U.S.S. LOWNDES - APA 154

Newsletter

Bud Kautz

Aug./Sept. 1993

(2)

Jean & I extend hearty congratulations to the O'Briens & Rauseos
for the very fine job they did in organizing the Boston Reunion, the
tours, cruise and entertainment at the hotel went off without a hitch.
I must admit that skepticism played a big part in my feelings toward
this reunion, imagine 50 people riding the subway just a shot distance.
The way Leo handled it was one of the amazing experiences we had. As
long as everyone knew the key words "WHERE"S LEO?" it worked out well.
The trolley and bus tours enabled us to visit many historical sights.
To mention just a few: Faneuil Hall, Boston Harbor Cruise, New England
Aquarium and the Old North Church. A visit to the U.S.S. Constitution
"Old Ironsides". Of special interest to me was boarding the U.S.S.
Cassin Young DD793 tied at an adjacent pier. Roaming around the
destroyer brought back many memories. I served aboard The U.S.S Reid
DD369 for 14 months. A tin can that ran the Pacific from Australia
& New Zealand to Alaska and all points in between.

"Forever Plaid" was an exceptionally entertaining show and reports
from other shipmates and their mates shared our feelings. To the
surprise of many of us the hidden talents of Marjorie Rauseo came to
the fore. The "Forever Plaid" cast will forever be in debt to Marjorie
for her performance on stage. "Break a Leg Marjorie".

Art and Leo kept things moving in the hospitality room and I'm sure
there can be no complaints in the constant supply of refreshments and
snacks. Thanks to Stan Dunn for the smoked marlin and beer imported
from Hawaii. Again Stan supplied the beautiful flowers that have become
a pleasant sidelight of our Reunions.

Must commend Marjorie for her undying efforts in keeping the hospitality
room ship shape.

A first timer at our reunion - Lyman Nedeau kept us in stitches with
his anecdotes and amusing stories. It was very refreshing. Hope to
see him at future Reunions.

One of the highlights of our sojourn to Boston was a visit to Cheers
for a Bloody Mary or two.

NOW! we come to the main event - the banquet on Saturday night. Leo
was a very capable MC. Where he got my mother's letter, I'll never
know. He introduced Margaret's brother Mr. Jim O'Donnell who
showed a video of the Navy Memorial in Washington DC. A very
interesting stop for anyone visiting the Capital. (Jean & I will be
in Annapolis next October for the U.S.S. Reid Reunion & that will be
one of our stops). A special thanks to Mr. O'Donnell for his generous
donation of the Lonesome Sailor statue as a prize for one of our
raffles, Mary Angelotti was the lucky ticket holder. Which brings us
to the Lowndes Lovelies' fund raising raffle spearheaded by Agnes Bensie
doing her usual fine effort. The Aussie hat full of money ($452.00)
was won by Dave Frederick. Pete Cisneros lucked out on the 2nd prize.
Lo & behold, Geo. Tuppan & I won the photo books of Boston. Phil
Angelotti had the winning ticket for a week end stay in Myrtle Beach
but he declined it and Howard Chappell reaped the rewards. "Howard,
Jean & I can attest to the fine accommodations proffered). This prize
was generously donated by Fred & Roberta Brinkman. ...

By the Way, Sally Cary succeeds Agnes Bensie as CEO of the Lowndes
Lovelies. Good luck. Agnes did a very fine job as CEO, tough act to follow.

(3)

A little more to add to this report of the Boston Reunion. Legal
Seafoods adjacent to the hotel served excellent dinners enjoyed by
the Bensies, Chappells, Schaffers, Nedeau, Jean & I. After the Boston
Harbor Cruise a bunch of us walked a shaht walk to Joseph's Aquarium
to partake of lobster. Me? I'm not a lobster nut, never had any before
and can now say I've had it. Who doesn't try the lobster when in Boston.
Sorry that Clark & Eve Martin weren't there to help us. This had been
uppermost in their minds. How can anyone in their right mind being
in the Tea Party City and not having Boston baked beans? Yes! Leo or
Art made it a must at our brunch on Sunday. To use an expression from
George Tuppan "They were toot tootin' good".

Then a fond farewell to friends who made it possible to rehash memories
and renew acquaintances of years gone by. An experience well worth
the effort. For those who have not attended and taken part in these
Reunions - try it, you'll like it.

In closing this summary of our Boston Reunion, there are 8x10 color
photos of the Lowndes Lovelies & Uglies available at the economical
price of $3.50 each including postage. Send requests to me (Bud).

The following were in attendance:

Jeanne Alien
Phil,Josephine&Mary Angelotti
Ed. & Agnes Bensie
Fred & Roberta Brinkman
Jim & Carol Bussard
Sally Cary
Howard & Lois Chappell
Jim Chiloote
E. Max Cole
Frank S Joyce DuBois
Stan & Mona Dunn
John & Lebby Dyer
Dave Frederick
Jim & Margaret Frieden
Bud & Jean Kautz
Dave & Joarme Long
Don & Shirley Lorenzi
Don & Joan MacPherson
Marge MoGrody
Henry & Dolores McNamee
Chuck Munson
Lyman Nedeau
Leo & Margaret O'Brien
Art & Marjorie Rauseo
Charles & Carole Rabbins
Shirley Roberts
Bill & Virginia Robinson
Cliff & Mary Schaffer
Bill & Amelia Taylor
George & Glenda Tuppan
Walt & Jackie Unbarger
John & Sally Vernale
Frank & Alice Wanits
Bob Warnberg & Son

States represented & No. of attendees

California - 4
Connecticut - 5
Florida - 2
Hawaii - 2
Iowa - 1
Idaho - 2
Illinois - 6
Indiana - 6
Massachusetts - 6
Michigan - 1
Minnesota - 2
New York - 5
Ohio - 6
Pennsylvania - 10
South Carolina - 2

Received a letter from Mrs. F. Richards containing photographs of
the Memorial located in the Court House yard. It is illuminated at
night and Norman Richards' (WWll) name along with his Uncle's (WW1)
appears on the Otoe County War Memorial, built with donations. The
American Legion is named M. Richards Post, Syracuse, NE. in honor of
Norman's uncle.

A now you know it:

In 1904 Cy Young pitched the American League's first perfect no-hit/no-
run game as the Boston Red Sox defeated the Athletics in Philadelphia.

FOUND! Lake Suzy South of Sarasota, FL.

(4)

BILL TAYLOR - Harrisburg, PA. Thank you Leo for heading the host
group of our 5th Lowndes Reunion. Amelia and I enjoyed Boston very
much. The hotel accommodations were very good and I must add, at a price
unbelievably low for a big city. The Boston Reunion was successful and
memorable with the "Forever Plaid" musical revue, Trolley Tour and Boston
Harbor cruise playing a big part in that success.

MARY ANGELOTTI - Hamden, CT - Just a note to thank Leo & Margaret O'Brien

for the wonderful reunion. My dad and I really enjoyed it. We appreciate
your fine effort in organizing all the activities. Everything ran so
smoothly, but I'm sure that was because you spent lots of time making
sure it did. Thanks for your patience and concern over my mother's
comfort. We're glad we got to meet and see you. Thanks also to Art Rauseo
for his fine job as guide on the tour bus. I know dad enjoyed seeing
the men again. Hope we can attend another reunion and see you all again.

DON LORENZI - Des Plaines, IL - Thank you, O'Briens & Rauseos for all

the work you did for the reunion. You must have been very tired when
it was all over. We had a good time. We went down to Cape Cod, Sunday.
Made a few stops in N.Y., PA, & Ind. Took in some garage sales. We made
it home with no problems. Hope to see you in California next year.

FRED BRINKMAN - Columbia, SC - Congratulations, Leo, for a job well
done on hosting the 1993 U.S.S. Lowndes Reunion. Roberta and I
appreciated the fine hospitality that you and Margaret provided with
the assistance of your New England co-hosts - the Rauseos, Vernales
and McNamees. We enjoyed, too, meeting your family at the breakfast.
Everyone enjoyed all the functions at the Reunion. I apologize for
missing the tours on Friday and Saturday, but received first class
attention during my unplanned visit to the New England Medical Center.
I have been feeling very good ever since. We hope to see you and Margaret
at the 1994 Reunion in San Diego.

GEORGE TUPPAN - LaHabra Heights, CA - Glenda & I wish to thank the
Rauseos for a wonderful 5 days, starting on Wednesday with a subway
ride and dinner at Olde Union Oyster House to the brunch on Sunday.
In between, everything was planned to perfection. Thanks to Marjorie
for all the behind the scenes, and moral support which was required
from time to time to keep things going. Also hope the acting bug has
not got out of control.

MARGARET FRIEDEN - Silver Lake, In. - Jim and I sure enjoyed everything!
We just took it easy out in the heat, that was better than rain. Enjoyed
all the tours. Never, ever thought we would get to Boston. Seeing all
those historical places we studied about in school was just great to
see. Sorry we didn't bring the video camera. Take care of yourselves
and maybe we can all get together in San Diego next year. "Thanks again",
Leo for all your work making the '93 Reunion a success. I had to write
this as Jim is busy harvesting the wheat.

HOWARD CHAPPELL - Wampum, PA - We had a great time in Boston, also had
a wonderful trip home. Lots of nice scenery in the mountains of
Connecticut, New York and Pennsylvania. Regarding the '94 Reunion,
anytime after May 30th would be fine with us. If all goes well we will
make this an extended vacation as Lois has never been out west. Sure
was good to see my good friend Phil Angelotti and all the rest of the
gang. Bud, you asked how Lois & I look so chipper at each reunion. "Well,
we work hard and live a good clean life. Try it. If this doesn't work,
eliminate the cleanlife part".We're sure having some awful hot weather
here in PA. Can only work about a 1/2 day outside then spend the afternoon
inside enjoying our central air. Best investment we ever made.

(5)

GEORGE TUPPAN - LaHabra Heights CA - In response to Franklin Judnitsch's

tale of the flooding of the evaporator room. Here are the facts as
I recall them. I had the 4 to 8 watch. It was my duty to check all
parts of the ship which were under the Black Gang domain. Such as the
screw shaft to see if no leaks had occurred, inspecting various
compartments, gauges, etc. and of course the evaporator room. At the
time of this mishap we were anchored in San Francisco Bay. The 4 to
8 watch does not get fed as the other watches. I was hungry that morning
and knew there was some rations (which were requisitioned in one way
or another) under the floor gratings in the evaporator room, I began
looking for the ration boxes when all of a sudden I realized that
everything was floating. The water had covered all the motors about
2 feet, I called the engine room to start pumping out the water as
fast as possible. Then woke up the chief, he said wake up so and so
and named about 6 more or so. You're going swimming he said to them.
They worked all morning and had the motors out and shipped to Treasure
Island for repairs. The problem was that someone had forgotten to close
the discharge valve and the water backed up. It's a good thing that
I was hungry that morning and discovered the mess.

JOHN I. BRYAN - Miami, FL - Who do I remember? (With apologies to you
whom I may have forgotten).
Captain C.H. Perdue - A fine gentleman but overly nervous & cautious
- befitting our radio call sign - "One Step".
Cdr. Drennan - The senior Medical Officer & his M-A-S-H like helpers.
LCdr.Berner - Tough Merchie XO.
LCdr.Gardner - His suave (?) relief.
Lt. Sam Thornedyke - 1st Lt.- Dreaming of retiring to farm in PA.
Lt. Ed. Hinton - Gunnery Officer - would be movie star who thought
he looked like Errol Flynn. Married to Hal Roach's daughter, & I did
finally see him in some B-movie. About 1957 I saw an article in NY
newspaper reporting his death in an airplane accident.
Lt. McCurrac - Chief Engineer (& his boy Ens. Swain) - our own "Scottie"
- "Beam him down" to the engine room.
Lts. Pinnell & Meadows - Beachmasters - Sorry to hear they passed on.
Lt. Howard Chad (Damage Control).
Room-mates:
Ens. Bill Ramsey - Asst. Navigator - Oregon
Ens. S.I. Brownell - 1st Division - Connecticut
Ens. Leon Fougnies - Ship Secretary - Indiana
Pay Clerk - McKellar - Commissary Officer & "Chief Belly Robber".
Chief Gunners Mate ___ (Italiano) - I still have a disarmed 40 mm
shell he gave me as a souvenir.

What do I remember? (In a later News Letter).

HARLEY HUGHES - Bakers field, CA - An incident that I remember - We
had a crewman named "Yantz" from New York. He sure made us feel better
with his antics. I was on the power phones as we were on condition
1 Able when I heard Mr. Flagg our engineering officer called the
evaporators. A voice answered and Mr. Flagg asked "Who's this?" - the
voice said "It's me", Mr. Flagg said Who the "BLANK" is me? The voice
said "It's Yantz", Flagg "Where are you?" Yantz said "Down Here".
Speaking of Mr. Flagg, he was one fine officer and shipmate. He made
our life a lot easier. If I ever get the chance I'd like to thank him.

Becoming a procrastinator doesn't happen overnight.

(6)

LYMAN NEDEAU - Baldwin, MI - While I think of it, I'll mention that
come Sept. 1st - will be retired 21 years, and believe me, these have
been the best years of my life (retired teamster), but the only problen
I have is when I get up in the morning there is nothing to do, but
when I go to bed at night I am only half done, and of course we don't
buy green bananas anymore. I walk about 10 miles every day, helps
keep me in shape. Also have done sailing in the big boats. Delivered
many boats for owners to compete in the Chicago/Mackinac races, some
were as long as 45' to 75' long. 30 days to haul some of them. Never
did get to participate in the big race.

WALT UMBARGER - Greenwood, IN - My favorite poem concerning life:

In the battle that goes on through life
I ask but a field that is fair;

A chance that is equal with all the strife
A chance but to do and dare.

If I should win, may I win by the code
With my faith and my courage held high;

And if I should lose, may I stand by the road
And cheer as the winners go by.

Rudyard Kipling

May the above philosophy stand the Umbargers in good stead.

LOG & DIARY JAN. 3 to Feb. 27, 1946

Jan. 3 to Jan. 10, 1946 - Orders are canceled and the Lowndes stops
at Pearl Harbor where we dock for 10 days. Liberty every second day
which we spend at Wakiki Beach.

Jan. 11 to Jan. 18, 1946 - With a new skipper in command. The Lowndes
leaves Pearl Harbor on Jan. 15 loaded with 2000 sailors and bound
for San Francisco again.

Jan. 19 to Jan. 26, 1946 - Arrived in Frisco Jan. 21 and debarked
troops. Dropped anchor at Hunter's Point where we received liberty
every other night.

Jan. 27 to Feb. 3, 1946 - Due to the reduction of our crew, as the
result of high-point men being discharged, our 200 man crew is kept
busy, but this doesn't prevent good times on liberty.

Feb. 4 to Feb. 11, 1946 - On Feb. 7, 1946 the Lowndes begins her last
cruise which will end in Norfolk, VA. We sail southward along the
Mexican and Latin-American coast toward Panama.

Feb. 12 to Feb. 19, 1946 - Preliminary work for our de-commissioning
is carried on while underway. We cross the Panama Canal on Feb. 16th
and anchor on the Atlantic side of the canal.

Feb. 20 to Feb. 21, 1946 - Two liberties are granted in the Panama
town of Christobles. On Feb. 22nd, the Lowndes is again underway,
the first time she has cut the waters of the Atlantic.

The above account of the log furnished by Fred Brinkman.

(7)

JOHN VERNALE - Farmington, CT - We received the card from Habitat for
Humanity acknowledging your contribution in memory of our mother. We
want to thank you (Leo & Margaret) for your kind expression of sympathy.
Sally and I enjoyed ourselves very much in Boston. We live so close
we're thinking of doing it again. We received the snapshots, thanks.
They came out good.

CLIFF SCHAFFER - Limeport, PA - Thanks for making our Reunion in Boston
so special. Mary and I enjoyed every minute of it. (Even the hot
weather). It sure was nice to see everyone again. Thanks again, we
sure did appreciate it. We bought our grandson a Cheers tee shirt,
after he returned from the mall he said "Hey! That's the best gift
ever - 12 girls tried to pick me up". Cliff also reports that the
Erie Niemis visited their children in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Erie is feeling much better these days and hopes to make one of our
Reunions in the near future. While out east their also visited with
the Schaffers. Erie has sold his farm and we hope retired to a life
of leisure.

Word is that Walt & Jackie Umbarger have had their share of setbacks
recently. First, they were unable to land in Boston on Thursday due
to inclement weather and missed the "Forever Plaid" show. Secondly,
they arrived home in Bargersville, IN and looked with dismay at 2-
8,500 bushel storage bins, 1 filled with wheat and the other with corn
that had crashed to the ground plus damage to a remodeled feed
manufacturing plant. They are thankful that no one was injured.

ELLIOTT PILCHARD - Oxnard, CA - Ahoy Gang: Sorry I couldn't make it
this year - but again have a good excuse: I am helping sponsor "Mrs.
United States" from Oregon. Pageant was televised August 12th. Her
name is Anna Hayworth. She's a good friend of mine. Have been helping
her for 3 weeks. Hope you are all well and enjoying the Reunion. I'm
planning on seeing you all next year - 'till then. Best wishes to all.

The above was faxed to us at the hotel with the notation "Please
expedite for meeting tonight (banquet). We did not receive the fax.

COMMERCIAL BREAK

We have souvenir tee shirts from our
Boston Reunion. Compliments of Leo
O'Brien & Arthur Kauseo. $6.50 postage
included.

Also available from Cliff Schaffer
souvenir cups. $5.00 ea. Postage $3
for 1 $4 for 2.

Needless to say, I still have a few
Lowndes cookbooks at my disposal. $5.00
ea. plus $2 postage.

There is a possibility that the U.S.S. Lowndes sixth Annual Reunion
may be in San Diego, CA in 1994. We have collared Don MacPherson to
head the committee along with George Tuppan and Elliott Pilchard.
As soon as any details are forthcoming we will pass them along in future
News Letters. This location should be a break for westerners, there
are 11 roster members residing in California. And besides, there's
plenty to see and do out there. Many of us had some Navy training there.
Jean & I spent time there a few years ago but, not enough to see all.

(8)

JOEL RODRIQUEZ Hidalgo, TX - Thank you for presenting my offer
the group at the business meeting. Glad the site for the '94
Reunion was changed to San Diego (possibly). We were doing all the
Reunions, practically, in the same area. This is one of the reasons
I volunteered to have one in my area, perhaps as a change of pace,
would like to get some of the Texas & Louisiana members to attend.
I have not seen any of these guys since the St. Louis, MO Reunion.
San Diego is a good place to have the next one. A lot of us took
our boot and amphibious training there, and I'm sure that a lot of
guys would like to go there.

CHANGES & ADDITIONS TO ROSTER:

Howard Chappell
Rd 2 - Box 2359-2 Apt. D
Wampum, PA 16157
(412)535-3383
Winter address:
1505 Paddock Dr.
Plant City, FL 33567
(US Strawberry capital)

Don MacPherson-Wife Joan

Frank Dubois
(813)935-1868
Wife - Joyce

Dean Ricks
Rte. 1 - Box 108

Bernard Tracz
RM3c to RM2c

Stan Dunn-Wife Mona

Erie Niemi
Box 222
Bruce Crossing, MI 49912
(906)827-3552

Sally Cary
RD 4-Box 14 Humphrey St.
Dalton, PA 18414
(717)563-1284

V. Duncan -(402)873-4368
K. Richards-(812)339-0735
W. Richards-(402)564-5841

THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT

STATE HOUSE • BOSTON 02133
(817)727.3600

PRESENTED TO

USS LOWNDES APA 154

5th ANNUAL IlIiUNlON
PARK PLAZA HOTEL JULY 8-11, 1993

In recognition and appreciation of
your outstanding contribution! to the
City of Boston and its residents.

July 1993
Dear Friends:

Lieutenant Governor Cellucci and I are delighted to extend
our best wishes to you as you gather for the Fifth Annual U.S.S.
Lowndes Reunion this evening.

We are proud of your noble service to the United states
aboard the U.S.S. Lowndes during World War II. You fought with
courage and determination in the Pacific and played a pivotal
role in the victory for the Allied Forces. The citizens of
Massachusetts and the United states are indebted to all of you.

Please accept our gratitude for your noble service, and our
best wishes for an enjoyable reunion.

Sincerely,

William F. Weld

"FEBRUARY 1945"

I'm starting to compile information for the February
1995 commemorative issue News Letter celebrating
the 50th Anniversary of the USS Lowndes
participation in the Iwo Jima invasion. This
will give you plenty of time to rack your
memory banks and get back to me. Please don't
postpone it. Should make interesting reading.
I know it's a long way off but time has a habit
of passing quickly. I'll remind you all from time to time.

Bud Kautz