USS Mount McKinley Association Newsletter

Volume 5, Issue 3

July 10, 2003 The Masthead The article below was submitted to me by Gary Green, member 691, he found it while checking INSIDE THIS ISSUE: out amphibious operations in WWII and Korea. I don’t know it’s origin so I can’t give credit where due, but I thought this was worth passing along. Thanks Gary for sharing it with us. My Mac Duty 6 Hornet Tour 8 Bits & Pieces 3 Constitution Revisions 9

WW II Registry 4 USSMTMcKinley.com 8

Pre & Post Reunion 5 San Fran Tour 7

Special points of interest:

• New Members

• In Memoriam

• Presidents Message

• Donations

• Financial Report

• Editors Corner

• Ship’s Store

USS MOUNT MCKINLEY DONATIONS TO THE ASSOCIATION Summer Newsletter 2003 Thanks to these members for their donations to the Published Quarterly by the USS Mount McKinley Association during the last quarter. USS Mount McKinley Association

President Vice President Richard Baldwin, Robert Kurland, Ralph Langley, Lester “Les” Mayer Dwight Janzen is Thomas Ochoa, Thomas Fitzpatrick, 15867 W Ellsworth Ln completing Peter Golden, CO 80401 Funks term. and Charles Warner (303) 278-0148 A special Thank You to Thomas Fitzpatrick andTommy Ochoa Secretary Membership Secretary Dwight Janzen Richard C. Armstrong For their combined donation of $214.00 E 2515 N. Altamont Blvd. P.O. Box 655 Spokane, WA. 99202 Salome, AZ 85348 (509) 534-3649 (928) 859-3617 Total Donations $228.00

Treasurer William K. Ellis

504 Sandy Oaks Blvd. USS Mount McKinley Association Ormond Beach, FL. 32174 Statement of Financial Condition (386) 676-9863 As of June 30, 2003

Directors Income: 01-03 Ship's Store Sales 940.00 Al Lowe Less Cost of Goods Sold 615.33 Alan Sanders John Pfeiffer Gain on Ship's Store Sales 324.67 02-04 Advertisement 50.00 Eugene Kasper Dues 5003.00 John N Smith Donations 739.00 John Stroup Interest 42.32 Total Income 6158.99 Immediate Past President Chris Koon Expenses Newsletter 966.42 Newsletter Editor Postage 11.40 Dennis “Pops” Pilny Ships Store Shipping & Supplies 100.00 12201 Woodridge Drive Supplies 224.49 North Royalton, OH. 44133 Telephone 10.00 (440) 582-1845 Bank Charges 2.70 [email protected] Web Service 105.95

Reunion Deposits 500.00 Internet Editor Ken Oxenrider Total Expenses 1920.96 [email protected] Total Income Year to Date 4238.03 Chaplain – Edward Shugrue Elections – Jack Allen Cash January 1, 2003 13263.48 Lending Library – William Stroup Ships Store Inventory January 1, 2003 4287.41 Parliamentarians – Luke Ellison, Add Income as ofJune 30, 2003 4238.03 Joe Milinski & Amos Patterson Total 21788.92 Reunion Chairman – Dennis Pilny Service Officer –Richard Lapan Cash-Bank Of America 6935.87 Ship’s Store – Steve Schermerhorn Cash-Zurich Money Market 10929.26 Master-at-Arms – Bud White Total Cash June 30, 2003 17865.13 Historian – Dennis Aloia Ships Store Inventory, June 30,2003 3923.79 Total Assets 21788.92

Visit us @ Submitted By: William K. Ellis, Treasurer www.ussmtmckinley.com

Shipmates and ladies, as I sit and ponder about writing my last message as President - its TOUGH. There is a part of me that says "I'm glad its over" but there is a bigger part that says "I have enjoyed it and its been a wonderful experience to represent such a great Association". When you try to recognize someone or a group the first thing that comes to my mind is our Charter Members. They had the vision and are responsible for getting us started. For the most part they are veterans of either World War II or the . To you shipmates, A BIG THANKS! I joined in 1994 and attended my first reunion in Philadelphia. It was outstanding and I knew I was hooked and that I wanted to have an active part. With our fantastic web site, managed by Ken Oxenrider, we continue to grow and that is very important for us to be able to sustain or even improve. With additional members it allows us always to look to them for new vision and solid leadership. Without a real commitment from all of us it could stymie our growth. Les Mayer It seems every quarter we have several shipmates that have made donations either for something specific or to the general fund. Those donations are very much appreciated - THANKS. The Ships Store is a very important part of our association. We have a hugh inventory and items that make great gifts for our children or grandchildren. Steve and Connie Schermerhorn have done a terrific job in trying to add new items to the inventory. Included in this Masthead is our registration form and much information regarding our 2003 Reunion. Dennis "Pops" Pilny has really put together a package for us to enjoy. Please make your reservation now and join us for another one of those wonderful reunions, come to share the fun and fellowship we all enjoy! This year we have another very important election - we are electing three Officers and three Directors. I ask each of you to give them the support you have given me. I want to thank all of our Officers, Directors, Special Appointees and the General Membership for all of your support these last three years. Without your commitment we could not have remained a strong Association. Everyone of you have had a part in getting us where we are today. The USS Mount McKinley Association must rank as one of the best Naval Associations in the Country. Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm. GOD BLESS AMERICA See Ya, Les Mayer

Bits and Pieces

My grandfather, Johnnie Dudding served aboard the Mckinley from June 1944 to December 1945. He was a Baker, Third Class. I have a picture taken aboard the ship of him and two other sailors, Paul Graham and Vincent Virdiglione. I was wondering if anyone remembered these two sailors or my grandfather, Johnnie Dudding. Scott Lambert [email protected]

My father was aboard the McKinley in from 1953 to 1957. He was a yeoman to the admiral. His name is Donald Fornwalt. If you have any information or remember my father, please contact me! This would be such a wonderful surprise for him. Thanks! Cindy Stephens [email protected]

I have been recently researching my Grandfather`s USN career. His name is CDR. William J. Montgomery. I believe he was on the McKinley early 1950s. If anyone remembers him I would like to hear from you. Thank you! Annette Rossman [email protected]

I believe my grandfather, Antoine Austin Viator was on this vessel in the 1940's. If anyone remembers him please e-mail me. He is doing well, and would like to get in contact with some of his former shipmates. Robert Forrester, West Monroe, LA - USA, Email: [email protected] Page 4 Volume 5, Issue 3

To register: The registry is acces- sible on the Na- tional World War II Memorial web site, www. WWIImemorial. com or by call- ing the commis- sion toll-free at 1-800-639-4WW2

WW II Registry

Americans who served in WWII can now the National Mall. add their names to an online registry. To register: The registry is accessible on Organized by the American Battle Monu- the National World War II Memorial web ments Commission, the web based list is site, www.WWIImemorial.com or by call- an effort to extend recognition to as many ing the commission toll-free at as 16 million Americans who severed in 1-800-639-4WW2. Anyone can submit You may be only one uniform during the Second World War. It names, and registration is free. person in the world, but is being launched almost a year before the Unlike the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, you may also be the dedication of the first national monument the World War II memorial will not bear world to one person. to World War II veterans, slated for May any veterans names. 29, 2004 – Memorial Day weekend – on

Masthead Page 5

T HE EDITOR’ S CORNER BY DENNIS (POPS) PILNY M ASTHEAD@USSMTMC K INLEY. COM

Well! At least I know The post reunion cruise access this site through there are people out there has attracted 34 members Ken’s official Mt Mac site or who actually read what and spouses, and has now go directly to http://home. I’m writing. As I men- been closed out. It should wideopenwest.com/ tioned in the article, A be an enjoyable and relax- ~pops222/ Simple Salute, in the last ing experience. Darlene and Hopefully this will make it newsletter, I was very I are already looking into a little easier for some of hesitant to include any- something for the Branson you to plan your reunion thing that even hinted at Reunion next year. vacations. I will try to keep being political. The re- Something else that I am the site updated with the sponse I got was 2 for the excited about, is that I now latest news concerning our article, and 2 against it. have both the Branson, MO reunions & any other news Retired Wyoming State and the Charleston, S.C. that is breaking. Representative, Dick reunion hotels under con- With less then two Sadler made the best tract. Both reunions will be months left before reunion, Something else that I comment, and the one Radisson hotels, and they it seems like this year is am excited about, is that I am certainly going both gave us great rates really flying by. Hopefully to adhere to. He said, that are guaranteed. More the weather will straighten that I now have both “Please, no more politics about them when the time out and we’ll finish the the Branson, MO in the Masthead”. Good comes. year a little better then it’s words of advise! Thanks Something new I just been so far. I look forward and the Charleston, to all of you who mailed added today is a new web to seeing a lot of new S.C. reunion hotels me with your comments, I site that will feature news faces in California at our do appreciate the re- updates about the reunions reunion. under contract. Both sponse. we have planned. You can reunions will be Radisson hotels, and New Membership Rosters….. they both gave us Shortly after the reunion, I will be publishing the new edition of our membership roster. The great rates roster along with the anticipated revised constitution, and updated Lending Library list will be mailed to you sometime around October. Keep an eye out for it! Post & Pre-reunion Tours

I have been working with thing for those who are plan- By contacting Bill Kim, Bill Kim from California ning on spending a few extra you can get a brochure Tours to set up our reunion days in California. For those of with additional informa- tours. Bill has been very help- you on-line, you can view the tion. Call, write or e-mail ful and easy to work with. One information by going to to: thing Bill told me about, was http://www.california-tour. Bill Kim some additional tours that he com/USSMTKINLEY/WC.gif California Tours can make available to us on an for the Wine country tour. This 2015 Center Street individual basis. is a one day tour. Or go to Berkeley, California 94704 Some mistakes are These tours would have to http://www.california-tour. (510) 549-4214 too much fun to only be booked right through Bill com/USSMTKINLEY/YO.gif [email protected] and are not a part of our reun- to view the Yosemite Tour. Www.california-tour.com make once! ion package. This is just some- This tour takes two days. Page 6 Volume 5, Issue 3

Recollections of My Mac Duty

The following was submitted tag was on the wheel assembly reserves and had been called with his application for that read "made in Russia to duty because of the Korean membership, by Gene A 1950". The wheel and tire was conflict. The USS Mt McKin- Witherspoon 953. immediately flown to Wash- ley was acting as a receiving In May 1950, the USS Mt ington, thus proving that the ship for all ships in the area. McKinley AGC-7, the USS Russians were backing the He had ridden a L.S.M. from Union and the USS Cavalier North Koreans in the war. the states to Pusan. Then, he departed the United States in After , we returned to traveled on a train to Hung- route to Japan to perform Japan and later performed the nam. Along the way, the peacetime amphibious op- Wonson amphibious landing. North Koreans disabled the erations off Camp McGill n In December, we were in- train. Walking became the Returning home Japan with the First Calvery. volved in picking up what was reserves mode of transporta- On June 25, the North Kore- left of the First Marine Divi- tion and they had been walk- from Korea, we ans crossed the 38th paral- sion at Hungnam. ing for weeks to reach Hung- stopped in lel. Our ship had the First The USS Mt McKinley re- nam. Needless to say, we had Calvery on board. We pulled turned to the States in July a long conversation and Hawaii and into Tokyo and took on full 1951. Our ship carried a warm coffee. Returning home received fresh compliment of fuel, food and Homeward Bound Pennant of from Korea, we stopped in ammunition. The three ships 1300 feet. Hawaii and received fresh milk. I had departed Japan and we per- Gene also wrote the following milk. I had missed having missed having formed the first amphibious about his favorite memories. fresh milk during the previ- landing at Pohang on the In December 1950, we were in ous thirteen months. fresh milk during southeast coast of Korea. Hungnam to evacuate the First Afterwards, we departed and Marine Division. A group of the previous went back to Japan until the us were in the gun shack be- thirteen months. Incheon invasion. cause the temperature outside General MacArthur was on was about zero. The hatch the USS Mt McKinley for opened and a redheaded man the Incheon invasion. Dur- with a heavy red beard stuck ing the invasion, the USS his head in and asked if there Rochester blew a Yak 9 out was a Witherspoon in the gun of the air. I was in the LCVI shack. He turned out to be Red that picked up the one float- Cleckler from my hometown ing tire and shock. A metal Roscoe, Texas. Red was in the

Lest we Forget, These former shipmates who departed us this past quarter:

With great pleasure, We have no one to report on!

Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened. Masthead Page 7 New Members

952 Ernest Bunn 954 Buddy Powers SN-2, Supply Div., 1946 LI-1, OA Div., 1964 6800 Strand Ave. #370 2403 W Rosewood Yuma, AZ 85364-9729 Spokane, WA 99208-4450

953 Gene A Witherspoon FC-3, F Div., 49 – 51 18 Worstead lane Bella Vista, AZ 72714-6112

The tour is high- lighted with a drive over San Francisco’s most famous landmark, the Golden Gate Bridge, where the tour will stop at San Francisco City Tour the North vista Our Thursday tour leaves the hotel at Warf and Pier 39 with an assortment of point to get a 9:30 am and is approximately 6 hours diverse restaurants, shops and water- spectacular view long. We should be returning to the front views. hotel about 3:30 pm. We will be trav- The tour is highlighted with a drive over of the Bay and eling in private air-conditioned San Francisco’s most famous landmark, San Francisco’ coaches with certified professional the Golden Gate Bridge, where the tour unique skyline. tour guides in each coach. The fee in- will stop at the North vista point to get cludes all taxes, tolls and parking a spectacular view of the Bay and San charges. Francisco’ unique skyline. This encom- passing city tour provides a taste for This enjoyable introduction to a fabu- further exploration of San Francisco on lous city includes sights as varied as your own. the Financial District with its many Stops: Twin Peaks, Golden Gate glass and marble high rises; the Civic Bridge, Civic Center, Treasure Island Center with its classical architecture; and Golden Gate Park. Chinatown with its exotic sights and Drive bys: Union Square, Chinatown, How long a minute is sounds; North Beach, the “Little Italy North Beach and Embarcadero. depends on which side of the bathroom door of the West” with its coffee shops and Cost per person, $20.00 your on. evening entertainment; Fisherman’s Page 8 Volume 5, Issue 3 USSMTMCKINLEY.COM An entry taken from the Mt. McKinley Association Deck Log: My Dad, Lloyd Chester Smith (known as "Chet") served on the Mt. McKinley in the early 40's...possibly until after I was born, in 1945. He was a Musician 2/C... born in San Francisco. I do remember him telling me how he lied about his age when he joined the US Navy. (like so many others, I'm sure) One story I was always told involved the McKinley, while my Dad was stationed in San Francisco. The Navy band was playing for an attending Admiral who later scooped me from my Mother's arms, at which point, I un-ceremoniously "christened" him. Fortunately, he had a sense of humor! I also remember that my Dad was involved in the Bikini Atoll preparations. Most of his memorabilia is now long gone. My parents divorced in 1967....my Dad passed away in 1992. Sadly, my Mom suffers with Alzheimer's so I no longer have the ability to jog her memory. All I have is a silver spoon with the USS Mt McKinley on it...and an- other from the USS Oklahoma. It would be so nice if someone remembered him. He always spoke so highly of his time in the Navy and of the people he had met. I wish I had listened more closely when I had the chance! Thank-you for this site. Patty (Smith) Sparano [email protected]

USS Hornet & Bay Cruise

ur second day of Cannery and Ghirardilli touring starts out Square are also within an from the hotel at easy walk for some great O10:00 am and shopping treats. For those proceeds directly to the of you who would like, the USS Hornet. This proud USS Pampanito, a fully re- ship from WWI.I. is a living stored submarine, and the monument to those who SS O’Brien, a fully opera- served in that war. It truly tional World War Two Lib- embellished the ideals and erty Ship, are both docked fortitude that brought us to with-in easy walking dis- the present day. The Hor- tance. net tour takes about an Our bus will be leaving the hour-and-a-half, after which Wharf District at 3:45 pm we will be fed a Navy style and should arrive at the lunch with chicken, mashed Villa Hotel at 4:45 pm. potatoes, vegetables, salad The $37.00 per person pric- and drink. ing for this tour includes After our lunch we will admission to the USS Hor- board the ferry and cruise net with hot lunch, Blue and the Bay to our destination Gold Ferry tickets, all trans- for Pier 41 in San Fran- portation on private air- Ever notice that the peo- cisco. At this point you’ll conditioned coaches and ple who are late are much have approximately an any tolls or parking jollier than the people hour-and-a-half to leisurely charges. waiting for them? visit the Fisherman’s Warf and Hyde Street pier. The Masthead Page 9

Proposed Constitution Revisions

The following constitutional Section B (2) (b) currently reads: Directors. In this case three revisions have been reviewed Men who served on any sister AGC years, continuous, active mem- and approved by the officers ship may be an associate until his bership shall be a requirement and our Parliamentarian, Joe ship's group sends 20 members in for Life Membership. Malinski. They were also attendance at the reunion for two The change is (c) Regular and made available to the directors consecutive years or more, they will Associate members who desire for their review. These revi- be asked by mutual consent to estab- Paid Up Life membership may sions will be presented, lish their own organization. make application for such and discussed and voted upon at The above section will be renum- pay a one time fee as set by the the upcoming reunion. bered to B (2) (a) and will read: Board of Directors. If you are unable to attend the Men who served on any sister AGC Under Article IV Dues--we have reunion, and you have a com- ship may be an Associate Member. two changes, one minor and one ment to make regarding this Section (c) which reads: Widows of to reflect what we are currently proposed change, please write regular members may be granted doing. to Les Mayer. The driving associate status. This will be renum- In section A which currently force in this revision is our bered to Section B (2) (b) and will reads "Dues for membership plan to offer a life Membership read: Widows, children and siblings shall be established by the Reservations with a one time dues payment. of Regular and Associate members or Board ------etc" be maThe driving The amount of dues will de- of a man who served aboard the USS we have changed to read "Dues pend upon the age of the mem- Mount McKinley are eligible for As- for Regular and Associate Mem- force in this revision ber. We have used the Ameri- sociate Membership. bership shall be established by is our plan to offer a can Legion age break and per- (This change is to prevent non re- the Board etc." cent of post dues to calculate lated people with no connection to Section C currently reads Dues life Membership the life time dues amount. A the USS Mount McKinley from be- for each 12 month period shall with a one time dues sample of the dues are, Age ing associate members.) be due and payable on January 65-69 $146. Age 70-74 $120, 1st. Failure to pay dues thirty payment. de before Age 75-79 $97. We have dues The last section B (2)(d) will be re- days from that time will result amount from age 30 to 85 and numbered to B (2)(c). in forfeiture of membership. August 25, over. It reads as follows: An Associate We propose the change the last member is entitled to all the privi- sentence above to read, "Failure Our plans also call for issuing leges of a Regular Member, except to pay dues by August 1st will 2003 to a Life Membership Card. they may not hold office. There is no result in forfeiture of member- The first area of change is to change in the wording of this section. ship". receive the redefine Associate members. Article III, Section B (3) is titled Life And finally under Article VIII- Now, the proposed changes to Membership. Ladies Auxiliary, special room the constitution. There is no change to section (a) We suggest adding the word Article III Section B (2) Asso- Section (b) currently reads: The Associate. ciate Currently reads: (a) Any President may grant up to five Life Thus the Article would read, rates negoti- United States Citizen of good Memberships to any paid-up member Nothing shall prevent spouses of moral character over the age of whose health is such that active par- Regular and Associate members 21 who supports the objectives ticipation in the Association is no from organizing----- of the Association may be longer possible. granted Associate Membership The suggested change is to add the If these proposed changes to the if such application is spon- words "During his two year team" Constitution are approved, a sored by a regular member and between Memberships and to. Sec- new Constitution and By-Laws the required dues paid. tion (c) currently reads: Regular will be mailed to all members in We do not believe this section members who desire Life member- October. The application and is still required and will re- ship must make application for such procedures to apply for Paid up move it and move the remain- to the Board of Directors and pay a Life Membership will be dis- ing sections up one number. one-time fee to be set by the Board of tributed at the same time. Happiness comes through doors you didn’t even know you left open

Operated by: Steve Schermerhorn

1 Mount McKinley Golf Shirt – Blue, White Short-Sleeve w or w/o /Pocket Sizes: SM. MED. LG. XL. …………………………………………...……….$23.00 XXL + $1.50, XXXL + $2.50 2 Mount McKinley Baseball Caps – White w/wars on Back Choice of : WWI I , Korea (white only) or Vietnam please specify…….....….$18.00 3 Mount McKinley Baseball Caps – Blue or White, plain back No Wars………………………………………………………...……...$15.00 4 Mount McKinley T-Shirts – Navy Blue or White, w/Blue, White or Gold, Screenprint Lettering on Shirt Front . Front – Ship’s Silhouette, Atomic Bomb Test Logo, Mermaid Logo, Commissioning Date, De-Commissioning Date, Other Important Dates & Cruises. Sizes: SM, MED, XL, .. …………………………………………….…………....$10.00 XXL, XXXL , add $1.00

Due to reduction of stock on t -shirts & golf shirts a substitute color will be supplied if your selection is no longer available in your size 5 Assoc. Logo T-shirts (only available in L & XL)…………….…………..$10.00 6 Mount McKinley Ship’s Patches 3 3/4” Mountain Patch, 5” Association Mermaid/Turtle Patch, 4 3/4” Atomic Test Patch, 6” Diesel Gang Patch, Snipe Force Patch, Task Force 90 Patch, Gator Navy Patch……$8.00 7 Ship’s Pin (Specify – Lapel Pin, or Charm)…....……………….……..….$4.00 8 Ship’s Photos 8 x 10’s (specify with/without helo deck)………....….....$5.00 9 Decal….……………………………………………..…..…$3.00 ea. or (2) $5.00 10 Official Assoc. Mouse Pad……………………………….…….……… …$5.00 11 Laser Engraved Key Tags…………………………………………………..$5.00 12 Laser Engraved Pencils……………………………...one for $1.00/6 for $5.00 13 Navy Tote Bags……………………………………………………………..$10.00 14 Refrigerator Magnets, four views..(first one) $2.00 ea. additional one $1.00 15 Master Rosters: (listing of all years) Red 1944-70……………………... $28.00 Blue 44-49, Yellow 50-59, Gold 60-70…………………………………..$18.00 16 Ship’s Bell……………………………………………………………………$31.00 17 Laser Engraved Plaque……………………………………………………$65.00 (Please call Steve to receive a special order form for the Plaque)

QTY. ITEM SIZE COLOR PRICE

Please include a “ship-to” mailing address Sorry, Make check payable to: No Credit

USS Mount McKinley Association & mail to: Cards…... SUBTOTAL Steve Schermerhorn 69272 County Rd 23, New Paris, IN 46553 SHIPPING $5.00 TOTAL Masthead Editor Dennis M. Pilny 12201 Woodridge Drive NorthMount McKinleyRoyalton, Newsletter Oh 44133 Editor-2410 Dennis (Pops) Pilny 12201 Woodridge Drive North Royalton, Ohio 44133-2410

Phone: (440) 582--1845 Masthead@USSMtMcKinley.

San Danang Harbor, 1969 Francisco This picture was taken from a helicopter returning to its ship. While in Vietnam, the Mount McKinley spent many days anchored in this bay. The Reunion area just below the rotor blade is Beach. Sept. 10th USSMTMCKINLEY.COM to 14th, Visit our web site, it’s quite an experience! 2003

“IN HONOR OF THOSE WHO SERVED”

CHARLES J. WORREL "Come and help us enjoy WORREL EXPLORATION, INC. the bright lights of Frisco. OIL AND GAS EXPLORATION GEOLOGICAL CONSULTATION Dick & Viv Armstrong". WORREL EXPLORATION INC. P.O. BOX 6786 SAN ANTONIO, TX 78209-6786 (210) 822-7171 REUNION INFORMATION: http://home.wideopenwest. com/~pops222/