Lowndes Newsletter for March 1999

U. S. S. LOWNDES (APA-154)

11th. Annual Reunion
Washington, DC.
September 16 thru 19,1999

*Package cost will be $295.00 per person including:

3 Nights lodging.

4 Meals

5 or 6 tours in & around Washington, DC.
Bus transportation.
Banquet.
*Interested shipmates other than those listed below - please contact:

Bud Kautz or Leo O'Brien

Crew Members & Mates Indicating Attending Reunion

Lavada Boyer
Jim & Carol Bussard
Sally Cary
Howard & Lois Chappell
Jim Chilcote
Jim Davenport
John & Lebby Dyer
Dotty Flood
Bud & Jean Kautz
Ed. King
Don & Joan Macpherson
Margaret McGrody
Henry & Dolores McNamee
Mike & Jerry Michalski
Chuck Munson
Eileen Murray
Leo & Margaret O'Brien
Arthur & Marjorie Rauseo
Earl & Frances Robertson
Cliff & Mary Schaffer
Dallas & Lorene Stratton
Bill & Amelia Taylor
Walt & Jackie Umbarger
John & Sally Vernale

Details and schedule arrangements will be in a future news letter
as soon as they become available. At this time an outside source
is being used as there wasn't anyone in the Washington area to
to undertake this protect.

3/99-2

Earl Robertson St. Louis, MO

Received the group photos and note that Joanne long is looking the
other way and Jim Chilcote and Ed. King are obscured. (Note: How
many times was the phrase "If you can't see me or Jean - we can't
see you.") cited ? Our oldest daughter Ruth Ann and her husband were
over in Maui. We did meet them at the Honolulu port when we arrived.
They came into Honolulu a day ahead of us. We left on Sunday and
they stayed until Wednesday. I'm happy we had a pretty decent turnout
in Hawaii and hope something good develops in the Washington area,
it sounds interesting. I am a Pearl Harbor survivor and I was in
the Base hospital on Dec. 8. There was a particular item that happened
that day. I had a broken wrist in a cast from a motorcycle accident.
At the time I was in A Co. boat crew. The U.S.S. Oklahoma had been
to sea on maneuvers the week before, I believe all the running boats
except the Captain's gig were secured along with most of the crews
at what we called the coal docks. We went to the Marine base mess
hall for our meals. After being out on Pearl Harbor on the trip we
had at the reunion I wish I had asked Joel Rodriquez if he knew where
the coal docks were. It seems to me to be in the area beyond the
hospital grounds around a bend to the left as we were leaving the
harbor. When the attack started several of us from the Oklahoma
were waiting for liberty to start when the bombing started. Planes
were coming in low over us as they completed their runs. The Marines
were firing 50 cals and ships were throwing whatever was available.
Anyway, this one plane was hit and flying about tree top level a
little to one side and smoking very badly. One wing took a few
shingles off the paymaster building and then crashed on the other
side of the hospital where we were. The fire department took care
of the fire and kept us out until it was out. The crash was in the
area where some officers and their families lived. We finally got
back close enough to see that the plane had burned up and the engine
was 12 - 15 feet away. The pilot was still there with stubby arms
and legs - dead of course. Many of us who still had mobility (me
with one arm) were put to put to work carrying litters of the injured
arriving from boats and ambulances to the hospital. Anyone that was
able were moved to tents on the hospital grounds. Men who had lost
ships and not severely injured were also living in tents. Oddly,
until two years ago I happened to look over the Oklahoma's roster
and saw that I was listed as MIA. Since I was at the hospital at
the time of the bombing I didn't answer for muster of the remaining
crew members after the bombing. Thought this had been straightened
out the following week. Don't know why I was still listed as MIA,
but I wrote o the reunion committee and let them know I was still
very much alive. A number of us went beyond where the plane had
crashed to the beach and watched them run the battleship aground.
This was the same ship that Joel Rodriquez said was beached. Was
this the U.S.S. Utah? These ramblings are not in any chronological
order, but they did happen as I remember them.

Bill Thomas Oroville, CA

I have been unable to attend any of the reunions, but I thoroughly
enjoy reading about them in the news letters.

Mitchell Chasteen Florissant, MO

Thanks for keeping us informed and up to date. Very interested in
Washington, DC. Keep me informed concerning reunion.

3/99-2

Earl Robertson St. Louis, MO

Bill Thomas Oroville, CA

I have been unable to attend any of the reunions, but I thoroughly
enjoy reading about them in the news letters.

Mitchell Chasteen Florissant, MO

Thanks for keeping us informed and up to date. Very interested in
Washington, DC. Keep me informed concerning reunion.

3/99-3

John Lackey Burbank, CA

One day the guys were playing draw poker. They asked me to sit in. The pot was opened on jacks or better. I
didn't open. out of the five cards I was dealt I kept the Jack and Queen of hearts. I drew three cards which
were the Ten, King and Ace of hearts. I drew me a royal flush.. When the betting and raising was over, I
turned up my hand. You should have seen the eyes of the guys. Guess they thought I had drawn to a pair.

Note: How lucky can a guy get?

Mrs. Florence Richards Nebraska City, NE

Glad everyone had a nice trip to Hawaii. Had a nice 98th birthday, October 29th. Received 49 cards. Virginia
keeps in touch with me every day. Heard from the Michalski and Brinkman families during the holidays.

Dick Jones Donna, TX

Sorry we were not at the reunion in Hawaii. We left for Texas on the 1st of December. Will probably stop in
to see Big "H" on the way down south. Sending pictures from the 1997 reunion. Pass them to whoever.

Note: Will add them to the 1997 reunion album.

Virgie Engle Shelbyville, MO

Will try to update you on the Gene family a bit later. I sure would have loved to see all of you soon or make
a reunion or make a reunion. You were so much a part of Gene's life.

Don Lorenzl Gold Canyon, AZ

We bought a large house in a golf resort in Arizona. No more RVing. Note our new address and phone
number - 8389 Aloe Vera - Gold Canyon, AZ. 602-983-6971. See you in Washington, DC.

John Vernale Farmington, CT

Glad to hear all went well in Hawaii. "Bud, how come you didn't buy Jean a grass skirt?" I bought one for
Sally in Hawaii in '44 (I believe). After we were married she put it on and danced for me, (those were the
days). I hear the next reunion will be in Washington, DC. Hope all goes well.

Note: John, I did buy a grass skirt for Jean way back in on my 1 st tour of Honolulu in 1942. Sent it to her and
she put it on and had photos taken to send to me.

Leo O'Brien Maiden, MA

Sending a photo clipped out of a local newspaper regarding the U. S. S. Missouri. It shows volunteers and
former crew members boarding the Mighty MO during a ceremony memorializing the battleship at Pearl
Harbor.

Note: Yes, Leo, it was quite a sight when we toured Pearl Harbor.

3/99-4

John Dyer Jupiter, FL

Lebby fell on September 1st and injured her knee, ankle and hands. It will take several months to heal , ornei
than that we are OK, able to travel to Indiana for Xmas this year. Received news letter and sure enjoyed it.
Sounds like Stan did a great job. We will be careful in the coming year and ready to go to Washington, DC.

Frank Miller Kearns, UT

Frances and I were sorry we could not make the reunion in Hawaii. Sounded like everyone had a good time.
When the Mighty MO was at Bremerton, WA we went aboard it. Just to show you how stupid old sailors get. I
walked up the gangway and started to face aft and salute the colors, but then Remembered it was
decommissioned and I didn't have to salute. Old habits are hard to break. The VFW Honor Guard firing squad
keeps me pretty busy. In all these years this is the 1st, time I have ever seen a copy of the Japs surrender
document. I really appreciate it and will also show my children the copy. Just before Christmas I had a litti
problem with blood in my urine, had a check up and was put in the hospital for surgery. They found a malignant
cancerous tumor the size of your fist in my bladder. It was cut out and the doctors worked for 1-1/2 hours to
stop the bleeding., Christmas Eve the doctor made a house call on me and brought a bottle of champagne to
celebrate, the biopsy showed it had not got into my bones or muscles. Best Christmas present anyone could
have given us. OK now, will know more in a month.

Bob Henkels Dyersville, IA

The big "C" has finally caught up to me. They tell me it's terminal. Was diagnosed in January this past year.
Don't get out much and take it day by day.

Roberta Brinkman Columbia, sc

Sorry we missed the reunion in Hawaii. I had surgery in mid September and Fred's brother passed away a few
days later. Hope to see you in 1999.

Howard Chappell Wampum, PA

Just a note to let you know my status. Got out of the hospital a few days before Thanksgiving. Spent over a
month in there, went in on September 18th. Had reservations made for 10 days - 3 island tour in Hawaii, but
had to cancel. Lots and 1 were looking forward to the trip, sorry we had to miss it. Looking at most recent news
letter it appears everyone had a good time. Am now at home trying to get back my health, I lost my right leg
above the knee after several operations failed to save it. Got a new leg in early January. Hope to be walking by
February. Still awful weak, confined to staying in the house using a walker to get around. Will write later when
I get my strength back. Looking forward to the '99 reunion. Received the afghan that I won in the Lowndes
Lovelies raffle. Real nice.

(We have Frank, Bob and Howard in our thoughts and wish them well.

Two surgeons were watching a mechanic work on a car when the mechanic remarked, "You know
Doctor, being a car mechanic is perhaps as complicated as the work you do.

"Maybe," One surgeon replied, "But let's see you do it while the engine is running."

3/99-5

E. Max Cole

Lt. Macpherson and I took over
the QE-2 in a reunion.

Don Macpherson
We had a great lunch and a
great visit in LA harbor.
The QE-2 was great but too
big. I'll take the Lowndes,

Joan says she was there too.

Never know where Lowndes lizards
will show up. Acapulco, Mexico.

Ed. McKellar

Margaret and I joined Max on The QE-2 in Miami, FL and sailed through
the canal up to Los Angeles and back to Hawaii. Max sailed on to
Sydney, Australia and is probably back in New York now. I was ill
for over 3 weeks so this note is a bit late getting to you.

J. Shelton Scales Martinsville, VA
I was not in the Okinawa battle. Most people do not know about the
planned invasion of Japan - had the Pacific war continued. OPERATION
DOWNFALL would have been in two phases. Operation Olympic would have
landed 14 * Divisions on 1, Nov. 1945 on the southern beaches of
Kyushi. Then Operation Coronet would have landed 28 *Divisions 1,
Mar. 1946 on the eastern beaches of Honshu; Coronet would have
involved about 1,000,000 men/women and country support personnel.
The Mother of All Invasions!

* About 20,000 to a Division.

Joe Freitas Gustine, CA
Have decided to skip the reunion this year.

Paul Lineback Mount Airy, NC
Business dictates not attending the reunion this year.

Harry Ruether Jefferson City, MO
Unable to attend reunion due to illness.

So far today, God, I've done all right I haven't gossiped,
haven't lost my temper, haven't been greedy,
grumpy, nasty or selfish, or overindulgent.

But in a few minutes. Lord, I'm going to get out of bed,
and from then on I'm probably going to need a lot
more of your help.

Thanks Leo

TAPS

Randy T. Judnitsch

This is to notify you that my father. Franklin T. Judnitsch passed
away October 17, 1998, and a month later in November, my
mother. Dora Judnitsch, passed away. Please cancel my father's
membership in the U. S. S. Lowndes Reunion Group. Needless
to say, the appropriate changes are to be. made on the mailing list.

Franklin was born on May 21, 1922 in Park Rapids, Minnesota.
Enlisted in the Navy on January 13, 1944 at Minneapolis, MN.
Boarded the Lowndes on September 14, 1944 as a Fireman 1c.
Becoming a Plank Owner. Watch stations - main sv/itch board -
and steam turbines and stand by generators. Left the Lowndes in
December, 1945 as an EM3c. Last active duty January 4, 1946
at USN Personnel Separation Center. After discharge from the
Navy he was employed by Streetway Farm - White Bear Lake,
MN, Red Owl Stores - Park Rapids and Bemidj, MN, Cliffs
Mining Co., Nashwauk, MN - 8-1/2 years, Gresen Mfg. Co.,
Minneapolis, MN for 24 years. Franklin and Dora were married
August 7, 1945. Survivors are two children. He retired in April
1984.

3/99-7

U.S.S. LOWNDES (APA 154)
PLAN OF THE DAY FOR SUNDAY, 1 APRIL 1945

Duty Medical Officer; Lt (jg) Dunbar - Duty SK:McMaus, SM2c
Duty PhM: Nerison, PhM1c - Duty MAA: Schaffer, MoMM3c

Duty Yeoman: Chilcote, Y1c
0320 Call PPO's and BM's.
0330 Reveille. Call all hands. Trice up bunks.
0345-0515 Breakfast.
Davit boat crews, davit winch crews, and Demonstration
debarking troops will eat at the head of the chow line.
0430-0515 Breakfast will be served to officers in the wardroom.
0515 General quarters (morning alert).
0600 Approximate time for setting condition 1-Able.
0630 Approximate time for arrival in the transport area.
Demonstration troops will be embarked and davit boats will
be lowered away as ordered.
0815 Sick call for ship's company..
0900 Sick call for troops.
1115 Mess gear.
1130 Chow. Troops will eat immediately after ship's company.
1300 Turn to—continue ship's work.
1400 Wardroom will be reserved for marine officers for briefing
period.1600 Evening sick call for troops.
1615 Mess gear.
1630 Supper. Troops will eat immediately after ship's company.
1730 Supper for officers in the wardroom.
15 minutes prior to sunsert: Darken ship.
Sunset General quarters (evening alert).
1900 Evening sick call for ship's company.
1930 Eight o'clock reports to the Executive Officer.
2125 Tattoo.
2130 Taps.

Memorandums:

1. Besides regular watch standers, all hands on deck will keep alert
and vigilant at all times for any suspicious objects in the water, day or night, such as
floating boxes or floating mines. The enemy have approximately 500 20-foot motor-torpedo
boats in this area and may be expected to approach the ship at any time of day or night at
either high speeds, or possibly stealthily at night inder muffled oars. ANY MAN NOTING
ANYTHING WHATEVER OF A SUSPICIOUS NATURE IN THE WATERT SURROUNDING THE SHIP WILL REPORT SAME
TO THE BRIDGE AT ONCE.

2. All hands must be prepared to expect a possible attack by air-craft, by surface
craft, or by submarine, suddenly, without warning. All hands will wear their life belts or
have them handy within reach at all times.

3. While we are in this objective area, NOTHING WHATEVER will be thrown overboard
from this ship at any time, day or night.

4. DO NOT REMOVE BATTLE LANTERNS FROM THEIR BRACKETS. These lanterns are located in important places for emergency use only. They may well prove to be the means for saving
your life.

5. Blue hats and dungaree trousers and shirts will be worn at all times on weather
decks. Mutilated or sleeveless shirts will not be allowed.

6. CONSERVE FRESH WATER.

7. Any man wishing to strike for Quartermaster, please report to the ship's office.

Above - Supplied by Jim Chilcote. HARRISON GARDNER, Executive Officer