USS Renshaw DD/DDE-499

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From: [email protected]
Date: Fri, 23 Nov 2001 19:41:24 EST
To: [email protected]
Subject: My father

Dear Mr. Barbee My Name is Camille Gaeta and I am trying to find out more
about my dads war experiences. He served aboard the USS Renshaw from the
beginning of WWII to 1945 in the boiler room. His name is Charles Gonzalez.
He is 80 years old now and currently is confined to a nursing home, after
suffering a stroke this past April. Over the years he frequently spoke about
his service years. How these years "made a man out of him". He learned
during his time aboard the USS Renshaw to love tomatoes, to smoke cigars, to
read, read read anything he could get his hands on. He learned teamwork,
respect, responsibility, compassion, faith and friendship. He once told us
how he made friends with a young, very young Japanese POW. Since the boiler
room was next to the "brig?" he found himself conversing with these POW's.
They showed each other pictures of girlfriends, mothers amd fathers. But
that was all he spoke of. We really don't know much of what he saw, heard,
felt. He did attend many reunions in NY during the 50's and early 60's.
His sister and brother (my aunt and uncle) say he came back a much different
person than when he went in. And since his Greatest Generation is slowly
dwindling, I feel compelled to connect with my father and his life-shaping
past. I have e-mailed men from the list whose years of service coincide with
his to maybe get feedback on my Dads past so I can understand him while I
still have him. He was an interesting father to grow up with. Worked 3
jobs, gave my sister and I every opportunity, every experience he could. He
put us throough college and grad. school and we are doing very well. Where
can I find info on battles the USS Renshaw was involved in? A crew members
list of names? or anything that would shed insight into my fathers past
during the war years? Thank you for any information you can provide.
Camille Gonzalez-Gaeta

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From: [email protected]
Date: Sun, 18 Nov 2001 22:14:31 EST
To: [email protected]
Subject: Renshaw member 54-56

Hi to everyone:
I've enjoyed exploring the Renshaw website. I was a crew member 54-56, and
then went to the Bryce Canyon. We had a lot of fun in Pearl (read: 5
Article 15's). Went on to college on the GI Bill and got commissioned in the
Army where I spent a year in Vietnam. Retired from the Army Reserve as an
0-5. Have made three 3-month visits to Hawaii the past three years to do
some contract work for Army there. Enjoyed visiting Pearl and the pier where
the Renshaw and other DDE's tied up all those years ago. It's hard to
believe that we lived in such cramped quarters back then and didn't seem to
mind it. Oh, and it was fun raiding the Officers' Mess while on mid-watch as
a radioman. Often wondered what happened to old shipmates Thomas Emile Macko and Ralph Mares. If anyone knows, please drop a line.
Be well,
Robert D. "Doug" Williams, RMSN 54-56
[email protected]

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From: Dick Wenzel <[email protected]>
Date: Wed, 07 Nov 2001 13:02:42 -0500
To: [email protected]

Subject: Reunion

Petzes and Wenzels returned home from the Norfolk reunion Sunday PM.
10-21-01. We had a great reunion, with over 100 people attending. The
accommodations and the program were first class. The hospitality room was
great for informal gatherings and inspecting memorabilia. The spread at the
happy hour Friday eve was sumptious and G Barbee was in good voice
entertaing us with his guitar.

Some of us found a lounge with a loud band and we danced as much as our ages
permitted. The tours by bus and boat were very interesting and enjoyed by
all. At the Sat. night banquet we had a great speaker, a navy pilot, whose
presentation was comforting as well as informative. Recognition for their
work on behalf of Renshaw reunions was given to Ray and Sandy Smith, to Don
McCurry, as our historian and to Glenn Barbee for getting us on the web.
Also, Dick Post and Harold Outten were recognized for their contributions.
It was a memorable week end.

WWII men numbered 11, our lowest turnout ever. I was disappointed at this,
especially after we had some new people who had never known that Renshaw had
reunions. They made themselves known on the web site but that was it. Maybe
next year. In spite of the unsettled conditions we did have two dedicated
couples fly from California. After 10 or so years of being absent a Mr.
Evans returned to us. This man was aboard our ship for only a few hours. He
was one of two men we rescued when their PBY went down. I think it is
something that this guy would take the time to compliment us by attending
our reunions! He promises to be back next year.

For me the surprise attendee, there always is one, was Alex Alexander. He
was a Bm1/c, and was, at my last rememberance the master-at-arms in the mess
hall. Are we too old? Alex uses a walking stick and is 91.

I cannot give you all the details of the reunion but I hope I hit the high
spots and that I will get some responses and questions. Remember, somebody
at the reunion ask about you.

Shipmate- Dick Wenzel

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From: [email protected]
Date: Tue, 30 Oct 2001 09:12:39 EST
To: [email protected]

Subject: USS Renshaw

This is my first contact with anyone from the Renshaw since I left her in
January of 59. I would have come to the reunion but my daughter decided to
get married that same weekend. With a little luck she wont be getting married
again during next years reunion.
Please add my name to your listing.
Leonard Pearce ET2 Served 56 to 59. E-mail at LenOtis@ aol.com .

Thanks,
Len

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From: "Don" <[email protected]>
Date: Tue, 23 Oct 2001 19:58:19 -0400
To: "Glenn A Barbee" <[email protected]>

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21 October 2001

Webmaster note

I just returned home from the Renshaw reunion in Norfolk. It was great! There was a big turnout and we were happy to see a lot of new, first-time attendees. Special thanks to all who had a hand in organizing and running this event. Plans are already being drawn up for next year. Watch the website for details as they become available.

Glenn

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Webmaster note

15 Sept 2001

With all that's happened in the past week, some are wondering if we'll have any attendance at our reunion in October. I believe we will and I think it's important for us to get together. The common thread that binds us together as a group is our brotherhood as destroyermen, along with our patriotism and love for our country. I look forward to seeing as many shipmates as possible at the reunion. It will be good for all of us just to get together and talk about these horrible events if 11 September.

See you in Norfolk,

Glenn

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From: " " <[email protected]>
Reply-To: [email protected]
Date: Wed, 5 Sep 2001 20:57:13 -0500
To: [email protected]
Subject: Renshaw Website

Many thanks to Al March for directing me to the Renshaw website. It was great seeing so many names from the past and revisiting old memories.
The Renshaw was my first duty station after being commissioned in July 1950. I was the Fire Control Officer and Second Division Officer under "Guns" Bishop, Walt Macginnis, and later Harold Outten during the period Sept 1950 to February 1952. Cdr. Langston and later Cdr. Fulghum were the COs and Carol Turner was the XO. Several years ago, I had occasion to visit Carol Turner's burial site at the Naval Academy while we were visiting our dau and son-in-law who was teaching at the Academy at that time.
Last year, I had a phone call out of the blue from Al March in connection with the book he and Don MacElfresh had written and as a result of this phone call I have been in touch with Don, Darrel Jarvis, Hal Outten, and Mike Grove. Before leaving this subject I would like to take this opportunity to commend Al and Don for their efforts and research into putting a name on the unidentified sub we sank in the Yellow Sea in 1951.
On another subject I was the Mk 37 Director officer when we "sank" the shore battery in the vicinity of Sonjin in 1951.
Sorry I will not be able to attend the reunion in Norfolk in October. I was looking forward to it but unfortunately will be in the process of moving from Florida to Williamsburg Va during that time frame.
By the way my E-mail address is [email protected].
Robert "Bob" Schuster
Captain U S Navy (ret)

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From: "Don" <[email protected]>
Date: Mon, 3 Sep 2001 20:57:12 -0400
To: "Glenn A Barbee" <[email protected]>
Subject: Miss Dorothy Lillian Renshaw
Hi-

Just a quick note to let everyone know that I have located the sponsor of our ship.

On 7 May 1942 the keel was laid for our ship at Federal Shipbuilding and Drydock Company, Kearney, N.J. and Frank Knox, the Secretary of the Navy, designated Miss Dorothy Lillian Renshaw to sponsor our ship. She is the great-great grandniece of Commander William Bainbridge Renshaw who was killed at the Battle of Galveston on 01 Jan 1863.

On 13 October 1942 our ship was launched with Miss Renshaw as the sponsor.

Gwen Renshaw Mauer who many of you met at the reunion in Seattle has compiled an extensive genealogy of the Renshaw family and put me in touch with Miss Renshaw's brother who in turn has sent me copies of the official correspondence and photos from the commissioning.

Ms. Dorothy Renshaw Wood lives in Ellisville, Mo. and her health prevents her from attending our reunion so perhaps we can all sign a card and send it to her with our best wishes.

Looking forward to seeing everyone in October.

Don McCurry
1963-67

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From: Donald McElfresh <[email protected]>
Organization: McElfresh
Reply-To: [email protected]
Date: Fri, 06 Jul 2001 00:02:12 -0500
To: [email protected]
Subject: Lost Shipmates

Glenn:
Thanks for putting up this website. I just want to say how much I miss
my departed shipmates Ensign, Roerden and last but not least, Johnny
Colland, who died within the last six months. I was in her crew from the
Spring of '50 until my transfer stateside in Winter of '52. See you all
in Norfolk in a few months.
Don McElfresh

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From: michael grove <[email protected]>
Date: Mon, 25 Jun 2001 20:58:27 -0400
To: [email protected]
Subject: RENSHAW Shipmates email address

Greetings to all. Through the kindness of Al March I just learned of
this great web site and email listing. I am the other Grove -
Michael. I too was the CIC Officer and served on board from July 50 to
about August 51. Came on board as the only Ensign during fitting out in
Norfolk and left as a LTJG in Hawaii. My email address is
[email protected].
Mike Grove

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From: Bill & Barb Cosner <[email protected]>
Date: Tue, 19 Jun 2001 17:39:18 -0700
To: [email protected]
Subject: U.S.S. Renshaw / Alumni

Greetings
I was informed last week-end by my old shipmate Tom McRae that this site
was in existance and that I should inform you that I was on the ship
from 1963-1966 and left as RD2. The reunion information was sent to me
by Tom and I would be interested to attend this year in Norfolk (subject
to available time and money).
Thank You
Bill Cosner

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From: "Tom Kornegay" <[email protected]>
Date: Mon, 18 Jun 2001 08:21:23 -0700
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: FW: Renshaw web site

Thanks for letting me know about the Renshaw web site. I would like to be put on the e-mail list. My name is Tom Kornegay, I served aboard the Renshaw from 1963-1966, my rank was FTGSN. Thanks again. Nice looking site.
Tom

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From: "Atnip, Thomas E" <[email protected]>
Date: Mon, 18 Jun 2001 06:19:51 -0700
To: "'[email protected]'" <[email protected]>
Subject: Renshaw website.

I looked at your list of former shipmates and although I was sent this email
to notify me of the website I was not listed, nor was my father. I sent a
message a while ago of his passing. So I will try again. First I would like
to commend you on a great site. It brought back some really nice feelings
about my old ship. I do miss those times. Well here is my father's
information. His name is Jack Atnip Sr. He served aboard the Renshaw in 1951
or 1952 time frame. I am not sure of his full service on her, however I do
know that he was written in the Naval Records for determining if the Renshaw
had hit a submarine. There is an on going investigation by several shipmates
on that specific attack. He passed away on July 11, 1994. He served proudly
and retired as a Lieutenant Commander. Not bad for a guy who lied about his
age and went to sea at 16 and fought in two wars, (WWII and Korea). He was a
mustang and proud of it. In fact it was due to his love for the sea and the
Navy that made me want to follow his footsets. I served on the Renshaw
between 1967 - 1969. I was a boilerman 2nd and was one of the few sailors in
the fireroom that knew why we had Babcocks and Forster Wheeler boilers in
the firerooms with GE and Westinghouse Turbins in the Enginerooms. If you
could add my fathers name to the memorial page and both our names to the
shipmates page I know my father would be proud to know his name is not
forgotten. Thank you for your time.
Your shipmate
Tom Atnip
[email protected]
Mesa, AZ

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From: "Pete Roberts" <[email protected]>
Date: Mon, 18 Jun 2001 08:25:11 -0500
To: [email protected]
Subject: Renshaw E-mail List

Hello Glenn,Thanks so much for the opportunity to be added to the Renshaw
E-mail List.I think the site is great and its evident that you have put a
lot of time into it.My name is Leslie K Roberts,I was on board the Renshaw
from 1968 to 1970.My rank and rate was BTFN,and my e-mail address is
[email protected],and I would be honored to be on your site.You can
also Post this on your bulletin board also if you like.I was known as Big R
on board the ship.I would love to be able to make it to a re-union if I
can.Thanks again and best wishes,Leslie K Roberts

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From: "Elmer Hanson" <[email protected]>
Date: Sun, 17 Jun 2001 21:39:59 -0700
To: <[email protected]>
Subject: Renshaw e mail

Hello just read your e mail on Renshaw web site WOW good work .I was on the Renshaw while CDR Keil was CO and Lt CDR Quanstrom was the XO then I left the ship sometime after CDR Schwartrz took command she was a real grand ship and I really enjoyed the time that I served on her. I have surfed the net in every place that I can think of where to look trying to locate some of the old EN and MM gang and YES go ahead and put me on the e mail mailing list . My wife and I went to the reunion when it was in seattle and that was the first time that I had seen Keegen and Vandenberg since I left the ship and my how we have changed. Stay in touch and I hope that some day we can all get together again Elmer

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From: [email protected]
Date: Sun, 17 Jun 2001 21:35:58 EDT
To: [email protected]
Subject: (no subject)

Hi My name is Sol ROSENSON TM3 i served on the Renshaw from day of
commissioning in 1942. Till she was decommisioned in 1945. I made some
friends and buddies on this ship. I went to a few reunions in N.Y.Nice
hearing from mike paige and Dick Wenzel. Had some great times from Honululu
to Australia.Some of the my shipmates were Bill Scott; Harold Taylor; Tom
Mcgraw;Nick Classen; Edd Rue; Jim Tyson; Ed Hulritz; Esign
Fitzgerald;Porkchops; etc. I am now retired wih my wife Boytnon Beach FL.
regards to all the ones i served with. I am trying to locate Pete Lavina
here in FL. Stay Healthy.ROSIE

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From: Michael Paige <[email protected]>
Date: Wed, 13 Jun 2001 17:16:51 -0400 (edt)
To: [email protected]
Subject: email address missing in e mail listing

HI GLENN ,
YOU DONT KNOW ME . I WAS ON THE ORIGINAL CREW OF THE RENSHAW MYNAME WAS CHANGED TO MICHAEL PAIGE AFTER WW 2 FROM EMILIO PAGLIAROLI, THIS IS WHAT SHOULD SHOW UP ON THE RENSHAW CREW
ROSTER I SERVED ON THE RENSHAW FROM 1942 TO 1944 THEN WAS TR ANSFERED TO NAVAL AIR STATION AT REAM FIELD IN SAN YSIDRO ,CALIF
TO THE END OF WW 2I WAS DISCHARGED IN OCT 1945. I WAS IN THE S DIVISION WHILE ON BOARD THE RENSHAW . I CAME ABOARD THE RENSHAW AS AN AS,THEN THE FOLLOWING RATES FOLLOWED WHILE ABOARD THE RENSHAW
S2C, S1C. BKR 3C,BKR2C, BKR 1C, PLEASE USE MY PRESANT NAME ON ANY CORROSPONDENTS (MY E-MAIL ADDRESS [email protected] )
MY HOME MAILING ADDRESS
14-A-PHEASANT
CEDAR GLEN WEST
MANCHESTER, NJ. 08759
GLENN I WONT BE MAKING THE REUNION DUE TO MEDICAL PROBLEMS
IM HAPPY TO HAVE ACCESS TO THE E MAIL ADDRESSES WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU
FORMER SHIPMATE MICHAEL PAIGE

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From: [email protected]
Date: Tue, 12 Jun 2001 20:25:41 EDT
To: [email protected]
Subject: USS Renshaw

Please add me to the e-mail list. I served on the Renshaw from 1959 to 1962.
My final billet was Ops Officer and I was an LTJG. My e-mail address is
[email protected]. You and I were on board at the same time. When I
reported to the Renshaw in Yokuska (an Ensign fresh from OCS in Newport) in
June 1959 the Renshaw was in dry dock getting a wiped bearing fixed. Once we
got underway, I think we hit every dry dock in Japan for continuing plant
problems. My first job on board was DCA, then Second Division and finally
into Operations (where I wanted to be) as the Comm Officer. We're still good
friends with Charlie Shoemaker and his wife Gail. Charlie left the ship
sometime in late 1960. He was the Ops Officer and Navigator just prior to
leaving the ship. Seeing the picture of the First Class party with Kyle and
Quanstrom brought back lots of memories.
Good job on the web sight!
Thanks.

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From: "Budd Riley" <[email protected]>
Date: Sun, 10 Jun 2001 23:38:10 -0700
To: <[email protected]>
Subject: USS RENSHAW DD499

6/10/2001

I WAS ON THE RENSHAW FROM 43 JAN 45 WHEN SHE WAS IN PIER 20 IN SAN FRANCISCO, CA. FOR A COMPLETE OVERHAUL. SEEMS ADMIRAL HULSEY DID'NT WANT TIN CANS WHEN THE WEAR ON THE TURBINE IMPELLERS WERE SO THIN THAT TOP SPEED WAS AROUND 28 - 30 KNOTS A DANGEROUS SPEED AGAINST THE JAPANESE CANS. JUST BEFORE THE SHIP WAS TO RETURN TO SEA A SAILOR CAME ABOARD LOOKING FOR SOMEONE WITH A FIREMAN FIRST CLASS RANK TO TRADE SHORE DUTY FOR SEA DUTY. HIS NAME [GOD BLESS HIM] WAS CARLOS ANTHONY. DECKER AND HE HAD ORDERS IN HIS HAND FORM HIS COMANDING OFFICER TO TRADE RANK FOR RANK IF THE COMMANDER ON THE RENSHAW WOULD SIGN FOR THE SWITCH. JAKE LARK SIGNED THAT TRANSFER. HE AND I TRADED PLACES AND HE WENT TO SEA AND DIED ON MY BATTLE STATION THE AFT ENGINE ROOM ON THE RENSHAW. I MET A SAILOR I KNEW WELL ABOUT 2 MONTHS AFTER THE SHIP LEFT S F WHILE ON LIBERTY IN SF. HIS NAME WAS DON WANDELL A CARPENTER ABOARD THE RENSHAW. HE SHOWED ME THE CASUALTY LIST AND THE SECOND NAME ON THE LIST WAS ANTHONY DECKER. I WANT TO COMMEND YOU FOR THE WEBSITE YOU HAVE PUT A LOT OF TIME SETTING UP. YOU MUST KNOW COMPUTERS BACKWARDS OR FROM STEM TO STERN AS AND OLD SWABBY MIGHT SAY. WHEN YOU FIND TIME MY BIRTH NAME IS BRODIE D. RILEY AND MY NICKNAME IS BUDD SO THANK YOU FOR MAKING THESE CHANGES. BY THE WAY I PLAYED GUITAR ON THE RENSHAW WHILE ABOARD AND PLAYED LEAD GUITAR FOR MANY YEARS WITH SOME OF THE BEST WESTERN BANDS. SOME YOU MIGHT KNOW ARE TEX RITTER, JOHNNY BOND, JIMMY RIVERS ETC. LET ME KNOW WHAT INST. YOU PLAY. I STILL MAKE TAPES AND SEND THEM TO MY REALITIVES TO PLAY IN THEIR CARS. WE WERE IN THE BATTLE FOR SAIPAN, TINNIAN AND GUAM PRIOR TO COMING TO SF FOR REPAIRS, AND JAKE LARK WAS OUR SKIPPER. ENSIGN FITSGERALD WAS JAKES RIGHT HAND MAN.
LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU

BUDD RILEY MMS3C USS RENSHAW 1943/1945

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From: "Joe" <[email protected]>
Date: Sun, 10 Jun 2001 02:54:07 -0400
To: <[email protected]>
Subject: Deceased members.

Greetings,
My name is Joseph C Spurny Jr. Although I did not
serve on a tin can as my father had done (I served on the carrier, Midway
87-89) I would like to add my father, Joseph C Spurny Sr. to the ships
roster as well as the deceased roster. He served as an ET2 onboard the
Renshaw from approximately from '62-'64.
Thank you and take care,
FC2 Joseph C Spurny Jr.

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From: Bruce Pilcher <[email protected]>
Date: Tue, 05 Jun 2001 08:52:08 +0100
To: Glenn A Barbee <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: Renshaw email list

Glenn:
The e-mail address is correct. At the present time, I can't get into
Netscape. As soon as I get this thing fixed, I'll check the website.
Just for the record: I served on Renshaw from 9/63 until 6/66. I was
an MM3 in the After Engine Room.
Thanks for your effort on behalf of the Renshaw and her crewmen.
Hopefully, this will bring some old friends back together.
Hope to meet you at an up-coming reunion.
Best wishes.
Bruce

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From: [email protected]
Date: Mon, 4 Jun 2001 14:54:05 EDT
To: [email protected]
Subject: Renshaw E-Mail List

Just logged on the Renshaw web-page, thanks to forwarded E-Mail from Frank
Kleber. It is great. Would appreciate having my E-Mail address added to the
list. My name is Darrell V. Jarvis, and was aboard from Sept. 50 to July 52,
as Communications Officer, rank LTJG. My E-Mail address is [email protected].
I live in the Sun City Center, FL area and am listed in the phone book in
case there are any former shipmates in the area.
Thanks
Darrell Jarvis

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From: viagra online sample <[email protected]>
Organization: McElfresh
Reply-To: [email protected]
Date: Fri, 06 Jul 2001 00:02:12 -0500
To: [email protected]
Subject: Lost Shipmates

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From: Erectile Dysfunction <[email protected]>
Organization: McElfresh
Reply-To: [email protected]
Date: Fri, 06 Jul 2001 00:02:12 -0500
To: [email protected]
Subject: Lost Shipmates

Hi Glenn:
I served on the RENSHAW DDE 499 from Aug 1951 to August 53 as the CIC
officer and later as the Comm. officer. On your roster lists, CDR s B.J.
Fulghum & L. Alford were our skippers and LCDR C.A. Turner was our XO at
the time. LT Francis Kleber was our Operations officer and LT Keith
Hallam was our Engineer. Pete Edison , RD2 was in our CIC gang. I'm
glad I found this site! It brings back old, but not forgotten memories!
David Grove, Capt. DC USN Ret.

I don't think that I should be on the email list as I was never attached to Renshaw. I was the DesDiv 252 chaplain, but I was aboard Renshaw for most of the WestPac cruise which began in March of 1965. I would say that I had the most adventures aboard Renshaw and it was the officers of Renshaw who held up my promotion papers while I was on Radford for a few weeks so that they could con me out of the wetting down party when they finally gave me the news of my promotion. Of all the ships in the division I felt most at home on Renshaw and kind of felt like it was where I was really attached.

Richard A. Crist
CDR-CHC-USNR-Ret

Glenn:
I enjoyed looking at the site especially your home page and how you were
classified as a potential ET/FT type as a result of your vacuum tube
experience.
I served aboard the RENSHAW 50-52 as a LT. (operations Officer). I will
seriously try to get to the reunion in Norfolk. I live in San Diego. Thanks
for all your efforts for the web site.
Frank Kleber

Congratulations on getting a web-page for 499. I think it is great and
will get even better. The correction I mention is the fact that Thomas F.
McGowan was the actual founder of our reunions. HJ Taylor helped McGowan,
but TFM was the guy who collected the names, in 1945, from people who might
be interested in future reunions!
He then hosted 11 or more reunions in New York City before HJT. succeeded
him as the host. Again, kudos to
you for your efforts on Renshaw's behalf. I wish you and yours well and
look forward to seeing you at the
reunion. Shipmate Dick Wenzel

Renshaw Shipmate Notes 2001