congressional medal of honor winner rufus g. herring - USS Landing ...

OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THEUSS LANDING CRAFT, INFANTRY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, INC.• ESTABLISHED MAY 14–18, 1991, NORFOLK,VA •APRIL 2007 ISSUE #59CONGRESSIONALMEDAL OF HONORWINNERRUFUS G. HERRINGCommanding Officer,LCI(G) 449 at Iwo JimaPLUSRemembering theHeroic Men of LCIGunboat Flotilla EightAt Iwo JimaA Special TributeFeaturing theActual Deck Logsand Action Reportsof the Ships Involved(See page 13)

“THE ELSIE ITEM” Number 59 • April, 2007Official Newsletter of the USS LCI National Association , a non-profit veteran’s organization. Membership in the USS LCI National Association isopen to any U. S. Navy or U. S. Coast Guard veteran who served aboard a Landing Craft, Infantry. Associate membership, without voting privileges,is offered to others.Published quarterly by the USS LCI National Association. John P. Cummer, Editor. Any material for possible publication should be sent to theEditor at 302 Pinewood Cottage Lane, Blythewood, SC 29016OFFICIAL NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETINGAs required by the by-laws, official notice is hereby given that the USS LCI National Association will holdits annual meeting at 9:00 A.M., Saturday, May 19, 2007, at the Radisson Hotel, Branson, Missouri.Your Dues are Due!Annual membership dues—$25.00—for Fiscal Year 2007ARE NOW DUEDues may be paid upon receipt of your invoiceor at the Registration Table at the Branson reunionIf paying by mail, please send your dues to:USS LCI National Associationc/o Nehemiah Communications, Inc101 Rice Bent Way #6Columbia, SC 292292

A Word from the EditorGreetings, once again, shipmates!We've pushed a bit to get this issue out to youbefore our Branson reunion so that we can be assure as possible that each and every one of youknows all the details and can make your plans tobe with us. You'll find all the information andregistration blanks that were in our last issuerepeated here.Remember to let Connie Mulherin (address onthe officer's page) know if you'd like to take partin the after-banquet entertainment! On thatpoint, I would like to categorically deny that thefeature of the entertainment will be the officersperforming “Waltz of the Flowers” dressed intutus!In this issue:A theme or emphasis for this issue started withsome photos Vaughn Hampton sent of the officersof Gunboat Flotilla 3, Group 8 receivingmedals from then Secretary of the Navy, James E.Forrestahl. It reminded me again of that gallantaction which resulted in the CongressionalMedal of Honor being awarded to Lieutenant,Junior Grade, Rufus Herring and Silver Starsawarded to the Captains of six other gunboatsAs it was, we ran into problems of identificationof the officers in the photo so were not able touse it, but it led to my decision to re-visit thataction and, in particular, remind us once again ofwhat Rufus Herring did.The center piece of this issue is the researchand writing of Carl V. Batzkall, a Viet Nam eraNavy veteran who became intrigued with theaccounts he had read in previous issues of ElsieItem and undertook to find the deck logs andaction reports of the ships involved, particularlyso that he could trace just what happened tothose wounded aboard the gunboats. I hadreceived his lengthy report, painstakingly andbeautifully hand-written, about a year ago, butits length seemed to make it unworkable.Because it is so well done, I decided to run abouthalf of it in this issue and the other half in theJuly issue.I then retrieved from the files the officialaction reports of Herring's ship, the 449, writtenby Lt Mittleman who relieved him after he wasseriously wounded, and of LCI(G) Group 8. Thesetersely-written, almost matter of fact, accountsmade the whole action seem as if it had justoccurred and led me to share this all with you.I hope it is a reminder to all of us of the braveryand sacrifices made by many of our shipmateswho did not have our great privilege ofreturning home to live the lives we have lived.We can be both proud of and grateful for theirsacrifices.A Look AheadBranson is just around the corner! My sensefrom all I've heard is that it may well be one ofthe best-attended reunions we have had. Wesincerely hope that you will be able to join usthere. .There are significant developments that augurwell for our future. The Associates are organizing;the state directors are active, particularlydue to the excellent leadership being given byHal Bleyhl; the response to our request for specialdonations from Life Members has resulted inalmost $11,000 being given; and the newarrangements for administrative support withNehemiah Communications is off to a goodstart. All of these developments are greatencouragements and reinforce our convictionthat our Association still has some good yearsleft in us. Realistically speaking, that may beonly about four or five years, but we can makethem very good years and we can encourage ourAssociates to pick up the torch and carry on.See you in Branson!John Cummer3

LAST CALL FOR BRANSON!The long-awaited Branson reunion is just aroundthe corner and we wanted to give everyone onemore chance to get those registrations in, so weare repeating the information and registrationforms from the last issue.The beautiful Radisson Hotel in Branson,Missouri, is our destination and an excitingprogram of shows, excursions, and greatopportunities for once again sharing the comradeshipof your LCI shipmates awaits you.For several years our members who have beento Branson have been urging us to hold areunion there because of the exciting mix ofgreat shows and special attention given toveterans’ groups. Now the rest of us who havenot yet been there will have the opportunityto find out what they have been raving about!There were many attractions to choose from,and you may want to take in some others onyour own; but we think that the ones we havelined up are among the best. We’ll enjoy theYakov Smirnoff Theater, a dinner cruise aboardthe showboat Branson Belle, visit the Veterans’Memorial Museum, take in the Soji TabuchiTheater and, while the men are conductingtheir business session, the ladies will visitSilver Dollar City. Of course, we will also holdour Memorial Service and enjoy a fine banquetfollowed by very special entertainment!Home grown! Connie Mulherin will organizeand direct our very own home-talent LCIReview! See page 26 for more information onhow you can be a part of the entertainmentscene in Branson!Of course, the hospitality room will be openthroughout the reunion and will offer a fineplace for sitting and reminiscing with yourfriends and shipmates.The dates are May 16th through 20th and allinformation and registration forms are on thefollowing pages.Early registration is urged to be sure that space atthe hotel and for all the shows is available!4

USS LCI NATIONAL ASSN. REUNIONMAY 16–20, 2007RADISSON HOTEL—BRANSON, MOWednesday, May 161:00pm —7:00pm1:00pm—7:00pm—Thursday, May 177:00am —8:00am8:15am—12:30pm1:30pm—2:30pm3:00pm—7:30pm4:00pm—5:00pmFriday, May 187:00am—7:30am8:00am—2:00pm3:00pm—4:30pm4:30pm—5:30pm6:00pm—10:30pmSaturday, May 197:00am—8:30am9:00am—11:30am9:15am—1:00pm1:30pm—2:30pm5:30pm—6:30pm—Reunion Registration openHospitality Room open throughout the reunion (Cash bar available)Board MeetingReunion Registration openYAKOV SMIRNOFF THEATRE (description follows)Reunion Registration openBRANSON BELLE DINNER CRUISE (description follows)Reunion Registration openReunion Registration openVETERANS MEMORIAL MUSEUM (description follows)Affiliates Organizational MeetingReunion Registration openSHOJI TABUCHI THEATRE (description follows)State Directors BreakfastBusiness Meeting for the men (coffee available at 8:30am)LADIES TOUR TO SILVER DOLLAR CITY (description follows)Memorial ServiceCash Bar ReceptionBanquetSunday, May 20Farewells & DeparturesCANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY FOR ARMED FORCES REUNIONS, INC.For attendees canceling reunion activities prior to the cut-off date, Armed Forces Reunions, Inc. (AFR) shallprocess a full refund less the non-refundable AFR registration fee ($15 per person). Attendees cancelingreunion activities after the cut-off date will be refunded to the fullest extent that AFR’s vendor commitmentsand guarantees will allow, less the non-refundable AFR registration fee. Cancellations will only be takenMonday through Friday from 9:00am until 5:00pm Eastern Standard Time, excluding holidays. Please call(757) 625-6401 or email cancel@afri.com to cancel reunion activities and obtain a cancellation code.Refunds are processed 4-6 weeks after the reunion. Canceling your hotel reservation does not cancel yourreunion activities.

TOUR DESCRIPTIONSYAKOV SMIRNOFF THEATREThursday, May 17During this inspiring show filled with patriotismand love of family, Yakov Smirnoff serves uphumor for the heart over and over again! TheYakov Smirnoff Theatre offers a fun-filled showfeaturing “Branson’s Comedian of the Year,” thefamous Russian comedian. Sit back while hedelivers explosive laughter in a show filled withbrilliant special effects, dazzling dancing, heartfeltmoments, and just plain fun. The show alsofeatures the Russian dance troupe, Neva, and thecomedic juggler, Slim Chance. (Note: breakfastand lunch on your own before/after trip.)8:15am board bus, 12:30pm back at the hotel$53/Person includes bus, escort, and show.SHOWBOAT BRANSON BELLE DINNER CRUISEThursday, May 17Cruise the waters of Table Rock Lake on board apaddle wheeler, the Showboat Branson Belle.Enjoy a served dinner and great entertainment.The show features a talented cast of singers,dancers, and musicians, who will take you backto the time when showboats were once famous.3:00pm board bus, 7:30pm back at hotel$66/Person includes bus, escort, and cruise.VETERANS MEMORIAL MUSEUMFriday, May 18Bring your appetite as we head for a full “all youcan eat” breakfast buffet at Golden Corral.Following breakfast, reboard the bus for theVeterans Memorial Museum. This privatelyowned museum contains over 2000 artifacts inten display rooms, covering WWI through DesertStorm. For those who lived through these times,the memories brought back are vivid and overwhelming.The hallmark of the museum is theworld’s largest war memorial bronze sculpture –over seventy feet in length weighing over fifteentons! It depicts fifty life-sized soldiers (one fromeach state) storming the beach. After touring themuseum, you’ll have a choice of returning to thehotel at approximately noon, or if you wish youmay continue on the bus to Branson Landing, anew shopping and restaurant complex featuringlots of menu options and stores.8:00am board bus, 2:00pm back at the hotel$46/Person includes bus, escort, breakfast, andadmission.SHOJI TABUCHI THEATREFriday, May 18Branson’s hottest ticket is the Shoji TabuchiTheatre. Enjoy the show that’s become the “talkof the town” as one of Branson’s most delightfulfamily shows. Shoji and his magic violin will dazzleyou with practically every kind of music.Listen to country, bluegrass, Cajun, swing, jazz,and even a little Classical music. His wife anddaughter will perform as well, and you’ll understandwhy this is truly a family show.6:00pm board bus, 10:30pm back at hotel$68/Person includes bus, escort, and show.LADIES TOUR TO SILVER DOLLAR CITYSaturday, May 19This morning, you’ll have time to explore the recreated1890’s mining town of Silver Dollar City. Itembodies the Branson spirit and brings you backthrough time to the simpler life style and pace ofAmerica and the Ozarks in the 1890’s. Friendly citizens,craftsmen, shopkeepers, and entertainers arewaiting to welcome you. The park features over100 craftsmen and more than fifty shows daily.Lunch options are available. This is the kind ofplace where you could spend all day. Due to ourbusy schedule, we only have the morning allotted.We plan to have brochures available at the hotelfor you to ‘map-out’ your morning and concentrateon just what interests you.9:15am board bus, 1:00pm back at hotel$62/Person includes bus, escort, and admission.Lunch on your own.Driver and Guide gratuities are not included in thetour prices.Please plan to be at the bus boarding at least fiveminutes prior to the scheduled time.All tours must have a minimum of thirty people,unless otherwise noted.8

LCI 713 JOINS THE FLEET FORTHE PORTLAND ROSE FESTIVALGordon Smith, Chairman of the Amphibious Forces Memorial Museum, and a Board Member of our LCIAssociation, proudly announces that the restored LCI 713 has been invited to participate in the prestigiousPortland, Oregon, Rose Festival, June 1-10, 2007“For many years, a part of this Festival was the Royal Navy Fleet” said Gordon. “Ships from the UnitedStates Navy, the Coast Guard as well as the Canadian do come to Portland and tie up to the downtownseawall as part of the Festival. Believe it or not, the old # 713 is invited and will be a member of the RoyalFleet.”Gordon and his dedicated crew are working enthusiastically to get the 713 as close to her WWII appearanceas possible. That even includes the possibility of re-mounting her 20mm guns.9

LETTERS TO THE EDITORAll right! We start off with one to shame all of uswho have let our waistlines get the better of us!How many of you could put on the blues you wore62 years ago? Take a look at this picture and readEugene Allen's letterIt's both encouraging and challenging to get thiskind of letter from our good friend and shipmateJohn Crunkleton of Clayton, Georgia. John was oneof the most generous of our life member donorsand we are thankful to him for that. John, as youcan read here, has worked for a long time to promotethe reunions of his crew - long before the restof us began getting together. We're very happy thatJohn and the other surviving members of the crewor LCI (G) 80 will be joining us in Branson.Dear Comrade Cummer,Dear Editor,This picture of me was taken last week. I worethese same (tailor made) blues from Norfolkwhile in the Navy. Some cleaners shrunk myblouse and I just barely got it on! I weighed 185then and 138 now. I was a MoMM1c aboard USSLCI 524.After taking part in the Normandy D-Day andSouthern France invasions our ship ended up inthe Aleutian Islands of Alaska where we trainedRussian sailors and turned the ship over to them.Happy sailing, President Cummer!Eugene V. AllenLaJunta, COI'm saddened each time I receive a letter or telephonecall from one of my shipmate's widow orchild informing me of the death of another shipmate.My list has dwindled to a total of twentysix,including five officers and twenty-one enlisted.Originally I located sixty five members of thecrew of the LCI (G) 80, and we had many enjoyablereunions throughout the country. Our firstreunion, held in Indianapolis, Indiana in 1976,will always be a highlight of my life, with fortyfivecrew members attending. It was thirty yearsfrom the date we were discharged. The greetingof shipmates was an unbelievable experience forus all. Six former officers and thirty-nine enlistedattended the first reunion.Our second reunion was held in Kansas City in1980 and again we had forty five attend. Wedecided, at the 1980 reunion of our LCI 80, thatwe would set future reunions two years apartand select a state each time to accommodate asmany as possible for travel distances. We continuedour reunions until 2002, having only twelveattend that final reunion. At that time we decidedwe would make the effort to attend theNational LCI Reunion for as long as we had survivorsand the National continued to operate.We have had good representation at the nationalreunions and have also enlisted twelve of thewives and children of our deceased mates as10

Associate Members. I'm expecting a goodresponse to the Branson, MO, reunion.Looking forward to seeing all of you again in May.May God continue to bless America!Your comrade,John Crunkleton, QM1cUSS LCI(G) 80Here's one I have to share, because it gives me achance to show off one of the models I built backin 1996 for Joe Graham, of Tucson, AZ. Here's Joe'sletter:I also have a book entitled The Fighting Amphibsby Donald L. Ball. It is a very comprehensiveaccount of the LCS from its inception until postwarand the transfer of many of these vessels toother countries.The model of the LCI(FF) 786 that you made forme is still in a prominent place in our hallway,enclosed in a Plexiglas case and mounted on abeautiful wood base. It's the best reminder I haveof my days in the Pacific theater of operations.Best wishes,Joe GrahamDear John,The article about the possibility of combiningwith the National Association of USS LCS (L) s hascertainly made sense to me. They are anotheradaptation of the standard LCI (L) as much as theLCI (FF), on which I served, and the rocket launchersand other variations. I am especially interestedbecause my LCI(FF) 786 was assigned to LCIFlotilla 4, Group 12, under the command ofCommander Byron Vogelin all the time we wereat Okinawa from mid-May until late July. Wewere the last group of LCS's to leave Okinawa.We remained under the LCS Flot 4 commandeven after being assigned to the Port Director,Tokyo, as a housing and communications ship.You can see I have a special relationship with theLCS guys.In 1996, I had considerable correspondence withRay Baumler who was the Historian/Archivist forthat group. He gave me some valuable informationabout the activities and whereabouts of the786 during the Okinawa campaign that I couldnot find in our log book. I don't know if Ray isstill living or not, but he certainly had a greatdeal of information that I needed.Here's the picture of the model. It was a “first” forme - the first “FF” I built. If you look closely at thispicture you can see a couple of its identifying features.Most prominent is the extended flag bridgeadded just to the rear of the conning tower. Then,along the side of the deckhouse you can see manymore portholes than ever there were on an LCI(L).That's to take care of staterooms and offices for allthat brass a FF had to carry.Good old John Dimm, Springfield, Massachusetts,came through with encouraging support for theplan for increasing financial support for theAssociation. In this email which he sent to HalBleyhl, Frank Ruxlow and myself, you can see thathe is still hanging in there, although it sounds asthough he, like many of us, ought to count hisbody parts occasionally to make sure that everythingis still there!11

...I finally got to read the last Elsie—every word ofit. Usually when it arrives I drop every thing,make a cup of coffee and flop down in my recliner,reading the whole issue.I am not only in complete agreement with whatwas advanced [the financial plan], but want tothank those who put the package together. I am84 years old myself with only 10% vision in myright eye, wear two hearing aids, have bad knees,etc., so I can't do much “BUT” I can support ourgreat LCI Association, which I will do.The very best from “olde New England”John DimmLCI(F) 399Finally, one from the just retired Merchant MarineCaptain who gave the inspired “flag presentation”at a recent California LCI reunion - Captain K. C.O'Brien:Dear Sirs,My mother, Lorraine Campbell O'Brien, launchedLCI 63 in November 1944 at Albina Shipyard,Portland, Oregon. I was present that day, age twoand a half years, and dressed in a miniature ChiefPetty Officer's uniform.The day changed my life. From that day on, all Iwanted was to serve in the U. S. Navy. On my17th birthday I joined the Navy and rose to therank of Chief Boatswain's Mate in 8 years, 4months and 17 days. I was later commissionedas a Chief Warrant Officer (Boatswain).I have sailed a variety of Merchant ships as welland will retire from the InternationalOrganization of Masters, Mates and Pilots onMarch 1, 2007.I saw the notice of the LCI reunion in one of myVeteran's magazines and attended the same inEureka, California, where I met Jim McCarthy.Your organization is fortunate to have a man ofhis caliber on board.I have enclosed a check for $25.00 and would behonored to become an affiliate member and supportyour organization.Sincerely,Captain K. C. O'BrienFairfield, CA.“I wonder if Rod Scurlockneeds any advice from meup there on the bridge?”12

The Gunboats at Iwo Jima: Part IThe Full Story: Action Reports and Deck Logs of the Ships InvolvedCompiled and Submitted byCarl V. Batzkall“Once more into the breech, dear friends!”LCI gunboats pass the bow of the USS Nevada on the way to the beachWe all take great pride in the story of the valiantstand of the LCI gunboats protecting theUnderwater Demolition Teams two days before D-Day at Two-Time on February 17, 1945. We've visitedit several times before with pictures and firsthand accounts from some of our members whowere there, but now we have an interesting, mostcomplete account of that action. Dealing especiallywith the wounded and how they were treated,it is from one of our members who is a Navy historybuff and a Navy veteran himself. We areproud to share it with you.Carl Batztall, Stickney, Illinois, has been a memberof our Association since 1998. Although not anLCIer himself, he served in the Navy during theViet Nam era aboard the USS Dubuque (LPD-8)from April 1968 until November, 1971. He wasrecruited to the USS LCI National Association byWalter Kopaz, one of our founding officers andfirst editor of Elsie Item. Carl became an avid readerof Elsie Item and became engrossed with theaccount of the Iwo Jima LCI gunboats. He writes:“I became engrossed in the three page article“The LCI Gunboats at Iwo Jima” in issue 38, theseven page article “Request Permission to Returnto the Firing Line” in issue 45, and the two pagearticle “LCI(G) 457 - One of the Valiant at IwoJima” in issue 55.“After reading Bob Harker's LCI (G) Group 8Action Report I got to wondering, 'What happenedto all the casualties that were transferredoff the LCIs and onto the different ships mentionedin the Action Report?'So intrigued was Carl to find the answer to thatquestion and to learn as much detail as he couldabout the operation that he ordered all of the 17February 1945 LCI(G) deck logs and those of thedifferent ships involved from the NationalArchives. He found that some of the deck logswere incomplete, so ordered the Action Reports.13

What we now present here is the result of Carl'sdedicated labor - excerpts from the action reportsand deck logs of the ships involved. We believethat it deserves circulation among all LCI Veteransand ultimate inclusion in the LCI Archives atSolomons, Maryland. We would even be so boldas to hope that Oliver North learns of this heroicaction and includes it in an episode of his TVseries, “War Stories”!Because of the length of this account, we will presenthalf of it in this issue and conclude it in the next.Synopsis:On 17 February 1945, two days prior to the maininvasion of Iwo Jima, the LCI(G)s 457(FF), 438, 441,449, 450, 473 and 474 of Group 8, Flotilla 3, weresent in to protect the Underwater DemolitionTeams doing beach reconnaissance.It was perhaps one of the bloodiest days ever forthe LCIs in World War Two.The four UDTs were embarked in the destroyertransports (APDs) Barr, Bates, Bull, and Blessman.At a distance of 500 yards of the beach, the UDTswould make their plunge. They were followed bythe seven aforementioned LCI (G)s firing 20mmand 40mm guns at the beaches and preparing tolaunch 4.5” rockets. Soon after these gunboatspassed the 1,500 yard line, mortar shells beganfalling among them; a little later, as they werebeginning to launch rockets, they came underintense fire from the flanks of the beaches.Between 1055 and 1105 the seven LCI(G)sadvancing in line abreast began to take hits butpressed on to support the swimmers until forcedout by damage and casualties. The reserve andunassigned Group 8 LCI(G)s 346, 348, 466, 469and 471 dashed in to replace them, only to be hitin turn time after time. LCI(G)s 438, 441, 471 andseveral others, although hit several times, gallantlyreturned to the fray after retiring from it justlong enough to extinguish their fires and plugholes in their hulls.All twelve of Group 8's LCI(G)s took part and allwere hit, but stuck to it until the swimmers of theUDTs were recovered and clear. During thisengagement LCI(G) 474 was abandoned and sunkafter sustaining heavy damage and casualties.As was said of the LCI(G)s: “Their courage and persistenceinspired everyone who watched thesevessels.”All entries are for 17 February 1945 unless otherwisenoted.Deck Log, LCI Group 8,Flotilla 3 at Iwo Jima:1000—In line abreast, LCI(G)s 457 (FF), 441, 449,438, 474, 450 and 473 approached base of Mt.Suribachi on course 325T, distance 500 yards,speed 9 knots.1055—Hit simultaneously were LCI(G)s 474, 450and 473Deck Log, LCI(G) 474 :1055 to 1103—The ship took ten heavy caliberhits and many smaller hits, causing four fires,knocking out all seven guns and flooding fourcompartments while in an area approximately400 yards from the beach.1103 to 1130—Having incurred heavy damageand casualties, the ship began to settle in thewater. We retired from beach and proceeded todestroyer line 3,000 yards from beach. Ship beganto roll heavily from side to side because of waterin compartments. After requesting boat from USSCapps (DD-550) to pick up wounded, ship took listwhich made any work aboard most difficult.Proceeded to maneuver to get alongside DD-550so as to transfer all injured aboard for treatmentsince it appeared that ship would sink before boatwould arrive.1130—Alongside USS Capps (DD-550)14

After wounded were transferred, ship rolled tostarboard so as to threaten damage to thedestroyer and make walking around on the deckimpossible. All men were ordered aboard DD-550.After all men were removed, lines were cast offfrom the DD-550 which moved clear of the ship.Ship stayed afloat almost on its starboard side.1230—The ship rolled over on its side, shortlythereafter rolling completely over with bottomjust out of the water.1324—DD-550, upon orders from CTG 52.4placed 40mm bursts into bottom of ship sinking it3,000 yards from beach in Lat. 24 degrees, 44'30”N and Long. 141 degrees, 19'05” E in 156 fathomsof water.Three men were killed in this action and wentdown with the ship: Huisk, Daryl George, ENS,USNR 384423; Gray, Fred Harold, S2c, 234-64-74,USNR; Welsh, Lester Harvey, GM3c, 886-07-11,USNR. Eighteen were wounded and treatedaboard DD-550, eleven of which were later transferredto USS New York (BB 34) for further necessarymedical treatment.Matthew J. Reichl, LTJG, USNRCommandingLCI 474 sinkingUSS Capps draws the unhappy assignment of deliveringthe coup de grace to the USS LCI 474Deck Log, USS Capps (DD-550):1055—Shore batteries commenced firing onLCI(G)'s1059—LCI 474 hit by shore batteries and takingwater aft.LCI 474, mortally wounded, about to plungebeneath the waves1115—LCI 474 having suffered numerous mediumand small caliber hits came along port side fortransfer of personnel. Lowered gig for removal ofinjured.15

1143—Completed transfer of following personnelfrom LCI 474:Deck Log, USS New York (BB 34)Note from Carl Batzkall:(Due to space limitations, the names of 5 officersand 61 enlisted men, 18 of whom were wounded,cannot be listed. However, amongst the officerscan be found the name: Harker, Robert James,Ensign, 401-368 USNR)Cast off LCI 474 capsizing and in sinking condition.1146—Hoisted gig with injured personnel fromLCI 474.1200-1600—In vicinity of capsized LCI 4741324—Commenced firing at drifting hull of LCI474 in accordance with orders of CTG 52.4.1328—Ceased firing at LCI 474.1328 —Hull of LCI sunk.1329—In vicinity of USS New York (BB-34) toeffect transfer of wounded personnel of LCI 474.1425—Commenced transfer of 10 stretcher casesand 1 ambulatory patient by boat to USS NewYork (BB-34).1525—Completed transfer having transferred thefollowing men: Dennis, Jack Eugene, 634-47-87,PhM2c, USNR; Dixon, George Bruce, 933-60-03,F1c(MoMM), USNR; Fullerton, John William, 311-81-46, GM3c, USNR: Harness, Arthur Lewis, 955-40-62, S2c, USNR; Laird, James Alfred, 577-20-32, S2c, USNR; Mazzan, Harold (n) 251-43-46 S2c,USNR; Newcomer, Joseph Lee, Jr. 275-07-00, S1c,USNR; Rappold, Donald Stephen, 645-99-50, S2c,USNR: Schoppe, James Lafray, 577-20-25, S1c,USNR; Shields, Walter Adellbert, 245-59-87, Slc,USNR; Upton, Clyde Bennett, 842-84-45, S1c,USNRJ.M. Wood, CDR, USNCommandingUSS NEW YORK (BB34)The grand old lady, still potent in bombardmentand tender in caring for the wounded1430—USS Capps (DD-550) came alongside withadditional injured personnel: (As per above list).1525—All injured taken aboard.2324—Rappold, D.S. S2c, 645-99-50, a woundedpassenger taken aboard earlier in the day died ofwounds received in action.K. C. Christian, CAPT, USNCommandingDeck Log, USS LCI(G) 450:1055—Received two hits in forward head, starboardside. Wounded: Tripp,G.E., GM2c, andMusselman, J.H. S2c.1057—Received two hits in forward head, portside.1107—Received hit in Captain's cabin. Wounded:Coggins, R.N., S2c; Cognac,K.W. Slc; Kingsley, R. G.ENS.1110—Received two hits in well deck setting off20mm ammunition in ready box. Schmidt, E.D.,S1c wounded.16

1117—Hit portside, Captain's cabin.1120—Left beach at greatest possible speed.1130—Moored alongside USS Gilmer (APD-11) totransfer wounded.1135—Cast off all lines.Deck Log, USS Gilmer (APD-11):1126—LCI 450 alongside to port with two casualties.1157—LCI 450 underway.W. C. Quant, LT, USNRCommandingDeck Log, USS LCI(G) 450 (Continued)A shell from a Japanese shore batterysplashes near LCI(G) 4501300—Report of wounded: Coggins, R. C., S2c,641-82-89, USNR. Shrapnel wounds one 2 inchesbelow left clavicle; complete ararmiesion (sic) ofright hand outer aspect. Left elbow inneraspect cutting brachial artery, Serious;Musselman, J.H., S2c, 554-76-149, USNR, Shrapnelwound two inches below right nipple, chest.Serious: Schmidt, E. D. Slc, 810-39-05, USN,Shrapnel wound over third left rib; Cognac, K.W.,S1c, 943-12-619, USNR, Shrapnel woundbetween web third and fourth fingers; Kingsley, R.G., ENS, 394-594, USNR, Shrapnel wound betweenthumb and first finger, left hand; Tripp, G. E.GM2c, 886-43-169, USNR, Shrapnel wound leftleg two inches above patella.W. A. Brady, ENS, USNRCommandingDeck Log, USS LCI(G) 473:1055—Received hit from five or six inch shell onstarboard side at main deck, frame 15, causingapproximately fifteen casualties to ammunitionpassers and forward gunners and starting a firethat was extinguished in about three minutes.1058—Received two hits on ventilator on top ofgun deck at frame 68 from five inch shell causingseveral casualties to after gunners. This hit overengine room and shell fragments knocked outport generator and shorted switchboard. Electricsteering went out. Changed to hand steering.Proceeded toward beach and fired ranging rocketsat 1200 yards. Made turn away from beach andreceived two hits at water line in engine room,flooding engine room and leaving ship dead inwater about 1300 yards off shore. These hitswounded all men in engine room. Sent radiomessage for tow and relief ship.1120—USS LCI 627 came in to take this ship intow. Cable parted but drift took ship alongsideUSS Twiggs (DD-59). Transferred eleven seriouslywounded to USS Twiggs. LCI 627 again took us intow clear of the area.1216—Being towed by LCI 627.1430—Received orders from Com Flot 3 to transferLTJG J.J. Mittleman and 19 men to USS LCI(G)449 for duty.1600—LCI 627 passed tow cable to LCI(G) 348.1630—LTJG Mittleman and 19 men left ship to goaboard LCI(G) 449.17

1635—Five men transferred to USS Terror (CM-5)for treatment Names are on list attached to log.2000—2400—In tow astern of LCI(G) 348 fornight.C.E. Fisher, USNRCommanding1612—Transferred tow to LCI(G) 348.1623—Moored starboard side to LCI(G) 473.1635—Cast off and got underway.M. G. Tammen, LTJG, USNRCommandingDeck Log, LCI(G) 627:Deck Log, USS Twiggs (DD-591):LCI 627 with Commander Malanenpy aboard,rushes to reinforce the battered LCIs1120—Prepared to tow LCI(G) 473 which wasdamaged in action.1147—Got lines over to LCI(G) 473. Moored toport side of DD591.1202—USS LCI(G) 473 cast off all lines to DD 591.1203—Got underway with USS LCI(G) 473moored to port side.1255—Made preparation to tow USSLCI(G) 473with our stern anchor cable and their bow anchorcable.1302—Cast off al lines and commenced towingLCI(G) 473 using 125 fathoms of our cable and 75fathoms of theirs.1545—Started heaving around on towing cable inpreparation for transferring towing cable of LCI(G)473 to LCI(G) 348.USS Twiggs (DD591) plays her part in tending thewounded. In just four months she will meet herfate at the hands of a Kamikaze attack atOkinawa.1139—LCI (G) 473 alongside port side to transferringwounded personnel.1200—Cast off lines to LCI(G) 473 having receivedaboard 11 seriously wounded men.1343—Steering various courses at various speedsto go alongside USS New York south of Iwo Jima.1352—Alongside port side USS New York (BB-34)on course 210 degrees True, speed 5 knots.Commenced transferring wounded personnel ofLCI(G) 473.1422—Completed transfer of 11 wounded mento USS New YorkGeorge Phillip, Jr, CDR, USNCommanding18

Deck Log, USS New York (BB-34):1352—Twiggs (DD-591) came alongside to transferwounded received from LCI 473.1903—Davis, J. E. 867-65-70, received from LCI473 died from wounds received during action.19 February 19451400—Commenced funeral services1413—The below listed men were this date committedto the deep, having been killed in action17 February 1945 off Iwo Jima: Davis, J.E., GM,867-65-70, USN, USS LCI(G) 473; Gonzalez, D. S.,S1c, 879-91-54, USNR, USS LCI(G) 473; Rappola, D.S., S2c, 645-99-50, USNR, USS LCI(G) 474; all lateof the United States Navy. Chaplain D.S.Rankin,USNR, conducted services.K. C. Christian, CAPT, USNCommandingDeck Log, USS LCI(G) 449:Slc; Hunter, T.L., MoMM3c; Incerti, J.M., S1c;Johnson, L.G., BM2c; Lambert, W.B. S1c;Lemke,W.M., MoMM2c; Nichols, R.C., S1c;Rabinowitz, S. H., F1c; Sharp, J.W., F2c; Smith, R. W.,Slc; Vanasse, J.G., S2c .J.J. Mittleman, LTJG, USNRCommandingDeck Log, USS LCI(G) 348:2000—Ordered by Commander, TG 52.5.2 to goalongside USS LCI(L) 627 and take USS LCI(G) 473in tow.2010—Alongside USS LCI(L) 627. Taking USSLCI(G) 473 in tow.2030—Cast off all lines from USS LCI(L) 5627.Underway off east coast of Iwo Jima with USS LCI(G) 473 in tow.Alvin E. Rosenbloom, LTJG, USNRCommandingDeck Log, USS Terror (CM-5):1412—Following casualties received aboard fromUSSLCI(G) 473: Greer, E.D., MoMM3c; Sissum, J. R.F2c, USNR; Bernardi, Gimo George, S1c, USN;Smith, David (n) Jr., F2c, USNR; Rhea, Robert D.S2c, USNLCI 449, before her fearful pounding at Iwo Jima1650—LTJG Joel J. Mittleman, USNR, 241988,from LCI(G) 473 came aboard and assumed temporarycommand of the ship. Also, the followingmen from LCI(G) 473 reported aboard for temporaryduty: Adams, J. L., S1c; Blood, D.R., COX;Browder, E. (n) S1c; Cunningham, V. C., SM2c;Geissler, G. B., S2c; Griffith, N.R., CGM; Harpster, D.R. COX; Henigan, A.C., MoMM2c; Hospodin, F. R.,H. W. Blakeslee, CDR, USNCommandingDeck Log, USS LCI(G) 449:1058—Received shell of undetermined size on thebow aft of the 40mm splinter shield with theresulting casualties: Two men killed, two menmissing, both were blown off of the bow; andthree men wounded.19

1103—Received shell of undetermined size on theport side 40 mm with casualties unknown.1104—Received a shell of undetermined size onthe starboard side of the conning tower withunknown number of casualties.1130—Hove to on port side of DMS while theysent a small boat with one doctor and severalcorpsmen to give medical assistance.1135—Got underway at one third speed proceedingto the port quarter of the USS Terror (CM-5).1200—1600—Moored to the port quarter of theUSS Terror (CM-5) at which time several doctorsand corpsmen came aboard to assist in transferringthe injured and dead aboard that ship.1530—Cast off from Terror various courses andspeeds proceeding to the northeast end of IowaJima. A check found that twenty men were killedand eight were wounded including the Captain,LTGJ Rufus Geddie Herring.J. J. Mittleman, LTJG, USNR NavigatorDeck Log, USS Terror (GM-5):1238—USS LCI(G) 449 moored to port quarterhaving sustained severe damage while engagedin supporting underwater demolition team landingon Iwo Jima.1346—Received aboard the following woundedpersonnel from LCI(G) 449: LTJG R. G. Herring(186240); LTJG R. J. Duvall (256813); ENS D.J.Cromer (391636); Vollendorf, W.M., QM2c;Johnson, R. L., StM1c; Wilcox, W.E.S1c; Lewis, A.T.,SM3c; Holtby, R.W., S1c; Kepner, C. H., SC2c;Hallett, B.H., S1c; Fisher, J.M.,GM2c; Witt,L.G., S1c;Forschler, G.M.,Jr., BM2c; Banko, C.F.,GM3c;Reagen, A. (n) Jr., GM3c; Sless,L.J.,S1c; Griffin, J.D.,Jr., S2c; Park, C.F.,SM3c.1400—Received aboard the following men killedin action aboard LCI(G) 449: LTJG Byron C.Yarbrough (236947); ENS Frederick Cooper, Jr(392489); ENS William G.Corkins (392126);Bozarth, Lawrence, S1c; Flook, John T., S2c;Goodin, Bruce (n) S1c; Hoffman, Clarence J., S1c;Hudson, William H. S1c; Minnick, Robert R., S2c;Owens, Ralph (n) GM3c; Paglia, Lareto F.,S1c;Schoenleben, Howard W., GM3c; Tominac, William(n) GM3c; Trotter, Glenn H.,S1c; Vogel,Charles E.Jr.,S1c; Walton, Frederic F. S1c; Young, Leroy (n)S1c; Yates, Lee C., USNR (sic); McGrath, Leo,PhoM3c.1524—LCI(G) 449 underway.1630—Park, Carl F.,8750612, from USS LCI(G) 449died from wounds received in action.1836—Held burial service for the following menkilled in action this date: (as per previous KIA list).1947—Owens, Ralph, GM3c, 834-91-54, from USSLCI(G) 449 died from wounds received in action.18 February 1945:0942—Buried Owens, Ralph, GM3c, 834-91-50,USNR, from LCI(G) 449 who died as a result ofwounds received in action 17 February 1945.H. W. Blakeslee, CDR, USNCommandingAnd with this telling of the men killed and woundedaboard USS LCI 449, we close this portion of the decklog and action reports of the Gunboats at Iwo Jima.We will complete the account in the next issue.20

The Heroism of Rufus G. HerringCommanding Officer USS LCI(G) 449A proud mother (left), aunt and uncle look on as Lieutenant, Junior Grade Rufus G. Herring receivesthe Congressional Medal of Honor from Secretary of the Navy, James E. ForrestahlRufus Geddie Herring was born on 11 June 1921at Roseboro, North Carolina. Graduating fromDavidson College in the Spring of 1942, he enlistedin the U. S. Naval Reserve and subsequentlyattended the U. S. Naval Reserve MidshipmanSchool at New York City. After being commissionedin the rank of Ensign, he received dieselengine instruction at the University of Illinois, followedby orders to the Amphibious Training Base,Solomons, Maryland.In August, 1943, he assumed command of thenewly-completed USS LCI(L) 449 and remainedher Commanding Officer during the next yearand a half. He was promoted to Lieutenant(Junior Grade in March 1944. Between Februaryand July of that year he participated in the invasionsof Kwajalein, Saipan, Tinian and Guam.In preparation for the invasion of Iwo Jima, LCI449 was assigned the duty of close-in fire supportfor the Underwater Demolition Team whowent in make beach reconnaissance two daysprior to the invasion. Going in abreast with sixother LCI(G)s, Herring's ship caught the brunt offurious shore battery fire without flinching fromtheir task of protecting the UDT swimmers.The action report for LCI 449 was written by a LTJ. J. Mittleton, who went aboard with nineteensailors to relieve Herring and the brave crew afterthey sustained 60% casualties. His terse, officialprose well describes the events surroundingHerring's heroism:“In less than one minute, three hits startedtwo serious fires, left the ship temporarily outof control, disabled all 40mm guns and woundednineteen (19) men, five of the later suffering criticalinjuries.21

“The Commanding Officer, Lt. (JG) R. G. HER-RING, USNR, had suffered multiple wounds andwas in critical condition, rapidly losing strengthfrom severe bleeding, but continued to fight hisship . . .“The pilot house not answering orders from theconn, the Captain went to the pilot house,assigned a replacement for his helmsman,conned the ship and directed the care of thewounded from there. All officers except theEngineer were either missing, killed or wounded”.It was for this selfless leadership and determinationto continue fighting his ship that Herringwas awarded the Congressional Medal of Honoron September 5, 1945, as pictured above.Rufus Herring, the only LCIer to with the Nation'shighest decoration during World War II, remainedin the Navy until he retired in 1947 with the rankof Lieutenant Commander. He subsequentlyreturned to Roseboro, where he pursued a businesscareer. He died on 31 January 1996 and isburied in Roseboro, North Carolina.His Citation for the Congressional Medal ofHonor closes with these stirring words:“His unwavering fortitude, aggressive perseveranceand indomitable spirit against terrificodds refects the highest credit upon Lt. Herringand uphold the highest traditions of the U. S.Naval Service.We are proud indeed to count Rufus G.Herring as one of our own.Meet Nehemiah Communications, Our New Support Staff!Ken Breivik—CEO of Nehemiah CommunicationsSue Vader—The Lady Who Makes it all work!We thought you might like to see the folks who are taking care of the finances, publications and all sortsof other business for us now. Ken Breivik heads Nehemiah Communications, an agency offering all kindsof support to small businesses and non-profit organizations. Ken oversees the whole operation and, forus, gives input and direction to the designers and publishers of Elsie Item. Sue handles the books and isthe person you are most likely to talk with if you call in.Ken is a graduate of the University of Colorado and has his master's degree from the University of SouthCarolina. He's worked with other military organizations in the past, such as the Doolittle Raiders and alocal air show and military extravaganza called Celebrate Freedom!.Sue is the wife of a retired Air Force Veteran so, on top of her office skills, she's used to working with “oldgeezers” like us.22

“We Were There”Present Members of the USS LCI National Associationwho served on the Gunboats at Iwo JimaAs we remember again the gallant LCI Gunboats at Iwo Jima, we want to honor those menwho served aboard them.There may be some listed here who were not aboard their respective gunboats at the time of the IwoJima action, but we believe the greater majority of these men were. We honor these 48 men now fortheir brave service sixty-two years ago. Where their rank or rate is known to us, we list that along withtheir present place of residence.LCI(FF) 627, Flotilla 3 FlagshipIvan V. GillamGresham, OregonLCI(G) 348Robert H. Gaunt,Warne, North CarolinaElwin Wayman, MoMM1c,Newburgh, New YorkDonald K. Wolbert, Cox,Sun City Center, FloridaLCI(G) 457Dr. Charles E. Crandall, LCDR,Maplewood, New JerseyRichard O. Churchill,Ravenna, OhioRaymond W. Frigon, SC3c,Central Square, New YorkJohn W. Gordon,Southhampton, PennsylvaniaLCI (G) 466Bales, Lou W., CDR,Los Altos, CaliforniaGaledridge, Alfred C.Los Altos, CaliforniaLennox, Thomas,Covington, LouisianaWilliam M. Moldoff,Nassau, New YorkJames V. Stanfield, S1c,Oceanside, CaliforniaLCI(G) 449Maxwell C. Ball, RM1c,Bradford, MassachusettsLeo W. Bedell, LTJG,Stow, OhioBruce H. Hallett, GM3c,Bremerton, WashingtonEdward R. Hamsher, CBM,Portland, OregonStanley M. Harrison, MoMM3c,Hillsdale, New JerseyNorman C. Holgate, FN1c,Dallas, OregonFrank M. Koch, SC2c,Willougby, OhioAnthony J. Serine,Dunmore, Pennsylvania23

Karl Wohl, LTJG,Red Bluff, CaliforniaLCI(G) 450Thomas W. Campbell, S1c,Gray Court, South CarolinaEdward Goosens,Hillman, MichiganVaughn E. Hampton, S1c,Arvada, ColoradoJoseph S. Kvidera,Sioux City, IowaLCI (G) 469John B. Hopkins,Chico, CaliforniaEarl W. Reneau,Brooksville, FloridaLCI (G) 471Robert Dotson, Yn3c,Columbus, OhioLawrence M. Hermes, LTJG,Houston, TexasRobert S. Hudgins,Virginia Beach, VirginiaDonald W. Wingrove, S1c,Marshalltown, IowaLCI (G) 473Richard W. Hickey,Mattawan, MichiganLCI G) 474Robert J. Harker, LT,Terre Haute, IndianaTimothy J. Sullivan, BM2c,Ormond Beach, FloridaE-Mail Corrections and AdditionsPlease make these changes in your email addresses:And remember to send all email address changes or corrections to Jim Talbert at tab626@juno.comLCILCI 26LCI 447LCI 455LCILCI 773LCI 1063Name/Correct Email AddressLeroy Rousterginlee@chartermi.netWilliam B. Schlosserwbschlosser@abcglobal.netWilliam ArmstrongWlacwa1@yahoo.comEdgar O. Biscottibiscuits526@cox.netRaymons FarmerSailor61946@aol.com24

The Homecoming of Flotilla EightByJack C. HollanderAlpharetta, GAFormerly LTJG, Staff Navigator, USS LCI Flotilla Eight FlagshipOur LCI Flotilla Eight was on station in thePhilippine Islands in 1944 and 1945 where ourships in their jungle camouflage saw action inmany invasions including Tacloban, Corrigidor,Manilla, Cebu, Borneo, Zamboanga and manyothers.During July, 1945, preparations for the invasion ofSouthern Kyushu in Japan were well underwayand, according to our Commander, we were “tohave the honor to lead the invasion to the beacheswith the first wave of Marines. Forthis”honor” our ships had to be prepared with agreater capacity for close-in fire support. Thisconsisted of rockets, mortars and 40mm guns.For this conversion to rocket ships and gunboatswe were ordered to Pearl Harbor. On the way toPearl, we met many transport ships loaded withtroops heading west for the Philippines andOkinawa. At Ulithi anchorage, as sailors werewont to do, we greeted them with choruses of“You'll be sorry.” I don't think the troops appreciatedthis.When we arrived at Pearl Harbor the yards wereso overloaded with ships being repaired fromKamikaze attacks that we were ordered to returnto Mare Island Navy Yard in San Francisco. All ofus were wild with excitement to get back stateside,even if it was to be for only two weeks.I came across an old Navy tradition called the“homeward bound” pennant which is a pennantwith stars and stripes in red, white and blue. It isabout one foot wide and thirty feet long, with anadditional foot for each month the ship has beenoverseas. As we had eighteen months overseas,that gave us a forty-eight foot pennant to beraised at the masthead of a ship 158 feet long!All thirty-six ships of our flotilla carried this pennant,made by our bosuns.Then, when we were just three days west of SanFrancisco, the second atomic bomb was droppedand the war was suddenly ended. No moreJapan to be invaded! Our formation of shipsbroke ranks and sailed in all directions. Ship'swhistles blasted and we all went berserk for ashort period of time.Our Commander was asleep when the wordabout Japan's surrender came down. I awakenedhim with “Commander, the war is over!” His firstwords, after he awoke and hit his head on theupper bunk were, “What will I do now?” I replied,“I don't know, Commander, but I plan to gohome!”Our Commander did get his act together. Hewent on to a distinguished career in the Navy. Heretired as a Rear Admiral with a Silver Star.During the Cuban missile crisis he commanded adestroyer squadron.We did not know at the time but we were thefirst flotilla of ships to arrive in San Franciscoafter the ending of active hostilities. On eachside of our conning towers we had painted ourcampaign ribbons and battle stars, plus symbolsfor planes shot down and landings made. All oursignal flags were broken out and decorated ourship from bow to masthead to fantail. We madea very glamorous sight indeed!As we approached San Francisco, we formed ourships into single column formation, each shipone hundred yards apart. The line of ships25

stretched about three miles, all in perfect formation.We arrived at about 0700 and had to lay toin a thick fog. The fog lifted at about 0830 just atthe height of rush hour traffic on the Golden GateBridge. With our flagship in the lead and with allflags flying in a stiff breeze, we sailed under thebridge, and all traffic came to a complete halt.The noise of automobile horns was overwhelming.Thousands and thousands of people werehanging over the rails shouting welcoming greetingsat the top of their lungs. It was the mostthrilling homecoming I could imagine. It went onand on until the last ship of Flotilla Eight passedunder the beautiful Golden Gate Bridge.I don't think anyone who was there can ever forgetthe heartwarming reception our Flotillareceived. It has been in my mind and heart to thisday.As a thoughtful gift, my daughter and son-in-law,Suzanne and Jay Hayes of Gilroy, California, gaveme an original strand from the Golden GateBridge, boxed as a memento. I now have it displayedon the mantle of my fireplace. What aconversation piece!OFFICERS TO BE ELECTED AT ANNUAL MEETINGCummer and Scurlock Stand for Re-Election;Other Candidates InvitedAs required by our by-laws, John Cummer and Rod Scurlock have given notice that they are willing tostand for election to another year of service as President and Vice President respectively. Anyone elsedesiring to run for one of these offices should submit a biography to Secretary Bob McLain1829 HemlockRoad, Lancaster, PA 17603-4437 (email: maxeyusn@aol.com) before the annual meeting.. The Board ofDirectors will rule on the eligibility of the candidate and, if approved, present his name along with that ofCummer and Scurlock at the Association business meeting.The only requirements for candidacy are that the person must be a member in good standing, must be“computer literate” , and must be willing to serve for consecutive years if re-elected.JESS KREISEL AND HIS TAILOR MADE BLUESWe are always saddened to report the death of a shipmate, but there is something especially poignantabout passing on the word that Jess Kreisel has slipped his mooring for his last voyage. In our Januaryissue we featured pictures of Jess in his tailor-made blues and then of his sons and granddaughtersposing in them. Just as we go to press, we received a letter from Jess’s son Randy, one of those posingin the blues, informing us of the death of his father o January 19, 2006. “Quite unfortunately,” writesRandy,“Dad died the week before we received the January issue. He would have loved seeing it.”Our thoughts, prayers and condolences go out to all those proud offspring who wore Jess’s blues.26

Carl Chapple Donates AnotherModel for Reunion Raffle!Carl Chapple testing the seaworthiness of his model in the YMCA poolOnce again, some fortunate LCIer will go homefrom a reunion with a beautiful model of an LCI.Carl Chapple, who served as a Boatswain's Mateaboard LCI 1033, has built another of his beautifullydetailed LCI models and has offered to bringit to our Branson reunion for a raffle drawing.Carl will also have on sale, copies of this photographof this incredibly detailed model he built ofthe 464, a rocket-launching LCI. Each of the morethan 200 rockets was individually carved.Look for the model when you get to Branson!The model is of a round-conn with ramps LCI thatpresently bears the number 451, but Carl assuresus that the number can be changed to whateverthe winner wishes.Carl's models have been a great attraction at severalrecent reunions where they have been ondisplay with raffle tickets available throughoutthe reunion. The drawing for the lucky winnerwill again be held at our banquet.The proceeds from the raffle go into the generalcoffers of the Association. Each raffle in the pasthas resulted in several hundreds of dollars beinggenerated for association expenses.“We may be able to sell some of these photos to theboom-boom boys!” says Carl..27

IN MEMORIAMWith grateful hearts we remember these shipmates who shared with us the joys of comradeship and thedangers of combat in our youth and whose lifelong friendship we have cherished. May God grant peaceand comfort to the families of these men.lCI 19Rev. Merle L. EmmonsVincennes, IndianaLCI 21Joel E. RidleySan Dumas, CaliforniaLCI 34Thomas PerryLCI 88Barry J. PrestonLCI 223Barney B. CaldwellLCI 396Clarence SandersLCI 399Edmund L. ClarkBedford, PennsylvaniaLCI 407William M. HollydayLCI 420Arnold E. SuttonWarner Robbins, GeorgiaLCI 422Captain Donald LuxLCI 458Alfred M. KerschenGarden Plain, KansasLCI 489Charles E. PhillipsSelbyville, DelewareLCI 561William HoltcampLCI 561Ivan ZeiglerPana, IllinoisLCI 561Robert ReileyLCI 561Norman KlinkoshLCI 614William E. HedgerSequim, WashingtonLCI 632James A. VerlinNew York, New YorkLCI 707Charles “Charlie;” D. HooksNew Bern, North CarolinaLCI 730Russell A. PackardLCI 765Darold ShortLCI 773Robert H. CraftGlen Mills, PennsylvaniaLCI 782Maurice HenshawSpring Hill, FloridaLCI 989Horace T. CraigFort Worth, Texas28

Coastguard LCI Veteran Writes His Memoirs—with the generous help of his daughter!Ex-Coastguardsman, LCIer Herbert E.Nolda of Ravenna, Nebraska is fortunate to have a daughter likeValerie!By dint of her persistence in getting him to write his memoirs of his World War II experiences, particularlythose of D-Day where he was a crewman aboard both LCIs 91 and 92, Herbert is now a publishedauthor. But it was more than just prodding that got this book to the publisher. Valeria came alongsideher Dad to help him write it and to do the necessary editing. So much so that the author line on thecover reads “by Herbert E. Nola with Valerie L.Vierk.The book, entitled Sailing the Troubled Sea, is being published by Authorhouse and, if you wish to take alook at it, you can do so on line at www.authorhouse.com; then clicking on “bookstore” and typing in“Nolda” in the search window.Our congratulations go out to Herbert and to his persistent daughter! We're certain that many of hisLCI shipmates, as well as his immediate family, will enjoy reading this memoir.29

OFFICERSYour Officers and Board of DirectorsBOARD OF DIRECTORSJames E. Talbert,Chairman of the Board(LCI 618)12238 Woodland TrailCouncil Bluffs IA 51503(712) 366-1094John P. Cummer, President(LCI 502)302 Pinewood Cottage Lane,Blythewood, SC 29016(803) 714-9098Rod Scurlock, Vice President(LCI 565)4445 Mustang DriveBoise, Idaho 83709(208) 362-4447rhscurlock@aol.comHal Bleyhl, TreasurerLCI(L) 81210418 Campville St.Boise, ID 83709(208) 639-9180Robert McLain, Secretary(LCI 436)1829 Hemlock RoadLancaster, PA 17603-4437(717) 392-4558Jim Aydelotte(LCI 25)3710 Goldfield Road #425Apache Junction, AZ 85219-6609Jj10723@aol.comConnie R. MulherinLCI(G)5611520 Sea Gull DriveTitusville, FL 32796(321) 268-1713Cmulherin1@cfl.rr.comGordon SmithLCI(L) 432313 Northeast 110th AvenueVancouver, WA 98684(360) 256-5901lohning@aol.netOVERSEERRoy E. Age( LCI 802)412 Silver Streak LaneValrico, FL 33594(813) 689-510276235@Compuserve.comDavid Cox, Chaplain(LCI 633)413 Tupilo Way NWBirmingham, AL 35215(205) 854-6229Swabby1@bellsouth.netNOTICE: Please send all address, telephone or email address corrections and information concerning thedeath of an LCI shipmate to:Nehemiah Communications, Inc,101 Rice Bent Way, # 6Columbia, SC 29229(Attn: Sue)30

USS LCI NATIONAL ASSOCIATIONAPPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIPIf you served aboard an LCI during WWII, you are eligible to join our Association as a regular member.If you are a relative of someone who served aboard an LCI during WWII or if you just have a desire to have a part inremembering those who so served, you are invited to join as an Associate.DUES ARE $25.00 PER YEAR, June 1 through May 31. LIFE MEMBERSHIPS $100Please complete this form and mail it to the address indicated below with your first year's dues.I. For Application as a Regular Member:Name______________________________________________________________________________________________________LCI Served On _______________________ Rank/Rate___________________________________Address: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________City________________________________________________ State_________________ Zip Code________________________Phone (__________) ____________________________ E-Mail address_______________________________________________Date of Birth____________________Occupation or Former Occupation_______________________________ Wife's name___________________________________Help, please! As a precaution we’d like to have an alternate name and address that we might contact in case we can’t reach you:Alternate Name_____________________________________________________________________________________________Address: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________City________________________________________________ State_________________ Zip Code________________________Phone (__________) ____________________________ E-Mail address_______________________________________________II. For Application as an Associate:Name______________________________________________________________________________________________________Address: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________City________________________________________________ State_________________ Zip Code________________________Phone (__________) ____________________________ E-Mail address_______________________________________________Date of Birth____________________Occupation ____________________________________ Spouse's name ______________________________________________My _________________________ (father, grandfather, uncle, etc.) whose name is/was _________________________________served on LCI Number______________________ (If unknown or if you did not have a relative who served on an LCI, leave blank)My Occupation _______________________________ Spouse's name _______________________________________________Help, please! As a precaution we’d like to have an alternate name and address that we might contact in case we can’t reach you:Alternate Name_____________________________________________________________________________________________Address: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________City________________________________________________ State_________________ Zip Code________________________Phone (__________) ____________________________ E-Mail address_______________________________________________Privacy notice: Information solicited in this application for membership will be used only as needed for official business within theAssociation. No information will be released outside the Association or its agents without the consent of the member(s) concernedMake Check payable to: USS LCI NATIONAL ASSOCIATIONSend Application and Check to:USS LCI National Associationc/o Nehemiah Communications, Inc.101 Rice Bent Way, #6Columbia, SC 29229

USS LCI NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, INC.c/o Nehemiah Communications, Inc.101 Rice Bent Way, #6Columbia, SC 29229NON-PROFIT ORGU.S. POSTAGEPAIDCOLUMBIA, SCPERMIT NO. 487LCI' Leaving Dartmouth Harbor, Spring 1944Painting by combat artist Dwight C. Shepler