Saturday, April 23, 2011

WW11 VETERAN'S HONOR FLIGHT TO WASHINGTON, DC & MORE


   This flight to Washington to honor WW11 veterans has been made possible by the generosity in both time and money from many wonderful people to show their appreciation for all  Veterans during that period, 1941 - 1945 who did so much to insure that our freedom to worship, speak without fear, and to choose our leaders by a vote of your choice were not put in jeopardy. For some, this might be their last chance to reflect back, and be proud of the many events that may have happened to them during all or part of this period. God Bless each and every one of them for their sacrifices.

      MY QUALIFICATION FOR HONOR
                               FLIGHT           


               NAVY CAREER BEGINS
                   NOVEMBER 30, 1940




        This is Charleston High School, November 30,1940.  I was called to active duty but the Navy allowed me to continue school in uniform until I graduated 2 months later.(that is me,second from the right).  Charleston was an all boys High School and rated highest in SC. I soon found it to be true.  The first half of my freshman year was in Southport NC where I made almost straight A's with no studying. Last half of that year in Charleston I flunked 5 subjects. I blamed it on my parents for enrolling me in College rather than High School.  It was a great learning experience because they taught me you had to listen and study.  Never again a straight A student but I did earn a few before I graduated




                           NAVY CAREER ENDS
                    DECEMBER 15,1953
                                                              
 Naval Shipping Control Office,Seward Alaska ends my Naval Career on Dec.15 1953. This was the only shore duty in my entire time in the Navy.  I was recalled to active duty during the Korean conflict and assigned to Seward.  Our duty was to route ships back to the States and to the far East.  Alaska was great but 58 years ago it would not be considered choice duty.  Seward at that time was small but known for its many bars and a sizable red light district.  The main industry was shipping as the Alaska Rail Road began in Seward so most cargo for Anchorage, Fairbanks and all the small towns and villages in the area was unloaded in Seward.  Our office was small but we were kept busy.

                                  

                                      MY ALASKA FAMILY



I would be remiss if I did not show this picture of my dear beautiful wife Faye. That is my son Dan, and Barbara, (hidden by her mother, who is now 58 was born 1 month after this picture was taken.)Faye put up with more than most women would have cared to endure, beginning with her flight from Seattle to Anchorage. She was 5 mouths pregnant, and  traveling with my very active son Dan on a MATS flight. Almost half way to Anchorage they lost an engine and had to limp back to Seattle. It is a wonder Barbara was not born somewhere over  the Alaska Range. Just before Barbara's arrival time approached I called Kodiak for permission for delivery in the small hospital in Seward.They would not approve, but said to call them when she goes in labor and they will send a PB4Y, 4 engine flying boat, land in Resurrection Bay, and return her to Kodiak for the delivery. That is 600 miles round trip rather than pay for 2 nights in the local hospital. When I mention this to her, first reaction was a reddening face,which made me think delivery was beginning to happen, then silence, and from here I need to clean up her answer just a little.  A condensed version would be,"John D ( when they use that middle initial you know you are in deep trouble) when that d--- boat or plane or what ever it is lands in the bay, how in the h---- am I going to get out to it, swim? This little Navy of yours here in Seward doesn't even have a row boat. Needless to say I paid for Barbara myself. It's a wonder Faye did not head back to Daddy in North Carolina. Our Alaska venture had both, many good and some not so good memories, however we did gain a beautiful daughter.



                                         
                           Travels During Period Of 1940 Through 1953

In this time period of 13 years it could be said that much water flowed over the dam, however I would like to change it to over many waters my ships sailed. This included 3 oceans, Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian, 12 Seas, Bering, Caribbean, Mediterranean, Adriatic, Luzon, Coral, Solomon, Sulu, Mindanao, Philippine, Celebes's, and South Chine Sea. Also 2 Gulfs, Gulf of Alaska and Gulf of Mexico. Even though I consider myself a salt water sailor my Piece de resistance ( I realize this word is not in the vocabulary I normally use, but I feel it just describes how great my next water travel would be.)  If anyone can help me find the little mark that goes over the e's please let me know were in my computer it is hiding.)

My great "cruise" was on 2 rivers, Ohio and Mississippi. I feel I can use "cruise" because when I reported aboard my new ship, the USS LST 775( 328 ft.Landing Ship Tank) in Pittsburgh for the trip to New Orleans it was still owned by the Dravoe Ship Building Co.  In addition to delivering the 775 to the Navy in New Orleans, the trip was used as a shake down to check for any faults in building. This being the case the running of the ship was under complete control of Dravoe, pilots, engineers, and deck personnel. As the 775 will not be commissioned until after we arrive in New Orleans, except for standing watch and sometimes relieving the pilot on long straight stretches on the rivers, we are for all intent and purpose actually passengers, so what could be better. I an a 21 year old recently commissioned Ensign earning $125.00 a month, assigned an outside stateroom on a new ship and being given this trip, no charge by the Navy. This "cruise"is a 643 mile trip down the entire length of the Ohio River from it's beginning at Pittsburgh until it enters the Mississippi River at Cairo Illinois. From Cairo the Mississippi flows 561 miles south to New Orleans. We would tie up or anchor at night along the bank of the river, just like the old river boat days so the pilots could rest. I did not realize at the time what a wonderful sightseeing trip that was, passing large cities,small towns and vast areas of nothingness. I guess the old saying is true, all that glitters is not gold, because when we arrived in New Orleans the glitter wore off of the"cruise,"and we worked our tails off preparing for our trip to the Pacific. I spent 15 months in that God forsaken ocean.. In that entire time I did not sleep one night off of the 775 until the war had ended and I left it in Manila to return home.



                     HONOR FLIGHT INFORMATION

This flight originates in Wilmington, NC and will consist of 93 WW11 Veterans. Also on board will be a staff of 4 headed up by David Foster. There will be 34 volunteer guardians, each one assigned 3 Veterans to assist them in any way needed. Also Dr.James Harper and 2 nurses will be aboard. This may seems like an over staff of medical personnel, but when you realize the youngest of these 93 Veterans has to be at least 82,  maybe it is not a bad idea. My prayer is that they will have nothing to do but enjoy the trip along with the Veterans.

                       WILMINGTON  APRIL 2, 2011



We are driven to the Myrtle Grove Presbyterian Church in Wilmington by Dr.John Hodgson, one of the Volunteer Guardians. Left to right,Wilbur Fipps,Navy Fighter Air Craft maintenance, Ken Hodgson, Air Force B17 Radio Operator, John St George, Navy Amphibians, John Hodgson,Guardian and father of Ken, and Milton Blake,Navy Sea Bees. This is a pre-flight meeting which I must say was as well planned as any Op Plan I was a part for the combat landings in the retaking of the Philippines. This was lead by David Foster and he wasted no time in telling us what to expect and how the Staff and Guardians were going to make sure we had a trip we would long remember. Thank you David, Staff, Guardians,and all others assisting in this flight.



                                         
                            The check in was smooth, presenting IDs, having pictures
                               taken, and even a Pizza lunch. You would be surprised 
                            at how fast all the details were being taken care of.  I meet
                              my guardian, Chad Hartwell,  retired Navy and  glad
                          to see he is a photographer.  I know we will get along great.

                                     
         You won't find many Sanctuaries where at least 93
           82 years or older are in attendance What a great group!!!
          I know you think think I am hogging the camera but I
           had to sit up close to hear, also my hearing device was on
            the podium that I did not want to get misplaced.


       Our special guest was Col.Pond  who spoke to us
       on the construction of the National World War11
        Memorial in Washington, DC. He gave an excellent
        talk about the plans, also about some of the large contributors as
        the entire $197,000,000 cost was from Corporations and
         individuals.No Federal money.was used.




                                     The meeting ends, and I know all of us are
                                     eagerly looking forward to April 20th when we
                                       meet again at the Wilmington Airport to begin our
                                           Honor Flight to Washington.


WILMINGTON AIRPORT,
APRIL 20, 2011


                              
                              

We arrive at the Airport at the crack of dawn, but as you can see we were not the first. We were met by this beautiful young lady with a salute and a smile. If this is an example of what this trip is going to be like I just say lets get started. She was one of many that greeted us inside.
This is Chad Hartwell who I was fortunate enough to get as a volunteer guardian. He is assigned 3 of us old Vets to look after on this trip. I am really just kidding, but I remember in the 1st grade going on a field trip and had some one to look after my every need. Maybe now 82years later the same might be true. Chad, I want to say you did a great job. Thank you again.



This is my favorite picture of all. Look at this real close and what do you see, 93 Veterans, 85 years average going through security. I am not sure what they are looking for but what probably will be found, maybe a couple of trusses, metal hip and knee replacements, and even pace makers. But there is one thing they won't find and that is a terrorist.  Removing shoes is a laugh.I have trouble bending over to tie my shoes,so how could I bend that far down to ignite a shoe bomb. But it does have another comical side, makes us think we are still young enough that they worry. Dang,that makes me feel good.



Security has cleared us, and they did not have to call in the FBI, CIA, Home Security,or because of age, AARP. We are at last ready to board.





This is Dr.James Harper, who with 2 Nurses will be with us on this trip. This seems like a lot of medical help but you have to realize this is not a plane load of young stallions and mares. Our wish for them is that they have absolutely nothing professional to do but enjoy the trip with us.










It is not very clear to see but the Airport Fire Engines are giving us a water salute as we left Wilmington They did the same on our return.




We were welcomed by so many on our arrival at Reagan Airport. It was hard to realize that all of them seemed so sincere, shake hands, pat on the back and many just saying thank you. It has been tough so far keeping dry eyes. I guess it might be my sinus acting up.



This is our bus for the entire trip, not only to ride, but we enjoyed lunch on it while we took a hour tour of Washington. I enjoyed the lunch more, because Washington and the White House are not my favorite places.( I will make no more political statements).





.
I apologise but I have the sequences in reverse. The bus took us directly to The
WW11 memorial and had lunch and tour after our visit. (I could erase pictures,
but every time I do that all h--- breaks loose so bear with me. This blogging is
new to me,)

We arrived at the Memorial and were greeted by more than 100 children from the Gravely School in Washington with posters and signs. They wanted to shake,hug, and some just smiled.I didn't bring my nose spray and my sinus is really acting up.or maybe eye drops will help.



               If you feel like it, just say thank you

The next next 6 pictures are of the WW11  Memorial. It is hard to describe the feeling here at the Memorial or the proper words to use, so just view and enjoy, I believe I said before all pictures will enlarge.


                                              





                                                    







                                                 








  Our visit at the WW11 Memorial has come to an end.  An hour and a half seems so little time
  to visit this beautiful, tear producing reminder for all who were a part of what it stands for.

              

   

            This is the Korean Memorial. Very simple but so effective. They are
                so life like you almost want to go up to one and just say thanks.
                             
                              .

  Our next to last visit is the Marine Memorial. This is so effective since
  almost everyone knows about the raising of this flag during the height
 of battle
 in the taking of Iwo Jima. There was an interesting marker about  it's construction.It was dedicated in 1954 at a cost of $850.000. That seems like a steal, but an old man once said "I remember when steak was 15 cents a pound" He forgot to mention he was only earning $12.00 a week and  didn't eat any steak at all. 57 years ago that was a lot of money.

           
           

                                       
These are the Sailors from the Destroyer USS Gravely DDG 107 that came down from Norfolk to be with us on this trip. The Gravely's crew was a big sponsor and we were honored and proud to wear a shirt bearing
its name. I don't think I have ever seen  more immaculately dressed sailors and I am sure this is a direct reflection on the readiness of the Gravely.  I was a White Hat, a Chief, and an Officer and I never came close to looking that sharp.
                  





Our final destination is the Air Force Memorial.  In
 my lack of appreciation of design I don't quite understand its meaning, but it certainly is impressive.


                                         
                                                     This is the missing plane display
                                                           ( it is hard to see)


We arrive back at Reagan tired, but I don't think there is one Veteran that could say this trip hasn't probably been more than they expected.  I still can't get over the outpouring of greetings, hand shakes,and just thanks from so many.  I don't think there are many that did not develop a tear or two sometime during this tour.








We were met at our departure gate by 3 lovely girls that entertained us with old songs of out era. They were good and we enjoyed hearing some of the old favorites. They sang until almost all had boarded.










They might be in their eighty's but about a dozen held their own with these two ladies. The one on the left kissed all 93 as we boarded our flight.



                                      
                              What happened to all the talkative Veterans we had
                              when we departed Wilmington this morning ? Do
                              you think age  might have something to  do with
                              the silence.?   Sleep tight dear Vets, you have an hour
                               before arrival in Wilmington.  Here we were given an
                               envelope, mine containing 39 letters from friends,
                              school children,and people that just wanted to say
                                 thank you. My sinus started acting up again.
                                          


 .We have arrived back in Wilmington. A fact I did not know, we are getting squared away to be met by hundreds of people in the Airport, cheering our return.  I could not believe what I was seeing.  What makes it so heart warming is that not one of them had to be here, but they are here because of their love for a bunch of old Veterans, they wanted to see them return.  God Bless Every One Of Them. This last picture is my daughter Barbara( the Alaska baby) and her husband SGM Mike Mayes who has just retired after 40 years service in the National Guard. They came to Wilmington from Goldsboro to greet all of us on our return.

This now brings to an end a most wonderful, unforgettable day, also my blog post, good or bad.














































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