USS Lowndes APA-154

Newsletter

JANUARY 1995

BUD KAUTZ CC&BW

1/95-2

*** EDITOR'S PAGE ***

Recently received the following letter from Earl Robertson. In one
of your letters you wondered about a reason for not getting
recollections "Aboard the Lowndes". Im 'm one of those that doesn't
remember too well. However. There was a time and I'm not too sure how
accurate this is, when a working party on topside diverted a number
of K-Ration packages to the evaporator room. I don't know who was
responsible for that - probably you among others. They got placed under
the evaporator room floor plates I suppose by the watch (with help
from others)? I think I found out about it later, after the fact, so
to speak. Anyway, other than me and you I don't know who helped. We'
tore the packages open and separated chocolate, weiners, soup, etc.
and restashed it to be consumed later. Jean (Bud) was to receive the
cigarettes. Ginny (Carothers) had dibs on the gum. The chocolate was
so hard we had to shave it real thin then boil it in hot water to
dissolve it. There was an officer that did come down for some reason?
Maybe that was Mr. Maccurach. I don't remember any orders - maybe
get rid of it - which we did. Bud I'm sure you can straighten this
out because I know you were in on it.

Yes, Robbie I sure was, I remember it very well and I'll elaborate
on the tale a bit. We were loaded with Marines and they stood watches
that did not coincide with the schedule of ship's company mess call
so somewhere down the line the Marines would miss a meal. I happened
to be Master at Arms of the mess hall when a Master Sergeant complained
to me about this and wanted to know what could be done to rectify the
situation. I told him to bring the men to the early chow line (Boy!
Did I get static from our guys). Finally convinced 'em that even Marines
had a right to eat. Now! Hey Sarge, one hand washes the other, you
know those K-Rations you have aboard, well we want some. His reply,
"At midnight go to one of the holds and the guard will honor your
request". Can't recall who all was involved in this bit of skullduggery
except George Miller and Sam Carothers, we did manage to get a working
party together and did in fact divert approximately a dozen or so
cartons. Put them under the floor plates of the evaporator and auxiliary
generator compartments. No sooner this was done the roof fell in. Some
guys in the fire room got a bit sloppy and Mr. Maccurach put out an

order that no food was allowed in any of the engineering spaces. That
is, except coffee which is a Navy tradition to made available at all
times. What is going to be done with our secret hoard? Robbie had the
answer (He should remember what he did). He being in charge or the
evaporators could regulate the amount of fresh water that was put out
for any given length of time. Well! Suddenly the evaporators were not
able to create a backlog of fresh water causing "Water hours". Guess
everyone aboard ship knew what that meant, showers curtailed. However,
Robbie also was aware that he'd be in a mess of trouble if the boilers
and scullery were lacking enough water. After a couple of days Robbie
said "Ok it's time". We broke out the food and hot plate made to order
for us by Carney Byland EM. Mr. Maccurrach came down the ladder, walked
over to the log and saw that the evaporators were putting out much
more water putting him at ease regarding the operation of the ship.
"Water Hours" were discontinued and to this day I can still hear Mr.
Macurrach's word "Good work Robbie". Things went back to normal in
our hangout. These rations contained an assortment of goodies, English
style stew and bacon to mention just a couple. Our buddy Joe Zinkgraf
was in good with the cooks and bakers so was able to obtain eggs and
bread from them. Boy! A fried egg with freshly cooked bacon sure tasted
much better than some of the chow in the mess hall, besides, with our
little ol' hot plate we didn't have to get up so early and could eat
at our convenience, and everyone knew what a late sleeper I was when
not on duty. Does that help to clear it up Robbie?

1/95-3

ELMER TREVILLYAN - National City, CA - Bill Fox and I volunteered for
diving school at Tiburon, CA. Out of 160 men only 39 of us were able
to finish. We went from Seattle to Oakland on a cargo plane, was then
ferried to Tiburon. Came back on the train to Seattle and the crew
had moved to Tacoma, where we finally united with the ship's crew.
Left Tacoma in October 1944 for the U.S.S. Lowndes that was stationed
at Astoria, Oregon. The Lowndes was a brand new ship, still could smell
the fresh paint. I was the gunner on the starboard 20 mm on the
Captain's Bridge. George Day and Leon McGuire were the loaders. Don't
recall the Ensign on watch. One day at target practice they were sending
radio controlled Gruions which were about 16" wide and had an 18' wing
span. You were not supposed to be able to hit them. Six were sent up
and went right over us and all six hit the drink. The Can (Destroyer)
was getting the seventh one ready and word came from the Flag Ship
to cease. Too expensive. I believe Ryan charged at least $2000.00 for
each of them. After the war I would pick-up at Ryan's and they would
be sitting out there in the yard.

RAY M. NEILAN - Berlin, CT - My U.S.S. Lowndes connection began with
her commissioning in 1944 in Astoria, Oregon and ended with my
disembarking in Newport News, Virginia in the spring of 1946. I was
discharged in Boston, Massachusetts shortly there after as SFTc. Of
course, in between, I am proud to say, I participated in everything
with which the Lowndes was associated; criss-crossing the Pacific
several times, the invasion of Iwo Jima and Okinawa and finally "The
Magic Carpet" activities which brought so many of our troops home again.
The specific details are well known to our shipmates. After discharge,
marriage and four children, a college degree in English with emphasis
on reading and speech. Then, twenty years in broadcasting and television
as an announcer, program director, and producer, I finally retired
after many years as a manufacturers' representative in the HVAC
industry. In recent years, certain health problems have prevented me
from participating in many activities, not the least of which is travel.
This explains my absence from reunions, etc. However, I am there in
spirit and the News Letter is what keeps me in touch. Please keep them
coming. (11/4/94)

WARREN E. PROCTOR - Jarrell, TX - Received the U.S.S. Lowndes News
Letter today. Always glad to get it, brings back a lot of memories,
most of them good. I was in the amphibs or boat group in charge of
No. 1 LCM. When aboard ship I was part of the 3rd Division and stood
all of my watches on the helm or the phone on Bos'un watch when the
ship was at anchor and when there were supplies to be hauled aboard
Ricks or me would get the job as the LCM could hold a lot. We also
carried liberty parties when we had liberty. Will always remember going
into Iwo Jima on the first trip. Don't remember many of my shipmates,
but we were all as one, helping each other for the same cause. I live
about 120 miles north of San Antonio and if I'm still healthy will
try to attend. I've visited the Admiral Nimitz Museum in Fredricksburg
and it is real interesting. (11/4/94)

VINCENT G. HALBAUER - Kansas City, MO - I've been retired for a little
over nine years now, but I seem to be busier than ever trying to keep
up with repairs around the house. My sister keeps finding things for
me to do. I've stayed in pretty good health through the years except
for bad knees, but I keep going. Enclosed $3.00 for a history booklet.
Looking forward to receiving it. Enjoy the News Letters. (11/9/94)

CLIFF & MARY SCHAFFER - Limeport, PA - Dear George & Glenda: We want
to thank you for the nice time we had in San Diego. We enjoyed it very
much. You all did a very good job. Hope to see you next year. Thanks
again. (10/13/94

LEO O'BRIEN - Maiden, MA - We had a swell time at the Reunion and it's
always nice to see so many of our old friends again. It was especially
nice to see Jack "Hovey" Weatherbie, he was my coxswain on boat No.
15. I received a nice manuscript on the "Life of Erie Niemi". It is
very well written and put into book form. I knew Erie quite well on
the Lowndes, both of us being Motor Macs and in the boat group. Reading
of his many experiences on board ship brought back memories that
paralleled my own. Art & Marge Rauseo and Margaret & I are planning
on a one day visit to see John & Sally Vernale. We haven't seen them
since "Bahston" and it should give us a chance to bring them up to
date on our shipmates. To you Bud & Jean it was great to be a part
of your 50th Wedding Anniversary. (11/3/94)

HARRY CONTRERAS - Mesa, AZ Lupe and I were looking forward to
attending the convention in San Diego and meeting some of my old
shipmates after all these years. During a short vacation in the
mountains in northern Arizona I broke my right ankle. Had surgery to
repair same. This happened August 18, 1994. I am just able to get around
some with a cane. That is the reason we were not able to get with the
bunch in San Diego. (11/6/94)

LYMAN W. NEDEAU - Naples, FL - Just got the News Letter and do get
quite excited reading it and sure wish I could remember more so that
I could add my two cents, then I would feel more like part of the crew.
Then too, there were a lot more of the deck force than there was
representing the black gang. I try to refresh my memory but don't have
much luck. I did spend a lot of time down in the hole. Also note the
Reunions for '95 and '96 and filled out the responses as much as
possible at this date. The timing is not the best for me but it's a
long way off and we'll see what happens. (11/6/94)

Dick Jones was unable to make the trip to San Diego, has been feeling
pretty much under the weather. Take care of yourself Dick, want to
see you in San Antonio, TX in 1996. (BK 11/8/94)

JACK B. HOVEY - Pasadena, CA - Received the Oct. News Letter plus copies
of previous issues. Many thanks to all of my shipmates and their mates
in welcoming my wife and myself aboard. Seeing Leo and Margaret O'Brien
was a special highlight for Evelyn and me because Leo, Carmel Fesi
and I became not only very close as a team, we also became close friends
that watched out for one another no matter what. Know that I'm a day
late and a dollar short but would like to commend the Tuppans and
Macphersons for their hard work and easy going attitude for 4 days
of real enjoyment. Also would like to send a special medal of merit
to Charlotte for the absolute command at all times. I am disappointed
that we have missed previous reunions but will make an effort not to
miss any in the future. There are so many things that happened while
renewing acquaintances that it would take too long to mention them.
I see by the roster that I have many shipmates aboard and hope to see
them in Texas and will try to drop them a line. (11/19/94)

1/95-5

FINANCIAL STATEMENT DECEMBER 31, 1994

Balance August 31, 1994 : $2270.43
INCOME

Contributions (General Fund): $270.00

Bowman/Richards Memorial Fund : $385.00

Raffle : $315.00

History booklets : $15:00

Surplus Bud & Jean wedding cake : $30.00

Hats : $40.00

T shirts : $10.00

Cookbook : $7.00 --------- $1072.00

---------------------------------- $3342.43

DISBURSEMENTS

Printing : $72.98

Postage : $166.17

Refreshments (SD Reunion) : $209.68

SD Reunion expenses (Don) : $355.80

UPS delivery : $58.43

Supplies : $6.43

Misc. expenses : $12.00

Balance December 31, 1994 : $2270.43

*Bowman/Richards Memorial Fund total $1525.00 Less $350.00 (Plaque)
Any surplus funds will go into the general operating fund.

THE FOLLOWING SHIPMATES HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO THE
BOWMAN/RICHARDS MEMORIAL FUND

Binney
Brinkman
Bussard
Chappell
Chasteen
Davenport
Davis
DuBois
Dunn
Dyer
Eriandson
Fearing
Freitas
Henkels
Hughes
Jurica
Kautz
Lackey
Layton
Lorenzi
Markus
Martin
McKellar
Michalski
Moore
O'Brien
Pilchard
Ramsey
Richards
Robinson
Ross

Schaffer

Seay

Taylor

Trevillyan

Thomas

Tuppan

Walker

Wanits

Warnberg

Workman

A total of $1525.00 from 43 contributors on our roster.(26.5%).

It is the intention of the Bowman/Richards Memorial committee to
invite a representative of the Bowman & Richards families to attend
the dedication services of the Memorial Plaque and the commissioning
pennant at the Admiral Nimitz Museum in Fredericksburg, Texas. This
event will take place during our 1995 Reunion in San Antonio, Texas.
Connie & Jerry Michalski are in the process of making arrangements
and details and dates will be announced as soon as possible in future
News Letters.

Make plans early for this event to be held in September or October 1995.

HAVE RECEIVED TALES OF IWO JIMA FROM THE FOLLOWING:

Bill Bornhorst
Fred Brinkman
Howard Chappell
Mitchell S. Chasteen
Harry Contreras
Jim Davenport
Bill R. Davis
Frank B. DuBois
Stan Dunn
Dave Frederick
Vincent G. Halbauer
Robert J. Henkels

Jack B. Hovey
Harley Hughes
Walt Karson
Ed. King
John L. Lackey
Jack W. Laird
Bill L. Markus
Clark 0. Martin
Connie Michalski
Francis J. Miller
Chuck Munson
Lyman W. Nedeau

Erie Niemi
Leo O'Brien
Elliott T. Pilchard
Warren Proctor
Earl Robertson
Joel Rodriquez
J. Shelton Scales
Dallas Stratton
Elmer Trevillyan
George Tuppan
Otto Walker

The following have indicated relating a tale regarding Iwo Jima
but have not yet responded, There is time fellows. Will go to press in
early February. Plans are to have this memorable booklet in the hands
of our shipmates before 19, February 1995.

E. Max Cole
John Dyer
Joe Freitas
Fred Gideon
Dick Jones

David Longar
Ed, McKellar
Art Rauseo
Bill Robinson

Cliff Schaffer
Bill Talor
John Vernale
Bob Warnberg

Received a video tape from Dan Wisdom, "I Led Three Lives"
own Lt. E. L. Hinton had a major part in it.

George Tuppan Checked into the hospital for an Angeogram, stayed
overnight to have open heart surgery. December 1st he had a quintuple
bypass and two leaking valves replaced with St. Judes valves. He must
recuperate for three to four months before returning to have an aneurysm
in his aorta repaired. George shouldn't have any problems with the
new valves, after all he was Oil King aboard the Lowndes and turned
many valves in performing his duties to see that we had enough fuel
to not only get us places but get us back. We wish him the best and
a speedy recovery. (Jan. '95)

Mildred Binney has had total right hip surgery and surgery on left
knee (copy cat). Hope this will take care of 1994 and she will be up
and around so that she and Buell will be able to make it to San Antonio,
Texas in 1995. Wish Mildred a speedy recovery too. (Dec. 1994).

CARMEL J. FESI - Houma, LA - Made
the first reunion in St. Louis, MO
but have been unable to attend the
recent ones because Evelyn has had
health problems. We are planning to
attend the reunion in San Antonio,
hope to see the crew there. I was in
the boat crew and have some Lowndes
stories to relate. (Dec. 1994)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Texas became the 28th state in the Union (1848). The capital building
in Austin was dedicated in 1888. How many of our shipmates (even Texans)
knew that chili, the fiery stew brewed with Texas pride is the state
dish and was adopted by the legislature in 1977?

Ellen Neimi sent me a book "Memories by Erie Niemi". The book relates
the many facets of his life from the time he was born - Aug. 28, 1945
until shortly before his untimely death - June 30, 1994. The following
is an excerpt from autobiography:

I was preparing to help Dad in the barn when the radio Mother had
on announced the bombing of Pearl Harbor, December 1, 1941. At 16 years
of age, I felt badly because I was sure the war would be over before
I became of age. In deciding which branch of service I would go into;
Army, Navy or Marines, I chose the Navy. I thought I would be less
apt to find it necessary to put a man in my rifle sight and kill him
in that branch. This I didn't think I could do. Later, when facing
the enemy and with the training we had it would have been no problem.
I never had to test the theory. I went to Marquette to enlist in the
Navy and was anxious to be on my way. I was only 17 years old and my
parents had to sign for me. Mother later told me that signing was most
difficult On to Milwaukee for my physical. Spent a good part of the
day naked, except for socks, standing in line with about 200 other
guys. I almost washed out because of scars on my right index finger.
between a Navy & a Army officer it was decided I was good enough for
the Navy. Later after 2 months of diesel school I wound up in San
Dedro in what was a federal prison where they kept the Navy & Marine
prisoners. The Marine guards were very strict. The word was that if
a prisoner escaped his guard had to serve the remainder of the sentence.
If the guard shot the escapee, he had to pay for the bullet & was given
a carton of cigarettes & a transfer. Had several other duties stations,
then to the amphibious base near San Diego for training & earned my
first rate as MoMM3c. Bought tailor made dress blues, quite big stuff
to a young sailor. From there went up the coast to Astoria, Washington.
There we boarded the U.S.S. Lowndes-APA 154 (Amphibious Personnel
assault, as members of the boat crew. Ran shake-down cruise up & down
the coast, Seattle, San Francisco & Long Beach. Then out to sea. Pulled
into Pearl Harbor a week later. 3 of the battleships that were damaged
were still there. The U.S.S. Arizona was never raised & became a
memorial to the sailors who died aboard her. There was a news cast
regarding Eleanor Roosevelt (the president's wife) touring Honolulu.
She asked why all the sailors were lined up along the sidewalks, told
that they awaited the services of the whore houses, she shut them all
down. It was here in, Honolulu, that we loaded the 4th Marines about
2,500 men) & their trucks, jeeps, etc. & went on maneuvers with them.
Taking them ashore in barges, picking them up & returning to the ship.
Spent the night cruising around & the next day do it again. Thought
this was ridiculous as we already knew how to do it already. When facing
the enemy I found it's value. Our coxswain always seemed to get us
into trouble, almost every time we hit the beach Stoner broached us.
This is where he acquired the name "Broaching Stoner". Out to sea again,
didn't know where we were going but Tokyo Rose knew & warned us to
go back because we didn't have a chance. She knew when we left, how
many ships were in the convoy, reported our ship sunk twice.
Saipan next, mail stop at Eniwetok. Had maneuvers off Tinian which
was still occupied by the enemy. Didn't go all the way ashore but were
loaded with live ammo & support boats shelled the island. Next stop
Iwo Jima. (Erie's story appears in "The Unforgettable Image of Iwo
Jima"). At Guam & Saipan, fleet headquarters, we unloaded casualties,
loaded supplies & the 2nd Marines, then out to sea again. It appeared
that Okinawa had to be our next target. Prior to reaching the invasion
site we passed one of our ships in flames, the result of a kamikaze
(suicide) plane. These pilots attended their funerals before take off
& when fished out of the sea they were dressed in their funeral attire.

Maggie Frieden writes that she and Jim were sorry they could not make
it to San Diego for the Reunion. September is a bad time of the year
for Jim to get away, with the harvest of grain coming in. He has not
had a let-up since the 4th of July week end, soya beans next, then
corn. He is still bringing in the corn. (Dec.'94)

CONNIE MICHALSKI - Austin, TX - After being at sea for 11 months we
came back to San Francisco. Several of the guys decided to have dinner
at a large Chinese Restaurant. Since we were not served salads aboard
ship - one of our group had a strong desire for a good salad and asked
the waitress to bring him the best salad she could provide - and make
it a LARGE one. In a few minutes the salad arrived and L. W. Nedeau
started eating the unusual and crunchy salad. The waitress came by
a couple of times and asked if he liked it and if he was enjoying it,
he replied that he liked it and it was great. The third time she came
around Nedeau asked her what kind of salad it was, she replied, so
you really liked it? Again he said yes. About that time the main course
arrived and we all enjoyed a good meal. When it was time to receive
the dinner check, Nedeau again asked her what kind of salad it was
so he could order it when he came back for another meal. She said, just
ask for me and I will fix you up! Nedeau said, but what if you're not
here, what do I ask for? After a short silence - she answered -
GRASSHOPPER!!! (Jan.'95)

ELLIOTT PILCHARD_- Port Hueneme, CA - Do you remember the "heads",
the long metal troughs with salt water always flowing thru? Now, do
you remember the "fireballs", a big wad of T/P ignited and floated
down the trough under an unsuspecting guy? Man! How fast he could get
up.

CHANGES AND ADDITIONS TO ROSTER

Carmel J. Fesi
102 Hawthorn Dr.
Houma, LA 70360

Glen W. Forgay
(915)267-2267

Lawrence L. Foyt
(713)864-0876

John L. Lackey
(818)842-6313

J. Shelton Scales
(703)634-1356

Henry F. McNamee
Winter Address
12538 SW Kingsway Circle
#1708
Lake Suzy, FL 33821

Jack B. Hovey, Jr.
3138 E. Green St.
Pasadena, CA 91170
(818)793-9314

Robert F. Hazelett
6109 N. 13th St.
Phoenix, AZ 85014

Many shipmates have not responded to
queries nor contributed to the U.S. S.
Lowndes Reunion Group Fund. They will be
considered as inactive members and will
receive a copy of the roster annually.

Dele Alma Ravenscraft - Remarried, no further information.
Please check the roster and notify me of any corrections or additions.

Recently heard of the demise of:

Lee Peter Deruga
Harvey Ayler McGowan
Norman Wesley Treanor

No further details.

All three were members of the Amphibious Group.