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What’s in this issue?USS ENTERPRISE ……………Page 1BRISTOL/Military Trivia……...Page 4

Aircraft Detection Before Radar…………………...Page 9

Bravo Zulu……………..Page 16

What Should We Do About the Straits of Hormuz?…….Page 19

Korean War 60th Anniversary Update………………….Page 19

VA Caregiver Program Update………………….Page 20

Vietnam Wall Name Finder…………………..Page 21

USS ARIZONA MEMORIALINTERNMENT………PAGE 21

A Lesson that should be taught in all schools……………Page 21

Airman Honored for Bravery…………………Page 22

Ben Stein’s Last Column…………………Page 23

The Soldier………...…...Page 24

Two Stories……………..Page 24

Vietnam Guidebook…....Page 29

Some Useful Ideas……...Page 31

DAV Memo……………..Page 32

Shipmates Reunite……..Page 36

In Memoriam…………..Page 38

News from Afghanistan..Page 40

USS BRISTOL DD 857VETERANS ASSOCIATION

Summer 2012 News le t t e r

USS Enterprise (CVN 65), the world’s first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, commemorates a name that has been a continuing symbol of the great struggle to retain American liberty, Contionued on next page.

The Legend of ENTERPRISE

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justice and freedom since the first days of the American Revolutionary War. It is the eighth ship of the Fleet to carry this illustrious name that is literally defined as boldness, energy, and invention in practical affairs.In 1954, Congress authorized the construction of the world’s first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, the eighth U.S. ship to bear the name Enterprise.

The giant ship was to be powered by eight nuclear reactors, two for each of its four propeller shafts. This was a daring undertaking. for never before had two nuclear reactors ever been harnessed together. As such, when the engineers first started planning the ship’s propulsion system, they were uncertain how it would work, or even if it would work according to their theories.

Materials used by the shipyard included 60,923 tons of steel; 1507 tons of aluminum; 230 miles of pipe and tubing; and 1700 tons of one-quarter-inch welding rods. The materials were supplied from more than 800 companies. Nine hundred shipyard engineers and designers created the ship on paper, and the millions of blueprints they created, laid end-to-end, would stretch 2400 miles, or from Miami to Los Angeles.

Three years and nine months after construction began, Enterprise was ready to present to the world as “The First, The Finest” super carrier.

The newly-christened Enterprise left the shipyard for six days of builder and Navy pre-acceptance trials. Its escort during the trials, destroyer Laffey, sent this message; “Subject: Speed Trails. 1. You win the race. 2. Our wet hats are off to an area thoroughbred.” When the Big “E” returned to port, the Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral George W. Anderson, Jr., stated enthusiastically, “I think we’ve hit the jackpot.”

After years of planning and work by thousands the day finally arrived. At the commissioning of Enterprise, the world’s first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, Secretary of the Navy John B. Connally Jr. called it a worthy successor to the highly decorated seventh USS Enterprise of World War II. “The fighting Gray Lady, as it was called, served in such well-known battles as the raid on Tokyo and the Battle of Midway.” Secretary Connally went on to say, “The new Enterprise will reign a long, long time as queen of the seas.”

In October 1962, Enterpr ise was dispatched to its first international crisis. Enterprise and other ships in the Second

Fleet set up quarantine of all military equipment under shipment to communist Cuba. The blockade was put in place on October 24, and the first Soviet ship was stopped the next day. On October 28, Soviet leader Krushchev agreed to dismantle nuclear missiles and bases in

Cuba, concluding the Cuban Missile Crisis, the closest the U.S. and USSR have ever come to nuclear war.

In the Fall of 2001, Enterprise aborted her transit home from a long deployment after the terrorist attacks in New York City and Washington D.C., on Sept. 11, and steamed overnight to the North Arabian Sea. In direct support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Big 'E' once again took its place in history by becoming one of the first units to respond in a crisis with its awesome striking power. Enterprise expended more than 800,000 pounds of ordnance during the operation. The ship returned to home port at Naval Station Norfolk November 10, 2001.

Following several more deployments and an extended shipyard period that began in 2008, Enterprise embarked on its 21st deployment in January 2011, during which the carrier supported operations Enduring Freedom, New Dawn and multiple anti-piracy missions. During its six-month tour of duty, Big ‘E’ made port visits to Lisbon, Portugal, Marmaris, Turkey, the Kingdom

of Bahrain and Mallorca, Spain.

Big 'E' became the fourth aircraft carrier in naval history to record 400,000 arrested landings on May 24, 2011. The milestone landing was made by an F/A-18F Super Hornet piloted by Lt. Matthew L. Enos and Weapon System Officer Lt. Cmdr. Jonathan Welsh from the Red Rippers of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 11.

On November 25, 2011, Big ‘E’ celebrated its 50th birthday, making the carrier the oldest active duty ship in the U.S. Naval fleet. Enterprise’s 22nd and final deployment is scheduled for spring 2012. Continued on next page.

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B R I S T O L S h i p m a t e s remember ENTERPR ISE maiden voyage, and Cuban Missle Crisis.

Roger Valentine remembers:

“I wanted to write about something that happened on BRISTOL. We made a Med Cruise and escorted the Big “E” on her maiden voyage.

“Before we left out, someone got the idea, they took a GI can or 55 gallon drum, welded to pieces of pipe on each side, then attached two 5 gallon empty paint pails; put padding on the thing and canvas; painted it haze grey; and, mounted it to the main mast. It looked like some new radar and then did a good job on it.

“Anyway, we were on our way. Just short of the suez Canal, out of overcast skies, a Russian spy plane dropped down. It was a surprise. They shot some pictures of the ENTERPRISE and the painted GI can on our mast.I don’t think they know today what it was, it looked so real.

“Maybe someone will remember. My hat is off to whomever dreamed it up.

“Oh! Ed, when this Russian plane came out of the cloud cover, ENTERPRISE and seven DDs did not pick it up on radar. We had a port Lookout. Big guy we call “Arks”. He was the 1st to spot and report the plane. Later on, the Admiral on Big “E” had him brought over by chopper and was decorated.

“Just something of interest and fun. Take care and Gob Bless.

Shipmate,Roger Valentine, Ret”

Paul Martineau remembers:

“Ed, I remember that voyage in '62 when we were heading to the Med I believe. I recall

refueling from Enterprise. I was a SA, just 18 and fresh out of boot camp two months earlier in November and temporarily assigned to the USS Yosemite until Bristol got back from wherever. I was assigned to Bristol in January '62 as part of the 2nd Div. Deck Apes aft. Talk about a scared kid. I recall having to man the lines as they were shot over to Enterprise for the refueling hoses. I'm pretty sure they had a Boatswains chair rigged also as some poor fool was being transported from them to us. I had thought that he was going to go into the drink for sure and our little ship must have looked like a toy to the guys on the Enterprise.

Our 1st class Boatswain's mate was barking out orders faster than an auctioneer and I know I was all thumbs. We pulled it off though and when it was over we broke off at full speed and I was so glad to see the Enterprise get smaller and smaller on the horizon. I never thought two ships could stay that close together in the middle of nowhere for as long as we did. There were more re-fueling's and one mess I remember when the line broke loose and there was fuel oil all over the deck on our way back from the Med. Did the Cuban Blockade with Bristol and the Jamaican Independence cruise with Bristol.

I eventually made SN and became a striker for Yeoman and was temporari ly transferred to A school in '63. I never did get back to Bristol as I finageled shore duty to Hawaii and I heard the XO on Bristol was really pissed. I got all my belongings stuffed into my seabag and sent to me in Hawaii a month or so later. Wound up serving on 3 other Carriers, Kitty Hawk, Bonne Homme Richard and Oriskany with the Admirals staff on shake down cruises to Vietnam. Whooda thunk!

My stays on the carrier's were all short lived as we only were aboard for a week or so on each and we were with the Admiral's staff who was observing the new air wings that went aboard the carrier's before heading out to 'Nam. They would helo us out and back to Barber's Point, Hawaii. We never mingled with the ships company and were kept isolated in special quarters. All of our time was spent on the bridge

with the Admiral recording his notes and observing flight ops, day and night. Sorry I have no photo's as I was just a green kid from NJ and loved every minute of my tour as I look back.

Regards,Paul Martineau, SNUSS BRISTOLJan '62 to March '63”

Manny Calimquim Remembers:Ed, the only thing that came to my mind is that the Enterprise was with us during the Cuban Missile crises in 1962. We at one time were detailed with another destroyer as plane guard detail far off the stern of the mighty carrier. The carrier looked so great and big and even in the distance. Manny

USS ROGERS DD876 pours water on burning ENTERPRISE

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Joe Lutrario Remembers:

Hi : ED I remember back in 1965 or 1966 . We ( THE BRISTOL ) searched for like three days off the coast of Norfork , Va . for a sailor who got blown off the deck of the Enterprise. Sorry to say did not find him . Does anyone else remember that?

Regards Joseph ( Joe ) Lutrario

BRISTOL /MILITARY Trivia

BRISTOL in the Boston Navy Yard.

Did I ever tell you the story about how I got restricted to the ship for pulling a prank on a reservist. Well, here is how it goes. A young reservist shows up at the SupplyOffice looking for a five gallon can of “steam”. Since this fellow did not have a chit, I sent him up to the quarterdeck for a chit. Here’s where the prank backfired. Unfortunately, Mr Tackney was the OOD at the time. Mr Tackney did not think that this was funny, He called the Supply Officer, Tom Kanaley, who was really a

great officer. Mr Kanaley had no choice but to restrict me to the ship that night. So be it.

As it turned out, our stay in Boston that weekend got prolonged due to a hurricane. Captain Johnston decided it was more prudent to remain in port one more day rather than face the hurricane. I did go on liberty that night with Jim Faulkner, our DK. We met up with his cousins, both great looking Boston Irish Catholic girls. We had a fabulous liberty. I can’t remember whether John Koltes, also a DK, came with us. Do you remember, John?Contributed by Ed Lynch

New York Fire DepartmentBattalion 10 on Liberty St, just south of the WTC. The plaque depicts those Fire Fighters from Battalion 10 who were killed on September 11. We visited the “footprint” of the old WTC. At that time, the museum on site was under construction. The reflecting pools are approximately where the towers stood.

FDNY Memorial Wall

WARDROOM PASSAGES

ONE SCREW TO REMEMBER In 1953, we were playing ASW with the Brits, early morning sorties out of Londonderry, down the river. ( may have told you this story ..but ).. I had the quarterdeck watch and the Irish pilot comes stumbling aboard. I was assigned the conn when the sea detail is called away, and I told the captain the pilot was not too steady. "Not to worry" says Fearless Fred, the skipper. " cast off all lines", says the pilot .."Left standard rudder ...all ahead slow". But .. there was only one problem ...the fantail swings to starboard when the rudder is to port ..and 'ol 857 chewed up 30 feet of Irish oak . and a necklace of 3/4" cable. We run around playing ASW .. from 10 knots to 20 , again and again . Each time , going thru 15, a significant vibration . I know I've submitted this story before ... our damage controlman diver advises "no way " is that sucker (cable) coming off the stardboard shaft'. Captain turns purple at the news , and somehow advises the Med boss that we need a shipyard for a shaft replacement

Continued on next page

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NAVY YARDS AD NAUSEUM The Bristol has 6 weeks in the Portsmouth, (everyone falls in love) England, dry dock ..biggest in the world ... new shaft arrives..wrong size ..orders come in "Proceed to Brooklyn Navy Yard "( NY). It's early February , not the best time to being transiting the North Atlantic on one screw . Argentia Newfoundland after 15 days or so ..cold ?? ya betcha . Overnight there and then on to Brooklyn. Another 6 weeks in the yard ..great liberty in the Big Apple, and finally . in May we are off to "guard" Guatamala from rebels gunrunners. Hot ??? geezus , is it ..."cruisin" , back and forth at 5 knots , hailing the "gunnel- at- waters-edege ' bumboats only to be told.. "Guns ,, oh no senor ,, bananas" It was 6 months to remember .. or really a "Med Cruise " to forget" D ( Guns) Lincoln, 857 - 1952-55

The classic Steve McQueen movieimmortalized three tunnels at Stalag Luft I I I POW camp . Now a s ton i shed archaeologists have discovered a fourth called “George”It has lain hidden for nearly 70 years and looks, to the untrained eye, like a building site. But this insignificant tunnel opening in the soft sand of western Poland represents one of the greatest examples of British wartime heroism. And the sensational story became the Hollywood classic, The Great Escape, starring Steve McQueen.We are standing in the notorious POW camp Stalag Luft III, built at the height of the Third Reich, 100 miles east of Berlin. Ten thousand prisoners were kept under German guns here on a 60-acre site ringed with a double barbed-wire fence and watchtowers.They slept in barrack huts raised off the ground so guards could spot potential tunnellers, but the Germans did not count on the audacity of British Spitfire pilot Squadron Leader Roger Bushell, played by Sir Richard Attenborough in the 1963 film. He was interned at the camp in March 1943. With him were about 2,000 other RAF officers, many of whom were

seasoned escapers from other camps, with sk i l l s i n t unne l i ng , f o rge ry and manufacturing.

Frank Stone, seated, with Dr Tony Pollard on the site of George.

From them Bushell hand-picked a team for his ambitious plan: to dig their way out of captivity.Three tunnels nicknamed Tom, Dick and Harry were constructed 30 ft underground using homemade tools. While Tom was discovered and destroyed by the Germans, Dick was used for storage.

The third tunnel, Harry, became the stuff of folklore on the night of March 24, 1944, when Allied prisoners gathered in hut 104 before crawling along the 100 ft tunnel to a brief taste of freedom. Only three escaped; 73 were rounded up by the Germans and 50 were summarily executed.

Few could have blamed their devastated comrades for sitting out the remainder of the war. Yet far from being dispirited, a few men began work on a fourth tunnel nicknamed ‘George’, which was kept so secret that only a handful of prisoners knew about it.

Now, for the first time in 66 years, the archaeologists have pinpointed the entrance shaft to Harry after compiling a map of the camp using aerial photography.

Incredibly, George has just been uncovered after a team of engineers, archaeologists and historians excavated the site, a project filmed for a Channel 4 documentary Digging The Great Escape.

‘You have to admire these men,’ said chief archaeologist Dr Tony Pollard. ‘The Germans believed that the deaths of those

50 men would have acted as a deterrent for future escapees. But these men were even more determined.’

With us at the site are two of them: Gordie King, 91, an RAF pilot who operated the pump providing the tunnel with fresh air on the night of the Great Escape, and Frank Stone, 89, a gunner who shared a room with the ‘tunnel king’ Wally Floody, an ex-miner in charge of the digging. They stand, heads bowed, reminiscing about their former colleagues. It is the first time Gordie, who was shot down on his first mission to Bremen in 1942, has returned to the camp since he and the remaining prisoners of war were marched out on January 27, 1945, as Russian forces approached.Continued on next page‘It has been very emotional,’ he said. ‘It brings back such bittersweet memories. I am amazed by everything they have found.’

A widower with six children, he has vivid memories of working on tunnel Harry, performing guard duty and acting as a ‘penguin’ to disperse the sand excavated from the tunnels, whose entrances were hidden by the huts’ stoves.

They were called penguins because they waddled when they walked.

‘We would put bags around our neck and down our trousers, fill them with excavated sand, then pull a string to release it on to the field where we played soccer, all in a very nonchalant way,’ Gordie said.‘One of my jobs was to look out of the window at the main gate 24 hours a day and write down how many guards went in and out,’ he recalled. ‘Another was warning watch.

If the Germans came into the compound, we would pull the laundry line down and everyone would stop what they were doing and resume normal duties. The guards were not exactly brilliant. They were taken from what we called 4F – not fit for frontline fighting.

Poignant memories: Frank Stone, left, and Gordie King with recovered artifacts including the pistol, belowContinued on next page

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‘I’m thrilled by it all,’ added Frank, who was shot down on his second mission: a bombing raid on Ludwigshafen oil refinery. ‘It’s like a war memorial for me. I don’t want people ever to forget the 50 men who died. The escape was thrilling and exciting but those men paid the price for it.’

Inevitably security tightened after the Great Escape and an inventory was taken by the Germans to gauge the extent of the operation. The roll- call of hidden items is astounding: 4,000 bed boards, 90 double bunk beds, 635 mattresses, 62 tables, 34 chairs, 76 benches, 3,424 towels, 2,000 knives and forks, 1,400 cans of Klim powdered milk, 300 metres of electric wire and 180 metres of rope.

To prevent further escape attempts, the Germans filled in Harry with sand. So effective was the cover-up that when the remaining prisoners wanted to build a memorial for the 50 men who died, the exact site of the tunnel could not be agreed on.

Now, for the first time in 66 years, the archaeologists have pinpointed the entrance shaft to Harry after compiling a map of the camp using aerial photography.What was most surprising for the team was the structure within the shaft. The bedboards were interlocked to line the tunnel but the sand was so soft that plaster and sandbags were used to prevent it engulfing the tunnel. Amazingly, the ventilation shaft, which was made out of discarded powdered milk tins, was still intact.

Dr Pollard, 46, who co-founded Glasgow Univers i ty’s Centre for Bat t lef ie ld Archaeology, said: ‘I was surprised at just how emotional I became when we found Harry. We were the first people to see the tunnel in decades. But it came to a point when we realised we couldn’t progress with the excavation. As soon as you drive a shaft into the sand, it is so soft it starts to collapse.

It shows just how skilled those prisoners were.’

After abandoning Harry, the team set their sights on finding the secret fourth tunnel rumoured to have been dug underneath the floorboards in the camp theatre.

Using ground-scanning radar equipment, they found – beneath what would have been seat 13 – the trap door to a space that gave real insight into how the earlier tunnels would have been built.To the left, between the floor joists, was a storage area for equipment – Klim tins, tools, a trolley and the ventilation pump – and abandoned sand. A few feet away was the entrance to the tunnel shaft, and at its bottom a separate chamber, which archaeologists believe was the radio room. Down a single step lay the tunnel itself, intricately shored with bed boards, wired for light and equipped with the trademark trolley system used to shift both sand and men quickly and silently through the tunnels. It looked like a miniature railway with trolleys running on tracks linked by rope and pulled along by men at either end.‘George turned out to be an absolute gem,’ explained Dr Pollard. ‘We found the shaft and excavated the tunnel which ran the entire length of the theatre. It was incredibly well preserved, with timber-lined walls, electrical wiring and homemade junction boxes, and was tall enough to walk through at a stoop. The craftsmanship is phenomenal. You can even see the groove on the top of the manhole cover, where it would swivel and slot into the floorboard above.‘It was built at a time of heightened security at the camp. It is a fighting tunnel, not an escape tunnel. It was heading for the German compound from where the prisoners hoped to steal weapons and fight their way out.The men knew the end of the war was nigh and they were playing a dangerous game. To see what most of the prisoners never saw was a real thrill. The Germans obviously discovered Harry but they never had a clue about George.’

The massive collection of artifacts found inside the tunnel included trenching tools; a fat-burning lamp crafted from a Klim tin; solder made from the silver foil of cigarette packets for the wiring system; a belt buckle and briefcase handle from the escapers’ fake uniforms as well as a German gun near hut

104. They also uncovered the axle and wheels from one of the tunnel trolleys, identical to the one used in Harry, and theremains of an air pump; a kind of hand-operated bellows which drew fresh air from the surface down a duct to the tunnel.

But the piece de resistance was a clandestine POW radio crafted from a biscuit box and cannibalised from two radios smuggled into the camp.

Tunnel vision: A tunnel reconstruction showing the trolley system, tried out by Frank, 89

Frank was instrumental in making the coil for the radio, which he moulded from an old 78 record. ‘I helped with the work on the construction of the radio, doing the soldering and things like that,’ he recalled, ‘cutting out bits of tins and whatever we needed for the equipment.’

Gordie added: ‘I remember one day walking around the camp with a friend when we saw this huge coil of wire. We grabbed it, covered it up with our coats and took it back to the hut. The Germans could not understand where the wire went. Until then we had had to rely on old tins of margarine with a wick

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in them, made from pyjama cord, to light the tunnel, but they were smoky, used up oxygen and were continually getting knocked out.’On the night of the Great Escape, 200 prisoners, allocated consecutive numbers, gathered in hut 104 to make their escape, each a few minutes apart. The leaders were dressed in German uniforms or specially tailored civvies and kitted out with maps, compasses and forged documents.Gordie, who was slot 140, remembers sharing final words with many of the escapers , wishing them luck and complimenting them on ‘their impressive disguises’.

‘It was quite exciting,’ he said. ‘Only the key German-speaking officers, who had a good chance of bluffing their way through, were given documents and civilian uniforms. The rest of us were so-called hard-a**ers, who were expected to get out and run.’ According to Roger Bushell’s plan, thousands of German soldiers and police would be deployed to hunt the escapers, preventing them from fighting the Allies. But after 76 men had escaped, the remainder were caught leaving the tunnel by German guards. Seventy-three of the men who got away were rounded up over the next few weeks and 23 were returned to the camp. The other 50 were shot in the back of the head by the guards at the side of the road. Only three escapees, Norwegians Per Bergsland and Jens Muller, and Dutch fighter pilot Bram van der Stok, succeeded in reaching safety. Bergsland and Muller got to neutral Sweden and Van der Stok made it to Gibraltar via Holland and France.‘Afterwards the morale in the camp was very depressed,’ said Frank, tears in his eyes. ‘It was eerie. We had a period of mourning and held a memorial service. People just wandered around the camp quietly.’

‘A mass of doom enveloped the whole camp as so many of us had friends who were shot,’ added Gordie. ‘My close friend Jimmy Wernham, who came from the same town as me, was one of those who didn’t come back.

‘Before he went out, he took his ring off and gave it to his roommate Hap Geddes, who wasn’t going out, and said, “If anything happens to me, I want you to take this ring and give it to my fiancée.” After the war, Hap took the ring back to Dorothy and struck up a relationship with her. He ended up marrying her. He is still alive and living in Canada.’

Frank added: ‘I hope that what has been revealed will remind everybody what we went through and how we met the challenges. It was a privilege to be involved.’ Contributed by Joe Zager, SSG,USA (RET)

Ed : This is the blog from the USS IOWA BB61. She is going to be berth in Los Angeles harbor . The Iowa B.B. 61 is going to be a Museum . There is another ship in the L.A. Harbor her name is The S.S Lane Victory. I have been on her several times also cruised to Catalina Island on her back in 2009. The Lane Victory is a Victory cargo ship from World War II . She is fully operational and goes out on several cruises every year. She is a grand old ship ! Maybe some of the Bristol people would be interested in this information about the IOWA and The Lane Victory ? That's it for now , take care and keep in touch ! Your old shipmate Joe Lutrario

What a great story!SUBMARINE STORY Contributed by Don TannerGreat story of American ingenuity – one of the factors that makes the American military so good.U.S.S. Barb: The Sub That Sank A Train

In 1973 an Italian submarine named Enrique Tazzoli was sold for a paltry $100,000 as scrap metal. The submarine, given to the Italian Navy in 1953, was originally the USS Barb, an incredible veteran of World War II service with a heritage that never should have passed so unnoticed into the graveyards of the metal recyclers.The U.S.S. Barb was a pioneer, paving the way for the first submarine launched missiles and flying a battle flag unlike that of any other ship. In addition to the Medal of Honor ribbon at the top of the flag identifying the heroism of its captain, Commander Eugene "Lucky" Fluckey, the bottom border of the flag bore the image of a Japanese locomotive. The U.S.S. Barb was indeed, the submarine that "SANK A TRAIN".

July 18, 1945 (Patience Bay, Off the coast of Karafuto, Japan):It was after 4 A.M. and Commander Fluckey rubbed his eyes as he peered over the map spread before him. It was the twelfth war patrol of the Barb, the fifth under Commander Fluckey. He should have turned command over to another skipper after four patrols, but had managed to strike a deal with Admiral Lockwood to make one more trip with the men he cared for like a father, should his fourth patrol be successful. Of course, no one suspected when he had struck that deal prior to his fourth and what should have been his final war patrol on the Barb, that Commander Fluckey's success would be so great he would be awarded the Medal of Honor.

Commander Fluckey smiled as he remembered that patrol. "Lucky" Fluckey they called him. On January 8th the Barb had emerged victorious from a running two-hour night battle after sinking a large enemy ammunition ship. Two weeks later in Mamkwan Harbor he found the "mother-lode"... more than 30 enemy ships. In only 5 fathoms (30 feet) of water his crew had unleashed the sub's forward torpedoes, then turned and fired four from the stern. As he pushed the Barb to the full limit of its speed through the dangerous waters in a daring withdrawal to the open sea, he recorded eight direct hits on six enemy ships. Continued on next page

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SAILINGWhat could possibly be left for the Commander to accomplish who, just three months earlier had been in Washington, DC to receive the Medal of Honor? He smiled to himself as he looked again at the map showing the rail line that ran along the enemy coastline.

Now his crew was buzzing excitedly about bagging a train!

The rail line itself wouldn't be a problem. A shore patrol could go ashore under cover of darkness to plant the explosives... one of the sub's 55-pound scuttling charges. But this early morning Lucky Fluckey and his officers were puzzling over how they could blow not only the rails, but also one of the frequent trains that shuttled supplies to equip the Japanese war machine. But no matter how crazy the idea might have sounded, the Barb's skipper would not risk the lives of his men. Thus the problem... how to detonate the charge at the moment the train passed, without endangering the life of a shore party. PROBLEM?

Solutions! If you don't look for them, you'll never find them. And even then, sometimes they arrive in the most unusual fashion. Cruising slowly beneath the surface to evade the enemy plane now circling overhead, the monotony was broken with an exciting new idea: Instead of having a crewman on shore to trigger explosives to blow both rail and a passing train, why not let the train BLOW ITSELF up? Billy Hatfield was excitedly explaining how he had cracked nuts on the railroad tracks as a kid, placing the nuts between two ties so the sagging of the rail under the weight of a train would break them open. "Just like cracking walnuts," he explained. "To complete the circuit (detonating the 55-pound charge) we hook in a micro switch... between two ties. We don't set it off, the TRAIN does." Not only did Hatfield have the plan, he wanted to be part of the volunteer shore party.

The solution found, there was no shortage of volunteers; all that was needed was the proper weather... a little cloud cover to darken the moon for the mission ashore. Lucky Fluckey established his own criteria for the volunteer party:

...No married men would be included, except for Hatfield,

...The party would include members from each department,

...The opportunity would be split between regular Navy and Navy Reserve sailors,

...At least half of the men had to have been Boy Scouts, experienced in how to handle themselves in medical emergencies and in the woods.

FINALLY, "Lucky" Fluckey would lead the saboteurs himself.

When the names of the 8 selected sailors was announced it was greeted with a mixture of excitement and disappointment. Among the disappointed was Commander Fluckey who surrendered his opportunity at the insistence of his officers that "as commander he belonged with the Barb," coupled with the threat from one that "I swear I'll send a message to ComSubPac if you attempt this (joining the shore party himself)." Even a Japanese POW being held on the Barb wanted to go, promising not to try to escape!

In the meantime, there would be no more harassment of Japanese shipping or shore operations by the Barb until the train mission had been accomplished. The crew would "lay low", prepare their equipment, train, and wait for the weather.

July 22, 1945 (Patience Bay, Off the coast of Karafuto, Japan)Patience Bay was wearing thin the patience of Commander Fluckey and his innovative crew. Everything was ready. In the four days the saboteurs had anxiously watched the skies for cloud cover, the inventive crew of the Barb had built their micro switch. When the need was proposed for a pick and shovel to bury the explosive charge and batteries, the Barb's engineers had cut up steel plates in the lower flats of an engine room, then bent and welded them to create the needed tools. The only things beyond their control were the weather.... and time. Only five days remained in the Barb's patrol.

Anxiously watching the skies, Commander Fluckey noticed plumes of cirrus clouds, then white stratus capping the mountain peaks ashore. A cloud cover was building to hide the three-quarters moon. This would be the night.

MIDNIGHT, July 23, 1945The Barb had crept within 950 yards of the shoreline. If it was somehow seen from the shore it would probably be mistaken for a schooner or Japanese patrol boat. No one would suspect an American submarine so close to shore or in such shallow water. Slowly the small boats were lowered to the water and the 8 saboteurs began paddling toward the enemy beach. Twenty-five minutes later they pulled the boats ashore and walked on the surface of the Japanese homeland.

Stumbling through noisy waist-high grasses, crossing a highway and then into a 4-foot drainage ditch, the saboteurs made their way to the railroad tracks. Three men were posted as guards, Markuson assigned to examine a nearby water tower. The Barb's auxiliary man climbed the ladder, then stopped in shock as he realized it was an enemy lookout tower.... an OCCUPIED tower. Fortunately the Japanese sentry was peacefully sleeping and Markuson was able to quietly withdraw and warn his raiding party.

The news from Markuson caused the men digging the placement for the explosive charge to continue their work more slowly and quietly. Twenty minutes later the holes had been dug and the explosives and batteries hidden beneath fresh soil.

During planning for the mission the saboteurs had been told that, with the explosives in place, all would retreat a safe distance while Hatfield made the final connection. If the sailor who had once cracked walnuts on the railroad tracks slipped during this final, dangerous procedure, his would be the only life lost. On this night it was the only order the saboteurs refused to obey, all of them peering anxiously over Hatfield's shoulder to make sure he did it right. The men had come too far to be disappointed by a switch failure.Continued on next page

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SAILING1:32 A.M.Watching from the deck of the Barb, Commander Fluckey allowed himself a sigh of relief as he noticed the flashlight signal from the beach announcing the departure of the shore party. He had skillfully, and daringly, guided the Barb within 600 yards of the enemy beach. There was less than 6 feet of water beneath the sub's keel, but Fluckey wanted to be close in case trouble arose and a daring rescue of his saboteurs became necessary.

1:45 A.M.The two boats carrying his saboteurs were only halfway back to the Barb when the sub's machine gunner yelled, "CAPTAIN! Another train coming up the tracks!" The Commander grabbed a megaphone and yelled through the night, "Paddle like the devil!", knowing full well that they wouldn't reach the Barb before the train hit the micro switch.

1:47 A.M.The darkness was shattered by brilliant light and the roar of the explosion. The boilers of the locomotive blew, shattered pieces of the engine blowing 200 feet into the air. Behind it the cars began to accordion into each other, bursting into flame and adding to the magnificent fireworks display. Five minutes later the saboteurs were lifted to the deck by their exuberant comrades as the Barb turned to slip back to safer waters. Moving at only two knots, it would be a while before the Barb was into waters deep enough to allow it to submerge. It was a moment to savor, the culmination of teamwork, ingenuity and daring by the Commander and all his crew. "Lucky" Fluckey's voice came over the intercom. "All hands below deck not absolutely needed to maneuver the ship have permission to come topside." He didn't have to repeat the invitation. Hatches sprang open as the proud sailors of the Barb gathered on her decks to proudly watch the distant fireworks display. The Barb had "sunk" a Japanese TRAIN!

On August 2, 1945 the Barb arrived at Midway, her twelfth war patrol concluded. Meanwhile United States military commanders had pondered the prospect of an armed assault on the Japanese

homeland. Military tacticians estimated such an invasion would cost more than a million American casualties. Instead of such a costly armed offensive to end the war, on August 6th the B-29 bomber Enola Gay dropped a single atomic bomb on the city of Hiroshima, Japan. A second such bomb, unleashed 4 days later on Nagasaki, Japan, caused Japan to agree to surrender terms on August 15th. On September 2, 1945 in Tokyo Harbor the documents ending the war in the Pacific were signed.

The story of the saboteurs of the U.S.S. Barb is one of those unique, little known stories of World War II. It becomes increasingly important when one realizes that the 8 sailors who blew up the train near Kashiho, Japan conducted the ONLY GROUND COMBAT OPERATION on the Japanese "homeland" of World War II. The eight saboteurs were:

Paul Saunders

William Hatfield

Francis SeverLawrence Newland

Edward Klinglesmith

James Richard

John Markuson

William WalkerFootnote: Eugene Bennett Fluckey retired from the Navy as a Rear Admiral, and wears in addition to his Medal of Honor, FOUR Navy Crosses... a record of awards unmatched by any living American. In 1992 his own history of the U.S.S. Barb was published in the award winning book, THUNDER BELOW. Over the past several years proceeds from the sale of this exciting book have been used by Admiral Fluckey to provide free reunions for the men who served him aboard the Barb, and their wives.

PS: The Admiral had graduated from the US Naval Academy in 1935 and lived to age 93, passing on in 2007.

Aircraft Detection Before Radar....I bet none of you ever saw this stuff before. How air attacks were detected before radar...Old time acoustic hearing aids

ACOUSTIC "EARS"BEFORE RADAR - ON A SWIVEL

Conitnued on page 27

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Cutting-edge Navy warship being built in Maine

An enormous, expensive and technology-laden warship that some Navy leaders once tried to kill because of its cost is now viewed as an important part of the Obama administration's Asia-Pacific strategy, with advanced capabilities that the Navy's top officer says represent the Navy's future.The stealthy, guided-missile Zumwalt that's taking shape at Bath Iron Works is the biggest destroyer ever built for the U.S. Navy.The low-to-the-water warship will feature a wave-p ie rc ing hu l l , compos i t e deckhouse, electric drive propulsion, advanced sonar, missiles, and powerful guns that fire rocket-propelled warheads as far as 100 miles. It's also longer and heavier than existing destroyers — but will have half the crew because of automated systems."With its stealth, incredibly capable sonar system, strike capability and lower manning requirements — this is our future," concluded Adm. Jonathan Greenert, chief of naval operations, who gave the warship his endorsement on a visit last week to Bath Iron Works, where the ships are being built.It wasn't always this way.The General Accounting Office expressed concerns that the Navy was trying to incorporate too much new technology. Some Navy officials pointed out that it's less capable than existing destroyers when it comes to missile defense, and a defense analyst warned that it would be vulnerable while operating close to shore for fire support.Even its "tumblehome" hull was criticized as potentially unstable in certain situations.The 600-foot-long ships are so big that the General Dynamics-owned shipyard spent

$40 million to construct a 106-foot-tall building to assemble the giant hull segments.And then there's the cost, roughly $3.8 billion apiece, according to the Navy's latest proposed budget.Including research and development, the cost grows to $7 billion apiece, said Winslow Wheeler, director of the Straus Military Reform Project at the Center for Defense Information in Washington.Because of cost, the originally envisioned 32 ships dipped to 24 and then seven. Eventually, program was truncated to just three. The first, the Zumwalt, will be christened next year and delivered to the Navy in 2014.But Greenert told reporters that the ship fits perfectly into the new emphasis on bolstering the U.S. military presence in the Pacific in response to Asia's growing economic importance and China's rise as a military power.Greenert didn't go into detail on how the new ship could be used. But the Defense Department has expressed concerns that China is modernizing its Navy with a near-term goal of stopping or delaying U.S. intervention in a conflict involving Taiwan. China considers the self-governing island a renegade province.Defense officials also see a potential flashpoint in the South China Sea, where China's territorial claims overlap with those of other countries including Vietnam, the Philippines and Malaysia.The Zumwalt's new technology will allow the warship to deter and defeat aggression and to maintain operations in areas where an enemy seeks to deny access, both on the open ocean and in operations closer to shore, the Navy says.Jay Korman, industry analyst with The Avascent Group, said the warship uses so much new technology that it's viewed by the Navy as a "silver bullet" answer to threats. The only problem is the cost."They were looking to introduce so many new technologies at once, and the cost ballooned," he said. "I don't think people have changed their minds that it's a capable ship. It's just too expensive."Unlike another new ship entering the Navy's arsenal — the small and speedy "littoral combat ship" — the Zumwalt will be heavily armored and armed.

The Zumwalt's 155 mm deck guns were built to pound the shore with guided projectiles to pave the way for the Marines to arrive in landing craft, and they're far more cost-effective in certain situations than cruise missiles, said Eric Wertheim, author of the "Naval Institute's Guide to Combat Fleets of the World."The smaller crew also represents a substantial cost savings, he added.Down the road, the ship could one day be equipped with an electromagnetic railgun, a powerful weapon that uses a magnetic field and electric current to fire a projectile at several times the speed of sound.Production will stop after three ships, and the Navy will go back to building tried-and-true Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, 510-foot-long ships featuring a versatile Aegis radar system that's being modified for ballistic missile defense. Even with modifications, the ships will cost far less than the Zumwalt-class ships.For Bath's 5,400 workers, the Zumwalt has been both exciting and challenging, with a new design and new construction techniques. In the coming months, workers will take delivery of the composite deck house and helicopter hangar, which are being built at the Huntington Ingalls shipyard in Mississippi. Those will be placed on the Bath-built hull."If anybody can do it and do it successfully, then I'm confident that's us," said Jay Wadleigh, vice president of Local S6 of the Machinists Union in Bath.

A World War II Story of a B17Contributed by Ray Storey

A mid-air collision on February 1, 1943, between a B-17 and a German fighter over the Tunis dock area, became the subject of one of the most famous photographs of World War II. An enemy fighter attacking a 97th Bomb Group formation went out of control, probably with a wounded pilot then continued its crashing descent into the rear of the fuselage of a Fortress named All American, piloted by Lt. Kendrick R. Bragg, of the 414th Bomb Squadron. When it struck, the fighter broke apart, but C o n t i n u e d o n n e x t p a g e

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left some pieces in the B-17. The left horizontal stabilizer of the Fortress and left elevator were completely torn away. The two right engines were out and one on the left had a serious oil pump leak. The vertical fin and the rudder had been damaged, the fuselage had been cut almost completely through connected only at two small parts of the frame and the radios, electrical and oxygen systems were damaged. There was also a hole in the top that was over 16 feet long and 4 feet wide at its widest and the split in the fuselage went all the way to the top gunners turret.

Although the tail actually bounced and swayed in the wind and twisted when the plane turned and all the control cables were severed, except one single elevator cable still worked, and the aircraft still flew - miraculously! The tail gunner was trapped because there was no floor connecting the tail to the rest of the plane. The waist and tail gunners used parts of the German fighter and their own parachute harnesses in an attempt to keep the tail from ripping off and the two sides of the fuselage from splitting apart. While the crew was trying to keep the bomber from coming apart, the pilot continued on his bomb run and released his bombs over the target.

When the bomb bay doors were opened, the wind turbulence was so great that it blew one of the waist gunners into the broken tail section. It took several minutes and four crew members to pass him ropes from parachutes and haul him back into the forward part of the plane. When they tried to do the same for the tail gunner, the tail began flapping so hard that it began to break off. The weight of the gunner was adding some stability to the tail section, so he went back to his position.

The turn back toward England had to be very slow to keep the tail from twisting off. They actually covered almost 70 miles to make the turn home. The bomber was so badly damaged that it was losing altitude and speed and was soon alone in the sky. For a brief time, two more Me-109 German fighters at tacked the All American. Despite the extensive damage, all of the machine gunners were able to respond to these attacks and soon drove off the fighters. The two waist gunners stood up with their heads sticking out through the hole in the top of the fuselage to aim and fire their machine guns. The tail gunner had to shoot in short bursts because the recoil was actually causing the plane to turn.

Allied P-51 fighters intercepted the All American as it crossed over the Channel and took one of the pictures shown. They also radioed to the base describing that the empennage was waving like a fish tail and that the plane would not make it and to send out boats to rescue the crew when they bailed out. The fighters stayed with the Fortress taking hand signals from Lt. Bragg and relaying them to the base. Lt. Bragg signaled that 5 parachutes and the spare had been "used" so five of the crew could not bail out. He made the decision that if they could not bail out safely, then he would stay with the plane and land it.

Two and a half hours after being hit, the aircraft made its final turn to line up with the runway while it was still over 40 miles away. It descended into an emergency landing and a normal roll-out on its landing gear.

When the ambulance pulled alongside, it was waved off because not a single member of the crew had been injured. No one could believe that the aircraft could still fly in such a condition. The Fortress sat placidly until the crew all exited through the door in the fuselage and the tail gunner had climbed down a ladder, at which time the entire rear section of the aircraft collapsed onto the ground. The rugged old bird had done its job.

A young Irishman becomes a US Soldier by Ed Lynch

Jerry Walsh as he looked in Vietnam in the mid 1960s. Jerry contributed to our last newsletter. His story involved directing in-direct fire on an enemy attack but saved a church. Jerry Walsh emigrated to the U.S.A. in the Fall of 1963. Within a year he received the letter from Uncle Sam.

Continued on next page

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“Greetings” from the President of the United States. Jerry served honorably along with millions of other draftees. Jerry became a US citizen; a New York City Policeman, retiring as a Detective. Jerry still is a lean mean fighting machine. However, his hair is gray and thinning a bit.

7 5 t h A n n i v e r s a r y o f Hindenburg Disaster at Navy Lakehurst

Ed, grandson, Ronan, and , Anne Lynch at the site of the Hindenberg crash

An archer's quiver (to hold arrows) made by a boy scout out of a section of skin from the Hindenburg on display at the Navy Lakehurst Historical Society museum housed in Hangar 1 of the Lakehurst Naval Air Station. A note on the quiver reads "fabric recovered from the airship Hindenberg (wrong spelling) D-LZ 129 (meaning German airship registration #129) May 7 1937 Lakehurst, New Jersey". This May marks the 75th anniversary of the Hindenburg disaster.

Follow up on New York City Welcome of fallen WWII heroes from our MIdWinter newsletter

Dear Mr Lynch,

Today I found a copy of your Mid Winter 20ll-12 edition regarding the return of the war heros on the U.S.S. Joseph V. Connolly in October 1947. My father, Pvt. Isaac Wilmer Jumper was one the heroes being returned for burial in Texas. I was four years old when my dad was killed during the Battle of the Bulge on January 17, 1945, and was seven when his funeral was held. Is there anyway possible that I could get copies of your newsletter for myself and my three daughters? I had found out about the return of the war heroes, but I had not idea about the extent of the ceremony upon arriving in New York harbour. When I saw the USS Bristoldd putting a floral wreath in the water in honor of my dad and the others, it brought tears to my eyes. Because of all of the deaths of fathers, sons, husbands, etc., the children were not allowed to properly grieve. But, the children of these wonderful men who gave their lives for freedom are grieving now. When I think about my dad and his death, I am not a little grandma from Mansfield, Texas, but I am his "little girl" again. Please help me to get a copy of this newsletter so that I can properly look at the pictures and read all of the information about all of the honors given these heroes on that day back in October 1947. I thank you in advance for any help that you can give to me regarding this newsletter and any other information that you have at your disposal when you wrote these articles.God Bless You....Respectfully,Carol Jumper MercerDaughter of Pvt. Isaac Wilmer JumperDear Mr. Lynch,Enclosed is a copy of the newspaper article that first appeared in the Greenville Banner regarding our first endeavors in the research of my dad.Thank you so much for your interest in his story. God has really blessed me and my little family.Carol

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A soldier's story unfolds

By Billy Liggett

Carol Mercer was only 4 years old when her father left to fight in World War II.

She vaguely remembers her time with the thin, handsome young man who gave her his final good-bye before he left to give his life for his country. What she knew of her father as she grew up came mostly from a few family stories, dozens of pictures and letters from overseas and one or two blurred memories of the smiling man who held her in his arms.

For 55 years, the story of Isaac Wilmer Jumper of Quinlan had no true ending, only questions. That is, until recently, when a movie inspired Mercer and her three daughters to find the final chapter of the life of their hero.

Through determination and a twist of fate that almost defies the odds, their search has uncovered many answers and surprises thanks to the help of many caring people and a Belgian man who, as an 11-year-old boy, befriended Jumper shortly before his death at the historic Battle of the Bulge.

On this Veteran's Day, Carol Mercer and her family hope to find the closure that has escaped them for so many years.

Born in Prescott, Ark. in 1922, "Wilmer" Jumper (as we was known before joining the army) and his parents moved to Hunt County when he was very young. As a student in the Floyd school district, Jumper became good friends with another local youth who would wind up fighting for his country in Europe, Audie Leon Murphy. According to Mercer, the two used to hunt and fish together at "Gumbo Pit," a small fishing hole located one mile west of Floyd.

In 1939, Jumper moved to Quinlan and worked in Greenville at an old radio

shop located at the corner of Wellington and McKinney streets with his old friend Audie. Jumper even has a small mention in the book, No Name on the Bullet , a biography of Murphy written by University of Texas professor Don Graham in 1989.

The excerpt says, "(Murphy's) second job in Greenville was at a radio repair shop. He and another boy who worked there did not make a regular salary; they got paid if the owner made anything that week."

That "boy" mentioned in the book and his wife became the parents of Carol Jumper that next year. He would remain in Quinlan until 1944, when duty called Pfc. Isaac Jumper to fight the Germans in the second World War.

Jumper mailed hundreds of letters to his family from October of 1944 to January, 1945. Recently, Mercer, now living in Mansfield, and her oldest daughter, Debbie Kline, went over those old letters (which were barely legible because of his sloppy handwriting, they say) and rewrote them into three sp ira l notebooks. Besides a few photos of Jumper taken in Belgium, they had a picture of a group of Belgian children he had come to know in Thimister-Clermont, near the German border. Another picture they had was a small photo of a smiling blonde Belgian child that had been shipped to the states in Jumper's wallet along with the rest of his belongings and medals.

"We always knew that my father loved children," Mercer said. "He had written in his letters that he was becoming friends with the local children."

But who these children were was, like many other things, still a mystery to Mercer and her family.

When Kline went to see "Saving Private Ryan" a few years ago, it inspired her to search for more about her grandfather. She and her mother began writing letters to the government and doing

research over the Internet. In Jumper's old letters, they had found names of his buddies, including one, Williard Jones, whose family they discovered was living in Palestine.

Mercer said, "I'd been looking for a long time, trying to find out anything about my dad that I didn't know before. The only thing I knew about his time in the war was that he was killed in Belgium. I didn't know what battle, or exactly what location it was. I was hoping these people knew the answers."

Unfortunately, Jones had died only 18 months prior to their search. But his family informed Mercer of a Reader's Digest article about a woman who also tried to find more information about her father killed in action. She belonged to an organization, American Orphans of World War II, which had printed a book of addresses of museums and cemeteries in Belgium.

"I thought, if I knew which cemetery he had been buried in, then maybe I'd find out which part of the country he died in," Mercer said.

She then wrote letters to cemeteries in t h e a re a a n d c o n t a c t e d D a l l a s congressman Martin Frost, who helped in getting her an Individual Deceased Personnel File of her father from the Army.

The first answer in the unknown ending of their hero's life came to Mercer and her family in this file, which said Jumper's body was in one piece. They had originally believed he was blown up by a mortar shell, and that his casket in Quinlan was empty.

"This was a huge surprise to us," Mercer said. "We had always wondered if he was really buried at Quinlan. We feel like now he is there, and this is very comforting to us."

The file also printed the location of Jumper's death as Schoppen, Belgium,

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but the Mercers were not able to locate the small town on the map.

"He also told us to contact a couple in Belgium, Marcel and Mathilde Schmetz. He said I would get more results that way," Mercer said. Continued on next page

Her main objective now was to learn what battle he died in from the Schmetzs and what cemetery he was originally buried in. They began sending the c o u p l e l e t t e r s r e q u e s t i n g a n y information they might have. In their first response, Marcel and Mathilde sent them photos of what the land looked like, covered in snow, during the battles from 1944. They also sent a photo of the 16th Infantry Division of the First Army, Jumper's infantry, marching in the snow on a straight road through a forest just a month before he joined them.

But the first surprise came in a photo they took of a war monument in Bullingen, Belgium, that honored fallen Americans in that area. The monument, contained the name, Isaac W. Jumper.

"They really went above and beyond what we asked from them," Mercer said. "It was far beyond what you would expect from people you've never met."

The Schmetzs, in return, asked Mercer to mail them a picture of her father to put in their museum. She did just that, but added a copy of the photo of the group of school children and the wallet-sized picture of the little boy, just in case.

There are hundreds of war museums in Belgium, most are family-owned and small, much like the Schmetz's. Mercer feels it was fate that brought her and Marcel and Mathilde together because of what transpired next.

The next letter Carol Mercer received from Belgium, only two weeks ago, defied reason. According to the note, Marcel Schmetz knew every child in the picture Jumper had sent home to

Quinlan 55 years ago. Not only this, but the boy on the front row, third from the left, was the same boy whose picture was discovered in his wallet after his death. The Mercers had never thought to look that closely before.

But that's not the big shocker.

Marcel was still great friends with this boy, now 66 years old, who now had a name to go with the young face, Joseph Kleynen. Even more amazing was that, after 55 years, Kleynen still had a photo given to him by Jumper of him and his wife taken shortly before leaving for the war.

Mercer was stunned, to say the least. "We thought there was no way he'd remember my dad. I mean, the soldiers all wore the same uniforms and looked alike, no way this little boy still remembered after all these years."

So they asked the Schmetzs to send a copy of that photo, just for verification. Sure enough, a link to Isaac Wilmer Jumper's final days had been found. With that photo, the Schmetzs sent a current picture of Kleynen holding up a photo of his class picture and the photo he had kept from Jumper. Mercer says his smile hasn't changed a bit and although he's 66, he still resembles the small boy she'd kept a picture of for years.

So far, the Marcel and Mathilde Schmetz have told Mercer and her family that the now-grown Joseph distinctly remembers Jumper because of how young he seemed to look even though he was fighting to save lives. He also remembers his smile and the fact that he and the other GIs loved to give the local children candy when they could.

Jumper and his small friend traded photos before his unit was alerted, and on Dec. 16, 1944, his infantry, proudly called the "Big Red One," began to defend the Belgian border at Ardennes

in one of the bloodiest battles in American war history.

The Battle of the Bulge was, as the legendary Winston Churchill called it, the greatest American battle in World War II and the most terrible, costly battle ever fought by Americans in any war. Until then, the most costly American war was Gettysburg where 51,000 Americans fighting Americans died. The Battle of the Bulge casualties exceeded 76,000 on the U.S. side and German losses are thought to be twice that.

Mercer says that her father was proud to be a part of the legendary 16th Infantry of the Big Red One. Six months prior to the Battle of the Bulge, this infantry led the first wave to land on Omaha Beach on D-Day.

The Schmetzs had sent Mercer photos of the snow-covered battlegrounds to provide an image of how miserable soldiers must have been. "Coming from Texas, my dad wasn't used to seeing a lot of snow," Mercer said.

One month into the battle, a week before the Germans were chased out of Belgium, Pfc. Isaac Jumper was killed in action on Jan. 17, 1945. Nine days later, his childhood friend, Audie Murphy, the boy he used to hunt and fish with, became a national hero and celebrity for climbing onto a burning tank to fend off hundreds of Germans with a single machine gun. Murphy would go on to a movie career and have volumes written about his life, while Jumper's heroic acts would be a mystery to the people closest to him.

The Greenville Morning Herald would print a short story on his death almost a month later. It briefly listed his training and date of birth and surviving family members which included his daughter, wife, parents and two brothers. In March of 1945, the paper printed an even shorter column commending the fallen soldier.

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It read, "Isaac was buried in Belgium with an Army Chaplain officiating at the burial services."

"Isaac at all times was a good soldier and well-liked by both officers and men. He continually displayed the habits and bearing of a soldier and a gentleman, and had real respect and friendship of all who knew him. He died as he lived, courageously; in the performance of a difficult mission."

Kline said of her grandfather, "To us he's always been a picture. Growing up, we really didn't know his personality, what his hobbies were ... We finally are learning more about him, and he's becoming more than just that picture on the wall." Continued on next page

And the long search for answers is coming to an end for Carol Mercer, as she left this week for South Padre Island to meet Marcel and Mathilde Schmetz, who arethere for a reunion of the 740th Tank Battalion. Joseph Kleynen will not be there, but Mercer is hoping the Belgian couple can give her other details of the young boy's relationship with her father. She is also sending gifts to all three of them, as thanks for making the story of her father's final days more clear.

Mercer said, "It makes me feel so good that this man (Kleynen), after 55 years, remembered my dad because my memories of him are so blurred. I know now that he had to have been a great guy for this little boy to remember him after all these years."

What Mercer had before this was stories from her family, but even they didn't know exactly what went on overseas. The fact that he touched the lives of others and died for so many people gives her a great feeling that her father was a hero to many, not just her family. She has also learned from other veterans that he died fighting alongside a group of men he had a strong bond with.

"What a beautiful thought to know he was not alone there, and that he was among his brothers," Mercer said.

So much has fallen into place for Carol Mercer and her daughters, Debbie Kline, Deanne Feracci and Jeanne Mercer, that they can't help but attribute luck and fate in discovering more about Isaac Jumper. Had she begun her search sooner, they probably would not have been led to the Schmetzs. They would not have had the internet to help them out , and Congressman Frost may not have been available to help them out the way he did.

"And out of billions of people," Mercer said. "I find this little boy. It's amazing."

Isaac Jumper is buried at West Cemetery in Quinlan. Mercer and her family make the trip from Mansfield often to pay their respects and leave him little gifts. Their search for more information will probably never end, and they have also decided to help others who want to find out more about relatives killed in action.

They have set up an email address in h o n o r o f t h e i r h e r o , pvtjumper@yahoo.com , for veterans in the area who might have known Jumper to contact them. They are also willing to answer questions for people looking to learn more about others killed in action in Europe.

"We feel we owe it to everybody because of the people we've met recently who have been so nice and helpful," Mercer said.

Land of The Free, Home Of The Brave

One Soldier's Story Ends With Memorial DedicationBy ADAM WADSWORTHStaff Writer

The dedication of a new memorial bench at the Camp Fannin Veteran's Memorial marks the end of a long road for the Jumper family.

Pvt. Isaac Wilmer Jumper died Jan. 17, 1945, at the Battle of the Bulge during World War II, leaving behind a wife and 4-year-old daughter.

Carol Jumper Mercer, of Mansfield, speaks during a Memorial Day ceremony to honor her father Pvt. Isaac Wilmer Jumper.

Carol Jumper Mercer, Pvt. Jumper's daughter, and her family have spent years researching what happened to Pvt. Jumper between the time he left home and his death.

As she was so young when he left home, Mrs. Mercer said she had very few memories of her father and only knew that he died in the Battle of the Bulge.

The only clue in her possession was a picture found in her father's wallet of a young Belgian boy his battalion met before the battle.

With no name, date or information of any kind, Mrs. Mercer said she was unsure of where to begin.

With the help of God and her friends, she said, she was able to retrace his steps and relive most of his incredible journey.

Her search culminated in Belgium, where the family visited the site of the battle and saw the foxholes that the soldiers used.

She said it began to snow when they were about a mile from the site, further recreating the scene from that snowy,

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winter day in 1945, Having learned his full story, Mrs. Mercer, a member of the Camp Fannin Association, led an effort to have her father permanently memorialized in the park.

"Today is a very special day for me and my family," she said. "It results from a dream for my father, a dream that I have envisioned ever since my search for answers first began. That dream is that he would never be forgotten again."

The ceremony concluded with the unveiling of the memorial bench and the playing of taps.

The Camp Fannin Memorial is on the grounds of The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler and is open for anyone to view.

Pictured below Pvt Isaac Wilmer Jumper

Photo above of the bench memorializing Pvt Jumper

SIX BOYS AND 13 HANDS

Contributed by Gary Hults

Each year I am hired to go to Washington, DC, with the eighth grade class from Clinton, WI, where I grew up, to videotape their trip. I greatly enjoy visiting our nation’s capital, and each year I take some special memories back with me. This fall's trip was especially memorable.

On the last night of our trip, we stopped at the Iwo Jima memorial. This memorial is the largest bronze statue in the world and depicts one of the most famous photographs in history--that of the six brave soldiers raising the American Flag at the top of a rocky hill on the island of Iwo Jima, Japan, during WW II.

Over one hundred students and chaperones piled off the buses and headed towards the memorial. I noticed a solitary figure at the base of the statue, and as I got closer he asked, 'Where are you guys from?'

I told him that we were from Wisconsin. 'Hey, I'm a cheese head, too! Come gather around, Cheese heads, and I will tell you a story.'

(It was James Bradley who just happened to be in Washington, DC, to speak at the memorial the following day. He was there that night to say good night to his dad, who had passed away. He was just about to leave when he saw the buses pull up. I videotaped him as he spoke to us, and received his permission to share what he said from my videotape. It is one thing to tour the incredible monuments filled with history in Washington, DC, but it is quite another to get the kind of insight we received that night.)

When all had gathered around, he reverently began to speak. (Here are his words that night.)

'My name is James Bradley and I'm from Antigo, Wisconsin. My dad is on that statue, and I wrote a book called 'Flags of Our Fathers'. It is the story of the six boys you see behind me.

'Six boys raised the flag. The first guy putting the pole in the ground is Harlon Block. Harlon was an all-state football player. He enlisted in the Marine Corps with all the senior members of his football team. They were off to play another type of game. A game called 'War.' But it didn't turn out to be a game. Harlon, at the age of 21, died with his intestines in his hands. I don't say that to gross you out, I say that because there are people who stand in front of this statue and talk about the glory of war. You guys need to know that most of the boys in Iwo Jima were 17, 18, and 19 years old - and it was so hard that the ones who did make it home never even would talk to their families about it.

(He pointed to the statue) 'You see this next guy? That's Rene Gagnon fromNew Hampshire. If you took Rene's helmet off at the moment this photo was taken Continued on next page and looked in the webbing of that helmet, you would find a photograph...a photograph of his girlfriend. Rene put that in there for protection because he was scared. He was 18 years old. It was just boys who won the battle of Iwo Jima. Boys. Not old men.

'The next guy here, the third guy in this tableau, was Sergeant Mike Strank. Mike is my hero. He was the hero of all these guys. They called him the 'old man' because he was so old. He was already 24. When Mike would motivate his boys in training camp, he didn't say, 'Let's go kill some Japanese' or 'Let's die for our country.' He knew he was talking to little boys. Instead he would say, 'You do what I say, and I'll get you home to your mothers.'

'The last guy on this side of the statue is Ira Hayes, a Pima Indian from Arizona. Ira Hayes was one of them who lived to walk off Iwo Jima. He went into the

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White House with my dad. President Truman told him, 'You're a hero.' He told reporters, 'How can I feel like a hero when 250 of my buddies hit the island with me and only 27 of us walked off alive?'

So you take your class at school, 250 of you spending a year together having fun, doing everything together. Then all 250 of you hit the beach, but only 27 of your classmates walk off alive. That was Ira Hayes. He had images of horror in his mind. Ira Hayes carried the pain home with him and eventually died dead drunk, face down, drowned in a very shallow puddle, at the age of 32 (ten years after this picture was taken).

'The next guy, going around the statue, is Franklin Sousley from Hilltop, Kentucky. A fun-lovin' hillbilly boy. His best friend, who is now 70, told me, 'Yeah, you know, we took two cows up on the porch of the Hilltop General Store. Then we strung wire across the stairs so the cows couldn't get down. Then we fed them Epsom salts. Those cows crapped all night.' Yes, he was a fun-lovin' hillbilly boy. Franklin died on Iwo Jima at the age of 19. When the telegram came to tell his mother that he was dead, it went to the Hilltop General Store. A barefoot boy ran that telegram up to his mother's farm. The neighbors could hear her scream all night and into the morning. Those neighbors lived a quarter of a mile away.

'The next guy, as we continue to go around the statue, is my dad, John Bradley, from Antigo, Wisconsin, where I was raised. My dad lived until 1994, but he would never give interviews. When Walter Cronkite's producers or the New York Times would call, we were trained as little kids to say 'No, I'm sorry, sir, my dad's not here. He is in Canada fishing. No, there is no phone there, sir. No, we don't know when he is coming back.' My dad never fished or even went to Canada. Usually, he was sitting there right at the table eating his Campbell's soup. But we had to tell the press that he was out fishing. He didn't want to talk to the press.

'You see, like Ira Hayes, my dad didn't see himself as a hero. Everyone thinks these guys are heroes, 'cause they are in a photo and on a monument. My dad knew better. He was a medic. John Bradley from Wisconsin was a combat Continued on next pagecaregiver. On Iwo Jima he probably held over 200 boys as they died. And when boys died on Iwo Jima, they writhed and screamed, without any medication or help with the pain.

'When I was a little boy, my third grade teacher told me that my dad was a hero. When I went home and told my dad that, he looked at me and said, 'I want you always to remember that the heroes of Iwo Jima are the guys who did not come back. Did NOT come back.'

'So that's the story about six nice young boys. Three died on Iwo Jima , and three came back as national heroes. Overall, 7,000 boys died on Iwo Jima in the worst battle in the history of the Marine Corps. My voice is giving out, so I will end here. Thank you for your time.'

Suddenly, the monument wasn't just a big old piece of metal with a flag sticking out of the top. It came to life before our eyes with the heartfelt words of a son who did indeed have a father who was a hero. Maybe not a hero for the reasons most people would believe, but a hero nonetheless.

We need to remember that God created this vast and glorious world for us to live in, freely, but also at great sacrifice

L e t u s n e v e r f o r g e t f r o m t h e Revolutionary War to the current War on Terrorism and all the wars in between that sacrifice was made for our freedom...please pray for our troops.

Remember to pray praises for this great country of ours and also, please pray for our troops still in murderous places around the world.

STOP and thank God for being alive and being free due to someone else's sacrifice.

God Bless You and God Bless America.

REMINDER: Every day that you can wake up free, it's going to be a great day.

One thing I learned while on tour with my 8th grade students in DC that is not mentioned here is...that if you look at the statue very closely and count the number of 'hands' raising the flag, there are 13. When the man who made the statue was asked why there were 13, he simply said the 13th hand was the hand of God.

Verified on Snopes.com see:ht tp: / /www.snopes .com/mi l i tary /sixboys.asp

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Bravo Zulu applauds Patriot Guard Riders and Larry “the Flag Man” Eckhardt, at the homecoming of Staff Sergeant Jesse Grindey. One of our shipmates, Gary Johnson, and his fellow Patriot Guard Riders attended the homecoming of Staff Sergeant Jesse Grindey. SSG Grindey was killed in Kanduhar Prov ince , Afghanis tan .

Patriot Guard Riders Mission Statement

The Patriot Guard Riders is a diverse amalgamation of riders from across the nation. We have one thing in common besides motorcycles. We have an unwavering respect for those who risk their very lives for America’s freedom and security. If you share this respect, please join us.

We don’t care what you ride or if you ride, what your political views are, or whether you’re a hawk or a dove. It is not a requirement that you be a veteran. It doesn't matter where you’re from or what your income is; you don’t even have to ride. The only prerequisite is Respect.

Our main mission is to attend the funeral services of fallen American heroes as invited guests of the family. Each mission we undertake has two basic objectives:

1. Show our sincere respect for our fallen heroes, their families, and their communities.

2. Shield the mourning family and their friends from interruptions created by any protestor or group of protestors.

We accomplish the latter through strictly legal and non-violent means.

To those of you who are currently serving and fighting for the freedoms of others, at home and abroad, please know that we are backing you. We honor and support you with every mission we carry out, and we are praying for a safe return home for all.

Had about 200 bikes.Many, many more people along the procession. The towns turned out! We had many riders who weren't PGR members.

A person doesn't have to belong to the PGR to attend. Don't need a motorcycle either. It was started to combat the weird church in Kansas who come to interrupt the services.We stand in front of them to isolate the family from seeing the protesters.www.patriotguard.org and you can register for free. This web site will email nearby riders of a funeral or homecoming so we can attend and show our respect.We attend out of respect for "The Brother/Sister We Never Knew or the Friend We Never Met." There might be some info in the DVD or the enclosed article regarding number of people. Kids were let out of school, businesses closed as the procession went by. If you go to the web site and register, there might be a mission in your area. I've been on about 20 "missions." Both good (returning soldiers) and bad (a death.)Makes a person think how short life can be. Get out and enjoy life!

Patriot Guard Riders (PGR) provide an honor guard for fallen soldier, Staff Sergeant Jesse Grindey furneral cortege.

PGR met the aircraft bearing the body of SSG Grindey at Dubuque Regional Airport. Continued on next page.

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Staff Sergeant Jesse Grindey

125 Patriot Guard Riders perform the Honor Guard for the hearse bearing the body of Jesse Grindey.

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No parent wants to bury their child. PGR

make the send off memorable. Our hats off the those volunteers and to our men and women in uniform.

God bless America!

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What Should We Do About the Strait of Hormuz?Contributed by Robert Driver The White House and Pentagon keep pestering me with questions about the Strait of Hormuz. "What do you think we should do, Bob? What are our options?" The reason I'm consulted is that, as far as I know, I'm one of the few weekly columnists on the west coast of Florida who has actually sailed through the Strait of Hormuz. Pretty impressive, don't you think? I steamed through the Strait early in 1952 aboard a luxury liner disguised as a U.S. Navy destroyer. We had spent the previous six months lobbing five-inchexplosive shells onto the Korean peninsula, as part of U.S. foreign policy to prevent the t akeover o f the en t i re wor ld by Communism. As you know, we succeeded, although it took the lives of 37,000 Americans to do it. On our way back to the USA my ship visited Hong Kong, Singapore, Ceylon and the Persian Gulf, via the Strait of Hormuz. As we passed through the Strait, I had a strange dream. In it, a thick-waisted, white-haired, horny politician named Klute or Nute, something like that, was sworn in as president of the USA because of his willingness to go to war to keep the Straitunder the control of right-thinking Christians and their allies. I've often wondered what the dream meant.

The first thing you may ask is, "What is the meaning of the word Hormuz?" Answer: Jake Hormuz was the sentry who, in 1209 A.D., warned his fellow Persians that Genghis Khan and his Mongol hordes were coming to destroy all of western civilization. Sadly, no one paid any attention to Jake, and everyone died. But his descendants later honored Jake by naming a strait after him. Your next question is, "What, exactly, is a strait?" Answers: (A) A strait is a personwho is sexually attracted to the opposite gender from what he/she is; and (B) a narrow body of water between two land masses.

Why is the Strait of Hormuz important? Because so many oil tankers pass through it, on their way to refineries that manufacture lotions and skin creams to keep women of the world looking free of wrinkles. Without these oil-based beauty products, women would refuse to leavetheir homes, thus allowing men full control of the world and thereby screwing it up even worse than it already is. Why is Iran threatening to close the Strait of Hormuz? Because Iran is angry at theUSA for opposing Iran's reported attempts to develop nuclear bombs. The USA fears Iran might not be as peace-loving and agreeable as other nations that possess such bombs. These serene, trustworthy nuclear nations include Russia, the USA, Great Britain,France, Pakistan, China, India and North Korea. As you know, none of these governments have ever displayed aggressiveness or instability. Add to that list the placid, conciliatory state ofIsrael, which is believed to own nuclear weaponry but so far hasn't used it because Israel's conventional military forces are able to easily convert their enemies into six-day-old matzoh balls.

Let's reverse the picture: If Iran were the most powerful nation on earth and the USA wanted to join the nuclear club, would we secretly develop our own bombs, as Iran now seems to be doing? Of course not. Nor would any other country. That's why so many governments are displeased with Iran: it is violating the gentlemanly code of decent behavior, much as are own colonial ruffians did in Boston back in 1773 when they tossed all that British tea into the harbor. Two years later they shot large holes in the backsides of British troops at Concord and Lexington. Outrageous responses, don't you think? How can Iran dare to do something as insolent as attempting to level the nuclear playing field?

So what is likely to happen in the Strait of Hormuz this year? One possibility is thatan Italian cruise ship will enter the strait, strike a reef, capsize and thereby block all further shipping for the next sixteen years. This will cause oil and gasoline prices to

skyrocket. Detroit and its auto industry will disappear. Half of the world's people who use oil to heat their homes will freeze. And who will be blamed for all of this? Silly question. Barack Obama, of course. A more cheerful scenario is this one: A genius out in Silicon Valley will discover amethod of shipping oil via e-mail, wi-fi, Facebook and Twitter, rather than aboard ponderous oil tankers. This renders the Strait of Hormuz not worth worrying about. Iran goes on to develop six atomic bombs, but one night they are stolen by Israeli commandoes dressed like Buddhistmonks. Iran declares war on Tibet. China invades and conquers Iran, and everyone goes home happy.

K o r e a n W a r 6 0 t h Anniversary Update 01: The North Carolina state Division of Veterans Affairs is seeking Korean War veterans and their families to recognize during the 60th anniversary of the Korean War conflict. The project is part of the Department of Defense's "Year of the Korean War Veteran," which will begin in June. More than 177,000 North Carolinians served in Korea between June 27, 1950, and Jan. 31, 1955, Gov. Bev Perdue said in a news release. State officials estimate that more than 72,000 of these veterans still live in North Carolina and others have family who live here. A certificate of appreciation can b e o b t a i n e d a t d o a . n c . g o v / v e t s / KoreanWarForm.aspx. No documentation is necessary. The form may be filled out and submitted online by the veteran, a family member or a friend. Requests for certificates may be downloaded and mailed to: Korean War Veterans Certificate, N.C. Division of Veterans Affairs, 1315 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1315. The Department of Defense encourages Korean War veterans to share stories about their service with the Korean War Commemoration Committee's oral history project. Call 703-545-0522 or visit koreanwar.defense.gov or for information. [Source: http://www.fayobserver.com article 11 Mar 2012 ++]

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VA COLA 2013: Current law requires automatic adjustments to Social Security and military retired pay based on a formula (CPI) that measures the rate of inflation. However, Veterans benefits like VA disability and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation still require legislation to authorize a similar increase. Typically the rate authorized is the same as Social Security. In recent years, increases for Social Security and federal retired pay are known for some time before Congress acts to raise VA payments. Last year, Social Security announced it’s COLA on October 19 but Congress didn’t agree to legislation authorizing a similar increase for VA recipients until November 2. On March 5, Representative Jon Runyan (R-NJ) introduced H.R.4142, the American Heroes COLA Act to make VA’s cost-of-living adjustments automatic like Social Security and military retired pay. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs and its passage would eliminate the period of uncertainty between the announcement of the Social Security COLA and action by Congress to raise VA’s rates. [Source: AFSA On Call article 8 Mar 2012 ++]

VA Caregiver Program Update 15: Caring for a Veteran with an illness, injury or disability can take up a lot of time and energy. At times, your caregiving responsibilities may leave you feeling like you have no time left to charge your own batteries. Below are some tips to help you stay strong and attend to your own needs, which will keep you feeling healthier and in control. 1. Ask for help. Ask a friend to make dinner or a relative to help out for a little bit each week. Make a list of ways others can help. When a friend asks, “What can I do?” have them choose from the list. Don’t wait until you can’t handle it any more. Ask for and accept help on a regular basis. Even if asking for help is hard, find at least one person or resource you can go to for help right away.

2. Express your feelings – Feeling frustrated, sad, angry or depressed is normal. You have a stressful job as a Family Caregiver. When you’re feeling this way: Write your feelings down in a journal, or send an e-mail to a friend. Talk about your feelings – with the Veteran you care for, a friend, relative, or counselor. You can also call VA’s Caregiver Support Line, 1-855-260-3274, to talk to a caring professional. If there’s a song that expresses how you feel, give yourself a chance to sing it out loud. Find other creative ways to express what you feel so you don’t keep it bottled up inside.

3. Stay focused on your health. It can be hard to eat a healthy diet, and to get regular physical activity and plenty of rest. To help stay on track, give yourself a goal: “This week I’ll take a 15-minute walk on three separate days.” Learn about stress reduction techniques and make a point of applying them. Don’t put off your own medical care. Talk with your doctor about getting regular vaccinations and make sure you receive your annual checkups.

4. Learn about the Veteran’s condition. Find out about the illness, injury or disability affecting the Veteran you care for so that you are not surprised when something new happens. If you can, provide information to family and friends so they will know how best to support you.

5. Avoid isolation. Pursue a hobby or take a class. Join a reading or discussion group. Become part of a community – whether in-person or online.

6. Talk with professionals

Contact a VA social worker or your local social services agency to help you find out about Caregiver resources. Call VA’s Family Caregiver Support Line (1-855-260-3274).

Contact your local Caregiver Support Coordinator, who you can find by calling the Caregiver Support Line or visiting www.caregiver.va.gov. Talk with an attorney or legal aid service about legal issues. Many areas have free or low-cost legal aid available. Talk with an accountant about finances. Find a counselor or therapist to help you deal with feelings.

7. Look for signs of burnout. Not taking care of your own health, feeling lonely, crying or losing your temper more than usual are all signs that you may need to seek help. Take an honest look at your use of sedatives and alcohol. Have a doctor or counselor help you evaluate your use. Find someone to talk to if you feel discouraged, frustrated, trapped or over-burdened. Seek professional help if you are depressed or thinking about suicide. Reach out to VA’s Caregiver Support Line for help (1-855-260-3274).

8. Take time for yourself. Consider placing the Veteran you care for in respite care, home care or adult day health care so you can take a needed break. Schedule regular time for yourself. Start small – plan to spend half an hour three times a week away from caregiving. Even if you only have a few minutes free – give yourself a much-needed break. Check out our resource on Making the Most of Your Limited Time for ideas. Consider taking a vacation. Be creative! Ask for help from friends or relatives and use community services to give yourself some time away.

9. Give yourself a treat. Buy yourself a present, such as a favorite magazine or a new shirt. Put your feet up and read a book in your favorite chair. Order dinner from your favorite restaurant and have it delivered. Buy yourself flowers. Go to your local library or bookstore.

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Go to the movies and order your favorite snack.

10. Investigate local services. Find out if meals are delivered to home-bound individuals or seniors in your area. Contact the Veteran’s primary care provider or social worker, your Caregiver Support Coordinator or the local senior center, to help you find resources. Find out about home health care, adult day health care or assisted living facilities. Even if you do not want to use one now, you may need to in the future.

Staying focused and fully charged is one of the most important things you can do for you and for the Veteran you care for. Caregiving can take a lot out of you. Remember to put some of that back in. [Source: http://www.caregiver.va.gov/pdfs/Caring_for_Yourself.pdf Feb 2012 ++]

Home Depot and Lowes Veterans Discount Change Contributed by Joe Guchek and verified by Ed Lynch

From VVA Chapter 200:

Home Depot & Lowe’s Discounts

The 10 % discounts at Lowes and Home Depot are no longer for all veterans. The discounts are specifically for Active Duty, National Guard, Reserve, Retiree andDisabled Service Members and their dependents have changed recently. One’s VVA Membership Card, driver’s license and DD214 Form are no longer accepted.Veterans ID Card (VIC) ID to identify and check-in for VA appointments and an additional way to identify disabled veterans eligible for the everyday discount. The card will state service connected which means the veteran was disabled while serving. Common Access Card (CAC) 1. Verified military affiliation on card - Uniformed Service ID Card. 2. Tan -Dependent of active duty member or retiree. 3. Red – Retired Reservist or Reservist Dependent. 4. Blue – Retiree. Veteran’s ID Card must state “ServiceConnected” for disabled veterans. The 10% discount has a maximum of $500.00. The discount is available on in-stock and

special-order purchases up to $5,000.00. It cannot be used on sales at Home Depot.com, on previous sales, on sale of services, including freight, delivery, labor skills or on gift cards. This is a meet only discount of 10%. This discount is for personal use only. This discount cannot be received by contractors for their business use. The discount is not combinable withother promotions or on previous purchases.

Vietnam Wall Name FinderContirbuted by Gary Hults

Click on the link and find the city you went to high school and look at the names.

Click on the name and it will give details of the death.

Vietnam Wall

First click on a state. When it opens, scroll down to the city and the names will appear. Then click on their names. It should show you picture of the person, or at least their bio and medals.This really is an amazing web site. Someone spent a lot of time and effort to create it.

I hope that everyone who receives this appreciates what those who served in Vietnam sacrificed for our country. The link below is a virtual wall of all those lost during the Vietnam War with the names, bio's and other information on our lost heroes.

Those who remember that time frame, or perhaps lost friends or family can look them up on this site.http://www.virtualwall.org/iStates.htm

USS ARIZONA MEMORIAL INTERNMENT Contributed by Richard Cordingley

Subj: USS Arizona Extremely "moving and profound"

This is something I never knew and I feel that you too, might like to see it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MgE2KiPd3xg&feature=youtube_gdata_player

A lesson that should be taught in all schools . . And colleges

Contributed by Jim MasarikBack in September, on the first day of school, Martha Cothren, a social studies school teacher at Robinson High School, did something not to be forgotten. On the first day of school, with the permission of the school superintendent, the principal and the building supervisor, she removed all of the desks out of her classroom. When the first period kids entered the room they discovered that there were no desks. 'Ms. Cothren, where're our desks?' She replied, 'You can't have a desk until you tell me how you earn the right to sit at a desk.' They thought, 'Well, maybe it's our grades.' 'No,' she said. 'Maybe it's our behavior.' She told them, 'No, it's not even your behavior.' And so, they came and went, the first period, second period, third period. Continued on next page

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Still no desks in the classroom.

By early afternoon television news crews had started gathering in Ms.Cothren's classroom to report about this crazy teacher who had taken all the desks out of her room. The final period of the day came and as the puzzled students found seats on the floor of the desk less classroom, Martha Cothren said, 'Throughout the day no one has been able to tell me just what he/she has done to earn the right to sit at the desks that are ordinarily found in this classroom. Now I am going to tell you.' At this point, Martha Cothren went over to the door of her classroom and opened it. Twenty-seven (27) War Veterans, all in uniforms, walked into that classroom, each one carrying a school desk. The Vets began placing the school desks in rows, and then they would walk over and stand alongside the wall... By the time the last soldier had set the final desk in place those kids started to understand, perhaps for the first time in their lives, just how the right to sit at those desks had been earned.. Martha said, 'You didn't earn the right to sit at these desks. These heroes did it for you. They placed the desks here for you. Now, it's up to you to sit in them. It is your responsibility to learn, to be good students, to be good citizens. They paid the price so that you could have the freedom to get an education. Don't ever forget it.' By the way, this is a true story. Please consider passing this along so others won't forget that the freedoms we have in this great country were earned by War Veterans.

AIRMAN HONORED FOR BRAVERY

RISKED HIS OWN LIFE TO SAVE FELLOW TROOPS IN

AMBUSH

This is an amazing story of bravery and heroism that exemplifies the caliber of people who serve in our armed forces. Captain Barry Crawford Jr. will be awarded the Air Force Cross after his actions saved the lives of dozens of troops he was on patrol with in Afghanistan.

We are currently sending care packages to troops in the far flung reaches of Afghanistan where troops like Crawford have been serving. We want to support all of our military heroes who are risking their lives for our sake! Crawford exposed himself to enemy fire in order to call down air strikes and artillery on the Taliban who were attacking him and his fellow troops.

Thanks to the selfless acts of this brave Airman, dozens of troops whose lives were at risk were saved. The injured Afghans who were fighting alongside our troops also owe their lives to this brave Airman who called in the rescue chopper that saved their lives. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz will present the Air Force Cross to Capt. Barry Crawford Jr. on April 12 at the Pentagon.

Crawford will receive the service’s second highest award for valor in combat for his actions during a 10-hour firefight near Laghman Province, Afghanistan, on May 4, 2010.

At the time, Crawford was a special tactics officer attached to Army Special Forces Detachment Alpha and their Afghan partner force. After conducting a helicopter assault that day, Crawford received reports that multiple groups of enemy fighters were staking out positions nearby. The assault force was attacked by more than

100 enemy fighters, killing two Afghan soldiers and wounding three others.

Crawford ran out into the open to guide a helicopter to its landing zone, to enable the safe evacuation of the casualties. Crawford remained out in the open despite having one of his radio antennas blown off. He moved across open terrain with minimal cover to call in AH-64 strafe attacks to hold off enemy fighters while the casualties were evacuated.

The team then moved over 1.5 kilometers of steep terrain with minimal cover. Crawford called in more help from the AH-64s, and also F-15Es, in an air-to-ground attack that included strafing runs and 500- and 2,000-pound bomb and Hellfire missile strikes. His actions saved the lives of many U.S. and Afghan troops, according to the citation.

“Throughout the course of the ten hour firefight, Captain Crawford braved effective enemy fire and consciously placed himself at grave risk on four occasions while controlling over 33 aircraft and more than 40 airstrikes on a well-trained and well-prepared enemy force,” the citation says. “His selfless actions and expert airpower employment neutralized a numerically superior enemy force and enabled friendly elements to exfiltrate the area without massive casualties.”

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Ben Stein's final column --

For many years Ben Stein has written a biweekly column called ''Monday Night At Morton's.'' (Morton's is a famous chain of Steakhouses known to be frequented by movie stars and famous people from around the globe.) Now, Ben is terminating the column to move on to other things in his life. Reading his final column is worth a few minutes of your time.

Ben Stein's Last Column...

How Can Someone Who Lives in Insane Luxury Be a Star in Today's World?

As I begin to write this, I 'slug' it, as we writers say, which means I put a heading on top of the document to identify it. This heading is 'e online FINAL,' and it gives me a shiver to write it. I have been doing this column for so long that I cannot even recall when I started. I loved writing this column so much for so long I came to believe it would never end.

It worked well for a long time, but gradually, my changing as a person and the world's change have overtaken it. On a small scale, Morton's, while better than ever, no longer attracts as many stars as it used to. It still brings in the rich people in droves and definitely some stars. I saw Samuel L. Jackson there a few days ago, and we had a nice visit, and right before that, I saw and had a splendid talk with Warren Beatty in an elevator, in which we agreed that Splendor in the Grass was a super movie. But Morton's is not the star galaxy it once was, though it probably will be again.

Beyond that, a bigger change has happened..? I no longer think Hollywood stars are terribly important. They are uniformly pleasant, friendly people, and they treat me better than I deserve to be treated. But a man or woman who makes a huge wage for memorizing lines and reciting them in front of a camera is no longer my idea of a shining star we should all look up to.

How can a man or woman who makes an eight-figure wage and lives in insane

luxury really be a star in today's world, if by a 'star' we mean someone bright and powerful and attractive as a role model? Real stars are not riding around in the backs of limousines or in Porsches or getting trained in yoga or Pilates and eating only raw fruit while they have Vietnamese girls do their nails.

They can be interesting, nice people, but they are not heroes to me any longer. A real star is the soldier of the 4th Infantry Division who poked his head into a hole on a farm near Tikrit , Iraq . He could have been met by a bomb or a hail of AK-47 bullets. Instead, he faced an abject Saddam Hussein and the gratitude of all of the decent people of the world.

A real star is the U.S. soldier who was sent to disarm a bomb next to a road north of Baghdad . He approached it, and the bomb went off and killed him.

A real star, the kind who haunts my memory night and day, is the U.S. soldier in Baghdad who saw a little girl playing with a piece of unexploded ordnance on a street near where he was guarding a station. He pushed her aside and threw himself on it just as it exploded. He left a family desolate in California and a little girl alive in Baghdad .

The stars who deserve media attention are not the ones who have lavish weddings on TV but the ones who patrol the streets of Mosul even after two of their buddies were murdered and their bodies battered and stripped for the sin of trying to protect Iraqis from terrorists.

We put couples with incomes of $100 million a year on the covers of our magazines. The noncoms and officers who barely scrape by on military pay but stand on guard in Afghanistan and Iraq and on ships and in submarines and near the Arctic Circle are anonymous as they live and die.

I am no longer comfortable being a part of the system that has such poor values, and I do not want to perpetuate those values by pretending that who is eating at Morton's is a big subject.

There are plenty of other stars in the American firmament...the policemen and women who go off on patrol in South Central and have no idea if they will return alive; the orderlies and paramedics who bring in people who have been in terrible accidents and prepare them for surgery; the teachers and nurses who throw their whole spirits into caring for autistic children; the kind men and women who work in hospices and in cancer wards.

Think of each and every fireman who was running up the stairs at the World Trade Center as the towers began to collapse. Now you have my idea of a real hero.

I came to realize that life lived to help others is the only one that matters. This is my highest and best use as a human. I can put it another way. Years ago, I realized I could never be as great an actor as Olivier or as good a comic as Steve Martin or Martin Mull or Fred Willard--or as good an economist as Samuelson or Friedman or as good a writer as Fitzgerald. Or even remotely close to any of them.

But, I could be a devoted father to my son, husband to my wife and, above all, a good son to the parents who had done so much for me. This came to be my main task in life. I did it moderately well with my son, pretty well with my wife and well indeed with my parents (with my sister's help). I cared for and paid attention to them in their declining years. I stayed with my father as he got sick, went into extremis and then into a coma and then entered immortality with my sister and me reading him the Psalms.

This was the only point at which my life touched the lives of the soldiers in Iraq or the firefighters in New York . I came to realize that life lived to help others is the only one that matters and that it is my duty, in return for the lavish life God has devolved upon me, to help others He has placed in my path. This is my highest and best use as a human.

Faith is not believing that God can. It is knowing that God will.

By Ben Stein

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The Soldier

He was getting old and paunchy And his hair was falling fast,

And he sat around the Legion, Telling stories of the past.

Of a war that he once fought in And the deeds that he had done, In his exploits with his buddies; They were heroes, every one.

And 'tho sometimes to his neighbors His tales became a joke,

All his buddies listened quietly For they knew where of he spoke.

But we'll hear his tales no longer, For ol' Bob has passed away, And the world's a little poorer

For a Soldier died today.

He won't be mourned by many, Just his children and his wife.

For he lived an ordinary, Very quiet sort of life.

He held a job and raised a family, Going quietly on his way;

And the world won't note his passing, 'Tho a Soldier died today.

When politicians leave this earth, Their bodies lie in state,

While thousands note their passing, And proclaim that they were great.

Papers tell of their life stories From the time that they were young

But the passing of a Soldier Goes unnoticed, and unsung.

Is the greatest contribution To the welfare of our land,

Some jerk who breaks his promise And cons his fellow man?

Or the ordinary fellow Who in times of war and strife, Goes off to serve his country

And offers up his life?

The politician's stipend And the style in which he lives,

Are often disproportionate, To the service that he gives.

While the ordinary Soldier, Who offered up his all, Is paid off with a medal

And perhaps a pension, small.

It's so easy to forget them, For it is so many times

That our Bobs and Jims and Johnnys, Went to battle, but we know,

It is not the politicians With their compromise and ploys,

Who won for us the freedom That our country now enjoys.

Should you find yourself in danger, With your enemies at hand,

Would you really want some cop-out, With his ever waffling stand?

Or would you want a Soldier-- His home, his country, his kin,

Just a common Soldier, Who would fight until the end.

He was just a common Soldier, And his ranks are growing thin,

But his presence should remind us We may need his like again.

For when countries are in conflict, We find the Soldier's part

Is to clean up all the troubles That the politicians start.

If we cannot do him honor While he's here to hear the praise,

Then at least let's give him homage At the ending of his days.

Perhaps just a simple headline In the paper that might say:

"OUR COUNTRY IS IN MOURNING, A SOLDIER DIED TODAY."

Contributed by Paul Moynihan

The following article contributed by David “Guns” Lincoln & Roger Valentine

STORY NUMBER ONE

Many years ago, Al Capone virtually owned Chicago . Capone wasn't famous

for anything heroic. He was notorious for enmeshing the windy city in everything from bootlegged booze and prostitution to murder.

Capone had a lawyer nicknamed "Easy Eddie." He was Capone's lawyer for a good reason. Eddie was very good! In fact, Eddie's skill at legal maneuvering kept Big Al out of jail for a long time.

To show his appreciation, Capone paid him very well. Not only was the money big, but Eddie got special dividends, as well. For instance, he and his family occupied a fenced-in mansion with live-in help and all of the conveniences of the day. The estate was so large that it filled an entire Chicago City block.

Eddie lived the high life of the Chicago mob and gave little consideration to the atrocity that went on around him.

Eddie did have one soft spot, however. He had a son that he loved dearly. Eddie saw to it that his young son had clothes, cars, and a good education. Nothing was withheld. Price was no object.

And, despite his involvement with organized crime, Eddie even tried to teach him right from wrong. Eddie wanted his son to be a better man than he was.

Yet, with all his wealth and influence, there were two things he couldn't give his son; he couldn't pass on a good name or a good example.

One day, Easy Eddie reached a difficult decision. Easy Eddie wanted to rectify wrongs he had done.

He decided he would go to the authorities and tell the truth about Al "Scarface" Capone, clean up his tarnished name, and offer his son some semblance of integrity. To do this, he would have to testify against The Mob, and he knew that the cost would be great. So, he testified.

Within the year, Easy Eddie's life ended in a blaze of gunfire on a lonely Chicago Street . But in his eyes, he had given his son the greatest gift he had to offer, at the greatest price he would ever pay. Police

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USS BRISTOL DD 857 VETERANS ASSOCIATION

removed from his pockets a rosary, a crucifix, a religious medallion, and a poem clipped from a magazine.

The poem read:

"The clock of life is wound but once, and no man has the power to tell just when the hands will stop, at late or early hour. Now is the only time you own. Live, love, toil with a will. Place no faith in time. For the clock may soon be still."

STORY NUMBER TWO

World War II produced many heroes. One such man was Lieutenant Commander Butch O'Hare.

He was a fighter pilot assigned to the aircraft carrier Lexington in the South Pacific.

One day his entire squadron was sent on a mission. After he was airborne, he looked at his fuel gauge and realized that someone had forgotten to top off his fuel tank.

He would not have enough fuel to complete his mission and get back to his ship.

His flight leader told him to return to the carrier. Reluctantly, he dropped out of formation and headed back to the fleet.

As he was returning to the mother ship, he saw something that turned his blood cold; a squadron of Japanese aircraft was speeding its way toward the American Fleet.

The American fighters were gone on a sortie, and the fleet was all but defenseless. He couldn't reach his squadron and bring them back in time to save the fleet. Nor could he warn the fleet of the approaching danger. There was only one thing to do. He must somehow divert them from the fleet.

Laying aside all thoughts of personal safety, he dove into the formation of Japanese planes.. Wing-mounted 50 caliber's blazed as he charged in, attacking one surprised enemy plane and then another. Butch wove in and out of the now broken formation and fired at as many

planes as possible until all his ammunition was finally spent.

Undaunted, he continued the assault. He dove at the planes, trying to clip a wing or tail in hopes of damaging as many enemy planes as possible, rendering them unfit to fly.

Finally, the exasperated Japanese squadron took off in another direction.

Deeply relieved, Butch O'Hare and his tattered fighter limped back to the carrier.

Upon arrival, he reported in and related the event surrounding his return. The film from the gun-camera mounted on his plane told the tale. It showed the extent of Butch's daring attempt to protect his fleet. He had, in fact, destroyed five enemy aircraft. This took place on February 20, 1942, and for that action Butch became the Navy's first Ace of W.W.II, and the first Naval Aviator to win the Medal of honor.

A year later Butch was killed in aerial combat at the age of 29. His home town would not allow the memory of this WW II hero to fade, and today, O'Hare Airport in Chicago is named in tribute to the courage of this great man.

So, the next time you find yourself at O'Hare International, give some thought to visiting Butch's memorial displaying his statue and his Medal of Honor. It's located between Terminals 1 and 2.

SO WHAT DO THESE TWO STORIES HAVE TO DO WITH EACH OTHER?

Butch O'Hare was "Easy Eddie's" son..

Aircraft Detection Before Radar Contributed by Gary Hults

How air attacks were detected before radar...Old time acoustic hearing aids

ACOUSTIC "EARS"BEFORE RADAR - ON A SWIVEL

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ACOUSTIC "EARS" BEFORE RADAR - GERMAN

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Vietnam Guide Book, 1962 continued from last issue

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Pocket Guide To Vietnam Handbook, continued

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Some Really Useful IdeasContributed by Ray Storey

Use a comb to hold nail.

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DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS Building Better Lives for America’s Disabled Veterans

MEMORANDUM

TO: All Departments All Chapters

FROM: Arthur H. Wilson, National Adjutant

SUBJECT: Warning Regarding Donations and Activity from Veterans Support Organization

DATE: March 19, 2012

In recent months, we’ve received numerous emails, letters and telephone calls regarding suspected fraudulent organizations who claim to be raising funds in the name of our Organization, or claiming to support DAV and our programs. The organization most commonly referred to is the “Veterans Support Organization”, claiming the ironic acronym “VSO”.

Veterans Support Organization has been the target of many investigative reporters from major metropolitan television news stations, to small community weekly print publications. It is hard to conduct a generic internet search using the text “Veterans Support Organization” without finding related articles which include words such as “scam” or “fraud”. Veterans Support Organization operates by going into any given city and setting up shop in local malls or camping out at the entrances of large retail stores, supermarkets or convenience stores. They have even been known to stand on traffic islands in major intersections with a bucket in their hand. Their purpose? To raise money in the name of veterans with little or no intention at all of providing any meaningful service to their supposed cause. The following links are just a sampling of two investigative reports which truly expose the shady dealings of the Veterans Support Organization:

http://www.myfoxny.com/dpp/news/shame/veterans-support-organization-20110203

http://www.newschannel5.com/story/12039178/newschannel-5-investigates-veterans-fundraiser-group

These suspect organizations make it more difficult for DAV entities, at every level, to conduct legitimate fundraising programs which are truly designed to benefit disabled veterans and their families. Not only does Veterans Support Organization and others like them directly compete with our Organization for funds, it taints the mindset of citizens who would otherwise give to our Organization, but feel angered or betrayed because they may associate our Organization with those similar to Veterans Support Organization.

NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS P.O. BOX 14301 CINCINNATI, OH.45250-0301 PHONE (859) 441-7300 FAX (859) 441-1416

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The problem? Veterans Support Organization has recently made small donations to two (2) DAV chapters (that we are aware of), in an insincere effort to substantiate their claim to support DAV. Of course, the donations made were minimal, and I suspect, represents a very small fraction of a percent of the total monies donated to their group. It is difficult to claim that Veterans Support Organization, and others like it, do not support DAV when they make meaningless donations to local chapters.

What can we do? Do not accept donations of money, items or services from Veterans Service Organization. Prior to accepting donations from an unknown group, do your research. Use the internet to search for the organization by name. In this day and age, when someone is scammed, they turn to the internet to report the questionable activities. And much like in the case of Veterans Support Organization, it becomes quite clear that this is a group with whom we do not wish to have our name associated with in any way. Be aware of other legitimate veteran’s organizations in your local communities. If you witness an individual, or a group of individuals soliciting funds outside of stores or other locations, ask questions, but do not become confrontational. Ask for literature or website information. If you run across representatives of Veterans Service Organization, or others like them collecting money in your communities, inform the store manager of the group’s history and ask that they be removed. Feel free to contact the media in your area and inform them of your personal knowledge of this group and ask that they follow up. Typically, once the group feels like they’ve been exposed, they pack up and move to the next city. Most often, the solicitation of funds by Veterans Support Organization and other organizations like them are not necessarily illegal, but the pretenses of their solicitations are not truthful.

Be well informed and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Should you have questions about any organization raising money in the name of veterans, you should contact your State’s Attorney’s Office, or the appropriate regulating agency in your state. Please share this information with your fellow DAV members. Feel free to share with your families and friends as well.

Sincerely,

ARTHUR H. WILSON National Adjutant

2

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Above contributed by Joe Lutrario.

Below contributed by Joe Kelsey

Your Second Amendment Rights

Wasp Spray

I know some of you own GUNS, but this is something to think about...---

If you don't have a gun, here's a more humane way to wreck someone's evil plans for you. Did you know this? I didn't. I never really thought of it before. I guess I can get rid of the baseball bat.

Wasp Spray - A friend who is a receptionist in a church in a high risk area was concerned about someone coming into the office on Monday to rob them when they were counting the collection. She asked the local police department about using pepper spray and theyrecommended to her that she get a can of wasp spray instead.

The wasp spray, they told her, can shoot up to twenty feet away and is a lot more accurate, while with the pepper spray, they have to get too close to you and could ove rpower you . The wasp sp ray temporarily blinds an attacker until they get to the hospital for an antidote. She keeps a can on her desk in the office and it doesn't attract attention from people like a can of pepper spray would. She also keeps one nearby at home for home protection.

Thought this was interesting and might be of use.

On the heels of a break in and beating that left an elderly woman in Toledo dead,self defense experts have a tip that could save your life.

Val Glinka teaches self-defense to students at Sylvania Southview High School.For decades, he's suggested putting a can of wasp and hornet spray near your door or bed.

Glinka says, "This is better than anything I can teach them."

Glinka considers it inexpensive, easy to find, and more effective than mace or pepper spray. The cans typically shoot 20 to 30 feet; so if someone tries to break into your home, Glinka says "spray the culprit in the eyes". It's a tip he's given to students for decades.

It's also one he wants everyone to hear. If you're looking for protection, Glinka says look to the spray. "That's going to give you a chance to call the police; maybe get out." Maybe evensave a life.

Please share this with all the people who are precious to your life

Did you also know that wasp spray will kill a snake? And a mouse! It will! Good to know, huh? It will also kill a wasp!!!!

"The beauty of the second amendment is that it will not be needed until they try to t a k e i t . " – T h o m a s Jefferson

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Great information for vets . . . . !Contributed by Gary Hults

Someone has gone to a lot of trouble to assemble this.Please pass this on to all Veterans on your e-mail list.Below are web-sites that provide information on Veterans benefits and how to file/ask for them. Accordingly, there are many sites thatexplain how to obtain books, military/medical records, information andhow to appeal a denied claim with the VA. Please pass this informationon to every Veteran you know. Nearly 100% of this information is freeand available for all veterans, the only catch is: you have to ask forit, because they won't tell you about a specific benefit unless youask for it. You need to know what questions to ask so the right doorsopen for you and then be ready to have an advocate who is willing towork with and for you, stay in the process, and press for your rightsand your best interests.

Appeals http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/mr/part1/ch05.docBoard of Veteran's Appeals http://www.va.gov/vbs/bva/CARES Commission http://www.va.gov/vbs/bva/CARES Draft National Plan http://www1.va.gov/cares/page.cfm?pg=105Center for Minority Veterans http://www1.va.gov/centerforminorityveterans/Center for Veterans Enterprise http://www.vetbiz.gov/default2.htmCenter for Women Veterans http://www1.va.gov/womenvet/Clarification on the changes in VA healthcare for Gulf War Veteranshttp://www.gulfwarvets.com/ubb/Forum1/HTML/000016.htmlClassified Records - American Gulf War Veterans Assochttp://www.gulfwarvets.com/ubb/Forum18/HTML/000011.htmlCompensation for Disabilities Associated with the Gulf War Servicehttp://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/part6%20/ch07.docCompensation Rate Tables, 12-1-03 http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/Rates/comp01.htmDepartment of Veterans Affairs Home Page http://www.va.gov/Directory of Veterans Service Organizationshttp://www1.va.gov/vso/index.cfm?template=viewDisability Examination Worksheets Index, Comphttp://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/Benefits/exams/index.htmDue Process http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/mr/part1/ch02.docDuty to Assist http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/mr/part1/ch01.docElectronic Code of Federal Regulations http://www.gpoaccess.gov/ecfr/Emergency, Non-emergency, and Fee Basis Carehttp://www1.va.gov/opa/vadocs/fedben.pdfEnvironmental Agents http://www1.va.gov/environagents/Environmental Agents M10http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1002

Establishing Combat Veteran Eligibilityhttp://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=315

Evaluation Protocol for Gulf War and Iraqi Freedom Vets with PotentialExposure to Depleted Uranium (DU)http://www1.va.gov/gulfwar/docs/DUHandbook1303122304.DOCandhttp://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1158See also, Depleted Uranium Fact Sheethttp://www1.va.gov/gulfwar/docs/DepletedUraniumFAQSheet.docEvaluation Protocol for Non-Gulf War Veterans with Potential Exposureto Depleted Uranium (DU)http://www1.va.gov/gulfwar/docs/DUHANDBOOKNONGW130340304.DOCFee Basis, Priority for Outpatient Medical Services and Inpatient Hospital Carehttp://www1.va..gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=206Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependents 2005http://www1.va.gov/opa/vadocs/fedben.pdfOR,http://www1.va..gov/opa/vadocs/current_benefits.htmForms and Records Request http://www.va.gov/vaforms/General Compensation Provisionshttp://www.access.gpo.gov/uscode/title38/partii_chapter11_subchaptervi_.htmlGeriatrics and Extended Care http://www1.va.gov/geriatricsshg/Guideline for Chronic Pain and Fatigue MUS-CPGhttp://www.oqp.med.va.gov/cpg/cpgn/mus/mus_base.htmGuide to Gulf War Veteran's Healthhttp://www1.va.gov/gulfwar/docs/VHIgulfwar.pdfGulf War Subject Indexhttp://www1.va.gov/GulfWar/page.cfm?pg=7&template=main&letter=AGulf War Veteran's Illnesses Q&Ashttp://www1.va.gov/gulfwar/docs/GWIllnessesQandAsIB1041.pdfHearings http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/mr/part1/ch04.docHomeless Veterans http://www1.va.gov/homeless/HSR&D Home http://www.hsrd.research.va.gov/Index to Disability Examination Worksheets C&P examshttp://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/benefits/exams/index.htm

Contributed by Gary Hults

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Photo above: Ed Lynch, Anne Lynch, Shirley Koltes, and John Koltes.

Photo right: Ed and John.

USS BRISTOL DD 857 VETERANS ASSOCIATION

Shipmates Reunite After 47 Years

The last time that Ed Lynch and John Koltes got together was June 1966. Ed visited John in Minnesota just after Ed had

been released from active duty. Ed spent a week with John at John’s parents home.

John and Shirley Koltes keep

themselves busy doing volunteer social work while home in Minnesota during the heat of Summer. John and Shirley return

to Florida in the Fall enjoying golf and all the other stuff people do in The Villages. Anne and I had a week of fun in The Villages. Dancing starts in the Town

Square, of which, there are two, at 1700 and continues until 2100.

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Len, Ed and Al.

USS BRISTOL DD 857 VETERANS ASSOCIATION

Shipmates Reunite After 46 Years…

Lenny Hodgins was able to coordinate a get together after 46 years of himself, Ed Lynch, and Al Banyacski. Lenny and Al worked in the Operations Department under LT Lamb and Ensign Beaver.

Lenny and Ed live in New Jersey not far from each other, and, Al lives in Connecticut. The three shipmates met at Grand Central Station on New York’s East Side. Coincidently, the get together took place during New York City’s Fleet Week. During our lunch, Al and Lenny gave me some material for a future newsletter. I forgot to bring my digital voice recorder. I did make some notes of tid bits for newsletter sake.

By the way, Al has his Master’s license for operating 100 ton vessel. How about that !!!

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TAPS

Henry B Supinski, 14 January 2012,

Plank Owner

Melvin Hess, 12 January 2012

Plank Owner

Bob Bogart, QM3, 50 to 54, 14 April 2012

William Levy, 31 May 2012

In Memoriam

Henry B. Supinski

Age 90, of Wilmington, DE, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 14, 2012, at the Manor Care Nursing Home surrounded by his family.

Henry retired from the DuPont Company in 1983 after a 46 year career in the Engineering Department at the Wilmington Shops. He served his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II aboard the USS Bristol in the Pacific Theater.

During his long retirement, Henry enjoyed gardening, day trips to area casinos, watching the Philadelphia Phillies and spending time with his family. He was a

member of St. Matthews Catholic Church. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Sophie (Wegrzynowski) Supinski to whom he was married for 49 years in 1997. He was also predeceased by his siblings, Stella, Hattie, Sophia and Anthony Supinski.

Henry is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Henry and Deborah Supinski of Wilmington; his daughter and son-in-law, Monica and Robert C a r n e y o f G l e n M i l s , PA ; h i s grandchildren, Elizabeth Brenner (Michael) and Rebecca Binder (Thomas) of West Chester, PA, Theresa and Henry Supinski III, both of Wilmington and Thomas and Patrick Carney of Glen M i l l s , PA a n d h i s s i x g r e a t -grandchildren, Sophie, Ava, James and Luke Brenner and Grant and Thomas Binder.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday morning, January 18, at St. Matthews Church, 901 E. Newport Pike, Woodcrest at 11 am, where friends may call after 10 am. Entombment will be in All Saints Cemetery, Wilmington.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to St. Matthews Church, 1013 E. Newport Pike,Wilmington, DE 19804

Melvin HessVisitation for Melvin H. Hess, 85, of Kankakee, will be from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday at the Clancy-Gernon Funeral Home, Bourbonnais. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Kankakee. Father John Peeters will officiate.

Burial will be in All Saints Cemetery, Bourbonnais. Memorials may be made to the family wishes. He died Tuesday (Jan. 10, 2012) at Provena Heritage Village in Kankakee.

Burial will be in All Saints Cemetery, Bourbonnais. Memorials may be made to the family wishes. He died Tuesday (Jan. 10, 2012) at Provena Heritage Village in Kankakee.

Mr. Hess retired from the Roper Corp., Kankakee Division, where he was a cost estimator. He was born Aug. 2, 1926, in Kankakee, the son of William and Sarah Jeanette Hess. His wife, the former Marie Raymond, whom he married July 3, 1949, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, in Kankakee, died April 5, 2006. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving during World War II in the Pacific. He also served in the Korean War. He was a member and past commander of Kankakee American Legion Post 85. He was also a member of the Vintage Squadron and a member of the American Legion bowling league. He was a Cubs fan.

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Robert Edward Bogart

Robert Edward Bogart, 81, died April 14, 2012, at Indian River Medical Center, Vero Beach. He was born in White Plains, N.Y., and lived in Vero Beach for seven years, coming from his birthplace. He served in the Navy during the Korean War. Before retirement, he was a professional firefighter for the city of White Plains for 34 years, attaining the rank of lieutenant. He was a member of the American Legion Post 396 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6964, both in Brigantine, N.J., and also was a member of Elks Lodge 1774 in Vero Beach. Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Marlene Herow Bogart of Vero Beach; sons, Wayne R. Bogart of Carmel, N.Y., and Scott E. Bogart and Lance W. Bogart, both of White Plains; daughters, Lori M. Bogart of Boulder, Colo., Donna P. Cunningham of Waterbury, Conn., and Tracey A. Bogart of White Plains; 12 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to Westchester Medical Foundation/Burn Center, Taylor Pavilion, Suite C-3, 100 Woods Road, Valhalla, N.Y. 10595; foundation.westchestermedicalcenter.com/bogart. Services: A celebration of his life will be at 10 a.m. April 19 at the Strunk Funeral Home of Vero Beach with the Rev. John M. Kerry officiating. A reception will follow at the Elks Lodge 1774 in Vero Beach. A guestbook is available at www.strunkfuneralhome.com.

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Care Package Items:

Beef Jerky (high in protein, low in fat)

Sani Wipes

Baby Wipes

Purell hand sanitizer

AA/AAA batteries

Toothpaste/toothbrushes

USS BRISTOL DD 857 VETERANS ASSOCIATION

News from AfghanistanContributed by Michael Murray, Cdr, MC,

USN

Dear Mr Lynch

Thank you very much for the care

package everything inside was all things I

needed or could use. Please thank the

members of USS BRISTOL DD857

Association on my behalf.

My conditions are good. I have hot

water and hot food. It is getting busier

now as we are entering the fighting season

and unfortunately we are getting busier.

Our unit is a forward surgical

resuscitative team with one orthopedic

surgeon and two general surgeons. We

have had some troops who were badly

injured, but our presence and interventions

early have helped improve their outcome.

We also treat the Afghan forces and

some of the locals who get injured in the

fighting.

The hospital has 2 operating rooms

and about 15 other beds. It is blast proof

as are the living quarters. We receive

rocket fire a few times a week but it is

fairly inaccurate.

Thank you again

Best regards,

Michael Murray

Cdr, MC, USN

This medical team is working with the

Marines in forward operating base (FOB). If

you think of anything that a Marine would

need send it. Summer is coming and it gets

pretty hot there.

I sent express mail box, which Cdr Murray received within a week.