MOORE MEMORIES

USS BELL ASSOCIATION (DD587)

 

DECEMBER, 2000

 

IN THIS ISSUE:

 

Ø      CRUISE NEWS

Ø      LOST AND FOUND

Ø      MAILBAG

Ø      NEXT EVENT

Ø      DESTROYERS

 

 

AT LAST A WEB SITE!

 

For all of you that have access to the Internet, you can view the web site of the USS Bell by going to www.ussbelldd587.org. You can get the latest in news and also see pictures from the days on the Bell and the latest reunion pictures.  If you recognize anyone in the old pictures please let me know the names.  I would also like for you to send me your email address if I don’t have it. I will list it on the roster with your name and address.

 



CRUISE NEWS

 

Really wish everyone could have made the cruise.  We had a wonderful time.  The weather was nice and only a tiny bit of rough water.  The ship was so big that it was hard to notice.  The highlight of the cruise was while we were docked in St. Thomas.  The Captain allowed us to go up to the bridge and the shipmates raised the flag from the Bell.  It was a great sight.  The ship photographer was there to record the event. I am sending all members a copy of this picture in your newsletter package (it can also be seen on the web site).  I am happy to report that we did not lose anyone and everyone found their cabins.  The travel agency had put champagne and chocolates in each cabin.  Every night our cabin stewards would leave us an animal on our beds that they would make out of the towels.  The ship hosted a cocktail party for our group on Friday.  When we boarded the ship the lobby looked like the Ritz.  Glass enclosed elevators with little lights decorating the outlines.  Our stay in Miami was also a highlight.  Mike DiVeronica’s son is executive manager of the Roney Palace and he really saw to it that we were treated like royalty.  The hotel is absolutely beautiful and is undergoing a big renovation and will be quite the show place on Miami Beach.  Some pictures of the trip are on the web site.

 

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LOST AND FOUND

 

Mail has been returned from Joseph & Frances Sandoval and Jean McWilliams.  Anyone knowing their whereabouts please let me know.

 

We have found some new shipmates!  Gordon Seneff and Howard Sheffer.  Welcome aboard!

 

Ed Glenn sent me an old reel of microfilm and I took it to a microfilm company to see if they could improve the images.  It was very difficult to read in some places.  They were able to clear it up a little and transferred the information to a diskette.  I have gone through all of the information and pulled off all that was legible.  I am now trying to locate the names on the Internet.  If I find any names that resemble the names I am looking for I will send out flyers to those people to see if they are the missing shipmate or any member of their family.  Hopefully we can locate even more. I will list the names in the next newsletter.

 

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MAILBAG

 

….. I am researching information on the USS Bell.  My Father-in-law Howard Sheffer was a gunner’s mate on this destroyer and I wish to gather as much information as possible to surprise him with the memories.  I contacted Mr. Mario Capitanio and he said there was a recent Caribbean cruise for surviving crew members.  I would love to have my Father-in-law reunite with these very important people in his life.  I understand through Mr. Capitanio that there is a USS Bell home page.  I’ve been unsuccessful in searching for it using YAHOO.  Can you provide me with the web location for this page?

                                                            …..Joe Linkiewicz  

 

…..Thanks for sending the info on the Bell.  I scanned, in vain, reunion lists for many years.  My Korean War shipmates found me on the Internet in 1996 and I found my Bell shipmates on Tin Can Sailors in 2000.  “You never know when the blind hog will find an acorn!”  Enclosed in a check for my dues.  I went aboard the Bell in Nov. 1945, after 25 days on an LCI, and a week on Okinawa, fighting rats and eating K-rations.  My 20th birthday was celebrated in the wardroom on Nov. 14, causing me some pain in having my age broadcast.  Memories include: a late night rickshaw race down a cobblestone street in Tientsin; crashing a flag officer’s club on the outskirts of what may be Bejing today; keeping bumboats away from the ship with fire hoses; using red lead instead of zinc chromate to under-coat the ship’s paint; finding a “still” in the paint locker; a little “out of Hand” beer bust at a riding stable in San Diego; and yatta, yatta.  Mementos name the following shipmates: BELL SOFTBALL TEAM, Arnovitch, Mgr., Marella, Anderson, Bruce, Mullis Lloyd, Broadway, Hollars, Hacunda, Vogal, Rodehaver, Mr. Seneff, Mr. Fishman, Peters, Tindall, Green, Garrett, Craig, Haberle.  OFFICERS, Burton H. Shupper, Captain; Lt. C. Rossland, Exec. Ens. Ted S. Fishman, Ens. Bud Geneste, Ens. George Drost, Ens. Hank Phelps, Ens. Joe Farmer and Ens. Paul Pritchard.  Why so many ensigns?  I left the USS Connor in July 1946, returning to civilian life after helping mothball the Bell and a few weeks attached to the Connor.  In June 1949, received a degree in Forestry and married.  Careers were, Colorado Game & Fish Dept. 1950, 53-57.  Recalled to active duty Feb. 1951 to Jan 1953 aboard USS Barton DD722, in Korean waters, June-Nov 1952.  One man killed when 105mm shell struck stack, 5 men killed when we hit a floating mine, forward fire room, with destroyer screen, TF77, fast carriers, 1957-1979, US Forest Service and retirement.  First Lt., and later Damage Control Officer on the Barton, qualified as OD Underway, received Navy Commendation Medal.  Seemed always to be in the thick of things! Resigned commission in 1956 after 8 years inactive and 5 active.  Well, that about wraps it for now.  You have my permission to use any or all of this in the “Moore Memories”.  Note that several softball players are on your roster.  A hearty “Ahoy There” to my shipmates of so long ago!

                                                            …..Gordon Seneff

 

…..Hi shipmates of the USS BELL DD587.  Bill Hurley Soundman 2/c here.  Sorry I have not written sooner, procrastination at its highest.  It all seems like a short time ago to me.  I did my boot camp at Great Lakes, Ill., in 42.  From there to Charleston, SC for sonar school.  Assigned to the Bell early 43 and decommissioned her in 46.  My battle station was No#1 5in. gun mount as a trainer.  I remember Jack Haley, Bob Moore and some of the others in our group.  It has been a long time.  I got married in 1965 and I guess I waited a long time, but it was worth it.  I have a lovely wife.  Her name is Mary Ann.  I have two children, a girl and a boy and this year I became a Grandfather for the 1st time at 74.  We have a Rose Garden that keeps us busy.  We have about 300 roses and we show them.  We won Best of Show two years ago.  I am still employed with General Motors, but will probably be retiring soon.  Had a heart attack in 1989.  Almost did not make it.  It was close.  Mary Ann’s health is fair.  Her knees are bad and being a diabetic does not help.  Have a wonderful time on your cruise.  I wish we could make it with you, but not this year.  Enclosed is a check for my dues and a cap.  I will wear it with pride.  Thanks again for the memories.  Keep it coming and may God bless all of you for a job well done.  Bye for now, your shipmate.

                                                            …..Bill Hurley

 

…..Many thanks to you for editing the newsletter.  We really appreciate the work and time you put into putting in out and keeping us all informed of the goings on with the USS Bell crew and events.  You do a great job.  We have missed the last several reunions, so that makes the newsletter all the more enjoyable.  Enclosed is a check for the dues and I would also like a cap.  Many thanks.

                                                            …..Cliff Wallace

 

…..Yesterday, I received the Moore Memories.  I look forward to receiving it.  I don’t think I ever have told you my wife is on oxygen 24 hours a day and our travel is very limited.  When I put this last copy of Moore Memories in my folder I came across a letter I received from Wally.  I know you would enjoy reading it.  I have underlined SAILING NEWS.  It was a newsletter that Ben Lipkin and I put out.  I sure would like to read one now.  It would bring memories.  I have a change of address.  698 S. Deer Creek Lane, Sierra Vista, AZ 85635.  Tel. 520-417-2666.  E-mail address dd197@earthlink.com.  Enclosed is a check for dues and a cap.

                                                            …..Ralph Marino

(I really enjoyed the letter from Mr. Moore.  If I have room in this newsletter I will print it.  If not, I will get it in the next one.  Thanks.)

 

…..It was so nice to talk with you.  I really enjoyed it.  We’ll be looking forward to meeting you hopefully in the near future.  Maybe next year we can come to the reunion.  Here is some dues money and please send two caps.  God bless you and yours.

                                                            …..Jim & Lou Faith

 

…..Received your recent letter and brought to mind the paying of dues.  Sorry I am slow.  Do wish we could join all on the cruise as we have never been in the Caribbean, only off the coast of California.  Greetings to all.  We are well but moving so much slower.  Russ plays golf once a week and delivers meals to the shut-ins in our building.  Also cook dinner once a month for our Bingo night here in our condo (about 40 dinners).  Keeps us busy along with time spent with our two beloved granddaughters.  Life has been good to us and we appreciate it.  Would like to take a trip to Chicago to see our friends and family this year but in cool weather.  Will see what is in store for us.  Happy sailing to all.

                                                            …..Russell & Ann Haberle

 

…..Best wishes for a great reunion.

                                                            …..Graham Thorpe

 

…..I feel like I’m answering the letter of a dear friend.  That’s how you make me feel when I get “Moore Memories’!  You make them so warm, so personal and although I can’t make the reunions, I almost feel I’ve been there.  The memories of the ones we did attend sustain me.  Been without Ed (SKI) for 11 years now and his memory lives on in our 2 children, 9 grandchildren and almost 14 great grandchildren.  At 81, I’m enjoying good health and a wonderful companion.  I spread joy as “Storyteller” for 2 senior groups.  By the way, I’d appreciate receiving any stories or jokes to share with them.  As I say to my Seniors – “Keep Smiling”.

                                                            …..Fran Vershowske

 

…..Enclosed is a check for membership dues.  We appreciate all your efforts to keep the shipmates together in these later years.  We were unable to make the cruise that you organized, however, we did fly to St. Paul, Minn. And had a great evening with Doug & Terri Wetherby and had a great dinner in a German restaurant nearby.  The next morning we invited them to visit us on the American Queen, a steam paddle boat that travels up and down the Miss. River.  We sailed from St. Paul to St. Louis, a seven-day trip and it was really great!  The scenery on that part of the river is beautiful.  This was out second trip on this boat.  A year earlier, we sailed from Memphis to New Orleans.  We really recommend these trips on the River!  I’m sure all the shipmates remember Doug & Terri’s great efforts as secretary of the Association and their hosting a reunion in St. Paul a number of years ago.  We send our best wishes to all!

                                                            …..Gordon & Mary Jane Schley

 

…..Enclosed please find check for dues and a cap.  Sorry we have not been able to attend any reunions but hopefully in the future things will work out.  I served aboard the USS Bell from 1943 to 1946 after enlisting in the Navy at age of 17.  After my discharge I joined the Naval Reserve in Pittsburgh and was called in to serve for 13 months aboard the USS MARKAB AD21 during the Korean crisis.  My wife & I are retired and live in rural central Pennsylvania, about 1 ½ hours from Penn State.  Out family includes 4 children, 10 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.  Appreciate the newsletter!

                                                            …..Bob Ludwig

 

…..Many thanks indeed for sending me the cap which will make quite a splash at our next Services Golf Day.  I am sure that the reunion will go well.  It sounds extremely good fun, but unfortunately we will be in Australia until February of next year, having just returned from Europe.  We will of course be enjoying (we hope) our skiing holiday in Squaw Valley in California where we have been skiing for nearly thirty years and certainly hope to continue to ski for the next four years because at 85 years they pay me $5 a day to ski!  I certainly don’t want to miss that!  Again, best wishes to all hands and happy reunions.  Kindest regards.

                                                            …..Graham Thorpe

 

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NEXT EVENT

 

Richard and Barbara Daniels will host our next reunion.  Here are the plans to date.  The reunion will be held in Newport, Rhode Island at the Best Western Mainstay Inn.  Arrival date will be October 16, 2001 and departure date will be October 20, 2001.  There will be a Welcome Buffet on arrival day at the Mainstay.  The Banquet will be on October 19, 2001 at the Newport Naval Base Officers’ Club.  Tentative plans are to hold the Memorial Service aboard the USS Massachusetts, Battleship Cove, Fall River.  Also plans for a tour of Providence and Jamestown and tour of Newport Mansions.  Friday will be a free day to do as you wish.  There is excellent transportation to Newport (50 cents) and to Providence about $2.00.  The phone number for the Best Western Mainstay Inn is toll free 1-877-545-5550.  Be sure when you call to mention USS BELL reunion October 16-19.  Confirmation agreement of the hotel should be received by the time you get this newsletter.  Anyone wishing to go early and/or stay late will be able to do so.  Rates will be averaged or adjusted.  There really is a lot to see and do there with something for everyone – antiques, discount shops and tons of history.  There are special activities that hopefully will continue into October 2001.  These plans will be firmed up within the next few weeks and I will send out a flyer with all information.  This will be a beautiful time of the year in New England.  I hope lots of you can and will be able to attend.    

 

Here is the letter from Wally Moore to Ralph Marino.

 

Hi Sailor!  Great to find you.  Thanks for writing.  Did you know that there is a USS Bell reunion association and that we have had two reunions?   One in 1979 in Warren, Ohio and the second one in 1981 in Sarasota, FL, and our next reunion will be in Tulsa, Okla. October 19-21 in 1983, every two years.  Our roster of officers and crew now number about 130.  We have been having a great time and hope you will be with us in 1983.  I have been acting chairman for the last four years with Gordon Schley (Soundman) later Capt. USN Ret. Acting as Secy. Treas.  I came aboard in Boston 1943 and left the same time you did in January 1946.  I was a QM 3/c when Capt. Gabbert came aboard, a seaman under Capt. Petross in #5 handling room.  I was a curly headed, long nose, skinny kid of 18.  Drew cartoons for the “Sailing News”, painted the little Bell on the bridge and played the drums in the jazz band.  I was the Quartermaster of the Watch during GQ.  Some of the men attending the reunions you will remember are:  Al (Skinhead) Anundson (Chief MM), Alex Burchardt WT, Mario (Cappy) Capitanio MM, Joe Conrow WT, Radar Colbert Fireman, Kenny Gowan Chief MM, Bennie Green MM, Al Hammer Chief MN, Isadore Kleiner Chief Boilertender, Harold Hughes WT, Al Lewis Shipfitter, Chief Kenny Olson Pharmacist Mate, Red Reames Master at Arms, Capt Shupper, George Shoemaker, Wayne Clark Shipfitter & mailman, Mike DiVeronica Seaman, Bob DeWolf Seaman, George DeMars Elec. Mate, Ens. Clark Officer, Marty Corbell Officer (gunnery), Rex Gilliam Officer (gunnery), Fred Kniehl Yeoman, Maurice Moe QM, Harry Ottey Fire Control, Bill Roborecki Torp, Sanders brothers Bill and Glen cooks, Bill Tindall & Roy Tower Signalmen.  I could go on and on.  We will send you a complete roster of the association.  Now please as soon as possible send me the addresses of Lt. Kent Ellis, Herbert S. Grabiner, Benjamin Lipkin and Edward V. English.  I shall forward your letter to Gordy Schley (Secy. Treas) who will put you on the roster and bring you up to date.  The name of the game is to keep in touch and being aboard the USS Bell reunion association is the way to go.  Certainly wonderful to hear from you.  Hope to hear from you soon with the new addresses.  Best of luck.  God be with you.  Your friend and shipmate, Wally Moore, QM USS Bell DD587.

 

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DESTROYERS

 

Continued from last newsletter – More destroyers sunk during World War II

 

DeHAVEN (DD-469) – Bombed and sunk off Guadalcanal, 1st February 1943.  Loss of 167 of crew and wounded 78.

DREXLER (DD-741) – Hit by 1 Kamikaze planes off Okinawa and sunk, 28th May 1945.  Loss of 158 of crew and wounded 52.  Sank less than 1 minute.

DUNCAN (DD-485) – Sunk by gunfire during Battle of Savo Island 12th October 1942.  48 killed.

EDSALL (DD-219) – Sunk by Japanese warships south of Java, 1st March 1942.

GLENNON (DD-620) – Sunk by mine and shore batteries off Normandy, 10th June 1944. Loss of 25 of crew and wounded 38.  Sank at 2145.

GWIN (DD-433) – Torpedoed and sunk by Japanese destroyers during Battle of Kolombangara, 13th July 1943.  Loss of 61 of crew.

HALLIGAN (DD-584) – Sunk by mine off Okinawa, 26th March 1945.  Loss of 150 of crew.  Hulk was washed ashore.

HAMMANN (DD-412) – Torpedoed and sunk by Japanese submarine I-168 following Battle of Midway, 6th June 1942.  Loss of 80 of crew.

HENLEY (DD-391) – Torpedoed and sunk by Japanese submarine RO-108 off Finschafen, New Guinea, 3rd October 1943.  Loss of 15 of crew.  Sank at 1829.

HOEL (DD-533) – Sunk by Japanese warships off Samar, Battle of Leyte Gulf, 25th October 1944.  Loss of 253 of crew.  Rolled over at 0855 and sank.

HULL (DD-3500) – Foundered in typhoon off Luzon, 18th December 1944.  62 survivors. 1100 were locked in irons.

INGRAHAM (DD-444) – Sunk in collision with oiler Chemung in fog off Nova Scotia, 22nd August 1942.

JACOB JONES (DD-130) – Torpedoed and sunk by German submarine U-578 off Cape May, NJ, 28th February 1942.  11 survivors.

JARVIS (DD-393) – Sunk by Japanese aircraft off Guadalcanal, 9th August 1942.  Sank with all hands, sank at 1300.  241 killed and 6 wounded.

JOHNSTON (DD-557) – Sunk by Japanese warships off Samar, Battle of Leyte Gulf, 25th October 1942.  Loss of 186 men, 92 were alive in the water but were never found.

 

To be continued…

 

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WISHING EVERYONE A VERY WONDERFUL HOLIDAY SEASON AND A NEW YEAR FILLED WITH LOTS OF GOOD THINGS. AND REMEMBER –“NEVER WASTE AN OPPORTUNITY TO TELL SOMEONE YOU LOVE THEM!”