September 2018

Publication for members of USS Illinois Base, United States Veterans, Inc.

Ringing in One of fi ve USS Illinois Base mem- long-overdue bers joined the ranks of the Holland Club this year. Let’s begin their saga recognition with the person who waited the lon- gest for his recognition – none other than TM3(SS) Rudy Kraut, of Peca- tonica. This WWII submarine vet- eran, is 94-years young. He earned his Dolphins in 1945, making his Holland Club induction only 22 years in arrears. Better late than never, we Rudy Kraut aboard the USS Cobia following always say! Holland Club ceremony on July 13, 2018. His Holland Club induction was He left high school after his junior held aboard the USS Cobia during year and volunteered in the Navy the 2018 SubFest activities in Mani- on Sept. 25, 1943. He was sent to the towoc this past July. This initiation Naval Training Station in Farragut, location was fi tting for Rudy, who ID for basic training. During this had the honored distinction of be- base’s 30-month activation, some ing a member of the commissioning 293,000 recruits passed through its crew of the Manitowoc-built Lizard- gates, leaving with boat rowing skills fi sh SS-373, on which he qualifi ed. learned from a nearby lake. But, we are getting ahead of our After bootcamp, Rudy was sent to story. torpedo school in San Diego, CA. Rudy grew up on a farm on the out- Leaving school with a TM rank, Rudy skirts of Freeport, just east of the Ti- was transferred to New London, CT tan (Springfi eld) Plant off of Rte. 20. (continued on page 3)

Our Creed: “To perpetuate the memory of our shipmates who gave their lives in the pursuit of their duties while serving their country. That their dedication, deeds and supreme sacrifi ce be a constant source of motivation toward greater accomplishment. We pledge loyalty and patriotism to the United States of America and its Constitution.”

www.ussillinoisbase.org

Green Board - USS Illinois Base, USSVI — Page 1 We have completed a lot this past We can’t rest yet, because we again year, from participating in fi ve area need volunteers for the upcoming parades, the 2018 SubFest in Mani- Veterans Stand Down event. We talk- towoc, several USS Cobia working ed about it in the last newsletter, but parties, and a really fun family pic- just in case you missed it, see page 4 Tom Ramsay nic earlier this month. Thank each for full details. Volunteering for this USS Illinois Commander of you for your enthusiasm. I had a event supports the many homeless MS1(SS), USN Retired good time, and I hope you did too. veterans in our communities. Having said that, we still aren’t Finally, don’t forget that we again done yet! Your Base, and USSVI, this year want to participate in the needs your continued support for Christmas for Vets program, where several other activities yet to come. we bring gifts to veterans at local rest First and foremost, I need each homes and assisted living centers. member to go to USSVI.org, login on We hope this year to expand this the member page, and VOTE for this eff orts into Wisconsin, but we need year’s USSVI Offi cers! Do it before some help and guidance from mem- the end of the month. bers who live in Wisconsin or near the border. We will be talking more Base Contacts On the local level, this weekend about this at future meetings. (Sept. 22-23) is WWII Days at Mid- way Village in Rockford. Several of I am proud to be your Commander, Commander you have volunteered to help man but our successes have been and al- Tom Ramsay our booth over this two-day event. ways will be because of your support tram688@jcwifi .com Let me tell you now “thanks!” and participation in Base meetings and events. Vice Commander Chuck Mongan [email protected] -- Age 66-76 is $200. Treasurer -- Age 56-65 is $300. Bruce Pickering -- Age 46-55 is $400. [email protected] Bruce Pickering -- Age 45 and below is $500. USS Illinois Base Treasurer Secretary & Note: Several members have multiple Reminder: It’s time to pay your year memberships. If you have questions Editor/Webmaster 2019 National and Base membership Kate Ramsay about your term, please contact me. dues for the United States Subma- kateram@jcwifi .com USS Illinois Base dues are $10. rine Veterans, Inc. (USSVI). I will be Multi-year options are not available. Storekeeper available to accept your 2019 dues 15 Terry Elmeier minutes before and after our Octo- You can pay me at a meeting: make [email protected] ber, November, and December base checks out to “USS Illinois Base,” or meetings. mail it to my attention at 1702 Calu- Chaplain met Ave., Beloit, WI 53511. Make Bob Fleck Dues are the same as last year: your payment before Dec. 15, 2018 to bobfl [email protected] National dues for both qualifi ed ensure time for your dues to reach members and associate members: National before USSVI’s December Membership David Spencer • 1-year term is $25. 31 cut-off . Send it to my attention at 1702 Calumet Ave., Beloit, WI 53511. [email protected] • 3-year term is $70. Bases cannot accept credit card Events Committee • 5-year term is $115. Richard Martin • Life-time memberships available--cost payments. On National’s website you [email protected] associated with your age: can make credit card payments for -- Age 76+ is $100. National dues only.

Green Board - USS Illinois Base, USSVI — Page 2 Lizardfi sh sailor (continued from page 1) towoc boats left by barge, traveling saga continues to report to a new submarine, the down the Calumet-Sag Channel in USS Lizardfi sh. But, since the boat Chicago, to the Illinois River, to the was not ready for the crew as yet, Mississippi River, and then to New Rudy was sent to Key West, FL, Orleans for launch. aboard the SS-R4, a WWI subma- Rudy was slated to go with the boat rine, which was patrolling the Flori- on this part of the venture, but as da Straits. luck would have it, Rudy recalls, “a Rudy states that this diversion gave shipmate, who was going through him added gunnery practice training a divorce, wanted out of town.” He in Newport News, off ered Rudy his 9-day liberty and VA.V $20, if he could trade places with him. Rudy never did discover what “When the life was like during the boat’s fi rst orders came for liberty port in Peoria, IL. Instead, he the USS Lizard- fl ew down to meet the boat in New fi sh,” Rudy states, Orleans—to his delight it was Mardi “the crew was sent Gras time. “I had fun!” he smiled. to Manitowoc as a group.” The Battle Star action boat was not yet After passing through the Panama completed, which Canal, the Lizardfi sh headed toward gave them time to . They left for their fi rst war train, to assist in patrol on Apr. 7, 1945. It was dur- the fi nal construc- ing their second war patrol that the Icy plankowners of the tion of the boat, Lizardfi sh (SS-373) line Lizardfi sh saw considerable action, the boat’s stern during the and to learn about the equipment earning her a Battle Star for her commissioning ceremony on before the boat was activated. Dur- WWII action. Dec. 30, 1944. ing this time, the crew was set up Photo courtesy of Manitowoc Maritime Museum. barracks style in a warehouse on the After the war, the crew brought the northside of the Manitowoc River. boat back to San Francisco, and later San Diego for decommissioning. For He recalls the Dec. 30, 1944 com- his last three months in the Navy, missioning of the boat, and the Rudy served aboard the USS Blue- 221-foot test dives they took on Lake back (SS-326). Michigan. “I was cold. It was cold in town, but much colder in Rudy has fond memories of Mani- Lake Michigan.” towoc. “Living as a wharf rat” during the fi nal construction of the boat, Leaving near Manitowoc, gave hitchhiking back home to the boat him an opportunity to slip home on weekends, and has he describes on occasion. A couple being around “a great bunch of of times hitchhiking people” living in Manitowoc. It is no home and back. “I wonder that Rudy and his wife, Caro- brought my Dad’s car line, who passed away in 2013, and for the commission- their two kids spent many summers ing party, picking up in Northern Wisconsin and Mani- Rudy (lft) visits one ‘fella’ who lived the Lizardfi sh towoc. In fact, Rudy and Caroline’s Plaque honoring in Rockford.” commissioning 50th Wedding Anniversary was held crew members. As you know, upon in Two Rivers, WI. completion the Mani-

Green Board - USS Illinois Base, USSVI — Page 3 The USS Illinois Base has based organizations and represen- dropped anchor to participate in tatives from city, county, state and the 2018 Top of Illinois Veteran’s federal agencies will be available to Stand Down. Leading the charge assist our nation’s veterans. Home- are USSVI members Richard and less veterans will fi nd assistance in Top of Illinois Renee Martin, who have been the areas: health, counseling, em- volunteer partners in prior Stand ployment; vocational rehabilitation Stand Down Downs. The Base elected to join counseling, and assistance with VA their eff orts on behalf of area vet- claims. erans and their immediate The Winnebago County Health families. Department will be off ering free The Top of Illinois Vet- blood pressure checks and fl u shots, erans Stand Down will be and free haircuts will be provided by held at the Mendelssohn area professionals. The Illinois Sec- Performing Arts Center, at retary of State Mobile Unit will be 406 N. Main St., Rockford, onsite to issue Drivers Licenses and IL, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on State ID’s. The Social Security Ad- Photo by Brad Rachford, Inde- October 27. ministration will also have a repre- pendence KY, U.S. Marine Corps, sentative on hand. Gulf War Era. Part of a VA image Birth of Stand Down contest to help raise awareness New underwear, socks and personal for Homeless Veterans. Photo The original Stand Down for credit: VA.GOV hygiene items will be available to reg- homeless veterans, held in San istered veterans , as well as free “New Diego, CA, in 1988, was modeled to you” jackets, coats, sweaters, blue after the Stand Down concept jeans, gloves, hats, scarves, sweat- used during the Vietnam War to pants and shirts, shoes and boots. provide a safe retreat for units re- turning from combat operations. How can USSVI help? At secure base camp areas, troops “Here is where our USSVI Base can were able to take care of personal help out,” states Richard Martin our hygiene, get clean uniforms, en- event coordinator. USS Illinois Base joy warm meals, receive medical members are asked to look through and dental care, mail and receive their closets for coats, sweaters, blue letters, and enjoy the camaraderie jeans, gloves, hats, or other clothing of friends in a safe environment. that can be distributed to veterans This may sound like “Old News” to Battle-weary soldiers had the op- some, but we still have a call out and their families in need (ladies’ for help for this important base portunity to renew their spirit, clothing is also needed). In addition event. More information health and overall sense of well- will be coming at the Base’s to assistance on that day, Richard October meeting, or you can being. explains that a number of people are contact Dick Martin directly at [email protected] or The program is successful on the needed prior to the event to help seg- (815) 505-7674 local level because it brings out- regate the clothing by size for ease in reach services to one location. But, later distribution. achieving these objectives requires Mark your calendar today for the a wide range of support, services, main event on October 27, and watch and volunteer time. for future newsletters and other com- Outreach services munications about support oppor- tunities. We may be a Base small in Many dedicated local service size, but let’s show our communities providers, volunteers, military that we are large in heart--volunteer service organizations, community- to help.

Green Board - USS Illinois Base, USSVI — Page 4 Tidbits of Knowledge from September 22, 1776 -- around the world During the American Revolution, Nathan Hale--caught spying on British troops--was executed without a trial. His his last words: “I only regret that A Bit of History I have but one life to lose for my on right country.”

Swordfi sh catches Smithsonian.com (Washington, trying to disengage itself and in the submarine D.C.) -- How’s this for a bad day? process tearing some of the skin and At 2:30 p.m. on July 6, 1967, the sub fl esh off its back.” ALVIN was working off the cost of According to the Smithsonian, Florida down about 2,000 feet. It once the two-man crew realized that was diving towards a large-sea coral the swordfi sh was, in fact, stuck in specimen to examine, when the two their submarine, there was a series men inside the sub heard a strange of conference calls and tests to assess scraping noise. any damage to critical equipment on One of the crew the sub that now sat at the bottom of members, Edward F. the ocean. They decided it was best K. Zarudzki, recalled to “surface the submarine and re- the events of that day: move the swordfi sh before proceed- “Thinking that the ing again with the dive.” noise had been caused When they got to the surface, they by the submarine drift- found an 8-foot long, 196 pound ing and scraping over swordfi sh attached to the sub. The the sea fl oor, I looked fi sh had apparently been lying on down and saw that we the bottom of the ocean and been ‘Wee,” said the lil’ fi shy, were stationery and on “look what I found!” startled by ALVIN. It immediately the bottom. Simultaneously with the attacked ALVIN without hesitation, noise, the co-pilot who was watching aiming its sword just below the star- out through the starboard porthole, board porthole. The inclined surface recoiled from it exclaiming: ‘We have of the fi berglass defl ected the been hit by a fi sh!’ Indeed, outside sword towards the joint in the hull the starboard porthole I saw a large and the sword thus became wedged fi sh, apparently captive, violently at its base.

Navy pilot earns Military.com (San Francisco, CA) -- tion’s annual conference. The medal is Distinguished A Navy pilot, who took out a Syrian awarded for heroism or extraordinary attack jet (the service’s fi rst air-to-air achievement during aerial fl ights. Flying Cross kill since the end of the Cold War) Tremel identifi ed a Syrian SU-22 that was dropping bombs on friendly FITTER closing quickly on the coalition forces last year, was recently recog- ground force. He executed three warn- nized for his heroism. ing passes with fl ares, but the FITTER LCDR Mike Tremel, an F/A-18E disregarded them and delivered ord- Super Hornet pilot with the Strike nance on the coalition ground force. Fighter Squadron 87, was awarded the To protect the coalition, LCDR Tremel Distinguished Flying Cross on Sep- fi red two air-to-air missiles that de- tember 8 during the Tailhook Associa- stroyed the FITTER.

Green Board - USS Illinois Base, USSVI — Page 5 Looook what we’ve been doing? Find the picture that doesn’t belong!

RoscoeRoscoe A Bruce Pickering we don’t often FallFall PParadearade see--now on fi lm. Keep smiling!

Joe Jones proudly carried our banner

Family Picnic Thresherman’s Park Special Thanks to Ron DeGraff (lft), historian for Fair- banks Morse, for making our picnic memorable.,

What picture didn’t belong? If you chose Bruce Pickering smiling in the upper left-hand corner, you were WRONG!

Time to talk and laugh with friends & family. Diesel engine from ‘old’ USS Enterprise .

Green Board - USS Illinois Base, USSVI — Page 6 Tolling of the Bells USS S-5 (SS-110) lost on Septem- Tablas Strait, Philippines. Her loss for Lost Boats ber 1, 1920 during sea trials when remains a mystery. Loss of 76 crew she accidently sank 40 miles off the USS Pompano (SS-181) lost on her Delaware Capes. The crew escaped 7th war patrol, possibly on Septem- through a hole cut in her hull in ber 17, 1943, when it was sunk off the the tiller room. All crew escaped. northeast coast of Honshu. The exact Refl oated, she was lost when she cause is unknown. Loss of 77 crew. sank again fi ve miles from the acci- dent point while being towed by the USS Cisco (SS-290) lost on Sep- USS Ohio. Metal from the tember 28, 1943 on her 1st war patrol hole rests in Navy Memorial Museum. when it was sunk in the Sulu Sea west of Mindanao Island group in Philip- USS S-51 (SS-162) lost on Septem- pines. Based on Japanese reports, ber 25, 1925 when it sank after col- Cisco appears to have unknowingly September liding with the SS City of Rome off had a leaking fuel tank that created Block Island, Rhode Island. Loss of an oil slick trail. On a calm sea, this 33 crew. “trail” enabled a combined air and USS Grayling (SS-209) lost on surface antisubmarine force to locate September 9, 1943 on her 8th war and sink her. Loss of 76 crew patrol when it was sunk in or near

Story within USS S-51 (SS-162) was a fourth-group departed from New York City on Jan. 4, (S-48) S-class submarine of the United 1924 for the Panama Canal area to par- the Story States Navy. ticipate in winter fl eet maneuvers, and made several visits to local Caribbean Her was laid down on Dec. Island ports during her cruise. 22, 1919 by the Lake Company of Bridgeport, Conn. On the evening of Sept. 25, 1925, while She was launched on Aug. 20, 1921 operating near Block Island, R.I. with sponsored by Mrs. R. J. Mills, and running lights on, she was rammed by commissioned on June 24, 1922 the merchant ship City of Rome. Only with Lieutenant W. S. Haas in com- 3 of the 36 men aboard the submarine mand. were able to abandon ship before she sank. She was raised on July 5, 1926, Based in New London, Conn., she OnOn Eternal Patrol and removed from the Naval Vessel operated out of her homeport, visit- Register on Jan. 27, 1930. She was sold USS S-51 (SS-162) ing Newport and Providence, R.I. She for scrap in June of that year.

Mark your calendar for the next USS Illinois Base (USSVI) Meeting. We meet monthly on the 1st Saturday of the month. Next USSVI Illinois Base Meeting Date: Saturday, October 6, 2018 Time: Noon (lunch available during or after meeting) Location: Mustang Bar & Grill 482 Gardner St. • South Beloit, Illinois www.ussillinoisbase.org

Green Board - USS Illinois Base, USSVI — Page 7 Share this application with a fellow submariner!

APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP Regular Life Associate OUR CREED: “To perpetuate the memory of our shipmates who gave their lives in the pursuit of their 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 & its Constitution.”

With my signature below I affirm that I subscribe to the Creed of the United States Submarine Veterans, Inc., and agree to abide by the Constitution, all Bylaws, Regulations and Procedures governing the U.S. Submarine Veterans, Inc., so long as they do not conflict with my military or civil obligations. I will furnish proof of my eligibility for Regular membership, including my discharge under honorable conditions, and proof of my U.S. Navy (SS) Designation, if required by the Base or the national Membership Chairman. If I am not discharged, the discharge requirement is waived. If I am not U.S. N. submarine qualified, I am applying as an Associate and my sponsor is indicated below.

□ I certify that I was designated qualified in USN aboard ______in ______(Yr) (Honorary designations regardless of source do not apply under any circumstances.) □ I certify that I received a discharge under Honorable Conditions (if not currently in military service) in ______(Yr)

Name: (Print /Type) ______Address: ______

City: ______State: ____ Zip Code: ______- ______Tel: (_____) _____ - ______

Signature: ______Date: ______

Your E-Mail Address ______Base/Chapter Desired: ______

Nat’l Member Dues year runs from Jan 1st thru Dec 31st. Please indicate your term preference: ______Nat’l Dues: 5 Yr term: $ 115.00; 3 Yr term: $ 70.00; 1 yr term (Jan thru Sep) $ 25.00; (Oct thru Dec adds the next yr): $ 30.00 Nat’l Life: 76+ yrs = $100.00; 66 thru 75 yrs = $200; 56 thru 65 yrs = $ 300.00; 46 thru 55 = $400.00; Thru 45 yrs = $ 500.00 Local Base/chapter dues are separate and additional. Consult the local base for those figures.

How did you find USSVI? □ Friend, □ Boat Assn, □ Local Event/News, □ Internet, □ Other ( ______)

Who is your sponsoring USSVI Regular Member?: (Mandatory for Assoc Mbrs) ______Associate Applicant is: Veteran Spouse of Veteran Other (specify) ______

YOUR U.S. NAVY BIOGRAPHICAL DATA

Date Of Birth (MM/DD/YY) ____ / ____ / ____ If other military service, What Branch? ______

Highest Rate & Rank Attained: ______Mil Retired (Y/N): _____ On Active Duty? (Y/N): ____

YR entered Mil Service: ______YR left Mil Service _____ (Active/Inactive reserve time also counts.)

Check if your Military Service falls within any of these time periods: Dec 7, 1941, thru Dec 31, 1946; June 27, 1950, thru Jan 31, 1955; Aug 5, 1964, thru May 7, 1975; and from August 2, 1990 to date.

Submarines and ships served aboard as ship’s company (Use back if you need more space.)

1. ______Hull#______Rank/Rate______From Yr.____ to Yr. _____

2. ______Hull#______Rank/Rate______From Yr.____ to Yr. _____

3. ______Hull#______Rank/Rate______From Yr.____ to Yr. _____

4. ______Hull#______Rank/Rate______From Yr.____ to Yr. _____

5. ______Hull#______Rank/Rate______From Yr.____ to Yr. _____

Next of Kin: Name: ______Relationship: ______(Spouse, Partner, Son, Dau, Parent, Other)

Addr:______City: ______State: ___ Zip: ______Tel: ______(Leave this address line blank if the same as your home address)

Upon completion, please deliver to: Your Base Chapter Secretary, or if you do not know of a base location near you, Rev 7/22/2009 PH Mail to: USSVI National Office, P.O. Box 3870, Silverdale, WA 98383-3870 Questions: Call 1-877-542-DIVE or email [email protected]

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