Guestbook 2009

Search     Add an entry to the guestbook

Current 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999

Note: The latest entry appears at the top of the page.

Louis NeunDec 30, 2009 21:27

I’m wtiting this for my dad. He served on the SC 703 in the Pacific. He’s 93 and still tells war stories. He and my mom have been married 61 years. I was so happy to find this sight. I can’t wait to show it to him. Linda Neun Schrepel

albert audetteDec 09, 2009 10:14

IT SEEMES I AM THE ONLY ONE STILL BREATHING FROM THE SC 748 DURING THE BIG ONE BUT I WILL KEEP TRYING SO I STILL WANT TO WISH ALL A MERRY CHRISTMAS ALBERT AUDETTE MOM\1C

Arthur Kurt IngrahamDec 07, 2009 22:53

My dad Arthur Ingraham served on SC 745.
Any information would be helpful.
I .have his cruise book with a lot of pictures and written information.
Thanks Kurt Ingraham

Robert W HarrisonNov 25, 2009 23:13

Greetings! My dad, Edwin Davies Harrison, was skipper of the SC 983 from commissioning until a later date, I don’t have. He developed some night vision problems and was transferred to Dartmouth to teach navigation. About all I can remember is that his chief of the boat was a man whose name I recall as Lou Ferraro. Anybody else know anything about the 983? Thanks, Bob Harrison.

Chip CalamaioNov 23, 2009 00:20

I am searching for a photo of SC-1296 and any crew or family members associated with that ship. During research on the USCG cable ship Pequot (WARC-58) I have obtained documents that show SC-1296 served as the Pequot’s escort in April of 1945. Please see our Pequot website at:
http://indicatorloops.com/usn_pequot.htm
We are working a new section for that site about the 83 footers and other ships which escorted Pequot during cable laying, repair and salvage operations. Much of Pequot’s cable work was part of the top secret indicator loop U-boat detection system. Chip...

albert audetteNov 22, 2009 11:33

Hope i am not the only one alive from the sc748.still want to wish you a happy turkey day AL AUDETTE MMO/1c

Stephen McCarthyNov 16, 2009 19:47

I’m writing about early WW1 sub-chasers in and around Boston Harbor. I’m told that my grandfather - just off the boat from Ireland - joined the US Navy and was stationed on an improvised sub-chaser - actually a private power yacht commandeered by the Navy - out of the Charlestown Navy Yard. I have photographs of him in his Machinist’s Mate 2nd class uniform but no information about the boat which apparently had a name rather than a hull number. The notoriety this boat had involved public alarm on-shore after one of the crew used the deck gun for target practice on some marine life off the North Shore. Does this sound familiar to anybody?

Steve & Kim HerrickNov 10, 2009 11:41

We just purchased the SC 772 in Gig Harbor, Washington and are going to be restoring and refitting her in Portland, Oregon. We would like to hear from anyone who served, or knows anyone who severed and has history about her. We welcome any input or information.

lorn cooperNov 09, 2009 21:14

Regarding SC 729. Still looking for surviving crew members or family members. Frank Fraqueli and Victor“Candy” Candelaresi are the only ones that I know about. Hope that you are still out there. The above address is currant. The old listing on this site is no longer valid.

lorn cooperNov 09, 2009 21:11

Regarding SC 729. Still looking for surviving crew members or family members. Frank Fraqueli and Victor“Candy” Candelaresi are the only ones that I know about. Hope that you are still out there. The above address is currant. The old listing on this site is no longer valid.

Kevin AhernNov 08, 2009 01:40

I just stumbled across this site after an inexplicable, impulsive Google search on SC 1034.

My father, Jack Ahern, served as an officer on SC 1034 from 30 July 1944 until his separation from the service on 13 March 1946.

I avoided talking with Dad about his wartime service for years only because he never brought it up himself. When I did finally muster the courage to ask, I was surprised: He said that the experience was one of the best in his life.

He said that his time in the South Pacific gave him the opportunity to reflect on his life to that point, and what he wanted--and didn’t want--to do with his life. He read a lot, and also obviously enjoyed the crew (and his fitness reports specifically mention the good morale).

Dad said that for fun they’d shoot at flying fish. He also noted that he’d enjoyed the navigation and taking LAN sights. He mentioned the difficulties experienced by his crew and ship during a typhoon. But he seemed most impressed with the experience of bringing the ship home to San Francisco. He also somewhat sheepishly reported that upon arriving back in San Francisco, he and some of the crew went out on the town to celebrate--they had so much fun that there were some temporary official consequences!

Because I noticed some mention of Typhoon Louise, I will add the last paragraph in the 12 December 1945 “Relieving of Command” memo that Lieut. Rizer wrote:

“6. The material condition of the ship is fair. The beading, gunwales, life lines and life rafts are in bad condition due to a recent typhoon. The No. 2 main engine has recently been replaced by a rebuilt engine. The No. 1 main engine is inoperative at present because of faulty injectors. There is no deficiency in personnel.”

I have only one photograph of SC 1034, location of the ship unknown.

I would be grateful if any members of the crew would respond with observations on my father, who died in August 2000.

Lorn CooperNov 07, 2009 19:03

Regarding sc729, have just found two more names of shipmates in a Feb. 03 2006 entry. They are Skipper Peter Van Zandt and gunnery and supply officer Wayne Goodman. The listed e-mail address is no longer current. If you read this, please contact me.

Lorn Cooper
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
lorn CooperJan 30, 2008 12:53
Regarding Sub Chaser 729. while searching for info on my bro-in-laws service aboard this ship I found Frank Fraquelli’s listing. Had several e-mail exchanges with him. He remembered Victor “Candy” Candelaresi ( my bro-in-law).His e-mails stopped coming in may of 2005. Must assume he passed on. He and Victor were the last members of sc729. Victor passed away 27 January 2008. If anyone reading this knows of another survivor please contact me at" " . package_email_address("woodnrose@zoomtown.com")

Lorn CooperNov 06, 2009 01:40

Regarding sc729, have just found two more names of shipmates in a Feb. 03 2006 entry. They are Skipper Peter Van Zandt and gunnery and supply officer Wayne Goodman. The listed e-mail address is no longer current. If you read this, please contact me.

Lorn Cooper" " . package_email_address("woodnrose9@msn.com")


lorn cooper woodnrose9@msn.comJan 30, 2008 12:53
Regarding Sub Chaser 729. while searching for info on my bro-in-laws service aboard this ship I found Frank Fraquelli’s listing. Had several e-mail exchanges with him. He remembered Victor “Candy” Candelaresi ( my bro-in-law).His e-mails stopped coming in may of 2005. Must assume he passed on. He and Victor were the last members of sc729. Victor passed away 27 January 2008. If anyone reading this knows of another survivor please contact me.

Lorn cooperNov 06, 2009 00:26

The following is a repost do to a new email address. Regarding sc729, have just found two more names of shipmates in a Feb. 03 2006 entry. They are Skipper Peter Van Zandt and gunnery and supply officer Wayne Goodman. The listed e-mail address is no longer current. If you read this, please contact me.

Lorn Cooper" " . package_email_address("woodnrose@zoomtown.com")

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
lorn cooper" " . package_email_address("woodnrose@zoomtown.com") 30, 2008 12:53
Regarding Sub Chaser 729. while searching for info on my bro-in-laws service aboard this ship I found Frank Fraquelli’s listing. Had several e-mail exchanges with him. He remembered Victor “Candy” Candelaresi ( my bro-in-law).His e-mails stopped coming in may of 2005. Must assume he passed on. He and Victor were the last members of sc729. Victor passed away 27 January 2008. If anyone reading this knows of another survivor please contact me.

Pam VanEssOct 28, 2009 17:23

I am a care giver for Frank Chia Jr. He served from 1943-1946.
He did train in Farragot, ID. He served on the USS Pastures from 1943-1945. Then switched to the USS Samaritan ( hospital ship)for 6 months. He was an electrcian. I am looking for any fellow shipmates. I am AF retired and realize how important it is to reconnect with fellow military comrades. Any response would be appreciated

albert audetteOct 28, 2009 09:51

my email address was incorrect dummy me albert audette mmo/1c sc748

John ChristiansonOct 26, 2009 17:11

I have heard from one shipmate from SC1293 His last name is Robinson. He wanted to speak with my father but because my father had Alzheimer’s they did not speak. My father passed away on Oct 15, 2009.

John Christianson

Janet Stodgell PorgesSep 28, 2009 15:02

My Dad, Charles W. (Chick) Stodgell, delivered SC 662-663 and SC 712 - 721 to the Brooklyn Navy Yard from Detroit Michigan from May 23, 1942 to August 12, 1943 as chief officer/navigator. These vessels were built by Fisher Boat Works, for whom my Dad worked. SC 718 achieved fame as the “Hitra” during the operation of the “Shetland Bus” out of Scalloway, Shetland Islands during WWII. I have the log of this delivery. If anyone wishes a copy, feel free to contact me.

albert audetteSep 27, 2009 09:31

Is there no one left but me from the sc748 during the big one?? ALBERT AUDETTE MOMM/1c

Pat BundshuhSep 19, 2009 23:47

My Dad, Edward Bundshuh, served as CGM on the SC1278. He passed away in 2002 and left with us many memories and stories about his time in the Navy on a wooden ship. If you know anyone who served with him on the SC1278 or anything about what happened to the ship please e-mail me.

Philip SteinAug 22, 2009 12:01

As a kid I waited most every day for my dad to come from work during WWII. He was head of a working section of tradesmen who built the SC class. I have photos of christining, launchings and other memrobilia. A boat my dad worked on was commanded by a skipper who lives in town. Who would have known our paths would cross. He tracked down the same boat and located it in MD. It has quite a history. Phil Stein

Ben KellerAug 02, 2009 19:43

would love to hear from anyone who knew my dad, m.c. keller he was a mm2 aboard the s.c. 1343 during 43/44 I have pictures of the ship I would be glad to share.the ship was out of boston navel yard and patroled the east coast

Richard G. BallantineJul 29, 2009 13:04

All:
Thanks to this site and my post in March 2008, I have heard from family members of two members of the crew of SC 691. The daughters of Louis de Souza, pharmacist’s mate, and Marshall Mansfield, coxswain, have added to my knowledge of goings-on on SC 691 in the Mediterranean in the second half of 1943 and in 1944.
Richard G. Ballantine, son of Arthur A. Ballantine, jr. of the 691.

Jeffrey TellecheaJul 29, 2009 11:18

New e-address for Jeffrey Tellechea, See last entry.
Any recollection of RM3 Art Tellechea on SC 1032 would be welcomed.

"
" . package_email_address("jtinyuma@gmail.com")

BOB EVERSJul 08, 2009 13:26

Does anyone out there remember my father, ( ROBERT FREDRICK EVERS from California )? He servied on a Subchaser in the Pacific during WW-II. If you knew him or what his boat number was, I’d sure like to know.
Thank you,
Robert Douglas Evers

Don RabnerJul 06, 2009 20:52

Hello My Uncle who name is Floyd Cheshire BM First Class served on Subchaser SC-743 during WWII from 1943 to 1946 when she was turned over to the Philippine Navy (Source from US Navy). My uncle suffered a stroke and I was working on getting his purple heart which was not listed on his DD-214 but I was able to get his navy medical records which does show he was wounded, well anyway I need to know what awards did the SC-743 received during WWII? the US navy does not keep records for small fighting craft like subchasers. Thanks for any help.

RickyJun 28, 2009 22:56

The complete works of Rick Delmonico, including lyrics, poems, quotes,
short stories and music. Along with articles about everything from modern physics to proper
recording techniques.Forum, blogs.

steve nicholsJun 21, 2009 17:45

It was great to see these pictures adn articles I worked on the Moonlight Maid for many years out of Petersburg, Alaska as engineer. My wife was the cook/deckhand for several years as well. Those were some of the great times of my life.

L. M. (Lucky) PowellJun 21, 2009 13:57

Rex Fair,
I have been unable to contact you at your given e-mail address.
I too was in Typhoon Louise in Buckner Bay Okinawa and am in contact with other lucky soles.
Get in touch and we will share some tales.
L. M. Powell
341 Grantsdale Road
Hamilton, MT 59840
Phone (406)363-2116

Frank N. Brubaker CS3 USCGJun 17, 2009 15:03

Having served on a 180 ft. buoy tender and 40 footers in the Coast Guard, I like reading about and visiting the smaller craft of the Coast Guard and Navy. I enjoyed your web site and your interesting research on the SC’s. A good friend of mine’s mother christened a SC in a Elizabeth City, NC shipyard during WW2.

Bob Potter RM2Jun 16, 2009 12:09

I was with Communication Unit 40-A Navy. All 35 of us were in the first wave invasion in Holandia New G. on April 22, 1944. We landed and operated the radio station in back of our trucks. We were around the army, CBs and operated for several months in the mud and rain. What a life for a sailor.

Robert R. DelwicheJun 05, 2009 09:28

I have a good picture of Cairdeas (previously, SC1372) taken from car ferry observation deck while enroute to Victoria (Canada), on/about 06 July 1962. My reference #Travels3/656.

Liz StrittmatterJun 04, 2009 14:06

My father Frank served aboard PC597 during WWII as a Radioman 3rd Class. Looking for anyone who served with him and who might have pictures.

Vince SorinoJun 02, 2009 16:29

Aloha from Hawaii! My name is Vincent J. Sorino: Served on the USS SC 742 from January 1943 to July 1944, RM1/c. I am now 88 years old. We were in on several “landings” on New Guinea and New Britain. If there are any other survivors out there, I’d like to hear from you.

Thomas M BradyMay 30, 2009 17:27

My grandfather William Manville O’Connor served on two US Navy sub chasers during WWI (11/5/1917 - 7/29/1921), SC 284 and SC 355. I believe that he became a Chief Petty Officer during this time. He kept a typed diary of his time aboard these two boats but lent it to a friend and never received it back. I have several picture from his collection that I will scan and upload when I get the chance.
Tom Brady "
" . package_email_address("bradyelectric@hotmail.com")

Norris Jamison (Jamie)May 30, 2009 09:50

I was one of the original crew of the SC1010 when she was rammed by a Panomean freighter outside the Golden gate bridge with a loss of two crew men and seven injured in 1943.would like to hesr from any one that was a crew man or a relative.

Charlie SprouleMay 26, 2009 12:11

Ahoy crew of SC 699, 742, 736, 1296, 735. This is Charlie Sproule, officer on SC 699 from May '45 thru Aug.'46. Traveled from Holandia New Guinea, Darao, Manacni, Cebu on up to Manila and Subic Bay.
Crew-Leo Ranjo, Roy Stone, Moss, Siezmore, etc.
I’m still alive and kicking at 85. Please let me hear from you.

Donald L. Swanson RM2May 24, 2009 20:05

I served on the Hollidaysberg from late summer 1955 to her transfer to the reserves in Clevland,Ohio in Apr 1956. I loved the closeness of the crew and officers. Not much room to get lost and got to know all the crew. Does anyone have a photo of the USNaval base Key West.. Need it for my collection, Thanks

albert audetteMay 09, 2009 10:44

MAY I WISH ALL SC 748 SHIPMATES A HAPPY EASTER
ALBERT AUDETTE MOMM1/c

James ReaganMay 03, 2009 20:32

My father, James E Reagan served on SC 742 during WWII. He is currently 83 years young. We are going to participate in a WWII airshow in Virgina Beach VA this month. We have been gathering information to share with the people at the show which is scheduled for May 16th & 17th at the Virginia Beach Airport. This place has beautiful planes and they all fly. I would love to hear from anyone who served on the 742, or any other Sub Chaser. He did his basic training at Sampson NY. We are from Pittsburgh PA, home of the Super Bowl Champions Steelers. He has lots of pictures from back then in his photo album. Please email any questions.

Larry L. McFallMay 03, 2009 17:41

My father, Leroy Loren McFall an Elwood, Indiana farm boy served on SC1363 during the big war i.e., WWII. He had already served a couple hitches in the Indiana National Guard in the 30’s and fiqured if he got drafted, it would be in the Army. He didn’t know how to swim and never believed he would ever be in the Navy. It ended being the highlight in his life.

He joined his vessel in Guam and of course had a lot of stories about the South Pacific. I know personally that there is a lot to enjoy in the South Pacific. He stayed with the SC1363 through the war until getting torn up bad in Okinawa. After they managed to limp back to Pearl where they were forced to spend some time in repair dock, they brought the ole girl home in 1946 to Brementon, Washington to be placed in mouthballs. I think of it often and only wish he was still around to talk about the ole Subchaser Crews that so well knew and loved.

Steve DareMay 01, 2009 17:08

My father, George N. Dare, served aboard an SC in the Pacific. I’m ex-Army and don’t know Navy ratings, but he was enlisted and trained on diesels. Never said much about the War, but I remember some talk about the rough ride in the narrow beam, wooden SC. If anyone has any recollection of my dad’s service, I would be most grateful to hear from you. Dad passed in 1994. Thank you.

REX FAIRApr 30, 2009 01:09

I SERVED ON THE SC686 FOR TWO YEARS SHE WASHED ASHORE AND WAS DESTROYED IN THE 1945 STORM AT OKINAWA. WOULD LIKE TO TALK TO ANY SC SAILOR FROM THAT AREA.
REX FAIR
461 MUBERRY B
LAKE HAVASU CITY, AZ.86403

Denny OrtmanApr 23, 2009 18:37

My father in-law, Paul House of Newman Illinois commanded a SC during WWII. He just passed away a week ago @ 88 years. He told wonderful stories of his days in the Navy, in particular bringing “his” boat from the Philippines to Hawaii using a sextant and the stars. I am wondering if anyone might remember serving with him, had a picture of the boat or him and the number. Thanks.

Fred CerroneApr 21, 2009 12:53

Hi my grandfather was on the DD501 durring ww11. He recently passed away at 94 years old. he didnt talk about his tour of duty too often but was extreemly proud of his friends and crewmates he served with. He said that the scarriest thing he had to go through in battle was the battle of Tarawa. i was just wondering if anyone on this site remembered him he was an engineer.

Mark K. SmithApr 12, 2009 16:18

As a son of a father who served on the SC-1039 during WW2, I would like to commend all those who served on these ships and the sacrifice you gave for the generations that followed. My father MMM1/C~ Carl Demorest Smith (1914-1983) would have been so proud to know this site was created in honor for all those who served this great country during WW2. My father was so honored to serve his country and so proud of his ship and his shipmates. There has never been a day since his death that I havent thought about him and the respect I owe my father and all of you will remain with me for the rest of my life. You are the very best of us all, words could never express my deep gratitude for all you have done and please know I am not alone in these thoughts. Forever shall the men of the splinter fleet be remembered so I say GOD BLESS you all
Sincere Regards,
Mark K. Smith

Roger SmithApr 09, 2009 00:42

I am trying to track down the Deck Log of SC761 that transferred a party of coastwatchers from the submarine USS Guardfish off Bougainville in July 1943 to ascertain if my father, Ross Thomas Smith, an Australian surveyor and officer with the Fiji Defence Force, (possibly brought in via Tulagi from Fiji) was in that party. I understand the Deck Logs are held in Maryland and may need to contact a friendly person there to access them for me, as I understand they need to be accessed personally and alas, Australia is a long way away. Any suggestions?

Joseph J CarterApr 06, 2009 11:21

After training at SCTC Miami, my uncle, SM2 Edmund R Logue USN, was assigned to the SC-1055 on her commissioning at Terminal Island CA on 5/10/1943 and served for one year aboard. While assigned to SC-1055, he was promoted to SM1 and served “outside the continental US” for a portion of his assignment. His USN records are not specific as to the location “outside the CONUS”. In May 1944, he went on to Attack Trasports (USS Oxford) and joined my Dad, uncles, and cousins during the invasion of Okinawa in April 1945.

jim dipersia jrMar 04, 2009 11:25

my dad served on the sub chaser 682
he used to tell me the motto“we are the crew of the 682”
he had a pet monkey also.
i have many photos of the ship, crew and monkey.
he also told me of a sea rescue the 682 made.
did anyone here know him?

jim dipersia jr

Baldauf, William R. (Bill)Feb 24, 2009 04:01

SC982 - I’m updating my previous entry. Through this Guestbook, I was contacted by another shipmate, Bill Nash, from Washington state and we continue to correspond. I was an Electrician on SC982 for 18 mos. from 1944 to end of World War II. My wife and I live in Wauconda, IL, a suburb of Chicago. Would like to hear from any other shipmates.

Robert C. Gamrath (Gammy)Feb 12, 2009 20:54

I was a Gunner’s Mate 3rd Class on SC1045 in charge of the 40 mms in the South Pacific in 1945. Smith was the ship’s captain, Lt 1st class.

I spent 2 years in the South Pacific and would like to hear from any of the old crew members.

I cannot put a date on it, but we had some harrowing times during the typhoon. Eventually got towed to San Francisco.

Bradley HallFeb 07, 2009 22:19

I last posted a message to this site several years ago. Mr. Treadwell has written two very good books for those who want information on Sub Chasers and the people who served on them.

This time, as last time, I am looking for people who served on the Submarine Chaser 699, their families, or anyone who even knew anyone who was aboard this ship.

Thank you.

Ron McFallFeb 07, 2009 17:19

My name is Ron McFall. My father Gendron McFall was on the SC 648. Dad had no idea the whereabouts of the crew from the SC 648. After 64 years, we found the information on Ted Treadwell’s web site. I wish to thank Ted for his kind reception via email and making my dad’s day with a phone call! My dad also had a long conversation with Jay Green (from the SC 648) as a result. I have been so blessed to have taken part in this memory for my father.

albert audetteFeb 06, 2009 09:56

ther must be some one else be sides me that is still alive from the sc 748 from 1943 to 1946 lv to hear from you Al Audette momm1/c

Lucky PowellJan 25, 2009 14:24

Please note my new e-mail address.
So far I have been fortunate in contacting two of my former shipmates, John J. Rinaudo at 9208 Ventura Drive, Baton Rauge, Louisiana, and Paul J. LeBlanc whose phone number is (225)344-5652.
These were shipmates of mine in SC1326.

Sherry DevlinJan 18, 2009 17:24

My grandfather, Lester Weigel (81) from Pennsylvania served on the SC 1353 around 1945. I am trying to help him contact anyone that may have served with him. Specifically Ralph Miller (we think Ralph lived in Pennsylvania also). If anyone has any information I would greatly appreciate it.

Joe ChiassonJan 15, 2009 05:04

After a breif illness I am sad to anounce the passing of my father Yvon Chiasson . Dad was in the merchant marines and was awarded the silver lifesaving medal for saving many lives of the men on S C 709 off louisberg Nova Scotia At the ceremoney they noted that this award was long over due , but as soon as it was brought to their attention they rectified the situation He was hounored and very proud of the medal he recived from the U S Coast Gaurd Thank everyone responsable for making the last few years of his life memorable and I salute all the veterens from all the services in the U S and up here in Canada thankyou all for my freedom Joe Chiasson

Sherwin “Mickey” BehrmannJan 14, 2009 17:08

The November 1,2001 entry has the wrong email address. The new address is as follows; " " . package_email_address("mickeyb43@sbcglobal.net"). I served on the USS SC 1045 in the South Pacific from 1945 to 1946.

James GunnJan 06, 2009 18:53

Hi i am a college studant who is currently righting a paper on the SC class ships of WW2 that i will be presenting at a conference and hope to get published. I am looking for any sources of information on the SCs i can get and i hope to include personal stories from men who served on them. Any one with infromation is free to contact me at my email adress or by postmail at:
James Gunn
7504 Jenkins Ave.
Hesperia, CA 92345
Thank you.