Ship Mates Bios
In Memory of From Merrill... I served on the Askari from June 1952 to August 1953. I was a Personnel man PNSA, PNSN and PN3. I worked for the Executive Officer, M. C. Thompson, LT USN. Other names I remember are Julian Craig, PN3, Bill Hamilton, YN3, Paul (Wormy) Cramer, EN3, Don King, YN2,Babcock, DCFN, who played a mean guitar, and could sing almost any song requested. If I searched my memory long enough I could probably think of others, but at the age of 66 and 46 years later, that’s a job. I was on the ship for the 1952-53 trip to Japan listed in the history. We were supposed to stop in Pearl 48 hours, but that trip stretched into three weeks because we had a bent prop shaft. While we were in dry-dock we also had our bottom cleaned and painted. We also made a 48 hour stop at Midway Island to take on fuel, fresh water and provisions. The Askari was SOPA en route with a bunch of LSSLs that were being ferried to West Pac to be turned over to the Korean Navy. When we arrived in Japan, the ships repair crew spent a lot of time fixing-up the LSSLs in preparation for the transfer. I was transferred to the USS Bellatrix (AKA-3) and a few months later to the USS Calvert (APA-32). From there, I was transferred to ships Company at the Receiving Station, Seattle, where I spent the last 15 months of my four year hitch. I was mustered out in September 1955. I earned PN2 while in Seattle. I got a job as a meat cutter at the Big Bear Store in the Graceland Shopping Center in Columbus, Ohio. In April 1956 I returned to active duty in the TAR program at the Reserve Training Center in Columbus Ohio. I earned PN1 while stationed there. I was released from active duty in March 1958 to attend The Ohio State University from which I Graduated in August 1961. Upon graduation, I was hired by the Social Security Administration in Baltimore, Maryland. I started as a Management Intern. I worked the next 14 years there as an Employment Development Officer, going from GS-7 to GS-14. In 1975, I was selected as an Area Director Intern. I first trained in Richmond, Virginia and then in Nashville, Tennessee. In May 1977, I reported as Area Director in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I retired in December 1986 with a total of 32 years Federal service. I have two adult children and two children at home, ages 10 and 13. I currently work in the local school system as a Para Educator in Special Education. It’s been a great life! My best wishes to all former members of the Askari crew. I’d love to hear from anyone who may have been on the Askari during the Korean era.
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Doyle, Michael
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Doucette, Thomas LT. JG. Tom Doucette. Entered OCS program 9/1953: commissioned 1/1954 & reported to ASKARI in 3/1954. Served as Operations Commissions officer from 6/1954 to 9/1955. Transferred to Great Lakes, IL. & discharged in 1/1957. Pursued an insurance career with the Milwaukee Insurance companies for 41 years. Retired in 1996. Married to Joan for 52 years, 3 children & 4 grandchildren. I hate computers so I invite shipmates to drop me a note at the above address. I am very interested in attending the next ship reunion |
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Eastman, John (Jack) Memory is a little fuzzy. But I believe I came on board in "53"as FP3 in ships co. Soon after I came on board and prior to the ships departure for WesPac. I went to the pink palace (Balboa) with a chest infection. The ship left without me. Got out of there and did a tour in reserve fleet. Then a tour on Bryce Canyon AD36. Then USS James E. Kyes DD787. Kyes was home ported at Youkuska (sp?).Then USS Thuban AKA19 (Norfolk). Then to the Krishna ARL38. I went to Nam on the Krishna in "65". Then I did a short cruise on the Evans DD754. I hung it up in Oct. of "67" after 14 yrs. 11m.1day. I kicked around the coast for awhile and around 1970 I came back east and ended up back where I started in Ohio. I had been through welding school a couple of times and I could get a job anywhere. I got married in "72"(3rd) and we have two children. Our Daughter (25) has been married for five yrs and has two daughters 16m and 40 days. Her husband works at UPS as a computer trouble shooter. Our son (23) is still at home and is a GM tech at a local dealership. My wife is an RN and works 3rd at county hospital. OB. As for me I worked at various shops and factory's welding until my eyesight gave out. Then I worked as a security guard at the federal trade zone at Honda until I retired in "69" We bought two acres and put up a 3 BR modular the same year. Now I stay busy doing projects around the house and surfing the web. I'm a big Dale Earnhardt fan. I'll be 66 in Apr. Have you read "Brown Water, Black Berets" (Thomas J. Cutler, LTDR,USN) ?
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Greenwald,Gil - Deceased In Memory of Gil Greenwald died on 4/1/13 from cholangiocarcinoma, a rare cancer of the bile duct in this country but a fairly common cancer in SE Asia where there is a water fluke that can infect the bile duct and leave scarring which turns cancerous over time. If any of you have frequent bouts of "heartburn", bloating, pain in the area of the liver or other bothersome abdominal symptoms, please see a Dr. and request a CAT scan of the area. This is a slow growing but extremely deadly cancer. He died just 4 months after diagnosis. God bless you all. Carol Greenwald, Gil's widow From Gil... I served aboard the Askari from 12/66 to 11/67...was one of the fortunate ones to cross the pacific on her stopping off in Hawaii and Subic Bay before getting in country about 02/67. I was a cox's on one of the LCVPs...really enjoyed that job...upon discharge my MOS was "water taxi" service...but alas I ended up in the U S Postal Service but only lasted 9 yrs. I then went to work for the Santa Barbara's Sheriffs Dept as a Corrections Officer. After making Sgt., it just wasn't fun anymore so after 7 yrs I went back to the post office. I guess all that training has helped me from goin' "postal" 'round here. I've been a Sheriff's Reserve for the last 20 yrs...but have finally gotten too old for that. Just can't keep up with those young Deputy's so now I just translate or work civic duties. I work as a City Carrier here in Fort Bragg, Ca...that's in Mendocino County which is famous for its "Cash Crops". Married...five kids with two still at home....we're looking forward to retirement. This northern California is the greatest. I really enjoy thinking of the ol' days in the Navy ...aboard the Askari...at the time though I just couldn't wait to get back "stateside"...didn't think I'd ever get out of the service soon enough...but...now...I think of those days as some of my best experiences....I'm glad I went through them.
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Freeman, B.J. CWO USN-Retired After graduating from High School in Denver City, Texas, I enlisted in the United States Navy in July of 1954 and attended boot-camp training in San Diego. In November of 1954, I received orders to the USS Shangri-LaCVA-38, the first aircraft carrier in the Pacific Fleet with Steam Cat's, Hurricane Bow and Canted Deck. I served 3 ½ years in the Shangri-La leaving her as a 2nd Class Machinist Mate for shore duty in Alameda, California. In Alameda, I was assigned to the Base Master-at-Arms Force under Senior Quartermaster Chief Duke who had served in the USS Langley, the United States 1st Aircraft Carrier. In July 1959, I mustered out of the Navy as a 1st Class Machinist Mate. After one year and three months of attempting to "Make it" in the mild recession of 59, I re-enlisted in Dallas, Texas and reported for duty as a Station Keeper (Instructor) at the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps Reserve Training Center at 2309 and Line Ave in Amarillo, Texas. After serving two years in Amarillo, Texas I received orders to report to the USS Hopewell DD-681 and after six months on board I was advanced to Chief Machinist Mate and served in Hopewell for three years before receiving orders to Commander Destroyer Flotilla Five (CDF-5) Pearl Harbor. As the Assn't Material Officer at CDF-5, I was advanced to Senior Chief Machinist Mate. In 1967 and while at Pearl, I was commissioned as a W-1 Warrant Officer and attended OCS in Newport Rhode Island. Upon graduation from OCS, I was promoted to W-2 and served in COMPHIBPAC staff for a year, then reported to the USS Askari ARL-30 (in- country) and operating in and around Dong Tam on the Mekong. While in Askari, I served under Cdr. George Once a USN and later under Cdr. Al Festag Jr. USN. I reported as the Assistant Repair Officer and after approximately six months, I served as the Repair Officer. While serving in Askari, I was also appointed as the Ships Electronics Officer since the R-3 Division came under my supervision. After thirteen months of in-country life in South Vietnam, I received orders as a W-2 to report to Naval Ships Engineering Command (NAVSEC) at Headquarters in Washington D.C. where I was selected and promoted to W-3 Warrant Officer status. After Two years in Washington D.C. and as Program Manager for the Engineering Operational Sequencing System (EOSS) program, I received orders to the USS Sumter LST-1181 as the Assistant Chief Engineer (MPA). While in Sumter, I was qualified as CDO and OOD underway. After two years in Sumter, I received orders to the USS Piedmont AD-17 as the R-2 Machinery Repair Division Officer. While serving in Piedmont I was qualified as CDO and OOD underway. After a two year stint in the Piedmont, I received orders to the Long Beach Naval Shipyard to the Repair Department as a Ships Superintendent. Later I was assigned as the Ships Superintendent for the 9 Million Dollar Modernization of the Australian Guided Missile Destroyer HMS Perth D-38and was subsequently selected for promotion to W-4. I retired from the Navy in October of 1975. After retiring from the Navy, I have attended Orange County Jr. College (AA), the University of San Francisco (BS) and the University of San Francisco (MBA) and several other colleges for additional studies. Since this time I have worked in Industry as a Facilities Engineering Manager for various Companies, i.e., Goodyear Rubber Company, Hunt Wesson Foods, Fluor, United Technologies - Carrier Division, Waukesha, and ABM Building Management Inc. Later in 1987, I also worked for the Navy as a NAVSEC representative as the Engineering Systems Test Development Director for the FFG-7 Oliver Hazard Perry Class Shipbuilding Program at the Todd Shipyard
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In Memory of Jerry O. Howard, Sr. From Jerry.. I served on USS Askari from Nov 68 to Oct 69. Most of that time we were on operation "Giant Slingshot". During that time I was an RM1. After leaving the Askari I was assigned to the USS Bon Homme Richard (CVA-31). Three months later I was back in the waters near Vietnam, Only this time it was a lot safer. We decommissioned the BHR in 71 and I then went to Navy Reserve Training Center in Eureka, CA. Two years there and then on to NAS Fallon, NV. A couple of years there and then to Naval Area Master Communication Station, Guam. Stayed there three years and endured one of the worst typhoons and an earth quake. Typhoon Pamela was rated as a Super Typhoon. The wind gauge broke at 200.From there I went to NAS Kingsville Texas and retired there in 1979. My wife April and our three kids, Terri, Jeff and Jerry Jr. moved back to Muscatine, IA for five years then came to Boise Idaho, where we started our own Insurance Agency. We sold it last year and I am now working at Micron Technology, making chips for computers and other electronic equipment. My oldest son Jeff is a MSGT in the USAF and our youngest son Jerry is a SGT in the Marine Corp. My daughter is a Nurse in Mass. My wife is still in the Insurance business.
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Hubik, Thomas J.
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Jellison, Jim
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Kus, Marshall Engineman AC generators Made trip to dry dock Sasabo Japan, and was very sea sick. Looking to find another EN in my work space from Louisiana. I moved from Mich. 19 yrs. ago. Self-employed Started a welding fab and repair shop just south of Houston, Texas.
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Marvin L. Marks
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Miller, Dennis R. I joined the Navy in 6/68 at the age of 20 thinking that if I had to go to Nam I would most likely be sitting off the coast someplace. I wound up being an Engineman with the MRF (Mobile Riverine Force) aboard the Askari. I was aboard from 1/69 to 1/70. I came on board as an ENFN with A-school training (Great Lakes) and boat training (Mare Island). I received a combat field promotion to EN3. I worked with the inside engine shop. I first worked with engine cooling systems but most of my time was with transmissions. I stood BID (base internal defense) watches on the LCM-6 every other night for most of my tour. After my year on the Askari I served two years on the ocean tug USS CatawbaATA-210 out of Mayport Fla. I got a 4 month early out due to my Nam duty when the tug was given to the Argentine Navy.
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PETTIT, ROBERT A Graduated high school in 64. Entered Navy on what was supposed to be a kitty cruise, in a day before your 18 and get out a day before you turn 21. But after was supposed to go to diesel school upon graduation from boot, was sent to Yorktown, VA for 2 years. While there I kept telling them I was supposed to get a school after boot. I finally ended up getting mr school in San Diego. About half way through the course I was called into the office, and was told I would have to drop out because my grades were not up with the rest of the class, well the rest of them were reservists doing there active time and they worked in machine shops all week at home. So I dropped out and was put in what they called X Division waiting for orders. Got my orders to report to Mare island Vallejo. Met the rest of the crew there and we got her ready for recommissioning, went out for sea trials and all that good stuff then we finally left the states for Nam. Spent Xmas of 66 in Pearl Harbor across from the Arizona. Met up with Hubert Hamilton, he taught me how to weld the hard way. We were playing yahtzee up in the galley one night, he took down to the shop, put me in the booth and told me every time you stick the rod I'm going to hit you. Well before the night was over i was welding good enough for him and got better as time went on. Got out in 68 worked for a chemical plant for four years got laid off then went to auto mechanic school, worked for kmart, pepboys grants and a local gas station. Gave up that job, I am now working in a local grocery store at night time stocking shelves and I am out of all that bad weather at the gas station. Been at the store for 71/2 years. The store is now a Thriftway, but sometime next month it will change over to a Shop-rite. I still will have my job with a raise and union behind me. I am married for the second time. Lost first wife in 75 from a bloodclot and a 5 1/2 yr old son in 75 all within 5 months. Met a girl in a local bar and have been married for 27 years. Am having blackout seizures since I came home, getting 60% disability from the VA and all the free medicine. I am living across the Delaware river from the Philadelphia navy yard, vet stadium and the hockey rink.
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Nelson, Lou I served aboard the Askari 1970-71, Dong Tam, Long Xuen, An Toi, Sonong Doc,Vung Tau, off the coast during the U Mihn forest operation support, I think that was the operation anyway, it's been a long time. I was a E-3 shipfitter and was put on one of our two LCVP troop landers as the snipe as no one else wanted to fill that spot and we were short on EN strikers. I asked Commander Knight, our Captain, for the assignment as I was bored with being on the ship and wanted to go out on the rivers. It was interesting for a foolish young boy of 18 who was all excited about being so far from home in a strange and beautiful land. As I recall, our Vietnamese liason officer was a man named Mr. Hung, a very shy and courteous man. After about six months on the LCVP I went back on board the Askari as we were preparing to go to Guam via the Phillipines to turn her over to the Indonesians. I flew from Guam back to the states and finished my tour of service on the USS Sierra AD 18 out of Norfolk, VA..Upon leaving the navy I ventured to Wyoming from my home in Wisconsin to visit a friend from the navy. I ended up living in Wyoming 11 years working in an open pit uranium mine at Shirley Basin, Wyo. as a welder of heavy equipment. Went to working the oil fields taking care of oil wells at the salt creek field at Midwest, Wyo. for a few years then worked in a refinery in Casper, Wyo. for the last 5 years that I lived there. Moved back to Wis. in 1985 and am now the maint./research support services manager for the University of Wisconsin/Milwaukee field research station in the town of Saukville, Wisc., 45 miles north of Milwaukee. 3500 acres of forest and cedar swamp. I'll stay there till I retire I expect. Married to Sandy, great wife, one boy 25 yrs. old. Became a Christian 15 yrs. ago. Goodlife, very happy. Wish you all as much joy in life as I have.
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Schenck, John P. After completing boots and Class "A" Electrician's Mate School at San Diego Naval Station, I served aboard the Askari from 1952 to 1955. After leaving the Askari, I was transferred to an APA out of Long Beach, spent some time in the naval hospital at Corona, CA, and was mustered out on November 10, 1955 at Long Beach. I worked as an industrial electrician in Southern CA until 1956 when I returned to Nebraska to enter the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. After getting my Baccalaureate Degree in 1959,I bummed around until 1961when I began work on a Master's Degree. I was called to the Peace Corps in1963 and spent two years constructing a school house in a Lima slum. While in Peru, I met and married Eva Nachmann, a host country national. After my tour of duty, we moved to West Lafayette, IN where I earned a Ph.D. Degree at Purdue University in 1969. I then took a position at Indiana State University. In 1975, I took a position at the University of South Dakota at Springfield. In 1983, I took a position at Northern State College (now a university) were I retired in 1998. My beloved wife passed away in February, 1998. I stay occupied with crossword puzzles, Italian opera, and my pets. The Peace Corps has accepted me again but I'm going to be very particular this time about where I go and what I do.
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Scott, John I was an EN3 when I arrived aboard and made EN2 before I left. I was in repair division. I worked in the injector shop and outside repair most of the time. as an EN3 I stood messenger of the watch and as an EN2 I stood starlight scope watch. After being separated from the Navy I worked at a Ford dealership as a new car-quick service mechanic. I went from new car to line and when I quit working for dealerships I was a service manager. After that I went to work for Southern Pacific Railroad as a heavy equipment mechanic. They transferred me from L.A. Cal. to a small town in western Ks. to help rebuild the track that was owned by the Rock Island Railroad& So Pac had bought it. After we got the work done they wanted me to go back to L.A. so I quit and got a job as a service manager in a Chevrolet dealership. After about 2 years there was an opening in the Sheriff's dept. so I quit the Chevrolet dealership and went into law enforcement. I had wanted to do this when I got out of the Navy but my wife at the time said no so I didn't. In a few years my father had bone marrow cancer so I quit the sheriff's dept and bought a gas station and auto repair shop in Oklahoma to be close to him. After about 2 years the V.A. told me I should quit that and they would send to school to learn another trade so I went to school to become a Medical Technologist. And here I am today.
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Taylor, Paul "Pete" Hope I can make this readable for everyone. Not to sharp on typing after all these years. When I left the Askari in Dec 1955, I returned to Terre Haute, Ind where I was born and raised. Then came to Indpls to try to work for the car shops at Amtrac but had a problem with a bad back. I did get a job on a retail bread route for Colonial Baking Co. for 5 1/2 years, then went to work for Phillips 66 in 1960 where I stayed for 10 years, 'til the job got cut back. Went to work as a contractor doing the same thing, repairing gas pumps. A few short years later, I started putting in gas tanks and repairing electronic gas pumps [my sons specialty]. We formed a corporation, wife, son, and I. Worked well 'til 1981 when I had a heart attack and triple bypass. Did well 'til 1990 when I had another heart attack and triple bypass. In 88 wife sold her part of corp., and I sold the rest of it in 91 to partner. Started attending antique gas engine and tractor shows. Wife always goes with me to make sure I don't buy too much. I also collect old riding tractors, oldest is 1939 newest is 1964. I enjoy rebuilding, scraping grease, and rust priming and painting. I helped found the Vintage Garden Tractor Club of America. Right this day, I am staying inside, as I have for last two weeks, cause of cold. My wife and I of 48 years have 4 children, 19 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. We have a house full at Christmas when we all get together, but we love it (Unfortunately Pete passed away 4/29/99)
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Turner, William "Doug" I served on the Askari from May of 67 to May of 68 as a ship fitter. I was a Second Class Diver too. When I got out of the NAVY I became a police officer for the city of Albuquerque. I did this for 5 years. I then started work for the Department of Energy (DOE) as a courier, special agent. Most of this work is classified so I cannot say too much about it. I became a training officer with DOE until 1983, and then I bought an ice cream and sandwich store. I was doing real well until I got divorced. I then went back to DOE, this time working for the contractor as a Driving Firearms Instructor. I teach tractor-trailer driving to courier recruits and do annual re-certification check rides for couriers. I help out with firearms and anti-terrorist training too. Again I cannot say too much about it because of it being classified, the couriers special agents jobs. I have 5 daughters and 3 grandsons. I fish and play golf whenever possible and try to stay in shape playing racquetball. I guess that’s about it for now. Hope to hear from you soon.
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Willoughby, Tom I attended Western Michigan College (now WMU) after high school, where the most notable thing I did was meet a little Dutch girl from Holland, Michigan. (Much to my dismay she passed away on March 10, 2005). We were married during my senior year. After college in 1952, Uncle Sam's draft was breathing down my neck, so I joined the Navy. After boot camp, I was selected for OCS, and then attended Supply Corps School. The Askari was my first duty assignment as Disbursing Officer and assistant to Clyde Killion, the Supply Officer. After the Askari, I was transferred to the USS Greer County (LST799), which belonged to the Mine Force. It served as a Flag Ship for a mines weep squadron and carried a load of supplies and spare parts for the sweepers. I headed up the Supply Dept. Our oldest child, Marianne, was born in Long Beach, CA, our home port, in 1955. I was released from active duty in 1956 and returned to Ypsilanti, MI to join my Dad in the retail shoe business. For the next thirty years we added shoe stores in the Ann Arbor-Ypsi area and kids at about the same rate. Katherine 1957, Charles 1960, James 1961, and David 1968. But, like the kids, the shoe stores grew up and moved on. By 1986 we closed the last original store in downtown Ypsilanti. It was then that I learned how to successfully liquidate and close down a retail store. Since then I have been doing just that for others, and have conducted several dozen liquidations.. I am still doing them once in a while. Our grandchild count currently stands at sixteen, ranging from one that is married and out of college to a newborn. I stayed in the Naval Reserve for several years and rose to LCDR, but business obligations forced me to give it up long before I got my 20 years in. My hobbies have varied. I was an avid sailor for many years, going through three different boats, until I finally lost interest. I ride a bicycle often when the weather is right. I like to watch track meets, and am a meet official for Ypsi High, U of M, and Eastern Michigan U. Obviously, the best place to watch a track meet is at the finish line, so I'm the finish-line judge. I was one of the first kids on the block with a computer back in the late 70's, and still like to play around with them. I designed and programmed this site for fun, and have also made several commercial database applications. I am the President of a small foundation that assists the less fortunate with minor medical emergencies. I still belong to the Rotary Club and start nearly every morning at 8AM with a group of guys called "the morning coffee club", which includes most anyone who happens by at that hour, to swap stories, lies, and other good trivia.
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