Served USS Sicily, 6/301950-11/22/1950

Comments: Served as GS Radar operator- was one of 12 Aviation Electronics Techicians serving out of rank as Radar Operators for a 6-month tour. Harold Gray was RD3 and our mentor. Famous WWII aviator Capt. James Thatch was skipper. VMF-214 was our squadron flying Corsairs F4U-4B's, have great poem written by SSgt Cliff Henderson USMC, VMF-214 re: how great it is receiving mail at sea. Was on Bridge when Capt Thatch chewed out USMC Capt. English when Cpt. English returned from a mission after declining to fire on a line of "refugees" streaming south from the 38th parallel. Capt. English, who was killed in a subsequent mission, that he couldn't fire on civilians. Capt Thatch siad the line contained N. Korean soldiers dressed as civilians and streaming south.

Keywords: USS Sicily, CVE-118, VMF-214 Blacksheep, Phantom of Yellow Sea

USS Sicily CVE 118

Comments: Looking for USS Sicily CVE 118 ailors and Airmen. If not a member of the Association, please contact and join your Shipmates. We have a Reunion every year somewhere in the USA.

Keywords: USS Sicily served in Korea 1950-1953

USS Sicily (CVE-118) V2 Div

Comments: would love to hear from any shipmates

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Flight Deck Crew

Comments: My father, Samuel Edward Crain served on the USS Sicily in 1950 when the ship was involved in the Korean War. I don't have much information except that he worked on the deck with the panes, he would even get in the plane to start the engine to warm them up for the pilots occasionally. He was very young at the time. Would love to hear from anyone who remembered him. He was a small guy from Louisiana and had dark black hair. Thanks!

Keywords: USS Sicily

Grandfather Served

Comments: My grandpa and his brother served on the Sicily during the Korean War, and I was just wondering if anyone remembered them at all. I know that's like looking for a needle in a haystack, but you know.

Harry and Loma Dahlberg. From Utah, Gusher specificaly.

Loma was my grandpa, and he died in 1972. Harry was my great uncle and just recently passed away.

Keywords: Harry and Loma Dahlberg

Delivery of SB2C to Greek Airforce 1949

Comments:

Keywords: My neighbor Cmdr. Lloyd Mores USN Ret. was one of the pilots that flew these planes for delivery to the Greek Airforce. He said that this was the first and only time these planes were launched while the ship was anchored. I'm looking for photos or other info about this event. Thanks David

Looking for information

Comments: My father in law William O'Connor Meaney served on the USS Sicily from 8-17-48 to 7-24-52. We are trying to find out his rank and anything else about him. We are doing a memorial stone and need at least his rank. We have DKSN but that means nothing to us. Any help anyone can give us would be greatly apreciated. Thank you. He was from Kansas City MO.

Keywords: USS Sicily

Would be good to hear from some shipmates

Comments: My father-in-law, Andrew G. Klemmer, of Long Beach, CA, has fond memories of his Navy days, and has recently lost his wife of 56 years. I thought that hearing from his shipmates might be just the thing for him. He last duty assignment was with the Airborne Early Warning Squadron Fifteen, aboard the USS Sicily CVE-118. He was in the Navy for 6 years, and was discharged in December 1957. Please let me know of your interest in getting in touch with him, and I'll get back to you with his contact info.

Thanks very much.

John McDonough

Keywords: USS Sicily, CVE-118

UDT Team on the Sicily during Korean Conflict

Comments: Hello! My dad, Charlie Codd, was a member of a UDT Team attached to the Sicily during Korea. I was looking to see if anyone had any stories or pictures. Dad passed away over a year ago.

Keywords: UDT Team, USS Sicily, Galloping Ghost of the Korean Coast

Trying to find Robert Giles

Comments: Used to date Mr. Giles when ship came into port.Portland,Maine.Circa 1949 to 1950. Would like to talk.

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search

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Need Your Help

Comments: Looking for shipmates aboard the USS Sicily between 1947-1948 and might recall being aboard the ship with a Robert "Bob" Frazier who was a launderer aboard the ship. I am looking for anyone that might recall Mr. Frazier OR anyone that recalls asbestos products being used on board the ship. You need not have worked with the products yourself, just have seen them on board. Please contact me by email or via phone toll-free at 1-866-324-5949 if you recall Robert Frazier or have any other information that would help in my search or would be willing to talk to me further about what you remember.

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V1 Div. (Flight Deck crew)USS Sicily CVE-118

Comments: I have a photo of my dad & his flight deck crew taken off coast of Japan-Nov.1953. I have all the men in the photo's names and ranks.Behind them is an AF2W anti sub aircraft from squadron VS 931. I wish I could post the photo.Maybe someone would remember it or some of the men in it.Here are their names.Lt.Prock-USNR, Roberts-AN, Marshall-ADC, Levy-AD1, Lormand-AD1, Walker-AN, McClure-ABC, Sanseverino-AB3, Prestipino?-AB2, Olson-AB3, Prince-AN, Price-AB3, Williams-AB3, Barnum-AN, Monroe-AN, Wiggins-AN, Bailey-AN, Hollowell-AB3, Ray-AD3, Williams K.J.-AN, Doughty-AN, Justice-AB3, Fiferlick-AN, Devine-AB3, Freeman-AN,( Marvin Thomas-AD3,my father) Pratt-AN, Alleander-AN, Holland-AN, Paine-AN, Adams-AB3, Fraser-AN, Sublett-AN, Harvey-AD3, Turner-AN, Ackner-AN, Collins-AN, Edwards-AB2, Dennis-AN, Hughes-AD3, Murray-AN,. Also he said he had a couple of sailor friends named Blimp Maynard and Benny Green.He doesn't remember their division but believes they were on the hanger deck.Please email me if you know of any of these guys or would like me to email you the photo. Thank you, and GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!!

Keywords: Blimp Maynard,Benny Green;also the flight deck crew 1952-1954 on V1 Div. U.S.S.Sicily.AF2W (anti sub). squadron (VS 931).

Did anyone know a Pierre Arnold

Comments: Looking for informantion on Pierre Arnold. He was on the USS Sicily in the late 40's and early 50's. He was, I believe on the crash crew. Any information would be nice.

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Looking for shipmates of Marvin Thomas who served on USS Sicily from 52-54.

Comments: Would LOVE to surprise my dad with an email from some of his fellow shipmates. If anyone responds, I will be sure to forward it to him. It would make his day! Thank you,,, His daughter Hope

Keywords: USS Sicily,52-54, flight deck,V1 Div.

Looking for shipmates of Charlie Codd

Comments: Looking for anyone who served with my Dad aboard the Siciliy during Korea. He was member of UDT Team attached to the ship.

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Byron Mcquady (Mac) Burbage

Comments: My Great-grandfather was Mac Burbage he was a Captain flying a F4U-4. His plane was shot down in So-haeri, North Korea on July 24,1951 he was 29 years old. I'm hoping there is someone out there that knew my great garandfather and has pictures or just some stories to tell. I never got to meet him, neither did my mother my grandmother was 5 years old when he died. i would be grateful for any information, im trying to put together a book about him. Thank you.

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Theodore Roosevelt Prater

Comments: My Father, AMC Theodore Roosevelt Prater, served on the Sicily during the Korean War. I would appreciate hearing from anyone who knew him or has information about the Aviation Metalsmiths.

Keywords: Prater, Avaiation Metalsmith

Glad to Share photos and stories 1945 & 46

Comments: My Dad George Kennedy served on this ship from 1945 to 1946 and made trips to South America and Cuba. He is still alive and may know details for anyone looking for information of only these years. I have some photos he took too and will post. The email address and phone number here is his. He is in good health and would be happy to share what he knows. He was an aircraft mechanic.

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Walter Jean Kershner

Comments: Looking for anyone who might have known my father, Walter Jean Kershner, who was a radar/sonar tech on the USS Sicily during the Korean War. My dad passed away in 1964, when I was eight months old. He married Joyce Smith Kershner, had three daughters, ages 10, 8 and 8 months at his time of death. Dad had a heart attack at age of 33 while on the archery range. He died the next day when the blood clot came back thru. I would love to talk to ANYONE who might have remebered my dad. Everyone says I am the one most like him, yet I dont remember him. Thanks to all of you!

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uss corman

Comments:

Keywords: unknown this person was in ww-1, us navy

Would like information on the USS Sicily

Comments:

Keywords: I would like any information on the USS Sicly, my father was a hospital corman on that ship in the Korean War. My dad is still alive and doing well. He is living in North Carolina. I would like any pictures or stories about him for a book I am making for him. He has some pictures, but I was interested in seeing if there were any others out there. ANything would be appreciated. Thank you

To any one who might have known my dad

Comments: i am looking for any one who might have known my dad William A Newton from mo. deceased Korean Vet died 1953,54,55, idont even know where he is buried, he was born around 1928

Keywords: Bill

CVE-118

Comments: My late father, Kay Dee Daniels, served on the USS Sicily (CVE-118) from 1949-52, as a BT-3 (Boiler Tender 3rd Class).

His comments and stories to me through the years were intriguing and as humorous as war stories can be (especially about the VMF-214 "Black Sheep"). And some of his shore leave pictures (those which survived his tour)are hilarious (especially a champagne or two while in Marseilles).

There were also the serious and shocking stories about war and its consequences to life and limb.

He enjoyed his time on the "Phantom" and I still have his "yearbook" of the Sicily, plus an old Collier's containing the article on the ship (from an fellow shipmate of his with whom, I'm sorry to say, I've lost touch).

To all of his fellow "squids" and "jarheads," thank you one and all. Through even the most difficult days of the war, his life was enriched because of you.

Sincerely, Russell M. Daniels

Keywords: CVE-118, USS Sicily, Korea, Phantom, BT-3

USS Sicily CVE 118 Shipmates

Comments: Here in 2005 we still look forward to getting together with our Shipmates and morn and miss those who have pre-deceased us.

Keywords: USS Sicily CVE 118, Korea. 5 Battle Stars, Marine Fighter Squadrons

FREDDIE 'BUTCH WHALEN

Comments: I'm looking for shipmates or friends of my father, Freddie "Butch" Whalen who was a welder on the USS Sicily. I'm not sure of the dates, but I know he was in Boston, Norfolk, Greece, Scotland, and "up the Yellow River" during the Korean "conflict". Mom says they went up there to get the Marines out. He and my mother married in Nov. 1951 and they lived in San Diego and Long Beach where the ship was - so I know he was onboard the Sicily prior to and after 1951. (Actually, mom has said he shipped out 3 days after they were married. Ah- you navy rascals! Love 'em and leave 'em). Happily, my father returned from that tour, is still living (with the same old gal) and they are coming for a visit. I thought it would be a hoot for him to get in contact with any friends or even foes from the ship that knew him. Thanks for any replies.

Keywords: "Butch", welder, USS Sicily,

KOREAN WAR CRUISES 52

Comments:

Keywords: I was a gunner's mate and was on mount 40-10 if any remeber's me i sure would like to hear from them

Helicopter Pilot LCDR Conant 7/28/51

Comments: I would like very much to contact LCMDR Conant who was a chopper rescue pilot on the USS Sicily CVE-118. According to Vance L. Yount Jr., Major USMC (Ret.) who was a member of The "Death Rattlers" 323 squadron, "LCMDR Conant launched in his whirly bird and later scuttlebutt had it that an oil slick had been found. Conant took a sample and somebody decided it was diesel oil. We saw and heard the Tin Cans dropping Ash Cans on the alleged sub contact." I would think that there was a second member of Conant's helicopter and I would also like to contact him for his memories and observations of the attack. See: http://www.ussrenshawmysterytarget.com for the complete story on this 29 hour attack and subsequent research. Thank you all! Al March

Keywords: TE 95.11 July 28, 1951, 1913 attack on submarine.

Korean War cruises 52-53

Comments: I was aboard the Sicily from May 1952 until discharde from USN in Aug. 1954. Would like to hear from anyone in the V1 div. Marvin Thomas.

Keywords: Korean War Cruises, V1 Div. USS Sicily.

Comments: Mr. Jerry Benton, I tried to respond to an old email address, if you you have a new address please post. Thank you, Bonnie Cubbison Sands

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Radarman

Comments: My father was a Radarman 2nd class on the Sicily from 1949 to 1952. I recently found this web site and will forward any responses to him. He would like to be in touch with others from the ship. Thank you. Bonnie Sands

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Looking for ship's log

Comments: Looking for AA reports concerning Dad's death: USMC Captain William Simpson, VMF 214, 16 September 1950. Was sent basic information concerning tail number, etc...perhaps someone remembers Dad...I see there were several guys who served at the same time, although it seems that the times were chaotic. Thanks

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USS SICILY

Comments: MY BROTHER,BILL RUSSELL WAS ON THE USS SICILY DURING THE KOREAN WAR. UNFORTUNATELY ABOUT 6 MONTHS OUT OF THE SERVICE HE WAS KILLED IN A CAR ACCIDENT.

Keywords: USS SICILY

Comments: It is great to see the interest of so many Sicily Veterans. Any Shipmate interested in joining us in the USS Sicily CVE 118 Association, please contact me at one of the above addresses. Our 2003 Reunion will be in Norfolk, September 14-17, 2003. We would love to have all Shipmates join us for this Reunion. Our Roster is now almost 500 strong and is a good source of locating your shipmates. Take care and SICILY FOREVER Ed Smith

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Trying to locate

Comments: I am trying to locate Robert Giles who was on the Sicily in 1949. He was in his twenties and that's all I know. My dad served in the Korean War, but my mother, Fay Bowker, knew Mr. Giles and dated him. She is single and looking to contact him. If anyone has any information about Mr. Giles, please e-mail me at vunction500@hotmail.com.

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USS Sicily

Comments: My father (Sheldon DeGrasse) served on the Sicily during the Korean War. Email us if you know him. URL: colleenborrero.com Link to USS Comte de Grasse

Keywords: ABM

USS Sicily - Service 1949-52

Comments: Served on the USS Sicily from 1949-1952. Caught the ship in Norfolk, Va. Went from there to Boston for 3 months dry dock. From there we went back to Norfolk and then to San Diego. On July 4,1950. We sailed to Japan and then to Korea for 6 months of duty. Imade two trips to Korea while aboard. I was in the aviation div. Left the ship in 1952 and was discharged Sept. 1952.

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Comments: My father served onboard during 52. I am looking for Aircraft Action Reports for 10 September 52. I found the action reports for the ship during that time. I remember my father telling me that an F4U from the VMA-312 was the first prop driven plane to shoot down a MiG. The ships action report tells this, but additional information can be found on the VMA-312 Aircraft Action Report No. 74. Any assistance on finding this action report would help me. Thanks in advance.

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Service on USS Sicily

Comments: Served on USS Sicily for about six months after completing ET School at Treasure Island. September, 1952- March, 1953. Transferred to USS Kenneth Whiting (AV-14) for remainder of service, ending 11 May 1955. Passed exam and qualifications for ET1, but promotion would not have been until 1 September 1955. Regret to inform you that Walter Kershner, who was Lead Petty Officer of ET's at time I was onboard passed away several years ago. He was an instructor at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City.

Keywords: Boot Camp, San Diego; ET School, Treasure Island; USS Sicily (CVE-118); USS Kenneth Whiting (AV-14); Naval Station, San Diego.

1953 to 1954

Comments: Hey anyone know the little electronics shop on the left side just after leaving the enlisted mess hall with usually a torpedo on a wooden dolly sitting by the door. I was in the ordanence compartment that led into the enlisted mess. I was stationed on the ship july 53 until Feb 1954 and was an ATAN. IF ANYTHING SOUNDS FAMILIAR, EMAIL AT julian_jim@hotmail.com

Keywords: Last Korean curise, Advanced Underwater Weapons Shop, JIM JULIAN, ATAN

Looking for

Comments: I served on the Sicily from March of 1952 until we decommissioned her in Oct. 1954. Ritchie was a good friend of mine and If anyone knows of his whereabouts I would sure like to know.

Keywords: Looking for Hermon L. Ritchie, B Div.

Looking for Arthur E. Carter

Comments: Searching for A.E. Carter, "Winch" Winchenbach

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Looking for Shipemates

Comments: Looking for anyone who remembers my Dad, Harvey E. Cobb. He served during Korea. One of his best-friends nick-name was "Dink" Dad passed on June 1, 1995. I have home movies. I would appriciate contact with those who knew him. Thank you. crusher2@mindspring.com or (209) 836-1254 Jay

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Looking for shipmates

Comments: Served aboard Sicily end of 1951 to early 1953. A Div. (ENFN)

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looking for info

Comments: My father served on the sicily he has told me alot of stories about his time in the navy. i would like anyone who knew "Jerry Kroll" please e-mail me any info about yourself I'm sure my father would greatly appreiciate it thank you.

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looking for info

Comments: My father served on the sicily he has told me alot of stories about his time in the navy. i would like anyone who knew "Jerry Kroll" please e-mail me any info about yourself I'm sure my father would greatly appreiciate it thank you.

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flight deck chalker 1952

Comments: USS SICILY FLIGHT DECK CREW

Keywords: conchie walker, william prince &many more i no longer remember. would love to hear from you one & all.i was aboard the final korean cruise with the crazy marine pilots.

Ship mate

Comments: A proud Korea Navy Sailer

Keywords: Tex.

Looking for info on my father

Comments: Jewell Perry Timms (My father) served in the Navy from 1951-1955. Most of his time evidently was spent on the Sicily. He never spoke of Korea. But, he always shed a tear on Veteran's day for shipmates and friends. My Father passed away in May of 1999. In an old trunk I found numerous pictures of him and people he knew during his tour(s). If anyone remembers him, please contact me and I would be happy to share some of the pictures I have.

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USS SICILY

Comments: found sicily highlights book also have pictures of fellow shopmates BILL CROTTY,RAY THOMPSON,ROBERT KRAUST,DICK HADBERG,GEORGE TROUP ANY OF YOU STILL AROUND SEND ME AN E-MAIL @ JCKEOHANE @CS.COM THANKS JOE

Keywords: ice machine gang

assistant photographer mate

Comments: does anyone remember bradford b. schwartz, photographer's mate? if you do please relate any stories you may remember. thankyou, kendall

Keywords: uss sicily

Service on the USS Sicily

Comments: I served as a radarman on the Sicily from January, 1949 to about May, 1952. I served under Captain's Red Pirie, Dutch Duerfeldt and Jimmy Thach. On the Mediterranean cruise in 1949 we delivered 49 SB2C dive bombers to the Greek goverment. Since offloading the planes proved painfully slow by barge, the ship's aviators flew the planes ashore by being launched while at anchor in the harbor at Piraeus. The first plane launched was piloted by Captain Dutch Duerfeldt the skipper of the Sicily at that time.

Keywords: Pusan Perimeter, Inchon Invasion, Wonsan Withdrawal

USS Sicily- CIC 7/50 11/50

Comments: An AT assigned to USS Sicily on temp basis. Participated in Inchon and Wonsan invasions. Enjoyed serving with Capt. J. Thatch's "Phantom of the Yellow Sea" and VMF-214.

Keywords: CIC, Inchon, Wonsan, J. Thatch, VMF-214

USS SICILY CVE 118

Comments: SERVED FROM OCT. 1950 TO OCT 1951 IN THE ICE MACHINE DIV. TRANSFERED TO SUB SCHOOL AFTER GRADUATION WAS ASSIGNED TO THE USS DIODON SS349 UNTIL MY DISCHARGE IN 1954 THE DIODON HOME PORT WAS SAN DIAGO

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Tom Dnohue AD3 1948-1952

Comments: Served 48 through 52 on the Sicily. Did Med cruise, San Diego, and Korea.

Keywords: CVE.118

Trying to locate

Comments: Trying to locate a friend orginally from Rosston OK Robert A. Kelly joined Navy Jan. 6, 1951. I went on USS Leyte and Kelly on the USS Sicily and have lost contact with him. His div was OI. Would appreciate any information as to how to locate him. His folks moved to Arkansas in 1950's.

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Looking for shipmates

Comments: My Father Earl "Johnny" Johnson served aboard the Sicily in 1953 attached to VS-25 He worked in the Electronic Division. We have been searching for shipmates that served with him.

Patty Sampson

Keywords: VS-25

Ship's History - Korean War Service

Comments:

USS SICILY (CVE-118)

Displacement: 10,900 t. Length: 557’ Beam: 75’ Extreme Width: 104’ Draft: 31’ Speed: 19 k. Complement: 1,170 Armament: 2 5”; 36 40mm; 18 20mm Class: COMMENCEMENT BAY

“...she supported ground operations.....and the withdrawal of the marines from the Chosin Reservoir”

In 1950 she was reassigned to the Pacific Fleet with San Diego as her home port, arriving there on 28 April. The carrier was scheduled to conduct antisubmarine warfare exercises during the summer, but the invasion of South Korea by the North Koreans, on 25 June, caused a radical change in her operating plans.

SICILY was notified on 2 July that she was needed in the Far East; and she sailed, two days later, for the first of three deployments to Korean waters.

SICILY was designated flagship of Carrier Division (CarDiv) 15 and on 3 August launched aircraft of VMF-214 on their first air strike in support of Allied ground forces. During this tour, she supported ground operations at Pohang, the Inchon landing, the advance to Seoul, and the withdrawal of the marines from the Chosin Reservoir to Hungnam before returning to San Diego on 5 February 1951.

On her second tour with the 7th Fleet, from 13 May to 12 October 1951, SICILY operated on both the east and west coast of Korea.

Her last tour during the Korean conflict was from 8 May to 4 December 1952, and she served with the United Nations Escort and Blockading Force. SICILY was deployed to the Far East again from 14 July 1953 to 25 February 1954.

USS SICILY received five battle stars for service in Korea.

From: DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL FIGHTING SHIPS

Keywords: CARRIER DIVISION 15, VMF-214, POHANG, INCHON, CHOSIN RESERVOIR, HUNGNAM, PEACE PATROL,

gunery fox div.

Comments: I served on the U.S.S.Sicily CV118 between the years of 1948 to 1952. Would like to make contact with anyone that was on the USS Sicily during this time.

while abord i was a seaman in the 2nd, div after about 2years I struck for Gunners mate and made Gm3 and wans placed in the Fox div.

Have made contact, with a fue of my exship and appreciate every one who hase e mailed me

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