April 2008-1

U.S.S. LOWNDES - APA 154

April 2008 Newsletter

Wm. "Bud" Kautz-CCBW, 34782 Hiawatha Trail-McHenry, IL 60051-(815)344-6326

redlabelbuddha@comcast.net

BIG! BIG! Mistake in January issue of newsletter, had stated that the

20th Lowndes reunion in San Francisco Reunion as October 16, 17 & 18. WRONG!

Correct dates are October 9,10 & 11, 2008.

When Making reservations be sure to mention the

U.S.S Lowndes Reunion to get proper rate, $99.00 + tax.

Which will be in effect 3 days before and after our session.

1-800-227-4747 or 1-415-626-8000

See brochure for what the Whitcomb Hotel has to offer in available amenities

Stuart Hyde has been very busy setting up various activities for our group.

Please return enclosed stamped and addressed post card promptly.

We need an approximate number of attendees to arrange a successful reunion.

Don Lorenzi brought up a very valid point, don t show dates on the postcard.

It would advertise the dates that your residence would be vacant and could possibly

serve as an invitation to unsavory individuals.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

The following were in attendance at the St. Louis Reunion:

Shen & Mary Adams Stuart & Allie Hyde

Neil & Phyllis Atin Bud & Jean Kautz

Angie (White) Briney David & Joanne Long

David, Odess & Jeremy Brinkman Don & Shirley Lorenzi

John & Lebby Dyer Leo & Margaret O Brien

John & Marilyn Hess Earl & Frances Robertson

Dee Rodgers

Roger & Lee Solley

Jan & Perry Trober

Bonnie White

John Vernale & Mary Fuggeta

Kerry,Sally & Matt Welker

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Note: 154 on edge of flag

David Brinkman


48 Star-24-1/2 x 37


I always had an eye out for Lowndes items on

E Bay but missed this one about the flag. The seller

claims this was a flag from the Lowndes during WWII. It

sold for $50. I would have paid a lot more than that

Well, I sent the winning bidder an e-mail and told him

who I was and asked if he would consider selling it for a

nice profit. Below is the description from the buyer:

I wish I had asked more questions of the old

gentleman this flag used to belong to. He seemed sad to

see it sell and told me just before I took it up to the

cashier that it was a very special flag. It came from the

ship he served on in the late 1940 s. I could see it was

made very well and it s quite yellowed, much more than

my photos show. The ship was the U.S.S. Lowndes.

Other than the yellowing and a musty odor it s in very

good condition without holes or fraying. Perhaps it was

an inside flag or not used for a long period of time. It has

the number 154 on the edge. The stars are embroidered

and stripes and edges are sewn together as shown. In

any case it s still a great looking flag.


<BR>


April 2008-2

Loreta Freitas

Joe had a rough summer and spent a

few days in the hospital but is feeling better

now after the doctor changed his medications.

Had all the symptoms of a heart attack, but the

heart doctor could not find any complications of

the heart. Any way, whatever it was it knocked

him down for awhile. I think he was not feeling

as good as he should have been. It was

probably from his diabetes. His computer is

back and he has taken it to the shop twice and

still not working like it should. Will probably get

a new one. As for me I am still moving but a

little slower with aches. How was the reunion

last year? I was sorry that we did not make it.,

but it is getting harder for us to travel. Joe will

let you know via e mail when he gets it working

again.

"The reunion went along just fine.

Missed you both.

Don Lorenzi

To my friends who enjoy an occasional

glass of beer or wine...and those who don t:

As Ben Franklin said: In wine there is

wisdom, in beer there is freedom, and in water

there is bacteria. In a number of carefully

controlled trials, scientists have demonstrated

that if we drink 1 liter of water each day, at the

end of the year we would have absorbed more

than 1 kilo of Escherichia coli, (E. coli) -

bacteria found in feces. In other words, we are

consuming 1 kilo of poop. However, we do not

run that risk when drinking wine or beer (or

tequila or other liquor) because alcohol has to

go through a purification process of boiling,

filtering and/or fermenting.

Remember Water = Poop Wine & beer = Health.

"We appreciate words of wisdom from

Don, something to think about.

Stuart advises to reserve rooms as

early as possible because Fleet Week event

occurs at the same time as our reunion and

hotels may be fully booked.

Lorene Stratton

It s that time of the year to pay our dues

so we can continue to receiving the Lowndes

newsletters coming our way. We enjoy hearing

old friends remarks and what they are up to.

We spent two weeks at our son s last year.

Trust all is well with everybody.

John Lackey

63 years ago, February 19, 1945 my

crew and I got our boat (No. 21) loaded with

Marine troops and then to the beach at Iwo

Jima. When we got back to the ship they

loaded our boat with mine torpedoes. That

night we were called in to the beach by the

Marines. They informed the torpedoes were

the wrong size. We got off the beach then were

hit with something and it knocked a hole in the

bottom of the boat. The water was coming in

fast. We were close to another boat and

watched our boat go down. Thank God there

was another boat close by. My crew consisted

of Deck hand, Rosenbaum, signalman,

Escamilli amd Motor Mac, Caldwell. I moved

from California to Kansas.

Note his new address & phone No:

613 Arnold Drive,

Lyons, KS 67554

(620)708-2434

Alan Dahms

Enclosed is my check to help out a bit,

even though no one seems to know my father,

George Maynard (Doc) Dahms who was an

ensign aboard the Lowndes. I think the efforts

of the Reunion Group are marvelous. Please

remove my Mother from the Ladies list , she is

deceased.

"Can any Lowndes crewmen furnish

Alan with any information regarding his Father?

I m sure he would appreciate any sent to him.

There will be a bus tour through San

Francisco & boat trip around the bay. Cost

$50.00 per person.


April 2008-3

Stuart Hyde

In early March I attended the annual

commemoration of the Iwo Jima battle at the

Marines Memorial Club in San Francisco.

About 150 attended, of whom about 50 of us

had been at the battle. I was the only Naval

person there, and was treated royally!!!!

Maybe we have to soften up our attitude

toward the sea going bellhops!

Yeah, Stuart I did witness an incident

or two when on the beach at Iwo. Ay times

my opinion has wavered too.

Thomas D. Godby

I have been suffering from Macular

Degeneration for about 4 years now. Taking

a lot of eye vitamins. I woke up one morning

and was blind in the left eye. A hastened trip

to Las Vegas for an operation, seems to be

working. Eye was real blurred, but is getting

better each day. On the equator initiation the

guy with the cigar is the Royal Baby. He was

a Chief Warrant Officer. I m sure glad that

was pumpkin on his belly and not what it was

supposed to be. He grabbed my head and

rolled my face in it. Chief Love was the Royal

Barber. I wish he had worked those hand

clippers faster. My hair was pulled out from

the front to the back in a reverse Mohawk.

Believe me, the electric chair worked. It had

copper rivets in it. After being dumped into

the tank, full of garbage and fuel oil you were

supposed to holler, I m a Shellback. QM

Chasteen dunked my head so many times I

thought I was going to drown. It was good fun

and I wouldn t have missed it for anything.

Tom, there was no way you were

going to have missed it, you had no choice."

Lavada Boyer

Hello to everyone. Everything is great

with me, still playing a lot of golf. Wish I could

be with the bunch. Miss all a lot. My daughter

and I are thinking of visiting the bunch this

year in San Francisco. I have missed all the

bunch in the past. I know we do have to make

our own reservations.

Golf? You sure know how to hurt a guy."

Frances Robertson

This has been our year of doctors Earl

had the cataracts removed from both eyes.

Because he has macular degeneration his

recovery is a bit slower. Neither of us do much

driving after dark, so our social life seems to be

trips to Walmart, grocery shopping and dining

out at places close to home. I too have had my

share of doctors and hospitals. Early this year I

had double pneumonia and they pumped

enough water from my lungs to float a

battleship. I took a stress and a catheter test

(failed the stress one, than was admitted to the

hospital for more tests. Through it all it was

found out my heart was in bad shape. Talked

to my doctor, the cardiologist and the heart

surgeon who operated on Earl several years

ago and chose, even at my age, open heart

surgery. With lots of prayers, God s will and the

doctors skill I came through it all. I m back to

doing the cooking and Earl has retired from the

kitchen. He definitely is not a gourmet cook.

Jan has kept us informed throughout

Frances ordeal and says she is fine now. Jan

also sent me a copy of a telegram wired to

Earl s parents shortly after Pearl Harbor.

Because of a motorcycle accident Earl was in

the hospital and not aboard the USS

Oklahoma. He was listed as MIA and it took a

few years to set the records straight."

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HOWARD ELSAORTH ROBERTSON

W MARTIN ST ABINGDON ILL

the navy department deeply regrets to inform you that your son

EARL OLIVER ROBERTSON FIREMAN FIRST CLASS U S NAVY IS MISSING

FOLLOWING ACTION IN THE PERFORMANCE OF HIS DUTY AND IN THE SERVICE

OF HIS COUNTRY THE GOVERNMENT APPRECIATES YOUR GREAT ANXIETY

ANO WILL FURNISH YOU FURTHER INFORMATION PROMPTLY WHEN RECEIVED.

TO PREVENT POSSIBLE AID TO OUR ENIMIES BEST 00 NOT DIVULGE THE

"fAME OF HIS SHIP OR STATION

X. t REAR ADMIRAL RANDALL JACOBS

CHIEF OF THE BUREAU OF NAVIGATION

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April 2008-4

Shen Adams

Yes I would appreciate being on the

USS Lowndes newsletter mailing list. I am the

son of G. S. Adams Jr. Lt. jg. Informally known

as Bud Adams. Mary and I loved sharing your

reunion in St. Louis and want to be with all in

California. We are looking forward to the date,

time and place so we can make plans. I hope

David Brinkman can run down the coxswain on

Dad s landing craft that was called Porgy or

Porky! I am working on replicating a map of the

ship s voyage in the South Pacific that Dad has

had all of these years. It came from the ward

room and I am trying to preserve it on a CD

that can be shared with anyone that might want

it. Being with all was such a special treat for

me and if anyone ever needs to contact me for

anything please feel free to do so. Enclosed

please find my check for 2008 annual dues for

the USS Lowndes - APA 154 Reunion Group.

Consider the excess as my discretionary

contribution to all the men that served on the

Lowndes. They brought my father, G. S. Bud

Adams Jr. home alive, but especially to his

lifelong friend Stuart Hyde whom I had the

pleasure of meeting for the first time in St.

Louis. My sincere thanks to all of the men that

served their country on the Lowndes.

Ed. McKellar

I am now in a Retirement Center. I fell in

May and broke my hip so this is my home now.

Nice hearing about everybody through the

newsletters.

Bill Taylor

After effects of shingles are still doing a

number on me. My doctor says it will take

some time. My pain is gone but soreness and

stinging are bad in the morning hours. I hope

all of us will be able to go to the San Francisco

reunion. It will be good to see everyone.

Robin Hardy Kerr

Thank you for e-mailing me as I would

like to remain in your files. I was so pleased to

receive the USS Lowndes newsletter. I did get

very teary-eyed while reading it. I am so

appreciative that you are keeping the

memories of those heroic men alive. Thanks to

the advice in the newsletter I was able to

secure my father s military records. My father,

Savile Crossley Hardy, served on board the

USS Lowndes and was at Iwo Jima. Following

his graduation from the University of Virginia in

1941, he served in the Navy from 07/28/41

until 12/18/45 and attained the rank of Lt.

Commander. Prior to the Lowndes he served

on the USS Preserver, USS Tekesta, USS

Nauset and the USS Falcon. He died 10 years

ago and I, recently, became interested in his

service. The web site is wonderful! I was

actually able to see a log entry he made with

his very distinctive signature. I wish I had

talked to him more about it while he was alive

but he, like many people, was reticent to

discuss his service. Let me know of any

reunions as I my husband, and my brother

would like to attend. I would so appreciate

hearing from anyone who recalls him. The best

e-mail at which to reach me is

robinhkerr@cox.net

We have added your e-mail address to

our list and this newsletter informs you of the

dates and location of our next reunion.

As a space filler I have a little story to

relate. This was brought to mind by Renee

Michalski s tale regarding her Dad s 1917

Maxwell. This past fall son Bill, grandson Will

and I drove up to Wautoma, Wl to visit a

former USS Reid shipmate of mine who has a

antique car restoration facility. After a tour of

the operation we were asked if we would like

to take a ride in a 1916 Cadillac touring car. All

three of us didn t hesitate for one minute and

said, Definitely . What an experience we had

tooling down the highway at 50+ miles per

hour. This car, as old as it was had a V8

engine, cruise control and a fat man s steering

wheel (It swiveled to make it easier for guys

like me to enter the driver s seat. The old

adage, Nothing new under the sun surely

applied in this instance.

Your editor, Bud


April 2008-5

Jackie Richards

We have had a good year health wise

except for two incidents this spring involving

Wally. He had his 3rd episode of memory loss

called Transient Global Amnesia. He was

helping build another cabinet for the museum

and was down on his knees too long therefore

bringing this temporary episode on. These last

a few hours then clears up. Also this ring he

stumbled over a curb and fell causing a

hamstring injury but with rest heals itself. Now if

I can keep him off his knees, watch out for

curbs maybe we can avoid these problems.

Wa/t Umbarger

I have put off writing this for a long time.

Our health has not been the been the greatest

the past year. We enjoy the Lowndes

newsletters so much. We are sorry we have not

been able to attend the past yearly meetings

but as I said health problems have taken over

our lives the past year or so. Jackie has had

two operations on the same hip the past year.

She is just now beginning to use the walker on

her own. She has been in a wheelchair for

almost a year. We have moved into an assisted

facility last November. We like it here but we

have to say it will never be actually home to us.

I don t remember the last time I have paid any

dues to the Lowndes group so I am enclosing a

check to cover what I owe. Love and miss all

the folks.

Note Walt & Jackie s new address on

this page. Sure hope the upcoming year is more

upbeat for all.

Mildred Binney

I still live in my 118 year old house, tho it

has lots of parts that bare very worn, but it is my

home and I m blessed that I can enjoy each day

here. We did some major remodeling in early

1007 and I now have a nice guest bedroom for

visitors. I am a bit slower, but I can still care for

my house companion, Cash the house cat. He

acquired a new inside female friend Missy , so

have conversations with my 2 cats, There

are 5 outside cats that always get a daily

hot meal. My main daily job continues to be

making rugs out of any scraps. So far I

have made over 100 with many more to

make.

Ann Brewster

Thanks for putting Dad s (James

Ross) obit in the newsletter. We appreciate

it very much. Mom is still trying to figure out

how you knew. We (Mom, myself & my

daughter are considering coming to the

2008 reunion. My brother, Charles Ross

and wife, Iris of Germany may also come.

Dad was always talking about the things

that you have done for the reunion, etc. so I

would like to say Thank You.

This issue of the newsletter will give

Ann the information requested. Welcome to

the fold. Memory recalls that Jim Ross gave

Charles his Lowndes cap and Charles wore

it on every one of his missions during the

first Gulf War.

Carleton Measels

My wife has an uncle who served on

the USS Lowndes-APA 154 during WWII. If

I remember correctly he said 1944 to 1946.

He does pretty good for a man of his age

(87 years old) except he is very hard of

hearing. His name is Dolphie Harold Ricks.

D. H. Join the club, even with (aid)

it s increasingly difficult to understand

words. Ricks boarded the ship Sept. 15,

1944.

More from David Brinkman, just

discovered the guy who bought the flag

may have been on the CVAA-41, USS

Midway. Made this guy a good offer,

$200.00, 4 times what he paid for it and he

just blew it off with a not for sale . Evidently

he has a special interest in the Lowndes.

Anyone have knowledge of the Midway,

please let David or me,(Bud) know.



April 2008-6

Thomas Otto Lewis

TAPS

Marjorie M. Rauseo



October 17,1926 - January 27, 2008

Thomas was bom in Curtis, Arkansas.

He enlisted in the Navy and boarded the

Lowndes September 16, 1944 and served until

July 7, 1945. While serving aboard the ship he

was a member of the Beach Party and took

part in the invasion of Iwo Jima and Okinawa.

No further information regarding his tenure

aboard the Lowndes. As a civilian he was a

retired conductor for the Union Pacific Railroad

where he was employed for over fifty years. He

is survived by his wife, Elnora of over 61 years.

One son, one daughter, four grandchildren and

five great-grandchildren. He enjoyed nothing

better than spending time with his family,

especially his grandchildren and great

grandchildren.

January 30,1931 - February 15, 2008

Born in East Boston, Massachusetts. She was

a member of St. Mary s Church and a member

of the Democratic Town Committee and served

on the Board of Registrar in Georgetown, MA.

An active member of the USS Lowndes

Reunion Group and will be missed by all. At

our Boston reunion in 1993 while attending the

stage play, Forever Plaid Marjorie was called

up on the stage and participated in part with

the play s actors. Receiving a round of

applause from the audience and Lowndes

reunion members. She is survived by her

husband, Arthur J. Rauseo of Georgetown, one

son, one daughter, four granddaughters


April 2008-7

U.S.S. LOWNDES (APA154)

PLAN OF THE DAY FOR SUNDAY, 1 APRIL 1945

Duty Medical Officer: Lt (jg) Dunbar Duty SK: McManus, SK2c

Duty PhM: Nerison, PhM1c Duty MAA: Schaffer, MoMM3c

Duty Yeoman: Chilcote, Y1c

0320

0330

0345-0515

Call PPO and DH s

Reveille. Call all hands. Trice up bunks.

Breakfast.

Davit boat crews, davit winch crews, and Demonstration debarking troops

will eat at the head of the chow line.

0430-0515

0515

0600

0630

Breakfast will be served to officers in the wardroom.

General quarters (morning alert).

Approximate time for setting condition 1-able.

Approximate time for arrival in the transport area.

Demonstration troops will be embarked and davit boats will be lowered

away as ordered.

0815

0900

1115

1130

1300

1400

1600

1615

1630

1730

Sick call for ship s company.

Sick call for troops.

Mess gear.

Chow. Troops will eat immediately after ship s company.

Turn to- continue ship s work.

Wardroom will be reserved for marine officers for briefing period.

Evening sick call for troops.

Mess gear.

Supper. Troops will eat immediately after ship s company.

Supper for officers in the wardroom.

15 minutes prior to Sunset: Darken ship.

Sunset

1900

1930

2125

2130

General quarters (evening alert).

Evening sick call for ship s company.

Eight o clock reports to the Executive Officer.

Tattoo.

Taps.

Memorandums:

1.                     Besides regular watch standers, all hands on deck will keep alert and vigilant at all times for

any suspicious objects in the water, day or night, such as floating boxes or floating mines.

2.                     The enemy have approximately 500 20-foot motor-torpedo boats in this area and may be

expected to approach the ship at any time of day or night at either high speeds, or possibly

3.                     stealthily at night under power of muffled oars. ANY MAN NOTING ANYTHING WHATEVER

OF A USPICIOUS NATURE IN THE WATER SURROUNDING THE SHIP WILL REPORT

SAME TO THE BRIDGE AT ONCE.

4.                     All hands must be prepared to expect a possible attack by air-craft, by

surface craft, or by submarine, suddenly, without warning. All hands will

wear their life belts or have them within handy reach at all times.

3. While we are in this objective area, NOTHING WHATEVER will be

thrown overboard from this ship at any time, day or night.

4. DO NOT REMOVE BATTLE LANTERNS FROM THEIR BRACKETS.

Those lanterns are located in important places for use in emergency only. They

May well prove to be the means for saving your life.

5.                     Blue hats and dungaree trousers and shirts will be worn at all times on

weather decks. Mutilated or sleeveless shirts will not be allowed.

6.                     CONSERVE FRESH WATER .

7.                     Any man wishing to strike for Quartermaster, please report to the ship's office.

HARRISON GARDNER, Executive Officer.


April 2008 -8

Stuart Hyde (Host)

Tentative Schedule

The reunion will get off to a running start on Thursday, October 9 at

4:P.M. In the Hotel Whitcomb Hospitality Suite. The suite is on the

7th floor of the hotel, with a sweeping view of San Francisco.

No formal activities are planned for Thursday evening, but that would be

An excellent time to seek out some of San Francisco s excellent

Restaurants. A list of several top-notch restaurants will be available

at the reception.

Friday morning, a sightseeing tour of San Francisco will pick up and

Drop off at the hotel, and take us to many famous sites, including the

Golden Gate Bridge, Chinatown (largest outside of China itself). Palace of Fine

Arts (from the 1915 Panama- Pacific Exposition), Nob Hill, Grace Cathedral,

Lombard Street (crookedest street in the world), Golden Gate Park,

and many Other famous landmarks.

Friday evening is not yet scheduled. As soon as information about

Theater events for October become available, you will receive the

Information so you can make your reservations through the hotel.

Saturday morning will leave you free to explore anywhere in the Bay Area

That interests you, including a boat trip to, and a tour of, Alcatraz a

half day tour across the Golden Gate Bridge to Muir Woods (giant Redwood

Trees); a ferry ride to Sausalito; the famous San Francisco City Hall;

Museums, including DeYoung in Golden Gate Park, and the Asian Art

Museum, just a two block walk from the hotel.

Those who remember The Top of the Mark may want to pay it a return visit

For old times sake.

Saturday evening features the annual banquet, with photos of our group

Scheduled for 5:00 in the Hospitality Suite, and dinner at 7:00. At the

Banquet we will be serenaded by the Blue Stars of the USS Hornet.

The Singing Blues Stars is a group of ladies who specialize in performing

Songs from the 40 s and 50 s to entertain a variety of Veterans groups.

The common bond of the members is that they have sons, daughters or

Other family members that are currently serving or are veterans of the

U.S. Military. Most of them have kids that served recently in

Afghanistan and/or Iraq.

The Hospitality Room will be open at

scheduled hours throughout the Reunion.