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Bulletin Board
CommentsHello All, I am helping my son-in-law research his grandfathers service during WWII. We believe that he served on the Aaron Ward (DM-43) during the May 1945 attacks. His name is David C. Clark, and we believe he was an officer in one of the engine rooms. Does anyone recognize his name?? Best wishes to all.
CommentsMy uncle was Jack Beecher ANDERSON F1C aboard the Aaron Ward. I have a (about 1944) photo of him in his navy dungarees standing with my mom... I always had heard about him from the family, and have copy of the telegram notifying my grandparents about his MIA (ended up Lost at Sea). I also have a copy of a letter written (by a shipmate) to my grandparents. Never before over the the last couple of months (when I saw pictures of the ship before and after the 03MAY1945 battle), and even more so since finishing the book, did I come close to knowing what he and his shipmates went through that evening. When I saw his name on (page 216) that listed his battle station (after emergency diesel room), and how he was washed away to sea... I felt deep sorrow... Rest in Peace, Uncle Jack...
Commentsdoes any one remember Lester V. Meyrick sn/sngbootcamp Farragutt,Idaho went Astoria Naval Hospital dicharged? 1945.
CommentsJust finished reading Brave Ship Brave Men. My wife's uncle was Paul Clifford Spradling, one of the missing. The book is a wonderful tribute to the ship and the men. Sincerely...
CommentsFor my father and mother, thank you. He wouldn't talk about his experience. When the book "Brave Ship" was written, I know he felt deep relief and joy.
CommentsMy grandfather, Brice Piatt, served on the USS Aaron Ward and was injured during the attack and later died due to these injuries. I want to thank you for this website and honoring all the brave men on this ship.
CommentsMy grandfather, Brice Piatt, served on the USS Aaron Ward and was injured during the attack and later died due to these injuries. I want to thank you for this website and honoring all the brave men on this ship.
CommentsMy grandfather, Brice Piatt, served on the USS Aaron Ward and was injured during the attack and later died due to these injuries. I want to thank you for this website and honoring all the brave men on this ship.
CommentsMy Grandfather, Ross, "Deke" Snow served on the Aaron Ward, during the kamikaze attacks. He was credited with 5 kill from his 5 in. mount. He told me of the carnage of the battle and cutting friends and Japanese pilots out of the wreckage the next day, and the long tow home. I honor him on the 4th and all that served beside him. GOD BLESS.
CommentsHello Aaron Ward peoples, My name is Ron Gross and my father was Norman Gross. There was a woman whim left a message on the board saying she was Norman 2nd cusin and I would like to know her she is Cynthia R. Caldwell. Please step forward and let me meet you. Sincerly Ron Gross grosron@gmail.com
CommentsJust wanted to let you know that the US Navy Memorial has a tribute page dedicated to USS Aaron Ward, with a list of lost crew, service histories. People can add their own photos and stories there too. http://navymemorial.ibelong.com/site/USS-Aaron-Ward-DM-34
CommentsMy father, Lawrence Bahmiller served onboard the ship. He talked about his shipmates with much fondness and caring. Dad passed away on November 13, 1986 at the age the age of only 60. He is very dearly missed.
CommentsMy uncle, Luvern J. Zeug was a gunner on the USS Aaron Ward, and was injured in the Kamakazi attacks in Okinawa but survived. He lost some fingers when one of the planes hit his gun mount. He passed away the 25th of June, 2001 He was a hero.
CommentsI have the honor of living next door to Mr. Lou Vowvaldis. He told me the story of the Aaron Ward and lent me his copy of Brave Ship Brave Men. I would just like to add my thanks and praise for all the men of the Aaron Ward. God bless you all. CDR Roy Williams, USCGR
CommentsThere was a Zellars web site that had a lot of info and pictures.. Cant find it...Any one have any idea...Rich
CommentsPlese bear with me as I try to repair this site. Unfortunately, it was "attacked" by malwear that literally wiped out the guest book and replaced it with advertising. Thank you.
CommentsThe 2009 Aaron Ward Reunion will be held in Reno, Nevada. The dates are Thursday April 30, through Sunday May 3, 2009. For details contact : John Morgan morgan_dm34@comcast.net or Bruce Muirhead bamu@comcast.net
CommentsThe 2009 Aaron Ward Reunion will be held in Reno, Nevada. The dates are Thursday April 30, through Sunday May 3, 2009. For details contact : John Morgan morgan_dm34@comcast.net or Bruce Muirhead bamu@comcast.net
CommentsMy father was assist gunnery officery ENS, Douglas P Ferguson. He is no longer with us but we are so very proud of him and crew of the USS Aaron Ward.
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Commentsjust wanted everyone to know that machinist 3rd class merle stanley howard passed away in may of 2003 he was a great grandfather and a hero
Comments2008 USS AARON WARD REUNION - BOSTON, MA MAY 22-26. PLEASE CONTACT ME FOR DETAILS. This reminder was posted 19 FEB 2008.
Comments...Elmer Graver ((EM2/c) of Philadelphia, PA R.I.P. December 02, 2007. [JM 01/03/08]
Comments...also advised by wife Erna of the passing of Bill Ritter S1/c September 27, 2007.
Comments...sadly advising the passing of Charles J. Showalter S2/c, 87 years, of Lancaster PA on September 20, 2007.
CommentsI had no idea this site existed until today but it is pretty cool. I wanted to let you all know that my father, Wesley Toye, passed away on June 5, 2007 surround by his familiy. I always enjoyed dad's stories of his time on the Aaron Ward (which I am named after!) I was truly lucky to have such a wonderful father.
CommentsTHE SITE HAD TO BE UPDATED WITH THE CARRIER. SORRY FOR THE DELAY IS MESSAGES.
CommentsUSS AARON WARD REUNION - PHILADELPHIA, PA JUNE 14-17, 2007. PLEASE CONTACT ME FOR DETAILS or CLICK REUNIONS. This reminder was posted March 14, 2007.
Commentsdear Beverly, my uncle Richard Eugene Albers,was on the this ship. he was in the engine room and was killed. This is upsetting to our family knowing he was killed and his remains are still in the ship plus he left a 6 month old behind. We are upset with the goverment for they must have misplaced this mans records. thank you, Karen
CommentsIt is with sadness that I report the death of Stasia Ceckowski, the wife of EM3/c Frank Ceckowski on June 4th of this past summer. Frank passed away on December 7th of 2004. Stasia was near her family is New York since Frank's death. After repeated problems and failing health she just got tired and passed away peacefully. She and Frank are together again. Thanks for maintaining this great website and as always Thank You to all the Aaron Ward crewmembers for your service and sacrifices to our country. You will not be forgotten. Frank's Son-in-law Barry Bullock
CommentsThe following web page contains a review of the book "Brave Ship Brave Men" about the kamikaze attacks on the USS Aaron Ward: http://wgordon.web.wesleyan.edu/kamikaze/books/ships/lott/index.htm
Comments***REUNION 2006*** May 1-5, 2006: For crewmembers, family and friends of the U.S.S. Aaron Ward (DM34). Carnival Cruise Line’s S.S. Paradise Sailing from Long Beach, CA Reunion Contact: Jennifer Martins 1-800-819-3902 x82965 "jmartins@carnival.com" Hope to see you there!!!
CommentsWith great sadness I must tell you that my Dad James H. Cornutt passed away in October. All his Aaron Ward shipmates meant so much to him and he remembered you often. I must say a thank you to all those who planned the reunions. My mother and dad enjoyed meeting with all of you and sharing good and bad memories. Through those reunions my family was able to understand a lot of emotions that were held deep inside the men on the Aaron Ward. My children have more respect for the military because of hearing the stories those great men shared. My Dad did not talk much about the horrors of that day when the ship was hit but when he was with his shipmates he seem to feel free to relive them. Because of the great men of the Aaron Ward and all the other military men and women who served and are now serving this great country we are free. God Bless America!
CommentsMy dad was a gunners mate on the Aaron Ward and sadly he passed away on December 23,2005. He was proud to serve on the ship and spoke of it often although not in great detail. I was thrilled to find this site and truly learn what heros these men were. Gunners mate first class Joseph Ouimette
CommentsMy dad was a gunners mate on the Aaron Ward and sadly he passed away on December 23,2005. He was proud to serve on the ship and spoke of it often although not in great detail. I was thrilled to find this site and truly learn what heros these men were.
CommentsMy second cousin, Norman Alfred Gross, MN2c, was a crew member and survived the battle. When he returned home and was telling about the damage to the ship and how low it was in the water, I asked him how they ever got it back to port. He grinned and said the crew got out and pushed! My husband and I recently visited Elgin, Illinois to locate the anchor from the USS AARON WARD. We found it in the Bluff City Cemetery in an honored place among other tributes to our brave fighting men. Every Veterans' Day a ceremony is held at the site. It was a dark and dreary day when we were there, but I did take a few photos. If anyone is interested, please feel free to contact me at my e-mail address. Sadly, Norman passed away at age 35, leaving a wife and three sons. Norm was also so special to me; this web-site has brought him back to me. Thanks so much.
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CommentsMy Grandfather Leonard Kock was on the USS Aaron Ward and survived. I'm sad to say he passed away a couple weeks ago on Sept. 15th. He talked very little of his experience of being on the ship. I was just wondering if anyone had any memories or stories they could share with us. Thank you. Traci
CommentsRay L Carson was my brother and was a crew member. He died when I was 4 years old, he survived the battle and was killed in a Car accident in 1948. If anyone remembers him,I would love to hear about him. thanks Joann
CommentsSee REUNION NEWS April 19, 2005 entry in the Guest Book! Chicago. June 2-5, 2005. Be there!
CommentsDuluth News-Tribune (MN) February 9, 2005 Section: LOCAL & STATE NEWS Edition: FINAL Page: 06B Memo:DULUTH GORDON V. MOE Gordon V. Moe, 89, of Duluth passed away Feb. 8, 2005 at Edgewood Vista. He was born to Walter and Edna Moe. Gordon was a veteran of the U.S. Navy serving in the Pacific Theater during World War II. He married Mabel Johnson in 1940. Gordon was a member of the Masonic Euclid Lodge and retired after 30 years with the Duluth Board of Education. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his wife, Mabel. Gordon is survived by his son, Walter (Joyce) Moe of Ariz.; and grandson, Michael of Ariz. MEMORIAL SERVICE:will be held at a later date. Interment will take place at Sunrise Memorial Park. Services entrusted to First Memorial Funeral Chapel, 624-5050. Fireman Gordon V. Moe, USS Aaron Ward
CommentsI am writting with the sad news that my father-in law Frank Ceckowski ( Electricians Mate 3c ) died on December 7th last month. He had been sick for awhile but never let on to anyone just how serious it was. He put all hi energies and effort into taking care of wife Stasia who had been in a health facility in Florida. Frank was given a military honors burial in Easthampton Mass. with full recognition of his bronze star award and his roll aboard the Aaron Ward. I know that he would have wanted me to pass along this news to his buddies and I know that you will give him a final salute and farwell. Frank's wife Stasia is now up north with us. My wife and her two brothers flew to Fla. after the funeral to get her out of the facility down there and into one close by her family. Thank you all again for your friendship and for all you did for our country. Barry Bullock
CommentsI am researching the military service of EM2 Jerry E Smith who was one of the crew members killed in the kamikaze attack. Any former crew members remember him? Do you know where his General Quarters station was and how he was killed? Any information would be greatly appreciated. thanks, CDR Harry Thetford email: harry.t.thetford@navy.mil
CommentsTo my uncle's shipmates, Kenny Norlen was my uncle. He passed away about twenty years ago. I read the account of the battle on this website, and wondered if anyone has any information regarding my uncle's participation in the battle. I was very close to Kenny. We lived next door to each other for awhile in the late 1970's. Even then he would have nightmares now and then about that day. I am compiling as much information as I can for his daughter Candice, and would appreciate any stories I could get about Kenny's service on the USS Aaron Ward. He talked quite a bit about this ship and the battle to me as a young boy, and I grew up with great respect and admiration of her and her crew. God bless you all. Thank you that we live free. Respectfully, Greg Norlen
CommentsThe Arron Ward tied along side the Zellars when she finally made Kerama Retto and we just stared and most of us cried. No one could see how the Ward survived for she was a pile of junk from bow to stern. When we were all at treasure Island, a number of us were originally assigned to the Ward. I was one of them and feel very lucky to be reassigned to the ZELLARS. Now far to often we forget the pain that comes with loosing so many great shipmates. The ZELLARS was hit by a suicide plane on April 12 and 44 shipmates were lost. We never forget any of them God bless to all Art Barnes, historian, USS Zellars Assoc.
CommentsI was on the crew in the sonar group with J.T. Varnbrock. Tom was the 2nd class SOM. He was the electronic technician, and kept the sonar machines in operation and tuned up... and taught me a lot about electronics while I was on the ship. If anyone knows what happened to Tom after the Seattle reunion, contact me at my son's email address at rjc789@aol.com.
CommentsJust spent the July 4th wweekend with my Father-in Law Frank Ceckowski. He and wife Stasia are back up north in Mass. for the summer and doing fine. He asked me so pass along his best wishes to all his former shipmates and friends and hopes you all have a great summer. If anyone would like to contact him, just e-mail me and I can provide you with his address. He doesn't have an e-mail adress...that electricians mate training didn't include computers. As always, Thanks again guys for all you did for your country. Barry Bullock...okisahn @aol.com
CommentsReunion Update and Reminder: We are meeting with members of the USS Little and other ships from Picket Station #10 in Pittsburgh, PA beginning April 30, 2003 through May 4th. Drop me a line if you need a registration package.
CommentsMy Father-in-Law, Frank Ceckowski, former Electricians Mate 3c sends his best regards to all his former shipmates. He and wife Stacia winter in Florida and will be heading north in late spring. The past two years have been a little rough healthwise but they are both doing better and would like to thank those who sent cards and expressed their concerns. Anyone who would wish to contact Frank can do so through me at my e-mail address. Thank You, Barry Bullock Former Air Force stationed on Okinawa
CommentsWe frequently receive notes from people who tell us that a relative was not included in the roster posted on this website. The reason for this is the name of the ship. The 1st USS AARON WARD was the "Iron Duke" Destroyer 132. In 1940, she was part of the Lend Lease ships tranferred to the Royal Navy and was renamed the HMS Castleton. The 2nd USS AARON WARD was the Destroyer 483. In March 1943, she was sunk-- victim of an attack by Japanese aircraft. To add to the confusion about the name, there was also the USS WARD... Because of the confusion caused by the similiar names, a reader of the Guest Book might assume that the Roster in incomplete because of the comments that sailors were "left off" the list. I have tried to correct the misunderstandings, but am not always successful; so please allow me to state that to the best of my knowledge, the Roster is complete with the names of the Crew aboard May 3, 1945. I do, however, do my best to answer each inquiry about the "missing names". The Ship's Historians also check out these inquiries, so they are not ignored. So, if you feel I have omitted a crewmember, please let me know. I will however, need either a email address or a postal address to respond to. Either I, or one of the Historians, will attempt to help you figure out which ship your friend or relative was aboard. Thanks for your interest in this website. Beverly Cook, webmaster
CommentsI am trying to find out what gun site my fater, George L. Dart might have been on. He was a good friend to Wesley Toye and they were on the same site until before the battle.I thought my Dad was on a 40MM but not positive. Both were laundrymen!I think there was another person in the laundry also but don't know his name. Thanks you. Phyllis
CommentsWelcome to the new Bulletin Board. Please use it wisely, and avoid any information that should not be read by casual visitors (addresses, phone numbers, specific illnesses, etc). Remember, a specific page has already been created for each Crew Member, but many of those pages are still blank. Please email me (or contact me for my mailing address) to add any information or photos to these pages. There is no cost of any kind, the purpose is merely to preserve the identily of the USS AARON WARD (DM 34) and her crew. Thank you, and I hope you approve of the changes to the site. Beverly Hearn Cook, niece of Willis and Erma Guyer |
