The Crew of the USS Abner Read DD-526 (Second Edition)

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

The Crew of the USS Abner Read DD-526 (Second Edition) Fort Hays State University FHSU Scholars Repository Monographs Forsyth Library 2021 Memories: The Crew of the USS Abner Read DD-526 (Second Edition) Mary Elizabeth Downing-Turner Fort Hays State University, [email protected] Michael Davis Follow this and additional works at: https://scholars.fhsu.edu/all_monographs Part of the History Commons Recommended Citation Downing-Turner, Mary Elizabeth and Davis, Michael, "Memories: The Crew of the USS Abner Read DD-526 (Second Edition)" (2021). Monographs. 28. https://scholars.fhsu.edu/all_monographs/28 This Book is brought to you for free and open access by the Forsyth Library at FHSU Scholars Repository. It has been accepted for inclusion in Monographs by an authorized administrator of FHSU Scholars Repository. Memories: The Crew of the USS Abner Read DD-526 Second Edition Edited By M. Elizabeth Downing-Turner, MLIS Rev. Michael Davis, MEd, MDiv This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial- No Derivative Works 4.0 License First edition, 1992 Second edition, 2021 Memories: The Crew of the USS Abner Read (DD-526) Dedicated to the crew of the USS Abner Read, DD-526 and their families Memories: The Crew of the USS Abner Read (DD-526) ‘Lil Abner Author Unknown You’ve heard of ‘Lil Abner. Well, We’re the Abner Read. They sent us off to the fighting zone To help the Yanks succeed Our trip was sort of rugged, And the cruising kind of rough, But everyone, from stem to stern, Kept their sleeves above the cuff. When we reached the neighborhood, The commandos were released, Our boys stood by to let lead fly At the dug-in Japanese Soon from the beach, The word was passed, “Calling Abner, Calling Abner,” Start to blast. We all had ringside seats, you know, When “Little Abner” joined the show, Then rapid salvo, blast by blast, The little Japs were dying fast. All Jap “Jitsu” couldn’t help, And through the hills they heard Japs yelp “Hari Kari” is the only thing, ‘Cause Tojo’s sons don’t like our sting. A good day’s work And cheerfully done, But for the Japs, It wasn’t fun. Every sailor manned his job, From the clumsy Boot, to the salty Gob. The admiral must like Abner’s style, For his compliment could span a mile. Again, they called for Abner Read, To help them in the hour of need, So Capt. Burrowes manned the line. “Affirm,” he said, just set the time. We needed speed, we had it too. Our chief engineer knew what to do. The minute the captain called for speed, The turbines had the steam to bleed. Our medical department tried in vain, Hoping that none would call out in pain. The paymaster checked all the money aboard, To make sure the Japs couldn’t get none to hoard. All of the turrets from number one to five, Were right in the groove and ready to roll. Automatic control meant nothing at all. McCluen knew how to set flood control. The gunnery department had all stations manned, Ready to interpret so Japs would understand. Mr. Brown manned a gun of his own volition, Ready to fire on some Jap position. When they wanted the bearings, They just called for Doyel. He knows his stuff, And it isn’t from Hoyle. Don’t forget, fellows, the commissary chief, He always had plenty for hunger relief. Yes sir, the galley did well with chow, Plenty to eat, tasty, and how. All kidding aside, considering the time, The job was well done. We’re holding the line. We may hiss our leave and fun on the beach, But to “Hari Kari Tojo,” a lesson we’ll teach. When the fighting is over, and peace is declared, A bit of the burden and fighting we’ve shared. Until we can celebrate that victorious day, Let’s all make our enemies pay double, our way. Contents Foreword to the Second Edition ........................................................................ i Preface.............................................................................................................. iv In Memory .................................................................................................... v Introduction ....................................................................................................... 1 Abner Read (DD-526): 1943-1944 ............................................................... 1 The Interviews .................................................................................................. 1 Charles Abela, S3/c ....................................................................................... 1 James E. Alcorn, EM1/c ............................................................................... 2 Joe Alexander, RDM3/c................................................................................ 6 Emanuel G. “Manny” Amato, MM1/c .......................................................... 7 James H. Amis, WT1/c ................................................................................. 8 Boyd Anderson, RM3/c .............................................................................. 14 Arnold “Maxie” Bauer, M1/c ..................................................................... 15 Wesley O. Baumann, Ens. .......................................................................... 17 Orville A. Beardsley, Ck ............................................................................. 18 Joseph W. Becicka, WT1/c ......................................................................... 19 Samuel Blain, Y3/c ..................................................................................... 20 John R. Bonga, S1/c .................................................................................... 23 Wayne H. Bostwick, S1/c ........................................................................... 23 Robert H. “Red” Bottomley, BKR2/c ......................................................... 24 William B. “Pappy” Boulton, QM3/c ......................................................... 25 Bob Boyce, S3/c.......................................................................................... 26 Francis L. Brittain, RM3/c .......................................................................... 26 Robert Brose, Lt. ......................................................................................... 38 James H. Brown, Capt. ............................................................................... 39 Dean A. Brumet, GM3/c ............................................................................. 41 Preston Burtis, Jr., Lt. ................................................................................. 43 Donald “Don” V. Casey, EM2/c ................................................................. 43 Charles “Chuck” Hayden Cavinee, MM2/c ................................................ 47 Lee Chase, F2/c ........................................................................................... 48 Homer H. Clark, Jr., Lt. .............................................................................. 49 Mel Clayton, GM2/c ................................................................................... 50 Gilbert “Jack” Coffeen, F1/c....................................................................... 51 Gene Colbert, S1/c ...................................................................................... 52 Ray Cole, BM2/c ........................................................................................ 53 Lawrence Colsch, F1/c................................................................................ 54 Wayne Costley, S1/c ................................................................................... 55 Willie Peyton Cupples, Sr., GM3/c ............................................................ 55 Charles Cutright, F2/c ................................................................................. 56 Kenneth P. Davis, F1/c ............................................................................... 58 Max A. Davis, F2/c ..................................................................................... 59 Leland Downes, WT2/c .............................................................................. 62 Frank Drapela, FC3/c .................................................................................. 67 Thomas A. “Tommy” Dunn, MM3/c .......................................................... 68 Allan Dutch, F1/c ........................................................................................ 71 William H. Dyer, Jr., Lt. ............................................................................. 75 Charles J. Eisenbeis, SC2/c ......................................................................... 77 Wayne R. Fleming, GM2/c ......................................................................... 78 Lloyd Frederick, Ens. .................................................................................. 79 Sylvio “Frenchie” T. Giguere, S1/c ............................................................ 82 Albert J. Gill, SM3/c ................................................................................... 86 Emilio Giometti, Jr., S1/c ........................................................................... 88 Paul E. Goheen, GM3/c .............................................................................. 88 Frank E. Goodrich, RDM3/c ....................................................................... 89 Alexander J. Goorabian, FC3/c ................................................................... 92 Robert L. Granby, SC2/c ............................................................................ 93 Peter V. Greco, TM3/c ...............................................................................
Recommended publications
  • Proquest Dissertations
    INFORMATION TO USERS This manuscript has been reproduced from the microfilm master. UMI films the text directly from the original or copy submitted. Thus, some thesis and dissertation copies are in typewriter face, while others may be from any type of computer printer. The quality of this reproduction is dependent upon the quality of the copy submitted. Broken or indistinct print, colored or poor quality illustrations and photographs, print bleedthrough, substandard margins, and improper alignment can adversely affect reproduction. In the unlikely event that the author did not send UMI a complete manuscript and there are missing pages, these will be noted. Also, if unauthorized copyright material had to loe removed, a note will indicate the deletion. Oversize materials (e.g., maps, drawings, charts) are reproduced by sectioning the original, beginning at the upper left-hand comer and continuing from left to right in equal sections with small overlaps. Each original is also photographed in one exposure and is included in reduced form at the back of the book. Photographs included in the original manuscript have been reproduced xerographically in this copy. Higher quality 6” x 9” black and white photographic prints are available for any photographs or illustrations appearing in this copy for an additional charge. Contact UMI directly to order. UMI* Bell & Howell Information and Learning 300 North Zeeb Road, Ann Arbor, Ml 48106-1346 USA 800-521-0600 WASHINGTON IRVING CHAMBERS: INNOVATION, PROFESSIONALIZATION, AND THE NEW NAVY, 1872-1919 DISSERTATION Presented in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Doctorof Philosophy in the Graduate School of The Ohio State University By Stephen Kenneth Stein, B.A., M.A.
    [Show full text]
  • Learnpress Page :: PDF Output
    Ensign Worth Bagley BY DAVID WALBERT Ensign Worth Bagley, a native of Raleigh, was the only U.S. Navy officer killed in action during the Spanish-American War. Born in Raleigh in 1874, Bagley graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1895. After serving for two years on the USS Montgomery, Texas, and Maine, he was promoted to ensign on July 1, 1897. In November 1897 he was appointed inspector of the new torpedo boat Winslow. A month later he became the Winslow’s executive officer, or second in command, under Lieutenant J. B. Bernadou. In April 1898, the Winslow was mobilized with the rest of the Atlantic fleet for operations in Cuban waters. On the morning of May 11, the ship went with the Hudson and the Wilmington to force the entrance to the harbor of Cárdenas. She was fired upon by one of several Spanish gunboats, and a battle followed. The Winslow was soon disabled but was Figure 1. Worth Bagley in 1894. hauled out of range of the Spanish guns. Just as the battle ended, Ensign Bagley and four sailors were killed by a shell. Worth Bagley’s brother, David W. Bagley, served in World War I and World War II, retiring in 1947 as an Admiral. Copyright ©2009 LEARN NC. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 2.5 License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.5/. The original web-based version, with enhanced functionality and related resources, can be found at http://www.learnnc.org/lp/pages/4413.
    [Show full text]
  • Nimitz (Chester W.) Collection, 1885-1962
    http://oac.cdlib.org/findaid/ark:/13030/tf78700873 No online items Register of the Nimitz (Chester W.) Collection, 1885-1962 Processed by Don Walker; machine-readable finding aid created by Don Walker Holt-Atherton Department of Special Collections University Library, University of the Pacific Stockton, CA 95211 Phone: (209) 946-2404 Fax: (209) 946-2810 URL: http://www.pacific.edu/Library/Find/Holt-Atherton-Special-Collections.html © 1998 University of the Pacific. All rights reserved. Register of the Nimitz (Chester Mss144 1 W.) Collection, 1885-1962 Register of the Nimitz (Chester W.) Collection, 1885-1962 Collection number: Mss144 Holt-Atherton Department of Special Collections University Library University of the Pacific Contact Information Holt-Atherton Department of Special Collections University Library, University of the Pacific Stockton, CA 95211 Phone: (209) 946-2404 Fax: (209) 946-2810 URL: http://www.pacific.edu/Library/Find/Holt-Atherton-Special-Collections.html Processed by: Don Walker Date Completed: August 1998 Encoded by: Don Walker © 1998 University of the Pacific. All rights reserved. Descriptive Summary Title: Nimitz (Chester W.) Collection, Date (inclusive): 1885-1962 Collection number: Mss144 Creator: Extent: 0.5 linear ft. Repository: University of the Pacific. Library. Holt-Atherton Department of Special Collections Stockton, CA 95211 Shelf location: For current information on the location of these materials, please consult the library's online catalog. Language: English. Access Collection is open for research. Preferred Citation [Identification of item], Nimitz (Chester W.) Collection, Mss144, Holt-Atherton Department of Special Collections, University of the Pacific Library Biography Chester William Nimitz (1885-1966) was Commander-in-Chief of the U.S.
    [Show full text]
  • The American Legion [Volume 116, No. 5 (May 1984)]
    one pair WHEN YOU PAIRS ORDER SHOES ANY FOR Yes! Wear them, try them, test one pair any way you wish before you decide to keep your order. Because Haband, the mail order people from Paterson, New Jersey, believe you can't tell a shoe by its cover! you must be sure they look as great, feel as great, and wear every bit as great as promised or pack them up and fire them back for full refund of the $29.95! HABAND RE-INVENTS THE SHOE!! No other product known to man can so immediately mpact your minute to minute personal comfort as your shoes! Yet who can afford the current outrageous $50 or $100 a pair? That's why Haband invented a whole New Factory Approach, just as cataclysmic as the reorganization of General Motors! You get a better product! Better Looks! and FAR MORE COMFORT! You get beautiful lustrous kid grained man-made uppers that, keep a soft natural lustre, & never need a shine! You get sure footed extra cushion crepe rubber heel & sole! Special built-in support shank in the arch! Long wear shape / holding heel counters. Loafers have built-in elastic gore. Oxfords have strong braided laces. In short, you get ALL YOU EVER WANTED in BEWARE THE RETURN OF INFLATION! Look Carefully and Act Fast! Shoe prices are at the edge of the springboard and on the way up! Do not miss this extraordinary chance RIGHT NOW to Haband 100% man-made ^\^\qc seize the LOWEST p 95 SHOE PRICE FOR executive Q hTs 5>Q THE REST S QUALITY SHOES V WtJ OF YOUR 4 for 39.50 ALL 5 for 08.95 LIFE! HABAND 265 IN.
    [Show full text]
  • JMSDF Staff College Review Volume 1 Number 2 English Version (Selected)
    JMSDF Staff College Review Volume 1 Number 2 English Version (Selected) JMSDF STAFF COLLEGE REVIEW JAPAN MARITIME SELF-DEFENSE FORCE STAFF COLLEGE REVIEW Volume1 Number2 English Version (Selected) MAY 2012 Humanitarian Assistance / Disaster Relief : Through the Great East Japan Earthquake Foreword YAMAMOTO Toshihiro 2 Japan-U.S. Joint Operation in the Great East Japan Earthquake : New Aspects of the Japan-U.S. Alliance SHIMODAIRA Takuya 3 Disaster Relief Operations by the Imperial Japanese Navy and the US Navy in the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake : Focusing on the activities of the on-site commanders KURATANI Masashi 30 of the Imperial Japanese Navy and the US Navy Contributors From the Editors Cover: Disaster Reief Operation by LCAC in the Great East Japan Earthquake 1 JMSDF Staff College Review Volume 1 Number 2 English Version (Selected) JMSDF Staff College Review Volume 1 Number 2 English Version (Selected) Foreword It is one year on that Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Staff College Review was published in last May. Thanks to the supports and encouragements by the readers in and out of the college, we successfully published this fourth volume with a special number. It is true that we received many supports and appreciation from not only Japan but also overseas. Now that HA/DR mission has been widely acknowledged as military operation in international society, it is quite meaningful for us who have been through the Great East Japan Earthquake to provide research sources with international society. Therefore, we have selected two papers from Volume 1 Number 2, featuring HA/DR and published as an English version.
    [Show full text]
  • Operation Dominic I
    OPERATION DOMINIC I United States Atmospheric Nuclear Weapons Tests Nuclear Test Personnel Review Prepared by the Defense Nuclear Agency as Executive Agency for the Department of Defense HRE- 0 4 3 6 . .% I.., -., 5. ooument. Tbe t k oorreotsd oontraofor that tad oa the book aw ra-ready c I I i I 1 1 I 1 I 1 i I I i I I I i i t I REPORT NUMBER 2. GOVT ACCESSION NC I NA6OccOF 1 i Technical Report 7. AUTHOR(.) i L. Berkhouse, S.E. Davis, F.R. Gladeck, J.H. Hallowell, C.B. Jones, E.J. Martin, DNAOO1-79-C-0472 R.A. Miller, F.W. McMullan, M.J. Osborne I I 9. PERFORMING ORGAMIIATION NWE AN0 AODRCSS ID. PROGRAM ELEMENT PROJECT. TASU Kamn Tempo AREA & WOW UNIT'NUMSERS P.O. Drawer (816 State St.) QQ . Subtask U99QAXMK506-09 ; Santa Barbara, CA 93102 11. CONTROLLING OFClCC MAME AM0 ADDRESS 12. REPORT DATE 1 nirpctor- . - - - Defense Nuclear Agency Washington, DC 20305 71, MONITORING AGENCY NAME AODRCSs(rfdIfI*mI ka CamlIlIU Olllc.) IS. SECURITY CLASS. (-1 ah -*) J Unclassified SCHCDULC 1 i 1 I 1 IO. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES This work was sponsored by the Defense Nuclear Agency under RDT&E RMSS 1 Code 6350079464 U99QAXMK506-09 H2590D. For sale by the National Technical Information Service, Springfield, VA 22161 19. KEY WOROS (Cmlmm a nm.. mid. I1 n.c...-7 .nd Id.nllh 4 bled nlrmk) I Nuclear Testing Polaris KINGFISH Nuclear Test Personnel Review (NTPR) FISHBOWL TIGHTROPE DOMINIC Phase I Christmas Island CHECKMATE 1 Johnston Island STARFISH SWORDFISH ASROC BLUEGILL (Continued) D.
    [Show full text]
  • The American Legion [Volume 120, No. 3 (March 1986)]
    ! IT IS NO U.S. MILITARY SECRET! fAVY You can't buy a better designed pair of shoes for Fit and Comfort and LAST While they last m I Long Wear than this world famous classic designed for and by the m GET 2 Pairs U.S. Navy! Now Haband, the mail order people from Paterson, NJ, far $55 SHOES IHI WM I have a huge surplus on hand and available to the general public — while they last — only $27.95 a pair! ^HABAND 265 N. 9th St., Paterson, N.J. 07530 Genuine Leather Uppers! Genuine Leather Sole! Aye Aye, Sir! Send me pairs of these Navy Last Shoes as specified below. ir Genuine Rubber Heel! Genuine Goodyear Welt Construction If you can act at once, here is the FIND YOUR SIZE HERE best shoe value you could see in *tAiirMr /irfrir\ ADD $1 PtR PAIR MEDIUM (D) WIDTH *WIDE (EEE) — FOR WIDE SIZtS lifetime ! At $27.95 a pair, 6y2-7-7y2-8-8y2-9-9y2 6y2-7-7y2-8-8y2-9-9y2 you can afford the 10-10y2-11-12-13 10-10y2-11-12-13 very best. Order on money-back STYLE — approval Black Oxford Mail this Black Loafer coupon today Black "Velcro®" Strap I Qluarantee: if upon receipt, I do not choose to wear the $ 2.40 shoes, I may return them within 30 days for a full refund 'wide width Size Charge of every penny I paid you. TOTAL PAYMENT ENCLOSED Or Charge: DVisa DMC Acct. # Exp. Date [ STATE ZIP HABAND is a conscientious family business, serving 9th Street I 265 N.
    [Show full text]
  • The US Army Air Forces in WWII
    DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES AIR FORCE Air Force Historical Studies Office 28 June 2011 Errata Sheet for the Air Force History and Museum Program publication: With Courage: the United States Army Air Forces in WWII, 1994, by Bernard C. Nalty, John F. Shiner, and George M. Watson. Page 215 Correct: Second Lieutenant Lloyd D. Hughes To: Second Lieutenant Lloyd H. Hughes Page 218 Correct Lieutenant Hughes To: Second Lieutenant Lloyd H. Hughes Page 357 Correct Hughes, Lloyd D., 215, 218 To: Hughes, Lloyd H., 215, 218 Foreword In the last decade of the twentieth century, the United States Air Force commemorates two significant benchmarks in its heritage. The first is the occasion for the publication of this book, a tribute to the men and women who served in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War 11. The four years between 1991 and 1995 mark the fiftieth anniversary cycle of events in which the nation raised and trained an air armada and com- mitted it to operations on a scale unknown to that time. With Courage: U.S.Army Air Forces in World War ZZ retells the story of sacrifice, valor, and achievements in air campaigns against tough, determined adversaries. It describes the development of a uniquely American doctrine for the application of air power against an opponent's key industries and centers of national life, a doctrine whose legacy today is the Global Reach - Global Power strategic planning framework of the modern U.S. Air Force. The narrative integrates aspects of strategic intelligence, logistics, technology, and leadership to offer a full yet concise account of the contributions of American air power to victory in that war.
    [Show full text]
  • K a L E N D E R- B L Ä T T E R
    - Simon Beckert - K A L E N D E R- B L Ä T T E R „Nichts ist so sehr für die „gute alte Zeit“ verantwortlich wie das schlechte Gedächtnis.“ (Anatole France ) Stand: Januar 2016 H I N W E I S E Eckig [umklammerte] Jahresdaten bedeuten, dass der genaue Tag des Ereignisses unbekannt ist. SEITE 2 J A N U A R 1. JANUAR [um 2100 v. Chr.]: Die erste überlieferte große Flottenexpedition der Geschichte findet im Per- sischen Golf unter Führung von König Manishtusu von Akkad gegen ein nicht bekanntes Volk statt. 1908: Der britische Polarforscher Ernest Shackleton verlässt mit dem Schoner Nimrod den Ha- fen Lyttelton (Neuseeland), um mit einer Expedition den magnetischen Südpol zu erkunden (Nimrod-Expedition). 1915: Die HMS Formidable wird in einem Nachtangriff durch das deutsche U-Boot SM U 24 im Ärmelkanal versenkt. Sie ist das erste britische Linienschiff, welches im Ersten Weltkrieg durch Feindeinwirkung verloren geht. 1917: Das deutsche U-Boot SM UB 47 versenkt den britischen Truppentransporter HMT In- vernia etwa 58 Seemeilen südöstlich von Kap Matapan. 1943: Der amerikanische Frachter Arthur Middleton wird vor dem Hafen von Casablanca von dem deutschen U-Boot U 73 durch zwei Torpedos getroffen. Das zu einem Konvoi gehörende Schiff ist mit Munition und Sprengstoff beladen und versinkt innerhalb einer Minute nach einer Explosion der Ladung. 1995: Die automatische Wellenmessanlage der norwegischen Ölbohrplattform Draupner-E meldet in einem Sturm eine Welle mit einer Höhe von 26 Metern. Damit wurde die Existenz von Monsterwellen erstmals eindeutig wissenschaftlich bewiesen. —————————————————————————————————— 2. JANUAR [um 1990 v. Chr.]: Der ägyptische Pharao Amenemhet I.
    [Show full text]
  • UNITED STATES SUBMARINE VETERANS INCORPORTATED PALMETTO BASE NEWSLETTER July 2013
    OUR CREED: To perpetuate the memory of our shipmates who gave their lives in the pursuit of duties while serving their country. That their dedication, deeds, and supreme sacrifice be a constant source of motivation toward greater accomplishments. Pledge loyalty and patriotism to the United States of America and its constitution. UNITED STATES SUBMARINE VETERANS INCORPORTATED PALMETTO BASE NEWSLETTER July 2013 1 Lost Boats 3 Picture of the Month 10 Members 11 Honorary Members 11 CO’s Stateroom 12 XO’S Stateroom 14 Meeting Attendees 15 Minutes 15 Old Business 15 New Business 16 Good of the Order 16 Base Contacts 17 Birthdays 17 Welcome 17 Binnacle List 17 Quote of the Month 17 Word of the Month 17 Member Profile of the Month 18 Traditions of the Naval Service 21 Dates in U.S. Naval History 23 Dates in U.S. Submarine History 28 Submarine Memorials 48 Monthly Calendar 53 Submarine Trivia 54 Advertising Partners 55 2 USS S-28 (SS-133) Lost on July 4, 1944 with the loss of 50 crew members. She was conducting Lost on: training exercises off Hawaii with the US Coast Guard Cutter Reliance. After S-28 dove for a practice torpedo approach, Reliance lost contact. No 7/4/1944 distress signal or explosion was heard. Two days later, an oil slick was found near where S-28. The exact cause of her loss remains a mystery. US Navy Official Photo BC Patch Class: SS S Commissioned: 12/13/1923 Launched: 9/20/1922 Builder: Fore River Shipbuilding Co Length: 219 , Beam: 22 #Officers: 4, #Enlisted: 34 Fate: Brief contact with S-28 was made and lost.
    [Show full text]
  • Henderson Tinsley Riggan Henderson Tinsley Riggan Chief Electricians Mate Born November 8, 1911 Killed in Action November 1, 1944
    Henderson Tinsley Riggan Henderson Tinsley Riggan Chief Electricians Mate Born November 8, 1911 Killed in Action November 1, 1944 Henderson Tinsley Riggan was born on November 8, 1911, in Surry County, North Carolina. He was the second child and oldest son of James Thomas and Dora Hatcher Riggan. James was born in 1871 and Dora was born in 1881, and they got married on April 29, 1909. Called “Tinsley” by his family, he was named after his grandfathers, Robert Henderson Riggan and Jesse Tinsley Hatcher. His grandmothers were Lucy Ann Hodges Riggan and Mary Etta Creed Hatcher, all of which lived in North Carolina. Tinsley had four sisters, Lucy Etta, Beulah Eastman, Dora Belle Ellen and Virginia Dare, who died when she was two months old, and three brothers, Reuben DeWitt, Roland Ellsworth and Bedford Brown. In addition he had five half siblings, Lala Infanta, Cora Thelma, Frances Manie, Thomas Manley, who died when he was two months old, and Lloyd Vestal from James’ first marriage. Other than Thomas, they were all very young when their mother died and were raised by Tinsley’s mother, Dora. The Riggans moved to Hopewell in 1922, and lived at 1711 Atlantic Street then later at 100 South 5th Avenue. Tinsley’s father ran a service station on Rt. 10 and later a grocery store on 15th Avenue, and attended Primitive Baptist Church near Fort Lee. Tinsley with his siblings. front, L to R, Reuben Dewitt, Bedford Brown, Roland Ellsworth; back, Lucy Etta, Tinsley, Beulah Eastman. Dora Belle is barely visible at the bottom in front of Bedford.
    [Show full text]
  • Ladies and Gentlemen
    reaching the limits of their search area, ENS Reid and his navigator, ENS Swan decided to push their search a little farther. When he spotted small specks in the distance, he promptly radioed Midway: “Sighted main body. Bearing 262 distance 700.” PBYs could carry a crew of eight or nine and were powered by two Pratt & Whitney R-1830-92 radial air-cooled engines at 1,200 horsepower each. The aircraft was 104 feet wide wing tip to wing tip and 63 feet 10 inches long from nose to tail. Catalinas were patrol planes that were used to spot enemy submarines, ships, and planes, escorted convoys, served as patrol bombers and occasionally made air and sea rescues. Many PBYs were manufactured in San Diego, but Reid’s aircraft was built in Canada. “Strawberry 5” was found in dilapidated condition at an airport in South Africa, but was lovingly restored over a period of six years. It was actually flown back to San Diego halfway across the planet – no small task for a 70-year old aircraft with a top speed of 120 miles per hour. The plane had to meet FAA regulations and was inspected by an FAA official before it could fly into US airspace. Crew of the Strawberry 5 – National Archives Cover Artwork for the Program NOTES FROM THE ARTIST Unlike the action in the Atlantic where German submarines routinely targeted merchant convoys, the Japanese never targeted shipping in the Pacific. The Cover Artwork for the Veterans' Biographies American convoy system in the Pacific was used primarily during invasions where hundreds of merchant marine ships shuttled men, food, guns, This PBY Catalina (VPB-44) was flown by ENS Jack Reid with his ammunition, and other supplies across the Pacific.
    [Show full text]