Send an email to the webmaster, to get items posted here.
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From: "Midway Tooling \"One Stop Shop for 40 years\"" <mtminc@wctatel.net>
Date: December 30, 2006 10:05:21 AM EST
To: <barbeeg@hartcom.net>
Subject: Renshaw DDE499 crew list
Hello,
My Dad, Lenis "Pete" Woelfel has a picture of this ship as his navy picture. Is there anyway to verify that he was on this ship??? Time served would have been the early 50's. Dad passed away December 25, 1986 at age 54.
Thanks much,
John Woelfel-------
From: JOHN BAXTER <jbax01@sbcglobal.net>
Date: 2006/11/10 Fri AM 12:41:30 GMT
To: renshaw499@tellink.net
Subject: U.S.S Renshaw DDE499
I served on the U.S.S. Renshaw DDE499 as a Radioman in 1959 and 1960. I would like to correspond with other shipmates and share experiences while on board the ship. Also, any info about the next reunion because I would like to attend.-------
From Webmaster
We had a note from Don McElfresh in Dallas. He has undergone some serious heart surgery in the past few days. He is in recovery now and seems to have weathered this storm pretty well. Don and Becky are regulars at all our reunions and they have a lot of friends among all the Renshaw crew. I'm sure Don would like to hear from you.
Glenn
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From: "redtop46@sbcglobal.net" <redtop46@sbcglobal.net>
Date: November 6, 2006 11:45:08 PM EST
To: <barbeeg@hartcom.net>
Subject: RENSHAWMY NAME IS ''JAMES ''RED'',MCKINSTRY, I WAS ON THE SHIP FROM 1965 THU 1968 AS A SHIPSERVICE MAN RATE SH 3 CUT HAIR IN THE BARBERSHOP,RAN THE SHIPSTORE, AND WORKED IN THE LAUNDRY..I'VE REACHED TWO GUYS WHO WERE ON THE SHIP WHEN I WAS THERE... IT'S BEEN A LONG TIME AGO ..I'M FROM ST.LOUIS,MISSOURI...E-MAIL IS,'' REDTOP46@SBCGLOBAL.NET HOPE TO HEAR FROM SOMEONE... THANKS 'BIG' JIM
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From: Moose <moose1919@mindspring.com>Date: November 5, 2006 5:58:45 PM EST
Subject: MESSAGE FROM MIKE PAIGE'S DAUGHTER (BARBARA GARDNER)
Dear All,
It is with great regret that I inform you that my father, Mike Paige, passed away on Saturday, November 4, 2006, after a long battle with heart disease, Parkinson's Disease and diabetes.
Services will be held at the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Memorial cemetery.
The cemetery is located in Arneytown, North Hanover Township, Burlington County on Province line Road, which intersects Route 664 to the north of the cemetery and Routes 537 and 528 to the south. It's central location, 15 miles southeast of Trenton, makes it easily accessible from the New Jersey Turnpike, the Garden State Parkway and Interstates 195 and 295.The cemetery is a contemporary memorial type with all grave markers flush with ground level. It covers 225 acres and was designed to accommodate 154,000 veterans and their family members.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, please make a donation in dad's name to either the American Heart Association, The Parkinson's Foundation, or the American Diabetes foundation.
Dad was a wonderful father, husband, son and brother, as well as a member of the "GREATEST GENERATION", and he will be missed by many, many people; however, his legacy will live on through his kids, grandkids and great-grandchildren.
PLEASE DO NOT REPLY TO THIS E-MAIL AS THIS ACCOUNT WILL BE SHUT DOWN SHORTLY.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, YOU CAN WRITE TO ME AT THE FOLLOWING E-MAIL ADDRESS:
barbinbangor@gmail.com
Sincerely,
Barbara Gardner-------
From: Vicki Paxton <vpaxton@sbcglobal.net>
Date: October 29, 2006 2:57:49 PM EST
To: barbeeg@hartcom.net
Subject: Ship's Patch
Hi there!
My husband served on the Renshaw in 1964-65, and I'd like to find a ship's patch from the Renshaw to include in a military display case I'm putting together honoring his Navy service. He served on two other ships, and I have the patches from those two -- the Renshaw patch would make the display complete. If anyone out there still has one and would be willing to part with it (for a price, of course!), I'd really appreciate hearing from you.
Vicki Paxton--------
The Old Navy
Written by a World War Two Sailor
Come gather round me lads and I'll tell you a thing or two; About the way we ran the Navy in nineteen forty two.When wooden ships and iron men were barely out of sight; I am going to give you some facts just to set the record right.
We wore the ole bell bottoms, with a flat hat on our head; Always hit the sack at night and never "went to bed."
Our uniforms were worn ashore and we were mighty proud; Never thought of wearing civvies, in fact they were never allowed.
Now when a ship puts out to sea I'll tell you son it hurts; When suddenly you notice that half the crew is wearing skirts.
And it's hard for me to imagine, a female boatswains mate; Stopping on the Quarter deck to make sure her stockings are straight.
What happened to the KiYi brush, and the old salt-water bath; Holy stoning decks at night cause you stirred old Bosn's wrath!
We always had our gedunk stand and lots of pogey bait; And it always took a hitch or two ,just to make a rate.
In your seabag all your skivvies, were neatly stopped and rolled; And the blankets on your sack had better have a three-inch fold.
Your little ditty bag, it is hard to believe just how much it held; You wouldn't go ashore with pants that hadn't been spiked and belled.
We had scullery maids and succotash and good old SOS; And when you felt like topping off, you headed for the mess.
Oh we had our belly robbers but there weren't too many gripes; For the deck apes were never hungry and there were no starving snipes.
Now you never hear of Davey Jones, Shellbacks Or Pollywogs; And you never splice the mainbrace to receive your daily grog.
Now you never have to dog a watch or stand the main vent; You even tie your lines today, back in my time they were bent.
We were all two-fisted drinkers and no one thought you sinned; If you staggered back aboard your ship, three sheets to the wind.
And with just a couple hours of sleep you regained your usual luster; Bright eyed and bushy tailed- you still made morning muster.
Rocks and shoals have long since gone, and now it's UCMJ; Then the old man handled every thing if you should go astray.
Now they steer the ships with dials, and I wouldn't be surprised; If some day they sailed the damned things from the beach computerized.
So when my earthly hitch is over, and the good Lord picks the best; I’ll walk right up to HIM and say, "Sir, I have but one request."
'Let me sail the seas of Heaven in a coat of Navy blue; Like I did so long ago on earth way back in nineteen-forty two.'
(This was sent in by a couple different shipmates. The author is unknown.)
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We don't have to have poetry by unknown authors, We have our own Ed Brown to provide our rhymes (sometimes they rhyme).. When the muse is upon him, he cranks out some heartfelt verses about the Renshaw. Here are two short poems that he sent in by mail after our reunion in Buffalo.
Ed wrote that one on his flights going to Buffalo. He wrote this second one while one his way home.
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From: Owllee143@aol.com
Date: October 4, 2006 6:40:20 PM EDT
To: barbeeg@hartcom.net
Subject: Re: Purple Heart Hall of HonorHi Glen. It's me again! Thank you for your kind words on the web site. As I'm gathering all this information regarding Uncle Carol, I'm thinking how many men or women might not know of this museum that will open it's doors on Nov. 10th, 2006. Perhaps it would be a good idea for you to post a note on the web site for who ever visits, to be reminded to pull up the site and find out the requirements to be a part of this historical museum. Just "Purple Heart Hall of Honor" will bring up a menu for anyone to open and learn more. We need to honor these men and women.
Thank you. Stay well. Carol Lee
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Ray and Sandy have been fixtures at Renshaw reunions as long as many of us can remember. I first met them when I attended my first reunion in New Bern, NC, more than a dozen years ago. Ray and the late R.C. Harrell were organization guys who did everything to "make it happen."
Ray's health has been declining in recent years and Sandy made a brief trip to Buffalo to let us know that they can no longer participate as part of the reunion committee. This was sad news to all of us. Don and Jan McCurry, along with Jim Giddings and the rest of us will carry on with the future reunions, but there will always be a void there, especially when we don't see Ray at the table in the lobby greeting shipmates as they arrive.
To Ray and Sandy we say "Thank you," for all your many years of hard work and devotion to the Renshaw reunions. We wish you both the best and we want to stay in touch and keep up with you in the future. Ray, hang in there and get better. You're in good hands at home.
Posted by Glenn Barbee
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Note from Webmaster
The note below from Carol Lee sums it up. We just had a great reunion and if you weren't in Buffalo this past weekend, you missed it.
If you have been following the notes here, you know who Carol Lee McDonough is. Her uncle was Carlos Anthony Decker, who was one of the 19 shipmates killed in the torpedo hit in 1945. Carol Lee has been in touch with several of us by email and we were extremely happy that she and her husband, Joe, were able to join us at the reunion. She had a chance to talk to our WWII shipmates who were there and who remembered her uncle well. It was certainly a high point of a great reunion.
The tours, programs, and arrangements were super and the committee leadership has come through with flying colors once again. Admiral Myers was a superb speaker at our banquet and he inspired us all. Our Navy is in good hands and those of us who have "stood down" can rest easy.
We'll have much more information about the reunion and future plans on this site as we get them written up and completed. In the meantime, I just wanted to put this short note here with my own thoughts. Special thanks to all who put up with me and my guitar Friday evening. You were more than kind.
Best regards,
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From: Owllee143@aol.com
Date: September 25, 2006 3:36:13 PM EDT
To: barbeeg@hartcom.net
Subject: Re: The reunion
Greetings Glen. A note to say thank you for such a wonderful event in Buffalo and all that you shared with us. Everyone was so welcoming and finding out the stories of those who were there was quite fulfilling. All in all, it was quite rewarding for me and I thank you and everyone who attended. And thanks for your music, that too was very welcome and fun. Stay well and happy. Sincerely, Carol Lee McDonough--------
From: Moose <moose1919@mindspring.com>
Date: September 8, 2006 10:59:57 AM EDT
Subject: IM BACK AGAIN.LUCKY ME
I'M UP AND RUNNING AGAIN. SO IF I MISSED ANY GOOD NEWS.GET OFF YOUR BUTTS AND START SENDING. LOVE TO MY WHOLE CREW AND FRIENDS THAT I HAVE MADE ON THE INTERNET.GOD BLESS YOU ALLMICHAEL PAIGE
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From: "BRUCE CONWELL" <brucek56@hotmail.com>
Date: August 29, 2006 1:55:26 PM EDT
To: RLSRENSHAW@AOL.COMSubject: LONGSHOT
HI, I AM TAKING A REAL LONGSHOT THAT SOMEONE MIGHT REMEMBER MY FATHER (WHO DIED IN 1981). I KNOW HE SERVED ON THE USS RENSHAW DURING WORLD WAR 2. I READ ONLINE SOME OF THE STORIES OF THE ACTION SEEN BY HIS SHIP AND ONE IN PARTICULR I REMEMBER HIM TELLING ME ABOUT WHEN I WAS A BOY. THAT WAS WHEN THE SHIP WAS HIT BY A TORPEDO. I REMEMBER HIM TELLING ME HOW THE DECK BUCKLED UP AFTER BEING HIT AND IT BECAME RED HOT AND HE HELPED RESCUE SOME PEOPLE WHO HAD FALLEN AND WERE GETTING BURNED. AS I HAVE GOTTEN OLDER (I'M 50) I FIND MYSELF BECOMING MORE AND MORE INTERESTED IN MY FATHERS HISTORY.
MY FATHERS NAME WAS WILLIAM (PROBABLY KNOWN AS BILL) CONWELL. I KNOW THE ODDS ARE SLIM ANYONE WOULD REMEMBER HIM BUT IT CAN'T HURT TO ASK. ANYTHING YOU MIGHT KNOW OR COULD DIRECT ME TO GET FURTHER INFO WOULD BE MUCH APPRECIATED. THANKS, BRUCE----------
Note from Webmaster 19 August 2006
Thanks to Carol Lee for the correction concerning her uncle's first and middle name. I have checked the deck log published in Don McCurry's history of the Renshaw for 21 February 1945, and the name is clearly listed as DECKER, Carlos Anthony, 893 38 51, F1c, USNR. I have made the correction on our memorial page dedicated to the shipmates we lost on that day.
Glenn, (Renshaw Webmaster)
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From: Owllee143@aol.com
Date: August 19, 2006 12:07:50 PM EDT
To: barbeeg@hartcom.net
Subject: Re: Carlos Anthony Decker
Greetings from Carol Lee McDonough, niece of the above mentioned USS Renshaw shipmate. In my posted note of May 20th, I made reference to the fact that he was killed on the same day as FDR's death. That fact, of course, is incorrect. Uncle Carol's obit was posted directly beneath FDR's in some of the history books I have, hence the confusion. As you see, I have his name as it is, and is noted on the Purple heart; Carlos Anthony, not Anthony Carlos, as your files indicate. I am very happy to report that due to my contact with you, I have been able to connect with 2 of Uncle Carol's shipmates..Budd Riley and Dick Wenzel. Budd and his wife Roberta were nice enough to meet up with us in Sacramento, while we were traveling and Dick has made telephone contact and perhaps we will meet at the reunion in Buffalo this year. Thank you so much for your part in making this all come to fruition by posting my note..it's been a very emotional trip for all of us, as I was told that Budd and Uncle Carol actually switched places three months prior to Uncle Carol's death. I'm hoping to be able to attend the reunion and look forward to the possibility of meeting you and any others I might meet.Thank you again, stay well. Carol Lee
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From: "Scott and Doris Andres" <andres@visuallink.com>
Date: July 25, 2006 10:22:44 AM EDT
To: "Glenn Barbee" <barbeeg@hartcom.net>
Subject: Vaughn Andres
Glenn,
It is with great sadness that I report the death of my father, Vaughn Andres. He passed away peacefully at 5:15 p.m. on July 20, 2006.
He planned on attending the reunion in September, and he loved the Navy!
It was a only a short time ago that I updated his records!
Scott--------
From: "Budd Riley" <eidorb@sbcglobal.net>
Date: July 25, 2006 9:09:25 PM EDT
To: "Glenn Barbee" <barbeeg@hartcom.net>
Subject: new e-mail address
7/25/06
Hello Glen:
What a coincidence, I'm on your website and noticed you just updated today. Please make a correction to my e-mail address under the year 2001. My new address iseidorb@sbcglobal.net Thanks, and wanted you to know I'm in touch with Carol the neice of Carlos A. Decker and we are meeting in Sacramento, Ca. this Thursday 7/27. We will have a lot to talk about as her Uncle was killed on my battle station in the aft engine room Sept. 21st 1945. You can post this when you are on the site. Thanks
Brodie [Budd] Riley MM[S]3c---------
From: <allenwarren@northwesternmutual.com>
Date: June 26, 2006 1:46:22 PM EDT
To: <barbeeg@hartcom.net>
Subject: Mini ReunionFour of us from the CIC gang of 65 -67, (Ken Pintar, Joe Stone, Emmett Hoyt and I) managed to get together after 40 years of Christmas cards in Orlando, Florida. It was difficult at best to determine our "real" ages from the way we carried on, but a good question came up. What ever happened to our CO, C.A. Whitmore? Does anyone out there have any information?
Thanks for the great job you have done with this website.Allen Warren
Sr. - Sales Support Analyst-----------
From: "Bob Neidhamer" <sonofoldbob@thevision.net>
Date: June 26, 2006 11:35:51 AM EDT
To: "Glenn Barbee" <barbeeg@hartcom.net>
Subject: Change of website address
Hi Glenn,
Thanks for the update. I will put this into my 'Favorites' list.
Paul
Robert Paul Neidhamer
USS Renshaw DD 499-----------
Note to all members from Webmaster::
As you know, if you are reading this, we have changed our website location. We started this thing in 2001 and have been hosted by Tin Can Sailors, Inc., at destroyers.org, since the beginning. We have enjoyed a great relationship with TCS and still do. The move is not due to any problems with the hosting.
As our site has grown, especially with a lot of pictures, our memory requirement has grown accordingly. TCS's primary function is not to give large amounts of storage and bandwidth to hosted sites.
From this point, we will be hosted at a different location and we will have our own domain name. We are now www.ussrenshaw.org. Please make sure all your friends and contacts know how to find us. For a while we will have a re-direction notice on the old site at TCS.
Thanks for all the support and encouragement we have received. We'll continue to try to make the Renshaw site one that we can all be proud of.
Glenn
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From: "ken pintar" <kpintar@cfl.rr.com>
Date: June 26, 2006 8:16:21 AM EDT
To: "'Glenn Barbee'" <barbeeg@hartcom.net>
Subject: Radar Gang - 1964
Glenn, Please see attachment of our old radar gang taken in a Yokosuka bar in 1964. We were on our way to Vietnam and Taiwan patrol.
Ken Pintar
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From: Owllee143@aol.com
Date: May 20, 2006 7:35:52 PM EDT
To: barbeeg@hartcom.net
Subject: Re: Anthony Carlos DeckerYou can post a note to anyone out there that may have known my Uncle "Carol"...he was killed that fateful day and I have just been entrusted with his papers and seek to find out any information from anyone who may have known him.
Thank you. Carol Lee
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From: "James E. Barth" <jeb56@tampabay.rr.com>
Date: January 23, 2006 11:46:39 PM EST
To: <barbeeg@hartcom.net>
Subject: Edgar A Barth
Dear Glenn, my name is James Barth and i am the son of Edgar A. Barth who served on the USS RENSHAW during the Korean war. As you are probably aware, my dad passed away on December 21st 2005 at the age of 76.
I'm writing you to thank all the people involved with the USS RENSHAW for making the final years in my father's life some of the happiest years in his life. My father, mother and I loved to attend the annual reunions with him. My father and i even hosted a reunion here in Tampa. My dad over the years rekindled friendships that he had while serving on board the USS RENSHAW as well as friendships with crews that served before and after him.
My father's love for the USS RENSHAW and all of you has flowed over to my mother and I now, and I again just wanted to tell all of you how proud he was to have served on one of the greatest fighting ships in the history of our great nation, and how proud i am to say my dad served on the USS RENSHAW.
We love you all, as my father did.
James E. Barth-----------
From: IMCorkern@aol.com
Date: January 22, 2006 3:29:10 PM EST
To: barbeeg@hartcom.net
Subject: Death of Iddo K. Corkern, USS Renshaw World War II Veteran
See the following for obituary for Iddo K. Corkern who served on the USS Renshaw. His home is at 960 E. River Oaks Dr., Baton Rouge, LA 70815.
Kay Davis, Niece
Corkern, Iddo K. A retired teacher, pilot, tree farmer and broadcast engineer who built the first radio station in Washington Parish, he died Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2006, at his home in Baton Rouge. He was 91, a native of Enon, and a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, having served in the Pacific, for which he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for heroism in combat. Visiting at Rabenhorst Funeral Home East, 11000 Florida Blvd., on Sunday, Jan. 22, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Visiting resumes on Monday at the funeral home from 9 a.m. until religious service in the chapel at 10 a.m., conducted by Dr. John Goodwin. Graveside service at 12:30 p.m. Monday at Greenlawn Cemetery in Hammond. He is survived by his wife, Marion Wendelken Corkern; sister-in-law, Ruth Phelps; and nieces and nephews, Cheryl Ann and Chrisy Graham, Betty Jo, Jo Beth and Kenny Gatewood, Kay Davis, Dale Williams, Marion Mulliken, Janice Tyler and Linda Sample. He was preceded in death by his daughters, Janet and Patricia; nephew, Aubrey Gatewood; great-nephew, Chip Graham; and brother-in-law, Henry Wendelken. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Baton Rouge, 9063 Siegen Lane, Suite A, Baton Rouge, LA 70810.
Published in The Advocate from 1/20/2006 - 1/22/2006.------------
From: "Dick Wenzel" <wenzelg@sccoast.net>
Date: January 9, 2006 2:43:02 PM EST
To: "Glenn Barbee" <barbeeg@hartcom.net>
Subject: Greetings
Hi Glenn
TWO THINGS.....FIRST, A HAPPY, HEALTHY NEW YEAR TO RENSHAW FOLKS EVERY WHERE!! .....SECOND, i HAD A NOTE FROM ONE MS. GORDON INFORMING ME OF THE DEATH OF HORACE EVANS.HER FATHER, HORACE WAS PART OF THE RENSHAW CREW FOR A VERY SHORT TIME, (UNOFFICIALLY) AFTER BEING RESCUED, WITH ANOTHER MAN FROM THE DRINK, WHEN THEIR PLANE CRASHED. tHIS EVENT CERTAINLY ONE OF THE GREAT MEMORIES I HAVE OF WWII. HORACE WAS VERY WELCOME WHEN HE ATTENDED TWO OR THREE OF OUR REUNIONS IN THE PAST. I KEPT IN TOUCH WITH HORACE THROUGH CARDS AND NOTES FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS. I'M SURE THEIR ARE SOME GUYS WHO REMEMBER THE RESCUE INCIDENT. I AM ALSO SURE HORACE WILL BE MISSED BY ALL WHO KNEW HIM. SHIPMATE, DICK WENZEL--------
From: Camilleroc@aol.com
Date: January 7, 2006 11:39:01 PM EST
To: barbeeg@hartcom.net
Subject: Re: Happy New Year
Hi Glenn - Hope you and yours are healthy and happy this new year. We are good. Still in touch with some of the original crew. Mike (the Baker) Paige and Dick Wenzel, along with the daughters of Mike Paige and Tom O'Rourke (who was given a commendation for stabilizing the Renshaw after the torpedo attack on Feb. 21, 1945 and my father's "Sea Pappy"?) My sister and I went to Mike Paige's 85th Birthday last year! What a hero! He is such a strong, strong man. Told us stories about him and our Dad (Charlie Gonzalez MM2c). How they talked and cried for hours sitting on the bow(?) of the ship after a battle in the Solomans and reporting my father to the Chaplain, afraid that Dad would "jump ship". Mike said that after 22 months, my father (he called him one of the "Black Gang?) thought his time was up. He was only 22. And how when the Renshaw went to Hawaii, I think in August 1944, Dad traded rank for rank. His replacement was killed in the torpedo attack on Feb. 21, 1945. Believe it or not, one of the last things Dad said before he died (4-11-04 - Easter Sunday) was (in tears), " I want to see John" "John who?" "John Gushue" He was killed on Feb. 21, 1945. I have learned from my guys that John worked next to Dad in the aft fire room for all those months. I have never been more touched. Now that Dad is gone, we feel closer to him than ever. I credit this website for the much needed connection between the generations. Thank you Glenn. Camille (Gonzalez) Gaeta, Rocco Gaeta, Celeste Gonzalez, Grandchildren, and Great-Grandchildren! of Charles Gonzalez, MM2C USS Renshaw 499---------
2 January 2006
Re: Renshaw Skipper, Walter W. Schwartz, Jr.
CDR Schwartz came aboard Renshaw as C.O. in August, 1960. It was just before I left for shore duty, so I only knew him for a couple months. Shipmate Tom Vestal forwarded an email he received from a friend regarding Captain Schwartz after he left the ship. This would have taken place around 1966.
"Wonder if you knew what happened to the skipper of the Renshaw WW Schwartz? When I first went to work at the lab I was sent to the USS Long Beach to conduct a test firing of a special Talos Missile. The first night in the wardroom I ran into Captain WW Schwartz, he was the Nuclear propulsion officer. A short time later he was driving on one of the freeways in his Lincoln and some nut was trying to commit suicide and drive across the road and hit Capt Schwartz head on and killed him."
It's old, but sad news. I'm reprinting it here for information to Renshaw shipmates who knew Captain Schwartz.
Glenn
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To all Renshaw shipmates:
Happy New Year 2006. With this, we start our info notes file for the new year. Let us hear from you. We don't have means for you to post your note here directly, so just send it to me in an email and I'll put it up.
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