From: Carl and Elaine Johnson
To: Bob McErlane
Sent: Wednesday, June 30, 2004 9:44 AM
Subject: E-Mail
Hi Bob
We received your E-Mail message OK.
All the pictures came through fine. I was on the McGowan from July 51 to
July 55. I worked in the forward fire room. I came aboard ship after boot
camp because my twin brother was already aboard and also working in the fire
room. I went all the way around the world on one cruise and halfway around
on the last cruise. I crossed the equator once and became a shellback. We
almost qualified for the title of Blue nose but a storm cancelled that, we
were 45 mile short of getting that title. I was BT2nd. class at discharge
in Brooklyn Navy Yard.
After discharge I went to work for New
Jersey Bell Telephone Co. I worked for them for 31 1/2 Yrs. until March
87. Moved to Ormond Beach FL. in Feb 87. I had 6 weeks vacation coming to me
so we took it just before my official retirement date. We have 2 sons and 6
grandchildren.
I'll pull out some pictures of then
and now and e-mail them to you when we find them.
Thanks for calling.
Carl
----- Original Message -----
From: Robert Johnson
To: simba_webs@bellsouth.net
Sent: Saturday, July 03, 2004 6:12 PM
Subject: Congratulations and Add my name
to 2nd Crew list
Hi Bob!
I think it is a wonderful thing that
you have done! I haven't had time to give the McGowan website the
thoroughgoing examination it deserves, as yet, but it looks absolutely great
to me. I'm sure more photos will be forthcoming in due time.
Although you hve several Johnson 2nd
crew members on your roster, you don't seem to have mine, which was
surprising since you sent me the e-mail notification. At any rate, I would
be pleased if you would add: Johnson, Robert L. (Little John) SO2 Service
from 1951-55 aboard McGowan.
I am the Bob Johnson who is listed on
your website as a co-editor of the USS McGowan Newsletter for the
Association. I have also published a book about my service aboard the
McGowan, which is probably the most complete account you will find of the
ship during the period 1951-54, It is titled Fletcher Destroyer Bluejacket,
Voyages of the USS McGowan DD 678 195l-54, and can be obtained from
authorhouse.com, the publisher (Formerly 1st Books Library) or from
amazon.com or barnesandnoble, borders.com. It is modestly priced for a 6 x
9" paperback, and it is available in hardcover, also.
The book has been favorably
reviewed in The Graybeards, the publication of the KWVA, and is currently
listed in the bookstore of the Korean War Project, the Destroyers Online
bookstore, and the National Sonar Association registry. All have links to
Amazon.com and Borders.com.
The book has a very complet Ship's
history in the Appendix.
Again, Bob, my very best wishes and
congratulations for your accomplishment. I'm sure you will hear more from
me in future.
Fair winds and following seas,
Bob Johnson
#1 Frontenac Lane
Granite City, Ill. 62040.
----- Original Message -----
From:
Chrystal Daulton
To:
simba_webs@bellsouth.net
Sent: Monday, July 05, 2004 9:20
AM
Subject: U.S.S. McGowan DD678 -
Updating my Father's Information
Hello,
My name is Chrystal Daulton and my father Oscar (Lloyd)
Tompkins served on the McGowan during the Korean War. He passed away on
November 5, 1999 and I would like to have his information updated on your
web site.
v/r,
Chrystal S. Daulton
----- Original Message -----
From: Joel Laske
To:
simba_webs@bellsouth.net
Sent:
Monday, July 05, 2004 12:06 PM
Let me congratulate you on a fine web
sight.I served aboard the McGowan from Feb/ '50 Dec. '50. When I arrived
they were replacing the tubes with the radar antenna. That was done in
'Frisco. We also had a shakedown cruise also. After that we returned to our
home port, San Diego.
We were supposed to cruise up
to Santa Barbara for the July fourth holiday ,but we were rerouted to
Hawaii. We were then joined up with the rest of the Seventh Fleet en route
to Korea. Once we arrived at Inchon we had to replace another Destroyer and
we became part of the " Sittting Duck Squadron".
There are a few of the mates
that are missing from the ships' roster and if my memory can recall some of
those names and rates.
Tony Romano B/T
Doug Griffiths RD1
G. Clark RD3
Thomas Ross Miller SO3
Harrendorf,RD3
R.L. Sturgeon RD3
That's all folks
Joel Laske RD2
----- Original Message -----
To: simba_webs@bellsouth.net
Sent: Tuesday, July 06, 2004 8:24 PM
Subject: Fletcher Destroyer Bluejacket website (zipped)
Dear Bob:
Am sending you this information on the book. Use any part
of it as you please. My son-in-law is the experertise on sending you
this. I don't know diddly, but he says this may work. If it doesn't,
contact me and I will try to remedy the problem. Perhaps he can even send
you the photos I have of the McGowan through this process. Let me know how
things work out.
Best Wishes,
Bob Johnson
----- Original Message -----
From: Robert Johnson
To: Simba Labaaxe
Sent: Wednesday, July 07, 2004 4:50 PM
Subject: Re: Fletcher Destroyer Bluejacket
Dear Bob,
Man, that was quick! It's a wonderful thing that you have done. Thank you,
thank you, thank you! The whole operation of the website is just
fantastic. I'm going to send you a copy of the book as soon as I get a copy
from the bookstore. I'll send you some pictures and other stuff when I can
get to it.
Be sure to tell Dick Mackey all about your website.
Oh, one other thing: The publisher of the book, 1st Books Library has now
changed i's name to Authorhouse.com. Perhaps you can note that on the
website. Also that it can be purchased at Amazon.com or by phone at
1-888-280-7715. Many thanks for everything you have done.
Best Wishes,
Bob Johnson
----- Original Message -----
From:
cory hoover
To:
simba_webs@bellsouth.net
Sent:
Thursday, July 08, 2004 11:40 AM
Subject:
Lawrence Hoover
Hi,
Thanks for sending me info about your website. I just wanted to inform you
that Lawrence Hoover passed away July 15, 2001
Cory Hoover
Clearwater Packaging
(800) 299-2596 Ph.
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Thursday, July 08, 2004 3:04 PM
Subject: Re: Fletcher Destroyer Bluejacket
Again, Bob, my many thanks. I checked it all out as directed,
and it worked perfectly, even for me. If I can do it, anybody can, but not
everyone can do what you can do. How did you learn how to do all of this
website stuff? And how is it that you lived abroad for so many years? Fill
me in.
I am not familiar with Palm Coast, Fla. Most of my vacations
in Fla. have been around the Tampa area, The Keys, Sanabel, or in the
Panhandle, not on the East Coast. Thanks for your mailing address, though,
and as I say, I'll send you the book as soon as I can.
All my best,
Bob Johnson
----- Original Message -----
From: ht24955
To:
simba_webs@bellsouth.net
Sent: Thursday, July 08, 2004 8:58 PM
Subject: DD 678 website
Bob
Thanks for the email announcing McGowan's new
website.
My father was Ray Lafleur a crewman during
the early fifties' round the world cruise. Ray passed in 1987 and his McGowan
memorabilia came to me. I am a destroyer vet of the early 70's--USS Forrest
Sherman DD931 ,which by a series of miracles still exists and is shortly to
become a memorial in Baltimore. You might be interested in a visit to our
website at ussforrestsherman.org.
One of the McGowan items I have is a roughly
12 x 16 black and white photo of the McGowan at anchor. I don't know where.
This is of the type of photos that were commonly for sale in the ships store.
It is rolled and in excellent condition. There is a little twist though. It is
autographed on the back by Susan Hayward and Jess Barker--popular screen
actors of the time. This was a mystery to me for years as my father never
spoke to me of the signatures that I can remember, but cleared up by a Mr.
Tony Di Pinto of NY who I contacted via email , having gotten his email
address from the tin can sailors site crew registry.
He was a crewmember at the time of my
fathers service and tells of a port stop in Cannes France during the annual
film festival. This was during the around the world cruise.
He told of an officer meeting the two actors
ashore and inviting them to the ship for a visit. They toured the ship and
Tony spoke of being in awe of Ms Hayward's beauty as she toured his radio
room. He said that my Dad must have done what they all wished they had done,
an gotten their autographs on the ships photo.
Having discussed this with my old shipmates
we came to the same end. It is a nice memento of my Dad to me--but would be
priceless to someone who was there. It should really be shared with the
McGowan crew somehow. Maybe this new site is a way to do that. I also have a
few photos of the ship transiting the Panama Canal.
Feel free to contact me if you have any
thoughts on this.
Bruce Lafleur
----- Original Message -----
From: Robert Johnson
To: Simba Labaaxe
Sent: Saturday, July 10, 2004 12:33 PM
Subject: Re: Fletcher Destroyer Bluejacket
Well Simba, It's quite a story you
have to tell! You didn't tell me, however, how you happened to be in
Kenya or Zaire. I remember the Hutu's massacring the Tutsi's. It must
have been a horrific thing. You didn't say why you were in Somalia,
either. A very dangerous place for a white man, I would imagine.
Were you with the Peace Corps, or just an adventurer?
Well I really admire your computer
skills. I remember typing my first book on an Apple IIe, on about 8 or
10 floppy discs. Then when I wanted to get it published, I had to get
it all transposed into IBM format. I had to find someone who knew how
to do it, but I finallly found one. Computer development has come a
long way in a very few years.
I haven't checked out your
business site, as yet, but I certainly will. You seem to have made a
wise investment in your home in Palm Coast. Good for you. Granite City
is an aging Steel Mill town just across the river from St. Louis. We
keep wondering if the Mill will shut down (Now owned by US Steel)
because of foreign competition. It is now in the bankruptcy mode so it
isn't paying real estate taxes to the city or county. Things are touch
and go around here. My youngest daughter lives in Panama City, Fla. and
loves it there.
Well, I have continued to check
out your website and I have a few slight additions you might insert for
the 2nd Crew list. Gene Beck was mustered out as a
Personnelman 2nd. He was from Ill. and recently died of throat cancer.
Willard Blaise from Ill. was a Fireman. Bion Blunt
from Maine was a Sonarman 2nd or 3rd. I left before he was discharged.
R.E. Johnson (Big John) was a Sonarman 2nd. J.
C. Hunter was a Sonarman 2nd or 1st. Had a big handlebar
mustache, and loved to go roller-skating to pick up girls.
Charles Burleson's rank at discharge was SO 2. He was and
is from Birmingham, Ala. David Kelly was a close
friend. I recently located him and he says he was discharged an SO 2.
Richard (Dick) Weber was a SN ship's cook. Was the
only man I ever knew who was discharged on a medical for chronic
seasickness. He wasn't faking, either. Bill Blackburn
from Cairo, Ill was a SN ship's cook, also. "Red" Key
was the ugliest, baddest Bo'sin Mate 2nd or 3rd in the Navy.
Clayton Deshazer was the most profane sailor and Bo'sin mate I
ever met, and that's saying a lot. He punctuated between word syllables
with profanity! He didn't have any teeth to speak of, either. He had
been busted more times than you could count. He was mostly a SN.
Glen Johns was the most worthless man aboard ship, and
possibly in the Navy. He is in my book as John Glenn, in case he is
still alive, which I doubt. We always said this guy would either wind
up a millionaire or in the electric chair---probably the latter. He
also was from Alabama. David Glotsback was the
perpetual "Captain of the Head." When I saw him cleaning out a toilet
bowl with one hand and eating a sandwich with the other, I said "Dave,
don't you know that's unsanitary? " Unsanitary!" he said. "I've got the
cleanest hands in the Navy."
And finally, our first skipper
that recommissioned the McGowan for Korea, got his nickname, "Jungle
Jim," Eastwood from strafing an armada of sea turtles with a
Browning submachine gun from the flying bridge and lobbing concussion
granades wrapped in white toweling to sharks to watch them take the bate
and blow up. This was in the Carribbean after transiting the Panama
Canal the first time in route our home port of Newport, R.I. He was a
great ship handler, but not much of a conservationist.
You won't hear anything from me
between the 15th and 21st of July. I'm going to Lake Tahoe for vac.
Best wishes,
Johnson
----- Original Message -----
From: Robert Johnson
To: Simba Labaaxe
Sent: Sunday, July 11, 2004 5:55 PM
Subject: Re: Fletcher Destroyer Bluejacket
Well Bob, I checked out the McGowan
website, and I hate to say it but I liked the old homepage picture better
than the one of the Jorge Juan rampaging through the waves. I just thought
the picture of the McGowan that you had as a banner was the best depiction I
had ever seen of the ship. Very clean and impressive. Well, that't just my
opinion. Nothing wrong with the one you have. Just liked the other one
better. It would be great if you could save the old one for either the web
page or the home page.
I also checked out all the corrections
and additions you made to the Ship's roster. Thank you. I have some more
that you can make when you have the time, starting with LTCDR
John J. Phillips, our Executive Officer under Capt.
Elwood C. McCoy. There are also two Ensigns, H.H. MacLeod,
and an Ensign Johnson, heir to the Johnson outboard
motorboat fortune. I don't remember his first name. Then there is
C.D. Loftin BTC, and Stanley Souza Ship's cook.
Bobby Runyan was a QMSn, .Kelly Hodges was
a RD3 and John W. Grisham was a SO1. Robert Staat
was a Sn. That's all I can think of for now.
Keep up the great work
Best Wishes,
Johnson
----- Original Message -----
From: Robert
Johnson
To: Simba
Labaaxe
Sent: Sunday, July 11, 2004 10:20 PM
Subject: Re: ship's photos
Hi Bob:
I'm glad you found the photos on this website. I kind of just stumbled
across some of these pictures of the McGowan just checking out Destroyer,
and especially Fletcher Class Destroyer related websites. It is true that
WW II men would not recognize the Korean War fram tripod mast and the loss
of the forward torpedo tubes in favor of quad 3" guns to replace the old
pom-pon bofors guns. When I went aboard in 6/51, everything was still in
the WW II configuration, including the service ribbons on the bridge. That
was in Long Beach, Calif. The sonar gear was still the very primitive WW II
gear with earphones--nothing visual, and a fathometer.
The 1st fram conversion came in Boston Naval Shipyard in January, 1952 when
I was shipped off to Key West, Fla. for Fleet Sonar School for 6 months.
Good duty!!
When I reported back, I hardly recognized the ship. The sonar gear was
fantastic for that day and age. I often wonder what it must be like,
today.
I think your concept of changing the banner configurations to match that of
the three crew's expectations is very good thinking. I know that everyone
who served on that ship has an indelible memory of how it was. I say in my
book that for years I dreamed that I was back aboard that ship. Probably
others have had the same experience.
Don't worry, you will be getting a hardcover copy of the book as soon as I
can get it to you. Amazon says they mailed me copies on Friday. I hope you
enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. I think you will find it
very accurate as to dates and places.
My phone number is (***) ***-**** and I would be happy to talk to you at
just about any time, except for the night time hours when you seem to
thrive. I am mostly awake from 6:30 AM to about 11:00 PM. There are some
exceptions, depending on how much I have had to drink in the evening. Call
me when you can.
Best Wishes,
Johnson
----- Original Message -----
From: "David Yates"
To: <labaaxe@bellsouth.net>
Sent: Wednesday, July 14, 2004 8:18 AM
Subject: RE: Fw: U.S.S. McGowan DD678
Hi bob,
thanks for your message. i have been away for the last month and just saw your message. the phone numbers in the reunion news letter are no longer in
service. my cell number is:***-***-**** give me a call this weekend when the time is free. i am happy to see that you have taken the
initiative to
organize a web site for the McGowan. I do not know the person(s) who are compiling the email address for former crew members.
I can help you with
quite a lot of information about the crew members along with several pictures, etc. from past reunions. look forward to hearing from you.
your shipmate,
Dave Yates ex-RM2
McGowan dd678
arcadia ad23
----- Original Message -----
From: Eleanor
Grace
To:
simba_webs@bellsouth.net
Sent: Friday, July 16, 2004 10:20 AM
Subject: hi about website
Hi, I just got your email about the new website
for the McGowan. I have read some of it but will read it all very shortly.
You have done a wonderful job. I appreciate it very much. My name is Edward
Grace and I served aboard the McGowan from December of 43 until January 46.
in the first crew. I am now 82 years old and can not longer attend our
reunions. I have been to almost all of them and loved our times together.
this web site will help me keep in touch with all my buddies and make me
feel I am there thank you so much for all your hard work. Looking forward to
keeping up with all the McGowan news. Until next time, Ed. Grace
----- Original Message -----
From: Barb
Beery
To: Simba
Labaaxe
Sent: Friday, July 16, 2004 2:44 PM
Subject: Re: USS McGowan DD678
Received your website today but am unable to
receive the pictures. Is there something I have to do or is my computer not
set up for them, I am not that knowledgeable about the net. Thanks for your
effort. George L. Beery RD2 7/56-10/58.
----- Original Message -----
From: Carl
and Elaine Johnson
To: Bob
McErlane
Sent: Friday, July 16, 2004 2:47 PM
Subject: McGowan pictures
Hi Bob, I had 3 pictures of the McGowan hanging on the wall of our Florida
room , so I copied them and sent them in the mail. We tried to send them by
e-mail but no luck, all that we got back was an error happened on MSN. We'll
get to the bottom of the problem after we contact HP. There also is a
picture of my twin brother and me in the forward fire room on the McGowan
678. Did you know we were called the Red Devil Squadron at one time (Des.
Dev. 202)? I am going through some old pictures that I took while aboard
ship. I copy them if any of them are any good and mail them to you.
Sincerely
Carl A. Johnson
Original Message -----
Sent: Saturday, July 17, 2004 3:27 AM
Subject: Re: U.S.S. McGowan DD678
Dear Bob,
Thanks for the info sent in your e-mail. My Father was on the U.S.S McGowan in 1951. It was the DD678.
Wish you could send me that page , that is if you have it.
You have been most kind. Thank you,
Kimberly M Wood
Again, thanks for everything.
Take care.
Good-night.
----- Original Message -----
From: Eleanor
Grace
To:
simba_webs@bellsouth.net
Sent: Saturday, July 17, 2004 3:03 PM
Subject: hi about website
Hi, I am writing to you for my husband Ed. Grace
who was on the McGowan with the first crew. We love the web site but 2 days
ago when we went on we got all the nice pictures but now when we go on the
pictures do not come in. Can you tell me what might have happened. thanks so
much Eleanor Grace
----- Original Message -----
From: Eleanor
Grace
To: Bob
McErlane
Sent: Saturday, July 17, 2004 9:58 PM
Subject: USS McGowan DD678
Hi, I am writing for my husband Ed. Grace. Yesterday when we clicked on the
website all the pictures came in perfect on my computer. Today none of the
pictures are coming it at all. Do you know the reason for this and has
others wrote you about this same problem. I also wrote you an email a couple
of days ago for feedback from my husband Ed. Grace stating when he was on
the McGowan and how much he liked the site. Did you receive it. thanks may I
hear from you.
Eleanor Grace
PS. Please note my new email address. I would like to stay in contact with
you. We also have some pictures from WWII and we can send them to you as
soon as my son returns from vacation.
----- Original Message -----
From: Eleanor Grace
To: Bob McErlane
Sent: Saturday, July 17, 2004 9:58 PM
Subject: USS McGowan DD678
Hi, I am writing for my husband Ed. Grace. Yesterday when we clicked on the
website all the pictures came in perfect on my computer. Today none of the
pictures are coming it at all. Do you know the reason for this and has
others wrote you about this same problem. I also wrote you an email a couple
of days ago for feedback from my husband Ed. Grace stating when he was on
the McGowan and how much he liked the site. Did you receive it. thanks may I
hear from you.
Eleanor Grace
PS. Please note my new email address. I would like to stay in contact with
you. We also have some pictures from WWII and we can send them to you as
soon as my son returns from vacation.
----- Original Message -----
From: Eleanor Grace
To: Simba Labaaxe
Sent: Sunday, July 18, 2004 4:40 PM
Subject: Re: USS McGowan DD678
My such a wonderful experience. That
really must have been a wonderful time in your life. Ed. and I have been
married 56 years and in all those years I have constantly heard him say great
things about the time aboard the McGowan He made many friends and as we went
to almost all the reunions I too met many of his shipmates and their wives and
we had many wonderful times together. Unhappily many of the WW2 guys have
passed on and those that have not are no longer able to travel. This web site
will help Ed. relive those days and keep him up to date on the coming reunions
that he will not be able to attend any more. Keep up the good work and we will
pass along to our friends this nice web site they can go to. Our son who now
has the pictures will look them up when he returns from vacation and if there
is any we think should go on the web site, he will send them along to you. Bye
for now Eleanor Grace for Ed. Grace. P.S. We have a grandson who joined the
navy right out of high school. In the six years he signed up for he has been
off the coast of Pakistan for the Afghanistan war, and in the Gulf during
the Iraq war He was aboard the USS Kitty Hawk for these tours. This past year
aboard the USS Baatan he went to Iraq again for his ship to deliver fresh
marine troops and airplanes. He got out of the navy just this past Friday.
Sometimes he does not speak so highly of his days. But as he was only 18 when
he joined and now is just 24 we are hoping that as he ages he will think
fondly of the time he spent in there. He always say I loved my job but I did
not always like all the rules and regulations. He did go in a kid and come out
an adult.
----- Original Message -----
From: Barb Beery
To: Simba Labaaxe
Sent: Sunday, July 18, 2004 4:53 PM
Subject: Re: USS McGowan DD678
Thanks for resending the site, I now can
get the pictures. I'll send your address to Hope maybe she will contact you.
Thanks, George
----- Original Message -----
From: Beryl S. Williams
To: Simba Labaaxe
Sent: Monday, July 19, 2004 9:53 PM
Subject: Re: USS McGowan DD678
I want to sign up so i am going to get my son to help me. I have
pictures. I was a plank member and on her when we decommissioned her. i
will enjoy this can't do much any more.
Thanks
ART WILLIAMS FC 3 CLASS-----
To: simba_webs@bellsouth.net
Sent: Sunday, September 05, 2004 8:15 PM
Subject: McGowan DD678
Hello - I would like to be listed on the shipmate
registry -
Name - Paul V. Gehrs
Rate/Rank - Radarman 2nd class
Dates - 1958-1960
Hometown- Bethalto, IL
Comments - Would like to hear from any
shipmates that remember me - Hope I remember you! Thanks - please email!
To: simba_webs@bellsouth.net
Sent: Sunday, August 15, 2004 11:10 AM
Subject: Service on board the USS McGowan DD 678
I was pleased to have someone find me after
forty four years and give me this web site, who would have thought. My name is
Dexter B. Lockwood Jr. and I served aboard this ship from spring of 1958
until we turned it over to Spain early winter of 1960.When I left the ship I
returned to the states on the USS Wadleigh DD 689 Its been a long time, maybe
to long but I would like to get in touch with some of my old shipmates Yours
D. Lockwood CSSN
To: Simba Labaaxe
Sent: Sunday, August 29, 2004 10:10 AM
Subject: Re: U.S.S. McGowan DD678
Hello. Bob McErlane
Just wanted to say I also was a Quarter Master on
the USS McGowan and it looks like you may have taken my place. I got out
in November 1955 to go to school. I missed our ship and the people on it but
my future wife did not want to be married to a 30 day a year husband. If you
can remember anything that would put us on the ship at the same time let me
know if you have the time. I live in Mountain Home, Arkansas on a ranch. We
have a cow/calf operation. sincerely, Lee R. Farrier
----- P.S. My phone is 870-491-5992
Sent: Tuesday, August 31, 2004 10:41 AM
Subject: Greetings and information
I am Bion M. Blunt
Served on McGowan 3 July, 1952 to April 1955
Rate SO2 from Caribou, Maine
Missing: Thomas Givens QMSN and probably QM3 was on the round the world. Was
from Detroit. I believe I can supply more info on him by
later today, or tomorrow. I have excellent group pics of MOST of the enlisted
crew and I am
willing to share.
Thanks for your site. A great discovery for me. i<bmb1931@mac.com>
Sent: Friday, September 03, 2004 9:16 AM
Subject: Served on McGowan 1952-1955
I am Bion M. Blunt SO2 I have crew pictures, taken at Charleston Navy
Shipyard Boston; They are of outstanding Quality. I am willing to share them.
I sent an earlier message, but received no reply. Am guessing that you may be
taking a vacation. I can be contacted by phone at 757 430 0673 as well as by
Email <bmb1931@mac,Com> I am greatly
impressed with your great site, and am willing to help in any way possible to
make it even better.
Best regards, Bion
Sent: Sunday, September 05, 2004 8:15 PM
Subject: McGowan DD678
Hello - I would like to be listed on the shipmate
registry -
Name - Paul V. Gehrs
Rate/Rank - Radarman 2nd class
Dates - 1958-1960
Hometown- Bethalto, IL
Comments - Would like to hear from any
shipmates that remember me - Hope I remember you! Thanks - please email!
Sent: Friday, August 13, 2004 3:55 PM
Subject: Spelling
Simba,
Fred Hondroff should read Honoroff.
Thanks,
Simba Labaaxe
Sent: Monday, September 06, 2004 11:04 PM
Subject: Re: Spelling
Hi Fred
What years were you on the McGowan, and where do
you live now ( City/town and state). I have put you on the ship registry, so
do you have a message you would like put there ???
Bob McErlane
To: Simba Labaaxe
Sent: Tuesday, September 07, 2004 7:45 AM
Subject: Re: Spelling
Bob,
I was on board 3-57 to 6-59. I'm living in St Paul, Minnesota.
To: Simba Labaaxe
Sent: Tuesday, September 07, 2004 7:43 AM
Subject: Re: Spelling
Hi Bob,
Yes, I still have the shirt and I wear it once in a while.
Everything is going well, we missed you at the last reunion in New York. I'm
not going to make the next one in Baton Rouge.
Thanks for making the correction.
Fred
Sent: Tuesday, September 07, 2004 8:38 AM
Subject: Thanks!
Bob
Thank you much for your reply. I would indeed like for you to make known my
Email address. I would welcome contact with ANY McGowan
crewman. I have been in contact with Cory Hoover regarding his uncle Lawrence,
who was a shipmate. I am waiting for a few days to send him
a picture of his uncle and division mates to see how he survived Francis since
he is located in Clearwater , FL.
Regarding the photos. when the ship was in Boston Navy Yard, I was directed by
our XO, Lt. Commander Phillips, to rent a Speed Graphic to
take crew photos in anticipation of a future Cruise Book. I took the pictures,
and I am sorry that I do not recall why the officer
compliment was not included, or why the cruise book never was published. I do
know I did what was asked of me, I had 2 sets of
photos printed, one set was for, the other set I kept so that we could prepare
identification lists. About 10 years ago I came across my set.
Only one picture had an accompanying list. When they are posted, I would like
to have anyone who views them to identify as many crewmen as
they can. I will work out some system so that I can be informed and hopefully
attach names with faces. I am currently having the photos
put on CD so they will be easy to Email. I can supply print copies upon
request.
Bion
----- Original Message -----
From: David Bailey
To: 'Simba Labaaxe'
Sent: Thursday, September 30, 2004 5:27 AM
Subject: RE: patriot award
Hi,
Thank you for
your reply
J
Your site has now been entered in the Patriot Award winner's website
directory!
David
Patriot Award
Committee
http://www.patriotfiles.com
From:
Simba Labaaxe [mailto:labaaxe@bellsouth.net]
Sent: Wednesday, September 29,
2004 9:30 PM
To: David Bailey
Subject: Re: patriot award
Thank you for the award,
you have made a lot of sailors very happy
Http//:www.ussmcgowandd678.org
----- Original Message
-----
Sent:
Sunday, September 26, 2004 4:20 AM
Subject:
RE: patriot award
Hi,
We have
reviewed your site and we would be honored to present you with the Patriot
Website Award. To activate your award please copy and paste the code below
into your website and reply to this email with the url. You will then be
entered into our Patriot Award Winner’s web directory. Thank you for your
hard work in support of our military.
David
Patriot Award
Committee
http://www.patriotfiles.com
From:
Simba Labaaxe [mailto:labaaxe@bellsouth.net]
Sent: Saturday, September
25, 2004 8:22 PM
To:
webmaster@patriotfiles.com
Subject: patriot award
I authored this to give
the men who served on the USS McGowan DD678 the proper exposure that they
deserved for their duty to Country, service and ship.
This
site is a viable and living place where information is updated on a
constant basis and where the former crew members submit material for the
web.
I
am quite sure that you will not find another site with as much detail as
this site does as a tribute to the fine men who served on a U.S. Navy
Destroyer.
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Wednesday, September 29, 2004 10:44 AM
Subject: Official Results World Web Award of Excellence
Official Results Regarding your web site
http://www.ussmcgowandd678.org
Congratulations from all the staff at Art Space 2000.com. You have won the "World Web Award of Excellence" for
originality, overall design and appearance, ease of navigation, and content. Keep up the good work.