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July 2008 Newsletter Wm. “Bud” Kautz, CC&BW, 34782 Hiawatha Trail,
McHenry, IL 60051,(815)344-6326 |
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20th Annual Reunion will
be in San Francisco, CA. October 9, 10 & 11,2008. Be sure to mention the USS Lowndes
Reunion when making reservations at the Whitcomb
Hotel. Check in: 3:00 PM - Check Out: 12:00 PM Special prices will be in effect
3 days prior and 3 days after. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ The following have indicated attending the 20th
Lowndes Reunion In San Francisco, CA October 9,10 & 11, 2008: |
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Shen & Mary
Adams David,Odess & Jeremy Brinkman Cathy, Ashlee Brown
& Mike Johnson John & Lebby
Dyer Mike Dyer Joe & Loreta
Freitas Vernon &
Beverly Freitas Pam Hennessey & Jackie Minaghan *Dinner only |
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Stuart & Allie
Hyde Bill Kautz Bud & Jean
Kautz David & Joanne
Long Don & Shirley
Lorenzi Leo & Margaret
O’Brien Sam Petricelli
& JoMcCarthy Earl & Frances
Robertson |
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Roger & Lee
Solley John & Bridgett
Solley Bill & Amelia
Taylor *Jenny & Tex
Teixiera Jan Trober & Mary Gebhart John Vernale & Mary Fuggetta |
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++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ |
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The now-familiar
art deco design and International Red
color were chosen and construction began in 1933 and
was completed in 1937. Total length: Including
approaches, 1.7 miles. Width: 90 feet. Towers: 746 feet above the
water. Towers weigh 44,000 tons each and contain
600,000 rivets. Total weight of bridge is 887,000 tons.
The Golden Gate Bridge’s paint color is orange vermillion,
also called international orange. The bridge was fully
painted when it was built and then touched up for the
next 27 years. In 1965, the original paint was removed
because of corrosion and replaced with an inorganic
zinc silicate primer and an acrylic emulsion top coat,
a project that took 30 years. Today, painters touch up
the paint continuously. 38 painters work on the bridge,
along with 17 ironworkers who replace corroding
steel and rivets. Two main cables pass over the tops of
the main towers and are secured in concrete anchorages
at each end. Each cable is made of 27,572 strands
of wire. There are 80,000 miles of wire in the two main
cables, and it took over six months to spin them. Each
cable length is 7,260 feet and 36-3/8 inches in diameter. |
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For the past several years (?) I have looked forward to
receiving the U.S.S. Lowndes newsletter.
Congratulate for all the interest and effort
made. This April issue seemed of particular
interest. I wonder about the flag story and
just who the new owner is and what was the main
attraction to the flag. I, like David would
have been willing to have multiplied his
profits. I wish I could add something for Alan
Dahms -It rings a bell, but I cannot bring
anything into focus. It seems that our paths have
crossed after the Lowndes. Enclosed is
a token for dues and remind me of any
future needs. My main purpose in writing is
to establish a contact with Shen Adams. His
father, G. S. Adams, Jr. (Lt.jg.) and I
served together aboard the Lowndes. We shared a
stateroom (?) with Dean Martin and Al
Resetar. We made the landing at Iwo
together and also participated in the Okinawa 1, ’45
invasion. At the same time I felt that I
did know Stuart Hyde quite well. I never felt it
was possible to attend any of the reunions—Now I
regret those decisions. “Welcome aboard.
Have e-mailed Shen Adams’
address to Keith. Hope to see him in San Francisco in October.” Following is an invitation sent to Clint Eastwood
to attend our banquet: “To get right to the point, the men of the USS Lowndes
invite you to be the honored guest at
our banquet on October 11th,
2008. Our reunion this year will be held in the historic
Whitcomb Hotel on Market Street, San
Francisco. At our 2007 reunion in St. Louis, MO, you were the focus
of many of our discussions.
“Flags of Our Fathers” was, we agreed, the only
depiction of the Iwo Jima battle to show
this experience as we lived and remember it. We
thank you for bringing this campaign to the
public, most of whom |
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thought they knew
all about it from “Sands of Iwo Jima.” Here are a few details about our ship at Iwo Jima. The Lowndes, APA 154, transported 1,500 Marines and
Seabees from Saipan to Iwo Jima, and
began landing them on Yellow Beach II on
February 19, 1945. For several days, our
landing craft delivered reinforcements, as
well as food, fuel, ammunition, and
medical supplies to the beach, returning
with wounded Marines for treatment by our
small staff of surgeons and hospital corpsmen. We landed our
ship’s Beach Party on Dog-Day plus 1;
when we retrieved them on February 24, four
of our shipmates had been killed and
thirteen seriously wounded. On March 4, we
transported the Marine casualties
on Guam. Of the 321 injured men we
treated, only one died from his wounds. I enclose a copy
of a history of our ship at Iwo Jima.
On page 107, you’ll see a Joe Rosenthal
photo of one of our broached boats. It was
shown at the end of, “Flags of our Fathers. ” Stuart Hyde Lt. (jg),
USNR, Ret. Professor Emeritus,
Broadcast Communication Arts,
San Francisco State University. Reunion
planner for USS Lowndes Reunion in
San Francisco, Oct.9, 10 & 11, 2008. Ed’s note: Stuart also sent a photo of Clint Eastwood
with Ed. King taken during the filming of,
Escape From Alcatraz. ' Needless to say it
would be presumptuous of us to expect
him to accept our invitation, knowing he
probably receives many requests for his
presence to various functions. However
we certainly appreciate the effort made by
Stuart Hyde knowing it was a long shot
well worth pursuing. The package was
unopened and marked return to sender. Nothing
ventured nothing gained.” |
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Thanks for the notice that you have found me an Iwo Jima pin. Too bad you had to bribe me into writing a Lowndes war story to receive it. Somehow, some day I will get even. Don’t have any exciting war stories that I can recall. Being an Electrician’s Mate every time General Quarters was sounded my station was below decks in the Gyro room. The only communication with what was happening top side (when there was any real action) was what I heard over the sound powered phones we had to wear. Like planes and subs approaching X miles away - then after what at the time seemed like an eternity - the all clear would sound. Doesn’t make for an exciting war story but scared the hell out of me at time. However, I still enjoy listening and reading of the stories from our shipmates who were closer to the real action and looking at photos - they do bring back many forgotten moments aboard the Lowndes. I was, however, topside when the Jap plane toyed with us at Okinawa. Never saw so much flak - just like the movies. All that gunnery practice somehow never seemed to pay off. I also recall the slowly sinking sister ship next to us at Okinawa after being hit amidships by a Jap suicide plane. I did not witness the hit. Reflecting back on my life and the time spent on the Lowndes, given the chance I would do it all over again in a heart beat. This may be because I do not remember much. Hope to see you in Frisco. PS: Just been
informed that I have a 2nd cousin flying with the Blue Angels. 7s that all it
took to invoke a story from Don? Wonder what
needs to be done for the rest of the
Reunion members? I have no more Iwo Jima lapel pins. ” More about David Brinkman Because of all the
work with the USS Lowndes website and
(the nice award presented to him from
the Lowndes shipmates) |
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and the historical
archeology work done in researching the old
ferry and bridges on our river, the Explorer’s
Club has accepted him as a member. What
also helped was the fact that several local
members knew his dad, Fred Brinkman. (Fred
hosted the 1996 reunion in Myrtle
Beach, SC). Passed away in 1997.. |
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Explorer Club members were the
first to the North and
South Poles, first to the deepest trench in
the Pacific and the first to the Moon (Neil
Armstrong carried the Explorer’s flag to
the moon). Sir Edmond Hillary had been the
club’s Honorary Chairman. This
should lead to some interesting
activities in the future. |
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"As we all are aware of
David’s capabilities on
the Internet in doing research for our ship in
locating former crew members. Also please note
that his home address is 154. The house
that he and Odess had built is also located
on the river that caused his desire to do
research on the history of the ferry, etc.
Congratulations on the honor bestowed on you
David, you are deserving of it." |
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U.S.S. LOWNDES DAY In San Francisco! |
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Thanks for the notice that you have found me an Iwo Jima
pin. Too bad you had to bribe me into writing
a Lowndes war story to receive it. Somehow,
some day I will get even. Don’t have any
exciting war stories that I can recall. Being an
Electrician’s Mate every time General Quarters was
sounded my station was below decks in the
Gyro room. The only communication with
what was happening top side (when there was
any real action) was what I heard over the
sound powered phones we had to wear. Like
planes and subs approaching X miles
away - then after what at the time seemed like
an eternity - the all clear would sound. Doesn’t
make for an exciting war story but scared the
hell out of me at time. However, I still
enjoy listening and reading of the stories from our
shipmates who were closer to the real action
and looking at photos - they do bring back many
forgotten moments aboard the Lowndes. I was,
however, topside when the Jap plane toyed
with us at Okinawa. Never saw so much flak -
just like the movies. All that gunnery practice
somehow never seemed to pay off. I also
recall the slowly sinking sister ship next to us at
Okinawa after being hit amidships by a Jap
suicide plane. I did not witness the hit.
Reflecting back on my life and the time spent on the
Lowndes, given the chance I would do it
all over again in a heart beat. This may be
because I do not remember much. Hope to see you in Frisco. PS: Just been informed that I have a 2nd cousin flying with
the Blue Angels. “Is that all it took to invoke a story from Don? Wonder what
needs to be done for the rest of the
Reunion members? I have no more Iwo Jima lapel pins.” More about David
Brinkman Because of all the work with the USS Lowndes website and
(the nice award presented to him from
the Lowndes shipmates) |
|
and the historical
archeology work done in researching the old
ferry and bridges on our river, the Explorer’s
Club has accepted him as a member. What
also helped was the fact that several local
members knew his dad, Fred Brinkman. (Fred
hosted the 1996 reunion in Myrtle
Beach, SC). Passed away in 1997.. |
|
Explorer Club members were the first to the North and
South Poles, first to the deepest trench in
the Pacific and the first to the Moon (Neil
Armstrong carried the Explorer’s flag to
the moon). Sir Edmond Hillary had been the
club’s Honorary Chairman. This
should lead to some interesting
activities in the future. |
|
“As we all are aware of David’s capabilities on
the Internet in doing research for our ship in
locating former crew members. Also please note
that his home address is 154. The house
that he and Odess had built is also located
on the river that caused his desire to do
research on the history of the ferry, etc.
Congratulations on the honor bestowed on you
David, you are deserving of it.” |
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u.S.S. Lowndes Day In San Francisco! |
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There was a time when everything you owned had to fit in your seabag. Remember those nasty rascals? Fully packed, one of those suckers weighed more than the poor devil hauling it. The Army, Marines and Air Force got footlockers and we got a big ole’ canvas bag. Traveling with a seabag was something left over from the “Yo-ho-ho and a bottle of rum” sailing days. Sailors used to sleep in hammocks. So you stowed your issue in a big canvas bag and lashed your hammock to it, hoisted it on your shoulder and in effect moved your entire home and complete inventory of earthly possessions from ship to ship. Wouldn’t say you traveled light because it was a one-shoulder load that could torque your skeletal frame and bust your ankles. It was like hauling a dead linebacker. Do they still make seabags? Allen Roberson, Director of the South Carolina Confederate
Relic Room and Military Museum, was very
impressed with my Dad’s Iwo Jima letter and
said his Museum would be honored to hold and
preserve it. He also showed interest in my
Dad’s Carbine gun. I’m seriously thinking
about doing this since my health has declined
so much in the last year and I’d hate for
something like this to get lost in the huge collection
of things we have in our house. I also
mentioned the USS Lowndes ship model but he
didn’t seem that interested in it, probably because
it is not a real relic. By the way, the Confederate
Relic Room is the oldest Museum in Columbia
and is located in the same building as the
South Carolina State Museum which is the
largest Museum in the state. Here is what Mr. Reberson said, “I am very familiar with the Pacific Campaign, the battle
of Iwo Jima. Your father’s letter is one of the
best letters I have read about the battle and
I have read many! It captures everything
about the battle that I have ever read! David, you
must be exceedingly proud of his service
to his country.” |
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The model of the ship
was on display at the museum for almost
a year, but there is not enough space in the
Relic Room for it to be permanently on
display. As of this writing in is in David’s house
awaiting further decisions. I guess my memory is getting away from me now. I do remember
this but the Lowndes officer that wrote
the Lowndes narrative failed to list several crew
members being wounded on Iwo Jima. Sounds
like my Dad had his ear drums blown out also.
In his own words, “The beach was now loaded heavier more than ever with
casualties. Between each blast, someone could
be heard hollering ‘Corpsman’. Pierce
and I just lifted up our casualty to drag him
back to the beach when a direct hit blasted on
the wounded man, sinking him into the ground.
I didn’t know whether I was alive or not. I
was covered with sand, but managed to force my
way out. I don’t know why, but I wasn’t
even scratched by shrapnel from the blast.
However, I couldn’t hear a sound for the rest of
the day. The only way I knew a shell was
blasting was when someone fell or made a dive
for a hole. Meanwhile, Doc Eastham had received
a shell concussion from the blast. He wasn’t
hit either, but was so mentally affected
that we lost his services. Pierce received
numerous shrapnel wounds on his back, but we
evacuated him safely. Anderson was shot in
the foot by another shell. We also lost the
services of Gordon Buck who was wounded alongside
of one of our ammunition dumps
which the Japs hit. I see where Marcum,
BM1c was one of my Dad’s buddies. He
signed his autograph book and wrote, “Just
because you like it here, don’t ship over.” “Marcum shared a
foxhole with your editor until that
damn mortar raised havoc with the both of us at
midnight. He got shrapnel in his legs and my
ear drums were busted up. Marcum’s first
words were, “those SOB’s woke me up.” Last
address I had for him was in Montana, then lost touch.” “Hang in there
David, we need you.” |
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Below is a newspaper
article about the donation of Fred Brinkman’s gun and letter to
the museum: Museum
Receives WWII Weapon By Rachel H.
Cockrell, Registrar The Collections
Department is in the process of accessioning a WW II weapon with a
wonderful story behind it. The M-1 carbine carried on the beach at Iwo Jima by
a 19-year old Navy corpsman is being donated by the original owner’s
son David Brinkman. |
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Fred Brinkman,
Pharmacist’s Mate 2nd Class, went ashore at Iwo Jima on D-Day+1 and
remained for four days tending to the wounded under fire and with
no rest. He and two other corpsmen were the only unwounded survivors
out of a medical section of nine from the USS Lowndes. He had worked out with the Marines in preparation for
the invasion, and
credited that physical training with giving him the stamina necessary to his
survival during those terrible four days. Brinkman wrote his family a
40-page letter detailing his experiences during the Iwo Jima battle. A facsimile
and transcript of the letter are posted on the USS Lowndes website maintained by Brinkman’s son, David. The
original of the letter is also
being donated to the Relic Room. |
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In later years Fred
Brinkman was the Director of the SC Department of Parks, Recreation
and Tourism from 1973-1991. He died in 1997. The Museum is delighted
to be the permanent repository of these reminders of his service in
WWII. |
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A belated thank you
to Stan Dunn for the beautiful floral arrangements that
he sends from Hawaii to brighten up our reunions. A reminder to the
rest of the Reunion Group, how about putting on our thinking caps
to come up with a location for our 2009 Reunion? Bearing in mind
that Milwaukee was runner up to San Francisco. I make mention of this
merely to get the ball rolling for discussion at our business meeting in SF.
Naturally we welcome any and all suggestions brought up before the members. |
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Average temperature in October is
high 69° & low 55° |
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July 2008-7 |
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Complete and mail this entire form with check payable to: LOWNDES-APA 154 (Wm. “Bud” Kautz) 347823 Hiawatha Trail - McHenry, IL 60051 e-mail<redlabelbuddha@comcast.net> Registration Fee - Everyone Please pay:
people @ $10.00 p.p.= $
(Non-refundable) Fee to help defray
the cost of the hospitality room, etc. Unfortunately the
hotel has placed a charge on the room which will be
available our entire stay. Wednesday
- Oct 8th - Hospitality Suite
(Room 745) will be open at posted hours. Nothing planned for
this evening, but you may want to enjoy a night on the town, or dinner at one Of San Francisco’s
famous restaurants. THURSDAY
- Oct 9th Event A - Check in
& Registration, Continental breakfast in Hospitality Suite, Room 745, 7:00 PM to
9:00 PM. Free day for resting or planning individual or small group sight
seeing On your own.
Informal get-together in Hospitality Room 4:00 PM to 6:00PM. |
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Friday - Oct 10th
Event B - Blue Angels air show. 10:20 AM
- 3:30 PM. We have reserved Seats at the Marina Green
site of the Fleet Week headquarters. Cost p.p. @ $25.00= $
(Includes
Box Lunch). Hospitality Room 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM. |
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Saturday - Oct 11th
Event C - San Francisco City & Bay
Cruise Tour, 8:15 AM - 2:30 PM Cost p.p. @$59.00=$
5:00-6:00 PM Photo Session
(Uglies & Lovelies) Hospitality Room 6:00 - 7:00
PM - Business meeting. Banquet Dinner: 7:00 P (at
hotel) New York Steak p.p. @ $37.00 = $
Chicken Marsala p.p. @
$31.00 = $
Wild Mushroom Raviola @
$31.00 = $
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TOTAL AMOUNT DUE: (This includes gratuities & taxes) |
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PLEASE PROVIDE
THE FOLLOWING & return form by August 20th. Thank you Name: Spouse/Guest Address, City, State, Zip
Emergency contact during reunion: Phone: Reservations are
due by Aug. 20, 2008. Late reservations accepted on space available basis with $10.00 per
person late fee. Retain a copy for your records. Stuart has arranged
for the Blue Stars of the USS Hornet singers to entertain us during our Banquet. They will
sing old time favorites from the era of our crew members. Sunday
- Oct. 12th A full American
breakfast will be available in the hotel. $20.00 Any questions?
Stuart Hyde’s e mail: <stuarthyde@comcast.net> |