Send an email to the webmaster, to get items posted here.
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From: "James Wendell" <jwend@swbell.net>
Date: December 28, 2007 9:14:38 PM EST
To: <barbeeg@hartcom.net>
Subject: USS Renshaw Plaque
Glenn,
I was in Fredericksburg, TX earlier today and snapped this picture of the plaque on the memorial wall. It is very well designed and looks fantastic along with the other memorials.
Jim Wendell
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From: JGallo1313@aol.com
Date: November 10, 2007 8:54:00 PM EST
To: barbeeg@hartcom.netSubject: Re: U.S.S. Renshaw
I deeply regret that I was unable to be a part of the recent reunion of the Renshaw bunch. Trust me, you just don't know how much my time served with you guys still lingers in my memories. I am so very proud to have been a part of that time in history. Perhaps next year.
Galloway EN2--------
From: "Dick Wenzel" <wenzelg@sccoast.net>
Date: October 22, 2007 4:33:31 PM EDT
To: "Glenn Barbee" <barbeeg@hartcom.net>
Subject: Vegas 2007
I think I speak for all who attended the 35th (or so ) Renshaw Reunion in Vegas. It was a difficult place to hold an affair like ours, but the thing was so well organized, and the ever present RENSHAW spirit resulted in another glorious weekend-my loss of two bucks- notwithstanding! Sooo, congratulations to the hard working committee, and keep em coming!!
Without a doubt the presence of Edna and Lou Pellegrini"s family- 10 - in all, was something that I find unbelievible. I heartily congratulate them for this major effort. Then, their sincere enthusiasm displayed, was just too much. Thank you Edna and Lou, bring them back!!
Shipmate, Dick Wenzel--------
From: "Mark Pellegrini" <pellegrinim@earthlink.net>
Date: October 20, 2007 2:16:09 AM EDT
To: <barbeeg@hartcom.net>
Subject: Renshaw Reunion '07
Dear Renshaw Reunion ’07 Attendees,
I would just like to take this chance to thank all the attendees and reunion committee members of this year’s reunion in Las Vegas. I was fortunate enough to finally attend a Renshaw reunion and it exceeded all my expectations. My parents have told me about these reunions for many years and I along with my siblings have always wanted to experience one firsthand. Everybody we met was extremely nice and all had some fascinating stories to tell. You all really made us feel welcome. The banquet dinner was the highlight of the event for me. Being able to sit in the same room with all these men that I consider true American heroes was an experience I will remember for a lifetime.
I’m hoping to be able to attend some more reunions in the future. If anybody out there hasn’t been to one of these reunions yet, I definitely recommend it. You won’t be disappointed.
Thank you again for an unforgettable time and hope to see you all next year,
Mark Pellegrini
Proud son of Lou Pellegrini (Renshaw ’44-’46)
-----------------Webmaster Note:
The following is an email from Shipmate Budd Riley, sent to Dick Wenzel. Budd has given permission to post it here, in hopes that it might help some of us when a decision has to be made. You can find Budd's email address on the Crew List page.
_____________________________________________________________________________
From: Brodie Riley
To: Dick Wenzel
Sent: Friday, October 05, 2007 2:02 AM
Subject: Re: REUNION
10/04/07
Dick:I learned that I have prostate cancer about 6 months ago. My PSA took a 3 point rise in 6 months which sent up a signal to run tests which were positive. I'm 82 now and 3 different Uroligists advised me that at my age to take the wait and see approch. I was given one shot of hormones and it dropped my PSA from 7 down to 1.1 . now with cancer it will hopefully rise slowly or it could once again take a jump. All 3 Doctors said I could live another 10 years. If I make it to 92 I'll dam near be as old as George Burns, he made it to 96. My health otherwise is excellent and the cancer is deep inside the prostate, a very good sign.
Won't make the Reunion this year but wish the best to all the shipmates, and thanks for the info that got me in touch with Tom a friend from long ago and one great Bos'n Mate on the Renshaw. Take Care. I want to buy some Renshaw Caps , send info. thanks
Best Personal Regards,
Brodie [Budd] Riley MM[S]3/C
PS
You can put this on the Board, the Prostate info might help someone make decisions. Give them my e-mail address and I will tell what I have learned to help them.-----------
From: "Jim & Karen" <patience@woh.rr.com>
Date: September 5, 2007 10:55:37 AM EDT
To: "Glenn Barbee" <barbeeg@hartcom.net>Subject: Shipmates
I wanted to let you know that Franklin J. (Jim) Niswonger passed away Sept.1, 2007 following a brief illness. He served on the Stoddard and the Renshaw while in the Navy. Burial of his ashes will take place at sunset Thursday, Sept 6 will the Logan County Honor Guard attending and full military honors. Jim was inspired by Ronald Reagan to join the National Guard in 1981 and served 2 years with the Guard. He was proud to be an American. I was proud to be his wife for 32 years.
Karen Niswonger, De Graff, OH
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From: "Dawn Logan" <dawn.logan@msn.com>
Date: August 10, 2007 12:12:49 AM EDT
To: <barbeeg@hartcom.net>
Subject: Deceased Ship Mate
Hello:
My step-father Duward Bradley Boger (Jack) served aboard the USS Renshaw during WWII and was one of the wounded shipmates in the attack on Feb. 21, 1945. He lost everyone in his group that day as the torpedo hit right at his station. He was one of the two wounded that was transferred after the ship was moored at San Pedro Bay on the 24th. He remembered staying in the Captains quarters until he could be taken to help.
I wanted to let you know that he passed away on August 14, 2004 in Denver where he lived most of his life after leaving the Navy. He was originally from Tennessee, and played country and hillbilly records over the loudspeaker on the ship to pass the time. I’m afraid I don’t know much else about his service on the Renshaw. I tried to ask him some questions before he died, but by then his memory was fuzzy on details.
Please forgive me if I haven’t used the correct terminology for the Navy, I married an Army man. I would appreciate it if you could add my dad’s name to your deceased list of shipmates.
Thanks in advance for your assistance,
Dawn Logan----------
August 4, 2007
We received word that Ed Wright's wife, Evelyn, passed away the last week in July. We enjoyed spending time with them at our reuinon last year. Deepest sympathy goes out to Ed and the family.
This picture was made at our reunion in Buffalo last year.
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Note of interest - May 29, 2007
Hullnumber.com website is up and running after a major overhaul. There is a Renshaw page where you can register. You may find some shipmates there, as well. We have requested a link to our Renshaw site be place on their Renshaw roster page. We will also be placing our reunion info there shortly.
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Note: From Webmaster, May 29, 2007
Update on Melodie's note below - Don McElfresh has been in touch with her and has written of his personal memories of her father during their time on the Renshaw. It meant a lot to her and we're glad she found us here at the Renshaw website.
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From: wally&melodie sturdivant <walsturdivant@earthlink.net>
Date: May 17, 2007 6:23:00 PM EDT
To: barbeeg@hartcom.net
Subject: RenshawDear Glen:
I am respectfully requesting a change on the "Deceased Members" list for the correct spelling of my father's name. Dad is listed as "Welsley Rathburn". The correct spelling for his name is
"WESLEY RATHBUN".
I spoke with Jim earlier and he directed me to the site. Dad died in 1987 and I am truly sorry he was unable to attend a reunion. He spoke often of a man by the name of "Shakey". I believe the birth name of Shakey was Paul Wells. I did not see his name on either list. Do you happen to have an address for Paul (Shakey)? I believe his wife's name was Anna.Thank you for your assistance. I hope to hear from you soon.Melodie (Rathbun) Sturdivant
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From: garyredinger [mailto:gredinger@alltel.net]
Sent: Thursday, May 17, 2007 7:45 PM
To: jgg3950@alltel.net
Subject: USS RenshawMy father will not be able to attend any upcoming events. He is on kidney dialysis. Do keep him on your mailing list and your prayers.
Thank You,His son, Gary
Gary;I am very sorry to hear that your father will not be able to attend the Renshaw reunion. We definitely will keep him in our prayers. Please give Tom the regards of all his shipmates. We will definitely keep him on our mailing list. Be sure to let him see our Web site as it contains a lot of information as to what the group is doing.
http://www.ussrenshaw.org/
Respectfully
Jim Giddings--------
From: Harry1051@aol.com
Date: May 15, 2007 11:03:50 PM EDT
To: barbeeg@hartcom.net
Subject: deceased crew memberMy father Johnny F Hobbs served on the Renshaw during WWII. He was injured when the ship took a torpedo, and left the ship. He passed away last year. I would love to hear from anyone who remembers him. My e mail is harry1051@aol.com thank you
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From: aulea@earthlink.net
Date: April 25, 2007 3:59:58 PM EDT
Subject: U.S.S. Renshaw crew listPlease add Rudolph Sengebush BM 1c 1942-1945. An original plank holder Rudy was nominated for Bronze Star for leadership in repair effort following torpedo hit 1945. Eventually recieved Navy Commendation Ribbon. Died Toms River New Jersey late 1990's. Thanks, John Johnson, son in law.
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From: "Dick Wenzel" <wenzelg@sccoast.net>
Date: February 17, 2007 4:07:27 PM EST
Subject: FYI
Sadly, I want to let you know that Charley Minton passed away Feb. 7th 2007. We had just got back in touch with Charley after all these years. He was in a hospital and developed an infection that was the cause of death. Some of you never met Charley, he was a snipe, got beat up when we took the fish, but lived through it. He attended many of the early reunions while they were held in NYC and Jersey City. I exchanged Christmas cards with him for over 50 years. His card to me was always the first one I would receive every year. I always thought he might have mailed them at Thanksgiving time. The list grows shorter. His address follows:
Charles Minton Family
PO Box 778
Mattituck, NY 11952-0778For those of you that might drop the family condolences. Shipmate, Dick Wenzel
In the 1955 reunion photo, he is in the very front row, 3rd from the left
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Note from Webmaster
February 12, 2007
J. C. "Pappy" Gay continues to have health problems and we need to keep him in our thoughts. If you want to drop him a note through the postal mail, you can send it to his son:
Rickey Gay, 4927 Girard St, Leavenworth, KS 66048 (Email: Rickey.Gay@us.army.mil)
"Pappy" was aboard the Renshaw in the late 1950's and was a gunner's mate during his Navy career. He has attended Renshaw reunions in the past and we remember some great times with him at reunions in New Bern, NC, some years ago.
Glenn
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From: "Keith Phillips" <e8flyer@gmail.com>
Date: January 22, 2007 8:52:40 PM EST
To: barbeeg@hartcom.net
Subject: An email about a former Renshaw crewmember
Sir,
I came across your website while trying to res arch the history of the U.S.S. Renshaw. A great uncle of mine William Donald Stotesbury served aboard her during World War 2. He recently passed away and while he had spoken little of his experience aboard the destroyer during the war, my grandmother found several interesting documents pertaining to the time period he was aboard the Renshaw. The documents were his Honorable discharge from the navy dated 01 Sept. 1945, and it included his time in naval service as 22 June 1942 to 01 September 1945 and listed the USS Renshaw along with the U.S.S Davison. Also there was a copy of a letter addressed to Commander Geroge H. Cairns from President Harry S. Truman about him being impressed with the," precision of the maneuvers and the smart performance of the Renshaw and how it contributed notably to the success of the fleet review."
But, what really caught my eye was a copy of the Commendation Ribbon citation my Great Uncle received,
The Commander Seventh Fleet takes the pleasure in commending
William Donald Stotesbury,
Motor machinist Mate First Class
U.S. Naval Reserve
" For distinguishing himself by excellent service while serving on the U.S.S. Renshaw in action against the enemy in the Mindanao Sea on 21 February 1945. When his ship was torpedoed , he energetically and efficiently effected repairs to the diesel generator in a minimum of time, placing most of his ship's fire control equipment in operation and providing power pumps to drain a flooding compartment. For his conduct throughout he is commended and authorized to wear the Commendation ribbon."
It is signed T.C. Kinkaid Admiral, U.S. Navy Commander Seventh Fleet
I am not sure if this is information you would like to add to your fine website but, I think it is pretty interesting and I am proud of his achievements. Also I could provide copies to you of any of the 3 documents.
Very Respectfully,
Keith W. Phillips
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To all Renshaw shipmates:
Happy New Year 2007. 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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