Emil Bukowski

Emil Bukowski passed away on Nov. 19, 2005, in NC, of lung cancer which was only discovered about two weeks before. There will be a memorial service on Dec. 3rd. He joins his fellow shipmates who have gone before and are now "standing watch". We send our sincere condolences to his family and our gratitude for his service to our country. He will be missed by everyone.

O.C. McManus

O.C. McManus has joined his shipmates "standing watch" as he passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2005, in Pasadena, CA, of pulmonary fibrosis. He will be missed by his family and by the USS Houston family as well. We are all grateful for his service to our country.

Houston Lifebuoy Found in Australia in 1942

Mr. Brian Morris has written from Australia that his father, Cres Morris (now deceased), found a life raft and a lifebuoy with "USS Houston" marked on it shortly after the Houston and Perth had sunk in 1942, in the fishing village of Emu Park on Great Keppel Island where he lived. At that time, he was unaware of the sinkings. In 1942 or 1943, an Australian military intelligence officer came to his house and took the lifebuoy away. Brian Morris (the son) is now wondering what happened to the lifebuoy. If anyone has any information, please email the blog (see sidebar link "blog questions or comments").

Sick Bay Update on Otto Schwarz

Otto Schwarz is back in the hospital with unstable vitals. His wife Trudy is pretty exhausted also. Please keep them both in your prayers.

Update on Gus Forsman

Gus Forsman is getting stronger everyday. He still gets tired easily but is able to get around a little more and has even managed a couple of trips outside the apartment. What great news!

Veterans' Day thanks

To our beloved USS Houston men:
On this Veterans' Day, we give you our heartfelt thanks for your service to our country. None of us can fully understand or appreciate all you have suffered and endured, but we are grateful. Thank you for your part in making this country free and for your sacrifice and heroism. We salute you today and fly our flags in your honor.
Respectfully,
Jo Klenk (on behalf of all the "'Next Generation")