USS F RANK E . E VANS ( DD 7 5 4 ) AUSS F RANK E . E VANS ( DD 7 5 4 ) AUSS F RANK E . E VANS ( DD 7 5 4 ) AUSS F RANK E . E VANS ( DD 7 5 4 ) A S S O C I AT I O NS S O C I AT I O NS S O C I AT I O NS S O C I AT I O N , , , , I N CI N CI N CI N C .
Foot Locker Talk— Newsletter
Footlocker Talk
Newsletter
2009 Fourth Quarter
MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR OUR 2010 REUNION
Mark your calendars now for our
2010 reunion to be held at the Hilton Airport / Harbor Hotel on
the bay in San Diego, California.
The official dates of the reunion
are September 16-18, 2010.
In January, 2010 we will send out
all the details regarding the re-
union. Since the reunion is less
than a year away, it’s not to
early to plan your vacation around
the reunion.
HILTON AIRPORT / HARBOR HOTEL
Ahoy Shipmates,
We are looking forward to
returning to the original
homeport of “The Fighter”
in 2010, San Diego. Our
1997 reunion was held there
and those of us who were in
attendance then, are now
looking forward to the op-
portunity of making more
memories in 2010. We ex-
pect the San Diego reunion
to top all our previous re-
unions.
In mid-August, Sylvia and I
drove to Branson, Missouri
to join a group of reunion
planners representing 70
military organizations;
some groups smaller and
some larger than our asso-
ciation. We were invited
to see what Branson has to
offer military reunions.
We were surprised at what
we learned about Branson.
The city has a reputation
of showing a spirit of pa-
triotism and a heartfelt
respect for veterans. I
would like to hear your
thoughts, one way or the
other, on Branson being a
future reunion destination.
I have recently read Paul
Sherbo’s book UNSINKABLE
SAILORS, “The fall and rise
of the last crew of USS
Frank E. Evans”. He pro-
vides a very engaging de-
scription of the events as
told by some of those who
lived thru the experience.
The reader will gain a bet-
ter understanding of the
events of 3 June, 1969.
If you would like to order
a copy, go to website:
WWW.ussfee.org to order a
copy.
As you know, we are in the
process of electing two of-
ficers of our association.
Nomination letters were
sent, nominations received
and ballots mailed to each
association member. As I
am writing this letter,
ballots are being received
and counted by secretary,
Sylvia Campbell. When the
votes are counted your se-
lection will be made known.
I want to express my appre-
ciation to each of you who
have participated in this
process. Your vote is im-
portant to the association.
However, your continued in-
terest and support is very
vital to the continued suc-
cess of your association.
Thanks and stay in touch!
Lest We Forget,
J. C. Campbell President
2
From our Historian... I am getting closer to "finally" finish-
ing the books about you and your ship, a
task started almost three years ago. As
of 15 September 2009, I have closed out
the solicitation process and will not ac-
cept any future submissions. It was most
gratifying hearing from the men and fami-
lies who were interested enough and took
the time to participate.
Book # 1 The Ultimate Cruise,
USS FRANK E. EVANS (DD 754) 1944 - 1969
I’m now starting the publication process
for The Ultimate Cruise, USS FRANK E. EVANS
(DD 754) 1944 - 1969. "The Ultimate Cruise
Book" will have approximately 938 pages,
with 1,447 photos or figures. Being so un-
wieldy, there will be 3 Volumes, 40s, 50s, and 60s. Each volume will stand alone so anyone can purchase one, two or all
three volumes.
The Ultimate Cruise, USS FRANK E. EVANS (DD
754) 1944 - 1969 is a historical collection
of names, stories, and photographs depict-
ing the 4,258 officers and men who sailed
in her from 3 February 1945 until disaster
struck on 3 June 1969.
Written from official government records,
transcripts of oral interviews, and submis-
sions from individual sailors or their
families, The Ultimate Cruise, USS FRANK E.
EVANS (DD 754) 1944 - 1969 captures the es-
sence of life aboard a U. S. Navy de-
stroyer.
“Every destroyer screened convoys, bom-
barded shore targets and was shot at from
land, sea, and air. At times they did this
nightly without sleep, with only the effec-
tiveness of their radar and guns to save
them from much more severe losses. For all
the ships, there was always the tropical
heat, the boredom of day-to-day life far
from home, the never-ending tasks such as
chipping paint only to paint it over again,
replenishment, gunnery drill, Spam, and
LIBERTY!”
Book # 2 The 278 Men of USS FRANK E. EVANS
(DD 754) - 3 June 1969
The book The 278 Men of USS FRANK E. EVANS
(DD 754) - 3 June 1969 is not quite com-
pleted. It will probably be a two volume
set.
I'm making good progress with online, on
demand printing. There will be no inven-
tory. I plan to have samples at the 2010
reunion in San Diego. Individuals can make
purchases directly from the on-line print-
ing establishment. The cost of the books
has yet to be determined.
Along the way, some shipmates have filed
their final sailing papers. Some were con-
tributors to this effort. Thanks! Your mem-
ory will live on. We will not forget you.
To the rest of you survivors, thanks for
your patience. I wanted to get my oars in
the water early to let you know, this noble
effort is drawing to a close. Results will
be available at the reunion.
About the Author
Frank Jablonski is the Historian for the
USS FRANK E. EVANS (DD 754) Association,
INC. Frank, a former sailor and reactor
inspector, lives in Florida with his wife
and two collies. Frank and Terri have six
children, fifteen grandchildren, and two
great grandchildren. Frank and Terri will
celebrate their 50th Wedding Anniversary
this October,
2009. The Asso-
ciation membership
extends its sin-
cere thanks and
appreciation for
the hard work and
dedication that
Frank has done to
maintain the his-
tory of USS Frank
E. Evans (DD
754)..
BRAVO ZULU FRANK
In the following pages of this news letter, the reader will find the
First Commanding Officer and Featured 40’ 50’ and 60’s articles that are
excerpts from the The Ultimate Cruise, USS FRANK E. EVANS (DD 754) 1944
- 1969 and The 278 Men of USS FRANK E. EVANS (DD 754) - 3 June 1969
books. These articles are representative of the information that is be-ing developed for each of these publications
3
Harry Smith was born 24 March 1909, in
Northeastern England, at South Shields
on the Tyne River, but he claimed Wash-
ington, D. C. as home. Outside of his
affection for the ‘old country’ one
would never suspect him being a Limey.
Washington had its effect on his early
life. As a midshipman, it seemed to him
that a regulation was made only to be
disregarded if it interfered with com-
fort, and that academics were just an-
other of those things necessary to weed
out the wooden. A youngster cruise on
the Oklahoma saw ‘Lime’ in Panama where
good times were to be had for seemingly
noting. When he wasn’t busy collecting
cigarette butts, ‘ O’ ‘ y’ worked out on
the cinder path with the varsity track
squad or played foot ball for the honor
of the fighting third. Not out in
front, not in the rear, but somewhere in
the van you will find Harry forging
ahead. Forging ahead in the realm of
the future and gaining the respect of
all those who serve with him. “We can
say no more than this. There are none
who do not respect him.” Class of 1930
United States Naval Academy Lucky Bag
Yearbook Page 153
Ensign Harry Smith
graduated from the
U.S. Naval Academy
in 1930. He served
a variety of posi-
tions in the fleet
and worked himself
up the chain of
command. Prior to
taking command of
USS FRANK E. EVANS,
LCDR Smith was Flag
Lieutenant and Sig-
nal Officer to
Vice Admiral Frank
Jack Fletcher in USS SARATOGA (CV 3) lead-
ing the attack at Guadalcanal in August
1942.
Commissioning Ceremony - USS FRANK E. EVANS
(DD 754) was accepted for use in the Naval
Service by Rear Admiral F. A. Daubin, U.S.
Navy, Commandant, U.S. Navy Yard, New York,
on 3 February 1945.
In 1958, Rear Admiral Harry Smith was Offi-
cer in Charge DESTROYER FLOTILLA 5 involved
with recovering space capsules. By 1959,
Rear Admiral Harry Smith was Deputy Chief
of Staff, Logistics and Administration,
Naples, Italy.
In July 1965, after 39 years service, Rear
Admiral Harry Smith retired.
USS FRANK E. EVANS (DD 754) FIRST COMMANDING OFFICER
HARRY SMITH 3 FEBUARY 1945 - 16 NOVEMBER 1946
Foot Locker Talk— Newsletter Visit us at our website www.ussfee.org
4
Homer Leroy Smith
was born 6 Febru-
ary 1926, at Alma,
West Virginia. He
enlisted in the
Navy 9 November
1943, and entered
the Naval Academy
22 July 1945. ENS
Smith graduated 3
June 1949. On 6
July, ENS Homer L.
Smith reported
aboard USS FRANK
E. EVANS (DD 754)
for his 1ST duty
assignment.
He transferred to the destroyer USS HANK
(DD 702), and then entered Flight School
at NAS Pensacola, Florida. In 1951 he was
designated a Naval Aviator, assigned to
VF-33, flying the F9F-6 Cougar. In 1954
he transferred to NAS Akron, Ohio. LT
Smith entered the U.S. Naval Postgraduate
School at Monterey, California, followed
by service as an instructor with the Navy
ROTC unit at the University of Southern
California. He then joined VA-125, fol-
lowed by VA-155 flying the A4D Skyhawk.
LCDR Smith attended Naval War College in
Rhode Island until July 1963, followed by
service as an instructor at the Naval
Academy through January 1965, then joined
VA-125 at NAS Lemoore, CA. He took com-
mand of VA-212 later in 1965. CDR Smith
began flying combat missions off the air-
craft carrier USS HANCOCK (CVA 19) in De-
cember 1965, finishing his first tour in
July 1966. He returned for his second
tour in February 1967 aboard the aircraft
carrier USS BON HOMME RICHARD (CVA 31). He
was forced to eject over North Vietnam
while flying his 200th combat mission. He
was captured on 20 May 1967. CAPT Smith
was tortured to death by his North Viet-
namese captors on 21 May 1967. His re-
mains were returned to the United States
13 March 1974. CAPT Homer L. Smith re-
ceived the Navy Cross. He was buried at
the U. S. Naval Academy Cemetery at Anna-
polis, Maryland.
NAVY CROSS
For extraordinary heroism on 19 and 20 May
1967, while serving as Commanding Officer
of Attack Squadron TWO HUNDRED TWELVE, em-
barked in USS BON HOMME RICHARD (CVA 31),
during aerial attacks on two strategically
important and heavily defended thermal
power plants in Hanoi and Bac Giang, North
Vietnam. As strike leader in each of these
actions against the enemy, Captain (then
Commander) Smith was faced with adverse
weather and difficult terrain, formidable
opposition from the enemy, and the neces-
sity for violent, evasive maneuvering. De-
spite these obstacles, he expertly led his
strike groups in executing brilliantly
successful attacks which substantially
hindered the enemy in his efforts to make
war. By his heroic actions, superb airman-
ship, and inspiring devotion to duty
throughout, Captain Smith reflected great
credit upon himself and his squadron, and
upheld the highest traditions of the Unite
States Naval Service.
CAPT Homer L. Smith’s significant medals
and awards include: Navy Cross, Silver
Star, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Fly-
ing Cross, Purple Heart, Air Medal, Navy &
Marine Corps Commendation, Combat Action,
Navy Presidential Unit, Prisoner of War,
American Campaign, World War II Victory,
Navy Occupation, National Defense, Expedi-
tionary, Vietnam Service, Vietnam Presi-
dential Unit Citation, Vietnam Gallantry,
and Republic of Vietnam.
FEATURED 40’S SHIPMATE
ENSIGN HOMER L. SMITH 1949 POW-DIED IN CATIVITY
5
FEATURED 50’S SHIPMATE
BILLIE JOE DAVIS “BJ” MM3 1950 - 53
I Billie Joe “B. J.” Davis was born 25
June 1931 at Bude, Mississippi. Cur-
rently my hair is gray and I have blue
eyes. I enlisted in the U. S. Navy at
Jackson, Mississippi in June 1950, and
went to boot camp, Company 138, at USNTC
at San Diego, California. Along with 24
other men, including Nick Nichols, I re-
ported on board USS FRANK E. EVANS (DD
754). The date was 15 September 1950, and
the FRANK E. EVANS was still in the moth
ball fleet south of San Diego.
I was assigned to M Division, After En-
gine Room. FRANK. E. EVANS would be my
home and work place until May 1954. For
53 years, I have thought and spoken
fondly of my shipmates and my ship.
There were bad times... Sea sickness,
lots of drills, same movies over and over
“You know.” There were some drunks, some
fights and a potato pen for a jail. At
one time there was a ban on whistling on
board the ship. There were lots of good
times also...Fresh bread, (Oh that smell)
fresh milk after 6 months of powdered
milk, and good card
games. At night seeing
the most stars ever! The
wake of ships in the
fleet leaving miles of
streams of light in the
water trailing them. Most
of all, the friendship of
some good sailors that
still last today.
Now, Two Tales
1. One shipmate left his
bunk to go to the head. He
came back, but not to his
bunk, not even on EVANS!
He went to the ship tied
next to us. The next day
they were on their way to
Hong Kong. He got clothes and liberty from
that ship and when we reached Hong Kong,
he got more liberty!
2. The After Engine Room bilges made a
good refrigerator and hiding place for
some canned hams nobody could find, ex-
cept??? A little oil on top of the water
and, bingo, gone, out of sight. Now try
hiding a case of eggs some place. The
trick is boiling them and putting them in
a plastic bag. Some things an old sailor
can dream of but never tell.
“A sailor I was, a sailor I’ll always be.
USS FRANK E. EVANS, my home it was. FRANK
E. EVANS, a home it will always be. Her
crew will always be a family to me. Happy
dreams, all sailors and Nick.”
Billie Joe Davis, MM3.
6
I, Dean Corvin Wyse, was born 28 March
1944, at Wauseon, Ohio to Edward A. and
Georgia Wyse (both deceased). My hair was
brown and I have green eyes. My two sib-
lings were a sister Elaine (deceased) and a
brother Robert who lives in Visalia, Cali-
fornia. Our family was of German descent.
My hobby was electronics. I liked to play
football, and my favorite subject was his-
tory. I like to think I am patriotic.
“Midway” is my favorite movie, my song is
“Stand Up For America”, and Memorial Day is
my favorite holiday. I worked my way to
Explorer Scout and washed dishes to earn
some money. Like the sky and ocean, blue
is my favorite color.
After graduating from Hilltop High School
in West Unity, Ohio, I joined the Navy. It
was 9 August 1966. After boot camp at
Great Lakes, I went to FT “A” School, (Fire
Control Technician) and then reported for
duty aboard USS FRANK E. EVANS (DD
754). It was 11 May 1967. For the next 26
months, this would be home.
We had a crew of approximately 300 sailors,
but it felt more like being part of a large
“family” than a “crew.” We had a great
crew and were rewarded a Navy Unit Cita-
tion.
Near the end of May 1969, we were called
off the gun line to partake in a SEATO ex-
ercise, with more than 40 ships from sev-
eral nations. It was 0315 hours on 3 June
1969, in the South China Sea. We were in
collision with an Australian aircraft car-
rier HMAS MELBOURNE. Seventy-four of my
shipmates, my family, were killed.
The collision, at 0315, split the ship in
half. Asleep in my rack, I was thrown
about 10 feet, hit a stanchion (post),
glanced off, then traveled another 15 feet
landing on top of several shipmates. We
had no knowledge of what had happened. Af-
ter taking an almost 90 degree role, the
ship set back up and we were able to make
it top-side. On the main deck, we discov-
ered we were along side the aircraft car-
rier MELBOURNE. The front part of our ship
was missing!
After a short period of time, MELBOURNE
started to pull away. We started shouting
for her to come back. She stopped and re-
turned. MELBOURNE sent some men aboard
FRANK E. EVANS while we made our way to
the upper super-structure and climbed over
to the flight deck of MELBOURNE.
Within 20 minutes of the collision, we
gathered on the fantail to take count of
our men. It appeared that all the men in
my work group who slept in the same com-
partment had survived. As I looked
around, many of my friends were not there,
including my best friend Linden Orpurt.
Linden and I, just a
few hours earlier,
had talked about
working on our elec-
tronic kits which we
had gotten through
mail order. We stood
our watches in the
same area, a place
called IC/PLOT.
Linden stood watch
every night, but my watch was only dur-
ing Condition 3, meaning only during
“wartime” cruising. During the night,
Condition 3 was cancelled and so was my
watch. Otherwise, I would have been with
Linden in a part of the ship where there
would be little chance of surviving.
After asking a few people if they had
seen Linden, I came to the horrific con-
clusion, if he wasn’t here, in the imme-
diate area, he didn’t survive. Looking
around, there were many faces missing,
including three brothers, the Sage broth-
ers.
FEATURED 60’S SHIPMATE
DEAN WYSE FT2 1967 - 69 SURVIVOR
7
The final toll was 74 killed, one body re-
covered, the rest went down in the ship.
Every day of my life I think of being with
Linden, with water coming in trying to es-
cape, fighting for air, perhaps taking min-
utes, hours, or even days to die. Except
for those men required to testify at the
inquiry, I and the other survivors were
sent home.
We received no type of counseling. The Navy
said we would be sent to a ship not going
overseas. I was sent to USS WAINWRIGHT (DLG
28). Then, after a few months, to USS BOR-
DELON (DD 881) where I did my job very well
and was going to be transferred again be-
fore she went overseas. In the last few
weeks before she left, despite my protests,
the Navy decided to take me on the cruise.
Throughout the cruise, there were very few
days I was sober. I just knew I wasn’t go-
ing to survive so I drank every chance I
could. I was very lucky to have returned
From the time of the collision, I have car-
ried scars and deep wounds that won’t heal.
The physical problem with my back won’t let
me sit for extended periods, or drive for
more than an hour without extreme pain.
But, the physical pain is minor compared to
the emotional pain. I have recurrent night-
mares when I can sleep. Sometimes, I have
somewhat of a pleasant dream meeting one of
my shipmates. There’s always the same con-
versation, “I thought you were killed in
the collision?” “No, I survived.” Then I
would wake up and
realize the ship-
mate didn’t sur-
vive.
In 1992, ship-
mates formed an
organization
called USS FRANK
E. EVANS Asso-
ciation. We
have a reunion
every year. We
invite everyone
who served aboard FRANK E. EVANS and
their families. Sometimes, a family mem-
ber of the “74 Lost” will ask if I knew
their son, brother, or father. I always
tell them I knew him, and give them some
details, which really makes them happy. I
go through this feeling of happiness in
surviving, and tremendous amount of guilt
for the families who lost their loved
ones. Often, I think, the men killed were
the fortunate ones. They don’t have to
deal with the loss, the pain, the
guilt....
UNSINKABLE SAILORS
Seems there maybe some confu-
sion regarding Paul Sherbo’s
book “UNSINKABLE SAILORS.”
Paul, an association member,
published his book this past
August, 2009. His book is not
associated with the USS FRANK
E. EVANS (DD 754) ASSOCIATION,
INC. however, our association
does endorse Paul’s book.
Newsletter Editor-
Steve Kraus
Phone 760-941-8184
E-mail: [email protected]
All comments,
suggestions, submissions and criticism are welcome.
8
If you are driving in the State of Washing-
ton look for a special license plate on a
Maroon Chevy Pick-up, look even close and
you’ll find our shipmate Swede Larsen.
I James K Lar-
sen was born 10
June 1933, in
Seattle, Wash-
ington. My hair
was brown and I
have blue eyes.
On 12 June 1950,
just two days
after my 17th
birthday, I
joined the U. S.
Navy and headed
for boot camp at
San Diego, Com-
pany 137. While
in training, the
Korean war broke
out.
On 9 September 1950, I was received for
duty on board USS FRANK E. EVANS (DD 754).
They assigned me to E Division. From 1950
to 1954, I spent my entire enlistment as a
BTFN in the forward fire room. I met many
great shipmates and enjoyed my time in the
Navy. I liked being at sea, so much, that I
spent 30 years in the Merchant Marine
fleet.
Swede lives in Shoreline, Washington.
DD 754 RIDES AGAIN
BTFN JAMES K. “SWEDE” LARSEN
9
2011 Reunion Locations
The reunion search committee has started the process of reviewing a variety of areas
within the Central United States for our 2011 Reunion. To date we have researched 3 ar-eas (A) Chicago and vicinity, (B) Kalamazoo, Michigan and (C) Branson, Missouri. We are
really interested in hearing what you have to say about these locations. Please drop us
a line, e-mail or give us a call, we would love to hear from you.
Most recently J. C. & Sylvia visited Branson, Missouri. The Convention Visitors Bureau
(CVB) hosted a site visit and provided details on what the city has to offer. J. C.
and Sylvia believe Branson might be an excellent spot for a reunion, rates are low and
lots of entertainment opportunities. We know we have had several reunions in the State
of Missouri; however, if the majority believe this location is viable we will perform
further research.
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
The USS Frank E. Evans (DD 754) Association welcomes these new members.
Charles Berry BT2 63-67 Sweeny TX
Cliff May Association Accountant Joshua TX
Gary N. Willhelm MMFN 62-64 Beavercreek OH
WELCOME RETURNING MEMBERS
The USS Frank E. Evans (DD 754) Association welcomes these returning members.
Bruce W. Caldwell YN3 65-67 McMinnville OR
Stanley K. Edwards CS3 62-64 Sequim WA
Ralph R. Jones MM2 50-54 Sacrament CA
A Soldier by Angela Goodwin (submitted from John
Coffey)
There is discipline in A Sol-
dier you can see it when he
walks,
There is honor in A Soldier
you hear it when he talks.
There is courage in A Soldier
you can see it in his eyes,
There is loyalty in A Soldier
that he will not compromise.
There is something in A Sol-
dier that makes him stand
apart,
There is strength in A Sol-
dier that beats from his
heart.
A Soldier isn't a title any
man can be hired to do,
A Soldier is the soul of that
man buried deep inside of
you.
A Soldier's job isn't fin-
ished after an 8 hour day or
a 40 hour week,
A Soldier is always A Soldier
even while he sleeps.
A Soldier serves his country
first and his life is left
behind,
A Soldier has to sacrifice
what comes first in a civil-
ian's mind.
If you are civilian - I am
saying this to you.....
next time you see A Soldier
remember what they do.
A Soldier is the reason our
land is 'Home of the free',
A Soldier is the one that is
brave protecting you and me.
If you are A Soldier - I am
saying this to you.....
Thank God for EVERY SOLDIER
Thank God for what YOU do!
10
In Memoriam Delbert Hanson YN3 44-45 (Plank owner) Austin, MN Deceased 07-31-09
Delbert was born October 3, 1925 in Freeborn County Minnesota. He is survived by his
wife, Lorraine (Ferguson). Delbert married Lorraine on September 17, 1955 at the First
Methodist Church in Austin. His surviving children are; Susan Hanson, Paul and Nancy Han-
son from Oliver Springs, Tennessee, and Julie and Mark Placek from Austin, Minnesota. His
surviving grandchildren are; Stuart Hanson, Christopher Placek and Curtis Hanson from
Austin, Minnesota. His great grandchildren; Ashlynn Schewe and Gaige Schewe-Placek.
Delbert served on board USS Frank E. Evans from 1944 to 46 and after his service he re-
turned to Austin where he worked for Geo. A. Hormel Company until he retired. Delbert was
a member of Grace Baptist Church and the American Legion and he volunteered his time with
the Red Cross and the Austin Medical Center. In his spare time he enjoyed fishing and
hunting.
Theodore “Ted” Mortenson SN 50-54 Butte, MT Deceased 05-02-09
Ted was born on March 18, 1929 in Hogeland, Montana to Irene Hable, the youngest of four.
Ted left this world for a better place following a courageous battle with cancer. He was
a care-free young man, who loved life to the fullest. He served his country proudly from
1946 to 1954, beginning in the Air Force and finishing in the Navy, where he served on
USS Frank E. Evans. He loved his family and friends, the great wilderness of Montana,
horseback riding, hunting, fishing, four wheeling on his ATV, playing cribbage and pi-
nochle, singing and playing his guitar. He was a master of many trades, including sheet
metal, mining, carpentry, plumbing, truck driver, heavy equipment operator. He is sur-
vived by his daughter, Sherri (Paul) Baker, daughter-in-law, Barbara Krum Mortenson, sis-
ter, Edith (Les) Klabunde brother, Paul “Bud” Mortenson, Idaho; grandchildren, Joani
(Greg) Hanley Ted (Julie) Deshner; and three great-grandchildren.
Smitty G. Laramore YN1 51-52 Derby, KS Deceased 09-11-07
Smitty passed away in his home in Derby, Kansas on 9-11-07. Smitty was the paymaster on-
board USS FRANK E. Evans so he was able to get to meet everyone onboard ship. He was a
very proud veteran and felt it was a privilege to serve his country. He received his fa-
ther’s permission to join the Navy at age 17. He is survived by his wife, Patsy. They
had one girl and one boy; and at the time of his death, 14 grandchildren.
Robert James Bedure LTJG 45-46 Otterbein OH Deceased 02-23-04
Robert was born on May 2, 1920 in Steubenville, Ohio to John and Anna (Shamp) Bendure.
After he graduated from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, he became a chemical analyst.
When WWII broke out he was commissioned as an Ensign and served onboard USS FRANK E. EV-
ANS (DD 754) from February, 1945 to April 1946. Along with many other duties he was the
Recognition Officer. Robert was an accomplished musician, United Way volunteer, and
worked for Armco Steel until he retired. He was survived by his two sons, three grand-
children and three great grandchildren. He was buried at Lebanon Cemetery in Lebanon,
Ohio.
Walter James Hogan Jr. FN 46-47 Kenner LA Deceased 08-07-09
Walter was born 3 June 1928, in New Orleans, Louisiana to Walter and Sarah Hogen. He had
a bother named George. After High School graduation, Walter joined the Navy and served
onboard two destroyers USS HARRY E. HUBBARD (DD 748) AND USS FRANK E. Evans (DD 754). In
1949 he hired on with South Central Bell. He had one son, two daughters and , two grand-
children. He retired to a full life of community service including American Legion and
Kenner Community police.
Joe Roderick Perry LCDR 1955 Chula Vista, CA Deceased 06-10-09
Joe was born 3 July 1916 at York, Nebraska. He enlisted in the Navy in 1933 and follow-
ing boot camp served on several destroyers. In 1943 he was spot-promoted to LTJG, com-
manding officer of LST 283 which landed at Utah Beach. In addition he participated in
the atomic bomb tests at Eniwetok. In 1955 Joe was assigned XO duties onboard USS Frank
E. Evans. Joe retired in 1967 after serving 34 years active duty. He was married to El
Mina for 61 years. They had two children, five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren.
11
To Association Members
Just want to let you know that I re-quested my Con-gressman, Daniel E. Lungren, to fly the United States flag on 3 June, 2009 in memory of our “Lost 74”. To the left is a copy of the certificate that I received.
Rich Burke “Lest We Forget”
They Died in Sup-port of the Vietnam War
MAIL CALL - E-MAIL & SNAIL MAIL
To Tim Wendler from Steve
Kraus:
Tim, in the mail today was a
returned envelope from Donald
Thibodeau that was stamped de-
ceased. Do you have any in-
formation regarding his pass-
ing?
Response from nephew:
Don Thibodeau (twin brother to
Ron Thibodeau, Lost 74) passed
away last summer. Over the
past 10 years he developed a
condition similar to Parkin-
sons. Each medical procedure
seemed to make it worse (maybe
it just failed to make it bet-
ter, and the condition became
worse). I’ve talked to Viet
Nam vet advocates who told me
that he had classic Agent Or-
ange syndrome symptoms (he
served in the Marines while my
Dad was on the Evans); but of
course, the VA medical facili-
ties didn’t see it that way.
Several years ago he had a
tracheotomy and soon after,
his wife moved him to Florida.
I would call him and tell him
what was going on with me, but
he could not speak, just lis-
ten. After that he steadily
deteriorated and spent his
last few months in an assisted
living facility as he could no
longer take care of himself
and was too much for his wife
to handle.
Tim Wendler, Son of Ronald
Thibideau “Lost 74”
Steve, thought you might want to
share with the rest of the asso-
ciation members. Rich Burke
“I can imagine no more rewarding
a career. And any man who may be
asked in this century what he
did to make his life worthwhile,
I think can respond with a good
deal of pride and satisfaction:
'I served in the United States
Navy.'"
President John F. Kennedy, 1
August, 1963, in Bancroft Hall
at the U. S. Naval Academy.
Hi All,
This is important!! If you are
interested in signing up for VA
healthcare, you should dig out
your DD-214 and go to your local
VA office and start the process.
(If you need help in getting a
copy of your DD-214, send me an
email and I will help you.) If
you have other medical insur-
ance, this will coordinate with
that insurance and, in most
cases, it will pay the entire
bill for the VA treatment. There
is no cost for this coverage.
You paid with your service to
this country. I have used the VA
medical system for the past 7-8
years and I have been very happy
with the treatment I have re-
ceived.
Don't wait too long, this may
be a temporary open window.
Pete Peters **********
Steve, I read my copy of Un-
sinkable Sailors in a matter of hours because it was so compel-
ling. That ship was my life
for 2 1/2 years. I could feel
myself right there with each
and everyone of you guys. God
bless each and all of you and
our “Lost 74”.
Ed Holsopple
12
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ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
This newsletter is published by:
USS FRANK E. EVANS (DD 754) ASSOCIATION, INC
P.O. BOX 164
GRANBURY, TX 76048
WWW.USSFEE.ORG
LEST WE FORGET, the “LOST 74” DIED in SUPPORT of the VIETNAM WAR
Frances Box, left, and her daughter, Julie Lea, are remem-bering the loss of their son and brother, Thomas Belue Box, who died June 3, 1969, in the collision of an Ameri-can destroyer on which he was aboard and an Australian aircraft carrier in the South China Sea off Vietnam.
Today, on the 40th anniversary of the
collision, Thomas Box’s mother, Frances,
and his sisters, Julie Lea and Sara
Green, will pass the day quietly as they
do every anniversary of the tragedy that
robbed the family of its only son. They
will phone each other and they’ll receive
a condolence call from the widower of
their other sister, Janie Hamner, who
died a little over a year ago.
“40 years ago…In a way it seems like yes-
terday,” said his mother. “But look at all
that’s happened since then. Box died, our
daughter Janie died, but we’re still here.”
Julie Lea said she doesn’t know if they
will visit the monument in the Belue plot
of Athens City Cemetery to the 6-foot, bar-
rel-chested older brother who sailed to war
and never came back.
“We’re there (at the cemetery) all through
the year, but the day will not go unno-
ticed,” said Lea Facing west. Lea explained
that Thomas’s monument, provided by the
Veterans Administration, faces west rather
than east, which indicates that there is no
body buried beneath.
Thomas was born Nov. 22, 1947, in the old
Masonic building at West Market and Madison
streets.
Frances said 21-year-old Thomas had not ex-
pressed to the family what he eventually
wanted to do with his life, but was trying
to find his path when he went into the
Navy. The last time they saw him was
Christmas, 1968. -“The News Chronicle Cou-
rier”, Athens, AL Tuesday, June 2, 2009.