7/97-1

U.S.S. LOWNDES

JULY 1997 NEWS LETTER

NINTH ANNUAL REUNION

OCTOBER 23 - 26 1997

PALM BEACH AIRPORT HILTON
150 AUSTRALIAN AVENUE
WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA
1-888-777-7256
1-800-445-8667

Wm. "Bud" Kautz - 34782 Hiawatha Trail - McHenry, IL - 60050
(815)344-6326

Contents

Directions & Map
Comments
Memories
Contents
Potpourri
Schedule
Activities & Costs
Obituaries
Roster
Iwo Jima Addendums

Entering Florida from the west
take US 10 to US 75 to Florida
Turnpike to exit 99 (Okeechobee
Blvd.) to US 95 to exit 50
(Southern Blvd.).

Entering from the Midwest on
US 75 to Florida Turnpike to US
95 to exit 50 (Southern Blvd.)

Entering from the north take
US 95 to exit 50 (Southern Blvd.)

Next stop 150 Australian Ave.
GOOD LUCK!

THE FOLLOWING ARE PLANNING TO ATTEND OUR NINTH REUNION IN FLORIDA;

David & Modesta Brinkman
Roberta Brinkman
Jim & Carol Bussard
Sally Cary
E. Max Cole
Frank & Joyce DuBois
Stan & Mona Dunn
John & Lebby Dyer
(Host & Hostess)
Bud & Jean Kautz
Don & Shirley Lorenzi
Eileen Murray
Leo & Margaret O'Brien
Cliff S Mary Schaffer
Dallas & Lorene Stratton
Bill & Amelia Taylor
Walt & Jackie Umbarger

To date, there are a number of regulars we have not heard from.

Late report from John Dyer - "I believe I've seen Hal Brunner's 1979
T-Bird engine, behind the Hale-Bopp comet."

WALLACE RICHARDS - Columbus, NE - Just a short note to let you and
the group know that I appreciate the News Letters and the articles
in them, although we don't know many of the writers personally.

FRANK WANITS, Schroon Lake, NY - Received the January and April News
Letters, thanks for the pictures and of course all the news and stories
of the crew of the Lowndes. When I received the April issue I realized
that I hadn't responded to the first and for that I apologize for being
late. We had some medical problems in the family as did Alice, but
everything is under control. We've been busy with some Church activities
and also visiting friends in the hospitals. There's a lot of that
lately. Alice and I celebrated our 50th Wedding Anniversary April 26th
- where did the time go?

FRANKLIN JUDNITSCH - Park Rapids, MN - We are about 100 miles from
the badly flooded areas. Had over 100 inches of snow here. I have just
had surgery completed on both eyes, had lens implants and can see a
lot better, still have to wear glasses.

JACK HOVEY - Pasadena, CA - What can I say how I feel about the passing
of a very dear friend and a joy to be around. George Tuppan always
had a wonderful attitude in regards to life and all of his shipmates.
His comments were always worth listening to. I, for one will miss him
dearly as I know everyone of us will. My sincere condolences to his
dear lady, Glenda. Seems not enough.

DAN WISDOM - Terrell, TX - Just a note to say "Thanks A Million" for
the photo album of the- last U.S.S. Lowndes Reunion. I really enjoy
the photos and seeing the Lowndes Bunch having a great time. Haven't
heard from any of the fellas other than Carmel Fesi. Sure enjoy the
News Letters as it keeps me in touch with everyone.

EDWARD BENSON - Rolling Hills Estates, CA - Sorry for the delay in
responding. Enjoy reading all of the material in the News Letters which
is very interesting. We won't make the Reunion in 1997, but perhaps
next year. Keep up the good work.

Leo O'Brien - Maiden, MA - Walter Clarke bunked with John Vernale in
Myrtle Beach because there was no room reserved for him and John was
kind enough to let him stay in his room. But Walter couldn't find his
money and after a search of his car trunk he remembered he hid the
money in his shoe. Then the poor fellow was mixed up about his medicine,
he couldn't find it and then he lost the key to the room. As a result
John was very perplexed. (Hey! John that's what shipmates are for.)

GOLF QUICK TIP: Uphill Lie - Take a trial swing to determine where club head will
touch the ground. Use a less lofted club than you would normally use. Keep weight
balanced between feet. Place ball forward of center. Swing with slope. Aim to right
to compensate probable hook.

7/97-3

DAN WISDOM— Terrell, TX - Bud, in answer to your query, the vehicle
that I'm almost finished restoring is a 1952 M-37 Ammo
Weapons/Personnel Carrier used in the Korean and Vietnam conflicts.
I found it in a junk yard and rebuilt it to original military specs.
It was mustered out about the late 60's. Mine was a National Guard
truck, went to Texas Surplus Properties, Rural fire department bought
it and used it for 2 years. It was sold to 3 different individuals
before I got it, no one kept it very long. It sure was in sad shape.
Had to locate parts for it. Memorial Day drove it to Dallas to see
Vietnam Moving Wall, had military vehicles, etc. I won $55.00 and
a plaque on my truck and trailer. Oh yes! Had to restore the military
trailer to go with the truck. Truck is equipped with the original
radio. Has a 6 cylinder engine and is 4 wheel drive. Command car,
equipment? You name it, it's got it.

Note: Dan sent photos of the truck before and after his restoration
efforts. They will be available for all to see at our Reunion in
Florida.

MAGGIE FRIEDEN - Silver Lake, IN - Jim was using his table saw, he
ran out of wood and guess what happened? His fingers are healing
very well. It's been hotter than Dutch Love here and it looks like
the crops are heading up. and will keep us from attending the Lowndes
Reunion again this fall. We would like to see everyone. If all goes
well Jim and I hope to make it to Hawaii in '98.

James Vaughan
4625 Levelside Ave.
Lakewood, CA 90712
1-562-429-8519

Jim would like very much to hear
from any Lowndes shipmates who
remember Joe Botti CMM. He is
gathering details of Joe's life
for a family history summary and
would appreciate any help.

As of June We have received 1997 dues from the following shipmates,
spouses and honorary members of the Reunion Group:

Phil Angelotti
Vie Bardenhagen
Edward Benson
Bill Davis
Stan Dunn
Jim Frieden Wallace Richards
Franklin Judnitsch Harry Reuther
Walt Karson Dallas Stratton
* Herbert Kears Frank Wanits
H. D. Moore George T. Weick

* Herb was a member of the Lowndes Beach Party and has just recently
been contacted.

Ever hear of a wide escape, wet wit, slow food restaurant, or a low-speed chase?

MY LOG & DIARY - FRED BRINKMAN

Oct. 7 to 14, 1945 - Loaded with 1800 passengers, most of
them Navy personnel, we are underway for San Francisco. After
one week at sea, our orders are changed and we head for Seattle,
Washington.

Oct. 15 to 22, 1945 - After a seemingly long rough cruise
at sea the Lowndes arrives at pier 91 in Seattle where we are
welcomed home on Oct. 18th. Liberty every other night in
Seattle.

Oct. 23 to 30, 1945 - Liberty continues throughout Navy
week in Seattle. On Oct. 24th, 23 of our corpsmen are detached
from the ship, among others including all the Beach Party
corpsmen except myself.

Oct. 31 to Nov. 7, 1945 - With only two medical officers
aboard and ten corpsmen, the Lowndes leaves Seattle, Washington
after spending a total of seven liberties on our Stateside
cruise.

Nov. 8 to 15, 1945 - With only a small crew of about 250
men aboard we are sailing for Manila in the Philippines with
no passengers aboard. The chow is excellent, but we are kept
busy.

Nov. 15 to 23, 1945 - Docked in Manila on Nov. 22nd after
a positively rough trip. Spent one liberty in the city of
Manila, ruined externally, but there was still fun within.

Nov. 14 to Dec. 1, 1945 - With 1800 Army troops, we are
underway on Nov. 24thy but are forced to return to Manila the
next day due to a hurricane. Underway again on Nov. 26th.

Dec. 10 to 17, 1945 - On Dec. 13th the Lowndes docks at
Frisco. Our passengers are debarked and we then anchor in the
bay. Liberty begins and good things are with us again.

Dec. 18 to 25, 1945 - Including one week-end, I receive
seven liberties during our two week stay in Frisco. Additional
members of our crew are discharged, being replaced by rookies.

Dec. 26. 1945 to Jan. 2, 1946 - The ship is loaded with
ballast and supplies, and on Dec. 27th we are underway again.
Destination - the Philippines, with only our crew aboard.

7/97-5
MEMORIES

MIKE MICHALSKI - Austin, TX - "Midnight Stores" When troops were
brought aboard the procedure was to bring their supplies aboard first.
That included C rations that were to be used during invasions when
they went ashore. These were put at the bottom of the storage area
known as the hold, then long thick boards were laid on top of them
creating two long strips of supports for their vehicles - jeeps, trucks
and whatever. An unofficial committee of about eight guys made a raid
on the C rations during the night. Items such as Spam, which we never
had, dried fruit bars, canned sliced bacon were some of the most
popular things we wanted. These items could not be put into our lockers
because if they were ever missed and a search conducted - we would
not have much of an explanation as to how they got there. I didn't
ask all the others where they put theirs. Mine were kept in a
compartment where my first battle station was - the auxiliary generator
room under the removable deck panels. Again, this was an area seldom
visited by anyone, only during General Quarters. One of the other
things the crew never got was ice cream, and I've always loved ice
cream and still do. The officers had it often enough, but they totaled
about 87 and the crew totaled over 500. So there just wasn't enough
to go around. However, at times the "A" Division (Auxiliary Machinery
Division) would have to check out the operation of all auxiliary
machinery, including the freezers. Sometimes when that happened a
2-1/2 gallon carton would find it's way out and the word would get around.
After all - some things had to be done to keep life interesting.

(Editors note: Page 2 of the January 1995 News Letter has a few
details regarding the above. When it came to the missing ice cream
we all had Stuart Brokenshire to thank for his welcome endeavor to
keep us all happy.

ELMER TREVILLYAN - National City, CA - Received the Lowndes News Letter
as always, thank you and the crew for keeping the ship afloat. Wish
we had that with the younger generation coming up. I remember an
incident while going to diving school at Tiberon, across the bay from
Treasure Island. One day we were supposed to dig a trench in the floor
of the San Francisco Bay, 30 or 40 feet below the surface of the water.
It was with a water hose. I was having a good time, got it about 4
feet deep and going along fine when it caved in. I was buried in mud
up to my waist. Had to call up topside to get them to pull me free.
Learned a lesson; don't dig a "U" trench, dig a "V" trench. Never
forgot that experience.

FRANKLIN JUDNITSCH - Park Rapids, MN - I remember the dog on the
ship and the rooster. The rooster went overboard when the 5 inch gun
was fired. Don't remember the friendly plane. Do remember when we
were anchored at Okinawa, a Jap suicide plane came over us, it had
dropped a bomb before it got to us, hitting another ship anchored
in our vicinity. His controls were jammed and I could see him trying
to break them loose. There was no general quarters but everyone was
firing at him. A destroyer got him. Our anchor was stuck and we stayed
over night by ourselves. Can't recall a lot of happenings at Aomori
Honshu. Saw a lot of sheet metal tied in bundles ready to be hauled
away and recycled for more war material, shells, etc. Did see one
grave yard and no buildings. Our group didn't go in very far. There
were cars and motor cycles with charcoal burners on their side cars.
Cars were mostly Dodges or Plymouths.

7/97-6 MEMORIES

FRANK WANITS - Schroon Lake, NY - Reading Americus in Honshu from
the diary of E. Max Cole brought back some memories about Aomori
Honshu. My duties and battle station at damage control was at the
boat shack on the fantail of the ship. I saw the ship proceeding to
the harbor with mine sweeping gear in use. I saw the sign painted
on the rocks that the Seabees were welcoming us to Aomori. I did go
ashore with a few of our shipmates and we did notice a fishy smell
as we walked to "town". On the way we met a Japanese policeman and
as we passed he bowed, smiling, dressed in a black shiny uniform and
a sword. Thoughts went through my mind as we passed him that if we
would have met a few days earlier we would have tried to kill each
other. As we went into "town" we could see a woman shuffle by in the
distance. When we got to "town" we saw a flattened mess of rubble,
the only thing standing was a huge safe that had probably been in
a bank. The streets were outlined in the rubble along with sewers.
We went further and lo and behold, we saw a Buddhist Temple. We took
off our shoes and went in. There was no interior damage and when we
left we didn't notice any exterior damage. We saw railroad tracks
that were not damaged. We all remarked that the bombers really hit
what they wanted to hit. (Fire bombs and conventional). The population
had retired to the hills surrounding the "town". It was an interesting
visit and of course I wrote a letter home and still have the Aomori
- post marked envelope - my mother saved it for me. One other thing
I want to mention, when we arrived at the dock to go ashore, other
landing craft were unloading supplies and equipment, what ship, I
don't remember, but I'm sure it wasn't the Lowndes. There was a cigar
smoking officer on the dock waiting for his jeep. A LCVP pulled up
to the dock, lowered the ramp so it was just setting on the dock.
The driver of the jeep drove up the ramp and the front wheels were
on the dock and at that point "gunned" the motor. The jeep's front
wheels stayed on the dock but the rear wheels on the ramp pushed the
boat away from the dock, well, the jeep ended up in the water. Not
only did the officer have smoke coming out of his mouth, but also
out of both ears and the sky was turning blue. We continued our visit,
but didn't see the jeep.

EDWARD BENSON - Rolling Hills Estates, CA - I recall on the last
liberty prior to leaving the States, Don Bowman and I had dinner at
my home in Los Angeles - Wished him well at Iwo Jima and BANG! War
what a waste.

BUD KAUTZ - As editor of the U.S.S. Lowndes News Letters I'd like
to share a little story with shipmates. One of my favorite foods has
always been eggs, fried, scrambled, boiled, in an omelet and even
in Chinese egg drop soup. One morning around 0900 I climbed down into
the evaporator room, a hang out that we enjoyed because it was fairly
cool down there after passing through the "Arm pit" communications
compartment. Broke out our little hot plate and a frying pan, tossed
a couple of slices of bacon into it and waited until they were nice
and crisp. Cracked two eggs over the bacon and cooked the eggs over
easy just enough so they weren't too runny. Lightly toasted two slices
of bread and made a sandwich. Decided to go topside to enjoy this
delectable creation. While leaning on the railing looking over at
the wide, blue Pacific I heard a voice coming from the deck above,
"Bud, if you got up earlier you could have breakfast in the mess hall."
I opened up the sandwich and the next word I heard "Touche"'. Don't
remember who the officer was but thought it was the supply officer.
By any chance, would that have been Clark Martin? Clue me in.

MEMORIES

ALTER KARSON - Elk River, MN - In the latest News Letter there was

a large and good article on the trip to Aomori, Honshu. I remember
that trip real well. To make a short story long, I was on the wheel
watch (8 to 12) that night on the way to the Philippines. I got off
at midnight, went down to the galley, had a ham sandwich and a cup
of coffee. After the war ended I had permission to sleep topside sc
I slung my hammock over a winch under the bos'n locker amidship on
the starboard side. I got into my hammock, covered myself with blankets
that were in the life rafts above and prepared to get some shuteye.
woke up about 2 AM with terrific pains in my mid section. Went down
to sick bay and got the usual 2 aspirin and told to come back at sick
call. Believe me, I was there and first in line. The doctor on duty
had me lay down on the table , gave me one jab on the side, told me
to go to my locker and get my toothbrush, shaving set and report to
sick bay for an appendectomy. He said just as soon as we drop anchor
in the bay he will perform the operation. Didn't like to do any cutting
while the ship was underway, very considerate, don't you think? It
was somewhere in the Philippines. After a spinal, the doctor went
to work. I watched the clock on the wall and it took him 52 minutes
to do the job. I thanked him for a job well done. (Wish I knew what
his name was). Got myself a bunk and stayed in sick bay for awhile.
it seems to me that we went to Espirito Santos and picked up a load
of heavy equipment and many drums of aviation gas. We then set sail
for Aomori Honshu, Japan. When we arrived in Aomori there were liberty
parties put together to go ashore. I was still in sick bay recuperating
from the surgery so they were going to bypass me. I screamed and
hollered and begged to set foot on Japanese soil. They let me go but
a doctor went along and kept an eye on me. The hard part was going
down a rope ladder and getting into a heaving LCVP. After spending
almost a year in the Pacific I was not about to miss a chance to put
my feet on Japanese soil. When we got on shore at what was left of
a dock, we were greeted by the awful stench from the burned out fish
warehouse. The buildings that housed the machine shops were gutted.
being a machinist I recognized the American made lathes and milling
machines. They sure had the good stuff. The town was burned, all that
remained were the tin roofs of their shacks and the iron sides from
their Singer sewing machines. In town their temple and grave yard
were left intact. Our fly boys sure did a good job there. After a
brief tour and a short ride to the ship, climbing up the debarkation
net (not a rope ladder) was all I could handle. The Lowndes was home
sweet home. After reading that article in the News Letter I began
to go through all the correspondence and notes and saved for all these
years trying to get some of the dates straight in my mind, I screwed
up as usual, trying to remember something that happened 50 years ago
as getting to be quite a chore. The News Letters helps to keep dates
and places in perspective. There is no better memory than a picture
of our ship and its name and voices from former shipmates. We are
a lucky group. Maybe the old timers from the crew (I think I'm one,
looking at 83). My biggest worry now is to stay off that extra page
in the News Letter. Sorry about missing those reunions, but we had
some health problems the last few years and had to stay close to home.
memories of the times spent on the Lowndes are getting fainter by
the year. I for one like to remember things as they were, maybe I'm
just an old fuddy duddy, but that's the way you get when you get old.
soooo, my advice is to stay young and healthy.

In 1930 85 cents would buy you five gallons of gasoline & 15 cents a quart of oil.

7/97-8
************************* ODDS & ENDS ***********************

Anyone interested in attending the play Miss Saigon, it will be
performing at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts until Oct.
26th, call 1-800-572-8471 or 1-561-832-7469 for reservations or
information. The Kravis Center is 1 to 1 ^ miles from the hotel. Cabs
are available. Check at the hotel front desk.

The Palm Beach Kennel Club holds greyhound races year round;
561- 683-2222. Located at Belvedere Road and Congress Avenue.

The average temperature at West Palm Beach in October is 84° high
and 70° for a low.

On March 21, 1512 Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon sighted Florida.

June Anniversaries

John & Sally Vernale - 6/ 7/47
John & Betty Lackey - 6/10/46
Bill & Amelia Taylor - 6/ /50
Cliff & Mary Schaffer - 6/22/46

July Anniversaries

David & Joanne Long - 7/12/52
Bill & Lillian Davis - 7/15/43
Jack & Evelyn Hovey - 7/23/46

"The older I get, the better I was. "

Had a telephone conversation with Warren Proctor on June 8th
and was pleased to hear that he and his wife suffered no damage due
to the tornado that hit Jarrell, TX in May. He did say that the
tornado passed about 5 mile from their house. It literally rolled
the pavement off the streets. One unfortunate individual lost 102
cattle, their legs were broken and their hides were just stripped
from their carcass.

SALLY CARY Dalton, PA - Just heard the news about Fred Brinkman.
Shocking and sad! He was just a real great guy. Will always remember
our Reunion in Myrtle Beach.

Also received word from Sally Cary regarding the Lowndes Lovelies
annual raffle, it will be one of the highlights of our Reunion in
October. As usual, she has made another afghan as first prize. 2nd
and 3rd prizes will be a hunk of cash to the lucky ticket holders.
The tickets are being printed now and Sally will get them in the
mail in due time to shipmates, spouses, ladies and honorary members
of the U.S.S. Lowndes Reunion Group. Let's see that she has a fine
response for her efforts in this worthwhile endeavor.

The response for a title for our News Letter has been very sparse.
Only 6 shipmates have come through with 14 titles. Surely there are
others out there with suggestions.

7/97-9

U.S.S LOWNDES - APA 154 NINTH REUNION
OCTOBER 23 THRU OCTOBER 26, 1997
PALM BEACH AIRPORT HILTON

WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA
TOLL FREE 1-888-777-7256

THURSDAY- October 23rd

Check in & registration - Hospitality room 902
Dinner on own.

1300-1700

Passes available to Kennel Club, if interested.
Hospitality room 902.

FRIDAY - October 24th

Board bus for tour of Palm Beach with step on
guide. Tour & lunch at Florida Culinary school.
Desert in lab. Flager Museum tour - a history
of Florida.

Return to hotel.
Dinner on own.

Business meeting Lowndes Uglies & Lovelies.
Meet in room 901
Hospitality room 902.

SATURDAY - OCTOBER 25th

Board bus to Port of Palm Beach. Board
Viking Princess (421 ft.) Buffet breakfast.

Ship departs port - Buffet lunch. ^^
Casino & Live entertainment. ^^ ^

Return to port - Brunch in restaurant.
Debark Ship BOX
Board bus to hotel.
Photo session.
Cash bar - Malayan/Coconut room.

* Banquet - Malayan/Coconut room..
Raffle following dinner.
Hospitality room 902.

SUNDAY - OCTOBER 26th

Breakfast on own - Veranda Restaurant in hotel.
Buffet or can order from menu.

Fond farewells until we meet again in 1998.

7/97-10 (Repeat)

U.S.S. LOWNDES - APA 154 9TH REUNION
OCTOBER 23 THRU OCTOBER 26, 1997

LOCATION:

Palm Beach Airport Hilton Check in: 3:00 PM
West Palm Beach, Florida 33405 Check out: 12:00 PM

Call Toll Free 1 -888-777-7256

FREE shuttle to and from airport and free hotel parking.
Airport shuttle in baggage area (near US AIR or DELTA
baggage area look for the phones).

RATES:

$55.00 (1 to 4 person occupancy) Subject to 10% tax.
Rates prevail for 3 days before and after reunion When
making reservations please make them aware you are with
the U.S.S. Lowndes for special rates.
MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE

Please respond by September 1, 1997 and make check payable to:

JOHN W. DYER

8851 E. SOUTHSHORE DRIVE
UN10NVILLE, IN 47468
(812)332-0908

Schedule of activities & events enclosed.

TAPS

Sorry to report that Fred P. Brinkman passed away on 12 May, 1997
shortly before his 72nd birthday on May 20th. He suffered with
lymphoma shortly after our Myrtle Beach reunion. During a telephone
conversation with his son David on May 10th I was informed that Fred
had kidney failure. Fred did get on the phone for a few minutes but
I could tell that he was quite weak, so cut the call short. He was
one of a kind and did the U.S.S. Lowndes proud with his continued
efforts since he and Roberta attended their first reunion in
Harrisburg, PA. in 1992. There will definitely be a void in the lives
of his loved ones and the shipmates who were fortunate to be among
his friends. He enlisted in the Navy November 1943 in St. Louis,
MO and came aboard the Lowndes in Astoria, WA September 1944 as a
Hospital Corpsman 2/c and was assigned to the Beach Party. Left the
Lowndes April 1946 at Norfolk, VA as a PhM2/c. Recruiting duty in
Hattiesburg, MS in 1947. Cook/Baker, Sun Oil Co. aboard a tanker
-'48/49 student Florida State University - '49/53 degree in business
administration; Air Force ROTC at FSU; commissioned 2nd Lieutenant
in Air Force. Manager Quincy, FL Chamber of Commerce -'53/56; Gen.
Mgr. Myrtle Beach, SC Chamber of Commerce - '56/64; Exec. Dir. Ocean
Highway Assoc. - "64/67 Deputy Dir. SC Parks, Recreation & Tourism
Commission - '67/70; Exec. VP, Myrtle Beach, SC Area Chamber of
Commerce - '70/73 Exec. Dir. SC Parks, Recreation & Tourism
Commission- '73/91. Retired January 1, 1992. Sept. 1992 - part time
consultant for 5 tourism organizations of the Myrtle Beach area.
Zeb Thomas, owner of the Dayton House-Best Western Hotel, a member
of each of the five organizations said Fred Brinkman was highly
respected in tourism and in the halls of legislature and was the
obvious choice. His shipmates of the U.S.S. Lowndes can attest to
his capabilities in all of the endeavors that he undertook. We all
wish Roberta and his children the best under these very trying times.

NOTE: George and Glenda Tuppan visited a cemetery in South Carolina
and photographed a grave marker of Wm. B. Lowndes, a South Carolina
statesman that our ship the U.S.S. Lowndes was named for. This photo
prompted Fred to attempt to locate descendants of William B. Lowndes
and was successful in this endeavor to the end result that an
invitation was extended to and accepted by William Lowndes III of
Spartanburg, SC to attend our reunion in Myrtle Beach, Oct. 1996.
This culminated in an extensive search which began in March 1993.
Fred was instrumental in introducing a resolution to have William
B. Lowndes inducted into the South Carolina Hall of Fame.

JAMES D. VAUGHAN - Lakewood, CA - Informs us that Joseph Botti
succumbed to cancer on 22 September, 1995 at the age of 84, and was
followed by his wife, Roberta, on 14 April, 1996. They had been
married since 1936. Joe was born 4 April, 1911 and enlisted in the
Navy 3 June, 1927 and boarded the U.S.S. Lowndes October 1944 in
Honolulu as a CMM in the A & B divisions. Joe put in 20 years 6
months in the Navy, having enlisted at the 16 by fibbing about his
age. He also served on many ships during his time in the service
- U.S.S. Amsterdam, Saratoga, Iowa, Northampton and the Astoria to
oilers, tugs, reefers and a stint at North Island in San Diego, but
the Lowndes was one of his favorites. After his discharge from the
Navy he put in over 20 years at the Long Beach, California Navy
shipyard in their machine shops. The information Bud sent me fills
in some important gaps on Joe's last stages at sea, and will help
me a great deal with the biography I am doing for his daughter and
grandchildren. I would like to make contact with any of Joe's old
shipmates that may remember him from those days. Can anyone help?