USS Houston CA-30

CA-30 Model Going To US Navy Museum in D.C.

2011-08-01T21:16:00.003-05:00

Exciting news! The Navy is currently restoring the original 14-foot CA-30 model which will be placed into the National Museum of the U.S. Navy in Washington, D.C. at the Washington Navy Yard. The date scheduled for the unveiling of this beautiful model is November 17, 2011, at 11:00 AM. Everyone is invited! Join us for this festive and historic event.

Freedom Is Not Free

2011-07-04T14:32:00.004-05:00

July 4th - the day we celebrate our independence in this great country. Our independence came at great cost to those who fought in the Revolutionary War and we are grateful for those brave men.

On this day, we want to give special thanks to the men of the USS Houston for their part in maintaining the independence and freedom of this great country during World War II. Each one served his country well at great personal sacrifice. We should never forget that freedom is not free. It costs. THANK YOU, MEN OF THE USS HOUSTON!!!

69th Reunion and Memorial Service

2011-03-10T17:24:00.003-06:00

"A good time was had by all!" was a commonly heard phrase as the 69th reunion came to a close on March 5th. It was a joyous time of renewing friendships and gaining new ones. Of "remembering" at the University of Houston's archive display. Of learning about the US Navy at Guadalcanal (and the part it played in bringing our men home) from Jim Hornfischer, author of newly released Neptune's Inferno and previously released Ship of Ghosts about the USS Houston. Of reliving Jerry Ranger's dive on the ship and his preparations for a dive this year. And remembering and honoring our crewmen who have gone before. Each one is special and will always be remembered, honored, and thanked for their service. Survivors who were able to join us this year are Marvin Sizemore, David Flynn, Basil Bunyard, Howard Brooks, Bill Ingram, and Ray Kester. We were also honored to have a number of their wives present as well.

Our Day of Infamy

2011-03-01T12:12:00.018-06:00

Today marks the 69th anniversary of the sinking of the USS Houston - a sad day in history. Although the crewmen fought valiantly, the odds were against them. Many men went down with the ship or were lost in the ocean. Those who survived began a tortuous three and a half years as prisoners of war of the Japanese.

Today we remember those from the USS Houston who have served our country so well - both those who have passed on and the seventeen survivors who still grace us with their presence. No words can suffice, but we send a heartfelt "thank you, men!"

We also remember those of the HMAS Perth, the Australian ship which fought alongside the USS Houston. Both crews gave their all in battle and in captivity developed bonds that continue to this day. We salute you men from the Perth as well and give you our sincere thanks.

We welcome anyone who would like to join us for our official remembrance of this day at a Memorial Service on Saturday, March 5th, at Sam Houston Park in downtown Houston. For more details about the reunion weekend or the service, see the USS Houston website or email contact@usshouston.org.

The Next Generations

DIVE TEAM NEWS AND REQUEST

2011-02-24T22:04:00.000-06:00

From the Dive Team
Dave Phillips – ROV Operator/Diver

Greetings Houston Family and Friends:
In 2006, I received an unusual request. Scott Bentley, president of VideoRay LLC, who manufactures small underwater remotely operated vehicles gave me a call and wanted to know if I was available to go to Indonesia in a few days to do a project on the USS Houston which had been sunk in World War II. In addition to working in law enforcement, I do training and consulting for underwater robotics and sonar, so I told them “sure, no problem” and was soon on my way to Jakarta. As I soon learned, this was less of a vacation and more of an expedition. And I will be the first to admit I was clueless about this moving story and piece of American history.
Upon arrival in Jakarta I had to somehow make contact with a guy by the name of Jerry Ranger. Prior to clearing customs I was approached by a local individual who guaranteed that for $10, I could pass through customs without being searched. I declined.
I knew Jerry only by his southern drawl on the telephone but figured he’d be the only Caucasian male in the airport. I kept my back to my many cases of equipment, fending off the many offers to “help” move my boxes of underwater equipment, with the occasional offer to buy watches or other trinkets. In this mob I finally caught up with Jerry and diver Brad Gift.
A couple of days later would find us on an old motorboat northbound through the Sunde Strait. Small fishing boats dotted the area as we approached the dive site. There, we caught up with the Barracuda Java, a 60 foot government owned tug that Jerry had hired for the dive. My first impression of this boat was that it was listing to port in a rather unsettling fashion. The crew spoke no English but they caught on quickly to what we needed for the dives and underwater equipment operations. At night-time they would grab pieces of cardboard and sleep wherever they found room on the deck. Jerry and I slept in the “crew quarters” and spent much of the time battling large cockroaches, whose curiosity of us was only matched by the creeping feeling we had of them crawling on us as we tried to sleep.

The importance of what we were doing really struck me on the first dive I did on the Houston. Her large ghostly shape lying on its starboard side, with sweeping hull shape and masts still in place; she lets you know that she is still a proud Navy vessel with great command presence. Massive forward gun turret openings sit empty, exposing beautifully symmetrical round openings where the massive guns had once sat- they became unseated when she sank and fell over starboard. It occurred to me that we were looking at a moment in Naval history frozen in time. This was all the more struck home to me when, at slack tide, bunker oil was still floating to the surface- similar to the USS Arizona in Pearl Harbor. After 65 years this is very moving to see.
After this first trip, I had to learn more. I read and re-read Hornfisher’s book three times, poured over charts. We had to go back. Jerry and I talked each other into it. If Jerry is involved in something, it will happen. If you ever work on a project with him, you will be peppered by emails and phone calls to the point of driving you nuts as he drives the project in the direction it needs to go. In 2008, we returned and built upon the previous two dives that Jerry had organized. This time Jolene Ranger-Stewart came along with her big brother and it was fun to see them both diving on the Houston.

The trip to the Houston and diving it is not a vacation and not for the faint of heart. Sixty plus years of fishing lines and nets drape her like a web and divers constantly have to avoid these entanglement snares and must presume that they will have to cut themselves out. Currents are continually changing and visibility and conditions can change on a dime. Sea-life has taken over the USS Houston. Corals grow on her hull that can cut and sting divers. Lion-fish, whose sharp fins sting like a hornet, followed us like curious pups as we dove. On one occasion the current changed and I found myself pivoting to face the current over the top of a stone-fish whose bite can be poisonous. Fortunately, he was also busy pivoting into the current. Sting-rays are quite prevalent and it is important to stay off the sea bottom. What struck me about the sonar images is that schools of thousands of fish call the Houston their home as an artificial reef. And the Houston has provided fish for over sixty years to the villagers that dot the Java coast.

But the goal of these trips is documentation of this beautiful ship as she lies on the bottom. The sailors that fought and died here and those that were prisoners of war are part of our Nation’s history. The wreck symbolizes a moment in time; an incredibly brave naval battle where these brave men took a stand against the Empire of Japan, and did the best they could with what they had. Battles like this are a part of our Nations fabric; from the Revolutionary war to Gettysburg to our current conflicts. These are stories of individual soldiers and sailors fighting their part of a war and making a difference by their individual actions- and trying to survive.

I had the opportunity to attend the 2009 Houston reunion. It was very important to me to meet some of the survivors. I found myself in awe in their presence; they had gone through hell and back and had come home after the war and continued on with life. These veteran heroes are what this nation should celebrate and remember. Professional athletes only play a game and are idolized. But this World War II generation saved the planet from being subjects of the Japanese Empire and Nazi Germany. I fear my generation has not acknowledged or remembered this fact.

Survivor Howard Brooks inspects the VideoRay underwater camera at the reunion

We are planning another and perhaps final trip back to the Houston June of 2011. VideoRay is again offering sponsorship support and many of you have already committed your support. What you need to know is that our team treats this site with the utmost care and reverence. There are charter dives out to the Houston and Perth from Java for recreational purposes and I’m sure there has been plundering over the decades. But we still have opportunity to bring home sonar and video images of this beautiful ship before she corrodes into the sea. Politics of Indonesia are still favorable towards westerners visiting the region but I fear this may not always be the case.

If you are able to help with this next trip it would be much appreciated. Donations of frequent flyer miles (for Jerry) and any contribution to help defer costs would be appreciated. We want to make the Houston family proud- we will do our very best and are unaware of any similar effort to document this site. Please call, email, write Jerry Ranger if you can help.

Thank You!
Dave Phillips
Diver/ROV operator

The Cruiser Houston: Of Pride and Purpose, part 1

2011-01-17T17:10:00.000-06:00

Cruisng with the Asiatic Fleet

2011-01-17T17:09:00.000-06:00

Blue Bonnet Newsletter - Dec. 2010

2010-12-28T20:12:00.003-06:00

The December issue of the Blue Bonnet newsletter has just been published. Click here to go to the USS Houston's main website. You'll see "Blue Bonnet News" on the left side of the page. Scroll down until you can click on Dec-2010.

Clarence "Skip" Schilperoort

2010-12-11T20:56:00.006-06:00

Clarence "Skip" Schilperoort

of Mesa, Arizona

(October 24, 1917 - June 21, 2010)

age 92

Now standing watch with his shipmates.

He will be missed!

(For his obituary, click here)

2010-11-11T14:38:00.025-06:00

USS Houston CA-30 Survivors Association

and the Next Generations

11 November 2010

Veterans Day

Dear USS HOUSTON (CA-30) Family and Friends,

Beginning with our Survivors and including all of those in our CA-30 family who have served our great country in our Armed Forces, we wish you all a wonderful Veterans Day.

Our thoughts go out this Veterans Day to the crewmen of USS HOUSTON (CA-30) "still standing watch over the Sunda Strait."

Our thoughts go out as well to the courageous crewmen of America's light cruiser which carried USS HOUSTON'S name back into the Pacific War - USS HOUSTON (CL-81) and the brave crewmen of America's powerful submarine which currently bears the name USS HOUSTON (SSN-713),

We honor you American servicemen of the past and present with our huge "Thank You".

Gratefully,

the Board of Managers

John Schwarz, Executive Director

Sue Kreutzer, President

Pam Foster, Vice-President & Treasurer

Jo Klenk, Secretary

Jane Matthews, Chair of Scholarship Committee

R. Dana Charles, Researcher and Correspondent

Harry Kelley

2010-10-28T17:14:00.008-05:00

Harry Kelley

of Basehor, Kansas

Sept 7, 1920 - Oct 10, 2010
age 90

He will be missed!

(For Harry's bio and memoir, see
http://www.usshouston.net/stor/KelleyHarryT/KelleyHarryT.htm)

Harold McManus

2010-09-20T21:38:00.011-05:00

Harold McManus

of Cherokee, Iowa

February 28, 1920 - September 12, 2010
age 90

He will be missed!

Ship of Ghosts:

2010-09-15T19:29:00.000-05:00

▶▶▶ Check Out Ship of Ghosts:

The Story of the USS Houston,

FDR's Legendary Lost Cruiser, and the Epic

Another Blog gives a review of the book

Former POW 'still here' at age 90

2010-09-15T19:23:00.000-05:00

BasehorInfo.com / Former POW 'still here' at age 90

It is always good to read about Harry.

Stanley Woody

2010-06-08T16:06:00.002-05:00

Stanley Woody

from Norfolk, Virginia

age 88
3/10/1922 - 6/01/2010

He will be missed by all!

Stanley Woody

2010-06-08T10:02:00.001-05:00

World War II prisoner of war laid to rest in Norfolk | HamptonRoads.com | PilotOnline.com: "Stanley Woody didn't talk much about his time as a prisoner of war.

Maybe he didn't want to bring anyone down, or maybe he didn't want to seem like he thought he deserved something for what he endured. Those explanations make sense to friends and relatives, who say he was endlessly humble and upbeat." (click the link for full story).

Battle of Surigao Strait- Tully

2010-06-05T10:47:00.001-05:00

Amazon.com: Battle of Surigao Strait (Twentieth-Century Battles) (9780253352422): Anthony P.…
A recent publication - the work of V.Tully.

Web Mentions of USS Houston

2010-04-29T14:26:00.000-05:00

Ship of ghosts : the story of the USS Houston, legendary lost ...
By oldsaltbooks
Ship of ghosts : the story of the USS Houston, FDR's legendary lost cruiser, and the epic saga of her survivors James D. Hornfischer Houston (Cruiser : CA-30), Java Sea, Battle of the, Indonesia, 1942, World War, ...
Old Salt Books Blog - http://oldsaltbooks.wordpress.com/

The Old Salt's Books: Ship of ghosts : the story of the USS ...
By oldsaltbooks
The navigator of the USS Houston confided these prophetic words to a young officer as he and his captain charted a course into U.S. naval legend. Renowned as FDR's favorite warship, the cruiser USS Houston was a prize target trapped in ...
The Old Salt's Books - http://oldsaltbooks.blogspot.com/

I Read a Lot of Books » Blog Archive » Ship of Ghosts: The Story ...
By Michèle
It didn't add to the story or make the USS Houston into a character all her own. Though the ship is heavily featured in the lengthy title, the story is not about a ship, it is about the men who sailed on that ship. ...
I Read a Lot of Books - http://ireadalotofbooks.com/

Maritime Texas - An Eclectic Blog of People, Places and Events
USS Houston, a 9050-ton Northampton class light cruiser, was built at Newport News, Virginia. She was commissioned in June 1930 and reclassified as a heavy ...
maritimetexas.net/wordpress/?tag=u-s-s-houston

Navy Ship Cover Cruiser USS HOUSTON CA-30 SUNK WWII - eBay (item ...
eBay: Find Navy Ship Cover Cruiser USS HOUSTON CA-30 SUNK WWII in the Stamps, United States, Covers, Event Covers, Naval category on eBay.
cgi.ebay.com/Navy-Ship-Cover-Cruiser...-/250620336037

U.S.S. HOUSTON ENTERING BUFFALO RIVER TEXAS POSTCARD - eBay (item ...
eBay: Find USS HOUSTON ENTERING BUFFALO RIVER TEXAS POSTCARD in the Collectibles , Postcards, US States, Cities Towns, Texas category on eBay.
cgi.ebay.com/U-S-S-HOUSTON...-/400116812889

Google Alert - "uss houston"

2010-04-04T18:53:00.001-05:00

Google News Alert for: "uss houston" Some interest to the group.

'He touched so many hearts' Area's last Pearl Harbor survivor dies ...
The Daily News of Newburyport
Robert Antell served aboard the USS Chester at Pearl Harbor, the USS Houston and the USS Aaron Ward, the ship that sustained calamitous damage when it was ...

Google Blogs Alert for: "uss houston"

SeaWaves Magazine: USS Houston Arrives in Subic Bay
By SeaWaves Magazine
SUBIC BAY, Philippines (NNS) -- USS Houston (SSN 713) arrived in Subic Bay, Philippines, Feb. 26 for a scheduled port visit. While in Subic Bay, Houston will provide a tour of the ship to a number of distinguished guests from the ...
SeaWaves Magazine - http://seawavesmagazine.blogspot.com/

Google Web Alert for: "uss houston"

USS Houston Arrives in Subic Bay
USS Houston (SSN 713) arrived in Subic Bay, Philippines, Feb. 26 for a scheduled port visit. While in Subic Bay.

Milcom Monitoring Post: USS Houston Arrives in Subic Bay
A tug boat comes alongside the Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Houston ( SSN 713) as she arrives in Subic Bay, Philippines. (U.S. Navy photo/Released) ...

DVIDS Images: USS Houston
USS Houston. Navy Visual News Service RSS Courtesy Photo Date: 02.26.2010. Posted: 03.02.2010 12:40. Photo ID: 255883. VIRIN: 100226-N-0000X-001 ...

USS Houston Galloping Ghost of the Java Coast Matchbook - eBay ...
eBay: Find USS Houston Galloping Ghost of the Java Coast Matchbook in the Collectibles , Militaria , WW II 1939-45 , Original Period Items , United States ...

U. S. S. Houston Memorial 2008 - a set on Flickr
IMG_0035 by PB&J-Texas · IMG_0036 by PB&J-Texas · Subscribe to a feed of stuff on this page... Feed – Subscribe to the set "U. S. S. Houston Memorial 2008" ...

Reunion 2010

2010-03-13T20:45:00.000-06:00

Reunion 2010
PHOTO ALBUM

1 of only 2 rescued from lifeboat

2010-01-30T14:56:00.000-06:00

Signalman was 1 of only 2 rescued from lifeboat
A Marblehead veteran is rescued from the Dutch waship that he served in for the Battle of The Java Sea. It is an amazing story. Most of the US sailors who were "loaned" for signal purposes to the multi national fleet opposing Japan were killed when those ships were sunk. A memorial in Holland notes the names of some of these sailors, a couple of them were USS Houston crew - on loan.

HMAS PERTH memorial regatta

2010-01-26T19:58:00.001-06:00

They are looking for Houston Survivors.

clipped from shaunakinney.wordpress.com

Sleepless Mind: A Place Remembered.........

2010-01-18T13:52:00.000-06:00

Sleepless Mind: A Place Remembered.........
Remembering USS Houston

IJN Type 13 Sub-chaser

2010-01-18T13:51:00.000-06:00

IJN Type 13 Sub-chaser +
US Submarine by Tamiya on
Flickr - Photo Sharing!
Model ships and history notes relevant to The Java Sea Battle.
Photos in a Flickr album.

"Sea Fights and Shipwrecks"

2010-01-11T09:59:00.000-06:00

Eyes Not Sold: "Sea Fights and Shipwrecks"
Blog post mentions a book with inclusion of USS Houston.

In Australia - a POW Fraud Exposed

2009-12-26T10:34:00.000-06:00

FRAUD POW EXPOSED
An interesting story of a man who "played" the system. A shameful act that insults the actual history of REAL POW's in SE Asia in WWII.

H. Robert Charles - Funeral.

2009-12-05T08:31:00.000-06:00

Howard Robert "Bob" Charles
US Marine Survivor
USS HOUSTON (CA-30)

Sunday December 6, 2009
3:00 PM
Rest Haven Funeral Home - Rockwall Chapel
2500 State Hwy. 66 East
Rockwall, TX 75087

Dr. Stan Scott officiating.
Entombment will follow in Rest Haven Memorial Park.

For a map showing the location of Rest Haven Funeral Home,

please go to the Rest Haven website: www.resthavenfuneral.com

Members of Lost Battalion

2009-11-20T09:39:00.000-06:00

Jack County Honors Members of Lost Battalion

A CL 81 Remembrance

2009-11-17T08:17:00.000-06:00

VOICE OF THE PEOPLE | NOV. 11, 2009 | The Herald - Rock Hill, SC

U.S.S. Houston and H.M.A.S. Perth Marker

2009-11-17T08:13:00.000-06:00

U.S.S. Houston and H.M.A.S. Perth Marker
This blog posts historical markers . Nice to see they found the Houston and Perth!

veteran recalls time at war

2009-11-16T13:22:00.002-06:00

Lost Battalion veteran featured in news story

Houston Community Newspapers

2009-11-10T09:03:00.002-06:00

Rare Texas artifacts to be unveiled Nov. 5
USS Houston (CL-81) Flag and more. While not CA30 - the history is there for all. Some factual errors in the story but a good effort.

More News:
Note the new newsreel from 1934 in the Asiatic Fleet Blog: www.chinagunboat.blogspot.com

Historical Review of Cruiser Characteristics

2009-10-23T13:30:00.000-05:00

Historical Review of Cruiser Characteristics,
Roles and Missions
An interesting website that features the roll and missions of cruisers such as the USS Houston. IN this article you might learn more about why the "Treaty Class" was developed and how they were configured to fight.

History's rough draft: Read coverage of 1942 parade | Armed Sources | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle

2009-10-16T11:40:00.000-05:00

History's rough draft:
Read coverage of 1942 parade
DeJa Vu .. ??
A nice retrospect.

The Treaty Cruisers:

2009-09-07T17:54:00.000-05:00

The Treaty Cruisers: A Warship Review
An interesting review of these cruisers of which USS Houston was one.

Arlington and the Asiatic Fleet

2009-09-01T18:30:00.002-05:00

Phil Gans and John Schwarz place flowers for Irma and John Stefanek at Arlington. Many more photos and explanations are at the Picture link for the USNAF Reunion (Asiatic Fleet) Photos at usasiaticfleet.org . There was a trip to Mt. Vernon and to the USMC Museum as well as Arlington and the Navy Memorial - featuring the Asiatic Fleet Room. Some of the album entries are short videos - worth a watch !

You should be able to view the asiatic fleet site as a casual visitor but if you take a username and password you will get updates when information is added to the site. (It is a new means for the Asiatic membership to work together more closely using the web).

Below is a part of John's note (edited) to Val:

I got the subtle message across that there is so much that can get done when enough Next Generationers get involved and step up and get busy. That was my subliminal message . It was nice to see how much we are doing with the Next Generations.

We had a fabulous experience at Arlington National Cemetery on Sunday; saw and placed flowers on no less than three CA-30 gravestones- Schwarz, Gans, Stefanek, Batchelor. With me was Trudy, Vic Campbell and Karen, and Phil gans with daughter Katrina. We also saw our marker, the Cruiser Sailors marker, the collombarium, 9/11 Pentagon Memorial and then the new section with the young people from Operation Iraq Freedom. There, we met a father who has lost his son who had a truck dedicated to this young man. It was dressed with all sorts of memorial elements that were worked on by body shops, etc. This was so touching I cannot even describe. He was from New Jersey, William Koch Jr., representing the 'Service Center' which is dedicated to soldiers, families and Veterans of the armed forces. He made up for hundreds of other nimcumpoops that are out there in this world, what as inspiring man to meet. This is on the heels of Vic's proclamation that the other set of heroes out there today are the parents of these kids that we are losing to war. What a day at Arklington. Vic chronicled this whole week-end pictorially.

Amazon.com: The Australian Cruiser Perth: 1939-1942: Ian Pfenningwerth: Books

2009-05-02T08:33:00.000-05:00

Amazon.com: The Australian Cruiser Perth: 1939-1942: Ian Pfenningwerth: Books
Just saw this and thought it should be noted.

Alex James - 2009 Scholarship Winner

2009-04-11T21:55:00.006-05:00

Alex James is the winner of the 2009 USS Houston scholarship. He is the great-nephew of the late John Stefanek, a USS Houston crewmember who survived the ship's sinking and subsequent imprisonment. Alex attends Syracuse University and his home is in Mogadore, Ohio. He is an Eagle Scout, maintains excellent grades, and is actively involved in sports and other extra-curricular activities. Congratulations to you, Alex!

US Naval Academy Foundation Scholarship Established!

2009-04-11T21:50:00.000-05:00

At the March 2009 reunion, John Schwarz, chairman of the Scholarship Committee of the USS Houston Survivors Association and Next Generations, announced the establishment of an endowed permanent scholarship with the US Naval Academy Foundation. The name of the scholarship is the "USS Houston CA-30 Memorial Scholarship" which will help to perpetuate the memory of the ship and its crew. The Association has worked toward the goal of establishing a permanent scholarship for many years and is very gratified to see it come to fruition. The scholarship will be given biennially to a deserving high school graduate who plans to attend the Academy the following year.

An official ceremony took place at the USNA Foundation in Annapolis, MD, on December 15, 2008, at which Howard Brooks, a USS Houston survivor, presented a check to Captain Ed Wallace. Others present for the occasion were John and Trudy Schwarz (son and wife respectively of the late crewmember Otto Schwarz) and Sylvia Brooks (wife of Howard).

In addition to the permanent scholarship, the Association will continue to offer its own annual scholarship.

AMBUSHED

2009-03-23T10:46:00.001-05:00

Ambushed Under The Southern Cross .. New book by George Duffy. The story is intertwined with the USS Houston and the Asiatic Fleet.

Latest Photo Collections

2008-12-14T14:40:00.002-06:00

Shawn Flynn's USS Houston.net Albums
The USS Houston FLICKR albums .. you can comment on these photos (add names and places from what you know of the photos and the events. Select "Slide Show" for a very nice sequence of photos on your computer screen. See one you want to share? Just select in and then select Email. This avoids having to send lots of photos by email when only a link will do and the recipient can just download the photo when they wish. .many of these are the same photos on Flickr and on the Flynn site.

"Son, We are Going to Hell" - epic story

2008-12-10T13:30:00.001-06:00

More about this topic from the film at www.buzzcreek.com

clipped from zakary7258.theblogs.de

“Son, we’re going to Hell.”

The navigator of the USS Houston confided these prophetic words to a young officer as he and his captain charted a course into U.S. naval legend. Renowned as FDR’s favorite warship, the cruiser USS Houston was a prize target trapped in the far Pacific after Pearl Harbor. Without hope of reinforcement, her crew faced a superior Japanese force ruthlessly committed to total conquest. It wasn’t a fair fight, but the men of the Houston would wage it to the death.

December 1941 not a Conspiracy

2008-12-08T12:45:00.001-06:00

clipped from mwcnews.net

As the anniversary of the December 7, 1941, Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor rolls around, critics of President Franklin Roosevelt will again claim he had advanced knowledge of the strike and allowed it to happen. That would be treasonable on FDR’s part, of course. A rational examination of events, though, shows that FDR had no such knowledge of the attack and that, preoccupied with the Nazi threat to Great Britain, he had absolutely no intent to provoke war with Japan.

Why Those Pearl Harbor 'Conspiracy' Theories Ain’t So

Sketch given to fellow POW-British

2008-12-04T15:37:00.001-06:00

I am looking for an ensign of the US Navy who served aboard the USS Houston, survived the battle where she was sunk, and was a POW in Formosa (now Taiwan). He was in the camp Shirakawa and was alive on 5/30/1944. He drew a picture in my father's autograph/scrapbook of what I assume is the USS Houston's coat of arms, surrounded by her battle honours. His signature is pretty much illegible, but perhaps if we could find an ensign who was in Shirakawa at that time we could identify him. My father died in November, aged 99. He was a British Army (Royal Artillery) officer during the war. My father (Captain W K Forbes) must have known this man quite well to have him draw a picture in the booklet, which is only 2.5 x 3.5 inches in size. I now live in Texas and would like to find out what happened to this man. Perhaps he was moved from the camp before the war's end.
I would be grateful if you could explain to me how an ensign would be described on the Crew Roster which is a part of the USS Houston website.
With Regards, David Forbes - Texas.

Don Kehn deciphered the name. This is Ens. Herb Levitt - noted in the crew roster to have died in an Automobile Accident - home of record - NYC. The year of his death is unknown. MORE PHOTOS HERE.

Stanley Woodey - News

2008-11-16T13:34:00.002-06:00

USS Houston and POW survivor Stanley Woody ARTICLE. I had the pleasure of knowing “Woody” while I was growing up in Norfolk. He is a wonderful and inspiring person. Submiteed for this blog by Jim Outland -- Midlothian, Va. This is also Posted at chinagunboat.blogspot.com and incountry.blogspot.com.

AXPOW & USS Houston on 2009 Calendar

2008-10-12T09:10:00.004-05:00

For more info, go to the AXPOW website: http://www.axpow.org/ USS Houston
featured in 2009 Calendar.
Dear HOUSTON family, (from R. Dana Charles)
I urge all NGs to join the American Ex-Prisoners of War organization (AXPOW). Membership is available not only to former POWS, but also to spouses/widowers and children of Ex-POWS. It's a very worthy organization, which needs members to continue its efforts on behalf of all American Ex-POWS and their families. Membership includes the organization's official national magazine "AXPOW Bulletin," which helps keep Ex-POW families up-to-date on ongoing POW health issues, legislation pertaining to Ex-POWS, AXPOW projects, efforts, and more.
As you know, most VA benefits that only Ex-POWS have today did not exist until the early 1980s. All of that began to change when AXPOW leaders, backed by other national veterans' organizations including the American Legion, the Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and a great "grass roots" letter-writing effort by AXPOW members persuaded
Congress to pass Public Law 97-37, Former Prisoner of War Benefits Act (1981).

Today, AXPOW leaders are still pressing lawmakers for additional "presumptives." A few years ago, I attended the AXPOW national convention and heard (then) VA Secretary Principi announce that Cardiac problems would be added to the list of "presumptives."

Trained National Service Officers (NSOs) of AXPOW are always available to help Ex-POWS and their families deal with the VA system. Some of our NGs might want to pitch in and help in this great effort.

AXPOW's motto: "We exist to help those who cannot help themselves." I think that these words express a point of view that American POWS have had to learn the hard way, which is that POWS can hope to survive as long as other POWS are around to help. The track record of this organization shows that this motto is more than mere words.
AXPOW also produces some nice calendars, too. -- Dana For more info, go to the AXPOW website: http://www.axpow.org/ R. Dana Charles Son of H.R. "Bob" Charles US Marine Survivor USS HOUSTON (CA-30)

Superb Blog by Jerry Ranger

2008-09-16T11:15:00.003-05:00

Ranger's notes and photos from the dive on the USS HOUSTON WRECK. This is a superb presentation of his experinces with photos impossible to take only a few years ago.

USS Edsall - NOW THE BOOK

2008-09-02T17:03:00.003-05:00

After 66 years of Misinformation and Mystery, the actual story of the American destroyer USS Edsall (DD-219) is scheduled to be released this December. The book, four years in the making, and with original sources from the National Archives in Wash. DC to others in Holland, Australia, New Zealand, & Japan, as well as from family members & veterans, is entitled A Blue Sea of Blood and will be published by Zenith Press.

Despite the fact that the general contours of Edsall's fate have been recognized for some time, almost all accounts--particularly on the Internet--are erroneous to one degree or another. This new book will focus on the ship's lengthy career, and set the record straight at last. It will correct errors of both omission & commission in addition to illuminating areas of the ship's service not covered in any detail previously.

Connect HERE TO LEARN MORE

Although attempts have been made to preempt some of the rare information contained within the text, the old adage, "Accept no substitute" is a good policy when it comes to A Blue Sea of Blood and understanding Edsall's history. The book, which was written to honor the memory of those young men lost so many years ago and so needlessly, will be well worth the wait.

Breaking News - Bradenton.com

2008-08-19T20:48:00.002-05:00

http://www.bradenton.com/news/breaking_news/story/821088.html
Daughter will receive father's WWII Purple Heart

Happy 4th of July!

2008-07-03T21:44:00.006-05:00

To: All our USS Houston survivors
From: a grateful nation of Americans

Thank you for your service to our country and
may you and your families have a ...

New River Kwai Book

2008-04-02T06:15:00.001-05:00

More prisoners of war died at Sonkrai than any other camp on the infamous River Kwai Railway. Seven thousand Australian and British POWs were sent by the Japanese to build the toughest section of the railway in the mountains between Thailand and Burma. Three thousand died from slave labour, disease, starvation and exposure the never-ending monsoon rain. After the war, a military tribunal tried five Japanese and two Koreans for those deaths.
In A River Kwai Story you will also find:

For the first time it tells the story of a River Kwai POW camp from both sides Allied and Japanese, based on the investigative and trial records.

The charge in the case was keeping prisoners in "inhuman/inhumane"
conditions, a subject which is still relevant given current controversies over how detainees are held, so the book looks at the concept of inhuman conditions then and now.

One of the main characters is British Col. Cyril Wild, who was the UK's chief war crimes investigator in Southeast Asia. Wild's papers throw new light on the Yamashita case and raise more questions about the Manila military commission that tried the Japanese general.
How you can get the book.
Allan and Unwin in Australia has rights to distribute the book in Australia, New Zealand, the western Pacific and has non-exclusive English language rights for Asia.
It is NOT easily available so far in North America or Europe.
The current rights restrictions also means you cannot order it through Amazon.
However, again if you go to my website you will find links to online bookstores in Australia that do ship internationally.You should also be able to order it if you have access to a good independent specialty bookstore or university bookstore. (These notes are from the author - Robin Rowland).

Notes from the DIVES

2008-03-16T20:41:00.002-05:00

Also noted at the Asiatic Fleet Blog .
Ranger's Blog 2008 Dive
Rangers Web for USS Houston

From: William Deertz [mailto:wdeertz@wdeertz.net]
Jerry, saw your write up on your recent dive trip to the USS Houston. Wish I had known a group of you were coming as I would have liked to join the expedition. I am a US expat and have been living in Jakarta for the past 11 years. A group of us dove the USS Houston on the 60^th anniversary of the sinking. You can see a few photos and a short video I put together from this trip at this link As you’ll know from diving it the visibility is poor so in the video its often difficult to make out where you are at. I would have liked to get more wide angle from outside the wreck but the poor visibility makes this difficult.
Here is a 2007 PHOTO Album from another earlier Ranger Dive.

Raymond Davis - 2008 Scholarship Winner

2008-03-08T19:53:00.011-06:00

The 2008 scholarship winner was announced at the recent reunion. He is - drumroll please! - Raymond Davis. Ray is a freshman at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, PA, majoring in Communications with a concentration in Video Production and Screen Writing.

His winning essay addressed the topic "What Does the Memory of the Crew of the USS Houston (CA-30) Mean to Me?" in which he wrote about his great uncle Lt. George E. Davis, Jr. USN, a 1935 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, who served on the USS Houston from May 1938 until February 4, 1942. On that day, Lt. Davis was in command of a gun turret when it was struck by Japanese bombers in the Flores Sea battle and was killed. The U.S.S. George E. Davis (DE-357) destroyer escort was later named for Lt. Davis.

Ray writes that several family members say that Ray bears an uncanny resemblance to his great uncle George (see picture above right). They do look a lot alike, don't you think?

We extend our hearty congratulations and well wishes for the future to Ray.

Annual Reunion and Memorial Service

2008-02-26T14:48:00.005-06:00

The annual reunion of the USS Houston Survivors Association and Next Generations occurred last weekend (Feb. 21-23) and was a big success. Six of the 28 Houston survivors attended along with many of their families and friends. The highlight of the weekend was the memorial service which honored the survivors and remembered those crew members who have passed away while commemorating the 66th anniversary of the sinking of the ship. See the following links for pictures of the weekend: Shawn Flynn's Pictures and Tim Joseph's Pictures

The picture below was taken in front of the Cruiser Houston special collection at the University of Houston. The six survivors who attended the reunion are (from left to right):
Harry Kelley, David Flynn, Skip Schilperoort, Howard Brooks, Marvin Sizemore, and Bill Ingram.

In the picture below, from left to right, are Marvin Sizemore, Harry Kelley, Lin Drees, David Flynn, Val Poss, Howard Brooks, Skip Schilperoort, and Bill Ingram.

Harry Kelly Renders a Salute

2008-02-25T19:35:00.000-06:00

This article is in the Austin Statesman .

CHRONICLE - Feb. 21, 2008

2008-02-19T13:35:00.002-06:00

Spring Branch VFW member honors crew of USS Houston
Memorial service to be held Saturday
By FLORI MEEKS
Chronicle Correspondent
Richard Jenke was 12 the first time he saw the USS Houston (CA-30).
The cruiser made a visit to Houston in 1939.
"My parents took me to see it," said Jenke, a member of VFW Post 576 in
Spring Branch, who will turn 81 Feb. 25. "I was so impressed when I saw it I
knew I would be a sailor. What I didn't know is three years later it would
be sunk by the Japanese.
"That's why I joined the Navy at age 15."
Jenke, who served in the U.S. Navy from 1942-1954, has made a point of
honoring those who served aboard the USS for more than 10 years. Surviving
crewmen and their loved ones have gathered each year for memorial services
and reunions at the USS Houston Memorial Monument in downtown Houston.
"I gave honor to the guys who made it and remembered the guys who didn't
make it," said Jenke..
The services, presented by the USS Houston Survivors Association and the USS
Houston Next Generation, honors all those who served aboard the USS Houston,
living and deceased.
This year's service will begin at 2 p.m. Saturday behind the Houston
Heritage Society offices at Sam Houston Park, 1100 Bagby.
"To me, it just makes me realize what these men have gone through," said
Venice, Fla. resident Jane Matthews, an association member who attends the
service in memory of her father, John B. Stefanek.
The Japanese sunk the USS Houston on March 1, 1942, while it was trying to
run the Sunda Strait into the India Ocean between Java and Sumatra.
Seven hundred of the 1,068 men onboard died.
The remaining 369 men were captured by the Japanese and used as slave
laborers. Many were forced to help build the Burma Railway, known as the
railroad to death.
Approximately 100 of the USS Houston survivors died before the prisoners
were liberated in fall 1945.
"Dad didn't like to talk about it," Matthews said. "He didn't really talk
about the beatings he must have received. It's a miracle any of these men
made it through."
Today, only 28 USS Houston survivors are alive, said Pflugerville resident
Val Poss, who heads up the USS Houston Survivors Association, along with Lin
Drees. The organization was founded by survivor Otto Schwartz of New Jersey
in 1948.
Six survivors are expected to attend the memorial service, along with five
surviving spouses and numerous family members.
Association members will announce the arrival of each survivor with a
boatswain's whistle, the traditional signaling device used aboard U.S. Navy
ships.
A sea cadet will salute each survivor and bring him "aboard" the service
site.
Organizers then will sound four bells, another Navy tradition to announce
that someone of importance is coming aboard.
Poss will announce each survivor by name and rank.
Service participants will lay wreaths at the USS Houston Memorial Monument,
and musicians will perform the Navy Hymn.
After a moment of silence, volunteers will sound "All Hands: Attention" on
the boatswain's whistle and eight bells, the signal for end of watch.
The ceremony will end with a three-volley salute, and performances of taps,
God Bless America and Before You Go.
Poss said Before You Go, a song of thanks for older veterans, always moves
her.
"Before they die, they need to know how much they mean to us," Poss said.
"This entire reunion is in their honor."
The organization is determined to honor the USS survivors as much as
possible.
Its Web site, www.usshouston.net, features a collection of personal photos
and biographies.
"My primary goal is to keep these men's memories alive," said site creator
Shawn Flynn of Kelseyville, Calif. The site is dedicated to Flynn's father,
USS Houston survivor David Flynn.
There are bright memories, too, Matthews said. Not everyone knows the USS
Houston had its own baseball team. And while her father didn't discuss his
days as a POW, he loved to share tales of his days with the team.
While he was stationed in Manila, Philippines, Stefanek hit a home run in
the same spot Babe Ruth hit a run.
"He was very proud of that," Matthews said.
Today, Matthews is working on getting a Purple Heart awarded to her father
posthumously.
"It's unfortunate that when these men came home, after what they endured,
they didn't get recognition," she said.
For more information, visit www.usshouston.org or www.usshouston.net.

Joe Garrett Joins Shipmates "Standing Watch"

2008-01-04T10:59:00.001-06:00

Survivor Joe Garrett passed away unexpectedly from pneumonia and congestive heart failure on Dec. 18th after a short hospital stay. After the USS Houston sank, he became a POW for 3 1/2 years during which he participated in construction of the "Death Railway". Following the war, he remained on active duty in the Navy serving for 20 years. In the pictures below, he is shown soon after returning from prison camp (left) and at the time he received the Purple Heart and POW medals in 2003 (right). Joe attended the Houston reunions in 2002, 2004, and 2006. Most recently, he enjoyed reading the book Ship of Ghosts about the USS Houston by James Hornfischer - not once, but twice! For Joe's full biography, see this link: Joe's Biography. He will be missed by all as he now joins his shipmates standing watch over Sunda Strait.

Insightful Notes from Lynn Drees

2007-11-29T15:30:00.001-06:00

Dear Friend, Survivor John Hood - As many of you know, John passed away Friday, November 23, 2007 - I wrote the following to his sister, Carol, via email: "If ya'll reminisce, please tell (or have your sister, Alberta, tell) the hair dryer story. One year John forgot to get reservations for the reunion; he arrived @ the hotel; it was full, but they had some small apartments next door - and offered John an apartment. Well, on Sunday, as everyone was leaving, John came up to me - and said - 'Wonderful wk-end, but I have one complaint.' Shocked, I said, 'yes, John, what was wrong?' He said 'the hair dryer in my room did not work!' - and, knowing his hair status, we both started laughing. That became a joke each year - with me, always asking John if the hair dryer in his room was working this year! I loved him!!!! Thanks for sharing him w/ us, Next Generationers"

Carol responded with "Lin, Oh, we do know that story, John told us about that, and he always laughed."

John will be missed as are all our loved USS HOUSTON men who are now standing watch at Sunda Strait. We also miss the men who cannot now attend the reunions - and remember, fondly, when they were able to attend.

BUGLER - With Internet, Val receives many questions - one recently related to the ship's bugler - I asked David Flynn what he remembered. Here is what he said: "The ship's bugler was Joseph G. Alleva. He was killed on a Japanese prison ship 24 June 1944 in the South China Sea. Aboard ship (the Houston) he'd occasionally hit a wrong note, blowing taps, etc. When criticized, he'd say, 'for 32 bucks a month you don't get Benny Goodman.' Prior to entering the Navy, he worked in a bank as a sort of doorman, director, etc. He and Gene Crispi were great friends and would argue at length. .....'and that's all I have to say about that'....."

I remember Jim Ballew, Navy, telling me that he and my cousin, James Raydell Wilson, Marine, aboard the HOUSTON, would spend some of their POW time arguing, just to pass the time of day. Once, he said that the argument led to fighting - he said, "here we were 2 'skinny' POWs, trying to fight!" Sadly my cousin passed away as a POW before I was born - but with reminiscing with Jim, I came to know some about my cousin.

Dive Team News - March 09 Dive

2007-11-26T08:16:00.000-06:00

FOR THE MARCH 1, 2008 DIVE ON THE USS HOUSTON
GENEROUSLY SUPPORTED BY: VIDEORAY ( WWW.VIDEORAY.COM ), ROBERT AND SHARRON LONG, GENE FREY’S FAMILY, MAX AND VAL POSS, SURVIVOR BILL IMGRAM. SURVIVOR HARRY KELLEY, MARTHA LOGGINS, JOHN WALLER
JOHN SCHWARZ
I just received word that the U.S. Navy permit for VideoRay ROV to entered the USS HOUSTON CA-30 to take photographs of the inside of the ship, has been approved and I will be receiving the Official letter in the mail in a week or so. I would like to Thank Val for her help getting the information and blue prints to me when we were in the last stage of completing the permit with Barbara Voulgaris in Washington. I would like to thank Barbara and Wendy for there help in getting this permit through there office in a timely manner. Most of all, I would like to thank VideoRay WWW.VIDEORAY.COM for supporting us on the last dive in 2006 and the upcoming dive in March 2008. With out VideoRay donation of airline tickets, equipment and two Rov operators, this upcoming dive trip would not be possibly. I would like to thank the above USS HOUSTON FAMILY for their donation. We were able to paid for the dive boat again so that the dive team could stay out over the USS HOUSTON supporting the VideoRay Rov operators while they entered and photograph the USS HOUSTON. I still need more donations to help with other items of the trip to make sure that we can support the VideoRay ROV operators to make this dive trip a success in getting the photographs of the inside of the ship for the Survivors and Houston’ family.

At this time the USS HOUSTON DIVE TEAM is made up of the following people:
Jerry Ranger, team leader. Jolene Ranger, diver. Brad Gift, assist team leader, Eunju gift, diver, David Phillips, lead VideoRay Rov operator/diver, Tom Crossman, VideoRay Rov operator/diver, Daniel Tangguh, diver

If anyone else is thinking about joining the team or being there onboard the dive ship while operations are being conducted, I needed to know so I can make sure there is space and transportation out to the dive boat for you. Contact me at: ranger9@bellsouth.net or Phone number 850 623 3399.

As it looks now, the dive team will be over the USS HOUSTON on March 1. 2008 to March 10, 2008.

I will be working on dive tee shirt for the upcoming dive. If you would like to order one, please send me your name and sizes so I can sure you get a dive tee shirt when I order them at ranger9@bellsouth.net .

We are still working on a DVD form the 2006 dive and hope to have it down to an hour, so that the Houston’s family can see it at the reunion.

There is still a lot of work to be done for the dive trip to make sure it goes off, so I will be busy right up to the time we put our gear on the airplane and head to Java. I hope to see ya’ll at the 2008 reunion in Houston. Dive team out for now.

Jerry Ranger USN RET Son of the late John W. Ranger
Survivor off the Uss Houston CA-30
Uss Houston Dive Team Leader
ranger9@bellsouth.net
WWW.USSHOUSTON.ORG

4000 Bowls of RIce

2007-10-18T16:07:00.000-05:00

The new paperback edition of my book, 4000 BOWLS OF RICE, has just been released (Brick Tower, Press, NY, $14.95. bricktower@aol.com. The new cover has s wonderful endorsement by Otto, and of course the book is full of quotes from Otto and some of his Houston and Texas 131st fellow POWs on the Railway. I hope to arrange a little do at the Australian consulate here in NYC (they did a lovely launch of this book back in 1994), and hope to have Trudy and maybe some of the family there. I'll be sending her an autographed copy, needless to say! Best regards, Linda
FROM LINDA GOETZ HOLMES. (The hardback is noted in the library - resources at www.usshouston.org)

Ranger and The Dive Team

2007-10-03T08:37:00.001-05:00

News from the USS HOUSTON Dive Team
A VideoRay Presentation: Click HERE by Jerry Ranger

At this time I’m working on getting up another dive trip to Jakarta to finish the dive trip that was stopped in 2006. I have started to work on getting the permits that we will need to let us dive deep inside the ship to find the Officer’s stateroom that was opened by another dive team. I have been on the phone with the Navy and they are working with me to make sure nothing goes wrong on this next trip.

I have been in contact with David Phillips who was the one that controlled the VideoRay ROV on the ship. He has informed me that we can use the VideoRay equipment and possibly a side band sonar to make passes over the USS HOUSTON to give us a look at her on the bottom of the bay. This will also show the items that may be away from the ship on the bottom, like the engine from the SOC aircraft. The tuba from the band room that has been touched by a diver that I talked to over in Jakarta but he could not remove it from the sandy bottom. VideoRay has been very helpful.

I also have been in touch with Daniel in Jakarta about the trip and he is working on getting the same boat for the dive again. He also stated that he will be glad to help us when we arrive in Jakarta. Daniel has the air tanks and compressor for us to use when we get over there.

I have emailed Brad Gift in Korea, about the dive in March 2008, at this time he believes that his wife and he will be with me on the next dive trip on the USS HOUSTON.

COUPLE SPOTS OPEN ON THE DIVE TEAM:

I wanted to ask the Houston’s family first, if there is any SCUBA diver that would like to go on this dive trip, to get in contact with me. They will have to pay there own way over (plane ticket, food and hotel, etc) and some on the dive boat. You can contact me at Ranger9@bellsouth.net

this is a hard dive, with strong currents and not for the rookie diver. I will be also contacting other divers that I know that have dove on the USS HOUSTON before from around the world to help make up the team. I need a back-up divers for safety reasons.

SURVIVORS WELCOME TO JOIN THE TEAM.

IF ANY OF THE SURVIVORS THINK THAT THEY CAN MAKE THE TRIP, AND WANT TO SEE THE VIDEORAY IN ACTION OVER THE TOP OF THE USS HOUSTON CA-30. PLEASE CONTACT ME. I WILL MAKE SURE THAT THERE IS SPACE ON THE BOAT FOR YOU.

The son of a survivor of the USS Houston, CA30, completed his dives on the ship March 6-18, 2004. The Houston was sunk in the Battle of Sunda Strait the night of March 1, 1942.

Jerry Ranger is the son of John W. Ranger. John survived the battle and the ship's sinking only to be captured by the Japanese and held as as Prisoner of War for 42 months. To date, Jerry is the only son of a survivor to dive on the ship where it rests at the bottom of Sunda Strait.

The USS Houston, was the last ship of the asiatic fleet to be sunk. Its crew were the first Prisoners of World War II to be taken by the Japanese. Many of them were transported to Burma where they were forced to build the Burma-Thai Railway, also known as the Death Railway. The most famous bridge of the railrod came to known as the Bridge over the River Kwai. Click here to see more pictures of Jerry's dives on the Houston! Click here to see the diary Jerry kept of his journey to dive!

WEB SITES - Clay Ramsey (our USS Houston friend) has designed a great website at www.asiaticfleet.com. He entered the information about the dive at Sunda Strait http://www.asiaticfleet.com/diving_in_the_sunda_strait.htm

The Memorial Dive on the wreck coincided with the services in Houston. A phone conversation with the Divers was taped with survivors in attendance that evening. More about this dive is noted in the 'logbook' entries by the divers at the Houston Logbook site (see link to left. Those who join the site as members (no cost) may enter their own information.) A video of this is available from the Next Generation.

SON OF SURVIVOR DIVES ON USS HOUSTON
Jerry Ranger USN RET
Son of the late John W. Ranger
Survivor off the Uss Houston CA-30
Uss Houston Dive Team Leader
850-623-3399
850-293-1140 cell
ranger9@bellsouth.net
WWW.USSHOUSTON.ORG
WWW.jerryranger.net

USS Houston Documentary to be aired!

2007-09-06T18:21:00.000-05:00

Per PBS in Houston --- I don't know how big the "region" is. Y'all might want to check your local PBS stations!"The Cruiser Houston: Of Pride and Purpose" will air Tuesday, Sept. 25th at 9p.m.; Thurs., Sept. 27 at 10:30p, and Friday, Sept. 28 at 1p.m. It is a one hour program. This is for our broadcast region only. Val

A Blog talks About SHIP OF GHOSTS

2007-08-19T09:53:00.000-05:00

http://www.robbooth.net/2007/08/galloping-ghost-of-java-coast.shtml
This blogger from Texas give a good account of the book.

Honored 65 years late - The DeLand-Deltona Beacon

2007-08-16T06:14:00.001-05:00

The DeLand-Deltona Beacon
http://www.beacononlinenews.com/dailyitem.php?itemnum=173
GREAT ARTICLE!! It seems Mr. Rose, over the years was a very private person about his WWII experience. It is good he finally got this opportunity for recognition.

Daily Navy Photo

2007-07-11T07:10:00.000-05:00

Lake Minnetonka Liberty: Daily Navy Photo
USS Houston gets mentioned in this Minnetonka blog.

Naval Warfare: USS Asheville (PG-21)

2007-06-29T07:50:00.000-05:00

Naval Warfare: USS Asheville (PG-21) Some of the information on the USS Asheville, came from survivors of the USS Houston. This is an excellent article to read.

Excellent Sumary of The Java Sea Battle

2007-06-23T07:15:00.001-05:00

Click HERE for the LINK TO THIS Story.

POW's Bombed by US Air Corps

2007-05-25T15:03:00.001-05:00

Click To Play

Three veterans of WW2 talk about an incident that put them all in the same place one day. Two are former POW's who were in Japanese ships being bombed by the other veteran. The story of the POWS is recounted in more detail at www.usshouston.org. A video about the epic story of the USS Houston is available from www.buzzcreek.com .

2007 Scholarship Winner Announced

2007-03-17T13:39:00.000-05:00

2007 Scholarship Winner
Jenny Garrett
granddaughter of
Joe Garrett

The 2007 scholarship winner was announced at the recent reunion. She is Jenny Garrett of Raleigh, NC, and granddaughter of survivor Joe Garrett. She attends Southeastern College. Jenny read her winning essay entitled "What Does the Memory of the USS Houston (CA-30) Mean to Me?" and at the memorial service, assisted Dana Charles in leading the audience in singing "God Bless America". Congratulations, Jenny!

2007 USS Houston Reunion

2007-03-17T10:19:00.000-05:00

The annual reunion of USS Houston survivors and Next Generations was held March 2-3 and was a great success. Seven (out of 31) survivors attended. From left to right in the photo are Bill Ingram, Clarence Schilperoort, Marvin Sizemore, David Flynn, Harry Kelley, Harold McManus, and Howard Brooks. This year commemorated the 65th year since the ship's sinking on March 1st, 1942. To see other reunion pictures, click this link.

Ranger's Dive on USS Houston

2007-02-24T09:06:00.000-06:00

Follow this link to Jerry's photos from the Houston Dive. There is also a Newspaper clipping that tells about the project.
OTHER NEWS - From UK This message arrived for the survivors and families:

My father was on the HMS Exeter in 1942, I attend the reunion each year. This year, there were some 7 Exeter Men, along with 2 members of the Encounter's crew, which was with my fathers ship when she was sunk on March the 1st. With all the relatives, friends etc some 50 or so people enjoyed another weekend in Devon. It continues!

Please pass on my best wishes to the survivors and relatives of those who served on a most gallant and beautiful American Heavy cruiser. Ian Mort Scunthorpe -- Lincolnshire England

Ship of Ghosts - Video is on Web

2007-01-27T09:12:00.000-06:00

C-Span2 now has Jim Hornfischer's talk about his book, "SHIP OF GHOSTS", online. You can watch the hour long talk at the Houston Library on your computer ANY TIME. Don't forget, the film "THE LAST STAND of USS HOUSTON" is now on DVD. We found a blog that gives a lot of information and credit to the Asiatic Fleet. This BLOG is quite intent on providing some accurate history about ABDA!

USS Rentz in News

2007-01-27T08:48:00.000-06:00

The Brunei News recently had an article about the USS Rentz. Here it is.

Book Reviews

2007-01-25T10:13:00.000-06:00

This review appeared in a Canadian Newspaper. CLICK HERE. SHIP OF GHOSTS - By Hornfischer. For a new review from Indianapolis, CLICK HERE. Here is another BRIEF REVIEW.

Jerry Ranger's Dive in 2006

2007-01-20T15:04:00.001-06:00

The story of Jerry's dive is in this PDF file... or ... this one on the main site. Be sure to check it out. There are lots of pictures in it. You can save the file to your computer and print it out too! In addition to viewing the photos in the pdf file ... you can also view them on FLICKR - HERE. You can make comments on the photos on the flickr account.

A Survivor from The DeRuyter

2007-01-13T12:16:00.000-06:00

A SURVIVOR's STORY
This story comes from Johan Vanleer: The story of the now 88 year old stoker/oilman aboard the HR.MS.DE RUYTER. He was in the lifeboat with JACK PENHOLLOW and witnessed his miraculous rescue - later he was dumped on the KRAGAN beach together with DAN RAFALOVICH. IT is on the website for INDONESIA NOW.

Reviews of "Ship of Ghosts"

2006-12-21T14:30:00.000-06:00

THIS is FROM LIN DREES: Friends who now live in Hallettsville sent me a book review, VictoriaAdvocate.com / Victoria ADVOCATE, Wed., Dec. 13, 06 - p.B5. (and once while in Houston they attended one of our Memorial Services)

Cindy Bonner, the reviewer who is also an author, wrote: "James D. Hornfischer understands naval warfare and puts that knowledge to compelling use in his brilliant description of the chaos of that final battle." Later she discusses the Cruiser HOUSTON collection @ UH and lists both our USS HOUSTON website and Jim's website. This is probably just one of a large number of reviews. Also, one of the librarians @ the Houston Public Library put together an exhibit on the city of Houston during the war years. He has some photos of the USS HOUSTON, the 1000 Volunteers - and Ron asked him if he would like our copy of Jim's book to add to the display (he already had Winslow's book on display). The HPL has ordered Jim's book, but has not yet processed and sent the copies out for check out. Again, Jim thanks for putting "our story" out there for all to read.

Ship of Ghosts - USA Today

2006-12-14T09:59:00.000-06:00

Story here.

MORE
REFERENCES

Leslie Hurrell - KIA Sunda Strait

2006-12-06T14:26:00.000-06:00

Attached are two photographs taken at Mountain View Cemetery in Danville, Virginia. This cemetery is around the corner from Obie's childhood home. We were walking in the cemetery one day and decided to stop and read all of the markers in the WWII Memorial section. Much to our surprise, we found a marker for a USS Houston sailor who is still standing watch in Sunda Strait. Obie played there often as a child never suspecting, of course, that some 50 years later he would learn the history of one of those markers and that it would have so much meaning to us (and the USS Houston family). Here is a link to the location on a map . We have not yet had any success locating any of Leslie Hurrell's family members. Leslie Hurrell, you are remembered. Submitted by: Judy Bunch and Obie Roach.

Last Man Out - Updated Paperback

2006-12-05T06:46:00.000-06:00

In addition to "Ship of Ghosts," there is another recently printed USS HOUSTON-related book available in bookstores these days, with which Jim Hornfischer has been (quietly) involved, called "Last Man Out," written by my father, Howard Robert (Bob) Charles. This is a new, updated paperback version, which features a new (and excellent) Forward by Mr. Hornfischer, as well as several photographs that did not appear in the original 1988 hardcover edition.
"Last Man Out" describes Dr. Hekking's heroic efforts to save allied prisoners of war during the miserable months of POW captivity on the Burma-Thailand Railway construction project. A Dutch army medical officer, Hekking was captured on Java by Japanese forces in 1942 and eventually found himself in POW labor camps along the Burma-Thailand Railway, caring for USS HOUSTON and Lost Battalion survivors. The Americans who were in the camps with Dr. Hekking, including my father, always considered themselves to be extremely lucky. This book explains why that was so true. -- Dana

David Flynn in the News

2006-11-30T16:03:00.000-06:00

This article from the Sun Sentinel
is an excellent interview ith David Flynn. You can even leave a comment at the end of it! I think Jim Horfischer's new book is going to do wonders getting more recognition for these deserving veterans .. and for their lost shipmates and allies.

2006-11-29T08:48:00.000-06:00

This is the last of the recorded remembrances from the evening of September 10 at Arlington - Celbrating Otto's life. After this one - the tape ran out.

2006-11-28T19:02:00.000-06:00

Recorded remembrances from the night of Sept 10, 2006. There are two more segments to follow, each about 25 minutes. Not all of the evening was taped. The tape eventually ran out.

2006-11-28T09:56:00.000-06:00

A celibration of Otto's life. Trudy talks, and then John.

2006-11-27T20:08:00.000-06:00

Words of celebration of the Life of Otto Schwarz - the evening before his Arlington Funeral. This segment is son, Edward, talking.

Funeral of Otto Schwarz

2006-11-19T08:09:00.000-06:00

The Arlington Funeral of Otto Schwarz, age 82. Survivor of the sinking of USS Houston CA-30 (and her ally, HMAS Perth) on March 1 1942 in one of the fateful sea battles that ended the life of the U.S. Asiatic Fleet. Schwarz founded the USS Houston Survivor's Association and helped many of his shipmates re-connect after the war and to keep the memory of lost crew alive. The surviving crew of the Houston and the HMAS Perth were captured by the Japanese. Many of them became part of the slave force used to build the Burma Railway (Bridge on The River Kwai). His story and the Houston's story is told at www.usshouston.org. Only a few of the crew remain. Four sailors and a marine survivor attended the funeral. Photos follow the (hand held) video at the end, after about a minute. The photo section includes the song "Good to Be Home". This and "Standing on The Houston" are included by permission .. copyright 1997 by Dave Peters and Terry Keith.

Marine's Marine

2006-10-22T18:51:00.000-05:00

Young Marine honors World War II Marine Prisoner of War
A chance encounter between a young, proud Marine currently serving his country as a member of ‘Operation Iraqi Freedom' and an honored Marine World War II Prisoner of War has led to a unique friendship that exemplifies the old saying: ‘Once a Marine, Always a Marine.'
Corporal Scott D. LaMothe first met Lloyd Willey while visiting his grandparents in San Marcos a few years ago. LaMothe was enroute to Camp Pendleton to report for duty when he found himself in a dilemma, he couldn't seem to get the perfect knot in his tie. THIS CONTINUES IN THE COMMENTS SECTION. Story is FROM THE NORTH COUNTY TIMES.

John Stefanek Memorial Display

2006-09-20T06:46:00.000-05:00

Here is the second shadow box we created for my father, John B. Stefanek.

The flag with the one star was displayed in the window of my grandparents. This flag signified that they had someone missing in action. Otto and Trudy Schwarz traveled back to the prison camps and brought the two railroad spikes back for my father. They are displayed on either side of the flag. Then there is also a picture of my father, a picture of the bridge, Houston lapel pins and Australian lapel pins. There is also a brass plate with his name, Japanese POW, 1942 - 1945. (Hope this is what you were looking for.) We also have his first shadow box with his medals, picture, and flag that was on his coffin at Arlington. Best Regards, Jane Matthews (Jane and Matt).

POWs Not Yet Repatriated

2006-09-15T11:28:00.000-05:00

I think this is in Saigon. My father (John Stefanek) is to the left of the nurse. Otto Schwarz (with no shirt) is standing to the right of the nurse. Phil (Joe) Gans is standing to the right of Otto (with a cigarette or cigar in hand.) I don't know anyone else in the picture. The photograph was taken in September of 1945. Photos courtesey of Henry (Matt) and Jane Matthews ( USS HOUSTON -Next Generation). -- Comment from Vic: Note there is some meat on their bones at this point. Otto explained that once they were out of Burma (the Death Railway) and in Vietnam - the food, climate and most conditions improved greatly. The Japanese could ship little rice or other foodstuffs from any port in the last year of the war, so food within Vietnam was plentiful. Of course, after Japan capitulated, and the time this photo was made (probably a few weeks), there was excellent treatment and even better food. In most cases, the former POW's were gaining weight very rapidly.

Otto Schwarz in Good Company

2006-09-12T09:39:00.000-05:00

Arlington Cemetery, September 11, 2006: The funeral of Otto Schwarz. As other events focused the nation on remembrance of this date, 5 years ago, The USS Houston Family focused on the life of Otto Schwarz, founder of the USS Houston Survivor's Association. Many attended. The evening prior was enjoyed with a dinner and remembrance of Otto. An audio recording of most of the remembrances will be posted on the website later, along with a short video of the Arlington ceremony. The photo here and many more are available for comment and download on the me3tv account at Flickr.com. Others with photos from this celebratory gathering to honor Otto, are encouraged to upload their photos to share if they wish.

Ship of Ghosts Due out October 31

2006-08-28T14:40:00.000-05:00

A notice of the new book by Jim Hornfishcer is shown here. (Ship of Ghosts) Read the review in Publisher's Weekly. Otto Schwarz was able to have much of the proofed book read to him in his last days. He was very complimentary of the writing and the detail presented. Another book about the Asiatic Fleet was also recently published. It is titled "Playing for Time" and is written Capt. Wicke Alford who served in the 4 Piper - the Stewart. His narrative encompasses every ship in the Asiatic Fleet as best I can tell. I can heartily recommend both of these books to those who wish to understand the history of those challenging times.

The Arlington Funeral for Otto

2006-08-28T14:33:00.000-05:00

The Funeral for Otto will be at Arlington Cemetary at 12:30PM on September 11, 2006. For more about the arrangements contact Val Poss.

HMAS PERTH III is Commissioned

2006-08-28T07:38:00.000-05:00

The weather was perfect and the commissioning of HMAS Perth III was an event to remember. The Navy band complete with vocalist who sang Advance Australia Fair, We Are Australian and the navy prayer Eternal Father Strong to Save so beautifully. All the traditions of a commissioning were observed and attended by dignitaries of the highest order. The chief of the defence forces was present amongst others. (From Julie - via Lin Drees)
HMAS Perth was commissioned at Fremantle this morning and will be deployed within Australian waters and overseas.
She is the third RAN ship to bear that name. (The FIRST HMAS Perth Died fighting alongside USS Houston in Sunda Strait on March 1, 1942.) "We are extremely proud to join the ranks of Australia's fighting elite and will fulfil our duties in the tradition of those who served on Perth I and II before us", Commander Simon Gregg said. Anzacs are 3600 tonne long-range escorts capable of countering simultaneous threats from the air, surface and underwater.They are fitted with radars, omni-directional hull mounted sonar and torpedoes.The ships can travel at speeds faster than 27 knots and have an operational range of more than 6000 nautical miles. Several other Anzac Frigates have been deployed in the Persian Gulf as part of Australia's defence activities in the region.

In China in the 1930's

2006-08-15T08:47:00.000-05:00

The USS Houston in her coloruful days with the Asiatic Fleet. In August, Jerry Ranger, son of John Ranger (survivor-deceased) headed up a dive team with National Geographic and Historical Archivists to photograph and map out some of the interior with a robot camera. Alas, an obscure Navy department with obviously no prior understanding of the survivor's association or the ship's history, blocked the attempt to record photos. We think this may have been the last best chance to gather information from the wreck - especially the interior.

Jerry Ranger Diving on USS Houston

2006-08-07T21:35:00.000-05:00

Jerry Ranger, son of USS Houston crew member John Ranger, has arrived in Jakarta where he and several other dive team members are preparing to dive on the USS Houston. The dive team will be anchored in a boat over the Houston for 8 days. They expect to remotely photograph some of the inside of the ship using a special piece of equipment called a "VideoRay" as well as film the outside of the ship using an underwater video camera.

"These pictures will be shown at the next (USS Houston) reunion in Houston, Texas," Ranger said. "This trip is for the remaining 39 survivors and to save some World War II history of the USS Houston."

See the following website for more on this story.

http://www.duluthsuperior.com/mld/duluthsuperior/15216427.htm

Otto Schwarz

2006-08-04T20:15:00.000-05:00

Otto Schwarz passed away on August 3, 2006. Otto started the USS Houston Survivors Association and was a devoted and tireless worker. We owe him a debt of gratitude for all he did to make it "happen". Our love and condolences to his family and especially his wonderful wife, Trudy.

Otto's son, John, writes:

"The good Lord has finally led him to peace.

The Schwarz family is more thankful than sorrowful. Our father was afforded a good, long life. It was longer(at age 82) than would be expected for a man who not only survived the sinking of his ship, but three and a half years as a prisoner of war during WWII....

Otto Carl Schwarz was a good man and the best father a son could ever ask for.

His final resting place will be Arlington National Cemetery, following an approximate 4-6 week waiting period. I intend to inform everyone of the particulars as that time gets closer. My family and I offer welcome to those who would like to attend the services at Arlington.

I thank you all again from the bottom of my heart for your support and concern."

Max Wilker

2006-08-04T20:06:00.000-05:00

Max Wilker passed away on July 3, 2006, of heart disease. Our love and sincere condolences to his family.

Ragged Old Flag

2006-07-04T18:30:00.000-05:00

Ragged Old Flag

(click on title to hear .wav file)

by Johnny Cash
(brother-in-law of USS Houston survivor Joe Garrett)

I walked through a county courthouse square,
On a park bench an old man was sitting there.
I said, Your old courthouse is kinda run down.
He said, Naw, it'll do for our little town.

I said, Your flagpole has leaned a little bit,
And that's a Ragged Old Flag you got hanging on it.
He said, Have a seat, and I sat down.
Is this the first time you've been to our little town?

I said, I think it is. He said, I don't like to brag,
But we're kinda proud of that Ragged Old Flag.
You see, we got a little hole in that flag there
When Washington took it across the Delaware.

And it got a bad rip in New Orleans
With Packingham and Jackson tuggin' at its seams.
And it almost fell at the Alamo
Beside the Texas flag, but she waved on though.

She got cut with a sword at Chancellorsville
And she got cut again at Shiloh Hill.
There was Robert E. Lee, Beauregard, and Bragg,
And the south wind blew hard on that Ragged Old Flag.

On Flanders Field in World War I
She got a big hole from a Bertha gun.
She turned blood red in World War II
She hung limp and low a time or two.

She was in Korea and Vietnam.
She went where she was sent by her Uncle Sam.
She waved from our ships upon the briny foam,
And now they've about quit waving her back here at home.

In her own good land she's been abused --
She's been burned, dishonored, denied and refused.
And the government for which she stands
Is scandalized throughout the land.

And she's getting threadbare and wearing thin,
But she's in good shape for the shape she's in.
'Cause she's been through the fire before
And I believe she can take a whole lot more.

So we raise her up every morning, Take her down every night.
We don't let her touch the ground And we fold her up right.
On second thought I DO like to brag,
'Cause I'm mighty proud of that Ragged Old Flag.

Happy 4th of July!

2006-07-04T16:03:00.000-05:00

To: all our USS Houston survivors
From: a grateful nation of Americans

Thank you for your service to our country and may you and your families have a ...

A visit with Otto - Memorial Weekend

2006-06-03T07:44:00.000-05:00

Here is a description of my last visit with Otto. He's miserable.
Vic ... SEE COMMENTS UNDER THIS POST FROM VAL.