N orfolk VA 2 0 1 4 S an D iego CA 2 0 1 5

November 2014
Newsletter of the ESCORT CARRIER SAILORS & AIRMEN ASSOCIATION, INC.
ESCORT CARRIER SAILORS & AIRMEN ASSN.
1317 Malmgren Court
Norfolk, VA 23502
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Non-profit
U.S. Postage
PAID
Norfolk, VA
Permit #360
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ECSAA has a new address
1215 N. Military Highway PMB#128, Norfolk VA 23502
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The CVE PIPER is published
quarterly by the ESCORT CARRIER SAILOR &
AIRMEN ASSOCIATION, INC.
And is mailed by non-profit Veterans Permit from
Norfolk, Virginia
Send MEMBERSHIP DUES
and CHANGE OF ADDRESS OR
EMAIL ADDRESS to:
ECSAA Membership (Attn: Dave Ryan)
1215 N. Military Highway PMB#128
Norfolk, VA 23502
E-mail: [email protected]
Send DONATIONS to:
Bob Evans, Treasurer
1215 N. Military Highway PMB#128
Norfolk, VA 23502
817-798-2369
Send items for PUBLICATION, TAPS,
REUNIONS to:
Joyce Wilson
1215 N. Military Highway PMB#128
Norfolk, VA 23502
757-477-2354
Email: [email protected]
CVE PIPER SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
When submitting your articles please:
• Limit your articles to no more than 2000
words
• Check spelling, punctuation and subject
matter. (Editor reserves editing rights)
• Determine the Headline for your story and
Author.
LEGAL CONSEQUENCES
Some members are sending clippings from
newspapers, magazines and books, with a
request that we print them in the CVE Piper.
You must get written permission from the
source of the article (writer, publisher, photographer, etc.) Before we can legally reprint these
articles or pictures.
We have been advised that this written permission must be in our possession in case of a law
suite which can have substantial penalties for
our Association.
ERROR AVOIDANCE
Many past submissions to the CVE Piper were
hand written, and some were difficult to read by
our printers who are not familiar with
Escort Carrier names and Navy terminology.
The publisher had to guess. As a result, the
editor received numerous letters pointing out
the errors.
All future letters submitted for publishing must
be typed or clearly printed, This may cause
problems for some of you, but it will improve
the quality of the Piper.
BOARD
OF
GOVERNORS
Anthony Looney, President (Cindy)
1203 Greenway Drive
Allen, TX 75020
Phone: 214.738.5949 (cell)
Phone: 972.359.0373 (home)
Email: [email protected]
Term 2016
John W. Smith (Pauline)
USS Salamaua CVE-96
5921 Winwood Dr., # 106
Johnston, Iowa, 50131
Home Phone: 515.289.1467
Fax: 515.289.8408
Email: [email protected]
Term 2015
(Art) Wayne Lowe, Vice President
(Joan)
USS Corregidor CVE 58
5 Longbow Court
St. Louis MO 63114
Home Phone: 314.429.1169
Email: [email protected]
Term 2015
Bob Evans, Treasurer (Janet)
USS Sangamon CVE-26
1649 Glenhill Lane
Lewisville, TX 75077-2728
Phone: 817.798.2369
Email: [email protected]
Term 2015
George Manik, Conventions/Memorials
(Barbara)
USS Sangamon CVE-26
50 North Island Drive
Bayville, NJ 08721
Home Phone: 732.269.0866
C-Phone: 732.269.6767
Fax: 732.269.6696
Email: [email protected]
Term 2015
Oscar (Clay) Hathaway III
Secretary
USS Casablanca
1310 W. 115th
Jenks, OK 74037
Phone 918.606.9757
Email: [email protected]
Term 2015
Will you assist us and increase our membership?
If you have any names of shipmates who you think might be interested in joining our Escort Carrier Sailor &
Airmen Association, please send them to me, or email me and I will send them a CVE Piper.
ECSAA Membership
Attn: Dave Ryan
1215 N. Military Highway PMB#128
Norfolk VA 23502 Shipmate
CVE:
Address:
City:
[email protected]
ST:
Zip:
ESCORT CARRIER SAILORS & AIRMEN ASSOCIATION MEMORIAL
DONATION (BONDED) TREASURER, BOB EVANS, 1215 N MILITARY HWY PMB#128,
NORFOLK, VA 23502 INCORPORATED IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF
VIRGINIA, IRS CLASSIFICATION 501-19 I.D. Number 54-1599146
Donor Last Name
Address
Donor First Name
City
St
Zip
Ship or Squadron you served in
Memorial Donations are Tax Deductible under ECSAA’s IRS Classification 501C-19
Check Number
Amount $
Date
2014 ESCAA Convention in Norfolk Virginia
Memories, Friends, Food and Fun
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A Brief History of U.S. Navy Aircraft Carriers
The Escort Carriers
Researched and written by
CE1 Robert A. Germinsky, U.S. Naval Reserve
Taken from: Official Website of the United States Navy
The Navy’s escort carriers, called “Jeep
carriers” or (by the press) “baby flat tops,” never
received the headlines or glory accorded their bigger
sisters. Jeeps did the routine patrol work, scouting
and escorting of convoys that their larger fleet-type
counterparts couldn’t do. Lightly armored, slower
than the fleet carriers and with far less defensive
armament and aircraft, they performed admirably
when called upon.
Jeep carrier crews, who joked that “CVE”
(the Navy’s designation for this type of ship) really stood for “Combustible, Vulnerable and Expendable,” became experts at hunting, finding and killing U-boats
in both ocean theaters. Jeeps and their crews also provided fighter and close air
support for amphibious landings, and served as aircraft transports as the tempo
of the carrier war in the Pacific mounted to a crescendo.
The need for escort carriers came early in the war when German submarines and aircraft were taking a devastating toll on convoy shipping. The heaviest
losses occurred far at sea where land-based aircraft couldn’t operate. The Royal
Navy had experimented with catapult-launched fighter planes from merchantmen; while this was somewhat successful in combating the U-boats, the number
of planes that could be embarked was limited. Something else was needed, and
in a hurry. Great Britain appealed to the United States for help.
No real specifications had been developed for escort carriers at this time, although the Navy had looked into converting merchant ships for this purpose
before the war began. Thus, the quick solution was to build the early CVEs on
merchant ship hulls.
The first CVE was USS Long Island (CVE 1), converted from a Maritime
Commission freighter. Due to a shortage of merchant ship hulls, four escort carriers were built on Cimarron-class fleet oiler hulls. These four, USS Sangamon
(CVE 26), USS Suwanee (CVE 27), USS Chenanago (CVE 28), and USS Santee
(CVE 29), were so successful in anti-submarine work and in covering amphibious operations that, after participating in the landings in North Africa, they were
deployed to the Pacific. There, the fleet was in desperate need of carriers.
These early ships paved the way for a tremendous building program of Jeeps in
the United States. Between June 1941 and April 1945, 78 escort carriers would
be built and launched -- a remarkable feat of wartime naval construction.
In the Atlantic, escort carriers originally stayed close to the convoys they were
protecting. Over time, tactics evolved that enabled the Jeep carriers and their
destroyer escorts to become independent “hunter-killer” groups. They could
attack concentrations of U-boats at will and were no longer required to provide
constant umbrella coverage for a convoy. This tactic was further refined by having the escort carrier groups concentrate their efforts in areas where U-boats met
their supply submarines (“milch cows”).
This operational phase was so successful that three Jeeps -- USS Core
(CVE 13), USS Card (CVE 11) and USS Bogue (CVE 9) -- and their escorting
destroyers sank a total of 16 U-boats and 8 milch cows in a period of 98 days.
During this time, U-boats sank only one merchantman and shot down only three
planes from the escort carriers. This loss of submarines, particularly the milch
cows, was a severe blow to the German Navy. With diminished capability for
refueling U-boats at sea, and with no friendly bases in the area, Admiral Karl
Doenitz, commander of the German U-boat fleet, was forced to withdraw his
remaining supply submarines and cancel all U-boat operations in the central Atlantic. Testimony indeed to the hard work, skill and dedication of the Jeeps and
the men who served in them.
In the Pacific, Jeeps performed less glamorous but no less important
duties. Whether providing air cover for amphibious landings, ferrying planes, resupplying the big carriers or performing tactical air strikes in support of ground
forces ashore, the little flat tops did whatever work had to be done. With all of
their versatility, however, they were never designed to go toe-to-toe with heavy
enemy surface units in a running sea battle. They never had to -- until Oct. 25,
1944, off the island of Samar in the Philippines.
Task Group 77.4 consisted of 16 CVEs organized into
three task units: Taffy 1, Taffy 2 and Taffy 3, so named because
of their voice radio call signs. These Jeeps were tasked with
protecting the transports unloading in Leyte Gulf and supporting troops ashore by striking enemy fortifications and airfields.
The little escort carriers were preparing for another day when,
early in the morning of Oct. 25, lookouts on board ships of
Taffy 3 spotted Admiral Takeo Kurita’s heavy surface force
attempting to enter Leyte Gulf and attack the transports and
beachhead. What Taffy 3 faced were four battleships and six heavy cruisers.
Outgunned and out manned, the Jeeps and their accompanying destroyers and
destroyer escorts did the only thing they could in the face of such overwhelming
odds and firepower -- they attacked.
Taffy 3, which would bear the brunt of the fighting, began launching
aircraft and making smoke. Taffy 2 and Taffy 1, further away, began launching
their aircraft to come to the aid of Taffy 3. No heavy American surface units or
carriers were in the area; the Jeeps were on their own.
Aircraft from the Jeeps attacked and harassed the enemy, bombing and
strafing. Pilots then made “dry” runs on the cruisers and battleships when they
ran out of ammunition, in the hope of distracting the enemy gunners from shooting at the little carriers. The gutsy little destroyers, completely over matched,
bore in and carried out torpedo attacks, and fired at the massive battle wagons
and cruisers with their relatively puny 5-inch battery guns. The escort carriers
themselves were saved from utter destruction because of excellent maneuvering
by their captains, and because, when hit, their thin armor permitted the Japanese
shells to pass completely through without exploding.
Bold tactics on the part of the carriers, their planes and destroyers convinced Kurita that he had encountered a much larger force of heavy American
surface ships and carriers. He had no idea that relatively little stood between his
ships and the transports now unloading in Leyte Gulf. With little knowledge of
the situation, and with his ships widely dispersed after fending off the destroyer
attacks, Kurita ordered his ships to break off the action and retire from the area.
The fight, however, was still not over.
Following Kurita’s withdrawal, ships of Taffy 2 and Taffy 3 came under
attack from kamikazes, or Japanese suicide pilots. The kamikazes inflicted far
greater damage on the little carriers than did Kurita’s gunfire, which only managed to account for one carrier, USS Gambier Bay (CVE 73). Hits were scored
on Santee, Suwanee, USS Kitkun Bay (CVE 71) and USS St. Lo (CVE 63). Of
these four, St. Lo was hit hardest, and she sank as a result.
This Battle off Samar, which lasted a little over two hours, wrote a glorious chapter in the history of the Jeep carriers. By the time Kurita broke off his
attack and the kamikazes had been repulsed, more than 1,100 U.S. sailors were
dead or missing. Two escort carriers were lost along with four of the gallant little
destroyers. With no support from heavy American surface units or carriers, the
Jeeps of Taffy 1, 2 and 3, their air crews and destroyers bravely and successfully
defended the landing beaches and transports at Leyte Gulf.
Sources: Falk, Stanley L. Decision at Leyte. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, Inc., 1966.
Morison, Samuel Eliot. History of United States Naval Operations in World War
II.Vol. 10.The Atlantic Battle Won. Boston: Little, Brown and Company, 1956.
Morison. Vol. 12. Leyte, 1958.
Note that many of the lower-numbered carriers were transferred to the Royal Navy, where they received new names. For instance, Breton (CVE-10) became HMS Chaser (D32). The new names are
mentioned in each article individually
Name
Long Island
Altamaha
Barnes
Block Island
Bogue
Breton
Card
Copahee
Core
Croatan
Hamlin
Nassau
St. George
Altamaha
Prince William
Barnes
Block Island
Breton
Croatan
Sangamon
Suwannee
Chenango
Santee
Charger
Prince William
Chatham
Glacier
Pybus
Baffins
Bolinas
Bastian
Carnegie
Cordova
Delgada
Edisto
Estero
Jamaica
Keweenaw
Prince
Niantic
Perdido
Sunset
St. Andrews
St. Joseph
St. Simon
Vermillion
Willapa
Winjah
Casablanca
Liscome Bay
Coral Sea
Corregidor
Mission Bay
Guadalcanal
Manila Bay
Hull Number
Notes
AVG-1/BAVG-1
AVG-2/BAVG-2
AVG-3/BAVG-3
AVG-4/BAVG-4
Became HMS Archer
Became HMS Avenger
Became HMS Biter later French
Became HMS Charger briefly, returned to
USN as USS Charger (CVE-30)
Became HMS Dasher
Became HMS Tracker
AVG-5/BAVG-5
BAVG-6
CVE-1
CVE-6
CVE-7
CVE-8
CVE-9
CVE-10
CVE-11
CVE-12
CVE-13
CVE-14
CVE-15
CVE-16
CVE-17
CVE-18
CVE-19
CVE-20
CVE-21
CVE-22
CVE-23
CVE-24
CVE-25
CVE-26
CVE-27
CVE-28
CVE-29
CVE-30
CVE-31
CVE-32
CVE-33
CVE-34
CVE-35
CVE-36
CVE-37
CVE-38
CVE-39
CVE-40
CVE-41
CVE-42
CVE-43
CVE-44
CVE-45
CVE-46
CVE-47
CVE-48
CVE-49
CVE-50
CVE-51
CVE-52
CVE-53
CVE-54
CVE-55
CVE-56
CVE-57
CVE-58
CVE-59
CVE-60
CVE-61
Became HMS Battler
Became HMS Attacker
Became HMS Hunter
Became HMS Chaser
Became HMS Fencer
Became HMS Stalker
Became HMS Pursuer
Became HMS Striker
Became HMS Searcher
Became HMS Ravager
Same ship as AVG-4 and HMS Charger
Became HMS Slinger
Became HMS Atheling
Became HMS Emperor
Became HMS Ameer
Became HMS Begum
Became HMS Trumpeter
Became HMS Empress
Became HMS Khedive
Became HMS Speaker
Became HMS Nabob
Became HMS Premier
Became HMS Shah
Became HMS Patroller
Became HMS Rajah
Became HMS Ranee
Became HMS Trouncer
Became HMS Thane
Became HMS Queen
Became HMS Ruler
Became HMS Arbiter
Became HMS Smiter
Became HMS Puncher
Became HMS Reaper
Lead Ship of Class
Renamed USS Anzio
Name
Hull Number Notes
Natoma Bay
Midway
Tripoli
Wake Island
White Plains
CVE-62
CVE-63
CVE-64
CVE-65
CVE-66
Solomons
Kalinin Bay
Kasaan Bay
Fanshaw Bay
Kitkun Bay
Tulagi
Gambier Bay
Nehenta Bay
Hoggatt Bay
Kadashan Bay
Marcus Island
Savo Island
Ommaney Bay
Petrof Bay
Rudyerd Bay
Saginaw Bay
Sargent Bay
Shamrock Bay
Shipley Bay
Sitkoh Bay
Steamer Bay
Cape Esperance
Takanis Bay
Thetis Bay
Makassar Strait
Windham Bay
Makin Island
Lunga Point
Bismarck Sea
Salamaua
Hollandia
Kwajalein
Admiralty Islands
Bougainville
Matanikau
Attu
Roi
Munda
Commencement Bay
Block Island
Gilbert Islands
Kula Gulf
Cape Gloucester
Salerno Bay
Vella Gulf
Siboney
Puget Sound
Rendova
Bairoko
Badoeng Strait
Saidor
Sicily
Point Cruz
Mindoro
Rabaul
Palau
Tinian
Bastogne
Eniwetok
Lingayen
Okinawa
CVE-67
CVE-68
CVE-69
CVE-70
CVE-71
CVE-72
CVE-73
CVE-74
CVE-75
CVE-76
CVE-77
CVE-78
CVE-79
CVE-80
CVE-81
CVE-82
CVE-83
CVE-84
CVE-85
CVE-86
CVE-87
CVE-88
CVE-89
CVE-90
CVE-91
CVE-92
CVE-93
CVE-94
CVE-95
CVE-96
CVE-97
CVE-98
CVE-99
CVE-100
CVE-101
CVE-102
CVE-103
CVE-104
CVE-105
CVE-106
CVE-107
CVE-108
CVE-109
CVE-110
CVE-111
CVE-112
CVE-113
CVE-114
CVE-115
CVE-116
CVE-117
CVE-118
CVE-119
CVE-120
CVE-121
CVE-122
CVE-123
CVE-124
CVE-125
CVE-126
CVE-127
Last ship of Casablanca class
Lead ship of class
Cancelled
Cancelled
Cancelled
Cancelled / Last ship of Commencement Bay class
October 18, 2014
W
elcome to the 2014 ECSAA Convention! I anticipate you will enjoy this week in Norfolk, especially taking in the activities
planned by the ECSAA Convention Committee.
Hopefully you have located your ECSAA challenge coin in your registration packet. This project was a joint effort of our Memorials
& Artifacts Chair George Manik and ECSAA member Bob Wagner. The Governors wanted to memorialize our organization and could think
of no better way than with the challenge coin. With the completion of the coin, your Governors voted unanimously to provide a coin free of
charge to each member attending this year’s convention. Look for an article on the history of challenge coins, and specifically the development of our coin in an upcoming issue of The CVE Piper.
Sunday evening offers an opportunity to renew acquaintances and establish new friendships at the evening reception. This evening
should be loads of fun with various activities planned by our Convention Chair, Walter Smith.
Our tours will kick-off Monday, continuing Tuesday as we visit the Hampton Roads Naval Museum. At Hampton Roads be sure and
make some time viewing ECSAA’s recently placed U-505 memorial at the museum. We are proud of this collaboration between Governor
George Manik and shipbuilder Bill Waldorf which provides a fine illustration of the “Little Giants” contributions to the War effort. While in
the area, try and get a glimpse of the USS Wisconsin BB-64 berthed nearby in the harbor.
If we are lucky on our Naval Base tours, we might see the Dwight
D. Eisenhower CVN-69, Theodore Roosevelt CVN-71, Abraham Lincoln
CVN-72, Harry S. Truman CVN-75 or George H. W. Bush CVN-77 in port,
all Nimitz-class nuclear powered aircraft carriers that are based in Norfolk.
There are so many places to visit in the Norfolk area that the Convention
Committee could not fit them all in the agenda. If you have time aside
from the convention, consider Colonial Williamsburg and Historic Jamestowne with the Jamestown settlement, both a short distance from Norfolk.
The Revolutionary War Battle of Yorktown is commemorated by the Yorktown Victory Center museum connecting Williamsburg and Jamestown.
If you enjoyed the Hampton Road
Museum, you might be interested in
the Mariner’s Museum, the Virginia
Air & Space Center, or the Virginia
Aquarium and Marine Science Center.
Other activities you might consider
are the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame and Museum or the Virginia Zoo.
As a group we only come together once a year; I always look forward to seeing and catching up with
everyone again. Usually tales of naval experiences abound in the Hospitality Room and seem to get larger than life each year. Art Lowe
always has a table of great items for sale, of which most proceeds benefit ECSAA. I’m glad you are here and personally would not want to
miss this convention!
Anthony G. Looney
President, Escort Carrier Sailors and Airmen Association
Convention Attendees
Name
Bonnie McBurney
Cathy Melanson
Cheryl Leonard
Diane Wilke
Glennie Gettineer
Jeanne Gardner
Kae Christensen
Louis Kemp
Sheri Fitzgerald
Rinehart Wilke III (Butch)
Joe Judge
Joyce Wilson
Malcolm Bahrenburg
Greta Anna DeRocher
Vincent DeRocher
Dave Ryan
Clay Hathaway
Kimla Hathaway
Oscar Hathaway
Andy McLean
Art Lowe
Benjamin Leander
Bev Comola
Charles Barnes
Charlotte Hopkins
Donna Socha
Ed Socha
Edward Hopkins
James Daleo
Janine Barnes
Joan Lowe
Joseph Bennett
Joyce Bennett
Madeline Leander
Marge McLean
Paul Comola
Vivian Yost
Walter Smith
John Heddle
Faye Hall
Richard Ratcliffe
Harold Talbert
Norman Caughill
Ed Bond
Richard Rohwer
Warner Rohwer
CVE
Guest
Guest
Guest
Guest
Guest
Guest
Guest
Guest
Guest
Guest Member
Museum Curator
The PIPER
USS Attu
USS Bogue
USS Bogue
USS Bogue
USS Casablanca
USS Casablanca
USS Casablanca
USS Corregidor
USS Corregidor
USS Corregidor
USS Corregidor
USS Corregidor
USS Corregidor
USS Corregidor
USS Corregidor
USS Corregidor
USS Corregidor
USS Corregidor
USS Corregidor
USS Corregidor
USS Corregidor
USS Corregidor
USS Corregidor
USS Corregidor
USS Corregidor
USS Corregidor
USS Corregidor
USS Fanshaw Bay
USS Fenshaw Bay
USS Gilbert Island
USS Guadalcanal
USS Hollandia
USS Kula Gulf
USS Kula Gulf
Name
Dr. Josef Weiss
Dr. Violet Weiss
Gene Darnel
Mark Darnel
Marva Jean Bradshaw
Samuel Henderson
Paul Engle
Doris King
Keith King
Aaron Green
Irvin Green
Ken Green
Rayonette Green
Freda Otto
James Otto
Jack Lapouraille
Anthony Looney
Barbara Manik
Bob Evans
Cindy Looney
Erwin Solloway
George Manik
Glen J. Looney
Harvey Hagedorn
Henry Young
James Tatum
Janet Evans
Larry Young
Lou Solloway
Michael Looney
Pat Landry
Rozanne Hagedorn
Wilfred Landry
Betty Howse
Charlie Howse
Eddie Falk
Florence Solomon
Jan Howse
Joseph Mika
Joyce Jones
Judy Howse
Len Solomon
Marvin White
Pat Mika
Peggy Wilson
Richard Wilson
Sandy White
Steve Howse
Susan Falk
William Lewis
CVE
USS Makin Island
USS Makin Island
USS Manila Bay
USS Manila Bay
USS Manila Bay
USS Manila Bay
USS Prince William
USS Puget Sound
USS Puget Sound
USS Rendova
USS Rendova
USS Rendova
USS Rendova
USS Saidor
USS Saidor
USS Salerno Bay
USS Sangamon
USS Sangamon
USS Sangamon
USS Sangamon
USS Sangamon
USS Sangamon
USS Sangamon
USS Sangamon
USS Sangamon
USS Sangamon
USS Sangamon
USS Sangamon
USS Sangamon
USS Sangamon
USS Sangamon
USS Sangamon
USS Sangamon
USS Santee
USS Santee
USS Santee
USS Santee
USS Santee
USS Santee
USS Santee
USS Santee
USS Santee
USS Santee
USS Santee
USS Santee
USS Santee
USS Santee
USS Santee
USS Santee
USS Sargent Bay
Name
Angela Wagner
Bob Wagner
James Kellam
Jeanette Kellam
John Gazda
Louis Meren
Irene Kappes
Bill Kyser
Bob Ahlen
Charles Milnor
Clarence Barrett
Dick Hiner
Dori Milnor
Dr. Martin Stahl
Henry Wegner
Jimmy Tilley
Joseph Parker
Judy Atkinson
Kate Hiner
Laurel Stahl
Marie Long
Marion Zinman
Marj Ahlen
Mary L. Wegner
Paul Long
Ralph Wethli
Mickey Wethi
Robert Zinman
Ruth Kyser
Sandra Barrett
Sue Tilley
Theresa Parker
William Atkinson
Bill Rochford
Eddie Pippin
Helen Rochford
Judy McClung
Kay Pippin
Paul Pippin
Robert McClung
Theresa Pippin
Alvis Jenkins
Austin Sanders
Becky Jenkins
Jim Storie
Ouida Jenkins
Roxann Storie
CVE
USS Sicily
USS Sicily
USS Sicily
USS Sicily
USS Sicily
USS Sicily
USS Solomons
USS Tripoli
USS Tripoli
USS Tripoli
USS Tripoli
USS Tripoli
USS Tripoli
USS Tripoli
USS Tripoli
USS Tripoli
USS Tripoli
USS Tripoli
USS Tripoli
USS Tripoli
USS Tripoli
USS Tripoli
USS Tripoli
USS Tripoli
USS Tripoli
USS Tripoli
USS Tripoli
USS Tripoli
USS Tripoli
USS Tripoli
USS Tripoli
USS Tripoli
USS Tripoli
USS Tulagi
USS Tulagi
USS Tulagi
USS Tulagi
USS Tulagi
USS Tulagi
USS Tulagi
USS Tulagi
ECSAA GENERAL SESSION BUSINESS MEETING
OCTOBER 22, 2014
CROWN PLAZA HOTEL, NORFOLK, VA
9:00AM EDST
MINUTES
ECSAA President Anthony G. Looney opened the meeting welcoming all to Norfolk. Charlie Howse, a Veteran of the USS
Santee - CVE29 opened the session in prayer. Mr. Looney then led
all attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance.
The minutes of the previous General Business Meeting in 2013 in
New Castle Delaware were distributed to all attendees. Mr. Looney
noted that in addition to copies of minutes made available and the
printing of the minutes in the December 2013 edition of The Piper,
we would dispense with reading the minutes. There were no questions or comments regarding the minutes. A motion was made with a
second and the minutes were approved unanimously.
Mr. Looney then provided a brief synopsis on the highlights of the
2013 as follows:
Challenge Coin – Mr. Looney praised the work of one of our
members, Bob Wagner on the coin. Mr. Wagner was instrumental in
the design and manufacture of the coin at no cost to ECSAA. Bob
and George Manik of the Memorials and Artifacts Committee
collaborated to arrive at the fine coin we have today. Coins were
made available free of charge to attending members of this year’s
convention. Additional coins may be purchased for $10 from Art
Lowe, or mailed at a cost of $12.
Website – Dave Ryan, Chair of the Membership Committee has collaborated with Joyce Wilson, editor of The Piper to rework our website. The new website is still under construction, but when
completed will have payment capability and other enhancements.
Mr. Ryan will cover this project in more detail in his report.
give money to members unless we have received an exemption from
the IRS. Mr. Looney will pursue this project, hoping to introduce our
first scholarship offering in the Spring of 2015.
Mr. Looney then called for a Treasurer’s Report from Governor Bob
Evans. Mr. Evans voiced his approval for the scholarship and the
monumental work that had been put into this project, with much
more work to come. Our General Checking account has a current
balance of $35,773. Our money market escrow account has $15,318,
our Monument I CD account is $8,397, Monument II CD account as
$40,351, and Monument III CD account is $34,254. For an
organization our size we are doing outstanding. We have earned
$313 in interest this year.
The ECSAA leadership is bonded for 2014 at a cost of $400. Our
organization is insured for this convention by K & K Insurance at a
cost of $398. Our Form 990 IRS filing for 2014 cost $165. Bill
Waldorf, our shipbuilder was paid $4,500 for the Norfolk display.
Bob continued providing costs of various items. He complimented
Dave Ryan for updating our membership list and Joyce Wilson for
the job she does on The Piper, with the help of Charlie Howse. Joyce
has put our organization of Facebook as well as assisting Dave Ryan
on the Membership Committee.
Bob appealed to the members to sign up their sons and daughters and
grandchildren to ECSAA. Bob thanked the organization for their
support of him and his wife Janet in the loss of Janet’s father, Louie
Kehl of the USS Sangamon - CVE26, this year. Louie was truly and
exemplary example of the Greatest Generation. Bob thanked all the
members for being role models to his generation. There were no
further questions or comments regarding the Treasurer’s Report
Mr. Looney then turned the podium to Dave Ryan, Chair of the
Membership Committee. He provided a handout, talking from the
handout, explaining our changes of membership during the year.
Deceased members on the roll continue to be a problem, but the
committee follows and tracks these as best as possible. The number
of delinquent members continues to decline as the committee works
By-Laws Revision – The By-Laws committee chaired by Governor
through these. The percentage of members with an email address
John Smith with George Manik is reviewing the By-Laws as required continues to rise, especially with newer progeny members. Dave
by the By-Laws. A new By-Laws will be made available and printed elaborated on the roles of the various members. With the
in a coming edition of The Piper. Changes are primarily cosmetic,
introduction of the new website, auto pay will be offered to
with emphasis on progeny members and including language required members. The Board of Governors will be reviewing various pricing
by the IRS regarding handling funds in the event of disillusion of the options for the coming year.
organization.
Dave reminded all of the limited manpower available in the area of
ECSAA Scholarship – A scholarship policy has been approved by
recruitment and solicited the audience for help. Finally Dave advised
the Board of Governors, yet cannot be implemented until the IRS
all of the new website he was demonstrating at the rear of the Hospiprovides approval. Mr. Looney provided a brief overview of the
tality Room and invited all and anyone for a
policy, advising that after IRS approval will be printed in The Piper.
Because we are organized as a 501 (c) (19) organization, we cannot
continued on page 9
ECSAA GENERAL SESSION BUSINESS MEETING
OCTOBER 22, 2014
CROWN PLAZA HOTEL, NORFOLK, VA
9:00AM EDST
MINUTES Continued...
demonstration. He stressed the goals of the Membership Committee
over the next year was 1) Increase membership faster than attrition,
2) reduce substantially the overdue membership rate, and 3) focus
on increasing on progeny membership counts. There was a question
regarding membership to children, of which Dave elaborated that the
Board was considering family membership packages. There being
no more questions, Dave completed his report.
Art Lowe then gave his Merchandise Committee report. New order
forms for merchandise will soon be available in The Piper. Pricing
of products will include shipping, handling – 1 price total for the
item. Art is trying to focus sales from The Piper rather than the
convention. He works on keeping inventory down to reduce
shipping costs to the convention. Art concluded his report by
advising that the ECSAA Challenge Coin is priced at $12 and will be
made available through The Piper. There were no questions or comments after Art’s report.
George Manik proceeded with his Memorials report. George
reminded all of the display at the Hampton Roads Museum of which
was placed through the help of Charlie Howse through the Museum
Curator, Joe Judge. George elaborated on the history of the
display of the Chicago Museum to the new display at Hampton
Roads. George advised of the August 19 death of Bill Waldorf who
was currently working on a display for the National Navy Aviation
Museum in Pensacola, Florida. George will be pursuing various
options to bring this memorial to fruition in light of the death of Mr.
Waldorf. Mark Darnell, one of our progeny members will be
visiting Bill’s daughter Sarah and provide photographs to George on
the progress of the model Bill was working at the time of his death.
Additionally George is in contact with several other builders that
might pick up on Bill’s work.
George is keeping his eye on the progress of a new proposed Navy
Museum in Washington, D. C. (currently on hold for lack of funds).
There was a question regarding the progress of the Pensacola
display that Bill Waldorf was working on. As far as we know the
basic hull was all that was completed, but the photos should show the
progress of the display. George then fielded a question on the USS
Sangamon-CVE26 built by Rene in Austria. At this time, Rene is not
interested in giving up the ship, but we continue to hold out hope to
someday get the ship. There being no further questions or
comments, George concluded his report.
Walter (Walt) Smith then provided his Conventions Report. Walter
praised George and Barbara Manik and John Smith as his mentors in
planning ECSAA conventions. He recognized the Board of
Governors for their assistance, and the flexibility of the Crown Plaza
Convention Planning Committee. ESCAA spouses Cindy Looney,
Janet Evans and Joan Lowe were complimented for their work at the
Registration Table. There were a multitude of committees and people, as well as our banquet speaker and his family that Walter recognized as being pivotal to the success of the convention.
Walter acknowledged Joyce Wilson as being ECSAA’s “secret
weapon” along with the help of Charlie Howse and his family in the
production of The Piper.
Walt encouraged new membership to keep our organization
growing. Our growth will come from second and third generation
progeny members the past is behind us and the future ahead of us.
Next year’s convention in San Diego promises to be a success. There
being no questions or comments regarding Walt’s report, the floor
was turned back to Anthony Looney.
Anthony then advised of expiring Governor vacancies. Walter Smith
would be vacating his Governorship as he was taking a critical
position with the Membership Committee. Regarding John Smith’s
vacancy, there was a motion made and seconded to re-elect John
Smith. Motion carried unanimously. Anthony explained that John
had an excused absence from the Convention because of the health of
his wife, Pauline, but had indicated he would accept another term if
elected.
Anthony then moved to the expiring Governorship of Art Lowe. Art
was nominated, seconded with a motion, and elected unanimously to
serve a new term.
Regarding the vacancy of Walter Smith, Oscar (Clay) Hathaway III
was nominated and seconded. Bob Evans elaborated that Clay was
a progeny member and long-term ECSAA Convention attendee but
could not attend this year because of the illness of his father.
Motion passed unanimously for Clay to fill the unexpired term of
Walter Smith.
Anthony then reiterated the 2015 convention to be held in San
Diego and that George & Barbara Manik would serve as Convention
Chairs.
With no other business, Mr. Henry Young, a veteran of the USS
Sangamon - CVE26 closed in prayer. Meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted this 29th day of October, Anthony G. Looney
– acting ECSAA Secretary
CHALLENGE COIN
By J. Robert Wagner
There are many stories concerning the origin and purpose for having a challenge coin. The most commonly accepted account1 is that it originated during World War
1 in a United States Army Air Service squadron fighting in Europe. A wealthy American lieutenant ordered coins to be struck having the squadron’s insignia for each
pilot in his squadron as a memento of their pride and service together. One of the pilots who cherished it and carried it when flying was shot down over Germany.
After first being captured, managed to escape and made his way through no-man’s land to France. The French thinking he was a German saboteur planned to execute him. But seeing the coin with his squadron’s insignia they recognized the insignia and the French realized that he was an American pilot. Upon verifying who
he was, the pilot was released and returned to his squadron. It became a tradition for other squadron members to carry their coin at all times in case they too were
shot down and could use it as a means of identification. Because of the apparent importance of always having the coin, it became the practice for each pilot to challenge their fellow pilots when meeting each other to determine if they were carrying their coin. Thus the term “challenge coin” was adopted.
It is a common practice today for especially military organizations to have their own challenge coin as a symbol of their membership, esteem, pride and to enhance
morale of their group. It is a way to advertise who they are. Challenge coins are swapped between the different organizations with the most notable and high ranking units cherished the most. If given a challenge coin, it would be an insult if one was not exchanged in return. It is common for someone to challenge another by
slapping or laying their coin on a table to see if their opponent has a coin. If the challenged individual does not have a coin, then he is expected to buy a drink for the
challenger. If on the other hand the opponent has a coin, then the challenger must be the one to buy the drink. Various organizations adopt different rules concerning challenge coins and how they are used. Some organizations have a rule that if a coin is dropped on the floor it is considered to be a challenge to everyone in the
room. If everyone has a coin, then the challenger must buy all of them a drink. If one or more of the challenged individuals do not have a coin then they are the one
or ones that must buy drinks for everyone
During the ECSAA Convention in Myrtle Beach in 2012, Bob Wagner having previously designed several challenge coins for different ships, squadrons and organizations, suggested to Bob Evans that it would be a good idea to have one produced for ECSAA. Bob Evans in turn made the recommendation to Anthony Looney,
President of ECSAA, to have our own coin made. Both Bob Wagner and George Manick were contacted and asked to put their heads together and come up with
a challenge coin design. The ECSAA modified seal became the face of the coin and a scene illustrating the capture of the German Submarine U-505 during World
War II as first visualized in a painting seen at the Museum Of Science And Industry where the submarine is now located, became the back of the coin. Coins For
Anything, a company producing challenge coins, was contacted and a 1.75 inch diameter Antique Brass coin produced in relief and in color was ordered. To honor
the importance that the CVE carrier groups played in protecting the fleet and their successful ASW work, the challenge coin will be presented to museums, distinguished individuals and distributed on special occasions. Each attendee to the October 18-22, 2014 reunion in Norfolk will likewise be honored for their attendance
and membership in ECSAA by being presented our newly minted challenge coin. Sufficient challenge coins have been minted so anyone that desires to obtain an
extra coin or who did not attend the conference can obtain one at a nominal cost.
1Challenge coin: Wikipedia
ECSAA
CHALLENGE COIN
ECSAA Challenge Coins depicting the capture of the U-505 German submarine in World
War II by a CVE carrier task group are now available at a nominal cost.
SHIPPING ADDRESS
Name: ________________________________________________
Street: ________________________________________________
City: ______________________________
State: __________ Zip: _______________________
Price each:
$10.00
Shipping and handling: $ 2.00
Total Cost:
$12.00
Send your check made out to ECSAA to
the following:
Wayne Lowe
5 Longbow Court
St. Louis, MO 63114
HOSPITALITY
ROOM
USS ANZIO
Henry T. Maclin, Jr.
USS ATTU
George H. Sutliff, Jr.
John Wargo
USS BARNES/LEXINGTON
John T. Anderson
USS BISMARCK SEA
Willard R. Winkley
Frederick John Friedmeyer
USS CAPE GLOUCESTER
Warren Ditch
USS CHENANGO
Joseph Muessle
Roscoe Holsinger, Jr.
Henry Klooster
Wayne A. Pankalla
Sam W. Forrer
Oral Darley Murray
H. L. "Billy" Putnam
Henry Klooster
Oswald Prillwitz
Ellis E. Pickering
Anthony Stella
Jack Madigan
Carl R. Gull
Gray D. Powell
E. R. "Sully" Sylvester
USS COMMENCEMENT BAY
Collis Roy Parker
USS COPAHEE
William Thomas Barber, Sr.
USS CORE
Norman K. Hemken
Collis Roy Parker
USS CORREGIDOR
Jake Aman
Robert Gaultney
Robert C. Hultgren, Jr
Warren F. Mara, Sr.
Anthony Potochniak
Ronald R. Swanson
Joseph T. Heier
James T. Heier
USS FANSHAW BAY
Meda Royce Hall
Jack R. Flint
USS FLAHERTY
William A. Smith
USS GAMBIER BAY
Robert E. Boggs
USS GILBERT ISLANDS
A. W. Elias
John A. Cucci
Keith Hassman
USS GLOUCESTER
Robert Pimple, Sr.
USS KADASHAN BAY
Robert G. Chamberjian
USS KITKUN BAY
Hallie E. Barber
USS KULA GULF
Bill Kovacik
Abe Meltzer
James M. Kirby
USS MARCUS ISLAND
Rev Roger E. Hultquist
USS MISSION BAY
W J Machalek
USS NATOMA BAY
Leland E. Grenter
Lloyd McCann
USS NEHENTA BAY
Glen H. Sickinger
USS OMMANEY BAY
William E. Crochet, Jr.
USS PALAU
Richard W. Dyer
USS RENDOVA
Roland Kyle
Fil Sanchez
Jimmy F. Kubecka
USS RUDYERD BAY
Joseph F. East
Merle Benneche
Russell Shillingburg, Jr.
USS SALERNO BAY
David Mulder
Franklin Elkin House
USS SANGAMON
Geraldine Barbera
Louie E. Kehl
Maxine Jenkins
USS SANTEE
Donald Pattie
USS SARGEANT BAY
Billy C Gunn
USS SAVO ISLAND
Glea Lewis Hyland
Deloris Hyland
Loren S. Basler
Kenneth C. Donnenwirth
USS SICILY
William Alexander
George Mullen, Jr.
USS SITKOH BAY
Noah B. Willoughby
USS SOLOMONS
Vincent A. LaCapra
USS STEAMER BAY
Earl Archie Kenyon
USS TAKANIS BAY
Ned Irwin
Wilburne Stamper
Fielding A. Poe, Jr.
USS TRIPOLI
Wayne Dipner
William Keeman
Arthur Coffin
James Richards
Robert Sampson
Raymond Heyer
Wesley Reinhardt
Clarence Bilbo
Alvis Jenkins
Melvin Wiles
Carlisle Cooper
Joseph M. Smith III
Dane Nation
USS TULAGI
Fritz O. Maass
Raymond Vinson
USS WAKE ISLAND
Robert Q. Smith, Sr.
USS WHITE PLAINS
Joe N. Iwan
Walter Pat Owens
UNKNOWN
Carl H. Johnson
Day is done, gone the sun,
From the hills, from the lake,
From the sky.
All is well, safely rest,
God is nigh.
Go to sleep, peaceful sleep,
May the soldier or sailor,
God keep.
On the land or the deep,
Safe in sleep.
Love, good night, Must thou go,
When the day, And the night
Need thee so?
All is well. Speedeth all
To their rest.
Fades the light; And afar
Goeth day, And the stars
Shineth bright,
Fare thee well; Day has gone,
Night is on.
Thanks and praise, For our days,
'Neath the sun, Neath the stars,
'Neath the sky,
As we go, This we know,
God is nigh.
TAPS and Sights
Norfolk
2014
Thank you to our
Photographers: Dave
Ryan, Rick Rohwer,
Aaron Green, and
Janine Barnes
ECSAA Governors
2014 Annual Meeting Convention Committee Report
Walter M. Smith, Convention Coordinator
Mr. President, Governors and Members. Let me first recognize my mentors and
teachers in the function of Convention Committee Chairman. George and Barbara Manik are those persons who for years pioneered and developed systems
necessary to plan and run conventions for ECSAA. They turned over to me a
vast array of materials they worked on for years, Without their push into mysteries about the cogs on the wheel of conventions, I would be handicapped beyond
imagination.
But I didn’t have to invent the wheel. They already had done that. It was then left
to me to roll the wheel in the right direction. And thanks to John Smith, a committee member and veteran past president and Governor who also serves on the
Convention Committee.
I also want to recognize these people and offices that I worked with for this annual event.
• The entire Board of Governors who were instrumental in Convention
development from beginning actions through completion.
• The ladies at the Registration Tables.
• Crowne Plaza Lead Sales Director, Zakiya Hyman
Meetings Director, Christine Coakley
Executive Coordinator, Sharissa Dorsey
Association. That means we face the realities of our existence in the Regular
Membership category. The original crews are fading, but within that group is
the germ of continuity – into the second and third generations. Big plans are
formulating. These plans will be executed and made real. That reflects upon the
responsibilities of the Convention Committee, in the future. I have another two
years working with my committee to make each convention an occasion the
membership will remember as the year’s highlight. You may raise your eyebrows
and want to say…Big Plans..Big Promises! Prove it!
OK. The Convention Committee work best under pressure. We think positively,
plan completely, work efficiently, and expect unusual results. Our challenge is
always before us, and it boils down to keeping each Convention better than the
last, more valuable to the members, and on track with our purpose as an organization. We will mesh gears with the Board in growing our membership through
attraction of recruits from active retirees of the U.S. Navy. This is our future,
younger, stronger, innovative men and women that find common cause with an
existing organization, eager for their participation.
In every convention, this committee will insert new attractions, new programs,
new excitement, because that is what we do as expected by direction of the
Board of Governors. So we look for help in the adjustment of an attitude of
growth and action, for a wonderful U.S. Navy related purpose.
Thank you, Mr. President
• Anne Phillips, President Phillips Destination Management Tours
• Jeff Davis, Assistant Director Shrine Khedive Notables Dance Band
• Terri Davis, Public Affairs Officer, U.S. Navy
A SHORT 2014 CONVENTION RECAP
• Melissa Hopper, Convention Bureau VISIT NORFOLK

Number of people registered to attend – 144
• Captain Rinehart Wilke IV, Chief of Staff, Commander Theodore
Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group 12

Number of CVE ships represented – 23
• And last but not least is Joyce Wilson, Editor/Publisher, The PIPER
Newsletter and Charlie Howse and the PIPER staff
For these people I invite your recognition. Now the last of the last,the attending
members of ECSAA and your wives, family and guests. You people collectively
have encouraged this Convention/Annual Meeting/Reunion. We are a big team
that propels the Association forward into the future. Working together will assure that ECSAA will grow and thrive for its intended purpose. Recognition of
the baby flattop fleet of carriers, their shipboard and air crews and supporting
battle groups that saved the day and eventual victory over the axis powers. Those
things have anchored our existence in history.
I would to introduce the newest member of the Convention Committee, Mr.
Ed Coche of Spring Branch, Texas. He was crew on the Corregidor. I became
acquainted with Ed and his wife, Donna, at the New Castle Convention. We became immediate friends. Ed has personal qualities that impress me, and a special
set of skills that will help make the committee more effective in the future. Ed
and Donna…stand and be recognized.
The past is behind us. There is a lot of work ahead for the Convention Committee, and I speak now of the 2015 San Diego Convention. We learn from
what went into the planning for this event, and how it turned out. I believe the
members here are having a good time. You are seeing the results of our work. I
believe you haven’t seen anything yet. Let me be specific.
The Board of Governors have their sights set on new horizons for this

Number going on Monday Tour #1 – 85

Number going on Tuesday Tour #2 – 82

Breakout rooms reserved – 1

Shrine Khedive Notables Dance Band, Size 20. They include
Saxophones, Trombones, Trumpets, Rhythm Section and Vocals. Dance 8pm to 10pm. Two sets of music, one 15 minute
break.

Hospitality room with registration area, merchandise area,
round tables and chairs for visiting space, head table set up,
hotel reception area, memorial table, display easels for attendees identification, banquet table assignments and messages,
coffee and water bar, business meetings arrangements. This is
the FUN area.

Tine’s Hotel Restaurant in the vicinity.
A RECAP OF THE ECSAA 2014 (October YTD FINANCES)
General Checking
$35773.00
Money Market Escrow
$15,318.74
Monument CD 1
$8,397.55
Monument CD 2
$40,351.35
Monument CD 3
$34,264.51
Total
Membership Report
By Membership Chairman, Dave Ryan
• Considering all additions & deletions, Total Membership has declined from
the October 2013 level of 1605 to 1459 as of October 21, 2014.
• Deceased shipmates and removal of lapsed memberships outpace new
member registration.
• Progeny grew from 26 to 36.
$134,105.15
• Regular declined from 368 to 231.
. We earned $613.70 interest for the year.
• 50% of all Terms are 1 Year
. The entire leadership of the Association is bonded for 2014.
($400.00)
. We are insured by K and K Insurance for this Convention.
($398.00)
. We filed our Form 990 (for Tax Free Organizations) for 2014. ($165.00)
• Membership use of email is growing
• Less than 50% of Term Members have email contact (Progeny 67%)
• Soliciting & Processing Renewals Remains a Major Focus of committee time.
• Overdue Renewal Rates has grown to 63%
. Model ship builder, Bill Waldorf, was paid for building ship Models of USS
Guadalcanal and USS Pillsbury and U-505. ($4500 this year)
. Plague for U-505 Norfolk.
($100.00)
. U-505 Memorial Coins
($2281.00)
. The Piper Publication expense.
($3479.90)
. The Piper Postage expense.
($1000.00)
. Norfolk convention advance deposits for Hotel and Tours.
($450.00)
A special thanks to Dave Ryan and his Membership Committee on their
efforts to update our Membership Lists and solicit new members. I would be
remiss if I didn’t take a minute to say what a first class job Joyce Wilson, our
Piper Editor, and her associates Charlie Howse and Janice Martin have done
for us in putting out a quality publication, that represents and tells the Escort
Carriers Story so well. She has put our Association on Facebook and works to
keep our website upgraded.
I would like to ask you to consider giving a ECSAA Membership to your
sons and daughters as well as grandchildren, so they can read about your role
in our Country’s History. This will help us carry on our Association’s goal of
“making sure that your efforts and sacrifices are never forgotten!”
My wife, Janet, and I lost her Dad, Louie E. Kehl, who served on the USS
Sangamon, this Spring. He was truly a representative of The Greatest
Generation and of his fellow shipmates.
Finally, I would like to thank each one of you for your service to our Country
and for being heroes and role models for my generation and for those that will
come in the future.
Bob Evans
ECSAA Treasurer
Membership and Donations Address Change
As many of you have noted the mailing address for ECSAA has
changed.
Effective November 1, 2014, mail will no longer be going to the
old address (5802 E. Virginia Beach Blvd). ECSAA realizes that
this is short notice and that some membership payments may be
returned or get lost in the mail. Please do not hesitate to contact
the Membership Committee if you have any concerns. You can
reach us at 855-505-2469 or by email at [email protected].
The new membership address is:
ECSAA Membership
Attn: Dave Ryan
1215 N. Military Highway PMB#128
Norfolk VA 23502
The new donation address is:
ECSAA Donations
Attn: Bob Evans
1215 N. Military Highway PMB#128
Norfolk VA 23502
Packing for Norfolk
By Law Changes
This is like a jigsaw puzzle. How am I going to get 15 pounds
of potatoes in a 10 pound sack? Find a way, my dad always
said. So here goes!
As Convention guy, all the supplies and materials sent
to me by the previous Convention guy, had to be loaded in
my car for transport to the Convention Headquarters, Crowne
Plaza, in Virginia Beach, Virginia. That is close to 500 miles
from where I live. (Not far compared to most who will be at the
Convention).
But over the past three months I have accumulated a
box-car load of stuff essential for our ECSAA Convention/Annual Meeting/Reunion. A trumpet sounded...and the answer to
my dilemma walked into the garage. Cedric, my neighbor and
good friend said, “Here I am to solve your problems.”
“How?”, I grunted.
“Use your head!”, he said with ease.
So, the two of us made a long check list, collected the
stuff on it and started to reduce the unnecessaires, and squeeze
necessaries for the trip. Lo and behold we did the impossible;
turn a 4-door, 18 year old Lincoln into a truck.
“You know, Cedric, I couldn’t have done it without
you.”
“I could have told you that,” he replied.
That’s true. During my brief stint as ECSAA Convention Chairman, Cedric and I have spent hours and days
exchanging ideas, finding ways to do this and that, fixing my
balky old computer, finding how the Association PA System
(combination radio, disc and tape player and microphone contraption) works, and eleventy-seven other goofy things heretofore a gigantic mystery.
And you know what? I’ll make it, and you can bet your
bottom dollar on it.
Walter (Walt) Smith
Convention Coordinator
3.1.7 - Strike word "primary"
3.5 - Change "no one not a member" sentence to: Only members of the Association shall have
access to the Association's membership list and no one whether a member or not may make commercial use of the Association's membership list.
6.2.7 - Add sentence. "Any expense reimbursement sought by a Governor must be adequately
documented and submitted within 6 months of being incurred".
6.2.8 - Strike word "Lifetime".
6.3.2 QUALIFICATIONS: The qualifications for serving as a member of the Board of Governors
are willingness, and an agreement to serve and to attend the Annual Convention of the Association, scheduled meetings of the Board of Governors, and any special meetings that are deemed
necessary. A scheduled absence(s) approved by a majority of Governors is (are) acceptable for
missed meetings. In addition, a Governor must fully recognize the responsibilities to the membership in conducting the business affairs of the Association.
6.3.7 - Added verbiage approved in August.
6.7 - Change wording "tel-con" to "Telephone Conference"
7.1.3 - Add word "Annual" in sentence about printing. Strike word "said". Replace with word
"the".
7.1.4 - Strike sentence "Enter all receipts in into a computer"
8.1 - Strike last sentence.
8.4 - Replace section with the following: "The Membership Committee shall be responsible for
maintaining all membership records, including billing and payments. The Committee will encourage retention and solicit new members and conduct association publicity campaigns with the
intent of increasing/retaining membership. The Committee will provide membership cards to
new members."
10.0 - (add new) Dissolution of Association
Upon the dissolution of this organization, assets shall be distributed for one or more exempt purposes within the meaning of section 501 [c] [3] of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding
section of any future Federal Tax Code, or shall be distributed to the Federal Government, or to a
State or local Government, for public purpose.
Respectfully submitted,
By-law Committee
G. Manik
J. Smith
Christmas on the WWII Home Front: A Collection of Fun Yuletide
Facts
•
During World War II Christmas trees were in short supply
because of a lack of manpower (to cut the trees down) and a shortage
of railroad space to ship the trees to market. Americans rushed to buy
American-made Visca artificial trees.
•
In 1941, a five-foot Christmas tree could be purchased for 75
cents.
•
The shortage of materials—like aluminum and tin—used to
produce ornaments led many people to make their own ornaments at
home. Magazines contained patterns for ornaments made out of nonpriority war materials, like paper, string, and natural objects, such as
pinecones or nuts.
•
Electric bubble lights were created during the 1940s and remain popular even today.
•
To give their Christmas tree a snow-covered effect, people
mixed a box of Lux soap powder with two cups of water and brushed
the concoction on the branches of their tree.
•
Fewer men at home resulted in fewer men available to dress
up and play Santa Claus. Women served as substitute Santas at
Saks Fifth Avenue in New York City and at other department stores
throughout the United States.
•
“I’ll Be Home For Christmas” and “White Christmas” were
both written during the 1940s and quickly gained popularity with the
war-weary, but optimistic, population.
•
Travel during the holidays was limited for most families due
to the rationing of tires and gasoline. Americans saved up their food
ration stamps to provide extra food for a fine holiday meal.
•
Many Americans threw their German blown-glass ornaments
and exotic Japanese ornaments in the trash as soon as the war began.
Shortly after the war, Corning Glass Company in New York began
mass-producing Christmas tree balls using machines designed to
produce light bulbs. Corning could make more ornaments in a single
minute than a German cottage glass blower could make in a whole
day.
PHONE CALLS OF INTEREST
Walter M. Smith, Convention Coordinator
Through the several months preceding the ECSAA Convention, I
received a number of phone calls that interested me greatly. Most
were from those attending past conventions wanting information
about this one. They fell into these categories:
1) What do I do to come to the Convention?
2) How do I follow the Forms in the PIPER?
Following are forms in The PIPER:
• ECSAA Membership Application Form
• Reference Form to contact potential prospects
• Memorial Donation Form
• Tour Registration Form
• Thinking of You Card Form
• Deceased Form
3) I sent my Registration and Tours Forms and checks, but
they don’t appear on my bank statement yet. Did you get my
checks?
Each is different. Print when filling them out. Mail them as
instructed.
3) Registration checks coming with your Form and Tour Forms
are collected and held until a small group is collected. Then
4) I’m the daughter (or son) of Mr. X. He is up in years and needs
they are mailed to the Treasurer who lives in Texas. He banks
our help to fill out forms and make travel arrangements.
them. This may take several weeks before your checks clear
5) Will you have the next Convention nearer where I live?
and then appear on your bank statements. So be patient please.
We haven’t lost them, and they are guarded by my security
One man of 93 said he wouldn’t be able to attend this one.
force (my dog and the little green man from Mars).
He had attended many before. He explained age and health issues of
4) There is plenty of evidence that most of us need help on occaboth he and his wife would not permit going this year. (He lives in
sion from our sons and daughters. It’s expected. We encourage
California) we had a nice conversation and I enjoyed hearing about
this, and we are pleased if sons or daughters come with their
his service history on a CVE. I liked our talk because we shared
dads to the Convention. ECSAA Governors welcome this. It
experiences. He wanted to visit, in addition to telling me he couldn’t
makes for a lively combination that is fun and revealing for
make it this year. I admit getting a warm feeling from talking with
several generations. And there will always be events planned
shipmates, old or not so old. It gets my juices flowing.
to please all in attendance.
My job as Convention Coordinator requires I assist, as best I
can, to answer every question and help everyone in their journey to
our Convention in Norfolk. That’s why my e-mail, home address and
home phone number appear in The PIPER. If I don’t do those things,
the other Governors may growl at me, or put me in the brig for a day
or two. So here are answers to those general questions.
1) What do you do to come to the Convention is ACT upon the
instructions printed in The PIPER. We attempt to make all
forms simple and clear. If you’re stuck on some detail, perhaps
a family member or friend can help you. Deadlines are critical
to your application submissions. Try to observe them. They
may seem too early, but you may not understand the many reasons for following all instructions. It’s easy really. Relax and
do it slowly, then recheck everything for accuracy. It may be a
good idea to jot down important steps on your calendar.
2) Follow the forms in The PIPER carefully. There are several,
all different for different purposes. The Convention Registration Form is a full two-thirds page space. It covers everything
to get you enrolled for the Convention. It also covers the menu
for the Banquet. Read it first before you start filling it out. Do
the math carefully, and make out your checks carefully. Always print clearly, for my secretaries have difficulties on occasion. (One is my dog, the other a little green man from Mars).
I try to double check their work but mistakes can happen. I’m
responsible.
We want to establish interest in providing reasons for
members, within a possible four generations, to come and participate
in ECSAA Conventions.
President Looney announced our next (2015) Convention/
Annual Meeting/Reunion, will be in the exciting city of San Diego,
California. This large U.S. Naval Base has a plethora of interesting
sights and things to do. All will be announced in a future PIPER
issue.
The many details of deciding and negotiating our hotel
headquarters is but one of the benefits of our umbrella organization
that is ECSAA. This above all proves the value of membership,
supported by dues from individuals and groups of the CVE ships.
There is no substitute for the convenience of attending an Association
event after all the groundwork for the event has been accomplished.
It becomes an enormous job, the responsibility of your ECSAA
Board of Governors.
San Diego will be a great place for our members west of the
Mississippi River. They should flock to it, along with all the other
flying members in the east of the country. We have visions to perhaps
choose the 2016 Convention to be located somewhere in the center
of this huge country. That should please everyone – even from
Hawaii and Alaska. Our Governors already possess bids from likely
city Convention Bureaus. Those cities want us, because we are nice
people, who helped win a big war.
ECSAA‘s Presence on the Internet is Becoming Stronger
So if you want to see what is happening with the organization,
latest plans for the yearly convention, TAPS and comments from
The future of ECSAA is in the hands of our children and grand-
other members, visit the ECSAA Facebook page and the web
children who are more technologically savvy than our
site often. The PIPER is available on the web at least two weeks
generation.
before it is delivered to your door. You might be surprised to
Thanks to the support of Dave Ryan, Membership Chairman,
find an old friend on Facebook that you can reconnect with.
ECSAA is making great strides to make their presence on-
Finally - Encourage your family members to join so that “The
line stronger. In the next few weeks you will notice significant
Greatest Generation” will not be forgotten! It is so important to
changes on the ECSAA web site.
keep history alive.
Currently you are able to keep up with the ECSAA Facebook
page, make donations with your credit card, ask a general
Facebook address:
question, change your address, provide your email address for
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Escort-Carriers/144430398902720
account set up and notify ECSAA of a deceased member. In the
Website: escortcarriers.com
very near future members will be able to pay their membership
________________________________________________________________
fees online . (Don’t worry, you can also pay the same way as in
Watch your mailing labels.
Did you know that your membership renewal
date is on the mailing label on the front page of
the Piper? Beginning in the December issue,
lapsed members will receive yellow labels as a
reminder. ECSAA depends on your dues to print
and mail the Piper so please stay current.
the past).
While modifications to the website have been happening we
have been unable to log membership payments. Therefore, if
you have sent a membership payment and your check has not
cleared your bank yet please be patient. The Membership
Committee promises the wait will be well worthwhile.
Membership Application
MAKE REMITTANCES PAYABLE TO
ESCORT CARRIER SAILORS & AIRMEN ASSN., INC.
(NAVY & MARINE SHIPBOARD VETERANS OF WWII, KOREA & VIETNAM)
Membership Committee
Attn: Dave Ryan, Membership Chairman
1215 N. Military Highway #128, Norfolk, VA 23502
Email: [email protected]
NEW APPLICANT
RENEWAL
$30.00
$50.00
$65.00
DONATIONS ARE TAX
DEDUCTIBLE
DUES ARE NOT.
ADDRESS CHANGE
RANK/RATE
NAME
ADDRESS
CITY
PHONE
CVE (S) NAME & NUMBER
MEMBER NO.
1 YR.
2 YRS.
3 YRS.
SQUADRON(S)
ZIP
CHECK
E-Mail
OR
ST.
DATE SERVED
NEW MEMBERS - ATTEND OUR REUNIONS, MEET SHIPMATES IN SAN DIEGO CA IN 2015
NO.
AMT.
DATE
RECD. BY
ENTRY DATE
Please note
that the
ECSAA
address has
changed
effective
November 1
Name of Person Requesting Card:_____________________________________________
Name Card is to Be Mailed to: _______________________________________________
Address_________________________________________________________________
City_____________________________________State___________Zip_____________
Do you know someone who would
benefit from getting a
“Hi - Thinking of You Card” from
ECSAA?
Ship Served Aboard of Squadron:____________________________________________
Just fill out the form and mail it to:
Joyce Wilson
1317 Malmgren Court
Norfolk, VA 23502
Birthday (Month and Day, Year Not Necessary)_________________________________
Email: _________________________________________________________________
Kind of Card Requested: (Thinking of you, Birthday) ____________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
or email information to:
[email protected]
(Please put ECSAA Card Request in Subject Line)
August 11, 2014
DECEASED
Name__________________________________________________________________
Address________________________________________________________________
City & State_______________________________________________Zip____________
Ship___________________________________________________________________
Squadron____________________________________Date of Death__________________
Survivors Name___________________________________________________________
___Continue sending “CVE Piper”
___Discontinue sending “CVE Piper”
Please send to: ECSAA, Attn: Joyce Wilson, 1215 N. Military Hwy. PMB#128, Norfolk VA 23502
Current Reunion Notice
Please list the following:
Ship or Association: _______________________________________________________________
Dates of Reunion: ________________________________________________________________
Where: _________________________________________________________________________
Contact: ________________________________________________________________________
Address: ________________________________________________________________________
Phone or email: __________________________________________________________________
Send to: ECSAA, Attn: Joyce Wilson, 1215 N. Military Hwy. PMB#128, Norfolk VA 23502
Email: [email protected]
Thank you card response
Escort Carriers - I want to thank you for
a remembrance of the USS Natoma Bay
during World War II in the South Pacific.
What a dangerous experience the old girl,
USS Natoma Bay, went through but with
GOD watching over us day and night the
Japanese had no chance with GOD guiding us through the dangerous waters.
The Japanese stated on our PA system
two times they had sunk the carrier, USS
Natoma Bay. But out there in the Pacific
the gun crew, the 747 fighters and the torpedo planes held their ground against the
Japanese. So thank you again for the nice
little card of the Natoma Bay and its crew.
I remember our duty in the South Pacific
as if it was yesterday. I just turned 90 on
Sunday, August 3, 2014. I am nursing a
broken knee bone and hip at this time,
but other than that I feel good. So thanks
again for the remembrance of the great
little ship, USS Natoma Bay, during World
War II.
Francis Powell
Greetings from your Escort Carrier Sailors
and Airmen Association. Let us never
forget the real meaning of Christmas and
that our country was founded on religious
principles. I thank all our military personnel, past and present, for protecting our
freedoms so that we can celebrate the
esChristmas season without fear. I pray es
pecially this year for our troops in harm’s
way to be protected and return to their
families safely.
Anthony Looney and Family
A Wish at Christmas time
It’s not only at Christmas
We think of you
But many moments
all year thru.
Our wish – for Peace
Within the land
Your family safe;
Your friends at hand.
Each Day - The discovery
Of something new
Or a revisited joy
Reviving you.
Each Night - The sweetness
Of restful sleep;
The Watch that God
And angels keep.
May the Peace that passes
All understanding
Live within your heart
Not only at Christmas time
But always.
Barbara and George Manik
This time of year we are reminded of the sacrifice
of Jesus, the Son of God, who was born of a
virgin, to live among us and sacrifice himself for
man kinds sins. I am also reminded of the men
and women who were part of the “Greatest Generation,” who through their sacrifices preserved
our United States. Our family has been blessed to
have had the head of our family, Louie E. Kehl,
who served on the USS Sangamon, as our role
model and hero. We have been honored with our
association with ECSAA for the last 15 years and
wish each of you and your families a Merry
Christmas and that the New Year will make us all
proud to be Americans again, In God we trust!
Bob and Janet Evans
In keeping with the real intent of the
Christmas Season, I wish all the
PIPER readers a most blessed
Christmas Season. Our future
rests upon Faith in our
purpose and our commitments,
all conrolled by our Maker.
So, to you and yours,
Merry Christmas
and a wonderful
New Year.
Walter M. Smith
Convention Committee Chairman
HATS
EMBROIDER SHIP
BETWEEN NAME & CVE #
THE MEN OF THE
GAMBIER BAY
BY
EDWIN P. HOYT
WHITE OR BLUE IN
COLOR
$28.00
ESCORT
CARRIERS AND AIR UNIT
MARKINGS - WWII IN THE
PACIFIC
BY
JAMES DRESSER
FLAG OR ESCORT
EMBLEMS
$1.50 EACH OR
3 FOR $2.50
$19.00
$15.00
SHORT SLEEVE SHIRTS
EMBROIDER SHIP BETWEEN NAME AND NUMBER OVER POCKET
NEED SIZE AND COLOR
$28.00
All items include shipping and
handling
To order any of these great items
contact:
Arthur Lowe
Vice President, ECSAA
5 Longbow Court
St. Louis MO 63114
Home Phone: 314.429.1169
Email: [email protected]
ECSAA’s phone number: For Membership Sign-up and Renewals call Toll
Free In the USA: (855) 505 - 2469