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4/25/99 Frank J. Sposato It is with great sadness that I must inform you that my Uncle, Frank J. Sposato died of colon cancer at Holy Name Hospital on Friday March 31, 2000 at 3:30am. Sincerely, Vince(Victory at Sea)Sposato, Nephew vas@idt.net
10/2/99 Letter from Robert Glenn McCollough, Ocala, Florida Thank you so much for sending me a newsletter. Now that I'm receiving information, hopefully I'll be able to make it to the next reunion. I was a Seaman 1st Class in the lookout division and general quarters. I was on a 40mm gun. Was in active duty on the USS South Dakota from August 13, 1943 to December 18th, 1945. My birthday is 3/17/25 and anniversary 6/21/51 to Darlene. Thanks again, Robert Glenn McCollough
10/5/99 Letter from Joseph Mangano, Plankowner of USS South Dakota I received the package you were so kind to send me. The hats are great and the T-Shirts were a wonderful surprise. My wife and I plan to wear and enjoy them. I have enjoyed looking through the directory.Thank you for all the kindness. I appreciate all you have done. Hope we will meet at some reunion. Joe Mangano
9/29/99 Letter from Carolyn Riemann, wife of Ed Riemann, Borden, IN
Enclosed is Ed's picture. His only story so far is that after the Battle at Guadalcanal, on the way to New Caledonia, a sailor ran a kite up in the air and Captain gatch became outraged and bellowed and sent someone to get the sailor and called him a "damned farmer" and said he should be put in the brig for calling attention to the ship. Thanks for all your emails. Know you're busy but really look forward to messages from you. Regards, Carolyn. My email address is CaroRiem@juno.com. 9/27/99 Letter from Jack Iskin, Oceanside, CA, Plankowner I spoke to John Lock - what a nice fellow. We determined that I was the man he helped to the ward room. (Aid Station) Commander Gordon helped calm me down till Dr. Syslo made temporary repairs to my achilles tendon, knee, left shin and many other areas. I left my talker "Heiser" and Ed Jukley dead in Radio Direction Finder II and Jim Cantrell PM 2/C hurt at his station. Those poor musicians so horribly burned and scalded. I had the hospital bed in sick-bay next to Cantrells. I was a Aviation radioman, Gunner 3/C but assigned to RDFII and radio room. After about 9 months in Brooklyn Navy hospital, I ended up as N.A.S. New York and then to the V-12 and N.R.O.T.C. at U. of Michigan but did not get a commission because of a fluke. Married and moved to California in 1948. Now in Oceanside for 12 years and retired. Bob Jones, Yeoman 2/C was a neighbor (died 2 years ago) and Patrick the Navy Cross recipient lived 1/2 mile from me in Los Angeles. I would welcome hearing from all who knew me. Jack Iskin
10/11/99 Email from Anne(Pierce) Magierski, Little Egg Harbor, NJ Hi... found your page as a link in a New York Shipbuilding WW2 Project web site. My interest in the South Dakota stems from the fact that my Dad, Harry W. Pierce and A.E. Uehlinger, USN, were roommates at the Naval Academy. During the war, my dad was directly involved in the construction of the ship as an officer of the corporation, while "Uehlie" was an officer aboard the South Dakata. I have a letter he wrote to dad saying what a magnificent ship she was, and how proud he(Dad) should be to have overseen her construction. Thanks again for the information on your web site...it is wonderful!
10/8/99 Joe Bonsaint, 1st Div. Kettery, Maine
Received your letter and pleased to know all is well. I would like to pass this on to you. There is a new book out on the streets named "Terrible Hours" by Peter Maes. It's all submarines and Captain Momsen, who in his life did so much for the Navy. I met him on the South Dakota as he was assigned by the bureau to update his credentials. In the book the last chapter tells all about his tour of duty on the Bb57. I also met him at work when he was assigned as Skipper & Commandant, he was a regular fellow. We had a chat about his tour as skipper. I am sure many shipmates would be glad to read about his exploits.
Your dad was a clean cut kid. He never shirked his duties, always ready to help, never squawked about his assignment. I was pleased and proud of him when he was assigned to my section. He was always pleasant to all of his friends. On his last phone call to me, I felt so sorry that he was so sick. I remember him in my prayers. I was much older than these kids and I tried to be good to them because I realized what it meant for them to leave home. It was an experience I will never forget. I would not want to repeat it, but the bond of friendship will always be in my heart.
Sincerely,
Joe Bonsaint
9/23/99 Robert Anderson, Santa Nella, CA
I enlisted in the Navy in July 1941 when I turned 17. I went to boot camp in San Diego and then attended radio school on North Island. I attended Radar school in Hawaii 1942-1943. From there I was assigned to the BB-57 as either a Radar Technician or as a general radio technician.
Thinking Back!
I remember the day we had the Jap suicide planes overhead.We were at General Quarters Condition Easy, meaning we knew they were up there, but were waiting for something to happen. All of a sudden here they came and hit the Aircraft Carrier USS Boxer on the flight deck and exploded in the hanger deck. The Boxer lost rudder control and swept across our bow at about 5000 yards, WOW! The Boxer was only slightly damaged and the fire control personnel put out the fires. We opened fire on the other Japs and kept the situation under control. Many sailors from the USS Boxer jumped overboard and were picked up by our escorting Destroyers. A lot of wounded sailors from the Boxer were brought aboard our ship and some died. I still remember the burials at sea... Not a pleasant memory.
10/17/99 sprocket@pacifier.com
I absolutely love your website! I am an ardent naval history buff, and actually lived in Sioux Falls from 1978-1987, when I joined the Navy. I was active duty for eight years here in the Pacific Northwest. My parents and a good chunk of my family still reside in Sioux Falls and I can remember the first time I visited the USS South Dakota memorial(ten years ago) and I was fascinated. Keep up the good work, and I can't wait to see that 16" rifle on my next trip home.
10/24/99 Lonnie D. Roberts, Jacksonville, FL
I would love to hear from members of the SoDak. My email address is KH6FMD@aol.com.
10/31/99 Jeffrey D. Barkley
Thanks for putting the picture of my dad ( Bill Barkley) on the website. Although he does not have a computer, I would be glad to forward messages from others who served on board that may remember him. An interesting story from his time on board: During the battle of Guadalcanal, the USS Porter was hit and sunk. The South Dakota took part in the rescue of survivors. As it turned out, one of the rescued was a high school friend of my dad, named Olin Teagarden. My dad was unaware that Olin was in the Navy, and once he located him on the South Dakota, they had a joyous reunion. My email address is thegreatbark@worldnet.att.net
11/9/99 Rod Erickson
What I've seen so far is great!! This site differs very positively from others in the personal information...the history from the men who were there. I've only had time to scatch the surface, but do hope to finish soon.
Thank you,
Rod Erickson
11/11/99 Al Wier, 3rd Div. bb57sodak@juno.com
In response to the question asked: "Was a death certificate issued to the family of those who were killed aboard ship and buried at sea?" I'm sure the Navy Dept. can give an answer to the death certificate. All I know is that when they were buried at sea they had a 5 inch shell sewn inside the canvas bag they were in and slid down from a table to sink to the floor of the sea. Then the family was notified. I don't know if they were told how they were killed or died. In Norfolk I met the crewmember who did the sewing of those bags. What a job!
11/15/99 George Tutek, Columbus, NJ
My name is George Tutek and I served on the USS South Dakota. I am looking for William E. Mackey, Ship's Cook, 2nd Class. Last known address is Veroplank, NY. I was the Ship's Cook, First Class. If anyone would like to get in touch with me, I can be emailed at stutek@monmouth.com. I would be happy and interested to hear from anybody who served on the battleship.You may write to me at 51 Chesterfield Road, Columbus, NJ 08022.
Thank you,
George Tutek
11/24/99 Robert Bogard
I saw my picture and Glen Schimmel's on the website. Thanks a lot-I feel like a real celebrity! Unfortunately, I don't look much like that any more. However, about 15 years ago I had to go to a 1940's costume party and since my old Navy uniform was the only article of clothing I still had from the 1040's I managed to somehow get my everspreading bod into it. It still looked great, but I didn't enjoy the party at all because I couldn't eat anything or for that matter even breathe.
Bob Bogard
bogard@mail.com
11/27/99 John J. Murphy, Jr.
navymurphy@aol.com
I was aboard the "SODAK" for three years, starting out in the early part of 1943 in New York and leaving her in April 1946. I spent all of my time in Division 7. We had two five inch mounts forward on the starboard side. I stood my watches in "sky 3". All of the group that I can recollect I will try to identify. Fred Farkas, aka "Fark the Lark", I kept in touch with for many years when I was an FBI agent and he was with the Oakland Police Department. He is now deceased. "Red" Sinkewicz I still keep in touch with. He is back in Waterford, MN. I just established a contact with Bob Ogle, who used to be our radarman. If you have any information or know of any other contacts please respond to me at the email address above. My son, John J. Murphy III, is a resident and attorney in San Diego, CA. He will be contacting the reunion crew as a "second generation" member of the South Dakota Crew.
11/28/99 Tim Mckechnie
tim@intdat.com
Jim did not know your dad very well. The reason he remembers him is that they would use bleach to spell their names on their blue denim shirts and he remembers a guy with "Maday" on his shirt. Jim really has enjoyed the website.
Thanks,
Tim
12/16/99 Robin Passmore mjpp6dlhse@aiov.com
We are interested in knowing what we can do to help the second generation. We are really interested in finding out all about the battleship. Before you know it there will be a third generation old enough to learn about this ship and what their relatives did on it. If it wasn't for the internet, Cathy, and Howard ; Kevin Carricola would never have found out about his dad. Thank you very much for helping him.
12/25/99 John J. Murphy, Jr. NavyMurphy@aol.com
In Juy of this year, my son John J. Murphy, III, came upon a RV traveling on Interstate HWY 5 in San Diego. The RV had a large, detailed painting of SODAK on the rear panel. The painting depicted SODAK in battle. He was unable to follow the Rv and meet the owners. Does anyone know who owns the RV with the mural of SODAK? My son lives in San Diego and is very interested in the history of her and my times aboard her. I am hoping the owner resides in or visits Southern California and I can communicate with him. If anyone has any info, please direct it to my email above.
12/20/99 Alvin R. Piper, Sr. Shapleigh, ME
I boarded the #57 in Norfolk, summer of '43. Assigned to the 7th Div. and later became Yoeman Striker in the Executive Officers Office. Made many friends because I could issue I.D. cards. You would be surprised how many young men became of drinking age through my efforts. Later transferred to become the Navigators Yeoman. What a great assignment, the "N" Div. So that I be the 1st in line for chow, I arranged with the On Duty Bugler to give a click on the intercom just prior to him playing "ChowDow." it worked well, and I don't think anyone caught on to our little game. The 2nd generation is to be congradulated on doing a great job. Hopefully, I will hear from some former shipmates.
Al Piper, Sr. 207-324-7614
1999 Mail Call
10/8/99 Joe Bonsaint, 1st Div. Kettery, Maine
Received your letter and pleased to know all is well. I would like to pass this on to you. There is a new book out on the streets named "Terrible Hours" by Peter Maes. It's all submarines and Captain Momsen, who in his life did so much for the Navy. I met him on the South Dakota as he was assigned by the bureau to update his credentials. In the book the last chapter tells all about his tour of duty on the Bb57. I also met him at work when he was assigned as Skipper & Commandant, he was a regular fellow. We had a chat about his tour as skipper. I am sure many shipmates would be glad to read about his exploits.
Your dad was a clean cut kid. He never shirked his duties, always ready to help, never squawked about his assignment. I was pleased and proud of him when he was assigned to my section. He was always pleasant to all of his friends. On his last phone call to me, I felt so sorry that he was so sick. I remember him in my prayers. I was much older than these kids and I tried to be good to them because I realized what it meant for them to leave home. It was an experience I will never forget. I would not want to repeat it, but the bond of friendship will always be in my heart.
Sincerely, Joe Bonsaint
9/23/99 Robert Anderson, Santa Nella, CA
I enlisted in the Navy in July 1941 when I turned 17. I went to boot camp in San Diego and then attended radio school on North Island. I attended Radar school in Hawaii 1942-1943. From there I was assigned to the BB-57 as either a Radar Technician or as a general radio technician.
Thinking Back!
I remember the day we had the Jap suicide planes overhead.We were at General Quarters Condition Easy, meaning we knew they were up there, but were waiting for something to happen. All of a sudden here they came and hit the Aircraft Carrier USS Boxer on the flight deck and exploded in the hanger deck. The Boxer lost rudder control and swept across our bow at about 5000 yards, WOW! The Boxer was only slightly damaged and the fire control personnel put out the fires. We opened fire on the other Japs and kept the situation under control. Many sailors from the USS Boxer jumped overboard and were picked up by our escorting Destroyers. A lot of wounded sailors from the Boxer were brought aboard our ship and some died. I still remember the burials at sea... Not a pleasant memory.
10/17/99 sprocket@pacifier.com I absolutely love your website! I am an ardent naval history buff, and actually lived in Sioux Falls from 1978-1987, when I joined the Navy. I was active duty for eight years here in the Pacific Northwest. My parents and a good chunk of my family still reside in Sioux Falls and I can remember the first time I visited the USS South Dakota memorial(ten years ago) and I was fascinated. Keep up the good work, and I can't wait to see that 16" rifle on my next trip home.
10/24/99 Lonnie D. Roberts, Jacksonville, FL I would love to hear from members of the SoDak. My email address is KH6FMD@aol.com.
10/31/99 Jeffrey D. Barkley
Thanks for putting the picture of my dad ( Bill Barkley) on the website. Although he does not have a computer, I would be glad to forward messages from others who served on board that may remember him. An interesting story from his time on board: During the battle of Guadalcanal, the USS Porter was hit and sunk. The South Dakota took part in the rescue of survivors. As it turned out, one of the rescued was a high school friend of my dad, named Olin Teagarden. My dad was unaware that Olin was in the Navy, and once he located him on the South Dakota, they had a joyous reunion. My email address is thegreatbark@worldnet.att.net
11/9/99 Rod Erickson What I've seen so far is great!! This site differs very positively from others in the personal information...the history from the men who were there. I've only had time to scatch the surface, but do hope to finish soon. Thank you, Rod Erickson
11/11/99 Al Wier, 3rd Div. bb57sodak@juno.com
In response to the question asked: "Was a death certificate issued to the family of those who were killed aboard ship and buried at sea?" I'm sure the Navy Dept. can give an answer to the death certificate. All I know is that when they were buried at sea they had a 5 inch shell sewn inside the canvas bag they were in and slid down from a table to sink to the floor of the sea. Then the family was notified. I don't know if they were told how they were killed or died. In Norfolk I met the crewmember who did the sewing of those bags. What a job!
11/15/99 George Tutek, Columbus, NJ
My name is George Tutek and I served on the USS South Dakota. I am looking for William E. Mackey, Ship's Cook, 2nd Class. Last known address is Veroplank, NY. I was the Ship's Cook, First Class. If anyone would like to get in touch with me, I can be emailed at stutek@monmouth.com. I would be happy and interested to hear from anybody who served on the battleship.You may write to me at 51 Chesterfield Road, Columbus, NJ 08022. Thank you, George Tutek
11/24/99 Robert Bogard I saw my picture and Glen Schimmel's on the website. Thanks a lot-I feel like a real celebrity! Unfortunately, I don't look much like that any more. However, about 15 years ago I had to go to a 1940's costume party and since my old Navy uniform was the only article of clothing I still had from the 1040's I managed to somehow get my everspreading bod into it. It still looked great, but I didn't enjoy the party at all because I couldn't eat anything or for that matter even breathe. Bob Bogard bogard@mail.com
11/27/99 John J. Murphy, Jr. navymurphy@aol.com I was aboard the "SODAK" for three years, starting out in the early part of 1943 in New York and leaving her in April 1946. I spent all of my time in Division 7. We had two five inch mounts forward on the starboard side. I stood my watches in "sky 3". All of the group that I can recollect I will try to identify. Fred Farkas, aka "Fark the Lark", I kept in touch with for many years when I was an FBI agent and he was with the Oakland Police Department. He is now deceased. "Red" Sinkewicz I still keep in touch with. He is back in Waterford, MN. I just established a contact with Bob Ogle, who used to be our radarman. If you have any information or know of any other contacts please respond to me at the email address above. My son, John J. Murphy III, is a resident and attorney in San Diego, CA. He will be contacting the reunion crew as a "second generation" member of the South Dakota Crew.
11/28/99 Tim Mckechnie tim@intdat.com Jim did not know your dad very well. The reason he remembers him is that they would use bleach to spell their names on their blue denim shirts and he remembers a guy with "Maday" on his shirt. Jim really has enjoyed the website. Thanks, Tim
12/16/99 Robin Passmore mjpp6dlhse@aiov.com We are interested in knowing what we can do to help the second generation. We are really interested in finding out all about the battleship. Before you know it there will be a third generation old enough to learn about this ship and what their relatives did on it. If it wasn't for the internet, Cathy, and Howard ; Kevin Carricola would never have found out about his dad. Thank you very much for helping him.
12/25/99 John J. Murphy, Jr. NavyMurphy@aol.com In Juy of this year, my son John J. Murphy, III, came upon a RV traveling on Interstate HWY 5 in San Diego. The RV had a large, detailed painting of SODAK on the rear panel. The painting depicted SODAK in battle. He was unable to follow the Rv and meet the owners. Does anyone know who owns the RV with the mural of SODAK? My son lives in San Diego and is very interested in the history of her and my times aboard her. I am hoping the owner resides in or visits Southern California and I can communicate with him. If anyone has any info, please direct it to my email above.
12/20/99 Alvin R. Piper, Sr. Shapleigh, ME I boarded the #57 in Norfolk, summer of '43. Assigned to the 7th Div. and later became Yoeman Striker in the Executive Officers Office. Made many friends because I could issue I.D. cards. You would be surprised how many young men became of drinking age through my efforts. Later transferred to become the Navigators Yeoman. What a great assignment, the "N" Div. So that I be the 1st in line for chow, I arranged with the On Duty Bugler to give a click on the intercom just prior to him playing "ChowDow." it worked well, and I don't think anyone caught on to our little game. The 2nd generation is to be congradulated on doing a great job. Hopefully, I will hear from some former shipmates. Al Piper, Sr. 207-324-7614