Category: Shipmate’s Stories

FT3 CHARLES S. RAFLOWITZ 9 September 1955

I Charles S. Raflowitz “RAF” was born 5 October 1933, at Gt. Barrington, Massachusetts. My hair was brown, now grey, and my eyes blue. I enlisted in the U. S. Navy 9 November 1953, at Springfield, Massachusetts, and went to boot camp in Bainbridge, Maryland. On 9 September 1955, I reported aboard USS FRANK E. EVANS (DD 754), 3 Division as a Fire Control Technician.

Opportunity to visit places I never dreamed I would see. Coming off duty on a troop ship, I appreciated being on a “Tin Can” the “Real Navy.” Made many good friends and learned lessons I have used during my lifetime. Serving in FRANK E. EVANS was a great adventure. I shall always remember this experience.

“RAF” currently resides at 9757 Timber Trail, P.O. Box 466, Scurry, TX, 75158-0466. You can reach him at raftex@mycvc.net or 972-486-3204.

BM2 DONALD L. PISARCZYK – 9 September 1950 TO 1954

I Donald L. Pisarczyk, “Donski” was born 8 February 1932 at Trinidad, Colorado. I had brown hair and eyes. I enlisted in the Navy at Denver, Colorado on 12 June 1950, and went to boot camp, Company 135, at San Diego, California.

Upon graduation from Boot Camp on 6 September 1950, 10 men from Company 135, including myself, were assigned to USS FRANK E. EVANS (DD 754) at the San Diego Naval Destroyer Base. We went to FRANK E. EVANS directly, without any leave to go home. Our assignment began on 9 September 1950 to de-mothball and commission FRANK E. EVANS back to the active fleet. There was an immediate need for destroyers because of the war in Korea.

On 11 September 1951, when we returned to San Diego from Korea, we did receive two weeks extra pay for our first leave home. Also, the men who joined the Navy before the outbreak of the Korean War on 25 June 1950, were allowed two months early discharge from their four year sign up date.

While aboard FRANK E. EVANS I wound up a BM2.This is what I did: Powder Man on the right gun barrel, Gun Mount 52; Coxswain on the Captains Gig; Gun Captain on Gun Mount 52 Condition 3 Watch; Master at Arms (ship’s mess.) I was on the motor whaleboat crew that rescued three aircraft carrier pilots. The boat crew was recommended for a commendation, or Life Saving Medal, for their efficacy and quick time it took to rescue the pilots in heavy sea and ice cold waters in the Sea of Japan, but the recommendation must have fallen on deaf ears or got lost someplace. I guess the best reward was the good hardy hand shake, and “thank you” we got from the pilots before returning them to the carrier by high line.

It was 3 April 1954. FRANK E. EVANS was in dry dock at the Mare Island Naval Ship Yard in Vallejo, California, which was my third and last trip there. I left FRANK E. EVANS after spending 3 years, 6 months, and 28 days. Boy, that was a long time.( Ha, ha.) I was discharged at the Treasure Island Naval Center, San Francisco on 6 April 1954.

I graduated from Pueblo Junior College in 1956 and went to work for the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad where I retired on a disability in 1987.

“Donski” currently resides at 27454 Preston Road, Pueblo, Colorado 81006-9750. You can reach him at 719-543-3408.

QM3 BLAKE L. O’NEIL – 14 July 54 to 55

I Blake O’Neil was born 23 March 1929 at Roosevelt, Utah. I had reddish blond hair, now gray, and hazel eyes. I enlisted in the Navy at Dallas, Texas on 26 March 1954. Because I had prior military service, four years U. S. Army, I did not attend the navy boot camp. I served aboard USS FRANK E. EVANS (DD 754)in the OC Division as a Quartermaster third class. I came on board 14 July 1954 and made the Westpac cruise, which included Formosa patrol, shelling of the Tae Chin Islands, observance of typhoon Pamela, Midway Island and the gooney birds. I broke my leg on the bridge in February 1955 and was transferred to Corona Naval Hospital, California. That was the last I saw of USS FRANK E. EVANS.

LCDR R. C. OLSON Executive Officer 5 June 1952

“The next month (October 1952) we spent a couple of days in Pearl Harbor en route to FRANK E. EVANS’ new home port of Long Beach. I stood the evening watch (20-2400.) About 2330 the XO, LCDR Olson, came out to talk with me. A HASP (Hawaiian Armed Services Police) jeep pulled up to the edge of the dock about 12 feet higher than FRANK E. EVANS’ main deck. An Army sergeant, wearing the familiar blue and white MP brassard, pulled a white clad FRANK E. EVANS crewman from the back of the jeep, pushed him by the back of his white jumper down the gangway, and then flung him down onto the main deck in a heap. Mr. Olson stepped on to the bottom of the gangway and beckoned the MP to come closer to him. At that moment, the XO delivered the most beautiful right hook to the jaw that I have ever seen! The MP went over backwards up the gangway. The XO pointed a clenched fist with an extended forefinger at him and said, “Don’t’ you ever touch one of my men again!” The XO was so furious that I almost expected him to have a stroke. The MP dazedly got to his feet, sharply saluted, did a 180 turn, returned to his jeep and drove away. I always worried that there might be some repercussions from this blow, as the HASP had a ferocious reputation. Remember Ernest Borgnine’s character as a HASP brig sergeant in From Here To Eternity ! This incident was so out of character that it stunned all of us momentarily.”

– LTJG Doug Lee

QM3 THOMAS E. “CHARLIE” NOBLES

I Thomas E. Nobles was born 23 November 1932, at Punta Gorda, Florida. The library there was dedicated to my uncle Pascal Bernard Nobles, “Buster”. I have brown hair and my eyes are blue. My ancestry is British. My siblings were Daniel, Teddy, and Mickey.

My rearing took place at South 6 Street, in Chipley, Florida. My hobbies included hunting, fishing, and telling stories. I was a Boy Scout and loved to camp out. My favorite holiday was Christmas. I once dressed up and played Santa Claus. I played football at Chipley High School, where I graduated in 1950.

From Chipley, Florida I went off to enlist in the Navy being sworn in 4 January 1951, and then going to basic training at NTC Great Lakes. I was received for duty on board USS FRANK E. EVANS (DD 754) 14 May 1951. My battle station was the 20mm machine gun on the starboard side. I became a quartermaster, eventually going to Signaling School in Maryland. I served until 12 September 1954; 3 years 4 months.

My best friend was Francis Hayes who owned a barbershop in Chipley. James Nettles was my long time friend. Rob Roy Ashmore was my best man when I wed Catherine on Thanksgiving Day in 1954. My children are Thomas Jr., Mark, & Beth, and my grandchildren are Mandee & Katie. We currently live at 1211 SE 27 St. Ocala, Florida 34471. Post Navy, I became a student at Florida State University, where I graduated in 1959 with a major in politics. In 1956, at 24, I ran for State Representative, but lost the election.

My first job was with the Florida State Road Department (DOT) for $75.00/month. While a student at FSU I had a paper route for the Tallahassee Democrat, which covered 200 square miles. After graduation from FSU, I went to work for Lobrano Machinery Co. I was employed as a salesman for Ring Power Corporation, a division of Caterpillar Inc., and was also Deputy Director of Administration for the Florida Department of Transportation.

In 1964, June, I found three lost boys, and was considered a hero by some. In 1974, I obtained my real estate license. I wrote a book, While Climbing Tom’s Mountain – “Events”.

MM3 HAROLD GRANT NICHOLS 9 September 1950

Harold G. Nichols “Nick” was born 25 July 1932, at La Rue, Texas. My hair was brown and I have hazel colored eyes. I moved to Chandler, Texas. When I was 17 years old, I enlisted in the U.S. Navy. It was at Dallas, Texas, on 13 June 1950.

After boot camp, on 9 September 1950, I went aboard USS FRANK E. EVANS (DD 754). She was recommissioned 15 September 1950. I was there.

In 1952, I was put in for a Letter of Commendation (with Ribbon) for meritorious service during USS FRANK E. EVANS (DD 754) operations with the Seventh Fleet from 18 April 1952 to 4 September 1952. “During this period, EVANS was engaged in widely diverse operations in the Korean combat and Formosan areas, often in danger from enemy guns, and always requiring a reliable and efficient engineering plant. Although not a petty officer, NICHOLS’ procedures enabled him to perform in an excellent manner as top watch stander requiring knowledge and ability far above that normally required of his rate. His outstanding performance of duty has greatly assisted the ship in the proper performance of its assigned missions.” Signed, N. D. Salmon

Unfortunately, I never received the letter.

I served aboard USS FRANK E. EVANS (DD 754) for 2 years, 8 months, and 24 days between 1950 and 1953. I was discharged at San Diego, California with BT3 Leo C. Whalley, MM3 Henry T. Mormile Jr., and MM3 Carl W. Lenz Jr.

In 1994, “Nick” Nichols went on to become the founder of the USS FRANK E. EVANS ASSOCIATION.

Nick and his wife Billie currently reside at PO Box 306, Frankston, TX, 75763. You can reach them at 903-876-2413.

DC2 LEONARD J. NEEDHAM – 25 February 1951 to 52

I Leonard J. Needham “Len” was born 10 November 1929, at Monona, Iowa. I had brown hair and blue eyes. I enlisted in the Navy at Des Moines, Iowa on 9 September 1950, and went to boot camp at USNTC San Diego, California.

I left Philadelphia Damage Control School in December 1950 and went on board USS FRANK E. EVANS (DD 754). She was at sea off Wonson, Korea. I was transferred from the tanker USS CIMARRON (AO 22), it was 25 February 1951. I left FRANK E. EVANS early in August 1952 with orders to Washington, D.C. for USS WILLIAMSBURG (AGC 369), the presidential yacht, as recommended by Captain Salmon. Also, I wrote the test for 1 class, which caught up with me in October 1952. I enjoyed my time on FRANK E. EVANS more than any station or ship I was on.

In regard to our skipper, CDR N. D. Salmon, he was a special sort of a captain. One time in Formosa, we had the stern cable from a buoy get jammed in the strut of the port screw. I went down under the stern and plugged a marlin spike in a loop on the cable and when they cranked forward, all was fine. Captain Salmon hooked me up and handed me a $5.00 dollar bill and said, “That’s diving pay, and you’re qualified in your records, but I am entering a recommendation for diver’s school.” Just one of the events that do stand out. I am proud of the time as a member of FRANK E. EVANS’ crew.

BM3 WILLIAM A. MATHENEY 14 May 1951

I William A. Matheney “Bill” was born 29 March 1932, at
Chattanooga, Tennessee. My hair and eyes are brown.I enlisted in the navy at Birmingham, Alabama on 4 January 1951 and went to boot camp at Great Lakes, Illinois. On 14 May 1951 I reported for duty aboard USS FRANK E. EVANS (DD 754), to 2nd Division, where I eventually was promoted to Boatswain Mate third class. EVANS was my only duty station. I left her in 1954.

It was a great honor to have served in the navy and my country. During the four years in the navy I saw parts of the world that otherwise, I would have never seen I know it made me a stronger and better person.

Bill currently resides at 1803 Ragsdale Road NW, Cullman, AL. You can reach him at 256-734-7353.

BT2 DAVID L. MARSH 15 September 1950-54

I David L. Marsh “Dave” was born 4 April 1933, at Akron, Ohio. I have light brown hair and blue eyes. I enlisted in the navy at Seattle, Washington on 4 May 1950, and went to boot camp, Company 119, at USNTC San Diego, California. I went on board USS FRANK E. EVANS (DD 754) 15 September 1950, to B Division where I served as a Boiler Tender 2 class. nd

“Dave” currently resides at 1111 Archwood Drive SW #268, Olympia, WA 98502-5667. You can reach him at helenkortegard@comcast.netor 360-866-9525.

HARLEY BRUCE MARKHAM, JR. 3 May 1952 – 1953

“Harley Bruce Markham, always known by his middle name, was in the
class before mine at Notre Dame. He and Charley Magnus were in the
Naval Hospital, Kobe, Japan recovering from minor surgery when I
first reported aboard. Harley was transferred to shore duty in San
Diego after about 18 months in FRANK E. EVANS.”

-LTJG Douglass Legg

Harley Bruce Markham, Jr. was born in 1930 in Fort Collins, Colorado. In this first year of the great depression both jobs and money were scarce and the Markham’s moved to Fort Worth, Texas. For business reasons, the family moved to Casper, Wyoming. In 1933, Bruce made his third move to a new town in as many years. During the next seven years, the family lived in several rental units until, in 1940, they moved into their first family home. Bruce attended three different elementary schools before entering the town’s only junior high school in the 8th grade. Bruce was qualified with a push broom and worked in the family sign shop at various other jobs during World War II years. He gained experience in construction, bill posting and sign-painting. He attended Natrona County High School as a Freshman and Sophomore where he participated in the ROTC pro-gram. At 16, he acquired his airplane pilot’s license.

Academically, Bruce was lucky. School was always relatively easy and required little effort beyond attending class and handing in assignments. This did not produce the highest grades, but kept him in the upper percentages, qualified him for the National Honor Society and seemed to satisfy everybody.

In the fall of 1948, Bruce enrolled in Notre Dame University’s College of Commerce pursuing a major in Marketing. Religion was a required course for the Catholic students who made up the vast majority of the student body but, Bruce, as a Methodist, was exempted from these studies. At the suggestion of one of his working friends, Mr. Bill White, Bruce became a member of the Masonic Order during his first summer home from the University. He may not have been the only, but was certainly among the few, 32nd degree Masons attending Notre Dame University. After his Sophomore year, Bruce attended a summer session at Mexico City College where he earned sufficient credits to enable his graduation from Notre Dame in three years. To replace the academic hours, Bruce took a number of classes in English Literature and, upon graduation, received a second major in that subject.

After the summer of 1950 the United States, under the sponsorship of the United Nations, was deeply involved in a brutal war on the Korean Peninsula supporting South Korea against the aggressions of the North Koreans and Chinese. All young men at that time had a seven-year military obligation and, after graduation from Norte Dame, Bruce applied for the recently re-established U.S. Navy Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island. After passing the entrance examinations in Chicago, Bruce reported to Newport in October 1951 and, after completing the course in January 1952, joined the Pacific Fleet which was deployed in the Western Pacific.

Bruce was transferred via high-line to USS FRANK E. EVANS (DD 754) in early March 1952. FRANK E. EVANS was a 2200 ton destroyer built in 1943, which had seen significant service in the Pacific before being moth-balled after World War II to await commencement of the Korean hostilities. As a shinny new Ensign, Bruce was assigned to the Gunnery Department which was responsible for deck duties as well as the armament aboard FRANK E. EVANS. During his tour, he also served as 1 Division Officer and ultimately Gunnery Officer. FRANK E. EVANS was rotated between the U. S. and Westpac where she saw duty with the carrier task force anti-submarine screen, the bombardment group along the Korean Coast, with the Formosa Patrol and on various other screening duties, usual for the destroyer force. While on board FRANK E. EVANS, Bruce was good friends with ENS Chuck Magnus.

The day the cease fire was announced in 1953 Bruce was detached from the ship and transferred to Seattle. During the leave between assignments, Bruce married Mary Alice Collins of Dallas, Texas. The new couple drove to Seattle where Bruce took up his duties in the Office of Public Information on the staff of Rear Admiral Allen E. Smith, Commandant Thirteenth Naval District and Commander Western Sea Frontier.

The U.S. Navy, like its predecessor the British Navy, believed that a line officer was capable of discharging any duties to which he was assigned; no matter what. Bruce turned in his gunnery officer duties for new tasks involved in managing a live 30 minute musical variety show on King TV every Saturday night. He was also assigned the management of U.S. Navy band attached to that command and ran the photo shop and film library while participating in the other duties of the office, including press releases and letters for the Admiral. When Bruce completed his active duty tour, they moved to Pocatello, Idaho.

Bruce was an extremely successful businessman. He spent some 35 years developing the family’s outdoor advertising business. During those years he enjoyed family life with his children and stepchildren residing in Aspen, Colorado. Bruce sold the corporation.

While residing in Tucson, Arizona he then embarked on a second career in California’s famed Napa Valley. Once again a change in residence was necessary to begin as a grape grower providing estate grown grapes to Robert Mondavi and Beaulieu Vineyards. In 1977 he acquired the Little C0-OP historic wine facility and founded Markham Vineyards. Markham’s first vintage was in 1978 and received critical acclaim for the wines produced from his 250 acres of carefully tended vines. Those wines continue to receive acclaim today under the Markham name and his personal concept that wine making begins in the vineyard with diligent attention to detail. In 1979 he married Kate Fowler who was also an active participant in the daily management of the winery. Ready for retirement in 1988, Bruce sold the vineyards and winery to a large international firm and moved to Lake Tahoe, Nevada to once again enjoy skiing and golf in the mountains. When warmer climates began to beckon in 1998, he moved back to Tucson where he had lived in the 1970’s.

Harley Bruce Markham Jr. passed away in Tucson, Arizona on 13
November 2001. He was 71 years old. He is buried in Highlands
Cemetery, Casper, Wyoming.