The CVE PIPER December 2016ESCORT CARRIER SAILORS

& AIRMEN ASSOCIATION, INC1215 N. Military Highway

#128 Norfolk, VA 23502

Toll Free In the USA: (855) 505-2469

http://ecsaa.org

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Escort-Carri-

ers/144430398902720

ESCORT CARRIER SAILORS & AIRMEN ASSN.

1215 N. Military Hwy #128Norfolk, VA 23502

Non-profitU.S. Postage

PAIDNorfolk, VAPermit #360

Season’s Greetings

Wishing each of you the blessing of peace, the beauty of hope, the spirit of love and the comfort

of faith this holiday season

The CVE PIPER is published quarterly by the ESCORT CARRIER SAILOR &

AIRMEN ASSOCIATION, INC.And is mailed by non-profit Veterans Permit from

Norfolk, Virginia

Send MEMBERSHIP DUES, DONATIONS,

CHANGE OF ADDRESS, PUBLICATIONS, and

TAPSto:

ECSAA 1215 N. Military Highway #128

Norfolk, VA 23502

E-mail: MemberService@ECSAA.org

CVE PIPER SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

When submitting your articles please:• Limit your articles to no more than 2000

words• Check spelling, punctuation and subject

matter. (Editor reserves editing rights)• Determine the Headline for your story and

Author.

LEGAL CONSEQUENCES

Some members are sending clippings from newspapers, magazines and books, with a request that we print them in the CVE Piper.

You must get written permission from the source of the article (writer, publisher, photographer, etc.) Before we can legally reprint these articles or pictures.

We have been advised that this written permission must be in our possession in case of a law suite which can have substantial penalties for our Association.

ERROR AVOIDANCE

Many past submissions to the CVE Piper were hand written, and some were difficult to read by our printers who are not familiar with Escort Carrier names and Navy terminology. The publisher had to guess. As a result, the editor received numerous letters pointing out the errors. All future letters submitted for publishing must be typed or clearly printed, This may cause problems for some of you, but it will improve the quality of the Piper.

Board 0f GovernorsAnthony Looney, President (Cindy)

USS Sangamon CVE-26 1203 Greenway Drive

Allen, TX 75020Phone: 214.738.5949 (cell)

Email: anthony.looney@ecsaa.org Term 2019

(Art) Wayne Lowe, Vice President (Joan)

USS Corregidor CVE 585 Longbow Court

St. Louis MO 63114 Phone: 314.429.1169

Email: awlstl@aol.comTerm 2017

John W. Smith USS Salamaua CVE-96

5815 Winwood Dr., # 204 Johnston, IA 50131

Phone: 515.331.8823Fax: 515.289.8408

Email: jwspauli@gmail.comTerm 2017

David Ryan, Membership and Marketing (Patricia)

USS Bogue1215 N. Military Highway #128

Norfolk, VA 23502 Phone: (855) 505-2469

Email: membership@ecsaa.orgTerm 2018

Oscar (Clay) Hathaway III, Secretary (Kim)

USS Casablanca 1310 W. 115th

Jenks, OK 74037 Phone 918.606.9757

Email: ochathaway@att.netTerm 2019

Bob Evans, Treasurer (Janet)USS Sangamon CVE-26

1649 Glenhill Lane Lewisville, TX 75077-2728

Phone: 817.798.2369Email: byejme@aol.com

Term 2018

Memorials & Artifact Committee Chair

George ManikTelephone: 732.269.0866

Email: georgejmanik@gmail.com

Committees:Convention

Sue Foley - ChairmanChuck Fecay - Committee Member

Anthony Looney - Committee Member

Memorial/DonationsBob Evans

Email: byejme@aol.com

Merchandise CommitteeArt Lowe

Email: awlstl@aol.com

Member RecruitingDawn Magerkurth

Email: memberconnect@ecsaa.org

http://ecsaa.org

Member Services Joyce Wilson

Email: memberservice@ecsaa.org

You can renew your membership on line as well as make changes to your contact information.

1YR $30.002YRS $50.003YRS $65.00

DONATIONS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE.

DUES ARE NOT.

Membership ApplicationMAKE REMITTANCES PAYABLE TO

ESCORT CARRIER SAILORS & AIRMEN ASSN., INC.(NAVY & MARINE SHIPBOARD VETERANS OF WWII, KOREA & VIETNAM)

Membership CommitteeAttn: Dave Ryan, Membership Chairman1215 N. Military Highway #128, Norfolk, VA 23502Email: memberservice@ecsaa.org

NEW APPLICANT RENEWAL MEMBER NO. __________________ADDRESS CHANGE

NAME _________________________________________ RANK/RATE______________

ADDRESS______________________ CITY ________________ ST _____ ZIP_________

PHONE ______________EMAIL ___________________________ CHECK

NO. ___________________AMT. __________________DATE__________________RECD. BY______________ENTRY DATE:___________

CVE(S) NAME AND NUMBER OR SQUADRON DATE SERVED

_______________________________________ ____________

_______________________________________ ____________

One of the events I look forward at our annual conventions is the Memorial Service; it’s a time to

stop and reflect of the passing of CVE sailors since our last gathering. It always reminds me of a shrinking membership of those who served on CVE’s to help preserve the freedoms we enjoy today. One of the most poignant events of the service is hearing the name read of a person that has been especially close. The event is not intended to surprise anyone of a sailor’s passing, but this year at least one sailor, Bill Lewis of the USS Sargent Bay CVE-83 was caught off guard to learn of the recent passing of one of his shipmates during the service. At our September Mobile convention we called the names of some 140 CVE sailors lost since our last meeting. ECSAA searches diligently during the

year for any CVE sailor’s passing, but as always cannot possibly know of every such passing. This year, I was so absorbed in the service that I forgot to call for names at the end of the service that we failed to call; for that I apologize. There have been times in the past we simply did not take care of business well – we had been notified of a sailor’s passing and yet failed to recognize them in The Piper or the convention Memorial Service. I hope that never happens again and will do everything in my power to be certain all known deaths are rec-ognized accordingly. To help alleviate this happening again, this past year Joyce Wilson and myself each kept lists then compared just prior to the convention to be certain we recognized all known deaths. To that end, you are encouraged to notify ECSAA anytime you know of any CVE sailor’s passing not recognized since our last convention. If you know of such, please email memberservice@ecsaa.org or call 855-505-2469 with the sailor name, his ship, and date of death. There is also an online form on our website and a form in every issue of The Piper. I hope that in future Memorial Services, any sailor name not called is the result of us simply not being aware in spite of all our search, rather than “dropping the ball” on calling a name. On a more upbeat note, the Governors and Joyce Wilson hope you have the best Christmas season ever! Thank you for all your support during the year as we look to 2017 as even a better ECSAA year than the prosperous 2016 year!

MEMORIES RELIVED AT THE NAVAL AVIATION MUSEUM

The ECSAA convention in Mobile, AL gave me the opportu-nity to relive some memories of 62 years past when we visited the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola and was able to climb aboard the AF-2S Grumman Guardian Bu. No. 123100 aircraft on exhibit there.. I spent 9 years in the Naval Air reserves, two of which were on active duty in 1951-1953 dur-ing the Korean War with VS-931 Antisubmarine Squadron. Bomb-sight, searchlight, sonobouy Air

Crewman and ordnance training were conducted at North Island with day and night training flights in PBY-6A

aircraft in conjunction with submarines off the coast of San Diego. I flew as an Air Crewman aboard the USS Rendova CVE-114, USS Badoeng Strait CVE-116 and the USS Sicily CVE-118 with time operating off of the Badoeng Strait and the Sicily while steaming in Korean and Japanese waters. Upon being released from Active Duty in 1953, I joined VS-932 reserve Squadron at Willow Grove NAS in Pennsylvania and it was here that I flew in AF-2S Bu. No. 123100 on July 18, 1954 to an air show at Montoursville Pennsylvania airport to put the aircraft on exhibit. While guarding the plane from the inquisitive throngs of kids I permitted them one-by-one to peer through the bombsight periscope. The angular rate bombsight attached to the periscope is very accurate as on one occasion I put 7 our of 8 bombs in a 10 foot diameter bull’s-eye of a target at El Centro, 4 out of 4 bombs in the bull’s-eye of a target at Atlantic City NJ and on one occasion actually hit a smoke light in the Pacific ocean with a practice bomb off the coast of Long Beach CA. In the book “VS-931 Antisubmarine Squadron” that I wrote a few years ago, Chapter 10, Page 146 states the following: “The National Museum of Naval Aviation in Pensacola, Florida has

an AF-2S Grumman Guardian Serial Number 123100 aircraft that is in flyable condition and is on exhibit. To those that flew or died in this type aircraft, it is our own personal memorial. My Aviators Flight Log Book indicates that I flew in this same tail numbered aircraft from Willow Grove NAS to the Montours-ville PA airport on July 18, 1954 and returned to Willow Grove NAS in this plane at the end of the day. The purpose of this trip was to put the Navy plane on exhibit at the air show that was being held at the airport on that particular day. To me, this aircraft is a special memorial for the four men of our squadron that were killed in Grumman Guard-ians while they were on active duty.” Upon learning that I had actu-ally flown in the AF-2S aircraft on exhibit, museum personnel brought our a work stand and permitted me to climb aboard the aircraft and peer into the cockpit. While looking into the cockpit, I noted that the radar scope and the rocket and bomb/torpedo pickle switches were missing from the yoke. Also missing were the APS-31 radar pod, the AVQ-2 searchlight pod and 3 rocket/depth charge racks from each wing. The bomb sight, periscope and other equipment in the air crew de-partments also appear to be missing. It

would be great if these items could be located and installed. However, with so much time passing, it is unlikely that this will ever happen. You can not imagine how elated I was to be able to climb aboard the Grumman Guardian AF-2S Bu No. 123100 at the Naval Aviation Museum once again. I especially wish to thank all of the individuals associated with the museum that assisted in helping me get a good look at the AF-2S 62 years since I last flew in the aircraft. The museum staff indicated that they were planning to put a story in their newsletter about this event.

J. Robert Wagner

Bob Wagner standing along side of the AF-2S Grumman Guardian

aircraft

View of the AF-2S GrummanGuardian aircraft cockpit

Bu No. 123100imprinted on thetail of the AF-2S

Grumman Guardianaircraft

ESCORT CARRIER SAILORS and AIRMEN SCHOLARSHIP POLICY

By this document and approval of the Escort Carrier Sailors and Airmen Association (ECSAA), a Scholarship Fund is established to assist members or children of members, in their post-High School education as follows:

DEFINITION: The scholarship will be a $2,000 cash donation to the winner of the annual ECSAA scholarship contest, announced and awarded at the annual ECSAA Convention.

QUALIFICATIONS:• Any member or child of a member in good standing with ECSAA may be eligible for

scholarship application.• Applicant must show enrollment in an accredited institution of higher learning (post-

high school). • An applicant may enter the contest for as many years as they wish, yet shall not be

awarded more than two scholarships in total.

GOVERNANCE:• The ECSAA Board of Governors (EBOG) will oversee this program, including, but not limited to, the administration, changes to scholarship rules or policy, and awarding of scholarships.• The Treasurer shall provide a separate accounting and give reporting of this fund as called, and at the annual ECSAA Convention.

PROCESS:• By January 1 annually, the EBOG will announce the topic for an essay to be submitted by interested qualified applicants in a contest for an ECSAA scholarship.• All essay applications for the ECSAA scholarship must be postmarked or emailed by midnight March 31. Please send the ap-plication to anthony.looney@ecsaa.org.• A committee of no less than 3 people with an English, Civic, or Historical backgrounds, with no conflict of interest regarding the scholarship, (preferably non-ECSAA members) will consider all qualified essays and select the winner based on their opinion of the best essay written relevant to that year’s topic. • The winner will be named at the annual ECSAA Convention. Payment of the Scholarship will be made directly to the Institution of Higher Learning attended by the awardee.

RIGHTS/DISCLAIMER:• The EBOG is not required to, and may elect not to, award a scholarship during any year.• The EBOG reserves the right to disqualify any essay deemed inappropriate to the ideals of ECSAA. • All submissions as applications for an ECSAA scholarship will become the property of ECSAA and the winning essay may be used for publication and/or sharing. • The EBOG reserves the right to change or modify the rules of the contest at any time.

2017 Essay Topic…..”What were the significant roles the CVE’s played in winning the Battle of the Atlantic in World War II?”

ESCORT CARRIER SAILORS & AIRMEN ASSOCIATION MEMORIAL DONATION (BONDED) TREASURER, BOB EVANS, 1215 N MILITARY HWY #128, NORFOLK, VA 23502 INCORPORATED IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, IRS CLASSIFICATION 501-19 I.D. Number 54-1599146 Donor First Name __________________________________________________ Donor Last Name ___________________________________________________

Address ____________________________________________________________

City _____________________________ St ______________ Zip _____________

Telephone: ________________ Email __________________________________

Ship or Squadron you served on ______________________________________

Memorial Donations are Tax Deductible under ECSAA’s IRS Classification 501(c) 19

Check Number_____________ Amount $_____________ Date ____________

I would like my donation to be used for:

Memorials ____ Scholarships ____ ECSAA General Funds ____ Conventions ____

The mission of ECSAA is to ensure that “The Greatest Generation is Never Forgotten”. With your support, the Association is able to create and place memorials in museums across the country, build stronger programs to preserve this critical chapter of heroism in the defense of freedom, and produce the annual convention. Please be generous!

Credit Card Donation Form is Available online at: http://ecsaa.org/Donations

ECSAA Member Name: ________________________________________Member# ___________________________

Address:________________________________________________________________________________________

City, State, Zip:___________________________________________________________________________________

Telephone: ___________________________ Email: _____________________________________________________

Progeny Name: ________________________________ Progeny Name: __________________________________

Address: ______________________________________ Address: ________________________________________

City, State, Zip: ________________________________ City, State, Zip: __________________________________

Telephone: ____________________________________ Telephone: ______________________________________

Email: ________________________________________ Email: _________________________________________

Progeny Name: ________________________________ Progeny Name: __________________________________

Address: ______________________________________ Address: ________________________________________

City, State, Zip: ________________________________ City, State, Zip: __________________________________

Telephone: ____________________________________ Telephone: ______________________________________

Email: ________________________________________ Email: _________________________________________

Family Membership Application...Please sign my family up as members of ECSAA

Family Pak $30 per each new member for

3 YearsDeductions are tax deductible.

Dues are not.

Make remittance payable to: ECSAA

1215 N. Military Hwy #128 Norfolk, VA 23502

Ensure that the next generation remembers the

valor of the Escort Carriers

TAPS Notification

Name of Deceased __________________________________ Date of Death ___________________ Ship/Squadron of Deceased _____________________

Name of Person Submitting __________________________________________________ Relationship to Deceased _______________________________

Address of Person Submitting _________________________________________ City __________________________ State ________ Zip ____________

Phone Number of Person Submitting ______________________ Email of Person Submitting ________________________________________________

If you are a spouse, would you like to continue to receive the PIPER newsletter? ____ Yes ____ No

If you are a spouse, would you like to receive a complimentary Lifetime Associate Membership with ECSAA?

____ Yes Please / Opt In ____ No Thank You / Opt Out

Please send notification to: ECSAA, 1215 North Military Hwy. #128, Norfolk VA 23502

You can submit your TAPS notice online at: ECSAA.org

Taps can be submitted on line at : http://ecsaa.org/page-1827110

ECSAA Membership Information

Regular Membership in ECSAA is for those who served aboard or was transported aboard any Escort Carrier, or aboard any ship operating in the company of an Escort Carrier performing escort duty, air support, anti-submarine warfare, surface engagements, Military Sea Transport, Military Sealift or worked at a shipyard building Escort Carriers, or similar actions while in company with an Escort Carrier, regardless of category code. A few examples:

• Served aboard these vessels as ship’s company or members of embarked squadrons or staffs

• Been members of the United States Navy, Unites States Marine Corps, United States Coast Guard

• Been members of any allied Naval or Marine force• Served while under either United States or allied operational control • Been a military or civilian aboard any Escort Carrier while under

Military Sea Transportation Command or Military Sealift Command operational control

• Been a Shipyard worker who built Escort Carriers• All Regular members are entitled to one vote and to hold office in the

Association.

An Associate Membership is for anyone who is a spouse or widow of a Regular or Progeny member. Associate members shall be entitled to one vote and to hold office in the Association.

A Progeny Membership is for any descendant (regardless of age), of a Regular Member. All Progeny Members, on their 21st birthday, are entitled to one vote and to hold office in the Association.

A Supporting Membership is for any person who supports the patriotic objectives of the Escort Carrier Sailors & Airmen Association. Supporting members come from all walks of life, such as authors, artists, historians, military and civil professionals, active service members, friends and work associates of military families.... literally anyone who wishes to help honor and remember the heroism of those who served on or with an Escort Carrier while performing any of their many missions. Supporting members do not hold office or have voting rights in the association.

Regular, Associate, & Progeny - Member Pricing

• 1 year term - $30.00 - Most popular option which includes recurring payments.

• 2 year term - $50.00 - Save $10.00 – recurring payments isn’t an option, but we will send you a reminder when it’s time to renew.

• 3 year term - $65.00 - Save $25.00 - we will send you a reminder when it’s time to renew.

Supporting Member Pricing

• 1 year term - $30.00 - Includes recurring payments

Life Associate For Widows

All widows of regular members will become paid-up LIFE Associates upon the passing of the Regular member.

Terms:

• Registration automatic upon notice of death to the Association• Widows who already maintain membership with the organization will

have their membership changed to fully paid LIFE Associate

Family Pack

Any Member may register additional family members at a discounted rate.

• 3 year term - $30.00 per regis-tration of each new family mem-ber.

Terms:

• All new registrations are done at once

• This is for new memberships, not renewals

• Balance is paid in full at time of registration

Convention Bundle

When you register and pay in full for convention you receive:• 3 year term new membership - free • 1 year extension of membership for renewals – free • 3 year term new membership for Ship/Organization* - free Terms: • Balance of convention is paid in full at time of registration

* *The Ship/Organization must hold its first meeting at an ECSAA convention (roster registered en-bloc at convention or within 30 days of convention)

Ship Group Discount

To support expanded recruiting of single ship organizations * 3 year term - $30.00 per registration

Terms: • All new registrations are done at once – ships roster• The ships and members of the group qualify per ECSAA By-laws• This is for new memberships, not renewals• Balance is paid in full at time of registration• We hope you will have your yearly meetings during our annual ECSAA

convention!

Mail Bag...Letter to ECSAA President, Anthony Looney My name is Chris Carter and my father Thomas V. Carter was a sailor aboard the USS Altamaha during WWII. Interestingly, most of his memories are of his time spent on the island of Funafuti as a member of what was known as “The Altama-ha Detachment”. I am not sure I have shared these photos with your group, but here are a few for your archives. This photo is a close-up group photo of the sailors who volunteered to leave the ship and help the Marines on Funafuti. The speed of the war was moving so rapidly that the Marines did not have enough men and material to properly ser-vice the planes they were trying to keep flying from Funafuti. It would appear the USS Altamaha was the closest friendly with able bodies at the time and was asked to provide volunteers to help until more Marines arrived.

From left to right front row kneeling are: Thomas V. Carter (my dad), “Baby” Wasson, Scotty O’Hara, “Ma” Trembley, Bill Gun-zel, George Steiger, Charlie Sheehan...2nd row: John Schlepp, George Otto, Don Congram, Bob Byrns, Willie Furrer, Melvin Ozan...3rd row standing: Lou Arends, Tom Brian, Joe Harkless, “Goot” Williams, Seaman

White, Vern “Slivver” Burrandt, Jack Vosburgh, J. P. O’Dell, Chief Wood, Chief “Jug” JungersMy dad wrote his memoirs around 1992, which I did share with the Altamaha group. Obviously, after 50-years he could not remember some of the first names, but did remember their nicknames.

This is the same group but taken on the sand of Funafuti with either the ocean or lagoon in the background. The photo to the left is a picture of my dad per-haps at his discharge as he is in his dress blues and he has his 3 chevrons indicating he is an avia-tion metalsmith 1st class. He was 3rd class when he entered the Navy. Dad’s WWII Service Chronology is a record of his various orders and places he was sent during the war and can be found on page 8.

Also on page 8 is a poem titled “Air Alert on Funafuti”, written while my dad was a post WWII student at the University of Portland, in Portland, Oregon in 1950. It was submitted to a school publication and was published. It was intended to capture the feelings of the moments of the night they were anticipat-ing being raided by Japanese planes from Tarawa as retaliation for the first long distance bombing of Nauru island. The bombing run began and ended on the airstrip from Funafuti. Interestingly, Louis Zamperini flew one of those planes to Nauru that night and he was later immortalized in the book “Unbroken”. My dad recounted the fear of the wait for the planes to arrive, the sounds of the bombs detonating at tree-top level and sending shrapnel down to try and kill as many Americans as possible, and the remainder of the night until the morning hours that brought calm and relief. Then they had the same fear that it could happen all over again the next night, with little protection from the assault.

The photo to the left is a piece of shrapnel from the retaliation bomb-ing on April 23rd, 1943 (Don Con-gram’s birthday). The shrapnel was dug from a palm tree that my dad always semi-jok-ingly said has his

name on it. However, it clearly did not hit its intended target. This is a collection of my dad’s shoulder patches of both his white and blue uniforms with the 3rd, 2nd, and 1st class aviation metalsmith designations. The final photo is of his dog tag from his service during WWII and his time on the USS Altamaha.

I had the pleasure of driving over the Altamaha river this year on a family vacation. I got a lump in my throat as I did so, as I said a prayer for the best friend I ever had, my dad, Thomas Vincent Carter, 1921-1997. Chris Carter

Continued on page 8

Mail Bag.......

Dear Sir/Ms,In my October issue of the CVE Piper, I found an error on page 7. The article on “CVEs Lost in Action”, shows Korean War era picture of the USS Block Island II, CVE 106, in lieu of one for CVE 21. The picture depicted, is of CVE 106, on 23 July 1953, prior to noon, with a plane in the drink. The aircraft is a Grumman AF-25 “Guardian” from ASW Squadron VS-22. The pilot ENS E. N. Berry, had just taken a waveoff and ditched on the port side of the Block Island II. The plane had flipped over on its back prior to going into the drink, making it difficult to exit the cockpit. All of the Kiler the Dunker practice does not make it a snap to escape, especially while upside down and under the water. The plane captains, Samuel Kirkland, AD, and Roy Machak, AD, stood by in shock as they witnessed their work horse slip into depths of Neptune’s Realm. The plane guard helicopter, HUB-1 “Retriever”, from Squadron HU-2, piloted by LT G. E. Twarog and crewman, Joseph James, AD, moved in to recover Ens Barry. As he was being extracted from the ocean, his parachute opened. This immediately caused the helicopter to be pulled towards the choppy sea. The alert crewman, J. James, cut the rescue cable free and ENS Barry dropped back into the chilly water. The plane guard destroyer, USS Bearse

(DD-654), was standing nearby and steamed in, rescuing Barry, with the ever dependable whale-boat. ENS Barry was treated for lacerations and abrasions. The USS Bearse held Barry overnight and as Navy Tradition goes, bartered the aviator for fifteen gallons of ice cream. After the ice cream was traded, ENS Barry was strapped into a chair and transferred to the Block Island by high line. As may be customary in those days, the ships band piped the pilot back aboard. Upon returning he went to sickbay, where the squadron flight surgeon, LT James F. Toole, administered a bit of medical stimulant.

Submitted by Sam Kirkland

The Story of "Bad Angel": Pima Air and Space Museum...Taken from http://southernarizonaguide.com/pima-air-space-museum-bad-angel-mysterious-kill-markings/

My family and I were visiting Pima Air and Space Museum .We were in Hanger #4 to view the beautifully restored B-29, when I hap-pened to take notice of a P-51 Mus-tang near the big bomber. It's name ? "Bad Angel". I was admiring its aerodynamic lines and recalled enough history to know that until the Mustangs came into service, the skies over the Pacific Ocean were dominated by Japanese

Zeros.Then something very strange caught my eye. Proudly displayed on the fuselage of 'Bad Angel' were the markings of the pilot's kills: seven Nazis; one Italian; one Japanese AND ONE AMERICAN. Huh? "Bad Angel" shot down an American airplane? Was it a terrible mistake? Couldn't be. If it had been an unfor-tunate misjudgment, certainly the pilot would not have displayed the American flag. I knew there had to be a good story here. Fortunately for us, one of the Museum's many fine docents was on hand to tell it.

******************** In 1942, the United States needed pilots for its war planes lots of war planes; lots of pilots. Lt. Louis Curdes was one. When he was 22 years old, he graduated flight training school and was shipped off to the Mediterranean to fight Nazis in the air over Southern Europe . He arrived at his 82nd Fighter Group, 95th Fighter Squadron in April 1943 and was assigned a P-38 Lightning. Ten days later he shot down three German Messerschmitt Bf-109 fighters. A few weeks later, he downed two more German Bf -109's. In less than a month of combat, Louis was an Ace. During the next three months, Louis shot

down an Italian Mc.202 fighter and two more Messerschmitts before his luck ran out. A German fighter shot down his plane on August 27, 1943 over Salerno , Italy . Captured by the Italians, he was sent to a POW camp near Rome . No doubt this is where he thought he would spend the remaining years of the war. It wasn't to be. A few days later, the Italians surrendered. Louis and a few other pilots escaped before the Nazis could take control of the camp.One might think that such harrowing experiences would have taken the fight out of Louis, yet he volunteered for another combat tour. This time, Uncle Sam sent him to the Philippines where he flew P-51 Mustangs. Soon after arriving in the Pacific Theater, Louis downed a Mitsubishi reconnaissance plane near Formosa . Now he was one of only three Americans to have kills against all three Axis Powers: Germany , Italy , and Japan .

Up until this point, young Lt. Curdes combat career had been stellar. His story was about to take a twist so bizarre that it seems like the fictional creation of a Holly-wood screenwriter. While attacking the Japa-nese-held island of Bataan , one of Louis wingmen was shot down. The pilot ditched in the ocean. Circling overhead, Louis could see that his wing-man had survived, so he stayed in the area to guide a rescue plane and protect the downed

pilot. It wasn't long before he noticed another, larger airplane, wheels down,

preparing to land at the Japanese-held airfield on Bataan. He moved in to inves-tigate. Much to his surprise the approaching plane was a Douglas C-47 transport with American markings. He tried to make radio contact, but without success. He maneuvered his Mustang in front of the big transport several times trying to wave it off. The C-47 kept head to its landing target. Apparently the C-47 crew didn’t realize they were about to land on a Japanese held island, and soon would be captives.Lt. Curdes read the daily newspaper accounts of the war, including the vicious-ness of the Japanese soldiers toward their captives. He knew that whoever was in that American C-47 would be, upon landing, either dead or wish they were. But what could he do? Audaciously, he lined up his P-51 directly behind the transport, care-fully sighted one of his .50 caliber machine guns and knocked out one of its two engines. Still the C-47 continued on toward the Bataan airfield. Curdes shifted his aim slightly and knocked out the remaining engine, leaving the baffled pilot no choice but to ditch in the ocean. The big plane came down to it wings. in one piece about 50 yards from his bobbing wingman. At this point, nightfall and low

fuel forced Louis to return to base. The next morning, Louis flew cover for a rescu-ing PBY that picked up the downed Mustang pilot and 12 passengers and crew, includ-ing two female nurses, from the C-47. All survived, and later, Lt. Curdes would end up marrying one of these nurses. For shooting down an unarmed American transport plane, Lt. Louis Curdes was awarded the Distinguished

Flying Cross. Thereafter, on the fuselage of his P-51 "Bad An-gel", he proudly displayed the

symbols of his kills: seven German, one Italian, one Japanese and one American flag.

Submitted by Bob Evans

P-51 Mustang “Bad Angel” in Hanger #4 at Pima Air and Space Museum .

Kill marks on “Bad Angel”

Lt. Louis Curdes

Pilot Lt. Louis Curdes in his P-51 Mustang “Bad Angel”.

One of “Bad Angel’s” .50 caliber machine guns built into its wings.

............................................... “So that’s what that was all about!”

At the Mobile Convention, CVE sailors were asked to sign and give their ship des-ignation on a white matting border. The matting resembled a rectangular halo and was the subject of many questions. The registrars attempted to explain that after the convention, the matting would surround a CVE ship photo, memorializing all that attended the convention this year. It seemed a strange request to most, but being sailors and accustomed to take orders without question, they complied with the registrar’s request. After the convention, a photo of the Rendova CVE114 was framed with the signatures of the attending CVE sailors on the matting. A plate at the bottom of the photo identifies the date and location of the 2016 convention. The Rendova photo will be displayed at the 2017 San Antonio convention alongside a new matting to sign for those 2017 convention attendees.

ECSAA Position/Job Needs CONVENTIONS:Convention Committee Member – To serve as an understudy and assist the Con-vention Chair in the planning and implementation of the Annual Convention.

Chaplain – Works with Convention Chair to establish convention memorial service, conduct service, arrange f/speaker if utilized. Locates and retains color guard via Internet/Google. Locates & forwards to The Piper editor obituaries of CVE sailors during the year.

Photographer – Photo all convention events, works with Convention Chair for banquet photos; responsible for transmitting ECSAA photo’s to The Piper editor.

MEMORIALS & ARTIFACTS:Memorial & Artifacts Committee member – Serve as understudy with existing chairman; search and make recommendations to the ECSAA Board of Governors of CVE memorials.

Scholarship Chair - Responsible for administering the Scholarship program – gains approval from Board of Governors for annual essay topic, accepts essays, and arranges for a non-partial board to judge essays.

Artifacts – Solicits and coordinates the archival of CVE related documents to the website.

Historian – Research CVE history, curate archives, reach out and build relation-ships with other historians; coordinate and build our physical and digital collections. Networks with other ship groups.

Assistant to the Historian – Assists the Historian to achieve success as per the Historian job description. Calls members soliciting historical information for ECSAA archives.

MEMBERSHIP:Membership Committee – Places calls to members and spouses regarding subscription renewals, signing spouses as members, soliciting family pack memberships.

Assistant Membership/Marketing Chair – Assists with the overall marketing strategy of ECSAA and lead the committee in the absence of the Committee Chair.

Merchandise Committee member – Serve as understudy with existing chairman; determine products beneficial and in demand by members and a marketing strategy to sell said products.

GENERAL:Treasurer – To serve as an understudy and assist the Treasurer, of this function. The Treasurer deposits money, pays bills, and coordinates filing of required governmental documents, including Income Tax return.

Parliamentarian – To serve as an understudy of the current Parliamentarian, learning the By-Laws of the organization, becoming familiar with Roberts Rules of Service. This function overseas the proper conduct of meetings and legislation of our organization.

Public Relations – Promotes ECSAA through the media, including posting no-tices of conventions in trade magazines, periodicals. Utilizes website, Facebook, or other media to advocate military holidays – Memorial Day, Veterans Day, etc. This person should be a member of the Convention Committee.

Social Media – Oversees and coordinates Facebook and Website updates. Recommends significant updates or changes to the President

Fundraiser – Seek foundation gifts and grants for ECSAA; will create strategy for establishing and ECSAA endowment and to create pathing for accepting estate gifts.

Volunteer Coordinator – Available to be point of contact for soliciting help for special projects, such as phone or letter solicitation, scanning documents.

Any interested should contact Anthony Looney at Anthony.looney@ecsaa.org or 214-738-5949.

With the increase in membership the last two years, ECSAA is in need of volunteers to ensure that goals are met for the coming years. The vision for ECSAA is to continue to grow and become the “go to” source for historians looking for information on the Escort Carriers during their active years of Naval History. So if you have a little time on your hands and want to ensure that “The Greatest Generation” is never forgotten please think about what you can do to keep history alive.

Historic Mobile - ECSAA Convention 2016

Pensacola - 2016 ECSAA Convention

2016 ECSAA Convention

On Board USS Alabama

Banquet at 2016 ECSAA Convention We hope you have enjoyed the printed photos of the 2016 ECSAA Convention in Mobile. Don’t forget that you can log in on the ECSAA website to view all of the

photos, along with ones from past conventions. (www.ecsaa.org)

Many of the WWII CVE’s have their own reunion as do some of those who served on the CVE’s activated for the Korean War and the war in Vietnam.

As a former sailor on the USS CORREGIDOR CVE58 during the Korean War, I started attending Corregidor reunions in 1995. At each of the reunions

someone would volunteer to set up the time and place for the next year’s re-union. My wife Joyce and I volunteered for a reunion. It was a lot of work but we both enjoyed it. However, as the years progressed, our numbers dwindled and in 2001, after one of our members attended an Escort Carriers Sailors and Air-men Association reunion in Washington, DC, we decided to join the ECSAA for our reunions.

It was great, everything was done, hotel, banquet, tours, all the things needed to have a great time getting together with our shipmates without having to do a lot of work.

WHAT’S MY POINT! The ECSAA can take the burden off your members who

are working hard to set up your individual reunions. Given the fact that we are all getting older (and better, of course) and that our members are dwindling, it only seems logical to consider joining the ECSAA for your next reunion.

Think about it! No more travel to scout out a new place to go; no more worrying about the menu and the tours; all this is done for you. Your identity as a ship is not lost, breakout rooms are usually provided by the hotel, limited only by the number of rooms the hotel has available and the number of shipmates from your ship. As an added bonus, you can get together with shipmates who were transferred to other CVE’s or other ships.

If your ship would like more information please contact our membership ser-vices at memberservice@ecsaa.org or call our Toll Free number (855) 505-2469.

This was a letter written in 2009 by Joe Bennett, ECSAA former President and still holds true today. We would love to hear from you.

Today, ECSAA has over 2,100 members and is the only organization which encom-passes the entire complement of CVE ships. Our mission is to perpetuate the memory of all CVE’s with their sailors and airmen who manned those small aircraft carriers. We accomplish this through our website, our periodical, The Piper, the establishment of memorials, and are beginning to archive historical information related to each CVE via our website.

ECSAA would like encourage you to use our publication, The Piper, and our Face-book account to publish notice(s) of your ship reunion(s). As we are looking for new avenues to reach out to our membership of our convention, I’m certain you are doing the same for your ship. There is no cost for this service – we only want to assist in this small way to help perpetuate the memory of any CVE ship. Additionally, if your ship publishes a newsletter, we would be glad to include that document as a link on your ship’s page on this website. If the your ship does not have their own annual reunion, I encourage you to take a look at us and attend our 2017 reunion in San Antonio, TX next September. More informa-tion will be coming soon about that reunion.

Name of CVE/Ship: __________________________________________________

Reunion/Convention Location: _________________________________________

Beginnning Date of Reunion: __________________________________________

Ending Date of Reunion: _____________________________________________

For More Information Contact: ________________________________________

Email Address of Contact:___________________________________________

Phone Number of Contact:____________________________________________

Complete and mail to ECSAA, 1251 N.Military Highway #128, Norfolk, VA 23502 or visit the ECSAA website at http://ecsaa.org/Reunion_Form, complete the form and hit submit.

Christmas on the WWII Home Front: A Collection of Fun Yuletide

Facts• During World War II Christmas trees were in short supply because

of a lack of manpower (to cut the trees down) and a shortage of railroad space to ship the trees to market. Americans rushed to buy American-made Visca artificial trees.

• In 1941, a five-foot Christmas tree could be purchased for 75 cents.• The shortage of materials—like aluminum and tin—used to pro-

duce ornaments led many people to make their own ornaments at home. Magazines contained patterns for ornaments made out of non-priority war materials, like paper, string, and natural objects, such as pinecones or nuts.

• Electric bubble lights were created during the 1940s and remain popular even today.

• To give their Christmas tree a snow-covered effect, people mixed a box of Lux soap powder with two cups of water and brushed the concoction on the branches of their tree.

• Fewer men at home resulted in fewer men available to dress up and play Santa Claus. Women served as substitute Santas at Saks Fifth Avenue in New York City and at other department stores through-out the United States.

• “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” and “White Christmas” were both written during the 1940s and quickly gained popularity with the war-weary, but optimistic, population.

• Travel during the holidays was limited for most families due to the rationing of tires and gasoline. Americans saved up their food ra-tion stamps to provide extra food for a fine holiday meal.

• Many Americans threw their German blown-glass ornaments and exotic Japanese ornaments in the trash as soon as the war began. Shortly after the war, Corning Glass Company in New York be-gan mass-producing Christmas tree balls using machines designed to produce light bulbs. Corning could make more ornaments in a single minute than a German cottage glass blower could make in a whole day.

Attack on the USNS CardFrom Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Attack on USNS Card was a Viet Cong operation during the Vietnam War. It took place in the port of Saigon in the early hours of May 2, 1964, and mounted by commandos from the 65th Special Operations Group (Đội Biệt động 65). Card was first commissioned into the United States Navy during World War II, playing a significant role in destroying German Navy submarines as the flag-ship of Task Group 21.14. Decommissioned in 1945, Card was reactivated in 1958 and entered service with the Military Sea Transport Service, transporting military equipment to South Vietnam as part of the United States military com-mitment to that country. With USNS Card a regular visitor to the port, it became a target for local Viet Cong commando units. Shortly after midnight on May 2, 1964, two Viet Cong commandos climbed out of the sewer tunnel near the area where Card was anchored, and they attached two loads of explosives to the ship’s hull. The attack was a success and Card sank 48 feet (15 m), and five civilian crew mem-bers were killed by the explosions. The ship was refloated 17 days later, and was towed to the Philippines for repairs.

Background USNS Card was a Bogue-class escort carrier that had served in the United States Navy with distinction. The Card’s hull was laid down on October 27, 1941; originally intended as a cargo ship, the ship was reclassified ACV-11 and converted into an escort carrier with a displacement of 9,800 tons. On July 15, 1943, Card was reclassified CVE-11 and became the flagship of Task Group 21.14 (TG 21.14), a hunter-killer group formed to destroy German submarines in the North Atlantic. During the periods between July and November, Card’s aircraft and the escort vessels of TG 21.14 destroyed a total of five German sub-marines. On November 11, 1943, Card and her escort destroyers were awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for their success as part of TG21.14, and Card became the first escort carrier to receive such an award for combating German subma-rines. By the end of World War II, Card and her aircraft destroyed a total of 11 German submarines, which made it the second most successful ship of its class. After 1945 Card was decommissioned and briefly put out of service when it was transferred to the Atlantic Reserve Fleet. On May 16, 1958, Card re-entered service with the Military Sea Transport Service, under the control of the United States Navy. The ship was manned by a civilian crew and was prefixed “USNS” (United States Naval Ship) instead of “USS” (United States Ship) as it was in service but not commissioned. With the war’s escalation, the United States government stepped up military support for South Vietnam’s fight against the Communist National Liberation Front (also known as the Viet Cong). On December 15, 1961, USNS Card left Quonset Point, Rhode Island, with a cargo of H-21 Shawnee helicopters and U.S. soldiers from Fort Devens, Massachusetts, bound for Vietnam. At Subic Bay in the Philippines, the cargo and troops were transferred to USS Princeton, which arrived and unloaded off the coast of Da Nang the following month. Card while in service with the United States Navy From 1961 onwards, Card and USNS Core regularly docked in Saigon to unload heavy artillery, M-113 armored personnel carriers, aircraft, helicopters and ammunition for the South Vietnamese government. The Port of Saigon was situated between the Te and Ben Nghe Canals, and was about 700 meters (2,300 ft) wide from one side to the other.To facilitate the arrival of Card and other American ships which pulled into Saigon, the South Vietnamese military often deployed navy vessels to conduct patrols around the port, while the surrounding shores were protected by an elite Army of the Republic of Vietnam (“ARVN”) airborne battalion. The port itself was guarded around the clock by South Viet-

namese police, as undercover South Vietnamese agents operated across the river in the Thu Thiem area to disrupt Viet Cong activities there. Undeterred by the level of protection which the South Vietnamese government normally afforded to American ships, Tran Hai Phung - commander of the Viet Cong’s Saigon-Gia Dinh Military District - ordered the 65th Special Operations Group to attack USNS Card.

Sinking of the USNS CardFailed attempt on the USNS Core Despite their best efforts to control Viet Cong activities across the river in the Thu Thiem area, the South Vietnamese military and police could not stop Viet Cong agents from operating there. So Viet Cong members of the 65th Special Operations Group were able to watch U.S. and South Vietnamese military activi-ties at the port, while they were preparing to attack American targets. Lam Son Nao, a commando of the 65th Special Operations Group, was also an employee at the port facility. As his unit was assigned with the mission to attack the American escort carrier, Nao took advantage of his position as an employee at the port facility, to reconnoiter Card to design the best strategy to sabotage the ship and all the military hardware on board. Nao’s father had previously worked at the port facil-ity as a tradesman, so he memorized all the underground tunnels and sewerage systems which ran in and out of the facility. He advised Nao that the best way to enter the area where the American ships normally anchored, was via the sewer tunnel opposite Thu Thiem. On one occasion while he was bathing in the Saigon River, Nao decided to inspect the sewer tunnel which his father had advised him to use. Nao concluded that the tunnel would provide the best way to get in and out of the American area, but using it also presented challenges. The sewerage tunnel contained both wastes and toxic oils which could cause blindness, so Nao and his men would have to close their eyes as they move through the tunnel, in order to avoid blind-ness. Furthermore, Nao and his men must wash their bodies to get rid of the deadly odors to avoid detection, and probably arrest, by South Vietnamese authori-ties. After Nao had surveyed the tunnels which lead into the port, he presented his plan of attack to the Saigon-Gia Dinh Military District Headquarters. Nao decided to utilize high explosives, enough to sink a ship, and detonate it using a timer so that his men could get away safely. Nao’s superiors approved the plan, and they ordered him to launch the attack before sunrise to avoid killing local Vietnamese civilians. Nao then returned to Saigon and began assembling the equipment required for the attack which included C4 plastic explosives, TNT, wires, mine detonators and batteries. Nao also trained new commandos, namely Nguyen Phu Hung and Nguyen Van Cay, to support his operation. To ensure that his operation would go smoothly, Nao measured the height, length and width of the sewer tunnel to assemble the bomb devices to the right size, so it could be carried through the tunnel unhindered. Towards the end of 1963, Nao received news that Card had arrived in Saigon with another load of armored personnel carriers, artillery and aircraft. But the aircraft carrier turned out to be the sister ship, USNS Core. On the evening of December 29, 1963, Nao and Cay managed to carry their bomb devices through the sewer tunnel which had about 80 kilograms (180 lb) of explosives. The com-mandos attached the explosives to Core’s hull, set the timer and retreated back into the sewer to wait for the outcome. However, the bombs failed to explode as planned, because the battery had expired due to long periods of storage. Determined the operation would remain a secret, the commandos snuck back to Core and retrieved the explosive devices. Not long afterwards, Core and its crew sailed out of Saigon, intact without any damage. Nao, on the other hand, reported the failure of his mission to the

continued on page 19

Attack on the USNS Card continued...

Saigon-Gia Dinh Military District Headquarters; his superiors did not express disappointment in the failure of the operation, but instead they encouraged Nao and his men to destroy Card at all costs. Finally on May 1, 1964, Viet Cong re-connaissance teams spotted USNS Card as the ship sailed through Ganh Rai Bay and entered Long Tau River, so they immediately reported the information to the 65th Special Operations Group in Saigon. As usual, Card docked at the com-mercial port district in the city to unload another shipment of cargo and military helicopters, as well as upload a batch of helicopters scheduled to be returned to the United States.

Successful attack When Nao received news Card had arrived in Saigon, he inspected the equip-ment which now included a new battery and a redesigned bomb. Again, Nao decided to set off the bombs during the early hours of May 2, so that he and his fellow operative could escape safely and avoid inflicting casualties on the lo-cal population. But due to illness, Cay declined to take part in the operation, so Hung had to replace him. At around 9am on May 1, Nao rushed to Hung’s home, where the latter was given a hand grenade and was notified of an upcom-ing operation without much detail. At 6pm, after Nao had finished unloading the bombs onto one canoe, he and Hung traveled down the Saigon River in two separate canoes, towards the commercial port district. Both men than pulled over in the Thu Thiem area, to avoid detection from South Vietnamese authorities by intermingling with the local workers who lived there. While waiting for the right time, Nao briefed Hung on the objectives of the operation, which was to sink the largest American ship at the Saigon Port, and promptly report the results back to headquarters. Shortly after 6:30pm as both men headed towards Warehouse Number 0 at the commercial port district, a police patrol boat spotted them and quickly gave chase. Nao than ordered Hung to throw the hand grenade and both men would retreat towards the local village, if their bombs were discovered by the police. The police patrol stopped about 20 meters (66 ft) away from Nao’s canoe, and the patrol boat commander questioned both men about their activities during that time of the evening. In response, Nao claimed that he and Hung intended to go to the other side of the river, to buy some new clothes at the market. To avoid delaying the operation, Nao bribed the patrol boat commander 1000 Vietnamese dong, as the South Vietnamese police were widely known for their corruption. When the patrol boat commander received the bribe, he gave both Nao and Hung permission to move on but demanded another bribe when they return. When the commandos arrived at the sewer tunnel, they assembled the bomb device with each man carrying 40 kilograms (88 lb) of explosives down through the tunnel. Once the commandos finally got out of the tunnel, they both swam towards the broadside of Card which anchored near the opening of the sewer. As planned, Nao and Hung attached two bombs on the ship, with one near the bilge and one at the engine compartment, just above the water surface. After the bombs had been attached to Card’s hull, Nao inspected both bombs to ensure they had been assembled properly. After that Nao stuck the battery onto a pole and connected it to the bombs with wires, then set the timer. At 1.10am, the bombs were complet-ed and both commandos retreated back into the sewer tunnel, and climbed into their canoes on the other side and rowed back to Thu Thiem. Again, the police patrol boat was waiting for Nao and Hung to arrive, because the commander wanted another bribe. As Nao and Hung approached the patrol boat, an explo-sion was heard and a bright light could be seen in the commercial port area. The South Vietnamese police patrol boat than started its engine and raced towards Card, instead of extracting another bribe. Aftermath For the Viet Cong commandos of the 65th Special Operations Group, the explosion on Card signaled a successful mission. By the time the sun rose over

Saigon, Card had sunk 48 feet (15 m) into the river with its engine compartment completely flooded. Furthermore, five American civilians who worked on the ship died as a result of the attack. Due to the rapid response from the ship’s crew and the local authorities, flooding inside the ship was quickly stopped and it was stabilized. An inspection later revealed that the explosion had torn open a hole which measured 12 feet (3.7 m) long and 3 feet (0.91 m) high, on the starboard side of the ship. In the days that followed, five U.S. Navy divers were deployed to Saigon from the Philippines, in addition to several salvage teams from U.S. bases in Japan and the Military Sea Transport Service Command. Amongst the divers was founding US Navy Seals member Roy Boehm, who claimed to have recovered the remains of a Hagerson Demolition Pack, a specialized explosive charge used by US navy frogmen. Bohem speculated that the explosives used in the attack had actually been stolen from his own South Vietnamese Navy unit by a group of deserters who had been mistreated by a South Vietnamese officer. USS Reclaimer, a rescue and salvage ship, which was heading for the Philip-pines at the time, was ordered to change course and sailed for Saigon. Mean-while, the tugboat USS Tawakoni based at Subic Bay in the Philippines was placed on standby, and later received similar orders to head for South Vietnam. Upon their arrival in Saigon, U.S. Navy divers and salvage teams tried to pump water out from Card’s flooded compartments, but their initial attempts were hindered by a combination of malfunctions in the pumping equipment, and the poor diving conditions in the river. Ultimately it took the salvers 17 days to refloat Card, and when that was completed they began the process of moving the ship out of Saigon by installing a 6-inch pump and a load of generators inside Card to get rid of excess water while at sea. Reclaimer and Tawakoni then towed the damaged Card out of Saigon, and headed for Subic Bay where it underwent further repairs. Shortly after Card was sunk, North Vietnam made full use of the incident for propaganda purposes. On October 20, 1964, the North Vietnamese govern-ment issued a postage stamp which proclaimed an “Aircraft Carrier of America sunk in the Harbor of Saigon”, to praise the Viet Cong commandos who carried out the attack. The U.S. Navy refused to admit Card had been sunk even for a brief period of time, instead it simply stated Card was damaged and quickly repaired. For the remainder of 1964, the Viet Cong launched further attacks on U.S. targets such as the Brinks Hotel and Bien Hoa Air Base, but there were no significant responses from the U.S. military. Card was returned to service by 11 December 1964 and remained in service until 1970, when she was placed into the Reserve Fleet.

References

• Bartholomew, Charles A.; Milwee, William I. (2005). Mud, Muscles and Miracles: Marine Salvage in the United States Navy. Washington D.C.: United States Govern-ment Print. ISBN 0-945274-03-3.

• Bowman, John S. (1989). The Vietnam War: Day by Day. New York: Mallard Books. ISBN 0-7924-5087-6.• Cosmas, Graham A. (2006). MACV: the Joint Command in the years of escala-tion, 1962-1967, Volume 3. Washington D.C.: Center of Military History. ISBN 0-16-072367-1.• Grey, Walter L. (2010). U.S. Army Sea Tales. Bloomington: Xlibris Corpora-tion. ISBN 978-1-4535-4974-2.• Ho, Si Thanh (2007). The Commandos of Saigon: Untold Stories. Hanoi: People’s Army Publishing House.• de Chaunac, Jacques-Francois (2003). The American Cavalry in Vietnam (Translated by Lyman C. Duryea). Paducah: Turner Publishing Company. ISBN 1-56311-890-4.• Thompson, Roger (2007). Lessons the U.S. Navy’s status quo culture not learned. Annapolis: Naval Institute Press. ISBN 1-59114-865-0.• Wise, John E. (2005). U-505: The Final Journey. Washington D.C.: U.S. Naval Institute Press. ISBN 1-59114-967-3.

Members - ECSAA needs your assistance.Over the past few months, ECSAA has sent letters or correspondence to the following members and it has been returned as undeliverable. If you could assist with cleaning our database, it would greatly appreciated. Either call the toll free number (855) 505-2469, or send an email to memberservice@ecsaa.org.

First name Last name City State / Province Ship First name Last name City State / ProvinceShipJoseph Kownacki Albans Maine Shipname not provided Vincent G. Hunt Hartford Connecticut USS Ommaney Bay - CVE 79

Dara Hyde New York New York Shipname not provided John L Campbell Holliston Massachusetts USS Ommaney Bay - CVE 79

Jeff Hammond Albany Georgia Shipname not provided Raymond J Mansfield Rio Grande New Jersey USS Palau - CVE 122

William"Ted" Rankin Sand Springs Oklahoma Shipname not provided Robert A Weisel Milford New Jersey USS Palau - CVE 122

Jack D. Hansen Sun City West Arizona Shipname not provided Frank D'Ambrosio Brooklyn New York USS Palau - CVE 122

N. Donald Boink Brewster Massachusetts USS Admiralty Islands - CVE 99 Richard J Bisking Lebanon Pennsylvania USS Palau - CVE 122

John V. Bonds Sr. Garden Valley Idaho USS Admiralty Islands - CVE 99 Ross C Sakers Trainer Pennsylvania USS Palau - CVE 122

Dennis Heinrichs Tampa Florida USS Altamaha - CVE 18 Pat E Wills Anderson South Carolina USS Palau - CVE 122

Shirley Heinrichs Tampa Florida USS Altamaha - CVE 18 Vincent Melanson Punta Gorda Florida USS Palau - CVE 122

Susie Heinrichs Tampa Florida USS Altamaha - CVE 18 Terry C Stowarz Stuart Florida USS Palau - CVE 122

Vincent Valeras Yukon Oklahoma USS Altamaha - CVE 18 Lloyd Arnold Sumiton Alabama USS Palau - CVE 122

Dora Valeras Yukon Oklahoma USS Altamaha - CVE 18 Dean R Schwerr Mounds View Minnesota USS Palau - CVE 122

Robert Silver Amarillo Texas USS Altamaha - CVE 18 Alvin R C Kurtzahn Alexandria Minnesota USS Palau - CVE 122

Susan Silver Amarillo Texas USS Altamaha - CVE 18 Ralph Ross McKibben O'Fallon Missouri USS Palau - CVE 122

Glenn Froberg Tonka Bay Minnesota USS Badoeng Strait - CVE 116 Nelson Smith Girard Kansas USS Palau - CVE 122

Charles W. Markham Poland Ohio USS Bairoko - CVE 115 James R Borgerding Tyler Texas USS Palau - CVE 122

Robert Martin Surprise Arizona USS Bairoko - CVE 115 Donald O Huglen Eugene Oregon USS Palau - CVE 122

Charles Osenton Jamestown Rhode Island USS Barnes - CVE 20 Alan S. Loud Providence Rhode Island USS Palau - CVE 122

Del White Camden Michigan USS Barnes - CVE 20 William S Groff Manchester New Jersey USS Palau - CVE 122

Danny A. Stango Oxford Florida USS Barnes - CVE 20 Albert Musser Sellinsgrove Pennsylvania USS Palau - CVE 122

Donald Hamrick Lynnwood Washington USS Block Island 1 - CVE 21 Gabriel Petre Cumming Georgia USS Palau - CVE 122

Lawrence E. Bay Wantaugh New York USS Block Island 2 - CVE 106 Wilbur E Johnson Wausau Wisconsin USS Palau - CVE 122

Chester L. Shoemaker Macon Missouri USS Breton - CVE 23 Edson Fry Velva North Dakota USS Palau - CVE 122

Carroll Shullanberger Thousand Oaks California USS Cape Gloucester - CVE 109 Dewey Forbes Anacortes Washington USS Puget Sound - CVE 113

Ralph Braden Moreno Valley California USS Cape Gloucester - CVE 109 Nancy R. Sloan Fernandina Bch Florida USS Rendova - CVE 114

Joe Macchia Arizona City Arizona USS Card - CVE 11 W. O. Smith Rantoul Illinois USS Rendova - CVE 114

Ralph H. Myler Lebanon Oregon USS Card - CVE 11 Elbert W. Sawley, Jr. Jacksonville Florida USS Saidor - CVE 117

Charlie I. Carter Austin Texas USS Charger - CVE 30 Robert B. Porter Encinitas California USS Salamaua - CVE 96

MCW"Bill" Biersmith Stony Brook New York USS Chenango - CVE 28 Sheldon W. Wilson Etna California USS Salamaua - CVE 96

Harold L. Fitzpatrick Bayside California USS Copahee - CVE 12 Philip J. Seyfried Spring Hill Florida USS Salerno Bay - CVE 110

Ernest R. Frascilla Danvers Massachusetts USS Core - CVE 13 Lawrence B. Gillis Baileyville Maine USS Sangamon - CVE 26

A.Hugh Trask Glenwood Iowa USS Core - CVE 13 Joseph Blasko Port St.Lucie Florida USS Sangamon - CVE 26

William V. Harris China Spg Texas USS Core - CVE 13 Wm J Hurkman Janesville Wisconsin USS Sangamon - CVE 26

William J. Polster Fairfield Connecticut USS Corregidor - CVE 58 Melvin S Wolfe Plano Texas USS Sangamon - CVE 26

Louis G. Gladson Darby Pennsylvania USS Corregidor - CVE 58 Paul M. Curtis Kerrville Texas USS Sangamon - CVE 26

Floyd A. Lindekugel Gothenburg Nebraska USS Corregidor - CVE 58 Carl Guinta Orlando Florida USS Sangamon - CVE 26

Michael S. Molnar Derry New Hampshire USS Corregidor - CVE 58 John Koss Armada Michigan USS Sangamon - CVE 26

William Jeffers Memphis Tennessee USS Corregidor - CVE 58 Pauline Sharpe Circle Pines Minnesota USS Sangamon - CVE 26

Thomas A. Roell Mesa Arizona USS Douglas H.Fox - DD 779 Devoe E Hedrick Texarkana Texas USS Sangamon - CVE 26

Peter Longo Agawam Massachusetts USS Fanshaw Bay - CVE 70 Robert C. Amirault South Thomaston Maine USS Santee - CVE 29

Walter T. Tucker Jr. Largo Florida USS Fanshaw Bay - CVE 70 Robert G Neylon Piscataway New Jersey USS Santee - CVE 29

O.E. Billingsley Natchitoches Louisiana USS Gambier Bay - CVE 73 Cecil S. Jones Melbourne Beach Florida USS Sargent Bay - CVE 83

Leslie I. Kennedy Stone Mtn. Georgia USS Gambier Bay - CVE 73 Charles G. Morse Pasadena California USS Sargent Bay - CVE 83

Michael Risko Linden New Jersey USS Gilbert Islands - CVE 107 Paul L. Brown Addison Michigan USS Sargent Bay - CVE 83

Leroy Vincent Lake Charles Louisiana USS Guadalcanal - CVE 60 Donald E. Carlyle Atlanta Georgia USS Savo Island - CVE 78

Joseph H. Masse Bristol Rhode Island USS Guadalcanal - CVE 60 C.H. Johnson Kelso Washington USS Savo Island - CVE 78

Paul Loncsak Bradenton Florida USS Guadalcanal - CVE 60 Anthony Mammola Westbrook Connecticut USS Shamrock Bay - CVE 84

James H. Clifford Coloma Michigan USS Guadalcanal - CVE 60 Norman W. Goodman Richmond Virginia USS Shamrock Bay - CVE 84

Franklin E. Fairhurst Fall River Massachusetts USS Hoggatt Bay - CVE 75 Joe E. Solan Munster Indiana USS Shamrock Bay - CVE 84

Howard L Firebaugh Papillion Nebraska USS Hoggatt Bay - CVE 75 Robert Larzalere Fort Collins Colorado USS Siboney - CVE 112

Continued on page 20

Wesley J. Pomeroy Tacoma Washington USS Hollandia - CVE 97 Joe Bithoney Quincy Massachusetts USS Sicily - CVE 118

Novonoa Marie Long Cass City Michigan USS Kalinin Bay - CVE 68 William A Haines Canandaigua New York USS Sicily - CVE 118

Clifford Julius Lead South Dakota USS Kitkun Bay - CVE 71 Jesse L. Jackson Richmond Virginia USS Sicily - CVE 118

E.J Richardson Bend Oregon USS Kitkun Bay - CVE 71 Pamela Kellerhals Antioch Tennessee USS Sicily - CVE 118

Reginald A. Vokes Deland Florida USS Kitkun Bay - CVE 71 Joseph Peters. Jr. LaGrange Indiana USS Sicily - CVE 118

Kenneth E. Walker Ocala Florida USS Kitkun Bay - CVE 71 Manuel Medina Saginaw Michigan USS Sicily - CVE 118

John A Cooke Danville Illinois USS Long Island - CVE 1 Roger Leitch Minneapolis Minnesota USS Sicily - CVE 118

Louis D. Ladisernia Wilmington Delaware USS Lunga Point - CVE 94 Donald E. Smith Wynne Arkansas USS Sicily - CVE 118

Dale E. Jauert Nampa Idaho USS Makassar Strait - CVE 91 Denis Smith Buleson Texas USS Sicily - CVE 118

William J. Wisecup Rippey Iowa USS Makin Island - CVE 93 Earl McCool White Bird Idaho USS Sicily - CVE 118

Charles S. Woodburn Indiana Pennsylvania USS Makin Island - CVE 93 Charles Gilliam Santa Clara Utah USS Sicily - CVE 118

Elwood S. McClintic Hernando Mississippi USS Manila Bay - CVE 61 Bennett Paine Wright Los Angeles California USS Sicily - CVE 118

Dr. W.H. Forestelle Monterey California USS Manila Bay - CVE 61 Bill Burke El Cajon California USS Sicily - CVE 118

Jan Johnson Savannah Georgia USS Marcus Island - CVE 77 Paul Padget Costa Mesa California USS Sicily - CVE 118

Robert W. Nordahl Omaha Nebraska USS Marcus Island - CVE 77 Gene Knapp Bakersfield California USS Sicily - CVE 118

William D. Jones Aberdeen Washington USS Marcus Island - CVE 77 Burton M Kellogg La Grange Georgia USS Steamer Bay - CVE 87

Richard W. Fleck Collegeville Pennsylvania USS Mindoro - CVE 120 Don Shepard La Mesa California USS Steamer Bay - CVE 87

E. Blaine Schoolcraft Waverly Kansas USS Mindoro - CVE 120 Ross Miller Bakersfield California USS Steamer Bay - CVE 87

Larry Marion San Diego California USS Mindoro - CVE 120 Robert A. Moniz Visalia California USS Suwannee - CVE 27

Herbert H. Freise Lynwood Washington USS Mission Bay - CVE 59 Walter R. Richards Streator Illinois USS Takanis Bay - CVE 89

Leonard A Budz Hickory Hills Illinois USS Munda - CVE 104 Charles A Landon South Huston Texas USS Takanis Bay - CVE 89

Mike Dorman Ledbetter Kentucky USS Munda - CVE 104 G.W."Jerry" Cox Willits California USS Takanis Bay - CVE 89

Irvin E. Thomas Selma California USS Nassau - CVE 116 Al Rainey Seal Beach California USS Takanis Bay - CVE 89

Donald Botterweck Newton Kansas USS Natoma Bay - CVE 62 Thomas L Flanagan Tinton Falls New Jersey USS Tripoli - CVE 64

Joseph E. Giacomini San Rafael California USS Natoma Bay - CVE 62 John P Stroupe Cherryville North Carolina USS Tripoli - CVE 64

Donald E. Williams Sarasota Florida USS Nehenta Bay - CVE 74 George Darwell Ormond Beach Florida USS Tripoli - CVE 64

Don Hanson Worthington Minnesota USS Nehenta Bay - CVE 74 Daniel Duda Valrico Florida USS Tulagi - CVE 72

Gerald Hesley Mason City Iowa USS Wake Island - CVE 65

Undeliverable Addresses Continued

The Piper received a recommendation to consider inserting a statement into the CVE Piper for individuals to input a short article on their experience of either a “Funny Incident” or “Accidents & Close Calls” that occurred while they were in the Navy or aboard the CVE carrier. No doubt most of our members have some-thing that they could write about which would not take much effort to do so. Mr. Robert Wagner was kind enough to submit the first one. I look forward to hearing from others. Just email them to memberservice@ecsaa or mail to: ECSAA, 1251 N.Military Highway #128, Norfolk, VA 23502

Sometime after we left the States, approval for growing a beard was given. Prior to this, we were permitted to grow a mus-tache, but the remainder of the face had to be clean shaven especially when there was a personnel inspection. Some individu-als chose to grow a beard, but many more chose not to. It was interesting though see-ing the different colors and types of beards.

Some were grey, black, brown, streaked and even red and some were bushy, thin, straight, curly or sometimes scrawny. Some of the beards tended to be round, and others came to a point or even two points.One particular red-haired person in our squadron decided to grow a beard that

had two points, one on the left and one on the right side of his chin. He spent a lot of time trimming the beard so that it was shaped just perfectly as he wanted to impress his family with it when he got back to the States and his home town. We were on our way home on the Sicily somewhere between Hawaii and San Diego. One night, when he was sleeping, a shipmate took a pair of scissors and quickly cut off one of the two points of his beard and the practical joker quickly disappeared before the half-bearded sailor woke up. You can’t imagine how mad the half bearded sailor was. He was furious. Upon getting over the initial shock of it all, he immediately cut off the remainder of his beard. Frankly, I think it was a rotten trick to do, although as expected, everyone got a big laugh out of it. To this day, I don’t think anyone knows who did this rotten deed.Excerpt from the book VS-931 Antisubmarine Squadron by J. Robert Wagner

Hope to see you in San Antonio, Texas

in 2017

CVE LAST NAME FIRST NAME DATE OF DEATH ALTAMAHA SMITH CLARENCE 1/26/2016ALTAMAHA WOOD ROBERT 2/15/2015BARNES OSENTON CHARLES 9/24/2016 BOGUE SNYDER FRANK 9/20/2016BRETON GOODMAN NORMAN 11/14/2016CASABLANCA HATHAWAY OSCAR 11/20/2016CHARGER CROWSON LESLIE 12/1/2014CHENANGO FOGG ANDY 5/11/2016CHENANGO STENSRUD STANTON D. 8/10/2016COMMENCEMENT BAY PECK JAMES 10/26/2016CORE ALLEN JACK 9/29/2016CORE HAMILTON ROBERT L 8/12/2016CROATAN WILSON LAWRENCE 10/12/2016GILBERT ISLANDS BRINN WALTER 10/29/2015KWAJALEIN SWAIN LAWRENCE J 10/31/2016LISCOME BAY FREEMAN ROGER 5/30/2016LUNGA POINT TEJEDA EDWARD 9/26/2015MANILA BAY TRASK, JR. CORRY 11/8/2016NATOMA BAY HERNANDEZ, JR HENRY 8/17/2016PETROF BAY SPURLOCK A D 10/26/2015POINT CRUZ SANDERS SIDNEY 8/23/2016POINT CRUZ STARK REX 3/3/2016PUGET SOUND GRIMM WILLIAM 12/16/1975RENDOVA WILLIAMS CARL 10/24/2016ROI CIONTEA JOSEPH 9/30/2016RUDYERD BAY ADAMSHICK ANDREW 11/8/2015RUDYERD BAY ELSON HUGH 8/14/2016SAIDOR CHRISTENSEN DONALD 10/5/2016SANGAMON BARDIN JOHN 10/5/2011 SANGAMON BASS TROY 11/6/2016SANGAMON CHANAT MICHAEL 12/11/2015SANGAMON MILLAN HENRY 3/21/2015SANTEE BUCKLIN JULIAN 12/30/2005SIBONEY BAY BACON ROGER 10/12/2016SICILY MCCARTHY, JR WALTER 3/17/2016SICILY SMITH RUSH 10/26/2016SICILY STARR DEAN 11/20/2016SOLOMONS FOULKS JOHN R. 11/22/2016TRIPOLI HOLT LANNIE 2/6/2016VC-42 McGRATH JOHN 11/19/2016VELLA GULF FOSS GORDON 12/17/2015WAKE ISLAND BEELER ROBERT 9/30/2016WINDHAM BAY SPURLIN DAVID W 8/17/2016

A VETERAN DIED TODAY (POEM)Anonymous

He was getting old and paunchy,and his health was failing fast.And he sat around the Legion, telling of his past.Of the war that he had fought in. Of the deeds he had done.Of the exploits with his buddies. They were heros, every one.

Though,sometimes to his neighbors,his tales became a joke.All his buddies listened, for they knew whereof he spoke.But we’ll hear his tales no longer, for old Bill has passed away.And the world’s a little poorer, for a Veteran died today.

No,he wasn’t 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, quietly going on his way.And the world won’t note his passing’though a Veteran died today.

When politicians leave this earth, their bodies lie in state.While thousands note their passing, proclaiming they were great.The papers tell their life stories, from the time that they were young.But the passing of a Veteran, goes unnoticed and unsung.

Is the greatest contribution to the welfare of this land,Some jerk who breaks his promise,and cons his fellow man?Or the ordinary fellow, who in time of war and strife,Goes off to serve country. And offers up his life.

The politician’s stipend, and the style in which they live.Are sometimes disproportionate, to the service that they give.While the ordinary Veteran, who offered up his allIs paid off with a medal and perhaps a pension small

Its so easy to forget, for it was so long ago.That our Bobs and Jims went to battle, but we know.It was not the politician, with his compromise and ploy,Who won for us this freedom that our citizens enjoy.

Should you find yourself in danger, with your enemies at hand.Would you really want some copout, with his ever waffling hand.Or would you want a veteran, who has sworn to defend His home, his kin and his country and fight until the end?

He’s just a common veteran 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 Veterens partIs to clean up all the troubles that the politicians start.

If we cannot do him honor, while he’s alive to hear the praise.Then at least lets give him homage at the ending of his daysPerhaps a simple headline in the paper that might say“Pay honor to this hero, for a Veteren died today”.

TAPS

First Name Last Name ShipHarry A Bartz USS Sicily - CVE 118Gabriel M. Campbell USS Point Cruz - CVE 119Wayne G. Dana USS Point Cruz - CVE 119John R. Davis USS Badoeng Strait - CVE 116Carol I. DeMonaco USS Kadashan Bay - CVE 76Robert E. Duffy USS Saidor - CVE 117Roy H. Dujat USS Gilbert Islands - CVE 107Sheri Fitzgerald USS Core - CVE 13Herbert C. Glifort USS Palau - CVE 122John G. Jerpe USS Makin Island - CVE 93Douglas W. Johnson USS Gilbert Islands - CVE 107Dale T. Judge USS Petrof Bay - CVE 80Richard W. Kelly USS Sicily - CVE 118Frank Kilduff USS Kasaan Bay - CVE 69

Shirley A. Kirby USS Kula Gulf - CVE 108George F. Lingg USS Salamaua - CVE 96Stuart Mast USS Chenango - CVE 28Robert J. McGaffigan USS Sangamon - CVE 26Patricia Mika USS Santee - CVE 29Daniel Mircovich USS Sicily - CVE 118Marjorie Murry USS Fanshaw Bay - CVE 70James Otto USS Saidor - CVE 117Eddie Pippin USS Tulagi - CVE 72Harvey R. Plunkett USS Cape Esperance - CVE 88Donald Schilke USS Badoeng Strait - CVE 116John S. Smith USS Salamaua - CVE 96Adam Spitzley USS Tripoli - CVE 64Bratton Watson USS Admiralty Islands - CVE 99

The membership committee sends out monthly reminders (via email and snail mail) of pending membership dues. We thought it might be useful to publish the names of members whose dues are payable within the next quarter.

Troy Bass Donald SpurlinCarl Williams Henry Hernandez, Jr.Robert Hamilton

Charles Olsenton

John McGrath

Lawrence Swain Chris Christenson Corry Trask, Jr.

James Peck Walter Brinn Rush Smith

Norman Goodman

Robert Bacon

Sidney Sanders

Photos of Escort Carrier Sailors Who have Passed in the last Quarter...Thank you for your service.

Seasons Greetings to All -

As I reflect about this Christmas, several things come to mind - large meals with more food than we need, exchanging gifts, football bowl games, laughing and having a great time with family and friends, but most of all recognizing the birth of Jesus Christ. How fortunate we are to be American citizens, protected by our military here and abroad!

I pray for those protecting our freedoms overseas - they are not with their families, and some will spend Christmas day in harm’s way. I pray for their safety and quick return to their homes.

God Bless -

Anthony __________________________________________________________________

Holiday Greetings to all!

As I reflect on the year, and the challenges we have at home and the events that have occurred in the world. I have realized how lucky I am that I was born in the greatest nation even with all the challenges our country faces.

And in no small measure the reason we are the greatest nation is the sacrifices and efforts that our past and present military veterans have done.

Let us pray for the safety of those serving and give thanks to those that have served. And let’s not forget to also give a big thank you to the families of these men and women.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Clay Hathaway _________________________________________________________________

Merry Christmas from Texas

I am thankful for the founding fathers of ECSAA, when 25 years ago they had the foresight to bring members from THE GREATEST GENERATION together with the goal of making sure their fellow shipmates and airmen sacrifices and heroic efforts to defend the USA would “Never be forgotten!”

I am reminded that our “Freedom” is not “Free”, but rather earned and protected by our Armed Forces. May God bless them and bless America.

Bob Evans __________________________________________________________________

ECSAA Members & Families,We are at that time of year again where we look back on the year and take stock in our experiences and accomplishments. I’m proud to be a member of ECSAA. It was wonderful to see everyone at our annual convention in Mobile and see the comradery and cheer. I’m proud of our organization and its efforts to reach out to families and those not yet involved with ECSAA. With all of this, I am profoundly thankful for the sacrifices our military have made, and continue to make daily, to ensure our freedom. I wish you happy holidays and a joyous new year.

God Bless America.

David P. Ryan

Happy Holidays to all ECSAA members and their families. May 2017 be rich in blessings.

Art Lowe ______________________________________________________________

Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. - Albert Einstein

ECSAA’s phone number: For Membership Sign-up and Renewals call Toll Free In the USA: (855) 505 - 2469

FLAG OR ESCORT EMBLEMS

$1.50 EACH OR

3 FOR $2.50

If you have any questions please contact Art at: Home Phone: 314.429.1169Email: awlstl@aol.com

Mail Order Form to:Arthur LoweVice President, ECSAA5 Longbow Court, St. Louis MO 63114

Merchandise Order Form

Ship order to:

Name ________________________________________________

Street Address _________________________________________

City _________________________ State _____ Zip __________

Phone Number ________________________________________

Item Qty Cost Color Size Ship Amount Due

Short Sleeve Shirt $35.00Flag or Escort Emblems $1.50 ea OR 3 for $2.50Challenge Coin $12.00Escort Carriers and their Air Unit Markings during WWII in the Pacific

$12.00

To Cock a Cannon $15.00Watch Cap $16.00

Total Amount Due

ECSAA CHALLENGE COINS DEPICTING THE CAPTURE OF THE U-505 GERMAN

SUBMARINE IN WWII BY A CVE CARRIER TASK GROUP

$12.00TO COCK A CANNON

BY D. A. PATTIE

$15.00

SHORT SLEEVE SHIRTS

EMBROIDER SHIP BETWEEN NAME AND NUMBER OVER

POCKET

NEED SIZE AND COLOR

$35.00

Items for Sale by ECSAAECSAA

Watch Cap

$16.00

Escort Carriers and their Air Unit Markings during

WWII in the Pacific

$12.00

Unfortunately we can

no longer have only one hat embroidered at a

time