USS Lowndes APA-154

Newsletter

JANUARY 1997

BUD KAUTZ CC&BW

1/97-1

U.S.S. LOWNDES - APA 154 REUNION GROUP

JANUARY 1997 News Letter

Wm. "Bud" Kautz - 34782 Hiawatha Trail - McHenry, IL 60050 , (815)344-6326

CONTENTS

Christmas Menu: 1944
Christmas Menu: 1945
25, Dec. 1944 Plan of Day
General Information
Newspaper Articles
Official's Letters
Raffle Results
Shipmate's Comments
Memories
Information/Dues Sheet
*History 17

*Addition to Ship's History Book

**Any changes or additions, please notify Bud Kautz

Had planned to mail this News Letter in December, but with the
Holidays it just wasn't in the cards.

MENU

Christmas Dinner

25 December 1944

United States Ship LOWNDES (APA 154)

Turkey Broth with Rice
Crackers

Hearts of Celery - Pickles - Ripe Olives - Green Olives j

Roast Young Turkey with Cranberry Sauce

Giblet Gravy
Sage Dressing

Buttered Asparagus - Mashed Potatoes

Sliced Tomatoes with Mayonnaise

Parker House Rolls, Bread, Butter
***

Fruit Cake - Ice Cream - Mincemeat Pie

Candy

Cigars and Cigarettes

1/97-2

UNITED STATES SHIP
L 0 W N D E S
APA 154

oooOOOooo

Christmas Dinner
25 December 1945

oooOOOooo

Acting Pay Clerk E. G. McKellar, U. S. Navy
Commissary Officer

F. MASSEY - 0. H. WALKER
Chief Commisary Steward, U.S. Navy

"Christmas Greetings from the Captain"

I am glad to send each of you the
Season's Greetings. Although we are away
from home and in a world engaged in a
struggle for survival, we can still pause
to celebrate Christmas. In so doing, let
us enjoy the celebration, but not forget
the significance of the occasion.

C. H. Perdue
Commander, USNR
Commanding Officer

We thank Thee Heavenly Father
for the gift of love bestowed upon us that
first Christmas Day. We thank Thee on
this Christmas Day for Thy guiding and pro-
tecting hand over us. We ask Thy blessing
upon these gifts which Thou hast so abun-
dantly spread before us............Amen.

MENU

Celery Pickles Olives
Turkey Soup - Crackers

Candied Sweet Potatoes - Mashed Irish Potatoes
Roast Tom Turkey

Giblet Gravy
Buttered Enqlish Peas Sage Dressing

Lettuce And Tomato Salad With Mayonnaise
Hot Parker House Rolls — Butter
Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream Fruit Cake
Coffee Milk

Hard Candies Mixed Nuts
oooooOOOOOooooo

C. 0. MARTIN
Leut. SG; U.S.N.
Supply Office

E. G. McKellar
Acting Pay Clerk, U.S.N.
Commissary Officer

J. W. MASSEY
Chief Commissary Steward, U.S.N.

1/97-3

Articles
citing the
U. S. S. Lowndes
Reunion
in Myrtle Beach, SC

October 16, 1996

THE
SUN NEWS

Reunion planned for veterans

Sixty veterans of the USS Lowndes APA 154
and their wives and guests will attend a reunion
at the Martinique Hotel in Myrtle
Beach Thursday through Sunday.

The USS Lowndes served in the World War II
as an assault personnel attack ship. It was de-
commissioned following the war.

Reunion organizers chose South Carolina be-
cause it is the home state of the ship's namesake,
U.S. Rep. William Lowndes of Charleston, who
lived from 1782 to 1822.

The reunion will include a reception at the
Myrtle Beach Convention Center with two direct
descendants of Lowndes, his great-great-grandson
William Lowndes III and his son William
Lowndes IV, both of Spartanburg.

Also at the reception, state Rep Mark Kelley
of Myrtle Beach will present a resolution adopted
by the S.C. General Assembly that commends
the USS Lowndes and memorializes the con-
gressman. The rest of the weekend will be infor-
mal, said Fred Brinkman of Columbia, who was
a pharmacist on the USS Lowndes.

Alternatives

THE GRAND STRAND'S NEWSMAGAZINE
October 24,1996 - November 7,1996

Reunion of Navy Ship
Named for South
Carolina Statesman

The 1996 reunion of crew
members from the USS
Lowndes APA 154 of WWII
was held in the home
stale of distinguished South
Carolina Statesman, former
Congressman William
Lowndes, for whom the ship
was named.

Sixty veterans of the USS
Lowndes and their wives and
guests from 17 states were in
Myrtle Beach for the reunion on
October 16-20 at the Martinique
Resort Hotel.

Two direct descendants of the
Congressman joined the reunion
group: William Lowndes, III,
great great grandson of the
Congressman, and his son
William Lowndes. IV. both of
Spartanburg, South Carolina.

A highlight of the reception
was a presentation of a concur-
rent resolution adopted by the
South Carolina Legislature
commending the USS Lowndes
and memorializing the late
William Lowndes. State
Representative Mark Kelly
will present the resolution.

Living South Carolinians
from the USS Lowndes crew
Include Fred Brinkman of
Columbia, host for the 1996
reunion. Vic Bardenhagen of
Varnville and Harold Castine of
Columbia.

Congressman Lowndes com-
piled an incredible record of
accomplishments as a member
of the South Carolina House of
Representatives and the United
States House of
Representatives In the early
1800s. He chaired many Impor-
tent committees in Congress,
Including Ways and Means and
Military and Navy Affairs. The
South Carolina Legislature
nominated Lowndes as a candi-
date for President of the United
States.

The Lowndes was an 11,800-
ton ship with a crew of 56 offi-
cers and 480 enlisted men and
carried as many as 1,500 troops
and equipment to and from
landing areas in the Pacific.
Amphibious training was taken
in the Hawaiian Islands in
preparation for the battles of
Iwo Jima and Okinawa.

In February, 1945, the U.S.S
Lowndes participated for eight
days in the massive assault on
Iwo Jima.

The Lowndes received and
treated 365 wounded from Iwo
Jima. The ship's beach party
had 16 casualties on Iwo Jima.
Including two killed. 13 wound-
ed and one missing. Eight land-
ing boats from the Lowndes
were lost during the Iwo cam-
paign.

In April, 1945 the Lowndes
was engaged in the Invasion of
Okinawa. The Lowndes
received two World War II bat-
tle stars.

Following D-Day and victory
in World War II, the ship car-
ried troops and cargo to Japan,
the Philippines and other areas
for occupation duty and
returned homeward bound vet-
erans to the United States.

1/97-5

U.S.S. LOWNDES (APA 154)
PLAN OF THE DAY FOR MONDAY, 25 DECEMBER 1944

Duty Commander: Leut. Hinton. Duty PhM: Bowman, PhM2c
Duty Medical Officer: Lt (jg) Wright. Duty SK: Griffiths, SK3c
Duty Yeoman: Chilcote, Y2c. Duty MAA: Born, BM2c

0550 Call PPO's and BM's.
0600 Reveille. Call all hands except mid-watch standers. Trice up bunks.

0619 Clean sweep down fore and aft except weather decks.

0620 Mess gear.

0630 Call mid-watch standers. Breakfast.
0745 Quarters for muster.
Personnel of all divisions, except the Engineering Divisions, < br> muster with complete helmet, gas mask, life belt. and 2 dog tags.
0755 Stand by for colors.
Department heads report to the Executive Officer on the Bridge.
0800 Colors.
0805 Secure from colors.
Rig for church.
0810 Turn to ship's work.
0815 Sick call.

0830 Christmas services with communion, in the mess hall.
0900 Liberty

0930 Christmas services with communion, in the mess hall.
1125 Clean sweep down fore and aft.
1145 Mess gear.
1200 Christmas dinner.
1330 turn to ship's work.
1615 Mess gear.
1630 Supper.

1800 Liberty expires on the dock for non-rated men.
1830 Liberty expires on the dock for rated men.
1900 Liberty expires for chief petty officers.

Evening sick call.
Sunset Evening colors.

1930 Eight o'clock reports to the Executive Officer.
2125 Tattoo.
2130 Taps.

Memorandum:

1. Liberty parties are again warned that the Shore Patrol will pick
up any man from this ship for not wearing their hats squared, for jay
walking, or for failing to salute. Men whose names are turned in by
the Shore Patrol for any of the above will be subjected to disciplinary
action.

HARRISON GARDNER,
Executive Officer.

Jean and I were among the early arrivals on Wednesday, October 16th.
With Fred and Roberta along with other early birds we enjoyed a fine
dinner at the Sea Captain's House. Then on to Fantasy Harbor where
we saw a terrific show - "Snoopy's Magic on Ice." Back to the hotel
to rest up for the many activities Fred has planned for the Lowndes
eighth Reunion starting on Thursday October 17th. Registration took
place in the hospitality room where refreshments were available and
Acquaintances were renewed along with the start of many sea stories
to follow in the next three days. As Leo O'Brien once said after
listening to the tales being related, "I wonder if we were all in
the same Navy and on the same ship?" Never the less the recollections
were very interesting to hear and probably brought back memories to
a lot of us. Thursday evening we were departed for the Alabama Theater
at Barefoot Landing American Pride Show, an Opryland production of
the History of Music with Song and Dance. The Lowndes was well
represented in the stage production - Dick Jones was on stage and
did a superb job of impersonating Elvis - clothes and all. Next! John
Vernale sure showed that he had not lost his touch of the 1940's -
jitterbugging with the best of them especially with that cute little
number they paired him up with. (I'll probably catch the next time
John meets up with me. Friday morning we departed for Myrtle Beach
are arriving at the Convention Center where a coffee reception was
held in the South Carolina Hall of Fame Atrium. There a resolution
to Have William Lowndes inducted into the Hall of Fame was presented
to the U.S.S. Lowndes crew. Then a visit to tour Brookgreen Gardens.
In the evening we were bussed to the Dixie Stampede with a full dinner
consisting of soup, chicken, ribs and dessert was served
W I T H 0 U T fightin' gear. Expert horsemanship was the theme of
the show with a few other offerings presented. Yours truly was selected
to enter the arena to compete with the Northerners (we were the
Southerners). The competition consisted of pitching horseshoes. Much
to my dismay, the shoes were toilet seats. Regardless, I managed to
almost get a couple of leaners and walked away the winner. Saturday
morning was free time, at Cane Patch golf Jean and I hit a bucket
of balls on the practice range and John Vernale and Art Rauseo played
a round of golf compliments of owner Doug Hart. At Apache Ocean Pier,
Leo O'Brien had his catch of the day. Then a trolley bus to Broadway
at the Beach for shopping and lunch. William Lowndes III was presented
with the resolution to induct William Lowndes into the South Carolina
Hall of Fame. He also gave an interesting talk to the crew. At 5:30
PM the Lowndes Uglies and Lovelies gathered for group photos. 8x10
copies are being sent to all attendees. They are compliments of A
& B Photography in Chicago. For 23 years before I retired I was the
"B" of This studio until "A" in 1987 bought me out. He has suggested
that any and all proceeds derived from these photos be turned over
to the Lowndes Reunion Group. Evening arrived and a fine Surf and
Turf dinner was enjoyed at the banquet. The results of the Lowndes
Lovelies annual raffle are related on another page of this News Letter.
It was a complete surprise when yours truly was called to the podium
and presented with a key to the city of Myrtle Beach by Mayor Bob
Grissom saying "It won't open a damn thing." A repeat performance
of "Schnitzelbank" by Cliff Schaffer and Bill Taylor was very
enjoyable. Sunday morning a U.S.S. Lowndes SOS buffet breakfast was
on tap and fond farewells were in order until next year's Reunion
in Florida. Information regarding has been noted elsewhere in this
issue.

Final analysis: This Reunion is one to be remembered. Fred and Roberta
did a fantastic job. Thank you.

Bud & Jean Kautz

1/97-7

ALONZO H. HODGSON, JR. - Redwater, TX - Sorry we didn't make the Reunion this year.
Oniece had total knee replacement and we just could not make that long trip.

BUELL BINNEY - Trenton, MD - We are pretty good now. I'm still caning it but go
about any place now. Hope we can attend another Reunion in the future.

The following Lowndes crewman and their mates attended the Eighth Reunion in Myrtle
Beach:

Vic Bardenhagan *
Agnes Bensie
Bill Bensie
Fred & Roberta Brinkman **
Dave & Modesta Brinkman
Terri Stevens
Harold Brunner
James & Carol Bussard
Sally Cary
Emily Cary
Howard & Lois Chappell
James Chilcote
Margaret MoGrody
Walter L. Clarke *

Stan & Mona Dunn
John & Lebby Dyer
Joe & Loreta Freitas
Jack & Evelyn Hovey
Richard & Roseanna Jones
Bud & Jean Kautz
David ft Joarane Long
Don & Shirley Lorenzi
Don & Joan Macpherson
Clark Martin
Dotty Flood
Mike & Jerry Michalski
Eileen Murray
Leo & Margaret O'Brien

Warren & Albena Proctor
Roland & Becky Moore
Arthur & Marjorie Rauseo
Earl & Frances Robertson
Ruth Ann Trostel
James & Ina Ross
Charles & Iris Ross
Clifford & Mary Schaffer
Dallas & Lorene Stratton
Bill & Amelia Taylor
Walt & Jackie Umbarger
John Vemale
Frank & Alice Wanits
Dorothy Weaver

* Shipmates attending Reunion for 1st time. ** Reunion host & Hostess.

William Lowndes, III - Myrtle Beach Mayor Bob Grissom - State Representative Mark
Kelley - Chamber of Commerce President Ashby Ward and several other local officials
participated in one or more functions of the Reunion. South Carolina Senator Strom
Thurmond paid Fred Brinkman a visit on Sunday morning, October 20th.

At the business meeting, sites of future Lowndes Reunions was discussed:

John & Lebby Dyer offered to host the Reunion in Palm Springs, Florida in late
October 1997. John has already started to make arrangements for the event, as
details become available they will be passed on in future News Letters.

Stan Dunn suggested Hawaii as the site of the 1998 Reunion. A show of hands
indicated enough interest to warrant Stan checking into the points of interest
plus hotel accommodations available.

For 1999 Jack Hovey has indicated, (tentatively) that Las Vegas, Nevada could be
a possibility.

Bear in mind - The years 1998 and 1999 are pretty much in the future. If there
are any shipmates out there in never, never land that have other suggestions, please
pass them on to me (Bud). I, for one look forward to the Reunions, regardless of
where they may be held.

Late bulletin: John writes that he is working on the Florida Reunion. Has
Confirmation with the Palm Beach Airport Hilton for $55.00 for Oct. 23 thru 26.
Plus rates available 3 days before and after. He is to meet after the first of
the year to make final arrangements for the banquet and tours. Talked to 8 hotels
and finally got the Hilton down to a price that was affordable. It has a resort
atmosphere on a lake and lots of acreage. Also 24 hour airport shuttle is
available. Will forward items to be included in a later News Letter.

After the banquet on Saturday - 19, October 1996 the Lowndes Lovelies
raffle was announced by Warren Proctor using a Bos'un's pipe. He did
a fine job after all these years that have gone by since he last piped
anyone aboard. The Lowndes Lovelies also are to be complimented on
another outstanding job they did in conducting this raffle. There
were many contributors to this annual event.

Winners of the prizes are as follows:

Bill Robinson 1st prize Sally Gary's afghan

John Vernale 2nd prize $150.00

Lyman Nedeau 3rd prize $ 75.00

Eileen Murray $50.00 cash - Donated by the Hoveys

Stan Dunn Frances Miller's Afghan

Jim Bussard *Vacation in Myrtle Beach returned to raffle &
won by Howard Chappell.
Cliff Schaffer
* Fishing @ Apache Pier - Dinner for 2 @ Martinique Resort.

Walt Umbarger Sweat shirt donated by Jack Hovey

The following won packages of walnuts donated by the Freitas*
Jack Hovey Eileen Murray Ina Ross Bill Taylor Frank Wanits

Miscellaneous prizes donated by Stan Dunn:

Emily Cary Iris Ross Clark Martin

6 additional raffle tickets were drawn and recipients received
various * refreshments that were left over from the hospitality
room.

Please note items marked with an asterisk - these came about through
the efforts of Fred Brinkman.

Fred Brinkman also presented awards as follows:

Walt & Jackie Umbarger for 54 years of wedded bliss (the most of

any 1996 Reunion attendees.

Dallas Stratton 1996 U.S.S. Lowndes athlete of the year.

Last but not least - Leo O'Brien - a dead fish for his catch of the
day at Apache Pier.

John Vernale - A bag of old golf balls for his remarkable 67 at Cane
Patch Par 3 golf course. Art Rauseo also shot a terrific 67.

Congratulations to all the winners and thanks to the many contributors
and participants in making this endeavor a success.

WALTER & JACKIE UMBARGER - Naples, FL - Dear Fred & Roberta, We got
into Naples about eight o'clock Sunday evening, a 12 hour drive, but
we really enjoyed the scenery. Thanks for your good directions. We
truly enjoyed the 1996 Reunion, we were most impressed with Myrtle
Beach. You two did a super job. Next year, it will be mighty difficult
to follow. Take care. Fondly. "Those who bring sunshine to the lives
of others can't keep it from themselves. Thanks for everything.
W & J.

SALLY GARY - Pal ton, PA - Dear Fred & Roberta, thought I'd drop you
a line to let you that Em and I had a fabulous time at the Reunion.
The shows were fantastic and the other tours were great. Even though
at times we didn't have much time, we really enjoyed. We stayed at
Em's aunt and uncle until Tuesday. We went shopping at a few of the
other shopping centers. We also went to 2 other Christmas shops. Em's
aunt and uncle live in Socastee, SC. The hotel was beautiful and the
weather was great, even when it got cooler. It was nice meeting William
Lowndes III and learning more about the man whom our ship was named.
I can't express how good it was to see everyone again. You and Roberta
did an excellent job for us this year. Hope to see everyone next year
in Florida.

LEO & MARGARET O'BRIEN - Maiden, MA - Fred & Roberta: We enjoyed every
minute of the Lowndes Reunion in Myrtle Beach. You both should feel
a great sense of satisfaction in planning and executing such a wonderful
affair. Thank you for all your efforts. Wednesday night's dinner and
the Magic on Ice show were greatly enjoyed. Our hotel room was perfect.
It's hard to recall which of the events were most enjoyable, but the
banquet was at the top of the list. Sincerely.

ARTHUR & MARJORIE RAUSEO - Georgetown, MA - Fred & Roberta, "You're
so kind and thoughtful. So this card is meant to bring a sincere and
very grateful word of thanks for everything." We had a wonderful time
art the Myrtle Beach Reunion. Thanks again for everything.

CLARK MARTIN & DOTTY FLOOD - Richmond, VA - Fred, Roberta & Family:
You are all great hosts! We can only say again, thank you for the time
and hard work put forth by you to make this U.S.S. Lowndes Reunion
the best yet. We truly enjoyed every activity except, of course, the
4:00 AM fire alarm wake up call. Do understand though that it wasn't
on your agenda. The Sea Captain's House dinner was a special treat
- thank you for inviting us. Whenever you're in Richmond, to visit
Dorothy or otherwise, please call. I don't know how we can compensate
the Brinkmans for what must have been considerable out-of-pocket, costs
to them (not to mention the priceless effort they put forth). Bud has
mentioned the difficulty in getting Fred to accept some reimbursement.
Perhaps a contribution to the Reunion treasury will, in a small degree,
indicate that their effort is appreciated.

JIM & CAROL BUSSARD - Columbus, OH - Fred & Roberta: We had a very
nice trip to Myrtle Beach. You did a wonderful job making the
arrangements. The hotel was great with the balconies. The food was
excellent and the service was A No. 1. We enjoyed renewing the
friendships and are looking forward to next year. Sincerely.

MIKE & JERRY MICHALSKI - Austin, TX - Fred & Roberta: We had a
wonderful time at the Reunion. Everything was so organized and fun.
From the time we arrived at the airport and had our own Personal
Shuttle to the hotel, until we said our good byes Sunday morning
- the 8th Lowndes Reunion was SPECIAL! 1 All of this was due to all
your hard work and planning. Was impressed with the caliber of the
coffee reception at the Convention Center -- pretty table, gourmet
cookies and coffee served in CHINA CUPS. So many dignitaries giving
us such a warm welcome and letting us know that Fred Brinkman was
responsible for Myrtle Beach's beginning in the Tourism business.
How proud we are of you Fred. We know how the Wednesday evening dinner
and Ice Show must have snow-balled - so many attending. We know the
cost of this evening was not included in the registration fees. I'm
sure most did not that this was your treat. It was a great evening
and we thank you. Having your Mayor (Bob Grisom) at the banquet and
meeting your Senator was special - speaking of the banquet, it had
to be -the best meal ever at a banquet. We really enjoyed your son,
daughter and daughter-in-law. I know they were a big help. All the
shows were great. Thanks for a great Reunion. All your efforts and
planning were evident in each days activities.

JAMES C. CHILCOTE - Pocatello, ID - Fred, it is likely that you
have received many words of appreciation for the well planned Reunion
of the Lowndes at Myrtle Beach. I believe that I made an expression
of those feelings to you personally at the time. However I do wish
to commend you and your family for the dedication involved in the
planning and implementing of the many activities. Margaret McGrody,
too, enjoyed the opportunity to :Join the crew." Margaret is my
sister-in-law. Her husband died two months after my wife's death.
We had the opportunity to visit her sister in Western South Carolina
after the Reunion. I am back home in Idaho, but not looking forward
to winter, although so far it has been mild. Margaret tells me that
she would like to go south again—she lives in the Lake Erie snow
belt. It was great to see all in Myrtle Beach. I trust that all
is well with everybody. Enclosed to help allay the expense of
operations of the Lowndes fund.

JAMES ROSS - Sherman, TX - We enjoyed the Reunion very much and
appreciate all the work that Fred did getting it all together. It
was a super time. Look forward to the next one. Our son will retire
from the U.S.A.F. in December but will still receive his mail in
Germany. We welcome the News Letters.

EARL & FRANCES ROBERTSON - St. Louis, MO - Sorry we didn't get to
say good bye at Myrtle Beach. We wanted to get an early start back
to St. Louis. We had the car loaded, as soon as we could get
breakfast, we ate and shoved off. Fifteen hours later we were home.
We drove straight through. On December 3rd. I had the right knee
replaced so am still hobbling around the house. Until next time.
Enclosed to help defray expenses of Lowndes Reunion Group. (Too bad,
Frances, we had white soda for you in the hospitality room.)

JOHN VERNALE - Farmington, CT - Had a wonderful time, I wish Sally
was with me. Thanks for the transportation to and from the airport.
Our best wishes to you and Roberta.

FRANCIS & FRANCES MILLER - Kearns, UT Just a line to let you know
We are sorry we couldn't make the Reunion this year due to Frances'
operation. She is just now on the upswing, thank God. Thinking of
all my old shipmates and that Frances and I sure wish we could have
been with you for the reunion this year, hoping for '97 as we have
sure enjoyed the ones in the past few years. Frances is recovering
from an operation and cannot travel yet, I have to be the nurse.
This past year has been a very busy one for me as I am on the Honor
Guard (Firing Squad) of our VFW post. So many vets are passing away
here, average 3 a week, that they keep us busy. Next year the VFW
will hold their national convention here in August. Maybe some of
our shipmates may make it here then. Frances made an afghan for the
reunion, by now it should be in the hands of a raffle ticket holder.
We wanted to be a part of the reunion in a small way with this
donation. God willing, we'll see you next year.

JOEL RODRIQUEZ - Hildalgo, TX - Due to personal circumstances Mary
and I were not able to attend the reunion this year. Our spirit was
there, this we guarantee. We missed seeing you guys and your lovely
wives, you all do such a tremendous job for the U.S.S. Lowndes. We
appreciate all that is being done and pray the good work continues.
God bless all and hope the reunion was a good one.

Received a newspaper clipping with a photograph of John Morrissey
fishing from the boat dock at Mackay Reservoir in Idaho. Said
"Fishing was pretty good caught three fair sized fish in a short
time."

JACK & EVELYN HOVEY - Pasadena, CA - Received the photos. We had

a 3 day vacation with the best people we know. I have some photos
and will see that they arrive soon.

CARMEL FES I - Houma, LA - We are sorry we missed the Reunion, but
Evelyn was in poor health, but she is doing better now. Sorry I didn't
write sooner about having a Reunion in New Orleans. We couldn't handle
that and Evelyn's health wouldn't allow her to lend a hand. The crime
problem is terrible there, it's open season on tourists.

HENRY McNAMEE - Lake Suzy, FL - I am slowly recovering from most
of my ailments after my knee replacement surgery. (Editor's note:
The Lowndes contingent sure are having a rash of knee and hip
replacements lately.)

JOE FREITAS - Gustine, CA - There was an empty space at our Christmas
dinner my mother passed away on the 22nd of November, she will be
missed by all the family. As for Reta and me, we're keeping warn
by the fire. Will keep in touch and let you know when we do sell
the ranch.

DALLAS & LORENE STRATTON - Belleview, FL - Nice to see everyone at
Myrtle Beach. We had a hurried trip to Iowa to be there with Lorene's
sister when her son died of a heart attack. Trust we'll see you in
Florida next reunion.

WALTER KARSON - Elk River, MN - A few weeks ago , had a surprise
phone call. The caller was Jack Laird our shipmate from the U.S.S.
Lowndes. Said that he saw in one of our News Letters that I was
looking for any photos that some one might have taken from our
ship somewhere in the Pacific. After a nice chat, he said he had
a few that he would send me but didn't know where they were taken.
He said the film was developed in the Xray department. As you well
know, cameras were not allowed during our times in the action.
Didn't know who had the camera. Some of the photos were of his
buddies from the PhM' s. In a following letter he said he spent
most of his time at Iwo Jima in sick bay. A very busy time, as
he puts it. Training as a surgical technician.

JOE & BETTY ERLANDSON - Rush City, MN - Sorry we were unable to
make the Reunion this year. I am sure everyone had a good time.
We lost our daughter-in-law in July and things just didn't seem
the same. Hope we can see everyone next year.

DALLAS STRATTON - Belleview, FL - Nice to see everyone at Myrtle
Beach. We enjoyed meeting your son and his wife. She is so sweet.
Dallas will do some deer hunting again. Trust we'll see you in
Florida next year. We had a hurried trip to Iowa to be there with
Lorene's sister when her son died of a heart attack.

FRANKLIN JUDNITSCH - Park Rapids, MN - Hope this finds you both
OK. We are so-so and hanging in there. I had cataract surgery on
December 5th came out real well. Will have the other eye done later.
Hope the Reunion went well. We are at the point where we are unable
to travel too far, we must be getting old. Have had a pretty good
winter here so far - in the 20° above range, not too much snow,
just enough to keep me busy clearing it away. Enjoy the News
Letters. Take care.

MARGARET FRIEDEN, Silver Lake, IN - Hoping to get to the Reunion
in Florida next year, but late October is in question. Jim may
be busy with grain at that time. BUD - Maybe we can get together
the next time you visit your son in Fort Wayne.

GLENDA TUPPAN - LaHabra Heights, CA - George is having a rough
time with the staph infection from his March surgery. George really
missed being at the Reunion because of Fred and Roberta's effort
to put that Reunion together and the special tribute to the U.S.S.
Lowndes. Say a prayer for George, he can use it.

DOUG HART - Cane Patch Golf - Myrtle Beach, SC - We enjoyed helping
you out for your Reunion Fred, there weren't that many who used
the Cane Patch facility, so accept our offer of making it
complimentary. Looking forward to seeing you at the Governor's
Conference next year.

DEACON BILL TAYLOR - Elizabethtown, PA - Seasons Greetings and a
belated thank you to Fred and Roberta. We enjoyed the Reunion very
much. The hotel accommodations were great, as well as the shows,
tours and other activities. Amelia and I enjoyed the hospitality
extended to our group by Mr. Lacy Hucks at the fishing pier and the
lunch at the campground. A nice treat at the Sea Captain's House
Restaurant was to be seated across the table from your friends the
Thomas' and Lacy and Jeanine Hucks. Meeting and talking to friends
and families of our Reunion group members is always enjoyable. We
have been busy since returning home. We usually spend 1 or 2 days
a week with Amelia's dad. We have 4 grandchildren that live about
25 miles from us so we are called upon to do baby sitting now and
then. Spent a few days in Fredricksburg, VA visiting our daughter
and grand daughter. January 21st thru February 4th we will be visiting
our daughter in Berlin, Germany. Having 3 daughters that elected
to live ail over the world keeps us on the move. It's great.

HOWARD & LOIS CHAPPELL - Plant City, FL & Wampum, PA - Fred: We want
to thank you again for the wonderful Reunion in Myrtle Beach. It
was so well planned down to the final detail. There was so much for
everyone to enjoy. We especially want to thank you for the extra
day with dinner and the wonderful show. We had such a great time.
Thank you again.

CLIFFFORD & MARY SCHAFFER - Limeport, PA - Just a few lines to let
you, Fred and Roberta, know what a wonderful time we had at Myrtle
Beach. We stayed a few extra days and went to the pottery for some
shopping and do the Gatlin Brothers show. We also took a trip to
Charleston and saw some beautiful Southern mansions, the U.S.S.
Yorktown and the Boone Hall Plantation, what a nice day we had. Also
want to thank you for the dinner and ice show. It was very kind of
you and we sure enjoyed the whole evening. Also, thank you for the
great time we had at the Reunion, you both did a great job, we had
a wonderful time.

JOHN & LEBBY DYER - Jupiter, FL - We both want to thank you, Fred
and Roberta for a real good time. We enjoyed everything. John called
the Convention Center and they will help with next year's Reunion.
Hope this finds you in good health and rested from the Reunion. The
dinner and Ice Show was such a nice thing to do. Can't thank you
enough.

WARREN & ALBENA PROCTOR - Jar re 11, TX - We want Fred and Roberta
to know that we had a really great time at the Reunion. They did
a really good job heading it up and keeping everything going. I know
they spent a lot of time and did a lot of work, v/e appreciate it,,
We traveled on up to North Carolina and saw the leaves turning and
the beautiful mountains and a lot of things, really enjoyed our trip.
Maybe we can all be together next year.

DON & JOAN MACPHERSON - Marino Del Rio, CA - You did a splendid job,
Fred and Roberta. We had a wonderful time with you, Dave and Modesta.
We loved every minute, sorry we have taken so long to say - Thank
you! Enclosed is part of our bill.

1/97-14
MEMORIES

WALTER L. CLARKE - Collinsville, OK - As I was getting ready to go
to church in Honolulu someone came running down the 3rd deck yelling
"The Japs are attacking us !" We thought he had lost his mind - there
were others that had gone berserk and had been sent back to the States.
About that same time we heard planes - one dropped a bomb outside
the skin of the ship and tore holes in the side. It seems I heard
a voice say, " Move from where you are sitting!" I got up and went
to the front end of the ship, which contained welding, boilermaker
and sheet metal shops. I placed my body inside a big H beam, and that's
where the bomb went off. I didn't even get a scratch. We picked up
the injured and carried them topside to be taken to the hospital.
Some officers put me to work welding up the holes in the side of the
ship. We were up all night. There were reports that the Japs were
coming back -- but they didn't. Our ship, the U.S.S Regal would have
been destroyed if they had come back, because there was not one gun
mounted and some ships that had guns mounted had no ammo. Over the
years I have realized, that was God that spoke to me in that voice.

HARLEY HUGHES - Bakersfield, CA - Stopped in at Camp San Luis Obispo

where we trained with the Army. They have torn down all but one of
the huts which was still standing, even with the oil stove in it,
and that was 52 years ago. My grandson, my daughter and I walked the
beach where the Beach Party spent time practicing landings from the
LCVP's.

JACK HOVEY - Pasadena, CA - We had many runs to the beach at Iwo Jima trying to
unload 10 barrels of high octane fuel for the airplanes, no one would unload us.
On one of the runs we hit some kind of an explosive charge and it damaged our ramp
very badly. With the water running in at will the crew had to bail water constantly.
As you know, we finally unloaded on a barge that was destroyed just minutes after
we left. Well, we were hauled aboard the next day for repairs. They put Fesi on
Pothast's boat for smoke detail. I think Leo O'Brien stayed with the boat and worked
on the engine. I was assigned to my good friend's (George Kindle "s) boat to search
out drainage or trash in the water to see if we had company under it. Today I sweat
in the palms of my hands just thinking about it. Of course (I wasn't killed because
I'm writing this war story.) I was very happy to get my boat back the next day
and hit the beach with K rations and ammunition for those real heroes on the beach

MIKE MICHALSKI - Austin, TX - "Chow at it's Best" During our first voyage at sea,
on the way to Pearl Harbor, we were aware that the chow aboard ship wasn't the
greatest and we also realized that when we would get troops aboard it would not
improve. So when we had our 2 liberties - 4 hours each in Honolulu I bought all
the groceries I could carry each trip. When we got back to the pier on the second
trip - the ship had been moved out into the harbor and anchored. When one of our
boats took us out to it they had hoisted the ladder that we used leaving the ship
and put a net over the side. That was a great fun challenge, climbing straight
up the side of the ship on the net with a big bag of canned goods in each hand.
However, the word got around and it created an immediate relationship between the
me and the bakers and butchers. Trade offs took place. Breads and meats for canned
goods. One of the gang purchased a used electric grill for .50<P that would work
on AC an DC. It need repairs, but that was readily taken care of. Joe Zinkgraf
and George Miller stood watches in the evaporator room. That's where the cooking
was done. The officers as a rule never bothered to go down that far. The hatch
was on the deck, and it had to be opened exposing a ladder to climb to the bottom
of the ship. So, at times a few of us had a pretty good meal.