The CVE PIPER Is Published Board of Governors Quarterly by the ESCORT CARRIER SAILOR & AIRMEN ASSOCIATION, INC

ESCORT CARRIER SAILORS & AIRMEN ASSN. Non-profit 1215 N. Military Hwy #128, U.S. Postage The PAID Norfolk, VA 23502 Toll Free In the USA: Norfolk, VA CVE (855) 505-2469 Permit #360 Piper

Happy Holidays from ECSAA

ECSAA WWII Members...We Salute You The CVE PIPER is published Board of Governors quarterly by the ESCORT CARRIER SAILOR & AIRMEN ASSOCIATION, INC. And is mailed by non-profit Veterans Permit from Norfolk, Virginia David Ryan, President Walt Young, Vice President Oscar (Clay) Hathaway III, Secretary USS Bogue USS Sangamon USS Casablanca [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Send MEMBERSHIP DUES, DONATIONS, CHANGE OF ADDRESS, PUBLICATIONS, and TAPS to: ECSAA Art Hutt Bob Evans, Treasurer 1215 N. Military Highway #128 USS Puget Sound USS Sangamon Norfolk, VA 23502 Email: [email protected]

E-mail: [email protected]

Committees: CVE PIPER SUBMISSION GUIDELINES Memorials & Artifact Committee Memorial/Donations Convention Chair Bob Evans Sue Foley - Chairman When submitting your articles please: Anthony Looney Email: [email protected] • Check spelling, punctuation and subject Chuck Fecay - Committee Member matter. (Editor reserves editing rights) Ken Green - Convention Member - Photographer • Determine the Headline for your story and Author.

LEGAL CONSEQUENCES Merchandise Committee Member Recruiting Member Services Some members are sending clippings from Walter Young Dawn Magerkurth Joyce Wilson Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] newspapers, magazines and books, with a request that we print them in the CVE Piper.

You must get written permission from the source of the article (writer, publisher, photographer, etc.) Before we can legally reprint these articles or pictures.

We have been advised that this written permission must be in our possession in case of a law suite which can have substantial penalties for our Association.

ERROR AVOIDANCE

Many past submissions to the CVE Piper were hand written, and some were difficult to read by our printers who are not familiar with Escort Carrier names and Navy terminology. The publisher had to guess. As a result, the editor received numerous letters pointing out the errors. All future letters submitted for publishing must be typed or clearly printed, This may cause problems for some of you, but it will improve the quality of the Piper. You can renew your membership on line as well as make changes to your contact information. Convention Committee Welcome for 2018 River for a lunch and entertainment cruise on the General Jackson paddle wheeler. Return to the hotel is scheduled for 3:30pm. Those not going to Sunday, September 30 the Grand Ole Opry will disembark the bus at the hotel; we will be picking If you have checked into the motel, enjoy a compli- up others for the Grand Ole Opry. If you attended the General Jackson and mentary breakfast at Praline’s Restaurant; remember plan on going to the Grand Ole Opry – Stay on the bus. Watch the weather to take your breakfast tickets you received at hotel for proper clothing for if you get out on the deck of the General Jackson, it registration to the restaurant. Convention Registra- could be cool. tion will be open at 1:00pm in the hallway of the Fo- Buses depart again from the front of the hotel at 3:30pm for dinner rum Room located to the left of the registration desk at Caney Forks Restaurant then the Grand Ole Opry. Tickets to the Opry and down the hall on the ground floor. As we have will be provided on the buses by the tour guides. Return to the hotel is no large room for mixing and mingling, feel free to scheduled 11:00pm. If you participated in all of today’s planned activities, use the hotel lobby for this function. you will probably be ready for shut-eye! From 5:00pm-6:00pm everyone is encouraged to attend the Hotel Reception (casual dress) in the International Room just down from the Wednesday, October 3 registration area. Beer, wine and light snacks will be served with dinner on The Memorial Service will begin at 8:30am in the Forum Meeting your own. If you are not interested in leaving the hotel, Praline’s Restau- rant is open for dinner 6:30pm – 10:00pm each evening.

Monday, October 1 Big day today! Dress comfortable and weather- wise. Rise and shine early if you want the complimentary breakfast at Praline’s; buses will board outside the front door for an 8:30am departure Room on the ground floor. We will take a short break after the Memorial for the City Tour, Country Service then move into the Business Meeting in the same room. Remember Music Hall of Fame and Stu- to bring your Convention Program as there will be no other written infor- dio B. As the bus departs, your tour guide will provide an itinerary for the mation provided. Lunch will be on your own. day. Lunch locations will be provided with lunch on your own. Return to As our guest speaker for the evening banquet is Dan Keenan, we the hotel is scheduled for 4:30pm. will be showing a “made-for-TV movie” After dinner on your own we hope you attend the auction hosted of his coming to America from Korea as a by the Tripoli at 8:30pm. If you have attended this event in years past you baby. The movie will begin at 2:00pm in know how much fun it can be. The event will be in the Forum Meeting the Forum Meeting Room, lasting about Room across from Registration on the ground floor. an hour and a half. Dan will be on hand to comment on the movie before and after the Tuesday, October 2 showing. Another big day! If The banquet will begin at 6:00pm you are taking the with Social Hour at the Crown Ballroom Ryman/General Jack- (dressy attire). Dinner will be served at son tour including the 7:00pm with music provided by DJ Paul Gibson. During and after dinner, Grand Ole Opry, dress take advantage of the photo booth in the banquet room; it should be lots of for the entire day as fun and provide memories of the week! Be sure and bring cash for raffle there will be no time to tickets for great prizes. Finally, we look forward to a great after-dinner change between tours speech by our guest Dan Keenan of the USS Point Cruz. today. Dress for the Grand Ole Opry is very Thursday, October 4 casual. Again consider Most of us will be leaving this morning; if you do so, we hope for your breakfast schedule safe travels and anticipate seeing you next year in New Orleans! as buses depart in front of the hotel at 8:30am for the historic Ryman Audi- torium. After a visit of the Ryman we’ll make our way to the Cumberland The CVE Piper...... December 2018...... Page 3 NAME SHIP Blakeney, Connie Sangamon CVE-26 Edwards, Pauline Altamaha CVE-18 Blakeney, Jeff Sangamon CVE-26 Edwards, Stephen Altamaha CVE-18 Evans, Bob Sangamon CVE-26 Griffin, James Altamaha CVE-18 Evans, Janet Sangamon CVE-26 Griffin, Mike Altamaha CVE-18 Fazio, Bryan Sangamon CVE-26 Griffin, Ruth Altamaha CVE-18 Geisenhoff, Pat Sangamon CVE-26 Griffin, Teri Altamaha CVE-18 Hagedorn, Harvey Sangamon CVE-26 Hoy, David Altamaha CVE-18 Hagedorn, Rozanne Sangamon CVE-26 Kolden, Bill Altamaha CVE-18 Landry, Fred Sangamon CVE-26 Kolden, Marianne Altamaha CVE-18 Leonard, Cheryl Sangamon CVE-26 McAdoo, Mike Altamaha CVE-18 Looney, Anthony Sangamon CVE-26 McAdoo, Patricia Altamaha CVE-18 Looney, Glen Sangamon CVE-26 Phillips, Michelle Bogue CVE-9 Looney, Michael Sangamon CVE-26 Ryan, Dave Bogue CVE-9 Looney, Michelle Sangamon CVE-26 Hathaway, Clay Casablanca CVE-55 Solloway, Erwin Sangamon CVE-26 Hathaway, Kim Casablanca CVE-55 Tatum, James Sangamon CVE-26 Crutcher, Kathleen Corregidor CVE-58 Van Eyck, Sandy Sangamon CVE-26 Gagnon, Claire Corregidor CVE-58 Van Eyck, Terry Sangamon CVE-26 Gagnon, Richard Corregidor CVE-58 Young, Larry Sangamon CVE-26 Gaskill, Julie Corregidor CVE-58 Young, Myrna Sangamon CVE-26 Lowe, Arthur Corregidor CVE-58 Young, Roxanne Sangamon CVE-26 Lowe, Joan Corregidor CVE-58 Young, Walter Sangamon CVE-26 Meininger, Harriet Corregidor CVE-58 Lewis, Bill Sargent Bay CVE-83 Yost, Vivian Corregidor CVE-58 Kellam, James Sicily CVE-118 O’Loughlin, John Kadashan Bay CVE-76 Kellam, Jeanette Sicily CVE-118 O’Loughlin, Neal Kadashan Bay CVE-76 Cumbo, Anna Steamer Bay CVE-84 Pluchino, Nancy Kadashan Bay CVE-76 Smith, Alberta Steamer Bay CVE-84 Kilduff, Frank Kasaan Bay CVE-69 Hiner, Dick Tripoli CVE-64 Bradshaw, Marva Manila Bay CVE-61 Hiner, Kate Tripoli CVE-64 Henderson, Sam Manila Bay CVE-61 Jenkins, Alvis Tripoli CVE-64 Keenan, Dan Point Cruz CVE-119 Jenkins, Becky Tripoli CVE-64 Hutt, Arthur Puget Sound CVE-113 Jenkins, Ouida Tripoli CVE-64 Hutt, Pam Puget Sound CVE-113 Kerr, Sharon Tripoli CVE-64 King, Doris Puget Sound CVE-113 Kyser, Dorothy Tripoli CVE-64 Evans, Greg Rendova CVE-114 Kyser, William Tripoli CVE-64 Evans, Melissa Rendova CVE-114 Milnor, Charles Tripoli CVE-64 Evans, Virginia Rendova CVE-114 Parker, Joe Tripoli CVE-64 Fecay, Charles Rendova CVE-114 Parker, Theresa Tripoli CVE-64 Foley, Sue Rendova CVE-114 Reinbold, Barbara Tripoli CVE-64 Frazee, Doug Rendova CVE-114 Reinbold, Michael Tripoli CVE-64 Frazee, Martha Rendova CVE-114 Simmons, Ann Tripoli CVE-64 Garthwaite, Dick Rendova CVE-114 Simmons, Mike Tripoli CVE-64 Green, Irvin Rendova CVE-114 Storie, Jim Tripoli CVE-64 Green, Kenneth Rendova CVE-114 Storie, Roxann Tripoli CVE-64 Hadsell, Edwin Rendova CVE-114 Warren, Rexene Tripoli CVE-64 Hadsell, Monta Gae Rendova CVE-114 Welthi, Marilyn Tripoli CVE-64 Marangiello, Anthony Rendova CVE-114 Welthi, Ralph Tripoli CVE-64

2018 ConventionAttendees Saip, Richard Rendova CVE-114 Zinman, Marion Tripoli CVE-64 Saip, Wanda Rendova CVE-114 Zinman, Robert Tripoli CVE-64 Bates, Sarah Sangamon CVE-26 McClung, Bob Tulagi CVE-72 Bates, Sue Sangamon CVE-26 McClung, Velma Tulagi CVE-72

The CVE Piper...... December 2018...... Page 04 Memorial Service Program CVE LAST FIRST DATE October 3, 2018 ADMIRALTY ISLANDS HARP ROBERT 10/30/2017 Nashville, Tennessee BADOENG STRAIT BARTZ HARRY 11/21/2015 BADOENG STRAIT FUGERSON JOHN 3/22/2018 BADOENG STRAIT JOHNSON GEORGE 2/16/2018 Welcome & Invocation……Anthony G. Looney, President, ECSAA BADOENG STRAIT SMITH LONNIE 11/29/2017 USS Sangamon CVE-26 BADOENG STRAIT SWENSON WALLACE 5/22/2018 BAIROKO RIAN GERALD 2/7/2018 Presentation of Colors….….ROTC Color Guard Unit, Tennessee State BARNES HIXON JOHN 12/18/2017 University, Nashville, TN BLOCK ISLAND BORDER ROBERT 12/13/2017 BLOCK ISLAND CAIN BILLY 4/25/2018 Pledge of Allegiance…...... All BLOCK ISLAND CARR JOHN 3/14/2018 BLOCK ISLAND DAVIS WILLIAM 0/12/2016 A Memorial tribute……...... Roll Call of CVE’s lost in action BLOCK ISLAND DEVER JAMES 7/15/2017 Anthony G. Looney, President, ECSAA BLOCK ISLAND HAYLES JASPER 2/26/2018 USS Sangamon CVE-26 BLOCK ISLAND JOHNSON RICHARD 2/8/2018 BLOCK ISLAND MARROW NED 6/6/2018 For A Soldier Died Today (video) BLOCK ISLAND McNULTY HELEN 7/6/2017 BLOCK ISLAND TAMULONIS PETER 11/6/2017 Bell Toller – Larry Young BLOCK ISLAND TINGLE LEE 4/23/2017 USS Sangamon CVE-26 BLOCK ISLAND WALSH JOHN 1/5/2018 BLOCK ISLAND WILLIAMS BOYD 8/23/2017 Roll Call of deceased CVE Sailors - BLOCK ISLAND WOODS JOHN 2/28/2018 ECSAA Board of Governors BOGUE WIGHTMAN CHARLES 2/20/2018 CAPE ESPERANCE WILKERSON LOREN 8/16/2018 Taps……………….....….…Tennessee State University, Nashville, TN CAPE GLOUCESTER DOGGETT MERLE 3/10/2018 CAPE GLOUCESTER LAWRENCE ALVIN 12/7/2017 Video Presentation……...... I Fought For You (video) CARD JACOBS HARVEY 7/17/2018 . CARD SMEDLEY WILLIAM 7/17/2018 Benediction……………...... Bob Evans, Governor, ECSAA COPAHEE BERNBAUM HENRY 11/18/2017 USS Sangamon CVE-26 CORREGIDOR BAHR ROGER 4/8/2011 CORREGIDOR BUGSBEE PAUL UNKNOWN Song…………………….....God Bless America, Kate Smith (all rise and CORREGIDOR CLARENCE RADCLIFFE 11/9/2016 join in singing) CORREGIDOR CRISMON ALFRED 8/12/2017 CORREGIDOR HEIER JAMES 9/1/2014 Heartfelt THANK YOUs to Dave Ryan, Governor, ECSAA USS Bogue CORREGIDOR MARA WARREN 7/30/2014 CVE-9, and Michelle Phillips for assisting with audio-visual! CORREGIDOR PENNINGTON DAVID 2/10/2017 CORREGIDOR SOCHA EDWARD 1/26/2018 CORREGIDOR SWANSON RONALD 4/8/2014 CROATAN BAUGHN JACK 1/7/2018 FANSHAW BAY KURTZE DON 10/26/2017 FANSHAW BAY MCDONALD ALVIN 4/4/2018 GAMBIER BAY ALLISON CHARLES 9/13/2017 GAMBIER BAY BORDT ROBERT 12/7/2017 GAMBIER BAY MAYNARD ATWELL 9/16/2017 GAMBIER BAY NEIL CLIFFORD 4/11/2018 GAMBIER BAY SANKEY AUGUST 1/16/2018

continued on page 6

The CVE Piper...... December 2018...... Page 05 2018 TAPS SHIP LAST FIRST DATE SHIP LAST FIRST DATE GILBERT ISLANDS JOHNSON DOUGLAS 11/14/2017 SANTEE CROCKETT THOMAS 1/7/2018 GILBERT ISLANDS RUSH ALLEN 12/27/2017 SARGENT BAY HAND HOWARD GUADALCANAL WHEELER RICHARD 9/16/2017 SARGENT BAY WALKER WILFRED 8/26/2016 HOGGATT BAY STRONG LEWIS 10/18/2017 SARGENT BAY WILLIAMS GEORGE 1/12/2018 HOGGATT BAY WESELOH DATLAF 10/5/2017 SAVO ISLAND HOPPENWORTH ARNOLD 6/2/2018 KALININ BAY STANZIALE LOUIS 4/2/2018 SAVO ISLAND SPRINGMAN BRIGHT 8/31/2018 KASAAN BAY GREGORY JOE 6/17/2017 SAVO ISLAND TURPEN, JR. TOBE 10/28/2017 KITKUN BAY HERFURTH ROBERT 11/29/2017 SIBONEY BAY BABB MONTELLE 12/31/2017 KITKUN BAY VIEAU HAROLD 8/10/2017 SIBONEY BAY CONNELLY JOHN 6/11/2018 KWAJALEIN O’DONNELL FRANK 1/7/2018 SIBONEY BAY HUFFMAN, SR RICHARD 2/10/2018 LISCOME BAY SANCHEZ DAVID 12/24/2017 SICILY BARTZ HARRY 11/21/2015 LUNGA POINT HOBERG RAY 4/6/2018 SICILY BRIDGEWATER JOHN 3/3/2018 MAKASSAR STRAIT SPANNAGEL KENNETH 6/19/2018 SICILY COLEY JERRY 1/17/2018 MAKIN ISLAND GILMORE JACK 3/25/2018 SICILY FLOOD JAMES 12/30/2017 MANILA BAY NILES PAUL 12/24/2017 SICILY GIOVANETTI LOUIS 1/6/2018 MARCUS ISLAND BURNS ERNEST 6/8/2017 SICILY MOYER WILLIAM 1/20/2018 MINDORO LUCE HERBERT 10/16/2017 SICILY SHAFFER LYMAN 9/13/2017 MINDORO PEACOCK ROBERT 11/4/2017 SICILY SMITH LONNIE 11/29/2017 MISSION BAY STRAND ARTHUR 1/5/2018 SOLOMONS WILLIAMS RAYMOND 3/21/2018 NATOMA BAY DeWITT, JR JOHN 2/14/2018 STEAMER BAY BIRCH WENDELL 11/29/2017 NATOMA BAY LAMM ROBERT 11/23/2017 SUWANNEE GUEST DONALD 3/20/2018 NEHENTA BAY GLENN CEASEAR 2/28/2018 SUWANNEE STRASS ARTHUR 7/14/2018 NEHENTA BAY WILHELM RALPH 2/2/2018 THETIS BAY PRICE ELLIS 3/4/2018 PALAU TOMAZIN FRANK 6/8/2017 THETIS BAY TEDFORD MAX 11/16/2017 PALAU WINDLEY ALONZO 7/21/2017 TRIPOLI BLOTTER ALFRED 8/31/2017 PETROF BAY DOYLE, JR WILLIAM 12/28/2017 TRIPOLI BUCKENMAIER THEODORE 12/30/2017 PETROF BAY HADLEY RALPH 10/1/2017 TRIPOLI ESCHER GEORGE 7/5/2016 POINT CRUZ WELCH TROY 1/17/2018 TRIPOLI FREDERICK ROBERT 4/15/2018 PUGET SOUND SHENCK CHARLES 4/17/2018 TRIPOLI KUBAT LAURENCE 2/1/2018 RENDOVA CANNON, JR. JAMES 6/8/2018 TRIPOLI LaBELLA LOUIS 4/12/2018 ROI UNDERWOOD, JR, JAMES 1/26/2018 TRIPOLI MACK KENNETH 5/29/2018 SAGINAW BAY WILKINS ARLAND 8/1/2017 TRIPOLI MARINELLI CHARLES 3/6/2018 SAGINAW BAY WILSON TROY 10/20/2017 TRIPOLI RIMMERT FRANKLIN 6/12/2017 SAIDOR DEMARIA JOE 5/22/2018 TRIPOLI TAMER JOSEPH 6/30/2017 SAIDOR FOX ROBERT 10/12/2017 TULAGI ROCHFORD WILLIAM 6/25/2018 SAIDOR RUDD RAYMOND 2/6/2018 WAKE ISLAND CUNNINGHAM JACK 3/14/2017 SALAMAUA SIMMONS VIVIAN 2/8/2018 WHITE PLAINS LITTLEFIELD RALPH 8/23/2017 SALERNO BAY MERCER JOHNNY 7/31/2018 WINDHAM BAY NOLAN DAN 10/22/2017 SALERNO BAY WAHL ROBERT 8/25/2017 WINDHAM BAY TREMBLEY WILLIAM 7/15/2018 SANGAMON BERG FRANK 9/3/2017 WYNDHAM BAY ATKINSON STAN 10/12/2017 SANGAMON BURKE HOWARD 8/28/2017 WYNDHAM BAY GUTIERREZ JESSE 7/19/2017 SANGAMON DELONG RICHARD 12/31/2017 SANGAMON MURPHY ROBERT 11/30/2017 Gone but never forgotten. Long live the memories of the greatest generation.

The CVE Piper...... December 2018...... Page 06 The 2018 Treasurer Report ECSAA AGENDA GENERAL BUSINESS MEETING NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE OCTOBER 3, 2018 Income

CALL TO ORDER Interest earned for the year $413.21 OPENING PRAYER ECSAA Membership Dues $4426.00 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Donations General and ECSAA Scholarship $1345.00 MINUTES OF PREVIOUS GENERAL BUSINESS MEETING 2017 San Antonio Convention $2903.29 2018 SCHOLARSHIP TREASURER’S REPORT COMMITTEE REPORTS Expenses Membership – Dave Ryan Memorials – Anthony Looney Entire leadership of Association bonded for 2018 ($480.00) Merchandise – Walter Young Form 990 (Tax Free Organizations) for 2015 ($150.00) 2018/2019 CONVENTIONS - Anthony Looney Piper Publication Expense ($8397.00) NEW BUSINESS Piper Postage Expense ($1531.00) Election of Governors – Ryan, Evans expirations Other? Expense for third ECSAA Scholarship Award ($2000.00) CLOSING PRAYER ADJOURNMENT Recap of the ECSAA 2018 (September YTD Finances)

ECSAA BOARD OF GOVERNORS Term expires: General Checking $25,692.81 Ryan, Dave 2018 CD $10,792.81 Evans, Bob 2018 CD $41,141.18 Looney, Anthony 2019 CD $8,524.46 Hathaway, Oscar Clay III 2019 Total $86,128.32 Young, Walter 2020 Vacant 2020

How great it is to be in Nashville, Tennessee, “Country Music City USA.” Going to the Grand Ole Opry has been on my BUCKET LIST since I was a boy listening to the Opry on the radio. A tip of the hat to our President, Anthony Looney and his wife, Cindy, along with Sue Foley, our Convention Chairman, and Joyce Wilson for their tireless efforts of putting on this year’s Convention together.

A special thanks to Dave Ryan, our Membership Chairman, and his Committee for their efforts in securing new members from sister CVE ships and family memberships. Dave has donated countless hours to expand and update our membership from our sister ships and family memberships. What a testimony on this the 73rd year since the end of WWII - ECSAA is growing in Membership.

We are fortunate to have our Editor of THE PIPER, Joyce Wilson, who is the “GLUE” that binds our Association together. She is also an active member of the Membership Committee plus keeping our website and Facebook current.

Since our biggest source of revenue is Membership, I would ask you to consider giving an ECSAA membership to your sons and daughters, as well as grand and great grandchildren, so they can read about your roles in our country’s history. This will help us meet our Association’s goal of “making sure that your efforts and sacrifices are never forgotten.”

Finally, I would like to thank each of you for your service to our country and for being the role models for my generation and for those that will come in the future. We promise that we will never forget your sacrifices and contributions to keep American free!

Bob Evans, ECSAA Treasurer

The CVE Piper...... December 2018...... Page 07 ECSAA Board of Governors Business Meeting, Nashville, TN Convention, October 3, 2018

Business Meeting Minutes

ECSAA President Anthony G. Looney opened the meeting timely with invocation and leading of the Pledge of Allegiance. The minutes of the previous Business Meeting of September 27, 2017 in San Antonio had been made available to all meeting participants. Mr. Looney called for questions/comments, of which there were none. A motion was made by James Griffin and seconded by Irvin Green to accept the minutes as printed. Motion carried unanimously and minutes were accepted. Discussion then turned to the recipient of the 2018 ECSAA Scholarship, awarded to Ryan Spitzley, a grandson of Bill Atkinson of the USS Tripoli. Mr. Looney then advised that because of a poor record of participation – we only had one applicant in each of the three years of the scholarship, the Board of Governors had voted in a meeting at this convention to sunset the ECSAA Scholarship. There were noted nods of approval and no dissent provided regarding this decision. The ECSAA Governors will be looking for other avenues to educate our youth on the legacy of the CVE’s. The Treasurer’s Report was written and provided by Bob Evans. Our association is still robust financially as indicated by Bob’s report. Bob further elaborated on appreciation for various persons of ECSAA leadership, including Joyce Wilson, editor of The Piper. A motion was made by Patricia McNamara and seconded by Jim Griffin to accept the Treasurer’s Report as presented. Dave Ryan provided a report on membership. Numbers continue trending as they have in the past; our life membership is declining and legacy membership slowly growing. We continue carrying slightly over 2,000 members in our roles. Of significant relevance was Dave informing the group of his acceptance of the McBride Collection of Altamaha ship memorabilia. This treasure trove of artifacts and memorabilia will be a featured story in the next issue of The Piper. Anthony Looney gave the Memorials and Artifacts Committee report in the absence of George Manik at the convention. Mr. Looney provided a quick history of the only active memorial project with the association – the Atlantic USS Guadalcanal capture of German submarine U-505 at the Pensacola National Naval Aviation Museum (the museum). The remnants of the project have been through two shipbuilders and has been in the hands of the museum for almost two years awaiting completion. The museum and ECSAA had been in discussion of the project costing ECSAA in the range of $15,000-$20,000; yet a contract had not been signed and as of June 2018 the museum had still not started the project. Mr. Looney advised the group that the Governors had discussed this matter extensively in their meeting earlier in the week and had voted to advise the museum that EC- SAA would not financially support the completion of this project, yet would offer other solutions to the museum to bring this project to reality. It was felt that this money could be better spent on other ECSAA endeavors. Several in the audience expressed agreement; there was no apparent opposition to this move. Walter Young then provided a quick Merchandise Report. New shirts and hats have been made available, with the Governors all wearing new shirts this year. Additionally, patches have been made, suitable for sewing onto jackets, etc. Walt has done a good job of paring old unsalable merchandise out, making room for newer merchandise that will hopefully be more in demand. Mr. Looney then discussed issues of the Nashville convention, including difficulties of working with the Nashville hotel. Additionally men- tioned was perhaps too aggressive an agenda for our aged group; next year’s convention to be more sensitive to this. Attendance is up this year over last year by some 15% with some 25 first time attendees. This increase is attributed to a central United States location with good air facilities and a robust banquet speaker. Sailor attendance is flat with last year and family attendance increased. Next year’s convention is planned for New Orleans. A hotel has been identified, yet no contract signed until Anthony Looney and Convention Chair, Sue Foley, conduct an on-site visit. Features of the New Orleans location would be the WWII Museum, a river cruise, and city/plantation tour. As no date has been selected, several in the audience expressed concern about a convention time line that coincided with a professional football game the same weekend. As this situation occurred this year in Nashville, it should be avoided in the future. The Convention Committee will be sensitive to that consideration. Two Governors, David Ryan and Bob Evans, have terms expiring effective this convention. Nominations were made for both these men to return with motions seconded. Both David and Bob agreed to accept and were re-elected to Governor for a 3-yr term unanimously. Last year we were unable to elect a Governor to replace John Smith. A motion was made and seconded to elect Arthur (Art) Hutt to a 2-year term. Art is the husband of Pam King Hutt, the daughter of Keith King, deceased of the USS Puget Sound. Art was unanimously voted to fill this vacancy. With there being no further business, President Looney then closed the meeting with a benedictory prayer.

Respectfully submitted this 9th day of October, 2018 by Anthony G. Looney

The CVE Piper...... December 2018...... Page 08 The CVE Piper...... December 2018...... Page 09 Start making your plans for the 2019 ECSAA Convention September 22 - 25, 2019 at the Four Points by Sheraton French Quarter in New Orleans, LA.

Four Points by Sheraton French Quarter 541 Bourbon Street New Orleans, Louisiana 70130

Reservation link: https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1541712262397&key=GRP&app=res vlink Event Summary: Escort Carrier Sailor and Airmen Association Start Date: Tuesday, September 17, 2019 End Date: Monday, September 30, 2019 Last Day to Book: Tuesday, August 20, 2019 Hotel(s) offering your special group rate: Four Points by Sheraton French Quarter 109 USD - 109 USD per night Any cancellations must be made 48 hours prior to arrival in order to avoid cancellation fee. Any cancellations after 48 hours prior to arrival will result in a cancellation fee of one night’s room and tax. Com- plimentary breakfast for two included in rate. $20.00 valet parking per vehicle

New Orleans in September sees the beginning of the slow descent out of the intense heat and humidity of summer into the warm loveliness of fall. Students are all back at the colleges and universities, and the Who Dat Nation reawakens as the New Orleans Saints begin the regular football season. Hotel prices are still quite low and “We Live to Eat Restaurant Week” brings meal deals to dozens of the city’s best restaurants. September is a relaxed but entertaining month to visit.

Weather in New Orleans in September September is the height of hurricane season. It’s not as sweltering this month compared with June, July, and August, and it rains only four inches in Sep- tember compared with five to six inches in June, July, and August. Expect approximately 10 rainy days in September, so pack an umbrella just in case. The average high is 87 F (31 C) and the average low is 70 F (21 C).

Packing Tips It’s likely that the majority of a visit to New Orleans in September will be quite hot, so comfortable summery clothes should be the bulk of your wardrobe. However, a cool breeze is possible at night, and the legendary air conditioning of the Gulf Coast is always on full blast, so bringing a wrap or light layer of some sort is always a good idea. It also rains about 10 days in September, so pack something waterproof or an umbrella. If one of the higher-end, old-line New Orleans restaurants is in your plans, check first to see if they have a dress code; fellas, you might want to bring a jacket and tie just in case.

The CVE Piper...... December 2018...... Page 10 Convention Photos 2018

The CVE Piper...... December 2018...... Page 11 2018 Convention Photos Nashville, TN

The CVE Piper...... December 2018...... Page 12 2018 Convention Photos

Glen J. Looney, USS Sangamon CVE-26, holding Guest Speaker Dan Keenan’s Board Guest Speaker Dan Keenan this year’s photo of the USS Point Cruz CVE-119. The photo matting includes all the sailors that attended the 2018 ECSAA convention.

The CVE Piper...... December 2018...... Page 13 Day 1...Great looking group

The CVE Piper...... December 2018...... Page 14 LOS ANGELES — Ray Chavez, the oldest troops, tanks and other equipment to U.S. military survivor of the Dec. 7, 1941, at- war-torn islands across the Pacific, tack on Pearl Harbor that plunged the United from Guadalcanal to Okinawa. States into World War II, died Wednesday. He Although never wounded, he was 106. left the military in 1945, suffering Chavez, who had been battling pneu- from post-traumatic stress disorder monia, died in his sleep in the San Diego sub- that left him anxious and shaking. urb of Poway, his daughter, Kathleen Chavez, Returning to San Diego, where told The Associated Press. he had grown up, he took a job as a As recently as last May he had trav- landscaper and groundskeeper, at- eled to Washington, D.C., where he was tributing the outdoors, a healthy diet honored on Memorial Day by President and a strict workout program that he Donald Trump. The White House tweeted a continued into his early 100s with statement after his death: “We were honored restoring his health. to host him at the White House earlier this “He loved trees and he dearly year. Thank you for your service to our great loved plants and he knew everything nation, Ray!” about a plant or tree that you could possibly want to know,” his daughter Daniel Martinez, chief historian for the National Park Service at said Wednesday with a chuckle. “And he finally retired when he was 95.” Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, confirmed Wednesday that Chavez was the oldest sur- Still, he would not talk about Pearl Harbor for decades. Then, on a vivor of the attack that killed 2,335 U.S. military personnel and 68 civilians. last-minute whim, he decided to return to Hawaii in 1991 for ceremonies “I still feel a loss,” Chavez said during 2016 ceremonies marking the at- marking the attack’s 50th anniversary. tack’s 75th anniversary. “We were all together. We were friends and broth- “Then we did the 55th, the 60th, the 65th and the 70th, and from ers. I feel close to all of them.” then on we went to every one,” his daughter recalled, adding that until Hours before the attack, he was aboard the minesweeper USS Con- Chavez’s health began to fail he had planned to attend this year’s gathering dor as it patrolled the harbor’s east entrance when he and others saw the next month periscope of a Japanese submarine. They notified a destroyer that sunk it Born March 12, 1912, in San Bernardino, California, to Mexican shortly before Japanese bombers arrived to strafe the harbor. immigrant parents, Chavez moved to San Diego as a child, where his family By then Chavez, who had worked through the early morning hours, ran a wholesale flower business. He joined the Navy in 1938. had gone to his nearby home to sleep, ordering his wife not to wake him In his later years, as he became well-known as the attack’s oldest because he had been up all night. military survivor, he’d be approached at memorial services and other events “It seemed like I only slept about 10 minutes when she called me and asked for his autograph or to pose for pictures. He always maintained and said, ‘We’re being attacked,’ “ he recalled in 2016. “And I said, ‘Who is that those events were not about him, however, but about those who gave going to attack us?’ “ their lives. “She said, ‘The Japanese are here, and they’re attacking “He’d just shrug his shoulders and shake his head and say, ‘I was everything.’ “ just doing my job,’” said his daughter. “He was just a very nice, quiet man. He ran back to the harbor to find it in flames. He never hollered about anything, and he was always pleasant to every- Chavez would spend the next week there, working around the clock body.” sifting through the destruction that had crippled the U.S. Navy’s Pacific Chavez was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret. His daughter is fleet. his only survivor. Later he was assigned to the transport ship USS La Salle, ferrying

Can you assist?? My Dad, George Leo Wisniewski, died in 1975 not having any grandsons. My son was born in 1980. I am George’s daughter. I have been trying to replace his medals, and any other things he received in the form of thank you letters and so on. My dad always wanted to give them to his grandson if he ever had any. All of my dad’s things were destroyed at the time of his death. My mom is also deceased. I am not in the best of health my self but I told my dad before his death that if I ever had a son I would make sure he received them. My son has always loved to talk about the grandfather he never knew and always wanted more information than I can give him. No one has been able to help me to get these things for my son. My father was murdered at his place of business in a hold up. My dad’s date of birth was 2/9/1925 or 1926. I know he was on the USS White Plains in WWII and mus- tered out in 1945-1946. Please help me keep my promise to my father. Thank you Grace Watycha

If you can assist Grace please send the information to [email protected]

The CVE Piper...... December 2018...... Page 15 Scholarship Award Winner - Ryan Spitzley region of conflict. It was imperative for the movement of supplies needed to continue on in the war. An example of this was the USS Tripoli (CVE-64). CVEs in a Warring North and South According to the Naval History and Heritage Command: Following the ship’s third voyage to Europe, Tripoli was berthed at the After World War II, the Axis powers had forfeited many of the territories Port Newark Terminal on 5 August 1952 where she loaded 45 Repub- they had claimed before and during the war. The Japanese had given up lic F-84 Thunderjet aircraft, 90 wingtip fuel tanks, and related gear for the Korean peninsula as one of its many forfeited territories. Three years transport to the Far East. After going to sea on 7 August, bound for Japan, later, as the global conflict known as the Cold War was starting, the Korean Tripoli steamed via the Panama Canal and San Diego and made port at Peninsula was divided at the 38th parallel splitting into two separate gov- Yokosuka with her vital cargo on 5 September, where cranes lifted the ernments. Both governments claimed to be the legitimate government of reinforcements ashore, soon to be in action in their ground-attack role in the entire peninsula. This created conflict which ultimately in 1950, caused Korea. (Tripoli) the North Koreans, being supported by the Chinese in the Soviet Union, to The moving of materials and armament, such as aircraft and weapons, was move South to conquer the rest of the peninsula. However, the newly-estab- crucial for the war effort in Korea. The USS Tripoli’s role of moving such lished United Nations Security Council formed a coalition to repel against key armaments helped contribute to the ground attacks in Korea. Without the North Korean invasion. With the United States leading 88% of the UN’s the use of escort carriers, like the USS Tripoli, the shipment of this vital military personnel, it would be using many of its resources to fight against equipment would not be so easily implemented in the efforts during the the so-called communist invasion (Korean War). One of the many kinds of Korean Conflict. resources they had were their escort carriers. These escort carriers having The Korean conflict was the first time that the clash between western -de fought the German U-boats and Japanese Armada in World War II would mocracy and communism was fought. If this clash was victorious for the prove useful once again in the conflict between North and South Korea communists, it would be the first step toward many more that the world (Escort Carrier). The roles and contributions that were given to the escort would have to fight years down the road Farley.( et al). The effort of the es- carriers during the Korean Conflict were air combat operations as well as cort carriers in providing both ground support and ferrying and transport of carrying and transporting aircraft and other materials. materials/ resources. With the USS Badoeng Strait (CVE-116) and the USS One of the roles that the escort carriers provided was that they were used in Tripoli (CVE-64) having two separate and different roles both contributed in ground support air operations. These operations used the aircraft from the ways that were vital in the conflict between a North Korean government and escort carriers to give ground support to the United Nations (UN) peace- a South Korean government. keepers and the United States military, while in conflicts with the North Korean military as well as the Chinese military. For example, one of Works Cited these escort carriers was the USS Badoeng Strait (CVE-116). As stated in “Escort Carrier.” Wikipedia, Wiki- the Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, the USS Badoeng Strait media Foundation, 31 Mar. 2018. (CVE-116) provided: Continuous ground support missions struck at enemy troop concentra- Farley, Robert, et al. “What If tions and attacks mounted in the Chosin Reservoir area. Napalm and North Korea Had Won the Korean rocket strikes on Chinese troops, in support of 1st Marine Division War?” The National Interest, The continued into December. Marine aviators struck communist-controlled Center for the National Interest, 2 bridges, vehicles and troop concentrations in southwestern Korea. The Feb. 2018. Corsairs also flew ground support for the 1st Marine Brigade during its spoiling offensive toward Chinju. They flew close to 240 sorties over the Francis , Timothy L. “Badoeng region, as UN forces successfully stalled the North Korean advance on Strait (CVE-116).” Naval His- the Pusan perimeter, losing only five planes Francis( ). tory and Heritage Command, U.S. The USS Badoeng Strait role in providing ground support contributed to Navy, 27 Apr. 2018. the offensives of the UN and US military forces when pushing the North Koreans and their allies back in the Chosin Reservoir, Chinju and the Punsu “Korean War.” Wikipedia, Wiki- Perimeter. The USS Badoeng Strait was one of the five CVEs that contrib- media Foundation, 28 Mar. 2018. uted in fighting during the Korean Conflict. She received six battle stars and the Navy Unit Commendation for these efforts while stationed in the Korean “Tripoli I (CVE-64).” Naval His- Conflict (Francis). tory and Heritage Command, U.S. Ryan was unable to be at the convention. Another role that the escort carriers served during the Korean Conflict was Navy, 30 Sept. 2015. Anthony Looney and Bob Evans displays his that they were used for ferrying and transporting aircraft to the conflict.This certificate of award. role was defined as moving troops to and from ports in allied areas to the

The CVE Piper...... December 2018...... Page 16 Family Membership Application...Please sign my family up as members of ECSAA

ECSAA Member Name: ______Member# ______

Address:______

City, State, Zip:______

Telephone: ______Email: ______

Progeny Name: ______Progeny Name: ______

Address: ______Address: ______City, State, Zip: ______City, State, Zip: ______Family Pak $30 per each new member Telephone: ______Telephone: ______for 3 Years Donations are tax deductible. Email: ______Email: ______Dues are not.

Progeny Name: ______Progeny Name: ______Make remittance payable to: ECSAA Address: ______Address: ______1215 N. Military Hwy #128 Norfolk, VA 23502 City, State, Zip: ______City, State, Zip: ______Ensure that the next Telephone: ______Telephone: ______generation remembers the valor of the Escort Carriers Email: ______Email: ______

TAPS Notification

Name of Deceased ______Date of Death ______Ship/Squadron of Deceased ______

Name of Person Submitting ______Relationship to Deceased______

Address of Person Submitting ______City ______State ______Zip ______

Phone Number of Person Submitting ______Email of Person Submitting ______

If you are a spouse, would you like to continue to receive the PIPER newsletter? ____ Yes ____ No

If you are a spouse, would you like to receive a complimentary Lifetime Associate Membership with ECSAA?

____ Yes Please / Opt In ____ No Thank You / Opt Out Please send notification to: ECSAA, 1215 North Military Hwy. #128, Norfolk VA 23502 You can submit your TAPS notice online at: ECSAA.org

The CVE Piper...... December 2018...... Page 17 Coral Sea was underway on 3 January 1944 for a series of exercises in Ha- , was a Casablanca-class escort USS Anzio (CVE-57) waiian waters. After final fitting out, she sailed on 22 January in Task Group carrier of the United States Navy that saw service during the World War 52.9 (TG 52.9) and arrived in the vicinity of Kwajalein on 31 January, two II in the Pacific War. Originally days after aircraft of the Fast Carrier Task Force began pounding airfields classified as an auxiliary aircraft on the atoll. She provided direct and indirect air support for the amphibious carrier ACV-57, the vessel was landings. On 24 February, the escort carrier set course for Eniwetok, but was laid down in 1942 in Vancouver, recalled to Hawaii and arrived at Pearl Harbor on 3 March. Washington by the Kaiser Ship- building Company. The vessel Solomon Islands and New Guinea was initially named Alikula Bay, After a brief respite, Coral Sea got underway again on 11 March and pro- but was renamed Coral Sea and ceeded to the Solomon Islands. She anchored at Tulagi on 21 March, and redesignated CVE-57 in 1943. resupplied before sailing again on 30 March for Emirau Island. From 1–11 Coral Sea took part in naval April, she operations supporting attacks on launched the Gilbert and Marshall Islands, aircraft in New Guinea and the Marianas Is- support lands. In September 1944, the vessel was renamed Anzio. As Anzio, the es- of forces cort carrier took part in assaults on the Bonin Islands and Okinawa. Follow- occupying ing the cessation of hostilities in 1945, Anzio was among the escort carriers Emirau and used in Operation Magic Carpet returning U.S. soldiers to the United States. returned to Following this service, Anzio was laid up in reserve at Norfolk, Virginia in Port Purvis 1946. The escort carrier was redesignated CVHE-57 on 15 June 1955 before on 15 April. being sold for scrap in 1959. The next day, Coral Construction and service Sea left Tu- Originally classified as the auxiliary aircraft carrier ACV-57, the vessel’s lagi to assist in the reconquest of New Guinea. On 19 April, she joined TG keel was laid down on 12 December 1942 by the Kaiser Shipbuilding Com- 78.2, which was formed to support Allied footholds at Hollandia (currently pany at their yard in Vancouver, Washington under a Maritime Commission known as Jayapura) and Aitape. Her aircraft joined in strikes on 22 April, contract (MC hull 1094). The vessel was initially named Alikula Bay on 22 and on 26 April, the escort carrier sailed to Seeadler Harbor for replenish- January 1943 before being renamed Coral Sea on 3 April 1943. The ship ment, and on 7 May headed for Espiritu Santo for availability. was launched on 1 May 1943, sponsored by Mrs. Frank J. Fletcher, wife of Admiral Frank J. Fletcher. Coral Sea was redesignated CVE-57 on 15 July Marianas Islands and Bonin Islands operations 1943 and commissioned at Astoria, Oregon on 27 August 1943, Captain Following the completion of repairs, Coral Sea sailed on 8 June for Kwaja- Herbert W. Taylor in command. lein, the staging point for the invasion of the Marianas Islands. The Ameri- can forces sortied on 10 June, and Coral Sea was among the carriers provid- Gilbert and Marshall Islands ing air support for the landings by the 2nd Marine Division on Saipan. Coral On 24 September, Coral Sea departed Astoria for shakedown in Puget Sea endured numerous Japanese air attacks during the next few days but Sound. The vessel arrived at San Diego, California on 8 October to load received only minor damage. The carrier moved south to Guam on 17 June aircraft and hold flight operations off the California coast. The carrier sailed to begin softening-up operations against that island but returned to Saipan for Hawaii on 25 October and upon arrival at Pearl Harbor, joined by sis- the next day to assist the bogged-down American forces. Coral Sea and her ter ship Liscome Bay for exercises off Oahu. On 10 November, Coral Sea escorts retired to Eniwetok on 28 June but returned to Saipan on 4 July. steamed southwest to join the American forces about to invade the Gilbert Her planes made further air strikes before she put into Eniwetok on 15 July Islands. She launched strikes on Makin Island from 20–28 November. When for repairs to her engines. Ultimately, Coral Sea was ordered back to the Tarawa Atoll had been captured, Coral Sea headed for Pearl Harbor and United States for a much needed overhaul, and the carrier sailed on 23 July. arrived there on 5 December. She paused to embark passengers and load Two days later, she paused at Kwajalein to unload most of her aircraft and aircraft for transport to the U.S. and departed on 8 December. She arrived at ammunition and then continued via Pearl Harbor for the naval base at San Alameda, California on 14 December to take on new planes. She put to sea Diego. on 22 December and steamed back to Hawaii. On 28 December, Coral Sea anchored at Pearl Harbor and began preparations for the impending assault on Kwajalein. Continued on page 19

The CVE Piper...... December 2018...... Page 18 USS Coral Sea/Anzio services for transports carrying occupation troops to Korea. On 8 Septem- ber, she anchored at Jinsen, Korea, whence she provided air support for Coral Sea arrived in California on 9 August and entered drydock at San the landings of the occupation force. She left Korea on 13 September and Diego on 31 August. While she was still undergoing overhaul, Coral Sea re- returned to Okinawa. ceived word that her name was being changed to Anzio as of 15 September. On 19 September, she Anzio held sea trials off the California coast and was ready to sail for the broke her homeward- western Pacific on 16 September. She reached Hawaii on 23 September and bound pennant, became entered Pearl Harbor for a tender availability. On 8 October, the carrier be- a member of a Magic gan a series of training exercises, and on the 16th, she set out for Eniwetok. Carpet group, and There, Anzio joined a hunter/killer group and carried out an antisubmarine reached San Francisco warfare (ASW) mission while she was en route to Ulithi. On 4 November, on 30 September. she was ordered to assist the light cruiser Reno which had been torpedoed in the Philippine Sea. When Anzio was relieved by Extractor, she resumed While at San Francisco, her ASW patrols Anzio was modified and worked at to provide maximum that task through passenger accommoda- mid-February tions. The carrier made 1945, when she two trips to the western steamed to Iwo Pacific and back, one Jima. to Pearl Harbor and one to Shanghai, China, to shuttle American troops home as part of Opera- Anzio resumed tion Magic Carpet. She arrived at Seattle, Washington, on 23 December and combat support ended the year at that port. On 18 January 1946, Anzio sailed for Norfolk, operations on 16 Virginia. She paused at San Francisco then continued southward to transit February. Three the Panama Canal before finally reaching the east coast. Anzio was placed days later, she out of commission on 5 August, and became a unit of the Atlantic Reserve launched a strike to the north on Chichi Jima in the Bonin Islands. From 19 Fleet berthed at Norfolk. The ship was redesignated CVHE-57 on 15 June February-4 March, she followed a schedule of launching her first flight just 1955. Anzio was struck from the Naval Vessel Register on 1 March 1959 before sunset and recovering her last just after dawn. During these nocturnal and sold to Master Metals Co. on 24 November for scrapping. operations, she completed 106 sorties without a single accident. She departed the Iwo Jima area on 8 March and entered San Pedro Bay at Leyte on Awards 12 March. After 10 days of upkeep and being joined by a newly redeployed Coral Sea/Anzio received eleven Navy Unit Commendations and nine battle VC-13 from USS Tripoli, she sailed to join the invasion of Okinawa. stars for service in World War II. The Secretary of the Navy commended the men of Anzio “For outstanding heroism in action against enemy Japanese Okinawa and post war forces in the air, ashore and afloat. Operating in the most advanced areas” After providing air cover for an Okinawa-bound amphibious group, Anzio joined other forces in the vicinity of Kerama Retto in seizing that island group to provide an advanced base for the Fleet. The Okinawa attack began on 1 April, and she remained on line until she retired to Ulithi on 30 April for repairs to her rudder bearings. On 21 May, the carrier resumed ASW operations in the Okinawa area. This role ended on 17 June, when she sailed to San Pedro Bay, Leyte, for upkeep. Anzio left the Philippines on 6 July to begin what proved to be her last stint of combat duty. She joined TG 30.8 and positioned herself about 600 mi (970 km) east of Tokyo. She made ASW patrols in support of Admiral Wil- liam Halsey’s attacks on the Japanese home islands. She received word of the Japanese capitulation on 15 August and sailed for Guam on 19 August. After refitting and training new flight crews, the escort carrier headed for Okinawa. From that point, she was to provide air cover and ASW patrol

The CVE Piper...... December 2018...... Page 19 jungle. He sold the wing to a museum on the island and the museum owner , USMCR, died on August 2dLt Elwood Ray Bailey recognized it as part of a U.S. plane. He notified the U.S. Joint POW-MIA 24, 1942 following aerial combat with enemy forces during the Guadalcanal Accounting Command (JPAC), now known as the Defense POW/MIA Ac- campaign of World War II. His recently recovered remains was buried at counting Agency (DPAA). 1:00 on Saturday, October 13, 2018, in Chapel Cemetery, 8340 E. Michigan In February 2013, a JPAC team reached the crash site to investigate. On Avenue, Parma, Michigan 49269. the intact tail assembly of the decomposed (and scavenged) airplane they 2dLt Bailey was born on August 18, 1920 in Sandstone Twp., Jackson identified the plane’s number, BuNo 02095. This was the tail number on the County, Michigan. His family included father Ray Jesse Bailey, mother plane being flown by 2dLt Bailey when he disappeared. The investigating Lula Irene Livesay Bailey and sister Virginia Bailey Tompkins, all now de- team did not recover any material evidence nor any possible human remains ceased. On June 22, 1942 he had married his high school classmate Daisy at the crash site. In April 2015 the same villager who had found the wing Eunice Roberts Speets, also now deceased, in San Diego, California. His turned over several nearest survivors are nephews Wayne L. Tompkins, Jr., of Fairlawn, Ohio, artifacts, including and Dennis W. Tompkins of Charlotte, North Carolina. possible human re- Elwood graduated from Parma High School in 1938. In June of 1941 he mains, which he previ- graduated from Jackson Junior College and then joined the U.S. Navy. He ously had scavenged was appointed an Aviation Cadet, receiving flight training in Miami. On from the crash site. April 22, 1942 he received the gold wings of a Naval Aviator. A year later, The DPAA exam- after combat training, he was appointed Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Ma- ined the material and rine Corps Reserve and pilot of the Grumman F4F-4 Wildcat attack fighter concluded, primarily aircraft, assigned to Marine Fighting Squadron 223 (VMF-223). based on 2dLt Bailey’s While in San Diego awaiting deployment to join the early stages of the identification tag that Pacific Campaign, 2dLt Bailey married Eunice Roberts. Five days later he was included in the shipped out to Hawaii. On August 2 he left Hawaii aboard the USS Long material submitted, Island (CVE-1) bound for Guadalcanal Island, where he transited to Hender- that the remains were son Field on August 20. His plane was damaged during aerial combat with those of 2dLt Bailey. Japanese forces on August 24 and 2dLt Bailey did not return to Henderson Finally, the investiga- Field -- he was declared MIA (missing in action). Efforts were made to tion was closed when, locate him, but they were limited by the warfare raging all around and also, on September 5, 2017, perhaps, by the prevailing opinion that his damaged aircraft had crashed the DPAA’s medical into the ocean while attempting to return to base, making it non-recoverable. examiners issued a Per standard military procedure, a year later – on August 25, 1943 – the summary report iden- Secretary of the Navy made an official finding of the death of 2dLt Elwood tifying the recovery of Bailey, listing the cause of death as “Killed in action, details not known.” 2dLt Bailey’s remains. Until December 1947, 2dLt Bailey’s case was included by the Quartermas- Beginning in 2014 ter Graves Registration Company on the list of cases to investigate while the surviving family it conducted searches for missing personnel in the Solomon Islands. Even- of 2dLt Bailey started tually, since the unit was unable to obtain any new information regarding receiving suggestions 2dLt Bailey, it recommended that the case be closed. As a result, in Octo- of the possible discovery of their uncle’s remains. Following the identifica- ber 1948, a Board of Review ruled that 2dLt Bailey’s remains were non- tion in 2017 of those remains the family has received ongoing support and recoverable. However, in 2012 a series of events commenced leading to direction from the DPAA as it coordinates the ceremony bringing their uncle the recovery of 2dLt Bailey’s remains: In 2012, a villager on Guadalcanal home with full military honors on October 13, 2018. He was placed beside removed the wing from a crashed warplane he found decomposing in the the graves of his long-suffering parents.

Can you assist??

Request from: Richard Dale England Comments - My grandpa, Dallas Brown, served during World War II in the United States Navy on the USS Barnes Air Craft Carrier Escort. I would like to have a group picture of the crew or a picture of my grandpa Dallas Brown on the ship. Thank you very much. Grandson Dale, 1500 13 Street, Apt. 213, Columbus, IN 47201, Email: [email protected]

The CVE Piper...... December 2018...... Page 20 Interview of Mr. Bill Jensen of Parkville, Maryland and the During our stay at Piraeus, were given five days liberty; I left the USS Sicily CVE-118 ships to see all the local sights I could. We took in the local sites, then toured Athens. If you remember, Athens was a battleground during WWII; Friday evening October 19, ECSAA received an inquiry from Bill we could still see bullet holes in the sides of buildings. We were there in Jensen of the USS Sicily CVE-118 regarding the Sicily ferrying a shipment 1949 and the war ended in 1945; it seems they had not begun rebuilding of airplanes to Greece after World War II. Mr. Jenson had been searching their city yet. for any stories or information on that cruise and in the last 68 years had After our stay in Piraeus, we cruised to Naples, Italy and docked for an- found nothing. I visited with Mr. Jensen by phone elaborating that I knew other ten day shore leave. Back then, Naples was not the cleanest city in nothing of such activity by the Sicily and could not find anything on our the world; I didn’t like Naples that much. Whenever any American sailor website or the internet in general. I regretted my news to Bill but promised debarked the ship for land, they were swarmed by locals wanting to buy a (and did) to send him some general information on the Sicily. Parker-51 ink pen. Naples had a good cameo factory but on a seaman first That night and the next morning our conversation continued recur- class salary (we were getting about $32 per month), I couldn’t afford to ring in my mind, me regretting that there was no such information avail- spend money on cameos. able on that Greek cruise. I suppose I then had an epiphany that Saturday Lucky me, I had a chance to go to Pompeii, the city that was de- morning and concluded that if we could not find a story, we would make a stroyed and covered by volcanic ash many years before. After touring story of that Sicily cruise with Bill’s memory. I promptly called Bill to see Pompeii, four of us sailors stopped at a restaurant just outside the city gates. if he would be interested in giving me an interview of his naval experiences, We didn’t have much money and all we could afford was bread and wine. specifically the Greek cruise. He was most accommodating and had an ex- We felt miserable watching the proprietor downing a plate of spaghetti and cellent memory of his time on the Sicily. Below is a transcription of Bill’s meatballs and other good stuff. In 1999 my wife and I returned to Naples Saturday morning October 20 interview. and Pompeii through a ship cruise and returned to the same restaurant fifty “My name is William (Bill) Jensen and I was born in August of years later! Needless to say, I had a better meal that day than I had in 1949. 1929. I joined the Navy in July of 1948 at about age twenty years old to Our next stop was Marseilles, France – a pretty rough city back then. avoid the draft and the Army. I waited until after Independence Day because Our chaplain was aware of Marseilles life and arranged for a train tour for I wanted to celebrate it in Baltimore then signed up around July 7 for a four anyone wanting to visit Paris instead. I wanted to go to Paris but didn’t year stint. have much money so I coerced my chief to loan me $50. (Can you imagine We had our basic training at Naval Station Great Lakes, Illinois that going to Paris today on $50?) The train ride to Paris was something else; summer which was very nice weather-wise. While there they asked me back then the French allowed passengers to take on animals up the size of what I wanted to do and I responded that radios interested me, hence I be- goats so there were goats, pigs and anything smaller on that train with us. came a Seaman 1st Class – radioman (RMSN). In time I became basically We arrived in Paris, spending two days taking in the Eiffel Tower and all a messenger from the radio room for the Captain. I was transferred to radio the other Parisian tourist attractions, all the while drinking a lot. We were school in Norfolk, Virginia then in December of ’48 I was assigned to the treated nicely by the people of Paris and had a great time. USS Sicily. After Marseilles, we cruised home to Norfolk, empty of airplanes. The Sicily only had about 1,200 crewmen; it was a smaller aircraft When we arrived there was no fanfare, band, nothing; it was like no-one carrier. We were entering the Cold War. We were up and down the East missed us. During my time on the Sicily, we went as far north as New- Coast running drills, looking for submarines. We supported aircraft and in foundland and as far south as Panama through Gitmo. We went to New essence was a floating aviation fuel station. York twice, then Portland, Maine. In the fall or early winter of ’49, we received orders to deliver a I left the service and the Sicily in March, 1950. I became an insur- squadron (with pilots) of F4F Grumman Wildcat fighter planes to the Greek ance adjuster for North America Insurance Company. I married in 1954 government in Athens. We were told this mission was a part of the Marshall then began going to law school at the University of Baltimore, graduating in Plan implemented in 1948 to help restore economic stability in Europe. 1956. I got my license to practice law in 1958. Keep in mind my story is from the perspective of being a part of the crew I have five children, eleven grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren and not one of the airedales. The airedales had a green stripe on their uni- and am proud of all of them. My youngest child and her family live with forms; while we had blue stripes; others had red stripes. me, taking care of me at home. We cruised across the Atlantic with our cargo, then experienced a Years ago the Sicily had a reunion at Annapolis, Maryland and poignant moment as our ship, the Sicily, sailed nonstop by Gibraltar then picked up a photo there of the 1949 ship’s crew; I’m pretty proud of that. through the Strait of Sicily, docking at Piraeus, Greece. We remained That pretty much concludes my Sicily Mediterranean story; I very much ap- docked there ten days while our cargo was offloaded by the pilots to Athens. preciate you taking the time to listen and have enjoyed visiting with you.” During that ten-day period, we were altered one night that we were going to be strafed by the Communists, yet nothing of that nature happened although Submitted by: Anthony G. Looney we were on alert. Chairman, Memorial & Artifacts Committee

CVE Piper...... December 2018...... Page 21 Membership Renewals Due from December 1, 2018 through April 1, 2019

First name Last name Ship Renewal due Daniel R. Blanchard Sr. USS Gilbert Islands - CVE 107 28 Dec 2018 John R. Davis USS Badoeng Strait - CVE 116 28 Feb 2019 Alfonso Emmolo USS Gilbert Islands - CVE 107 24 Feb 2019 Mitchell Lopac USS Savo Island - CVE 78 16 Jan 2019 Lyle E. Selberg USS Cape Esperance - CVE 88 01 Jan 2019 Russell S. Smith USS Bairoko - CVE 115 13 Feb 2019 William Thomas USS Bairoko - CVE 115 13 Dec 2018 James Callaghan USS Makin Island - CVE 93 20 Jan 2019 Christopher Kramer USS Core - CVE 13 01 Dec 2018 James Otto USS Saidor - CVE 117 24 Feb 2019 Peter S. Viviano USS Point Cruz - CVE 119 15 Dec 2018 San Antonio Taffy 3 Reunion survivors in attendance - L to R. Carol I. DeMonaco USS Kadashan Bay - CVE 76 01 Feb 2019 Carl Amundson (Gambier Bay), Al White (Kitkun Bay), Jack Stephen M. Rochford Shipname not provided 07 Dec 2018 Bacastow (Kitkun Bay) Don Wilson (Kitkun Bay), George Louis Visotcky USS Natoma Bay - CVE 62 01 Jan 2019 Feliz (Gambier Bay), Dean Moel (Gambier Bay), John Henry Herbert C. Glifort USS Palau - CVE 122 01 Jan 2019 (Fanshaw Bay), Norm St. Germain (Gambier Bay), camera Robert Kidder USS Gilbert Islands - CVE 107 18 Feb 2019 shy and not photographed - Eugene Jesch (Fanshaw Bay). Bernard E Dickey II USS Bairoko - CVE 115 13 Feb 2019 David R. Campbell USS Salerno Bay - CVE 110 05 Dec 2018 Gabriel M. Campbell USS Point Cruz - CVE 119 15 Feb 2019 Survivors, family members and friends - just wanted to give Arthur Geisler USS Sicily - CVE 118 19 Dec 2018 you an update of future reunions hosted by the USS Gambier Patricia Mika USS Santee - CVE 29 23 Jan 2019 Bay/VC-10. At their board meeting in October at the San Chris Sorensen USS Sangamon - CVE 26 06 Jan 2019 Antonio reunion they voted that the 2019 75th Anniversary of Angela Wagner USS Sicily - CVE 118 21 Jan 2019 the Battle off Samar Taffy 3 reunion in San Diego, CA (Oc- Robert E. Duffy USS Saidor - CVE 117 14 Mar 2019 tober 23-28, 2019) will be the last one that the USS Gambier Victor LaBoissonniere USS Sangamon - CVE 26 01 Apr 2019 Bay/VC-10 will host. They are hoping one of the other Taffy John H. Laibach USS Guadalcanal - CVE 60 18 Mar 2019 3 ships will continue with reunions. They will be at the same Jean Morrissey USS Core - CVE 13 01 Apr 2019 hotel in San Diego that they were at in 2014. Capacity will be Donald Schilke USS Badoeng Strait - CVE 116 17 Mar 2019 limited. More info will be in the Scuttlebutt publication after Rinehart Wilke Shipname not provided 22 Mar 2019 the first of the year - please do not hesitate to contact them if you have any questions. Contact Marlene Hughes - mah- [email protected] or 520-405-5623, USS Gambier Bay’s Trea- surer.

ECSAA has a member who is a historian and loves to assist others in finding their loved ones who served aboard the Escort Carriers. If you would like to contact Bill, he can be reached at [email protected] ECSAA is looking for email addresses!! If you are a member of ECSAA, please join our email list by either logging into your online account at ecsaa.org or simply emailing [email protected] with the subject of “ Join the ECSAA Email List”.

The CVE Piper...... December 2018...... Page 22 TAPS 4th Quarter 2018

LAST FIRST SHIP SHAW RICHARD BADOENG STRAIT/SICILY 6/18/2018 HUTCHINSON JAMES SICILY 4/16/2018 HOWARD WILLIAM ALTAMAHA 7/28/2018 NETOWSKI RICHARD SICILY 5/7/2018 JONES EDWARD SANGAMON 9/1/2018 JOHNSON LEONARD SICILY 11/26/2017 YOUNG HENRY SANGAMON 9/29/2018 GATCHELL KENNETH RENDOVA 1/10/2018 MILLAR WILLIAM KASAAN BAY 10/24/2018 RUSSELL J. F. SICILY 10/29/2018 CAFFREY FRANCIS LUNGA POINT 7/26/2018 Richard Shaw Robert Marsh MARSH ROBERT SAIDOR 11/4/2018 PIPPIN PAUL TULAGI 10/28/2018

YOUNG, HENRY J.

Born Des Moines, IA on June 30, 1926. Passed away on September 29, 2018 at his home in Sacramento, CA. He is survived by Wilma, his wife of 71 years and his children Walter (Myrna), Larry (Roxanne), Helen (John) Kilty, eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Henry was a Navy vet- eran of WWII serving on the USS Sangamon CVE 26 in the Pacific Theater. Henry worked in the hardware business after the war and in the insurance business for 64 years. Henry was also very involved with the Boy Scouts of America, Golden Empire Council as a Scoutmaster and many other posi- tions including Council Commissioner. He received the BSA Silver Beaver and Silver Antelope Awards.

Bill Russell

J.F. (Bill) Russell, 85 of Pocahontas, Arkansas passed away on October 29, 2018 at the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House in Jonesboro, Arkansas. He was born on September 26, 1933 in Manila, Arkansas to John and Nellie Bowman Russell. He was a member of the United States Navy during the Korean Conflict aboard the USS Sicily. supervisor at Waterloo Industries for 23 years, a deacon and Sunday school superintendent at the First Assembly of God Church in Pocahontas, Arkansas for several years. He loved to fix anything and everything, from toys to cars to hearts. He enjoyed antique cars and making people laugh. He was an incredible loving hus- Eisenhower addressing the troops before the invasion of Normandy band, father, grandfather, uncle, friend and dedicated servant of Christ.

The CVE Piper...... December 2018...... Page 23 Escort Carriers and their Air Unit Markings during Items for Sale by ECSAA WWII in the Watch Cap Pacific ECSAA $12.00 $16.00 SHORT SLEEVE SHIRTS

ECSAA CHALLENGE COINS DEPICTING EMBROIDER SHIP BETWEEN NAME AND NUMBER THE CAPTURE OF THE U-505 GERMAN OVER POCKET OR ECSAA LOGO SUBMARINE IN WWII BY A CVE CARRIER TASK GROUP NEED SIZE $12.00 $35.00 FLAG OR ESCORT EMBLEMS Also available is a ball cap with the ship hull number like the shirt at a price of $25.00 $1.50 EACH OR Sew on 4 inch embroidered 3 FOR $2.50 ECSAA patch $5.00

Merchandise Order Form Mail Order Form to: Walter Young, Vice President, ECSAA Ship order to: 856 Carpetta Circle, Pittsburg, CA 94565 Name ______If you have any questions please contact Walt Street Address ______at: Home Phone: 925.4276132 City ______State _____ Zip ______Email: [email protected] Phone Number ______

Item Qty Cost Color Size Ship Amount Due ECSAA Patch $5.00 Short Sleeve Shirt $35.00 Flag or Escort Emblems $1.50 ea OR 3 for $2.50 Challenge Coin $12.00 Escort Carriers and their Air Unit $12.00 Markings during WWII in the Pacific Watch Cap $16.00 Ball Cap $25.00 Total Amount Due Shipping is included in all prices...... Make payment to: ECSAA

ECSAA’s phone number: For Membership Sign-up and Renewals call Toll Free In the USA: (855) 505 - 2469