 |
DE Captains Visit Slater DE 766
2001
Sun Shines On World War II Stars; Mayor
Welcomes Honored Guests
by Patricia Perrella
USS Slater DE 766 Volunteer
Monday, May 7th, dawned bright and clear along the
Hudson River in Albany, NY, to provide the auspicious background for a most historical
occasion. The decks of a destroyer-escort were to be "inspected" by 24 former DE
Commanding Officers.
Members of the Destroyer-Ecort Commanding Officers of World War II (DECO) traveled by
train from their 53rd consecutive annual reunion in New York City to visit the historic
naval ship USS Slater DE 766. Many family members also attended and this gave the
Commanders an excellent opportunity to explain the purpose of destroyer-escorts to them.
Three commanders met sailors who had served aboard their ships. This was a
significant heartwarming moment for all.
Several commanders viewed items from their ships in the newly-opened DE Museum exhibit in
Slater's after crews berthing area C201-1, while inspecting all of the various areas.
These DECOs who led us through the difficult days during WWII have continued to lead the
way with their generosity and concern for the last remaining destroyer-escort afloat in
the United States. Even though they have finally become "the old men"
they were affectionately referred to during the day of their command, their presence still
brought a deep measure of respect among everyone who attended the event and had the
opportunity to meet these distinguished gentlemen and their family members.
This event will go down in the history of USS Slater DE 766 as one of her most memorable
occasions. Never before had so many DE skippers been on board at one time.
DECO members attending were:
Arthur E. Allen – USS STADFELD DE-29
Lewis M. Andrews Jr. – USS SIMS DE-154
William H. Bell, Jr. – USS ULVERT M. MOORE DE-442
Horace E. Bent – USS LOESER DE-680
William E. Biggerstaff – USS FAIR DE-35
T. Nash Broaddus – USS CATES DE-763
Godfrey Cheshire, Jr. – USS HAROLD C. THOMAS DE-21
Ralph G. "Pat" Coburn – USS EMERY DE-28
Hiram S. Cody, Jr. – USS DECKER DE-47
George W. Egan – USS ACREE DE-167, USS BARON DE-166
John F. Floberg - USS BIVEN DE-536, USS GOSS DE-444
Walter Gadsby, Jr. – USS BLAIR DE-147
Virgil E. Gex – USS NEUNZER DE-150
Stuart L. Kadison - USS WILLIAMS DE-372, USS EDWIN A HOWARD DE-346
William J. Klein – USS ROLF DE-362
Fred B. Korsmeyer – USS HUBBARD DE-211
Robert W. McCullough – USS PETERSON DE-152
Donald McKinlay, Jr. – USS ROBERT E. PEARY DE-132
A. Philip Merrill – USS EDWARD C. DALY DE-17
James M. Mertz – USS STURTEVANT DE-239
J. Ross Pilling, Jr. – USS GARFIELD THOMAS DE-193
Harold V. Richard – USS STADTFELD DE-29
Ralph Scamell – USS FOWLER DE-222
Richard E. Warner – USS GEORGE DE-697, USS KENDALL C. CAMPBELL DE-443
Mrs. Margaret Barlow -– USS NEUENDORF DE-200 (widow of CO R. Channing Barlow)
Mrs. Katherine McCoy – USS ENGSTROM DE-50 (widow of CO Donald W. McCoy)
Click Image For A Larger View
*This is a large photo, so be patient while it loads*
 |
