USS VANCE DE 387
USCGC VANCE WDE 487
USS VANCE DER 387
VANCE ASSOCIATION
DE-387 WDE-487 DER-387 |
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Volume 1, Issue 1
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November 2002
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10th Reunion - Albany, NY September 18 - September 22, 2002 Crewmembers and cabin mates weighed anchor and charted a successful course to Albany, NY for our 10th reunion in honor of those who served aboard the USS Vance. Representing some fifteen different rates and ratings, both Navy and Coast Guard, the crew set sail from twelve different states and Toronto, Canada. Recalling my grade school geography lessons, I believe the shipmate traveling the furthest was George Drew from Seattle, Washington. George, a CGM reporting aboard the Vance in ’43, is in inspiration to all of us who strive to preserve and protect the integrity of the 387 The crew enjoyed clear skies and calm seas while at their temporary duty station in Albany (only the real night owls are aware that it rained late Saturday evening and into the wee hours of Sunday.) Although our CO, John Johnson, and Mylese were unavoidably derailed from joining us in Albany, John had successfully coordinated another event filled tour of duty so that a good time was to be enjoyed by all. Plans are already underway for the 11th reunion with several suggested locations being considered, to include Galveston, TX, Annapolis, MD and Great Lakes, IL. Stay tuned for updates - your Executive Committee will be choosing a final station in late October and we’ll get the word out shortly thereafter. To whet your appetite - let it be known far and wide that November 1, 2003 is the 60th anniversary of the USS Vance and that, wherever our next duty station may be, it promises to be quite a celebration.
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USS Slater, DE-766 (reunion R&R)Crewmembers enjoyed a tour of the USS Slater while attending the 2002 reunion in Albany, NY. The Slater is a Cannon Class Destroyer Escort, the only one remaining afloat in the United States of the 565 produced and in its WWII configuration. The Slater was transferred to Greece in 1951 as Aetos (D-01) under the Military Defense Assistance Program. Destroyer Escort sailors from around the nation donated $275,000 to bring the Slater back to the United States after being donated to the Destroyer Escort Sailors Association by the Government of Greece, after having served 40 years with the Greek Navy. Slater is now a museum ship on the Hudson River in Albany.
Association Ratified in Albany
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Preserved "in the nick of time!" The watermark used in this issue of The Vance is taken from a photograph of the World War II battle flag removed with honors from the USS Vance prior to her first decommissioning February 27, 1946 and held, until recently, in a private collection of Vance memorabilia. By generous donation, this flag was presented to the Association during ceremonies at the 10th reunion in Albany, NY. See page 3 for full story and photo
Vance Association Commanding Officer - John Johnson (DE) Executive Officer - Curt Willett (DE) Communications Officer - Ted Bolinger (DE) Disbursing Officer - Jody Himebaugh (DER) Webmaster - Joseph Betters (DER) Master At Arms - Duane Baumgartner (DER) Chaplain - Bruce Swanson (DER) Historian - George Blust (DER) Recruiter - Robert Howey (DER) Yeoman - John Prideaux (DER) |
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Association Ratified in AlbanyThis proposal has long been under consideration and credit goes to Curt for pursuing it so aggressively. Unfortunately, Curt could not make it to Albany so an ad hoc committee met early in the week and developed a course of action to be presented to the CO, John Johnson, and Curt. As recognized by all, there wouldn’t be a Vance Reunion without the hundreds of hours and diligent effort of one John Johnson. With their favorable support, the proposal went to the full crew for consideration. As submitted, it was quickly seconded and unanimously approved. Elsewhere in this issue, you will find a duty roster of assigned positions. Appointments were voted upon and approved as recommended by the ad hoc committee and each volunteer took the proverbial "one step forward" in accepting his appointment. Position responsibilities will evolve over time and all appointees will work to mold this Association into one that all forbearers of the Vance legacy can be proud. 
Caption reads "CG Manned USS Vance DE487" |
A Very Special Call To Arms
Herbert’s grandson Ryan and his classmate Troy, both 7th graders are doing a project for National History Day called One Man’s Story: the Right to Enlist and the Responsibility to Prisoners of War.
The topic for this year’s National History Day is Rights and Responsibilities.
Ryan’s grandfather was a signalman on the Vance and a member of the prize crew in taking the U-873.
Ryan wants to cover the right to enlist and how this Prisoner of War situation affected the crew, in particular his grandfather.
Ryan is very interested in hearing from anyone who can contribute to this project, e.g., photographs, memories.
Interviews are also welcomed. Contact the Vance Association webmaster if you can help .
email webmaster@ussvance.com
With your contact information which will be forwared to Ryan.
With your contact information which will be forwared to Ryan.
Dutch Apple Cruise on the Hudson (reunion R&R)Attendees enjoyed a leisurely 2-hour narrated cruise along the Hudson aboard The Dutch Apple II, a 65 ft. replica of a Hudson River Dayliner. The dayliners plied the waters of the Hudson River ferrying passengers to and from ports along the way between Albany and New York City; long time gone from an earlier era. Our cruise host provided an excellent narration of Albany’s waterfront history as we comfortably cruised past old Dutch homes and graceful mansions, to the soaring bridges and sleepy village of Castleton-on-Hudson. 
Included among the waterfront’s eye catchers is the ship Half Moon, a replica of the Dutch ship of exploration commanded by Henry Hudson in 1609. This replica is a full scale reproduction of the Half Moon, authentic in appearance, designed and constructed in Albany, NY.
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Preserved, not salvaged!GM3c Burgess Trent struck the colors prior to the Vance’s (first) 1946 decommissioning at Green Cove Springs. Having served courageously, in both the Pacific and Atlantic theatres of WWII, with pride Burgess took care to rescue this battle flag. Perhaps a little tattered and showing some age, it now rests as a permanent addition to the other artifacts and memorabilia of this great lady! Cheers to Burgess Trent, a job Well Done.
below On behalf of The Association, Joe Gallinoto, member of DE 387 Crew, proudly accepts the donated battle flag at the 2002 Reunion in Albany, NY.
Memorial Flag Box built by Milt Blumenfeld, "Woodworker" and member of DE 387 Crew.
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Page 3 of 6
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Health & Welfare Notes From C.O. Johnson, "I have just learned that Rosemarie and John Zgonbick, long time contributors and supporters of the USS Vance, have recently lost a son to cancer. Their son was a very young 44 and well liked in Indianapolis." "John Zgonbick also lost a leg to diabetes recently, in case some of our shipmates are not aware. John and Rosemarie had planned on attending the Albany reunion, but due to all the emergencies had to cancel." The Zgonbicks are in our prayers. Shipmates would also want to know that Ted Bolinger , our Comm. Boss, is going in for knee replacement this month. Good Luck Ted, and we hope to see you back on the links real soon.
Taps
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THE VANCE is the official newsletter of The Vance Association and, with crewmember article contributions, published quarterly. Submittals should be mailed to: The Vance Association C/o John Prideaux 26 Waterview Avenue North Billerica, MA 01862-1527 Email Yeoman@ussvance.com Subscription copy is provided via snail mail and email to all shipmates who have signed the ship’s logbook at ussvance.com and to all associates upon request. Visit http//:www.ussvance.com regularly as the website is under constant updating. The latest news and plans of the 11th Reunion is posted at ussvance.com
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A Sailor's Prayer
Author Unknown
Dear God, watch over her for me. That she may safely guarded be.
Help her each lonely hour to bear. As I would Lord, if I were there.
When she is sleeping watch her then. That fear may not her dream offend.
Be ever near her through the day. Let none but goodness come her way.
Sweet faithful girl who waits for me. Beyond the wide and spacious sea.
Be merciful, O God, I Pray. Take care of her while I am away.
Page 4 of 6
Page 5 of 6 was the mailing cover
Page 5 of 6 was the mailing cover
Jan.23, 2003 From James R Kelly Capt. USCG (ret.)I don't know if you know the names of the officers in the photo's forground. I was shipmates with most of them for a year or so. In case you haven't had them identified before, they are: (L-R) ENS Charles Donohue, LT Robert Von Elm (Ops Boss), LT George Cooper (EO), LT Norman Sheer (XO), LCDR James Waters (CO), ENS Richard Hodges, ENS Edward Yost, ENS Robert Stancliff, CHPCLK Joseph Lavasseur, WO Wilber Jaynes. All, of course are Coast Guard officers.
Read Mr. Kelly's letter
Read Mr. Kelly's letter
The Vance is looking for you! Share your photo memories, postcard memorabilia; "letters from the front", etc. All original material received will be returned, if requested. Contribute a brief note for publication of your most remembered days aboard this gallant lady. Send to:
C/o John Prideaux
26 Waterview Avenue
North Billerica, MA 01862-1527
Email Yeoman@ussvance.com
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If you have reunion pictures send them in.
For a larger picture click the picture.
You don't have to be a former crew member to sign
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