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

...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