The convention in Salt Lake City went over very well. A total of ten (10) former crew members of the mighty "D" (The Dentuda (SS-335) were present. I am glad that I had taken the time to research for the whereabouts of the old gang. The payoff came Wednesday after noon when a few of us were visiting in "Pappy" Paulk’s room. Who should knock on the door —and would you believe—Zampini. After a brief updating another knock. Joe Yaklowich. When Joe saw Zampini there was a burst of sound and a greeting like you would never believe. Both of them clashed together like long lost lovers. With their arms around each other and crocodile tears in their eyes, they hugged and cried for the longest time. It made the trip so worth while. They had lost contact with each other so many years ago. And suddenly they were here and together.

Of the ten who were there, 7— I had not seen in fifty years. There was James Black, Ken Hall, Jack Higgins, Al Hooper, William Martell, "Pappy" Paulk, "Pinky"Rimmer, Robert Slager, Joe Yaklowich, and Felice Zampini. Where has the time gone? We each had our remembrances and traded all the information we could.

SEA STORIES SOME BIG AND SOME SMALL:

I remember one day; we were at sea around lunchtime. Whitehead was the cook of the hour and today was platters of beans. Link was on mess cook duty and went to the service window to get a fresh platter full. Unknown to Link "Red" Hawley came up from behind and went down into the refer, leaving the hatch open. Of course Link did not see this action and when he turned to present the platter to the tables he dropped out of sight. On his way down his arms went straight up and beans went everywhere possible. To this day I believe that a new wallpaper design was invented. Link was now down on the deck of the refer and pretty much out of it. Why he did not break something by the fall is beyond imagination. I am glad that he did survive without serious problems.

AWARDS:

Then there was the time when Lt. Duncan called for quarters on the after deck. On assembly Duncan made a special presentation to Louis Goldberg of the Bronze Baloney. This was a medal fashioned out of scrap metal and Pink ladies wear. Goldberg’s chest was held high at the beginning but the chest fell to give him the true pear shape that he sported.

How about the time we pulled into the piers at New London and rammed an automobile. I often wondered how the owner explained that to the insurance company.

THE RETURN HOME:

The convention was a real highlight, but our trip home was also quite eventful too. Dee and I stopped over in Las Vegas for the night. In the morning as we were coming out of the breakfast buffet, I stopped to chat with a foursome from Albuquerque. During the discussion I kept looking at one of the women. She looked a bit familiar and as we talked more it turned out that it was a gal I had dated in 1950 when I worked with the AEC in Albuquerque. What a coincidence. She even had kept a handkerchief that my mother had handmade. Oh memories, I guess that is what dreams are made of.

SALT LAKE CITY REMEMBERED:

Some of the nice touches came with the unfolding of the convention. The Mormon town greeted all the attendee’s with a smile and a hospitality that only warm and friendly people provide. Little remembrances were included in the convention packages, from the youth’s of the city, thanking us for our efforts in the war so that they may enjoy the freedoms that they have. Additionally a lovely touch was added for the memorial services were held in the Tabernacle. At each of the hotels a small group of young men were stationed sporting placard offering wheelchair support so that our "young" (in their day) would be able to attend the services without undo stress. After all we were showing signs of age with the youngest being about 68 and the oldest around 85 or more. My hat is off to all those gentle touches.

BLUE VESTS:

The vets in their dignified blue vests were easily seen and recognized throughout town. All showing their war efforts with campaign ribbons, medal, combat medals, boat insignia’s and other bits of memorabilia. This really made an impact on the city because all the citizens could recognize the diverse effect on the community by the convention.