About the 1996 Milwaukee Convention:

Reunion time was in the wind. Seemed like a lucky day for all of us. With Yanke, Bartone, Hawley, Hooper, Higgins, Otzelberger, Poteat, Rimmer, Selke, Hall, Yaklowich, and Zampini in attendance and Black, Furio, Knull, and Smith indicating that they would be there but never signed in. The fun they missed.

Remember "Red" Hawley and the fine beard he had on the run. And he had to discard it in Guam but he made a notable contribution to Mike McGough. Well nowadays it is "Gray" Hawley. Apparently he is the only one who has aged?

At the Memorial Services held on the banks of the Milwaukee River every thing was proceeding nicely. Suddenly came two blasts of a claxon. I must say I did a stand up straight maneuver and unconsciously pounded my fists on the concrete abutment at hand. When I realized what I was doing (waiting for main induction to close with the comforting thump) I looked at my bruised hand and did a flash back of 51 years. Guess you can take the boy out of subs but not the subs out of the boy.

Old stories:

At the Milwaukee Beer Bust, I had the pleasure of a long discussion with Allen Yanke. He is a plank owner and had many tales to be told of the crew, the commissioning party, etc. He had with him many photos and also some of the cartoons created by Stover one included herein.

In my last paper Milwaukee Beckons I made some intentional errors. The result was as expected in that I received correspondence from some unusual sources. Each response gave a bit of further history of the "D".

So Where Were You on VJ Day

I don’t know about you but the mighty "D" was anchored in Apra Harbor, Guam loading stores for our second run.

I was on the foredeck near the bow. Suddenly there came the whistles and horns and then just as unexpectedly BOOM. Our gunners mate slipped a shell into the forward five incher and blasted one out over the bay (also over my head). My ears still ring to this day.

Roster:

Is as complete as it possibly will ever be. It has been a long hard grind that does have to come to a halt. With postage rates being what they are plus the additional burden of printing and other supplies has taken its toll. The satisfaction of receiving replies and putting together old comrades has also been most gratifying. So, while you may not have been responsive the rest of the crew have; please don’t be left out! A post card, and a 20 cent stamp, is all it takes. The roster will be maintained up to date but will be distributed only to those who request it.

Search Efforts:

Thanks to Ray Werbrich (the chairman of this convention); I was introduced to the possibilities of obtaining assistance from the VA in locating many of the former crew. And to this end I want to thank the VA for their fine efforts and quick responses. Imagine a 15 to 20 day turnaround time. Sadly I have found that many of our old friends have rested their oars.

Of the 220 on the roster the following things can be learned:
Locations confirmed— 79
Located but unconfirmed— 30
VA records available— 29
Deceased— 82

History:

"We, who survived World War II and were privileged to rejoin our loved ones at home, salute those gallant officers and men of our submarines who lost their lives in that long struggle. We shall never forget that it was our submariners that held the lines against the enemy while our fleets replaced losses and repaired wounds."

Chester W. Nimitz — Fleet Admiral, USN

Las Vegas:

Las Vegas is an all new town. Sin city is still there however it has been pushed far into the background. In its place is a grand spread of theme parks and show places. Volcanoes on the "strip" along with battling pirates and a British Frigate. Light shows downtown over Fremont Street all covered and blocked off from traffic. Even a roller coaster 1000-ft up over the strip. Each hotel is trying to outdo the others with giant sized facelifts. You will not recognize the place if you have not been there in the last three years. Its a must see city.

The convention, rooms and all will be in one hotel. This to avoid commuting needs, and potential accidents hurrying from one place to the other. Be sure and make your reservations early.

Sunday is a good arrival day. Things tend to slow down a wee mite and a bit less crowded during the week.

As soon as you arrive be sure to check in at the hospitality room and look for our table. And do sign in and give your room numbers. We will try to hookup with the CERO as many of the old crew came from her in the beginning.

The Las Vegas Chapter is arranging memorial Services and so far I have not been privileged to have the details.

Dark Glasses would be something as a must have. Vegas has very clear air and with all the bright lights and sunshine lets keep our vision comfortable.

Reunion Dinner:

Tentatively I am planning to have our reunion dinner at the RIO HOTEL. (It is just off the strip). On Monday evening October 6th in a separate room just off the World Buffet dining area. This buffet is classified as one of the best in the area, and many of the locals eat there on a regular basis. No matter what your likes are I am sure you will be well satisfied. I am going to have to put up the non-refundable deposit to hold the spot for us. The buffet will be about $9.00 per person and the room costs will be apportioned between the attendees.

Commemorative Stamps:

Can you think back to your submarine history to the year 1900? It was on October 12th of that year that the US commissioned its first submarine named Holland for its builder. That was then and this is now 97 years later. In the year 2000 a centennial celebration is in order. I have been actively writing a few letters to encourage a commemorative issue of stamps for the occasion. I humbly request that each and every one of you join in and write a letter to the Postmaster General, 5632 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20015 with a similar request to support that position. You have heard the old clique that the pen is mightier than the sword. It takes about two years of lead-time for all the artwork etc, so do it now! Can you envision the convention of 2000 as the proper place for the unveiling of the new issues before a crowd of those who have been there and done that!

e-mail:

As I have taken to the computer to prepare all the mailings and other data, so too have I joined the Internet crowd. I have established a descriptive screen name of JaxxTaxx@aol.com—so if you are of the like crowd drop me a message and tell me of your plans.

Electric Boat Co.:

A special thanks goes out to the Electric Boat Co for the Table decoration. I took the opportunity to write to the EB Company and to my delight within a week I received a personal phone call from the Director of Public Affairs for EB. At this writing he is preparing something special for us. I am constantly amazed at the workings of my favorite saying "If you don’t ask you don’t get".

The Submariner:

A submarine at sea is a different world in herself, and in consideration of the protracted and distant operations submarines, the Navy must place great responsibility and trust in the hands of those who take such ships to sea.

In each submarine there are men who, in the hour of emergency on peril at sea, can turn to each other. These men are ultimately responsible to themselves and each other for all aspects of operation of their submarine. They are crew. They are the ship!

This is perhaps the most difficult and demanding assignment in the Navy. There is not an instant during his tour as a submariner that he can escape the grasp of responsibility. His privileges in view of his obligations are almost ludicrously small; nevertheless, it is the spur which has given the Navy its greatest mariners---the men of the Submarine Service.

It is a duty, which most richly deserves the proud and time-honored title of -----------Submariner

Well there you are for now. I have tried to cover many issues briefly here but there is nothing better than seeing them eyeball to eyeball.

Remember:

As you come to the convention be sure to pack some of the bits and pieces of our history. Photo albums, stories, sketches, diaries that help us reminisce, and of course any other relics of bygone days.

Yesterday is gone forever, tomorrow is never here, and the only time we have is today. If we have any good intentions we better put them in effect today.

See you in Las Vegas!