|
|
 |
|
|
Please send pictures and/or information about the of the USS Underhill crew and I’ll post it here. If you have information you can add about another existing crew member please also send that along.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stanley J. Abcunas (KIA)
|
|
|
Read more about Stanley here.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
John Raymond Boyd (KIA)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dear Underhill family
My Uncle, RM3c John Raymond Boyd, served and was killed that fateful day in 1945.
The photo (to the left) was taken in Mobile Alabama in 1944. With him in the photo is a women by the name of Clara Tew. If anyone knowing John Raymond Boyd knew this lady, I would like to have more information on her. My other Uncle, Smitty Boyd (Raymond's brother) told me the lady in the photo was Raymond's fiancee. John Raymond Boyd was born in Natchez Mississippi (Adams County).
If any of the surviving crew members knew my Uncle, I would like to hear about him from you. I never knew him. I was not born until 1953.
My Uncle is survived by two brothers still living, both in the New Orleans area and both WWII era vets Merion "Smitty" Boyd and William Edwin Boyd. William E. Boyd is my father.
I served my country in the US Army for 8 years, I am a Vietnam veteran (1971-1972) and retired from the USNR in 1994. To all of you from the USS Underhill, I say thank you for your service and God bless you.
Raymond was born in April 1924 and was 20-21 years old at the time of his death.
Would you also include the personal message that if any survivor has any information or additional photos of John Raymond Boyd, Clara Tew, or any information about Raymond or Clara to please contact me at my email or home phone.
Thanks Very Much,
David M. Boyd Sr.
Nephew of John Raymond Boyd
(Contact Information)
Home: 719-382-9641
Colorado Springs Co.
Email:
boydsrpvr@yahoo.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Robert Evert Burkett (KIA)
|
|
|
|
|
|
My name is Steve Burkett, I am the nephew of Robert Evert Burkett. He was my uncle, that so courageously gave his life for his country. That is why I want to honor him by posting his picture on this website.
Here is his story from the Underhill website.
Thank You, for honoring the sailors of the USS Underhill.
Steve Burkett
Detail of Ships Log
2145 investigation proved that ship sunk in vicinity was USS Underhill-682. Recovered three bodies pronounced dead by ships doctor.
2215 completed investigation commenced forming cruising disposition ONE VICTOR, base course 155T and pgc, 165 pgc. Speed 15 knots, 138 rpm. 2300 Captain held burial services for men from USS Underhill tentatively identified from marks on clothing as: HIGGINS, E. H.,SMITH E., BURKETT, R. E. all killed in action, details not known.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rodger J. Crum (S)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Jacob C. Golba (S)
|
|
|
Other information about Jacob on this site
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Frank F. Grandinetti (KIA)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Benjamin C. Hubbard (KIA)
|
|
|
|
The son of Benjamin C. Hubbard (KIA) sent me this photo of his father.
Many thanks Benjamin. It is a pleasure to add your fathers picture to this page.
His son’s name is:
Benjamin Congdon Hubbard III
Please also read the eyewitness account of the sinking that Ben provided to us and was a part of their family record.
|
|
|
|
|
|
My father, Benjamin C. Hubbard Jr., was one of four children and was raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Upon graduating from high school in 1936, he went on to attend the University of Chicago and graduated with a degree in business in 1940. Instead of returning home to join the family warehousing business, he got his first job at the General Box Company in Cincinnati. Shortly after arriving, he met my mother at a church concert, and they were married in late 1941.
When the US entered the war, my father attempted to enlist but was rejected for military service due to a cyst on his spine. However, he persisted in additional attempts in the first year or so of the war because of his strong sense of duty to serve his country. Finally, due to a shortage of officers, the US Navy instituted the “90-day wonder” program for anyone with a college degree; my father applied immediately and was accepted. Upon graduation from that program, he received a commission of Lt. J.G. (Lieutenant Junior Grade) and was assigned to the USS Underhill.
When I was born on May 4, 1944, my father was at sea on his first cruise on the USS Underhill. He saw me for the first time after the ship docked in New London, Connecticut and my mother made the train trip with me from Cincinnati to New London. We were united as a family just one more time in early 1945 when the Underhill stopped for about a week in San Diego on the way to Leyte; my father made the cross-country trip by train for the short 48-hour visit at home.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
John Maki (S)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gordon McCarty (KIA)
|
|
|
|
|
|
It was good to meet everyone at the USS Underhill Reunion this year (2010). Our family had the opportunity to attend this year. Attached please find a picture of my uncle, Gordon McCarty, for you to add to the website.
Gordon was a 2ND Class Sound Man, and was in the area of the ship that was hit.
Thank you,
Serena Hale
|
|
|
|
|
|
John S. Murray (KIA)
|
|
|
|
Attached are two photos of John S. Murray, RM3 of New Bedford, Ma. (KIA) One photo taken in the summer of '44 and another of him and his sister, Mary, in December of '44.
Thank you,
Peter Boniface
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
John D. Nutter (S)
|
|
|
John is 87 years old. Served on USS Underhill. He lives at an assisted living facility in Apopka, Florida.
Originally from Elizabethton, TN.
Mark Nutter Son of John
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Kenneth Carl Statler (S)
|
|
|
|
Submitted by his Niece Stephanie M. Crunkleton.
Please see additional information about Ken HERE.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
My father, George Kearney Thompson, was one of the surviving men of the S.S. Underhill attack. He was an electrician and mechanic on the Underhill and continued these skills after serving. My mom, Beulah Wicker Thompson, was teaching school in Kearney's home town of Taylorsville, MS. Still being in the navy, Kearney and Beulah married. They later moved to Atlanta, GA where he entered Emory Seminary to prepare for the ministry. Wanting to be a chaplain of a ship, they said that he was too old. He told the story many times of the Underhill bombing and how he had 'been missing in action', but then reported to the press that 'he was so much alive'! My mom was with him when the news was released.
He was proud to tell of his adventures with traveling and going around the world. Being one of the men to operate the movie projector on board, he stated that he saw the film 'The Wizard of Oz' a zillion times and couldn't face it again.
My parents have attended a few reunions. At 91, my mom loves to keep up with the current events of the Underhill reunions, but can't attend. My dad died about 10 years ago at the age of 85.
We enjoy looking at the many photos/metals he acquired and will remember his dedication to God and his country.
Clarisse McDonald--daughter of George Kearney Thompson
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Eugene L. Wagstaff (S)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Richard Jackson Ward (S)
|
|
|
|
Dear Jay,
I found an old photo of my uncle that served aboard the Underhill. His name was"Richard Jackson Ward" and was known to his shipmates as "JW".
He was oridganally from Marion Virginia but lived out his life around Batavia NY after the war. I'm sorry to say her never lived to see your website as he died before it was published. It would make me very happy if you could post this picture on your site and see if any of his shipmates remember him. I have no knowlege as to his job/duty aboard the Underhill. I would love to hear from shipmates that might still be alive remember him and maybe have a story they could share. All I know about him is that he was blown off the ship and was rescued. Shipmates may reach me at donnyfward@hotmail.com
Great website, Donny
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
George Wooten (S)
|
|
|
|
See additional information about George HERE.
|
|
|
