Newsletter of the Battleship Texas Foundation Spring 2015

In this issue . . . From The Director’s Chair

From The Director’s We are blessed in Texas to have some of the greatest Chair Pg1 historical iconic symbols one could ever want to see and Repair Funds Pg2 visit. Each of us has our favorites. As a child I was a freak First TX Volunteers Pg3 for all things Alamo. In my mind it did not get any better

Capt. Alcorn Pg4 than Davey Crockett. I still remember the first time as a lit- tle boy my family made the trip to San Antonio and I had Grants, Summer Camp Pg5 the opportunity to see the Alamo in person. That trip A Ship of Many Colors Pg6 opened my eyes and my mind to so much more of the full Overnight Program story of the Alamo and those who served there and gave Howard Mills Pg7 their life there. It is a story that still stays with me a life-

In Honor Of Pg8 time later. I must confess that growing up as a North Texas resident I heard much more about the Alamo than any other In Honor Of continued Battleship Supporters Pg9 historic place in Texas.

Membership Forms Pg10 It was not until years later that I began to learn more about other places like Washington on The Brazos, The San Jacinto Battleground, and The Battleship Texas. You could look long and hard to find anyone that would not agree that the unique history of Texas is indeed special. Poster . . . When I first began to learn about The Texas and just as importantly, those, who served on her, my imagination re- acted in the same way that it did when I first heard the Alamo story. I have visited where The Texas was built and spent many hours with the men that served on her.

The seeds of freedom that were planted at places like Goliad and The Alamo carried forward to places like San Ja- cinto. When the freedom won in these great places, was challenged years later, The Texas and her crew met that challenge. I believe that The Texas and the men who served on her deserve our very best efforts to meet the challenges they now face, to preserve the very images that represent their sacrifice.

Continued on Page 3

Battleship TEXAS Foundation “Battleship TEXAS Could Gain Repair Funds in Advisory Directors Senate Budget” Hon. James A. Baker, III 61st Secretary of State Story line by Madlin Mekelburg – Houston Chron.com

ADM. James L. Holloway, III USN (Ret.), Former CNO The Battleship Texas could be in line for some much

needed funding after the Senate Finance Committee on Ned S. Holmes Wednesday voted to allocate $25 million for repairs to the Commissioner, Texas Transportation Commission aging vessel. If approved in the final budget, it would mark the second time in eight years that the deteriorating

Board of Trustees ship parked adjacent to the San Jacinto Battlefield State Anthony K. Gregory, Historic Site has been the beneficiary of public funds. Texas voters in 2007 approved a $25 million bond pro- Chairman posal to help preserve the ship. Thomas J. Perich, Vice Chairman Andy Smith, Manager of Battleship Texas, said the bond funds already have been utilized, but the ship still Donald H. Fischer, Treasurer has major repair needs vital to maintaining the integrity Rey Gonzales, Jr., Secretary of the vessel. Smith said the long-term goal of the repairs

Jimmy Burke is to ensure the ship is structurally sound enough to be Penny H. Butler moved to a dry berth to improve the likelihood of preser- vation. According to Smith, some parts on the ship are en- Sylvia R. Garcia danger of deteriorating and potentially collapsing if they Theodore S. Hirtz do not receive repairs – although he said he could not pre- RADM. J. Weldon Koenig, dict the exact timetable. "They've lasted 100 years, could

USN (Ret.) they last a year more? Five years more?" Smith said. Michael N. Pearson "These repairs, they have to be done if we want to save CAPT. Clifford H. Royal, the ship." Bruce Bramlett, executive director of the Battle-

USN (Ret.) ship Texas Foundation, said one danger of waiting to allot Thomas C. Wright funds for repairs is an inevitable increase in the cost of

the work. "To me, the biggest issue is that the ship is 101

Bruce D. Bramlett years old and for a long time there has been a lot of de- ferred maintenance that needs to be done," Bramlett said. Executive Director; [email protected] "The longer you defer things ... it doesn't get cheaper, it gets more expensive."

TPWD Ship Staff The battleship, which participated in both world wars

Andy Smith, and has been docked at the San Jacinto Battleground site Ship Manager as a museum ship since 1948, developed a series of de- bilitating leaks in the summer of 2012. More than $2 mil- Travis Davis, lion was spent on repairs. Is it worth another $25M in tax- Maintenance / Restoration payer money to preserve the Battleship TEXAS? If you Stephanie Croatt, think so please take the time to vote "YES" to show your Curator love for Battleship TEXAS in KHOU's poll. You can vote by Sarah Conlon, going to; Collections Manager https://www.facebook.com/questions/10153790009769062/?qa_ref=pp. Kandace Trujillo, Overnight Education Director

Page 2 First Texas Volunteers importantly, the visitors The Directors Chair continued By Don Fischer will see a large staff en- gaged in all aspects of work There can no disputing the and have the ability to inter- Restoration fact that those who went act with all – learn about before us, often during dif- Currently, a small team work underway and how it ficult times, made the sac- of First Texas Volunteers fits in the overall restora- rifices necessary to main- (FTV) is busy working in the tion, engage in conversation tain these great milestones Combat Information Center with docents and learn of history. These icons (CIC) to clear away miscella- more about the ship mark the time and remind neous storage, performing through their interpretation us all of our history and some structural restorative of ship functions, opera- the sacrifices made for work and cleaning and tional history, equipment Texas and the nation. They painting as necessary to and compartments. are not just symbols for bring the compartment to Texans but they are also Hard Hat Tours national symbols. exhibition condition. Other teams will be focusing on The February Hard Hat refinishing the Movie Locker Tour succeeded in making Axis Posters, WWII and Post Office, and miscel- $2,355.00. Most impor- laneous painting projects tantly, all participants re- on specific pieces of equip- sponded that they thor- ment on the Main and Sec- oughly enjoyed the experi- ond Decks. ence. On March 14, the ini-

As mentioned in the last tial Spring Hard Hat Tour Dreadnought, additional was conducted, earning the FTV team $2,500.00. casemate space will be re- stored to their berthing During these two tours, space configuration for use an alternative “Normandy” by the Overnight Program. tour was also conducted in the afternoon. While the New FTV Days participation was limited,

The FTV is also establish- the tours were received with ing “FTV Days” to be held the same enthusiasm by on the second Saturday of their participants as the each month. The idea is standard tour. These tours that rather than, or more will continue for the bal- properly, in addition to in- ance of this season, but its future is unclear. dividuals or small restora- tion and docent teams work- The next Hard Hat Tour is ing aboard ship on some- scheduled for ; what irregular schedules, this day will bring all mem- Saturday, May 2. bers together to work in all disciplines. The results for Contact the Foundation the members should be office greater teamwork, expan- at 713-827-9620 to make sion of skill sets, and in- reservations. creased camaraderie. More

Page 3 “Passing of Captain Charles Alcorn”

It is with sad heart that we announce the passing of Captain Charles Alexander Alcorn. Captain Alcorn of Coppell, formerly of Houston, passed away on March 18, 2015. He was born on Dec 29, 1924 in Philadelphia, Pa. to David Alcorn and Emily Stewart. Charles had two brothers, David Stewart Alcorn and Samuel Alcorn and a sister, Margaret Sarah Alcorn. Charles married Patricia Blanche Mayer on March 29, 1958 in Philadelphia. Together they had two children, Elaine Ruth and Linda Anne. He was blessed with five grandchildren, Donald Alexan- der Storch, Robert Benjamin Storch, Jennifer Elise Storch, Christopher Jason Mays, and Allison Nichole Mays. He also had two great grandchildren, Charles and James McMorris.

He entered college as an accounting student at the University of Pennsylvania but World War II changed his plans. At the urg- ing of his brother, David, he entered Kings Point Maritime Acad- emy at Kings Point New York. The Navy, being short of sailors for WWII, called his entire class of mid-shipmen into service. He served as an ensign and saw service at D-Day aboard a Liberty Ship.

After the war, he saw service in the merchant marine, pro- gressing up to first mate of the SS Independence. He then made Captain and took command of his own vessel. His career plans were changed again by his marriage in 1958. At the urging of his bride, he then "retired" from active sea duty and took a job with McGrath Corporation in the stevedoring industry. In 1968, he accepted a promotion to become vice-president and general manager of the Atlantic & Gulf Stevedores at the Port of Hous- ton. He also served as president of the National Maritime Safety Association working with OSHA to make the shipping industry safer. He also served as Director and later as Chairman of the West Gulf Maritime Association and was involved in many mari- time safety training programs. He was named an honorary Ad- miral of the Texas Navy by Governor of Texas for his service.

He became immersed in Republican politics after moving to Harris County, serving as pre- cinct chairman, election judge, senatorial district chairman. He served as a Texas State dele- gate to the Republican National Convention in 1976. He was an ardent supporter of Congress- man Bill Archer and John Culberson of Houston and US Senators John Tower and Kay Bailey Hutchison and many more Republicans too numerous to mention.

In 1987, he joined the Battleship Texas Foundation and successfully managed a fundrais- ing campaign for the first renovation of the Battleship. He was appointed Chairman of the Bat- tleship Texas Foundation in 2005. As Chairman, he lobbied the Texas Legislature and Gover- nor for more extensive funding to create the permanent berth for the Battleship. He was named Chairman Emeritus of the Battleship Texas Foundation by Harris County Judge Ed Emmett just prior to moving to Coppell in 2011. Gil Raynor, Commander Texas Commandery was quoted to say that “Charles was important to the Commandery and to the maritime and naval community of Houston. We mourn the loss of this fine companion and are thankful for his contributions to the Texas Commandery and his state and nation. His work on the Battleship Texas Foundation has helped preserve an important part of our Naval History.” San Jacinto Bat- tleground/Battleship TEXAS staff extend their deepest sympathy to Captain Alcorn’s family and friends. He was a great man and a great leader and he will truly be missed.

Page 4 Gearing up for Grant Season and Summer Camp By: Stephanie Croatt

In the midst of working Spring Break, Sarah Conlon, Kandace Trujillo, and I are Easter, and San Jacinto Day, park staff has putting our heads together to write a num- been making preparations to bring our ber of grants that will benefit the Over- “Habitats & History Day Camp” back. After night Program and ship’s appearance. offering “Super Saturday” activities in lieu TPWD will attempt to obtain grants from of summer camp last year, the Maritime Heritage Grant we’ve been able to assemble a program offered by the Na- team of staff members and tional Parks Service. The Mari- make plans to offer the popu- time Heritage Program grants lar camp again this year. As in money for restoration and edu- past years, the camp will offer cation projects that promote five days of exciting programs, maritime culture and educa- with one day dedicated to tion. teaching campers about the and one We hope to apply for two day focused on the Battleship. grants, one for restoring the This year’s programming will Captain’s Cabin and portions also include some discussions of the Superstructure Deck, and activities about archae- and one for creating interpre- ology on the battlefield and tive panels for a “macro- museum work on the battle- artifact” display area called ship. The remaining days will “The Gun Plaza.” The Gun offer a mixture of archery, Plaza will present 12-inch and bike riding, fishing, canoeing, 14-inch shells, a landing gun, and learning about animals and a 1.1-inch anti-aircraft gun and their habitats. We have ar- mount, and the ship’s propel- ranged to have “guest speak- ler. These artifacts will be ers” offer their expertise on used to tell the ship’s story outdoor skills and habitats on and place her development these days. Speakers include into a broader context. Like- the park’s Master Gardeners wise, the Battleship TEXAS and TPWD’s Outdoor Family Foundation’s Overnight Educa- Program. We hope these new tion Program is seeking funds elements will add to the camp- for expanding and improving ers’ outdoor skills and under- the facilities for the program standing of the type of work on the ship. Kandace will be that goes on in the back- writing grants to fund the pur- ground at state parks and his- chase and installation of HVAC toric sites. After only a couple systems for new berthing months of advertising, we’ve managed to spaces and head space. The OEP will at- fill up all three weeks of camp! We are now tempt to approach local foundations for putting the final touches on the camp and the funds. Please wish us luck as we en- are looking forward to welcoming our first deavor to pry funds loose to improve the group of campers on June 8th. Overnight Program and spruce up parts of the ship and park! Ship and Overnight Education staff are also gearing up for “grant season.”

Page 5

A Ship of Many Colors . . . A

By Bob Sullivan

Shouldn’t the Texas be a gray color, Bat- tleship Gray ? Many visitors have asked the same question. The answer is that the Bat- tleship Texas has been painted several col- ors during her long career. In her early years she was light gray as in picture A, we see her going through the Panama canal locks (1937) 10 years after her 1927 modifi- cation. The tripod masts are the clue to the time period.

Picture B, is between wars, Still in her light gray colors with a black waterline. B As you can see by this pre North Africa photo picture C, she changed her colors hav- ing been painted with a measure 12, modi- fied scheme, These colors were Sea blue, Ocean gray and Haze gray. The decks were painted with the designated Deck blue. These were her colors in 1941 and 1942. C In 1943 the color scheme was changed to Measure 22. I could not find a picture of this color. See sketch below. Actually it was two colors, Low on the hull it was Navy Blue up to the first continuous deck. It did not swoop up and follow the deck line, but was parallel to the waters edge. This created a Haze Gray “wedge” (note orange) shape at the bow. Every thing above the Navy Blue D was painted Haze Grey including the super- structure.

In 1945, picture D, the Texas was re- painted in measure 21, a dark blue similar to the deep Pacific waters she was sailing in. American pilots advised this color because it was so difficult to see from the air.

Page 6 Battleship Texas Overnight Education Program Howard Mills

By Kandace Trujillo Presents…

We have been busy at the overnight edu- TEXAS crewmember Howard Mills cation program. We hosted 700 campers was out spreading the word about the throughout the months of February and ship and his experiences last month. March. The programs eased in April due to Mills gave a presentation to 250 stu- Easter and the San Jacinto day festivities. We dents at Sherando High School in hosted 240 campers. We are busy in May Stephens City, VA on Tuesday, March hosting many school groups as well as scout 24th. groups.

We are starting to book reservations The school’s history teacher, Mr. well into the summer. For the summer Rohrbaugh, asked Mills to give a pres- months, the overnight program has a re- entation to students. Mills' granddaugh- duced rate. The rate is $32 per participant ter volunteered to help with the presen- from the months of June through September tation and run the computer.

Mills reports that the presentation was a great experience and the stu- dents had good questions. The stu- dents also really appreciated the ship brochures Mills handed out.

Bravo Zulu to Mr. Mills for his out- reach efforts and helping to inspire the next generation of ship stewards!! The overnight program is happy to an- nounce our partnership with the Kemah Boardwalk. Participants of the overnight pro- gram can now get reduced ride passes. The Kemah Boardwalk is home to waterfront res- taurants and an amusement park. Rides in- clude a Ferris wheel and roller coasters.

The OEP’s volunteers are dedicated to providing an educational and fun experience to the campers. In the past couple of months, our volunteer group has grown. We welcome Kyle Brillantes, Ben Looper, and Joe Looper. They are great additions to the group and we are happy to have them as part of our team. We are always looking for new tour guides Howard Mills presents to 250 students for our program. If you are interested or want at Sherando High School in Virginia, more information please contact Kandace with the help of his granddaughter, Trujillo at: Emma Pearson.

[email protected] Reprinted courtesy of The Scuttlebutt or (281) 542-0684 the office.

Page 7 In Honor Of

Roy Olan Northcutt Manual Jimenez B.F. Davis CDR Frank J. Whitley

Anthony Carter Robinson Richard Farr Bobby Charles Brians James Edgar Barrett LTC. Jerome L. Gonzales Jack O'Mara

Joe K. Moore Vernon Lee Graham Jack D. Southworth Roy H. Nelson

Chester Zarnicki John F. Barnes Jr. Morris E. Sawyer Harvey J. Spiller

Charles A. Freeman, Jr. All who wear the uniform James T. Haines

Jim Lamb Charles B. Jackino John J. Marks Charles D. Holland

Clyde Berry O.J Rinehart Noble W. Seaman MM2C Walter A. Heck

Melvin Schultz Louis E. Van Antwerp Billie Burtus Hilliard Bill Flynn Capt. Alan Ray Bruce Hirshorn Lowell L. Long Elroy Ortego Brianna Bunge SSG, USAF Lou Mierizejewski Claude Flemming Capt. R.L. Rainey, USN and LCDR Barbara A. Rainey, USN Patrick M. Henagan Kevin Ray and Landon Woodruf H.A Caraway, Jr. PFC Ralph Pinkerton, US Army Robert F. Molen, Jr. Lyle K. Jenks Col. William S. Bice Milton T. Scales, Sr. Frances O. Hallahan Howard McGee Cecil (Pete) Bielefeldt Marvin Swango Leon Morris William Thomas Sellers C. Harold Wallace Clarence Nathanal Flanagan Dorothy Frances Eastin SM/Sgt. Leon Larison James H. Spencer W. Jack Dwyer Mack R. Ball, Jr. MC Dan Fraser CR Glover Daniel Martin Defenders of America Robert Gregory Cronin Capt. Allison Crain Fred S. Sandman Cdr. Harold A. Schmidt Garland Hayes Jr. Edward J. Kmiec Morris Demey Randol Gilmore Charles Wesley Walker, Jr. Winfred McAteer PHM2 Richard Good USNR Heleen P. May CPL. Max Thornell, USMC Jack Addison Hamilton Janet and Oliver Starcke Charles C. Ira Anthem Stelleg Robert M. King Joe W. McHenry Arthur Loukas Navy Grover M. Bohannon Lawrence A. Tippen Arthur T. O'Hara Anthony G. Market Joel Worley Andrew Krippner Atlee Cunningham, Sr. Philip A. Thimmesh Arnold Gully and Jim Gallagher Andrew D. Milne Robert H. Esteb, Sr. (USN) Raymond Baxter Little Lt. Col. John Yauk Earl T. Willis and Donald T. W. Gerald G. Fintak BB-35 Veterans John Edward Morrow George H. Bethard Robert F. Olsen James Stalp Martin W. Pikul CW3 Dabney Jay Judy

Page 8 In Honor (continued)

Jesse Pettey Brice M.Conner Neil R. Zaccagni S. W Etheridge Charles W. Stanley Lawrence E. Poorman Joe Wayne Davis Donald G. Lee Jr. . Ricky Spriggs, MAC USN Clyde Williams Jr. Lt. Col. Roy J. White Lloyd Osborn Wiliam H. Hendricks Adolph Jarolik GM/2 Carolyn Wallace Tom Gillette John C. Alberts Kermit P. Hayford Oran Hughes Pierce Kellogg Robert B. Berkley Justin F. Cooper Chadrick Darrah Clarence E. Ebey Guadalupe R. Cerda Sgt. Leon Larison Lee M. (Tick) Pierce Jack Roberts T-5 Dominick Golio, Sr. Roland B. Moore, Jr. Edward O'Hara Gene A. Martin

Battleship Supporters

MSgt Daniel Attilio, USMC (Ret) Alice Avila-Huerta CDR James L. Barrett USN (RET) Curtis Basham Steven G. Bass David Baucom Chris Bennett Steve Bennett Mr. & Mrs. Irvin Berry Robert D. Caskey Wendell N. Courville Phil Cramer Ronald J. Crislip Bill C. Davis Stephen E. Duncan Gerald Dunklin E.R Robert Eastin Ronald L. Ebey James C. Edwards Moses Ellis Melvin Emmons Larkin W. Etheridge Patricia A. Langa Ann C. Pardee John A. Via Charles J. Farrow William A. Flanagan John R. Foreman Elaine M. Freeman Mr. & Mrs. Jerold C. Gallagher Randy Gilmore Dominick R. Golio Ronald W. Gooch George H. Gould, Jr. Stephen Grogean CDR Alvin W. Hall, Jr. USN (RET) Thomas C. Hyatt Charles C. Ira Arthur Charles Jackson, Jr. Gerald Kamicka, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Raleigh W. Johnson, Jr. David M. Kettrick James Kmiec Terry L. Larison Mary C. Lee Julian A. Levy, Jr. John E. Lewis Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Loukas Irvin A. May Barbara McCormick Cyril J. McDermott Mr. & Mrs. Howard and Nancy Mills Mr. & Mrs. Dud and Melba Morris Edward Morris Alita I. Morrison Gerald B. Murrell Mr. & Mrs. Theodore Noell Garry Nelson Urban Obrien Dan Pikul Jerry Pinkerton Don L. Presley Charles A. Reed Ray Dee Rinehart Richard A. Rutledge Morris E. Sawyer Vernon Unger Charles R. Seaman Col. John M. Smith William D. Southworth Betty Jo Spencer Ricky Lee Spriggs Donald E. Stader Robert N. Starcke William H. Tarlton John and Jean Vilas Mr. & Mrs. Michael F. Wilson Dr. William J. Wagner Lewis E. Wald, Jr. Lucie Weaver Edward R. White, USN (Ret) F. Jack Whitley Jr. David Wilcox Jean Williams Earl R. Willis Carey Yauk James Look In Soo Yo Julio Zaccagni

Page 9 One Riverway, Suite 2200 Houston, Texas 77056

Membership Application

I am pleased to support the USS TEXAS with my membership in the Battleship TEXAS Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) non profit organization.

Individual $35.00 Name

Family $45.00 Address

Supporting $150.00 City State Zip Benefactor $500.00

Corporate $2,000.00 Phone Fax

USS TEXAS Veteran $10.00 Email

Check here to receive your Dreadnought by email.

Membership Benefits Mail to: Individual. $35 Entry level membership entitles Member to receive a free subscription to the BTF quarterly e-mail newsletter “The Dreadnought” and a free subscription to TPWD’s bi-weekly e-mail newsletter “The Battle BATTLESHIP TEXAS FOUNDATION Report” (if you provide your e-mail address). One Riverway Family. $ 45 Everything above, plus invitations to San Jacinto Site Suite 2200 activities and special events. Houston, Texas 77056 Supporting $ 150 Everything above, plus one (1) Hard Hat Tour. Benefactor. $ 500 Everything above, plus two (2) Hard Hat Tours Corporate. $2,000 Everything above, plus publication of your firm’s name Phone 713-827-9620 in “The Dreadnought” and at special events held aboard the TEXAS. USS TEXAS Veterans. $10 Benefits the same as for Individual Member.