June 2006-1

U.S.S. LOWNDES - APA 154

June 2006 Newsletter

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

e mail: REDLABELBUbDHA@aol.com

Seattle/Renton, WA Reunion, Aug. 17 thru Aug. 20, 2006

Reservation are to be made by July 7 .

Call 425-226-7700 and ask for the USS Lowndes block in order to receive discount rate.

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Upon perusing our reunion group roster list it has been discovered that 34 states are

represented with Texas the most (9) followed by California and Missouri, each with (8). Just

thought it worth mentioning. A change has to be made due to the increasing cost of printing

the newsletters and postage involved. There are quite a number of crew members on our

roster list that have not responded to requests for information to insert into the newsletters

that I can only assume that there are many who are just not interested in remaining on the

mailing list and therefore considered as inactive members of the reunion group. It is just a

shame to have to delete many names, but we have no choice. Getting information and items

of interest for the newsletters is like pulling teeth. (Hint). I have been scraping the bottom of

the barrel for some time and running kinda low. Any suggestions will be readily appreciated.

For some of our former crew members this may be the last issue of the newsletter.

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For members of the reunion group planning to attend the Seattle Reunion please take

note of pages 5, 6 & 7 pertaining to the 2006 reunion in. Jan and Angela have done a great

job preparing for this reunion and hope that we will have a good turn out. There will be a

more detailed schedule of events available on arrival at the hotel.

The following have indicated attending the 2006 Reunion:

David & Odess Brinkman

Stan Dunn

Joe & Loreta Freitas

David & Joanne Long

Pam Hennessey

Bud & Jean Kautz

John Lackey

Leo & Margret O’Brien

Arthur & Marjorie Rauseo

Bill & Amelia Taylor

Jenny Teixeria

Perry & Jan Trober

John Vernale & Marge

June 2006-2

Comments regarding Stuart Hyde’s Iwo

Jima campaign involving the USS Lowndes:

Don Lorenzi

Ed. Note: I can only express my

appreciation for the time and effort that Stuart

has extended on this very worthwhile project.

Both my daughter and son have requested a

copy of this book for their own personal library.

Thanks a bunch. Great reading. Super

undertaking by you, and will, I’m sure, be

greatly appreciated by you shipmates.

David Brinkman

Thank you so much for giving this your

best. The Lowndes crew and, especially, their

families, will really enjoy and be proud of this

work. Your job on the Lowndes didn’t end in

December of 1945. You’ve done so much,

now, to make her and her departed crew live

on. Stuart has done an outstanding job putting

together the reunion group’s recollections,

official documents, and Naval history together

with some of his own recollections and

observations from that time. Complete, and in

order, and very educational. The way he ties it

all together with world history (like the pre-war

Japanese build-up) really completes the picture

for the younger generations. Every family

should have a copy of this. I’m hoping Stuart

will continue with more chapters about the

Lowndes activities following Okinawa. I know

he’s thinking about doing a re-write of the

Okinawa chapter to make it fit better with this

Iwo Jima section. What a book all of this would

make. When I look at other WWII ship reunion

groups I realize how fortunate we are to have

something like this at this point in time. All the

work that has been done and the contributions

of the reunion crew have made this possible.

Most ship’s histories and stories will be, for all

practical purposes, completely lost in the next

two decades. Not the Lowndes.

Mitcheii Chasteen

Stuart, I have just finished reading your

book and, needless to say. It brought back

memories. Thanks for taking the time and effort

to put all of this campaign into something

readable. Many of us will profit (not financially,

but in knowledge) because of your efforts.

Don Furth

Your narrative history arrived late last

week just before leaving on a trip. This week I

found some time and devoured it in a single

sitting. Both one son and one grandson have

expressed a strong desire to read it, so you will

have satisfied a lot of our family with your

scholarship.

Leo O’Brien

Thank you very much for the manuscript

relating to the history of the USS Lowndes. It

certainly brought back many memories. I think

you did a fine job and it certainly was a labor of

love.

Rena Jean Middough

Don’t forget to send a copy to the WWII

collection at the Library of Congress.

Stuart Hyde

It will be noted that some things (mainly

orders and diagrams of ship and small boat

locations and movements) which I felt would be

a drag for “outsiders,” but might have some

special meaning for shipmates.

Margaret McGrody

For health reasons - it looks like my

traveling days are about over. Thanks for

including me in your communication over the

years. Sending a little to help towards

expenses, postage, etc.

Don Furth reports that the downpour in

Maine was significant in the southernmost

county, but they are 4 or 5 hours northeast of

that and there was no flooding in his area.

June 2006-3

Bernard Tracz

It’s been a long time for me to keep up

with the USS Lowndes reunions but the

reasons are sad. For the past four years I have

an arthritic hip. I was going to have an

operation on it but in only my left leg. I had or I

should say they found a blood clot in it and

couldn’t operate. I walk with a walker or cane

and do very good with them. It’s the left leg so

it doesn’t stop me from driving - thank

goodness. Use the stairs for exercise. I still

paint pictures by the numbers and I’m very

good at it. Keeps me busy and passes the time

nicely. Want to say hello to my ex shipmates

and still remember sailing the ocean with all of

them.

Jack Lotsey

Just a bit of personal information that

gives me great pride. Received a “Certificate of

Consideration” from the Department of

Defense on October 17, 1996 and a “certificate

of Special Congressional Recognition” from

Congressman Ander Crenshaw and Rear

Admiral Annette Brown. Why the delayed

action?

Congratulations Jack. Sorry I neglected

to mention this in the March 2006 newsletter.

John Vernal©

Spent January and part of April in Fort

Pierce, Florida. Mary and I plan to leave for

Seattle August 16. Looking forward to seeing

everybody at the reunion.

Lorene Stratton

Belated Christmas Greetings, sorry I

was not able to send out cards this year. Nov.

20^th I fell and broke my hip. I’m doing fine using

a cane. We did not get to be with our family for

Thanksgiving or Christmas. Most of the family

came to help me out off and on. Dallas is a

great help. He still does play soft ball twice a

week in Ocala.

Jenny Teixeira

couple of friends out that way so maybe I’ll be

able to talk him into going as well. I promise I

won’t be late for the group photos.

David Brinkman

This was written in the ship’s log on

January 1^st, 1946.

We hope we’re out this fall.

With the guys out of whack

We are steaming on the track

From San Francisco, U.S.A.

To historic old Manila Bay.

C.T.G. sixteen - point - one - two

Ordered this ship to sail the blue.

Dispatch one fifty - four forty - six

Sent the Lowndes out to the sticks.

ComWesSeaFron sent us to sea

With movement order eleven five three.

December twenty - seventh was the date,

He modified it with dispatch nineteen fifty eight.

Both the boilers are on line.

Running lights are burning fine.

239 % is the gyro direction,

With the following corrections:

246 is the check we got.

73 turns deep the snipes a workin’,

And 16.5 knots keep the ship a jerkin’.

Condition BAKER throughout is set.

Peace and quiet reign, I’ll bet.

Happy New Year to one and all.

H. D. Moore, Lieutenant, USNR

I wonder if Mr. Moore remembers this

one?

Lebby Dyer

\Ne were going to attend the Seattle reunion

but after looking at the travel times from West

Palm Beach, FL we felt it was just too much for

us. So will take a pass this year. John cannot

stand for a long time and his last sick spell has

set him back a lot and he tires very easily. We

just celebrated a surprise 79th birthday party

for him with 42 friends. We will go to Indiana in

July for two weeks. Will fly otherwise I have to

do all the driving now. The kids think I should

not drive it alone, they think I’m getting old. HA!

Will miss you and John. Take care.

I’m excited to go to the Seattle reunion,

I’ve always wanted to visit that city. Tex has a

June 2006-4

Howard D. Chappell

Bom March 26, 1919 in Wampum, PA and passed away April 23, 2006.

Military service performed by the Veteran Honor Guard. Enlisted in the Navy March

1944 at New Castle, PA. Came aboard the Lowndes during commissioning on

September 14, 1944 at Astoria, Oregon as a Fireman 1c. He became a Plank

Owner on that date. Watch station was in the boiler room and his General Quarters

station was smoke watch topside on the fan tail. He left the Lowndes in

Portsmouth, VA as WT2c in May 1946. Later assignments were on the U.S.S. Cod

(SS-224), Separation Station, Bainbridge, MD. Last active duty June 6, 1946 on

the U.S.S. Cord. Married Lois January 21, 1946. As a civilian he was employed at

the East Works of Babcock & Wilcox Steel Company for 38 years, 33 as a

supervisor until his retirement on June 30, 1985. Enjoyed camping, fishing, big

game hunting, golf and traveling and was an avid sports fan. He was a former little

league coach. Member of the Wampum Lions Club and Chewton and New Beaver

volunteer fire department. Survived by his wife of 59 years, 6 children, 10 grand

children and 5 great-grandchildren.

June 2006-5

ATTENTION ALL HANDS!

USS LOWNDES 2006 REUNION

Seattle/Renton, WA ~ August 17^th-20^th, 2006

The USS Lowndes 2006 Reunion will be held in the fabulous city of Seattle. During the last half of the 19th

century, Seattle grew to become a major port of call for ships plying the Pacific Coast The surrounding hills

and islands supplied thousands of shiploads of lumber and coal for California towns. Today, Seattle is a

leading leisure travel and convention destination, attracting more than eight million visitors a year. Lured by

Seattle’s mythic lifestyle, new residents from the U.S. and other parts of the world have boosted the city’s

population to nearly 570,000 and its metropolitan population to more than 2.5 million. The Port of Seattle is the

largest port in the Pacific Northwest, among the ten busiest container ports in the U.S., and its two luxury cruise

terminals host 150 sailings and 250,000 passengers each year. Reunion events include a Seattle City tour and

the opportunity to cruise on the protected waters of the Puget Sound on the Locks Sightseeing Cruise. You will

also have the opportunity to enjoy dinner aboard the Spirit of Washington Dinner Train; this is a wonderful

experience, and a great evening out with your friends and family.

The reunion officially begins on Thursday, August 17^th and the reunion ends Sunday, August 20^th. You will

be staying at the Holiday Inn Select Seattle-Renton located at One South Grady Way, Renton, WA 98055. The

website for info (not booking) purposes is (www.hiselect.com/rentonwa).

This full service hotel offers many amenities including a fitness center, a heated pool, a Jacuzzi, a full service on

site restaurant, lobby lounge as well as room service. You will receive a special 10% discount off breakfast at the

Yankee Grill and Roaster, the hotel’s on-site restaurant. The hotel was selected as the best value considering room

rate, inexpensive restaurant, free airport shuttle and free parking.

The room rate is just $89.00 plus tax per night (based on single or double occupancy). You may come in early

or stay late at the same rate based on availability. Please make your hotel reservations TODAY by calling the hotel

directly at (425)-226-7700 between 9-4 pm PST and ask for in-house reservations. Mention that you are with the

USS Lowndes Reunion to assure you are associated with your group. The hotel check-in time is 3:00pm. Please,

don’t expect to get into your room before then.

Please keep in mind that because Seattle is on Pacific Standard Time; you may experience jet lag. Consider

coming in a day early to adjust to the time change. Flights returning east leave early in the morning up until

early afternoon, and then not again generally until late evening - make your plans accordingly.

Make your hotel reservations NOW! You may cancel your hotel room later and not be charged. Due to the

popularity of this area the hotel may sell out - additional rooms will be more expensive. This room rate is valid

until the rooms are gone or July 7^th, 2006 whichever comes first. Ask the hotel for driving directions if needed.

Travel safely and we will....

See you in Seattle!

June 2006-6

USS LOWNDES 2006 REUNION EVENTS

EVENT A: SEATTLE CITY TOUR

Friday, August 18^th (9:00am-2:00pm)

This fabulous sightseeing trip is a must while visiting Seattle. As you board your luxury motor coach, your

professional tour guide will relate interesting anecdotes while you enjoy a "windshield” tour of Seattle with

several photo stops along the way. Some of the sites you will see include the Seattle downtown area, the

aircraft outside the WWII Flight Museum, Pioneer Square with its amazing Totem Poles, the sprawling

waterfront areas, residential neighborhoods, the government locks where salmon spawning can be watched, the

University of Washington, and many of the area’s floating bridges. You will then have the opportunity to

browse though the Pike Place Market, before heading to the bustling waterfront area for lunch and shopping on

your own.

EVENT B: SPECTACULAR DINNER TRAIN & COLUMBIA WINERY

Friday, August 18^th (6:00pm-10:00pm) **Space is limited to 48 for this tour

www.spiritofwashingtondinnertrain.comwww.columbiawinery.com

“All aboard” one of the most fascinating dining experiences ever created. You will take a short hotel shuttle

ride to the Train Station. Then embark on a wonderful evening full of nostalgia as you ride and dine in a

luxurious vintage rail car. You will dine on an elegant dinner as your train journeys along the shores of Lake

Washington and over the historic Wilburton Trestle to the Columbia Winery. The Columbia Winery is

Washington State’s first premium winery. Enjoy a guided tour and then a tasting of some the winery’s premier

wines. As your train returns to Renton, you will be served a delectable dessert. This is a wonderful opportunity

to see some of the area’s most beautiful scenery, while enjoying one of the greatest of railroad’s lost

experiences- the Dinner Train. Entree choices are Prime Rib or Oven Roasted Chicken Breast. Please make

your selection on your reservation form.

EVENT C: CRUISE THE LOCKS SIGHTSEEING CRUISE

Saturday, August 19^th (9:00am-l:00pm) W5vw.argosvcruises.com

Enjoy a spectacular cruise on the protected waters of Puget Sound through the city’s busiest waterway.

You’ll see floating home communities, hillside homes, docks and marinas -- all part of Seattle’s way of life. The

Locks were built in 1911, and all boats — pleasure craft, commercial ships and tugs towing log booms — must

transit the Locks to reach their destination. Up to 100,000 vessels go through each year. Cruising on to Elliott

Bay, you'll be fascinated by all the marine activity. To the west are the islands of Puget Sound and the

snowcapped Olympic Mountains. (Light snacks and beverages are available for purchase on board).

GALA BANQUET DINNER

Saturday, August 19^<h (7:00pm at the Holiday Inn)

Join all of your friends for your Gala Banquet Dinner at the Holiday Inn. Please make your entree selection on

your reservation form.

TOUR CANCELLATION INSURANCE

Should an emergency arise or you need to cancel your reunion meals or tour reservations for health or any

other reason, you can relax. With the purchase of this insurance you will be eligible for a full refund up until

three (3) days prior to the start of the reunion. If you need to cancel - please call our office immediately (817-

251-3551) for a cancellation number. If you have not purchased cancellation insurance all tour and meal money

is non-refundable 6 weeks prior to the reunion.

Note:

Tours may be cancelled if a minimum of 35 people per bus is not met. In this case, full refunds will be given.

Be sure to bring photo identification (like a driver’s license) on all events.

USS LOWNDES 2006 RESERVATION FORM

REGISTRATION FEE — Everyone Please Pay: {Fee is non-refundable} people at $10 p.p. = | I

EVENT A: Seattle City Tour:

Friday, August 18^th (9:00am-2:00pm)

EVENT B: Spectacular Dinner Train & Columbia Winery*,

Friday, August 18^th (6:00pm - 10:00pm)

SELECT*. Prime Rib

OR Oven Roast Chicken Breast

EVENT C: Cruise the Locks Sightseeing Cruise:

Saturday, August 19^th (9:00am- 1:00pm)

Gala Banquet Dinner

Saturday, August 19^th (7:00pm at the Holiday Inn Hotel)

SELECT'. Marinated Flank Steak

OR Chicken Marsala

Tour Cancellation Insurance: (Protect your money)

people at $35 p.p. -

people at $62 p.p. —

people at $62 p.p. =

people at $50 p.p. =

people at $34 p.p. =

people at $34 p.p. =

people at $8 p.p. =

TOTAL AMOUNT DUE $

»> PLEASE PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING:

Name: ___________ Spouse/Guest _______________

Address: _____ City St Zip--------------------------------------

Phone:(Home) E-Mail Address:

Emergency contact during the reunion:Ph:

Years Served 19 to 19 Rate:Rank:

»> Send this form with a check to:

Military Reunion Planners P.O. Box 1588, Colleyville, TX 76034

Reservations are due by July 7^th .Late reservations accepted on a space available basis with a $10 per person, late fee. You should

make a copy of this form for your records. For information call weekdays: 817-251-3551 or Email:

info@MilitaryReunionPlanners.com. Request for refunds must be made in writing and postmarked before due date above. No refunds

will be made after this date, unless you have purchased Tour Cancellation Insurance. There is a $5 per person refund processing fee.

Your cancelled check is your receipt and proof of purchase. There is a $25 return check fee for NSF. For a written confirmation,

please enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope. MRP will not be held liable for failure of vendors to provide contracted services,

or any injuries/accidents that may occur during the reunion. Sorry, no refunds will be given starting 3 days before the reunion for any

reason. Tours require a minimum of 35 people in order to operate.

Date Rec’d:

Check#

Amounts

XCL#