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

Newsletter

2009 Fourth Quarter

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR OUR 2010 REUNION

Mark your calendars now for our

2010 reunion to be held at the Hilton Airport / Harbor Hotel on

the bay in San Diego, California.

The official dates of the reunion

are September 16-18, 2010.

In January, 2010 we will send out

all the details regarding the re-

union. Since the reunion is less

than a year away, it’s not to

early to plan your vacation around

the reunion.

HILTON AIRPORT / HARBOR HOTEL

Ahoy Shipmates,

We are looking forward to

returning to the original

homeport of “The Fighter”

in 2010, San Diego. Our

1997 reunion was held there

and those of us who were in

attendance then, are now

looking forward to the op-

portunity of making more

memories in 2010. We ex-

pect the San Diego reunion

to top all our previous re-

unions.

In mid-August, Sylvia and I

drove to Branson, Missouri

to join a group of reunion

planners representing 70

military organizations;

some groups smaller and

some larger than our asso-

ciation. We were invited

to see what Branson has to

offer military reunions.

We were surprised at what

we learned about Branson.

The city has a reputation

of showing a spirit of pa-

triotism and a heartfelt

respect for veterans. I

would like to hear your

thoughts, one way or the

other, on Branson being a

future reunion destination.

I have recently read Paul

Sherbo’s book UNSINKABLE

SAILORS, “The fall and rise

of the last crew of USS

Frank E. Evans”. He pro-

vides a very engaging de-

scription of the events as

told by some of those who

lived thru the experience.

The reader will gain a bet-

ter understanding of the

events of 3 June, 1969.

If you would like to order

a copy, go to website:

WWW.ussfee.org to order a

copy.

As you know, we are in the

process of electing two of-

ficers of our association.

Nomination letters were

sent, nominations received

and ballots mailed to each

association member. As I

am writing this letter,

ballots are being received

and counted by secretary,

Sylvia Campbell. When the

votes are counted your se-

lection will be made known.

I want to express my appre-

ciation to each of you who

have participated in this

process. Your vote is im-

portant to the association.

However, your continued in-

terest and support is very

vital to the continued suc-

cess of your association.

Thanks and stay in touch!

Lest We Forget,

J. C. Campbell President

2

From our Historian... I am getting closer to "finally" finish-

ing the books about you and your ship, a

task started almost three years ago. As

of 15 September 2009, I have closed out

the solicitation process and will not ac-

cept any future submissions. It was most

gratifying hearing from the men and fami-

lies who were interested enough and took

the time to participate.

Book # 1 The Ultimate Cruise,

USS FRANK E. EVANS (DD 754) 1944 - 1969

I’m now starting the publication process

for The Ultimate Cruise, USS FRANK E. EVANS

(DD 754) 1944 - 1969. "The Ultimate Cruise

Book" will have approximately 938 pages,

with 1,447 photos or figures. Being so un-

wieldy, there will be 3 Volumes, 40s, 50s, and 60s. Each volume will stand alone so anyone can purchase one, two or all

three volumes.

The Ultimate Cruise, USS FRANK E. EVANS (DD

754) 1944 - 1969 is a historical collection

of names, stories, and photographs depict-

ing the 4,258 officers and men who sailed

in her from 3 February 1945 until disaster

struck on 3 June 1969.

Written from official government records,

transcripts of oral interviews, and submis-

sions from individual sailors or their

families, The Ultimate Cruise, USS FRANK E.

EVANS (DD 754) 1944 - 1969 captures the es-

sence of life aboard a U. S. Navy de-

stroyer.

“Every destroyer screened convoys, bom-

barded shore targets and was shot at from

land, sea, and air. At times they did this

nightly without sleep, with only the effec-

tiveness of their radar and guns to save

them from much more severe losses. For all

the ships, there was always the tropical

heat, the boredom of day-to-day life far

from home, the never-ending tasks such as

chipping paint only to paint it over again,

replenishment, gunnery drill, Spam, and

LIBERTY!”

Book # 2 The 278 Men of USS FRANK E. EVANS

(DD 754) - 3 June 1969

The book The 278 Men of USS FRANK E. EVANS

(DD 754) - 3 June 1969 is not quite com-

pleted. It will probably be a two volume

set.

I'm making good progress with online, on

demand printing. There will be no inven-

tory. I plan to have samples at the 2010

reunion in San Diego. Individuals can make

purchases directly from the on-line print-

ing establishment. The cost of the books

has yet to be determined.

Along the way, some shipmates have filed

their final sailing papers. Some were con-

tributors to this effort. Thanks! Your mem-

ory will live on. We will not forget you.

To the rest of you survivors, thanks for

your patience. I wanted to get my oars in

the water early to let you know, this noble

effort is drawing to a close. Results will

be available at the reunion.

About the Author

Frank Jablonski is the Historian for the

USS FRANK E. EVANS (DD 754) Association,

INC. Frank, a former sailor and reactor

inspector, lives in Florida with his wife

and two collies. Frank and Terri have six

children, fifteen grandchildren, and two

great grandchildren. Frank and Terri will

celebrate their 50th Wedding Anniversary

this October,

2009. The Asso-

ciation membership

extends its sin-

cere thanks and

appreciation for

the hard work and

dedication that

Frank has done to

maintain the his-

tory of USS Frank

E. Evans (DD

754)..

BRAVO ZULU FRANK

In the following pages of this news letter, the reader will find the

First Commanding Officer and Featured 40’ 50’ and 60’s articles that are

excerpts from the The Ultimate Cruise, USS FRANK E. EVANS (DD 754) 1944

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

books. These articles are representative of the information that is be-ing developed for each of these publications

3

Harry Smith was born 24 March 1909, in

Northeastern England, at South Shields

on the Tyne River, but he claimed Wash-

ington, D. C. as home. Outside of his

affection for the ‘old country’ one

would never suspect him being a Limey.

Washington had its effect on his early

life. As a midshipman, it seemed to him

that a regulation was made only to be

disregarded if it interfered with com-

fort, and that academics were just an-

other of those things necessary to weed

out the wooden. A youngster cruise on

the Oklahoma saw ‘Lime’ in Panama where

good times were to be had for seemingly

noting. When he wasn’t busy collecting

cigarette butts, ‘ O’ ‘ y’ worked out on

the cinder path with the varsity track

squad or played foot ball for the honor

of the fighting third. Not out in

front, not in the rear, but somewhere in

the van you will find Harry forging

ahead. Forging ahead in the realm of

the future and gaining the respect of

all those who serve with him. “We can

say no more than this. There are none

who do not respect him.” Class of 1930

United States Naval Academy Lucky Bag

Yearbook Page 153

Ensign Harry Smith

graduated from the

U.S. Naval Academy

in 1930. He served

a variety of posi-

tions in the fleet

and worked himself

up the chain of

command. Prior to

taking command of

USS FRANK E. EVANS,

LCDR Smith was Flag

Lieutenant and Sig-

nal Officer to

Vice Admiral Frank

Jack Fletcher in USS SARATOGA (CV 3) lead-

ing the attack at Guadalcanal in August

1942.

Commissioning Ceremony - USS FRANK E. EVANS

(DD 754) was accepted for use in the Naval

Service by Rear Admiral F. A. Daubin, U.S.

Navy, Commandant, U.S. Navy Yard, New York,

on 3 February 1945.

In 1958, Rear Admiral Harry Smith was Offi-

cer in Charge DESTROYER FLOTILLA 5 involved

with recovering space capsules. By 1959,

Rear Admiral Harry Smith was Deputy Chief

of Staff, Logistics and Administration,

Naples, Italy.

In July 1965, after 39 years service, Rear

Admiral Harry Smith retired.

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

HARRY SMITH 3 FEBUARY 1945 - 16 NOVEMBER 1946

Foot Locker Talk— Newsletter Visit us at our website www.ussfee.org

4

Homer Leroy Smith

was born 6 Febru-

ary 1926, at Alma,

West Virginia. He

enlisted in the

Navy 9 November

1943, and entered

the Naval Academy

22 July 1945. ENS

Smith graduated 3

June 1949. On 6

July, ENS Homer L.

Smith reported

aboard USS FRANK

E. EVANS (DD 754)

for his 1ST duty

assignment.

He transferred to the destroyer USS HANK

(DD 702), and then entered Flight School

at NAS Pensacola, Florida. In 1951 he was

designated a Naval Aviator, assigned to

VF-33, flying the F9F-6 Cougar. In 1954

he transferred to NAS Akron, Ohio. LT

Smith entered the U.S. Naval Postgraduate

School at Monterey, California, followed

by service as an instructor with the Navy

ROTC unit at the University of Southern

California. He then joined VA-125, fol-

lowed by VA-155 flying the A4D Skyhawk.

LCDR Smith attended Naval War College in

Rhode Island until July 1963, followed by

service as an instructor at the Naval

Academy through January 1965, then joined

VA-125 at NAS Lemoore, CA. He took com-

mand of VA-212 later in 1965. CDR Smith

began flying combat missions off the air-

craft carrier USS HANCOCK (CVA 19) in De-

cember 1965, finishing his first tour in

July 1966. He returned for his second

tour in February 1967 aboard the aircraft

carrier USS BON HOMME RICHARD (CVA 31). He

was forced to eject over North Vietnam

while flying his 200th combat mission. He

was captured on 20 May 1967. CAPT Smith

was tortured to death by his North Viet-

namese captors on 21 May 1967. His re-

mains were returned to the United States

13 March 1974. CAPT Homer L. Smith re-

ceived the Navy Cross. He was buried at

the U. S. Naval Academy Cemetery at Anna-

polis, Maryland.

NAVY CROSS

For extraordinary heroism on 19 and 20 May

1967, while serving as Commanding Officer

of Attack Squadron TWO HUNDRED TWELVE, em-

barked in USS BON HOMME RICHARD (CVA 31),

during aerial attacks on two strategically

important and heavily defended thermal

power plants in Hanoi and Bac Giang, North

Vietnam. As strike leader in each of these

actions against the enemy, Captain (then

Commander) Smith was faced with adverse

weather and difficult terrain, formidable

opposition from the enemy, and the neces-

sity for violent, evasive maneuvering. De-

spite these obstacles, he expertly led his

strike groups in executing brilliantly

successful attacks which substantially

hindered the enemy in his efforts to make

war. By his heroic actions, superb airman-

ship, and inspiring devotion to duty

throughout, Captain Smith reflected great

credit upon himself and his squadron, and

upheld the highest traditions of the Unite

States Naval Service.

CAPT Homer L. Smith’s significant medals

and awards include: Navy Cross, Silver

Star, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Fly-

ing Cross, Purple Heart, Air Medal, Navy &

Marine Corps Commendation, Combat Action,

Navy Presidential Unit, Prisoner of War,

American Campaign, World War II Victory,

Navy Occupation, National Defense, Expedi-

tionary, Vietnam Service, Vietnam Presi-

dential Unit Citation, Vietnam Gallantry,

and Republic of Vietnam.

FEATURED 40’S SHIPMATE

ENSIGN HOMER L. SMITH 1949 POW-DIED IN CATIVITY

5

FEATURED 50’S SHIPMATE

BILLIE JOE DAVIS “BJ” MM3 1950 - 53

I Billie Joe “B. J.” Davis was born 25

June 1931 at Bude, Mississippi. Cur-

rently my hair is gray and I have blue

eyes. I enlisted in the U. S. Navy at

Jackson, Mississippi in June 1950, and

went to boot camp, Company 138, at USNTC

at San Diego, California. Along with 24

other men, including Nick Nichols, I re-

ported on board USS FRANK E. EVANS (DD

754). The date was 15 September 1950, and

the FRANK E. EVANS was still in the moth

ball fleet south of San Diego.

I was assigned to M Division, After En-

gine Room. FRANK. E. EVANS would be my

home and work place until May 1954. For

53 years, I have thought and spoken

fondly of my shipmates and my ship.

There were bad times... Sea sickness,

lots of drills, same movies over and over

“You know.” There were some drunks, some

fights and a potato pen for a jail. At

one time there was a ban on whistling on

board the ship. There were lots of good

times also...Fresh bread, (Oh that smell)

fresh milk after 6 months of powdered

milk, and good card

games. At night seeing

the most stars ever! The

wake of ships in the

fleet leaving miles of

streams of light in the

water trailing them. Most

of all, the friendship of

some good sailors that

still last today.

Now, Two Tales

1. One shipmate left his

bunk to go to the head. He

came back, but not to his

bunk, not even on EVANS!

He went to the ship tied

next to us. The next day

they were on their way to

Hong Kong. He got clothes and liberty from

that ship and when we reached Hong Kong,

he got more liberty!

2. The After Engine Room bilges made a

good refrigerator and hiding place for

some canned hams nobody could find, ex-

cept??? A little oil on top of the water

and, bingo, gone, out of sight. Now try

hiding a case of eggs some place. The

trick is boiling them and putting them in

a plastic bag. Some things an old sailor

can dream of but never tell.

“A sailor I was, a sailor I’ll always be.

USS FRANK E. EVANS, my home it was. FRANK

E. EVANS, a home it will always be. Her

crew will always be a family to me. Happy

dreams, all sailors and Nick.”

Billie Joe Davis, MM3.

6

I, Dean Corvin Wyse, was born 28 March

1944, at Wauseon, Ohio to Edward A. and

Georgia Wyse (both deceased). My hair was

brown and I have green eyes. My two sib-

lings were a sister Elaine (deceased) and a

brother Robert who lives in Visalia, Cali-

fornia. Our family was of German descent.

My hobby was electronics. I liked to play

football, and my favorite subject was his-

tory. I like to think I am patriotic.

“Midway” is my favorite movie, my song is

“Stand Up For America”, and Memorial Day is

my favorite holiday. I worked my way to

Explorer Scout and washed dishes to earn

some money. Like the sky and ocean, blue

is my favorite color.

After graduating from Hilltop High School

in West Unity, Ohio, I joined the Navy. It

was 9 August 1966. After boot camp at

Great Lakes, I went to FT “A” School, (Fire

Control Technician) and then reported for

duty aboard USS FRANK E. EVANS (DD

754). It was 11 May 1967. For the next 26

months, this would be home.

We had a crew of approximately 300 sailors,

but it felt more like being part of a large

“family” than a “crew.” We had a great

crew and were rewarded a Navy Unit Cita-

tion.

Near the end of May 1969, we were called

off the gun line to partake in a SEATO ex-

ercise, with more than 40 ships from sev-

eral nations. It was 0315 hours on 3 June

1969, in the South China Sea. We were in

collision with an Australian aircraft car-

rier HMAS MELBOURNE. Seventy-four of my

shipmates, my family, were killed.

The collision, at 0315, split the ship in

half. Asleep in my rack, I was thrown

about 10 feet, hit a stanchion (post),

glanced off, then traveled another 15 feet

landing on top of several shipmates. We

had no knowledge of what had happened. Af-

ter taking an almost 90 degree role, the

ship set back up and we were able to make

it top-side. On the main deck, we discov-

ered we were along side the aircraft car-

rier MELBOURNE. The front part of our ship

was missing!

After a short period of time, MELBOURNE

started to pull away. We started shouting

for her to come back. She stopped and re-

turned. MELBOURNE sent some men aboard

FRANK E. EVANS while we made our way to

the upper super-structure and climbed over

to the flight deck of MELBOURNE.

Within 20 minutes of the collision, we

gathered on the fantail to take count of

our men. It appeared that all the men in

my work group who slept in the same com-

partment had survived. As I looked

around, many of my friends were not there,

including my best friend Linden Orpurt.

Linden and I, just a

few hours earlier,

had talked about

working on our elec-

tronic kits which we

had gotten through

mail order. We stood

our watches in the

same area, a place

called IC/PLOT.

Linden stood watch

every night, but my watch was only dur-

ing Condition 3, meaning only during

“wartime” cruising. During the night,

Condition 3 was cancelled and so was my

watch. Otherwise, I would have been with

Linden in a part of the ship where there

would be little chance of surviving.

After asking a few people if they had

seen Linden, I came to the horrific con-

clusion, if he wasn’t here, in the imme-

diate area, he didn’t survive. Looking

around, there were many faces missing,

including three brothers, the Sage broth-

ers.

FEATURED 60’S SHIPMATE

DEAN WYSE FT2 1967 - 69 SURVIVOR

7

The final toll was 74 killed, one body re-

covered, the rest went down in the ship.

Every day of my life I think of being with

Linden, with water coming in trying to es-

cape, fighting for air, perhaps taking min-

utes, hours, or even days to die. Except

for those men required to testify at the

inquiry, I and the other survivors were

sent home.

We received no type of counseling. The Navy

said we would be sent to a ship not going

overseas. I was sent to USS WAINWRIGHT (DLG

28). Then, after a few months, to USS BOR-

DELON (DD 881) where I did my job very well

and was going to be transferred again be-

fore she went overseas. In the last few

weeks before she left, despite my protests,

the Navy decided to take me on the cruise.

Throughout the cruise, there were very few

days I was sober. I just knew I wasn’t go-

ing to survive so I drank every chance I

could. I was very lucky to have returned

From the time of the collision, I have car-

ried scars and deep wounds that won’t heal.

The physical problem with my back won’t let

me sit for extended periods, or drive for

more than an hour without extreme pain.

But, the physical pain is minor compared to

the emotional pain. I have recurrent night-

mares when I can sleep. Sometimes, I have

somewhat of a pleasant dream meeting one of

my shipmates. There’s always the same con-

versation, “I thought you were killed in

the collision?” “No, I survived.” Then I

would wake up and

realize the ship-

mate didn’t sur-

vive.

In 1992, ship-

mates formed an

organization

called USS FRANK

E. EVANS Asso-

ciation. We

have a reunion

every year. We

invite everyone

who served aboard FRANK E. EVANS and

their families. Sometimes, a family mem-

ber of the “74 Lost” will ask if I knew

their son, brother, or father. I always

tell them I knew him, and give them some

details, which really makes them happy. I

go through this feeling of happiness in

surviving, and tremendous amount of guilt

for the families who lost their loved

ones. Often, I think, the men killed were

the fortunate ones. They don’t have to

deal with the loss, the pain, the

guilt....

UNSINKABLE SAILORS

Seems there maybe some confu-

sion regarding Paul Sherbo’s

book “UNSINKABLE SAILORS.”

Paul, an association member,

published his book this past

August, 2009. His book is not

associated with the USS FRANK

E. EVANS (DD 754) ASSOCIATION,

INC. however, our association

does endorse Paul’s book.

Newsletter Editor-

Steve Kraus

Phone 760-941-8184

E-mail: kraussa@cox.net

All comments,

suggestions, submissions and criticism are welcome.

8

If you are driving in the State of Washing-

ton look for a special license plate on a

Maroon Chevy Pick-up, look even close and

you’ll find our shipmate Swede Larsen.

I James K Lar-

sen was born 10

June 1933, in

Seattle, Wash-

ington. My hair

was brown and I

have blue eyes.

On 12 June 1950,

just two days

after my 17th

birthday, I

joined the U. S.

Navy and headed

for boot camp at

San Diego, Com-

pany 137. While

in training, the

Korean war broke

out.

On 9 September 1950, I was received for

duty on board USS FRANK E. EVANS (DD 754).

They assigned me to E Division. From 1950

to 1954, I spent my entire enlistment as a

BTFN in the forward fire room. I met many

great shipmates and enjoyed my time in the

Navy. I liked being at sea, so much, that I

spent 30 years in the Merchant Marine

fleet.

Swede lives in Shoreline, Washington.

DD 754 RIDES AGAIN

BTFN JAMES K. “SWEDE” LARSEN

9

2011 Reunion Locations

The reunion search committee has started the process of reviewing a variety of areas

within the Central United States for our 2011 Reunion. To date we have researched 3 ar-eas (A) Chicago and vicinity, (B) Kalamazoo, Michigan and (C) Branson, Missouri. We are

really interested in hearing what you have to say about these locations. Please drop us

a line, e-mail or give us a call, we would love to hear from you.

Most recently J. C. & Sylvia visited Branson, Missouri. The Convention Visitors Bureau

(CVB) hosted a site visit and provided details on what the city has to offer. J. C.

and Sylvia believe Branson might be an excellent spot for a reunion, rates are low and

lots of entertainment opportunities. We know we have had several reunions in the State

of Missouri; however, if the majority believe this location is viable we will perform

further research.

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

The USS Frank E. Evans (DD 754) Association welcomes these new members.

Charles Berry BT2 63-67 Sweeny TX

Cliff May Association Accountant Joshua TX

Gary N. Willhelm MMFN 62-64 Beavercreek OH

WELCOME RETURNING MEMBERS

The USS Frank E. Evans (DD 754) Association welcomes these returning members.

Bruce W. Caldwell YN3 65-67 McMinnville OR

Stanley K. Edwards CS3 62-64 Sequim WA

Ralph R. Jones MM2 50-54 Sacrament CA

A Soldier by Angela Goodwin (submitted from John

Coffey)

There is discipline in A Sol-

dier you can see it when he

walks,

There is honor in A Soldier

you hear it when he talks.

There is courage in A Soldier

you can see it in his eyes,

There is loyalty in A Soldier

that he will not compromise.

There is something in A Sol-

dier that makes him stand

apart,

There is strength in A Sol-

dier that beats from his

heart.

A Soldier isn't a title any

man can be hired to do,

A Soldier is the soul of that

man buried deep inside of

you.

A Soldier's job isn't fin-

ished after an 8 hour day or

a 40 hour week,

A Soldier is always A Soldier

even while he sleeps.

A Soldier serves his country

first and his life is left

behind,

A Soldier has to sacrifice

what comes first in a civil-

ian's mind.

If you are civilian - I am

saying this to you.....

next time you see A Soldier

remember what they do.

A Soldier is the reason our

land is 'Home of the free',

A Soldier is the one that is

brave protecting you and me.

If you are A Soldier - I am

saying this to you.....

Thank God for EVERY SOLDIER

Thank God for what YOU do!

10

In Memoriam Delbert Hanson YN3 44-45 (Plank owner) Austin, MN Deceased 07-31-09

Delbert was born October 3, 1925 in Freeborn County Minnesota. He is survived by his

wife, Lorraine (Ferguson). Delbert married Lorraine on September 17, 1955 at the First

Methodist Church in Austin. His surviving children are; Susan Hanson, Paul and Nancy Han-

son from Oliver Springs, Tennessee, and Julie and Mark Placek from Austin, Minnesota. His

surviving grandchildren are; Stuart Hanson, Christopher Placek and Curtis Hanson from

Austin, Minnesota. His great grandchildren; Ashlynn Schewe and Gaige Schewe-Placek.

Delbert served on board USS Frank E. Evans from 1944 to 46 and after his service he re-

turned to Austin where he worked for Geo. A. Hormel Company until he retired. Delbert was

a member of Grace Baptist Church and the American Legion and he volunteered his time with

the Red Cross and the Austin Medical Center. In his spare time he enjoyed fishing and

hunting.

Theodore “Ted” Mortenson SN 50-54 Butte, MT Deceased 05-02-09

Ted was born on March 18, 1929 in Hogeland, Montana to Irene Hable, the youngest of four.

Ted left this world for a better place following a courageous battle with cancer. He was

a care-free young man, who loved life to the fullest. He served his country proudly from

1946 to 1954, beginning in the Air Force and finishing in the Navy, where he served on

USS Frank E. Evans. He loved his family and friends, the great wilderness of Montana,

horseback riding, hunting, fishing, four wheeling on his ATV, playing cribbage and pi-

nochle, singing and playing his guitar. He was a master of many trades, including sheet

metal, mining, carpentry, plumbing, truck driver, heavy equipment operator. He is sur-

vived by his daughter, Sherri (Paul) Baker, daughter-in-law, Barbara Krum Mortenson, sis-

ter, Edith (Les) Klabunde brother, Paul “Bud” Mortenson, Idaho; grandchildren, Joani

(Greg) Hanley Ted (Julie) Deshner; and three great-grandchildren.

Smitty G. Laramore YN1 51-52 Derby, KS Deceased 09-11-07

Smitty passed away in his home in Derby, Kansas on 9-11-07. Smitty was the paymaster on-

board USS FRANK E. Evans so he was able to get to meet everyone onboard ship. He was a

very proud veteran and felt it was a privilege to serve his country. He received his fa-

ther’s permission to join the Navy at age 17. He is survived by his wife, Patsy. They

had one girl and one boy; and at the time of his death, 14 grandchildren.

Robert James Bedure LTJG 45-46 Otterbein OH Deceased 02-23-04

Robert was born on May 2, 1920 in Steubenville, Ohio to John and Anna (Shamp) Bendure.

After he graduated from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, he became a chemical analyst.

When WWII broke out he was commissioned as an Ensign and served onboard USS FRANK E. EV-

ANS (DD 754) from February, 1945 to April 1946. Along with many other duties he was the

Recognition Officer. Robert was an accomplished musician, United Way volunteer, and

worked for Armco Steel until he retired. He was survived by his two sons, three grand-

children and three great grandchildren. He was buried at Lebanon Cemetery in Lebanon,

Ohio.

Walter James Hogan Jr. FN 46-47 Kenner LA Deceased 08-07-09

Walter was born 3 June 1928, in New Orleans, Louisiana to Walter and Sarah Hogen. He had

a bother named George. After High School graduation, Walter joined the Navy and served

onboard two destroyers USS HARRY E. HUBBARD (DD 748) AND USS FRANK E. Evans (DD 754). In

1949 he hired on with South Central Bell. He had one son, two daughters and , two grand-

children. He retired to a full life of community service including American Legion and

Kenner Community police.

Joe Roderick Perry LCDR 1955 Chula Vista, CA Deceased 06-10-09

Joe was born 3 July 1916 at York, Nebraska. He enlisted in the Navy in 1933 and follow-

ing boot camp served on several destroyers. In 1943 he was spot-promoted to LTJG, com-

manding officer of LST 283 which landed at Utah Beach. In addition he participated in

the atomic bomb tests at Eniwetok. In 1955 Joe was assigned XO duties onboard USS Frank

E. Evans. Joe retired in 1967 after serving 34 years active duty. He was married to El

Mina for 61 years. They had two children, five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren.

11

To Association Members

Just want to let you know that I re-quested my Con-gressman, Daniel E. Lungren, to fly the United States flag on 3 June, 2009 in memory of our “Lost 74”. To the left is a copy of the certificate that I received.

Rich Burke “Lest We Forget”

They Died in Sup-port of the Vietnam War

MAIL CALL - E-MAIL & SNAIL MAIL

To Tim Wendler from Steve

Kraus:

Tim, in the mail today was a

returned envelope from Donald

Thibodeau that was stamped de-

ceased. Do you have any in-

formation regarding his pass-

ing?

Response from nephew:

Don Thibodeau (twin brother to

Ron Thibodeau, Lost 74) passed

away last summer. Over the

past 10 years he developed a

condition similar to Parkin-

sons. Each medical procedure

seemed to make it worse (maybe

it just failed to make it bet-

ter, and the condition became

worse). I’ve talked to Viet

Nam vet advocates who told me

that he had classic Agent Or-

ange syndrome symptoms (he

served in the Marines while my

Dad was on the Evans); but of

course, the VA medical facili-

ties didn’t see it that way.

Several years ago he had a

tracheotomy and soon after,

his wife moved him to Florida.

I would call him and tell him

what was going on with me, but

he could not speak, just lis-

ten. After that he steadily

deteriorated and spent his

last few months in an assisted

living facility as he could no

longer take care of himself

and was too much for his wife

to handle.

Tim Wendler, Son of Ronald

Thibideau “Lost 74”

Steve, thought you might want to

share with the rest of the asso-

ciation members. Rich Burke

“I can imagine no more rewarding

a career. And any man who may be

asked in this century what he

did to make his life worthwhile,

I think can respond with a good

deal of pride and satisfaction:

'I served in the United States

Navy.'"

President John F. Kennedy, 1

August, 1963, in Bancroft Hall

at the U. S. Naval Academy.

Hi All,

This is important!! If you are

interested in signing up for VA

healthcare, you should dig out

your DD-214 and go to your local

VA office and start the process.

(If you need help in getting a

copy of your DD-214, send me an

email and I will help you.) If

you have other medical insur-

ance, this will coordinate with

that insurance and, in most

cases, it will pay the entire

bill for the VA treatment. There

is no cost for this coverage.

You paid with your service to

this country. I have used the VA

medical system for the past 7-8

years and I have been very happy

with the treatment I have re-

ceived.

Don't wait too long, this may

be a temporary open window.

Pete Peters **********

Steve, I read my copy of Un-

sinkable Sailors in a matter of hours because it was so compel-

ling. That ship was my life

for 2 1/2 years. I could feel

myself right there with each

and everyone of you guys. God

bless each and all of you and

our “Lost 74”.

Ed Holsopple

12

First Class Postage

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

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

Frances Box, left, and her daughter, Julie Lea, are remem-bering the loss of their son and brother, Thomas Belue Box, who died June 3, 1969, in the collision of an Ameri-can destroyer on which he was aboard and an Australian aircraft carrier in the South China Sea off Vietnam.

Today, on the 40th anniversary of the

collision, Thomas Box’s mother, Frances,

and his sisters, Julie Lea and Sara

Green, will pass the day quietly as they

do every anniversary of the tragedy that

robbed the family of its only son. They

will phone each other and they’ll receive

a condolence call from the widower of

their other sister, Janie Hamner, who

died a little over a year ago.

“40 years ago…In a way it seems like yes-

terday,” said his mother. “But look at all

that’s happened since then. Box died, our

daughter Janie died, but we’re still here.”

Julie Lea said she doesn’t know if they

will visit the monument in the Belue plot

of Athens City Cemetery to the 6-foot, bar-

rel-chested older brother who sailed to war

and never came back.

“We’re there (at the cemetery) all through

the year, but the day will not go unno-

ticed,” said Lea Facing west. Lea explained

that Thomas’s monument, provided by the

Veterans Administration, faces west rather

than east, which indicates that there is no

body buried beneath.

Thomas was born Nov. 22, 1947, in the old

Masonic building at West Market and Madison

streets.

Frances said 21-year-old Thomas had not ex-

pressed to the family what he eventually

wanted to do with his life, but was trying

to find his path when he went into the

Navy. The last time they saw him was

Christmas, 1968. -“The News Chronicle Cou-

rier”, Athens, AL Tuesday, June 2, 2009.