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ENS ARTHUR BARNETT MCCOMB (TAD) 22 February 1945

McComb aboard USS CONCORD (CL 10). ENS McComb served TAD aboard FRANK E. EVANS February – April 1945.

At Williams College, I Arthur Barnett McComb entered the USNR V-12 program in July 1943. Then came USNR Midshpman’s School at Notre Dame, Indiana, 6 June 1944 (D-Day) thru 10 August 1944, commissioning as ensign. I was an instructor in navigation at Notre Dame until September 1945, then Shore Patrol officer at Tientsin, China, from November 1945 to June 1946. (From my thought beginning, I knew my eye-sight wouldn’t let the Navy assign me to sea duty.

My first in-uniform taste of the sea was the temporary assignment to FRANK E. EVANS. My orders took me from South Bend to Norfolk, from where FRANK E. EVANS departed for Brooklyn. We were there for a week, including two days up Long Island Sound, around Montauk Point and back along the south shore.

Thence across the Gulf Stream alone to Bermuda, in real February – March weather. I soon learned ladder ascent-descent control from-to my quarters forward! My first and last dinner-chucking was one evening on that run. We spent a week in Bermuda, going out every day for sonar runs on a captive submarine, anchored in Great Bay every night, but there was no shore leave. (The V-Mail reminds me of the Italians who left us in Bermuda.

We then spent several days convoying 2-3 supply or auxiliary ships to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. We operated from Gtmo, primarily anti-aircraft exercised, for probably three weeks. New Chevalier and other DDs were also there. I served observer duty several times on 44-mm platforms, and once on 20-mm right behind 5 inch turret No. 2–bang! Other times I was observer in CIC or on bridge, and once in the engine room. I stood JOOD watches. Of course the exec. had to keep bouncing me around to keep Washington and Notre Dame happy. We got shore liberty to Gtmo Officer’s Club and eventually back to Brooklyn, where I brought my girl on board one afternoon. Then the train to South Bend. (Oh yes: while FRANK E. EVANS was coming up the East River, the exec. saw me outside improperly uniformed, and had to order me out of sight and into proper dress.)

I recall two officers from FRANK E. EVANS: [1] CDR Harry Smith, our skipper, whom I thought a model skipper. I remember his occasional friendly disagreements with the signal officer, LT Julius Smith Young, at mess, the captain having had a tour of duty, which I believe involved revising the signal manual! [2] LT Bill Platt, former All-American football player at Yale, and easy to talk to. I was his JOD more than once when he was OOD.

(From the Aleutians, my brother Pete in CONCORD moved toward Japan and fired the Navy’s last shots of the was at the mainland.)

In the V-Mail, there is a reference to Ruth Lawrence, who became my fiancee later in 1945 (by long distance from China). We were married 5 September 1946, and are still (2007) married. We have two children of whom we are very proud: David, who sent you my FRANK E. EVANS contact, and daughter Jean Brannigan here in Poughkeepsie.

Combined with the V-Mail, this makes a lot more than I could contribute for you. It doesn’t raise the Navy’s morale by 10% this time, but I’ve enjoyed it. Please give Ruth’s and my good wishes to the FRANK E. EVANS shipmates at your forth coming reunion.

Arthur B. McComb
29 S. Randolph Ave.
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601-5123

SM1c JAMES EDWARD LONG 3 February 1945

Plank holder, first anniversary, and first Christmas.

CQM GEORGE T. LAFFERTY October 1944

I George T. Lafferty “Laff” was born 14 August 1918, at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. My hair was brown and my eyes are hazel. I enlisted in the Navy at Philadelphia in 1934.

From October 1944 through 30 January 1946, I was a member of the pre-commissioning detail at Staten Island, New York. I was there for the commissioning of USS FRANK E EVANS DD-754 on 3 February 1945, at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. I am a Plank Holder. I was aboard for the shakedown cruise to Guantanamo, Cuba, passage through the Panama Canal, and on to Westpac.

Bell Cracked – Upon completion of commissioning and supplying FRANK E. EVANS, we headed for shakedown at Gitmo. We got as far as the Narrows in New York Harbor, where we ran into dense fog, really heavy stuff! CDR Harry Smith, the skipper, decided to drop the hook, to play it safe. We started sounding the ship’s bell in accordance with the “Rules of the Road.” Regarding the bell, the anchor watch was instructed with the proper procedure of how many strikes and how often to hit it. Everything went well for a short time, and then….no sound from the bell, just dull thuds; the bell had cracked! As we well know, New York Harbor is quite a busy place, and in foggy weather, some sort of signal better be in effect. Our skipper came up with a solution. He had the ship’s cook bring two large dishpans and large spoons from the galley. One set went to the fo’c’sle, and the other to the fantail. The banging started again, not ringing, but plenty of bangs, which apparently worked. We made it until the fog lifted and we headed on our way to Gitmo.

After-Steering – With shakedown completed and out of the way, it was back to the States for a few minor changes, replenish the ship, and then on our way to the Pacific. Everything went fine until we were going through the locks of the Panama Canal. Our steering locked. The electric motor, located at the hub of the ship’s wheel, overheated and locked. The wheel wouldn’t budge. We went to after steering, located one deck below the main deck in the last compartment aft. It was a funny situation, the wheel and gyro repeater faced aft. You steered looking aft toward the ship’s stern, with the bow at your back; looking one way yet going the other! It took a little getting used to, I know because I was the one sent aft to do the job. After a few hot sweaty hours, we tied up on the Pacific side entrance. Our captain was a man of few words. After getting back to the bridge, he gave me a “thumbs up” sign and placed one of his favorite cigars in my “soggy” khaki shirt pocket. For me that was plenty!

About the Captain – My understanding was that he had command of a destroyer somewhere around the Aleutian Islands. He was supposed to get some other assignment, but requested destroyer duty, and got one. From what I heard, he was fairly high on Commander List. Being in charge of the bridge gang CMs and SMs, I soon learned that CDR Harry Smith was right up there with them, regarding all types of visual signalling. This, you can be well assured, kept the bridge gang on their toes. I heard somewhere that our CO had made Admiral with duty somewhere in Europe.

About Me – After leaving FRANK E. EVANS I put time on three destroyers and one escort pulling radar picket duty. Also had a tour as an instructor at an “Instructor Training School.” In 1961, after 27 years of naval service, I retired. Shortly thereafter, I became Superintendent of Beaches at Ocean City, New Jersey Captain of Lifeguards. After 22 years, in 1983, I retired again. It was a good job, keeping me around the water. In fact, we have a home right on a bay in Ocean City but come cold weather, we bail out and head for sunny Florida, “Hobe Sound.”

Laff currently resides at 35 W. 17 St., Ocean City, NJ 08226. You can reach him at 609-399-7122.

ENS ELDON EDWIN KIEHLER 1946

I left the ship in San Francisco, shortly after our arrival in 1946.

I have thought about USS FRANK E EVANS DD 754 and the deck watches
I stood with LTJG Jerome (Jerry) Fien. He introduced me to her, which I appreciated. I still remember some of the things that occurred when EVANS was sailing out of the port of Tsingtao, China. I guess they had the 7 fleets spread all over by then.

I still remember just how cold it could be when we were standing watch on the flying bridge, WOW, with a heavy parka over a sweater we were freezing, especially on those night watches.

I remember the two runs to Korea when the Captain had to make the run up the river and watch the tides, etc. Shot up a floating mine on one of those trips. Then the run to Shanghai, for a few days. I recall the poor people who lived on the “Bum Boats” and how they even washed their small children from the river water and snatched everything that floated by.

I still remember the targets that appeared on our radar scopes on the bridge when we were underway, and they normally turned out to be small fishing boats in the darkness. Also, the stars were brilliant when out at sea and we could recognize the constellations.

There was a rickshaw race one night that started just as we were leaving the Officer’s Club, and it was to return to the ship. That was an exciting one and when we returned to the Wardroom for much needed coffee, I recalled that it was my 21 birthday, and then I st could legally have a drink.

I learned how to play cribbage from Carl Annexstad, Dave Schreiber and Fred Atkins. Neat pass time and they were tough players with a lot of laughs.

The return to the states has a lot of memories for me as it was anything but routine. As I recall, and please help me if I have left anything out, we were to return with our squadron consisting of our six destroyers.(USS HARRY E HUBBARD DD 748, USS ALFRED A. CUNNINGHAM DD 752, USS JOHN R PIERCE DD 753, USS FRANK E. EVANS DD 754, USS JOHN A. BOLE DD 755, and USS LOFBERG DD 759) I remember the deployment of the ships in two columns, 400 yards apart, and 400 yards between ships in each column. That meant we were taking Stadiometer readings every other minute and then advising the engine room to adjust the turns of the screws. Thought I would go blind during those watches!

Also, I remember just how rough it would get at times. We were taking green water over the bridge and you could see part of the keels of the Cans in the adjacent column when their bows pitched out of the water. As I recall, spacing between ships opened up to 600 yards when the weather was that bad.

Then there was an accident during a simulated refueling operation aboard CUNNINGHAM when a cleat or fitting broke and a steel line snapped, which injured an officer. CUNNINGHAM left the formation at flank speed for port to seek emergency assistance for the patient.

We did get a few days in Honolulu, which was neat for relaxing. I purchased a visor hat as I had given or sold mine to Fred Atkins when he left the ship to return home earlier as he had blown off when he was in the motor whaleboat. Of course, we tried out all the drinks in the Officer’s Club, and enjoyed all the fresh vegetables and steaks that we could find.

Then there was the experience with the LCM (“M” boat) which was dead in the water with engine problems. Since apparently, we had the most fuel aboard, the squadron commander detached our ship from the group and we were assigned to try and tow the LCM until a sea going tug could arrive. It seems that we parted the tow line a few times and were making only a few knots. We spent a couple of days trying to assist the ship. Finally the tug arrived and we were again, off to San Francisco.

It was exciting to arrive under the Golden Gate Bridge with our long colorful red, white, and blue homecoming pennant streaming, a most colorful sight against the background of the neat orange/gold bridge. I had nice memories of times here prior to shipping out.

Shortly thereafter, I received orders as my earlier regular navy commission application had been approved. I was assigned to advanced gunnery school, but I declined. I went out to sea again aboard USS RUTLAND (APA 192) for a magic carpet run to Japan. We returned to Norfolk, Virginia via the Panama Canal. I was OOD while approaching and going through the first portion of the canal. It was very interesting, however, raining so hard there was little to see.

Post Navy, I spent many years travelling the entire West Coast as Regional Manager for the Package Machinery Company which produced food packaging systems for many industries.

Lived most of the time in condominiums since arrival in California. Had at least three in Newport Beach. Currently, 2001, live in a ten story high rise on Newport Bay with a pool, Jacuzzi, doorman, security guard and a staff of eleven people. Both Mary Lou and I have served on the Boards of the Association, and for many functions.

FC3c JOHN FRANKLIN JENKINS 3 February 45

I was a range finder operator.

I was present on 3 February 1945, for commissioning USS FRANK E EVANS DD 754. I am a Plank Holder because I was there the first time FRANK E. EVANS went to sea. I was there too for her first Christmas, and to celebrate her first anniversary. I provided a list of all men present during FRANK E. EVANS’ commissioning ceremony as well as the ceremonial program. I provided copies of the Christmas menu and the first-anniversary menu complete with the names of the men present. I presented a copy of an abbreviated WWII action log which was provided by the quartermaster.

There is a copy of the message we received ending the offensive operations against the Japs. As you can guess there was quite a celebration aboard ship. We were all glad President Truman gave the orders to drop those bombs. (I didn’t know there was that much booze stashed away aboard the ship.)

We spent a good part of our time after the war cruising up and down the China coast collecting and destroying Japanese guns, ammo, etc. The crew managed to confiscate some of the better rifles. We all had one.

Seems like every time we had gunnery practice, our mascot Major would manage to jump overboard. We would then have man-overboard drills. Unfortunately, we were not able to stop one time, and that was the end of Major.

I have several picture albums and other memorabilia of my time in the Navy and aboard FRANK E. EVANS. I plan to donate them to the Danville, Illinois War Museum.

Post Navy, I was an educator, teacher, and principal. I was called back in service during the Korean war, but when they asked if I wanted to go to the East coast or West coast, you can imagine my answer. I spent most of my time in the Mediterranean aboard destroyers RICH, NEW, and KENNEDY. At least I got to see most of the world, paid for by my Uncle Sam.

John currently (1993) resides at 1005 Skyline Drive, Danville, IL. You can reach him at 217-442-5319.

YN3 DELBERT JAMES HANSON – 3 February 1945 to 1946

I Delbert James Hanson “Del” or “Hans,” was born 3 October 1925 in Minnesota. I had brown hair and blue eyes. I enlisted in the U. S. Navy at St. Paul, Minnesota on 4 June 1944, and attended boot camp at Great Lakes, Illinois.

I was aboard USS FRANK E EVANS DD -754 on 3 February 1945, the day she was commissioned. I’m what is known as a Plank Owner, being one of the crew on board the first time she was taken to sea. The highlights of my time on the ship, I think, would be of all the places I got to see: Bermuda, Cuba, the Panama Canal, Hawaii, the Marshall Islands, Okinawa, China, and Korea. I was lucky enough to be aboard FRANK E. EVANS to celebrate her first Christmas at Tsingtao, China, and first anniversary on 3 February 1946 at Shanghai, China. The best place of all was back home!

S1c GEORGE VERNON GODFREY 3 February 1945 to 10 June 1946

George Vernon Godfrey “Vernon” was born 26 March 1923, at Calverton, Virginia. His hair was brown and he had hazel eyes. When he was 21 years old, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy at Warrenton, Virginia. He went to boot camp 21 June 1944, at USNTC Bainbridge, Maryland and graduated with Company 3374.

Shortly thereafter he set sail on board USS FRANK E EVANS (DD 754). He was there on 3 February 1945, when she was commissioned, and when she first got underway, so he’s known as a “Plank Holder” too. Vernon served on board EVANS seeing action in the Pacific Theater during WWII. He was awarded one star for his participation in the conflict in Okinawa, Japan, and also was awarded the World War II Victory Medal. On 10 June 1946, George Vernon Godfrey was honorably discharged from the U. S. Navy at Shelton, Virginia.

Upon returning home, Vern went to work for the Federal Government. He travelled the world and saw amazing sights that were forever imbedded into his mind. For many years after his service on USS FRANK E EVANS DD-754, S1c Godfrey managed to stay best friends with a fellow shipmate, Sylva Vesta Dove Jr. For over 60 years their friendship proved to be unbreakable.

George Vernon Godfrey married Thelma Mae Sizemore of The Plains, Virginia on 16 April 1949. They had four children, to whom they were both dearly devoted. They have nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Sadly, on 2 May 2005, Vernon succumbed to a long time battle with bone cancer. He was 82 years old. He is remembered by his loving wife of 56 years and a throng of family and friends.

LT CHRISTOPHER FITZGERALD 3 February 45

Merchant Marine Academy Class of 1942

• 23 November 1920, Born Elmhurst, Queens, New York
• November 1940 Reported to USMMA
• 4 October 1941 commissioned USN Midshipman
• September 1942 Appointed Ensign USNR

Went to Radar School and was reassigned to USS FRANK E EVANS DD 754 as the Engineering Officer, which was the first Radar Pickett 2200 ton Destroyer to be Commissioned. EVANS was assigned to the 7th Fleet and was stationed on Radar Pickett #9 duty, in the battle of Okinawa. EVANS was on station with USS FRANKLIN Aircraft carrier, which was badly damaged by bombs. As the war was ending, FRANK E. EVANS was sent into Darien, Manchuria. A small group of us took a train to (Muckden) Shenyang to a prison of war camp looking for General Wainwright. EVANS was acknowledged in Naval History for the work done in the picket lines in Okinawa. “Many times in Okinawa the seamen of America fought not only men, but grim, brainaddled death itself. That they stayed on and fought this nightmare enemy to the end, almost passes belief. But they stayed”. In August 1945 I left the Yellow Sea and USS FRANK E. EVANS.

Residence 202 Parkside Place, Indian Harbour Beach, Florida 32937 (407) 777-4049

LTJG JEROME MORRIS FIEN 3 February 1945

Jerome Morris Fien was born 26 December 1921, at Hartford, Connecticut. After only two years, he graduated from Weaver High School, Hartford, and then Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland in February 1943. He entered Navy service as an Ensign aboard USS FRANK E EVANS DD 754. He was the Communications Officer. He was there 3 February 1945 when EVANS was commissioned and is known as a Plank Owner because he was there when EVANS first went to sea. He was there too for EVANS’ first Christmas and anniversary.

Where have the 52 years (1997) gone? Seems like yesterday that USS FRANK E EVANS DD 754 slid into the water at Staten Island and our adventure began. Reminiscing today brings to mind what a super bunch we were with Harry Smith in command. We even managed to stay that way despite Frank Schwartz, an early version of Captain Queeg.

For those who remember, I really was not the most seasick member on the bridge at General Quarters, I was just “sick”. In June of 1946, the doctors discovered that I was a victim of Gaucher’s Disease, a Jewish genetic disease manifested by an enzyme deficiency in the bloodstream and a very enlarged spleen and liver. The theory was that my large spleen hitting organs in the abdominal area could have been the cause of the discomfort that appeared to be seasickness. John Annegers could really not have diagnosed it at that time.

I decided to take EVANS back to California instead of waiting for the troop ships to leave their moorings in the Whang Po. I got back to New Jersey in June 1946, and then had a second honeymoon in Canada, enrolled at New York University Graduate School of Business (at night), and went to work (days) at a small accounting firm, which eventually became a 95 person firm with me as Managing Partner, eventually retiring in 1986.

In April (1997) my wife Ruth and I will celebrate 52 years of marriage. We created a Jewish Historical Society for our community which is a model for most of the country. We have two children Mark and Judie, and between the two, have five grandchildren.”

Listed in “Who’s Who in the East,” “Who’s Who in Finance and Industry,” and
“Who’s Who in the World.

Jerry Fien passed away on 24 July 2003, from a massive stroke at the age of 81.

SC3c PETER NED DUHE “PETE” 3 February 1945

PETER NED DUHE “PETE” was born in 1927 to Joseph and Marie Duhe at Garyville, Louisiana. He lived there all his life. Pete had three brothers and two sisters.

On 3 February 1945, Pete was received for duty on board USS FRANK E. EVANS (DD 754). That was the day she was commissioned; therefore, Pete is known as a plank holder. He was a Ship’s Cook third class and served until the end of WW II.

In 1946 when Pete was mustering out of the Navy in New Orleans, there was the mandatory lecture, a movie about joining the reserves, a real gung-ho thing. Pete got all excited and was truly thinking about signing up, but his first priority, for now, was to get the hell out the Navy. He was at the naval station for a few days and wanted to make sure he didn’t screw up, which would delay his exit.

One day, over the loudspeaker, came this booming voice, “Pete Duhe, report to the ship’s office.” “Oh my God, what did I do?” The man there said, “So you want to join the reserves. Well, I’m sorry to tell you, you’re unfit.” “Unfit, why?”
“Your eyes.” “My eyes? I just finished 16 months overseas fightin’ them Japs! My eyes?”

Pete was told to go down to the reserve office after he was discharged and they would probably take him down there. Pete never followed through. Imagine, his eyes!

After the war, Ned returned to Garyville, Louisiana. He married Dolores Gueret. Ned and Dolores had two sons and two daughters who brought forth nine grand children and one great grand child. In 1992 when the first reunion was held by the USS Frank E. Evans

Association, Ned was there. He was faithful to the association. Ned attended almost all the reunions.

Ned died 22 May 2008. He was 81 years old.