''The Elsie item'' - USS Landing Craft Infantry National Association

''The Elsie item''Official Newsletter of theUSS LANDING CRAFT, INFANTRY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, INC.December, 2001 Newsletter #39CO'The Amphibious Man" to be Honored at the Site of Solomons Amphibious Training Base(See Story, Page 5)

"THE ELSIE ITEM"Number 39 December, 2001Official Newsletter of the USS LCI National Association, anon-profit veterans organization .. Membership in the USSLCI National Association is open to any U.S. Navy or U.S.Coast Guard veteran who served aboard a Landing CraftInfantry. Associate Membership, without voting privileges,may be offered to others upon approval of the Board of Directors.See Page 38 for a list of all officers and directors.Published quarterly by the USS LCI National Association,20 W. Lucerne Circle, #615, Orlando, FL 32801. John P.Cummer, EditorWhat's in This IssueWelcome AboardGreetings to a bunch ofLCIers who found us at last! ......... 3At Last! A Memorial to the Amphibious ManSolomons Plans Memorial to Us All ................................... 5Return to the Solomons: Cradle of Invasion 200 IA great weekend in June at the old base .............................. 7British Landing Craft Association DemonstratesSolidarity with the U.S.A deeply appreciated gesture from Great Britain ............... 8Book Review: The Solomons Campaign byWilliam McGee ................................................................. 10Getting it Right on the USS Gambier BayWe get straightened out on our Reno guests ...................... 11Man Overboard! With a Rocket LauncherDancing with a Rocket Launcher can ruin your day! ....... 12Letters to the EditorWe hear from you! .............................................................. 14Bravo ZulusHonors for some Shipmates ............................................... 17Jim Talbert Pulls a Great Work Party!And you thought you knew our President! .......................... 18A First Hand Look at the Modern Amphibious NavyAdmiral Moran hosts Tiny, Leo and John toAmphibious Group Two and Little Creek .......................... 20Vester Kelly Receives Purple Heart 53 Years Late!Recognitionfiluilly comes .................................................. 22The Picture GallerySome pictures dug out ofthe scrapbooks .......................... 23Admiral Sabin on Seasickness!Atlantic crossing in an LCn ............................................... 27In MemoriamFarewell to some great shipmates ....................................... 29New E-Mail AddressesThe list keeps growing! ........................................................ 30Minutes of the Reno Business MeetingWho said what and when from Bob McLain ........................ 30 Information and Registration Materials for theSan Antonio ReunionIt's coming sooner than you think! .................................... 33The Day of LCI Bravery and Heroism ................................. 39From The Desk of Jim Talbert:For those of you who went throughUSNTB Solomon's during WWll andhaven't been back since, you shouldreally go. John Cummer, TinyClarkson and I went to the "Cradle ofInvasion 2001" celebration they haveevery year and it was a real treat. Itbrought back a lot of memories. Theyhave a great Museum and Library.I hope you all are making plans for the next Reunion, in SanAntonio. It should be a great one.I'm sure you all feel about the same as I do, over all thiscraziness that's been going on in New York, Washingtonand Pennsylvania. I, like you, feel so helpless. But we cansay, "Been There, Done That" and I guess we will just haveto let the younger folks handle this one. We wouldn't knowhow to operate the equipment they have now anyway. I justwish we had some of it "Way Back When" But I'm sure Idon't have to tell you, we must give them all support wecan.I have been sending out Past Due notices lately to some ofyou who have forgotten to pay your dues. I hope I haven'toffended anyone, but we don't have a very good system ofletting you know that your annual dues are due. We used toinclude it on the address of the "Elsie Item", but we can nolonger do that.We have been getting some very fine comments about the"Elsie Item" and I thank you. John Cummer, our Editor andVice President, is doing one heck of a job and deserves allthe credit. John takes pride in everything he does. He is alsoour Model Maker and does a great job at that. Because ofthis, we are getting our LCI story out, allover the country.In as many Military Museums as we can find. We are nowvery strong in the D-Day Museum in New Orleans, whichis dedicated to the combat landings of WWII. If you everget to New Orleans it is a "must" that you see this Museum.It is like no other, in the world.I want to thank those of you, who have written me, pleasekeep it up. I will help you and work with you in any way Ican.I guess I have rambled on about long enough, so I'll say, solong for now.God Bless You and God Bless America!Jim fJaIr;E'T.t2

A Note from the EditorWhat a great time it's been since Reno!.First, there was the trip to Solomons,Maryland in August for a model presentationand the opportunity to be hostedat breakfast by an Admiral! Tiny, Jimand I and all of the other LCIers whowere there really enjoyed ourselves, inspite of some pretty fierce showers!And the crab cakes are as good asever!Then in October it was up to our old stamping grounds, LittleCreek, Virginia, for a visit with Admiral J. Kevin Moran andAmphibious Group Two. What a proud, well-equipped professionalgroup of warriors we saw there! We wish you all couldhave seen it for yourselves so that you could experience the samesense ofconfidence in our new Amphibious Navy that we have.Now I've just completed a whirlwind week with a trip down toFt. Pierce, Florida where we presented a model to the AmphibiousAttack Boats Memorial, followed two days later by ourFlorida LCI reunion at Ormond Beach, Florida where 87 LCIersand their wives had a great time yarning and dining.And in between times I've kept busy planning and arrangingthings for our coming visit to New Orleans in December for theopening of the Pacific Wing of the National D-Day Museum.To date 62 LClers and their wives have signed up, so we lookforward to a great time again in that great city.Trouble is, it was so much fun that now I'm pushing like crazyto get this newsletter out in December. We want it in your handsbefore the end of the year, if possible, so Jim is really holdingmy nose to the grindstone.You've sent in a wealth of material- stories and pictures - to sortthrough and I think you'll agree as you leaf through this issuethat there's a wide and interesting variety of material. Much ofwhat I received was in the way of clarification, expansion orcorrection on articles in previous issues. That's always such ahelpful process and we hope you keep it up. Your perspectivemay be the only one that is right!You've also been generous in your comments about the newsletterand we do appreciate that. It provides even more incentiveto try to do the best job we can for a great bunch of shipmates.I need to call again upon each and everyone of you to keepsending in material for review and possible inclusion.Have a wonderful holiday season!Welcome Aboard! We welcome the following shipmates who have joined since thepublication of our last newsletter AND a couple who were inadvertentlyoverlooked before. We apologize for those oversightsand want you all to know that you are welcome indeed!First, the oversights from the past:Welcome to Herb Sinberg, who served as Disbursing Officeron the 618. Herb signed up as a life member in July of 2001.Herb's address 5370 Fountain Drive, South, Lake Worth, FL33467-3725We also welcome Roman J. Lesniak who served as Coxswainaborad LCI 958. Herb lives at 25 Ponderosa Drive, Williamsville,NY 14221-2407, and can be reached bye-mail at his daughter'saddress: dlesniak@kaleidahealth.org.And here's the list of new members who have joined betweenJuly 9, 2001 and October 7,2001:Addivianola, Lawrence A., MoMM 2c, LCI (G) 407,347 RevereStreet, Revere, MA 02151Allen, Max J., CDR, LCI 801; 114 Clinton Road, Brookline,MA02445Anderson, Lloyd F., LTJG, LCI 1094; 9933Robin Ave. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87112Armstrong, Joseph P., MoMM3c, LCI(L) 94; 108 S. WaldronLane, Wynantskill, NY 12198Arrington, Thomas E, Coxswain, LCI 433 & 690. 6516 ChippendaleRoad, Lakeland, FL 33809Barker, Don, Coxswain, LCI 493; 1536 Glenwood Road,Deland, FL 32720Bohrer, James W., LCI 1022, 14 Park Terrace, Crossville, TN38558Colamnssi, Vito P., BM2c, LCI(G) 77; 139 Village Circle West,Manorville,NY, 11949Cook, Harry B, Coxswain, LCI(G) 407, 1804 N assel Lane, Richmond,VA 23228Domstrich, Harvey R., LCI(FF) 1080; 110 SuperiorStreet, Portage, WI 53901Donaldson, Kirk W. SIC, LCI(G) 407, 611 CainDrive, Silver City, NM 880613

At Last! A Memorial to the "Amphibious Man"! President Jim Talbert presents $1,000 check to Karen Stone, Curator of Education, Calvert Marine Museum, Solomons, Maryland In 1942, the United States Navy established its first amphibioustraining base at Solomons, Maryland. LCIers were among thethousands of sailors, soldiers and coast guardsmen who trainedthere and went on to see action in all theaters of the war. Now,the Calvert Marine Museum, seeking to honor and keep alivethe memory of those men and of the contribution made by themto the winning of the war, has launched a campaign to erect onthe site of the amphibious base, a bronze, better-than-Iife-sizedstatureof the "Amphibious Man", The proposed sculpture isshown on the cover of this issue.While attending the "Cradle of Invasion 2001" celebrations atSolomons in September, Jim Talbert, Tiny Clarkson and JohnCummer were immediately struck with the significance of theproposed memorial and decided that it was just the sort of projectthat the LCI Association needed to support. The decision wasmade to make an immediate $1,000 contribution toward thememorial and Jim had the honor of making the announcementto the crowd assembled for the ceremonies. This makes ourAssociation the first of any veteran's organization to come forwardin support of the project.The Calvert Marine Museum officials were delighted and surprisedby the announcement made by Jim when he asked tospeak to the crowd."Now we are hoping," said Jim, "that individual members ofour LCI Association will want to join in supporting this project.The proposed memorial, as you can see from the artist's rendition,will be one of which we can all be proud!"The residents of Solomons, Maryland, and especially the leadersat the Calvert Marine Museum have noted that as the waryears move farther back into the past, we are in danger of losingthe memory of the base and the people associated with it. Theland on which the base sat is still there, but its use had beenchanged.The owner ofthe Calvert Marina which now occupies the site ofthe old Amphibious Training Base has graciously donated theland for the monument. Depicting an amphibious sailor, lookingout to sea, it will face the water where it will be most visible."The committee is very pleased with the response the memorialhas received, both from the present local community and theveterans who trained here so many years ago" said Karen Stone,Curator of Education for the Museum, "The men and the workthey did at the Amphibious Training Base should never be forgotten.Cradle of Invasion and the monument5

will see that they aren't""We're now hoping that individual members of the USS LCINational Association will join us in supporting this fine memorialof which we can all be proud," said President Jim Talbert.Monument donation checks should be made payable to: WWIIMonument. They should be sent to WWII Memorial Committee,PO Box 1033, Solomons, MD 20688.The Chicken and the Chief! The old Navy Chief finally retired and got thatchicken ranch he always wanted. He took withhim his lifelong pet parrot.First morning, at 0430 the parrot squawkedloudly and said,"Reveille! Reveille! Up all hands. Heaveout and trice up. The smoking lamp is lit. NowReveille!"Jim McCarthy Produces2002 LCI CalendarThanks to the fine efforts of NationalDirector Jim McCarthy and a few of hisfriends, there will be a special LCI Calendarfor the year 2002.Jim has been gathering the best black andwhite photos of LCIs that he could find andworked up the calendar from them.The calendar will be available by the timethis newsletter reaches you. Cost will be$5.00 each including tax, shipping and handling.Anyone interested can contact Jim at hise-mail address(Mccarthyjemac@aol.com)or write him at his home address: 349 IdlewildLane, Oceanside, CA 92054-5418The old Chief told the parrot,"We are no longer in the Navy. Go back tosleep!"The next day the parrot did the same thing.Chief told the parrot,"If you keep this up, I'll put your ass out inthe chicken pen!"About 0630 the next morning the Chief wasawakened by one heck of a ruckus in thechicken pen. He went out to see what was thematter.The parrot had about 40 white chickens at attentionin formation, and on the ground lay 3bruised and beaten brown chickens.The parrot was saying,"By God, when I say fall out in dress whites,I don't mean khakis!"Thanks for this one to Jim McCarthy6

"Return to Solomons: Cradle of Invasion 2001" August 10, 11 and 12 was a beautiful early fall weekend in lovely coastal Maryland (when it wasn't raining!) andsome old swabbies had a great time enjoying the festivities of "Cradle of Invasion 2001" and telling only slightlyexaggerated tales of the mud and misery they endured there sixty years ago.The event was the annual celebration hosted by the Calvert Marine Museum recalling those hectic days in the '40swhen over 68,000 sailors, marines, coastguardsmen and soldiers trained there for invasions.The USS LCI National Association was represented by three of its national officers and a couple of other memberswho found their way to the festivities. President Jim Talbert, Vice President John Cummer and Treasurer Howard"Tiny" Clarkson were joined by John McCarthy (LCI 46) ofWaymart, Pennsylvania and Phil Buchanan (LCI 500)of Washington D. C.Leading off the weekend was a breakfast at the home of Admiral and Mrs. Jeffrey Cook where WWII Veteranswere sumptuously hosted. Admiral Cook is Vice Commander ofNAVAIR Systems Command, based at the PatuxetRiver Naval Air Station, just across the river from Solomons.John McCarthy and wife join Tiny, Janet Clarkson and Jim Talberton Admiral Cook's lawn for breakfast.Jim Talbert looks on as Tiny Clarkson presents Admiral Cookwith a gold Amphibious Insignia.Tiny Clarkson greets a modem day amphibious man - CAPT Jim, Tiny and John welcome shipmate Phil Buchanan (LCI 500)Philip Briscoe, Commodore of Naval Beach Group Two.of Washington, DC.7

The LCI Association Exhibit features text and photos de­ Jim Talbert presents a model of USS LCI(L) 493 toscribing the role of LCIs in amphibious operations. John the museum. The 493 was lost to enemy action onCummer and Janet Clarkson stand by to answer questions. D-Day, June 6,1944British Landing Craft Association Demonstrates Solidarity with the United States The West Midlands Region Chapter of the LST and Landing Craft Association of Great BritainFirst Row, seated, left to right: Geoff Upton, Reg Dean and Arthur Edwards Second Row, standing, left to right: Jack Rose, AustinDonovan, Nat Hannon, Len Goode, Ted Ford, Harold Rees, Geoff Ensor Arthur Lloyd, Harry Coley, Arthur Hawkesworth, Eric Nicolls,Ray Higginbotham, Stan Twyman, Richard Burton (no not THE R.B!) Jack Beresford, Lol EdwardsWe stood with them in 1944 as we faced the menace of Hitler and now they are standing with us as we all face the new Terrorism!8

Following the September 11 th attack on the World Trade Buildings,the Pentagon and the crash of the airliner in Pennsylvania,the West Midlands Regional Chapter of the British LST andLanding Craft Association decided that they needed to demonstratetheir support of the United States in a tangible fashion. Todo so they reached out to their amphibious shipmates in theUnited States.Our Treasurer, "Tiny" Clarkson tells the story that can't help butrenew and strengthen the bonds we have with our brothers inEngland."Tiny" tells the story:"Shortly after the 9-11 holocaust, I received an e-mail from "Reg"Dean of the WEST MIDLANDS CHAPTER of the British LST& Landing Craft Association expressing condolences for the tragedythat took down the two WTC towers. I wrote back to him toexpress our thanks and how appreciative we were that the Queenhad ordered the playing of the "Star Spangled Banner" at theChanging of the Guard at Buckingham Palace and for the verystrong supportive statement by PM Tony Blair before Parliament.These thoughtful gestures will serve to remind all our membershipthat once again our wartime allies and brotherveterans of the sea service are standing by our side.Writing to request membership in the USS LCI NationalAssociation, Mr. J. D. Williamson, of Cambridge,England, shared with us another amazingstory. His daughter was recently visiting the UnitedStates and on September 10th she went up to theobservation deck of the World Trade Center beforeflying home to England on the following day."I don't know hername," said "Tiny" Clarkson, "butGod bless her. She will have a memory of a viewof the United States that will forever be denied tothe rest of us.""A few days later, 'Reg' e-mailed me to say that at their lastmeeting they had observed two minutes of silence for the WTCvictims and had voted to send a contribution for the Firemen,Police and rescue workers who had died trying to save others. Afew days later a plain envelope arrived from England containinga very generous contribution in crisp, new U.S. currency. I convertedthe cash into a bank cashier's check and sent it to theNew York State World Trade Center Disaster Relief Fund.""Tiny" went on to say that he was extremely moved by this gestureof condolence and unanimity from our WWII allies and shipmateswho served with us in amphibious warfare.Later, "Tiny" received a letter expressing condolences from CDRRoy Ellis, Chairman ofthe British LST and LCA. Many of youwill remember Roy from our San Diego Reunion. Both RegDean and CDR Roy Ellis are members of the USS LCI NationalAssociation.Numerous other expressions of sympathy, echoing the "WeStand By You" theme have been received by President JimTalbert and other officers of the Association. All expresssympathy and the horror felt upon learning of the horrificterrorist acts against our country.9

Book ReviewThe Solomons Campaigns, 1942-1943; FromGuadalcanal to Bougainville, Pacific WarTurning Pointby William L McGeeOur friend Bill McGee, who did such a fine job of telling thestory of the early days of Flotilla Five in, The Amphibians AreComing, has produced another impressive, interesting and highlyreadableaccount. This time, broadening his scope to include allservices involved, he has produced a meticulously researchedhistory that anyone interested in this early and decisive campaignwill treasure. It could well become the definitive work onthe campaign.With this broader perspective, LCI veterans will see more clearlyhow their particular role, or roles since they became much morethan troop carriers, were preceded by early amphibious operations,introduced, expanded and, eventually, because of theirperformance, highly valued. It gives one a sense of "Ah, now Isee how what we did fit into the whole picture!"For that reason, the LCI veteran will need to exercise some patienceif he, as I did at first, opened the book looking specificallyfor what it had to say about LCIs. The prelude to the war,strategic decisions relating to GuadalcanallBougainville, and thestory of the six month struggle for Guadalcanal all are dealt withbefore specifics of amphibious operations involving LCIs, aswell as LCTs and LSTs are introduced.That story begins to unfold with McGee's fifth chapter with theaccount of the formation of a most formidable soundingorganization: ComLanCraFlotSoPac and its commander, RearAdmiral George H. Fort. That title was yet anotherofthe Navy'sattempts, through shortening to first syllables, to make it a biteasier on all who had to use the title. Ifyou haven't figured thisone out yet, it's Commander. Landing Craft Flotillas, SouthPacific.This organization became necessary with the arrival, in significantnumbers, of the first LCIs, LCTs and LSTs in the SouthPacific. From that point forward in McGee's book, prominenceis given to the roles of each of these types.If you have read McGee's Volume I, The Amphibians Are Coming,you know that it centers on the activities of Flotilla Fiveand, as far as LCIs are concerned, on the war diary of LCI 334,as provided by LTJG AI Ormston, skipper of the 334. In thisvolume, he continues this literary device of illustrating the generalby the particular and it works well for it would have been aformidable task, indeed, to trace the involvement ofall the LCIs.He is not, however, slavishly limited to the 334 alone. Time andagain accounts of incidents involving other LCIs are woven intothe story.. All 26 LCIs in LCI Flotilla Five, commanded byCommander Chester L Walton, are included in the narrative andseveral are pictured as well.I was particularly interested to learn the name of the man responsiblefor the idea ofconverting LCIs into gunboats. McGeetells us that it was Captain Roy T. "Slim" Cowdrey, a ship repairofficer on the staff of Admiral Halsey, who came up with theidea and directed, first, the changes ofLCIs 22 and 23 and eventuallyby December of 1943, the 21,24,67,68" 69, and 70 intogunboats.It is such details, as well as the entertaining and enlighteninganecdotes that McGee includes that makes this book such a goodread. Get yourself a copy, get into your favorite chair, tell thefamily not to bother you and settle down for a great evening ofreading and remembering. You'll be glad you did.Reviewed by John CummerTIlE SOWMONS CAMPAIGNS byWilliam L. McGee A.m.erlca's First Offensive After Pearl Harbor••• and the Major Turning Point in the Padftc War!Chronicles ALL significant land, seaand air action, from Guadalcanal toBougainville, under ONE cover.The author continues his coverageof the new shore-to-shore land·ing craft crews, profiled in TheAmphibians Are Coming/, asthey move up the Slot witheach campaign.6B8 pages, 352 illustrations, plus appendices, notes, bibliograpby &: index. ISBN 0-9701678-7-3 Softcover $39.95 plus $4 shipping. CA res. add 7.75% sales tax For fastest service, Call toll-free 1-888-293-8250. Or to order by mail, send your check made payable to BMC to: 1:~i'J~1I PUBLICATIONS PO Box 5768 Santa Barbara CA 93150 100% Satisfaction GuaranteeORDER TODAY! PLEASE SEND COPIES TO:NAME _____________________________________ADD~,____________________________________CITY/STATE/ZIP _________________Charge my 0 VISA o MasterCard No. _______________ Exp.Date ___ Visit our Web site at www.BMCpubllcatlons.com10

Getting it Right on the USS Gambier Bay! OK let's try one more time to get it right!In our last newsletter we carried the story of Buzz Buckner, identifiedas a "pilot off the USS Gambier Bay" who was rescued byUSS LCI (R) 337 and was a guest at our Reno Convention.There's a bit more to the story than that and we're thankful toChris Shelvik of the USS LCI(L) 337for writing to us about it.Here's "the rest of the story", as Paul Harvey would put it, inChris' own words:''l'm sorry that we didn't get the proper information to you onan article printed in newsletter #38, page 14, regarding the USSGambier Bay, CVE 73."On October 25, 194 at Leyte Gulf, LCI 337, LC134, LC171,LCI 340 and LCI 341, along with PC623 and PC 1119, receivedorders from the Blue Ridge (AGC) to proceed to sea to pick upsurvivorsfrom the sea battle offLeyte Gulfwhere the USS GambierBay, CVE 73, USS Hoel, DD533, USS Samuel B. Roberts,DE 413, USS St. LO, CVE 63, and the USS Johnston, DD 557,had been sunk.The three USS Gambier Bay survivors who were guests of LCI337 in Reno. Left to right: Norman St. Jermain, George Felizand Buzz Buckner."Our ship picked up approximately 175 survivors ofwhich onewas Buzz Buckner who was a crewman on the Gambier Bay ..He had some injuries so was treated in our sick bay. When heleft our ship his toe tag was left behind. Our Quartermaster.Dick Grattidge, saved it through the years and by chance wasable to locate him and return it to him. Dick was On the phoneconversing with Buzz and invited him to attend our LCI Reunionin Reno. He accepted the invitation."He also invited two other crew membersfrom the Gambier Bay.George Feliz and Norman St. Jermain, to accompany him. Allthree ofthese men were crew members ofthe Gambier Bay andwere the guests ofLCI 337, ofwhich three ofus attended: DickGrattidge. Albert Hunter and myself, Cris Shelvik.The LCI 337 hosts and their USS Gambier Bay guests. Left toRight: Albert Hunter, LCI 337' Chris Shelvik, LCI 337; NormanSt. Jermain, USS Gambier Bay; George Feliz, USS GambierBay; Buzz Buckner, USS Gambier Bay; Dick Grattidge, LCI337"1 hope this will clear up this article. "Chris also sent us two photos of the LCI hosts and their GambierBay guests which we're glad to share with our readers.11

Man Overboard! With a Rocket Launcher!! Editor's Note: Vaughn Hampton, ofArvada, Colorado, as manyofyou know, edits a newsletter for LCI 450. He has some greatstories in it and this is one that we just had to share with you.Recalling an incident involving a couple of the more colorfulcharacters in the crew ofthe 450, Vaughn shares this story astold by shipmate Ivy Roberts:that day, but I still remember the circumstances and factors whichled to Buchanan's "unauthorized swim" and safe return on boardthe 450.Jack "John" Buchanan, S2c 378-41-58. reported on board LCI(G)450 Saturday 15 April 1944. I was able to obtain Buchanan formy Number Three section approximately one month later fromSection One. As everyone familiar with Buchanan will recall,Jack was of large stature and a very strong young man. I knewhe would work well with my Number Three section with thoselovely well deck ship-keeping duties of scraping, brushing andpainting. I also figured Buchanan would be a very good man tohave around when it was time to set up and maintain the 4.5rocket launchers.I do not remember the exact date, but I had Buchanan with meon the Well Deck preparing to set up the rocket launchers at ourbattle station. You all will, or should, recall Captain Kennedy'sGolden Rule for the wearing of life jackets. Well, Buchananfailed to put on his life jacket for this particular task.Vaughn Hamton, Fresh out of Boot Campin 1943!Being the rather strong young man that he was, Jack grabbedone of the rocket launchers, hoisted it over his head and commencedto do a little "dancing jig" to impress everyone with hisstrength. I immediately hollered at Buchanan to quit that andget his life jacket on before the "old man" sees this!Now, mind you, Jack was big and stout in those days, but hewasn't much of a dancer by anyone's stretch of imagination.Within seconds of my telling him to quit and get his life jacketdonned, I heard a commotion and turned just in time to seeBuchanan trip and lose his balance with the rocket launcher stillabove his head, but no longer in "steady seagoing" fashion. Jacklost his balance and his grip on the rocket launcher at the samefateful moment.As I realized what was taking place just a few yards from me,but helpless to do anything to assist Jack's predicament, I couldonly think to yell."Man Overboard"by Ivy RobertsVaughn today- same grin!"BUCHANAN, DON'T YOU LOSE THAT ROCKETLAUNCHER THE OLD MAN WILL KILL US BOTH!"A lot has been printed recently in the '450' newsletter regardingJack Buchanan and the "Man Overboard" event, in which hewas the main character. A number of years have elapsed since12

As the rocket launchet bounced off the well deck and started tomake its way over the side of the ship, Buchanan managed to"capture" it; however, in the next instant, Buchanan and the rocketlauncher both took an unauthorized absence from the ship.Upon racing to the side of the ship, I could see Buchanan hadindeed regained control of the rocket launcher, except that heand the rocket launcher were both several feet below the oceansurface and neither of then were wearing a life jacket!"Roberts, that was quick thinking and proper action from you.For that you are going to be a Seaman, First Class."I went from thinking I was going to be the object of anotherCaptain's Mast to a promotion! And I can tell you Jack Buchananfelt differently about wearing his life jacket after that day!I immediately ran to the gun deck and retrieved Jack Musselman'slife jacket and heaved it as far as I could toward Buchanan. Hehad, by this time, let go of the rocket launcher and surfaced agood distance from the steaming 450. Buchanan might not havebeen much of a rocket launcher dancing partner, but he couldcertainly swim!I knew he could make his way to the life jacket and I also knewhe would be darned sure it did not escape his hold! I then yelledto the Control Tower, Buchanan was "Man Overboard" and theMAN OVERBOARD flag was unfurled.Our ship was in a convoy and could not immediately break offfor Buchanan without receipt of orders. In a very short timefrom when I threw out the life jacket, Buchanan swam to it,retrieved it, then "perched" himself atop the floating jacket asone very tired and scared young seaman. He waved to us as westeamed out of sight, only to tell us later, "that sure was lonelyseeing the old 450 sail out of sight, with me holding tight to thelife jacket."I do not recall or even know how, but "Captain" Kennedy wasable to obtain pennission to break out of convoy fonnation andreturn to get Jack;. When we finally made our way back to retrieveJack, I believe Ross and Smidt went into the water withrope in hand to secure him. Needless to say, Jack was mosthappy to see the 450 return, but he was physically spent and inno shape to help much at all with his rescue.With the assistance of six or maybe eight more sailors we wereable to haul him aboard over the fantail. I can tell you that hewas in absolutely no physical state whatsoever to "dance-a-jig"at that time. I believed both Jack and I would be on the"Old Man's S_ List" for sure for being the culprits in the incident,but "Captain" Kennedy was as elated as the rest of us forgetting Jack safely back aboard ship. In fact, instead of admonishmentor punishment, "Captain" Kennedy said to me,13

Letters to the Editor One ofthe real pleasures ofediting "Elsie Item" is reading thedaily mail! Scarcely a day goes by without an enjoyable or excitingmoment when a letter is opened and out comes anotherinteresting picture, another funny tale, another fascinating retellingofadventures oflong ago aboard an LCI. It sa pleasureto share some ofthese with you.The Return from RenoMost of us just got on a plane, flew home, and that was it, butJohn Dimm (LCI 399FF) Springfield, Mass. and his wife,Theodora, had one heck ofa time! Here are some excerpts fromhis letter:June 20,2001Dear John,Wasn't the reunion great!!! This made our sixth and my wifeand I enjoyed all of them. We have been to San Antonio andalready are looking forward to revisiting this great city and area.Now --coming home was very difficult. We finally got homeSunday Night, June 17th.We left the hotel and had a good start to a beautiful day. AtBattle Mountain, NV, we stopped for lunch, came out, startedthe wagon (a 2000 Focus wagon with only 12,000 miles on it),got half way around the restaurant and the engine died. Believeme, John, there isn't much in Battle Mountain. I called AAA forhelp. No tow truck after an hour so I called again. Finally aftertwo and a half hours a big flat bed truck arrived. He had to flatme (68 miles) to Elko, NY.The service manager and mechanic were very considerate of mywife and 1. They finally found a 20 amp fuse had blown. Theyroad tested the wagon and it seemed ok. The service man gaveme an extra fuse just in case it blew again. By this time it waslate, so we had to stay overnight in Elko.enough speed to get off the highway, thank God, or the big truckswould have helped us going 90 miles per hour! I called theFord Roadside Help number and gave them all the information.(He didn't seem to know where we were - He was in California!)He told my wife to hold on and he would let us know whowas coming. He didn't come back for approximately ten minutes,and our cell phone went dead!No tow truck, and after about two hours out on that hot salt flat,a Utah State Police Officer stopped. We gave him our story andhe called all the information in to his dispatcher. After a longwait when the dispatcher did not call back, the Officer calledagain. The dispatcher had taken down the wrong VIN numberand was doing nothing! The Officer was a little mad!Less than a half hour later, the dispatcher called and said a towtruck was on its way. The Police Officer was wonderful (a Mormon).He stayed with us for an hour and a half offering us water,etc. He offered to stay longer, but we said that as long as atow truck would be here shortly, he should be on his way.After an hour with no tow truck in sight, two young men stoppedand asked if they could help. We gave them our story and one ofthem called the police again. This time the dispatcher told himthere was no record of our breakdown!Finally we were told a tow truck was on the way from Salt LakeCity. At last, a little after 4:00 PM a big flat bed truck arrived.We had been out on the salt flats alone, except for the PoliceOfficer, since 10:45 AM!The driver flat-bedded our wagon to West Valley Ford, 126 milesaway. The Ford people were wonderful to two very tired seventy-eightyear old travelers! To bring the story to a close, wehad to say in a motel for three nights while the garage calledFord Engineering Headquarters three times before they foundthe trouble!Finally, after some other close calls with big trucks we reachedhome and were we ever glad!Wow, John, I'm tired just reading that account! I think you gotall ofyour bad traveling out of the way, so now you can coastfrom here on in!Next morning, beautiful day and off we go ....after stopping atBonneville salt flats and taking some pictures we started outagain, but only went about 20 yards and the same fuse blewagain! Out comes the spare and, although I was an industrialengineer manager, I managed to put it in the right spot Ha! Ha!Off we go again on Route 80-, speed limit 75 mph. We getabout one quarter of a mile and the engine died again! I had14

Earl Cain Visits "Our" Winery!Aggie Will be Waiting for Us!June 20, 2001Dear John,I'm pleased to know that an enthusiastic number of LClers willbe back in our lovely city for the Pacific Wing Opening[New Orleans, D-Day Museum, December 6-9,2001]. What athrill when I received your letter. We had a great time last yearand I'm eager to hear from the Masons - they were my guestslast celebration. What a memory! Can we top it? Maybe I willdance with Dr. Ambrose! Could I be so lucky!Take good care. Waiting to hear from you again.Always,Aggie Hurdle2421 Charles DriveChalmette, LA 70043Return to Slapton SandsEarl Cain (LCI J078R) visits Donna Elias, Vice President forMarketing, Windsor VineyardsIfyou were at Reno, you know that the 'Javor" this year was aspecially labeled bottle of wine. After returning home to St.Cloud, Florida, Earl's wife, Sarah, sent me the above pictureand this note:August 11, 200 IDear Mr. Cummer,Earl, myself and our son Francis took some side trips after theReno Reunion. One of the places we visited was the WindsorVineyard, where our Reunion wine was botttled. We talked toDonna M. Elias, Vice President for Marketing, who was onlytoo happy to autograph Earl's bottle of wine. Could you put thisphoto and a comment in the next newsletter and mail Donna acopy?Sincerely,Sarah E. Cain.POBox 1829St. Cloud, FL 34770We could, we did, and we will, Sarah!June 3, 2001Dear John,I took a special interest in your book review in "Elsie Item" forMay, 200 I, ofThe Invasion Before Normandy, by Edwin P. Hoyt.A friend of mine was killed at Slapton Sands; he was an Ensignon one of the LSTs.About eight years ago my wife and I visited France and went tothe American Cemetery at Normandy. At the cemetery office Imade inquiry about my friend's grave. I identified him as EnsignJohn Gallagher from Philadelphia, PA. After checking theircomputer, the young lady told me he was buried in Cambridge,England. I remarked that that was strange since he was killedon D-Day, June 6, 1944. She told me, "No, he was killed inApril, 1944". At that moment it hit me, "Operation Tiger".I had read and heard stories about "Operation Tiger" in a verysketchy way, and that it had been hush-hush for security purposes;also because of civilian morale.In 1998 my wife and I visited England for two weeks and spentsome time in Cornwall and Devon, checking our family rootsand history. I spoke to English people from Plymouth who rememberedthe tragedy of Slapton Sands.As part of our trip we went to Cambridge and took the bus to theAmerican Cemetery just outside the city. On going to the officethis time I was directed immediately to my friend Jack's grave.15

I remember talking to his mother shortly after the war. The U. S.Government told her, should she request it, they would bringJack's body back to the U.S. for buriaL It was her choice. Sheflew over to visit his grave and was so impressed by the dignityand serenity of the grave site she decided, "to leave Jack justwhere he was".She never mentioned anything about "Operation Tiger" and familyand friends always thought he was killed at Normandy.Sincerely,Cliff Edgcumbe, LCI(L) 681701 Pritchard PlaceNewtown Square, PA 19073-3034Another Modeler!Dear John,I wanted to build a model of an LCI ever since I got out in 1946.I was on LCI(L) 803 from December, 1944 until April of 1946. Ifinally built one from pictures I had and a lot of memories ...My model is 67 inches long and 12 inches in beam. It is poweredwith two cordless screwdriver battery motors, and two small motorcyclebatteries. It has twin screws and twin rudders. It isradio controlled.has vivid memories of that day. His e-mail reply included thefollowing:Thirteen LCI Gunboats participated. They were: 346, 348,438,441,449,450,457,466,469,471,473,474 and LCI(FF) 627.The article states that the LCI 409 went in twice, but it was LCI449 with Rufus Herring, Skipper. There was no 409 in this operation.[Editor's note: Looks like that was a mistake in copyingone digit ofthe ship's number]The photo of the dead man on the 40rnm was of the 441, not the474. The man was SIc J. R. Scott, from Macon, Georgia, nicknamed"Red".Casualties on the 441 were: 5 dead during the battle and 2 died on board the NEVADA. We did receive 17 wounded. Burials at sea were held for Ensign W. T. Connors; W. E. Griffin, QM2c; J. D. Starbuck, QM2c; J. R. Scott, SIc; C. E. Snider, SIc; G. O. Delong, S2c; and M. Trexler, S2c. This information istaken from the log of the NEVADA dated February 17, 1945.Thanks very much, Bill, for this helpful in/ormation and the corrections.Our admiration for these gallant shipmates grows aswe hear more oftheir bravery and wif/inching devotion to duty.The second letter, received by President lim Talbert, concerningthe gunboats at Iwo lima comes from Vester Kelly of Havana,Florida, who was Boatswain aboard the LeI 441:Dear Mr. Talbert,I would like to inform you that on page 12 of the September 2001Newsletter #38, the picture you show is not the 474. It is LCI(G)441, alongside the USS Nevada on February 17, 1945. My shipmate,still sitting at his gun is SIc J. R. (Red) Scott from Macon,GA, with is face blown off. This is what LT Ed Swaney from thebattleship Nevada found when he lifted Scott's helmet up.Richard Dremer's Battery-Powered LeI ModelWe have a lot of fun with it at a small lake about six miles fromhere. Its speed is about the same, maybe a little faster.I am a retired carpenter.M. Richard Dremer, EM3CUSS LCI(m) 803Great job, Richard! r d love to see it in action!Thanks for your time,Vester Kelly (Life Member)165 Jack Kelly RoadHavana, FL 3233.Editor's note: Please see the article in this issue about VesterKelly receiving his Purple Heart recently at ceremonies in Tallahassee,Florida.The LeI Gunboats at Iwo JimaThe article in the last newsletter about the LeI Gunboats at Iwolima fJrought some very interesting and corrective - replies. Thefirst comes from Bill Brinkley who was aboard the USS Nevadathe day the Gunboats went in to protect the UDTswimmers and16

BRAVO ZlTLU! Using the traditional Navy flag signal sent to recognize outstanding achievement or conduct, we salute two ofour members who have achieved distinction in their careers after their World War II service in Landing CraftInfantry. The Association is truly proud ofthese men.Howard "Tiny Clarkson Honoredfor Meritorious ServiceBruce Cottington Recognized by the Legislature of the State of Minnesota We wish we had a picture to go along with this one, too, but ourpride in Bruce Cottington of Litchfield Minnesota, who servedin USS LCI (G) 462 is every bit as button-busting.A resolution adopted by the Senate of the State of Minnesotarecognizes Bruce for his lifetime of service to his communityand to his profession of agriculture.An "early-timer", Bruce joined the Navy at the age of 15 andearned seven battle stars for his participation in battles includingSaipan, Okinawa, and the Philippines. He also served in theKorean War where he was awarded his eighth battle star.Recipient of Meritorious Service AwardLong known for his generous spirit and community involvement,"Tiny: Clarkson, Treasurer of the USS LCI National Associationwas recently recognized by the Scottish Rites Masonic Order bybeing given their coveted Meritorious Service Award.Presented to him at a testimonial banquet In Lansingburgh, NY,on October 19,2001, the award recognizes a lifetime of achievement..A graduate of Renssselar Polytechnic Institute with a degreein Civil Engineering, Howard was Director of the Highway,Aviation and Ports Division of the New York State Departmentof Transportation. He participated in the Omaha Beach landingsin Normandy on D-Day.For forty-nine years he has served as Trustee, Lay Leader andBuilding Chairman at the Center Brunswick United MethodistChurch.We congratulate Tiny on this high honor and offer him our sincerestcongratulations!And - we just had to print his picture that went with the banquetprogram just to show you how well he cleans up!A graduate of Drake University with a degree of Bachelor ofScience in Business Administration, Bruce began his professionalcareer in the grocery business before moving to Litchfield, Minnesotain 1968 where he, as the resolution states, was "a verypersistent, dedicated and successful promoter of the Litchfieldarea, agriculture in general, and especially the dairy industryfrom farmer to processor to consumer".In 1971, Bruce founded a local festival promoting agriculturalproducts with a special twist. Working with Future Farmers ofAmerica he started an exchange program between students inhis home town and Hartford, Alabama. This program has beenan outstanding success for over thirty years in achieving its goalof promoting "agriculture, rural youth, friendship and understandingbetween communities"We are proud to join the Senate of the State of Minnesota inrecognizing these outstanding lifetime achievements of LCIerBruce Cottington.Please pass on to us any information you may have concerninghonors achieved by yourself or other LClers. We want to do alittle back-patting and give out some deserved "well done"signals.17

Jim Talbert Pulls a Great Work Party! Editor's Note: All right, here's one for all you guys who "endured"Solomons Amphibious Training Base without ever pullinga liberty. You might guess that a wiley character like ouresteemed President might be the one to get what no other amphibioussailor ever got. When he told me this story on ourdrive up to the 'Cradle ofInvasion 200]" celebration, I insistedthat he put it into writing for our newsletter and here it is.'Solomon's Amphih Base: One of my greatest duty stations We hung around for the first week without liberty and one day Isaid to my buddy, Mosher,"Let's request Captains mast and find out why we can't get liberty".He said, "Yea, you fool around and we'll both end up in thebrig."I replied, "They can't shoot us for asking."So the next day we put in a chit for Captains Mast.We had heard the skipper was an old Destroyer Captain and wasnot at all pleased that he was stuck here on this base and this wasthe main reason he would not allow liberty.When we got in front of the Captain, he just gave us a not toofriendly look and said,"What can I do for you men."I said, "Captain we have been here for two weeks now and wewould like to have some liberty."In a very gruff voice he replied, "You know we do not allowliberty on this base."I shot back, "But Captain, we just got back from a year in theAleutian Islands. And we were transferred just two days afterwe got back."With some surprise he asked, "You two men have been in combat.?"I gave him a big "Yes Sir" at which time he called in the Exec."Have you assigned anyone to that baggage detail yet, that wewere talking about?" the Captain asked the Exec.Yes, I know that sounds like a real crock to some of you guysbut not to me!I first arrived at Solomon's in early 1944. A buddy and I weretransferred to Solomon's from the LST 450 at Bremerton WashingtonNavy Yard. We had just returned from the Aleutian Islandcampaign.The first thing we heard was that they did not grant liberty atthis base. Of course you can imagine this made us mad as hell."No Sir", replied the Exec."Put these two men in charge of that detail," the Captain said,"and explain to them what they are to do."The Exec Said. "Yes Sir."The Exec then took us into his office and was explaining whatthe detail was. All we had to do was go into Washington DC andmeet every train during the day and see that all the baggage forSolomon's was loaded on the trucks and sent back to the base.18

(Every day, a large truck with a working party was sent in forthis.)"What are you talking about, we have you down as AWOL," he exclaimed, "You have already missed one ship!" About this time the Captain's Yeoman came in and handed eachof us three long sheets of paper which contained five libertypasses on each sheet, signed by the Captain."The Captain said for you to fill out the dates and times to suityourselves." Said the Yeoman.WOW, had we fallen into a real deal!Well, after the first month, Mosher got tired of it all and cameback to the base. I have never seen him since.Now, if you knew Washington and Union Station during the waryou remember that just across the street there were some largeHotels. One of them was a WAVE barracks and the other was aUSO. I lived at the USO for a while I think it was about SOc anight but finally I moved into a rooming house across thestreet. I had met this beautiful WAVE and of course they wouldnot allow us in the USO rooms together and certainly not in theWAVE Hotel.But I had my defense ready! "The Captain knows about it and he gave me all these libertychits to fill out myself," I told him, " I still have a whole sheetleft." at which time I showed him the sheet I had left.He grabbed it out of my hand and looked at it and said, "You come with me." We got in his pickup truck and went down to the Captain's Of­fice. When we got there he handed the Captain the rest of my liberty chits and asked him if he knew anything about it. The Captain looked at them and then me and said I was correct, that it was just as I had explained it. The Captain then looked at me and said, "But these liberty passes are only to be made out one a day not one a week!" This went on for about two months and I was living it up. Thenone day one of the truck drivers said to me,"Ain't your name Talbert""Yes", I replied."Well," he said, " they are looking for you back at the base."So the next day I went back to the base, as I had some laundryto do anyway. When I went through the gate, I handed my IDcard to the Sentry. He looked at it and said,"Holy Cow, you come with me!"The Captain examined the liberty chits again "But it sure doesn't say that on these passes." Turning to the Lieutenant he said "I can't see anything so ter­rible has happened here, take this man back to his barracks, wait for him to pack all his gear and then take him down to his ship." The Lieutenant said, "Aye, Aye Sir" I snapped to attention, said "Thank you sir." and turned to leave. Going out the door I looked at the Captain. He looked at me and smiled and at the same time tapping the side of his head with his fore finger, as if to say, We went into the gatehouse and the sentry yelled"You put one over on us this time!" "Lieutenant, look who I've got." and handed my ID to the Lieutenant.He looked at me and said,Now you can see why I say Solomon's was a great duty station. Jim Talbert Flotilla 22 Staff "Where in the hell have you been?""Working on the baggage detail in DC," I told him.19

A First-Hand Look at the Modern Amphibious Navy; Amphibious Group Two, Little Creek, VA; Rear Admiral J. Kevin Moran, Commander, Amphibious Group Twoaccepts model ofUSS LCI (G) 68 for display on his Quarterdeck(L to R: Adm J. Kevin Moran, Leo Janetis, John Cummer, Howard B. "Tiny" ClarksonIt started when Leo Janetis, LCI(G)68, of Pompano Beach,Florida, met Admiral J. Kevin Moran at a Navy Leaguefunction in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Known for his warmth,friendliness and ability to socialize easily with everyone,including high Navy brass, Leo found out that AdmiralMoran came from the same Brooklyn neighborhood wherehe grew up and the bonds were in place!Leo found that the Admiral was eager to have items on hisquarterdeck and working spaces at the Amphibious TrainingBase, Little Creek, Virginia, that would remind his sailorsand officers of the history of the amphibious forces,and so contacted model builder John Cummer to see if itwould be possible to get a model made for presentation.Eager to see a model on display at an active duty command,especially an amphibious command, John was happyto undertake the project. He decided that a model of Leo'sown ship, the LCI(G) 68 would be appropriate and startedwork. As the model was completed, plans shaped up tomake the presentation on October 24th.President Jim Talbert regretted having to turn down theopportunity to be present for the occasion due to previousengagements, but Treasurer "Tiny" Clarkson decided hewould like to be there, so the Association was representedby Clarkson, Janetis and Cummer.Arriving at Norfolk Airport on October 23, the trio ofLClers was met by Lt Drew Bates, Aide to Admiral Moran.LT Bates, throughout the visit, was unfailing in his effortsto see that traditional Navy hospitality was extended to theamphibious veterans.Throughout the visit, the heightened security of the basewas evident. "Condition Bravo" was in place which meantintense scrutiny, armed sentries and other measures weremuch in evidence. The effect on the LCI Association visitorswas most positive as they saw how well prepared alllevels of command were to meet and counter any threat.Met by LT Bates and the Admiral's staff car the followingmorning, the trio were escorted to Admiral Moran's commandheadquarters. After being greeted warmly by theAdmiral and several members of his staff, the LClers madethe presentation and had the chance to tell a bit about thisdetails of the ship and the history of the 68.After the presentation, the three old swabbies received areal treat as Admiral Moran hosted them to lunch in the20

Admiral's mess. They were joined by Master Chief JimMonroe, Command Master Chief, and a genial and informativehost.After lunch the group set out on a guided tour of variouselements ofthe Admiral's command which introduced themto the tremendous changes in equipment that characterizethe modem amphibious Navy.Personnel ofAssault Craft Unit Two next hosted the visitorsand demonstrated their primary craft the LandingCraft, Utility. As a special treat the three LCI vets weregiven one more chance to make a landing by being takenfor a short ride in an LCU concluded with a "ramp down"beaching.With a length of 135 feet and a beam of 30 feet, the LCUcan carry a cargo of 170 tons. It can make a maximumspeed of 11 knots with a range of 1,200 nautical miles.Master ChiefBuchanan proudly shows off his LCAC, Landing Craft, Air Cushion. First stop was a visit to Attack Boat Four and a chance tosee up close the fabled "air cushion" vehicle. The LCACis a high speed, exceptionally maneuverable amphibiouslanding craft capable of carrying a 75 ton payload. TheLCAC exposes over 70 percent of the world's beaches toamphibious assault. With a range of 200 nautical miles,the craft is capable of a sped of 40 knots in sea state 2.One of the most enthusiastic chiefs in the Navy, ChiefBuchanan led the group in a walk-around on his vehicle.Leo makes friends with a formidably armedguard aboard the USS Kearsage.The day climaxed with a visit to the USS Kearsage, (LHD­3) at the docks of Naval Operating Base, Norfolk. Withthe mission to load, transport and land troops and theirequipment in support of amphibious operations anywherein the world, the Kearsage is obviously a vital element inthe forces being applied to the new terrorist threats. Shecarries both helicopters and harrier jets and, in her cavernoushold, she can accommodate LCACs for fast troopmovement over the beach. The Harrier jets provide closeinair support for the assault force.All in all, it was a series of impressive sights for the threeveterans of amphibious operations of over sixty years ago.The sense of pride and highly-honed skills was evident atall levels."We are proud of what we accomplished as amphibiousforces came to being and World War II, and we are equallyproud to see how our traditions are being carried out byfine, dedicated, skilled young men and women today,"commented John Cummer."Tiny" makes one more landing, this time from an LCU,modern day equivalent ofan LCT."Tiny" summed it up in a post-visit e-mail to John Cummer:21

"Words fail me when it comes to expressing the pride andconfidence I feel about the Navy personnel and the missionof today's Amphibians. I just wish there was someway that every citizen of the US could have the experiencewe had at Little Creek. Maybe,just maybe, we wouldall come to realize that our armed forces put it all on theline for every citizen, every day, all day, 365 days a year toprotect our comfortable, well-fed behinds here in the good01' USA".Vester Kelly, LCI(G) 441 Receives Purple Heart 56 years late Kelly's part in the chaos aboard the 441 were detailed in anewspaper article in the Tallahassee Democrat by ReporterGerald Ensley:"Kelly missed his date with death when the barrel burnedout on the [40mm] mounted gun he was shooting. Hejumped up from his seat to the deck just seconds before aJapanese shell landed square on the seat. The resultingexplosion sent him hurtling to the other side of the boat.He suffered an injured back that took many years and operationsto heal, plus shrapnel wounds that left permanentscars on his jaw and neck."Though bleeding profusely, Kelly worked through thechaos. He moved injured sailors out of the line of fire. Herelayed signals from the Captain on the bridge to a sailorin the engine room who was trying to steer the ship withone engine."When a call went out that the sleeping quarters were onfire, Kelly and another sailor waded into the darkness andsmoke, and put out the fire by using their helmets as buckets,scooping ankle-deep water and throwing it on a fireagainst one wall. On the other side of the wall was 500gallons of diesel fuel which would have blown up if ignited."A native of Crestview, Florida, Kelly returned there afterhis discharge from the Navy in 1945. In 1952 he embarkedon a career of law enforcement, joining the Tallalhassee,Florida, police department. In 1978, he retired after 23years of service there, 10 of which were spent as Chief ofDetectives.Kelly receives Medal at Veteran's Day Ceremony in Tallahassee, Florida It took a bit of time and doing, but Vester Kelley's medalsfinally caught up with him."I wouldn't take a million dollars for what I've seen in theservice to my country", said Kelly, "and I wouldn't give acent to go through it again!"Our congratulations to Shipmate Vester Kelleyl We areproud that he has finally been recognized for what he didon the 441.A Boatsswain's Mate aboard LCI(G) 441 which took a savagepummeling at Iwo Jima carrying out its mission ofprotecting the UDT swimmers, Kelley's records were lostin the melee and subsequent transfer of the dead andwounded to the USS Nevada. Consequently he never receivedmedals recognizing his heroism for many years. In1968, then Congressman Don Fuqua helped him securethe Bronze Star and now, finally in 2001, U. S. SenatorBob Graham has helped Vester receive the Purple Heart.22

The Picture GalleryA Collection of LCI Photos Designed to Stir your Interest and Memories!THE 713 LOOKING BETTER ALL THE TIME!We start out with a recent photo of the 713 furnished to us by Wes Davis of LCI 515. Wes had the opportunity tovisit the 713 on his way home from the Reno Reunion. She was all decorated up with pennants as part of "RoseWeekend", and annual celebration in Portland. Wes writes: "My stepson drove us to where the 713 was located onthe Willamette River and we were lucky enough to find Walt James there. He took us on a tour of the interior ofthe ship and asked many questions as to how it looked when I served on an LCI. Walt and his friend are veryenthusiastically restoring it to WWII condition and like to talk to those who served on LCIs for infonnation."VILLANOVA NROTC LEARNS WHAT AN LCI LOOKS LIKE John McCarthy (LCI 46) poses with the model presented by the USS LCI National Association to VillanovaUniversity for display in the Naval ROTC Building. John was one of many Villanova men who went directly fromtraining in the V-12 Unit there to service in LCIs.23

Headed for the Big BlastRobert "Mik" Mikkelson (LCI 977) of Hollywood, CA, sent us this picture of his old ship, known as the "EightBall" at Buckner Bay, Okinawa. The 977 had done duty in 1945 and 1946 on the Whangpoo River in China. Aftersurviving a typhoon in the East China Sea, the 977 made it to Buckner Bay on her way to Bikini Atoll. "We visitedmost of the islands in the Marshalls and ended up at Bikini Atoll, just days before the big blast which marked theend of the "Eight Ball", writes Mik, " It was a sad but fitting end for a vessel that did its job as well as it could tothe very end."LCIs Go "Asiatic" in ChinaAs the Pacific War came to a close, many LCIs were assigned duty in China. Here, in a photo supplied byRaymond Corbin (LCI 980) of Kingsville, MD, is a group, including the 980, tied up on the Whangpoo River. Thenumbers that can be made out from this photo, from left to right are 980, ?, 685, 981, and the same 977 seen in thephoto above.24

Miss with a BombFrom Lou Plant (LCI 24), Livonia, Michigan, come three photos conveying some idea of what the operations atRendova, New Guinea in July of 1943 were like. Here the LCIs 25,24, 65 and 63 are beached while unloadinggoes on. The tilt of the 24 and the 65 shows the effect of a bomb bursting between the two ships. The bomb camefrom a flight of 16 Betty bombers.Death at the Water's EdgeLou writes: "The two dead soldiers were part of a combined American Anzac operation. These soldiers weresupposed to plant the beach marker you can see one of them still holding. Obviously they did not make it. We wereunder heavy mortar and sniper fire.25

LCI 23 - One of the Early Gunboat ConversionsHere, in another photo supplied by Lou Plant, the LCI 23 is shown after its conversion to a gunboat. This is similar to theconversion of his own LCI 24, of which Lou writes, "We had a 3" gun added over the well deck, a 40mm replaced the 20mmon the boat deck, and 15 twin 50 caliber machine guns were installed in various positions about the ship. Every time we firedthe 3 inch, it knocked out the gyro compass!"Bizerte Harbor, North AfricaYou LCIers who sailed with Flotillas One or Two in the Mediterranean may find this photo of the harbor at Bizerte of someinterest. We're indebted to Norman Whyte of Sterling Heights, Michigan for it. Norman served on three LCIs the 47,236and 513. Norman has kept a list of the crew of the 513, but if any of you who served on those other two LCIs can help himout with names from those crews, he would appreciate it. This photo shows the LCI docks at the top, below them the PTBoats, a dry dock in the center and, at the bottom, LSTs and LCTs loading for an invasion.Norman comments."You can see the large airplane hanger (French) where we saw movies. Before the movies, courts martial were held. To theright of the dry dock, on land, was an Italian prisoner of war camp. We all said they had it better than we did!"26

Admiral Sabin on Seasickness! Editors Note: "The War Diary ofAdmiral Sabin ", featured in the last issue ofElsie Item provoked many responses from LCIers whoserved in Flotilla Two and remembered some ofthe things he mentioned. (l'vefilled Melve ordersfor reprints ofAdmiral Sabins WarDiary!).One item, submitted by both Bill Schreiber ofLas Vegas, and Norman Whyte ofSterling Heights, Michigan, just had to be shared with ourreaders. As you read it, you'll see why! Admiral Sabin may have produced the definitive statement on "seasickness"!This letter; which evidently was widely circulated at the time, was written by then Commander Sabin to a friend ofhis back in the Statesdescribing the crossing ofthe Atlantic Ocean on an LCl( L):Dear Don,I ought to select a title for what follows; something like"Cowboys of the Sea" or "Roughing it on the Deep" orsome equally fantastic but truly metaphorical title. Onsecond thought I might call it "Sailors without Guts". Didyou ever hear about sailors with all the courage in the worldbut no guts? If you haven't you will, because my sailorslost all their guts twenty-four hours after sailing.Well, to begin with a background. You will remember thatI reported from the Pacific Area with no idea what thisracket was about. You will also remember that I told youI had tried to get a squadron or even a division of DD's,but my friends in Washington just laughed; a sneeringlaugh, too. Destroyers were too rugged; duty was too toughin the "boats" for an old man of43. The Navy Departmentjust couldn't consider such a request from officers my age.So what? So this - I am ordered to command a flotilla of"boats" one-half the size of DDs and what's more to rideon one of them as my Flagship. You are probably smiling,my friend, having been in on the inception of this organization.You know, of course, how interestingly stuffy,cramped and uncomfortable they are. "Tough and sturdy".You know, as Training Officer, they the are supposed to be(and are) sea-going and expendable. But there are a fewthings you don't know which I found out day after day andnight after night and week after week.So we went to sea. The lawyers, the bankers ,the garagemechanics, the farmers, the salesmen and me. In ourlittle spitkits, we struck out boldly if not fearfully. We hitrain. We hit fog. We hit sleet. We hit snow. We hit storms.We even found sunshine and starry nights. But no romance.Days passed. Nights passed. Weeks passed. But we wentrolling along over the bounding main at the super-colossalspeed of six knots. Day after day, night after night, weekafter week.Did I say bounding along? An understatement. Boundingand pounding; twisting and twirling; rolling, bucking, andpitching. Never before have I seen such unrhythmic motion.The cowboy who rode bucking broncos in the rodeofor fifteen minutes won a prize. Fifteen minutes! Nobodywon any prize in this outfit for staying with these broncosdoing everything but hand springs on the high seas for ­not minutes, not hours, not even days, but weeks.The majority were seasick - but not the old man who wastoo decrepit to go on a Destroyer! They were so seasickmost of them couldn't get out oftheir bunks. Some couldn'teven move except when they were thrown bodily by thistossing stallion from one side of the ship to the other. Dayafter day, night after night, week after week. And the food- nice delicious fresh food which spoiled because freshfood always does. So we ate canned food, and drank stalewater. So it didn't make any difference. Most of themwere too sick to eat anyhow, and the few "old salts" whodidn't get seasick were enjoying the delicious odor ofdieselfumes mixed with the equally delectable stench ofvomit, the refuse of those poor seasick devils too weak toclean up their own messes. Day after day; night after night;week after week. Tossing, turning and twisting. Pitching,pounding and rolling. Up by the bow, down by the stem.Over on your side into the sea. Straining, battered andbruised. Tom and tattered.Darken ship at night so the submarines won't get you. Look27

out for pot shots at night from one of the big ships becauseyou look like a sub. Black night. Can't see the ship ahead,astern or abeam. We're all too small. Little ships with bigmen. Look out for collisions. What's that on your starboardbow? A sub? Hell no, another spitkit. But don'ttum on your running lights when they're in trouble. A subcouldn't possibly see those great big red lights. So keepdark. No collisions, please. The water's too cold. It'sdeep, and there are only two life rafts on these little gadgets.Well, it's only ten hours until daylight. Hang onboys. Clutch the grab rail with one hand; hold your glasseswith the other. Wrap your legs around the compass stand,peer into the darkness and pray, brother, pray. God - theson of a gun missed us. Ahead standard! Night after night,week after week.Well, there's breakfast in the morning. Sorry no breakfastunless you fix it. The cook's too sick. Oh well- whohasn't fried an egg before?stations with a bucket. The signalman pukes in the bucketin a steady rhythm with the flashing of a message. Thesteersman holds the ship as best he can -an a course whilevomiting in the bucket. Day after day, night after nightand week after week.They've got no guts left, these kids. They've spilled themall. But they've got what it takes. Fine spirit. Game guys.Big men in little ships. American youth, learning the hardestway of all, on the high seas in a spitkit through the warzone. They take it all in stride and somehow (God onlyknows) they manage to smile. Somehow, also, Don, yougo below feeling "that's why we'll win this war. No onecan beat that kind of stuff!"Thank you again, Admiral Sabin, for describing it as weremember it!Stand in line to use the head. Cuss because you caughtyour finger in the door. Who the hell is staring back at youfrom the mirror? A dirty looking tramp. Stubble beard,bloodshot eyes. Dirty and dumpy. Frizzled and filthy.My gawd, is that you? How about a bath? Sorry, no bath.Wastes water. So you continue to stink. Day after day,week after week.How's the Gyro? Pretty good today. Only a hundred andthirty five degrees out. Magnetic is O.K. No heeling magnetever made could correct contortions of the cantankerouscamels. What's the course? Somewhere between northand east. Why are you reading South, Compass? Compasserror. That's simple. You figure out why.Got a star sight this morning. Turned the sextant upsidedown and watched a sinking sun jump from the sky to thehorizon. You can't take a sight that way. No? Who saysso? You're standing on your head most of the time anyway.Never mind, it won't be long now. Just day afterday, night after night, and week after week.You watch the kids who are manning these things; officersand men. A year ago they were lawyers, accountants, advertisingmen, farmers, grocery clerks, soda jerkers andgarage mechanics. Not so now. They're sailor men. Theystick to it. Those who can still move, struggle to their28

3Jn ;iOOemotiam Their earthly voyage is done. They sail now to that eternal port of heavenly rest. Fair winds and following seas, Shipmates! We'll see you again! SHIPMATESHIPSHIPMATESHIPShew, Clyde A.Paige, JohnPaskotT, SamuelLugo, Richard E.Bellos, Albert G.Voos, FredLerch, Thomas Claxton, Capt. Norman L. Murray, Peter Black, Anthony R.Williams, BobSargent, Ira L.Eggleston, Archie E.Ashbaugh, ErnestCarlson, RalphBoynton, Jack D.Fleming, O'neal W.Westafer, Rev. Ralph M.Kopacz, Walter F.Cook, J.L. (Jim)Holowka, PaulGarber, Donald J.Harman, Dr. James W.D.Gatanis, HarryCraft, Charles E.Davis, Walter M.Neyhard, Robert L.Smothermon, Thomas13 18 21 31 47 67 67 193 215 220 222 226 226 226 229 332 345 346 346 348 365 404 430 435 439 450 451 451 Adamson, Jesse LeroyHarpster, Donald R.Biddison, Carl E.Orsak, LudvikArgo, James R.Waine, GilbertHauser, RaymondMc Allister, John J.De Lambily, Robert W.May, Wesley H.Gunter, Alec C.Holinbeck, Lew W.Giles, Melvin G.Caryer, Emerson L.Lambert, Jack O.Robison, Harry J.Burke, John J.Ayers, Autry M.Hann, RaymondSmith, Dr. Scott M.Grimes, Porter H.Dupont, Harry A.Jacobs, BenjaminPatchett, Sidney A.Bradford, Murvin E.Lambertson, WillardSonnefeldt, Auguast J.Railsback, David W.471 473 480 483 489 496 537 540 545 554 588 588 595 601 660 669 687 710 752 777 947 1010 1011 1030 1068 1077 1096 1096 29

NEW E-MAIL ADDRESSES Here are the new or changed e-mail addresses for USS LeI National Association members received since thepublication of our last newsletter. They are arranged by ship number. If you know of other new or changed e­mail addresses, please notify President Jim TalbertShipNameE- Mail AddressShip Name E-Mail Address16 Burgess, Raymond23 Lehmann, Harley R.64 Yandell, Burt65 Howdeshell, Kenneth67 Higgins, Jack68 Polunsky, Sylvan I.70 Elliott, Harry R.77 Colamussi, Vito P91 Mulvaney, Robert J.91 Marsoun, William J.94 Armstrong, Jospeh P.194 Prentice, Michael195 Krzick, Frank196 Griffin, John P.232 Haire, W. Henderson332 Hogan, Harold348 Wayman, Elwin N.355 Dorfiinger, David J.355 Postley, John A361 Lucey, Jospeh P.362 Ritzel, Harry W.365 Mossman, Wes C.372 Geissler, Mrs. Patricia397 Aschbacher, Ken414 Duerr, Douglas420 Besse, Steve423 Monterosso, Joe424 Sandberg, Donald G.447 Tucker, Ward J.450 Ripka, Ms. Trudy463 Elkin, Melvin B.466 Stanfield, James V.470 Shroy, Larry N.483 Bacon, John L.493 Barker, Don501 Cox, Herbert515 Fitzgerald, Wm. E.559 Hartin, Robinson582 Weisert, George C.589 Corriveau, Charles E.598 Humphrey, Lester W.603 Ring, John F.607 Casey, George614 Hedger, William518 Sinberg, Herbert S.dickanddot@juno.comfishrl@juno.combigburt@cablesl2eed.comkshowd):@mediaonel.netjack.higgins@erabluestar.comsl201 unsk):@alumni.utexas.nethtelliot@jul2ui.edumr.seas@juno.comrimul vanc):@aol.comlodie@m):eitco.comamail2a@worldnet.att.netI2ren):2000@):ahoo.comlcinnav):@aol.comhig6@aol.comhwhaire@worldnet.att.netthehogan67913@aol.comilwin-w-2001@juno.comkkorfiinger@aol.comjal2ostle):@aol.comk2mbf@juno.comdrummerbo):lci362@aol.comWesmossman@juno.comrethtcs@bandcable.comken@lincolnninsuranceagenc):.comdoug@duerr.combesses@onid.orst.edujl2monte@swbell.netdgsanderg@juno.comwjtucker2@infoave.netril2ka@):ahoo.commbelkn2001 @):ahoo.comboogie@netimes.nethelens@medford.netJlucasB@aol.combarkersmimi @aol.comherbcox @msn.comwfitz76@juno.comheartinn2619@aol.comgcweisert@juno.comj9242@gte.netleshuml2@netscal2e.netjohndotring@cs.comgdcaac@juno.comgnhedger@olypen.comsinberg@webtv.net633 Cox, David M. swabb):l@mindsl2ring.com645 Bishop, Donald T. mbal2l2leake@aol.com648 Langton, John V. jvlangtonsr@webtv.net648 Rolband, Norman nrolband@carolina.rr.com670 Norris, Robert M. ginn):@interwoof.com702 Snyder, Lawrence C. idsn):der@):elmtel.com727 Champlin, G. Byron chiefchaml2lin@aol.com742 Tomaschko, Frank aflic@smig.net779 Tanz, Dr. Ralph D. tanz@l2acifier.com780 Hyde, Ms. Karen kh):de289@cs.colm1014 Wilson, Stanley E. cc1c I @mindsl2ring.com1022 Bohrer, James W. j w bohrer@tnaccess.com1026 Williams, Richard F. dicklotte@webtv.net1068 Ashley, Tonya B. ton):a.ashle):@alltel.com1075 Wagoner, William C. buckdot99@aol.com1077 Rice, Richard W. azrize@aol.com1094 Anderson, Lloyd F. alf5@Qwest.netMinutes of the Business Meetingof the LeI National Association,Reno,NV.The regular annual meeting of the USS LCI NATIONAL AS­SOCIATION was held at the Silver Legacy Hotel in Reno, NVon June 7, 2001, at 0900 hours.Officers present were: First Vice President James Talbert, asActing President; Treasurer Howard B. "Tiny" Clarkson; SecretaryMcClain; Directors Shelby Smith, Sam Rizzo, and JimMcCarthy; Chaplain David Cox, and newsletter Editor JohnCummer.Reed High School Junior NROTC color guardadvanced the colors and Howard Clarkson led the Conventionin the Pledge of Allegiance.Chaplain David Cox led the group in prayer.Words of welcome from two of the local Congressmen wereread by their aides.30

Shelby Smith took over the conduct of the meeting and introducedthe persons at the head table. He explained that we weregoing to deviate from normal procedures by holding the electionfirst. On a motion by Tom Moody, seconded by Mr. Hurst,Jim Talbert's name was placed in nomination for the office ofPresident. There were no other eligible candidates and the electionof Jim Talbert to the office of President was by acclamation.On a Lankin/Chappel motion the name of John Cum mer wasplaced in nomination for the position of Vice President. Theelection was accepted by acclamation.Ted Day of Armed Forces Reunion Services, reported on thesites recommended by the Executive Board for the Conventionin 2003. Cities mentioned were:-Baltimore, MD at $139.00 per night plus $12.00 per day parkingand the dates were in June.-Washington, DC, Crystal City, across the Potomac from Washington,DC at the Double Tree Hotel, $96.00 per day plus $5.00per day parking. Dates available were May 28 through June 1,2003.-Norfolk, Virginia, at the Sheraton Hotel, $89.00 per day plus$8.00 per day parking. Dates available were May 28 throughJune 1,2003.Mr. Robinson, LCI 1012 and Mr. Runkel, LCI 968, spoke infavor of Washington, DC.Washington, DC, was selected by a majority vote.On a MorriseyfMason motion, the minutes of the Convention in2000 were accepted as read by the Secretary.Howard Clarkson introduced Mr. Roy Age who had audited thebooks. Roy reported that he verified all accounts and recordsand found them to be in order and correct. $41,590 is the totalvalue as of 21/3112000, including the bank account and CDs.Tiny explained the use of a fiscal year for our membership. Ouryear starts June 1 and ends May 31. He then gave the receiptsand expenses of the Organization for the year. As of May 31,2001, the actual balance is $40,171.00.A Mr. Lemniak, LCI 958, questioned if it was legal to donatemoney to the Organization from a person's will. The answergiven was a definite Yes.The changing of the frequency of the newsletter was proposed,but shouted down by the members.Mr. Phillips, LCI 489, questioned if the Organization is having apositive cash flow. The answer was in the positive.On a DroudIRolenz motion, the Treasurer's Report was approvedas read.Mr. Bally, LCI 871, questioned how many life members were inthe Organization. The answer was over 500.Lewis Mason, LCI 407, reported that there are members whocannot afford to join and questioned how they can be located.A suggestion was made by Mr. Atkinson, LCllO12, to raise dues,but no action was taken.Director Sam Rizzo reported on the placing of models last year.He read a letter of thanks from the National Headquarters of theAmerican Legion .. John Cummer personally donated a model tothe D-Day Museum. Carl Chappel donated a model to RobertWeisser. Tom Moody reported on the model donated to the GreatLakes Museum.. A Mr. Little reported that he toured the museumat the San Diego Destroyer Base and saw our model there.Howard Clarkson was then appointed Treasurer and approvedby acclamation.Robert McLain was appointed Secretary and approved by acclamation.Jim Talbert spoke on the changing of the editor of the newsletterand requested that all information for printing should be sent toJohn Cummer. He informed the membership that all changes ofaddress should be sent to Howard Clarkson. He also spoke onthe members who did not pay their dues yet come to the convention.Mention was made of members who came to the conventionand stayed at a neighboring hotel and use the conventionhotel for meetings.Jim Talbert thanked Bob Johns for his efforts in promoting theConvention and also Jack Crocker for music in the hospitalityroom.31

Jim then presented John Cummer with his name badge.John Cummer spoke about the newsletter. He requested that allarticles and sea stories be sent to him. He showed a picture of alow, square conn LCI model presented to Gordy Winters in England.Director Jim McCarthy had spoken to the Executive Board concerningthe support of the Organization to the only two LCIsremaining afloat. He was advised that the support would haveto be brought up at the regular meeting because of the meeting.He did so at this time.On a Langa (LCI 741)/Sterlock (LCI 565) motion it was decidedto give $1,500 to Dr. Davis in support for LCI 1091 andthe same amount to Wait James for the continued restoration ofLCI713. The motion was approved by the body.John Curnmer announced two events that the Board authorizedthe LCI National Association to participate in. They are theCalvert Marine Museum sponsored "Cradle of Invasion - 200 I",August 10-12,2001, and the National D-Day Museum PacificWing opening in New Orleans on December 6-9,2001. Sheetswere made available for the interested parties to sign for furtherinformation.Chuck Coleman, LCI 489, suggested that the board considerexpanding our membership base to include family members.Mr. Kilheffer, LCI 565, announced a private dinner will be heldin Room 1 after the meeting.Mr. Swain, LCI 804, requested more information be placed onthe Association's website.Mr. Gaulbis, LCI 779, spoke on the payment of dues.Mr. Glass, LCI 726, requested again that the Association considera memorial for the deceased members in Maryland. Theland has already been donated and some monuments are in place.The Secretary was invited to view the site and make a report tothe Executive Board.Mr. Rock, LCI 1077, requested the use of logos.Bill Eisley, the Marine pilot who was rescued by an LCI came tothe mike and personally thanked the members who saved him.Mr. Mason, LCI 497, how he spent time and money to get membersfrom microfilm from the Bureau of Archives.Someone from the LCI 618 reported that up until recently asMoMM's were eligible to receive hearing aids from the VA. butthe law has been changed recently and anyone interested shouldcheck with the VA. He though if a VCR tape of the Associationcould be made it would help.Dr. Davis, LCI 1091, came to the mike and personally thankedBob Weisser and Jim McCarthy for their efforts in supportingthe 1091.Adolph Brusg, LCI 266, reported how he had researched his ownship for the last six years and offered to assist anyone who wantedto research their ship.Mr. Autry, LCI 688, reported that he received hearing aidsthrough the previously mentioned program.Mr. Wolf, LCI 455, asked in which room the banquet would beheld.Mr. Runkle, LCI 468, brought forth a resolution of gratitude forRobert Weisser for his years of service.Mr. Mentzer, LCI 624, requested information on surviving members.On a RolenzlSmith motion, the meeting was adjourned at 1120hours.Respectfully submitted,Robert McClain, Secretary.Mr. Shirk, LCI 732, said he had pictures of 3 LCIs that havebeen dismantled and anyone can see them. He introduced BillEisley, a Marine pilot who was shot down.Mr. Herick, LCI 754, reported that New York State residentswere to be awarded a medal for service in World War II.Mr. Divic, LCI 399, suggested that the membership might beincreased by giving our e-mail addresses.Mr. Regay, LCI 1077, asked for a show of hands from all memberswho wee "notch" babies.32

1{eunion'Timefigain! Yes, believe it or not, it's time to start planning for our annual reunion again!Following our pattern of rotating the reunion between the West Coast, the East Coast andthe Middle West, this time we are headed for San Antonio, Texas, April 17 - 21, 2002Armed Forces Reunions has once again put together a fine program of outings to go alongwith those sea-story swapping times and renewing of old acquaintances. We'll have theopportunity to see the lovely sights of San Antonio, sample some authentic Mexican cookingat a famous restaurant, experience a bit of Texas at a genuine chuckwagon supper andcowboy show and, in what promises to be a visit long remembered, a day long excursion toFredericksburg, Texas, to visit the Admiral Nimitz Museum ..Details on these and other events will be found on the next two pages.Following that you will find an "Activity Registration Form" which you can complete andmail in with your check to Armed Forces Reunions to assure yourself and your guests oftickets for all the events.PLEASE NOTE: Because of size accommodation limits, there will be TWO trips toFredricksburg and the Admiral Nimitz Museum; one Thursday, April 18th, and one Friday,April 19th. You will need to choose which day you want to make the trip.Our hotel will be the FOUR POINTS RIVERWALK NORTH BY SHERATON. Locatedimmediately on the beautiful Paseo del Rio (Riverwalk) it is centrally located for shoppingand sightseeing.Your Hotel Reservation Form is on page 37, immediately following the Activities RegistrationForm.Ifyou do not want to tear these pages out of your Newsletter, you can make copies of themand subnlit those.See you in SanJllntonio! 33

USS Lei NATIONAL ASSN. REUNION APRIL 17-21, 2002 FOUR POINTS RIVERWALK NORTH HOTEL, SAN ANTONIO 12:00pm12:00pm--Wednesday. April 176:00pm Reunion Registration openHospitality Room open throughout the reunion (cash bar available)7:30am8:15am9:00am3:00pm6:30pm-----8:30am5:00pm3:00pm5:00pm11 :OOpmThursday, April 18Reunion Registration openFREDERICKSBURG TOUR (description follows)CITY TOUR (description follows)Reunion Registration openCASA RIO RESTAURANT (description follows)8:00am8:15am9:00am4:00pm5:45pm-----8:30am5:15pm3:00pm5:00pm10:00pmFriday, April 19Reunion Registration openFREDERICKSBURG TOUR (description follows)CITY TOUR (description follows)Reunion Registration open. Additional hours will be posted atthe reunion, if necessary.DIAMOND W RANCH (description follows)9:00am9:00am5:00pm6:30pm----12:00pmSaturday, April 20Business Meeting for the menLADIES TOUR (description follows)Pictures & Cash BarBanquet, follovved by entertainmentSunday, April 21Farevvells & DeparturesTOUR DESCRIPnONSFREDERICKSBURG Thursday, April 18 and Friday. April 19 Board bus for a daytrip to Fredericksburg. Upon arrival at the Lyndon B. Johnson State and National Historic Park, browse through the Visitors Center before boarding the park service tram for a guided tour of the ranch. The tour includes the Old Junction School, the Texas White House, and LBJ Ranchlands. with stops at the Birthplace and the Johnson Family cemetery. After a short ride to Fredericksburg, enjoy lunch at one of several restaurants or delis located on Fredericksburg's downtown Main Street. After lunch, tour the Admiral Nimitz Museum, dedicated to everyone who served in the Pacific under Admiral Nimitz. Walk through the Garden of Peace, a gift from the people of Japan, and stroll down the History Walk of Tanks. The Museum has just completed a 3.5 acre expansion featuring a Pacific Combat Zone with a PT boat and more! There is shopping nearby on Main Street for those interested. Note: Due to space restrictions, this tour is limited to 100people on Thursday and 200 people on Friday. Reservations will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis.Thursday: 8: 15am board bus, 5:00pm back at hotelFriday: 8: 15am board bus, 5: 15pm back at hotel$43IPerson includes bus, guide, and admissions. Lunch on your own.34

USS LCI NAT/ONAL ASSOCIATION TOUR DESCRIPTIONS, continued GCITY TOUR, Thurs a ,April 18 and Friday, April 19Board bus for a fully narrated to r of Sa tonio. Points of interest include stops at the San Jose Mission, thelargest of the missions; the Alamo', . 's first mission; San Fernando Cathedral, the original church of theCanary Island settlers; and San An 10 Shoes Factory. Drive by the Riverwalk, Hemisfair (the site of the 1968Wor1d's Fair), Brackenridge Park and Zoo, and more. Enjoy lunch on your own and shopping at EI Mercado, aunique Mexican Market featuring a combination of Tex-Mex cuisine, entertainment, and products ranging frompear1s to pinatas.9:00am board bus, 3:00pm back at hotel$25/Person includes bus and guide. Lunch on your own.CASA RIO RESTAURANTThursday, April 18Board bus for the Casa Rio Restaurant, the first Mexican Restaurant on the Riverwalk. Enjoy an authenticMexican feast, including guacamole salad, chips and salsa, taco, tamale, enchilada, rice, beans, dessert, anda beverage. After dinner, enjoy some free time on the Riverwalk or return to the hotel. Consider boarding abarge for a cruise down the river (fee to be paid by the individual). At least two shuttle times will be offered,based on your hotel location.6:30pm board bus, 11:OOpm last bus is back at hotel$37/Person includes bus, escort, and dinner.DIAMOND W RANCHFriday, April 19Board bus for Diamond W Ranch, site of San Antonio's best chuckwagon supper and cowboy show. Uponarrival enjoy free time to walk through the general store and explore the grounds. Dinner includes Bar-B-Quebrisket or smoked turkey sausage, along with beans, salads, biscuits, dessert. and a beverage (beer and wineare available at the cash bar). After dinner, sit back and enjoy the entertainment. Cowboy humor, poetry, andsongs are all part of the show, including the band.5:45pm board bus, 10:00pm back at hotel$48lPerson includes , nd dinner show.r.:-~IE~ TOURl\ Saturday, April 2Ladies board bus for an enjoyable tour whit the men a~ t the Business Meeting. After driving throughBrackenridge Park, stop at the Japanese Teae outstanding floral displays feature a wide varietyof plants. Pebble pathways and bridges guide you throughout the gardens. Continue the tour to the McNayArt Museum, the Mediterranean-styled former home of the late Marian Koogler McNay. See paintings byPicasso, Matisse, and Van Gogh, along with ear1y New Mexican arts and crafts, and Gothic and Medievalcollections. Finally, enjoy a stop at the Spanish Governor's Palace, although no governor has actually livedthere! Built in the 1"th century, this is a perfect example of Old Wor1d elegance on the Royal Frontier.9:00am board bus, 12:00pm back at hotel$20lPerson includes bus, guide, and admission.Driver and Guide gratuities are not induded in the tour prices. Please plan to be at the bus boarding area at least five minutes prior to the scheduled time. CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY FOR ARMED FORCES REUNIONS. INC.For attendees canceling reunion activities prior to the cut·off date, Armed Forces Reunions, Inc. (AFR) shall process a fullrefund less a $3 processing fee. Attendees canceling reunion activities after the cut-off date will be refunded to the fullestextent that AFR's vendor commitments and guarantees will allow, less a $3 processing fee. Cancellations will only betaken Monday through Friday from 9:00am until 5:00pm Eastern Standard Time, exduding holidays. Please call (757)625-6401 to cancel reunion activities and obtain a cancellation code. Canceling your hotel reservation does not cancelyour reunion activities.35

THE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS OF THEUSS LCI NATIONAL ASSOCIATIONNeed help or information? Call on us!Officers:James E. Talbert, President (618) 147 Colburn Drive Debary, FL 32713 (386) 775-1521 jet310@earthlink.net John Cummer, Vice President (502) 20 Lucerne Circle Apt. 615 Orlando, FL 32801 (407) 843-3675 Cummjhn@aol.com Robert Mc Lain (436) 1829 Hemlock Road Lancaster, PA 17603-4437 (717) 392-4558 maxeyusn@juno.com Howard B. Clarkson, Treasurer (537) 73 Grange Road Troy, NY 12180-6662 (518) 279-3846 Lcitiny@ juno.com Earl Henshaw, Chaplain (537)POBox781Bainbridge, GA 31718-0781 (912) 246-3350 David Cox, Chaplain (633)413 Thpilo Way NWBirmingham, AL 35215 (205) 854-6229 swabby@aol.com Board of DirectorsRobert V. Weisser, (456)Chairman of the Board134 Lancaster Ave.Columbia, PA 17512 (717) 684-4785 Icipres@aol.com Shelby Smith (464) 2009 N. Winthrop Muncie, IN 47304 (765) 289-3762 sdsbats@juno.com Sam Rizzo (687) 1700 Vernier Road Grosse Pointe Wood, MI 48236 (313) 886-5374 lcisam@aol.com James McCarthy (685) 349 Idlewild Lane Oceanside, CA 92054-5418 (760) 439-5598 Mccarthyjemac@aol.com William E. Hedger (614) 227 San Juan Drive Sequim, WA 98382 (360) 681-3821 KnhedKer@olypen.com Overseer Roy E. Age (802) 412 Silver Streak Lane Valrico, FL 33594 (813) 689-5102 76235.656@compuserve.com REMEMBER!Pay your dues - $10 for a yearly membership;$75 for a Lifetime Membership Sendyour dues to Howard ClarksonAlso, send to Howard Clarkson:-New member Applications-Address changes-Deceased members noticesSend all news items to Newsletter EditorJohn Cummer.38

Lieutenant Matthew J. Reichl, Skipper of USS LCI(L) 474 Receives one of the eleven Navy Crosses awarded to LCI GunboatSkippers for heroism at Iwo Jima from Secretary of the Navy James ForrestalFebruary 17, 1945 - The Day of LeI Bravery and HeroismThe extraordinary heroism of 11 officers and the crews of 12 LCI(G)s in the pre-invasion days of Iwo Jima was recognized on September5,1945, when then Secretary of the Navy James Forrestal presented A Medal of Honor, eleven Navy Crosses, three Silver Stars and manyPurple Heart Medals to Officers and men of LCI Gunboats who went in two days before the invasion to protect UDT Swimmers.We are indebted to Robert J. Harker (LCI(G) for photos and other information on this extraordinary event. Among the items he sent wasa reprint of the November 1945 issue of All Hands detailing the actions and the awards. The action wassmnm¥ilfi'iiI1HX:."Manned by fighting and skilled seamen, the lightly armored ships ofLCI(G) Group Eight advanced steadily under sustained hostile firein support of beach reconnaissance by Underwater Demolition Teams at Iwo Jima on 17 Feb 1945, and led the way for the invasion twodays later."With guns silenced, fires spreading in ready ammunition and engine rooms flooded, those ships still operable towed their powerlesscompanion ships clear of enemy fire. Although suffering desperate casualties, the unit evacuated the wounded, extinguished the fires,and returned to the firing line"Rufus G. Herring, then a Lieutenant, Junior Grade, and Commanding Office of LCI(G) 449, received the Congressional Medal of Honor,the only LCIer to be so honored. Navy Crosses were awarded to the following Skippers: LTJG Robert S. Hudgins, LCI(G) 471; LTJGForrest W. Bell, LCI(G) 441; LTJG Wallace A Brady, LCI(G) 450; LT Gerald M. Connors, LC(G) 469; LT Charles E. Fisher, LCI(G)473; LTJG Harry L. Gruver, LCI(G) 346; Lt James 1. Horovitz, LCI(G) 466; LT Jerome J. O'Dowd, LCI(G) 457; LTJG Bernard J.Powers, LCI(G) 438; LTJG Matthew J. Reichl, LCI(G) 474; and LTJG Alvin E. Rosenbloom, LCI(G) 348.We salute - again - these Gallant Shipmates!39

USS LCI NATIONAL ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION FORM If you are not a member of the USS LCI National Association and would like to join, please complete this form and mail itwith your first year's dues as indicated below:Served..._______ RanklRate:______Address: _____________________________________._______ Zip Code: ______Date of Birth:________ Telephone: ___,_____E-MailOccupationIFormer Occupation: _______~______________________Wife'sDues are $10.00 per year, June 1 through May 31. Life Membership: $75.00Make Check payable to:Send to:USS LCI NATIONAL ASSOCIATIONHoward Clarkson, Treasurer73 Grange RoadTroy, NY 12180_.