Kodiak Military History, Guestbook
Kodiak Island Alaska
Military History
Send messages to Joe Stevens
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[Editor's comments in brackets.]
225
From: Clayton crzeller at westriv.com
Subject: Kodiak Island
Date: Sun, 4 May 2008 21:36:20 -0600
Hi Joe,
My grandfather Leslie Anderson was stationed on Kodiak from 12-28-1944 to
1-18-1946 He was a marine. I was wondering if any of his fellow marines
or others whom he may have served with have stories or pictures. I followed
in his footsteps and became a marine 1976-1982. Thanks for the wonderful
site & keep up the good work.
Clayton D. Zeller
224
From: darrold at americanusedequipment.com
Subject: Holiday Beach
Date: Thu, 1 May 2008 15:08:35 -0400
Hi,
I, along with Darrold, was stationed at Holiday Beach receiving station for
thirteen months, 1962 & 63. Forty five years ago and we're returning to
Kodiak for a look around. Sure it will be much different than when we were
there. We were somewhat stuck out at Holiday Beach and had limited access to
transportation so didn't get around much. Being eighteen at the time, we
probably didn't appreciate the natural beauty (looking for a different kind)
as much as we should have.
Being from Minnesota and North Dakota respectively, the weather didn't bother
us much. Kind of disappointed at the time it wasn't colder.
Did do some good fishing and ate our own smoked salmon.
Spent a lot of time at "RC" exchanging Morse code messages with ships.
The "Cuban Missile Crisis" was the biggest event while we were there. For
about a week we thought the world was going. They gave us M-1's to watch the
beach for incoming Russkies. Right, sure we would have made a difference.
If any of the old crew sees this, let Darrold or myself know, be nice to catch up.
Also, if anybody can point us to a good place to stay, drop a line. We'll be
getting in Kodiak on May 5th.
Gary Jenneke RM3
Darrold Glanville RM3
223
From: Glen Finklea gfinklea at comcast.net
Subject: Fw: kodiak
Date: Sat, 1 Mar 2008 19:03:29 -0600
Hi Joe; Great web site. I have spent hours looking and riminissing. I have
many pictures if anyone is interested. I was stationed in Kodiak with the
Marines From 22 January 1965 to 21 January 1966. I stood guard duty at the
AUW compound in the tower and also gate guard duty. I remember the stairs to
and from the Marine Club when snow and ice covered it. Climbed Old Woman
Mountain and ice skated on the lake on top. I cut hair at the marine barracks
part time. I would like to hear from some of the marines who were stationed
there at the same time. Please contact me at gfinklea at comcast.net Thanks.
CPL. Glen M Finklea USMC
5521 Central Blvd.
Mobile AL 36618
Ph# 251-344-9920
Photo
222
From: Charles Donovan umnak4244 at msn.com
Date: Tue, 19 Feb 2008 15:18:50 GMT
Joe, I am a former US Navy RM1/c,39 thru 45.
I was stationed at Chernofski Bay and USNAAS Otter Point,May 42 thru Dec 44.
Served aboard USS Spica AK 16, 1940 thru May 1942.
Chuck Donovan
221
From: Jack Cook jcook56050 at aol.com
Subject: Thanks for the memories
Date: Sun, 10 Feb 2008 23:24:02 -0600
Dear Mr. Stevens,
I was stationed at U. S. Coast Guard Communications Station NOJ in Kodiak
for 17 months from 1977 to 1978.
My designator was that of Electronics Technician
Third Class. I was stationed at the Buskin River Transmitter Building
(the antenna farm) located about five miles from the base out toward
the lake.
We helped to maintain and electronically route about
35 major transmitters putting out about 40,000 watts each (if I recall
the numbers correctly). I think their designation was AN/FRT-40 (it's
been a long time, so correct me if I'm wrong).
Our branch served the needs of the main radio station
downrange on the other side of the base. As I recall, there was the
transmitter station, the central communications and administration
building, and the radio station. They were widely spaced apart to
prevent undue electromagnetic interference.
Our group served as a day crew, and supplemented the
Buskin site twenty four hours a day with one transmitter tech and one
assigned seaman in our transmitter building at all times. The techs
served 8 hours on, 8 hours off, 8 hours on, 8 hours off, and 8 hours
on. We then got two days off. The assigned seamen (and women) were
there for backup and safety, though mostly used as gophers.
In cooperation with the administrators and with
Lieutenant Terry Lott, the assistant commander of Com Sta Kodiak, I was
asked to design the patch and insignia for the Communications Station.
That image is the patch you have on your web site under the heading,
"Communications Station." I still have the first patch and cup issued
in my collection here at home.
I wish I had appreciated my stay in Alaska more than
I did. Being a single man and of a different mind set in those days, I
probably missed some things that I should have enjoyed while on the
island. I regret never having seen a Kodiak bear. However, I continue
to have fond memories of the friends I made both on base and in Kodiak.
And, I did manage to have some unusual adventures on the north and
south ends of the island.
I very much appreciated visiting your web pages. Brings back some great memories.
Here are some "Official Coast Guard" images that you
may find useful to your museum or web site. I have others if you are
interested.
Thank you.
Very sincerely,
Jack Cook, former U. S. Coast Guard Electronics Technician
Nashville, TN.
220
Subject: History Channel
Date: Fri, 1 Feb 2008 08:38:00 -0500
From: Beaulieu, John john.beaulieu at rbcdain.com
Good Morning Joe
I was eating breakfast this morning, when a program came on the History
Channel that caught my interest. It was the story of the Japanese invasion
of Attu and Kiska Islands. When I saw what the program's topic was, I almost
spit out my eggs. You see, my father served aboard the submarine S-35
(SS-140) out of Dutch Harbor during all of WWII. His name was ENC (SS)
Stephen A. Beaulieu, Jr. and he was the Chief Engineman aboard S-35.
Unfortunately, I had to come to work, so I missed most of the program.
On the night of December 21, 1942 his submarine was on a surface patrol off
Amchitka during a giant storm. A wave crashed over the conning tower and
drove the Captain down through the tower, injuring him. A few hours later,
at 1830, an electrical fire broke out on board. Since my father was Chief of
the engine room, he could not leave his post. The crew battled the fire as
best they could, extinguishing all of their equipment. Later that night, the
electrical fire broke out again, filling S-35 with smoke. Because the
extinguishing equipment was empty, the best that could be done was to send
the crew topside and seal the boat, smothering the fire.
Imagine standing topside on a submarine in December, in the middle of a
storm, off the coast of Alaska. I certainly can't. True to his generation,
my father rarely spoke of his experience. However, he did carry a nasty
cough with him for the rest of his life. If you have never read an account
of this incident, please do so. It is one of bravery and courage beyond
imagination. There is plenty of information on the internet. If you go to
(navsource.org) you can navigate the site until you find the page for S-35
(SS-140) under the listing for diesel submarines. There are a few pictures I
have provided that you may find interesting.
I have contacted A&E and the History Channel to explore the possibility of
them doing a story about the fire aboard S-35, but so far I have heard
nothing from them. I would appreciate any further information you may have
about this incident, or any place where you can direct me.
Thank you for your efforts to preserve this most important chapter in WWII
history. The children of the Aleutian veterans are most grateful.
Best regards
John
John A. Beaulieu
219
From: Dick McCracken mccracken3 at cox.net
Subject: Kodiak Military History Museum Pictures
Date: Sun, 27 Jan 2008 16:44:52 -0800
Joe,
Have enjoyed looking at the many pictures you show on the Fleet Air Wing 4
pages and the Commo. Leslie Gehres picture pages. My father is shown in many
of them. He was Reginald R McCracken and was on the HQ staff under Gehres.
On pix 0032 and 0033 McCracken is on Gehres right. The officer on Gehres
left is LCDR Jim (J.C) Pickens, their Communications Officer I believe. On
pix 0057, McCracken is with Gehres.
The two attached pictures show a Christmas card I have, with the
/WISHING YOU A/ the front of the card, and the Fleet Air Wing 4
and mountain on the inside. You have done a great job with all the pictures.
Sincerely
Richard McCracken
Chula Vista, CA
218
Date: Thu, 31 Jan 2008 19:38:51 -0800
From: Gary Vincent gvincent at gte.net
Subject: USS Spica 1941 photo
Hi Joe,
I happened upon your website while looking for the USS Spica and there in one
of your photos is picture of my father in 1941!
The photo has a question mark for his first name and I can provide that info
for you. The 1941 picture, back row, is Ensign Robert E. Vincent. In
October dad joined on to the USS Colorado at Bremerton, WA and served on her
through most of WW2. Dad is now 90 years old, still very sharp and active
and lives with my mother in Palm Desert, CA.
Thanks,
Gary Vincent
Redmond, WA
217
Date: Sun, 30 Dec 2007 16:33:14 -0900
From: jim and Molly RoganandLeahy roganleahy at gmail.com
Subject: Information about a book that mentioned a military crash in 1954
near Moses Point, near Koyuk, Alaska
Looking for a book that mentioned a military crash in 1954. Approximate
location was Moses Point, near Koyuk, Alaska. My older siblings remember
seeing the book in the late '60s-early '70s. My siblings said it mentioned
our last name (ROgan) but it was misspelled. My father was the school
teacher in Koyuk. The plane was a T-33 from one of these military bases by
Fairbanks. I have a copy of the accident report. One pilot survived but the
other one was never found.
[If anyone can answer this, please email Jim.]
Thanks.
j. rogan
216
From: Terry Wetch twetch at bis.midco.net
Subject: 215 CA AA Btry B
Date: Wed, 19 Dec 2007 17:08:36 -0600
Joe:
My father is in the picture you have posted on your web site on the 215 CA AA
Btry B for WWII. His name was Michael Wetch, he is in the third row on the
picture. I can't make him out with the web picture. Is the CD rom more clear
and can I buy one? Thank You [The site will no longer fit on a CD. ...j0e]
Merry Christmas
Terry Wetch
215
From: Richard Kivi kivi666 at charter.net
Subject: Photo identification [Cape Chiniak USAF Tracking Station]
Date: Wed, 18 Jul 2007 13:13:42 -0500
Picture #11 on url: http://www.kadiak.org/chiniak/chiniak.html
That's not the CWO's hideaway. It is an abandoned cabin. We used it
one summer to board horses and one of the guys kept his pet raven
there. We also used it to dress out some deer we shot that had
wondered onto the antenna fields. . . which were also used by a local
rancher to graze cattle.
It really makes me sad to see the devastation of the site.
I'm in the process of scanning in all my old duty station pictures
having started with Sasebo, Japan. When I get to the Chiniak pix,
I'll send you some. . . but it'll be awhile. They're on slides and I
have not yet purchased a slide scanner.
Richard Kivi
CTR2
Stationed at Cape Chiniak 1956
214
From: reuben.burton at comcast.net
Date: Tue, 29 May 2007 15:37:52 +0000
Joe:
A few days ago I ran across comments related to Tokyo Rose. There were times
on Kodiak when I would hear her over one of the radios in our Quonset hut at
Miller Point. Everything she had to say was BS, however it was entertaining
to listen to the records played on her programs. Performers such as Benny
Goodman, Harry James, Kay Kyser, Tommy Dorsey, etc were enjoyable. One of our
best sources of information came from AM stations KSL in Salt Lake City and
KGO in San Francisco.
These comments on Tokyo Rose reminded me of Guam when I was there with the
301st Battalion. After the bombs were dropped on Japan, and they surrendered,
their war ships would stop off to be refueled by us. These ships were going
to the bypassed islands to pick up those Japaneese left behind as a result of
Mc Arthurs island hoping campaign.
It was an eye opener to observe Japaneese navy personnel. At that time most
of the sailors were comparitively young. Their clothing and shoes had seen
its best days.
One destroyer had a wooden out house set over the stern.
A huge submarine,one of five or six constructed by the Japaneese, stopped off
for refueling. This boat was in excess of 300 feet in length. Covered in
cement mortar and painted flat black. There was a large door on front of the
coning tower, similar to a bank vault door. Two rails extended from the
coning tower to the bow. They would open the door, move a sea plane out on to
the tracks, extend the wings, and catapult it over the rails. I believe one
of these boats had something to do with shells fired on Oregon during the
early days and set off forest fires.
Reuben Burton, D co. 43rd Seabees.
213
From: Donald F. Dorsey dondo1 at comcast.net
Subject: Bethel and Sparrevohn WACS
Date: Wed, 4 Apr 2007 15:29:23 -0400
Hi Joe - My name is Donald Dorsey. I was referred to the internet site
regarding White Alice by Vic Bucci, a tech at my site (SPV)
I was at Bethel in 1958 when George Baer was supervisor and ol' buddy Lynn
Saupe was assistant supervisor. If you look at Lynn's pictures, I am the
bearded one standing next to a exciter. With me is Charley Young.
I took care of Lynn's boat when he took went on vacation. He was a good
friend as was Gretchen. She was at the Alaska Native Service hospital in
Bethel. A wonderful person. I still have some postcards from them from their
various jaunts.
I went to Sparrevohn in 1959 as a tech. I was assistant supervisor after a
few weeks and undertook the task of eliminating the noise we all knew was
coming from Sparrevohn. John Hand and I spent three months of the midnight
shift and routined (and repaired) all twelve receivers and all six exciters.
Mission accomplished! Noise level was down to -43 db, as I recall.
In November, 1959, Travis Sulzer departed for his California home. I was made
the supervisor at the site, probably because no one else would take it. The
site had a bad reputation and lots of personnel problems. There were just too
many people and too little abilities. We cut the site personnel down through
attrition transfers and by the spring, things were humming along. Get some
new techs and things settled down into the usual routine.
In July, 1959 came the shocker of FEC losing the contract to RCA. I left the
system in August and went to California on the GEEIA project. After that was
completed, I went to Europe with FEC in January, 1962. The company name was
changed for tax purposes to International Standard Engineering Inc (ISEI). I
was there for 3 1/2 years and left ITT for college. I graduated from Maryland
in 1968 awith an accounting major (there's a switch!)and worked for Arthur
Andersen until 1970 when I opened my own accounting practice. Sold the
practice in 2003 to my son and retired.
Doodling of the internet, i recall someone saying that Sparrevohn was off the
air for twenty minutes after I left. I don't know the exact times or whether
it was when FEC or RCA was in charge. In any case, the word was that the site
was poorly maintained and the previous staff did a poor job of maintenance.
To that I say BULL****!
I would like to set the record straight. Prior to turning over the site to
Larry Uline in August, 1959, every receiver and exciter was personally
checked by me overseeing the tech doing the monthly routines. Everything was
left in tip top shape. It irks me no end for someone to take a cheap shot
like that and blame someone else for their problems. Just for the record,
Sparrevohn was in perfect shape for the turnover.
While in Europe in 1965, months before leaving, Sven Hanson showed up on a
tour. You may remember Sven Hanson as the southern region manager. I asked
him about the reported problems at Sparrevohn and he said that blaming FEC
for every little gaff was commom and not related only to Sparrevohn. He said
I should forget about it. That's tough to do when you put some much of
yourself into the job. I would like to hear about anything you might have
heard concerning Sparrevohn.
I'm sorry if I'm coming off as bending your ear too much. I guess my pride
was hurt.
If you are in contact with Grethen, give her a hug (electronic or otherwise)
and pass along my email address. Best to you all.
Don Dorsey
PS moving to Florida in May. Don't know how long it will take to get back on
the internet. I'll contact you with new email address.
212
Date: Thu, 29 Mar 2007 11:13:51 -0700 (PDT)
From: Maurice Wadle moewadle at yahoo.com
Subject: update to guest log entry #169
Hello Joe and everyone. My name is Maurice "Moe" Wadle (wad-lee) and I was
stationed at Kodiak in the Navy from Feb 1963-Feb 1964. I went by the name
Mike Wadle at the time. I worked in the Aircraft Mainenance Dept. in the
Avionics Shop. Please see my extensive guest log entry #169 below for
details.
This entry is an update to my previous entry. Here are a few updates: #1
The man whom I referred to as "Weeber" in my original entry is really Gary
Weiber who now lives in Redmond, Washington. I was very pleasantly
surprised when he contacted me a few years ago because he found me by reading
my guest log entry. We have maintained contact since then. What a wonderful
renewal of an old friendship! #2 Also, Tony Daigle, whom I mentioned in my
first entry sent me an email a year or so ago. He had also found the web site
and contacted me. #3 Just last week the phone rang at home and yet ANOTHER
man with whom I had been stationed at Kodiak had phoned me. He is Robert
"Bob" Hisdahl of the Minneapolis area. He also found my original entry and
remembered my name and knew that he knew me. He was at Kodiak Naval Station
from Oct 1962-Oct 1963. #4 I have to report sad news that Mike Kelleigh,
mentioned in my previous entry, passed away in Yakima, Washington in 2004.
He was an AE2 at Kodiak while I was there.
I look forward to hearing from anyone who was at Kodiak during my time there
and please, also make an entry for the guest log here. I am sure Joe will
post my email address and my phone number is 319-354-7526. I live in Iowa.
Thanks, Moe
211
From: Charles Carroll ccarroll at usawide dot net
Subject: Naval Station Kodiak
Date: Mon, 18 Dec 2006 09:59:48 -0600
From: C.E." Chuck" Carrroll ADRC U.S. Navy (Ret)
21177 County Road 1492
Mathis,TX 78368
361-547-7867
Hi Joe,
I discovered your website recently and I really enjoy it. I arrived in Kodiak
in August 1967 and left on 11 January 1971. I was the Naval Station Air
Terminal supervisor until mid 1968. I was running the air terminal when the
King of Nepal made his infamous trip to the island to hunt bear.One had to
have been there to understand what a snafu that was.
Another event that occurred during that time brings back a feeling of mixed
emotions. Several USAF C-141 aircraft returning from Vietnam with wounded
comrades and some with bodies of those who made the ultimate sacrifice
arrived at the Naval Base. They were diverted from Elmendorf AFB due to ice
fog.We were not equipped to refuel those large fuel guzzlers quickly. We did
our very best and received grateful thanks from all USAF personnel we came in
contact with.It was sad and rewarding at the same time.
In 1968 I was assigned as Career Counselor for the Naval Station. I also
conceived, developed and taught a Leadership School.I had officers and
enlisted naval and marine personnel plus an occasional coast guardsman.
During my 3 plus years at Kodiak I stayed very busy. I worked part time at
the CPO club on base. I also served as Scoutmaster and on many naval station
boards and committees. I also did a lot of hunting and fishing.
I truly enjoyed my time in Kodiak and had planned to retire and work on base.
The pending base closure took away the civil service job I had already
qualified for.
I would appreciate contact from any old shipmates or friends from Kodiak.
Best wishes and Happy Holidays to all.
Chuck Carroll
210
Date: Sat, 23 Sep 2006 00:12:29 -0700
From: Robert A. Leonard kbob11 at juno.com
Subject: Eleven Years in Kodiak
Hello Joe,
Have enjoyed visiting your extensive web site. A big 'Well Done!'
Looking through it brought back lots of memories as I am sure many have
told you before.
My name is Bob Leonard. My wife and I arrived in Kodiak early in July of
1956. I was assigned to FWC Kodiak plus additional duties as an Ice
Recon Observer working TAD for the U.S. Hydro Office out of Washington
D.C. There were several of us at FWC who had been trained to do this
work. We flew in P2V-7's and our job was to help convey the DEW LINE
resupply ship convoy by giving data to the Ice Breaker skipper. The
flights were long and during the summer months we flew out of Ladd AFB in
Fairbanks. My wife worked at Kodiak Airways part of 56 and all of 57. I
had a private flying license and picked up a float plane rating in
Fairbanks the summer of 57. Bob Hall (owner of Kodiak Airways) offered
me a job after I got out of the Navy and had my Commercial flying
license. I used the GI Bill to finish my flight training and was back in
Kodiak in just a few months after my discharge (1958) Bad news for me
was that 58 was a very poor fishing season and Bob Hall couldn't use me.
Bob Acheson and Dick Berg hired me to work at the Donneley & Acheson
general store. This I did until I started flying at Kodiak Airways the
spring of 1961. While working at D&A, I got to know many of the
fishermen from around the island plus many of the Kodiak residents. Dick
Berg had moved on to Juneau to be the State Purchasing Officer and I took
over at D&A as the Office Manager. It was hard but I was able to get Bob
Acheson to allow me to leave D&A and start working at KAI for Bob Hall in
1961. The two 'Bob's' were good friends which didn't help in making the
move. I flew all the KAI aircraft over the next six years. During the
first tidal wave I saved one Grumman and Al Cratty saved the other...the
only two aircraft Bob Hall had left, after Good Friday's excitement.
After eleven years my wife's health wasn't doing too well so we made a
move to an island in the Caribbean where I continued to fly the Goose &
Widgeon in tropical waters. We returned to Kodiak for a visit in 1970 and
again in 1976. My aviation career took me on to South America and then
Africa so it was 2001 before I again visited Kodiak to find a bridge to
Near Island, a second boat harbor, a Safeway and a WalMart! It just
wasn't the 'old town' anymore. Now in retirement, I am writing mostly
short stories about aviation experiences. I am happy to attach my 'Good
Friday Earthquake' story as an example. Look forward to hearing back and
for any comments. Say hello to Mike Rostad if you see him. We traded a
few e-mails last year.
Cheers,
Bob Leonard
209
Date: Tue, 19 Sep 2006 16:36:17 -0500 (CDT)
From: cmadcock at verizon.net
Subject: Kodiak web site
Joe,
Just found your web site and really enjoyed the notes from the different
people. I was stationed at Kodiak from Dec. 1960 until April 1962, attached
to Com17/Comalseafron Operations. We worked air-to-ground with the VP
Squadrons. (VP 1, VP2 and VP 17 ) I was a Rm2 and we were almost 100% Morse
Code. I remember times when the Northern Lights really played havoc with the
communications, played heck with our radio/teletype.
I saw a mention of the R5D 92000. I played on the base basketball team and
made a few trips on her. We called it TripZip. Also our coach was a LTJG
named Terrence T. Triplett and we called him Triple T (Trip T for short). Of
course, this was behind his back. He was a really nice officer and person,
got along well with the men. I believe he was also the transportation
officer. Also interesting was the pilot who flew us, a CPO, I think by the
name of Wells...had been an officer during WWll but went back to permanent
rank at war's end.
I found an old buddy a few years ago from Com 17, now living in Nashville,
TN, Bruce L. Roberts (he was also Rm2). We have attended a reunion of
Aleutian Island veterans a couple of times. Also a few days ago I found
Charlie W. Nelson (ATAN) from VP 17, retired and living in Florida.
For anyone interested, there is a national Aleutian Island Veterans' Group,
all ages, all services. They have several reunions throughout the year, in
PA, NV, ND, KS. Basically called (appropriately enough) The Williwaw group
or club, something like that - definitely "Williwaw". If interested in the
group, write to: Al King, P.O.Box 130327, Sunrise, FL 33313
Carrol Adcock
Pinckneyville, Illinois
208
[I found Darrel's web site and asked him about Kodiak.]
Date: Sun, 17 Sep 2006 14:15:59 -0400
From: Darrel Daley kl7dn at sover.net
Subject: Kodiak Naval Base
Hi Joe,
I was stationed with the Kodiak Naval Air Station band as a trumpet player
from 1955 to 1957. I also met my current wife on Kodiak. Her name was Marion
Daley and she came to the "rock" as a new school teacher from Newark, NJ
That was back in the days of wooden sidewalks, 99 bars and one church
:-) ... Pre-quake days. I'm tossing in a couple more scanned shots of the
island in case they might be of use. I've got more if you're interested
It was a small band of 15-16 members. I can picture the faces, but am at a
loss for most of the names. Ben Ardinger, alto sax player, stayed on Kodiak
and sold furniture. If he's still around his memory is probably better than
mine. Scotty was the nickname of the piano player in the double exposure
picture. He went on, I heard, to make a career in the Navy.
Anyway, we played dance jobs at the officer's club, the chief's club and
enlisted men's club (no pay for these jobs). Many nights after finishing
those gigs we'd head for town and play at one of the bars there. For this we
were paid. I think that I went the whole 2 years on the rock without spending
a cent of my Navy pay.
We did the typical Navy musician things, like raising the colors in the
morning and lowering them at night. Many times just a bugler would go out and
do the proper call. Once a year we'd be flown over to Anchorage to play for
the Fur Rondy parade and once we went out to Palmer for the State Fair.
A humorous incident took place every time we played for the departure and
arrival of the Coast Guard cutter as it did it's bi-monthly (?) trip to check
out the villages on the Aleutian Chain. All the dependents would be at the
dock and, along with the standard marches, we'd toss in a chorus or two of
"Empty Saddles in the Old Corral". You're probably a youngster and I need to
explain that that was a song Gene Autry made famous.
When the cutter returned to Kodiak the dependents (wives/kids) would be there
to welcome Dad home and we'd sneak in a chorus of "I'm Back in the Saddle
Again", another Autry cowboy song. Everyone caught on and had a good laugh
out of it all.
Then the base got a CO that had no sense of humor and after he heard what we
were playing he issued a cease and desist order to the band director -
something to the effect that we will no longer be allowed to play
"suggestive" songs during the Coast Guard cutter arrivals/departures. Such is
life. There will always be killjoys amongst us.
For off time thrills we'd walk from the base into town to just hang out. We
also hiked up Pyramid Mountain, more than once. We spent a lot of time just
hanging out in the "band room", an upstairs area behind the stage with pull
down stairs. Not a lot of people knew that it was there.
That's about it, Joe. I ended up my stint on Kodiak in 1957 and was sent to
the Naval Training Center at San Diego. In 1957, while still in the Navy, I
married Marion Collani. I was honorably discharged 1958 and we moved to
Monrovia, CA. I ended up with a BA from California State University at Los
Angeles and we moved back to Alaska. The place was Chugiak.
I served as the band director and head of the music department there from
1962 - 1983. We're now retired to Putney, VT where we do a lot of volunteer
work. I'm very involved with Ham Radio as K1KU, mostly for VT Emergency
Management and the West River Radio Club. I'm also actively involved with the
W1 Incoming Bureau. We get back to AK every second year and visit friends in
the Chugiak area.
I got my first ticket there in 1978 - WL7ADU, then almost immediately got my
General and became KL7DN. I also got my Advanced at the Anchorage FCC office.
I got tired of signing KL7DN/1 in VT, so got the vanity call K1KU in 1998.
I hope this helps a little, Joe. I just turned 70 in June, so, fortunately,
you caught me while a few brain cells are still at work. If you have some
more questions shoot 'em off and I'll give it a try.
Cheers, Darrel
combo.jpg
mountain.jpg
pyramid_mt55.jpg
russian_orthodox_church55.jpg
village.jpg
207
Date: Sat, 09 Sep 2006 22:43:08 -0500 (GMT-05:00)
From: Grumpywright grumpywright at earthlink.net
Subject: Kodiak
Being stationed on Kodiak 1955-1957 was the best of duty with the beauty of
the island, its fishing and hunting. This was a time of my life when I felt
the most free. Even the duty did not deter my love of the island. I would
have made a third tour if they had allowed me, but facing a return to duty in
California. I chose to get out. I have often wished I might return, but a
friend on Kodiak told me that if I expected it to be the wilderness it was
then I would be disappointed. I look at a very large bearskin rug and feel
sorry that either of us ever left the island. Thank you for bringing a bit
of my past back to me. I was an AK3 attached to aviation supply.
Bill Wright
206
Date: Tue, 15 Aug 2006 19:11:12 -0400 (EDT)
From: Wwlions67218 at aol dot com
Subject: Ex Kodiak navy man
Hello Joe, I have been searching your web site and found it very interesting.
I was stationed there in 1953 and 54 with the navy. My brother was also
stationed there. I worked in Navy Exchange gararge, my wife worked at the
Navy Supply building and my brother also worked there. My oldest son was born
at the base hospital, 25 September, 1954. After retiring from the navy my
brother had a real estate office there until the earthquake and he went to
Anchorage where he started a new business. His wife taught in the kindergarden
school. His name was George H. Cornelius. I was wondering how long you have
been in Kodiak and if by chance you knew him? I knew Walter Craft and Mr.
Clark very well. I would appreciate it if you could reply at your
convienience. I will try and send some information to your website later.
Thank you,
Robert L. Cornelius
2202 S Pershing
Wichita, Ks. 67218-5040
205
Date: Mon, 14 Aug 2006 18:16:38 -0400
From: Daves, Fern, fern dot daves at itt.com
Subject: guest book
Hello Joe and friends.
I work for ITT Corporation in New York.
I am trying to find people who worked or visited
- the White Alice Communications System in Aniak, or.
- the DEW Line Site at Point Lonely.
Anyone who has stories to tell is welcome to call me at 914-641-2148 or email
fern dot daves at itt.com
Thank you and have a great day!
Fern
204
Date: Thu, 29 Jun 2006 22:00:53 -0400 (EDT)
From: Botieffd at aol.com
Subject: Uncle in Coast Guard Beach Patrol
Great web site and lots of information. I had an Uncle stationed
some where in Alaska during World War II, my mother says he was
part of the mounted horse/beach patrol at either Kodiak or
Katchikan. Wonder if you have information on this very interesting
part of our history.
His name: John A. Nevarov, was part of the Coast Guard during the war.
Bill Botieff, Silverton, Oregon
N7CRF, will listen for you on 3933, thanks,
[Anybody know anything. I don't. ...j0e]
203
Date: Sat, 24 Jun 2006 10:53:17 -0700
From: Bruce McKay bmckay06 at adelphia.net
Subject: Fleet Weather Central Kodiak.
I was a LT weather forcaster at Fleet Weather Central Kodiak from
June '58 to June '60.
I lived in Aleutian Homes and was in the second year of our
marriage.
I did a lot of fishing on the Buskin River mouth and had lots of
salmon. Hikes to Monashka Bay west of Kodiak lots of times. I did
a lot of Glass Ball hunting on the beaches at 5:00am out to
Chiniak and south of Chiniak. I took one trip with wife to
Anchorage for few days to have a scope put on my deer rife. Also
I took the week trip to the Karluk River Fish camp around and west
of Kodiak on the LST 161 or USS Kodiak.
I was on active duty for 6.5 years and the reserve for 31. School
teacher and principal in San Diego. Lots of NAS North Island duty.
Bruce McKay
202
Date: Mon, 29 May 2006 18:07:54 -0500
From: Karl Tabor karltabor (at) hotmail.com
Subject: Harry Tabor (WACS)
My father, Harry Tabor, was assistant site supervisor at Kalakaket
Creek in about 1957 - 58, when Bob Crutcher was supervisor. He is
the gunslinger pictured with Sven Engblom and Al Martin and would
like to know the whereabouts of any of the people stationed there
at this time. He had previously been at Palmer and Anchorage and
later went to Kotzebue. He was in class #1 - July 1956.
My dad plans to make a return trip to Alaska next summer, if
possible. He wonders about the photo shown - he remembers that
being taken in black and white and wonders if it was colorized. It
was also part of a series of pictures - a procession of a poker
game gone bad (Sven is about to pick up all the chips).
Later - my father returned to Alaska with RCA to work in Clear on
the BMEWS (Ballistic Missile Early Warning System) - from 1961 to
1963. He was a married man that time - and came up with a wife and
son. I was born in Fairbanks while they were up there.
Any old friends of his can contact me by email - or call my father
at his cell: 239-898-4330.
Karl Tabor
201
From: Debbie Zakrowski debzak_1 (at) msn.com
Sent: Friday, April 28, 2006 8:43 AM
Subject: NSG CAPE CHINIAK PATCH
Mr Stevens
While looking through the internet I found your name and am hoping
you can help me in my search. My husband Dan Zakrowski was in the
Navy from March 1959 to March 1975. He has a large collection of
Navvy patches but the one he doesn't have any longer that I would
like to replace is the one from Cape Chiniak. The patch says Naval
Security Group across the top and Cape Chiniak across the bottom.
The field of the patch is blue with an eagle and crest of feathers
and anchors behind it.
I would really like to replace this patch for my husband. If you
cannot help me please forward my email to someone who may be able
to. I would really like to surprise my husband with this.The
majority of Dan's collection is on display in several cases at the
Military Honor Park and Museum in South Bend In. He has not only
patches but guns pictures swords cannons bombs flags documents and
many memories.
I have been in touch with wmaude at netcommader.com and he sent me a
scanned copy of the patch and I have heard from inquire at nara.gov
but am willing to dig further just need some guidance. Your help
will be truly appreciated
Sincerely
Deb Zakrowski
200
Date: Sat, 25 Mar 2006 15:56:44 -0500
From: jerry dietz jerrydietztx at lycos.com
Subject: crash crew hangar photo
Hi..I am searching for a photo of the old naval crash crew hangar
which was at the mouth of the buskin river.I served there for two
years 1961 and 1962..I left just a few months before the earthqake
and tidal wave that destroyed Kodiak. I came across a web site of kodiak
history and I found your page. My name is Jerry Dietz and I live in
Austin Texas. I love Kodiak and hope to visit there again. I wonder
if the old breaker bar in town is still there and there was a stuffed
bear in the heart of town. Wonderful days and great memories. I am
collecting photos of all the duty stations I served at. Any
information would be appreciated. Thanks.
Jerry Dietz
[see our page on buildings within the airport perimeter.]
199
message deleted
198
Date: Sun, 08 Jan 2006 10:42:58 -0800 (PST)
From: Rich Perez sailorich46 (at) yahoo.com
Subject: Holiday Beach Receivers
Hello Joe,
Your website was forwarded to me by Gary DeMerse ET2. My name is
Richard Perez RM3. we both spent my time at Holiday Beach. Me from
from Oct '66 to Apr '68. Chief Joe Pinter RMSC was our chief. While
reading some of the emails, I too recall going to the rendevous bar
out in the middle of nowhere. I was a California boy in the cold
but I got to enjoy my time in Kodiak. We shared the barracks with
the Coasties from NOJ Kodiak Radio. We had some good times. We
built the 4 man cubes in the barracks for some privacy. Stubby
(Stubblefield RM2) was and still is my friend. We keep in touch all
the time. To all the other Navy and Coasties who served with me
at the time, If you read this please send an email. Thank's and ZUJ
mates.
//DP//
Richard Perez RM3
Phoenix, AZ
adios from the cactus corral
197
From: rtduffey at verizon.net
Sent: Monday, January 02, 2006 10:41 AM
Subject: Request Form
Looking for any info on Navy 26th Seabee Batallion during WWII
Tom Duffey
3471 Saigon Dr.
Westerville OH USA 43081
196
Date: Wed, 14 Dec 2005 07:55:56 -0500 (EST)
From: DJACOASTIE (at) aol.com
I am David Anderson (USCG RET CPO) Just found your site. It really
brings back memories! I was stationed on Sitkinak in 1963-64. I was
there during the earth quake in 64. I still have a copy of the
transmission showing the estimated cost of damage to the station.
I will have to read more of the emails that others have sent
in. Nice to see this info out there.
David J. Anderson
730 Germantown Circle, apt 613
East Ridge, TN 37412
195
Date: Wed, 30 Nov 2005 17:11:24 -0800 (PST)
From: Aragon Bill bj_aragon (at) yahoo.com
Subject: message board
I'm interested in hearing from those I was fortunate to serve with
at Marine Barracks, Kodiak, Alaska. I was there in 66-67 and worked
patrol (call letters Artful Duke One and Two), the towers, and the
Brig. I also represented the barracks as a boxer at the Anchorage
Golden Gloves winning the 132# open division. I have many positive
memories of my duty there...coming down the hill after a night at
the Club in the snow, listening to Wolfman Jack out of LA while
working the Towers late at night, doing my roadwork along the water
in the early morning or evening hours, taking the prisoners to chow
"make way prisoners", or catching a ride into town for some cold
beer and King Crab. I especially remember fondly when I was
recognized by our CO, Major Wilson who designated me Marine of the
Month. The names of those that I served with are beyond my
recollection but I can still picture them in my mind. After
volunteering for Vietnam and serving with Golf Co., 2nd. Btn.
Fourth Marines (The Magnificent Bastards) where I was wounded 7
months into my tour and spent several months at the Naval Hospital
in Pa. My last duty station was the Marine Corps Supply Center in
Barstow, CA where I worked as a Brig Chaser, and Brig Sgt. I'd
like to hear from any one who served with me at Kodiak, in Vietnam,
or in Barstow. Semper Fi my brothers. BJ Aragon, Sgt. USMC.
194
Date: Thu, 20 Oct 2005 15:17:45 -0700
From: Don DeCaria nf7r (at) mvdsl.com
Subject: Thank you
Joe,
I was stationed at Kodiak Jan 1970 thru Jan 1971...I have always
wanted to return!
I was a radioman at the HQ of COMALSEAFRON...it was my very first
duty station before going on to do 32 years in the Navy! HI!
I was WA7GQD at the time, and did a LOT of operating from KL7AWR
above the hanger where they kept the HU-16. Collins S-line as I recall.
I am currently working as a Comm Tech for a DOE contractor at
Nellis AFB...and live in Logandale, NV.
Thank you for the great web site and the museum...I would sure
like to get up there soon! It was my very first duty station, and
in retrospect, my best! Would like to show it to the XYL. While there,
I flew in the HU-16 to Nome (a story best told over a cold 807)
with the Admiral. Suffice it to say while the Admiral and staff were
at a convention in Nome, four young RMSN's were trying to drink the
town dry. We only succeeded in making the Albatross late for departure,
and destroying the head on the aircraft. Very lucky RADM Fairfax
had a sense of humor! Also went to Pt Barrow in a C-54 full of Naval
Post Graduate School Officers! As a young RM3 it was a miracle I
made it to CDR myself!
73,
Don DeCaria, NF7R
CDR, USN-ret
193
Date: Fri, 30 Sep 2005 16:25:27 -0700
From: Murray Fisher murrayfw (at) charter.net
Subject: WWII Crypto
Hi,
I dunno if I am at the right site or not!! I am an ex radioman
sailor from a submarine in WW II. I worked in copying Katakana
codes mostly off of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. I am 84 years old.
Before, during and after the initial invasions, I copied katakana
by using a then top secret antenna that we "shot up" from the deck
of our sub as we lay on the bottom, so we would be as unobtrusive
as possible. I THINK the info we copied originated at Chichi Jima.
Everything is pretty vague after all these years. After that
time I became a ham radio operator (W7NSU). At the time I was in
the Navy I Knew little about the equipment we were using but
afterward from my RTTY experience in ham radio I believe it was the
model 15 TTY machine with a special type basket. I passed the info
I copied, on to a cryptanalyst who decoded it to plain language.
In later years in my ham radio hobby a friend in Wash.,DC who was
into crypto stuff, had two of the type baskets he though I was
using and offered toi send me one of them!! I turned him down
because I could not afford the shipping costs!! Darn. He said it
was for a Model 15. Our daughter is a writer and has written
an article about me that was published and also is writing a book.
I am most interested in helping her out in some of the details. All
of what we did was top secret and we were told that no records were
kept. Nothing shows in my Navy Records, except the fact that I was
in the Amphibs. Is any of the above familiar at all to you?
Murray Fisher
Walla Walla, WA 99362
192
Date: Mon, 09 May 2005 14:16:05 -0700
From: Randall Sherman shermlaw at msn.com
Subject: Re: Web-Site: March 17, 1945 PB Crash off Karluk, Alaska
Thanks for the response. You're right. The tug came from Kodiak.
Also the reunion was in 1988. I called my Mom and asked to check
the privately published autobiography of Ens. Fitzpatrick who's
mentioned in the crash report. He has a chapter devoted to it and
the reunion. His address is:
Charles Fitzpatrick
1355 North Rolling Road
Baltimore, MD 21228
You may wish to contact him as he has photos from the few days
after the crash he might share.
The on-line report mentions Ens. Fitzpatrick, Lt. Tiernan, and Lt.
(jg) Sherman (my dad) along with the plane captain Morehead.
Moorehead was killed later in the war. The other three
participated in the reunion. Mr. Tiernan and my dad passed away in
1993. Mr. Zedepski also passed away in the early 90's
My dad shared these recollections with me before he died.
The report mentions my dad going out the door after the raft. He
was in charge of the raft in the aft part of the plane. When they
hit the water it bounced out and he flew out after it. He found it
and inflated it but worried about how to get in. He told me he put
the raft between his legs and then let it inflate around him. It
was the only raft that worked, a four man.
The report mentions one paddle. There were two. My dad had one and
the radio man had one. The radio man lost his.
The report mentions Mr. Tiernan (the co-pilot) being in the water
and illuminated by a Very Flare. He actually tried to swim toward
the lights of Karluk, and the others in the raft (6 in a four man
raft) thought he was dead. The flare in question was their last one
and it misfired before the pistol could be raised over head. It
flew out horizontally and exploded right above Mr. Tiernan. This
caused the villagers who were coming out to change course and they
literally bumped into him. After pulling him in the boat, they
rescued the others.
The flight boots together with the winter gear was a huge problem.
The Mae West's kept them upright, but it was impossible to get
horizontal in the water to swim.
Again, thank you for your kind assistance.
Regards,
Randall Sherman
191
Date: Mon, 09 May 2005 06:55:44 -0700
From: Randall Sherman shermlaw at msn.com
Subject: Web-Site: March 17, 1945 PB Crash off Karluk, Alaska
Hello,
I happened upon your site while looking for information regarding
my father's WWII service with the Navy on Attu. I found the
official report of the above ditching. My father was the squadron
electronics officer and had hitched a ride on that plane to get
home. The crew was rescued by the villagers from Karluk and a
Baptist missionary from New Jersey, named Steven Zedepski. In 1991,
the surviving crew members and Mr. Zedepski met in New Jersey for a
reunion.
I would be interested to know if there are any residents of Karluk
who remember that event. My Dad recalled that the village boys
treated them like royalty and fought for the privilege of rowing
them out to the rescue tug which came several days later from Dutch
Harbor [actually Kodiak]. Any information or addresses you could
provide would be appreciated.
Regards on a nice and informative site.
Randall D. Sherman
PO Box 137
Mapaville, MO 63065
shermlaw at msn.com
rds at wegmannlaw.com
190
Date: Mon, 28 Feb 2005 12:47:28 -0900
From: KL1IN kl1in (at) alaska.com
Subject: RE: Chiniak - Motley
Joe,
I have attached some of my memories of Chiniak, hope they are suitable
for your site. It was enjoyable to sit down and think back of those
times.
We lived in the trailer court near the creek near the airport. I
worked in the computer area and had a great time there. I looked at
your bit of a site and it is wonderful. I will put something
together and send it to you. We had family living there about 6
years ago and spent some time out at Chiniak, it is still so
beautiful. Thanks for taking the time to write. I can still see
many of the faces of those that were there when I was there, 1971 &
2 & 3 maybe but most names have gone away. Have you ever heard from
Barny Howard?
Miles
Valdez AK
KL1IN
189
Date: Tue, 01 Feb 2005 14:18:01 -0800
Subject: Kodiak History
From: Maurice Gunderson mgunderson (at) nthpower.com>
Hello Joe,
It was a pleasure speaking with you yesterday. I really enjoy your web
site, and I hope I will be able to contribute some photographs and other
memorabilia to it. Here is a short history of our family's stay on Kodiak
Island.
My father, Maurice D. Gunderson, was a civil engineer working on
construction projects in the Southwest, such as Glen Canyon and Boulder
Dams, in the 1930s. In 1939 he applied for and got a job on the
construction of the Kodiak Naval Air Station. He moved to Kodiak in 1939.
He had to leave his wife (later my mother) Mary Marjorie Gunderson back home
in California. I believe there was a six-month waiting period before
dependents were allowed to be moved.
After the six months my mother and their dog moved to Kodiak to join him in
1939. She was a graduate of UCLA and had been teaching school in
California. She became the Principal of the Kodiak High School, and also
taught English, social studies, and was the yearbook advisor. She held this
job until 1952.
My mother and father remained in Kodiak after WWII. My father continued to
work for the Navy, and my mother remained at Kodiak High School. They were
very active in the local Elks Club.
I was born in 1951, and my brother was born in 1953, in Griffin Hospital.
Shortly after my brother was born we had to move to Seattle so that my
mother could get medical attention that wasn't available in Alaska. My
parents had intended to return to Kodiak, but one thing lead to another and
we ended up settling in Oregon.
My parents had built a house in the years just before they left Kodiak.
They finished it just at the time they needed to leave and never did move
in. They owned the house until my mother sold it sometime in the 1970s. I
have a copy of a newspaper that shows downtown Kodiak after the 1964
tsunami, with our house undamaged, just about 20 feet above the high water
line.
I believe my father only returned to Kodiak once for a brief business visit
in the 1960s. He passed away in 1972, and my mother passed away in 1992.
I've never been back since I was 3 years old. One day I would very much
like to visit again.
Best regards,
Maurice Gunderson
Mission Pilot - Angel Flight West
Base: Concord, CA - KCCR
188
From: Edward Yess edw121 (at) earthlink.net
Subject: Donating photos
Date: Mon, 6 Dec 2004 11:44:33 -0500
You have a GREAT site. I was stationed at FWC Kodiak 1965-66 and have
several photos of the base as well as the town. Attached is an image of the
FWC Kodiak patch. You can see it is similar to the FWF Kodiak patch of 10
years later.
Ed Yess
187
From: Tom Wells tewells (at) centurytel.net
Subject: Coast Guard patch
Date: Sat, 1 Jan 2005 16:42:42 -0800
Hi Joe,
Looking through some Kodiak web sites naturally I found yours. I served on
Airstation Kodiak from April 66 until October 67. I enjoyed my time on
Kodiak Island and always intended to go back. Originally I intended to go
back to live then as the years went by, thought at least I'd make it back
up that way to tour the island.
On your 'patches' page I don't see the patch we wore during that time
period. I've attached a photo. Hope it's of some use to you. I looked down
through your guest book hoping to see a name or two I'd recognize. No such
luck. A few names I recall are that Charlie Kelly intended to stay in
Kodiak upon his discharge. He was a survivor of the Coast Guard plane out
of Kodiak that crashed on St. Paul Island. That one killed one person and
badly injured the pilots. I've got one or two photos packed away somewhere.
Another person who served while I was there is Wayne Brokaw. He is now an
attorney in Spokane. I've talked to him a few times but that's been a few
years back too. I could think of a lot of names but chances are very slim
we'd ever make a connection to anyone we both knew. With the possible
exception of Charlie Kelly.
-Tom Wells
Reardan, WA
186
Date: Wed, 24 Nov 2004 15:59:12 -0900
From: Katie Parker programs (at) baranov.us
Subject: Re: Kodiak Photos
Hi Joe,
Last month we received some correspondance in the mail with some memoirs
and about a half dozen photos taken around Kodiak during WWII. I was
hoping you could help us interpret these photos. I've attached two photos
here - 1 - 2 - Alice says they are of the "Ski Patrol" that operated here during
the war, a patrol that was at some point abandoned because ski travel
proved to be too dangerous. Do you have any information about a ski
patrol? I've only been able to find info about the ski chalet as
constructed for recreational purposes but these photos don't appear to be
of a leisure activity. I'd certainly appreciate any help you can give me.
The gentlemen who sent us the photos is named Robert Cook and he was in
Kodiak for a visit last year. The photos and memoirs are his fathers who
was stationed here between January 1941 and July 1944, so the photos
presumably date from those years. He served as "Regimental Executive
Officer, commanded the Second Battalion, commanded the First Battalion,
commanded the Regiment, organized and commanded the Third Battalion, was
Post Special Service Officer and was the Regimental Executive Officer in
that order."
Katie
Baranov Museum
[I replied with no information. Anybody?]
Katie included the following in a later message:
"On January 6, 1041 our regiment was called into active duty. After a
shakedown period of about two weeks we were sent to Camp Haan, California."
"In early June (1941) I was ordered to take a Composite Battalion of
Anti-aircraft Artillery to Alaska."
"We were quartered in newly constructed barracks about a mile from the Navy
area. Other troops that preceeded us by a few weeks were a battalion of
the 31st Infanty (Reg) and Battery C 250th California National Guard who
manned a long tom sea coast artillery battery. The balance of the regiment
followed us in increments, the last one including the Colonel came in late
September and I stepped back to being the regimental executive officer."
185
From: c.fredfield (at) comcast.net
Subject: Re: Sitkinak Lorsta
Date: Tue, 23 Nov 2004 09:58:46 +0000
Thanks Joe....very interesting web site....I actually walked up to dome a
couple of times in 1971 to look at old Air Force site....It looked like it
was completed or very close to completed when abandoned..Much had fallen in
even then, however or been broken up by freeze and thaw over the years....I
just checked my e-mail before work today (4:30 start) at my vending
job....I too landed on the lake---shortest dimension as did the guy whose
story is on your site.....Thanks again!!
- Fred,
-
- Your message made me get out my copy of Wanda Marie Fields's book NOW IT CAN
- BE TOLD, STORIES OF ALASKAN PIONEER RANCHERS. She discusses ranchers on
- outlying islands re-using old military structures. A few shipwrecks are
- mentioned. The majority of the book deals with ranching but there are a few
- military things mentioned.
-
- Finding loran station history has been tough. I haven't found any records at
- all. Several vets have left messages on http://www.fredsplace.org/
-
- The site on the dome was a White Alice. There was AC&W site but it was never
- activated. Nothing on the dome was ever activated except a USCG VHF radio
- site still there.
-
- I don't know if Sitkinak was loran A or C. There was a mobile loran station
- at a point near Chiniak during 1945. I don't know the date Narrow Cape came
- on-line.
-
- There is a book in our museum on a Coast Guard operated Liberty ship that
- sailed the Pacific installing loran during ww2. The author later lived in
- Dutch Harbor but doesn't mention any lorans in Alaska.
-
- I bought a book called ALASKAN CRASH SITE LOCATOR but it didn't have nearly
- as many sites as I already had listed on my site. However it does have the
- following entry:
-
- 56 34N 154 10W 01-JUN-55 C-47 SKYTRAIN 15594 USAF, HIGHEST POINT ON
- SITKINAK ISLAND. 10 POB - UNRECOVERED.
- Wanda Marie Fields wfields at ptialaska.net 907-486-3949. The book is $80.
- There is only about one paragraph about Sitkinak military.
-
- ...j0e
-
- At 03:41 PM 11/19/04, you wrote:
- -I spent 8 months at Lorsta St Paul Fall 70 to Spring 1971 and finished out
- -4 months at Lorsta Sitkinak...Out of the blue I decided this week to see
- -if station was still in existence. I hoped that it was so that I could
- -possibly get a t-shirt or something with the station logo. I came across
- -you web sit and saw that it was put out of service in 1977 and bulll dozed
- -in 2002. This was quite interesting.
- -Do you know if Narrow Cape was its replacement and was this a logistics
- -decision due to difficulty in getting crew and supplies to Sitkinak?
- -Are there any sites you know of or books that would give more island
- -history such as info on plane crash wreckage on the dome and more info on
- -the abandoned radar site and ranch site?.
184
From: Chris at Check-Six.com chris (AT) check-six.com
Subject: Kodiak mishap - 1957
Date: Wed, 24 Nov 2004 10:40:32 -0800
My name is Christopher Freeze, and I am doing research on a aviation mishap
that supposedly occurred at NAS Kodiak in autumn (September/October?) 1957.
It was supposedly an Air Force aircraft, that crashed into the bay, having
fell short of the runway. There were no survivors of the 8-9 person crew.
The aforementioned crash is not mentioned on your website, but the
gentleman I'm researching for is convinced it happened. He has very few
details and is suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder from the
clean-up effort.
Any assistance is appreciated...
Regards,
Christopher Freeze
www.Check-Six.com
183
Date: Wed, 21 Apr 2004 17:05:40 -0700 (PDT)
From: Gene Maggetti gmaggetti (at) yahoo.com
Subject: Thiokol Trackmaster
Mr Stevens, Hi, I wonder if you could help me gather
some information on a snow cat I'm trying to restore.
The unit is an Air Force marked, 1962 Thiokol
Trackmaster Model 4T10. I cant find any historical
information on this vehicle. I would like to find out
where this type of unit was used and for what purpose.
I would like to find some in service pictures of it
also. If you have any info on this, or know of anyone
who could help me, please e-mail me at
gmaggetti (at) yahoo.com thanks for your time,
Gene
Maggetti Dundee
Motorpool Museum,
Dundee, MI
182
From: Charles Maack maack1 (at) cox.net
Subject: Kodiak
Date: Wed, 7 Apr 2004 19:08:19 -0500
Hey, Joe, nice to see a website about Kodiak Island. My name is Charles
(Chuck) Maack. Served under Capt. Cook Cleland 1963-1966, CO ONI, providing
Special Intelligence Communications to COMALSEAFRON (RADM Riera, RADM
White). I started what became the largest Judo program in the Navy while
stationed there (over 150 participating). Advanced to CTOC 8/64 (then CTOCS
8/67 & CTOCM 8/69). Extended because Kodiak turned out to be one of the
best duty stations of my 28 years active duty. Hope more of past shipmates
sign onto this website. I've been looking for a MCPO John Peters and family
of the Coast Guard/USCGC Storis ever since leaving there (fellow Judo Black
Belt instructor) and several others from that tour. Hope they sign in and
see my name and contact me at maack1 (at) cox.net
181
From: Seth Brandenberger sethman406 (at) earthlink.net
Subject: Quonset Huts
Date: Sat, 27 Dec 2003 21:35:20 -0700
Dear Mr. Stevens,
I was interested to read about your Quonset Hut restoration project on
Kodiak Island. My grandfather, Otto Brandenberger, is credited with coming
up with the original design for the building. Grandfather was a Swiss
imigrant (1918) who was trained in architecture in Switzerland and New York
City. Following his work at Quonset Point, RI, he worked to modify the
design for agricultural purposes. He died in 1969 after serving as the
State Architect for Colorado.
My father, Robert Brandenberger has historical information regarding the
Quonset Hut and it's invention. He attended high school in East Greenwich,
Rhode Island during those years. He was later trained as a Naval Aviator
for the war effort.
I am excited to read that this project is happening in Alaska. My twin
brother Ned and I spent many summers in Alaska working for the Department
of Fish and Game. Ned is very familiar with Kodak Island. We still have
many good friends in the state.
Seth Brandenberger
180
Date: Fri, 26 Dec 2003 10:56:17 -0800 (PST)
From: Leroy Hileman coldsabre56 (at) sbcglobal.net
Subject: sitkinak lorsta
My name is Leroy Hileman. I was stationed at Sitkinak from Dec 73-74. I was
glad to find your site on Sitkinak. I saw some faces I could remember and
some I couldn't. You are asking for pics of the base when it was up and
running. I have movies. While there I had bought a super 8 mm movie
system and I still have many of the movies that show life on the island
during that time. I would like to help the site out if I can. The pics take
are of much part gone but the movies I still have. Please use the following
e-mail adress for me: coldsabre56 (at) aol.com
Leroy Hileman
179
Date: Mon, 24 Nov 2003 08:15:02 -0800 (PST)
From: Joe Kirk captjckirk (at) yahoo.com
Subject: USS ARD-22 & USS ARD-31
Dear Sir, From March 1951 thru Oct 1952 I was stationed at the USNS Kodiak
aboard the USS ARD-22, then the USS ARD-31. I have very fond memories of
that time in my life. The Kodiak folks were extremely generous to us
sailors, and treated us with great respect. I enjoyed the hunting and
fishing on the island, seeing the many Bald Eagles was spectacular. I
enjoyed visiting your Web Site, however, I was disappointed in not finding
anything about those two ships. I even helped with the repairs on Mr.
Madsens boat "The Kodiak Bear", when it was in our dock basin. He and his
wife were fun people to have known. She was a marvelous chef, and had the
sailors that worked on the "Bear" for a fabulous dinner the night before we
flooded down to let them out.
[This added 2003 Dec 4]
I was on the towing crew that brought the 31 from Long Beach Naval Shipyard
to Kodiak. We were towed by the Fleet Tug USS Tawasa, who then towed the
22 to Subic Bay and then the tug went on to Korea. I was at Kodiak when the
USS Mahopac, a tug, went aground. I have wondered how that affected the
skippers career. The Mahopac web shows several photos her aground off
Kodiak. The info that I have is that the ARD-22 was sold to Tiawan.
Thanks, Joseph C. Kirk, 4705 Cody Dr., West Des Moines, Iowa, 50265
178
From: Dewitt, Garrett Garrett.Dewitt (at) state.mn.us
Subject: Re: Grandfather's info
Date: Tue, 21 Oct 2003 08:13:53 -0500
Dear Sir.
This is an excellent website. A lot of very good photos and history which
ties everything together.
In signing your guest book, I would also like to ask, "is there anyone out
there who worked with or knew an Electrician with the last name of DeWitt?"
This would have been during the early 1940's.
Thank You
Respectfully
Garrett DeWitt
177
Date: Mon, 20 Oct 2003 22:10:55 -0600
Subject: 1964 Earthquake
From: Gary G Vair garyvair (at) juno.com
Joe
Thanks for a wonderful site. Lots of information there.
I was stationed at NAS Kodiak from September 1962 to September 1964. Like
Richard Clark, I was wondering if there's going to be any kind of
commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the quake in Kodiak next year and
if so, when. I'd like very much to come up for the 1st time since leaving
the island. Any info you can give me would be greatly appreciated!
My son, John, was born in 1963 at the base hospital. He often states that
he would like to visit his birthplace. A good excuse for me to get back
and visit Kodiak to see what's changed. Your web site has excellent
pictures of the now Coast Guard base in 1999 and I see a lot of changes
there as well as in the city. There really is a McDonald's, Safeway and a
Wal-Mart? I remember the little Sears catalog order building which
supplied most of my needs as did Kraft & Sons and the base exchange.
I was there when the P2V crashed as well as during the 1964 Earthquake.
During most of my 2 years there I was the base Utilities Officer. I would
like to find out what happened to the NAS steam electrical power plant
after I left in 1964. If electricity ever became available from the City,
I assume that the NAS steam plant was shut down, except for station heat.
In 1964, the city was working on getting a hydroelectric plant built. Part
of their plan was to sell surplus power to the base. Did this come to be
in the Terror Lake Hydroelectric Project of the 70's and 80's?
I also noticed the Fort Greely/Swamp Acres/Army Diesel pictures. During
1962-1964 these two diesel generators were in excellent running order and
used often. Whenever the load on the NAS Base steam plant would come
close to capacity or when maintenance work took a generator down, the Army
Diesels were fired up and placed on line. They were the first source of
electric power we had on the base after the 64 earthquake other than some
small generators that were backup power at critical facilities.
The diesels were probably abandoned if electricity became available from
the city after 1964, or perhaps when the Coast Guard took over the base.
From the pictures, they certainly look as though they have been abandoned
for some time.
Gary Vair
176
From: Maxy5361 (at) aol.com
Date: Sat, 18 Oct 2003 20:36:13 EDT
Subject: Hello joe
My name is Max Hellmueller. I was stationed at the base March 1967 until
March 1968. I was assigned to the Security police Div. I have a lot of
old pictures I took while stationed there. I thought you might want a copy
of some of the people stationed there. I met my wife there, she was the
daughter of CWO-4 Gunner Mealor. He retired there around 69 or so. We are
still married 34 years later, and live in Lexington Kentucky. I just
retired from the Lexington fire dept. as a Capt. I had 29 years on the
dept. My wife Barbara Mealor Hellmueller retired from Kroger company also.
We did go back up there for her 20th Class reunion. We both were amazed
how much it had changed. I was surfing the web when I saw your site. Barb
saw the earthquake pictures and said she remembers it just like yesterday.
When I left kodiak I went aboard the USS Hornet and served 3 more years on
her. My wife went back to Kodiak and had our son at the base hospital. I
was out picking up the first men on the moon apollo 11. I have a bunch of
stories to tell about the base and things that happened to me. If you would
like some just write me and give me an address, and I will send some stuff
to you. My e-mail Maxy5361 (at) aol.com Hope to hear from you.
175
From: Carrie Ann cuddlie001 (at) hotmail.com
Subject: Patsy (Pat) McGee 1950 or 1951
Date: Fri, 03 Oct 2003 11:22:36 -0800
My father Patsy (Pat) McGee was a Seabee stationed in Kodiak in 1950 or
1951. I am hoping there is someone out there with some information about
him. I only know his DD214 says he was stationed there and that from 51-53
he was in Korea. If anyone knows of him please let me know.
Carrie Ann
174
Date: 9/27/2003 10:18:31 AM Pacific Standard Time
From: seabee_1 (at) cybertime.net
I was stationed on the great island of Kodiak from 1956-1957. I was with
the Seabees. We spent most of our time either unloading ships or pushing
snow lots of snow. I spent a lot of the time at night at the EM Club on the
hill as our barracks were right at the bottom. The Marines club next door
was much nicer than ours. They allowed us in their club but not the other
white hats. I don't remember the squadron that was there at the time but
they flew 24 hours a day. I remember one time they took all the guns off to
save fuel as it made the planes lighter. I picked up the pilots one night
and the plane had some bullet holes in it. The very next day all the guns
were put back. Even though there were many days the whole base was shut
down ( except for us and the marine MP's ) because of the snow I enjoyed my
time pulling Marines out on aviation hill and at the bottom where they
would slide off trying to make the turn. I was there a year to the day and
enjoyed every minute of it. HI to all the guy's out there from one ex-snow
pusher to another.
Bob Fister
173
From: Aknsg2 9at) aol.com
Date: Wed, 18 Jun 2003 11:20:32 EDT
Subject: Maybe you could help
Charles Edwards, my grandfather was stationed at Ft Greely in Kodiak from
1442-44. He was in 201 infantry 2nd Battalion, Company H. He served as a
cook there, and had the nickname of "Lumb". He has enjoyed looking at all
the pic and of your entire website. He is now 82 and lives in Texas. He has
long lost contact with anyone he knew there and doubts if anyone he knew is
still surviving. but you never know, with the magic the internet can bring.
If anyone thinks they have any information please contact me at
aknsg2 (at) aol.com 903-482-5438 Gary Akins
172
From: George W. Reynolds Geowreynolds (at) worldnet.att.net
Subject: Long Island and Kodiak, AK...
Date: Tue, 13 May 2003 22:07:43 -0500
Sirs:
In your article about Ft. Tidball on Long Island, you wrote,
Fort Tidball was active during World War II on Long Island, adjacent to the
city of Kodiak on Kodiak Island, Alaska, USA. All land on Long Island was
procured by the government on June 14, 1941. The island is now entirely
owned by Lesnoi Inc. and is only reachable by chartered boat from Kodiak.
It's about a half-hour trip. There are no facilities on the island. All of
these building have been abandoned since 1945 except for some informal
recreational use. The headquarters complex buildings are completely gone.
Just wanted to let you know that your information is in error... Long
Island was an active part of my duties at Kodiak from January, 1947 until
September, 1949. The 6" guns and turrets as well as the 4- 8" guns at
Miller's Point and Cape Chiniak were routinely maintained until they blew
up the 8" guns in November of 1948.. I have a few pictures of the remains
of the 8" weapons after they were destroyed... The majority of my pictures
of the weapons have been lost or destroyed along the years but I do have a
shot of the breech rings of one of the 8" guns after destruction and I
think I have a snapshot of an 8" gun and the old plywood weather covers
they were in for years after the war.. These were on the Miller's point
and Cape Chiniak guns.
For a couple of years or more before the weapons were destroyed (8" guns)
the breech blocks, mushroom heads or spindles and firing mechanisms were
removed from the weapons and were stored inside the ammunition
magazine.They simply placed them in a section of a cut off oil barrel and
covered them with cosmoline to keep the metal from rusting.. We checked
them on a regular basis when doing routines on the weapons..
The 6" guns were maintained until I left the islands in September, 1949 and
I would imagine for some time after that too... They had several hundred
rounds of ammunition in the bunker that we were working on to repaint and
restencil when I was sent back to the states...
I am going to try to send you 4 pictures and identification in separate
letters... ..
If I am ever lucky enough to find my lost pictures, I will try to get you
some copies forwarded, with identification, if they will be of benefit to
you. I tried this some years ago but could never make the scanner work
then... Now, with a new and different computer and scanner, maybe we will
have better luck..
George W. Reynolds
[See the pictures and more information
from George.]
171
From: Richard Clark beardhd (at) hotmail.com
Sent: Sunday, May 18, 2003 2:23 PM
Subject: Kodiak, 1964 Marine Barracks USNS
Dear Joe,
I just happened across your Kodiak Military museum web site yesterday. I
found it extremely interesting for several reasons. First, we were both
born in 1944, (March 25th for me). Second, we are both ham operators. I'm
Dick (Richard) Clark, N6DHD. As of July 2000, I'm XE-2/N6DHD having
retired in Rosarito Beach, Mexico. (I get to watch the whale migration
from the other end, both coming and going. Third, and most importantly, I
Was stationed at Marine Barracks, USNS, Kodiak. I arrived about Feb. 19th
or 20th,1964 on a PNA Constellation. On the afternoon of Fri. 3/27, one of
my fellow marines, John Bywater and I were spending an off day in Solly's
bar on the waterfront in downtown Kodiak. Having been in Solly's for a
couple of hours, it took us a few seconds to figure out what was happening.
The incessant motion, the LOUD roaring sound, the breaking glass and
snapping lumber seemed to be coming from everywhere. When it finally
stopped we returned to our stools at the bar. We had no more than regained
our seats when it started all over again! Looking down the street and into
the woods it looked as if WAVES were traveling through the earth's surface
and those waves were 3 to 4 ft high! THAT was scary. It seemed like
everything that the wave traveled under was thrown into the air and/or
shattered. Again, everything settled back to relative normalcy---for
awhile. We had ordered another round of drinks when someone came into
Solly's and announced to everyone that the water was rising in the bay.
Sure enough, it wasn't over after all. We stood between the buildings and
watched the water slowly seep higher and farther up between the buildings.
I remember telling John that it wasn't at all a good sign and we'd better
haul ass. Where to go? Everyone seemed to automatically head for higher
ground. The high school on Pillar Mt. seemed to be the most popular
destination so that's where we went. It was a LOOOOONG night. Constant
aftershocks well over 7 on the richter and the recurring tsumnamis kept
everyone wired and scared. John and I had determined that the world, at
least OUR world was coming to an abrupt end so we may as well make the best
of it. In a gap between tsunamis we returned to town where the bars and
liquor stores stood. We grabbed 2 sealed but mud covered bottles out of
the ooze covering everything in town and ran back to the school. We
discovered we had grabbed a quart bottle of 7-up and a quart bottle of "Old
Everclear" 190 proof pure grain alcohol. We had never seen the stuff
before but knew we weren't going to return for a better selection and had
to "improvise, adapt, and overcome" as they taught us in the "Corps". Just
about that time, one of the people sitting in the dark in the hallway of
the school was listening to a "Zenith, Transoceanic" radio. We heard a
news broadcast out of Seattle sometime during the night that "the highest
point on Kodiak island is 32 feet under water". That's when we were
positive that we were history. We needed something to mix the 7-up and the
alcohol into. Back then, soda vending machines dispensed coke etc. into
paper cups with crushed ice. They didn't work with no electricity but we
were able to reach up inside and grab a couple of the cups. We mixed the
everclear and 7-up rather weak at first, then we realized that at that rate
we were rapidly running out of mixer so the proportions became more like
50-50. Needless to say it didn't take long for the "who hit John" to hit
us. The last thing I remember (clearly) was lying on my back on the school
steps with my head on the lap of a young native girl named Helen (I'm
pretty sure). The next morning our Marine buddies along with Major Jones,
our C.O. came into town and rescued Bywater and I from the evil clutches of
the Shore Patrol. It was never made clear to us EXACTLY what it was that
we had done to fall into their hands but there were more important things
to be seen to. It seems that john and I were the only Marines unaccounted
for during that night and we were high on Maj. Jones' list of priorities.
Jones drove us back to base in his own vehicle, a station wagon as I
recall. We were told to get some chow, change into utilities with MP gear,
rifle and bayonet and meet him back at his car in one hour. As soon as we
got into the car again the Major drove John and I straight back to town and
directly to the bank. He posted us there in the bank, to remain there
until the next morning with orders to shoot anyone who tried to enter the
bank without the password-which he promptly made up. It seems that the
vault door was open when the tsunamis hit. The power of the water had
"tweaked" the vault door just enough that it couldn't be closed, let alone
locked. All of the loose valuables in town had been rounded up and put
into that vault. Being EXTREMELY hung over, all we wanted at that time was
peace and quiet. That was just the right place for us to be.
These stories could go on for a long, long time but since this letter has
already become a novel I'll end it. To say that the experiences of that
day and the next few months were the most memorable of my life would be an
understatement. Recently I was watching a "Discovery channel" special on
the great quake. This one was very well done and mostly IN COLOR! Much to
my surprise they showed a black and white segment of just a few seconds
showing me with rifle, bayonet and MP gear standing guard in front of
Kraft's Dry Goods standing in the middle of the street. I didn't even know
that footage existed until 37 years later! As luck would have it, I was
taping the program as I have all of the others I've come across on the
subject, so I have a copy. Right now, I'd like to find out if there's going
to be any kind of commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the quake in
Kodiak next year and if so, when. I'd like very much to come up for the
1st time since leaving the island. Any info you can give me would be
greatly appreciated!
73's Joe!
Dick Clark beardhd (at) hotmail.com
P.S. on Easter Sunday 64' there was a full page photo of me standing next
to the Jr. high school overlooking the "Selief" in the gorge behind the
school, in the "LA Times". It showed me from the back but I remember the
photographer taking it. My uncle in Ventura, CA cut it out and forwarded
it to me.
170
From: Leslie Ray Richey lrrichey (at) worldnet.att.net
Subject: Living in Kodiak 1952-1956
Date: Thu, 13 Feb 2003 18:09:05 -0500
I lived in Kodiak by Mill Bay - here is a picture of me and our dog in the
middle of the road. You come up the hill and go on to Ft Abercrombie
Maybe it is close to where you live now. [Yes, very close. Joe.]
==================
Ray and Diane Richey
lrrichey (at) att.net
drichey1 (at) juno.com
169
Date: Sun, 2 Feb 2003 09:58:28 -0800 (PST)
From: Maurice Wadle moewadle (at) yahoo.com
Dear Joe: Here is the guest book entry I said I would send. I hope all
readers can forgive me if the entry seems too egocentric. I hope it has
some interest for readers. [This is great stuff, just what we want. Joe.]
I was in the Navy and had attended Aviation Electronics Technician "A"
school in late 1962 and then was sent to some related "C" schools in San
Diego which were schools on electronic gear I would need to be qualified on
at Naval Air Station Kodiak. I then was flown to Kodiak from San Diego. I
remember being flown by Pacific Northern Airlines (PNA) from Seattle to
Kodiak. (PNA was absorbed by Alaskan Airlines I believe.) The plane type I
flew in to, and out of, Kodiak was a civilian Lockheed Constellation, not a
Super Constellation.
I was assigned to the Aircraft Maintenance Dept.(AMD) which was housed in
one of the large Hangars. I think it was hangar #1. It was the furthermost
West and South of the hangars as I remember. It was easy walking distance
to go from the hangar to the administrative/barracks complex which were
generally SW of the hangar I believe. I remember the chow hall was in the
same building as the administrative offices and the Navy barracks.
Typically, in the Navy at that time we were fed a fish meal on Friday with
lemon pie for dessert. In Kodiak, with the fresh seafood available, this
was often a real feed. Once, at least, I remember we had a white fish,
possibly halibut, fried oysters, crab cakes, and scallops for chow. Imagine
that!
I got to Kodiak sometime in February, 1963, and remember it was just a
month after the P2V crash there which killed several Navy men. Also, about
the first day or so I was there I had a free day so went in to the town by
myself. I ended up down at the docks. I was looking out over the water and
backed up against something and as I stood leaning on it I felt something
moving on my shoulder. I turned around and was staring into this shoulder
high wooden tank of water filled with king crabs and one had a leg on my
shoulder trying to crawl up my neck. Made me jump needless to say.
I remember the barracks I was in faced generally East, as least the wing of
the barracks I was in. This East facing wing was directly below the hill
which had the Enlisted Club at the top of the hill. One could watch from
the barracks as men went up that rather steep climb on a fenced lane and
then wobbled down later under the influence. I turned 21 in December of 63
so was then legal to drink and did this myself a few times. I remember
vaguely the inside of the club with a big stone fireplace.
I was fortunate to be assigned to air crew status. I was a radio man. The
base had three planes assigned to it. There were two Douglas C-54
Skymasters(previous Navy designation was R5D) and one Grumman Albatross
amphibious plane. The planes were used for trips of various kinds and I
often did not know what. We did transport USO shows some. We would take
them out in the Aleutians, remain over night (RON) and then take them to
Elmendorf AFB at Anchorage. Since I was a radio man I was always privy to
the Control Tower instructions to our pilots. I remember once having to
wait on the runway at Elmendorf to take off because deer were on the
runway. I also remember many trips out to Adak and I was lucky enought to
take a USO show to Shemya and RON so I got to drink at the club in Shemya.
On July 4th we took Admiral Bakutis to festivities at Nome so I was able to
go to Nome and watch the parade downtown as I stood on board sidewalks. !
I am very proud of a little pin I was given which says, "I HAVE BEEN TO
NOME, ALASKA."
I was also very fortunate in that on October 1, 1963 for some reason we had
to fly to Barrow and used the Albatross. There were just the two pilots
and me. It seemed like it took forever to fly that trip one way. We got
to fly fairly close to Mt. McKinley and it was a joy to see it. We must
have arrived at Barrow around 3-4 PM. Anyway I viewed icebergs in the ocean
as we landed. We stayed a short time and left the plane engines running so
they would not stiffen up in the low temperature. We were only there about
an hour at most and flew back. Imagine my complete surprise when a couple
weeks later an 8 x 11 inch certificate signed by the Commanding Officer was
routed to me. It was a blue-nose certificate for having crossed the Arctic
Circle.(For your list of COs of the station note the CO was Capt. Roy P.
Gee at that time.)
Flying in Alaska, in retrospect, I now realize was somewhat dangerous. I
can't tell you how many times that Adak and sometimes, Kodiak, were socked
in with fog and we had to do GCAs, ground controlled approaches, in which
the control tower talked us down by radar in literal soupy fogs. Imagine
being in a flying airplane seeing only fog all around and nothing else and
then coming down out of it and not seeing the runway or anything else until
literally about 10 feet from touch down. Once I remember flying to Adak
and back. The head winds must have been bad going out because when we got
back the plane captain measured the fuel we had left. If we would have had
to take one wave-off we would have been out of fuel and landing in the bay.
Spare time was spent pretty quietly there. Liberty was not the best unless
you got into fishing and hunting and had a vehicle to take you to where the
hunting was. We fished often for Dolly Varden trout in the Buskin River
right on base. Then we would get a case of beer (Beer and soda were sold by
the case at the gas station on base directly South of the hangar area.) and
cook the fish on a little gas stove in the Aviation Electric shop and stuff
on fish and beer. One had to be 21 to drink legally in Alaska and prices
were very high so I did not go into the City much at all. After I turned
21 I went in to the bars a few times. They were open until about 5 AM if
they were outside the city limits. I think Solly's was. I still have a
little beer glass with a fish and the bar name painted on it from "SOLLY'S
KODIAK ALASKA."
I do know that once one of the AMD crew, Willy Eldridge from Texas, who had
a pick-up drove some of us out in the boondocks. I remember stopping at
the cabin of this old man who was straight out of a Jack London story. He
wore khaki pants and suspenders with a red-black plaid shirt and lived in a
log cabin miles out from the base. I still remember this giant pile of
empty Olympia beer cans outside his cabin. Also, that trip is when I think
we stopped at a bar-restaurant someplace out in that area. There was
nothing else there. I still remember the wall behind the bar was full of
firearms including a .410 pistol.
I remember camping out by a small river during the warm weather once when
the salmon were running. The river was perhaps a foot deep generally. The
salmon had humps and were so thick in the stream one could look across and
see humps sticking out of the water all over. The salmon were so thick
that one could have walked across the stream on them if they had been
rocks. I simply waded out in the stream to watch them and shot one (only
one) with my .22 revolver and then baked it in the fire. We found it
delicious. The next morning we had fresh trout for breakfast that one of
us had just caught.
I was in a summer bowling league and remember the bowling alley was
adjacent to Women's Bay and seeing the seals playing in the water when I
went to bowl. The days were so short in winter that the flag was not
raised until after I got to work at 7:45 AM but it was lowered before I got
off work at 4 PM. This shows how short the daylight hours were because
colors were at sunrise and sunset.
I still remember getting up one morning after an RON to Adak and went to
the plane as part of the crew to get ready to return with a USO show to
Elmendorf. Another crewman already there asked me who the President of the
US was and I told him Kennedy and he said, No, the president had been shot.
That, of course, was 11-22-63.
I was talking about not much to do in spare time at the base. I remember TV
programs consisted of programming broadcast by the Armed Forces TV
Network. I think there was only about 3 hours of TV an evening. One of
the programs we watched was old reruns of The Untouchables with Robert
Stack as Eliot Ness.
I remember sometime when there; it was in late fall or winter of late 63 or
early 64 that Kodiak had winds of 115 knots with gusts to 125 knots.
Terribly strong winds. An Air Force C-123 had sat out in this tied down as
there was no hangar space and I was told that the plane was ruined by the
stress that had been placed on its frame. It did not look damaged to the
untrained eye. It was very difficult to walk outside. There were some big
frozen puddles on the plane parking areas around the hangar and if one
stepped on a puddle one would just go skating on shoe soles from the force
of the wind.
I guess the last thing I want to do is to list some names of people I was
stationed with so their names will live in some type of perpetuity with the
history of Naval Air Station Kodiak. There was Mike Kelleigh, an AE2 with
whom I still stay in contact. He retired from the Navy in 1978. There was
Gary Wignall from Iowa who was a clerical person and, very coincidentally,
grew up about 7 miles from my home in Iowa and we are still friends. Then
there was AT Chief McDaniels who ran the electronic shop and was my boss.
There was an AT2 Tony Daigle from Lousiana. There was Weeber, an AT3 from
Lewiston area of Idaho I believe. There was AT2 Ronald Oya from Hawaii.
There were many more but I cannot remember their names. Last but certainly
not the least was Patrick Pankratz. I became friends with him, a guy from
Oregon. He gave me his sister's address and that sister and I became pen
pals. We were married years ! later although the marriage did not last I
have three wonderful adult children from that union. Sadly, Patrick passed
away in early 1999 from cancer. He was at Kodiak all through the quake and
remained there until he got out of the Navy in June 1964.
Oh, one other thing. One of the C-54s the base had was Bureau number 92000
and, of course, we called it "triple nuts."
If I think of anything else that I think might be interesting I will send
another email. Joe, I will check my photos and send you something for your
consideration to put on the web site.
In finishing, I want to say that when I first got to Kodiak I thought it
was a shitty place to be. In retrospect I realize that it was a neat
adventure and that a lot of people will never see even Alaska. I have
actually been to three far reaches of the State; Shemya, Nome, and Barrow.
I now consider myself lucky for the experience.
Oh, and by the way, Mike Kelleigh and I flew out of Kodiak together in late
February of 1964 and just missed, luckily, the big quake that came around 3
weeks later.
I would love to hear from anyone that was at the base when I was so note my
email address of moewadle (at) yahoo.com.
Thanks, Sincerely, Maurice "Moe" Wadle (prounounced wad-lee)
168
From: Ed Fedder efedder (at) hotmail.com
Subject: Guest Book entry: Kadiak.org
Date: Sat, 25 Jan 2003 20:50:21 -0800
I really enjoyed the info on Kodiak. I was on Kodiak for a short period of
time in 1957 while on active duty in the Marine Corps. We spent two weeks
tearing up the beaches of Isthmus Bay, and the surrounding territory while
on Cold Weather training exercises (Operation Cool Dip). Our unit, 2ndBn,
7thMarines, of the 1st Marine Division slogged all over that area. What I
remember most was the black sand of the beaches, and the low hanging,
water ladened clouds. I wasn't dry for two weeks.
We pulled liberty one night at the Naval Station, Kodiak. I always thought
it was on Mother's Bay, but I guess it was Old Woman's Bay, or something
like that. Anyway, I don't remember there being a USMC enlisted club. I
recall walking up a long line of steps to the Navy "White Hat" club. I was
a buck sergeant then, on MP/Shore Patrol duty and I remember having to go
up to the club to pull a few Marines out of there, and back to the ship,
for being a little to rambuctious. As you may have heard, Marines and
sailors don't always get along. Anyway.....enjoyed your site. I've got a
half dozen or so photos of our stay on your fair island I'd be happy to
share if you're interested. Or your viewers can go to my webpage,
www.usmccollectibles.com, and look under Photos, 1st Marine Division, and
they can see them. Thanks, Good Luck and Semper Fi!
Ed Fedder, Sgt. USMC 1956-62 usmccol (at) hotmail.com
167
Date: Fri, 03 Jan 2003 21:00:24 -0600
From: charles roberts ccr (at) robertsarmory.com
Subject: James O'Hara
Joe:
I lived at Ft. Richardson from 1953-57 and sailed on the O'Hara from
Seattle to Alaska with a stop at Kodiak. The ship, I believe, is the
sister ship of the Funston. Attached is a photo.
Chuck Roberts
166
From: BBaltz4127 (at) aol.com
Date: Mon, 30 Dec 2002 17:44:42 EST
Subject: Looking for info for a friend
I have a friend who served in the Navy ship repair on Kodiak from late 1942
to early 1945 I believe. He actually ended up in an entertainment group made
up of people from Navy, Army, etc. They went to the other islands also to do
shows. They formed a quartet called the "Willowas". My friend's name is Ray
Kaady. He has mentioned a Joe Denny.
My friend does not have a computer so if anyone has any info about this group
or remembers serving with him during that time frame, please email me at
BBaltz4127 (at) aol.com.
Thanks
Barb
165
Subject: AFRS-Kodiak FEB67-FEB68
From: Harry Lomas hlomas3 (at) excite.com
Date: Sun, 29 Dec 2002 21:21:20 -0500 (EST)
What a great site. I've barely scratched the surface.
After bootcamp, Jim Ruppert (NY), Larry O'brien and I (both from MA) were
stationed in Kodiak from FEB67 to FEB68. I started out in the Weapons Div.
I remember taking temperature readings in the magazines. In the spring, I
transferred to Exec. Div. and worked in the base Radio & TV station as a
DJ, cameraman and director. Chief Jess Veech (AZ) and JO3 Jim Westby (MA)
were the petty officers in charge, and I worked with Norm Holme (WA) and
Jim Huber (WI)
Many of my recollections coincided with those of Jerry Olk (guest 26), but
I'm sure both the TV and the radio were broadcast to the base and town.
The radio studio and record library was on the second floor as were our
living quarters. We broadcast radio shows live from Kodiak from 0700 to
1000 and 1600 to 1800. The rest of the day's programming came from
Elmendorf AFB.
The TV studio and control room were on the ground floor. We re! ceived
kinscopes of stateside programming, which we supplemented with locally
originated news and a kid's catoon/puppet program hosted by Chief Veech.
I have many fond recollections of Kodiak. It was a great way to start my
military experience.
I'll write more soon.
Best regards,
Harry (aka Boston Blackie) Lomas
164
From: Paul pmsteider (at) cox-internet.com
Subject: Emailing: KL7AWR, Over Nas Kodiak,1954
Date: Mon, 2 Dec 2002 09:47:25 -0600
Hi,I'm Paul W0NMB in Bella Vista,AR
Really enjoyed your site as have many great memories of Kodiak.Was an AT2
in VP 22 and spent 6 months there in 1954.Had great times operating our
club station with BC 610 and huge V beam.Also spent many weekends camping
out on Cape Chiniak and catching Dollie Varden trout and silvers.
Been active ham for 53 years and am retired from AT&T,Long Lines.
73,Paul
KL7AWR.JPG
Over NAS Kodiak 1954.JPG
163
Subject: Judie Freeman
Date: Tue, 22 Oct 2002 11:24:57 -0500
From: Doyle Fortney (Manager Guthrie) dfortney (at) ARCOK.ORG
Joe:
Great site! Many fond memories.
I served on Kodiak from 1952-1953. Was Chaplain's Assistant. Retired
after 30 years in 1981. Knew the Radinsky's. Remember Diane.
Thanks for the memories.
Reverend Doyle W. Fortney, Ph.D.
Commander, U.S. Navy (Retired)
162
From: Lawrence Swetz lswetz (at) satx.rr.com
Subject: 625th AC&W Squadron
Date: Fri, 20 Sep 2002 22:26:39 -0500
Taking a chance that you may know something about the 625 th AC&W Sq. I am
asking for my brother who is interested in things that pertain to this Sq.
He was assigned to this unit in WW II and was stationed somewhere in the
islands in 1943 I think is what he said. I can get the specifics if you
think your organization has this type of information or if you could direct
me in some direction. He will be 77 tomorrow. I am his younger brother by
7 years and was in another war (Viet Nam). Any help you could give me
would be appreciated. His email address is seswetz (at) wctc.net and mine is
lcswetz (at) satx.rr.com thanks Larry Swetz
161
Date: Sun, 15 Sep 2002 17:23:42 -0700
From: Ken (at) teammiata.com
Subject: Web Site - Aircraft crashes
Hi
I came across your site and really enjoyed it.
On your crash site page you mention a memorial that isn't to any one crash.
I was stationed at Kodiak from '77 to '81 and helped set-up that memorial.
I was in charge of Public Affairs for the Coast Guard in Kodiak. It started
with the chaplains wanting to sent up a memorial of some sort. I can't
remember if they really had any particular event in mind at the time (I
seem to recall their learning of the P-2 crash on Old Woman, and that might
of been the spark). But I started to do research in to all the plane
crashes where the aircraft were either from Kodiak or heading to it at the
time of the crash. We were all amazed at all the crashes I came across. I
said, considering all the people that had died, that it really wasn't fair
to memorialize just one crash out of so many. The correct thing would have
been to list all the crashes, but we had a very small budget and to do the
complete list would have cost a lot more then we had. At the time we were
also working to place a memorial on Attu for all that had died out there as
well.
Thanks for keeping those crashes alive "sort to speak" so that they won't
be forgotten.
Ken Freeze
PACS, USCG (ret)
PS - my son has a web site dealing with plane crashes.
http://www.check-six.com
Ken
(925) 370-6485 Voice
(925) 370-8532 Fax
http://www.TeamMiata.com
http://www.AllRoadster.com
160
From: mg bbgordon (at) i-2000.com
Date: Tue, 13 Aug 2002 21:40:38 -0400
Subject: Dad skied during the war
Hi,
I am searching for information about my father, Steve Stranko. My only
starting point is an older uncle who only remembers that dad was a
paratrooper stationed in Alaska and that he had to learn how to cross
country ski during the war. Does this ring a bell to anyone who might steer
me in a direction as to which unit he may have been in? For now, I don't
even have his social#.
Thanks much, Merrill Gordon
159
From: Dave Pickett dave (at) elexisnet.net
Subject: Thanks!
Date: Mon, 29 Jul 2002 17:16:17 -0700
Hi Joe,
Thank you for the work that has been done to document so much of the history
of Kodiak and surrounding areas. Growing up in Alaska I have always had an
interest in the military history and significance of the state. Kodiak was
a real hub of activity for many years and is representative of similar works
throughout the Alaska.
I am far too young to have participated in any of the activities you
showcase. In fact, the closest link that I personally have is that one of
my friend's father was a commander in the Navy and stationed at Kodiak and
Anchorage in the '70's and '80's. His name is Commander C. Wayne Case. I
enjoyed immensely the stories he had to tell.
Again, thank you for placing this information in a forum that can be freely
accessed by so many. I enjoy sitting down with my son and sharing with him
the sacrifices that have been made over the years to ensure his freedom and
way of life. Keep up the good work!
Dave Pickett
158
Date: Thu, 25 Jul 2002 15:28:33 -0700
From: John Bickelhaupt bickjh (at) pacbell.net
Subject: Concerning Commander I.A. Bickelhaupt
Dear Mr. Stevens,
I ran across references to my grandfather, Ivan A. Bickelhaupt, on your
website. I knew he was posted to the Aleutians for a period of time
during WWII but had no details. I am interested in finding out more
about his service. I know, for example, that he was also posted to
Ireland for a time, where he was involved in the construction of a
submarine base. Any additional information you have or any advice you
can offer about where to find more would be appreciated.
Thank you very much for your hard work in creating and maintaining this
site. It has provided me with an opportunity to find out more about my
family. I was not aware your resource existed until I happened onto it
during a web search. I have a nephew who is in the Coast Guard and whose
ship visits Kodiak Island periodically during patrols. I think he will
appreciate knowing about his family's earlier connections to Alaska.
Regards,
John Bickelhaupt
157
From: tbennett (at) jtcc.edu
Date: Fri, 7 Jun 2002 16:52:39 -0400
Subject: Coast Guard Bittersweet
I am just trying to find an old friend. Stationed on the Bittersweet in
years ? 1956, 1957 I think. His name was John Thomas "Tommy" Potts. This
was his first assignment in the Coast Guard.
Thanks
Toni
156
From: CPeajay (at) aol.com
Date: Tue, 21 May 2002 02:29:46 EDT
Subject: nice site
I had to write and thank you for your site. I grew up in Kodiak while my dad
was stationed at the Naval Air Station in the late 60's ('67-70)
I could not believe all the memories that came flooding back ! I was only
about 7 or 8 when we first got there. I found your picture of the USA home
and it took my breath away. I could see where we lived, where the playground
was eventually built. Remembering all the "salmonberries" we picked.
Thanks for the memories and keep up the good work!
Carmel Pajita
Vallejo, California
155
From: Compie1953 (at) aol.com
Date: Mon, 20 May 2002 11:30:24 EDT
Subject: Fort Randall, Cold Bay in 1947
Hi Joe,
I am working on a father's day project and thought maybe you could help.my
father, Paul E. Comp was stationed at Fort Randall in Cold Bay, Aleutian
islands in 1947. As you know it was a refueling base at that time. I am
desperately trying to find any information, pictures, or old buddies from
that time and am having no luck. He loved Alaska and when he reminises about
those days he gets such a sparkle in his eye. I would love to be able to
print him info and make a booklet for him for father's day. I believe he
said at that time it was an army/airforce base. any information you have
would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Debra C. Funk
154
From: rltratz (at) mchsi.com
Subject: Chiniak Bunkers & Guns
Date: Tue, 7 May 2002 21:25:08 -0500
Dear Joe,
Discovered your website a couple of years ago and occasionally check in to
see if anything new is posted in regards to the old NavSecGru site at
Chiniak. I was stationed there in 1963 and have quite a number of pictures.
One picture was taken with me standing on one of the gun emplacements with
the 8" gun lying behind it. Another was taken of two of us standing in
front of the doors of the large bunker near the gun emplacements. I had
several pictures that were taken inside that bunker but they didn't survive
as they stuck together in the album after having been stored in an area for
a long time where the humidity was high. Have you been in that particular
bunker and have you any pictures of it? Also, is the gun still lying next
to the emplacement? Just curious. Would like to return to that area some
summer. We had some great times there. Kind of sad to see pictures of the
cabin which is now rotting away. It was brand new when I was there. Your
pictures of the P2V plane that crashed into the mountain in January of 1963
caught my attention, too. We arrived on Kodiak the day after that plane
crashed. In fact, I still recall a wisp of smoke that was rising from the
crash site after we landed. Amazing that much of the wreckage is still
there after 40 years! Great website. Wish I had known all the military
history about the island when I was stationed there.
Bob Potratz
Cedar Falls, IA
153
From: Brad Elfers flyfishing (at) alaska.com
Subject: looking for my great uncle
Date: Wed, 1 May 2002 17:43:48 -0800
Hello Joe, My great uncle, Otto Frohnmeyer, served on Attu during WWII. My
dad is pretty sure he was a Seabee but we don't know anything else. Any
suggestions on finding our which outfit he was in? I have a Japanese rifle
he brought back from Attu and any history that goes with it would be
fascinating. My dad and I have been reading books about the battle on Attu
but haven't run across his name. Any help or pointers would be appreciated.
Brad Elfers Juneau Alaska
152
From: Donald Simmons ROCPM1 (at) msn.com
Subject: Cape Chiniak History
Date: Sun, 28 Apr 2002 13:05:50 -0400
Joe,
I have been introduced to your history of Kodiak and of particular interest
to me is the Cape Chiniak history. I was stationed with the Navy there from
October, 1961 until September 1962. LTJG Richard Loeder was the officer in
charge and I have read his e-mails in your guestbook. The highlight of my
time there was the building of the log cabin, as he mentions from falling
the trees, skinning the bark, cutting into logs and building the cabin. In
addition to being the OIC, he was quite a craftsman including laying the
stone for the chimney and fireplace. I read several e-mails that mentioned
"Jake" the trapper, he was a regular for meals at the base and we often had
meals at his cabin of king crab, salmon and sourdough bread. As I recall
there were only 2 folks that lived on the windy, dangerous road to the naval
station in Kodiak. During the time I was there we made the trip every day to
the naval station for mail and supplies, I recall only wrecking one vehicle.
I came there from sunny Florida (Pensacola) and my home state of Virginia
and vividly remember that small airstrip, "Ole Woman" and the trip in the
base ambulance from the Naval Station to Cape Chiniak on a chilly, dark
evening, thought for sure we were going to the end of the world. However,
the tour of duty was not so bad, but I can honestly say I was glad to get
orders from there to San Juan.
Thanks for bringing back a lot of memories, great site
Don Simmons
151
From: Kevin Jones lickinfrogz (at) msn.com
Subject: alaskan defense command
Date: Mon, 15 Apr 2002 15:58:46 -0400
recently my grandmother gave me an insignia patch from the a.d.c. it is a
kodiak bear on a blue background with a gold star above the head.she told me
it was designed by my grand father who was stationed in alaska. his name is
Angelo Johnny Franco. i was hoping to find out more about his unit and
him. he passed nearly 20 yrs ago and any information you vould provide in
helping me find out more about him and his service to the country would be
greatly appreciated.
most thankful,
kevin jones
150
From: Diane M. T. North dmtnorth (at) erols.com
Subject: Signal Corps
Date: Tue, 2 Apr 2002 19:47:05 -0500
Dear Sir:
Please give me some suggestions for tracking down a soldier who served with
the US Army Signal Corps in Alaska during World War II: James Coates. He
was my cousin's father. She never knew him because when he returned from
the war, her parents were divorced. Her mother refuses to talk about him.
Thanks. D. North dmtnorth (at) erols.com
149
From: Sandi Miller sandi (at) ado13.com
Subject: Great Memories
Date: Sun, 17 Mar 2002 19:31:09 -0800
Judie Freeman
What a great site! Judie Freeman's note prompted me to send this along
with the phone call I got last night from her sister, Jo telling me about
this site. Jo and I were best friends in junior high. I spent many hours
at their home above the Enlisted Men's Club. I remember Mr. and Mrs.
Radinsky fondly. Jo and I have kept in touch off and on throughout the
years. My family lived in Kodiak from 1958-1959 and from 1961-1964. My
Dad, AGCM Wayne Biter, was stationed at the Coast Guard station. I
graduated from Kodiak High School in 1964 and met my husband SH3 Larry
Miller there. We were there during the earthquake - an experience I'll
never forget. Will be going through my old pictures in the days to come.
I'm adding your website to my "favorites" and will return often. Thanks for
bringing back lots of great memories. Sandi Biter Miller
148
From: Krys fisher STARBRE2002 (at) hotmail.com
Subject: Daughter of a Vet
Date: Sun, 17 Mar 2002 18:09:22 -0600
Cam'i,
I am the daugter of a WWII vet. His last port of call was Kodiak, where he
met my mother. His name was Carl Sautner. He was in the Marines and
stationed at Pearl Harbor. I have almost all of his old photos and am
willing to share them with you in the future. I have to move first as they
are already relocated.
I am also always looking for family members. My Maternal last name is
Malutin.
Kodiak was my home from 1954 to 1957. I still have my own memories and have
recently made new ones.
Quyanna
CJ Fisher
littlealute (at) hotmail.com
147
Date: Wed, 27 Feb 2002 18:17:08 -0600
From: Harry A Isom haisom (at) mpdr0.chicago.il.ameritech.net
Reply-To: haisom (at) ameritech.net
Subject: Re: 98th FA
Dear Joe,
My father left Ft Lewis, WA for APTO about 30 Sep 41 arrived at Sitka on
Oct 4. From there to Kodiak and that area until 17 Apr 44.
Rotated to USA, then to ETO 29 Nov 44. Assigned to the 7th Army, 20th
Armored Div. 413 FA. Was in Munich Germany May 45. Returned to USA Aug 45.
The 20th was in process of returning to Camp Cook, CA for the invasion of
Japan when the war ended.
Unfortunately, I have very little memorabilia of his time in Alaska and
even less there after. My father died in 1975. I have found the 20th
Division association and have been in contact with a few who remember my
dad. I have not located anybody in the 98th. Would like to.
I have attached two things that I found on the Web. One thing I do have
that my dad gave me is a photo of him, with 50 cal. bullets, taken on Dec
7, 1941. He always laughted at it. He said thank God they werent attacked
as that was all the ammo they had.
Take care,
Harry A Isom
146
Date: Tue, 26 Feb 2002 20:42:13 -0600
From: Harry A Isom haisom (at) mpdr0.chicago.il.ameritech.net
Reply-To: haisom (at) ameritech.net
Subject: 98th FA
Dear Joe,
My father, Harry A Isom Sr. served in
the 98th FA Bat C on the island in
WWII. He arrived on the Grant. I have
attached the patch of his unit.
Sincerely Yours,
Harry A Isom Jr.
145
From: Judie Freeman JudieFreeman2001 (at) socal.rr.com
Subject: Memories
Date: Tue, 26 Feb 2002 14:12:24 -0800
What a great site. My father, Jules Radinsky, managed the Civil Service
Club on the base from 1949 to 1953. We left Kodiak and moved to Anchorage
from 1954-1955 and moved back to Kodiak where he managed the Enlisted Men's
Club from 1956 to 1959. We (my family) lived in the apartment on top of the
EM Club. While looking through pictures, I saw my old home (Building 519).
My father passed away December 30, at almost 91 years old. My entire family
has always cherished the years we spent in Kodiak and although it's been 43
years, I still consider Kodiak my home.
144
Date: Mon, 11 Feb 2002 14:47:55 -0600
From: John Bauer john.bauer (at) fnc.fujitsu.com
Organization: Fujitsu Network Services
Subject: Holiday Beach
I was looking for a topo map of Kodiak Island when I ran across you
site. I was stationed at Holiday Beach 1967-68. Was great seeing the
pictures of the old barracks.
143
Date: Thu, 07 Feb 2002 22:13:18 -0500
From: antonio.jones2 antonio.jones2 (at) verizon.net
Subject: Letters found
Last night I wrote a note of excitement about finding so much
information about Kodiak military operations during W.W.II. I searched
through letters from Alaska and to Alaska dated 1942. Apparently Dad
arrived on the Gorgas with West Virginia National Guard, although he
enlisted. His full identity follows:
PFC. George William Jones
A.S.N. 35204839
2nd Battalion
Company G, 201st Infantry
I would love to hear from anyone reading this note who knew this great
man who exuded with pride of his military career. He went on to marry
the Spanish girl to whom he was writing from Kodiak. They had two boys
and two girls. He had a brilliant mind but was not availed the
opportunity to go to college. His last job was draftsman for
construction of coal tipples, before CAD I might add. Until the end of
his life he beamed with a smile of pride when he talked of Kodiak.
Thank you,
Antonio Jones, Ph.D.
405 Beechwood Estates
Scott Depot, West Virginia 25560
142
Date: Tue, 05 Feb 2002 00:19:49 -0500
From: antonio.jones2 antonio.jones2 (at) verizon.net
Subject: My Dad at Kodiak
When I discovered the WWII site at Kodiak while surfing the net, it
indeed was an emotional experience; I wanted to consume it all at once
looking for anything about my Dad. He was in the Army during the entire
WWII and spent some time in Kodiak. I have pictures somewhere of he and
his buddies standing beside Kodiak bear skins. He was in the Infantry,
from West Virginia. I have a box of letters that may be disintegrating
which would contain the numbers which may help put a specific identity
relating to your site. I remember him talking about building barracks
or doing other carpenter work, as well as standing post. Dad died over
30 years ago at the young age of 51. That is my current age.
It is my hope to come to Alaska in a year or so. I would like to go fly
fishing on the streams my father helped assure would be free to do so
Thank you very much.
Antonio Jones
405 Beechwood Estates
Scott Depot, West Virginia 25560.
141
From: Michael Albert albert_30 (at) hotmail.com
Subject: Fort blackie?
Date: Sat, 2 Feb 2002 10:44:13 -0500
I was told my father in law that he was stationed at Fort Blackie during
World War 2. He told me that he was on guard duty when a building
exploded...He thinks it was bombed by the japs. He woke up in the hospital
blind and unable to walk. He has regained his sight and can walk around but
still has a hard time doing so. I would like to find Fort Blackie. I think
it was a nickname. I have been in the Aleutians and I can see how the unit
would think it was a dark place. He also told me they arrived at the depot
by train and barge and the windows were blacked out. He has no knowledge of
were he was. He is still hunted by his past I would like to find more
information for him. He was one of three survivors that he knows of. Can
you please help me narrow the search area. I can find nothing relating to
Fort Blackie. Sincerely,Michael Albert
140
From: FVMellblom (at) aol.com
Date: Wed, 23 Jan 2002 21:59:28 EST
Subject: NavCommSta Kodiak
Thank you for such a trip down memory lane! I was stationed at Nav Comm Sta
Kodiak from July 1970 to April '72, as a Storekeeper second class in the
Supply Department. I worked with good friends, Jerry Forester of FonduLac
Wisconsin, Mike Ferrara of New York City, Bob Faenrick(spelling?), Otis
Cheathams, and SKC R.R. Marley (who's name I typed countless times on the
requistion forms!) of College Station Texas,I believe. The numerous photos
on your web site are wonderful,and bring back the good times spent in the
great outdoors in Kodiak. I stayed in the Navy Reserves for many years, was
recalled to active duty in the Gulf War as an Optometrist in Fleet Hospital
Six,Bahrain. I retired as a Commander in Sept,2000 from the Navy Reserve.
Kodiak was truly a special place and time for me, and for obviously many
other servicemen and women. Appreciate your hard work to make this web site
so nice! Sincerely, Frank Mellblom O.D.
139
From: David & Ami Beck shorti26 (at) earthlink.net
Subject: WW2 Archives...
Date: Thu, 3 Jan 2002 01:11:14 -0800
Hello sir,
I am SSgt David Beck with the USAF and am researching information regarding
specific missions my Grandfather was involved in. Specifically, an Alaska
demolition mission that involved the 2nd Battalion Corp of Engineers based
out of Ft. Lewis, WA., whose mission it was to destroy downed P51's in
Alaska in the fear that the Russians might derive confidential information
from them if found. This period dated 1943-1947. Any information would
be extremely helpful. Thank you so much for your time on this important
matter.
Sincerely,
David Beck
138
Date: Tue, 01 Jan 2002 22:13:31 -0800
From: Robert Hanna juggler (at) directcon.net
Subject: Cape Chiniak, Kodiak
Joe,
I have just read your web pages on the Cape and wanted to just say hello
and to thank you for your description of the base, the black sandy
beaches, glass floats that some ship lost and most of all just bringing
back memories of what the Cape was once and I suppose still is.
I was sent there as a relief medic in '74 in April when it was part AF
Tracking Station and Ford Aerospace and a company from somewhere in
Sunnyvalle ,Ca. that was responsible for all the chow and maintenance. I
believe it was Emerald Maintenance and they did oil rigs and outward
site locations if I remember correctly.
I saw the Bald Eagles flying over me while I lay quietly on those clifts
above the pounding ocean. I remember the monthly catch at night for the
little fish that would come ashore in droves. I forgot what they were
called. I tried to climb the old wooden lookout tower until I was sure
I would die with it collapsing on me. I also remember the pine forests
that were dead from the moss that hung from their branches, a deadly
spanish moss mistletoe I would guess.
I once found a fishing net on the beach with hundreds of feet of rope
and glistening foot size glass balls still floating in the surf. No way
would they let me take them back on the plane. The plane had barely
enough room for the passengers and the freight that it carried.
The ride from the airport was a disaster at best and took forever. I
will never forget that dirt road. There was no running away to the
nearest town if you had an emergency. I was the surgeons hands by radio
during disasters. Thank god there were no disasters that needed my help.
Except for maybe the Piper that landed upside down in a tree instead of
the over grown temporary-permanent field nobody used. It was common
then to drink and then try to fly across to Kodiak for a fun night out
and then fly back and try to find the dark cape.
Thanks for the memories. Nobody else I have ever spoken with had even
heard of Cape Chiniak.
You have given credence to a time I never want to forget.
Thanks.
73's KG6FUF
Robert Hanna
Shingle Springs, CA.
137
From: David and Janet Honeywell djhoneywell (at) decaturnet.com
Subject: WHATISIT
Date: Mon, 31 Dec 2001 10:56:56 -0500
Hello Joe. I don't know if you'd remember who I am but my father and mother
we're Jay and Marcella Honeywell. We lived out at Chiniak for a period of
time. I was looking at the pictures in the WHATISIT section and I believe I
know what the top picture is of. I think it's a marker buoy that was dropped
from a PBY to show the location of an item in the water or to mark a
submarine. The wooden body kept it afloat and the fusing allowed it to be
jettisoned from the aircraft and activated before it hit the water. I could
be wrong but that is what I think it is.
I enjoyed your site and the pictures you have posted. After 23 years of
living there it brought back plenty of memories. Feel free to contact me at
anytime via e-mail.
David Honeywell
136
From: Ampula, Robert L SGM AMEDDCS
Robert.Ampula (at) CEN.AMEDD.ARMY.MIL
Subject: Request For Information
Date: Thu, 13 Dec 2001 08:30:26 -0600
I am the Regimental Adjutant for the U.S. Army Medical Department Regiment
which is located at Fort Sam Houston, TX. I am working with Mr. Still, the
Army Medical Department Regimental Historian, on a research project on
Native Americans and Native Alaskans who served from World War One and all
other wars up to the present. The purpose is to develop a video that will
show our young officers and soldiers the significant contributions of this
ethnic group who have served their nation through their service in the
military.
I would greatly appreciate it if you would let me know if you have any
photographs, video footage, diaries or letters that I could review for
possible use in the video. Of special interest are individuals who have
received awards for heroism, such as the Distinguished Service Cross, Navy
Cross, Distinguished Flying Cross, or the Silver Star. Also any individual
who would be willing to be interviewed on or off camera. I, or Mr. Still,
would be able to visit any location to review the material and absorb any
costs for reproduction. We will be contacting other museums and historical
societies in Alaska as additional Sources. Thank you in advance for any
assistance you may be able to provide us in this project.
SGM Robert L. Ampula
USAMEDD Regimental Adjutant
Phone: (210) 221-8455, DSN 471
Fax: (210) 221-8697
e-mail: robert.ampula (at) CEN.amedd.army.mil
homepage: http://ameddregiment.amedd.army.mil
Mail:
CDR, USAMEDD Regiment
ATTN: MCCS-GAR
BLDG 2840, Rm 104
Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234-6100
135
From: Robert & Shirley De Lozier sarkd (at) esper.com
Subject: Duty at Naval Station, Kodiak
Date: Sun, 16 Dec 2001 16:48:20 -0500
Hi Joe: Your web site gets better with age. I was lucky to have been
stationed at Kodiak two times with the Navy. I first came in May 1960
and left in June 1963. I was stationed with the Supply Dept. Bldg. 25
Aviation Supply Parts. My wife Shirley taught at the High School. My
second tour was June 1970-72. With the Operations Dept. Shirley taught
school in the High School and College at night. When the Coast Guard
came, I left the base in June l972 and went to NAS, Whidbey Island
with VA-128. I bought a house on Hillside and Shirley & I moved into
town. I went on leave to Tennessee and reported into NAS, Whidbey in
August. Shirley went on back to Kodiak. I took retirement on
November 30, 1972 and headed back to Kodiak, Worked with New England
Fish Co, at Gibson's Cove with my boss Boss Bob Eagan..Worked for Post
Office down town Kodiak from June l973 to June 1976. Harold Naughton
was my Boss, the best ever... Went to College at night. Sold my home
in Kodiak in May 1976 and moved back to my home in Sevierville,
Tennessee.. Worked for the Sevierville Post Office from June 1977
until July 1994..Retired and doing what we want to do. Have visit
back in Kodiak twice in the past few years and hope to come again next
year...A wonderful pace to live and visit. Regards to all ole dear
friends, and a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all. Robert &
Shirley De Lozier - Sevierville, TN.
134
From: bostonshamrock (at) webtv.net (Top O The Mornin)
Date: Sun, 9 Dec 2001 12:15:59 -0600 (CST)
Subject: USNAAS Otter Point,Umnak
Joe this is for Leslie Gheres, PBY pilot there in the 40`s. Please
contact me at your convenience. Six of us,USN Radiomen set up weather
reporting stations there and Chernofski Bay.
CF (Chuck) Donovan Former Radioman 1c USN 39 thru 45.
133
From: bostonshamrock (at) webtv.net (Top O The Mornin)
Date: Sat, 8 Dec 2001 10:01:16 -0600 (CST)
Subject: WWII Umnak,Island 42 thru 44
Joe--I am a former US Navy RM 1c--I was stationed at USNAAS Otter Point
and Chernofski Bay. While at Umnak there was an Army unit,either 503rd
Coast Artillery or Engineers. Do you know of it,or can you find any
info? I was close friends with some of the men and have been trying for
years to locate them. Thanks Charles (Chuck) Donovan
[As of the date of this query we have no information on this unit. js]
132
From: Emma Magee roem (at) mindspring.com
Subject: Kodiak
Date: Tue, 20 Nov 2001 11:57:42 -0800
Hi Joe.
I just found your web site. It is one of the best on Kodiak. I was
stationed there from early 1950 to Jan 1951. I was at the Pers. Office and
later assigned to deliver inter-base mail. I would like to contact anyone
that was in the Pers Office at the