Recovery NurseUSS REPOSE (AH-16) Bulletin Board

Last Updated: 02/17/2007

E-mail the Webmeister and I will add you message, comments, etc. to this page!

 

The 2007 USS Repose Reunion will be September 5 to 9 at the Radisson Hotel Branson, 120 South Wildwood Drive, Branson, MO 65616. Reservations 888/566-5290; Room Rate $78.00 (plus tax) per night. Must mention USS Repose Reunion. Reservations must be made by August 1, 2007. Contact Dave Lara (davegun@comcast.net;phone 415/648-3576); Dave needs volunteers!

Subject:    Uss Repose
Date: 2/5/2007 1:17:23 P.M. Mountain Standard Time
From: john_helenjoseph@msn.com

Good Morning

 My name is John  Joseph (LaMarche)  and I was a corpsman on the Repose from late 1968 to early 1970 I worked in the Recovery room prepping wounded for surgery and watching over them after surgery. I also worked in surgery from time to time.   
         I am looking for fellow corpsman that will verify that we handled wounded GI's cloths that were contaminated with Agent Orange and that we did in fact have beach parties and swim in the North China Sea relatively close to shore. 
       I am looking to see if anyone can remember a time when I think we were on our way to the P.I. or we just  hit the tail end of a typhoon and we were thrown around some. I was injured  when one of the OR tables pinned me against a wall and injured my right hip. for some reason the notes from the orthopedist didn't make into my medical record or they just got lost. I am trying to find someone that might remember  the incidents.
           I have a copy of the USS Repose year book form 1969 to 1970 I am in some of the out take pictures I am not listed as part of the hospital crew that road the Ship home to San Francisco in 1970 I had just left prior to the ship going stateside.
            I believe I am the corpsman working on the leg of the wounded GI at the bottom left  in picture No#7  of the inside back cover . Nurse Peggy (Margaret) Burrell is doing some IV med and one of the other corpsman is holding the leg while I prep it.
         I also have have vague memory of one of the doctors being an imposture from New England some place and was found out and taken off the ship. I also think I remember that he later committed suicide in Danang or a helicopter, something like that. I am looking for some verification of that as well.
 
      Just prior to leaving the service with the help of the Staff Judge advocates office I changed my name from John Joseph La Marche to just John Jospeh. My father was convicted of child molestation and I found it fare to difficult to return home with the same name. My legal name is now and has been since 1970 John Joseph.
 
Thanks for your help  on any of these issues.
 
 John Joseph
Subject:    USS REPOSE AH-16
Date:  2/10/2007 2:09:38 P.M. Mountain Standard Time
From:  matty.ledford@cemex.com

Hi Chuck, My name is Jerry Ledford and I served on the Repose from Nov. 66 to July 69. I came on board the Repose a seaman apprentice and left a Bm2. I would be interested in making contact with some of the boatcrew I served with and other Boatswains I served with. Here are some of the names I remember, Willis, Smith, Daniels, Carmilow, Stalcup, Olson, Bm2 Pine, Bm2 Morrison, Bm2 Epperly, Bm1 Moore, Bm3 Schutte and LTJG Frazier who was one of our division officers. Frazier and Olson if I remember correctly went with me into DaNang for 7 days after we had the bad accident on the captains gig trying to get the boat aboard while leaving DaNang. The weather was so rough that finally after we got the bow and stern hooked up on the way up part of the stern pulled out and we were hanging vertical while the ship was underway.  We were very lucky the bow held together till they got us back in the water. When I left the Repose in Subic Bay I went to the U.S.S.Oriskany. I got out of the Navy in March 1970. Do you no anyone who I can get a copy of the ships logs from. Email me when you have time and tell me some history about yourself and what you have done after getting out of the Navy.   Jerry Ledford

Subject: Korean war
Date: 1/27/2007 6:31:21 P.M. Mountain Standard Time
From: WRMerk1@aol.com
I served abord the repose as a MM3 Dec. 1951 to [ I believe April 1953] Wow! That goes back 50+ years. Most of my duty station was in Inchon Korea.I am 74 and still going strong.  It is a shame that a lot of these ships have to be scrapped. They hold many stories that will be lost in history.
Date:   12/23/2006 11:09:19 A.M. Mountain Standard Time
From:   ansky04@bellsouth.net

I'm a former FMF Corpsmen, i was wounded Dec 1966 and sent to the Repose. I appreciate the care i received and the care that was provided to my casualties who were sent to the Repose. Some of which returned singing the phrase of the treatment they received. I was medivaced from the ship. home

When I arrived on the Repose i was reunited with a nurse i served with stateside at the time LT. Carroll McKown. About 3 years ago we reunited via phone call's and e-mails. This past summer after 40 years we reunited and spent 3 wonderful and over due days together and we will continue to do so. Ms. Mckown retired a Capt. after 30 years of service. Through her I was fortunate enough to make contact with Capt. Kovacevich, (AKA Capt. K) as i write this i am eating  homemade cookies she sent me for Christmas.

Several years ago a Corpsmen from the Repose who i went to corp school with contacted me...Unfortunately this past year he passed away from cancer... I cherish the years we had together....

I will never forget my experiences of the Repose as i am sure many other's will also... I'm planning to make the reunion just to thank the crew for me and my guy's...

Thanks again,
john A. Colucco 

Date:   12/21/2006 8:10:19 P.M. Mountain Standard Time
From:   rdunn104@cox.net

Hello,  I just ran across this web site.  My name is Bob Dunn, I am a plank owner of the Repose, spent many months at Hunters Point in San Francisco while she was put back together.  We cruised in 1965 and what a trip it was.  I was a BT2 (Boilerman) in B Division down in the "Hole" as it was known and transferred back to the states in 1967 for discharge at Treasure Island.  It is amazing to me that almost all the responses are from corpsmen or people from the medical field.  There were so many crew members that had nothing to do with the medical end of the ship, their only job was to keep the ship underway.  Amazing as time goes by that you forget the names of others you worked and served with but their faces are always there.  Good luck forever to all that were there.

Bob Dunn
Glendale, AZ
Email: rdunn104@cox.net

Date: 12/15/2006 10:45:17 A.M. Mountain Standard Time
From: Gerald.Kearney@va.gov

I am writing for a veteran who served on the USS Repose from April 1968 through May 1970 as a MM2 air conditioning and refrigeration A Gang. We would like to here Would like to here from anyone who served with Charles Haynes during this time.  Please reply to gerald.kearney@med.va.gov.  Thank you.

Subject:  USS Repose
Date:   12/11/2006 12:32:59 P.M. Mountain Standard Time
From:   k_riddle@bellsouth.net

Hey Chuck:  I ran across your USS Repose site online and appreciate all that you are doing.  I was onboard during '69-'70 off Vietnam assigned to the Medical Supply Department and sailed with her back for her decommissioning. I was onboard the LST that 'bumped' into the side of the ship and sunk (the last picture in the back of the annual).  It was rough seas that day and JD Collins and I were bringing back supplies when the the boatswain mate bumped the side and the front fell open and the sea water came rolling in. The BM kept trying to pump out the boat with some little bilge pump thing. The guys on the Repose threw down some lines and we were hauled up the side of the ship and watched the LST sink to the bottom.

Oh yeah, I was also responsible for the legend of unfound patient that landed by chopper on board in '70. That was actually JD and I again. We had been stranded in Da Nang when the ship left us for a movement up to Quang Tri. JD and I hitched on trucks and choppers our way up and found the ship off the coast with no way to get back since the ARVN's were running the chopper out of the MASH hospital there. We talked to an American Dr. and he recommended that we find a casuality. So JD became the casuality with metal fragments in his eyes (supposedly) I became the Corpsman from the Repose taking him back. When we hit the flight deck on the Repose JD and I scrambled back to report in with Lt. Null. They paged for that patient for a long time. Lt. Null said with a smile, I knew you guys would find a way back.

At lot more stories I can tell...Like the Still in the hold and trying to get that load of Pot on board to bring back to the states from White Elephant Landing.
Let's tell some of the REAL stories.

Guys from the Med Supply Dept. Then:

Lt. Clyde Null, HM1 WH Calver, HM2 JD Collins, HM3 H Davis, HM3 C Disston, HM3 BV Hutchinson, HM2 KP Kurtz, HM2 RL Ray, HN DA Schoonover, HM3 DV Voigt, HMC CE Pennington, HMC HL Wigle, HMC JF Young, HMC JZ Hamilton and me HM3 RK Riddle.

Thanks,
Kent Riddle

USS Repose Reunion 2007 - Arrival September 05  Departure September 09

Radisson Hotel Branson
120 South Wildwood Drive
Branson, Missouri 65616

Reservations 888/566-5290    Room Rate $78.00 (plus tax) per night. Must mention USS Repose Reunion.
Reservations must be made by August 1, 2007.

Activities:
    9/05 - 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Welcome Reception -  Room location to be determined later

    9/08 -  7:00 PM to 11:00 PM Reunion Banquet Dinner, cost $35.00 per person

    9/06, 9/07, 9/08 - Continental Breakfast 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM - Room location to be determined later

    9/06, 9/07, 9/08 - Hospitality Room open to Repose shipmates 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM

Registration fee all inclusive for above activities except where separate costs are quoted. Registration Fee $50.00 per person (sorry no couples rate).

Dave Lara
USS Repose, AH16
66 - 67
davegun2@gmail.com
415 / 648-3576

Subject:   USS REPOSE
Date:   12/7/2006 1:25:16 P.M. Mountain Standard Time
From:   downtown@nettally.com

Chuck, While attached to the Naval Hospital in Long Beach, there were a number of Corpsman reassigned to the REPOSE, while it served as an auxiliary to the Main Hospital.  The Ship was anchored at Terminal Island near San Pedro and we were allowed to do an array of tasks, which included the ER, X-ray, etc.  I was then assigned to the Alcohol Rehab. Center at Terminal Island, prior to moving to the new facility at the Main Hospital.  I would love to hear from some of the people I remembered, which includes; Captain Joe Pursch, Lt. Anderson, Jim Fuller, John Epson, Chief Mc, Len Balzer, Tim Horton, etc.
I recently retired as the Internal Affairs Commander for the Tallahassee Police Dept.

Al Brown
Police Lt./ Retired
downtown@nettally.com

Subject:   USS Forrestal, 1967
Date:  11/18/2006 2:40:53 P.M. Mountain Standard Time
From:   sandiegopr@yahoo.com

I am an author (www.midwaymagic.com) working on my third book, this one about extraordinary corpsmen.  One chapter will be about the mass casualty aboard the USS Forrestal.  I'm thinking about including REPOSE corpsmen during that incredible 24 hour period.

If you have any contact info for REPOSE corpsmen aboard at time, I be greatly appreicative.  And I'd be glad to answer any questions you may have.

Scott McGaugh
Marketing Director
USS Midway Museum
www.midway.org

Subject: Hi, shipmate
Date: 11/18/2006 12:12:27 A.M. Mountain Standard Time
From: LENFED
I found Jim Tyler's Email on one of the Repose sites and sent him a message.  Jim was a plank owner like me and a corpsman.  His wife responded to the Email that Jim had passed away of lung cancer this passed August.  Just thought I let you know.  Len Federico
Subject: USS Repose
Date: 11/8/2006 5:04:43 P.M. Mountain Standard Time
From: charlie.inot@sdcda.org

My name is Charlie Inot and I served with C Company, 5th Special Forces Group (Abn). On 25 February 1968, I was wounded in action and initially medevaced to the Naval Support Activity Hospital in Da Nang.  I was subsequently flown out to the USS Repose for surgery.  I only stayed aboard for 2 or 3 days.  I remember receiving excellent treatment, great food, good looking nurses, receiving a Purple Heart from some unknown Marine General, a little rack for a bed, and painful bandage changes.  The bandages were quickly removed and liberal amounts of benadine swabbed in and around the wounds…germs never had a chance!  I still have the grenade shrapnel the Navy doctor removed and put in a small plastic container for me.  I just wanted to thank the ship's crew for their professionalism, compassion, and service to their nation. 

Subject: Repose Hospital Ship
Date: 10/23/2006 7:18:03 P.M. Mountain Standard Time
From: calvinpitt39@yahoo.com
My name is Calvin Pittman. While doing research into my family, I found that my father had many pictures of the Repose. He was a X-Ray tech in the navy and I believe looking at photos, he was on the Repose during WWII. I am not certain of this as of yet, but his full name was Zeph Lavon Pittman. I have many of the photos he took during the war, some even of the wounded being hoisted from another ship onto the Repose. I would love to know more about the Repose, especially during the WWII years. Can you help me out or point me in the right direction?
 
I also remember my dad speaking of a man with the last name of  Wouten. My dad had pictures of him and Wouten playing guitars on board the ship. I found a letter from someone called Sammy Fries or Tries written to Wouten.
 
I would be happy to share these photos with anyone that is interested.
 
Thanks in advance and God bless,
Calvin Pittman
Subject:   LCI 989 crew member
Date:   10/23/2006 8:10:05 A.M. Mountain Standard Time
From:   p.green1@comcast.net
I was part of the crew of LCI 989 in China. I arrived in Tsing Tao in 1947. From there a destroyer took us to Hong Kong where I boarded her. We were the only American vessel there. After about eight months we returned to TT, then to Tientsin, back to TT. The Commies were taking over so we left and went to Shanghai where we evacuated people and the wounded crew of the Amythest. Then we headed for the States with a stop in Subic Bay for repairs. From there after a 200 mile tow we reached Honolulu. We then proceeded to Long Beach, Ca. where I was discharged. I now live in Albq., NM, and my e-mail address id p.green1@comcast.net, and my phone is 505-298-5156. Please contact me if you get this. We could reminisce.
 
                          hoping to hear from you!
                          Forrest Green  
Subject:    Mark Garcia
Date:  10/22/2006 5:06:00 P.M. Mountain Standard Time
From:   jangarcia@sbcglobal.net

My e-mail address has changed, and I haven’t been updated on any of the Repose mail for some time.  Is there a way to update my e-mail address on the website to:

jangarcia@sbcglobal.net
My wife and I are interested in attending the Branson Reunion.  Do you know the date yet?
Thanks, and regards,
 
Mark W. Garcia  - USS Repose R-Division, SF3, 1969-1970
13421 Ascot Court
Bakersfield, CA  93314
Subject:   Uss Repose
Date:  10/21/2006 3:58:14 P.M. Mountain Standard Time
From:   j_anderson406@yahoo.com
Chuck, just ran across your Repose webpage...LOVE it.
I was an EM1 in charge of "Deactivated Spaces" on board from time of decommission till I was transferred in the fall of 1972.
Also did a little bartending down at the "Crows Nest" in Long Beach.
 
John Anderson
Subject: Lashermes, Philippe
Date: 10/4/2006 11:36:13 AM Mountain Daylight Time
From: christopher.vock@ani-food.com
Hello, Found out today (forwarding address on an envelope), that my good friend, W.O. Philippe Lashermes may have spent his last days on the USS Repose. He died of severe burns incurred 2 weeks prior when his Huey was shot down by VietCong RPG  near Danang on 14 February, 1970. If anyone remembers him, please contact me.  Many thanks.
 
PS For more info & pictures please visit his memorial on the Virtual Wall. The url is listed below my signature.
 
Christopher Vock
Case postale 32
1875 Morgins, Switzerland
 
tel +41 (0)24 477 22 00
fax +41 (0)24 477 49 22
mob +41 (0)79 213 50 54
SKYPE: amazone80
e-mail: christopher.vock@ani-food.com
http://www.virtualwall.org/dl/LashermesPL01a.htm
http://www.manchu.org/sounds/
Subject: Repose 66-68
Date: 10/3/2006 4:53:49 PM Mountain Daylight Time
From: krubackr@charter.net

I recently saw Rich Kolf send an email and it sure brought back memories.  Yes, I remember Rich, Don Younker, Coleman, Pearson, Darrow, Staggers, and so many others that sound familiar but just can’t seem to recall.  Over the course of 19 months (1 month of leave)  we had so many patients it was very hard to remember them but it is easy to remember why they were there.  Some things you will never forget.  There were a few good times, Olongapo, Hong Kong and Singapore.  I am going to try very hard to get to the reunion in Branson 2007.  I hope Rich, Don and all the others get to come also.  Its been a long long time since 1968.

Ron Kruback HN  Repose 1966 to 1968

Ron and Sharon Kruback

Subject: USSRepose/USSBenevolence
Date: 10/3/2006 9:20:23 AM Mountain Daylight Time
From: radlina@sbcglobal.net
Dear Chuck,
I did not serve on Repose but did serve on Benevolence.  I kept a log during part of my Navy service and there is an entry dated Monday, 14 October 1946 that states: "At 0951 this date the Benevolence tied up at Pier #1, Tsingtao, China, 16 actual days from San Francisco. We expect to received 110 patients from the USS Repose AH-16,  at 1230-1300. Tuesday - 10-15-46 -- Did received the above pts. The Benevolence is now operating with the U.S. 7th Fleet, as an AH.
 
Sadly, my old Benevolence,  AH-13 (unlucky 13?) died on 25 August 1950 in a fog bound collision with SS Luckenbach off the Golden Gate with the loss of 23 lives. I was out of the Navy then and about to graduate from Louisiana Tech University.  I noted with some regret that your ship, Repose, was reduced to scrap perhaps in 1970.
 
I served on Benevolence from April, 1946 to February, 1947.  That tour included duty on Benevolence during Operation Crossroads, the first post-war atomic bomb tests at Bikini during July, 1946.

Thanks for your web site and for listening to an 81 year old ex-Pharmacist's Mate 2nd class.
I entered the Navy on 28 October 1943 and served in California during the War and then on Benevolence as above. From Benevolence (in Tsingtao)  I was transferred to a tin can, USS Chevalier DD-805 in Feb. l947 until my enlistment expired in October, 1947.
 
Radford B. Allen
1804 Dakar Road, West
Fort Worth, Texas 76116-1822
Ph: 817-732-3090
Email: radlina@sbcglobal.net
-----------------------------
 When the Navy and Marine Corps look in on Heaven's Scene, they will find there, Navy Corpsmen holding them in high esteem. (tune of Marine Corps hymn)
Subject: USS Repose
Date: 9/29/2006 7:59:59 PM Mountain Daylight Time
From: williambarham@comcast.net
I was a patient on the U.S.S. Repose in the spring of 1969. I was with the 2/501, 101st.Airborne Div. and was wounded in the Au Shau Valley on Firebase Airborne. After being medivaced down south to a mobile hospital I was flown out to the Repose where I got the best care anyone could wish for.
 
After a few days I was allowed to eat "normal" food and was brought a hot Roast Beef sandwich with gravy, mashed potato's, string beans and strawberry shortcake. I kept wondering why I allowed my self to be drafted? I could have put up with four years of this Navy stuff. That old saying "The Navy gets the gravy and the Army gets the beans" was sure correct. I had been living on C/K rations and L.L.R.P.S. for a long time and my tummy just wasn't ready for all of the great food that I more or less shoveled into my mouth. Yep, about forty-five minutes after finishing all of that great food I gave it right back.. I was a little more careful after that and they were a little more careful with what they gave me. After a few days I left that wonderful ship for Cam Rhan Bay and the good
eating was over.

Thanks to all of you who served on the Repose. I don't remember any of you by name but as a whole you all took the best care of me that was possible and if I didn't thank you then, I sure do now.
 
William H. (Bill) Barham
Co.E., 2/501, 101 Airborne Div.
Subject: USS Repose
Date: 9/23/2006 11:12:02 PM Mountain Daylight Time
From: staneli@yahoo.com
My dad served as a corpsman on the Repose from 1967-68 (I think).  He mainly served in the morgue, as my mom has referred to from his letters that he sent her.  He passed away in 2003.  Does anyone know John Stanley?
 
John
Subject: Add to the list.
Date: 9/1/2006 3:25:55 PM Mountain Daylight Time
From: jjoseph@DOC1.WA.GOV

Good afternoon.

I am John Joseph(La Marche) HM2 aboard the USS Repose 1968 to 1970.  I worked in recovery and surgery.  I have for some reason blocked out most of those days. Recently I have been contacted by an old buddy from the past and we have been discussing our days together. I would like to be added to your roster and would like to continue to receive info. On the up and coming reunion in 2007.

When I left the service in 1970, I in time went back to school and finished a degree in Nursing and did some post grad work and became a Certified Family Nurse Practitioner I did private practice for 22 years and in 1995 I sold the practice and started working for a local Indian tribe and am now working for the Department of Corrections in a max. security prison as a primary care provider to inmates.  All the Corpsman training from my years in country on the ship were not wasted.

E-mail  John_helenjoseph@msn.com
Phone ( 360) 452-6453
Thanks John Joseph.

 

 

Subject: USS REPOSE
Date: 8/29/2006 10:12:55 AM Mountain Daylight Time
From: gbaker@lex-co.com
I am the Veterans Affairs Officer for Lexington County, South Carolina. One of our veterans, Tim Staples, served on the USS Repose from September 1969 until it returned to Long Beach in 1970. Tim was Coxswain of a LCVP boat crew responsible for transporting wounded and dead sailors and Marines to the Repose.  We are trying to locate the ship's log to verify the loss the ship's anchor in February-March 1970 and the lifting boat cable snapping while hoisting the boat.
 
If any members can provide a copy of the ship's log for this time period or can verify these incidents, please contact me.
 

Gary R. Baker

Lexington County Veterans Affairs Officer

605 West Main Street, Suite 101

Lexington, SC 29072

(803) 785-8401

(803) 785-0115 (fax)

gbaker@lex-co.com

Subject: USS REPOSE
Date: 8/19/2006 2:32:12 PM Mountain Daylight Time
From: Gotimemasters@aol.com
I guess at this time just include me in the list of people that served on the REPOSE.
I at the time John Fuller HM3. I worked on the 2 Vietnamese wards. The doctor I worked with
was Doctor Bird. I have a book of pictures.
 
thank you,
JOHN FULLER
Subject: Henry (Hank) Hill, HM2
Date: 8/1/2006 10:08:48 AM Mountain Daylight Time
From: kasey-johnson@earthlink.net

My father Henry Hill, better known to his shipmates as Hank Hill has recently passed away. He was stationed on the USS REPOSE from January - November 1969 during Vietnam and he worked in triage. He loved reading the bulletin board and trying to contact old friends. I know he misses you all and I know he will be missed.  In loving memory of my father, the greatest man I ever knew. 

Kasey L. Johnson, Realtor
SILVER OAKS REALTY, INC.
7025 FORT KING ROAD
ZEPHYRHILLS, FL 33541
OFFICE 813-782-6900
FAX 813-715-1725
EMAIL:  kasey-johnson@earthlink.net
Visit my website at kasey-johnson.mfr.mlxchange.com

Subject: Repose Pank owner Dental Tech.
Date: 7/28/2006 1:29:44 PM Mountain Daylight Time
From: jmccleave@redshift.com
I was a plank owner of The Repose I reported to the Naval Shipyard  Hunters Point In 1965 to put the ship in commission. I came up from Port Hueueme to be on the pre commission crew.  I was a Dental Tech. First Class at tech time.  I remained aboard  until about  mid 1967. I then went to North Island to await a new assignment. I received orders to the USS  Markab Ar23  which latter also went to Viet Nam, Vong Tau. I the went to the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey Ca. and retired from there in 1971 I still live in the Monterey area.
   John S. McCleave DTC, usn Ret.
E. Mail jmccleave@redshift.com
Subject:    Death of Shipmate 1966
Date:   7/21/2006 1:45:48 PM Mountain Daylight Time
From:   jds1947@bellsouth.net
Chuck, I now have the ship deck logs for Sept. 1, 1966 thru Sept 10 1966.  The ship logs say we left the Philippines Sept. 3rd, Steamed to Hong Kong and stayed there until Sept 10, 1966. As you know our shipmate was injured Sept 3 and Died on Sept 6. I thought we were on the line when he died. I have been wanting to have his name engraved on the wall. I also now have A copy of his DD1300 that states he died in Hong Kong Harbor. The deck logs do not even mention his death. I know his name, his widows name, his children's names, his father and mothers name. Again: Does anyone remember going to Hong Kong in September 1966?
Jimmy
 
email for more information
Subject:     Ship Patches
Date:   7/19/2006 7:33:38 AM Mountain Daylight Time
From:   aapproach@comcast.net

Chuck I wanted to let you know in case you were interested that we have the USS Repose patches available for sale at www.mcgrogans.com

I just wanted to let you know just in case you might want them for your site. Regards.

Subject:  USS Repose patient '68
Date: 7/8/2006 9:02:22 AM Mountain Daylight Time
From: kmpoak@monmouth.com

I was wounded by damaged ammunition at Dong Ha, Vietnam, on September 1, 1968 while serving with MCB 7 (Seabees). After my initial treatment for shrapnel wounds and broken ear drums at Delta Med, Dong Ha, and the field hospital at Quang Tri, I was medivaced to the USS Repose. I still remember that Army chopper, and in particular, the machine gunner who was hanging out of the window and giving me the thumbs up sign as I was carted away from the landing deck. I also remember that within a day or two we rode out a typhoon. I still had a splitting headache from a spinal at Quang Tri, and between the storm and the headache, I was as sick as a dog.

I spent the next two weeks on the Repose before being sent to the Naval Hospital in Guam. I met a lot of great friends in those two weeks, only to be swept away to the next destination at a moment’s notice. But I still remember them, and the comradeship we shared. Most of all, I must commend all of the officers, crews and personnel that made the USS Repose what it was. You’ll never know just how much you meant to so many of us. My God bless you.

 

Philip E. Parratt (Bu 2)

Oakhurst, N.J.

Subject:  In need of help with a name . . .
Date:  6/30/2006 4:21:10 PM Mountain Daylight Time
From: shtims@bellsouth.net
I am working on a memoir for a Navy nurse and am looking for the correct name of the Army nurses' quarters in Phu Bai where this Navy nurse that served on the USS Repose and USS Sanctuary has mentioned that she stayed.  She referred to staying there for a couple of weeks and the name of the nurses' quarters is "For Chastity" or some such thing.  Can you please help?  I really wish to have the correct name before printing off this memoir.  Please disregard this message if this is too vague.  Thank you for your consideration.
 
shtims@bellsouth.net
Nashville, TN
Subject: Free Navy Log Enrollment
Date: 6/16/2006 8:13:43 AM Mountain Daylight Time
From: dandkmichael@comcast.net

The United States Navy Memorial in Washington, DC is now offering FREE Navy Log Enrollment.  See details on their website at www.navymemorial.org.

PASS THE WORD!!!

Dave & Karen Michael

Subject: Patient 1967, USS Repose
Date: 6/15/2006 4:35:57 PM Mountain Daylight Time
From: sbickford47@bellsouth.net
I was a patient, for a short period of time, on the Repose , sometime around June of 1967. Received shrapnel  wound on attack of Dangang Air Base. Was motorized out to the ship, was taken very good care of, and met allot of really great people. Recovered in about a month and off boarded the Repose and went back to my squadron, VQ-1, in Danang. 
 
Managed to get some super 8 movies of the USS Forrestal, after her mishap, the Repose was sent out to take on the dead and wounded, then cruised back to Danang.
Subject: James Schroepfer
Date: 5/31/2006 9:41:30 PM Mountain Daylight Time
From: sharkgerrr@yahoo.com
I just want to thank you for organizing the Repose reunions... My father-in-law, James Schroepfer attended the reunion in Las Vegas a couple years ago and it was a wonderful experience for him.  He was aboard the repose while serving with the U.S. Navy during the Korean war.
 

It is however with a heavy heart,  that I report that "Jim" passed away Tuesday May 30th 2006. 

Just passing on the information as I know he was in touch with some of his former shipmates because of this site over the past few years.
 
Once again thank you for your efforts!
 
God Bless
 
Mark Goerlinger
Subject: March - April 1968
Date: 5/29/2006 3:08:26 PM Mountain Daylight Time
From: ELangrand@archcoal.com

At that time, March 27, 1968, I was one of the few ARMY (101st Airborne) patients on board.  My first operation was on the Repose.  Everyone, all the crew, was the best.  We did a couple of weeks in Subic Bay.  Something every 20 year old male should experience.  The Navy crew and the Marine patients treated me great.  It is a memory that has lasted forever.

 

Thanks to all

To: navyretiredii@yahoogroups.com
From: "airgunner99" <airgunner99@yahoo.com>
Date: Thu, 11 May 2006 15:13:46 -0000
Subject: [Navy Retired II] USS Forrestal


At out recent monthly meeting of the AAO, we had, as our guest, Capt. Dave Lepard, USN, also the AAO President, who gave a lengthy presentation as to the status of Aviation ordnance in the current Navy which was most interesting. He also related to us an upcoming film on the National Geographic Channel's show "Seconds from Disaster" which he assisted in the filming of aboard the USS John F.Kennedy, CV-67, and at a site in the state of New York. This film will be about the disaster aboard USS Forrestal, CVA-59, in July 1967 which has received much notoriety. He advised that it will be a very factual account and will be based on actual facts available. Did advise that there have been some minor changes from the actual incident due to non availability of equipment or material. Further advised that the film will be shown in early to mid July of this year. Am looking forward to it as it occured on my watch although I was not physically there. Local newspaper, Florida Times Union in Jacksonville, Fla., recently ran a front
page article concerning the filming. Thought that many group members might be interested due to the nature of the film and the impact that incident had on the Navy at that time and subsequently, mainly to fire fighting and damage control procedures.

Subject: Repose reunion 2007
Date: 5/21/2006 10:05:15 AM Mountain Daylight Time
From: Churchlady250
I was aboard the repose after it was decommissioned in Long Beach, CA 10-70.  I set-up blood donor center in Repose on pier 17 terminal island.  I had an opportunity to review transfusion records of Repose during Viet Nam era.  I found the number of transfusions given to patients at that time to be overwhelming!
 
I graduated from the first 8415 Med Tech class in Bethesda and would like to find fellow classmates.  I now live in Ozark, MO and will contact Dave about organizing the 2007 reunion in Branson, which is about 25 miles from our home.
 
I can be contacted at cdrted@yahoo.com.
 
Thanks
Ted Bourbon, USN Ret
Subject: U.S. Repose
Date: 5/7/2006 9:43:55 AM Mountain Daylight Time
From: UCPAT@aol.com
I was 17 years old and a member of the crew that served aboard her during her commission in 1945.  We went to the China Theather and served 11 months, primarily in Shanghai.  I was aboard her during the Typhoon.  I was on duty in the forward crowsnest when the sea got too rough I was ordered down.  It was sure a rough ride.
 
I left the ship in Shanghai with my good friend Harold "Popeye" Pelkey.  Popeye and I enlisted together.
 
I would love to make the reunion if possible.
 
Avery W. Perkins "Smokey"
Subject: Dr. James Usselman
Date: 3/23/2006 2:10:51 PM Mountain Standard Time
From: Gusselman@regentsbank.com

My family is preparing to place a plaque of my father, Dr. James Usselman, at the war memorial on the top of Mt. Soledad in San Diego.  He was a Radiologist on the USS Repose from I believe 1966 - 1968.  If anyone remembers him I would very much like to hear from you.

Greg Usselman
Regents Bank
First Vice President
1701 SE Columbia River Dr., Ste. 115
(360) 693-0786  Phone
(360) 281-8925  Cell
gusselman@regentsbank.com

Subject: military nurses
Date: 3/1/2006 8:54:36 AM Mountain Standard Time
From: pmueller@mailbolt.com

Dear Chuck, I want to ask your help with a project conceived to salute the few good men in nursing.

In the coming months, a web site will be online called RNmen.com which will feature articles written by and about male nurses both military and civilian.  The site will also educate the public on the contribution of these honorable men and the career opportunities that exist in nursing for men.  Would you mind asking the guys that post on your web site if they know a male nurse...retired or currently practicing who would be interesting in contributing content to the project.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,
Peter Mueller
http://www.RNmen.com

Subject: USS Repose Operating Room
Date: 3/3/2006 6:24:12 PM Mountain Standard Time
From: DRG200800@peoplepc.com
I was on the USS Repose from Oct. 66 to May 68 and worked in the operating room as an operating room tech.  Anyone I worked with please contact me at drg200800@yahoo.com.  Thanks.   David Griffith
Subject:  Repose 1951-1955
Date: 2/23/2006 9:55:28 AM Mountain Standard Time
From: theresadipasqual@aol.com
My name is Urban Di Pasquale from Conshohocken, Pennsylvania.  I served as corpsman on the Repose from January 1951 until 1955.  Am I the only old guy left?  I would appreciate any information you can give me.  Sincerely, Urban Di Pasquale
 
You can reach me at     theresadipasqual@aol.com       Many thanks!
Subject: forty-year-old memories
Date: 2/16/2006 11:11:24 AM Mountain Standard Time
From: milller@lmi.net

1. Nurse Dolly D in her two piece bathing suit on the sundeck.

2. The number of medicine balls lost in the South China Sea probably due to the
     catcher looking at #1.

3. Typhoon Nancy.

4. The remarkable job the engineers did keeping that ship working.

5. The collision that sent the oiler to Japan with a banner that read "We were
kissed
     by the angel of the orient."

6. The Forrestal disaster.

7. The day the Sanctuary arrived when our banner read " You have the duty
    tonight followed by the the need for both of us to work due to the influx
    of many casualties.

8. Robert Stack greeting the men in the urology ward. Many were there
    because of highly resistant GC. He very well could be the first Hollywood
    star who actually got it shaking hands.
 

 

Subject: Repose 66-68
Date: 1/28/2006 8:27:10 AM Mountain Standard Time
From: kilkel0426@verizon.net
I served on the Repose from 66-68 in the physical therapy dept.  Just found your website  and would love to hear from anyone who remembers me  .I was an HM2 at that time.  Was there doing the Forrestal incident and worked in triage at that time.  I remember that Raymon Burr was on board at that time.  Gary Everson SFC/Hm2
Subject: my father served on the repose
Date: 1/13/2006 8:38:50 PM Mountain Standard Time
From: casper6815@adelphia.net
chuck,  my name is dan coleman.  my father is john coleman and he served on the repose from 68  to 70.  i would like to keep in communication with you about any info about the ships history and some info about the next reunion because i would like to fly him to it .  He always talks about it and im very proud that he did so i think him getting together with his brothers again would be great .  so if you could email me back  that would be greatly appreciated.
 dan coleman  alcole151@yahoo.com
Subject:  Dr. Lederman
Date: 1/4/2006 12:24:44 AM Mountain Standard Time
From: ndms_images@yahoo.com
Chuck,  I was an HM2 who flew helicopter MEDEVACS in the DaNang area out to both the Repose and the Sanctuary during 1969-1970. During this time we had a Navy Physician (Commander) who was said to be a surgeon on the Repose, and who hung around our unit for awhile before he was KIA on a MEDEVAC flight on 11/29/69.  His name was Melvin Lederman.
 
I am writing a book about MEDEVAC Corpsman and Doctors. I am very interested in finding out more about Dr. Lederman, particularly why, if he was Repose MD, was he hanging around our dispensary at MAG-16 @ Marble Mountain?
 
I would appreciate hearing back with ANY information about Dr. Lederman from those that knew him and about his activities in Vietnam. There was confusion about whether he was a surgeon or a psychologist/psychiatrist type.
 
As for me, I got out in 1970 and have been a Physician Assistant since 1974, thanks to my Navy experience. My oldest son ended up as a Corpsman as well with the Marines in Iraq in 2003.
 
Thank you for any assistance you may be able to provide me.
 
                                                                       Bruce Williams Burden
Subject:  repose
Date: 1/2/2006 10:45:48 PM Mountain Standard Time
From: k7yqm4@charter.net
Hi Chuck,  my name is Robert Lodge and I wonder if any one who knew me would give me their address or e-mail.   I was on the repose 65-67.
Robert Lodge k7yqm4@charter.net or 3764 Rogue River Hwy #20 Grants Pass, or 97527
thank you
Subject:   repose questions
Date: 12/26/2005 5:14:59 PM Mountain Standard Time
From: Gizmolp@aol.com
I went aboard June 1965 at Hunters Point, Ca. to recommision the Repose to go to Viet Nam. Left Dec or so of 1966. Stayed on board till 1967 as BM 2nd class. I would like to hear from anyone who was there at that time. My name is Lupe Salaz from Cheyenne, WY. I now reside in Tucson, AZ. Thanks.
Subject: Searching
Date: 12/8/2005 6:09:52 AM Mountain Standard Time
From: jdbandy@swbell.net

My dad was CLAUDE EDWARD STEVENS and went by STEVE.  He was on the USS Repose around 1965-1967.  He was a CORPSMAN.  I would love to hear more about my Dad and his time on board.  He died in February 2005.  Dad was a native TEXAN.
Thank you for any information you may have on my Dad and thank you for serving for us.
Pamela Bandy

Subject: AVAILABLE, Song And Service For Ship And Field Book
Date: 12/1/2005 10:08:08 AM Mountain Standard Time
From: klingon1@sbcglobal.net
I have available a copy of the Song And Service For Ship And Field stamped U.S.S Repose (AH-16) 1942.  It also has a Protestant sunday service pamphlet.  The top 2 names read Capt G.R. Over, USN CO and H.B. Kirkham, CDR, USNR, XO.  If anyone is interested in acquiring this, I would be willing to sell it for a very fair price.
 
Richard
Pages For The Ages
Subject: change of E mail address
Date: 10/26/2005 4:42:07 PM Mountain Daylight Time
From: frostyfrog50@peoplepc.com

Greetings :Realize your busy but I hope your finding time to wet a little line.Made a change in ISP ,

  From Bellring20@aol.com
to    FrostyFrog50@peoplepc.com
 
Thanks R Gunther 45  46 Uss Repose HC 3c      X Ray Dept
Subject: Sniper
Date: 11/5/2005 8:17:47 AM Mountain Standard Time
From: colinmcgee@wyan.org
I was a sniper with the 7th marines and had two visits on the ship once in Oct 68 (fever unknown origin) then again in Feb 69 for a injury from a land mine. From there back to the world met some great people on the ship from patients to Medical personnel and Red Cross staff, I made a new navy policy on the ship but you had to be there know what I am talking about. Just want to say thanks and special thank to the Corp Man from Texas with the big handle bar mustache
 
Colin (sniper) McGee
Subject: USS Repose
Date: 10/8/2005 4:39:36 PM Mountain Daylight Time
From: la.palmer@comcast.net
I was stationed with Brian Driscoll, BT3 at Great Lakes. I was attending MM"A" School at the time.  He had just finished a tour on the Repose in Vietnam.  I was with him on liberty in Milwaukee, when he met his future wife, Dian.
 
Charles E. Palmer
Subject: NMCSD
Date: 9/25/2005 4:45:06 PM Mountain Daylight Time
From: RABelmares@nmcsd.med.navy.mil

USS Repose,  I just wanted to thank you for the privilege it was to be part of your reunion.  I enjoyed spending time and getting to know many of you.  I realize that you all paved the way for many of us and owe you our sincere gratitude. Thanks again for the visit.
Very respectfully,
LCDR Rene Belmares

Subject: See you on 20 SEP 05 for reunion @ Naval Medical Center
Date: 9/16/2005 5:29:37 PM Mountain Daylight Time
From: dachefy@cox.net
Greetings,
    See you at the USS REPOSE reunion on Tuesday at the Naval Medical Center San Diego, I am a Navy Culinary Specialist and will assist in this reunion. My shipmates and I are looking forward to making this as memorable as possible. Thank you all for your service before us. - CSSN McCrillis
Subject: Served aboard 1947/1948
Date: 9/8/2005 9:53:37 AM Mountain Daylight Time
From: Chiefboats77
Hi Chuck,  I served aboard Repose as Chief Boatswain Mate (PA).  I played on the football team, that winter.  Looking forward, hoping to see if any of my old shipmates will be at the reunion.  Looking forward to some sea stories.
   Chief Jack Stecker/ Chaplain, NCPOA
      Fair winds, and Smooth Seas
Subject: uss repose
Date: 9/8/2005 2:24:59 AM Mountain Daylight Time
From: rabbit@cfw.com
I was Ship's Company SN RONALD W. HISERMAN (RON) on the USS REPOSE  in the late 60"s. I was Chaplin VEST yeoman for awhile-sang in the Ship's Choir and worked in the Ship's Personnel Office until I  received orders for Personnelman's School in San Diego.  We steamed off the coast RVN -anchoring off DaNang and I helped when the USS Forrestal had its big fire off the DMZ----went to Subic Bay many times-also Hong Kong. Singapore and crossed the Equator and will never forget my induction to Neptunes Court.  I came right out of Boot Camp (Great Lakes) to the REPOSE---went on to serve on the USS Nanahala and oiler out of Newport RI (MED CRUISES) and ended up my enlistment at Little Creek as the personnelman PN3 for UDT Team 21-22 and Seal Team.  I lived in Waynesboro, VA Retired and Happily married to my childhood sweetheart.    you can reach me @ rabbit@ntelos.com   Let me here about all the news from the USS Repose
Subject: ref locating nurse / BMCS from Oct 1967
Date: 9/4/2005 6:38:07 PM Mountain Daylight Time
From: anabb234@hotmail.com
I was medevac'd to USS Repose Oct 1967 from DaNang Hospital with GSW T&T rt chest . I was one of three Navy patients during the 22 day stay. There was a BMCS who was the CMAA at the time who along with a Nurse from Kentucky>. after I convinced the doctor to let me go ashore in Hong Kong--I realized I had no uniform ( couldn't see wearing the Marine loaner uniform).. The BMCS and the Nurse came up with Navy White uniform-correct Bm2 stripes etc. When all my tubes were pulled--I spent all awakening time roaming the ship--as a sailor , I was given free run of the ship--I had a problem remaining in the hospital bed after tubes came out-- she had to track me down to give me meds etc/mail if I had any etc.
Like most of us--we went back to the rice paddies and tried to go on with our lives. These two --(along with all onboard) touched our lives forever.
These two were also instrumental in asking me to obtain some holy water when the ship pulled back into DaNang and I got off the ship long enough to get my pay record.
Seems the CMAA was to meet all boats and take any "evidence". I was carrying a large box marked __LAB SPECIMENS__DO NOT DELAY
Later that night there was a get together which I was invited to--seems when the patient load dropped--they closed some of the wards for some. well deserved relaxation !!!
I was to do 7  1/2 years in Vietnam before it was done.
Also went on to do 30 years --that ended when Slick Willy started sending pink slips to a lot of folks. I retired in 1995.
I went to school for five years -VA VOC Rehab--for Gunsmithing-I have been with the 1ST Special Forces at Ft. Lewis , Wa. for almost 6 years as their primary weapons repair guy--still having fun--still got something to wake up for.
Any information on any of these folks would be greatly appreciated. Thanks,  SEADOG
Aubrey O. Nabb
BMCM, USN, RET.
Subject: USS Repose
Date: 9/3/2005 2:01:37 PM Mountain Daylight Time
From: yzr1000@cox.net

Sometime in late July or early August of 1967 I was a guest on the Repose after a a run in with a mine on a night patrol with Fox-2-1.  In ICU at first then with the general patient population later, the USS Repose was like a haven of civility in a sea of obscene violence.

After a couple of weeks the ship left DaNang. By the time the ship docked in Singapore I was physically able to leave for shore where we were greeted and treated by members of the British 40th Commando. These guys were incredible and spared nothing. Had the wildest and most memorable time of my life as their guest. It was a very active night and some wounds reopened and needed to be attended to when I got back. Since I was (officially) not OK-ed for shore leave I had some explaining to do but the staff of the USS Repose were understanding and nothing bad ever came of it. For that and everything else, I will always be grateful to all the crew and staff of the Repose and to the great ship herself.

The story is a lot more colorful but that is the long and short of it. Glad I found you guys on the internet.

LJM  Les, USMC Grunt

Subject: Repose Nurses
Date: 9/1/2005 6:16:32 PM Mountain Daylight Time
From: ngwrn@sbcglobal.net

I was on the Repose 2/68-2/69 and have had very little contact with former shipmates.  I would like to hear from some and know who and how they are doing.  I was known as Nancy E-A and worked ortho and the women's and children's ward the most.  Thank you for the opportunity to
stay in contact.

Subject: Mac Miller HM3
Date: 8/29/2005 2:32:34 PM Mountain Daylight Time
From: breaker117@MSN.COM
On may 10, this year I attended the services of Mac Miller who served on the USS Repose in 1965 and 1966. He went FMF in 1967 and was assigned to my unit, 1st plt, Alpha company, 3rd recon Battalion located at Khe Sahn at the time. On May 10, 1967 Mac was part of a seven man patrol attacked by NVA. He and 3 marines of the patrol were killed and MIA till this year. several other marines were wounded and a chopper pilot killed. I am writing a history  which includes Mac. I would like to attend the upcoming reunion and interview any one that may have known him. Anyone who is not going to attend the reunion but would like to contribute what they knew of him I would be glad to make arrangement to do so.
 
Roger Wines
Subject: USS Repose - Capt. William O. Britton
Date: 8/20/2005 9:53:52 PM Mountain Daylight Time
From: kleaveland@comcast.net
Dear Chuck,
   My grandfather was Captain William O. Britton.  I have several photos of the ships including one of it in dry dock, one of its Captain and department heads, and one of its medical officers.
Susan Britton Kleaveland
Subject: USS Repose Shipmates 66-68
Date: 8/22/2005 4:55:27 PM Mountain Daylight Time
From: richardkolf@emailforless.net
My grand daughter became a Marine in the last couple of weeks and in our letters she asked me "What did you do in the war GRAND DADDY?" I told her a short synopsis of the Repose and then the flood of memories came back. I remembered the doctors: MacDonald, Hansen and Gorman. I remembered the nurses: DiMartini, Grace, Lee, Leonard and Riddle. I remembered corpsman: Waldrum, Pearson, J.C. Coleman, Younker, Darrow, Krubeck, Wymore, Ketchum and Keane. There are so many names and faces that constantly hit the gray matter of my brain that I hope that there are some out there that are reading this. Contact with the crew would be a good thing. I guess the word "grand-daddy" showed me how fast time goes by and the up coming reunion put the icing on top of the cake. The ship is long gone but the spirit that made her alive is still present in her crew.
          Never forgetting,
                             Rich Kolf  Oct 66 to Apr 68 (B-1 Ortho) 
Subject: Repose Birth
Date: 8/21/2005 7:25:03 PM Mountain Daylight Time
From: jenny@proulxguitars.com
I was born, at sea, on the Repose on July 20, 1948.  My father was stationed in Tsingtao at that time.  I thought I may have been the only baby born on a US Navy hospital ship.  It's always been a matter of pride, with me, that I was born on this great ship.  In reading through the posts, I just found someone who was born the day before me, on the Repose!  'Tis surely a very small world.

Jenny Talton-Proulx
Nellie Lake, Ontario
jenny@proulxguitars.com   
www.proulxguitars.com

Subject: Jack Warren AndersonCWO2 Ret
Date: 8/9/2005 3:14:35 AM Mountain Daylight Time
From: moxie104@cox.net
Dear Chuck, I am trying to locate CWO2 Jack Warren Anderson. He served on the USS Repose in 1969 I think. I kept in touch with him but lost track when  he retired. I hope he didn't die on me.
Thanks,L A Gaudreau
I am at moxie104@cox.net
Subject: USS Repose - Frazier Elwood "Woody" Collins, USMC
Date: 8/1/2005 8:36:07 PM Mountain Daylight Time
From: engineer4828@yahoo.com

Hello.  I came across your website today and wanted to contribute to the message board.  I was very surprised and pleased to find a site dedicated to the USS Repose and her crewmembers.  My father served in the Marine Corps during Vietnam, and for some of his time, he served aboard the USS Repose.  He is alive and well today, by the grace of God.  If anyone remembers him, please email me and let me know.  I'll pass any responses on to him and I will be showing him the website soon.  His name is Frazier Elwood Collins, and he went by the nickname "Woody".  You may email me at engineer4828@yahoo.com if this rings a bell.

Thank you,
Byron Collins (Son of Frazier Elwood "Woody" Collins, USMC Vietnam Veteran)

Subject: PTSD
Date: 7/25/2005 9:37:54 AM Mountain Daylight Time
From: kappen.j@comcast.net
I served on the USS Repose as an OR Tech "69 and '70.  I am searching for anyone who has successfully filed a claim for PTSD as a result of serving on the USS Repose or the USS Sanctuary.  Would also like to hear from other shipmates who served in the OR at the same time.   Please contact me at kappen.j@comcast.net.
 
Jim Kappen
HM3
Subject: uss repose
Date: 7/20/2005 10:14:37 PM Mountain Daylight Time