then Above: The replacement for the move to a pre-arranged pickup venerable LCPL was the Medium point and act as a radio relay link SEAL Support Craft (MSSC). while the SEALs were in the field. This 36-foot aluminum boat was [Photo: Tom Hawkins] built by Atlantic Research ! Corporation in Costa Mesa, CA. [Photo: Jim Gray] Ten of these boats were delivered

13 i n 1 9 6 9 f o r u s e b y M S T 1970. The boats in the back are Above: Interior of the MSSC detachments in Vietnam. The MSBs (Mine Sweeping Boats) looking aft shows a typical MSSC carried 300 gallons of whose job it was to keep the Long assortment of gear. The .50 gasoline in four bladders low in Tau shipping channel to Saigon caliber machine guns were the hull. Propulsion was by two open and free of mines. The boats installed amidships on all boats 427 Chevy gasoline engines and were made of wood and carried and a 7.62 NATO Mini-gun two MerCruiser stern drives. The minimal firepower. Many people replaced the after mounted .50 MSSC became the workhorse for in Vietnam thought the guys that machine gun from July and August SEAL/UDT boat support units manned these boats were some of 1970 onwards. C-ration cases and until November 1971 when all the bravest men they’d ever seen. fresh water coolers are for NSWG units were withdrawn The MSB was not fast enough to extended operations. The 3,500- from Vietnam. Here, an MSSC is run from a fight and had neither round magazine for the Mini-gun fitting out at the builder’s pier in the armament nor armor to stay is directly below the bend in the Costa Mesa. [Photo: Tom and duke it out with the bad guys. belt feed chute leading to the gun. Hawkins] [Photo: Tom Hawkins] The spent case and link collection bag is directly below the gun. Below: The 36-foot MSSC was [Photo: Gary Hunt] designed for transport on a special trailer pulled by a heavy truck. In Below: A rear port quarter view of this photo, a new MSSC is the MSSC as it pulls out on a lowered aboard its trailer. The SEAL operation. [Photo: Gary most vulnerable part of the MSSC Hunt] is prominently shown in this photo -- the boarding steps. These steps were always getting crunched ! when the boat put into the beach to unload or load SEALs. Another weak point was the piano hinge f o r t h e f o r w a r d - f o l d i n g windshield. The welds tended to break and repair was difficult. The crew compartment was well ! protected by an inner and outer hull, Styrofoam insulation to absorb rocket shrapnel (and to act ! as flotation and sound deadening), a ceramic-backed steel-alloy Above: Looking forward, the armor plate, and thick Kevlar® interior of the MSSC shows flak curtains. [Photo: Tom functional design. It is roomy for Hawkins] the SEALs and their gear (as well as the MST crew). The SEALs have rapid movement in and out ! over the bow, yet there is space for the gunners as well as good Above: The MSSC was a fast weapons locations for them. The boat with a top speed of over 30 center location allows the OIC to knots. Notice that the boarding run the radios and navigate while steps are gone from this boat. The the coxswain drives. The thick field expedient for the missing and flak blankets that cover the interior broken steps was to hang a cargo armor are very prominent in this net over the bow as shown here. view. [Photo: Tom Hawkins] This MSSC was based at Long Phu (Dung Island). [Photo: Bill Bremer]

! Below: This Nam Can based LSSC is high and dry on the beach after the tide has gone out. The Below: An MSSC tied up at the ! photo shows the water jet nozzles Nha Be piers in late 1969 or early and cables that operate the reverse

14 gates to good effect. [Photo: John and Tan My until they returned Engstrom] stateside after the end of the Tet Offensive in September 1968.

! !

! Above: A Navy PACV comes ashore from USS GUNSTON Above: In January 1971, the HALL (LSD-5) in May 1967. LSSC at Nam Can took two B-40 PACVs also operated from USS rockets that killed the SEAL TORTUGA (LSD-26) during their advisor and his LDNN interpreter first deployment to Vietnam. and wounded many of the other [Photo: US Naval Historical MST and SEALs aboard. The Center] ! reverse gate cables were severed by the rocket hits, but SEAL Don Below: PACV No. 2 is shown at Above: By 1970, the LSSCs had Crawford who took over the Moc Hoa in 1967. Notice the lack removed their radar and radomes coxswain’s seat didn’t need of outside decking for the crew or for increased interior room and reverse (fortunately). He was able passengers. The decking was protection from rocket shrapnel if to bring the boat back. The MST added before the PACVs second the radome was hit. From the OIC and two other MST members deployment in 1968. The forward expression of the SEAL radioman required medical evacuation for access door is open. Although the on the bow, there’s some kind of their wounds. Don Crawford took PACV was fast and could cross all communications glitch. Note that this photo on the morning after the manner of terrain and water it was the SEALs are wearing Levi’s. ambush of the night before. The NOISY. No way could you sneak The reason was the new two hits show up as large dents, up on anyone. PACVs carried camouflage pattern jackets and one shows a perforation of the twin .50s above the pilothouse and trousers had a problem. The hull, and there are numerous M60 machine guns on either side trousers’ crotch would rip-out; the shrapnel gouges. The LSSC looks (one is poking out of the second Levi’s were far more durable. the worse for wear after the window aft of the standing

Some SEALs also wore extra large ambush. [Photo: Don Crawford] crewman). [Photo: US Navy] panty hose underneath their Levi’s because any leaches they picked Other Craft – PACVs, LCMs, up would not stick to them. LCUs, and Air Boats

[Photo: Gary Hunt] The Navy purchased its PACV (Patrol Air Cushion Vehicles) from Below: Close-up of the Nam Can the British Hovercraft Company as LSSC about September 1970. The the Type BHC SR.N5. Seven ! post for the radar’s radome makes hovercraft were converted by Bell a convenient rack for the Aero Systems to the SK-5 Model coxswain’s flak vest (big “lump” 7232 after re-equipping them with behind his head). [Photo: Bob GE LM-100 gas turbine engines. Stoner] The Navy brought three PACV to Cat Lo as PACV Division 107, TF-116 (May 1966 to January ! 1967). Returned to Bell for overhaul, modification, and repair, Above: PACV 3 at top speed over they returned to Vietnam in 1968. marshy ground somewhere near This time they were assigned to Da Nang or Tan My. Note the added deck on top of the hull that ! Coastal Division 17 at Da Nang

15 i d e n t i f i e s a s e c o n d t o u r B I M M , L e e Above: One of the Army’s ACVs modification. [Photo: US Navy] W a h l e r . roaring down the My Tho River near Dong Tam at full speed. Below: PACV 3 just after skirt Army ACVs had a modified hull inflation and before moving out. that incorporated a large deck for The heavy reinforcement for the carrying troops, a larger cockpit post-modification external deck is than the Navy PACV, and two very clearly shown. PACV units side-by-side .50 machine tubs. used revetments made of M8A1 Performance was much the same steel mats to create a work and as the Navy PACV. [Photo: Lee servicing area. An M8A1 mat was ! Wahler] an interlocking, welded steel panel, 1.75 inches thick by 12 feet by 2 feet, weighing 144 pounds. A very durable servicing and work T h e A r m y A C V s h a d area could be put down in a very improvements over their Navy short period of time. PACV 3 is counterparts, although overall resting on M8A1 matting in this sizes remained about the same at photo. [Photo: US Navy] 39 feet long, 24 feet wide, 16 feet high, and a range of 165 nautical miles. Army ACVs had more powerful engines than the Navy PACVs, a wider cockpit, two gun positions instead of one, and a flat deck on top of the lift skirt for ! troops. Although Army evaluation of the ACV was of much longer

th duration than the Navy’s, the The Army’s 9 Infantry Division vehicle was far too expensive to ! used three modified SK-5 ACVs buy and maintain to justify based on a trials basis from 1968 expansion of its fleet. to 1970. Army ACVs differed in physical arrangement from Navy PACVs. A cushion of high-volume, low- pressure compressed air generated by a centrifugal lift fan supported The Army’s three improved SK-5 both the Army ACV and Navy ACVs operated from its base at PACV. The lift fan created air Dong Tam on the Mekong River. pressure, contained by the side These craft arrived between skirts, to lift the ACV off the ! January and May 1968 and ground. The ACV was almost operated from Dong Tam as the frictionless in operation and could Above: A PACV demonstrates its Air Cushion Unit (Provisional) travel over land, swamps, or water amphibious capabilities at Da until July 1969. When the 1st and nd th at a speed of 75 knots. An ACV N a n g d u r i n g t h e s e c o n d 2 Brigades of the 9 Division could clear rice paddy dikes and deployment to Vietnam in 1968. rotated to the United States, the solid obstacles up to 3 feet high [Photo: Lee Wahler] three ACVs were reassigned as the th rd and negotiate a slope 6 feet high. 39 ACV Platoon, 3 Brigade in The ACV could also force its way Below: The sole surviving PACV July 1969 until withdrawn from through tall grasses, fell small 4 (left) at the Bellingham service in September 1970. trees and brush, and navigate International Maritime Museum, ditches and canals. Bellingham, WA. When the PACVs retuned to the United The same engine that powered the States, some were transferred to ACV lift fan also drove a 9-foot, the USCG. This may be one of three-bladed propeller. Twin those, based on the plexiglass rudders enabled the ACV to steer bubble replacing the twin .50 ! in much the same manner as an machine gun mounting. The patch airboat. To maintain the air of PACV Div 107 (right). [Photos: cushion, the ACV used canvas and

16 rubber skirts to contain the compressed air.

Disposition of ACVs: !

Number 901 was written off in Above: A drawing showing the January 1970 when and ARVN ! arrangement of the LCM Mk 6. soldier with full equipment was sucked through the lift fan. Above: ACV 903 up on jacks Below: A scale drawing of the Number 901 was used as a source while her canvas and rubber skirt LCM Mk 8. [Drawings: US of spare parts for Numbers 902 is replaced. The 903 was Navy] and 903. destroyed in action. [Photo: US Army]

Below: ACV 902 awaits her fate at the Ben Luc salvage yard ! sometime after the 39th ACV platoon stand down in September The LCM Mk 8 was a much 1970. [Photo: Ralph Christopher] longer and heavier craft of post- ! Korean War design. The Mk 8 was designed to transport the M48 Above: ACV 901 in the salvage or M60 tank that was much larger yard at Dong Tam. It was written- and 40 percent heavier than the off in January 1970 and became a WW2 Sherman tank. The Mk 8 source of spares for 902 and 903. ! had two 12V-71 diesels driving [Photo: US Army] two props, was 74 feet long and 21 Perhaps no other amphibious craft feet wide, weighed 105 tons Number 902 survived until had more modifications done to it (loaded), and carried 52 tons of September 1970, when the unit during the Vietnam War than the cargo or 200 troops. The Mk 8 was disbanded. humble Landing Craft Mechanized was widely used by both the Navy (LCM) Mark 6. The Mk 6 was a and the Army in Vietnam to carry 56-foot long landing craft that had all manner of cargo. The Army’s been designed to land M4 Transportation Corps ran Army Sherman tanks in World War 2. LCMs. The Mk 6 was identical to the Mk 3, its 50-foot long predecessor. Below: A Navy drawing of the Unless both boats were seen side- LCM Mk 3 showing the features by-side, they were very difficult to of the boat; the Mk 6 is identical ! tell apart. The Mk 6 was 14 feet except it is 6 feet longer. The wide and weighed 65 tons LCM-6 or “Mike 6” is still used Above: ACV 902 on alert status at (loaded). It had two GM 6-71 by the Navy although its primary Dong Tam. It was the only one of diesel engines driving two props role of beach assault has been the three ACVs to mount an M5 for a top speed of 10 knots. superseded by much larger and 40mm grenade launcher on the left Useful load was 34 tons of cargo faster craft. [Drawing: US Navy] front of the hull. The wide troop or 80 troops. deck of the ACV is well shown in this shot. When the 39th ACV The LCM Mk 6 was used as the Platoon stood down, 902 was basis of many specialized taken to Ben Luc and probably conversions for the riverine scrapped there. [Photo: US Army] warfare environment. The HSSC versions done by SEAL Team Number 903 was destroyed in ONE and Boat Support Unit ONE combat in August 1970 and the are only two examples. Many unit commander killed. His more conversions were done and successor commanded Number most of those boats were attached 902 for two months until the unit to TF-117, the Mobile Riverine disbanded. Force. The MRF is described in ! Part 3 of this series.

17 Below: A factory fresh LCM-6. The LCT/LCU had triple the cargo LCU-1493 was transferred to the Note the lack of identifying unit capacity of the LCM-8. The “U- VNN as HQ-543 by January numbers and codes that will be boats” did a lot of supply hauling 1971. [Photo: Joe Criscione] added when it is assigned to a ship in Vietnam and their work went or unit. [Photo: US Navy] largely unnoticed. The modified Below: One of the stranger craft LCT-5/LCU-1466 class was 119 was this swamp boat or airboat. feet long, had a beam of 34 feet, Army SOG advisors and Chinese and drew 6 feet of water. Its speed mercenaries ran these craft in the was 10 knots and it carried a crew Plain of Reeds, a vast Everglades- of 14. Cargo capacity was 150 like swamp northwest of My Tho. tons and it weighted 360 tons [Photo: Don Basallion] ! (loaded). Armament consisted of three twin 20mm guns or twin .50 machine guns. Propulsion was by three diesels turning three propellers. Range was roughly 700 nautical miles at 7 knots. The USN transferred sixteen LCUs to the VNN by January 1971.

!

Above: An LCM-8 coming ashore through the surf with a load of ! vehicles. The “CH” and “KA 113-2” identify this as the number …………………………………… 2 L C M - 8 f r o m t h e U S S CHARLESTON (LKA-113). Historic Trivia Contributed by [Photo: US Navy] Charlie Weaver In George Washington's days, Below: An Army LCM-8 in ! Vietnam. Army crews lived there were no cameras. One's aboard their craft and so they image was either sculpted or enlarged the conning stations into Above: LCU-1475 at Da Nang bunkrooms using 2x4s and loading a cargo of ammunition painted. Some paintings of corrugated sheet metal and b o u n d f o r H u e i n 1 9 6 9 . LCU-1475 is a Mk 5 LCT design George Washington showed him tarpaper for the standard crew of 4 standing behind a desk with one or 5 men. In this shot, a UH-1D with one ramp. YFU-60 (ex- medical evacuation helicopter is LCU-851) is moored alongside. arm behind his back while others This is a Mk 6 LCT design with an taking off a casualty. Armament showed both legs and both arms. was two .50 machineguns. [Photo: offset pilothouse and both a stern Lee Wahler] and a bow ramp for roll-on and Prices charged by painters were roll-off cargo. LCU-1475 was not based on how many people transferred to the VNN as HQ-540 by January 1971. [Photo: Tom were to be painted, but by how Lanagan] many limbs were to be painted. Arms and legs are 'limbs,' therefore painting them would cost the buyer more. Hence the expression, 'Okay, but it'll cost you ! ! an arm and a leg’. (Artists know Originally called the Landing Above: A good starboard side shot hands and arms are more difficult Craft Tank (LCT) the vessels of of LCU-1493 moving cargo on the to paint) the 1466-class were reclassified as Perfume River in South Vietnam LCUs (Landing Craft Utility). about 1969. Like her sister,

18 As incredible as it sounds, men s k i n t o s m o o t h o u t t h e i r eventually combined when and women took baths only twice complexions. When they were referring to the local opinion and, a year (May and October) Women speaking to each other, if a woman thus we have the term 'gossip.' kept their hair covered, while men began to stare at another woman's shaved their heads (because of lice face she was told, 'mind your own At local taverns, pubs, and bars, and bugs) and wore wigs. Wealthy bee's wax.' Should the woman people drank from pint and quart- men could afford good wigs made smile, the wax would crack, hence sized containers. A bar maid's job from wool. They couldn't wash the the term 'crack a smile'. In was to keep an eye on the wigs, so to clean them they would addition, when they sat too close customers and keep the drinks carve out a loaf of bread, put the to the fire, the wax would melt. coming. She had to pay close wig in the shell, and bake it for 30 Therefore, the expression 'losing attention and remember who was minutes. The heat would make the face.' drinking in 'pints' and who was wig big and fluffy, hence the term drinking in 'quarts,' hence the term 'big wig.' Today we often use the Ladies wore corsets, which would 'minding your 'P's and Q's ' term 'here comes the Big Wig' lace up in the front. A proper and because someone appears to be or dignified woman, as in 'straight One more: bet you didn't know is powerful and wealthy. laced'. Wore a tightly tied lace. this! In the heyday of sailing ships, all war ships and many freighters In the late 1700's, many houses Common entertainment included carried iron cannons. Those consisted of a large room with playing cards. However, there was cannons fired round iron cannon only one chair. Commonly, a long a tax levied when purchasing balls. It was necessary to keep a wide board folded down from the playing cards but only applicable good supply near the cannon. wall, and was used for dining. The to the 'Ace of Spades.' To avoid However, how to prevent them 'head of the household' always sat paying the tax, people would from rolling about the deck? The in the chair while everyone else purchase 51 cards instead. Yet, best storage method devised was a a t e s i t t i n g o n t h e f l o o r. since most games require 52 cards, square-based pyramid with one Occasionally a guest, who was these people were thought to be ball on top, resting on four resting usually a man, would be invited to stupid or dumb because they on nine, which rested on sixteen. sit in this chair during a meal. To weren't 'playing with a full deck.' Thus, a supply of 30 cannon balls sit in the chair meant you were could be stacked in a small area important and in charge. They Early politicians required feedback right next to the cannon. There called the one sitting in the chair from the public to determine what was only one problem....how to the 'chair man.' Today in business, the people considered important. prevent the bottom layer from we use the expression or title Since there were no telephones, sliding or rolling from under the 'Chairman' or 'Chairman of the TV's or radios, the politicians sent others. The solution was a metal Board.' their assistants to local taverns, plate called a 'Monkey' with 16 pubs, and bars. They were told to round indentations. However, if Personal hygiene left much room 'go sip some ale' and listen to this plate were made of iron, the for improvement. As a result, people's conversations and iron balls would quickly rust to it. many women and men had political concerns. Many assistants The solution to the rusting d e v e l o p e d a c n e s c a r s b y were dispatched at different times. problem was to make 'Brass adulthood. The women would 'You go sip here' and 'You go sip Monkeys. 'Few landlubbers realize spread bee's wax over their facial there.' The two words 'go sip' were that brass contracts much more

19 and much faster than iron when Shipmates Inman…William Franklyn chilled. Consequently, when the Hollenbach, Jr, 79, of 405 I am sorry to report that I had a Lakewinds Blvd, Inman, passed temperature dropped too far, the call today from Pam Hollenbach away Tuesday, December 19, 2017 brass indentations would shrink so advising me that Bill had passed at Golden Age Nursing Home in much that the iron cannonballs away on 12/19. Bill and I served Inman. on the Bristol at the same time and Bill was born in Coaldale, PA on would come right off the monkey. it was always good to see him and March 2, 1938, a son of the late Thus, it was quite literally, 'Cold Pam at quite a few reunions. Bill Ruth Blew Hollenbach and William Franklyn Hollenbach, Sr enough to freeze the balls off a occasionally missed a reunion but that was usually because his and was the husband of Pamalia brass monkey.' (All this time, you favorite fishing tournament was Jackson Hollenbach. He retired thought that was an improper scheduled for the same week. He from United Airlines and was a had his priorities. member of Aldersgate United expression, didn't you?) Methodist Church in Inman. He He will be missed. also served in the U.S. Navy. …………………………………… Tony Molnar, RD3 1957-1959 In addition to his wife, Bill is survived by a son; William F. "Bill" Hollenback III and his wife Robin of Inman, a grandson; William F. "Will" Hollenbach,IV of Inman, two brothers; Harry Hollenbach of Jacksonville, FL, Bobby Hollenbach of Tamaqua, PA, a sister; Betty Sulpezio of Philadelphia, PA. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a brother, Neil Hollenbach. Services are being planned and will be announced.

Roger Allen Meek (July 2, 1942 - February 8, 2018) Roger Allen Meek age 75 of Burgaw, passed away Thursday February 8, 2018 at New Hanover Regional Medical Center. He was born July 2, 1942 in Staunton VA, son of the late Marshall and Thelma Black Meek. He is survived by his wife Anne Marie Pellegrino Meek; two sons, Christopher Patrick Meek and wife Patricia of Wilmington, and Stephen Thomas Meek and wife Julie of TN; two granddaughters, Riley Nichole Meek, and Christina Rose Meek; a brother, Roy Meek In Memoriam William Franklyn "Bill" and wife Bonnie of CA; two Hollenbach, Jr sisters, Linda Tullos and husband Kenneth of FL, and Barbara

20 Whyitt and husband James of NJ; very close to death due to a fall father of Kathleen Pope, Jeremiah injury (but God must have an and many nieces and nephews. T. Coughlin, Eileen (Kyle) additional mission for him) and is Roger was a lifetime member of doing well in physical therapy, Karvala, Frederic Price and those who are extremely ill and on Anthony (Diane) Price; proud life support, those of us who have grandfather of Brian (Sara) Pope, had our knees replaced and are Kevin Pope, Kristen Pope, Annika being treated for Parkinson’s Karvala, Chris Price, Jonathan disease as a result of being exposed to Agent Orange. (Melissa) Price, Benjamin Price, Remember also those shipmates Monica Price and Nicholas Price; who are still battling the devoted brother of Maryann nightmares of their service to our (Raymond) Berzins and the late country Kathleen "Kitty" (the late Wendel) Halter; fond uncle of Raymond, .………………………………… Peter and Timothy Berzins and Theresa Bacon, Mary Orr and Michael Halter.

Visitation will be Friday, December 29, 2017 from 4:00 ! P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at Morizzo Funeral Home and Cremation the Knights of Columbus. He was Services, 2550 West Hassell Road, a general contractor in New (Northeast corner of Barrington Hanover County. Roger was a Road), Hoffman Estates, IL. member and on the Board of 60169. Directors of the Hanover Kennel Club and a member of the Family and Friends will meet American Eskimo Dog Club of Saturday, December 30, 2017 at Cardinal Drive Church of Christ, America. Roger served honorably 2300 Cardinal Dr, Rolling in the United States Navy. Meadows, IL 60008 for a funeral service to begin at 10:00 A.M. A memorial Mass will be at Editor’s Note: 11:30am Tuesday February 13, The photo above was taken at our The family has created this Life 2018 at St. Stanislaus Catholic 17th reunion in Branson, MO. Tributes page to make it easy to Church. Reverend Father Roger The family of Mr. Jeremiah O. share your memories, photos and Molanda Nyimi will officiate. Coughlin of Hoffman Estates videos. For further information created this Life Tributes page to please contact the Morizzo ………………………………….. make it easy to share your Funeral Directors at 847.752.6444. memories. http:// Arrangements entrusted to Editor’s Note: www.morizzofuneralhome.com/ Morizzo Funeral Home and obituaries/Jeremiah-Coughlin/#!/ Cremation Services, at 2550 West Many of our shipmates’ health TributeWall Hassell Road, (Northeast corner at have deteriorated over the years due our aging process. Please Obituary for Mr. Jeremiah O. Barrington Road), Hoffman remember our shipmates in your Coughlin Jeremiah O. Coughlin, Estates, Illinois 60169. prayers. Without mentioning any 80, U.S.N., of Hoffman Estates, names to avoid embarrassing Illinois. them, let us remember those Loving husband of Robin whose heart valves need Coughlin, nee Hickson; beloved …………………………………… replacement, those of us who were

21 Heroes Among Us Nice story about a WWII were going down to the base and Bud was dying. destroyer Sailor! would have the chance to meet and greet a few of the Sailors from I told him they were welcome to A Sailor’s Dying Wish..... the new Dewey. He was ecstatic. come up any time they wanted, but The day before, he asked every I suspected Bud had about a After signing my pop, EM2 Bud few hours if we were “still going month left to live. Almost without Cloud (circa Pearl Harbor) up for down to visit the boys from the hesitation, he asked if the crew hospice care, the consolation prize Dewey,” and “do they know I was could provide the burial honors I’d given him (for agreeing it was on the Dewey, too?” when the time came. I assured him OK to die) was a trip to “visit the that’d be an honor we’d welcome. Navy in San Diego.” Once aboard, we were greeted by the CO, the XO, and a reinforced Leaving the ship was possibly I emailed my friend and former platoon-sized group of Sailors. To more emotional than boarding. Marine sergeant, who’s currently say it was overwhelming is an serving as a Navy Public Affairs understatement. These men and They piped him ashore. The chief Officer, at midnight on 28 May. I women waited in line to introduce leaned in and quietly told me how asked if she had enough pull on themselves to Bud. They shook his significant that honor was and who any of the bases in San Diego to hand, asked for photos with him, it’s usually reserved for as we get me access for the day so I and swapped stories. It was simply headed towards the gangplank. could give Bud, who served amazing. on USS Dewey (DD-349), a Hearing “Electrician’s Mate windshield tour. They didn’t just talk to him, they Second Class William Bud Cloud, listened. Pearl Harbor Survivor, departing” The next day she sent me an email announced over the 1MC was from the current USS Dewey Bud’s voice was little more than a surreal. (DDG 105)’s XO, inviting us weak whisper at this point and down to the ship two days later. he’d tell a story and then one of Later that night Bud sat in his the chiefs would repeat it so all of recliner, hands full of ship’s coins We linked up with Mandy the Sailors on deck could hear. and declared, “I don’t care what outside Naval Base San Diego and you do with my power tools; you carpooled to the pier where we Bud was telling a story and the better promise you’ll bury me with were greeted by a squad-sized chief was repeating the details these.” group of Sailors. when a petty officer walked back into view holding a huge photo of He died 13 days later. For 12 of Bud started to cry before the doors the original USS Dewey. That those 13 days he talked about the of the van opened. He’d been moment was priceless. Bud Dewey, her Sailors and his visit to oohing and pointing at the cyclic stopped mid-sentence and yelled, San Diego. Everyone who came to rate as we approached the pier, but “There she is!” They patiently the house had to hear the story, see when we slowed down and Mandy stood there holding the photo the photos, hold the coins, read the said, “They’re all here for you, while he told them about her plaques. Bud,” he was overwhelmed. armament, described the way it True to his word, the chief listed after it was hit, and shared arranged the details for a full After we were all out of the van other details about the attacks on honors burial. The ceremony was directly in front of the Dewey, Pearl Harbor. simple yet magnificent. And a shaking hands and exchanging perfect sendoff for an ornery old pleasantries, A petty officer Bud finally admitted how tired he guy who never, ever stopped being introduced himself and said as the was after more than an hour on proud to be a Sailor. After the ship’s Sailor of the Year he had the deck. While they were finishing up funeral, the Sailors came back to h o n o r o f p u s h i n g B u d ’ s goodbyes and taking last minute the house for the reception and w h e e l c h a i r f o r t h e d a y. photographs, the chief asked if it’d spent an hour with the family. This Unbeknownst to us, they’d be OK to bring Sailors up to visit may seem like a small detail, but decided to host Bud aboard the Bud in a few months after a it’s another example of them going Dewey, not at the Dewey. Chief’s board. I hadn’t said it yet above and beyond the call of duty, because I didn’t want it to dampen and it meant more to the family And so they carried him aboard. the spirit of the day, but I quietly than I can explain. None of us expected him to go explained to him the reason we’d aboard the ship. I’d told him we asked for the visit was simple: There are more photos, and I’m

22 sure I missed a detail, or a name. very good friends sharing our sea combat aging. Smoking kills by What I didn’t miss and will never stories. He was the director of causing cancer, strokes and heart forget, is how unbelievable the mount 53. I have attached a failure. Smoking leads to erectile men and women of the USS request letter to Sonny Walker of dysfunction in men due to Dewey were. They opened their the Laffey association for a copy atherosclerosis and to excessive ship and their hearts and quite of the DVD they use to now wrinkling by attacking skin literally made a dream come true demonstrate the actual battle noise elasticity. Many resources are for a dying Sailor. of that day, while visitors sit inside available to help you quit. the mount. The noise is so real that They provided the backdrop for one of Larry,s crew was shaken so 2. Keep active. Do something to “This is the best day of my life, bad he thought he was in the battle keep fit each day, something you daughter. I never in my whole life again. I related that DVD would enjoy that maintains strength, dreamed I’d step foot on the be a good tool for showing to the balance and flexibility and Dewey again or shake the hand of VFW, other veteran groups, the promotes cardiovascular health. a real life Sailor.” Historical Society & possible use Physical activity helps you stay at for Parade Background sounds. a healthy weight, prevent or Without question, it’s the best control illness, sleep better, reduce example of Semper Fidelis I’ve Unfortunately, he never answered stress, avoid falls and look and ever seen. my letter. feel better, too.

We can't all be heroes, some of us Talk later, 3. Eat well. Combined with have to stand on the curb and clap Bob Lang GMSN (45-47) physical activity, eating nutritious as they go by ....Mark Twain foods in the right amounts can DIVER ………………………………….. help keep you healthy. Many VNV/LV M/C illnesses, such as heart disease, CHAPTER EVIL Any Volunteers? obesity, high blood pressure, type DALLAS, TX 2 diabetes, and osteoporosis, can Respect the younger generation be prevented or controlled with and their opinions. They may not There is a little story about four dietary changes and exercise. have the same ideals as you, but p e o p l e n a m e d E v e r y b o d y, C a l c i u m a n d v i t a m i n D they are the future, and will take Somebody, Anybody, and Nobody. supplements can help women the world in their direction. Give prevent osteoporosis . advice, not criticism, and try to There was an important job to be remind them that yesterday’s done and Everybody was sure that 4. Maintain a healthy weight. wisdom still applies today. Somebody would do it. Extra weight increases your risk for heart disease, diabetes and ………………………………….. Anybody could have done it, but high blood pressure. Use the Nobody did it. Kaiser Permanente BMI (body From: Robert Lang To: mass index) calculator to find out edwardclynch1 Somebody got angry about that what you should weigh for your Sent: Tue, Nov 7, 2017 2:30 pm because it was Everybody’s job. height. Get to your healthy weight Subject: Newsletter-USS Laffey and stay there by eating right and DD724 Everybody thought that Anybody keeping active. Replace sugary could do it, but Nobody realized drinks with water, water is calorie Hello, Ed, very interesting news that Everybody would do it. free! letter. I was with Marty at the National Tin Can Sailors Reunion It ended up that Everybody 5. Prevent falls. We become in King Of Prussia, Pa. in August. blamed Somebody when Nobody vulnerable to falls as we age. We were the two representing the did what Anybody could have Prevent falls and injury by Bristol. I, also was the lone done. removing loose carpet or throw representative of the Hanson DD/ rugs. Keep paths clear of electrical DDR 832. It was very convenient …………………………………… cords and clutter, and use night- for me living only 15 minutes lights in hallways and bathrooms. from the Hotel. 10 Essential Health Tips Did you know that people who for Seniors: walk barefoot fall more About the Laffey: Since the Chief frequently? Wear shoes with good Gunners Mate, Larry Delewski 1. Quit smoking. Take this critical support to reduce the risk of and I lived so close we became step to improve your health and falling.

23 6 . S t a y u p - t o - d a t e o n USS Mason the Mason, which led the convoy immunizations and other health to safety on the British coast. screenings. By age 50, women should begin mammography screening for breast cancer .. Men All-Black Crew Overcomes A Second War can be checked for Racism to Save WWII But Mason, and especially its . prostate cancer. Many preventive Convoy screenings are available. Those crew, had another battle to fight: who are new to Medicare are not the weather, not even the Nazi entitled to a "Welcome to 12 February 2018 From Elizabeth U-boats that stalked almost every Medicare" visit and all Medicare M. Collins, Defense Media trans-Atlantic Allied convoy. That members to an annual wellness visit. Use these visits to discuss Activity insidious foe was racism. The which preventative screenings and Sailors called the storm the worst military was highly segregated at vaccinations are due. of the century, perhaps recorded the time. In fact, until mid-1942, history. Frigid, 50-foot waves 7. Prevent skin cancer. As we age, black men could only serve in the our skin grows thinner; it becomes rocked Convoy NY 119, tossing Navy as cooks and stewards - drier and less elastic. Wrinkles Navy ships and Army tugboats officers' servants, essentially. They appear, and cuts and bruises take alike into the air like toy boats. It could also be stevedores, manual longer to heal. Be sure to protect went on for days in October 1944, your skin from the sun. Too much labors who unloaded cargo from sun and ultraviolet rays can cause the type of weather to make even ships, according to the National skin cancer. seasoned mariners turn green World War II Museum. Earlier in while calling on the gods and the 20th century, they would also 8. Get regular dental, vision and hearing checkups. Your teeth and patron saints of the sea for have held even more unpleasant gums wi11last a lifetime if you protection. jobs, said Dr. Regina Akers, care for them properly; that means historian at the Naval History and daily brushing and flossing and Wind speeds reached 90 miles an Heritage Command. getting regular dental checkups. hour by one calculation. Waves By age 50, most people notice changes to their vision, including a that crashed over decks turned It takes time not only to change gradual decline in the ability to instantly to ice. The destroyer the policy, but to change the escort USS Mason (DE 529) see small print or focus on close culture of the service that's objects. Common eye problems documented a 70-degree roll. accepting and embracing that that can impair vision include About 15 of the convoy's 50-odd policy change. ... It started in cataracts and glaucoma. Hearing tugboats, barges and oilers - many World War II in our Navy." - loss occurs commonly with aging, never designed for a trans-oceanic often due to exposure to loud Akers noise. voyage, let alone the hostile north Atlantic - simply disappeared into It took years. African-American 9. Manage stress. Try exercise or the gray, swirling drink below. leaders spent much of the war relaxation techniques perhaps About 20 souls would be lost meditation or yoga as a means of fighting to get black men in coping. Make time for friends and forever, according to the Warfare combat. They struggled to social contacts and fun. Successful History Network. overcome a stereotype that black coping can affect our health and how we feel. Learn the role of servicemen would simply turn tail positive thinking. Those who survived, historians and run at the first sign of danger, said, did so out of a combination even as their young men proved 10. Positive attitude. Start each of courage and skill and a lot of themselves over and over again in day by being grateful for what you luck. Many of the Sailors and have and looking forward to the combat. Cook 3rd Class Dorie adventure that lies ahead. merchantmen owed their lives to Miller grabbed a machine gun and …………………………………… defended his ship at Pearl Harbor,

24 for example. Mess Attendant 1st Battle of the Coral Sea and training facility, Camp Robert Class Leonard Roy Harmon commissioned in March 1944, Smalls, near Great Lakes, Illinois. sacrificed his life to protect a according to Naval History and Later, the Mason's crew was wounded shipmate during the Heritage Command, Mason was housed in primitive Quonset huts Naval Battle of Guadalcanal. nicknamed "Eleanor's Folly," and with stewards' mates, far from the (Both men received Navy Crosses was an experiment Navy leaders mess hall, while other DE men had for their actions.) expected to fail, many veterans brand new barracks. Nor were believed. African-American Sailors allowed Efforts to ensure equality in the almost-empty base movie cumulated in the Double V "I said, I really don't want to go theater one night, simply because Campaign, a term coined by an into the Navy because I don't want all of the black seats were already African-American newspaper, the to be a cook or a person who filled. Some of the Mason officers Pittsburgh Courier, to signify that makes beds and stuff like that. So put a stop to the unfair treatment, there were two victories worth just before I was called in [for the declaring "they'll be treated as any fighting for: victory abroad and draft] ... the Navy changed and DE Sailor on this base," and had victory over racism at home. stopped discriminating so you the men moved into new quarters, According to the New York Public could go in and be in the seaman Dufau remembered. Library, Double V Clubs sent care branch," remembered Radioman packages to servicemen, sold war 3rd Class Merwin Peters in an oral But it still stung. To avoid bonds, met with businessmen h i s t o r y f o r t h e Ta c o m a , confrontations with white crews, about nondiscriminatory hiring Washington, Community History Mason Sailors sometimes couldn't practices, wrote congressmen to Project. get liberty, and when they were protest poll taxes and conducted allowed ashore, they were demonstrations in a precursor to Signalman 1st Class Lorenzo forbidden from using USO clubs. the civil rights movement. Dufau was from New Orleans and Instead, they were repeatedly told no stranger to racism and Jim at the door, they had to make do Trailblazers Crow. Still, he didn't let that stop with far more Spartan "Negro" him from volunteering to defend clubs nearby. "If you were black, African-American activists also his country. forget it, get back," Peters noted. had an influential ally in First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. She "If you call yourself a man, you While the men loved their captain, worked throughout the war to defend your home and country," Lt. Cmdr. William Blackford, ensure that black men and women he said in an oral history for the some of their own chiefs subjected had, if not equality, at least Veterans History Project. "I felt the Sailors to treatment that was opportunities to prove themselves. that if I can get in and make it straight out of the old South. That opportunity came to the Navy possible to be helping to protect Dufau remembered that Blackford with the 290-foot USS Mason and this place, I would also help open eventually kicked most of the PC-1264, a submarine chaser. The doors for my son." chiefs off the ship, telling two ships were the only vessels to colleagues he would match his be crewed by African-American crew against anyone. He wasn't Sailors during World War II, albeit ! there to solve a race issue, he told under the command of white his men, but to run a Navy ship. officers and chiefs. Segregation "He said, "As long as you do your Named after Newton Henry Unfortunately, racism followed jobs and keep your nose clean and Mason, an aviator lost during the him. The Navy set up a segregated don't get in any kind of trouble ...

25 everything will be fine,'" Dufau "That was an ordeal. I've never as two British warships turned recalled. been on the ocean in such a back due to the conditions. It took storm," said Dufau. "The vessel days, but most of the boats Veterans remembered only one was lifted up by one wave and eventually made it to port, their place where they felt like you'd be on top of that wave and ... crews lucky not to join almost 20 Americans and not second class you'd slide down the wave. You shipmates on the ocean floor. citizens: Belfast, Northern Ireland, could hardly imagine the size of where they had pulled in to refuel that wave. ... I think about three or "Every day we would go down to and resupply after their first four tugboats were swallowed. chow and usually talk about which convoy. They danced with Irish The water would just take them ship had gone down and how girls and downed pints down at the down." many people had been lost," said pub with local blokes. And they Peters, explaining it was a practice reveled in a new nickname: not, Quartermaster 2nd Class Charles the crew maintained for the rest of "N---rs" or even "Tan Yanks," but Divers remembered the storm as the war. "They were all young and simply "Yanks," like any other one of the scariest experiences of nobody ever thought they were American servicemen. his life. "We went over 70 going to die. Everybody had the degrees," he told historian Mary attitude that they were going to "A lady apologized because the Pat Kelly, author of Proudly we survive this." sun wasn't shining. ... We couldn't Served: The Men of the USS believe it. ... The people were so Mason. " I w a t c h e d t h e Lost then Found Again nice to us. We had to go 3,000 inclinometer and thought, 'This is miles from home to be treated like it. Ninety degrees is a flat over. Impressed with the crew's bravery, humans," said Dufau. It was like How are we going to come back b o t h B l a c k f o r d a n d t h e being liberated, agreed Peters. from 70?' But she held!" commander of Convoy 119 recommended the men receive Storm of the Century It proved impossible to keep the Navy commendations. Instead, convoy together. USS Mason they were forgotten, the Mason Both men were aboard Mason for received orders to take the first sold for scrap within two years of Convoy 119. Dufau called it "the group into Falmouth, England. victory. strangest convoy we had ever They made it, but the ship's deck seen," explaining that the far- plate split from the constant It was a common refrain for black from-seaworthy tugboats and pressure of the surging sea. Two World War II veterans who, more barges restricted the convoy's damage controlmen braved the icy often than not, found their bravery speed to about five knots. Tensions deck and lashing rain in lifejackets downplayed at best and buried at were high, he remembered. to weld the deck together. worst, according to historians. In Intelligence reports warned that fact, it wasn't until the men of the German submarines intended to "If they neglected to take care of Mason reconnected in their 70s intercept the convoy. At one point, it, the storm would cause that ship and 80s and Kelly told their story Mason's crew stood on general to split," explained Dufau. "The that people remembered they ever quarters for 24 hours, expecting an water was going down to the existed. The men themselves didn't immanent attack. motor rooms, so they had to get even know they should have been that job done." honored. They were simply doing The weather, Dufau said, saved their duty, holding themselves to them. Then it turned on them. Then Mason returned to the storm the highest of standards to prove to gather about a dozen more of that black men were just as good Convoy 119's scattered ships, even as anyone else.

26 "It was real noteworthy to even developing a friendship, and more discount, it’s $49.23 per night. tell people that you were on a ship than just a friendship - shipmates." That leaves $138.77 a day for: and that your ship had the same 1. Breakfast, lunch and dinner in kinds of responsibilities as all the "I would do it all over again if I any restaurant I want, or room other ships in the Navy," had the choice," he said in the oral service; remembered Peters. history. "I never did develop any bitterness or hatred or anger 2. Laundry, gratuities and special In the mid-1990s, survivors of the toward anyone. ... Hate is a TV movies. Plus, they c r e w f i n a l l y g o t t h e i r sickness and it will destroy you." provide a swimming pool, a commendations, presented by workout room, a lounge, then-Secretary of the Navy John Editor's Note: To learn more about washer, dryer, etc. Most have Dalton, who said, "It's an African-Americans in the Navy, free toothpaste and razors, and important part of Navy history that read "Remembering a Lost Hero: all have free shampoo and needs to be told." Black Medal of Honor recipient soap. They treat you like a discovered after some 130 years customer, not a patient. $5.00 Can you imagine? The secretary of and "Breaking Down the Walls of worth of tips a day will have the Navy, on camera, apologizing Segregation: Veterans Remember the entire staff scrambling to to us?" - Dufau First All-Black Navy Band." help you. There is a city bus …………………………….. stop out front, and seniors ride President Bill Clinton also free (Philadelphia). The hand honored them as part of a bus will also pick you up (if c e r e m o n y c o m m e m o r a t i n g Editor’s Note: you fake a decent limp). To African-American contributions The following piece I encountered meet other nice people, call a during the war, according to news while waiting in a surgery center church bus on Sundays. For a reports. (In 1997, Clinton also where my wife, Anne, was having change of scenery, take the awarded Medals of Honor to seven cataract surgery. I overheard one airport shuttle bus and eat at black, World War II Army lady telling her friend the one of the nice restaurants veterans, hoping to partially undo following and I started laughing. I there. While you’re at the half a century's wrongs.) There identified myself as your airport, fly somewhere. was a book and a documentary newsletter editor and gave her my Otherwise, the cash keeps and a movie and, in 2003, another business card. The lady gave me building up. It takes months USS Mason (DDG 87), named in the article and thanked us for our to get into decent nursing honor of the little destroyer escort service. The prices are not homes. Holiday Inn will take that could, according to Naval accurate. your reservation today. And History and Heritage Command. you are not stuck in one placer forever, you can move from "I become emotional when I I want to go to the Holiday Inn Inn to Inn, or even from city to realize the role that I was picked to No nursing home for me. I am city. Want to see Hawaii? play in developing America," checking into the Holiday Inn! They have a Holiday Inn there Dufau, who donated his dog tag to With the average cost for a nursing too. TV broken? Light bulbs DDG 87, told crewmembers of the home per day reaching $188.00, need changing? Need a modern Mason during an African- there is a better way when we get mattress replaced? No A m e r i c a n H i s t o r y M o n t h old and feeble. I have already problem. they fix everything, observance in 2012. "You all don't checked on reservations at the a n d a p o l o g i z e f o r t h e know how beautiful it is to see Holiday Inn. For a combined long inconvenience. The Inn have young people, all together, term stay discount and senior a night security person and

27 daily room service. The maid checks to see if you are ok. In not, the will call the undertaker or an ambulance. If you fall and break a hip, Medicare will pay for the hip, and Holiday Inn will upgrade you to a suite for the rest of your life. And no worries about visits from the family. They will always be glad to find you, and probably check in for a few days mini vacation. The grandkids can use the pool. What more can you ask for? So, when I reach the golden age, I’ll face it with a grin. Just f o r w a r d a l l m y e m a i l t o : Charlie Weaver doing a hull inspection of USS [email protected] Enterprise CVN 65 …………………………………… …………………………… PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE – SPRING Reunion Brat will be sending numbers are 570 698-7102 or 2018 out the itinerary shortly. The Cell 973 309-4040. Board and I, along with the Shipmates: Reunion Brat, have put Lastly, let’s hope that the together another memorable Hurricane season will be over Spring is upon us and hopefully and enjoyable program. We by the time we have our winter is behind us. The feel that we have balanced the reunion and not interfere with planning for the 20th Reunion structured part of the reunion traveling like last year. I look of the USS Bristol Association with a good amount of free forward to seeing you at the being held in Savannah, Ga. time for socializing and reunion. has been finalized. This hanging out in the hospitality gathering is a milestone event; Also, let us keep our sick r o o m o r d o i n g s o m e it is our 20th Reunion. Diane members in our thoughts and sightseeing on your own. and I have attended 16 of the prayers. 19 previous reunions. It has I am asking all of you who are Paul Ratcliffe EM2, been a great ride. able, to make an effort to attend this reunion and continue to This year, as voted on by the President build good memories and enjoy membership at the last annual the companionship of your meeting, our reunion is being shipmates from the USS held in Savannah, Georgia Bristol. If you have any from Monday, October 22nd to questions about the reunion, do Friday, October 26th. The not hesitate to call me. My

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