Updated: JULY 7, 2008

USCGC Campbell Association W32/W909

USCGC Campbell, WPG 32, St. George, Staten Island, New York, 1958
Photo: Don Seifert

Campbell W909 past and current Newletters (Archived), Photos, and Information. For easy access to their current Newsletter, Mighty CAMPBELL Times, go to their web site.

          Mike Truex found the following at the Campbell table on Fred's Place and alerted me. I am hoping our shipmates may make this ceremony. Admrl. Peterman has joinded us on Reunions, and may I say when hard pressed for time. Always an excellant speaker may we hope to see him at Reunions now in a more relaxed time. - Neill, Web Master

          I found this on the Campbell table at Fred's Place and wanted to pass it along. He has been good to us in the past, and there is no doubt that our association should be represented. I cannot make the occasion, but I am sure some of our shipmates can be there for him.
Mike

          On 05/08/08 Brian Peterman said: I served aboard during 1990-91 and ... I would like to invite all of my CAMPBELL shipmates to my change of command and retirement ceremony in Portsmouth, VA on July 10, 2008. If you are interested in attending, please contact Regina.C.Harris@uscg.mil for an invitation. You all hold a special place in my heart and I would love to have you share in this important ceremony with me.

          Just won this on eBay. I like to find items of our sister ships. First Day Covers, postcards, patches and such. I would like to have enough items to make nice display board. It is a nice project. - Neill

          Campbell Shipmates;
Just received a telephone call from Norm Bowker who reminded us that today (Friday, February 22^nd)is the 65th anniversary of the sinking of the U-606.

Happy tides, Jim (Kelly)

          Raymond Knopek died March 28, 2008, from pneumonia with Bacteria infection. The Funeral was held on Monday March 31, 2008. At the Kaatz Funeral Home, 10 South Main, Yale, MI 48097. Funeral was held on Monday March 31, 2008. His wish was to be cremated.

Thank You, Carolyn Knopek (wife)

Michael Walling has been asked by the children of Emil De Ocampo to let us know that Emil turned 100 last September and is doing well. He retired as a CPO in 1955. If anyone would like to send him greetings his address is:

Emil De Ocampo Sr.
P.O. Box 3625
Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067

I am going to visit Chief De Ocampo on March 2-4 and will let you know how it goes.

Semper Paratus,
Mike

          Crew Mates; We have a new member. He is John C. Chittock. Address is 371-1 Brunstetter Rd. SW., Warren, OH 44481. Phone: 330-399-8636. jcuscg65@basicisp.net

Jim Kelly, Sec/Tres

          Shipmates, please welcome Harold E. Leiby, 1214 Hope St., Vineland, NJ 08361.
Phone 856-692-2418.
He served on the W 32 1967 to 1969. Wife's name is Gloria.
(No e-mail listed.)

Jim Kelly, Sec/Tres

          Shipmates; Let us all welcome new member Joseph Polityka to our roles. Joe served on the Campbell from March 1965 to April 1966. His phone is 610-398-2334. E Mail is joepoli@aol.com. He lives at 7033 Queenscourt Lane, Macungie, PA 18062.

Jim Kelly, Sec/Tres

122007

          New member; John Kilgore, 116 Carmel Drive, Portland, TX, 78374. Years served 1967-1968. Phone 361-549-9446.
E Mail: johnkilgore@charter.net

1111507

Shipmates; Raymond Knopek has joined our Association. He served on the Campbell from 1954 to 1957. His address is; 5444 Sheridan Road, Emmett, MI 48022. Phone: 810-387-2435. cknopek810@aol.com

Jim Kelly

101907

Shipmates; We have a new member.
He is Joseph Ryczkowski.
He served on the W-32 from January to September in 1953. His address is 69 Bakun Way, Trenton, NJ 08638. Telephone is 609-883-6249. E mail is; loisry@yahoo.com

Jim Kelly, Sec/Tres

Shipmates; Oscar had a stroke on March 10th that was not disabling in itself but worsened the dementia that he has been battling for awhile. His wife Betty said that he is very confused. He has been moved to the nursing facility attached to where they live. Get well cards and notes may be sent in care of Betty at
Oscar Boener
407 Kenilworth Ct.
Bethlehem, PA 18018.
% Betty Boener
Jim Kelly

From Jim Sisler: I'm probably the only one that didn't know this but Roger fell a few months ago and broke a hip. He's home recouperating but might like a card or two: (I did not know either. - Neill)

R.H. BANNER
P.O. BOX 427
PORT ROYAL, SC., 29935

Please let me hear of Campbell People, members, crew or family that have "Crossed The Bar".
We would like to let the members know and how to contact their family. And if there is time where a viewing or funeral will be conducted. So we may give our well wishes.

          To CAMPBELL ASSOC.: I just read in the CG EVENING COLORS that ENC Louis Bender, USCG crossed the bar on 11 October 2007. As you may recall, the Association presented him with a Plank Owner's certificate onboard the CGC William Tate in Philadelphia durning the 2004 Valley Forge Reunion. Chief Bender was part of the first crew after commissioning in 1936. Regards, Gordon

The following was received from Jim Kelly, Barring Coughlin has "Crossed The Bar".

Shipmates; Sorry to have to inform you of yet another passing. Dennis Coughlin, Barring's son, sent a note with an obituary by regular mail informing us that his father passed away on January 2, 2008. He was 94 years young and was a prominent attorney with the law firm Thompson Hine. Barring led a very distinguished life, including serving as Intelligence Officer on the Campbell as a Lieutenant in 1941. He made 13 trips to North Africa during the war. The family prefers that those who wish may make contributions in his name to the charity of their choice or Judson Retirement Community 2181 Ambleside Drive, Cleveland, OH 44106. Funeral services were held January 11, 2008.

The following was received from Mike Truex, Robert Helms has "Crossed The Bar".

I received this e-mail from Vanessa Snyder about her Dad. Bob was a shipmate on the Campbell in the early 60's, member of the Campbell Assoc. and retired PCSC.

Subject: Sad News

My dad went in for surgery yesterday , to have the cancer removed and to fix his valve.
He never recovered from the surgery he died this morning at 9:45.If anyone wants to find out any info you can email me here, Vanessa Snyder or call at 402-483-0657.

Vanessa Snyder

122007

          Shipmates; (James Kelly) Received word this week from Bob Guest that his beloved wife Peggy passed away November 22, 2007. Bob will be leaving to visit his son in Switzerland on Dec. 26th and will return home Jan. 5th. Bob's address is; 2036 Michigan Ave. N.E., St. Petersburg, FL 33703. Bob sent me a package containing the obit, son's eulogy, letter from a friend plus a copy of "Crossing The bar" which he read at the funeral.

122007

          (James Kelly) Member Richard McDermott passed away April 29, 2007. Wife Muriel notified me by letter December 11, 2007.

110107

Capt. Ralph Zachary Del Giorno

Capt. (retired) Ralph Z. Del Giorno, 71, of Ft Lauderdale,Fl Passed away Saturday August 11, 2007. He was born on Long Island, New York on October 28, 1935 to the late Zachary and Mary Louise Serino Del Giorno. He grauated Capital Page School in 1953. He received his certificate from President Eisenhower. He graduated the U.S. Coast Guard Academy of New London, Connecticut in 1957. He retired from the U.S. Coast Guard after 30 years of active duty with the rank of Captain. After retirement he worked all over the world on oil rigs as a Captain and Master Mariner. Survived by wife, ann Marie Bywaters Del Giorno; sons, Robert (Linda) Del Giorno; step-daughter, Kelly Bywaters-Adams; step-son, Robert Bywaters; sister, Geraldine (Felice) Quinto; grandchildren, Stephanie, Zachary, Brian, Mathew and Brittany. Predeceased by brother, Robert Del giorno. a Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated thrusday August 16th at 11:30AM at St Bernard Catholic Church Sunrise Fl. In Lieu of flowers, contributions to Pancan (Pancreatic Cancer Research) 2141 Rosecrans Ave, Suite 7000, El Segundo CA 90245. Iserved with Capt Del Giorno aboard the CGC Ironwood and we went thru Typhoon Trix together in August of 1960 of Okinawa. Ralph was a fine officer and helped us get thru the Typhoon in one piece. the world has lost a Mariner of the first order and a fine man. Calm seas my friend

102407

Sadly, King Reynolds Has Passed The Bar

Shipmates; Just recently learned from Bill & Miki Hatcher that King Reynolds has passed away. If you want more details contact the William F. Hatcher, they may have more information.

Sadly,Jim Kelly, Sec/Tres

101407

This sad notice from Sec/Tres Jim Kelly

All Hands; Joe Oliva notified me that his daughter, Donna Morris, passed away this weekend at the age of 54. She had lived in Maine. All arrangements will be handled by the Brooklawn Funeral Home, 511 Brooks St., Rocky Hill, CT and will be held in Rocky Hill. Arrangements are incomplete but are expected to be firmed up tomorrow.
      Information can be found by calling the funeral home at 860-721-0087 or online at; brooklawnfuneralhome.com
      The funeral home advised me that they handle flower orders directly if that proves to be an option. Following all services Donna will be cremated and buried with her Mother. Joe's address is 73 Terry Lane, Rocky Hill, CT 06067-2203.

Jim

Please Note: For those of us not in the emmidiate area, we can sign the Funeral Home Guest Book and find more information on Donna Morris and arrangements. Click Funeral Home's URL, above. It is simple and strignt forward web site. Sincerely, - Neill

080407

More On Norman Rabkin From President Gordon Bell

To All USCGC CAMPBELL W-32 Shipmates:

It is my sad duty to inform you that our Association has lost it's founding member Norman Rabkin on Sunday, July 29, 2007. Norman was born December 9, 1917 and was 89 years old. Norman was the first President who started the CAMPBELL ASSOCIATION in 1986 and was the President until 1989 - 4 years. Norman was buried on Thursday, August 2, 2007 in Arlington National Cementary with full military honors. Norman organized the first CAMPBELL ASSOCIATION reunion at the Doral Park Avenue Hotel in New York City, May 17-18, 1986. He sailed aboard the CAMPBELL 1942 to 1945 and has served his country and the Association well. He leaves behind his widow, Miriam at the following address: 1801 East Jefferson St. Apt. T 20, Rockville, MD 20852. Phone # 240-221-0190.

Best Regards, to all, Gordon

080207

This from James Kelly - A Shipmate Has Passed The Bar

Norman Rabkin has passed the bar. He was a loyal Campbell Association member and Past President. This information was passed along to me late this afternoon by Joe Oliva. Norman sailed out of this world this past Sunday. No other information is available at this time.
Jim

----------- Gordons reply-----------

Thanks for this information. Norm formed the CGC CAMPBELL ASSOCIATION back in 1986 and I attended the first reunion in New York City, I visited Norm and Miriam on the way home from the 70th Anniversary Celebration in SC and gave him a coffee mug and a reunion book.
Regards Gordon

Send pictures you have for the web site picture album. Send e-mail or CR/DVD or snail mail to Burnham S. Neill, Attn: Campbell Photos, 671 NE 71 Street, Miami, FL 33138-5715. Any information on names. rank or rate, event at the time is appreciated. I will edit for the web site. - Neill

1110107

Passed on to us from shipmate John Barker

COMMANDANTS VETERANS DAY MESSAGE

Forwarded by Pat Bursley:
***************************************
R 072116Z NOV 07 ZUI ASN-A00311000015 ZYB
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALLHANDS

BT

UNCLAS //N01000//
SUBJ: COMMANDANTS VETERANS DAY MESSAGE
1. IT WAS 89 YEARS AGO WHEN THE WORLD BREATHED A COLLECTIVE SIGH OF RELIEF AS THE ARMISTICE WAS SIGNED ENDING WORLD WAR I. SINCE THE CIVIL WAR, MORE THAN 270,000 COAST GUARD MEN AND WOMEN HAVE FOUGHT IN ARMED CONFLICTS AROUND THE WORLD, AND OVER 2100 LOST THEIR LIVES.
2. VETERANS DAY ALSO MARKS THE 65TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE U.S. INVASION OF THE SOLOMON ISLANDS IN WORLD WAR II. THE BATTLE FOR GUADALCANAL LOOMS LARGE IN COAST GUARD HISTORY. IT WAS THERE THAT SIGNALMAN FIRST CLASS DOUGLAS MUNRO WAS MORTALLY WOUNDED WHILE RESCUING A BATTALION OF STRANDED MARINES. AWARDED THE CONGRESSIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR FOR HIS HEROISM, HE IS THE EPITOME OF COAST GUARD DEVOTION TO DUTY.
3. THIS WEEKEND, I WILL JOIN COAST GUARD MEN AND WOMEN COMMEMORATING VETERANS DAY AT A WREATH LAYING CEREMONY AT THE COAST GUARD WORLD WAR I MEMORIAL IN ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY. I ALSO LOOK FORWARD TO PARTICIPATING IN THE UPCOMING DEDICATION OF THE COAST GUARD PACIFIC VETERANS MEMORIAL. THIS MONUMENT, FEATURING A STONE FROM GUADALCANAL BROUGHT BACK BY CGC WALNUT, WILL SYMBOLIZE THE COURAGE AND DEDICATION OF COAST GUARD MEN AND WOMEN IN WARTIME AND PEACE.
4. OUR SERVICE HAS GROWN AND EVOLVED WITH THE CHANGING TIMES, WHILE REMAINING THE WORLDS BEST COAST GUARD. IT WAS FORTY YEARS AGO THAT WE INTRODUCED OUR DISTINCTIVE RACING STRIPE, NOW RECOGNIZED AND REPLICATED WORLDWIDE. FORTY YEARS FROM NOW, EACH OF YOU WILL BE REMEMBERED FOR THE MARK YOU PUT ON OUR SERVICE FOR THE NEXT GENERATION.
5. MY PERSONAL THANKS TO THE LEADERSHIP OF OUR "CHIEFS MESS" FOR THEIR SPONSORSHIP OF COAST GUARD FLAGS ACROSS AMERICA. DCC CLYDE ALLEN (USCG RETIRED) SENDS HIS BZ.
6. TODAY, AS YOU REFLECT ON THE SACRIFICES OF THOSE WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES FOR THIS GREAT NATION, TAKE A MOMENT TO THINK ABOUT YOUR OWN SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY. NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER AND VALUE OF YOUR DEDICATION, COMMITMENT AND DEVOTION TO DUTY.
7. ADMIRAL THAD ALLEN SENDS.
8. INTERNET RELEASE AUTHORIZED.

BT

NNNN

091407

101307

:From Paul Cora, the curator of the USCGC TANEY in Baltimore. The mounted and displayed, USCGC CAMPBELL Bridge Ribbon Board donated from the USCGC CAMPBELL ASSOCIATION.

092607

092607 From Sue Smith, Daughter of Richard Griffith. My dad was on the "Campbell" in 1947-1948. He has the original card of menu's for both Thanksgiving and Xmas dinners for 1947. He also has the entire list of personnel on the boat at that time.

092207

The shot I'm attaching was taken from the bridge of the CGC Ingham during our summer Cadet Cruise in 1974. The picture was taken by my shipmate Greg A. Bevirt ETN2. It's the best shot of a 327 at sea I've ever seen. Very clear and crisp, I have a couple more of her shooting the 5"38' on our way across the pond in 1974. Terry Wright, - Former RM3 at CG Group Hampton Rds. Va 75-76 (first permanent party) and CGC Ingham 73-75.

092107

Chief Skip Ripley points out different features aboard the 270-foot US Coast Guard Cutter Campbell during a presentation of the Campbell Heritage Project, Tuesday.

Veterans and their families, along with current U.S. Coast Guard officials, gathered to watch various presentations during the Campbell Heritage Project event on Tuesday aboard the USCGC Campbell at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery.

Article published Sep 12, 2007
Exhibit showcases history of Coast Guard cutter

KITTERY, Maine — When Chief Skip Ripley was serving on the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Campbell, he wanted to do something to honor the rich history of the men and women who have served on the ship

The end result is the Campbell Heritage Project — a collection of 44 commemorative items during the ship's years of service, including World War II—era uniforms, Silver Star citations and crew lists. These are now hanging up in the messdeck (cafeteria), wardroom and some other areas of the ship.

The Campbell's most famous incident occurred in February 1943, while it was escorting Convoy ON-166. in the North Atlantic. The ship's officer spotted a German U-606 submarine on the radar and decided to ram the convoy boat while opening fire and dropping depth charges near the sub. The collision of the two ship's ripped a hole in the Campbell's hull causing the engine room to flood and the vessel to lose power. The survivors from the submarine and some crew were transferred to the Polish escort ship Burza. The Campbell was towed to St. John's Newfoundland.

Her commanding officer, Capt. James Hirschfield, receiving the Navy Cross for his actions.

"I believe the Coast Guard Cutter Campbell received more medals for valor than anyone," said Ripley, a Fort Fairfield, Maine resident who did a 3 1/2-yearlong tour of duty aboard the modern-day Campbell. "If it wasn't for these gentlemen we certainly wouldn't be here today."

About 100 Coast Guard veterans from the Campbell Association held a reunion luncheon Tuesday on the deck of the ship docked at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, where they got a chance to see the new exhibit.

Ripley came up with the idea for an exhibit to honor the Campbell while talking with his friend, Carl Patch, who is a World War II historian. He said these stories needed to be told. "Where I come from, you pay respect to people who have done this. We need to embrace them, especially during war time," he said. "I'm humbled by all these men on board the ship, just sharing the deck with them. They did it right."

He got permission from Coast Guard officials and was able to obtain these items for display. Ripley received a lifetime membership in the Campbell Association.

"Thank you for the heritage project, which brings to life the sacrifice of service of the lives who preceded us," said retired Capt. Gordon Bell.

The Campbell's current top officers also received a framed photograph of the Campbell.

George Nichols of Gloucester, Mass. was aboard the Campbell during that fateful day in 1943 and the resulting aftermath.

"We were drifting around in the North Atlantic for a week," he said.

Vince Fynan of Moorestown, N.J., was also aboard.

"I didn't know anything was going on until I heard somebody say 'ram it,'" he said.

The ship rammed and then came down on the starboard side.

"We had this huge gash. We didn't have any power whatsoever. We were at the mercy of anybody at night," he said.

Fynan said it is especially important to have this ceremony on the sixth anniversary of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11.

"You just can't forget it," he said.

Shipmates: Joe Oliva and my wife and I attended the W-909 Change of Command on 1 June 2007. Very nice ceremony and also viewed the W-32 Hertiage Project by ETC Skip Riley.....Great Job!!! Everyone will get to view on the Reunion Visit 9-11-07. I have attached a video of the CofC done by the Portsmouth Herald Newspaper. (I have not been able to open it. If you got Gordon's e-mail let me know if you opened it. Web Master) Enjoy, Regards, Gordon

Gordon L. Bell
Captain, U.S. Coast Guard Retired
CaptBell@comcast.net

Watch For Information - Coming Soon!

Campbell W909 past and current Newletters (Archived), Photos, and Information. For easy access to their current Newsletter, Mighty CAMPBELL Times, go to their web site.