U. S. S. LOWNDES
NARRATIVE HISTORY OF THE U.S.S.
LOWNDES (APA 154)
FROM DATE OF
COMMISSIONING TO 6 OCTOBER 1945
The ships
of the new APA series are named in honor of the outstanding counties of thee country. Our ship has a triple distinction taking its name from LOWNDES
county, ALABAMA; LOWNDES county,
GEORGIA; and LOWNDES county, MISSISSIPPI.
All of these counties were named after a distinguished SOUTH CAROLINA sttatesman, WILLIAM
LOWNDES. The fact that he was born in South Carolina and served
his country as a representative of that state and yet has three neighboring
states honor him with the name of one of their counties testifies to the esteem in which he is held
by all of his countrymen. The reason
that these three States named their
counties LOWNDES was not only because of the greatness of the man but also
because so many of the early settlers
in these counties were from South Carolina.
William Lowndes was born in Saint Barthomeu's Colleton,
South Carolina,
February 7, 1782. He graduated from Charleston College, studied law and was
admitted to the bar in 1804. In 1806 Mr. Lowndes was elected to the lower
House of the General Assembly of South Carolina retaining his seat until
1810 when he was chosen as a member of Congress and elected five times successively
serving from 1811 to 1822. Failing health compelled his
resignation. His friends regarded him as a suitable candidate for the
Presidency and he was nominated by the legislature of South Carolina.
Believing a trip to England would be beneficial to his health he embarked with his family
from Philadelphia but did not live to complete the voyage. He
died at sea October 27, 1822. It is said chaat Henry Clay expressed the opinion that
Lowndes was, "the wisest man he had ever known in Congress".
In a
letter receive from LOWNDES County, Mississippi, it was expressed: "The citiizens are proud for one of our ships to bear the name 'LOWNDES'. May its record
be covered with glory." We,
too, are proud of the U. S. S. LOWNDES and
will endeavor by our very best to make and maintain an enviable record.
Assembly of
Crew Music by Band
The
Commanding Officer, Naval Station, Astoria, is received at the gangway
Prayer by
Chaplain H. L. Oberstad, USNR
Commissioning Orders and
remarks by Captain A. H. Ponto, USN
The
National Anthem
The Colors
are hoisted for the first time
The Command
is transferred to Commander Charles H. Perdue, USNR
Orders to
Command and message by Commander Charles H. Perdue, USNR
The watch
is posted by Lt. Commander A. Merritt T. Berner, USNR
The
sounding of retreat Refreshments for guests will be served
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ** *** * * * * * * * * * *
APA-154: displacement, 6,873 tons; length 455'; beam 62';
draft 24'; speed 17 knots; compliment, 56 officers; 480 enlisted
(ship's company) and 86 officers, 1,475 enlisted (troops); armament (as of Aug
1945} one 5'/38 gun, one 40mm quad mount, four 40mm twin mounts, ten 20mm
single mounts; USS HASKELL class.
LOWNDES (APA 154) was launched under a Maritime
Commission contract by Oregon Shipbuilding Co., Portland, Oregon, 18 July 1944;
sponsored by Mrs. Fred J. Lundberg; acquired by the Navy 14 September 1944; and
commissioned
the same day, Commander Charles
H. Perdue in command.
After shakedown, LOWNDES departed San Pedro 23 October
for amphibious training in the Hawaiian Islands. She continued landing
rehearsals for the rest of the year in preparation for the Iwo Jima and
Okinawa operations.
NARRATIVE HISTORY OF THE U.S.S.
LOWNDES (APA 154)
The U.S.S LOWNDES (APA 154), an attack transport, was commissioned
at 0900 on 14 September, at the U.S. Naval Station, Astoria,
Oregon. The commissioning program of that date, due to security was not
published and parts are included. The Commanding Officer of the US Naval station,
Astoria, Oregon, Captain A. R. PONTO,
U.S.N., read the commissioning borders and transferred command of the
ship to the Commanding Officer, Commander Charles H. Perdue, U.S.N.R.,
who ordered the watch set by the Executive Officer, Lieutenant Commander
A. Merritt BERNER, U.S.N.R. The U.S.S. LOWNDES, then "in commission",
was embarked on a service which will long be remembered
by those who have been attached to her for duty.
The Chaplain, Lieutenant Harold L. Oberstad, CHC,
U.S.N.R., gave the following impressive prayer at the commissioning.
"Almighty God and Heavenly Father, by whose word
were gathered the waters of the sea, Who fashioned man in thine own
image and gave into his care Thy Works and creatures upon earth; We, Thy
children, unworthy of Thy patience and continuing love, turn
to Thee at this hour in search of a blessing upon that which we do. We render unto
Thee our humble thanks and pray that Thou wilt look with favor upon our
assembly today. Bless our ship in the grim but righteous task in which our
Nation is engaged. Guard and preserve the precious lives of those who sail
therein, through the dangers of the night, and storm and battle, and be
pleased that no harm may come nigh to hurt their souls. Thou who dost guide the
destinies of Nations and men, we ask
Thy special protection upon the Captain, Officers, and crew of this Ship that
our hands may be fortified by love of freedom and justice, with hearts ever
groping toward worthiness to be called
Thy Children.
To this petition we add our supplications for the
President of the United States and all here assembled and for all Thy
Children everywhere, that they may always incline to Thy will and walk in Thy
way. Be mindful of our parents, relatives and loved ones, give them strength and
courage and fortitude, that with patience, they may hold fast and endure, we pray
that in due season each of us may return to our homes with a thankful
rememberance of all Thy mercies. For these things we humbly pray and for
forgiveness, light and strength along the way. In the name of Jesus Christ our
Lord. Amen."
The Commanding Officer's message, which follows, was an
inspiration to all who heard it.
"We are gathered here to place in commission
another ship of the United States Fleet. This ship, which is being entrusted
to us, is an attack transport, which, for our Navy, represents a new kind
of warfare developed during this war. Starting from nothing' at the beginning
of this war, the amphibious forces have grown until now they are
among the largest units of our Navy, and are engaged in a method of warfare
equal in importance to any other method being employed at the present time. We can well
be proud to have been chosen to serve aboard this ship and in the amphibious
forces. The people of our country have done their part in buying war bonds to
pay for her; BuShips, The Oregon Shipbuilding Co., and the workers who built her,
have done their part in delivering to us a good ship; the APA Pre-Commissioning•
School and the Commissioning Detail have certainly done their part in getting
us ready to come aboard and start on our assigned duties here; and now it is
up to us to do our part in carrying out the mission for which she was built, and
for which we were ordered to her. This mission is to transport troops and their
equipment and cargo, to any assigned destination, to land them under any and all
conditions which may be encountered, and to evacuate troops, casualties, and
prisoners as directed, with the maximum possible safety to all personnel and
material. In order that we may be able to fulfill the obligation we are
assuming,
U.S.S.
LOWNDES (APA 154)
Mileage since
commissioning (conservative estimate).
Astoria, OR
Seattle, WA Seattle, WA San Francisco, CA 265
830
San
Francisco, CA CA San Pedro, CA 365
10-23-44 to 10-29-44 San Pedro, CA Pearl
Harbor, T.H. 2229
10-29-44 to 1-18-44 Daily runs in the
Hawaiian Area 8416
1-28-45 to 2- 5-45 Pearl Harbor Eniwetok 2343
2- 7-45 to 2-10-45 Eniwetok Saipan 1025
2-16-45 to 2-19-45 Saipan Iwo Jima 727
3- 1-45 to 3- 3-45 Iwo Jima Saipan 630
Saipan Guam 125
Guam Saipan 125
3-27-45 to 3-31-45 Saipan Okinawa 1352
Daily runs
off Okinawa 1176
4-14-45 to 4-18-45 Okinawa Saipan 1352
6- 5-45 to 6-11-45 Saipan Tulagi 2303
6-16-45 to 6-17-45 Tulagi Espiritu Santo 636
6-26-45 to 7- 4-45 Espititu Santo Guam 2750
7-12-45 to 7-27-45 Guam SAN
FRANCISCO 5366
8-21-45 to 9- 1-45 San Francisco Eniwetok 4293
9- 3-45 to 9- 7-45 Eniwetok Ulithi 1347
9- 7-45 to 9-11-45 Ulithi Batangus,
P.I. 1072
9-13-45 to 9-15-45 Batangus Leyte 356
9-18-45 to 9-25-45 Leyte Aomori ,
Japan 2295
9-29-45 to 10- 4-45 Aomori, Japan Saipan 1757
10- 6-45 to 10-18-45 Saipan SEATTLE 5094
11- 4-45 to 11-21-45 Seattle Manila 6643
11-26-45 to 12-13-45 Manila SAN FRANCISCO 6518
Total 61,391.5
P. MaC CURRACH,
LT.COMDR., USNR '
and to carry out our mission properly, it is my hope that
every officer & man aboard this ship will not only apply himself
to the tasks ahead, but will soon become an expert at his particular job, and
will teach his job to the next in line, it-has been said that the difference between an expert and just
an ordinary man is a very little bit,
but very few people are willing to put forth that little bit of extra effort. It means hard work and discipline.
In war however, it is absolutely necessary. We must be superior ttoo our enemies, for on the battlefield the
ancient law of the survival of
the fittest works mighty fast.
To the officers and crew: I would like to say that I am
very much pleased with what I have seen of you so far. I am convinced that it
will be a pleasure and a privilege to serve with you on this ship,
and that our mission will be properly carried out."
The Commanding Officer, Capt. C. H. Perdue, whom we have
all learned to know and respect as a fine gentleman, was born in Barnesville,
Georgia, is a graduate of the US Naval Academy, Class of 1921. A'tour of duty
aboard Battleships followed after graduation. He resigned from the Navy
to enter private business and joined the Naval Reserve; he served as Commanding
Officer of the SECOND Division of the US Naval Reserve in San Diego, CA.,
for a period of 10 years before the outbreak of present hostilities. He was called
back to active duty in May 1940, He has served as Commander, Inshore Patrol, Atlantic,
in the Panama Sea Frontier; Commanding Officer, Section Base, Cristobol, Canal
Zone; Convoy and Routing Officer, 15th Naval District; and
Assistant Chief of Staff for Readiness, Panama Sea Frontier. In addition he
served at San Diego, CA., as Assistant District Personnel Officer, 11th Naval District.
The Captain is married and has made his residence in San
Diego, CA., since 1926, where his wife and daughter Patricia make
their home. One son, Charles, is a Radio Technician 2nd Class, US Naval Reserve,
serving on a destroyer.
The ships of this class are named in honor of outstanding
counties of the country. The U.S.S. LOWNDES has a triple
distinction, taking its name from LOWNDES County, AL; LOWNDES
County, GA; & LOWNDES County, MS..All of these counties were named after a
distinguished South Carolina statesman, WILLIAM LOWNDES.
After commissioning 14 September 1944, the U.S.S. LOWNDES
spent 10 days loading stores, provisions, parts, & supplies at Astoria.
She stood out from Astoria on the morning of 25 September bound for
Seattle, WA. On the trip to Seattle & during the 2 days in Puget Sound,
tests of equipment were conducted & more supplies taken aboard.
On 29 September 1944 the U.S.S. LOWNDES set out on her
1st real cruise, down the West Coast to Long Beach Naval Station, Long Beach,
CA. From 5 October to 22 October tests were conducted on all parts
of equipment & the crew & ship went through a very strenuous
shakedown period. The last 4 days were spent at Terminal Island, San Pedro,
CA; about 24 hours spent in dry dock & the remainder of the time
at Pier 3, Berth 32, where provisions, pparts, & supplies were brought
aboard & repairs & adjustments to the ship were made.
Due to the need for ships, the shakedown period was
suddenly terminated; the period of availability shortened; & the ship
considered ready for sea & foreign duty. This termination of shakedown
exercises & abbreviation of the availability time resulted in something of a
turmoil in getting all provisions, supplies, & parts aboard.
On 23 October 1944, less than 6 weeks after
commissioning, the U.S.S. LOWNDES got underway from Pier 3, Berth 32, Terminal
Island, San Pedro, CA., enroute to Pearl Harbor, Oahu, T.H. The ship was in
company with the U.S.S. HENDRY, U.S.S. PICKENS, & U.S.S. BARROW. During
this cruise from San Pedro to Pearl Harbor the officers & men of the
ship began to realize & appreciate the significance of all regulations,
schedules, & drills which are so necessary for a smoothly operating unit.
During the shakedown period many of the crew learned for
the 1st time what "General Quarters" & "Condition 1
Able" meant, to many "starboard", "port",
"foc'sle", "fantail", & many other terms were entirely
foreign as yet. It is a tribute to the vigilance, energy &
alertness of the officers & petty officers who were charged with
instructing the crew that none were injured & no serious damage done during
those early days. Hoisting out 26 boats & taking them back aboard in
a
wind & sea is in itself an operation fraught with danger.
Enroute to Pearl Harbor drills & training were
continued even more strenuously than during the shakedown period. The Deck
Watch Officers learned what "tactical maneuvers" mean, what it means
to "Zig-Zag" at night with no lights; & the gun crews had
opportunities to test their skills at firing all guns.
On 28 October 1944 at 1200 the U.S.S. LOWNDES moored in
Berth X-7, East Lock, Pearl Harbor, T.H. Diamond Head, Waikiki Beach, Honolulu.
Ford island, & the Naval Station, were new sights to almost
all of the crew. All had heard about these places but they
were no more than pictures, paragraphs in a book or magazine, or exaggerated descriptions
by shipmates & friends.
On 30 October 1944, Capt. A. C. J. SABALOT, USN, Commander
Transport Division 45, hoisted his flag aboard the LOWNDES as Commander Task
Unit 13.10.16. The LOWNDES, in company with the HENDRY, PICKENS, &
BARROW, left Pearl Harbor at 1530, 30 October 1944, enroute to Kauai, T.H., for more
amphibious training. Upon arrival at Waimea Beach, Kauai, T.H., Ship-to-shore movements
were conducted without troops. This consisted of hoisting out all landing
craft, having them proceed in regular formation to the beach, return & be taken aboard.
Upon completion of the exercise during the day the task
unit went into night retirement.
On 1 November 1944 at 0700, the unit anchored in Hauapopo
Bay, off Port Allen, Kauai, T.H., & embarked personnel &
equipment of units of the 398th Regimental Combat Team, 98th
Infantry Division, for the purpose of training the embarked troops & ship's personnel
in amphibious operations. That was a memorable morning. The ship had been hurried
out of that part of training before leaving the West Coast & as a result had
its initiation with troops who were as "green" as the crew. The
troops were loaded in the boats at Port Allen, rode about 4 miles out to the
ship, & then spent some time circling around near the ship. By the time
they were ready to come aboard most of them had been in boats all
of 2^ hours & for most of them it was their 1st ride in a landing craft. The
water in the bay was rough, the troops were tired, wet, & many were seasick.
When told to climb the embarkation nets they must have had many kinds of uncomfortable
feelings {the ship's company did just watching them). It
is something of an accomplishment to be able to climb up the nets from a boat that
is not rocking S bumping & with no load on your back; but with a heavy
pack, rifle, & equipment, & from a boat in a seaway it is far from
easy. Those who were too weak & exhausted ffrom seasickness were brought up in stretchers.
Again it is to the credit of all concerned that those
1st troops were embarked with their equipment with no accidents
involving any of them.
The units of the 398th Regimental Combat team, 98th
Infantry, were aboard until 5 November 1944 during which time
amphibious landing operation exercises were conducted
daily. The troops were left ashore at Waianae Beach, Makua, Oahu.
An excerpt from the Executive Officer's memoranda which
appeared on the Plan of the Day is revealing:
"It is suggested that taps be observed. The days to
come will require a lot from all of us. Get sleep while you can, you
will need it. You might be rugged but you're not that rugged."
The period from 5 November to 31 December 1944 was spent
in amphibious landing operations off Malea Bay, Maul, T.H., training with units
of the 98th Army infantry 6 units of the 4th Marine Divisionn.. While the operations became more familiar
& were accomplished
more smoothly, they were, nevertheless, strenuous & intensive.
At the beginning of this training period the commander
of the unit said he intended to make the training "so strenuous &
intensive that an actual operation would seem like a picnic". Later
experience taught us that he meant what he said.
The Medical Officers on several occasions during that
time made rounds through the berthing compartments in the evening. He
found many of the crew rolled into their bunks too tired to even undress.
Excerpts from the Executive Officer's memoranda which were
in the "Plan of the Day" bear out the fact that the ship did
'not profit by the training. November 8th; "The a rather difficult & heavy
cargo was handled by the hatch crews of this ship is considered
by this officer & other observers as being fine work." On November
13th: "Today's exercises weere definitely successful. All hands are
to be complimented in their performance. The Commanding Officer & I join
in saying a very hearty 'Well Done' & sincere "Thank You."
On November 25th the Commanding officer's memorandum said, "There
has been a marked improvement lately in handling boats, troops, & cargo.
Keep up the good work. Every minute saved is a help when
the big day comes."
Though none knew when the "big day" was to
come or to what part of the Pacific the ship might be sent, all were aware that
it would not be long before the "pay. load" would be taken aboard.
On 29 December 1944 the LOWNDES moored at Pier #2,
Kahului, Maui, T.H., & began embarking troops & equipment of Regimental
Combat Team #23 of the 4th Marine Division. It was fairly certain that this
was the outfit to be taken into action. And Tokyo Rose on 30 December 1944
broadcast a statement to the effect that the 4th Marines had better stay at their
camp on Maui, for if they attempted to invade Iwo Jima they would be able to muster
in a telephone booth when they returned.
On 31 December 1944 the loading was completed, the ship
provisioned, & all was in readiness. That New Year's Eve was a memorable
one. It was the 1st time on the Hawaiian Islands when the 10 o'clock curfew
had not been enforced.
From 1 January 1945 to 11 January 1945 training exercises
with the 23rd Regimental Combat Team were conducted,
From 12 January to 19 January the LOWNDES was attached
to Task Group 51.11, under the watchful observation of the man who was
later to lead the assault landing which turned out to be the toughest encounter
of the 160. years of the US Marines: Rear
Admiral Richmond
K. TURNER, USN He must have been satisfied with the performance because he made few comments, criticisms, or changes.
The period 19-26 January 1945 was spent moored in Berth
X-11, East Lock, Pearl Harbor, T.H., For rehabilitation & logistics.
Knowing that it would be the last liberty for a while, the crew &
the troops made the best of it. Due to the strenuous training period
liberties had been few & far between in the Pearl Harbor area,
& few had been fortunate enough to be able to visit Honolulu
before this week. Many of the men saw this much-talked-about city
for the 1st time. To many it was their 1st liberty outside the continental
limits of the United States.
On 27 January 1945 the LOWNDES departed from Pear Harbor
as a unit of Task Force 51 enroute to Eniwetok Atoll, Marshall
Islands. This 1st leg of the journey into the Southwest Pacific took until 5
February 1945 & the time was used by all hands ' to improve in every way
the functions of their part of the ship. About 48 hours was spent at Eniwetok;
the ship proceeded on its way 7 February 1945 enroute to Saipan, Mariannas
Islands, arriving there 11 February 1945. February 12 & 13 were spent in a
final dress rehearsal off Tinian Island, & the 14th & 15th at anchor in Saipan
Harbor.
On 16 February 1945 Task Force 51 got underway from
Saipan Harbor enroute to Iwo Jima. The ship's Intelligence Officer
then instituted daily instruction periods for officers & crew on subjects
pertaining to the Iwo Jima invasion.
On the trip to Iwo Jima tactical exercises & drills
were held as a final check on the readiness of the ship for action. The
Task Force arrived on time & each ship was on
station in the transport area at the designated time on 19 February 1945. In
the early morning, 2 or 3 hours before arriving in the transport area, it was possible to
seethe light from flares & rockets over the island. As this was the 1st time
most of the crew had taken part in any engagement it goes without saying that
most of them did little sleeping after midnight. The lights & rocket
bursts, at a distance, resembled an enormous Fourth of July celebration back
home. To the troops, who were veterans of Tarawa, Saipan, & other
engagements, they resembled anything but a peaceful celebration. During
that entire night men were either on deck standing quietly or sitting
quietly on their bunks cleaning a rifle or sharpening a knife. None wanted to
interrupt the thought of those individuals & none
attempted to intrude.
Shortly after arriving in the transport area the boats
were hoisted out & the troops debarked to land on YELLOW Beach
TWO.
The crews of the landing craft bore the brunt of the actual
work performed by the personnel of this ship. Early on the morning
of 19 February conditions of the surf at the beach were ideal for the
landing craft, however the intense & accurate mortar fire
by the Japanese caused many casualties. Shortly after noon on D-Day,
the beach became
so clogged with damaged landing craft, amphibious vehicles & land equipment
that the small boats could not approach. The boat crews learned what it meant to "live"
in a landing boat. It was not unusual for the ship to hoist out a boat in the morning, load it wwith cargo, dispatch it to the beach, &
hear nothing from it until the next morning when it returned, loaded
with the same cargo, for fuel. The ship would usually hoist the boat
& crew aboard, fill the tank with fuel, put on a relief crew, & send them
back to report to the control boat just off the beach. On several occasions the same
cargo stayed in a boat 3 days.
A few of the many incidents which happened to members of
the Boat Crew are:
The Boat Group Commander, Lt. Arthur H. GAGER, D(L),
U.S.N.R., .301 Segwich St., Philadelphia, PA., spent most of all the
days & nights off Iwo Jima in the "Gig". His station as a boat
guide officer was on a line in front of the beach less than a 1000
yards from shore. The nights patrolling that part of the ocean were long and not uneventful. He & the crews of the
"Gig" soon learned that the area which kept them on station was their safest
position. Some of the coxswains who served in the "Gig" would gradually
let the boat ease out to sea a few 100 yards & would be made aware of that
fact by having mortar & artillery shells land in the water near by.
Then Lt. GAGER would steer them back on station. A little later they would be in the
midst of more fire only to learn that they had eased out to sea again.
Bob Elvin KEIME, Coxswain, U.S.N.R., 309 East 10th St.,
Pawahuska, OK., was coxswain of 1 of the davit boats. He was very proud of
his boat. "Pop", as he was known, was rated 1 of the best coxswains,
& kept his boat in as nearly perfect condition as possible. He & the
crew of his boat were dispatched to the beach with a load of cargo on D-day
plus 3. They reached the beach, unloaded the cargo & were pulling away
when a mortar shell hit the boat. About that time the Beachmaster asked him to transport
3 casualties to the LST, Hospital Ship, "pop" loaded the casualties,
wondering whether the boat would sink before he could go
far. Shortly after leaving the beach it became apparent that the boat
was filling with water so rapidly that it would not be possible to go far.
An LSM came along then & "Pop" & his crew transferred
the injured men to that craft & lashed their boat alongside the ISM. Then it became
apparent that any further effort to save the boat was useless so "Pop"
salvaged what equipment he could & cast the boat off to sink. It must
have caused KEIMI as much anguish in losing that boat as it
has some of our commanding officers of large ships when they are sunk.
When "Pop" returned to the ship that night it was apparent that he had been
through an ordeal which he would remember a long time.
Leonard Roy LeMAITRE, S1c, U.S.N.R., 13^ Greenfield
Ave., West Los Angeles, CA.,, another coxswain, did not lose his boat but
brought it back to the ship so full of water that it could not be hoisted
aboard. He & the crew had stuffed life jackets & rags
in a big hole just above the waterline on the port side.
Many other coxswains & boat crews accomplished
feats as noteworthy as those related above.
It is to the credit of the Boat Group Commander & his
constant & ever lasting training of the Boat Officers, coxswains, &
crews, that only 8 LCVP's from the LOWNDES were lost in the operation. 1 due to
gunfire, 3 to flooded & sunk at the beach, & 4 broached & abandoned.
The members of the Beach Party deserve special mention for
their work on the beach at Iwo Jima. YELLOW Beach TWO, to which they were
assigned, was under such heavy mortar & artillery fire that the Beach
Party was landed on BLUE Beach ONE from where they transferred all their equipment
& set up station on their own beach. In spite of
almost constant intense action, they stayed from D-day plus 1 until D-day plus
5 attending & evacuating casualties, salvaging broached boats, & attempting
to clear the beach so that small boats could land. Due to the surf conditions
& nature of the terrain, little progress could be effected in clearing
the beach.
By the 4th day clearing had been effected to permit a slow flow of cargo to be landed.
The Beachmaster, Lt. Stuyvesant A. PINNELL, D<L), U.S.N.R., of New York City,
a member of the New York City Police Force before coming to duty in the Navy, maintained
his group of 43 men on the beach in spite of the enemy action & after 16 of
their number had become casualties. 2 were killed, 13 wounded, & 1 was
reported missing.
His report of that period shows that it was practically impossible to keep close
contact with troops because assembling of 2 or more at 1 place only invited disaster
to all of them by the accurate enemy mortar fire.
The medical section of the Beach Party headed by Lt. (jg)
Gerald Martin EASTHAM, (MC), U.S.N.R., 2838 Madison St., Omaha, NE, continued to
treat & evacuate casualties after 5 of the hospital corpsmen had
become casualties. Lt. EASTHAM was awarded the Bronze Star Medal & a
citation for his services on the beach.
Donald William BOWMAN, PhM1c, U.S.N.R., 1327 East 5th St.,
Pueblo, CO; and Norman Robert RICHARDS, HA1c, U.S.N.R., 1303 6th Corso
St., Nebraska City, NE, were killed.
Three hospital corpsmen were wounded and evacuated from
the beach.
They Were:
James Leslie PIERCE, HAIc, U.S.N.R., Lyndonville,
Vermont.
Gordon Ferris BUCK, PhM3c, U.S.N.R., 1861
Cambridge Blvd., Columbus, Ohio.
James Lloyd ANDERSON, HA1c, U.S.N.R., 2322 Porsa
Street, Houston, Texas.
The three corpsmen were on the beach all the time and who
continued to assist with the care of the injured received citations for their
services:
Fred Potter BRINKMAN, PhM2c, U.S.N.R., 2805
Annapolis Avenue, Overland, Missouri.
Wesley Eugene FOLLETT, PhM3c, U.S.N.R., 528 2nd St.,
Oconto, Wisconsin.
Jerome Robert FRIEDER, PhM3c, U.S.N.R., 1808
Coventry Road, Cleveland Heights, Ohio.
FOLLETT and FRIEDER were promoted for meritorious service
over and above the line of duty.
Their citations are as follows:
"For excellent service in the line of his
profession as a member of the medical section of a beach party from 20 February
to 23 February 1945, during the assault and capture of Iwo Jima. Although the
beach was under enemy mortar and gunfire, ably performed his duty in
administrating first aid and assisting in the evacuation of casualties. His
skill and courage contributed to the saving of many lives. His conduct
gives evidence of his great value to the Naval Service.
Commendation Ribbon authorized
/s/ H.A. SPRUANCE, Admiral, US Navy
The U.S.S LOWNDES received and treated 365 wounded from
the beach at Iwo Jima It was the first experience for all hands of the medical
department in handling casualties, and proved to be a revelation which will
long be remembered.
The first boat load of casualties arrived at the ship at
1157 on D-day The second patient had a small wound over his left temple
and was almost exsanguinated. He appeared dead, was ashen grey, pale
and did not move. He received two pints of plasma, a quart of glucose, and two pints
of blood within an hour after being brought aboard. On
the second day aboard he was up. The medical officers and corpmen spent most of the
time the ship was in the transport area in sick bay and at the dressing stations,
it was a credit to all concerned that so many patients, so severely wounded, could
be cared for with so little confusion. Six of the 365 died, which kept the mortality
below the average of 2% reported by most activities which cared for war casualties.
It is to the credit of Chief Boatswain R. 0. BANKS, USN,
that the patients were brought aboard so smoothly and without
confusion. The small single litter, hand operated hoists, rigged on port
and starboard sides under the wings of the navigation bridge, proved efficient,
safe, and satisfactory, in every respect. These hoists had caused some interesting comments
as they were being installed. The medical officer-had
asked for them only to be told by Chief Carpenter W. E. Dalton, USN, that they
were not practical. After some discussion and a bit of encouragement the carpenter
installed the booms. Then the boatswain declared them too light and not, safe, and said he did not have eenough blocks and lines to rig them. However,
the morning after this discussion took place one outfit was
reinforced and rigged. The carpenter remodeled the originals to conform
with the ideas of the boatswain and both were rigged completely before arriving
at Iwo Jima. The boatswain detailed enough men to operate the hoists and
one afternoon 125 patients were brought aboard, one at a time, at a rate of
about one a minute.
On 28
February 1945 the LOWNDES was allowed to anchor near the beach to facilitate unloading cargo. When told to get underway
for night retirement at about 1700
it was found that the anchor winch was broken. This resulted in the ship staying
in the transport area all night,
which proved to be a fortunate accident altho, during the night, shells from enemy mortars
on the island fell within 600 yards of the ship. At about 2300 the EExecutive Officer, Lieutenant Commander
Harrison GARDNER, D(L), U.S.N.R.,
was topside when an LSM came near. He asked the Commanding Officer of the LSM to come alongside and take the
remainder of the LOWNDES cargo and stated that if the LSM needded supplies and fresh water, they could
be furnished. The LSM did come alongside
and the rest of the cargo was loaded into it before morning.
The next day, 29 February 1945, the anchor winch having
been repaired during the night, the LOWNDES in company with other ships which
had completed unloading, departed the area enroute to Saipan.
Arriving at Saipan on 3 March 1945, it was found that
hospital facilities in that area were taxed to the limit & the ship was
sent to Guam, arriving there on 4 March 1945. On 5 March 1945 the patients
were unloaded for transfer to Fleet Hospital #111.
It was gratifying to be told that the patients were
debarked in a very orderly fashion & in good condition. The credit
for that goes to all hands, not only to the medical department, but to
all departments of the ship; everyone helped & cooperated.
After discharging the patients, taking on a full load of
provisions & fuel at Guam, the LOWNDES returned to Saipan,
arriving on 7 March 1945, & on 8 March went alongside Pier 7 & embarked
part of the 2nd Marine Division & attached units. This was a very
short time to "lick one's wounds" & "catch one's breath" before
taking on another capacity load of troops.
However, the time from 8 March to 27 March was spent in
training the embarked units in preparation for their mission & part of that time was used
for recreation ashore & rehabilitation. 0 27 March 1945 the
LOWNDES departed from Saipan enroute to Okinawa Jima as a unit of
Task Force 51.2.
On the trip to Okinawa, as on that to Iwo Jima, tactical
exercises S drills were held, & a final check made on the readiness of the ships for
action. The ships arrived on schedule in the transport area off the
coast of that island at daybreak on 1 April 1945.
On D-day, one of the APA' s in Squadron 15 was hit by a suicide
bomber & put out of operation as the ships were moving into the transport area.
A few minutes after that the LOWNDES' gun crews had their first taste of firing
at an enemy plane. A Japanese plane flew over at about 3,000 feet altitude
& managed to evade fire from all ships.
The period from 3 April to 11 April was spent in a
retirement area some distance from the island. On the morning of 11
April the LOWNDES was ordered to proceed to the transport area off Hagushi Beach on the
west coast of Okinawa, & arrived there the next morning to be greeted
by the worst air raid of the invasion. The ship was at General
Quarters almost all the time that was spent in the area. On 13 April
several units of the troops debarked, a part of the cargo was unloaded, &
on 14 April the LOWNDES with other ships which were ready, departed from
Okinawa enroute to Saipan.
It arrived at Saipan on 13 April 1945 & remained
there in the harbor until 4 June 1945 when it departed enroute to the
Southwest Pacific, in company with Transport Squadron FIFTEEN. On that trip 3 days were spent at Tulagi
Harbor, & about a week at Espiritu Santos. A load of cargo was taken aboard at Espiritu Santos & carried to Guam,
arriving there on 4 July 1945.
On 10 June 1945 the squadron crossed the equator with
due form & ceremony. Prior to arrival at the line the following
dispatch was sent out by Commander Transport Squadron FIFTEEN to all ships in
the squadron:
"FOLLOWING RECEIVED BY SEAWEED TELEGRAPH FROM
ADMIRAL DAVY JONES, ROYAL SCRIBE TO HIS IMPERIAL MAJESTY RULER OF THE
RAGING MAIN X 'NEPTUNE REX
EXTENDS GREETING TO COMMODORE FLANNIGAN ROYAL SENIOR
SHELLBACK OF TRANSPORT SQUADRON FIFTEEN AND IS PLEASED TO SEE HIM AND ALL
WORTHY SHELLBACKS
ACCOMPANYING HIM, REENTERING MY KINGDOM X WITH AIDES AND
STAFF WILL BOARD SHIPS YOUR COMMAND EVENING NINE JUNE TO SERVE
SUBPOENAS TO ALL
SLIMY SCUM WHO HAVE THE TEMERITY TO ENTER MY REALM IN
COMPANY WITH YOUR HONORABLE SHELLBACKS X HAVE YOUR SHIPS READY IN ALL
RESPECTS TO RENDER ME
FULL HONOR OF MY RANK AND HAVE MISERABLE POLLYWOGS READY
ATTEND MY WISHES X AT ZERO EIGHT HUNDRED LOCAL TIME TEN JUNE HIS IMPERIAL
MAJESTY NEPTUNIS
REX, RULER OF THE RAGING MAIN AND MONARCH OF THE DEEP,
ATTENDED BY HIS QUEEN, ROYAL BABY, PRINCESSES, LAWYER, DOCTORS, SCRIBES,
JUDGES, BEARS,
BULLS, MERMAIDS, SERPENTS, AND MOST OF OTHER ARISTOCRATS
OF THE BRINY DEEP, WILL BOARD YOUR SQUADRON TO HEAR PLEAS OF SUCH
SCUMS AS MAY BE
ABOUT AND TO METE OUT JUSTICE TO ALL AND DETERMINING IF
ANY ARE FIT TO ENTER HIS REALM X DIRECT ALL LOYAL AND TRUSTY SHELLBACKS
OF THE ANCIENT
ORDER OF THE DEEP BE PREPARED TO ASSIST OK THE TRIAL AND
INSTRUCTIONS
OF THESE BACKWATERS SCUM X ALL LOWLY MISERABLE AND
PRESUMPTUOUS POLLYWOGS
ATTEND YE AT THIS ORDER X SIGNED DAVY JONES' COMMANDING
OFFICERS INSURE ADEQUATE AND PROPER PREPARATIONS ARE MADE TO FACILITATE
COMPLIANCE IN
ALL RESPECTS COMMENSURATE REQUIREMENTS CURRENT
OPERATIONS."
At four o'clock in the afternoon of 9 June 1945 Davy
Jones Appeared on the foc'sle of the LOWNDES and proceeded to the bridge
where he delivered his message from King Neptune to the Captain.
Promptly at 0800 the following morning as the squadron
crossed the line. King Neptune and all his court appeared on the foc'sle,
proceeded around the ship topside, and set up court on No. 2 hatch. The jolly
Roger was broken at the masthead where it flew until all polywogs had been duly
initiated, the court completed, and King Neptune and his party had
returned to the depths from which they came. It was quite a sight to see a
squadron of APA's steaming along with the Jolly Roger flying from the masthead
of each ship.
****
ADDENDA TO
U.S.S.
LOWNDES (APA 154)
FROM 7
OCTOBER 1945 TO DECOMMISSIONING
D.J.
Weintraub
Captain, U.
S. Navy
Commanding
Office.
20 March 1946
The LOWNDES was ordered to return to San Francisco,
California but enroute a change of orders was received, and on 18 October 1945
put in to Seattle, Washington, where all passengers were debarked at Pier
#90 for separation. The following morning mooring was shifted to Pier #2,
Kirkland Shipyard in Lake Washington, Seattle Washington, transfer being made
via the Lake Washington Canal.
The compliment of all US Navy ships was being decreased
due to the cessation of hostilities with all enemy forces. During this
period the members of the boat group and beach party were detached.
All regretted the loss of these men and their officers, many very dear
and permanent friendships having been welded during the difficult days
spent together.
On 27 October 1945 the LOWNDES dressed ship for the
Annual Navy Day observances and extended invitations to the public to
visit the ship, this practice being observed by the Navy to acquaint the
people of the United States with the quality and make-up of the fleet.
Orders were received on 1 November 1945 to proceed to
Pier #91, Seattle, Washington to provision and make ready for sea. On 3
November 1945 orders were received transferring the LOWNDES to
"Magic Carpet" duty and to proceed to Samar, Philippine Islands. On
15 November 1945, instructions were received modifying the routing to proceed to Manila,
P.I., via the San Bernadino Straights.
The anchor was dropped in Manila Harbor, P.I. on 21
November 1945, & officers & crew were granted liberty to visit
the historic city of Manila. The joy of liberty was somewhat clouded as the
suffering created by the Japanese in their destruction of the city was
witnessed.
On 23 November 1945, the LOWNDES departed from Manila Harbor,
P.I. For the west coast of the U. S. A. with a capacity load of Army
officers & enlisted personnel eligible for release from the service
under the U. S. Army terms of demobilization. The following morning,
however, a dispatch directed immediate return to Manila to avoid an approaching
typhoon. A two day lay-over resulted, & on 26
November 1945 the ship headed for sea & the 0. S. A.
The return voyage was uneventful & on 13 December
1945 the LOWNDES arrived at San Francisco, California. Mooring was made at Pier
#15 & immediately all passengers were debarked to report to separation
centers. The-officers & crew were extremely happy as word was received that
the ship had been directed to remain over the Christmas Holidays. During the
afternoon the ship shifted to anchorage #12, berth #9.
To celebrate the holiday spirit the chaplain decorated
the Wardroom & the crew's mess hall. This was deeply appreciated by the
officers & men. For many this was their first Christmas in the
United States in a number of years. Leaves were granted to those living nearby
in order that they might spend Christmas with their families. Others were
permitted to bring guests aboard. A special treat was offered as the ship
provided gifts for all hands.
On 29 December 1945 the LOWNDES again put to sea with her
destination Manila, P.I. The weather was dark & cloudy & the sea
extremely rough as she departed on what turned out to be her last
"Magic Carpet" run. New Year' s Eve was observed
silently at sea. But in the hearts of all was a prayer of thanksgiving that the
New Year was a year of peace.
The following
morning, 2 January 1946, the captain, being ill, requested to divert his course to Pearl Harbor, Oahu, T.H.,
For the purpose of hospitalization.
On 3 January 1946 mooring was made at the Navy Yard docks, Berth A12, Pearl
Harbor, Oahu, T.H. Captain C. H. PERDUE relinquished his command of this ship as all officers mustered at
the quarter deck to bid him farewell. At 1130, 3 January 1946, the captain
was piped over the side. Many hearts
were heavy due to his loss. Since the LOWNDES had received her commissioning orders, Captain PERDUE had served
faithfully & honorably & all who served under him had come ttoo love& respect him.
Lieutenant
Commander L. A. JUDIN, the Executive Officer, became Officer-in-Charge, as all hands awaited the arrival of the new captain.
During this period opportunities
were granted to see the beauty & grandeur of the island of Oahu.
On 11 January 1946, Captain D. J. WEINTRAUB, U. S. N.,
reported aboard for duty as Commanding Officer. Captain WEINTRAUB graduated
from the U. S. Naval Academy in the class of 1927. He is a qualified Naval
Aviator (airship). His recent tour of sea duty commenced in February 1944
when he assumed the duties as Commander of LSM Flotilla Two. It was under his command
that LSM's were first used in combat as they took part in
the initial assault on Leyte, P.I. On 20 October 1944. On 15 July 1945 he was
assigned as Commander of LSM Flotilla Six where he served until assuming the
command of the LOWNDES.
On 15 January 1946 orders were received to return to San
Francisco, California carrying a capacity load of naval officers S
enlisted personnel eligible for discharge under the U. S. Navy's
demobilization program. On 21 January 1946, the LOWNDES moored at Pier
45D, San Francisco, California, where all troops were debarked. The
following morning the ship shifted to anchorage 9 berth 18.
Word was received that the Naval Service of the LOWNDES
was nearly completed. On 7 February 1946, the Commander of the Western Sea
Frontier dispatched orders to get underway again, this to be her last
run. The destination was set as Norfolk, Virginia & decommissioning.
Traveling independently & with no passengers
the ship arrived on 16 February 1946 at Balboa, the Pacific port of the
Panama Canal. At 0952 the pilot came aboard & at 1056 the ship entered
the channel to the Panama Canal.
This was the first opportunity that many of the officers
& crew had had to see the Panama Canal. In order that they
might enjoy the sights & points of interest the chaplain prepared an
article & distributed it to all hands. Permission was granted by the captain
for the chaplain to describe the journey to all hands over the ship's address
system. This was especially appreciated by the
engineers who had no visible way of viewing the canal. At 1901, 16 February 1946 the
anchor was dropped in berth #23, Linen Bay, Canal Zone, Panama, passage completed.
The captain obtained permission to lay over at Panama for
four days, providing the opportunity for the officers & crew to visit the
Canal Zone Port of Cristobal & the city of Colon in the Republic of
Panama.
On 21 February 1946 the LOWNDES again put to sea on the
last leg of her last run, her destination being Norfolk, Virginia. On 24
February 1946 heavy seas were encountered off the coast of Florida &
delayed the "estimated time of arrival" approximately twenty-four
hours. On 27 February 1946 her destination was reached & at
1231 the anchor was dropped in anchorage "F", Hampton Roads,
Virginia.
The officers & crew turned toward the difficult task
of decommissioning the LOWNDES with a spirited will. On 17 April 1946 the
commission pennant was hauled down, their last job being completed. This
was a day of mixed emotions. There was a great happiness for it meant that many
would see their families for the first time in many months. But a touch of
sadness was evidenced for the LOWNDES had ended a long & honorable
career in the naval service of a great country, the United States
of America.
DISPOSITION OF
THE U.S.S. LOWNDES
(APA 154)
On 17 September 1983, U.S.S. LOWNDES, then located in the
James River Reserve Fleet off Fort Eustis, Virginia, was traded, pursuant to Public
Law 95-177, by the Maritime Administration to Connecticut Transport, Inc., New York, NY, together with nine other
vessels, in exchange for the tanker CONNECTICUT. The 10 traded-out ships were all
considered surplus to the needs of the Government, and therefore available for
scrapping. The LOWNDES was immediately sold a"^ transferred
by Connecticut Transport, Inc., to S. A. Desbar, a Spanish corporation,
for scrapping in Spain. This scrapping was complete as of 16 January
1984, in Spain.
The
U.S.S. LOWNDES received two battle stars for World War II service.
U.S.S.
LOWNDES (APA 154)
WAR DIARY February
1945
18 February 1945
0500 Changed
course to 048 (t). 0410 Changed course to 010 (t). 0435 Changed course to 340 (t). 0600 Commenced zig-zagging.
0827 Ceased zigzagging and resumed base course. 0835 Changed course to 351 (t). Commenced zigzagging,. 0906 Possible submarine contact, commenced emergency
maneuvers. 0939 Increased speed to 14 knots. 1001 Contact evaluated as non-sub,
resumed zigzagging 1515 Commenced approach
to Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, in accordance with ComPhibsPac's Operation
Order A25-44. 1622 Ceased zigzagging, resumed base course. 1635 Changed course to 006 (t). 1641 Commenced zigzagging. 2100 Ceased zigzagging and resumed base
course. Position: 0800 20° 28' N 142°
38' E
19 February 1945
(D-day)
0031 Changed course to 330 (t) .' 0245 Ships left to
course 320 (t) . 0335 Ships right to Course 330 (t). 0408 Changed
course to 285 {t). 0457 Increased speed to 14.5 knots. 0604 Formed
cruising disposition
DOG Form ONE. 0612 Changed course to 325 (t). 0622 Changed course to 315 (t). 0637 Arrived in transport area
of Southeast coast of Iwo Jima,
Volcano Islands. Task Group designation changed to 53.2. ComTaskGroup
53.2, Commodore H. C. FLANAGAN in USS BAYFIELD. Commenced lowering boats and debarking troops. At HOW-Hour
minus 25 {HOW-Hour 0900), six waves consisting of Reserves of the 23rd RCT, 4th
Marines, were dispatched to the line
of departure. 1157 Received aboard the first
group of casualties from the beach. 1555 LSM 48 came alongside to receive cargo. 1720 LSM away from alongside,
hoist all boats aboard. 1836 Underway with Task Group 53.2 on night retirement
to the east to arrive in the
transport area the following morning.
20-28 February 1945
The Beach Party of this ship was landed on BLUE Beach ONE
on the morning of DOG day plus one for services on YELLOW Beach TWO. Upon arrival
relieved the Beach Party of the USS MIFFLIN. The Beach Party
remained on YELLOW Beach TWO for a period of four days and nights
attending and evacuating casualties, salvaging broached boats and
attempting to clear the beach for the landing of boats. Due to the surf
conditions and nature of the terrain, little progress could be effected
in clearing the beach for use by landing boats. The beach at the water's edge
was almost completely blocked with bogged down amphibious tanks, LVT's, vehicles, and
broached boats. By the fourth day clearing had been effected to permit a
slow flow of cargo to be landed. The entire four days on the beach were spent
under enemy mortar and artillery fire, resulting in 1/3 (16) of the beach party
becoming casualties (13 wounded, 2 dead, 1 missing).
During the operation twenty-two LCVP's, two LCM's. one
LCP(R) equipped as a salvage boat, and one LCP (L) equipped as boat group
commander and control boat, were used. Ship's boats which were loaded with cargo
were not allowed to land. This was high priority cargo and cargo
called for from the beach as being urgently needed. Some of the boats
were in the water with a load of urgently needed cargo for four days before finally
being permitted to land.
During this time they returned to the ship each morning
for fuel and a change of crew and went immediately back to the beach. Three LCT's and one
LSM were employed at various times after DOG plus four in unloading
general cargo. In this connection, it is recommended that a sufficient number
of LCT's and LSM's be provided to unload all cargo. Twelve LCVP's were launched
from Welin davits, all other boats were lowered by cargo booms. As much
cargo as possible was preloaded. All davit boats were loaded at the rail, main
deck, with debarking troops. All boat engines were Gray marine and
operated without failure. The LCM(3) ramp winches failed frequently, necessitating
time out for repairs. Eight LCVP's were lost, one due to gun fire,
three were flooded and sunk at the beach and four broached.
Of the seven beaches, the right flank marker of RED Beach
TWO was the only beach limit marker visible for ten days. This caused unnecessary
confusion among boat coxswains, and resulted in some cargo being
landed on the wrong beaches. BLUE Beach ONE had cargo unloading
point markers until DOG plus nine.
Preparation for handling casualties consisted of the following
{1 ) A reception center was set up in the troop officer's berthing compartment
with facilities for cleansing and minor surgery. (2) The wardroom
was used as a cleansing and shock treatment center. (3) The main
sick bay was used for maj or surgery and major dressings where anesthetics
were required. The majority of bed patients were cared for in the troop officer's berthing
compartment, the more serious cases in sick bay, and the ambulatory
in the forward troop berthing compartment on the main and third
decks. Casualties were brought aboard one at a time by a six foot boom rigged amidships
main deck. This method proved highly satisfactory both from a standpoint of
speed and of causing least discomfort to casualties. Of the 365 casualties treated, 6
died, 27 were transferred to hospital ships,
and 12 were returned to duty. The remainder were transferred to US Naval Hospital No. 111 at
Guam.
With the exception of two nights spent at the objective,
the LOWNDES took part in night retirement to the east, returning to the transport area each morning. At
about 2130 on the night of 27 February 1945,
while anchored near the beach to unload cargo, about eight bursts of
mortar fire from the island fell about 25% off the starboard bow at about 600 yards distant, but the ship was
not hit.
29
February 1945
1846 In accordance with orders received from ComTaskForce
51 , the USS LOWNDES with Task Unit 51.16.10 departed Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, for
Saipan, Marianas Islands, on base course 204 (t}, steaming at standard speed 12
knots. ComTaskUnit 51 .1,6.10 (Commodore MC
GOVERN) in USS CECIL. 2141 Changed course to 174 (t). 2201 Changed speed
to 13 knots.
USS LOWNDES - APA 154 DECEASED
PERSONNEL (As of 1994)
Donald William BOWMAN
(Iwo Jima Campaign)
Norman
Robert RICHARDS (Iwo Jima Campaign)
Benn. L. BAILEY Claude W. MEADOWS,
Jr.
Oscar Tyson BRACEY Carl Conrad MILLER
James E. BRISCOE George
Bernard MILLER
Elmer
Carrell BROWN Leon MONDAY
Domer
Slater BURK Richard
LeBarron MOORE
Sam CAROTHERS Charles
Francis MURRAY
John F. GARY Erie NIEMI
Wendell H. CBILDREY N. B. NAGEL
Slater
Frank CHRISTIAN Curtis
Garland NERISON
Owen
Cavanaugh COLLINS Howard L. NIELSEN
Roy D. COLLINS Erie NIEMI
Arthur
Bejamin CORBETT Alex R. O'NEAL
George
Maynard DAHHS Charles H. PERDUE
(Capt.)
Floyd
Joseph DETIVEAU C. H. PASCHAL
Arthur DEVERAUX C. L. PERKS
George L. DREHNAN Billy H. PIERCY
Robert Earl DUNN Stuyvesant
A. PINNELL
Eugene H. ENGLE William H. POLLOCK
Bertil ERLING Leo A. POTHAST
Wesley E. FOLLETT Hubert
Wesley RAVENSCRAFT
Jerome
Robert FRIEDER Albert P. RESETAR
Raymond
Henry GOLEMBOWSKI Martin
Joseph REZZA
Fred Irwin GUNNELL John Milton RICE
Fred E. GROH David T. RICHARDSON
Raymond
Louis GOIHONT Bernard ROGERS
Marvin
Robert GUNDERSON George S . ROTH
James W. HALL Harley O.
"Red" SARTEN
Fred Wayne BATTEN Ernest 0. SCOTT
Albert
Franklin HERRINGTON George A. SKELLY
Edgar L. HINTON Joseph
McKinzie SONNIER
Gordon
Russell HOLLEY Harvey Glenn STEVENSON
Leonard A. JOHNSON Robert H. STONER
Robert
Elvin KIEME Frederick
G. TIMMS
Lee Cruse KING Wesley VLCEK
Samuel J. KRAOSE Steve Thomas VALASK
Roland
Edward KRUEL WalterB VROBLE
Russell LaPONUKE Elvin WAHLBERG
William B. LAWRENCE Harold F. WARD
B. LHIELE L. V. WEBB
Edward John LIPCZYNSKI Lawrence
Clinton WELCOME
Stanley
Ambrose HATZ Harold C. WIDDOWS
Thurman
Elmer HcFARLAND Leo . J . WINTER
Joseph G. YOUNG
Joseph ZINKGRAF