California (BB 44) - Naval Cruise Book

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in the ISS Kitiillltllllltl. Recxcs on his oxxn nnttatixe. in a burning passagcxx ax. assisted in thc maintenance ot an .nnniuintion supplx bx hand to the anti aircraft guns tintil be xx as ox ereonie hx smoke and llanics xx hich resulted in ltts tlcatllt The llhonias J Rcex es Memorial Wall in the Thoniaston Toxxn Hall xx as conceixed and built by Mario llellccol xx ith the assistance ofthe Thomaston Rotatx Club. lt xx as dedicated pnor to the 50th Annix ersaix of Pearl Harbor. It xx as attended bx one ofthe txx o suix ix ing nieces ol'Tliomas Recxcs Thomas Reex es did not marry and had no children. YINCENT R. REINSMITH. USN. born Sept. 3. 1921 Enlisted Oct. 23. 19-10. Allcntoxxn recruiting station. Boot camp at NTS Nexxpoit. Rl. Boarded USS Cizlifornia in Bremerton. WA. Was aboard ship Sunday moming xxthen Japanese attacked. Saxx the first bomb drop on Ford Island xx hen xx alking to his cleaning station on the Quarter-deck. When the order carrie to abandon ship. swam through burning oil slick to Ford Island. Received change of clothing and title. Sent to north side of Island to protect the beach from inx asion. Was reported killed in action. Not until December 3 1 st had the Navy Department notified his parents ofthe mistake. It was very traumatic for his mother. His whole Navy career was with the Calyfarnia fPrune Barget. Started in the 4th Division. Spent a few months with the Radio Gang and went back up top side to the 4th Division. just in time before the attack. Was glad not to trapped below deck as the ship was sinking. The 5 inch anti-aircraft guns were taken off the ship and set up at Hickam Field. They stood watch on the guns at night and worked to re-tloat the ship during the day. Came back with the ship to Bremerton, WA, for complete over-hall. Achieved the rank of Coxswain. Was Master-At-Anns until assigned to 12th Division as Division Petty Ofhcer with the rank of Boatswains Mate 2nd Class. Went back to sea. Battle station for his division as the 20mm gun mounts. Thirteen of his men were killed when Japanese kamikaze hit. On the way to the Philippines the ship was rammed by the USS Tennessee. Repaired off New Guinea in floating dry-dock. Crossed the Equator on all three oceans. On ship when not in battle he was on the boxing team. sat in on the drums for Micky Pallamary of Ships Band. was assistant editor of The Cub, studied for OTC. On record for Boatswains Mate lst Class. The California assisted in seven island landings, shot down ses en Japanese planes. sank one Japanese battleship. After the surrender they sailed around the world to put the Grand Old Lady in moth balls at Philadelphia Navy Yard. Discharged Dec. 30, 1946. after six years, two months and eight days. Medals are American Area Ribbon. WWII Victory Ribbon. Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal five stars, Philippine Liberation Ribbon with two stars. Good Conduct Ribbon. American Defense Ribbon with one star. Married Lorraine in 1947. Four children: Danny, Gail, Lee. Mark. Six grandchildren: Philip. Jessica, Mike, Laura. Jasmine, Jade. Reinsmith. Still working in his own cabinet shop. GLENN H. RHEA, bom Aug. 26. 1925. Enlisted July 2. 1942. Long Beach, CA. IJSNT. San Diego, CA, Co. 42- 337 Fleet Fire Control Course, San Diego. CA, completed Oct. 10. 1942. Class it 2-43. promoted Sllc. F.C. tM1 to USS California Bremerton. WA. Division F. 3-43-20MM AA School Long Beach. WA. 1943. Radar School, San Diego. CA. TR to I tFYEi Division. 1944. C.R. Radarman Eff, +'T,. Dec 6. 1945. from ship at Philadelphia to San Pedro. CA. September CTR. Remember collision at sea. enemy shore battery hit. Saipan karnikaze attack. Lingayen Gull. crossing the T ol enemy ta'-,lf force. Surigao Strait. burial at sea ot brave xhiprnates Lasting friendship. respect for all members ot 'feta txt to last Algfjhflflllilfef if, was ttfimfatsitf iiischaigc, wwtt Yictorx Medal. Aiiierican Area xxitlt three stars. Asia Pacific xx ith tout stars. Philippine Liberation Ribbon with two stars. tlootl Conduct Medal. my 1 USNR, Ready Reserve, August 1947 - December 1948. organized submarine division November 7, San Pedro, CA, inactive same unit December 1948 - December 1952. Honorable Discharge. ROM 3lc. Now retired following major cancer surgery. Wife, Ruth and son, Glenn Jr. GARLAND E. RICE, Electrician mate 3rd C1ass.born Las Amimas, CO, Nov. 16, 1913. Enlisted April 24, 1933, U.S. Navy, EM3rd Class, E Division. Stations: Recruiting Station Denver, CO, and San Diego Naval Training Station. Served aboard USS Relief and USS Caliornia. Memorable experience was passing through the Panama Canal, crossing the Intemational Dateline. After completion of boot training went aboard the USS Langley for transferring to San Francisco and to board the USS Calybrnia on the way up to San Francisco as recruits spent their time down in the hole chipping and releading, some experience for a country boy. Went aboard the Caljornia and was assigned to 2nd Division Deck Gang. One Sunday some one asked if any of them new boots wanted to go out in the whale boat, he said sure so they go out in the San Francisco Bay, man it was rough and did he get sick. That was the first and last time he got sea sick, no more whale boat parties for him ha! Made S2C, but Deck Division wasnlt what he wanted and as he had studied electrical through a correspondence course, he wanted to transfer to the E Division. He became acquainted with some ofthe E Division personnel through the wrestling team. There were 3 EM mates on the team. Whitey Young, Tony 7, but he was assigned to the ICC Division. He applied for transfer to the E Division, passed F3C and F2C and then EM 3C. His nickname was Fuzzy to all in the E Division. Tony was 3rd Turret EM2C he transferred and lucked out and was assigned to 4413 Turret, Tony left a very clean and neat electrical system, and he continued and kept avery clean and neat system, never a failure during gunnery drills. Had he not married prior to his normal discharge. He would have shipped over as he liked the Navy. Discharged March 18, 1937, with the rank of EM3rd Class. Twice married, two sons and three grandchildren from present wife. Retired with 37 years of Federal Civil Service and Military time. ROBERT A. RIES, Corporal, USMC, born Nov. 13. 1925. in Luck, WI. Enlisted in the Marine Corps in Minneapolis. Nov. 11. 1943. Entered Basic Training in JMX January 1944, in San Diego. Attended sea school after basic and was assigned to the Calwirnia in April 1944. He served on a 20 MM gun crew. In November they crossed the Equator and he was initiated as a trusty shellback. January 6th at Lingayen Gulfthey were hit by a kamikaze. He was severely burned. He was transferred to Navy hospitals in New Guinea, Guam. Pearl Harbor and then to Farragut. llJ. After six months he was discharged and sent to Bainbridge, MD, and discharged from the Marines November 1945. His wife Lois and he were married July 1949. They have two married sons and five grandchildren. They all live in the Minneapolis Area. LAWRENCE H. RIESTENBERG, Corp., born Cincinnati, OH, Dec. 23. 1913. Enlisted May 22, 1943, Marine Corps,'AA Machine Gunner, Division G. Stations: Sea School San Diego, assigned to Calihzrnia Bremerton. Participated in the following battles: Asiatic-Pacific, Leyte Gulf. Marianas, Philippines. Lingayen Gulf. Saipan, Tinian. Memorable experiences include being wounded in action tLingayen Battle, ship was hit by kamikazej. listed as missing in action for three days. awarded the Purple Heart. AwardslMedals: Sharpshooter. Good Conduct Medal with stars, Purple Heart, all Pacific Asiatic Battles of Calnfornia January of 1944 - October of 1945. Discharged Dec. 13, 1945, Bainbridge, MD, after trip around the world on California Marine Corporal at discharge. Married May 1946. six children. two girls and four boys. Proudest moment - his daughters wedding September 1974, first grandson. October 1977, would be so proud of present 12 grandchildren. Diagnosed with cancer shortly after daughters wedding, passed away March 15. 1978. Proudest trip of his lifetime: after planning for two years, making reservations tpaying ahead when possiblej started out in July of 1973. with wife and four youngest children, in a new station wagon. for sightseeing trip across country, northern route, to Seattle, WA. To attend USS Calyfornia Reunion, on to Hawaii for a week. back to Seattle, down coast of Califomia, southern route, back to Ohio in late August in time for school to start, 8.000 miles on land, 2-3 days at each stop. his grown children still talk about the trip. EARL A. ROBEY, EMC. USN tRet.1bom Morgantown, WV, Oct. 17, 1918. Enlisted in the service Sept. 28. 1940, for six years. training at NOB Norfolk. VA. Sent to duty USS Arizona Bremerton Navy Yard. December 1940. Transferred to USS Caljornia Bethlehem Steel Ship Yard. Hunters Point. CA. Completed all dry-dock work in two days all hands. He worked dry-dock as electrician ships force did all work and painted bottom. Had ships party at Hilton Hotel. Long Beach. before leaving for Pearl Harbor. December 7. 1941. was on main deck when general quarters were sounded manned his G2 station repair four port boats and airplane crane electrician torpedoes hit aft and fwd of their passage and lost all power and lights, reported all tank soundings to Central Station until they said abandon ship. When they got the armor deck hatch open he swam to Ford Island. December 11. 1941 , at 2400 hours. he and several of his California shipmates reported for duty on USS Portland at anchorage. They were issued part of their clothes as they lost all of ours and they were glad to have a home. he went through the Coral Sea Battle and the Midway Battle on the USS Portland task force 17 USS lizrkrawn. on their return to Pearl Harbor he volunteered for sub duty. went to New 97

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Married Mary Zickar 1951. Two children: Mark Albert and Mary Kay, one grandchild Mark Jacob and one due in December. Owned and operated a grocery store for 40 years. Now retired and living in LaSalle, IL. Proud to have served aboard USS Calyornia. EUGENE E. POPA, USNR, F2lc, was born June 29, 1924, Detroit. MI. Join the service April 7, 1943, went to Great Lakes, IL, Naval Training Station Camp Porter Co. 489, was assigned to the USS Calyornia, July 1943, in Bremerton, WA. Spent time in X Division before transferred to M Division. He took part in the battle of Marianas Islands. Participated in battles at Saipan, Guam and Tinian. After was transferred to Treasure Island, CA, was assigned to a destroyer pool. He went back to Bremerton, WA, and was assigned to the USS Wiley DD597, was in the Yellow Sea. When the war ended was discharged April 10, 1946. Married Ann Caplea,iSept. 29, 1946, had three children, two boys and a girl: also four grandchildren. AwardslMedals: Good Conduct Medal and two battle stars. Discharged April 10, 1946, with the rank of MM2lc. Retired. JAMES D. POPPE, Electrician's Mate Third Class, bom San Francisco, CA, Dec. 21, 1924. Enlisted Dec. 19, 1942, U.S. Navy, EM3lc, M Division. Service included Farragut, San Diego, USS Calhfornia, Cub 19, Navy 3913 USS Blackhawk, USS APL29, all located Tringtoa, China. Participated in the following battles: Saipan, Tinian, Guam, Conly done two times in historyj Sea Battle of Surigao Strait fCross the Tv six battlewagonsj Philippine Liberation, Battle of Surigao. Memorable experiences: It was early moming, he think it was about 0400. The USS Tennessee rammed the USS Calyfornia broadside, porbow causing a 80' hole. They were steaming toward Espiritu Santo in the New Hebrides Island. They were suppose to be bait for the Japanese Fleet. The reason the USS Tennessee hit them, was it lost its hydraulic steering. They were using 20 Marines to hand steer the ship. AwardslMedals: Good Conduct, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with three stars, Philippine Liberation Ribbon with two stars, American Area, WWII Victory Medal. Discharged Feb. 18, 1946, with the rank of EM3lc. Married with three sons. His wife is a school teacher, oldest son IBEW Elec. and other two general contractors. Retired I.B.E.W. electrician. ROBERT M. PUGH, USNR, SK3C, born Akron, OH, Jan. 3, 1927. Enlisted March 15, 1944, Navy, F 84 S Division. Service included Great Lakes for Boot Camp, OG Unit Shoemaker, CA, USS California, Philadelphia, PA, Navy Yard, USS Monterey. Battles participated in: Saipan, Tinian, Guam, Sea Battle Leyte Gull, Lingayen Gulf, Philippines, Okinawa. Memorable experiences include beer parties on the islands, walking under USS California in dry-dock, ship taking hits in Philippines. Awards!Meda1s: WWII Victory Medal. American Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with lour stars, Philippine Liberation Ribbon with two stars, Philippine Unit Citation, Good Conduct Medal. ,Ag . Discharged June 6, 1946, returned June 7, 1946 USNR. Retired Feb. 28, 1969, with rank of DK1. Married and has five children and six grandchildren. Retired from Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, 41 years. He and his wife are Civil War Reenactors. Also repair trains and run 100 acre farm, have helped make four movies: North di South, Glory, Dances With Wolves, Gettysburg. WINSTON E. PULLEN, LTCJGJ, bom Monson, ME, March 12, 1916. Enlisted Aug. 17, 1942, USNR, X Division. Military locations, stations: Midshipmanls School, Columbia University, February 1943 - June 16, 1943. USS Calhfornia Bremerton Navy Yard, Seattle, WA, X Division Officer. War Adjustment School, Harvard University, J une - September 1945. Material Redistribution Office, Hartford, CT, September 1945. Discharged Jan. 2, 1946. Battles participated in: Marinas CSaipan, Tinian, Guamj 1944. Leyte Gulf, crossed enemy's T at Surigao Strait. Rammed by USS Tennessee, repaired at floating dry- dock, Espiritu Santo. Battle of Lingayen Gulf, hit by suicide planes retumed to Bremerton Navy Yard. Awards: American Theater Ribbon, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with four stars, Philippine Liberation Ribbon with two stars, Victory Ribbon. He is married and has five children and six grandchildren. Retired Professor and Associate Dean of Life Sciences and Agr., University of Maineg volunteer activities through Kiwanis, Developing an agricultural museum on University of Maine Campus. ROLAND L. RABER, USN, bom Corvallis, OR, May 3, 1920. Enlisted, NTC San Diego, CA, Jan. 13, 1942. Vessels and Stations: NTC, San Diego, CAL DD Base. San Diego, CAL USS Helena, USS California, USS Chandeleurg RS NB Philadelphia, PA. Rate: Firecontrolman First Class. Awards: American Area Campaign Medal, Asiatic- Pacific Campaign Medal with 13 stars, American Defense Service Medal, Purple Heart, Navy Unit Citation, Philippine Liberation Ribbon with two stars, WWII Victory Medal. Assigned USS Calihirnia in 1943. as a survivor of USS Helena, served on USS California until she was decommissioned, then to USS Clmnrlelenr for further mothballing of various fleet ships. Married Barbara in 1946, one daughter. Separated frotn service Nov. 14, 1947. Now retired after 40 more years of hard work! GERALD L. REESE, COXtBM3l USN, born April 12, 1921. Enlisted Oct. 6, 1939, San Diego, CA. Reported USS California Dec. 15, 1939. On Dec. 7, 1941, he was on the boat deck near his battle station. He saw the lirst Japanese aircraft bomb Ilford Island. He also saw those that torpcdocd his ship, t'ulitoriiitr. As a rnetnbcr of CtlllflJI't1lill lv 6th Division anti -aircral't gun crews. lie engaged the enemy lor thc duration ol' thc attack. The ship was scriously damaged, atire and sinking. 2 . ' ' . WW ., . . , 'iii WW I f f When engaged personnel were ordered to leave the ship, he swam to Ford Island towing a shiprnate who cot- not swim. Under strafing attack, he and shiprnate voluritarll. retumed to the ship. There, they cleared still loaded 4.1. guns and relocated ammunition threatened by ire. He remained aboard ship through the night. rnanr.ir.g still operable AA guns. His parents received offigza, telegram notice that he had been killed in action. Later assigned to Naval AA batteries at Puuloa Point. Fifi Kamehameha and Hickam Field. While at Hickam he tiew a mission as a gunner in a B-18 Bolo bomber. In July 1942, he was assigned to IQSS Alabama. Advanced to BM2C. Served as Mount Capt. -LONINI .-XA. quad mounts. Alabamajoined US and British Naval Units moving in Atlantic, North Atlantic and .Arctic Oceans protecting Murmansk bound convoys and performing other strategies: among them, the Norway Invasion Feint and search for the Von Tirpitz. Mid 1943, Alabama entered South Pacific Operations. In late 1943, he was transferred to Y-12 Nav al Officer Training. Graduated and commissioned July 19-15. After warls end he was released to an organized reser- e unit. Left service April 1953. Graduated UCLA 1950. Graduated Southwestern University Law School January 1959. career covered private and public sectors ending in Washington. D.C. Retired from U.S. Govemment Service. 1985. and from own firm, 1987. Relocated from Northern Virginia to California Central Coast. Now married to Sally Marie. have three children, four grandchildren. Medals: American Defense Service Medal with Fleer Clasp, American Campaign with Foreign Service. Asiatic- Pacific Campaign Medal with Bronze Star. European- African-Middle East with Bronze Star. WWII Victory Medal, and Special Congressional Medal - Pearl Harbor. THOMAS JAMES REEVES, the son of Mr. and Mrs. William Reeves of Thomaston. CT. He attended local schools and before entering service was the chief operator for Western Union at Waterbury. CT. Thomas enlisted in the U.S. Navy on July 10. 1917. He saw service in WWI in the Transportation Service. In the following years he had service in the USS American. Whipple. Seattle. Tevas. C hicago. .91tllfYltll1t1'. New Mexico and California. He also served in Staff Headquarters of the 3rd Naval District and with the Naval Mission to Brazil. He also taught radio in Rio de Janiero. Thomas intended to retire in 1939. with more than IZ years of service completed. He had accepted an appointment as ground engineer with the Civil Service. The day before his retirement was to take effect President Rooscv elt declared a Limited Emergency and all persons xv ere prohibited from leaving the Navy. Thomas then re-enlisted at San Pedro for another four years. At thc time ot' Pcarl Harbor he was on the Admirals staff on board USS Ctilitoririri. The President of the l'nited States takes plcasttrc in presenting the Congressional Medal of Honor to Thomas James Rccvcs CRM tP.-Xi USN, Deceased. For Service during an attack on thc l'uucd States lflcct in Pearl Harbor. TH. .rs set forth in the follow mg lfor Distinguished Serv ice in thc line ot' his protcsstou. with extraordinary courage .uid disregard of his ow n safctv during thc attack ou thcl'.S 1-'lcct ru Pearl llarbor. lcouorv of llawan by .lapancsc forces on Dec . 19-ll Xttct the ntccliamzctl anuntuutiou hoists xt crc put out olcoinnussiot'

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London, CT, for Sub School, spent the rest ol the war in submarines at Pearl Harbor Sub base, made EMC at Sub Base in 1945. Married his wife Mildred in 1942, Decetnber 26, from Morgantown. WV. They have five sons and one daughter. I-le has 21 medals from WWII and six years Korea on USS Hwirim APA45, he retired May 1960, from US Navy. Worked 20 years at Norfolk Naval Shipyard, retired July 1982. GALE H. ROBINSON, born Dec. 7, 1924, in Los Angeles, CA. Joined Merchant Marine March 16, 1943, in band twith members of T. Dorsey, Glen Miller, Etc. Ete.J Resigned tojoin U.S.Navy. May 1943joined USNR, boots at Farragut, transferred to USN Air Station in state of Washington. Transferred to USS Calyfornia at Bremerton, WA. Joined the Radio Gang CR Division, transferred to N Division as Quartermaster striker and stood watch on helm. On 20mm machine gun on port fantail. Involved in all actions Saipan, Tinian, Guam, Liberation of Philippines and Surigao Surface Battle. Awarded Purple Heart in Action at Leyte, result of suicide Japanese Betty Bomber. Requested by Meredith Wilson to join his AFRS Orchestra at NBC Hollywood to record Bob Hope, Command Perfomtances Etc. Etc. for duration. Rest of career, LA Philharmonic, Pittsburgh Symphony, San Francisco Symphony. Paramount, NBC Tonight Shows, Etc. Presently involved in Seaquest and semi retired. Married 43 years to Beverly, a soprano with one daughter, star of Sister Act and others. One son killed in 1978 Guyana as Congressman Leo Ryan's photographer. FRANCIS A. ROMIG, Y3!c, USNR, bom Jan. 5, 1924. Entered service May 20, 1943, trained NTS, Farragut, ID. Temporary duty Shelton Naval Air Station, WA. Assigned USS Calnfornia 5th Division Bremerton Navy Yard Sept. 7, 1943. Worked on final repair. Was in 5 inch gun mount to begin, later transferred to Engineering A Division, Log Room Duty, Battle Station Main Engine Control. Served through all ship's wartime operation and until Phil. Navy Yard. Transferred to carrier USS Bataan. Discharged Bainbridge, MD, April 18, 1946. Married 1949, wife Lela. Home is in Salem, OR, have two sons and two daughters. Occupation: plant engineer, retired Mead Corp. 1988. From then to present with Hatch Eng. Inc. development rotary powerplants for experimental aircraft. Most outstanding memories aboard the Culilbrriiux The ship coming back to Pearl and tying up next to the sunken Arizona. Not asleep in that bank portside forward one memorable night enroute Espiritu. Tokyo and then the sailing for home. JOHN E. ROOTJES, BKR lfe S Division, was born in Seattle, WA, on May ll, 1921, and ,joined the service August 1942, in Seattle, WA. He trained at Naval Training Center, San Diego, CA. Upon finishing training he was transferred to Naval Air Station, Sand Point, Seattle, WA, aboard 1.8.5 f'l f'f'v'!ffU til 1119 fllfltlll' flr fl ' Cooks and Bakers School. Graduated ISKR '5fc, and then a'-,pitgrrefl to 1133 rl41fffff'ff!1'f '. '1fffff'72ff'ff 1 was transferred to Ships Company NAS Whidbey Island. Crflffnrfzia lor salvagf. iltff M15 l 75,5 ' WA. f,i!lfff0I'VlIlf was f?t1',tJfl and ?ernporar.i7 Qkillftflfi an sailed the '-,hip to Brerncrton fa fy Yard i',ffrwf1er:.:fa1.',' '72 ak , ,Maxi ' After a short stay he was again transferred, this time to Receiving Station, Bremerton, WA. After six weeks was assigned to the USS Calzfornia, then in dry-dock at Bremerton. His first assignment was chipping paint in the double bottom. Boy, was that fun! Later, he started to work in the bakery in the dock galley at night, in order to save space. He spent the rest of his naval aboard the Prune Barge, until they parted company in Philadelphia in January 1946, when he was put in charge of a draft to discharge center, Bremerton, WA. The day after discharge he went back to work as a baker for Manning's Inc. Later. He married Viola Mylly. They had three daughters and a son. Have four grandchildren, three boys and one girl. He is semi-retired, enjoying good health and doing what he please. ROBERT E. ROSE, USN, Phm. 3!c, H Division, born Burlington, IA, Oct. 2, 1923. Enlisted Sept. 28, 1942. Stations: San Diego NTC, USN Hospital Corp School, NAS Whidbey Island, WA, transferred to USS Calnfornia May 1943. Participated in battles at Okinawa, Saipan, Leyte and Lingayen Gulf, Surigao Strait. Memorable experiences include after end of war took round the world tour on USS CalU'0rnia. Awards!Medals: Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with four Bronze Stars, Philippine Liberation Ribbon with two Bronze Stars, WWII Victory Medal. Discharged Dec. 12, 1945, Great Lakes, IL, with the rank of Phm. 3!c. Married Pauline Rose, November 1943. in Bremerton, WA, one son Ron, one daughter Barbara, and one granddaughter, Kristie. Worked 10 years Portland, OR, SPRR, transferred to Sacramento, CA. Worked eight more years for RR then quit and went to work for Levin Metals, until retired in 1985. Deceased April 1987 from cancer. ROBERT R. ROSE, CM llc, USN, born Dec. 22, 1916. Enlisted Sept. 15, 1939, Portland, OR. Eight weeks boot training in San Diego, CA, Co. 29-39. Assigned to USS Nevada Nov. 10, 1939. Decetnber 7, 1941. he was serving al. and relitting Alter 15 months on the futtjorrna he na: to precornrnission ol flestroyer 1,33 lfmgpmff il 1 laungsltaw cornrrnssioned Def, 3. 1943 After . in the south Pacific he was transferred Sack t construction. 'I he war ended and the amp and he was discharged Sept 30, 1945 to refurr, rr. in Corvallis, OR. Life member Pearl Hamer SDJ Association. ROBERT H. RLIEHLE SR.. Pirerria grsi Ca.. born May 18, 1927. Joined the Navy Jar.. 7 1345 serving 18 months in the Merchant Nlarinez san rg .. North Atlantic on Gu1fTanker. carrying 120 meta 3 ptar.: fuel with six fighter planes on tank deck. Spent boot camp as instructor in rigging loft. Transferred rrif' Great Lakes to Shoemaker. CA. to the LSB Oilifffffta Participated in battle of Okinawa, mine sweeping dates Yellow River, China Sea and Occupation or Japar.. ffl' Q wr Awarded: American Defense Service fvledal. Asiatic- Pacific Campaign Medal with two stars. Philippine Liberation Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal. WWII Yictoqv Medal, and two medals from Merchant Marines. Should have gotten Purple Heart for getting circumcised just ...:l. before they went into Japan! Received captafr' commendatory mast for outstanding performance. Married Ruth. -17 years. seven children grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren. Have been refrigeration contractor since 1957. in Phoenix. AZ. Active in Elks Lodge. boating tnaturallyl and motor home travels. Still working and in good health. not looking forward to retiring. Was last of 36 men to leave the L'SS CtZlTfl7 .' rftz. transferred to Clzcmdeleur. and was on the crevv to pick up the USS Milwaukee from Russia. Honorably discharged Sept. 9. 19-19. -sa WILBUR R. SALINION, CTC. USN, bom March 12. 1919. in Bethany, MO. Joined Navy May 17. 1938. Boot Camp Great Lakes Naval Training Station, Co. li. Assigned to the USS Cnlrfimiiti on completion of training. Duty Station Turret 33. as S s- sss t S ss S S 9 tt NN s TS S as ss- Q s .Q X Reported lost in action at Pearl Harbor, Dee. '. 194 1 , help prepare ship to return to Bremerton after retloatiug Stationed on USS t't1lrtimi1't1 until August 19-15 Diseh.trgstl Sept. 29, 19-15. Married to Dorothy' Aslifortl. Mgirelt Stl. 19411. ll.rv tvvo children. one grandchild. .-Xvvartletl Good Conduct Nlctlal, XX Wll Xtrtoiv Medal. .-Xtiieiuaii Defense Serv tee Medal vt ith clasp one Bronze Star, .-Xtiteritxtii tluuptugn Mctlal, -Xstdltc Ptieriiit' t'gnuptugn Medal xv tth Silv er Star. Navy Uccup.tttou Service lX1ed.tl xv ith clasp and tvv o Bronfe Stars. l'luliopu:c 1 ibetattou Ribbon, Plulipptiie l'resu1entia1t'tt.utouB.tdgo Retired and living the good1i1ctnS,nu.i -Xu.t. t' X