Needham, Leonard

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.