USS F RANK E . E VANS ( DD 7 5 4 ) AUSS F RANK E . E VANS ( DD 7 5 4 ) AUSS F RANK E . E VANS ( DD 7 5 4 ) AUSS F RANK E . E VANS ( DD 7 5 4 ) A S S O C I AT I O NS S O C I AT I O NS S O C I AT I O NS S O C I AT I O N , , , , I N CI N CI N CI N C .

Foot Locker Talk— Newsletter

Footlocker Talk

1st Quarter Newsletter

March, 2010

PLEASE JOIN US FOR THE 2010 REUNION PLEASE JOIN US FOR THE 2010 REUNION PLEASE JOIN US FOR THE 2010 REUNION PLEASE JOIN US FOR THE 2010 REUNION ---- SAN DIEGO SAN DIEGO SAN DIEGO SAN DIEGO

Hello Shipmates and Members,

It’s the time of year again when we start

thinking about the upcoming reunion for

2010. By now you should have received

your information about the reunion being

held in San Diego! If you have not re-

ceived the information, please contact me

immediately.

I know there are a lot of sailors that re-

member the good times we had in San Diego,

as well as those times we would like to

forget, or at least, not remember so

clearly. I went aboard USS Frank E. Evans

(DD 754) in San Diego when I was a mere

child back in 1952. That is when I found

out I had a lot of good brothers and ship-

mate’s I did not know I had. My two years

aboard "The Fighter" really helped me to

understand what this great country was all

about. I got to travel the western part

of the world and see how the other "half"

lived. I finally decided, I already had

the better part of living. Enough of that

for now. We will have time enough for re-

membering in September when we get to-

gether at the reunion.

The hotel we have chosen is the San Diego

Airport/Harbor Island located on the banks

of the harbor inlet. From this location

you can watch the ships come and go, hope-

fully this will bring back a lot of memo-

ries. I Almost wish I could do it again,

then I remember the 12 to 4 a.m. watch and

think better about doing it again. Any-

way, we will be there the 16th thru the

18th of September and you need to be there

to help us remember those good ole' days.

If you weren’t in San Diego, it will not

make any difference, the town has changed.

Last summer when we did the site visits, I

could still find a few places that were

there 58 or so years ago. It will mainly

be seeing your shipmates and their fami-

lies again that I am looking forward to,

so make your plans to be at our reunion in

September.

San Diego Hilton

Airport / Harbor Island

September 16 thru 18, 2010

See you there,

J. C. Campbell, President

2

USS FRANK E. EVANS (DD 754) SECOND COMMANDING OFFICER

FRANK DEWEY SCHWARTZ 16 NOVEMBER 1945 - 15 MAY 1946

CDR FRANK DEWEY SCHWARTZ, Wichita, Kansas

Anchored Higashi Suido (East Channel) Jin-

sen Ko, Korea. Change of Command ceremony.

CDR HARRY SMITH relieved by CDR FRANK DEWEY SCHWARTZ, USN.

CDR Harry Smith looks on as CDR Frank Dewey

Schwartz reads orders.

Frank Dewey Schwartz was born 21 November

1910, in Wichita, Kansas. Frank was ap-

pointed to the Naval Academy by Congressman

W. W. Ayres, Democrat of Kansas, in

1929.ENS Schwartz graduated with the class

of 1933.

“At the U.S. Naval Academy, he was known as ‘Admiral’ or ‘Unk’. He comes from way out there on the dusty_ plains of Kansas where the sun sets between his house and town, on the border line of civilization, at the jumping off place to the wild and woolly West. He got his first yearnings for the sea on the banks of the muddy Arkan-sas from whence at the tender age of 18 he came to Uncle Sam's haven of learning on the Severn. Girls, be-

ware of this tall handsome ‘snake.’ Women have always been fair game to him in any season. He is too versatile to tie himself down with an O.A.O. (one and only) and so goes about breaking the hearts of it mat-ters not who. His formula fits anything from red hair and cross-eyes to platinum blondes and velvety brunettes. When he was not dragging or writing to one of his harem, he worked out with Spike Webb' s protégées. At the end of Plebe Year, he be-came a casualty. However, true to the old proverb, he would not stay down, and spent a season with the beef trust recuperating for his big comeback in the ring. Frank listened to advice on anything he did and then he went ahead and did it the way he was going to in the first place. A fine sense of humor and comradeship have made our four years with him replete with valued memories. Soccer 4, Boxing 4, 2, 2 P.O.” Class of 1933 United States Naval Academy -

Lucky Bag Yearbook Pages 204.

Frank D. Schwartz served in various capaci-

ties aboard USS PENNSYLVANIA (BB 38 ), USS

PERRY (DD 340), USS NECHES (AO 47 ), USS

RICHMOND (CL 9 ), and USS DOBBIN (AD 3). He

held command of USS HUMPHREYS (APD 12) and

participated in New Guinea landings at Lae,

Finschafen, Saidor, and Hollandia; Bismarck

Archipelago landings at Arawe, Cape

Gloucester, and Los Negros Island, Admi-

ralty Islands.

CDR Frank Dewey Schwartz took command of

USS FRANK E. EVANS (DD 754) 16 November

1945, which he held until 15 May 1946, when

he transferred to USS AGERHOLM (DD 826) for

commissioning. He was promoted to Captain 1

January 1952.

Frank Dewey Schwartz was married to Grace

Levis, and had one daughter and two sons.

After retiring from the Navy in 1959, Rear

Admiral Schwartz worked for Boeing on clas-

sified military programs. He died in 1989

at age 79.

His significant awards include Legion of

Merit with Combat “V”, China Service,

American Defense, American Campaign, Asi-

atic-Pacific, World War II Victory, and

Navy Occupation Service.

3

Delbert James Hanson “Del” or “Hans,” was

born 3 October 1925 in Minnesota. He had

brown hair and blue eyes. He enlisted in

the U. S. Navy at St. Paul, Minnesota on 4

June 1944, and attended boot camp at Great

Lakes, Il. Del reported aboard USS FRANK E.

EVANS (DD 754) on 3 February 1945 on the

East Coast of the United States. He is

known as a Plank Owner, he was aboard the

day she was commissioned and was part of

the crew the first time she was taken to

sea.

Del reported that the highlights of his

time on the ship was all the places he got

to see: Bermuda, Cuba, the Panama Canal,

Hawaii, the Marshall Islands, Okinawa,

China, and Korea. Del always said he was

lucky enough to be aboard USS FRANK E. EV-

ANS (DD 754) to celebrate her first

Christmas at Tsingtao,

China, and the 1st anni-

versary on 3 February 1946

at Shanghai, China.

However, the best place of

all was back home in Min-

nesota. He arrived home

on 29 November 1945. Del

married Lorraine and lived

out his life in Austin,

Minnesota. They had 3

children and 3 grandchil-

dren. Del retired after

39 years with Hormel Foods

(Spam.). Del passed away

on 31 July 2009.

29 Nov 1945 Whang - Poo River Shanghai China

FEATURED 40’S SHIPMATEFEATURED 40’S SHIPMATEFEATURED 40’S SHIPMATEFEATURED 40’S SHIPMATE

YN3 DELBERT JAMES HANSON 1945 YN3 DELBERT JAMES HANSON 1945 YN3 DELBERT JAMES HANSON 1945 YN3 DELBERT JAMES HANSON 1945 ----46 PLANKOWNER46 PLANKOWNER46 PLANKOWNER46 PLANKOWNER

Del Hanson YN3,

Tsingtao, China 1945

4

RD2 CHARLES FRANKLIN SWENGEL January 1955

I, Charles Franklin Swengel was born 24

June 1936, in Nebraska. My eyes are brown

and so was my hair. In 1953, my senior

year of high school, I enlisted in the

USNR and served on weekends at the Naval

Air Station, Olathe, Kansas. I joined the

regular Navy 3 June 1954, at Kansas City,

Missouri. I went to boot camp at San

Diego. I was 17 years old. I, on purpose,

“washed out” of cryptology school at Impe-

rial Beach because I did not want shore

duty in the Aleutians. I’d joined the U.

S. Navy to see the world aboard ship and

pursued that goal.

As initial cryptology acceptance required

a “secret” clearance (FBI, in home

neighborhood with schoolmates interviewed,

etc.), when I got aboard USS FRANK E. EV-

ANS (DD 754), I was assigned to file and

up-date BuNavOp manuals when not doing

mundane side cleaning, yes over-the-side

with a bucket, brush, and “Babbo” powder

cleaner.

I had little conception what the charts,

tide, or buoy markers and depth changes

really meant. But I knew it was important

and made the changes accurately, despite

some being outrageously funny at the time,

say Peru or Scotland or India. In my

adulthood, and with more maturity, I real-

ized the need for such manuals to be up-

to-date irrespective of DD-754 being back-

and forth from Long Beach to Westpac; dry-

dock at Hunter’s Point in San Francisco

Bay, etc.

I later took correspondence courses for

Radarman and served as such for the last

couple of years aboard DD 754. In addi-

tion, I was a mail clerk because no Tele-

man was assigned in port or going into

port. I sold money orders, stamps, etc. as

might be expected, but really liked the

mail duty because it allowed me first man

ashore, via the Captain’s Gig, to get the

mail sacks. Since the PX or “geedunk” was

usually near the Post Office, I could buy

the 25 cent malt or hamburger as respite

from “SOS” or other ship’s food, which I

liked, generally.

My worst duties pertained to the 5" guns

in the loading areas or magazines. The

blasts really “shook” or startled me.

Generally, my two and a half years aboard

FRANK E. EVANS, my only ship except in

transit, are recalled with favor and admi-

ration. I never knew of any drug use, con-

traband, or illegal activities as I’ve

overheard others tell about.

As it turned out, I lived less than a mile

in Kansas City, Kansas from LTJG Hopson, on

the bridge that fateful 3 June 1969. By

then, I’d been home 14 years, but what a

coincidence of two young men from middle

America even being on the same “Tin Can.”

Chuck was already featured to be in this

edition of the newsletter prior to us re-

ceiving the report of his death. Chuck died

peacefully on 5 February 2010.

FEATURED 50’S SHIPMATEFEATURED 50’S SHIPMATEFEATURED 50’S SHIPMATEFEATURED 50’S SHIPMATE

RD2 CHARLES “CHUCK” SWENGEL 1954 RD2 CHARLES “CHUCK” SWENGEL 1954 RD2 CHARLES “CHUCK” SWENGEL 1954 RD2 CHARLES “CHUCK” SWENGEL 1954 ---- 57 57 57 57

E-mail from Chuck Swengel received last October 2009

If you are keeping “tally” for JC, re:

his front page request for feed-back as to

Branson. My/our view is GREAT place, no

casino, etc.; lots of peace & quiet or mu-

sical / shopping entertainment…new airport

which AirTran serves now.

5

From Rolf Buckner

I am enclosing a picture of our tree and

plaque at Arlington Cemetery taken on 29

Oct. 2009 that you might like to post in

the next newsletter.

E-mail From Rich Burke

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger

signed legislation that establishes an an-

nual Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day an-

nually on 30 March in California. Many

veterans groups are now expected to hold

events on that day. Gov. Schwarzenegger

signed the bill during a ceremony at the

Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in

Twenty-nine Palms.

E-mail from Pete Peters

Retirees and Vets Allowed to Salute Flag Traditionally, members of the nation’s

veterans service organizations have ren-

dered the hand-salute during the national

anthem and at events involving the na-

tional flag only while wearing their or-

ganization’s official head-gear. The Na-

tional Defense Authorization Act of 2008

contained an amendment to allow un-

uniformed service members, military retir-

ees, and veterans to render a hand salute

during the hoisting, lowering, or passing

of the U.S. flag. A later amendment fur-

ther authorized hand-salutes during the

national anthem by veterans and out-of-

uniform military personnel. This was in-

cluded in the Defense Authorization Act of

2009, which President Bush signed on 14

Oct. 2008.

Dear Mr. Holsopple:

I appreciate your contacting me about USS

Frank E. Evans DD-754. I have a deep ap-

preciation and respect for all of our vet-

erans. Our country owes those who have

made the ultimate sacrifice for their coun-

try an eternal debt of gratitude and they

deserve to be remembered.

I will keep your comments in mind

when considering legislation that would al-

low the names of the sailors killed aboard

USS Frank E. Evans DD-754 to be added to

the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. There are

specific criteria for what names can be on

or added to the wall. Generally, the names

include those who were killed in combat ar-

eas between 20 January 1967 and 30 March

1973. Names also include those who re-

ceived injuries in combat areas that later

resulted in death.

Again, I appreciate your writing with your

concern for our veterans. Our country must

never forget those who have given their

lives to defend our freedom. I encourage

you to keep in touch on more issues of im-

portance to you

Sincerely,

JOHN P. MURTHA

YOUR CONGRESSMAN

Note from Bill Branum

Just a short note to tell you my wife and I

beat our cancer so far. Tell Steve he can

do it, will pray for him. If I can get a

hop I will be in San Diego for the reunion.

Bill

MAIL CALL

6

Shipmates :

Thought I'd pass this along...

I have been trying to catch the episodes

of " WW II on HDTV " which have been air-

ing on the History Channel on our Time

Warner Cable System here in Lincoln this

week. It is a re-released series with

new, never before aired, color footage

from WWII.

It is narrated by the Actor, Gary Sinese.

One of the clips has dialog concerning the

return of USS Samuel B. Roberts DE-413

Commissioned in April, 44. She hit a whale

and had to return for repairs, then she

headed for the Pacific campaign On 25 Oc-

tober 1944 she was lost off of Samar in

Leyete Gulf.

The interesting feature, while watching

these battle scenes, and the descriptions

of anti-sub warfare. There on the screen

was a beautiful clip of the F.E.E. steam-

ing along - 754 clear as a bell on her

bow. There was no mention of the ship's

name in the narrative and there were no

other ships visible in that shot.

So I don't quite know if it indeed was a

shot from that era or if not, why it was

imbedded in that segment. I got "goose

bumps " when I saw that shot.( I stayed up

late to catch the rerun ).

Hope all is well with all

Mary & Mike Budler

New USS Frank E. Evans (DD 754) Ball

Caps, Order your cap today. We or-

dered these based on some requests that

we have something in the ships store

that reflected the year and place's of

our reunions These hats are the same

color as our past hats, the only dif-

ference is the addition of the words

San Diego 2010. Supplies are limited, they will not last long.

To order call Sylvia Campbell at

817-326-4644

Price is $ 17.00 + Shipping

ORDER YOUR 2010 REUNION BALL CAP TODAYORDER YOUR 2010 REUNION BALL CAP TODAYORDER YOUR 2010 REUNION BALL CAP TODAYORDER YOUR 2010 REUNION BALL CAP TODAY

Old Salts of the Navy.Old Salts of the Navy.Old Salts of the Navy.Old Salts of the Navy.

Poem Provided by John Coffey

I liked standing on the bridge wing at

sunrise with salt spray in my face and

clean ocean winds whipping in from the

four quarters of the globe, the ship be-

neath me feeling like a living thing as

her engines drove her swiftly through the

sea. I liked the sounds of the Navy, the

piercing trill of the boatswains pipe, the

syncopated clangor of the ship's bell on

the quarterdeck, the harsh squawk of the

1MC, and the strong language and laughter

of sailors at work. I liked Navy vessels -

nervous darting destroyers, plodding fleet

auxiliaries and amphibs, sleek submarines

and steady solid aircraft carriers.

I liked the proud names of Navy ships:

Midway, Lexington, Saratoga, Coral Sea,

Antietam , Valley Forge - memorials of

great battles won and tribulations over-

come. I liked the lean angular names of

Navy "tin-cans" and escorts - Barney,

Dahlgren, Mullinix, McCloy, Damato, Left-

wich, Mills, Vance, Evans and the Manley -

mementos of heroes who went before us. And

the others - San Jose, San Diego, Atlanta,

Los Angeles, St. Paul, Chicago - named for

our cities.

I liked the tempo of a Navy band blaring

through the topside speakers as we pulled

away from the oiler after refueling at

sea. I liked liberty call

Mail Call ContinuedMail Call ContinuedMail Call ContinuedMail Call Continued

Continued on page 7Continued on page 7Continued on page 7Continued on page 7

7

and the spicy scent of a foreign port. I

even liked the never-ending paperwork and

all-hands working parties as my ship

filled herself with the multitude of sup-

plies, both mundane and to cut ties to the

land and carry out her mission anywhere on

the globe where there was water to float

her.

I liked sailors, officers and enlisted men

from all parts of the land, farms of the

Midwest, small towns of New England , from

the cities, the mountains and the prai-

ries, from all walks of life. I trusted

and depended on them as they trusted and

depended on me - for professional compe-

tence, for comradeship, for strength and

courage. In a word, they were "shipmates";

then and forever.

I liked the surge of adventure in my

heart, when the word was passed: "Now set

the special sea and anchor detail - all

hands to quarters for leaving port," and

I liked the infectious thrill of sighting

home again, with the waving hands of wel-

come from family and friends waiting pier

side. The work was hard and dangerous;

the going rough at times; the parting

from loved ones painful, but the compan-

ionship of robust Navy laughter, the "all

for one and one for all" philosophy of

the sea was ever present.

I liked the serenity of the sea after a day

of hardship's work, as flying fish flitted

across the wave tops and sunset gave way to

night. I liked the feel of the Navy in

darkness - the masthead and range lights,

the red and green navigation lights and

stern light, the pulsating phosphorescence

of radar repeaters - they cut through the

dusk and joined with the mirror of stars

overhead.

I liked drifting off to sleep lulled by the

myriad noises large and small that told me

that my ship was alive and well, and that

my shipmates on watch would keep me safe. I

liked quiet mid-watches with the aroma of

strong coffee - the lifeblood of the Navy -

permeating everywhere.

I liked hectic watches when the exacting

minuet of haze-gray shapes racing at flank

speed kept all hands on a razor edge of

alertness. I liked the sudden electricity

"General quarters, general quarters, all

hands man your battle stations," followed

by the hurried clamor of running feet on

ladders and the resounding thump of water-

tight doors as the ship transformed herself

in a few brief seconds from a peaceful

workplace to a weapon of war - ready for

anything. And I liked the sight of space-

age equipment manned by youngsters clad in

dungarees and sound-powered phones that

their grandfathers would still recognize.

I liked the traditions of the Navy and the

men and women who made them. I liked the

proud names of Navy heroes: Halsey, Nimitz,

Perry, Farragut, John Paul Jones and Burke.

A sailor could find much in the Navy: com-

rades-in-arms, pride in self and country,

mastery of the seaman's trade. An adoles-

cent could find adulthood.

In years to come, when sailors are home

from the sea they will still remember with

fondness and respect the ocean in all its

moods - the impossible shimmering mirror

calm and the storm-tossed green water surg-

ing over the bow. And then there will come

again a faint whiff of stack gas, a faint

echo of engine and rudder orders, a vision

of the bright bunting of signal flags snap-

ping at the yardarm, a refrain of hearty

laughter in the wardroom and chief's quar-

ters and mess decks.

Gone ashore for good they will grow wistful

about their Navy days, when the seas be-

longed to them and a new port of call was

ever over the horizon. Remembering this,

they will stand taller and say, "I WAS A

SAILOR ONCE AND WOULD DO IT AGAIN."

Ships StoreShips StoreShips StoreShips Store We are in the process of making some changes to the Association’s Ships Store on our

Website. We tried using PayPal as the payment method for over a year. We have deter-

mined that the services offered are not in the best interest of the Association. The

charges for the use of the PayPal Account ranged from 3% to 30% depending on the trans-

action. In place of Pay Pal we have decided to go back to the previous method of order-

ing and paying for Ships Store items.

To order ships store item (s), (other then at the Reunions), go to the website and view

the items you would like to purchase. Pricing will be listed on the website, shipping

will be added to your order. To place your order, simply:

Call Sylvia at 817-326-4644

or

e-mail her at sylviajc@lakegrandbury.com.

8

In MemoriamIn MemoriamIn MemoriamIn Memoriam

Charles “Chuck” F. Swengel RD2 55-57 Kansas City, KS Deceased 2-5-10

Association member Charles "Chuck” F. Swengel passed away peacefully in his sleep 5 Feb-

ruary 2010 at home after a short but brave fight with cancer. Chuck was born on 24 June

1936, in Grand Island, Nebraska. The family moved in 1939 to Kansas City, Kansas, where

he lived his entire life. Chuck joined the Navy immediately after high school gradua-

tion and proudly served his country on USS Frank E. Evans (DD 754) from 1955 to 1957.

Not only was he injured while on the ship, he was part of a nuclear test site called

"Operation WigWam." He married Betty Jo Klempnauer on 6 September 1958. Most of his ca-

reer He taught at Coronado Junior High and was superintendent of the school located

within the state prison at Lansing. Besides his wife of 51 years, Betty Jo, he leaves 3

daughters, 8 grandchildren, 1 sister, 3 nieces and 1 nephew.

Ralph Te Velde ET2 52-53 Ontario, CA Deceased 01-29-10

Association member Ralph Te Velde was born 9 August 1931 in a dairy farming town called

Artesia, outside Los Angeles, California. Ralph joined the Navy in 1950 shortly after

the Korean War broke out. He served aboard USS Frank E Evans from 1952-53. After his

military service he attended the University of Long Beach, then worked for North Ameri-

can Aviation until 1969. In 1969 he moved his family to Ontario, California where he

started a dairy farm. He managed the dairy farm until 2003, when he semi-retired. He

is survived by his wife, Carol, 6 children, 18 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.

In his spare time he enjoyed military history, and antique firearms.

Robert J. Berger SN 51-55 Sioux City, IA Deceased 01-22-10

Robert James Berger, 76, of Sioux City passed away on Friday, 22 January, 2010, at Holy

Spirit Retirement Home. Military graveside rites will be conducted in the spring by the

U.S. Navy at Graceland Park Cemetery. Robert was born 20 March, 1933, in Dakota City.

He grew up in Dakota City and graduated from South Sioux City High School. He served

aboard USS Frank. E. Evans (DD 754) from 1951 to 1955.during the Korean Conflict. He

married Joan L. Berger on 7 July, 1956, in Reno, Nevada. Robert worked at Raskin Pack-

ing for 13 years and then for Sioux City Cold Storage for several years. He was of the

Catholic faith and belonged to the D.A.V. Robert enjoyed fishing.

Bruce William Caldwell YN3 65-67 McMinnville, OR Deceased 12-31-09

Association member Bruce William Caldwell passed away suddenly at his home while spend-

ing the holidays with his family. Bruce served aboard USS Frank E. Evans from 1965 to

1967 and was the captains yeoman. After his military service he launched his career in

the fire department, eventually becoming the fire chief. Following this position he ex-

panded his career to include teaching and consulting. Overall his career spanned three

decades in Fire Service. He is survived by his wife, Tawni, two daughters, 5 grandchil-

dren, 4 sisters and many other family members. He enjoyed basketball, music and was

known in the community as warm, generous, loyal and love of family and friends.

John W. Cornwell ENS 45-46 Tequesta, FL Deceased 12/23/09

John Wesley Cornwell III, passed away on 23 December, 2009. Born in Brooklyn, NY on 30

May, 1924. John served aboard USS Frank E. Evans (DD 754) from 1945 - 46 as an Ensign.

John joined the ship in December of 1945 shortly after the commissioning. He was a for-

mer resident of Garden City, NY. Former Chairman of the Board of D.F. King & Co., Inc.,

a Wall St. corporate communications firm. He is survived by his wife, Cynthia W.

Cornwell; his 3 children, John W. Cornwell IV of Huntington, NY, Pamela C. Rogers of

Birmingham, AL and Richard B. Cornwell of Ridgewood, NJ; and his 9 grandchildren.

Psalms 107:23-30

Those who go down to the sea in ships, who do business on great waters, they see

the works of the Lord, and His wonders in the deep. For He commands and raises

the stormy wind, which lifts up the waves of the sea. They mount up to the heav-

ens, they go down again to the depths; their soul melts because of trouble. They

reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wits' end.

Then they cry out to the Lord in their trouble, and He brings them out of their

distresses. He calms the storm, so that its waves are still. Then they are glad

because they are quiet; so He guides them to their desired haven.

9

Stanley Elder RM2 54-55 Keystone Heights, Fl Deceased 08/28/09

Association Member Stanley Elder passed away in his home town of Keystone Heights, Flor-

ida last 28 August, 2009. Stan’s wife, Betty, reported that He had been ill for quite

some time. Stan served aboard USS Frank E. Evans (DD 754) from 1954-55 as a radioman.

Stan enjoyed the association and was glad that he was able to attend reunions. Stan and

Betty attended reunions in the 1990’s until they were unable to travel any longer.

Mary Botto Mother of Andrew James Botto(69) Hughson, CA Deceased 09-02-09

Association member Mary Botto, mother of Seaman Andrew James Botto “Lost 74” died of lung

cancer on 2 September 2009 at her home in Hughson, California, she was 88 years old.

Mary attended the 3 June 2009 memorial ceremony in Long Beach. In a card received from

Mary’s daughter, Fran Camagna, wrote “we are so thankful she was able to attend the 40th

Memorial. She wanted Andrew not to be forgotten so our son (also named Andrew) read [The

Turn} at her funeral service and everyone was touched”.

Jack D. Rose GM3 50-53 Mesquite, TX Deceased 05-25-009

Association Member Jack D. Rose passed away on 25 May 2009 in Mesquite, Texas. Jack

served his entire military duty aboard USS Frank E. Evans (DD 754). His wife, Kathryn

said Jack often spoke about his good memories and the men he served with while onboard

the ship. He is survived by his wife, Kathryn, 2 daughters, 1 son, 6 grandchildren and 7

great grandchildren

L.J. Warson YMC 66-67 Chicopee, MA Deceased 01-09-09

L. J. “Dick” Warson passed away on 9 January, 2009 in Chicopee, Massachusetts. Dick and

Jeri were in attendance at the 1994 Las Vegas, Nevada reunion. At that time they lived

in Colorado. Somehow after 1997 we lost contact with them when they moved east to

Chicoppe. Dick served aboard USS Frank E. Evans (DD 754) has the Chief Yeoman from 66-67.

NEW MEMBER WELCOMENEW MEMBER WELCOMENEW MEMBER WELCOMENEW MEMBER WELCOME (Since 2009 Second Quarter Newsletter Publication)

Jack Allen ENFN 64-66 Mira Loma, California

Thomas Borgen Friend of Christopher Carlson Shady Cove, Oregon

Francis Botto-Camagna Sister of Andrew James Botto Hughson, California

Eugene Garrity FC3 50-51 North Weymouth, Massachusetts

Richard La Liberte Son of George La Liberte Asheboro, North Carolina

C C Write ET2 61-63 Clay Center, Kansas

CORRECTIONCORRECTIONCORRECTIONCORRECTION

In Michael L Reiters “In Memoriam” we incorrectly stated that he is survived by his wife

MarDel (Hansey) Reiter. MarDel is his former wife.

10

FROM OUR HISTORIAN

As announced in 2009’s last quarter’s newsletter, our historian was winding up his pro-

duction of several books about USS FRANK E. EVANS (DD 754), you, and your time aboard.

Six books For Purchase. “The Ultimate Cruise USS FRANK E. EVANS (DD 754) 1944 -1969" Volumes I, II, III

“The 278 Men of USS FRANK E. EVANS (DD 754) - 3 June 1969" (Survivors)

“USS FRANK E. EVANS Command & Control”

“Articles About Frank E. Evans - Melbourne Collision”

USS FRANK E. EVANS (DD 754) BOOK OFFERINGUSS FRANK E. EVANS (DD 754) BOOK OFFERINGUSS FRANK E. EVANS (DD 754) BOOK OFFERINGUSS FRANK E. EVANS (DD 754) BOOK OFFERING

You can purchase one or more books directly from the publisher at www.lulu.com. Just go

to their website, click on Buy, then search for “Frank E. Evans.” Your book will be pub-

lished within 10-15 days and shipped to your home. USS Frank E. Evans Association Inc.

will receive $ 2.50 for every book purchased. If you do not have internet and want to

purchase, contact Steve Kraus at 760-941-8184. Steve will place the order for you, have

the book shipped directly to you and you will then reimburse the Association. For all DVD

orders also contact Steve at 760-941-8184.

The first three cover the ‘40s, ‘50s and ‘60s. Each book stands alone, but there are

overlaps in the ‘50s to ‘60s volume, and in the ‘60s to 278 Men book. For the specific

era, each book lists the name of every man who served, the date he came aboard, and per-

haps what happened when he was there. Volume III includes events leading up to the col-

lision on 3 June 1969. The fourth book, The 278 Men, describes the men and events asso-

ciated with the collision. Book five is about the 18 men who were in command of the

ship, and book six is a collection of articles about the collision between USS FRANK E.

EVANS and HMAS MELBOURNE.

“Frank E. Evans -

the Ship” runs 22 min-utes and features an 8

song sound track, 307

slides including USS

FRANK E. EVANS (DD

754), commanding offi-

cers, and “stock scenes

of the interior and

ports of call.

“Lest We Forget II - 3 June 1969" runs 27 minutes and features a

6 song sound track,

422 slides of the col-

lision and other re-

lated events including

64 photos of the “Lost

74,” and 83 photos of

the 199 survivors. $ 10.00 + S & H

$ 10.00 + S & H DVD’S FOR PURCHASE

11

There was a young woman who had been diag-

nosed with a terminal illness and had been

given three months to live. So as she was

getting her things "in order," she con-

tacted her Pastor and had him come to her

house to discuss certain aspects of her

final wishes.

She told him which songs she wanted sung

at the service, what scriptures she would

like read, and what outfit she wanted to

be buried in.

Everything was in order and the Pastor was

preparing to leave when the young woman

suddenly remembered something very impor-

tant to her.

"There's one more thing," she said excit-

edly.

"What's that?" came the Pastor's reply.

"This is very important," the young woman

continued. "I want to be buried with a

fork in my right hand."

The Pastor stood looking at the young

woman, not knowing quite what to say.

That surprises you, doesn't it?" the young

woman asked.

"Well, to be honest, I'm puzzled by the

request," said the Pastor.

The young woman explained. "My grandmother

once told me this story, and from that

time on I have always tried to pass along

its message to those I love and those who

are in need of encouragement. In all my

years of attending socials and dinners, I

always remember that when the dishes of

the main course were being cleared, some-

one would inevitably lean over and say,

'Keep your fork.' It was my favorite part

because I knew that something better was

coming...like velvety chocolate cake or

deep-dish apple pie. Something wonderful,

and with substance!”

So, I just want people to see me there in

that casket with a fork in my hand and I

want them to wonder "What's with the

fork?" Then I want you to tell them: "Keep

your fork, the best is yet to come."

The Pastor's eyes welled up with tears of

joy as he hugged the young woman good-bye.

He knew this would be one of the last times

he would see her before her death. But he

also knew that the young woman had a better

grasp of heaven than he did. She had a

better grasp of what heaven would be like

than many people twice her age, with twice

as much experience and knowledge. She knew

that something better was coming.

At the funeral people were walking by the

young woman's casket and they saw the cloak

she was wearing and the fork placed in her

right hand. Over and over, the Pastor

heard the question, "What's with the fork?"

And over and over he smiled.

During his message, the Pastor told the

people of the conversation he had with the

young woman shortly before she died. He

also told them about the fork and about

what it symbolized to her. He told the

people how he could not stop thinking about

the fork and told them that they probably

would not be able to stop thinking about it

either.

He was right. So the next time you reach

down for your fork let it remind you, ever

so gently, that the best is yet to come.

Friends are a very rare jewel, indeed. They

make you smile and encourage you to suc-

ceed. They lend an ear, they share a word

of praise, and they always want to open

their hearts to us.

Show your friends how much you care. Re-

member to always be there for them, even

when you need them more. For you never

know when it may be their time to:

"KEEP YOUR FORK."

KEEP THE FORKKEEP THE FORKKEEP THE FORKKEEP THE FORK

Submitted by John CoffeySubmitted by John CoffeySubmitted by John CoffeySubmitted by John Coffey

A Helping Hand

During the last months we have received

notice of several shipmates that have died

after a illness. Please let us know if

you learn of any shipmates, members or

friends that maybe in need of a helping

hand, a kind word or just a few prayers.

Please let Steve Kraus know of any ill-

nesses or special needs. Call him at 760-

941-8184 or e-mail him at kraussa@cox.net.

He will gladly rally the troops o n your

behalf.

12

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This newsletter is published by:

USS FRANK E. EVANS (DD 754) ASSOCIATION, INC

P.O. BOX 164

GRANBURY, TX 76048

WWW.USSFEE.ORG

LEST WE FORGET, the “LOST 74” DIED in SUPPORT of the VIETNAM WAR

This year, the Executive officers and Authors of Patriot Media, are sponsoring three Military Associations, including USS Frank E. Evans (DD 754) Association. As a matter of giving back to those who gave freely of themselves for the defense of our nation,

America, Patriot Media is delighted to offer a way to help us to fund special projects and programs.

The Military Associations Patriot Media currently Sponsors are:

1. The Silver Eagle Association: A group of US Naval, Marine, and Army Air Pilots with beginnings in WWII. WE hope to help these last few remaining NAP's attend the 100 year Anniversary of NAS Pensacola, FL where many of them learned to fly. Visit the Silver Eagles Web site: www.vpnavy.org/silver_eagles.html or write to Silver Eagle Secretary Robert Fife: Silver-

eagle@patriotmediainc.com God Bless America's Silver Eagles.

2. The USS Clamagore Veterans Association: This group of Submarine Veterans which also holds members whose Submarine ca-

reers began in WWII, is interested in the continued preservation of the last American Diesel Submarine in existence. The USS

Clamagore needs to be moved to dry land. We applaud their efforts and hope the funds raised through Patriot Media inspires and

helps them begin to tackle this project. Good Luck and God Bless your efforts -USS Clamagore Veterans. www.cvanews.org/

3. The USS Frank E. Evans DD754 Association Inc. We are proud to sponsor this organizations efforts to add the names of the 74

Crewmembers (lost during the collision of the USS Frank E. Evans with the HMAS Melbourne) to the Viet Nam Memorial Wall,

and to further build memorials in the home states of all the lost crew members. We support and thank them for their efforts. God

Bless those Unsinkable Sailors and their efforts to memorialize their mates. www.ussfee.org

If you haven’t purchased your copy of “Unsinkable Sailors” do yourself a favor, it’s a great book

and the donation from Patriots Media helps us continue to commemorate our Lost 74 Shipmates!

info@patriotmediainc.com

or by phone (850)897-4204

Patriot Media Sponsors USS Frank E. Evans (DD 754) AssociationPatriot Media Sponsors USS Frank E. Evans (DD 754) AssociationPatriot Media Sponsors USS Frank E. Evans (DD 754) AssociationPatriot Media Sponsors USS Frank E. Evans (DD 754) Association