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USS SUMTER APA-52 LETTERS FROM OUR SHIPMATES
Letter sent to Don Anable - March 24, 1994 Dear Mr. Anable, I have received your U.S.S. Sumter Newsletter addressed to my father, Lt. William L. Cover, MD I am very sorry to say that my father died of cancer on January 11, 1993, at the age of 84. He had retired from the practice of medicine in 1980, and continued to be active in his retirement until he died. My father’s World War II experience was among the most treasured of his life. He had great pride in and commitment to his “mates” on the U.S.S. Sumter, the “cause” of World War II and his country. I know he felt “lucky” to be a part of the war effort on the U.S.S. Sumter with all of you. My father wouldn’t tell you this himself, but you may be interested to know that he was selected in 1991 by the American College of Physicians as its Laureate for his distinguished 42 year medical career in Southern California from 1938 to 1980. Upon his death in 1993, the Southern California Medical Society established an annual, “William L. Cover Outstanding Contribution to Medicine” award. Aside from his excellence as a physician, however, it is my observation that my father’s life was balanced and broadened by his World War II years in the Navy in a way that his civilian career in medicine could never have provided. I think his years in your company made him a better physician and a better man. As one of my father’s four sons, I thank you all for some of my father’s and my own best memories. Sincerely, William L. Cover Jr.
Letter from Leroy B. Bardwell to Herbert Van Alphen - July 5, 1994 Dear Herbert, Here I am at last. Guess this is all the paper will publish about Saipan. The Sumpters Boats were off the right side (starboard) of the A.P.D. directing our landing. I and my boat V.P. 27 with Vaughn from South Carolina, coxswain, Thompson from Virginia gunner and Michael Tokar from Elizabeth, N.J. - radio man. I along with about 3 others Scouts? and crew who got left ashore when the transports went South to avoid the Jap fleet and planes when they came out to battle and got royally whipped. I gave the picture of Mike Boat 15 I discharging a tank on Roi at Kwajeling with Virgil Benson MOMM 2C from Manhattan. Montara stand outsides the cowling that protected the coxswain but they did not print it. Virgil and I got our discharges the same week in Feb. 1946 at Bremerton, Washington. I went to the Aleutians as a civilian employee for the Navy and stayed there 2 years as did CMM (later WO) Michael Kelly. When Korean War started I re-enlisted and stayed until I had to take a medical discharge in Nov. 1967. Spent 21 Mths. in Balboa Naval Hosp. - San Diego until they gave up on me. Have been in active duty or V.A. Hospitals from coast to coast every since but I’m still in there pitching. Could not pass a physical for a job, so have not worked for pay since discharge. Live in the country and raise a big garden. Do a little fishing and hunting for recreation.. Never had any children and one year ago my wife had to have back surgery and two days later passed away. Makes it hard on me with my medical problems and no one to look after me now. Sure wish I could come to the Reunion next year but I have to stay close to the V.A. Hosp. here. If anyone remembers me I would like to hear from them. Have arthritis pretty bad so hope you can read this. Thanks very much for calling me. Was a real surprise. An Old Shipmate - Leroy B. Bardwell
2nd Letter from Bardwell to Van Alphen (1994) Dear Herbert, Here is the first story in our paper on the Philippines campaign. They printed the picture I supplied but not my story. Had too many vets reply. I wonder if some of the landing craft could be from the Sumpter. Can’t read the numbers on the boats. I was aboard the L.C.D. (G568) along with Lippine MOMM 2C from the Sumpter. We were straffed a couple of times and some men wounded. We were close to the Australian cruiser when the Kamakaze hit it. We also made the Sansor(sp?) landing and Lingayian Gulf in Jan. Right now 3 ships, one school and one amphib training base. Was? a have reunion planned. Wish I could go. Old Leroy
3rd Letter from Bardwell to Van Alphen (28 July, 94) Dear Herb, Glad to get the Sumpter crew list and history. Was very interested. I recognized very few names on your list but do remember more (mostly boat crews). The boat crews were organized about June 1943 at little Creek, Ia. After training there we went to Fort Pierce Florida for advanced training under warlike conditions. We were on a mosquito, crab, and sand fleas infected island. Lived in tents and the cooks cooked in G.I. cans. About Sept. we came back to Little Creek and shortly rec’d our boats and reported to the Sumpter. The rest you know. The engineers had previously been to vessel(sp) schools. I went to U.S. Missouri and on to Detroit to study the boat engines, we had in the boats. # on list # Abernathy - Boat Engineer, # Zippier - Mike Boat # 2 His, Engineer Bittner from Michigan, Blaine - V.P. Coxswain, Nance & Stanley - Boat engineers, Knew Dearrve Durbin, Mickey Rooney, Judy Garland from Hollywood. Donald Lappiere(sp) - boat engines transferred with me to L.C. it (G) 568 after we came back to Pearl from Saipan. V. Benson was transferred to another L.C.I.G. and it got badly shot up at Iow Jima. Jones MM from Kent or Indiana (delivered new vehl from factory before war) More I think I recognize on list but not positive. I’m mailing the article back to you as I had more copies. I’ll try to contact Thompson soon. L. Bardwell
4th Letter from Bardwell to Van Alphen 12/23/96 Dear Herb, Your letter was forwarded to me. I lost my wife on June 30 1993 after a lower back operation. By summer 1996 my health started failing. I could not even have a garden or keep up my home or get any help, so March 96, I sold my place (80) acres, that had been in the family since 1870 and came to the Navy home to live. Bruce Link contacted me several months ago and sent some Sumter info. I wish I could come to the reunion but health won’t permit it. I have a cousin that spent 20 years in the Navy then worked in most of the hotels there (Las Vegas) for 20 years. Roy Bobby Bardwell. When I was on LCI G 568, he was on a sister ship with me and made 3 landings in the Phillipines with me and also Okinawa. He landed on Iwo Jima also but our ship broke down and had to go back for repairs. 9 of the 12 LCI’s that did were shot up or sunk, so I didn’t mind missing Iwo. Think I wrote you that Virgil Benson LCI got damaged and we rigged emergency steering blocks and tackles to get the ship away from the beach. Use this $10 to mail the paper out and info on Sumter and on all those phone calls to the men. Leroy
Arthritis and nervous hands? so bad, I hope you can read this. I have more Bardwell 2nd cousins in Vegas but I don’t know them very well. Their father (Clarence now dead was my first cousin).
Letter received from Mary Moore - 8-9-96 Dearest Friends, I received your letter. Espie passed away on May 29, 1996. As you may or may not have known, he had Parkinsons Disease. As there is no cure for it, he kept on having strokes until he died. We went to Eureka Springs, AR in 1993. He really wasn’t able then but we went anyway. He had gotten so bad. I miss him so much but if he couldn’t get well then I didn’t want him to continue as he was. You all take care and think of him. He would have liked to have come. Yours Sincerely! Mary Moore
Letter received from Hobart Esmond Smith Jr - Sept. 4, 1996 Dear Bruce, Have the U.S.S. Sumter 7th Reunion notice, etc., which I received 8/15/96. Sure wish I would have received this type info. years back. I retired in 1975 at age 54 yrs, & wife & I traveled a lot for 15 years. Now we are not near as active & moved from Ohio to our present home here in Fla. We are both in our 76th year & don’t venture too far, very often. I spent my total Navy shipboard time aboard the Sumter (Sept. 1, 1943 - Baltimore, Md. to Sept. 8, 1945 - Manila, P.I.) all in the engine room (from F3C to MM 2/C). In the papers you sent to me was copy of letter from Melvin L. Burks to Fred Antonio. I believe this “Fred Antonio” was in the engine room the same time as I. Memories grow a little dim in 50 years. Enough reminescing - Sorry, I cannot plan to be with you in Las Vegas next year. Yours very truly, Hobart E. Smith Jr.
Letter received from Sidney and Anita Cohen -- 13 Aug., 1996 Dear Bruce: I will not be able to attend the reunion in Las Vegas. Our agenda for that date is just not right. I will miss not being able to attend. Please wish you and all our shipmates well and have a wonderful time. Enclosed is a check for my 2 year dues. By the way, my rank is Full Lieutenant. Sincerely, Sid Cohen
Letter received from Don Leetch -- Aug. 12, 1996 Dear Mate Bruce, Thank you for sending me the information on the SUMTER REUNIONS. Inclosed please find my check in the amount of $20.00 which you can call dues. The info letter said something about a questionaire to be filled in. I never found a questionaire, but maybe you got the information when you telephoned me the other day. I dug out my records and find that I boarded the USS Sumter on 4 Oct., 1943. I suppose I am a plank owner because I went aboard when she was new and was tied up in Portsmouth, VA which is across the lake from Norfolk. I spent a couple of days in Philly Navy yard on 22 Sep., 1943 and reported in to RS NOB, NORFOLK, VA on 25 Sep. 43. I remember sweeping decks and drinking coffee in RS. They didn’t like to see a 1/C P.O. sweeping floors, (decks), but I didn’t mind and soon was promoted to “Coffee Maker 1/C”. I transferred to the USS NEHENTA BAY, (CARRIER) on 18 Apr. 44 for transportation to Asbury Park, N.J. BIRTHDAY: 30 June 1921 (75 yrs. now) SERVICE NUMBER: 316-60-44. ENLISTED; 29 Sept. 39, DISCHARGED; 30 Oct.45. (6yrs, 1-month, 11 days of service). Was a bass horn player for a couple of years and then to radioman. RM 3/c 16 May 42; RM 2/c 1 Dec. 42, Rm 1/c 1 Aug. 43. Looks like another reunion in Las Vegas next year? Hope to see you sometime. Comrad, Don Leetch
Letter received from Al Sawyer -- June 7, 1996 Dear Bruce & Barbara, Just a short note to let you know that I appreciate you people to think of me, on the up and coming Ship’s Reunion in 1997. As you must know I have not been to any of them. The health is not there, as I know not from day to day how things will be. I would enjoy it in L.V. as I’ve been a few times, but always with a relative in case of emergency. I had a nice visit a few months ago from Herb Van A. & Joe D. & wife. We went out to eat & reminisce. I was glad to see them. Herb, only lives the next state over and I don’t get to see him that much any more. We talk on the phone now and then. So, thanks again and I wish you a nice Reunion with all that go. The Best, Shipmate, Al Sawyer PS On missing mate -- Harold Yourshaw. I’m pretty sure he has passed on.
Letter received from Charles Benton -- June 11, 1996 Dear Mr. and Mrs B. Link, It’s a good idea you have - But it’s been so long. Our ship was put in Commission in “43”. It was a troop & cargo carrier. The officers were in there mid thirties or forties. The crew in my estimate 17 to 30. (in 1943) This is 1996. (56 yr. spread), So at age of 26 + 56 = 82 on 72 to 82 yrs of age. I’m 78, and to old to make the trip. But I also have other problems. I was in an accident in early 93. It left me with a herniated disk -- a bulge disc and or a impingent? sack. I’m in constant pain from the hip down and have to take medication just to get some sleep. I will think about you and the ones that do make it. Sincerely, Charles Benton
Letter received from Ronald H. Bobo -- Jan. 14, 1997 Dear Bruce & Barbara I rec’d your letter of 1-8-97 with the enclosures of newsletters, PA-52 reunion information, and Sumter history. I sure was glad to hear from you. I enjoyed the “History” and the letter dated 10-13-95 from “Melvin Burks” to “Fred Antonio” about the first reunion, which was held in Orlando, FL. I can’t help but wonder if the “Freeman Tate” from Silverton, Texas, who Melvin Burks speaks of, is the same “Tate” that was in my boat crew. I can’t remember their first names, but my boat crew consisted of seamen “Tate” & “Wise” and coxswain “Walford”. Think his first name was James. “Tate & “Wise” were both from Texas, “Walford” was from Barstow, California and I was Motor Mach. from Ohio. Bruce, I am sending you 2 yrs dues to help on postage, newsletters, and whatever. My wife and I will not be attending the 97 reunion as we have other commitments for the first week of April. However, I certainly would like to receive the book you are planning to make up from the questionnaires. Also would very much like for you to put my name on the mailing list for any future newsletters, etc. My wife and I spend our winters from Oct. 1 to May 1, in Florida/ We have a double wide mobile home in a park. Our summers, we spend in Winchester, Ohio. I sure was surprised a week ago to hear from Herb Van Alphen. I still don’t know how he ever found me. I am attaching a list of some names that I recall. It is amazing how few people I can remember out of so many on the ship. Again, thanks a lot for the info. R.H. Bobo NAMES THAT I REMEMBER
Bruce - Reason my Sumter duty started on 6-24-44 was I was among several small boat crews who were originally on U.S.S. Bellatrix (AKA 3). At Saipan, KA-3 had to leave early for some reason and all landing craft was left at Saipan. We were all distributed among several ships and my crew was among those coming to Sumter. All of our belongings left with the Bellatrix and was dropped off at Pearl Harbor to be picked up by us when we returned there. Needless to say, we were a pretty “scurvy” bunch by the time we got to Pearl. R.H. Bobo
Letter received from Earl L. Greenwald -- Feb. 4, 1997 Hi Shipmate, I am sorry to be so late in writing. We will be unable to attend the Reuinion this year because of some medical problems. We were looking forward to Las Vegas, its been at least ten years since we were there. I’m sure it’s changed a lot. Hope everyone has a grand time and don’t lose to much money. Tell everyone “Hello” from both of us. We will be thinking of you. Am enclosing my dues for years 96 & 97. Earl Greenwald -- x Shipfitter -- U.S.S. Sumter
Letter received from Alexia Roche -- Feb. 5, 1997 Dear Barbara & Bruce, So much has happened lately! Pete has alzheimers & this last weekend he was put in a nursing home at this retirement place where we live. He has gone down hill very fast! We had plans to meet with our youngest son & family before Easter & then Pete and I would stay on. Things have changed, of course. I guess if anyone comes in before Easter, I could see them. Especially the Lowry’s & Burks. I’ll write them. But, I will not be at the reunion. Because of my health, I need help too! I’ll call the hotel & cancel. It is just too bad. Have a good time at the reunion & give our love to all. Love, Alexia Roche
Letter received from Vincent Vertuno -- Feb. 5, 1997 Hi Bruce, Enclosed is a check of $40.00 for dues and $10.00 for a cap. Total of $50.00 I’m sorry, I had forgot I had pictures from Fort Pierce Fla. until just last week, thats why I called you and told you about them. I took them in to have negatives made of them also a set of pictures which I have enclosed to be kept with the ships reunion memorabilia. I numbered the pictures in case any one wants a picture they can let me know and I will have prints made up. As I told you the other day, that I would not be able to make the reunion this time because of my health. Also I talked to Ken Brower the other night. Is still recovering from open heart surgery and won’t be able to make it. I hope the reunion goes real well for your sake and hope I can make the next one. Say Hello to all for me. Your old shipmate - Vince Vertuno P.S. Thanks, I got the hat yesterday. Please excuse the printing. I just had an implant in my right eye and waiting till April to have the other one done. Bruce: The pictures that are numbered, I have negatives. The others I don’t. All of the pictures are from Fort Pierce, Fla.
Letter received from R. H. Young Jr. Hi Mate! Thanks for sending the book, hat and tote bag. I am very much annoyed my name didn’t show up on the ship’s crew list. One of my grandsons looked at the book and asked, “How could you be on that ship, your name isn’t here.” I can’t answer that. I came aboard with you 9/20/43 with the boat crews. Boat 13 - Toelke - S 1/C - Tocarski, Bosn. & me. Left the ship 4/45. Sent to Long Beach Naval Hospital then St. Albans Naval Hosp., N.Y. I’ll attach my stats and perhaps you can run off a up to date computer sheet for my book and family history information file. The following names didn’t show up. - Thurston, S 1/C, Phillips, Joe GM 1/C, Quatroceki, ?? Pharm. mate in charge of pharmacy annd Tocarski, ??, Bosn. Will you let me know the action taken. Bruce, I hope you can read this, as I had to learn to write all over again after losing my index and third finger. I would certainly like to see my name next to Peter Zippier. It’s been there since boot camp. Enclosed, find check for $13.50 for our postage and cap, which you didn’t mention a charge for. Best regards & health to you and your family. Bob Young
Letter received from Frank J. Cichowicz I got a feeling to write a little. I joined the Navy 1943, Feb., 24th. Discharged, Feb. 7th, 1946. I was working as a machinist in P.W. Aircraft. They wanted me to take a deferment & stay with P&W Whitney for the duration but I told my Forman all my friends joined different services. So, I joined the U.S. Navy all by myself. I was shipped to Bainbridge, Maryland Boot Camp. New & very muddy. Time passed by. I was sent to Norfolk, Virginia aboard the USS Sumter A.P. 52. It was a stormy weather. Two anchors had a hard time along the pier. They picked up a crew and became the amphibious men. Everything started The Sumter was Big Ship loaded with amphibious boats. Left Little creek Virginia, down to Fort Pierce, Florida, Training amphibious landings. Things were going good and ready for the future. Left for San Diego from Florida with troops headed for S. Pacific. We started our first invasion, Marshall Islands. I was a coxswain, 3rd Class. Served in the Asiatic theatre, Okinawa, Pelelu, Tarawa landing craft Personal Landing. RPT mechanized tanks, Tinian Island. There was a bad time, our flagship while going for another invasion in the South Pacific our convoy was attacked by the dangerous Kamikazes. One dove into the starboard side of our flagship, USS Calloway. Was damaged but kept going for dry-dock for repairs. Also was at Mindanao and Philippines. Big Naval battles up North against Japanese Battleships, sunk by Cruisers etc. By the US Battleships, Cruisers. P.S. I hope I didn’t bore you. After our fleet of Battleships, cruisers, destroyers sank all Japanese aircraft carrier, etc., they coming down South to stop our invasion of Mindanao. Philippines, General McArthur was in charge of the Army etc. After discharge was back with P. & W. aircraft for 15 years. Left for other employment, Yes, after fourty years we all sacrificed together aboard the USS Sumter. It will always be with us forever and ever. The best of health to both of you, Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Smith & Family. Yours Truly, Frank J. Cichowicz
Letter from Dorothy Ellison Mr. & Mrs. Wayne Smith Thank you so much for all the information re, the Reunion. You have indeed taken on a big job and I wish you well. Sadly our Bud Walter has as the Kingspointer printed - taken his final voyage on November 5, 1997. Life certainly is not as sweet without him but he is buried up at the Veterans Cemetery flag flying, - under a tree. I’m sure he approves! He was a credit indeed to the Academy, Navy, the country and after 55 years of marriage - I have lovely memories. Thank you again. Good Luck Dorothy Ellison
(Herald Journal 11/7/97 WALTER D. ELLISON, 76; Decade with Alzheimer’s -- by Suzanne M. Jackson, staff writer Walter D. “Bud” Ellison was an intelligent, vibrant man who loved camping in the Adirondacks and boating on the St. Lawrence River. He was intensely proud of his children and of having served his country during World War II. During the late 1980’s his family began to notice subtle changes in his behavior. They had to repeat things often, and he became more forgetful. Tasks that had once been second nature to him became difficult, and eventually impossible. As the Alzheimer’s disease took hold, Mr. Ellison’s family didn’t realize what was happening. They didn’t realize the ravages of a disease that would someday take away his past, his present and his future. “We were in denial, like most families are in the early stages,” said Mr. Ellison’s son, Jeffrey C. of Liverpool. “If I could tell anybody to do anything, it would be to face the possibility that their (Loved one) might have Alzheimer’s. I would tell them to go to meetings about the disease and learn all they can about it. There’s a lot of help out there for families and also for the victim in the early stages.” Mr. Ellison died Wednesday at Rosewood Heights in Syracuse, where he had been a patient for the past few months. He was 76 and lived at 701 Woburn Drive, Camillus. Born in Jersey City, N.J., to Ira Daniel Ellison and the former Florence Osmond, he grew up in Garden City, Long Island. He lived in the Syracuse area since 1951. Mr. Ellison met his wife, the former Dorothy Gillen, while both were students in high school in Garden City. When he died, they had been married for 54 years. A retired insurance sales representative, he worked for several companies. After retiring, he continued to do consulting for a few years. My father was a go-getter, and people really liked him,” his son said. “He was very smart, and he had a real glow about him.” Mr. Ellison graduated from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point and was a member of its alumni association. He was a Navy veteran of World War II, earning the Purple Heart after he was hit by Japanese mortar fire during a beach assault in the South Pacific. “He was a strong and proud man, and he was very proud of having fought for his country,” his son said. “Right up until yesterday, that was high on his list.” Mr. Ellison was a former vestryman at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church. He enjoyed carving wooden ducks and boating on the St. Lawrence River. When his children were young, he often took the family tent camping in the Adirondack Mountains. “His legacy to us was certainly our love of the water,” his son said. “We don’t camp much but all of us really love the water.” Surviving, in addition to his wife and son, are another son, Richard D. of Minoa; a daughter, Susan E. Sidoni of Onondaga Hill; and six grandchildren. Burial was in Onondaga County Veterans Memorial Cemetery.
(This letter was found on the internet. It apparently was a newspaper article. tt) 'What I saw has stayed with me the rest of my life'February 28, 2001 10:09 pmWilliam D. Young Jr. 'What I saw has stayed with me the rest of my life' EVERY NOW and then, some old-time Fredericksburg resident will ask me how my Uncle Bill is doing. William D. Young Jr., 77, who grew up in Fredericksburg and now lives in Waldorf, Md., is doing fine. In fact, he just received a Purple Heart for an injury suffered in combat. Not that he has been to war recently. The medal came in the mail. He incurred the injury on June 17, 1944, during the invasion of Saipan. My Uncle Bill, who is known in the family as Bull, a nickname I gave him when I was a toddler who couldn't pronounce Bill ÷ spent 32 months in the South Pacific during World War II. He was a sailor aboard the USS Sumter whose primary job was to operate a landing craft that put fresh Marines and soldiers on the beach and carried the wounded off. He saw action at Guadalcanal, Eniwetok, Kwajalein, Saipan, Pelilu, Leyte and Okinawa. On June 17, 1944, he severely injured his left foot while transferring wounded Marines to his landing craft from another boat that was sinking. A mortar shell hit next to us and slammed the two boats together. My foot was caught in between, Bull told me when I telephoned the other day to congratulate him on the Purple Heart. He was told by a medical corpsman leaving for a hospital ship with the wounded Marines not to take his boot off until he got medical attention and to keep soaking his foot. For the next several days, he continued to operate the landing craft while keeping his booted left foot in a bucket of seawater. A Marine doctor later told him that was the best thing he could have done, and fitted him with a soft cast. To this day, Bull's left foot is blue. He has no feeling in two of his toes. Bull never left action after the injury, however, and never thought about whether he deserved a medal. However, about 18 months ago, Bull was in Las Vegas at the biennial reunion of the USS Sumter crew. With him were his wife of 51 years, Zeb, and the oldest of their four children, Rick. During a casual conversation my uncle was having with the operator of the landing craft that sank on that June day in 1944, the old friend asked Bull if he had ever gotten a Purple Heart. When Bull replied that he had not, the man replied that Bull was supposed to have received one. My cousin Rick, a civilian employee of the Navy, pursued the matter. The friend gave Rick a phone number in St. Louis. Rick called, and followed up with a copy of a letter that Bull's family in Fredericksburg received in June 1944 from the Department of the Navy. That letter informed the Young family that William D. Young Jr. had been wounded in action. Bull's sister Joyce, my late mother, used to tell a family story about that letter. She said my late grandmother, Katherine Young, opened that official letter and got only as far as the, regret to inform you, line when she burst into tears. My mother, who was 18 then, and her sister, Pat, 4, also began crying, of course. (My mother died in 1981. Pat lives in southern Stafford County.) When my late grandfather arrived home, he picked up the letter, read it and said, At least he's not dead. William D. Young Jr. was a very lucky young man. He saw a lot of other young men die around him, and his landing craft was often under fire. So many didn't come back, he said the other day. What I saw has stayed with me the rest of my life. Bull, who made a career of the military, never expected a Purple Heart, neither in 1944 nor 56 years later. It's a nice feeling, he said when I congratulated him. The catch in his voice indicated how much the Purple Heart means to him. Rick was the one who pursued the Purple Heart for his father. He called the phone number in St. Louis, provided the necessary paperwork and had the medal mailed to his address instead of his father's. At a recent gathering, surrounded by his children and grandchildren, Bull was asked to have a seat. Rick then read a letter from the Department of Navy and presented his father the Purple Heart. It just floored me, Bull said. I couldn't get up out of that chair. Now my uncle will have a new story to tell his old friends when the relatively few remaining men who served back then aboard the USS Sumter reunite in September in Racine, Wis. Meanwhile, if any of his old friends from Fredericksburg want to contact him, he can be reached at 301/870-6726. His mailing address is: 2088 Chapelside Court, Waldorf, Md. 20602. Copyright 2001 The Free Lance-Star Publishing Company.
Subject: USS Sumter
Guy Wilbur Fiske
Obituary for Harry Tzucanow Tzucanow, Harry G. (volunteered to host the 2002 U.S.S. Sumter Reunion)
Harry G. Tzucanow was born in Brooklyn, NY in 1925. He attended schools in New York where he took early graduation in order to join the US Navy to serve during World War II.
While in the Navy, he earned the grade of Quartermaster 2nd Class aboard the USS Sumter APA-52 active in the Pacific Theatre. This ship was part of Task Force 52. Later he served as boat coxswain on an assault boat. He was involved in 3 major campaigns, which included 11 invasions in the South Pacific including the invasions of Saipan and Pelileu. He was awarded the Bronze Star, and Asiatic Pacific Medal, three stars.
Upon conclusion of his military career, Harry pursued 3 college degrees from New York University--Undergraduate Degree in Biochemistry, Masters and PhD degrees in Management and Marketing. His professional career included sales and marketing positions with Charles Pfizer, Johns Manville, E.R. Squibb & Sons, General Mills, and Henkel KAG.
The sea always beckoned Harry. He pursued his love of the sea by being a small boat skipper and eventually a Coast Guard Certified Boat Captain. His vessels were "Czarina", locally based "China Doll" and "Alamar." As a 25-year resident of Connecticut, he was very active in the Lions Club, including a term as President. He also was an active member of the Wilson Cove Yacht Club, where in addition to holding all of the flag officer, he also served as Commodore.
Locally, Harry and his wife Claudia created and ran the first Bed & Breakfast Inn of Brunswick, "Brunswick Manor," in Old Town Brunswick. Were charter members of the Brunswick Police Department's Citizens Police Academy and active in the Old Town Preservation Association.
His wife, Claudia Joslyn Tzucanow, son Gregory, daughter Christine Hogue, son-in-law Mark Hogue, and brother Daniel Tzucanow survive Harry. His Mother-in-law, Mrie Joslyn LaPlant, sister-in-law Nancy Joslyn Buhler and Gunther Buhler, and brother-in-law George Joslyn also survive him. Harry's special dogs and cats also mourn.
Harry had recently become a member of the Golden Isles Council of the Navy League of the United States. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Harry Tzucanow's name to: Navy League, Golden Isles Council, NLUS. P.O. Box 1782 - Brunswick GA 31521
Dear Sumter Shipmates: September 19, 2001 Words cannot express the regrets that I have because I will not be at the reunion. The USS Sumter (APA-52) has held a fond spot in my heart since I went aboard on Sept. 20, 1943. This old Ship offered me an opportunity for the first time in life to do something where I could be successful and proud. I graduated from Texas A&M with a degree in Livestock Production, but I had to work long hours for very little pay and took some classes when I could not afford to buy textbooks for the class, consequently my grades were not good. In January 1942 I was about to be drafted so I joined the Naval Reserve. I went to Midshipman School at Columbia University in New York City. There was very little correlation between my college Agriculture and Navy Class in Midshipman School, but fortunately I was good in math and managed to finish and was commissioned an Ensign.
After Midshipman School I went to Amphibious training and then our Boat Group with our 36 Landing Boats went aboard the Sumter. Until that day I had never been aboard a ship. While we were being hoisted aboard by boom someone on the ship let a line loose and our boat was swinging and swirling around. Though not a sailor I was A good cowboy so I made a loop and roped a bollard on the ship and steadied the boat. Chief Boatswain Shuler was on deck and was impressed that an Officer could handle a line. He took me under his wing and helped me learn seamanship. With his guidance and understanding I soon realized that Petty Officers are the backbone of the Navy. I had tried to develop good rapport with the crew and never had any trouble or discord with anyone.
I got along well with Captain Haff and Captain O'Pry, always doing what I was told to the best of my ability. With my math ability I got involved in gunnery and in May of 1944, I was sent to Hawaii to the best gunnery school the Navy had. After completing the school I was offered an opportunity to go to San Francisco for special training and to go in with troops in invasions and call gunfire from capital ships. I turned this down because I wanted to stay on the Sumter. When we came into Seattle In November 1945 I had just been promoted to Lieutenant. Captain O'Pry offered me a spot promotion to Lieutenant Commander to stay aboard six months and be Executive Officer. I had married in June 1943 and had been away a lot. I called my wife in Texas and she told me to come home, so I did.
My first civilian job (as Hospital Manager) did not go well as we lost our Promised loan. I applied for a commission in the Regular Navy and recall to active duty. Due to a foul up in the mail I did not get my acceptance letter for months. By then I had completed most of the work for a Masters Degree and had a good job, so I turned down the Commission in The Regular Navy.
In 1948 while teaching Animal Husbandry at Sam Houston State College in Huntsville, Texas, the College President asked me to help organize A Naval Reserve Unit. I was Commanding Officer and things went well until I lost my College job in Aug. 1948 when we lost over half of our Agriculture Students (All boys then). I was going to forget the Naval Reserve but my Program Officer at 8th Naval Dist. in New Orleans told me that if I would drive from Shepard, Tex (50 miles away) each week and keep the unit open that he would try to keep me from being recalled to Active Duty. He kept his word and in 1953, I was going to get out of Reserves for good. I got a letter that I had been selected for promotion to Lieutenant Commander and felt that if ever called to active duty that I should have the extra rank. I had to be in an active Reserve Unit and do some Correspondence Courses. By the time I completed this in 1954 I had 12 years Navy service and it take only 20 for retirement. I stayed in active reserves until July 1, 1968 and on my birthday in May of 1978 I started drawing Navy Retirement. On October 1, 2001 my wife and I will become eligible for US Gov't TRI Care for Life health insurance including prescriptions.
I was in school work for 37 years and farmed, never making much money. We lived in small towns and lived on what we made. Thus you can see that the USS Sumter and the Navy has had a great impact on my life.
With Pete Roche, I am proud that we got the first Sumter reunion started. I made all eight meetings and enjoyed every one of them. ALL YOU GUYS HAVE A GOOD TIME AND THINK OF ME. YOUR FRIEND, Melvin L. Burks |
