THE SAGA OF THE LUCKY LOU

 

“The Ship that wouldn’t be sunk.” Such was the description given the U. S. S. St. Louis by the
 Navy Department when it released its story about her July 25, 1945. And the “Lucky Lou”
 really earned it the hard way, too. For they have torpedoed, bombed and strafed her in 
 unrelated attacks that date back to the December 7 blitz at Pearl Harbor. Yes, the
 St. Louis was there—but just try to name many Pacific battle areas where she hasn’t been.
When the St. Louis descended the ways at Newport News, Va., in 1938, the country that built her
 was at peace with the world. Too, most of the men aboard her were born when the United States 
was at peace. Together they and the St. Lou; have learned to fight—and win—in the hardest of
 all fights. The real teaching commenced at 7:55 a.m. December 7. 1941. The “teachers” might
 have had the St. Louis—she was a dead ship with no steam—but they were concentrating at the
 time on “Battleship Row,” the accessible anchorage where lay the greats of the American Fleet.

At first, those aboard the St. Louis believed they were witnessing some sort of new aerial
 drill by Uncle Sam’s Army fliers. The impression persisted until a plane roared so close 
there was no mis-taking the rising sun on its wings. 
The torpedo from its bay smashed into the U. S.S. Oklahoma as it
rode abouta thousand yards from the Naval Repair base where the St. Louis was tied along
 another cruiser of the same class, the U. S. S. Honolulu.
That explosive moment and the ones immediately preceding it are as vivid today in recollection
 as they were in actuality.
“I was just-putting on the jumper to my undress white uniform, a St. Louisan will tell you.
 Another remembers, “I was exactly half-way down the ladder going to the gig.” Still 
another was “just watching.” He turned and raced below to his post in the engine room after 
the stunning impact of disbelief which hit him and his shipmates abated.
It is a matter of record that the St. Louis was among the first ships to unlimber her guns 
that day. It may not be generally known, though, that her circuit breakers were in the Naval
 Repair Shop and that, for that reason, her gunners had to fire and ram manually.
That they did extraordinarily well under the circumstances is evidenced by Navy documents
 crediting the cruiser with three probable Japanese planes.
An enemy aircraft that the St. Louis failed to bag raked the ship with machine gun bullets,
 three of which still remain where they were planted—in the forward stack, in the face plate
 of the No. 1 5-inch gun mount, and in the fantail.

Crew and officers alike received an even worse shock moments later when a Japanese bomb dropped through the dock against which the Honolulu nestled. The concussion was so tremendous it not only damaged the Honolulu but shook the St. Louis to the extent that those manning her were certain she had sustained a direct hit. Meanwhile, the “snipes” far below-deck in the engine rooms had been working like madmen, and less than an hour after the Japanese , began their attack, the St. Louis moved out into the channel.

The danger was not over even then, for as the St. Louis neared the channel’s mouth she was confronted by an enemy midget sub-marine. A shot from the cruiser’s No. 1 5-inch mount injured the conning tower, the damage eventually leading to the capture of the underseas craft. As the momentum of the St. Louis increased, two torpedoes were sent at her. Both hit a reef a short distance away and exploded harmlessly. In becoming the first large ship to make open sea the morning of
December 7, the St. Louis was aided by the captain of the U. S. S. Nevada who ordered his stricken battleship beached to clear the out-ward passage. With but one historic exception the St. Louis spent the period between December 11 and the following May 23 convoying ships , carrying civilians back to the States from the Hawaiian Islands.

The exception was the Navys initial attack of the war ,: the raid on Japanese bases in the Gilberts and Marshalls
February 1, 1942.

Compared with present standards, the task force that struck the Gilberts and Marshalls would seem almost impotent. It embodied no battleships at all. It had only one light cruiser, the St. Louis; then there were four heavies and ten destroyers. The nucleus was two carriers, the U. S. S. Enterprise and the old U. S. S. Yorktown. Yet the intrepid handful succeeded in inflicting damage by bomb and bombardment unon nine islands in the two groups, and some of the damage could be described most accurately as severe. Jap air units apparently were elsewhere at the time, crew members of the St. Louis, for instance, recalling that they saw but one enemy plane during the complete operation. The St. Louis resumed her convoy duties after that, continuing the role of escort vessel until May 23, 1942, when she headed for Midway with a Marine Raider Battalion aboard. Having once secured Midway, these same Marines began the titanic task at Guadalcanal. Her human cargo disposed of on May 25, the St. Louis showed up next at Kodiak, Alaska. May 31 to refuel for the tour of duty in the Aleutians. She devoted the ensuing two months to a fruitless search for convoys supplying the enemy garrison on Kiska and to waiting for the weather to clear sufficiently to allow bombardment of that island. The bombardment opportunity came near sundown August 7. Then the fog lifted, permitting a clear view of the target long enough for the St. Louis and the cruisers and destroyers with her to open up on shore installations. The amount of harm inflicted was not appraised because the weather drew down its curtain again in the middle of the attack. Early in October, after aiding in the American occupation of theIsland of Adak in the Andreanof Group, the St. Louis returned to the States. Then and there she experienced her first wartime change in Commanding Officers, Captain Cohn Campbell, USN, relieving Captain George Rood, USN.
At that time also, the St. Louis surrendered her title as the most travelled ship in the United States Navy, being succeeded by another cruiser, the U. S. S. Louisville.
A new year, 1943, had barely gotten started when the Japanese discovered that the St. Louis was back to her old tricks: pounding pieces of a stolen empire with her six and five-inchers.
The opening phase of her return engagement took place during the forepart of January, with the St. Louis shelling the New Georgia islands of Kolombangara, Vella Lavella and Munda.
She was then—and for some time thereafter—operating in the Pacific’s hottest battle area, the channel up through the Solomons and New Georgias, which xvas known as ‘the slot.” On her runs through “the slot,” either for bombardment purposes or in search ˇ - of the “Tokyo Express,” the St. Louis was constantly menaced by enemy planes and submarines
She survived this dangerous diet without adverse effect and was on hand for the hammering of Japanese positions and gun installations on Kolombangara and New Georgia—a hammering that supported landings at Rice Anchorage the night of July 4-5.
The night was fraught with anxious moments for the St. Louis which lay in the gulf approximately halfway between the two islands. The greatest anxiety resulted from the illumination of the ship by Japanese star shells. Guns on the shore and enemy merchantmen promptly unlimbered, their missiles splashing around the plainly visible target and singing near her superstructure.
The luck of the St. Louis, from which she derived her nickname “Lucky Lou,’ continued to hold through the first battle of Kula Gulf. She was then part of Task Force 18, a group of cruisers at destroyers that was sent out to intercept the “Tokyo Express” on one of its nightly runs which were the enemy’s means of supplying garrisons at Vila and elsewhere.
Contact was made with the Japanese—two contingents of them— early the morning of July 6 in Kula Gulf. The guns of the St. Lou, roared without letup for 55 minutes, the longest period of continuous firing in the ship’s history.
The engagement ceased when Task Force 18 exhausted its supply of targets. Precisely what toll it had exacted could not be ascertaine but old-timers on the St. Louis claim the bag included 13 ships, two of them probably destroyers.
The “Lucky Lou” had along her rabbit’s foot that night, too, for torpedo that struck aft of her No. 3 mount failed to detonate. caused such inconsiderable damage the cruiser was perfectly able the following week, to be present at what was very nearly her own funeral.
Intending to intercept the “Tokyo Express” again, Task Force 18 found the enemy in Kula Gulf for the second time late July 12, and for a second time the convoy was disposed of in two groups.
The first of these was soundly riddled, and at 1:55 a.m. July 1 with the night as black as any night could be, the St. Louis swung around to prepare to engage the remainder of the convoy.

Out of the darkness—no American knows just what dispatched it—came a torpedo, and it wasn’t a dud.
Its coming was unseen, yet all aboard felt the concussion as it struck from the starboard, virtually prying off the St. Louis’ bow
.

No fatalities or even serious injuries resulted but it was necessary for the cruiser to make her way to the Mare Island Navy Yard for repairs.
She returned to the open sea late in the fall of l943, not only with a new bow but with a different commanding officer. Captain R. H. Roberts. USN. Captain Campbell. whom he relieved, received the Navy Cross for his adept maneuvering of the St. Louis through sub-infested waters during the Rice Anchorage landings and forbrilliant direction of his cruiser’s gunfire in the first battle of Kula Gulf.
Later. he was awarded the Silver Star medal for courageous direction of the St. Louis which led the cruiser line in the second battle of Kula Gulf.
Captain Roberts saw his first action from the bridge of the St. Louis in December 1943, when a task force, of which she was a segment. shelled the Kieta area of Bougainville. Her guns silenced a Japanese coastal emplacement during a bombardment of the Shortland Islands a month later.
Return fire did not harm the St. Louis but it came so close that pieces of shrapnel fell on the deck;
In fact. it wasn’t until St. Valentines Day, 1944. that she suffered her first combat fatalities. Her assignment was to screen American landings on Green Island. north of Bougainville, and she lay off the island most of the day without incident.
About sundown, however, six enemy planes—first noticed circling above the horizon at 5 p.m—came in to make their runs over the screening force. Two went after the St. Louis, one plummeting a bomb off the starboard bow for a damaging near miss, the other scoring a direct hit just aft of the siuperstructure. The latter killed 22 men and an officer.


The St. Louis limped south to Tulagi where she was repaired by her crew . Her return to service some three months later marked the end of “the lean days.’

Or, as a seasoned boatswain’s mate put it, “we didn’t even know there was a United States Navy until we arrived at Roi, in the Marshalls. from Tulagi and saw the Central Pacific Fleet in all its power.

The St. Louis was made an addition to that power for the intensive shelling that preceded the June 14 landings of American troops on Saipan. main Japanese base in the Marianas and headquarters of the Japanese Commander in Chief. Central Pacific Area.
The fleet also opened up on Tinian across the channel from Saipan and portions, including the St. Louis, took time out to move down to Guam for another bombardment—the first against that island.
United Stares surface units instituted a more vigorous attack on July 7. Among them was the St. Louis, minus one of its four screws, The missing screw, believed damaged at Green Island, did not drop off until the cruiser was approaching Guam.
Its loss necessitated a trip to the States but before departing the St. Louis continued to participate in the Guam shelling which prepared the way for our invasion July 20. At times, the St. Louis was

so close to Guam’s shoreline that her 20 mm. and 40 mm. guns were brought to bear on the beaches.
Recognizing the effective role of the St. Louis in the Marianas campaign, the commarder of Cruiser Division Nine. Rear Admiral W. L. Ainsworth. USN. awarded Captain Roberts a letter of commendation and the Legion of Merit.
The letter praised Captain Roberts’ “consummate skill’ in handling his ship “during all of these operations, lasting over two months in almost constant contact with an enemy’-held shoreline in an advanced theater of operations...
Bidding farewell to Terminal Island inOctober, 1944, the St.Louis set out for Leyte Gulf in the Philippines by way of Eniwetok and Ulithi.

American troops had invaded the island of Leyte October 19. but the Japanese were still resisting bittterly when the St. Louis dropped anchor in the gulf November l6. Enemy planes. were based in considerable strength on nearby islands
an unfortunate state af affairs that resulted in no less than 33 air attacks on the St. Louis in the course ot a 13-day stretch.

One such attack, taking place November 27 as the noon chow line was forming, left the St. Louis on the damaged list again. She suffered hits on the hangar deck and the port beam and 15 men and an officer received fatal injuries.

The strike was not made without cost to the Japanese, however, the St. Louis herself bringing down four planes for sure and being credited witil.five probables. Enemy air assaults continued and, although damaged no further: the St. Louis was obliged to fall to with her anti-aircraft. batteries the night of November 29 as she was withdrawing from the area, San Pedro bound.

She went home under her own power, reaching the Pacific Coast December 26. Yet another chapter in her back-and-forth chronology was begun February 23, 1945. with the St. Louis churning westward, destination unknown—except to a few.

One of the few is presumed to be Captain J. B. Griggs, USN, a veteran of submarine service who came aboard at San Pedro, January 3, to relieve Captain Roberts.
He is her fifth commanding officer, the only one not having been mentioned in this history , being a native St. Louisan, Captain Charles H. Morrison, who assumed command when the St. Louis was comissioned by then-Rear Admiral Joseph K. Taussig, USN, May19, 1939.
The present St Louis is the fourth naval vessel to bear the name. The first was a fighting sloop built in 1828, the second was a Civil War gunboat and the third was a cruiser which was decommissioned in 1929.
The “Lucky Lou s’ shakedown cruise took her to Kinston Jamaica; Port au Spain, Trinidad. and the Portuguese Azores. And ended in New York the day the Yankees and Cincinnati Reds were crossing bats in the first game of the 1939 world series.
The following year the St. Louis was nominated to carry a party of high-ranking officers on an inspection tour of British possessions in the Atlantic that might have served as suitable American naval and air bases.
She made her first appearance on the west coast in the fall of 1940, tying up at San Pedro. Her next voyage of consequence nearly a year later, found the St. Louis convoying the U. S. S. Henderson, a transport, to Manila, P. I., by way of Midway, Wake and Guam.
War clouds were piling up on the Pacific's horizons, so the St. Louis was ordered to quit the Philippines for the comparative safety of the Hawaiian Islands.
Her introduction to the Japanese two months later constituted a baptism of fire not only for the cruiser herself but for the planes she carried on her hangar deck.
The St. Louis’ aviation unit, based ashore at Ford Island at the moment, sent up two planes without rear-seat gunners, which tried to execute gunnery runs on the Japanese dive bombers.
Although that appears to have been the unit's lone attempt at aerial combat, it, nevertheless, has had a part in rolling back the enemy’s blanket of conquest.
Often operating in close proximity to enemy aircraft and A.A. fire, the pilots from the St. Louis performed effectively in every action in which their ship took part. Their main function has been anti-submarine patrol and gunfire spotting, and they also have participated in several searches for survivors at sea.
Security rules had just been invoked when the St. Louis was lying in Manila harbor in 1941 and her crew was cautioned not to reveal her identity to anyone ashore.
In a Manila bar one night a petty officer from the U. S. S. Black Hawk, a repair vessel, asked a chief electricians mate trom the St. Louis the name of his ship. “Well . . “ stammered the chief, stalling as best he could “she’s . . . she’s the Mystery Ship.”
The chief was rewarded for his conscientious bit of evasion with a brace of black eyes, and the resultant ribbing and scuttlebutt spread far and wide the St. Louis’ reputation as “the Mystery Ship of the United States Fleet.”
Her story was told for the first time in the United States newspapers in connection with the 1944 observance of Navy Day, so the Ss. Louis no longer is the enigma she might have been once as far as Americans are concerned.
The same could not be said, however, in respect to the Japanese whose official propaganda agency, Domei, has announced on at least three occasions that the St. Louis had been consigned to the bottom of the Pacific.
Leaving the Navy Yard at Long Beach, California, on February 23, 1945, the St. Louis was dispatched immediately to Pearl Harbor. Here she received her orders to report to Task Force 58 then making rendezvous at Ulithi in the Carolines. Hurriedly taking on her fuel capacity at this port, the “Lucky Lou” sailed with this mightiest armada in Naval history, for the now historical air-strikes against Kyushu in the Japanese homeland. For more than two weeks the St. Louis, with other ships, screened the carriers of this task force, in this daring attack on even Tokyo itself. Time and again the “Lucky Lou's" five-inch and anti-aircraft batteries leveled at whatever enemy planes came within her sights.
Okinawa was next on the St. Louis’ list of operations. Leaving Task Force 58 on March 25, 1945, she escorted the U. S. S. Indianapolis with Admiral Spruance aboard, to this Nipponese bastion. Within an hour of her arrival at this island arsenal, the “Lucky Lou” was participating in the initial bombardment of the island. It was here at Okinawa that the St. Louis remained for sixty-one days, establishing a new naval record, for a single ship in a single operation. For the “Lucky Lou” hurled more than 27,000 rounds of ammunition at the Nips during this time. Nor were these just random shots either, for on more than one occasion, both the Army and Navy authorities commended the St. Louis for the accuracy of her gun fire. One Army officer who later came aboard the St. Louis, stated that “if anyone put a dime anyplace on Okinawa, the Lucky Lou’ would hit it.” Although she escaped unscathed from this operation, it was not without a few brushes with Lady Luck. On the morning of her arrival at Okinawa, one torpedo streaked across her bow, and seconds later another went harmlessly by her stern. Nor had the Kamikazes forgotten the “Lucky Lou.” But this time the Nips were the unlucky ones. For it was while at Okinawa that the St. Louis increased her total of Jap planes to twelve, for which she is officially credited. Although one Kamikaze splashed off her starboard bow, it was the only enemy plane that even came close to her. At Okinawa, the luck of the “Lucky Lou” was not to be denied. For his skill and leadership in guiding the St. Louis through this vigorous and dangerous campaign, Captain I. B. Griggs, USN, her commanding officer, has received the Silver Star and the Legion of Merit.
Just prior to the setting of the Rising Sun on August 15, 1945, the St. Louis had been engaged in a vast mine sweeping operation of the East China Sea with units of the Seventh Fleet. This duty later enabled her to proceed to the far flung reaches of the Pacific, even up the treacherous, current filled waters of the Wangpoo River to Shanghai, China, itself. After covering the Allied occupation of that city, the “Lucky Lou” was then dispatched to lead the first American-Chinese amphibious operation to Formosa. Here the commanding officer of the “Lucky Lou” received the surrender of that famous Japanese citadel. Stealthily passing through the numerous mine fields outside this harbor, the St. Louis led the first American warships to enter these waters in twenty-five years.
Formosa was the last of the “Lucky Lou’s” wartime operations. For upon the completion of this mission, she was detached from further service in the Pacific. But upon her arrival at Guam on her way to the West Coast, these orders were cancelled, and the St. Louis was assigned further duty with the Magic Carpet Fleet. Since receiving this assignment, the “Lucky Lou” has returned many hundreds of veterans from the various theaters of war. She has sailed from San Francisco to the Russell Islands, Guadalcanal, Espirito Santo, and Samoa. Upon her arrival on the West Coast on January 23rd she will have completed her second Magic Carpet trip to Guam, covering a distance of more than 75,000 miles since she left Long Beach, California, on February 23, 1945. Within a few days after debarking her last passengers, the “Lucky Lou” will sail on February 7, 1946, for Philadelphia on the East Coast. Upon her arrival there she will take her well earned rest in a reserve status with the Atlantic Fleet.
Thus ends the saga of the Lady known as Lou—the “Lucky Lou.” May her luck never run out. And may she always be lucky in the Officers and Crew who mould her destiny.

***OUR HONORED DEAD***


***GREEN ISLAND***

FEBRUARY 14, 1944

Lieut.(jg)Berdett Bernard Berton , USN

Baynor, John (n) , CMM(AA),USN

Carraway , Kermit Lee , CWT(AA),USN

Rosandich , Joseph Frank, MM1c,USN

Hill, Mark Dewey, MM1c,USN

Null, Edmund Wallace, MM1c,USN

Flood, Edwin Warren, MM1c,USN

Olson, Wesley Francis,MM2c,USN

Cline, Thomas Russell, MM2c, USN

Jennings, Frank Richard, MM2c, USNR

CHURCHILL, HAROLD STUART, MoMM2c, USN

FREEMAN, EARL WILLIAM, Y2c. V6, USNR

HERRON, DAVID (n), MM3c, V6, USNR

STEHMAN, DONALD (n) MM3c, V6S, USNR

BALDWIN, JOHN BOYD, MM3c, X6, USNR

MYER, URBAN EARNEST, Flc, USN

ROSBURY, CHARLES WILLIAM, F2c, V6, USNR

BRYANT, JAMES JEFFERSON, P2C, USN

GUSTISON, RICHARD JOHN. F2c, V6, USNR

SHUMAN, JOHN MONROE, F2C, V6, USNR

MCDONALD, JOE BEN, P2C, V6, USNR

MCGUFFIN, WILLIAM ARNOLD, F2c, USN-I

KITSON, NEIL VICTOR, F2c, V6, USNR


***LEYTE GULF—NOVEMBER 27, 1944***

 

ENSIGN SEBASTIAN GEORGE VOGEL, JR., Av(N). USNR

BARRETT, ROBERT OREN, S1c, V6, USNR

BOWMAN, ROBERT HENRY, GM3c, V6, USNR

GORDON, WENDELL EVANS, S1c, V6, USNR

GOULSON, VERNON VICTOR, S2c, V6, USNR

GRIEBAHN, DONALD IVAN, S2c, V6, USNR

JANIKOWSKI, DAVID FLORIAN, S2c(GM). V6, USNR

KING, ROBERT NEAL, S2c, V6, USNR

LASSITER, EUGENE QUAY. F2c, V6S. USNR

OLSEN, WILAMER ERNEST, S2c, V6S. USNR

ONEAL, WILSON FOLLIS, S1c, V6, USNR

POWELL, JOHN MARSHALL, CMM(AA). USN

SHOEMAKER, GEORGE WILLIAM, S2c, V6. USNR

WHITAKER, HERBERT, S2c, V65, USNR

BOYD, CLYDE ROE, ARM2c, USN

BUTTERWORTH, LAWRENCE RAY, GM3c, V6, USNR


***MAY THEY REST IN PEACE***

To find more info on the Lucky Lou


here's Dave Newmans' excellent page USS ST.Louis CL-49

Please add you comments including contact information , photos , links, by sending to
Lucky@probsolve.com thanks for your interest.

 

 


Dear Lucky   I have just found the "Lucky Lo" (CL 49) again. Great! In fact I was her last Lieutenant surgeon, in 1976, at Brazilian Navy. In Brazil she was renamed as "Tamandaré" and I liked very much my old warship.    TAMANDARE (C-12) was stricken from the Brazilian Navy in 1976.  Sold to breakers four years later, she was sunk in 24 August 1980, 10:20 pm, near Capetown, South Africa while under tow to Taiwan (38' 48'' S and 01' 24'' W).    But many seamen have said: The old warship would rather the bottom of the ocean as her grave then the blowtorch of the shipyard!   Capt. Gottlieb


My father, Delvin A. Prince, was on the "Lucky Lou" from 1/7/42 to 11/10/45.
He operated and maintained a 40mm gun on the ship.  Although my father did
not share or talk about his military experience, I did hear from others
about some of the horrible events he experienced i.e., seeing a friend
killed in a horrible manner, living thru the kamazee pilot who dove into
their ship, etc. My father went into the service a very outgoing, extrovert
and came out a changed man, essentially very much an introvert.
Unfortunately he passed away 6 years ago.  I would so appreciate hearing
from anyone who may have known this extraordinary husband, father, and
grandfather.

Barbara Robinson
brobinson@gmail.com


  My father, Robert J. Gibney, served on the Lucky Lou during WWII.  He is now 84 years old and a retired police officer from Omaha, NE.  As a child I remember seeing many photos of the ship and crewmembers my dad he kept in photo albums.  My sister had a photo of the ship enlarged and framed which hangs on the wall in my parent's home.  Bob is the father of 10 children, 19 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.    I know it would be a thrill for him to see his name mentioned on the website.  I am also including a couple photos.  Thank you very much for your website. Sincerely, Teresa Monroe 14130 Rosemary Lane. Apt. 6303 Largo, Fl 33774 727-489-7415


Monday, June 18, 2007 11:01 AM...

Paula Runge. grunge@centrytel.net

My father served on the Lucy Lou from 1943 to 1945.  His name is Gerald (Jerry) Groothousen.  He is now retired in Arizona.  I live in Wisconsin.  He has been telling my boys some things about the war, and his ship.


Tuesday, May 01, 2007 7:26 PM
Ahoy!
One of my high school classmates's father, served aboard the USS St.Louis (CL-49).
Wayne STAMPER was an enlistedman, on that tumultuous sunday morning(7Dec41). Seaman STAMPER survived The
War and retired as a "Mustang"(LCdr.).Wayne STAMPER currently resides in Redding,California.
Respectfully,
Francisco LOPEZ
Fontana, California Ft.Apache@sbcglobal.net
(909) 823-1876


My Grandfather passed on Monday 04-15-07 he was 85 and served on the Lou for 4 years. His Name is George C Anagnost and it would do my heart proud to see him on the roll call. Thank you Patrick Stookey


Name: Jessica Gorman jjjegorman@msn.com
City: Houston,
State: TX
USA
    My grandfather served on Lucky Lou along with his two brothers, they were mechanics. There names are Leonard D. Ramirez, Micheal Ramirez and Joseph D. Ramirez. All died in 1998. I was wondering if any one has any stories about them so I can tell my children b/c we are so proud of him and miss them very much. Please let us know. They served during WW2 and were there when the japanese bombard, Thank you

- Monday, June 28, 2004 at 10:35:12 (PDT)


Name: Mrs. Laura McMillan Brice lamcb50@aol.com
City: Smiths Station,
State: AL
USA
    My father was James David McMillan (Jimmy)-Cmdr. USNR, ret. His first assignment was the St. Louis (CL-49) as an Ensign Aviator, and he reported aboard on Dec. 6, l941! He and unit pilots were in barracks on Ford Is. when Japs attacked on the 7th. Although, I heard only a few "Lucky Lou" stories growing up, it has been since his death on Jan. 23, 2003 that I have swelled with pride while reading and holding his letters and "accounts" of his days on and flying above the ship...I would appreciate advice on the best way I may consolidate/share the info. I have with others interested in "first-hand" accounts. Among the treasures is the menu for Christmas Day, 1941 aboard the St. Louis. Frankly, I have only skimmed most of the material, and relish each and every piece. If anyone has a specific question, I will try to answer. Thanks for this opportunity to be a part of a most unique place in history!

- Wednesday, May 26, 2004 at 22:16:28 (PDT)


Name: timothy vigil artilery4evr@aol.com
City: colorado springs,
State: co
USA
    my father served on the luck lou fom pearl to the end of the war,his name was allie gordon hough and was from florida.he has since passed away and i would like to hear from anyone who might have known or served with him.also if anyone can tell me how t get the crew lists for the sip i would greatly app. it.thanks

- Tuesday, May 11, 2004 at 19:13:16 (PDT)


Name: Sam Pioske spioske@sti.net
City: Mariposa ,
State: ca
USA
    Dear Sirs: My Brother William c Pioske "Bill" sertved on the St louis from Oct. 1942 feb. 1946 Enlisted as a crt, rt1, rt2/c He stayed in the navy for 26 years retierd lt/comm. Now deceased Don't know what the job stuff means as me and another borther went the fly boy route God bless the U.S.A.

- Monday, May 10, 2004 at 20:10:14 (PDT)


Name: Wm P. Stewart, Jr. wpstewart@gbronline.com
City: Joplin,
State: mo
USA
    My father Wm. P.Stewart, Sr. served on the Lou from '43 thru '46. He passed away 31 March 1987. To all of his remaining shipmates; Thank you for saving us from tyranny. I am in awe of your bravery. I think we should get Mel Gibson to make a movie about the Ship!

- Friday, April 30, 2004 at 21:12:59 (PDT)


Name: Jason Garner Chasandjayg@aol.com
City: Omaha,
State: Ne
USA
    Had wron e-mail address correct one is on this posting

- Tuesday, April 27, 2004 at 20:23:57 (PDT)


Name: Jason Garner Vhasandjayg@aol.com
City: Omaha,
State: Ne
USA
    My grandfather servrd on this ship. I am nt exactly sure what dates. But I do know that he was there during Pear Harbor. I anm not sure what he did. His name was Gene Daily.Would like to here from anyone who may remeber him

- Tuesday, April 27, 2004 at 20:22:50 (PDT)


Name: Fran Koconis loufran1@hotmail.com
City: Ithaca,
State: NY
USA
    I read Michael Gildersleeve's comments and I believe his father is my mother-in-law's brother. I sent a detailed message to Michael but I received a 'failed delivery status notification.' I would greatly appreciate knowing how I can find out Michael or Burr's phone or email if possible. I look forward to your response. Thank you.

- Saturday, April 17, 2004 at 19:11:59 (PDT)


Name: Travis Bratcher tbratcher@utdinc.com
City: Linden,
State: VA
USA
    My Grandfather "William Glenn Bratcher" served on the Lucky LOU from sometime in 1942-1945. He passed away 5 years ago. I know little about his experiances in WW2. I would like to hear from anyone who might remember serving with him.

- Saturday, April 03, 2004 at 20:09:55 (PST)


Name: Michael Charpiot mikeliz@sonic.net
City: Santa Rosa,
State: CA
USA
    This is a very impressive site. I, like many others, are trying to find information about a sailor. My wife's grandfather was on board at Pearl Harbor. His name was Lawrence "Barney" Lewis of Richmond Virginia. If any one remembers him I would love to hear a story or two. I was also wondering where I might be able to get a hat or a coffee mug or something for his widow. I am traveling to see her over the summer. Thanks for the site and your service to our country.

- Tuesday, March 30, 2004 at 13:22:36 (PST)


Name: Stephen Boyer tkemz118@hotmail.com
City: Folsom,
State: La
USA
    My dad was Malcolm E. Boyer and he never talked about his experiences with the St. Louis. I have pictures that he had from several attacks. Would like to hear from members of the crew about things that he would not talk about. Steve Boyer

- Saturday, March 27, 2004 at 12:30:45 (PST)


Name: Marc Smilen waritems86@yahoo.com
City: Dania Beach,
State: Fl
USA
     Great website. Sorry that I dont have anything specific regarding the "Lucky Lou." I am a collector of war letters and war diarys. I received a quick education on the invasion of Okinawa, when I was lucky to acquire the handwritten diary of the radio-operator aboard USS Density, a minesweeper that was heavily involved in the Okinawa battle, especially the fierce battle on April 6, 1945. I just acquired 40 letters writtend by a seaman, Lewis E. Gammon, aboard USS Biloxi, which may have played a part in the same battle. I just acquired a handwritten diary of James M. McCarthy, the radar-man aboard USS Suwanee, which was a Navy ship converted into a 500 Ft carrier for 31 escort fighters. Some interesting, suspenseful reading there. The Suwanee was active in the fight at Tarawa. Some additional stuff I have: 70 letters by seaman Roy Bligh aboard USS Leon. And an interesting un-censored letter written by seaman Harold Henry, who was aboard USS Beale. March 1943 is the date of the letter. Seaman Henry writes in the letter that he will sneak the letter off the ship, and mail it while on liberty, so that it doesnt get censored. He says the ship is in the naval yard in New York getting a paint-job, and new guns for service in the Pacific. He mentions that the ship sank two enemy subs off the coast of Jacksonville, Florida. And one more interesting bit: his station, at general quarters, was "hoist operator in gun #1." Lot more stuff in my collection, but thats the main highlights of my WWII Naval stuff. ...other stuff is an Iwo Jima diary of a 147th army infantry soldier; letters by a USMC Captain on Saipan; diary of an AAF ground crew mechanic; letter by a mother to her son's girlfriend quoting another crewman's description of the plane getting shot down; a press-release of a newsman who took a flight aboard a bombing mission; letters regarding a supply sargeant who was fatally shot in the philippines, fighting off hijackers who came down from the hills to hijack his supply truck; Vietnam letters written by a soldier to his wife in 1962; 1968 government letters regarding a marine who lost his legs to a mine; a diary of a British army lieutenant in Italy; a medic's diary in New Guinea; A seabea's diary in New Guinea; letters of a pilot in new guinea. Great stuff.

- Wednesday, March 24, 2004 at 09:54:04 (PST)


Name: DORY WADE dwade@freedomford.com
City: NORFOLK,
State: VA
USA
    My father was Hubert Wade [Hugh} stationed aboard the lucky lou..As per his wishes We had his burial [scattering of his ashes] in Oct 2002 at Pearl Harbor..close to where she was tied up and along her route out of the channel. He spoke highly of his shipmates and his life aboard the lucky lou..would like to hear from his shipmates..The memorial at Pearl Harbor has some informative books and pictures from the Battle...I visit Dad every year and always will...

- Friday, March 12, 2004 at 08:04:20 (PST)


Name: David E. Powell PowellDE@css16.navy.smil.mil
City: St. Mary's,
State: Ga.
USA
    John Marshall Powell (MMC) was my grandfather who died in the Chief Quarters on the morning of 27Nov44, his son John Marshall Powell Jr. was born 05AUG1944 he is my dad. Since the passing of my father who also served in the Navy I have been gathering data on my family history. Thank you for all your hard work. V/r, David E Powell ETC/SS USN 30JAN04 Third Generation Navy

- Friday, January 30, 2004 at 09:29:18 (PST)


Name: David E. Powell PowellDE@css16.navy.smil.mil
City: St. Mary's,
State: Ga.
USA
    John Marshall Powell (MMC) was my grandfather who died in the Chief Quarters on the morning of 27Nov44, his son John Marshall Powell Jr. was born 05AUG1944 he is my dad. Since the passing of my father who also served in the Navy I have been gathering data on my family history. Thank you for all your hard work. V/r, David E Powell ETC/SS USN 30JAN04 Third Generation Navy

- Friday, January 30, 2004 at 08:35:01 (PST)


Name: jeffreyanger jeffreyanger@aol.com
City: marysville,
State: mi
USA
    my father frederick anger served on this ship in world war 2 im his son any information on what he did as a navel hero or the heros he served with

- Friday, January 16, 2004 at 23:28:03 (PST)


Name: FRANK (RED) DOYLE DD585@JUNO.COM
City: SO. WEYMOUTH,
State: MA
USA
    I WAS ON THE USS HARADEN DD585,AND WAS OUT THERE WITH THE LUCKY LOU. WE GOT HIT BY A KAMIKAZES DEC. 13, 1944.

- Sunday, January 04, 2004 at 14:26:11 (PST)


<Name: John Q. Edwards ktruelove1@comcast.net
City: Norfolk,
State: VA
USA    PS I retired in 1973, not '69! - Sunday, December 21, 2003 at 19:03:39 (PST)

Name: John Q. Edwards ktruelove1@comcast.net
City: Norfolk,
State: VA
USA
    I served aboard the St. Louis from May 1942 - May 1945. I was was assistant damage control officer when I left the ship. My daughter found this web site and showed it to me. I noticed that the comments were from children and grandchildren of crew members so I thought I'd add a comment from an actual crew member! My roommate (and close friend) was Deppy Berton. As his roommate, I had the unhappy duty of packing his personal effects and conserving anything of interest to the family in order that these things might be sent to them. After the war I stayed in the Navy, going to postgraduate training in naval intelligence and spending the rest of my career in that field. I retired as a captain in 1969. John Q. Edwards

- Sunday, December 21, 2003 at 18:57:01 (PST)


Name: Michelle Wilkins ShellWilkins@msn.com
City: Bradford,
State: MA
USA
    My grandfather was stationed on the USS St. Louis from 1945 to 1946 in the Kula Gulf. I would like to know more about his time in service and what battles he was in. From what I can understand all I have to go on is Donald Joseph Shugrue from Haverhill,Massachusettes and next to his name in all of his paperwork it is listed as SM3. I'd like to know what that means and if anyone remembers him. He is deceased now and I would love to find out more about all of this.Thankx in advance:)

- Wednesday, November 12, 2003 at 16:37:12 (PST)


Name: Diane Fairbanks Johnson johnson917@cheshire.net
City: Walpole,
State: NH
USA
    My dad, SF2c Warren Fairbanks was on the Lucky Lou on December 7, 1941. He speaks of seeing that rising sun on the wings of the low flying planes that morning while up on deck saluting the colors after eating his breakfast. He passed away on October 15, 1995 and one of our last conversations was about his 6 years in the Navy and specifically about December 7th. Anyone having any remembrances of him, there is a proud daughter and her family that would love to hear from you. A Veterans Day "thank you" to all who answered the call to serve and protect.

- Tuesday, November 11, 2003 at 15:43:35 (PST)


Name: Dennis R. Boland paratrop@strato.net
City: LaBelle,
State: FL
USA
    I regret to say my father Raymond Boland passed away on January 10, 2003. He served on the Lucky Louie during the battle of Leyte Gulf. I am trying to find out when the members of the Lucky Louie will have their next reunion and where it will be.

- Thursday, November 06, 2003 at 19:31:07 (PST)


Name: Michael Gildersleeve mgilder1@comcast.nte
City: Clementon,
State: NJ
USA
    My father, Burr E. Gildersleeve served on the St. Louis during WWII in both the Atlantic and Pacific Theaters. He would tell us of his travels and encounters. One encounter was in the Pacific when his captain silently crused between a large Jap Destroyer and a well fortified occupied beach. When the ship was between the two the captain gave orders to fire off both sides of the ship. Then they continued silently, turned around and did the same on the way out of the cove. He said that they did not know what hit them. The Japs fired at each other and they slipped away.

- Wednesday, October 22, 2003 at 18:09:13 (PDT)


Name: kurt r hansen kurt hansen01@hotmail.com
City: denver,
State: colo
USA
    did anyone know my dad, thomas richard hansen he was on the lou in pearl i was told but he and mom have passed,cant find him in muster.....great site.....help!

- Tuesday, October 21, 2003 at 19:54:45 (PDT)


Name: Al Getchell TM1 USN Retired MeggNDick@msn.com
City: Haltom City,
State: TX
USA
    Thanks for the good write up on my ship the Luck Lou. I was on board from Dec 43 to Nov 45. I attend the reunions yearly and will do so this year in November 5-9, 2003 in Mississippi. Thanks again and God Bless, Al Getchell USN Retired

- Sunday, October 19, 2003 at 07:52:06 (PDT)


Name: Charles Peter Reeve cpreeve@bellsouth.net
City: Aiken,
State: SC
USA
    My father, Charles Philip Reeve, served aboard the St. Louis from July 1942 to March 1944 as a Lt.(jg). Later, he attained the rank of Commander. The following passage regarding B.B. Berton is taken from his unpublished memoirs written around 1990. B.B. Berton, a Warrant Machinist on the ship, became a good friend of mine. He helped me fill my qualifications course on the propulsion system. He and many like him were the real reason that our naval operations were successful during the war. He finished high school in 1932, had no money for college, drove a laundry truck for about a year, and enlisted in the Navy. He advanced rapidly for he was an extremely intelligent man. He made Warrant in about seven years. Berton and those like him carried our units all over the world--smart and motivated. He was a great chess player, and never took more than thirty seconds to make a move. The Annapolis Commander, who was our Executive Officer, was also a pretty good chess player and challenged Berton often in the Ward Room. The Commander would take ten minutes thinking about his move. Berton would be across the room talking, as he did all the time, and when the Exec had moved he would yell at Berton to come on and move. Berton would walk up, take about ten seconds, move his man, and walk off again. When that move was the last of the game, Berton would say, "Checkmate, Sir!" The Exec would then swear and knock chessmen all over the Ward Room. I told Berton, "You had better let him win occasionally, or you will get a bad duty assignment." "Never," he would say, and he didn't. He was quite a character. 'Deppy' Berton considered himself lucky, and in many ways he was, but he was very smart and had lots of charisma, a most likeable person. However, his luck ran out on Valentine's Day, 1944, for he was one of the fatalities when the bomb hit us in the smoke screen. We all missed him--even the Exec, whose chess winnings took a dramatic upswing.

- Friday, September 05, 2003 at 18:47:36 (PDT)


Name: Robert L Darling ruth@ruthdarlinghomes.com
City: Dallas,
State: Tx
USA
    I Served September of 43 (threw) March of 46. I served as a MOMM3-C in A devision after deisel forward firemain was my battlestation.

- Monday, September 01, 2003 at 18:40:18 (PDT)


Name: casino stonedge_id396124_@tech.tv
USA
     hi there rather enjoyed your website . casino . Greets!

- Monday, August 25, 2003 at 16:31:36 (PDT)


Name: Daniel Berton dberton@probsolve.com
City: Bremerton,
State: Wa
USA
    Thank you all for using this guestbook. I just had to edit it. Some #%&* put links to porno on it. I'm sorry for anyone who may have experianced that.Thanks again.God bless you, your friends and families

- Sunday, August 24, 2003 at 21:30:06 (PDT)


Name: Sakrazitäter
    Hi there! Nice Site.

- Friday, August 15, 2003 at 03:14:23 (PDT)


Name: Fred Boland sallyandfred@msn.com
City: Downers Grove,
State: IL
USA
    Does anyone know the E Mail or phone number for Doug Huggins. I ordered a hat from him a few years ago and can't locate him now. My father, Raymond Boland served on the Lucky Lou and he enjoyed the hat. I wear it now as he passed away a few months ago. Fred Boland

- Friday, August 08, 2003 at 11:46:10 (PDT)


Name: Kathy Moylan thor2erin@aol.com
State: NY
USA
    My father Henry E. Bullock served on the St. Louis, May '39 to June '43. He was in Pearl Harbor at the time of the attack (is mentioned in Day of Infamy)and was on the Helena at Kula Gulf when it was sunk.He spent 22 yrs. in the navy and passed away in '99. Rest in peace dad, you are a hero.

- Wednesday, July 16, 2003 at 19:07:38 (PDT)


Name: john m bruce moses@santel.net
City: mitchell,
State: sd
USA
    I was an electrician 3rd class on the USS St Louis from September of '42 until November of '45.

- Saturday, July 12, 2003 at 14:12:38 (PDT)


Name: David R. Grossnickle DRG368@ATTBI.COM
City: BAY VILLAGE,
State: OH
USA
    My dad served on the Lucky Lou as he called her during WWII. He and my mother went to San Fransico for 1 reunion and I know he had some real close friends here in Ohio who served with him. Thank You

- Monday, June 16, 2003 at 16:43:49 (PDT)


Name: Artemio Bueno Rosa Jr artemio.junior@terra.com.br
City: Cruz Alta,
State: RS
Brasil
    Dear Harry as you know I'm the author of the page about CL 41 and CL 49 and C11 and C12-Tamandaré. Both ships were in Brazilian navy and I'm proud to tell you that I inserted in my page the link to this page wich is a great rememberance to those old seagoats, the shipmates that can read here their ship's history. My site's address is http://planeta.terra.com.br/arte/Cruzadores to those who would like to know some more about Lucky Lou while in brazilian navy. Thanks. Bueno from Brasil.

- Sunday, June 08, 2003 at 04:00:04 (PDT)


Name: A Y BROWN ayb@rose.net
City: thomasville,
State: ga
USA
    FIRST TIME I'VE SEEN THIS. VERY GOOD. THANKS.

- Tuesday, June 03, 2003 at 18:36:03 (PDT)


Name: Torben Torp-Smith torpsmith@yahoo.com
City: San Francisco,
State: CA
USA
    I am the son of Ens / Lt Robert Torp-Smith ( now Capt. R. E. Torp-Smith, USNR, Ret.) Who served on the St. Louis fist in the Aleutians and later in the Slot during Kula Gulf and the torpedo incidents. Any remembrances of my dad are most welcome.

- Saturday, May 17, 2003 at 22:31:58 (PDT)


Name: Ken Robinson pvlmiskr@hotmail.com
City: East Point,
State: Ky
USA
    I've been searching long & hard for this site, I finally found it about a year ago. My grandmother's brother, Herbert Whitaker, served aboard the "Lucky Lou" and I've many stories about the Lou. I've heard stories of how he supposedly died but these stories are from the POV of civilians that were stateside and only knew what the Navy told them. I'd greatly like to hear from anyone that might have served along side Herbert Whitaker on the U.S.S. St. Louis. Please drop me a drop via e-mail. Ken

- Friday, May 09, 2003 at 06:31:02 (PDT)


Name: Rick Elliott rge55@netzero.com
City: Seattle,
State: WA
USA
    My father Jack Elliott was a signalman on the St. Louis, 1942-1945. He passed away Feb. 12, 2002, in Boise, Idaho

- Friday, February 14, 2003 at 21:11:28 (PST)


Name: Don Watson don.watson@sheppard.af.mil
City: Sheppard AFB,
State: TX
USA
    Very nice site. My father served on the USS St Louis during WWII & was there at Pearl Harbor. His name was Archie R. Watson from Calhoun City, MS. He might have been known by his nickname "Chip". He was a Carpenter's Mate. If any of you remember him it would be great to hear from you. Sadly, he passed away in 1978. Thanks for keeping these memories alive.

- Wednesday, February 05, 2003 at 12:44:29 (PST)


Name: Leeny floyd999@linkinpark.com
USA
    My GRand father served on the U.ss St.Louis during WWII.I would like to know how long he served and what battles he was in. His name is Orin Quinn

- Friday, January 24, 2003 at 08:50:40 (PST)


Name: Leeny Floyd999@linkinpark.com
USA
    My Grandfather served on the U.SS St.Lois during WWII. I would like to know how long he served and what battles he was in. Please email me

- Friday, January 24, 2003 at 08:46:25 (PST)


Name: Debbie Yount deyount@excite.com
City: Potosi,
State: MO
USA
    My Dad served on the "Lucky Lou" from 1942-1944(??). He has died now but I would love to communicate with those of you who remember him. His name: Charles Russell from Holt County Nebraska. Thank you for anything that is remembered

- Sunday, January 19, 2003 at 17:24:54 (PST)


Name: John Finlay finlay_john@hotmail.com
City: Victoria,
State: TX
USA
    My grandfather is John Roland. He served on the St. Louis, but doen't talk about it much. I would like to hear from anyone who served with him.

- Sunday, January 19, 2003 at 10:52:13 (PST)


Name: Carolyn McEvoy Thomas wthomas952@aol.com
City: North Myrtle Beach,
State: SC
USA
    My father, Robert Andre McEvoy, served on the USS St. Louis in WW II. I am interested in finding out when he served, what action he saw and anything I can learn about his involvement in battles.

- Monday, December 23, 2002 at 09:12:38 (PST)


Name: Fred Boland sallyandfred@msn.com
City: Downers Grove,
State: IL
USA
    I want to order a cap from Doug Huggins. I ordered one last year and lost his address. Can you get his E Mail address or phone number for me? My E Mail address is different from when I originally signed up so I am not getting any information E Mailed to me anymore. Can the E Mail address above be listed as a contact for me. My father Raymond J Boland was on the Lucky Lue. He is ill at this time. If anyone wants to send a greeting to him, it can be done through my address.

- Monday, December 16, 2002 at 18:20:41 (PST)


Name: Jeff Zirzow jaznm@comcast.net
City: Tijeras,
State: NM
USA
    I have an uncle that I believe may have been on this ship. His name is Robert Arndt. He came from Indiana and had another brother in the Navy named James. As I was looking around the records of ships, it seems that the St. Louis was one that was hit by kamikaze plane. I remember my uncle telling me that this was in the middle of the night. He does not ever talk about it and came back a different man from when he went in the Navy. Does anyone remember this name, or might I have the wrong ship?

- Saturday, December 14, 2002 at 22:34:46 (PST)


Name: John Marshall Powell III jandkpowell3@aol.com
City: Rochester,
State: ny
USA
    Hello, if anyone knew my grandfather and can tell me a little bit about him then please e-mail me, Thank You, John Marshall Powell III

- Friday, November 22, 2002 at 09:52:38 (PST)


Name: Roberto Camargo rob_camargo@uol.com.br
City: Rio de Janeiro,
State: RJ
BRASIL
    Obrigado pela bela história do Lucky Lou (our Tamandaré).

- Saturday, September 21, 2002 at 08:16:30 (PDT)


Name: Pamela Skewes danandpam@aol.com
City: Whittier,
State: CA
USA
    Thank you so much for such a wonderful page. My uncle was killed on 2/14/44 and I never knew him because I was not born until 5/5/45. Thanks again and God bless you.

- Monday, September 16, 2002 at 10:59:25 (PDT)


Name: Erin M. Callaway ErinCallaway926@hotmail.com
City: Woodstock,
State: GA
USA
     My Grandfather, William T. Callaway, served on the Lucky Lou from Dec. 1941-1945, and fought in every major battle till the end of the war with her. I am very proud of his accomplishments and directed a documentary, which will be showing at the 2002 Wilmington, DE Independent Film Festival, containing his stories of the war and two other Navy veterans who served on the light cruiser USS Biloxi. These men are a treasure to us all! Shall we never forget them!

- Monday, September 02, 2002 at 09:39:25 (PDT)


Name: ADALTON SALGUEIRO DE FREITAS salgueirof@uol.com.br
City: Rio de Janeiro,
State: RJ
BRAZIL
    I AM A BRAZILIAN NAVY OFFICER RETIRED AND IN 1975, BEFORE THE ST LOUIS STARTS HER LAST TRIP,I SAVED TWO WHEELS OF THE AHEAD AND TWO OF THE ASTERN TRHOTLE VALVES. I WOULD LIKE TO OFFERS THOSE MAGNIFICANT SOUVENIRS TO SOME MUSEUM OR ASSOSSIATION OF LUCKY LOUIS.

- Tuesday, August 06, 2002 at 17:55:01 (PDT)


 
Name: darrin smith stpco5@aol.com
City: palm beach gardens,
State: fl
USA
    my granfather was on the lucky lou he is 84 now and still stubbern as ever love all the stories he tells.about 18 years ago i used grandpas stories about pearl harbor day and beat my history teacher in a bet about the lucky lou it seems even to this day history doesnt feel that any ship really made it out of the harbor well my teacher was wrong then and history is still behind all the facts just too let you know my 8 year old got an a plus on her report of the lucky lou and what really happened my grandpa is still proud to be an american and so are we god bless those who were there and god bless those who keep the memory going

- Wednesday, July 24, 2002 at 15:44:12 (PDT)


Name: James h. jones james_jones@labor.state.ak.us
City: anchorage,
State: AK
United States
    MY FATHER SERVED ABOARD THE ST LOUIS. HE WAS WOUNDED AT GREEN ISLAND AND TELLS OF HOW LT BURTON DIED IN HIS ARMS, AFTER HIS RETURN TO THE STATES ON LEAVE HE WAS HITCHING TO TULSA TO CATCH THE TRAIN, GOT A RIDE FROM AN OLDER MAN, A YOUNG WOMAN WITH A CHILD, THE MAN ASK WHAT SHIP HE WAS ON AND HE TOLD THEM THE ST LOUIS, THE CAR WAS SILENT FOR A MOMENT THEN HEE WAS ASK IF HE KNEW LT BURTON, "YES, HE DIED IN MY ARMS" THE WOMAN IN THE CAR WAS HIS WIDOW AND THE CHILD WAS THEIR SON.

- Tuesday, July 16, 2002 at 16:53:02 (PDT)


Name: Mr. James D. Busi aaronbusi@busicomputing.com
City: Charlottesville,
State: VA
USA
    Hello: During World War II my father , Mr. Raymond F. Busi was a proud crew member of the USS Saint Louis in the South Pacific/Quadacanal campaigns. My dad is now 80 and still talks about the ship and Pearl Harbor activities. This was an exceptional group of very brave men. My dad's address is Mr. Raymond F. Busi, 72 Helen Circle, East Longmeadow, Mass 01028 and would enjoy talking to any crew members. Thank you.

- Thursday, July 11, 2002 at 19:26:30 (PDT)


Name: Shelly Watson cjacoma@yahoo.com
City: Stilwell,
State: OK
USA
    My grandpa's name is James P. Jones.

- Sunday, July 07, 2002 at 08:33:36 (PDT)


Name: Shelly Watson cjacoma@yahoo.com
City: Stilwell,
State: OK
USA
    My grandfather was on the LUCKY LOU. He lives in the Stilwell Nursing Home. He enjoys pictures of the LUCKY LOU. I am trying to print some photos for him.

- Sunday, July 07, 2002 at 08:24:44 (PDT)


Name: Amanda Scheliga soapbubblez7@aol.com
City: Torrance,
State: CA
USA
    My grandfather, Robert Scheliga (desceased), was on the Lucky Lou in Pearl Harbor when it was attacked. If you have anything about him, please e-mail me. Thanks!

- Saturday, July 06, 2002 at 23:13:49 (PDT)


Name: Morene Novak dennisandmorene@netzero.net
City: Brookshire,
State: TX
USA
    My father Robert J. Leavy (deceased) served on"Lucky Lou" from the attack on Pearl Harbor until 1944.I have been trying to locate pictures from that time of himself and his shipmates

- Friday 05/17/2002


Name: Jim Welsh jorwelsh@bellsouth.net
City: St. Francisville,
State: Louisiana
USA
    My uncle(and namesake), Rear Adm James R."Jim" McCormick (USN Retired/Deceased), was gunnery officer on the Lou ddduring the Pearl Harbor event.He told me his story many times over the years.I was 3 years old in 1941.

- Tuesday 05/14/2002


Name: Kermit Carraway ,Jr. kcarraway@med.miami.edu
City: Miami,
State: Fl
USA
    My father was one of the men killed in the first set of fatalities from the St. Louis. He served at least from Pearl Harbor until he was killed on Valentine's Day,1944. I was two weeks short of my fourth birthday at the time.

- monday 04/22/2002


Name: Lani McCann lani3070@yahoo.com
USA
    My grandfather John D. Gordon served aboard the St. Louis, with his brother, Curtis Gordon during its' rally through the waters of Pearl Harbor. Although my grandpa has been with one lung since the war, he and his brother are still alive(2 of the 3 surviving of 10 siblings). The stories are many and honored to be his granddaughter....

- Tuesday 03/19/2002


Name: John Richards
City: camden,
State: sc
USA
    My dad served on the Lucky Lou from 43 to 45 (then Capt.R.M. "Mac" Richards, USMC) He was awarded silver star during Leyte Gulf. He served in Korea and Vietnam. Disaabled while co of ninth marines march 67. He died in Dec. 87

- Thursday 01/03/2002


Name: E. Phil Bradley philbradley@trellis.net
USA
    My oldest brother went aboard ST. Louis 19 May 1939. My Mother and Father took my other two brothers to Norfolk when she was commissioned, this happened to be my 13th birthday, what a beautiful ship.My oldest brother who was 20 yrs.old at the time servad on St. LOuis 5 1/2 years. His name was Felix A. Bradley he was an electricians mate and made it up to Cheif Warrant Officer. Would like to hear from anyone that might have served with him Ps..I too was in the navy, and was involved in the Normandy invasion on June 6 1944 as a member of the Navy Armed Guard

- Tuesday 12/25/2001


Name: Laurence Mayfield streator79@aol.com
City: Bremerton,
State: Wa
USA
    I am looking for any information about Elmo Venson Olson who served on the St Louis during WWll. He was aboard during the initial attack

- Sunday 12/23/2001


Name: Fred Boland SMK032258@aol.com
City: Downers Grove,
State: IL
USA
    My father is Raymond Boland of Illinois and he served on the USS St. Louis in the battle of Leyte Gulf in 1944. Does anyone out there remember him? He ts still alive and lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

- Saturday 12/15/2001


Name: Linda Prebonich linda.prebonich@voitandritz.com
City: Beloit,
State: WI
USA
    MY dad was John W. Morrison assjgned to the USS St. Louis and was at Pearl Harbor. He never talked about it much and passed away a few years ago. I would like to hear from any survivors who knew him. Thank You

- Thursday 12/13/2001


Name: Karen Waite homeworks-trans@msn.com
City: Dover,
State: De
USA
    My father Morris A. Rose,served as signalman aboard the Lucky Lou. He passed away in January 1991. I grew up with all the stories! T'm visiting this site as a search for my college history project.It's a shame that it took the WTC attacts to cause people to really remember Pearl Harbor! Thanks for the well-documented web page.Karen (Rose) Waite

- Monday 12/10/2001


Name: Paul Goodhue
City: Stoneham,
State: Ma
USA
    My father was onboard Dec. 7th 1941,he never talked about it. Would like to hear from any survivors who may have known him

- Tuesday 08/21/2001


Name: Herman F. Bohnhorst AER 2/C herman_bohnhorst@hotmail.com
City: Massaapequa Park,
State: NY
USA
    Would like to hear from old shipmates up to the battle of Okinawa

- Friday 08/03/2001


Name: Tom and Janet Van Nort tomandjanet@outerbounds.net
City: Farmington,
State: NM
USA
    Guy Earl Van Nort is my dad and e were checking out this website because of his history on the Lucky Lou. If you have any stories about him, we would sure like to hear from you at the above address. Thank you, Tom and Janet

- Sunday 10/07/2001


   
Name: Jack R. Jones jrjones@clover.net
City: Cambridge,
State: Ohio
USA
    Served as a seaman /GM3/c in 2nd div USSSt.Louis. Battle station Terret 4 power magazine. 1945-46 two battle stars. Decomissioned ship 1946. Transferred off May 1946 to NOB Norfolk Va.

- Friday 07/13/2001



This Site Maintained by probsolve.com