Foot Locker Talk Newsletter

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1 USS FRANK E. EVANS (DD 754) ASSOCIATION, INC. Newsletter Fourth Quarter 2011 Foot Locker Talk Newsletter USS KIDD (DDG 100) RECEIVIES HOLIDAY BANNER FROM THE USS FRANK E. EVANS (DD754) ASSOCIATION USS KIDD (DDG 100) deployed in July 2011 for a WESTPAC cruise. Since our association knew the ship would not be back for the holiday season, we decided to create a HOLIDAY GREETINGS banner for the crew. As most of us are aware, being away from home during the holiday season can be very difficult. At our reunion in Waterloo this past September, the attendees signed the banner with well wishes for the crew of USS KIDD. Shortly after the reunion the banner was mailed via the United States Fleet Post Office so it would catch up to the ship before the holidays. The captain of USS KIDD (DDG 100) CDR Jennifer Ellinger, received the banner a few days prior to Thanksgiving and wanted the association to know just how much the banner and this gesture by our association meant to the crew. The following is the received: On behalf of the entire crew, I wanted to send a personal thank you along for the wonderful banner you all sent us. We were deeply touched by the gesture & it is hanging up on the mess decks. I unveiled it on Thanksgiving and we got a group shot of the crew on the flight deck with it to share with you and our extended family in the USS Frank E. Evans (DD 754) Association. At the same time, it was a great celebration because I had the opportunity to frock 30 shipmates to their next pay grade off the September advancement exam. Please pass on our warmest wishes to every one and our grateful appreciation for every one s support and prayers back home. V/R CDR Jen Ellinger CO, USS KIDD (DDG 100)

2 USS FRANK E. EVANS (DD 754) NINTH COMMANDING OFFICER COMMANDER JOHN DAWSON CHASE 17 FEBRUARY APRIL Midshipman John D. Chase John Dawson Chase was born in Washington, D.C., grew up in Denver, Colorado, and entered the Naval Academy from high school in After graduation in 1940, he joined the fleet and served on active duty for 38 years. He was last in his Naval Academy class to retire. He served in the Pacific during World War II, originally in USS SARA- TOGA (CV 3), and then in the battle cruiser, USS GUAM (CB 2). John earned nine battle stars and was torpedoed twice. As a result of the first torpedo hit, the ship was in Bremerton, Washington during the early part of 1942, and Eloise Roper and John were married. They had met in Long Beach the summer after graduation. After the war, he attended PC School and MIT, earning a Master's degree. While in Boston, they adopted their son, David. John, then served as Gun Boss in USS CORAL SEA (CVA 43) (Med cruise) and as Exec in USS HOLLISTER (DD 788) (Korean War Ops: SecNav Commendation Award). He returned ashore to BuOrd and then to the Armed Forces Staff College. John commanded USS FRANK E. EVANS (DD 754) (two Westpac cruises) and returned to Washington as a charter member of the POLARIS team. He went to ICAF and back to sea as COMDESDIV 192 (Westpac: awarded a second SecNav Commendation) for directing the efforts of his flagship in fighting a tanker fire in Taiwan. He was then Chief of Staff, ComCruDesFlet 3, and served with the Air Force at Norton AFB on the Mobile Medium Range Ballistic Missile Project. He worked in Systems Analysis (OPA) on the Secretary's staff and took command of the cruiser USS BOSTON (CAG 1) (high spot in his career). She made a Med Cruise and served as flagship for recovery efforts for the lost AF nuclear weapon off Palomares, Spain. Staff at Naval War College and command of Naval Weapons Laboratory, Dahlgren, preceded selection to flag rank. John served as ComCruDesFlot 4 in Norfolk, and as Deputy and then Commander MSC, where he was deeply involved in logistic support of Vietnam; he visited MSC officers in country and around the world. John completed his career as Op04B and was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal. After retirement in 1974, Admiral Chase worked in Tysons Corner for a technical company specializing in Navy issues. Their son married, and they have one teenage granddaughter. Elouise and John did some traveling, visited their family, made Castine every summer and enjoyed their friends in the USNA Class of 40, at Immanuel Presbyterian Church. He was a member of Church in McLean and served as an elder. He also was active in the I Have a Dream Foundation's program for low-income children in Southeast Washington for 25 years. In 2006, son, David Chase, died. On 9 April 2008, John Dawson Chase, 89, died of multiple organ failure at Tidewell Hospice and Palliative Care in Port Charlotte, Florida, while visiting there. Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Elouise Chase, a sister, and a granddaughter. Rear Admiral John Dawson Chase is buried in Arlington National Cemetery, Grave 8178, Section 60.

3 MESSAGE FROM LOUISE ESOLA to the USS FRANK E. EVANS (DD 754) ASSOCIATION 3 Greetings member of the USS Frank E. Evans Association! I provided members an update on my book at the reunion in Waterloo in September but wanted to reach out to those who didn t make it, as well as remind those who did that I am seeking your help with my research. As I have told many of you the kind of book I am working is one that paints the picture of boys going to war, their experiences and their stories. It is a book not only of the collision and the lost 74, but also of the blue-water Navy contributions to the Vietnam War. My goal is to write a historically and politically accurate book aligned with the objectives of the association. This was the only ship that went to Vietnam, fought from the seas, and never came home. One of the best ways to tell this story is via the voices of those who served, both those who survived and those who perished that night. The only way I have been able to tap into that is through the letters many wrote home and to loved ones. Several family members have sent me both copies and originals of letters. I prefer copies but understand the difficulties some have going through old correspondence. Linda Vaa, for example, sent me a very large box of Greg Sage s original letters. They have been invaluable. This, along with interviews, is the best way to tell this story of USS Frank E. Evans (DD 754) from those who served. Many of those I have interviewed say that recalling stories from 42- plus years ago is not always easy. For that, the letters are key. I also understand there are tape recordings, which I can have converted to CD. Please know that I keep and store everything in my home office, neatly filed under names and dates and return items when I am done with them. (The joke in my house right now is if there is a fire I am grabbing the kids and then my boxes of research.) I hope that you all will work with me. In addition to conducting interviews and digging into research, including a recent trip to Washington D.C. to look at deck logs and other information, I have been working with Jim Hornfischer as my potential literary agent. Jim has written a number of Navy history books covering World War II-era Navy battles, including Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors and the latest book on Guadalcanal, Neptune s Inferno. He s the best person to help carry this book into the publishing world. Books like this take years to finish but I am confident that I have moved along as swiftly as possible, given the number of people involved and the kind of story I want to craft. I want to thank those who have made themselves and their stories accessible. Words are not enough. I hope to gain the trust and cooperation of others. As I have said, I cannot do this without the help of those who were there and those who loved and lost. This is your story I want to carry. Louise Esola Oakhurst Way Temecula, CA Louise.esola@yahoo.com WELCOME NEW MEMBER We offer a special Welcome Aboard to our new member. As of this publication, we have broken last year s enrollment and now have 242 association members. If you know of anyone who is interested in joining our association please have them contact Donna Kraus at or by at krausdf@cox.net. NAME RELATIONSHIP CITY STATE SHIPMATES: Gary N. Westfall Shipmate Hillsboro Oregon

4 IN MEMORIAM Return, O LORD, deliver my soul: Oh save me for thy mercies sake. For in death there is no remembrance of thee: In the grave who shall give thee thanks? Psalm 9:13 4 Roy McGrew MM Bluff City, TN Deceased 7/14/2011 Roy W. McGrew, age 69, passed away Thursday, July 14, 2011, at his residence, following an extended illness. He was born in Jonesboro, Ark., to the late Fred Winfred McGrew and Ica Mable Hicks McGrew. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Bob McGrew and wife, Lucille, and Dwayne Robertson; and father and mother-inlaw, Melvin C. and Lula Mae Hicks. He was a member of Bluff City Baptist Church and was an assistant manager of Wal-Mart for 19 years. Roy served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War on board USS Frank E. Evans (DD 754). Survivors include his wife of 46 years, Maggie McGrew, two sons, Fred McGrew and Keith, and five grand children, Full military honors were conducted by Bristol VFW. Dennis Rice Corporal Bellflower, CA Deceased 11/18/2011 Dennis Rice, husband of association member Susie Rice, passed away on Friday 18 November 2011 at the VA Hospital in West Los Angeles. Dennis died from complications of COPD, kidney failure and diabetes. Dennis was born 17 March Dennis served in the USMC from 1968 to He was wounded twice and received 2 Purple hearts while on combat duty in Vietnam. A memorial service will be conducted on 6 January For information on attending the service please contact Pete Peters at USS FRANK E. EVANS (DD 754) Web Site Good news for you savvy shoppers out there. Our association s website has been revamped due to the exhaustive efforts of Jenny Kraus, The Ship Store is now open and accepting orders. Also we now accept credit cards and PayPal. All you have to do is click on the item and follow the instructions. If you should have any question, want an item added to the ship store, drop Sylvia Campbell an at sylviajc@charter.net or call her at either (C) , (H) A CHRITMAS THOUGHT By Ronald Reagan "For, more than just a day, Christmas is a state of mind. It is found throughout the year whenever faith overcomes doubt, hope conquers despair, and love triumphs over hate. It is present when men of any creed bring love and understanding to the hearts of their fellow man. The feeling is seen in the wondrous faces of children and in the hopeful eyes of the aged. It overflows the hearts of cheerful givers and the souls of the caring. And it is reflected in the brilliant colors, joyful sounds, and beauty of the winter season. Let us resolve to honor this spirit of Christmas and strive to keep it throughout the year."

5 A SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL MEMBERS! 5 For you who have considered cremation, the next choice is probably the urn. Cremation urns come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes and with many options. The USS FRANK E. EVANS (DD 754) Association has come in contact with a company that can produce a memorial urn, the Frank E. Evans Urn, which beautifully salutes the courage and skill of the person, as he fulfilled his mission to protect and defend America's freedom. The Frank E. Evans Urn is beautifully etched with the United States Navy Insignia, engraved to your specifications including USS FRANK E. EVANS (DD 754)era patches. The urn is fabricated from blue Corian, is individually hand crafted, and can double as a conversational piece. In everyway, The Frank E. Evans Urn can proudly be displayed in your home for all to see the tribute to your loved one. UPGRADED OPTION The beveled top and bottom create a classic appearance with a secure bottom opening. This urn is sized for a single adult but can be made to hold two adults. The standard outside dimensions are 9" wide x 7" deep x 7" tall, containing 247 cubic inch inside capacity. There are no standard dimensions for columbarium sizes so you must check with your cemetery to determine the appropriate size if the ultimate destination is a niche. STANDARD OPTION ($ each, includes sketch, engraving, Navy insignia & shipping) A sketch of the ship is engraved on top of the urn, and the Navy insignia and text (limited to 35 spaces per line) are engraved on the front. UPGRADED OPTION ($ each, includes sketch, engraving, Navy Insignia, Fighter Logo and 1 patch & shipping) A sketch of the ship is engraved on top of the urn, Navy insignia and text (limited to 35 spaces per line) are engraved on the front, and one patch of your choice engraved on the remaining side. Select patch from the following below Mid ENGRAVING & ETCHING The sketches will be etched with no color in-fill similar to the ship. Engraving on the front of all urns is included. You may have up to three lines with 35 spaces per line) See photo Upgraded Option In Loving Memory John Doe 16 April 1949 to 15 January 2011 INFORMATION /HOW TO ORDER If you should require any additional information about this offering or to place an order, call or Sylvia Campbell at: Home Phone: Cell Phone: sylviajc@charter.net Urns can be completed within 2-3 working days. Made in the USA, Satisfaction is guaranteed!

6 SHIPWRECK SURVIVORS HOLD OUT HOPE FOR RECOGNITION By Ben Bohall KVNO/NEWS Lincoln, Nebraska 5 October Lincoln, NE For the United States, the Vietnam War brought turbulence and unrest during a time of transition. Deep within that turmoil, an accident occurred in the South China Sea that would change the lives of families around the country, and specifically in Nebraska. It all began as a routine naval exercise between the U.S. and Australia during the Vietnam War. But for Signalman Steve Kraus, nothing could ever prepare him for the events that were about to unfold before his eyes. I came forward over the bridge and I could see the carrier coming directly right at us, Kraus recalled. I ran into the signal shack, I hit the 1MC and said, We re going to get hit. I probably no sooner got that out and we actually got hit. The Melbourne carrier, only slightly damaged by the crash, immediately maneuvered alongside the stern of Evans and used mooring lines to attach the two ships together. The remaining 199 survivors were reportedly located and rescued within 30 minutes of the accident, but the psychological effects of the disaster would last for years. The aftermath of the collision in the South China Sea brought an official investigation by both governments. And while the incident was ruled an accident, the aftershock of the tragedy rippled all throughout the country. For Linda Sage and her husband s family in Niobrara, Nebraska; the news changed their lives forever. I think we were all numb. I don t think we really knew anything that was going on, recalled Linda. It was just such a stress. The flags were at half-staff all around town. I think we were just all zombies. Prior to the wreck, her Husband Greg and his two brothers Gary and Kelly enlisted in At 3:15 am on June 3, 1969, The American destroyer USS Frank E. Evans was struck at mid-ship by the Australian carrier HMAS Melbourne. The collision immediately caused the Evans to roll over on its side at a 90-degree angle while simultaneously breaking in half. Kraus, who was located on the bow of Evans, rushed to escape as the front half of the ship took on more and more water by the second. I kicked open the shack door, the water was right there and I swam away from the ship. The adrenaline was pumping, and I went and swam and swam and swam, remembered Kraus. I swam so far out that I actually, literally had to swim back in to be picked up. But I do remember seeing the bow go all the way up and it went down. The bow sank between two and three minutes. Kraus, now living with his family in California, considered himself to be one of the lucky ones. As the bow sank, it took with it the lives of 74 sailors trapped inside. the Navy. For Linda and her husband s family, it seemed like the smart choice. After all, it offered a safer alternative to the army. But then came the shocking news: the three brothers had died at sea. For Linda Sage, the mother of Greg s 13-month-old son at the time, the news was devastating and difficult to accept. It was really hard. I think if there would have been a body I could have accepted it. Every time I would see a sailor, I would break down and I would look and see if it was Greg. Maybe he s really alive! Maybe he didn t die, maybe

7 Continued from page 7 he s got amnesia and he got onto another ship and they picked him up. Or he s on a desert island and he s waiting for me there? That was probably the thought of not just me. I think all the widows had that hope and dream, we would find them someday on a deserted island, said Linda. It s been more than 40 years now, but for the survivors and family members of those killed, the memories have remained strong. Standing guard over many of those memories are a small group of retired women in Niobrara. At the Memories of Old Niobrara Museum, a collection of newspaper clippings and photographs commemorating the Sage brothers still remain perfectly intact. Volunteers Helen Lawldman and Jo Cameron both work at the small museum. Lawldman fondly remembered the three brothers before the war. They were nice young men. Farm boys, really, stressed Lawldman. Kelly (the youngest) used to buy gas from us all the time. He was just like one of our kids. It just was unbelievable, when it came back to Niobrara that they (Ernest and Eunice Sage) had lost them all, added Cameron. Niobrara has since become a symbol for survivors of the Evans disaster throughout the country. Particularly for the USS Frank E. Evans Association, a group currently that s working for the names of the 74 sailors killed to be placed on the Vietnam Veteran s Memorial. The government has denied the request because the wreck was not part of war operations in Vietnam. The group continues to hold reunions and meetings, every year, with the latest being held last month in Waterloo, Iowa. Linda is now remarried under the last name Vaa. She said the late parents of the Sage brothers, Ernest and Eunice, were frequent visitors of those reunions. She also said that both wanted the brothers names to be placed on the memorial. A wish unfulfilled before both their deaths. This broke Ernie s heart, just something terrible, stressed Linda. And he went to his grave feeling extremely sad his children were not considered casualties of the war. And then of course, that was Eunice s dream- and it looks like it s getting closer all the time. But of course, she went to her grave a year ago without seeing the boys names on the wall. names on the wall, Eunice Sage took comfort over the years in meeting survivors from the disaster and treating them as if they were her own family. The first time she met, I don t know which one of the young men, and he looks at her with his face just dropping clear down to his toes, and he says, I am so sorry your boys are dead and I m still alive. And she looked and she pointed her finger at him and said, I don t ever want to hear you say that again. I am so glad you are alive, and you are here for a reason, said Linda. Eunice felt that about every one of the survivors because they re the ones that have kept the memory, the hopes and the dreams alive. ARTICLE RESPONSES: Ken Norton We will never forget the ship, the crew, and the Lost 74, I am proud to be a member of the Association. Gerry Wright I am compiling the story of HMNZS Blackpool. Blackpool was on Melbourne s port bow at the time of the incident. This incident, and subsequent enquiry, are part of the story. The book Muddy Puddle will be launched in May next year. Rich Burke I am proud to have served on USS Frank E. Evans (DD 754). I am also a survivor. Friends forever, Shipmates for life! Charlie Hoog I am proud to have served aboard the USS FRANK E EVANS DD 754. I served aboard for 3 years 6 mo 26 days in 1952 to The Evans will always be a proud Ship and will always be rememberd by our association. LEST WE FORGET! Jan Sawatzke-Nelson Gary, Greg and Kelly were my cousins. I so remember what nice guys they were, so fun loving. My last memory of them was as a little girl, the boys took us to a movie in downtown Niobrara. We all walked from my grandpa s to the old downtown movie theater. Greg held my hand as we crossed streets and we were all smiling and laughing. It was such a loss when we heard the news. I remember writing a poem for my three cousins but it has long been lost. Thank you all for being Eunice s boys you all meant so much to her. 7 Linda says that despite never seeing their

8 S RECEIVED 8 From Richard Rhodes (1968) Hope this mail reaches you. I served on USS Frank E. Evans (DD 754)from Feb 68 to Dec 68. I was the Log Room Yeoman and bunked with Andrew Botto, during GQ Espinosa was by my side in the front gun mount, where Upton was the gunnersmate. I am interested in how to become a part of what you are doing and would like to order a ball cap. Take care From: Dave Alperovitz (68-72) Read about your upcoming reunion in this month s issue of Tin Can Sailor. Brought back this memory, I was serving on the USS Wallace L. Lind, DD-703, out of Norfolk, when the Evans incident occurred. I was a torpedoman standing sonar watches. Several months after the accident we were steaming with the USS America when we hit a thick fog bank. So thick that at 1500 yards we lost the America on radar. Word of this got out to all quickly. This was around 0200hrs. Within minutes I believe the entire crew was up on deck, just wondering around, many with life vest on, looking for the America. What seemed like a lifetime we came out of the fog and 1500 yards ahead of us was the carrier. The Skipper came on the 1MC, passed the word that we found the carrier and all those not actually on watch could return to what they were doing before entering the fog bank. From Brady Moneaux Let me start by saying, my dad is a survivor from the wreck also. I just wanted to say that I read your blog about Mr. Willies family reunion. That is a real nice story. Every now and then I get on the computer and look up articles on the Frank E. Evans. It seems that there are more and more lately. It is something that has interested me for a long time. My dad is not much for talking about it. Who knows, maybe you and my dad know each other. Take Care and God Bless. From Fred Kerr FYI, Jim Kerr (Lost 74) would have been 61 years old today. We always had a Halloween gig going for him. Talk to you soon. From Randy Dockendorf, Yankton Press I hope you are doing well. I appreciated your help with last year's story on the Sage Brothers and USS Frank E. Evans. I have a favor to ask. I'm working on a follow-up story, providing an update, that I need to file by Tuesday. I wondered if you had any further information on whether they had success getting the names on the wall and current status. Even if not much progress has been made, we are planning the article to honor the lost service members and continue to provide ongoing awareness of the effort. If you have any other comments, feel free to offer them. Thanks! From Margaret Akerman Thanks so much for sending the F.E.E. newsletter! It was fun to read and see all the articles and pictures from the reunion. How nice of you to include a picture and article of Hannah and her performance in this newsletter. This will definitely be put in Hannah s scrapbook. It really was such a nice time, and it is impressive how very organized you all are. We are going to be in touch real soon to get information on the upcoming National History Day project. Excited about that! Thanks so Much. Hello, my name is Charles Barber and I am a board member of the Vietnam Veterans of America in San Jose CA.. Recently I encountered the family member of a sailor off USS Frank E. Evans who was killed in action in June He and his family are trying to see if they can have his name placed on the wall at the Vietnam Memorial and are not sure why it has not been possible. Can you help me provide him with the information he needs as to whether or not this is possible?

9 VETERANS DAY , DAYTONA BEACH, FLORDIA 9 On Thursday, November 10, 2011, Terri Jablonski and five other ladies, commonly known as Company G sang some songs, told some jokes, and otherwise entertained several of our U. S. Military veterans. This all took place at Emory L. Bennett Memorial Veterans Nursing Home in Daytona Beach, Florida. Company G was the brain child of Kitty Maiden, whose husband John Milton Max Maiden died at the home in Kitty was employed there up until recently. John was drafted into the Army in 1945, when he became a paratrooper in the 11th Airborne Division, stationed in Japan. Frank E. Evans and Melbourne. She used the book written by her husband Frank as reference, and then presented the book and a DVD to the nursing home to become part of their library. Besides being hit on by one of the vets, Terri said it was a most humbling experience. It was Company G s and Terri s distinct pleasure to be amongst these real heroes on the eve of Veterans Day, Terri and Frank Jablonski attended Veterans Day ceremonies at their local Veterans Memorial Park in Port Orange. There were approximately 250 people attending. It was a beautiful and cool day in Florida, including quite a breeze. It was the unveiling of several memorial bricks, including one to our Lost 74. If you re ever in this area, please take the time and make the effort to visit this truly spectacular place. Terri and Steve Kraus are sister and brother. In honor of him, the 74 Lost, and the Vets in the room, Terri made a short presentation about the collision between WISHING YOU THE VERY BEST HOILDAY SEASON EVER! MERRY CHRITMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR J.C. Campbell - President Steve Kraus - Vice President Sylvia Campbell - Secretary Donna Kraus - Treasurer Ron Baker - Australian Liaison John Coffey - Communications Frank Jablonski - Historian Gary Kraus - Board Counsel H. G. Nichols - Founder Jennifer Nichols - Oversight Pete Peter - Survivor Relations Sharon Shirack - Memorials Tom Wendler - Relative of the Lost Liaison Dean Wyse- American Legion / VFW Liaison

10 NEW EDITION of UNSINKABLE SAILORS BEING RELEASED Niceville, Florida, December 12, 2011 On January 15, 2012, Patriot Media, Incorporated will release an updated hard cover, second edition, of Unsinkable Sailors: The fall and rise of the crew of the USS Frank E. Evans. The non-fiction book commemorates the fortieth anniversary of the June 3, 1969 sinking of USS Frank E. Evans (DD 754). Written by Colorado author Paul Sherbo, the new hardcover edition includes additional pictures and documents describing the collision at sea in 1969, in which USS Frank E. Evans (DD-745) was cut in half by the Australian aircraft carrier HMAS Melbourne. Operating as part of a combined force with the Royal Australian Navy and other allied naval ships, Evans executed a starboard turn into the path of Melbourne at 0315 a.m. on June 3, 1969 and was cut in half by the larger war ship. Out of the 272 crewmembers on board, 74 perished and 199 survived. Sherbo, through Unsinkable Sailors, provides an easy to read narrative of a compelling story that has filled in the blanks for those who survived. The USS Frank E. Evans (DD-745) Association is raising public awareness of the incident to petition the United States Secretary of the Navy to inscribe the names of the 74 casualties on the Vietnam War Memorial Wall in Washington D.C. The Evans Association has enlisted the support of both the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and the American Legion, to support adding the names to the wall PREORDER HARDCOVER EDITION & SAVE 20% Publishing America s Patriots UNSINKABLE SAILORS by Paul Sherbo Captain Paul Sherbo, USNR (ret.) of Lakewood, Colorado has written a book about the USS Frank E. Evans titled, Unsinkable Sailors: The fall and rise of the last crew of USS Frank E. Evans. Using official documents, it is the first comprehensive American review of the tragic 1969 collision at sea where an American Destroyer was cut in half by an Australian Aircraft Carrier A story of personal tragedy, survival and perseverance, the book describes in chilling detail the historical events that led up to the at-sea collision, the accounts of what was happening during the collision and the events in the aftermath, quoting entirely from naval records, interviews with surviving witnesses (both on the Evans and the Melbourne) and researching the Record of Proceedings transcripts investigating the accident. 10 Sailors in the doomed bow of USS Frank E. Evans (DD-754) woke to a ship rolling out of control, tons of seawater plunging in. Few escaped. Those sleeping in the after half of the ship rushed forward to their battle stations, some "running out of ship" in total darkness and into the water. The testimonies of surviving crew from the formal inquiries put you there, before, during, and after the collision. Amid their sudden, surprised confusion, the courage and heroism of both crews lend a genuine admiration for their bravery and spirit Patriot Media Book Offer PO Box 5414 Hardcover Edition scheduled for a January 15, 2012 Release Niceville, FL Call us! (850) Send check or money order payable to: Patriot Media, Inc. I am ordering Softcover copy (ies) of Unsinkable $13.56 ea. I am PRE ordering Hardcover copy (ies) of Unsinkable $21.56 ea. Florida Residents - Add 7 % Sales tax ($.94 SC, $1.50 HC) USA S&H: Add $4.00 for one book and $1.50 for each additional copy Total Mail Book (s) To: (Please Print) Name: Address: City: St. Zip: A portion of the proceeds from sales of Unsinkable Sailors is donated to the USS Frank E. Evans Association. 20% Discount OFFER Expires 01/31/12

11 70th CELEBRATION of the BATTLE of the CORAL SEA 11 This coming year their will be a 70th Celebration of the Battle of the Coral Sea in Australia. The battle of the Coral Sea was the turning point for our troops in WWII. Ron Baker is President of the Coral Sea Battle Commemorative 70th Celebration. He has asked this be distributed to as many people possible as his personal invitation to attend. Please pass this on to any interested parties and Post this information at your local American Legion and VFW Posts. Arrangements have been made with Hawaiian Airlines and Virgin Australia at terrific prices. The Trip leaves April 27, 2012 from Los Angeles and returns May 11. The trip includes a Hawaii stopover for an excursion to Pearl Harbor.

12 12 This tribute was performed at the NFL Green Bay Packers vs. Denver Broncos game half time show on 14 November 2011 at Lambeau field in Greenbay, Wisconsin. An Additional tribute was done which said Thank You Veterans! Many of you may not have seen this because the network cut into their commercial break while the tribute was conducted. FORWARDING SERVICE REQUESTED USS FRANK E. EVANS (DD 754) ASSOCIATION, INC BLACKWELL RD. OCEANSIDE, CA LEST WE FORGET: OUR LOST 74 DIED IN THE VIETNAM WAR