Aug. 2002

U. S.S. LOWNDES - APA 154

August 2002 Newsletter

Wm. "Bud" Kautz. CCBW- 34782 Hiawatha Trail, McHenry, IL 60050 (815)344-6326 e-mail REDLABELBUDDHA@aol.com

Don't forget, when checking with the Indianapolis Athletic Club for reservations be sure to mention the U.S.S. Lowndes reunion to obtain the special rate. Special rate of $80.00 will apply for 3 days before and 3 days after.

A Continental breakfast is available at the club on Sunday at no charge.

There is no shuttle service provided by the Indianapolis Athletic Club. There is a private shuttle at the Cary Indiana Transportation booth located in the ground transportation center. There are also taxis available at the airport. The club is approximately 12 miles from the airport. If there is anyone needing a wheel chair, please let us know, so arrangements can be made.

For early arrivals on Wednesday, Oct. 16^th Jackie Umbarger will arrange for a tour of Brown County, a unique and colorful scenic area to visit in the fall. It is a delight to see the beautiful foliage in the hills and hollows of Nashville, IN. There are many good places to eat, all you need bring is lunch money. She has forwarded a brochure and it looks to be an interesting area. Jackie can take 5 people and if there are more, arrangements can be made. The trip can be for either a V-s. or full day. This can take place a day before the reunion, best to drop Jackie a line to let her know your intentions. Some of the points of interest are:

Brown County Antique Mall

Brown County Antique Market

Westward Ho Flea Market

Faerie Hollow Pottery

A Glass Menagrie

Fearrinn's Ice Cream & Yogurt

Jack & Jill Nut Shop

Brown County Historical Society

Olde Time Flea Market Brown

County Craft Mall

Colonial Craft Shop

Leather Wearhouse

Harvest Moon Pizzaria

Nashville Fudge Kitchen

These are just a few of the spots to visit, time permitting.

Please make the following changes & additions to the Reunion roster list:

Area Code changes:

Carmel Fesi 504 to 985

Jim Frieden 219 to 260

Robert Hail 805 to 806

John Hess MM3c 219 to 260

David Long 746 to 585

Shelton Scales 540 to 276

Address Changes:

Mrs. Wm. Pollock - 2 Silver - Poughkeepsie, NY 12603 Robert Hazelett - 6014 N. Calle Mio

Add telephone numbers:

Buell Binney (660)359-2618

James Carson (334)794-7611

Mrs. Richard Garza (830)429-2815

Allan Gaspard (308)253-7886

Jack Gatewood (918)742-6801

Correct e-mail addresses: A.- Bensie-antibeck2@msn.com

W. Richards - Richards@PlatteValIey.net

Add new member: Walter Umbarger - wumbarger@msn.com

Aug.2002-2

James D.Vaughan

Halfway trying to think about making Indianapolis in October, just to drop in and say "Howdy" to all shipmates - not to attend the entire program, but it will depend on my health problems, which I cannot be sure of right now. I can't begin to tell you how elated I am with the material I have started receiving from the Lowndes shipmates! I sent out 20 letters in March and so far have received 7 replies:

1. Cmdr. CLARK 0. MARTIN sent me an e-mail concerning his personal history while aboard and other data concerning the ship and crew.

2. Lt. WM. J. RAMSEY sent me a nice cover letter of information and, of special value, a copy of the ship's history for me to keep as my own. The history was very well done and in excellent shape.

3. Ens. LEON FOUGNIES also sent a nice cover letter of information along with a somewhat different form of the ship's history, which I have duplicated for my use and returned it to him by certified mail, when he returns from Greece.

4. MM2c HAROLD D. BRUNNER sent me an informative letter.

5. MM3c JOHN DYER tried to send me an e-mail, that for some reason didn't come through, so he then printed it out and mailed it to me snail mail with additional information added.

6. MM2c DALLAS L. STRATTON also sent an informative letter.

7. MM1c EARL 0. ROBERTSON, last but far from least, sent me a very informative, personal and also touching letter in which he enclosed two photos taken on his 50^th wedding anniversary: one of he and Frances and another of the two of them with their grown children. In reading his letter I'm sure you will see what I mean by "touching". He must be quite a gentleman.

Note: Robbie, I bet that's the nicest thing you've heard from any of your shipmates in many a moon.

Although no one recalled Joe Botti, the information is worth its weight in gold to me. I know now why Joe had such fond memories of the Lowndes, his shipmates, fellow crew members, officers, and the ship itself! You guys are really something! When I tell family and friends about the response I received about the Lowndes they all think it is not only GREAT but also REMARKABLE, as do I, that members have gone through the trouble of taking the time to recall past memories and passing them along to me.

Ed. King

Just a note to say thanks for the photos. It was 45 years after Iwo Jima and Okinawa that someone called me and started asking questions about Iwo Jima, but I was about to hang up the phone and then was told not to hang up. I found out it was one of the Lowndes crew members. I asked how they got my number and was told they called information and got my son who has the same name and lived in Vallejo, Calif. What a surprise when I received that call. So my first reunion was in San Diego, CA.

No Ed, it wasn't me that called you. Am glad that you did get the call and we'll see you and Lavada in Indianapolis this year.

David Brinkman has created a USS Lowndes web site with approximately 150 photos at:

http://www. geocities.com/usslowndes/

It's worth looking into it.

Your CC&BW hard at work

Aug. 2002-3

Frank Wanits

I'm sorry I'm a little late with dues. We (Alice & I) have been busy with medical appointments, nothing serious, just check-ups. Hope everything is well and have a successful reunion.

John Vernale

Late in responding about attending the reunion. We had to wait for sally's latest cat-scan. She has to go to a clinic several times a week for shots. So with all that's going on we are committed to being at home and will miss the reunion in Indianapolis this year. Regards to all at the reunion. Buna Fortuna!

Joan Macpherson

Enclosed my dues for 2002 (I think), if I owe more let me know. I will not be able to attend the Lowndes reunion this year - but please keep me posted. I would like to attend next year. Hello to everyone and have a great time.

John Fiske

Sorry I'm late with my annual dues, but I've had a bout with cancer.

E. Max Cole

I'm not sure I can attend the reunion. 50-50 chance depending on health, eyesight, etc. Saw the Iwo Jima program on A & E channel, it was very graphic. Giving some spot shots I had never seen before, and a wonderful covering of the flag raising.

Mike Michalski

It is not likely that Jerry and I will be able to make attend the reunion this year. Jerry's back is giving her more problems and she fell earlier this year and again recently, both times because of water on the floor and not at home.

She can't make long trips because her back hurts so bad - bumps and humps in the road bother her too. Has an appointment with a doctor on July 29^th and will try to set a date as soon as possible for an operation. Was told by the doctor that she may have to remain in bed for about six months, if that's the case I'll want to be on hand.

We certainly wish the best for all in their trials and tribulations. Will keep in touch and report any news of their conditions. They all will be missed at our 2002 reunion.

This is a repeat request to all reunion members that Mary Gebhart and Jan Trober (Earl & Frances' Robertson's daughters) will do their stuff with the door prizes event again this year and look for donations to make this another successful venture. So don't be shy, let's help them out.

Jan Trober

On another note for "Reunion 2003" A suggestion that we pick out any city and have a reunion co-coordinator similar to Bob that handled our Washington, DC reunion, but get someone who is familiar with the needs of senior citizens (Senior citizens? Recycled teen agers) trips and activities. As I said, this is just a suggestion to think about.

Note: This is the first feedback received regarding a future reunion and it comes from a person other than a Lowndes crew member. Thanks Jan. Maybe there will be one of our reunion members that might do a follow up on your suggestion. Let's try to get some information as to where and when we can have our 2003 reunion. Bring any information to our business meeting in Indianapolis for discussion.

July 17^th.An update on the above just came in via e-mail from Jan that she is checking the web sites for other reunion co-coordinators such as the one who spoke to us in Nashville. She has contacted him to see what is available to meet our requirements. Again, thanks Jan. Needless to say, I told her to do what she can to bring this to a head.

Aug.2002-4

TRIVIA

The United States Navy was founded on March 27, 1794.

On June 21, 1945 Japanese force on Okinawa surrendered to the U. S. in World War II.

Oct. 17-19. 1944 - Due to the need for ships, the shakedown period for the USS Lowndes was suddenly terminated, and the 48 hours emergency availability was extended four days, which period was considered as our post shakedown availability. This period was spent provisioning the ship, and a damaged boom replaced. We shifted to berth in dry dock #3 Terminal Island, San Pedro, California. Captain Abernathy, ComTask Group 14.4 and his staff came aboard to inspect the ship. The ship remained in dry dock for a twenty four hour period, during this period the main injection valve disc was removed and inspected, no indication of excess vibration was found and same was reinstalled.

Note: The above information supplied by Elliott Pilchard. The dates coincide with the dates of our 2002 reunion in Indianapolis. Does anyone else have recollections of these dates?

Add USS O'Brien - DD725 to the long list of ships bearing the names of our Lowndes crew.

Grand old, high- flying flags sell

1991 was a banner year when 154,224 flags were flown over the U. S. Capital. As of 1937 to 1998, more than 2.4 million flags have been flown over the Capital and then sold or given away as souvenirs. Each comes with a certification marking the date it flew in the Capital breeze-however briefly-and the name of the person or event it was flown for. Hand over hand, the American flag is hoisted up a rooftop pole and flaps for a few seconds and then run back down and folded and boxed.

Note: At our reunion in Hawaii Jim Davenport received one of these flags.

On July 30, 1945 The Cruiser USS Indianapolis - CA 35 delivered components for the Hiroshima atomic bomb to the Pacific island Tinian, was sunk by a Japanese submarine's torpedo.

Anyone need a refresher course for the subject below? Contact A. Hodgson

s»m	ERMATION	,\i	. MORSE CODE
A '8' C 0 X.	• — — *• • •. —»• • • • — •		•tBdah' •dadididif , "dadidadif 1 •dadhBf.."^1 „.. .•««"„.-: •dididad.t" ;
a	—,.•		••dad-fit",
H r j K	i • • • *	•didldldit' J
	' * * • —••	-	; "ditftf • 1 "diAMtedah" , "dadhtah" ^ -didadidif '
j*r-= N j-• -o --- p-'-.--.			'•dadah- ; •dadlf' ; ""dad-taW ' "'"dktedadit" ^-ctodadidah" "didadit" I "'•dfdidit- ^
A -*L	! • ~ • : • • •	-
T U 'V	• • • —	.	"daf T "dktidahr'" ^4 "didididflh- ,
w x Y t KM— 'JL ~i 2 3" 4 5 '6 7" '8' 9	^1 ,——		• "didadah" ' "•dadididaff * "dadidada^ "dadadidif •didadidacKdi*' - "daifadididada ^dadadadad»h" '"didadadadah" '"dididadadah" ^didididad.il' "d.didid.dah'
	' — • • —
	.——•• ID • — • — • u,—» •—
	—r" - -— '"• "~ • • — •— • • • — *•••>-—	~-
	• • * • • • • .—•••* • — — » » »	• •	•dididididit "-dadtdididif" "•dadadididit' '•dadadadidit' dadadadad;t

A man who makes it, doesn't need it A man who needs it doesn't buy it. A man who buys it doesn't want it.

Answer: A coffin

Aug.2002-5

TAPS

Lawrence Louis Foyt

Born April 26, 1927 - passed away June 3, 2002 at age 75 after a courageous bout with cancer. He served aboard the USS Lowndes during World War II. In civilian life he was employed at Reed Roller Bit for 44 years. In 1948 he married Florence Wachel of Brenmond, Texas. He is survived by two sisters Catherine Gogol and Barbara Gates. He also leaves his daughter Linda Mae, two sons, David and Kenneth. Five grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.

Note: Have just been informed that Lawrence was a cousin of A. J. Foyt the Indy 500 racer, a four time winner.

Richard C. Garza

Born on April 3, 1925 in Van Ormy, Texas and passed away on June 30, 2002 from a variety of health complications. He spent most of his life in the Somerset and San Antonio area except for a 2 year stint in the Navy. He served on the Lowndes as a seaman 1c in the amphibious forces. He talked with some of his buddies about dropping Marines off and bringing back the dead at Iwo Jima. After returning to South Texas he found work at Kelly Air Force Base until his retirement. He enjoyed working with his hands, especially carpentry work, enjoyed it and didn't worry about getting paid for his work. Was also a member of the American Legion Post 443. He is survived by Blanche, his wife of 55 years, one daughter, Anna Marie; six sons, Richard, Robert, John, Louis, Jerry and Lloyd, 16 grandchildren and 4 greatgrandchildren.

Mrs. James B, Douhitt*

*Note: No information available

Aug.2002-7

Biographic data regarding our host for this 2002 reunion:

Brigadier General P. Martin Umbarger enlisted in the Indiana National Guard in Company B, 2d Battalion (Mech) 152d Infantry on 14 July 1969. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in June 1971 after graduating as the Distinguished Graduate from the Indiana Military Academy.

Brigadier General Umbarger has served for over 32 years in many key positions in the Indiana Army National Guard to include Company Commander, Headquarters Company, 38th Aviation Battalion;

S-3, 1st Battalion, 151st Infantry, 38th Infantry Division; Battalion Commander, 2d Battalion (Mech), 152d Infantry, 38th Infantry Division, where he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel on 20 August 1987; Executive Officer, 2d Brigade, 38th Infantry Division; Deputy Commander, 76th Infantry Brigade (Separate) where he was promoted to Colonel on 24 August 1994; Commander, 76th Infantry Brigade (Separate) (one of fifteen Enhanced Brigades in the Army National Guard) where he was promoted to Brigadier General on 3 November 1998. Under Brigadier General Umbarger's leadership, the 76th Infantry Brigade (Separate) executed one of the most successful Deployment and Rotations at the Joint Readiness Training Center, Fort Polk, Louisiana in May 2000. He was then assigned as the Assistant Division Commander, 38th Infantry Division, in November 2000.

Awards and decorations include: Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal (7th Award), National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal (with one hour glass device), Army Service Ribbon, Army Reserve Components Sendee Ribbon, and Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon.

Among his other many achievements include member Bargerseville Masonic Lodge (Past Master); Johnson County Animal Shelter (Chairman 1993 to present);

Board of Directors, Indiana Feed and Grain Association, 1982 -1985 (Past President 1989-1990); National Guard Association of Indiana (Past President 1992); Board of Directors, First Community Bank and Trust Company, 1995 to present; Association of the United States Army (AUSA), Membership Chairman, Indiana Chapter 2000 - 2001.

Brigadier General Umbarger graduated from the University of Evansville in 1969 with a BS Degree in Business and the Army War College in 1997. He is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Roy Umbarger and Sons, Inc., an agricultural wholesale and retail business in Bargersville, Indiana.

Brigadier General Umbarger and his wife, Rowana, have three children and four grandchildren and reside in Bargersville, Indiana.