Progress Report from Ron Maranto
Dated 30 October 2002

I just returned from a great week working with both Gold and Blue crews.  As you read in Michael's report, lots of activities are going on.  Bruce Voges completed pressure-washing a large section of the tank deck, as well as priming and rolling a coat of grey on it.  Dan Toole applied his expertise to building the ladder from the O1 deck to the main.  It's not yet completed but very close. 

Ad Mumford came and spent a week with us.  He worked at getting the ballast tanks dry, among other things.  Charlie Marking was working down in the engine room, while his wife Jean -- along with Pearl -- took care of the visitors in the ward room, not to mention the other work in which they were involved.  Bob and Rosemary Ostrander came in from California to put in some time.

Remember Gina Carr?  She was down in August and earned her Blue Crew badge.   Well, this time she brought her husband Rick with her to earn his badge also.  When I left yesterday morning, she and Rick were painting the tank deck.

Saturday we had a group of about 30 husbands and wives for a memorial service, led by Paul Hannie.  This group was a combined reunion for LSTs 72 and 347.  The bell was rung by Charlie Marking and "Taps" was played beautifully at the closing.  Then Cal, Charlie, and Bob took them on a tour. 

The bow gasket installation on the latest LCVP was completed.  Bruce managed to locate two welders from his hometown in Illinois to work on installing the safety rails on the port side of the ship.  Bill Mueller and Dick Beard (the welders) got off to a slow start Monday because of equipment failure, but when I left yesterday, they were making sparks.    They will be on board until this Friday.  Bailey Wrinkle was doing tours and deep in paperwork again, among other things when I left.

Well, that week went fast so I'll be looking forward to my next opportunity to be among a great bunch of people.

  ~ Ron Maranto
 

Progress Report from Michael Smith
Dated 27 October 2002

I was able to get over to the LST 325 for two hours on Thursday.  This was barely enough time to get caught up with all the work going on aboard the ship.  Mr. Bill Arras is now organizing many of the projects on the ship.  He was able to spend a few minutes bringing me up to date. 

Recently, a group of volunteers accomplished the installation of the two new Quincy air compressors in the main engine room.  You can see them in the pictures here.  They look great sitting up on their platforms in the aft end of the engine room.  This project was high on the priority list for a number of reasons.  First, now that GM has come forward to offer help with the main engines, it was necessary to have compressed air available in the engine room.  This compressed air is vital for the air clutches and starters.  Secondly, the air compressor that had been loaned to the ship, that had been running the needle guns, had to be picked up due to the recent tropical storm.  Renting another would have been expensive and would require buying diesel to fuel it.  So these compressors in the engine room can also be used to supply air for the needle guns and other air-driven tools. 

Also in preparation for the work in the engine rooms, restoration of the lighting system in these spaces is underway.  The old sockets are being replaced with new ones, and any hanging sockets and wires are being removed.  Another priority in the engine rooms are the ventilating systems.  Well, I bet you thought I was going to say that work was under way, but guess what!  It has been completed.  The ventilation system in both engine rooms is now working as designed, including the emergency cut-offs in the escape trunks.  During my visit, in the main engine room, preparations were being made to install some of the rebuilt pumps in their proper locations. 

The project to build a new ladder from the main deck to the O1 deck has also been started.  Like the new ladders on the tank deck, it will be wider and more comfortable for visitors of all ages.  Also, there was a crew pressure-washing the tank deck.  They were blasting years of grime out of the cleats on the deck.  Work also continues on the newest LCVP.  Mr. Bailey Wrinkle of the Gold Crew stayed busy showing visitors around the ship. 

There were numerous volunteers aboard and this was a quick trip. Sometimes, let’s just say I am AWOL and I have to limit my time aboard.  My apologies to anyone I missed. 

  ~ Michael Smith
 

I would like to inform my shipmates of the happenings on LST 325 from September 30 through October 12.

My brother, George Nedeff, is a candidate for the priesthood in Italy.  He volunteered two weeks of work on the restoration of LST 325.  He also came away with a deeper appreciation of the services and dedication of LSTeers!

I personally would like to take the opportunity to recognize the substantial labor of love in the maintenance of and services to LST 325, especially Calvin and Pearl Ellison.  The following have also done considerable services:  William Arras, Charlie and Jean Marking, Kenny and Anna Adams, Ralph Bryant and so many others!

  ~ Hike Nedeff, LST 610, LST 325
 
 

Norman Dobson, Hike Nedeff and Conrad Trezza	Bailey & Christina Wrinkle had the October watch.
Hike and his brother George Nedeff, who's studying for the priesthood in Italy.	Dedicated Blue Crewmembers Kenny & Anna Adams

Research Tips from Sharon Lawrence

I have prepared a document for use in my work as a volunteer with the Texas Military Forces Museum.  It reflects what I learned when I attempted to research my late father's military service records.  Since Dad was on LST 704, I thought I'd share this with the LST Memorial, to help anyone else looking for records for their father, grandfather, uncle, brother, other relative, friend, etc. (especially if they were on an LST).  I hope this helps!

  ~ Sharon Lawrence

[Ed. note:  Many thanks, Sharon, for sharing the fruits of your labor with those on similar quests.  Click here to download this Microsoft Word file.]

Congressional Response from Ohio

Most of us only receive curt and canned responses to our letters to government officials.  If we get a response at all, that is.

Blue Crew member Kenny Adams, a real go-getter for the 325, received a friendly and favorable response to his letter to Ohio Congressman John A. Boehner.  It's efforts like these that are really going to make the 325 go places!

Click here to view Rep. Boehner's response to Kenny.

Thanks, Kenny, for all your hard work on behalf of the 325.  You're a real inspiration to the rest of us!
 

The USS LST Ship Memorial Annual Meeting was held at Starved Rock State Park Lodge, Utica, IL, in the Peru Meeting room on October 4, 2002, at 10:00 am for the purpose of election of the Board of Directors.  A quorum was present either by proxy or in attendance totaling 141.

The following were elected to the Board of Directors:

             James Edwards
             William Kaupas
             Robert Jornlin
             Bruce Voges
             Donald Chapman
             Ed Strobel
             James Bartlett

After the election, topics discussed were the cruise in 2003, work being done on the ship, and future plans for the Memorial.

Following adjournment of the Annual meeting, the Board of Directors met.

Election of officers:

       President Emeritus Congressman Ralph Hall
       President  Robert Jornlin
       1st Vice President Donald Chapman
       2nd Vice President James Bartlett
       Secretary  William Kaupas
       Assistant Secretary James Edwards
       Treasurer  Bruce Voges
       Director   Ed Strobel

Discussion Topics:

  * Selecting a Projects Coordinator for the ship for continuity in leadership and seeing that repairs are done to meet Coast Guard standards and to meet the deadline for the cruise.

  * Finalizing the plans for the cruise up the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers in 2003.  The specifics for the cruise will be released in about a month.  All crew will be selected by a committee.  To be considered one must have volunteered at least 80 hours on the ship, must volunteer for at least 14 days of the 69 days planned for the cruise, be required to pay $20/day for food, etc., and be responsible for own uniforms and personal items.  The applications will state all the requirements for being a part of the crew and more criteria may be added without prior notice.  Cruise start date is tentatively set for June 4, 2003, from Mobile.  More information to come!

[Ed. note:  Please DO NOT email for more information and/or an application, because this is all that is available at the present time.  Continue to monitor the website for additional information as it becomes available.]

We are pleased to announce that the Electro-Motive Division of General Motors Corp. is making a substantial donation to LST 325.  This donation is in the form of parts needed to complete overhauls on both engines.  The big-ticket items include new starters.  Other necessary work includes changing out the exhaust manifolds, replacing the blower seals, changing the thermocouples, tightening the flywheel assembly, replacing the air box covers, etc.

The General Motors Electro-Motive Division produced thousands of engines for many types of ships during World War II, including those for LST's, LCM's, LCI's, LCT's and LCVP's.  They continue to produce high-quality diesel engines for locomotives, marine applications, etc.

GM-EMD writes, "Congratulations to you and your colleagues for the impressive work you are doing to restore this ship and make it available for thousands of visitors to see.  EMD is pleased to assist with such a worthwhile effort."

GM, we salute you!

Progress Report from James Edwards Dated 08 October 2002

James Edwards (third from left) welcoming visitors aboard the 325.

We had a pretty productive month of September on board the 325.  My first day was basically to learn my duties and find where everything was. 

Don Chapman left and I took over on the 1st of September.  The Blue Crew knew pretty much what they were doing so I had no problems there.  Work is going pretty slow and there is a lot of work to be done to get the ship ready to go. 

As an old telephone man, I had to connect an outside ringer above the starboard hatch, next to the Captain's quarters to be able to hear the phone on deck. 

Next, we had acquired a Coke machine some time back, so we got it working and filled it with drinks; it has gone pretty well, with the exception that some don't think a Coke machine on deck looks like WWII. 

The loaner diesel air compressor would not start; we used jumper cables and it still would not start.  I called the company that was so geneous to loan it and they came out.  They found the ground cable was defective and fixed it.  Our chippers were unhappy as they lost time chipping. 

Don had ordered a steel holding-tank to enable us to use the heads anywhere we were to go.  They are roughly 5' X 5' X 7' with cover, they are now being sandblasted and will have three coats of special epoxy inside, and outsides primer coated.  The company that built the tanks gave us a very good price; also the sandblasting and painting will also be discounted. 

I have to mention Larry and Sue Johnson for donating a 17 cu. ft. refrigerator.  After we got it on deck it only took four hours to
get it into the Officers' pantry (that brings back memories of a refrigerator in Crete).  I know the crew remembers. 

We had a very moving memorial service while we were there.  Two LST groups were honoring those shipmates who lost their lives in WWII.  They had a 21-gun salute by seven Marines, and a Chaplin said a few words to the 57 men and wives aboard. 

We had many visitors aboard and enjoyed each and every one, but there were some that stand out.  One was a man, Mr. Wilder from Florida, 88 years old, his son brought him over.  He was on the 325 on D-Day at Normandy.  When he left, Cal Ellison piped him ashore it was very moving. 

As a side line, we only had two tropical storms, one the water was over the lower gangway 2 feet deep.  We doubled lines and put two more across from the port side to the shore.  Bill Arras and Bill Spencer were able to get on board and tend lines the day it hit.  They rigged a block and tackle to pull the line of another block and tackle.  I think they both would have been a great help in Crete. 

We are working on getting a communication system that can be most useful to fit our needs. 

All in all it has been an experience, coming back from Crete was a piece of cake.

     ~ James Edwards

Report from Merton "Red" Lake

On the 29th of August, my wife and I went to Chickasaw so I could spend some time working on the ship.  This is the fourth two-week period I have spent, including time in dry dock and recommissioning as O D.

Monday morning I met with Mr. Edwards, officer in charge for the month of September.  We started chipping paint on the outside of the wheelhouse with only a needle gun, which proved to be very slow work.  I bought a chisel gun at a pawnshop, and Chuck Frawley and I found the work went much faster and easier.  We started with the chisel gun and then finished  with needle gun.  This brings it down to original primer coat.  After this our painter, Vance Barnes, is putting on a new coat primer and then will put on a finish coat of gray.

When I left, Chuck was chipping by himself and Vance was painting by himself. 

WE NEED MORE VOLUNTEERS!!!!!!!   There is much to be done to bring this ship back to how we ALL would like to see it.

At the end of my stay, Mr. Edwards was pleased with my presentation of a check for One Thousand Dollars from MOOSE LODGE 2267 of Lauderdale Lakes FL.  This is the second year they have made a donation of $1,000.00.  Thanks to the Great Guys of the Lodge.

     ~ Merton "Red" Lake
 

Lost & Found from Vance Barnes

Recently found on the LST 325:  One lady's bracelet and one man's jacket. 

Call or write the ship, identify the item, and it will be mailed to you. 

     ~ Vance Barnes

A personal note from the WebSkipper:  I'd like to encourage absolutely anybody and everybody to provide material for this page.  By no means are submissions here restricted to just certain individuals.  The whole purpose of this website (and especially this particular page) is to share information about our LST Memorial with the entire community.  Sitting here 2,000 miles away, I personally don't have a clue what's happening aboard the ship unless somebody tells me.  To date, I've posted absolutely every single tidbit of information that's come my way.  If you have any news to share at all, please just send me an email:  WebSkipper@LSTMemorial.Org -- all of us would be very appreciative, and we all want to know what's going on! 

Legend: 

Archives:

Archive for October 2002:

• 30 OCT 02 - Progress Report from Ron Maranto
• 27 OCT 02 - Progress Report from Michael Smith
• 24 OCT 02 - Report from Hichael Nedeff
• 24 OCT 02 - Research Tips from Sharon Lawrence
• 24 OCT 02 - Congressional Response from Ohio
• 16 OCT 02 - Synopsis of Meetings
• 09 OCT 02 - Quality Support ... Sixty Years Later!
• 08 OCT 02 - Progress Report from James Edwards
• 05 OCT 02 - Report from Merton "Red" Lake
• 05 OCT 02 - Lost & Found from Vance Barnes

• 29 SEP 02 - Progress Report from Michael Smith
• 25 SEP 02 - Update from Ron Maranto
• 25 SEP 02 - Report from Paul Hannie
• 19 SEP 02 - Minutes of Meeting — August 30, 2002
• 18 SEP 02 - A Note from Your WebSkipper
• 13 SEP 02 - Another Urgent Contact Request from Capt. Bob Jornlin
• 12 SEP 02 - Thanks for Your Wonderful Support!
• 12 SEP 02 - A Visit from Bob & Bernie Alferi
• 12 SEP 02 - FREE LST Books Now Available
• 12 SEP 02 - Michael Smith's New LST Website
• 12 SEP 02 - Donation Requested for Radio Room Project
• 07 SEP 02 - URGENT: Your Email Support Needed THIS WEEKEND!
• 07 SEP 02 - LST Memorial Service Remarks by Capt. Kevin Schumacher
• 04 SEP 02 - Update from Michael Smith
• 04 SEP 02 - LST 325 Slide Show Now Available!

CDR Jackson Carter was LST 325's Executive Officer before and during the voyage back from Greece.  In addition to his normal duties, he was an avid ham radio operator and enjoyed communicating during his down-time with other hams all over the world.  He also maintained a website for LST 325 which included all of his situation reports, as well as  many photographs showing the hard work done in Greece getting the ship seaworthy – that site is a must-see for anyone who hopes to understand what it took to bring this ship home.  Most importantly, Mr. Carter was one of the finest human beings one could ever hope to meet.  He passed away just five weeks after finally realizing his dream.  This website now carries on the work – and the dream – where he left off, and in his memory.  Thanks, Jack ... for being you.    Fair winds!

In Memoriam Jackson Carter