Heard from BM1 Ralph E Paschen, Jr., USN (Ret.), out in San Leandro, CA, and garnered some great stories.  Ralph was aboard the CA-124 in the 5^th Division from 1949 to 1952 – the good old days!  He repeated a story that was printed in the November 1999 Newsletter about a guy named Danny Merril.  It seems that Danny was a bow hook on a motor launch that went to the beach in Inchon to pick up mail.  He jumped the boat and, as the story goes, “joined some Greek or Turk outfit and fought with them.”  Ralph and I want to know if anybody has any news of Danny.  Please let me know.  (Also see “Reminiscences.”)

We received a newsy and encouraging letter from Paul Dauphinais down in Bonita Springs, Florida.  He shared a story about a 1952 storm that brought back memories of storms past.  Paul said he is hoping to make the reunion in Norfolk.  (See “Reminiscences” in next NL) 

Richard Farrar a Gunners Mate in turret 2 from 1949 to 1952, checked in with an account of the 1950 bombing incident.  He is living in sunny Salisbury, NC.  He also said he wants to be at the reunion in October 2002.  (See “Reminiscences.”)

Shipmate Frank Spittle, author of Sailor, Write Your Mother, provided some information for which I had asked.  His book is now available through Ocean Breeze Productions, PO Box 3421, Laguna Hills, CA 92654.  It is ISBN:  0-9712877-0-8, $16.95 plus $3 shipping.  Lucky for me, it also has pictures.

The other day I (Editor) answered the phone and the voice at the other end said, “You may not remember me, but my name is Frank Ritchie.”  My response was, “Sure, I remember you.  I worked for you about 45 years ago.”  Chief Ritchie was in charge of the Captain’s Office and was the Division Chief when I went the Rochester in 1956.  It was great talking with him after all those years, and he has since joined the Association.  He asked about Chief Schnobelen, Segura, Lujan, the Smith boys, CWO Rambo, and others. Thanks for calling, Chief. 

We received this e-mail:  My name is Andrew Copeland and I'm the grandson of Richard G. Copeland who served as executive officer of USS Rochester on at least one tour, maybe two.  My Grandfather passed away before I had a chance to know him very well, but I'm told I'm much like him.  I was wondering if any members of your Association might remember something of him, perhaps a story or anecdote that you would be kind enough to relate that would help me know him a little better.  Thank you for reading my e:mail and God bless,.Yours, Andrew K. Copeland.  kwame_copeland@ca9.uscourts.gov  San Francisco, CA

Fox Division puts out its own newsletter, a copy of which I received recently.  It’s good to see the friendships that were formed in Fox Division and how they have endured over the years.  Other divisions could follow the Fox’s example. 

Ship’s Store

This is the time of year that every caring husband should charge out and secure for his loving bride a beautiful new USS Rochester windbreaker jacket – or if she doesn’t really need a new windbreaker, how about one of those warm comfortable Rochester sweat shirts?  There are sooo many choices and opportunities for you, right there in the Ship’s Store.  Not only will it bring you lasting happiness, it will help the Association.  We encourage you to do all of your holiday shopping at the Ship’s Store.  Shipmate Bill Hummel and his wife, Dottie, can fix you up!  Bill says he has a big inventory on hand. Don’t buy those kids cars, video games, school supplies, or treasury bonds.  Heck no!  Shop at the Ship’s Store.  Get the stuff you, and they, really need.  (You ever hear that song that goes, “My baby don’t care for rings, and other expensive things.  My baby just cares for windbreakers...”?)  Go for it.  Write to Wild Bill Hummel.  Note:  The USPS says that the deadline for shipping for Christmas is December 14.  Do it now. 

Chaplain’s Corner

Every Rochester shipmate should go back to the last  (August) Newsletter and read what was written in the Chaplain’sCorner

It was from Psalm 46.

Nothing could have better prepared us for what would happen the next month. 

Association Officers

This newsletter is published quarterly by the USS ROCHESTER Association.  The Association’s officers encourage questions and comments.  You may contact the Editor by writing Garry Phillips, 20226 Waterside Dr., Germantown, Md. 20874.

from Secondary Conn

by Garry Phillips

 No national event whether foul or fair has affected me as deeply as that of September 11.  No American from the age of five will ever forget where he was or what they were doing when that cowardly deed was done.  I was at a conference in Norfolk listening to the President’s Chief Counsel, Alberto Gonzales, give opening remarks.  He cut his address short and said he could not take questions because he had to return to Washington on an emergency.  Then we were informed of the attack.  We sat stunned for a few seconds, searching each other’s faces for explanation or meaning of what we had just heard.  The conference was cancelled immediately.  On my way home, at about 9:30 that evening, I drove past the Pentagon and was struck in the heart by the oily, damp smoke that drifted across the highway. 

We will never get over it completely, nor should we.  We will never overcome the trauma except through perseverance in pursuing justice.  When the war is over in two or five or fifteen years, I hope and believe that we will be a better and stronger nation. 

I want to spend more time with family and friends.  I want us to have a great reunion in Norfolk in October ‘02.

(Cut this out & take it to your local newspaper.)

-- TAPS --

The following shipmates were reported to have passed away recently.  If anyone has additional or different information, please let us know.

Victor Matson             WA   2001    Fox   51-54

Donald E. McKenery     CA    2001    M     48-53

Chester Ruhlman          NY    2001    K      52-54

Joseph Vizcaino,Jr.       AZ    2001    S-2    48-52

New Members

The Association wishes to welcome the following new members aboard.  We hope you will enjoy your tour.

Alexander P. Baumgartner   E Div         51-55

Levie L. Bynum          1st Div       51-54

Lee Gault                  5th Div      57-59

Archie L. Graham       1st Div       56-58

Andrew F. Hammer     E Div          50-51

Joseph V. Hubbard,Jr. 5th Div        51-55

Frank L. Ritchie        X Div           55-59

Harold W. Sewell      2nd Div             52-55

Reminiscences

Ralph Paschen, BM1, 5^th Division, wrote that, “I remember one time we went into Wonsan harbor to get some sand.  We took a working party and motor launch to the beach and loaded sand so we could holystone.  We got enough to fill the sand locker and I think we really loaded the boat.  Then in the same area we found ourselves with a floating mine – coming down the starboard side.  I remember fending it off with a long pole then when it got off starboard side, I went down on the screw guard and pushed it under and away from the ship.  Then, we got under way for some more good time at sea!”  (Spoken like a true Boatswains Mate!)  “I enjoyed my time on the ship, but I left her to go to Sasebo.”  Ralph also related that he was topside by turret 3 when the ship was bombed in September 1950.  He retired from the Navy on 3 January 1972, after 24 years, 8 months, and 10 days.  Good to hear from you, Ralph.

Continued in right column---

2001 MEMBERSHIP DUES

Cookeville, TN---- Dues for the Year 2001 were due on January 1, 2001.  If you have already paid, your membership card should show an expiration date of 2001, or beyond, for those of you who have paid beyond '01.  The Association operates from these dues, and your continued faithful membership is appreciated. 

Without your loyalty there would not be an Association.  If there is a question, you can contact Treasurer, Joe Hill, at 4011 Ditty Road, Cookeville, TN 38506-7663; Telephone 931-432-4848; FAX 931-432-2534; e-Mail: joehillsr@multipro.com.  Joe will also provide members' addresses and phone numbers upon request.  You can also pre-pay your 2002 membership, if you wish.  Thanks. 

USS ROCHESTER EXHIBIT

by:  Bart Bartholomew

Gerry, NY -- Here is some information about the USS Rochester Exhibit.  It is an outstanding exhibit and is well worth one's time to visit if traveling through Rochester, NY.  The exhibit is located in the Eisenhart Auditorium and is closed most of the time.  However, the museum will be only too glad to open the exhibit for Rochester shipmates if asked to do so.  To make things go easier and smoother, one should contact them ahead of time and let them know the day you plan to pass through Rochester, NY.  Ms. Anita Joan Angelico is Manager of the Eisenhart Auditorium.  Of course, when you call, explain who you are and ask to make arrangements to visit the USS Rochester Exhibit.  You may reach the Rochester Museum & Science Center as follows:

CHAMPVA For Life

Improvements to the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) will bring financial relief to older survivors and dependents of some disabled or deceased veterans who face medical expenses not paid by Medicare or other third-party payers.

Called “CHAMPVA for Life,” the new benefit is designed for spouses or dependents who are 65 or older. 

They must be family members of veterans who have a permanent and total service-connected disability, who died of a service-connected condition or who were totally disabled from a service-connected condition at the time of death.  They also must have Medicare coverage. 

For further information write to VA Health Administration Center, PO Box 469028, Denver, CO 80246-9028, or check out www.va.gov/hac. 

The Inchon Bombing

In our continuing story of the September 17, 1950, bombing incident in Inchon Harbor, Earl Lanning, ME3 (1950-1953), offers some great detail.  “On September 16, I believe I stood the fantail sentry watch on the 8 to 12 watch.  The rest of my day was performing my duties as an SA washing bulkheads, general cleaning, and anything that BM1 J.F. Jackson wanted me to do.  The next morning W.J. Perrin and I were awakened to stand the 4 to 8 fantail sentry watch.  After going on watch at about 0555, we heard the first plane start his attack from the bow, and we heard the bomb go off.  The plane went over the stern.  Both bombing runs were from the bow to the stern, not from the stern forward as reported in other versions.  I was standing just aft of the 3^rd Division hatch, near the big round air vent.  The first time I saw the 2^nd plane it was low about mid ship slightly banked headed for the fantail.  After the first attack, I put a clip in my M1.  When I got my first shot off, he was about 125 yards out.  Shooting at a target coming right at you is like shooting at a stationary target.  The engine cowling on a Yak is about 4 feet wide (round engine).  It was an ideal target.  I don’t know where the first shot went, but the next shot was a perfect sight picture.  I knew I had hit him.  About this time, I saw what appeared to be a stream of oil or some kind of dark liquid blow out of the port side of the engine cowl.  God only knows were the other two shots went.  About this time, one bomb went into the water on the starboard side, the other one hit the crane and was tumbling through the air and went into the water on the port side.  I can’t remember which one of the bombs went off, but one of them did because it covered Perrin and me both with salt water.  Other versions have that the bombs did not go off.  God bless our great Marines!  I caught a glimpse of the Marine manning the 20‑mm gun on the starboard side next to number 3 turret.  This man had gone completely over backwards training that 20‑mm on that plane.  I’m convinced that he at such close range would have blown him out of the sky.  I’m sure there were other men in the same situation but the order never came from the OOD to shoot.  I was in a little better situation; I did not have earphones.  Getting back to the story, the 2^nd plane went a few hundred yards and came back heading for the HMS Jamaica laying about 300 yards on our starboard and about even with us.  I could clearly see the crew on the gun mounts.  He opened up on the British ship with his guns and did a lot of damage and they had a number killed and wounded.  But I will let someone else tell that story.  The Jamaica opened up on him and was dead on.  They hit him at his port wing root and blew his wing off setting him on fire.  At this time, he was about 200 feet high and about 200 yards to our starboard.  I could see the pilot.  The plane banked steeply to the left, and went into the water, sinking the instant it hit.  A few days after this, Chief Miller, the Master at Arms, came and got me and Commander T. R. Vogeley awarded me the Navy Commendation.  It was ordered, and signed by Captain Edward L. Woodyard.”  -  To be continued ---

Richard Farrar, Gunners Mate, 2^nd Division 1949 through 1952, shared the following:  “The newsletter, August issue, reminded me of my experience on that (September 17, 1950) morning, I had been getting up before reveille to get to the head and sinks before the thundering herd woke up and started its morning routine.  The ship was in condition 3 as I remember, when there was a muffled sound and the ship vibrated a little bit.  I buttoned up and took off for turret 2, the safest place on the ship.  There are two ways to get in that turret:  from the 3^rd deck to the second deck, then up the ladder on the port side to a door that opened to the main deck in front of the Admiral’s in port cabin.  As I was about to open that door, a second explosion happened somewhere very close.  I was glad I had paid that visit to the head.  I ran down to the sick bay, into the turret barbet up the ladder to the shell deck to the upper room, the gun pit left gun, to the gunroom.  I never heard General Quarters called.  I heard later a British cruiser shot the plane down.  The Admiral’s three star flag came down.  When you stop and think about it, the high-octane aviation gas on the fantail, and the 7^th Fleet Commander would have been a big score.  Thanks to the article in the newsletter, it jogged my memory of that day. – The events of 9‑11‑01 remind us again there are still people out there who want to destroy our way of life.  Time to bring out the Rat Patrol.”