elsie item issue 69 - USS Landing Craft Infantry

From the Editor/President
Welcome to another issue of Elsie Item !
Recently one of our shipmates wrote me mildly complaining that there
was too much coverage of the restoration work being done on the
1091 and the 713 and not enough about our actual WWII experiences.
This issue should help correct that balance. In it I believe we
have more sea stories, first hand accounts and information on operations
in both the Pacific and the European theaters than we have ever
carried before. One reason for that is the outpouring of sea stories
from so many of you. We hope you keep them coming.
I have a couple of requests or suggestions to pass along to you who are still thinking about the
sea story you want to contribute. First, it is so much more easier on me if you send them as an
attachment to an email. That saves a lot of re-copying. Of course, if you do not have access to a
computer, we will be equally glad to receive your story. Another suggestion is that you might
want to try to single out some specific incident – dramatic or funny – and tell us that story instead
of recounting the experiences that were common to most of us – our training, ocean voyages, etc.
Try to think of some experience that you had that may be completely different from those of other
LCIers. However, please send whatever you want in whatever form you prefer, for we will be very
pleased to receive every contribution.
In this issue there should be something to satisfy almost everyone -. From our cover story of the
amazingly detailed model of the docks of Southampton, England, as preparations were being made
for the Normandy Invasion to the report of the finding of a paddle that belonged to LCI 93. From
the Pacific theater we carry the sobering story of Nick Grosso and LCI 450 as they participated in
the invasion of Iwo Jima.
We also extend our thanks again to LCI Historian Dennis Blocker for supplying us with more great LCI
photos uncovered in the National Archives. You’ll find them scattered them throughout this issue.
Putting on my President’s hat, it’s good to report that plans for our joint reunion with the LSM/LSMR
group are firming up. We think both groups will enjoy the fellowship. In that regard we note with
pleasure the report of the California LCIers meeting together with LST veterans. Seems they all had
a great time together and we hope the same thing will happen next August in Cincinnati.
We continue to be encouraged about the increasing role affiliates are playing in our association. The
enthusiasm they show bodes well for our future. We will be seeking legal advice concerning changes
that need to be made in our by-laws to permit their full participation. Of chief concern will be the
need for preserving our status as an organization to which tax-free contributions can be made.
Fair winds and following seas, Shipmates!
—John Cummer
3