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| Date | 2006-10-20 |
| Location |  |
| Message | my name is michelle cravens and my grandfather was aboard the uss houston when it was sank. he was presumed drowned and went down with his ship. anybody who may have any information,or knew my grandfather would be apreciated. thank you: michelle cravens, |
| Date | 2006-10-05 |
| Location | |
| Message | Hi Lori, Did your father have any information on any of the Boatswainmates...my Uncle was S 1/c boatswainmate...he may have worked for your father!? His name was Lawrence Kondzela...There's a biography on him in the crew biographies if you would like to check out his story. |
| Date | 2006-10-05 |
| Location | |
| Message | Hi Lori, Thanks for responding to my request...unfortunately I did contact my Congressman and he did absolutely nothing to help. You see my Uncle didn't survive the POW camp and they said there was no real evidence that he had been wounded before he died. I was so mad that they didn't consider the horrible atrocities all the POW's endured...whether they survived or not. So the government said he was not eligible for a purple heart. We were able to get all his other medals though. I wish I could get the Purple Heart for him (and my Mom who is now 82 years old...she was very close to her brother and always felt he was a hero). It's sad to think the only thing his family got from his death was a $1000.00 insurance policy, that he took out and paid premiums on himself!! If you or anyone has any more suggestions please drop me an e-mail. Thanks... |
| Date | 2006-10-01 |
| Location | |
| Message | Dear Sue Pogue and All Others: I had the same situation in receiving my fathers honored metals. Please contact your local Congressman. My Dad received his metals within 48 hours and prior to his death. Lori Lemley |
| Date | 2006-10-01 |
| Location | |
| Message | My farther Carl N. Burgard was 75 years old at the time of his death on March 20, 1999. Carl was one of 288 survivors of the USS Houston (CA-30) Blue Bonnet know as "The Galloping Ghost of the Java Coast". Carl was a Chief Bousomate for the USS Houston. After the USS Houston was hit, Carl was pickup by the Japanese and taken prisoner "Missing in Action" for 3 1/2 years. Each strip on his left sleeve represents 4 years, the 5th red strip earned him the 5th gold, this showed his detication to his country. Carl became hardened after his return from the war,he had many illness that followed which made his life unbearable to live, but he continued to fight to servive inspite of all his pains. Inside Carl was a man of gold and unforgettable memories. Anyone who has any other information or knew of him, your contact would be greatly appreciated. God Bless all who lives in rememberance of our lost loved ones and those few remaining suvivors. Let us never forget! |
| Date | 2006-09-18 |
| Location | |
| Message | I read the note from Betty Miles regarding getting a purple heart for her loved one who died as a POW. Betty, if I could ask...how did you get this award. I have been trying for years to get one for my Uncle. I always get the same answer..."He's not eligible because he didn't die from a wound" As we all know, these men suffered worse conditions and torture from the Japanese...and deserve a Purple Heart like the rest of them. Any help would be appreciated. |
| Date | 2006-09-18 |
| Location | |
| Message | My Uncle S 1/c Lawrence Kondzela (my Mom's brother) was aboard the USS Houston when it sunk...he swam to shore and was later captured by the Japanese. He was one of the POW's who worked on the Death railway (Bridge over River Kwai). My Uncle didn't survive the horrible conditioned of the POW camps and died on April 13, 1943. Although he died before I was born, I am so proud of him and consider him a hero. God Bless you Uncle Lawrence. Anyone who has info of my Uncle, I would appreciate to hear from you. |
| Date | 2006-09-14 |
| Location | |
| Message | God bless the brave men who held the line against overwhelming forces in those dark days both living and deceased. |
| Date | 2006-08-30 |
| Location | |
| Message | TRANSFERRED FROM USS WILKES BARRE CL 103 IN PHILA.PA OCTOBER 1947 to decomission USS HOUSTON. On the Wilkes Barre we had a sailor by the name of FRANK [I believe it was his last name] |
| Date | 2006-08-14 |
| Location | |
| Message | Terrific website and a great blog about a great ship. The drama of USS Houston is one of my favorite US Navy stories, for sheer valor. It is discussed in my little web page at http://www.worldwariiplus55.com, a day-by-day history of thew war. I also admire Seaman Stafford, who stood on the sloping fantail of the sinking cruiser, sounding "Abandon Ship" on his bugle. |
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