Nov. 2006-1

U.S.S. LOWNDES - APA154

NOVEMBER NEWSLETTER

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

e mail: redlabelbuddha@comcast.net

At the business meeting in Seattle, WA it was voted to have our

Nineteenth Reunion in St. Louis, MO (Show me state) during October 2007.

Details & dates, etc. to follow in future issues of the newsletter as they become available

From Jan Trober A Angela Turin who have handled previous reunions very successfully.

Please note the change in your editor's e mail address.

St. Louis, MO has been known throughout history as the “Gateway to the West".

Denoted by the 17,00 ton 630 foot stainless steel arch.

Founded by the French in 1764 as a fur trading post.

Missouri means “Town of the Large Canoe" Originated as a territory June 4,1812 and entered

the Union August 10,1821. Jefferson City is the state Capital.

Of special interest the peace treat with Japan was officially signed On the Battleship

Missouri - BB 63 on September 2,1945. Incidently, your editor's birthday.

Also home of the St. Louis Cardinal baseball and St Louis Rams football teams.

Known as the birth place of Harry S. Truman our 33^rd president.

On a historical aspect regarding Missouri it has been noted that from 1875 to 1882

Jesse A frank James, outlaws made the state a wee bit notorious for

their numerous bank robberies and train hold ups.

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

Nov. 2006-2

Stuart Hyde

Well, Bud, you really surprised me! When

I went to the banquet, my hopes were to share

some good stories with shipmates, enjoy seeing

everyone duded up, have a good meal and, if

there was an opportunity that wouldn’t interfere

with the event, ask if anyone wanted to order a

copy of “Operation Detachment.” I spent a lot of

time listening to sea stories told by my table

mates, some of which really blew me away - like

the one about how the below decks gang

regularly raided the officers’ pantry of shrimp,

steaks, ice cream and other delicacies THEN,

you got up and shocked the heck out of me with

the award and plaque. I was left almost

speechless and my comments were rather

scattered and ill-phrased, but I was deeply

moved. I write this to thank you for your

generous remarks and what a pleasure it was to

finally meet you face to face after 62 years. If I

as a Johnny-come -lately added anything to

what you, David Brinkman, and many others

have recorded. Many contributions to the

preservation of a ship that lived but a few years.

Her active life, from commissioning until

decommissioning, numbered only 453 days-less

than a 1-1/2 years, but those days left their mark

on some 550 enlisted men and officers for life;

and, after the war, another thousand or more

relatives, including parents, siblings, wives,

children, and now grandchildren, I have been

touched and in some ways, changed, because

of the Lowndes’ experiences communicated to

them through the newsletters, websites, and the

reunions. Allie and I enjoyed meeting your

family; those girls are somethin’ else! I hope you

had a pleasant trip home. See page 3 for book.

Ed. Note: You can tell that Stuart has a

teacher's way with words. Thank you.

STUART W. HYDE

In epprec’Etior. far dbtaatentm$

The USS lawndes - A? A '54

Participation :r. the Iwo -Jiste Canpaign

February/!,’arch ‘.$43

Your Proud Shipmates

Pam Hennessey

The reason behind the bracelets I gave

the men is that several people I know working

for the phone companies started raising money

to send care packages to soldiers in

Iraq/Afganistan. I admired the bracelet one of

them was wearing. I don’t know if they started

out knowing all the service people they send to

or how they choose them, but the money they

raise selling the red. White, and blue bracelets

Passed out the men basically goes toward the

postage to send their care packages. The pink

ones I purchased are to honor those who have

suffered from breast cancer and the proceeds

goes toward breast cancer research.

Ed. Note: Thank you Pam for your

dedication to worthwhile causes.

Leo O’Brien

\Ne enjoyed our reunion in Seattle, WA

very much. Even though it was small it was

good to see our shipmates and wives and two

new members to the reunion. It makes you

proud to be a part of the “Greatest Generation.”

As usual Jan and Perry and Angela did a

marvelous job, Jan was able to handle any

problem that came up and she did it with a

smile. It was a pleasant surprise to have Dr.

Dunbar’s son and grandson make an

appearance at the banquet. It was interesting

to talk to Stuart Hyde on the boat ride and to

get a slant on some of his experiences on the

Lowndes. Margaret and I were glad to have our

sons, Neil and Gerry present at the banquet

along with Gerry’s wife, Alanna. I think they got

a good feeling for some of what we

experienced on board ship. Also was happy to

get some more input from David and Odess

Brinkman about the Lowndes. And as usual,

we missed some of our old friends from

previous reunions. We hope all is well with

Jean, She looked good coming and going, but

it was the in between that did her in. See you

all in St. Louis, the good Lord willing.

Ed note: Thanks, Leo for your concern.

All is well now. Too bad we had to move to

three different rooms before getting settled.

Nov. 2006-3

Lorene Stratton

We hope you had a good reunion in

Seattle. Sorry we had to miss the reunion. I

was doing real well with my new hip, but a

couple of weeks ago I slipped in the kitchen

and hurt my back. Thank God I did not break

anything. The last time we were in South

Carolina I called David Brinkman. He and his

family came out to eat with us. We enjoy the

newsletter. I leave it on the counter and I see

Dallas reading it from time to time, it keeps him

informed Dallas plays softball twice a week in

Ocala. He’s going to play this fall - after that I

don’t know. He is 83 years old. We had our

63^rd anniversary August 4^th. Trust all are doing

OK.

Sterling L. Hornsby

My Welma’s health prevents us from

traveling and as you can see , don’t write very

well either. I do enjoy the newsletter and,

enjoyed Mr. Hyde’s book and was amazed at

the pin point accuracy in locating the Beach

Parties and boat landing s on Iwo Jima. I wish

all smooth sailing into the sunset.

Joe & Loreta Freitas

\Ne were sorry to hear about Ed. King,

Joe and I took him to his first reunion in San

Diego and was glad to have him with us. He

was a very nice person, too bad he had to

have the old habit of smoking.

Bill Robinson

Just a note to say thanks for the U.S.8.

Lowndes newsletter. I’ve enjoyed reading it.

I’m enclosing a check to help cover a little of

the expenses. My wife and I were able to

attend some reunions in the past and enjoyed

them very much. Unfortunately, I am unable to

attend now due to health problems. I am

currently at my daughter’s home so she can

give me some help. My thoughts and prayers

go with you all. New address & phone:

6271 Union Ave.

Alliance, OH 44601

(330)823-6036

Jenny Teixeira

Just wanted to let everyone know what

a wonderful time I had in Seattle with everyone

from the Lowndes reunion. It was a treat to

experience Seattle in such great company. I

appreciate that family is able to be involved in

the reunions. I have a tremendous amount of

respect and gratitude to everyone who has

served our country in times of need. I would

also like to thank Jan and Angie for all the hard

work in making the reunion what it is....a great

success. I hope to see everyone next year.

Ed. note: “Operation Detachment” the

book that Stuart Hyde has cited the Lowndes

Iwo Jima participation is available from Stuart

at a cost of $17.00 and in my opinion is well

worth the price. I highly recommend it. Contact

him at:

<stuarthyde@comcast. net>

Or: 586 Chapman Dr.

Code Madera, CA 94925

(415)924-9467

It's been said that he loses money but

makes up for it on volume. Go for it.

Have been informed that Arthur Rauseo

has USS Lowndes caps available. Cost:

$12.00. He can be contacted at:

<mmra useo© verizon. net>

Or: 76 Central St.

Georgetown, MA 01833

(978)352-8252

Don Furth

We have moved about 100 miles Down

East from where we were and live in a family

compound with more family members and near

other family members, including 3 great

grandchildren. Life is good. New address:

143 Timber Cove Road

Trescott, ME 04652

In 1775 the Continental Congress

ordered construction of a naval fleet, thereby

launching the Navy.

Nov. 2006-4

Joyce Perdue

New Military Vessel! This bit of news

brought out some pretty strong feelings for

a lot of folks........

GOD BLESS AMERICA

USS NEW YORK

With a year to go before it even touches

the water, the Navy’s amphibious assault ship

USS New York has already made history. It

was built with 24 tons of scrap steel from the

World Trade Center.

USS New York is about 45 percent

complete and should be ready for launch in

mid-2007. Katrina disrupted construction when

it pounded the Gulf Coast last summer, but the

684-foot vessel escaped serious damage, and

workers were back at the yard near New

Orleans two weeks after the storm.

It is the fifth in a new class of warship -

designed for missions that include special

operations against terrorists. It will carry a crew

of 360 sailors and 700 combat-ready Marines

to be delivered ashore by helicopters and

assault craft.

“It would be fitting if the first mission this

ship would go on is to make sure that bin

Laden is taken out, his terrorist organization is

taken out,” said Glenn Clement, a paint

foreman. He came through the back door and

knocked our towers down and (the New York)

is coming right through the front door, and we

want them to know that.

Steel from the World Trade Center was

melted down in a foundry in Amite, LA to cast

the ship’s bow section. When it was poured

into the molds on Sept. 9, 2003, “those big

rough steelworkers treated it with total

reverence, ‘recalled navy Capt. Kevin

Wenseng, who was there. “It was a spiritual

moment for everybody there.”

Junior Chavers, foundry operations

manager, said that when the Trade Center

steel first arrived, he touched it with his hand

and the “hair on my neck stood up.” It had a big

meaning to it all for us,” he said. “They

knocked us down. They can’t keep us down.

We’re going to be back.

Ed. note: I have received much

information from Charles G. Perdue regarding

his Dad, Our Captain and his experiences. I

will insert that info in newsletters from time to

time.

John Vernale

Mary and I returned from Sicily several

weeks ago, believe me, it took two weeks to

feel normal again. We were having dinner at 9,

10 & 11 at night, it’ds the custom out there to

eat late. The way they drive a car is really

crazy. We had a wonderful time in Seattle,

hope to see all in St. Louis, MO.

Thanks, John for that Euro dollar I

asked you to bring back for me. I won’t be able

to spend it, but did have plans for it. Will clue

you in on that later.

It was great having the son and

grandson of Lt. Dunbar pay us a visit at our

banquet. Grandson was wearing the dog tags

Lt. wore while serving in WWII on the

Lowndes.

As reported in the Georgetown Record:

“Rauseo honored by Light Department.”

When people say that Arthur Rauseo

lights up a room, they mean it literally.

Long Georgetown resident was recently

awarded the Commissioners Award for his 15

years of service as commissioner. He also

served with the Central Fire Company for 50

years, with every fire chiefs. He survived a

heart attack, and decided to continue as light

commissioner. Over the last 15 years, he

participated in the completion of the overhead

electric system of the town, two new

substations, an office building for the Light

Department and construction of the

department’s equipment.

Way to go Arthur, Congratulations.

Nov. 2006-5

Jan Trober

I am so happy that I was able to

coordinate another successful reunion for the

members, family and friends of the USS

LOWNDES. It has been my pleasure to be able

to do this for my Father and his shipmates. It

has brought great joy to me personally to meet

and visit with all that attend and have over the

years. Seattle is a wonderful city with its busy

waterfront and market place. The weather was

absolutely beautiful for our stay. I can see why

so many people have moved there. The

climate of 40 to 90 degrees all year around is

very attractive. I’m not sure I understand the

thinking of the builders in the city. Building on a

hillside where you need retainer walls to keep

the homes from sliding to the waters’ edge is a

bit odd. Nut I have to say some of those homes

we saw on the bus tour were almost as breath

taking as the mountains we saw off Puget

Sound when we took the boat tour. And seeing

the salmon was unbelievable. I never realized

they were that big of a fish. They are actually

the size of the tall fish tales I always hear. And

speaking of wildlife, I am not sure if any others

knew this about our stay in Seattle but there

was a “bear scare” and a “cougar relocation”

while we were there. Now that doesn’t happen

everyday where I come from, in fact it doesn’t

happen at all. While in Seattle, we purchased

Rainer Beer, the local area brew. My Dad said

he remembers it very well and he said that with

a devilish smile. He said it was the beer served

at any establishment when you were on shore

leave. He got a big kick out of me calling it

“Reindeer Beer”. I am looking forward to next

year’s reunion when we meet in St Louis. I

have already started my internet search for the

sights and sounds of the area of the country I

call home. I know by the time 2007 rolls around

I would have found interesting things that are

unique to St. Louis and its surrounding area to

share with all.

Ed. Note: I’m sure Jan and Angela will

do another bang up job in 2007. Will be looking

forward to it. In 1989 we had our very first

reunion in St. Louis. Many interesting sights to

be seen in the area.

Angela Turin

Bud, I have some pictures I will send

you from the boat tour. I am sorry you and

Jean missed it but I am happy she is better.

When we went on the underground tour of the

city it was quite interesting to see how Seattle

came about, it sure does have a unique past.

The tour by bus was a lot of the same info we

got on the underground tour, except the fish

hatchery was cool. The most fun for me was

the boat view of the city. The train was pretty

neat, the food was not so good, I had chicken. I

did have a nice time with Stan Dunn, he was

my dinner partner, he is a pretty cool guy. I

hope this helps and thanks for letting me be a

part of this reunion. I am truly honored to be

involved in it.

Ed. note: You are always welcome to be

part of the Lowndes Reunion group. As most

are aware, Angela worked hand in hand with

Jan in organizing the Seattle Reunion and did

a terrific job too.

Pam Hennessey

We had a great time getting together

with everyone and thought the tours were very

good.

Ed. note: Pam and Jenny sent a lot of

photos to take the place of the ones that I was

unable to take and they will be inserted into our

annual album for viewing at the next reunion in

St. Louis, MO., thanks kids.

Bill Fletcher

I’m sending some printing and mailing

funds so as hopefully to continue receiving the

newsletter. I’m in the 3^rd year of efforts to help

build an historic park in Angleton, Texas.

Those of you from Texas may be interested in

our web site: <www.stephen faustin.orq> On

November 3^rd we will celebrate Stephen F.

Austin’s 213^th birthday at our new visitors

center on the park site. All are invited. E mail:

<bkfletcher2Q0Q@hotmail.com>

Cell phone: (979)549-1339

Nov. 2006-6

David Brinkman

We had a great time except for losing

our baggage and laptop, but they were

returned 2 us at 2 AM in the morning on

August 22^nd. After learning what happened to

Ellis Morton, I decided to try another lookup on

Ancestry.com and hit the jackpot. Apparently,

they just added all the newspaper articles for

the WA town where the Mortons lived. Ellis

ended up having 10 brothers and sisters with

the youngest 53 years old. I think I have the

current addresses for three of the brothers. I’m

certain about one of them because a 1960’s

article gave his and his wife’s name: Donald G.

Morton and his wife Lavonne which I found in

the city directory for a town where the family

lived during WW II. I will write letters to all that I

have addresses and see if I can inform the

family of the Lowndes Reunion Group and

Web sites. Odess and I saw Flags again and I

was right the first time I saw it. The Lowndes

boat PA154-21 is shown toward the end of the

credits. The movie was even better the second

time. Clint Eastwood signed a copy of the

Flags movie poster for our little boy (Jeremy).

That was in appreciation for the help we are

providing from the info on the Lowndes web

site which may be used in the Flags DVD. For

those that do not know, the APA ships/sets in

the Flags movie were designed based on a

visit of the Flags movie crew to the USS Gage

(APA-168). The movie crew has also been

using the Lowndes web site and I just provided

them with audio files (from WWII news casts

about the Iwo Jima battle) and video we put

together from the Bayfield (APA-33) films from

Iwo Jima. I’ve been helping a member (Liz

Radley) of Clint’s crew get some Iwo Jima live

news audio broadcasts which they are hoping

to use in some extra features that will be on the

“Flags” DVD. Liz offered to send us a poster

and I asked her to sign it. She ended up getting

Clint to sign it. The Flags crew is in post

production now for the second Iwo Jima film

titled, “Letters from Iwo Jima”. This will be

released in February. I really thought I would

be disappointed at what Flags would be able to

do reproducing this on an Island in Iceland.

Instead, I was blown away with the image of

the island and Navy Fleet and the firing onto

Mount Suribachi. How about you guys that

were there? What did you think of the Iwo

scenes? I also heard from Leo O’Brien. He saw

the movie and thought the Iwo Jima recreation

was very realistic. Jeremy liked the movie .

Every time he saw a corpsman, he would ask

me if that was grandpa. I recently read that

many of the photos (shown during the credits)

were used to create the scene with Bradley

helping based on a well known photo. I want to

see the movie a third time to see if they have a

scene similar to the boat21 picture. I might

have to wait for the DVD so I can go through it

frame by frame.

Ed. note: I only have this to add, David

sure has a way with being able to gamer so

much information that to this poor soul it’s

absolutely mind boggling. Regarding Ellis

Morton, David found out the hard way during

our reunion when he visited the grave site.

($62.00 cab fare). David has been and still is

tracking down former crew members, be it by

phone or on the computer. He is doing a

fantastic job and I’m sure he will keep us

informed on the progress.

Jan Trober

A Navy cook gave this recipe to me.

thought the guys might remember this meal.

He said it was an old standard. I think my Dad

had another name for this “old standard” but he

wasn’t supposed to use it around us girls when

I was growing up.

Creamed Slice Dried Beef

7 pounds beef, dried, sliced

5 gallons milk

2 pound of melted fat

2-1/2 pounds flour

¹/₂ ounce pepper

¹/₂ ounce salt

100 slices, toasted white bread

Cut beef into small pieces. Heat milk to

boiling. Blend in fat & flour to a smooth paste &

stir in milk. Cook, stirring constantly until

thickened. Add pepper & salt & stir in beef.

Simmer 10 min. & serve over toast Serves 100.

Michalski served this in San Antonio, Tx ’95 reunion.

Oct. 2006-7

TAPS

Edward LeRoy King, Jr.

Harold D. Brunner

Clint Eastwood & Ed. King

“Escape From Alcatraz”

1989 St. Louis, MO Reunion

Born August 26, 1927 at Fort Bragg,

CA. Passed away June 7^th, 2006. The

asbestos poison went to his lungs causing

cancer. Memorial services were held at Auburn

Trails Clubhouse, a community he lived in and

was a part of on July 16, 2006. Survivors

include 6 children, 15 grandchildren and 3

great grandchildren. Enlisted in the Navy on

April 15, 1944 at San Francisco, CA and

boarded the USS Lowndes at Astoria, OR as a

coxswain. He was one of the youngest

members of the crew and also a Plank Owner.

Left the Lowndes February 1946. Last active

duty was at Shoemaker, CA February 14,

1946. While serving on the Lowndes his watch

station was 40mm gun turret on the bow and

G.Q. station on boat #20. As a coxswain he

participated in the Iwo Jima landings, also

manned the smoke boat off the shore of

Okinawa in preparation of the invasion of that

island in 1945. In civilian life he spent 5 years

as a hard hat diver and loft rigger for the Navy

Department at Mare Island Navy Yard in

Vallejo, CA. Ferry boat and tug boat captain

docking ships and sea going tugs with Crowey

Maritime Corp, for 27 years until retiring.

Born in Amazonia, MO November 17,

1919, passed away June 15, 2006, interred

with full Military Honors. Also a member of the

Masons. Survivors include 2 children, 5

grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.

Joined the Navy April 25, 1944 at Fort

Leavenworth, KS. Came aboard the Lowndes

September 14, 1944 as a Machinists Mate and

was a Plank Owner. He stood throttle watch in

the engine room. No.3 generator room was his

G.Q. station. Last active duty in Norfolk, VA as

a MM2c. Leaving the Lowndes on March 4^th,

1946, receiving an honorable discharge. As a

civilian he worked as a machinists/millwright for

Swift & Co in St. Joseph, MO for 28-1/2 years.

12 years night shift/days for contractor laying

bricks and blocks. Last 16-1/2 years farmed,

working 5 AM ‘til 1 PM at Swift & Co., Head

millwright in cattle kill department. Farmed 420

acres, St. Joseph plant closed November

1971. Then went into full time farming &

feeding 1200 hogs year around, 100 head of

stock cattle and registered Herefords, bought

feeder cattle and feed out plus calves he

raised.

Nov. 2006-8

E. Max Cole

TAPS

Bom October 21, 1915, at Topeka,

Kansas, passed away July 16, 2006 after a

short battle with cancer. He was buried

with full military honors in his home town of

Springfield, Missouri on Friday July 2^nd,

2006. Joined the Navy August 1942 at

Notre Dame, Terre Haute, Indiana. Then

boarded the Lowndes September 14, 1944

as A Lt. jg. Also becoming a Plank Owner

on that date. Watch and G.Q . stations in

communications. Left the Lowndes

October 24, 1945 in San Francisco, CA as

a full Lt. Then went into inactive reserves.

In civilian life he was a featured actor in

Hollywood in 1946. Also in that year was a

-DJ for 9 years on WOV in New York City.

’57 to ’59 radio station WNYC, ’60 to

77 Chief announcer and jazz impresario

on station WRVR. His “Just Jazz” and

“More Jazz” were very popular programs

with the WRVR listening audiences. He

also covered the Dr. King’s “I have a

Dream” speech in 1963. He vividly

remembers the day an WRVR reporter was

kicked out of a secret KKK meeting for

having a tape recorder. Even after the

station was sold in 1977, Max continued to

serve as producer and voice of the Sunday

service heard on WLTW Lite FM, as a one

week delayed broadcast at 5 a.m. every

Sunday morning.

Rosenberg A. Risa, Jr.

Born July 31, 1926 Del Rio and

passed away May 15, 2006 at his

residence in Uvalde, Texas. He married

Juventina Reyes on June 18, 1950 in

Uvalde. He is survived by his wife of 55

years, four daughters, two sons, 17

grandchildren nine great-grandchildren.

Ed. note: No information available

regarding his service aboard the Lowndes

other than that he boarded the ship

September 15, 1944 and left April 17,

1946.

2007 ANNUAL DUES - U.S.S. LOWNDES -APA 154 REUNION GROUP

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