Carmine,
    Send me an email, the address you gave me isn't working and I don't know why. Send to agcret@cox.net and I'll give you the info for the New Jackets....Tom Ferelli
>
< replied-to message removed by QT >

Carmine Giganti, thanks for the update on John. I will be sending out my ESSEX NEWSLETTER on Monday and have included your message listed below.

Thank you.

I am the brother of John Giganti, a very proud member of the Essex family. He attended all reunions but the last 7 or 8 because of ill health. He now resides at an assisted living retirement home. I know he would love to hear from old friends who remember him , or anyone who wants to chat with him. His address is John Giganti
218 Pocono Lutheran Village
329 East Brown St.
East Stroudsburg, PA 18301.

Marlene Paul. I tried to email you but the address must be incorrectly listed. Please send the address to froabo@comcast.net

Edited by author 10-20-2009 12:46 PM
Marlene Paul, I will put your message on my ESSEX NEWSLETTER in a week or so asking if anyone knows either of these two men please speak up.

On 9/11/66 I became a widow of George W. Brennan, BM 2nd class, while the Essex was stationed at Quonset Pt. Rhode Island. Because George's death came about quickly, I did not get to talk to a few of his friends. One was Leonard Jarvis of Illinois (lost track of him in the early 70's) and Ora Dale Todd (known as Dale). Both were friends and came to our apartment in East Providence, RI during 1965 and 1966. I would love to contact them OR they can email me at: stewmar@embarqmail.com. I am married and live in Florida. It would be great to connect. My son, George who is now 44, lives in Florida also. He was just a baby when Len and Dale knew him and was only 13 months old when his father died. It might be nice to know someone who knew his dad in 1965-66. IF ANYONE ELSE KNEW GEORGE DURING 1964-1966 IN RI, PLEASE EMAIL ME. THANK YOU. Marlene (Brennan) Paul

Deborah Caron, email me at froabo@comcast.net and I will give you the address where to get your father's military record.

Hi,

First, with Memorial Day just a day behind us, I would like to say thank you to all of you who served our country. You will never be forgotten. We owe what can never be repaid.

Secondly, it is a year since I posted last, and would like to again ask if anyone may have known my father, Murray Lee Jackson. He was also called by his nickname of "Jack" while on the Essex. He was from Meridian, Mississippi and was on the Essex at the time of the kamikaze attack. He was a Fireman Second Class. He was injured during the attack, and in a coma for six weeks on board a naval medical ship.

The following is additional information that may help someone remember him: He did NTS at San Diego, CA. Also served on the USS Raleigh, R/S Bremerton, Washington, and was discharged either in San Pedro, CA or New Orleans, LA.

I would just love to know if anyone remembers him and can tell me anything about him then. He could never talk about his WWII experience. He passed away in 1996 at the age of 75.

Thank you for any information no matter how small.

Deborah

Re your inquiry about John Hugh Spotts.

I am Charles E Hubenthal, was a pilot in Air Group 83 and in VF 83 squadron. Also boarded the Essex March 10, 1945. I tell you this because I was with John Spotts that day, March 19, 1945 on the carrier Wasp. The story that was related below is fairly accurate however some minor points are different. Here is the story as I remember it: (please note that dates used are ones in that area which would be different than ones used back in the states), March 18, 1945 was the first day of combat and flights were over Nittegahara, during the raid a pilots plane was damaged and he was spotted in the water. This was reported back to the ship and John Spotts and I were dispatched to try and find him and to try to drop him a raft. We did find him and dropped the raft. We stayed around for a short while then returned to what we thought was our group of ships but the Essex was in another group so we landed on the Wasp. The next morning we were preparing for our flight, I was in the ready room while Lt Spotts was going to the hangar deck to get his plotting board from his plane. About this time general quarters sounded and all the guns were shooting then silence for just a second. A Japanese plane had dropped a bomb which hit about midship, went through the flight deck and exploded below. There was fire on the hangar deck. I was concerned about Lt Spotts and inquired at sick bay and they told me that he had died. I later talked with a man who had been a few steps ahead of Lt Spotts, had his back to the hangar deck and his backpack was riddled but he only had a scratch. It was his opinion that the shrapnel and fire was what caused Lt Spotts death. Yes he was buried at sea. When I returned to the States I contacted his Mother and have kept in touch with his brother at Christmas.
Hope this information is what you are looking for.

Charles E Hubenthal

Are there any Essex veterans from WWII with any recollections of Lt. John Hugh Spotts, a Texas pilot in VF-83, who joined your ship's company March 10, 1945, best I can tell, and was killed March 19. He was an instructor with my father at Pensacola until around 1944, when he was assigned to an operational squadron. Here is the account of his death, written on the back of Hugh's photograph that his brother sent me:

"While returning from a raid on Kyushu, Japan Hugh ran out of fuel trying to help a sub rescue his very dear friend and room mate. He was also his college room mate. Hugh was forced to land on the U.S.S. Wasp. Later that day a Jap dive bomber made an attack on the Wasp killing John Hugh."

Thank you for any details you might know about this man, who seemed to impress everyone who knew him.

Robert Brewer Jr
Fort Worth, Texas

Edited by author 03-08-2009 09:00 PM
Debbie, I have posted your father, Walter J. Duptila (Drew) on the USS ESSEX Memorial Page as a Life USS Essex Association Member.

Hmmm.... I guess the attachments didn't work...or got blocked

Here's the list of Torpedo Squadron Niners I tried to attach:

Adams, Bob
Aiken, Thomas N. LT.
Anderson, Herbert (Andy) C.
Bates, Frank W. ARM3C
Berwick, Al
Braun, Marc
Bright, Roy D. ARM 3/C
Cassady, John (Jack)
Chalman, Charles A. AMM 2/C
Conlon, John E. AOM 1/C
Cooke, Byron E. LCDR
Deptula-Drew, Walter CPO RET
Donnelley, Gaylord LT
Emrick, Paul E. CDR (CAPT USN RET)
Fairtrace, Anson A. AMM2C
Fox, Fredrick H. LTJG
Fox, Myrton F. ARM 3/C
Gamel, John J. AOM 1/C
Garrison, Paul T. ARM 2/C
Garwood, Robert H. AMM 2/C
Goodrich, Hilton D. YN 1/C
Griffin, Charles D. CDR (ADM USN RET)
Gulick, Robert A. Jr.
Hamill, Dick A. ARM 2/C
Hebert, Paul L.
Henry, George C. LTJG
Hibbs, George A. AOM 1/C
Holland, William AOM 1/C
Hoover, Charles C. LTJG
Hord, David A.
Hoselton, Cordy Lee
Houck, Herbert CDR
Iiames, Guy R.
Ingram, Milton L.
Jacobs, Walter A. LTJG
Jaep, Charles H. III LT
Jenkins, Gordon K.
Kane, Donald C. LTJG
Karney, Joseph J. ARM 3/C
Kazulis, William P. ARM 3/C
Keller, Eugene L. AMM 1/C
Kemp, E. Duane
Kent, Don
Kettles, Archibald Y. ACMM
King, David A LTJG
Knight, Joseph E. ARM 2/C
Knowlton, Harry E. (Stumpy) ACOM
Krummeck, K. Kenneth
Lee, Charles Isaac ACMM
Lee, Clyde J.
Lock, Kenneth J. AMM 2/C
Lucas, George (Red) LTJG
Malikowski, Theodore S. AOM 1/C
Malone, Robert D. ARM 2/C
Martin, W.L. ARM 1/C
Marvil Jr., Frederick L.
Matthews, Robert T. AMM 1/C
Menard, Louis CDR USN Ret
Meredith, Phillip AMM 1/C
Miller, Stuart J.
Moore, Albert S. ARM 3/C
Quigley, Bertram ENS
Romagnolo, Frank (Romo)
Rossi, Charles B. ARM 1/C
Scherer, James P. LT.
Shelley, James W. LT.
Smith, A.J. CDR USN RET
Spencer, John "Link"
Stetson, Thomas H. LT
Taylor, James J. LT.
Tilghman, Lloyd E.
Wadelton, Frances B. LTJG
Weldon, Harry V.
Whelan, John
White, Donald M. LCDR (RADM USN RET)
Williams, Clark R. LTJG
Wogan, Richard ADM
Zentmeyer, Richard B. LTJG


------------------------------------------------------------ ----
Hello everyone...



I just wanted to announce that my dad, Walter J Deptula (Drew)
who served on Essex 1943-1944 passed away Saturday, Feb 28, 2009
from complications of Alzheimer's.
Some of you may remember him as a "regular" at many Essex
Reunions.


I have attached a roster of the men in his squadron...you might
recognize some of the names. Please let me know if you see any
errors or omissions.


Also ~ You can read about my dad's air strikes at
http://www.ussessexcv9.org/Bravepages/8strikes.html


These were written by him and posted on the website by the late
Bob Sourisseau some years ago.




Services for Wally will be held Wednesday, March 11, 2009 at:



Sunset Hills Memorial Park

1575 145th Place SE

Bellevue, WA 98007

Phone: (425) 746-1400



Chapel service at 1:30 PM

Internment at 2:30



Open to everyone.



If you wish, you may email me your thoughts or memories of Wally
you might have. They will be read at the service and included in
the memory book.


Thank you!



Debbie Shaw
_________________________________________________________________ To unsubscribe: http://www.quicktopic.com/19/X/D38QfUjYwZe
Start your own topic in 20 seconds: http://www.quicktopic.com |QT

Hi Everyone,
Dad Sullivan Palermo served as a gunner on a Hell Diver SB2C in 1945. Dad is in good health and has always wanted to get a hold of his pilot. Through all these years he has been unsuccessful. The Dept of Navy gave me me this web site so I thought I would give it go. Pilot was / is Ens. David Kenneth Breece. I did check the memorial page and did not see his name. Perhaps one you knows of another web site....
Many thanks to you for serving our country and for any help you can give.
Bob Palermo, Huntville, Alabama

World War II: Interview with U.S. Navy Photographer Jack Stewart
 
http://www.historynet.com/world-war-ii-int...er-jack-stewart.htm
 
PH Stewart was aboard the Essex during WWII
 
Frederick R Miller, PH1, USN Retired 55-73
Ballston Spa,NY 12020

Whomever posted the air launch picture on the USS Essex Korean operation picture I humbly thank you for the best Christmas present you could have provided to the family of Lt JG Ross K. Bramwell, KIA 4 Sep 1951. The plane in which he was killed was VF-51 F9F-2 #102. His aircraft was located in the foreground of the photo. Although other pilots flew that aircraft I believe this is him on either his last flight or one shortly before. I have never been able to find an actual photo of this aircraft. Bless all of you fine people who served on the USS Essex, especially those of you in Squadron VF-51. Sincerely, Gordon Bramwell James, nephew, Major (ret), United States Air Force-Vietnam. PS-My wife was thrilled also since she had painted a special painting for me of #102.

All,

I need some help. We are purchasing a Flight Jacket for our Manager and would like to make it look like what his father would have worn. He flew a Hell Cat during WWII off the Essex. He was part of VF-83. I am trying to find a patch for the VF-83 and can't find anyone that makes a reproduction. I am also looking for the CV-9 patch for that era. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,
Bill Glaser
870-776-0849

Debbie Shaw, please e-mail me at froabo2@juno.com as I want to discuss your father's (Walter J. Deptula) stories.

Thank you,

Frank R O'Connor USS Essex Past Chairman

Jack...when were you on the Essex?
My father was aboard 1943-44.
His name was Walter J. Deptula at that time. He later changed his last name to Drew.
You can read about him on the Essex Bravepages at:
http://www.ussessexcv9.org/Bravepages/8strikes.html

Today he is 85 and has pretty advanced Alzheimer's. He lives at Aegis of Kirkland in Washington State. One of the guys he flew the air strikes with is alive and well in Seattle. His name is Herbert 'Andy' Anderson.

Debbie Shaw

< replied-to message removed by QT >

 It is hard to remember names after 60 years If people would just give the work station or GQ station. I would not recconize a name but if you were in the 1st. div/ and was on gun 2 or 4 I'd do a lot of hard thinking on it.
I was second loader on Gun #4 My best buddy was hot shell man Kenny Cook. He was the only hot shell man I knew of that didn't have a blister on his nose. Most hot shellmen did you know. I have about every documentry film of naval action and have never seen a shot of gunners loading and firing a 5'' gun. I dont think the photographers liked to work with out cover of a splinter shield. Otherwise they could stood right over us on the edg of the flight deck and got a birds eye view of all the action. They may have goten a picture when a 40 MM shell hit gun 4 just in front of the first loader. Fragements hit pointer, first loader and me. The pointer (Moon) was in sick bay a couple of weeks. I dug splinters out of my belly for a week. I think Moon was in sick bay when the bomb went off under our screws.
A battle dressing station was just inbord between guns 2 and 4 and to set the reccord strate, Four of the black 20MM guners walked to our gundeck and asked me where the battle dressing station was I led them to it less than 15 feet away.They all died a few minuts later. So don't beleive it when you read in books and Navel History that they all died instantly. They did stick to there guns and fired until the Komakuzy hit them. I watched the whole thing sitting atop gun 4 The fire ball was about 2o ft. high when I ducked below flight deck level. When it was all over there was a half a dead Jap on our gundeck. A couple of guys wraped his deployed parachute around him and tossed him over the side. I don't useualy Write without spell check I hope you can read this.

Dick Huddleston: I try to keep a close eye on those that write here and if you recall I deleted one very recently from the guest book asking for pictures as his father was on a different carrier then. No advertising as I will remove as soon as possible. These are for Essex Sailors or families of.

Tom, thank you so very much for this info. Wish I knew enough about computers to help you put a stop to such hurtful behavior.

To Dick Huddleston, I also visit this site often and look for Essex shipmates that use this forum to pass on info and get in touch. Other fools such as the ones in message 195 and 196 i.e. nick and fds. They think this is an online playtime site and don't realize that our Ship's Association(USS ESSEX CV/CVA/CVS-9)is what this message site was created for. Our Association members who are veterans deserve better respect. There is really nothing from stopping them from posting a message but hopefully they will understand my post and find somewhere else to go online and communicate between themselves.....

Visit this sight often, in hopes someone I know will leave a message.
Unable to view now--all messages have been eliminated ???

Good Site! Thanks! niibatsahyeva mne

   Hi All....I am posting this message to see if I can locate more shipmates from Essex CVS9 M-Div. 1962-66...I have gone to a couple of Essex reunions. And have been in touch with a few M-Div. shipmates..Bob Dreher MM2 who I have vacationed with families..plus..Essex reunion with... thru our civilian years...Also I have kept in touch with known shipmates thru e-mails from M Div...Bob Riley,Rod Gammell,Bob Jones,Kokotowski(Carmine(Cisco)Ciserrano Airdale and George Berenz (M Div.)who surprised me with e-mail recently...The computer era is great....Aren't we lucky we are still around to find each other and comunicate thru this media....I think we (1962-66)swab's are considered "Viet Nam" era vet's....Hope that more guy's from M-Div. shipmates that read this message board can comunicate with me at med6999@aol.com and I will put u in touch with above shipmates thru e-mail....Stay..Well..Hope to be in touch..Tony Medina MM3 aboard Essex CVS9 (1962-66)

Need to have your email address to respond to Maynard Mitchell inquiry.
Mine is frankoconnor1@comcast.net

Thank you in advance. I am trying to locate contact information for Maynard Mitchell, a VB-83 bomber pilot and friend of my grandfather (David R. Berry). I believe he is living in or near Jackson, MS but can't seem to locate him.

Sincerely,

Jon

Good people:

I am looking for anyone who may have known my grandfather, David R. Berry Commander of VB-3 from March-May 1945. In particular, I believe he had a good friend with the last name of "Mitchell."

With VB-3, he carried out 20 air strikes against enemy defensive positions in Nansei Shoto and Kyushu and on March 19, 1945, attacked Kura Harbor. On April 7, 1945, I also believe he attacked a Japanese battleship in the East China Sea. On his last mission, he commanded VB-83 on an attack of the Saeki airfields and SS Kuyushu known as “Strike 305 Saeki.” Anti-aircraft fire from Onyu Shima firing at planes over Saeki Wan, likely struck his plane under the right wing.

  He was survived by his wife, Jacqueline (now deceased) and then-baby daughter (my mother who lives in New York).

Any information is much appreciated. Emails can be sent to platt_@hotmail.com

Thank you.

Jon

I am looking for Thomas Junior Mclay (Tommy) Greenock, He is one of 3 children the others being a boy and girl. His sister Hannah lives in Loughborough Leicestershire. His father was also called Thomas Junior Mclay and ran a succesful scrapmetal firm.
I have information reguarding 3 of his grown up children. If anyone reckonises Thomas i would be very grateful if they got intouch or asked Thomas himself to.
Thanks in advance

Hi to----hlw7234@bellssouth.net
Not been to Essex reunion. Any info would be appreciated. Love to see any of my shipmates of TBM SQUADRON- 83. Thaks--dickhud@gmail.com

please everyone come to the rieunion and lets have a great time and ignore certain ones who think they are forver in charge.

Linda- My e-mail address dickhud@gmail.com Concerning Bill Parsons

To Linda Anderson; Bill Parsons was a very good friend of mine I gave him a birthstone ring my Wife had given me to wear for good luck, and told him, My Wife will shoot me if you don't bring this ring back. All of this just before The first flight of Air Group 83 bombing Nittagahara, Kyushu.
We lost Bill and his Pilot, Ensign Jack Kiernan March 18, 1945. Hope this gives you a little insight as to what happened. Bill was liked by all us, and had a personality that could light up a room. My name dick huddleston. I was the parachute rigger for TBM squadron 83. My responsibility, parachutes, safety equipment, etc.

Hi Deb again!!

I forgot to mention to you that there is a great book on the Essex called "Well Done" by Morris Markey. It's old, but worth reading. I don't know how you would get your hands on it.

Take care again,

Marlene

Hi Deb!

I'm happy to hear from someone.

My father was blown up in the air and landed on his knees and mangled his kneecaps and had his eardrums perforated.

Take care.

Marlene

Hi Marlene,

My dad was on the Essex during the kamikaze attack. He was injured and in a coma for six weeks on a navy medical ship. He was from Meridian, MS, and was known as "Jack". Dad is deceased also, but just wanted to say hi.
Deb

< replied-to message removed by QT >

My father, Leonard Feuer, served as a gunner's mate on the Essex during WWII. He was injured during the kamikazee attack. The jap's arm was on his gun and he threw it in the water. He took the Jap ring off of his finger, we have it. I never asked him if he was the one that shot that plane down...according to his family, he saved his ship.

If was very sad, but nice to hear some of these stories.

My father is now deceased, so I doubt if there is anyone left that would remember him. He was from Newark, NJ.

I HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR A VERY LONG TIME , SINCE THE 60,S FOR A MARINE .WHO WAS ON THE ESSEX HIS NAME WAS BILL ,. WILLIAM SOROKINS , HE CAME FROM HAMPTON VIRGINIA, I THINK HE MOVED TO WINCHESTER VA, BUT NOT SURE,. I MET BILL WHEN THE ESSEX WAS VISITING GREENOCK SCOTLAND. WE WROTE TO EACH OTHER FOR A WHILE, THAT WAS IN THE 60,S, I NEVER FORGOT HIM AND I WOULD LOVE TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENED TO HIM OR IF ANY ONE KNOWS OF HIS WERE ABOUTS, I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM HIM, YOURS SINCERELY JEAN CARR

Edited by author 12-03-2007 10:48 AM
I would like to say to all, that the messages on this board are valuable tools. In my search for information about my Uncle, and after many post, it led me to an Astronaut, whose name I will withhold for respect of his privacy. This Astronaut was kind enough, after hearing the story of my Uncle Lt. Melvin C. Roach, who was a hero in his time, that he carried Lt. Roachs' DFC on a mission to the Space Lab and return. I am grateful to Frank O'Connor for the administration, and the maintaining of this web site. I say a big thank you.

These spaces are not for advertising room. All those that advertise will be deleted as I find them written.

Hi
 
Very interesting information! Thanks!
 
Bye

I am seeking information on William A. Parsons, who is listed as KIA during WW II on the Essex web site. Does anyone remember him? His home town would love to honor and recognize his sacrifice in the local museum.
Thanks!

I'm looking for a First Class Radarmen I served with named Ken Ferch around 1968, and during de-commision in Boston. He was from Long Island. Contact me at transportgraphics@hotmail.com

Hello
 
Looks good! Very useful, good stuff. Good resources here. Thanks much!
 
 
G'night

Hi,

I posted a few days ago about liking to know if anyone knew my father, Murray Lee Jackson. He served on the Essex during the kamikaze attack. What I forgot to add was that he was called, "Jack", and was from Mississippi. Thank you all so much.

Deborah

My grandfather served as a Briefer on the USS Essex CV-9 during WWII. His name was Alexander Bell. I am hoping to find smoeone who may have more information about him. I never met him. Thanks.

Mike Simmons
Shillington, PA

I WAS ON THE ESSEX IN 1956-57 , SO I DID NOT HAVE THE PLEASURE OF KNOWING YOUR DAD. SURE HOPE YOU FIND SOMEONE WHO DID.
 
N. S. S.



************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol.com.

Hi,

My father served on the Essex CV-9 during WWII, and was injured during the Kamikaze attack. His name was Murray Lee Jackson. I am just wanting to find someone who may have known him. Thank you so much.

Deborah

I AM LOOKING FOR ESSEX CVA9 SHIPMATES THAT WERE ABOARD IN 1956-57 TIME FRAME. I WAS IN VI DIVISION. AM LOOKING FOR: C.T. OLSON, J.C. UPTON, D.R. FRETAG, W.G. HEAD, L.N. SMITH, R. MARTINEZ, M.R. MURPHY, A. OLIVA, J.C. GREEN, AND ANYONE ELSE WHO WAS PART OF THIS V1 DIVISION IN 56'-57'. I WAS ORIGINALLY FROM ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO,AND WAS LATER STATIONED AT KINGSVILLE NAVAL AIRSTATION IN 57-58. I AM NOW RETIRED AND LIVING IN THE VILLAGES, FLORIDA. HOPE TO HEAR FROM ANYONE OUT THERE FROM THE DIVISION.

N.S. SANCHEZ

Looking for John Esparza, GM3, on the Essex from 1967 to ? We were stationed in Danang, Viet nam in 66, last saw each other in 1967, when I came home, I lived in Providence at the time. he was from San Antonio, Texas, any help would be appreciated. Del Gray 1 401 392 0518 or e mail@ del@zoominternet.net Thank You

I am searching for information on Jack B.D. Thomas who served on the USS Esssex from 1951-1954. He was a boiler tender (BT3). I am attempting to gather information on Jack Thomas for his son Robert. Jack died in the mid 1960's in a horse related incident and I'm putting together a memorial of his military service. Please contact me, Michael at cowboyhatz@aol.com.

Thank you for the info about the Blair rescue, I looked it up and read it. I would love to have a copy of that book if anyone out there has one they would be willing to part with. Mr. Hickman is my father. I spoke with George Blair last week, he is in Fl. for the winter and is doing well or as he says "I'm still vertical"! I did a people search online a few years ago and found him still in Pa. He came down to Tn. for a visti with daddy, they had a good day and it was wonderful to get them together for the first time since the rescue in '44.
Thanks again, Emily White

There is a good article on the Blair rescue in the February 1975 issue of Naval Aviation News. It is available on-line at:

http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues...backissues1970s.htm


George Kernahan

website: http://uk.geocities.com/sb2c@btinternet.com

James Reilly concerning your post 12-24-2005, please contact me at robert34@grandecom.net.

Debbie Shaw, Wow, sorry its taken me so long to get back to you. I did talk to daddy and did not get a start to finish version from him, just corrections to your dads article. Actually there is only one paragraph about the rescue of Blair. The article says there was a group of Hellcats led by Kitchen keeping the Japs off Blair awaiting the Kingfisher, daddy says that was not true, he says they went alone to get Blair and only met one fighter plane that tipped its wings to let them know where Blair was then left because they were almost out of fuel. The other thing that upset him was the sentence about them not wanting to go down. He said it was not possible to have contact with anyone other than your own ship and planes. He said everyone was on different frequencys, they could not contact the Carriers or other planes other than their own.He said even if they had said they didn't want to go down your dad could have not heard them but they did not say that and did not ever hesitate at going in after him. They did learn many years later that they were the last Americans to get out of Truk alive. The one good thing is that Blair was indeed rescued, we have pictures of dad on the wing of his plane pulling him in. Blair was bigger than daddy so he got in the rear seat and dad got in his lap. As you said and I agree there must be many many inconsistencies in war stories. BUT all these men made a sacrifice like we will never understand and I will never be able to talk war stories with out crying at what my daddy did along with yours and many more.And would you give me the web site to the Brave Pages you refer to, I would like to see them. Thanks again for getting back with me, my prayers are with your father. If you want to email, my address is eaw518@hotmail.com if you do, please put something in subject like about Truk invasion. I delete a lot of stuff if I don't recognize it! Thanks again, Emily

Hello:
The Essex was in Typhoon Cobra in December 1944, so members might want to know about a book just published, "Halsey's Typhoon: The True Story of a Fighting Admiral, an Epic Storm, and an Untold Rescue."

Emily...I could tell that Rueben was disturbed by the inconsistencies. We can't have that.
What I'd like to do is have the Brave Pages' editors post HIS version of events as sort of an amendment or at least another 'take' on the Truk story. I'm sure they'd be happy to do that.
If you can, write out your father's memories and assure him that we'll post the corrections and HIS version of events. My father wouldn't know the difference at this point but I KNOW he would welcome and be interested in other men's memories. Before he became mentally disabled, he tried to find as many men as possible that served at the same time and places as he did. He would be thrilled to know there's someone out there that was part of the Truk story and would want to swap memories.
Over the past 10 years, all my father cared about was his 2-3 yrs in the war. As with other vets, he didn't want to the events of that war to die with him. His Alzheimer's became disabling about 3 years ago and at this point, he doesn't even know who I am. But he can name his shipmates and Squadron mates. It's amazing.
As a 20-yr old tail-gunner during those air strikes, my father described the events as 'chaotic' and 'sheer mayhem', so it's no surprise to me that there would be inconsistencies and/or errors in his memory of them.
Thanks!!! And let's make sure Reuben gets his story told.

Debbie Shaw
425.637.2932 ~ desk
425.985.3816 ~ mobile
425.637.7020 ~ fax
 

< replied-to message removed by QT >

Debbie, My name is Emily, I am Reuben Hickmans daughter, he was at my house when he wrote the message. I told him you replied and I will get with him and see what else he wanted to correct. He is 87 yrs old and was upset at the differences. I told him that I felt sure no one meant to not be truthful and there were probably hundreds of WWII stories that were not just as they happened. He, as so many, remember so much and had never talked about them until just a few years ago. I managed to find Mr. Blair, the man they rescued from the Truk Lagoon and he came to see us maybe 5 yrs ago. The first contact dad had with him since pulling him out of the water. I'm sorry your dad is not well. Mine can hardly get around even with his walker but his mind is still sharp. I'm fortunate he and my mom are still able to live alone and do quite well. They live close to me and I check on them daily. Thanks for writing, hope to talk to you again, Emily

Hi Reuben.

I'm Wally Drew's daughter. He has Alzheimer's and can't contact you. Several years ago, he wrote those stories and I emailed them to the Brave Pages for publication.
I would be very interested in more details of any of the strikes, as well as conflicting memories of how things happened. I can imagine that, during the chaos of an air strike, it would be easy to be confused about what's going on around you.
Herbert "Andy" Anderson, who flew with my dad, is alive and well in Seattle. I can compare notes with him also.
Thanks!!

Debbie Shaw
AdPro, LLC
Celebrating our 20th Anniversary ~ 1986-2006
 
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< replied-to message removed by QT >

Hoping Mr. Walter J. Deptula-Drew checks this board. I would like to contact you on an article I found that you wrote on the Truk Island Strike. I was in the Kingfisher plane that rescued G. Blair. You have reported many untruths and I would like to clarify these. For one we had no contact with Kitchen while we were in the air, did not even have the means to contact him. Therefore there was no threat of him telling us he would shoot us down if we did not go down. We left the USS Baltimore knowing what we had to do and there was no hesitation in doing so.

Mr. James Reilly, if you see this, please contact me at robert34@grandecom.net concerning Lt. Melvin C. Roach.
Thank you.

He actually uploaded my dad's stories onto the Brave Pages for me. Thank goodness this was done before the stories were lost in my father's memories!!
 

http://www.ussessexcv9.org/Bravepages/8strikes.html

 

A TBF Avenger Turret Gunner in the Pacific


Marcus Island to Mariana

      Air Group 9, Eight Strikes in the Pacific

   By Walter J. Deptula-Drew, ADC, CAC, USN (Ret.)

 

Click on Blue Links Below

Marcus Island <http://www.ussessexcv9.org/Bravepages/marcusstrike.html>;
August 30 - 31, 1943

Wake Island <http://www.ussessexcv9.org/Bravepages/wakestrike.html>;
October 5 - 5 1943

Rabaul <http://www.ussessexcv9.org/Bravepages/fortress.html>;

November 11, 1943

Tarawa <http://www.ussessexcv9.org/Bravepages/tarawastrike.html>;
November 18 - 19, 1943

Kwajalein <http://www.ussessexcv9.org/Bravepages/kwajalein.html>;
December 4, 1943

Marshall Islands <http://www.ussessexcv9.org/Bravepages/marshalls.html>;
January 29 - February 4, 1944

Truk Island <http://www.ussessexcv9.org/Bravepages/trukstrike.html>;
February 16 - 17, 1944

Mariana <http://www.ussessexcv9.org/Bravepages/marianastrike.html>;
February 22, 1944

Thanks Chief for your stories, and thank you to Bill Scott "USS ESSEX Buccaneer" Editor for bringing this to our attention. A special thanks to Chief Deptula-Drew's Daughters, Kathy Drew for her question to me about Hull numbers, and Debbie Shaw for sending me her Father's stories. Thank you ladies for helping us to remember your Father and the brave men who served with him.
 

 

Debbie Shaw

AdPro, LLC

Celebrating our 20th Anniversary ~ 1986-2006

 

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< replied-to message removed by QT >

It was news to me also Debbie. A great loss to us. I had several telephone conversations with Bob when he was setting up my uncle's (Lt.Roachs') story on his web site. I only wish I could have known him personally, whe was always helpful and a really nice person.

Oh gosh...I didn't know Bob had died. Loss of a great guy.
He helped me order a great embroidered wool Essex coat and hat for our dad's 80th Birthday 3 years ago.
Debbie Shaw


< replied-to message removed by QT >

Judy Jarrett I am the Chairman of this great organization and the owner of these web sites, www.ussessexcv9.org and wwww.ussessexcv9.org/Bravepages. The latter page I took over from one of our shipmates who passed away this past February 25. His name is Robert "Guns" Sourisseau and devoted his retirement years to making this page dedicated to all the Air Groups attached to the USS Essex. He was also instrumental in getting us a ship's bell that is rung during the Memorial Service at each reunion. Be sure to tell your father to look me up.

Debbie, thanks...I'll pull that up for him...

Judy...Your father wasn't in CV9, apparently, but maybe he would enjoy the Brave pages website:
http://www.ussessexcv9.org/Bravepages/index.html


My father was Walter J. Deptula (now Walter J. Drew). He was a tail-gunner in Squadron Nine (he's still living...but has Alzheimers)
Debbie Shaw

< replied-to message removed by QT >

My father is Walter W. Williams (83) and served on the USS Essex during WWII from November 1942 through December 1946. He was in the Engineering Department's "B" Division. He is very excited about the 2006 USS Essex reunion being held in Johnson City, Tennessee, the week of September 11, 2006. He lives in Jonesborough, Tennessee, the oldest town in Tennessee just a few miles from Johnson City. My dad was never one to discuss his experiences in the Navy until recently, but he is very proud of what was accomplished during his time on the Essex, as is his family of him. He has many stories to tell and I hope with this upcoming reunion he will be able to connect with some of his shipmates.

Any information, stories, pictures relating to my father Joseph A. Marty, who served on the Essex 1944-1946 would be greatly appreciated. Thank you and thank you for your service to our country.

My father, Jeff H. Stringer, Jr. served on the Exxex during WW 2. He was a radioman. I would like to know if anyone remembers him. He also served in Korea. I know even less about this time in his life. If anyone remembers him, please let me know.

This comes in an earlier message I put up regarding Lt Roach of Air Group 15.I asked one of the support gunnersmate from Air Group 15 and this is what he said.
 I knew of Lt. Roach. He was one of our best pilots. He had crashed shortly after take off dead ahead of our carrier. There was no trace of him. He was flying # 34. He was very well respected by all of us. The target that day was a convoy just out of Saipan. I'm sure that destroyers tried to locate him and his plane, but to no luck. I wish I could be of more help.
More information is available now but I will wait until I hear from James Reilly to post.

I am directing this to James Reilly. Please contact me via my email address froabo@se.rr.com or froabo2@juno.com... I have the nephew of Lt Roach and he wants to get in contact with you.

Good luck with that!!

Debbie Shaw
AdPro, LLC
Celebrating our 20th Anniversary ~ 1986-2006
 
425.637.2932 ~ desk
425.985.3816 ~ mobile
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< replied-to message removed by QT >

Ms. Shaw, I don't think, and am 99.9% sure this is not the same Anderson. The one I have information on was a fighter pilot in VF-5. Like someone said earlier, almost all Andersons were nicknamed Andy. I am in hopes of getting a response from Frank O'Connor and/or James Reilly. I have loads of info. about Lt. M.C.Roach.

Please let me know if you are talking about Herbert "Andy" Anderson who was in Squadron Nine with my dad (Walter J Deptula) in WWII. Andy was the radioman...my dad was the tail gunner, and Zentmeyer was their pilot. Zentmeyer died in the '70's of an illness. My dad lives in Kirkland Washington in the Alzheimer's unit at Aegis Living. Andy is in great health and lives in Seattle with his wife...he's still a very close friend of my dad. If that is the Andy you are seeking, let me know. I have his phone number and address, and speak to him occasionally.
thanks

Debbie Shaw

< replied-to message removed by QT >

I also submitted the story written by Lt. Roach to Bravepages. It can be found here: http://www.ussessexcv9.org/Bravepages/roach01.html, with photos.

Edited by author 07-01-2006 10:45 PM
I have just found the Exxex Reunion web site, and was quite suprised to see my uncle, Lt. Melvin C. Roach mentioned. He was my hero, even though I was just a youngser. I remember him very well. I am the last surviving member of the family, and would like to share information/pictures with anyone that desires too. The two post I read was written by Frank O'Connor, and James Reilly. ...If my memory serves me, I think I have a photo of Andy Anderson. I too would like to be in touch with Mr. Anderson. I believe he was in the "Fighting Five" group who broadcast a radio program from Chicago, Illinois. I also have glass master records of that broadcast, and remember it well.
I am in hopes of being in touch with someone. My email is robert34@grandecom.net

I'd bet my father (Walter Deptula-Drew) might have known him. He was a tail gunner in the VT-9 Squadron.
Unfortunately, he has advanced Alzheimer's but I can often stimulate his memories of the war. Next time I visit him, I'll break out his WWII books and see if he remembers.
Good luck.

http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues.../1997/mj97/plog.pdf

Debbie Shaw


< replied-to message removed by QT >

Try this link, Shelly. There is a small mention of him.

http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues.../1997/mj97/plog.pdf

Debbie Shaw
AdPro, LLC
Celebrating our 20th Anniversary ~ 1986-2006
 
425.637.2932 ~ desk
425.985.3816 ~ mobile
425.637.7020 ~ fax
 
www.adprollc.com
 

< replied-to message removed by QT >

My uncle, Ernest Baker, was a pilot on the USS Essex during WWII. I didn't see any information about him on the web site. He was captured by the Japanese when his plane went down in the Pacific. He was a POW for quite a while then finally released at the end of the war. Does anyone remember him? I have some pictures I could send. My e-mail address is: smcdowell@vabinding.com

Pam Corral message,looking for her father from pic of april 1952...Pam, there was no address to write....write me a<charbillrank2000@yahoo.com.. Have some ideas for you even though i didn't know you dad....

Edited by author 12-29-2005 02:19 PM
Hello Debbie,
Thank you so much for your response, I realize that the Andy was indeed a very common name. In fact Dad told me that everyone with the last name Anderson was "Andy" Glad to hear that the gentleman who you know is still doing well. Thank you for any help or support that you may offer. Mr. Frank O'Conner has been very helpful in suggesting vetfriends.com. God Bless you both. I have been able to locate one of the gentleman who also drove jeeps on the Essex that served with Dad. We have just sent(Doodlebug) pictures that Dad beleives he as never seen before of himself during 1943-1946. Please stay in touch.
Joanne

I have sent your request out to our membership who might have been aboard the time your father was. If I hear anything I will pass it along.

Frank R O'Connor USS Essex Chairman

Edited by author 12-22-2005 10:31 AM
Hello, I am trying to learn more about my father that passed away in 1973 when I was just 5 years old. There are just a few things I know for fact: He was in the Navy and his ship was the USS Essex, I have 2 photos taken April 1952, in San Deigo. Each one is my Father and another person. My fathers name is Raymond Bacon(no middle name). The writing on the back of both photos is very light and hard to read but it looks like the other two names are Gilert Branum, and Loupe? As I said it says April 16, 1952. My mother has also passed away and I have longing to know more about my father. I know he was married twice and had this whole other life with 4 other kids I never knew exsisted. Ray's home state was Montana. And I believe he lived in Great Falls all his life. He passed away at age 39 from carcinoma of the pancreas. Can someone help me? Did you know my dad?

Thanks Berlyn. I'm gettin' by with a lot of help from friends like you. Been getting phone calls, and mail full of prayers and good thoughts. That goes a long way in helping me get through this.
I love you guys.

Guns We are thinking of you and praying for you and your family. Keep a tight ship. You can beat this thing with the help of prayer an all your friends

James Reilly, how is it you are looking for friends or relatives of the Roach family? If you need to email me you can do that @ frankoconnor@se.rr.com

I asked one of the support gunnersmate from Air Group 15 and this is what he said.
 I knew of Lt. Roach. He was one of our best pilots. He had crashed shortly after take off dead ahead of our carrier. There was no trace of him. He was flying # 34. He was very well respected by all of us. The target that day was a convoy just out of Saipan. I'm sure that destroyers tried to locate him and his plane, but to no luck. I wish I could be of more help.

Seeking friends, family, or shipmates of Lt. Melvin C. Roach, VF-15, Killed June 12, 1944 during strike launch off Saipan. He was also veteran of VF-5 & VF-6.

That name, "Andy" Anderson was sure a common one.
The Andy I know is alive and very well, living in Seattle...he served on Essex with my father (Walter Deptula-Drew) '42-'44 in Squadron 9 (the VT-9ers). He's not you're father, of course, (his real name is Herbert) but I can ask him if he knows Porter 'Andy' Anderson, if you'd like. I am in contact with him fairly regularly. I've posted his and my
father's stories on the Bravepages:
http://ussessex.bravepages.com/8strikes.html

The Brave pages is really a fun website to visit. You may learn
something there. http://ussessex.bravepages.com

Good luck!

Debbie Shaw
AdPro, LLC
 
425.637.2932 ~ desk
425.985.3816 ~ mobile
425.637.7020 ~ fax
 
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I never look back, Darling. It distracts from the now. -Edna, The Incredibles
< replied-to message removed by QT >

Thank you to all that have served and are currently serving!!
I am looking for anyone who served on board the USS ESSEXCV9 during the time of 1943-1946 who remenders my father PORTER F. ANDERSON "ANDY". I know he served as a (Yellow Shirt Division V1)Plane Spotter, and was on deck the 11-25-44 day the Kamikaze hit the ship. Also if anyone remembers the day the two Royal Navy planes landed, and the second one had only 3 gallons of fuel remaining. Trying to also locate a Mr. Buck Harrington who also served as a (Yellow Shirt) He and my father were very close.
Thank you to all for what you have done for us.

Joanne Anderson
J_E_Anderson2@yahoo.com

I'm looking to see if anyone has any recollections or pictures of my father (Stanley Bray) who served on the Essex from 42-45.

If you do, please let me know at dbray2@wi.rr.com

Thanks and Thank you to all who served.

Thank you so much. You are right, it was a typhoon. My email is kinigette@yahoo.com. I believe my grandfather, John Cantrell, was a mechanic. I just saw that I missed the reunion. i would like to keep in touch for the next one. Thank you for the information.
Kelly

Although I was aboard ESSEX during World War II, your grandfather's name is not familiar to me. There were so many aboard it was hard to get to know those other than the ones who happened to be in the same division. I have forwarded your message to our chairman so he can possibly make further inquiries for you. You mentioned a tsunami - what I think you are actually referring to was a typhoon. We were in a typhoon in which three destroyers were sunk. The first two web sites listed below may be of interest to you. Can you provide us with a better Email address than the quicktopic connection?

C. Leonard Schlamp
2911 Rugby Ave., Evansville IN 47711-3653
(812) 437-9485
ESSEX related web sites: www.ussessexcv9.org &
http://ussessex.bravepages.com
Also visit: www.campcarson.org and www.campcarsonalumni.org

Edited by author 09-25-2005 04:41 PM
Hi there! My grandfather, John Cantrell, was on the Essex during WWII. Unfortunately, too late in my life I find that I didn't know too much about the Essex and his time on her. He passed away in 1990, and I really miss him. I also miss the fact that I didn't appreciate his stories of what ya'll did and the accomplishments. I Thank you for your acts and bravery that led to the end of the War, and safe return. If there is someone out there who knew him, I would love to hear stories. Stories that I was to foolish not to listen to then. My mother just told me of the tsunami ya'll were in. There are so many things I would like to know. We just found the "yearbook" of '42-'44. If there is another one, I would love to have it. Please tell of any stories or reunion info you could give me. Thank you so much for EVERYTHING! Kelly (kinigette@yahoo.com)

Hey Fitz, Saw your message and although not totally correct its meant for all Essex sailors. The active duty part especially extends to the LHD-2 group who might be interested in joining. If that doesn't help, blame Frank, it's his webpage...Ha HA. I hope you enjoyed the reunion and hope to see you in Bristol/Johnson city.

 The home page says we are looking for active and retired sailors who served on the Essex. I think this should be any sailor who served on her and wants to meet old shipmates. I met a lot of shipmates at the reunion this year that did not stay in the Navy.

I was very pleased to get your E-mail. I certainly do remember your father. Who could forget him having once known him? I served in the same division with him aboard ESSEX (KR Division). I have been attending ESSEX reunions since 1991, missing only this year's because of the hurricane. As we former radiomen gather someone usually asks "I wonder what ever happened to Veverka?" He was always known by his last name. Although you don't mention it, am I to assume he is no longer alive? It would be good to hear from you again. C. Leonard Schlamp, ex-RM2c, KR Div., USS ESSEX, clschlamp@juno.com

P.S. Not sure if my e-mail address comes up on this message board: HLeaglee@netzero.com.

God Bless You Guys :)
Hope Veverka
Proud Daughter of Robert J. Veverka

Hello, this is my first time @ this site. I am the daughter of Robert J. Veverka, who served on the USS Essex 1942. I would like to communicate with anyone who may remember my father....I am interested if anyone remembers my dad. I live here in West Palm Beach and just "happened upon this site" and see there is a reunion. "Great stuff, guys".

Hi Unc! Don't even ask me how I found this. I hope you and all your buddies are having a good time! Don't do anything I wouldn't do, but if you do, name it after me! Love ya!

Our Association is no secret as we have been advertising since the very beginning and in 1997 I put the web site up for all to find us. Glad to read we have another who found the USS Essex Association. We do have a cut off at the hotel of August 8th but I feel sure we can accomodate you with the lower rate, come on down and join us in renewing old friendships. I am sure you will meet some old friend.
Frank R O'Connor USS Essex Chairman

Dinner sounds good - we'll see you in the lobby Sunday evening guys.

On Thu, 18 Aug 2005 16:46:52 -0700 (PDT) QT - Berlyn Ware
<qtopic+19-D38QfUjYwZe@quicktopic.com> writes:
>

Sounds like a good idea but Bruna has to eat by 6 so if you get in at 5 it might be to late for us. But we will keep an open mind and we mightr meet you in the lobby. We are leaving in the morning and we are driving. We want to make some stops on the way home and we can't do it if we fly. We have some old NAVY Buddies that have had some heart problems in the last year so these are the people we want to see. We should be down ther somtime on Sunday, we are not in a hurry to get there. We will take our time.
Jerry and Bruna
< replied-to message removed by QT >

On Thu, 18 Aug 2005 15:14:08 -0700 (PDT) QT - Robert Sourisseau
<qtopic+19-D38QfUjYwZe@quicktopic.com> writes:
>
Should see you sometime on Sunday. Bruna and I are driving, we will take our time. Looking forward to seeing everyone again.
Jerry and Bruna Mc Donell
< replied-to message removed by QT >

We will be leaving Sun Aug. 21st. We will be there at 5:00pm Sun. Lets have supper together all of us

Packing our bags now. Kay and I are flying from Ontario,CA. tomorrow afternoon. We'll be there a little early. Look forward to seeing you all soon. - Guns

This is for Mr. Jack Ormsby. The USS ESSEX has been hosting reunions going on 36 years. They have been continually seeking members all over the country. We try to get the word out and are advertised in magazines like American Legion, VFW, Navy Times and some others. Our members even have licence plates advertising Essex. If you would like membership info contact us on the Uss Essex website. Our next reunion is in Ft.Lauderdale Florida Aug 22nd to 27th. Reunion rates are $69.00 per night at the Westin hotel Ft Lauderdale guaranteed until Aug 1st I believe. Any other questions or concerns contact me at agcret@cox.net and I'll direct you or put you in conatct with the right folks to get onboard. Let me know, we are always seraching for shipmates........TOM

I went on Essex in 1943 until end of war that was the last I ever heard of the Essex. until I got this computer I never knew anything about an Essex reunion. Why the big seceret? Jack 30

Is there anyone left who remembers the VB 15 action on 15 June 1944 against Iwo Jima from the Essex in which my father, Kenneth Leon Jackson, took part (pilot was Ted Clement)? Their plane never returned.
please reply to k.jackson@yale.edu

Arrived home safely in Lake Elsinore(Oct. 5 - 8:pm) after stopping in Branson and Tucson and just about everywhere in between. Had a great trip home.

The reunion was a great success and it was heart warming and a lot of fun to get together with my shipmates again.

Bill put on a fine reunion for us. It was great to see you all again and God willing I'll see you next year in Fort Lauderdale.

-Guns

Hey Guns, Just dropped in to look at the mesage board and saw your post. I looked at the weather myself to get a feel for St.Louis in late Sep. It doesn't look bad at all. It ranged from the high 70's to mid 80's and mid to upper 50's to low 60's. There are some showers in the forecast for Labor Day to Wed, but great from that point. I can handle that coming from Phoenix. I'm looking forward to taking a break. Drive safely......TOM

OK, Hows the weather in St. Louis at the end of September? Kay and I are all set. Leaving here on the 13th, coming by automobile this time. Making stops along the way. Will be there on the 19th. - Guns

Do you have any other info on your uncle...for instance, was he in a Torpedo Squadron? Any idea of rank? Etc.
Debbie Shaw
AdPro,LLC
425.637.2932 ~ office number
425.985.3816 ~ cell phone
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visit our website: http://www.adprollc.com

< replied-to message removed by QT >

I'm hoping someone might be able to steer me in the right direction to find information regarding my uncle who served on the Essex in WWII.

His name is Robert (Bob) Gillum and I believe that he flew Corsairs but that isn't 100%. He passed away several years ago and although we had talked a great deal about his time in the service, there is much I never got to talk to him about.

Any and all information would be appreciated. I can be reached at cwl568@yahoo.com

Walter:

The next ESSEX reunion will be in St. Louis Mo. @ the Renaissance hotel (airport). The dates are Sept 20-26, 2004. I suggest youContact our Secretary Bruce Simms by e-mail hangerbay9@aol.com for further
information. He may also be reached by phone 770-707-1812. He will provide you with further details. We welcome you to our membership also. Thanks for the message. Bob Flynn phone 412(881-5792

Here You go Walter

35th USS Essex Reunion 2004
September 20th to September 26, 2004

RENAISSANCE ST. LOUIS HOTEL
Airport, St. Louis, Missouri
9801 Natural Bridge Road St. Louis, MO 63134
1 888-340-2594
Fax: 1 314-429-3625
  
Person to Contact: H. Bruce Sims
581 Conkle Rd.
Hampton, Georgia 30228-2702
770-707-1812
Email: hangerbay9@aol.com
Web Page: http://www.ussessexcv9.org

Membership:
For additional information on joining or inquiries about our organization please e-mail Dan Genet, Membership/Publicity at SailMagnet@aol.com or call at 954 227 2170
.....................
Hope to see you there!

Dose any one know when the next reunion should be?

During 1942? I'll check with my dad.

You can read about him and his crew at
http://ussessex.bravepages.com/8strikes.html



Debbie Shaw
AdPro,LLC
425.637.2932 ~ office number
425.985.3816 ~ cell phone
djshaw@adprollc.com

visit our website: http://www.adprollc.com

< replied-to message removed by QT >

looking for anyone who might have known Ens Norman Berube who served on the Essex during 42 as a pilot and was shot down and lost April 7th.
Thank you.
aantil@twcny.rr.com

Addition to below post, My e-mail is gatsutton@yahoo.com Again, Thanks, Gene

Would like to know if anyone that served on the Essex during 1954-55 knew or remembered Norman Lindburg. He was an officer at the time. He's my wifes uncle and we're doing this for him. If there is a few shipmates he knew he would probably attend the reunion.
Thanks, Gene Sutton

i just wanted to post a message to all who may have served with my great uncle, floyd short, jr. i'm not sure the dates that he was on the essex, but it was during wwII. i just wanted to let any friends of old know that he passed away a couple of weeks ago. he was more of a grandfather to me than great uncle, so please, anyone who knew him, or just remember the name, send your thoughts and prayers for him and his family.

If you have never been to one our reunions you are missing a wonderful experience. Each year I look forward to the next one.

Looking forward to seeing you all again this year. Bob Flynn,
PITTSBURGH, PA.

Great website! I'm having a quiet day at work and started surfing the web, and was pleased to find you. My brother Tom and his daughter Kate, brother Kevin with wife Pat and kids Tiffany and Sean, and I attended our first Essex reunion. Our Dad, who died of a heart attack at age 46, was the pilot with crew Wally and Andy. What a good feeling to talk with those men who knew Dad so well. We are looking forward to the next reunion.
j.zentmeyer@verizon.net
Tampa, FL

The best way to find out if anyone remembers you is come to a reunion. You will be surprised to find so many who do remember.

Edited by author 03-09-2004 08:24 PM
 Served aboard the Essex for a short time in the 50s, don t really know if anyone remembers me.
  Clovis Peano
   Marquette Mich 49855

Dear Shipmate Neal -
Good to hear from you. Your best bet on locating your shipmates is by joining our association. We have around 1000 members and each member receives a copy of our roster that has names, addresses, 'phone numbers, E-mail addresses, years aboard, etc. etc. I am forwarding your message on to our secretary, Bruce Sims, whom I imagine will be sending you an application for membership.

On 19 Jan 2004 04:02:39 -0000 QT - paul neal
<qtopic+19-D38QfUjYwZe@quicktopic.com> writes:
>

C. Leonard Schlamp
2911 Rugby Ave.
Evansville IN 47711-3653
(812) 437-9485
ESSEX related web sites: www.ussessexcv9.org &
http://ussessex.bravepages.com


________________________________________________________________
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< replied-to message removed by QT >

My name is Paul Neal. I served aboard the mighty lady Essex fron the dry docks of Bremerton in 1956 until late 57 when I was transfered to U.S.S. Staten Island Ice Breaker to partake in Operation Dew Line setting up the radar sights in the artic circle for the North American Defense Command.During my time in service I was an aviation photographers mate and would like to locate shipmates that I worked with and pwoodworker14@cs.com Thanks in advance
                                     
                                                  Paul Neal
P.S. My home phone is 843-857-0031
                    cell phone 843-260-4206

Edited by author 12-13-2003 05:54 PM
Shipmates. I have been posting our reunion information on the internet and have it on several websites. This is one you might want to go to and sign in. Sign in at US Naval Institute: http://www.usni.org/Reunions/reunion_details.html?id=3167
and get on the list.

Fellow shipmates Lets all call an old friend that was on the Essex an try to get them to join our association. I would like to see us go over that 1,000 mark before the next reunion. Also lets make sure everyone remembers the next reunion. We all know how much fun we have so let them join in the fun.

Yes, There was quite a Zentmeyer crew there! Good looking kids...

did anyone see the Zentmeyer "children"?

Some of Richard Zentmeyer's kids went to the reunion. He was my dad's pilot in the VT-9ers

*
 Debbie Shaw
*
 AdPro LLC
*
 office: 425 . 637 . 2932
*
 cell: 425 . 985 . 3816
*
 djshaw@adprollc.com <mailto:djshaw@adprollc.com>;
    visit our website at: www.adprollc.com <http://www.adprollc.com>;


< replied-to message removed by QT >

Hi Debbie,
Was really happy to be able to shake your Dad's hand and visit a little at the reunion. Meant to check in here sooner but picked up some kinda' bug on the flight home and am just now getting over it. And Jim - your enthusiasm as a first timer really rubbed off on folks, you are a welcome addition my friend. Geez, I didn't go on the Notre Dame tour as I have visited there before but what's that about cheerleaders?? I may have missed out.... Darn.

Guns

HI KIETH.

I'M SORRY BUT I CAN'T HELP YOU. BOB F.

wow...nice memorial.

my father was on Essex in '43 and '44, but I'll see if he knew
him...probably not, but you never know

*
 Debbie Shaw
*
 AdPro LLC
*
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< replied-to message removed by QT >

Hello Gentlemen,

My Great Uncle died while attempting to land a "flyable dud" from the USS Essex. He was taking it to the USS Admiralty Islands CVE-99 on April 18, 1945. This was during the Okinawa campaign, as I am sure most of you will remember. You can see my Uncle's memorial site at:
http://hometown.aol.com/delphilabs/page8.html There is a photo of the aircraft's tail after the accident, showing the distinctive Essex markings.

What I am hoping is that one of you can find this airplane in your log books and give me some kind of idea on it's condition at the time - a very long shot, I realize. The aircraft was a Grumman Hellcat F6F-5 #71332.

Thank you for any assistance.

Sincerly,
Keith
Delphilabs@aol.com

Thanks for your input. I will do my best to notify the proper people to contact him. Bob Flynn

Thanks Debbie, we saw him at the South Bend, In Reunion. He looks great and sounds like good.

Bob Flynn

Hi
During what year(s) did your Uncle serve? My father was on Essex during 42-43, mostly.
You can see him at: http://ussessex.bravepages.com/8strikes.html
His last name was Deptula during that time...he later changed it to Drew. In any event, he is currently 80 years old...attends EVERY reunion. You can get reunion info from me or you can visit
http://www.ussessexcv9.org/


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 AdPro LLC
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< replied-to message removed by QT >

I think I ran into him this year in South Bend. His son Cris brought him and his wife/mother. We went to a local Irish pub and had a couple beers with Floyd. I dont know if we are talking about the same guy.
Jim Kenn, USS ESSEX CVS-9

QT - brent <qtopic+19-D38QfUjYwZe@quicktopic.com> wrote:


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< replied-to message removed by QT >

i'm posting this for my great-uncle, who served on the essex, though i'm not sure about the dates now. his name is Floyd Short. he doesn't know i'm doing this, but i would love to get info on any future reunions so maybe i can get him to come. any information would be greatly appreciated, and anybody that served with him, please let me know and i'll try to get you in touch with him. thanks.

1944-1946 gunnery dept.any shipmates going to reunion? therewere some at nyc.-jamestown.-niagara falls.- have lost track of them.anyone having info - please let me know - lencol73us@yahoo.com

I will be out of the office

8/11/03 to 8/18/03 however, I did receive your e-mail.

Just a quick thank you to all for making our stay (Mary and Jim) a most wonderful first time experience. We both had a super time and got to see a couple of my old shipmates for the first time in 40 years. I especially enjoyed my date with the Notre Dame Cheerleader.

Just about got the bags packed. Airport shuttle picking Kay and I up at 7am Friday to take us to LAX, will be in South Bend 5:55 pm Friday evening. Berlyn put a steak (hotdog - whatever) on the grill, will see you when we get in. Chuck and Mary are picking us up.

See ya

Bill Hansford
Look forward to seeing you all at the reunion. There will be some other Atlanta-ites there. Good deal on your first reunion. You're gonna' love it.

First time I have seen this page on the web site. I will be attending the reunion this year for the first time. 3 other shipmates will also except one of them has been before. I live near Atlanta but didn't know about the Association or the reunion there until to late. hate I missed it. Looking forward to the experience. The Association has enabeled some of us who have not heard form each other in over 30 years to get back together.

All is OK. I was going to email the Judge, but my buddy Berlyn (he's on the reunion committee) beat me to it. Just got an email back, and the Judge contacted them and set them them straight. I will get the 49.00 weekend rate.

Aren't these computers and email great?

Hi Bob:

I had thouht you might have had your reservations in earier. Sorry about that. I am rechecking my reservations to be sure they are made as I understood them.

Just rechecked & I am OK. Suggest you contact Judge Miller & let him knw about your situation. Give him your confirmation number & contact name if you have it. etc. We are supposed to get a $49. plus taxes weekend rate before & on the Sunday after for $49 also. Let me know how you make out on this. I understand that the taxes are at 12% to those rates. Bob Flynn

Wheww! Looks like I waited too long to call for Marriot room reservations. Just got off the phone; Kay and I are checking in Friday evening Aug. 1 at around 7 pm. Want to get there early to do some visiting on our own.

The weekend before the reunion the 1st to the 4th the rooms are 119.00 a night. That's all they have available. Guess that's what I get for procrastinating. You can forget that weekend rate of 49.00 a night. I think I'll look around to see if I can find somewhere else to stay for that first weekend and move to the Marriot on Monday. Thought I'd check in here to let you folks that are getting there early know what you will have to pay, and I suggest you get your reservations made soon.
Bob S

Looks like everything is beginning to fall in place for the reunion. Need to have many more join us on this page. I believe that will happen soon. Bob S. How is your health now? Seems to me like your holding your own. Keep up the good work Bob. We need more members like you. Bob Flynn

I don't think you are nuts. Many of us loved ESSEX and hated it when they scrapped her. I have forwarded your message on to our secretary.
C. Leonard Schlamp
2911 Rugby Ave.
Evansville IN 47711-3653
(812) 437-9485
ESSEX web sites: www.ussessexcv9.org & http://ussessex.bravepages.com

________________________________________________________________
The best thing to hit the internet in years - Juno SpeedBand!
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Tony Lisi
   Cicero, N.Y.
   G-3 & S-3 Div.
  1960-1963
   I Tony Lisi and my brother Dominick were Barbers in S-3 Div.
Bill Heiler ran the main ships store. Ed Faircloth was also a barber. Is there any shipmates that remember us. I would like to hear from you. You may think I'm nuts, but I loved
the Essex. A fine lady.
my email -
alisi1@twcny.rr.com

All set - got our airline etickets and going through Ohare. Have a good and safe trip North Frank.
Guns

Midway airport is on the Southside of Chicago and O'Hare airport is one hour north of Midway. How about flying a connecting flight from OHare to South Bend? This might be the answer. If I was doing your way this is what I would do.
Let me know what you decide

Frank R O'Connor
USS Essex CV,CVA,CVS-9, LHD-2 Inc.
Vice Chairman
2284 Commodores Club Blvd
St. Augustine, Florida 32080
Visit Our Web Site, http://www.ussessexcv9.org

< replied-to message removed by QT >

Bob S.

We sat with Chief Deptula-Drew & his daughter at the New Orleans reunion. He is quite a guy. Also at the table with him was Herbert Anderson, ARM1C & his wife Tanya. Great war stories. I'll bet you can get a lot of info from him.

I will ask the judge if he wants these names. I can get them off your web page and also my records. Bob Flynn

Hi Bob F
I emailed Berlyn Ware and Chuck McCammon, about the best way to get there they live there too. I've decided to go through Chicago and I'm going to buy my airline tickets today. Taking a bus from Chicago to South Bend, only 100 miles. Kay and I are going to rent a car and drive back to L.A. Take our time and see a little country. Bob I think the Roll of Honor aircrewmen KIA are all on the list the Judge has. For the Names of all the Essex Roll Of Honor Inductees if we need those, I have all the Essex ACROH inductees on my webpage - http://ussessex.bravepages.com/ROH.html I'm waiting for the paper work from another aircrewmen now, John Smitonick AMM2 Torpedo Squadron 83. Looks like Essex will have 3 Roll of Honor inductees this year. Yes, it might be a good idea to mention these men at the reunion during the memorial, or otherwise. Maybe during the banquet?

 Been in contact with backseater Chief Walter Deptula-Drew's daughters and He is coming to the reunion - look forward to meeting him, missed him at New Orleans. His daughters sent me stories that the Chief wrote about 7 airstrikes made by Airgroup nine. Hope to get the stories on my website soon and will send them to Bill and Mardie for the Buccaneer, Enteresting reading.
Bob S.

Hi Bob.

Wish I could give you an answer to your request, but I have no idea which way is better. Did you copy Judge Miller with this request? He would certainly be the best person to contact as he lives in South Bend.
I have a question for you. This just came into my mind yesterday. With all the names we sent to the judge, I never gave a thought to all the Enlisted Combat Aircrewmen that were atached to ESSEX during WWII. Most of the names he has were on that large plaque that our ESSEX donated to the YORKTOWN. These peoples names should be added to the list we gave him earlier. I will copy him with this message. I still have a list of the men I put through. I'm sure you have the ones you put through also. We had several of those back seaters at our last reunion. Gladys & I sat at the same table of a couple of them.

We will NEVER ever get this perfect but Ithink we should send an addendum to the judge. Bob flynn

OK guys

Kay and I are making our reservations for the reunion and have our reunion packet ready to send in. Now I need your help. We'll be leaving Los Angeles on the 2nd of August. Which airport is best to fly into in Chicago - Ohare or Midway and which is closer to South Bend. We are thinking about coming thru Chicago. And either flying from there to South Bend or taking a bus in.
Last time we went to South Bend we went through St. Louis and the flight from St. Louis in that little twin engine job was darned uncomfortable. Any suggestions?

Keith, Nice website about your Uncle. Will make it a point to ask around at the reunion. We are expecting a good turnout for this one. Hopefully someone there can help you.

Sirs,
I have discovered that my Uncle, Ens Roy Jones USNR, was ferrying a "Flyable Dud" from the Essex when he crashed on the USS Admiralty Islands. I have started a website as a memorial to him. If you are interested in visiting, the address is: http://hometown.aol.com/delphilabs/page8.html

If any of you could ask around about him at the Reunion, I would sure appreciate hearing from someone that remembers him.

Thank you

Hi Leonard:

I think the only mistake I made was signing up for 2 breakfasts on Friday instead for one. In my case just keep the $3.00 as a donation to ESSEX ass'n. It looks like any time you try to simplify something, many of us will still get it wrong. Sorry about that. Bob F.

Registrations for 2003 reunion in South Bend are starting to come in. Most common mistakes in filling out the registration form:
1. Couples signing up for two breakfasts on Friday even though the lady will probably be going to the ladies breakfast that morning.
2. Failure to indicate number attending free events (judicial tour and ladies breakfast).
3. Purchasing Museums Admissions even though purchased Museum Tour. (Admissions are included with tour price).
4. Forgetting to pay registration fee for spouse/guest.

CHIEFS DO NOT GET MESS DUTY. SEE YOU AT THE REUNION. Bob Flynn

Bob hope you find a set of whites. Don't for get you got mess duty.

               Berlyn(G3)

Bob F.
We'll sure see you there. Kay and I are going a couple of days early so we can go visit Chuck McCammon and Berlyn Ware. Going to their homes so we can eat up all their food, drink all their booze and pass out in their doorway so they can't get out. :) (kidding-kidding)

Bob your other message is still here; Go to the top (or Bottom of the Board. click on 'all messages' or you can go back, page by page. While I'm here I want to remind everyone to subscribe at the top left of the board's page, that way you'll get an email when anyone signs in.

Won't be long now only 5 months away.

Bob, do you still have your uniform? I don't but I am going to look around and see if I can find one.

Hi Bob:
I submitted a message on this site about 2 weeks ago but it is not on it now as I mentioned to you on e-mail recently. Gladys & I will be attending the reunion & expect to arrive on August 3rd at South Bend, IN. We have submitted all paperwork back to Miller & Schlamp paid in full. We expect to leave on August 9th. Hope to see everyone then. God Bless. Bob & Gladys Flynn

Keith you might put this inquiry on the Essex Association website's guestbook, and there is a chance an association member that can help you might see it there. The Essex Association Website is at: http://www.ussessexcv9.org
Good luck with your search.

Sirs,

I have been researching the death of my Uncle Ensign Roy Edward Jones USNR for about three years now. I first discovered he was on the Escort Carrier USS Windham Bay. Then when there was no mention of his death in the deck log of that aircraft, I researched more to find he had been transfered to the USS Admiralty Islands. The deck log of that ship states on April 18th, 1945 that at "1449 - F6F from USS Essex crashed into catwalk on port side after a wave-off and went over the side admidships. Plane guard reported no survivor. Pilot was Ensign Roy E. Jones 395853, A1, USNR"

I am wondering if he was assigned to the Essex as a replacement pilot while the Essex was supporting the Okinawa Campaign, but find no mention of him on your website as an Essex Pilot. Or, might he have been returning a damaged aircraft to the Admiralty Islands for repair, and unable to successfully land the crippled aircraft?

Is there an avenue to query the crew of the Essex about my Uncle, or do you personally have any additional information? Your assistance would mean the world to me.

Thank you,
Keith Anderson
Delphilabs@aol.com

South Bend will be the place to be. We hope everyone will have a great time. Hopefully we will all have a lot more good times no matter where they might be. Take care.

                          Berlyn(G3)

The Judge and his Committee members have gone all out to
make South Bend a great reunion. I hope as many members
as can will make this one. This is the Judge's last Hurrah,
so he says, and it will be mine too! We want it to be a memorable one. We are going to eat well, and play hard!
So come join us for this Once In a Lifetime Event. Look
forward to seeing you all in South Bend. Ethel and I plan
to arrive on Saturday, animals and all, and stay until Penny-Pincher throws us out!
Yes Judge, I will bring my uniform. (I tried it on and it does fit!)

The committee will be there waiting. I hope we can brake all attendance records. We are sure everyone will eat good an have a good time. Take care.

                              Berlyn(G3)

Edited by author 03-20-2003 12:08 PM
My wife Arlene and I will be arriving in South Bend on Sunday August 3, 2003 around noon time. Looking forward to this reunion topping off all attendance records.
See you all in South Bend.

Frank R O'Connor

Bob Flynn
You got that sent in fast. Just got my reunion package in the mail from Bruce a couple of days ago. looking it over now, but will get it sent soon. Still trying to figure out how we are going to get to South Bend. Kay wants to drive and see some country. Depends, I guess on the gas situation. Gas here in California is up to 2.05 a gallon (and that's the cheap stuff)and it's going up almost on a daily basis, a couple of cents a day. Guess we'll play it by ear, see what happens.

C Ya Later
Bob n' Kay

Bob Sourisseau:

On Saturday March 8,2003 I submitted the 2003 reunion packet to C. Leonard Schlamp.Gladys & I completed it with our choices. A check was included to cover our expenses. We are looking forward to visiting South Bend again. We hope this will be one reunion long remembered. We had also made arrangements with the hotel about 3 weeks ago.

"Fair Winds & Following Seas"

Bob & Gladys FLYNN

Didn't mean to delete that last message of mine. what I said was ... Bruce I've never been aboard Yorktown. If not a bother bring the Essex room pictures with you' Like to see them.

Bob S.

3/10/03 Just got back taking some Seniors up to the Yorktown. They sure enjoyed it. Took a few pictures of our Essex room. It was very informitive and well kept (very clean. Will be arriving in South Bend on Sat.night 8/2/03. Good Lord willing.

Looking forward to South Bend, Bruna and I will not get there untill sometime of Thursday. Can not make the whole week since I have another reuion to go to early in the year.
I don't think I could get my uniform over my head if I had it. Life has been too good to me since my Navy days.

Bob- I was serious on my invitation to bring and ware uniforms. Cactus Bob is bringing his too.
See ya at the Bend, South that is.
Judge

Berlyn, What's the deal with the messdeck whites? First, you told me to bring my whites - then Judge Miller said it sounded like a good idea to him too....

Bob S.

Bob good to see you encluded Goog old Mishawaka. Nancy an I an the whole committee is hopeing to see an greet everyone. I know everyone will have a good time. Make sure everyone signs up for all those good meals we are going to have.

                Berlyn(G3)

Edited by author 03-09-2003 10:18 PM
Can't wait for this one! Atlanta was great and Nawlins was fun. Got my buds Chuck in South Bend and Berlyn in Mishawaka - Kay and I look forward to seeing them, and all my shipmates.
See you there!
   Guns