Entry: 102340
Subject: FATHERS PIC'S FOUND OKINAWA 1949
Subject: FATHERS PIC'S FOUND OKINAWA 1949
William Backus wrote on July 6, 2025
City and State: AKRON OH
Unit: 97TH AAA ?
Service or Relationship: US ARMY
Comments: I have found many pic's of Okinawa before and after Typhoon GLORIA. If there is anyone who might enjoy these pics please let me know.
Keywords: Okinawa, 1949, army
Entry: 100377
Subject: OKINAWA SERVICE
Subject: OKINAWA SERVICE
Louis Simonis SENIOR wrote on September 30, 2021
City and State: DEFIANCE OH
Unit: 97TH AAA D BATTERY & HQ FORT BUCKNER, OKINAWA
Service or Relationship: U S Army
Comments: Okinawa 1954-1955, Chief Radio Operator in D battery, later at HQ Assistant Operations Sergeant, Combat Information Center. D battery was outside the north end of Kadena Air Base. B-29 Bombers and F-86 constantly flying overhead. Often teased by MIGs, looked like they were about to attack.
In 1955, D Battery was deactivated, its hand operated 40mm guns were retired.
I was then assigned to HQ. Served in Combat Information Center.
I was a "Range Officer" when the new RADAR controlled anti-aircraft guns were being tested, and crews were in training. We fired at RCATS, (drones). The computers to run the new guns filled a semi-truck trailer. At HQ followed fighting off the coast of China, especially at times when spy planes exited.
Keywords: Okinawa, D Battery, HQ, Kadena, new anti-aircraft guns
Entry: 100205
Subject: JULY 1953-DEC 1954
Subject: JULY 1953-DEC 1954
Joseph Plomin SR wrote on May 30, 2021
City and State: NILES IL
Unit: 97TH AAA ANTIAIRCRAFT GROUP 65TH BATTALION.
Service or Relationship: Army
Comments: 1954 Played Basketball, Baseball for 65th Battalion & Football for 97th Group teams.
Was a Gunner on the 120MM Gun stationed in Napunja Okinawa Protecting Kadena Airbase.
B29 Bombers would take off Every nite to bomb N. Korea.
Keywords: B 29 Kadena, Air base, Korean War, 120mM antiaircraft gun, 97thAAA Group, 1954.
Entry: 99189
Subject: AAA
Subject: AAA
Joseph Plomin wrote on March 19, 2020
City and State: NILES IL
Unit:
Service or Relationship: 65
Comments:
Keywords:
Entry: 96662
Subject: LOOKING FOR OLD FRIENDS AND COWORKERS.
Subject: LOOKING FOR OLD FRIENDS AND COWORKERS.
Perry Palmer wrote on November 9, 2018
City and State: TULSA OK
Unit: 563RD ORDNANCE DETACHMENT, SHOWA AIR STATION, JAPA
Service or Relationship: Army
Comments: I was in the 563rd Ordnance Detachment at Showa Air Station, Japan Jan 56-Jul 57. Our unit had from 8 to 12 men, and shared the barracks with the 97th AAA Headquarters at Showa. I was the Ord 6 (bench repairman) for the 563rd. Some names of people I served with are: David "Dave" Polley, Don Fox, Roland Voris, Robert Palladino, Frank Warriner, Elwood "Woody" Friend, Edwin Olson, Al Manbeck, Jordan Dobrikin, Leo Dillon, Tom Somody, Robert Wolter, Cecil Bailey, Buren" Lou" Ledbetter,C.W.O. George Hilton. Also C. w.O. Roark whose first name I don't remember, but was a great man to work with.
Keywords: Let's talk.
Entry: 96632
Subject: 563 ORD. DETACHMENT
Subject: 563 ORD. DETACHMENT
Jordan Dobrikin wrote on November 4, 2018
City and State: BURNABY
Unit: 563 ORD. DETACHMENT, SHOWMA, TACHKAWA AFB
Service or Relationship: Army
Comments: Hi I was there in 52/53
Keywords:
Entry: 95041
Subject:
Subject:
Edward Nascimento wrote on October 17, 2017
City and State: SAN ANTONIO FL
Unit: 96TH AAA GUN BATTALION BAT. C
Service or Relationship: Army Veteran
Comments: DO NOT ,F,IND 96TH AAA GUN BATTALION BATTERY C ANY PLACE, WE WERE UP IN ALASKA 1950- 1953, 120MM THEN 90MM, CAN ANY ONE HELP
Keywords:
Entry: 91982
Subject: OKINAWA 1953-54
Subject: OKINAWA 1953-54
Joe Plomin wrote on October 9, 2015
City and State:
Unit:
Service or Relationship: Army Veteran
Comments: Played Football, Baseball, Basketball
Won Group Batting Championship, 1954
DUBIOS 65th
COLLERAN 85th
SCOTT 85th
Mcneil 22nd
Stafford 85th
lee Garl
Frank Waddle
Keywords: 97th Gunners, Raiders, Fort Buckner
Entry: 91424
Subject: 97TH AAA BTRY C
Subject: 97TH AAA BTRY C
Mike Bernal wrote on June 20, 2015
City and State: SANGER AA
Unit: 97TH BTRY C AAA BN
Service or Relationship: Family Member
Comments: My dad was stationed over seas during 50-53 and he's looking for some of his Army buddies. His name's Pete Bernal he got busted to pvt but got his stripes back.
He was stationed near Tachikawa Air Base
Keywords: ....Coleman,Perez,Diaz,Martinez.
Entry: 90025
Subject: 563 ORD. DETACHMENT, SHOWMA, TACHKAWA AFB
Subject: 563 ORD. DETACHMENT, SHOWMA, TACHKAWA AFB
David Polley wrote on November 17, 2014
Email Update Needed
City and State: LAS VEGAS NV
Unit: 563 ORDANCE ATTACHMENT
Service or Relationship: Army Veteran
Comments: Hope to find some who were stationed at Showma 1955-1956.
Keep a moderate gait!
Keywords:
Entry: 89616
Subject: C 97TH AAA G BATTERY
Subject: C 97TH AAA G BATTERY
Scott Bailey wrote on September 5, 2014
City and State: FORT HOOD TX
Unit:
Service or Relationship: Family Member
Comments: My Dad Ellis Bailey was Part of the C 97th Gn Battery i have a picture of his Company from Sept 1950. Just curious if there are any members of his unit out there. He is still Alive and Well at 84 years young
Part of the Japan occupying Army
Keywords:
Entry: 85844
Subject: FORT KAMARAMA 1947-1949 THEN TO YOKAHAMA UNDER CAPT. CARPENTER
Subject: FORT KAMARAMA 1947-1949 THEN TO YOKAHAMA UNDER CAPT. CARPENTER
Jesse Wainwright wrote on March 31, 2013
City and State: SAVANNAH GA
Unit: COMPANY C
Service or Relationship: Army Veteran
Comments: Buddies. Billy Hearn, Phoenix City, Ala., Back,NCO., Romanski,
Staten Island, N>Y>. 1947 to Hawaii. 1949 to yokahama, Japan,
ten to Ft. Bliss, Tx. in 1949. age 80. Looking to contact old
buddies.
Keywords: nickname- Karouse or grits. .
Entry: 83505
Subject: PYEONTAEL, KOREA TO TACHAKAWA, JAPAN
Subject: PYEONTAEL, KOREA TO TACHAKAWA, JAPAN
Michael D. Rizzo wrote on June 30, 2012
City and State: BROOKLYN NY
Unit: 97TH AAA GN BN
Service or Relationship: Army Veteran
Comments: Ready to rotate, from the 76th AAA Gn Bn in
Pyangtaek, Korea, Aug. 1954 to the 97th AAA Gn Bn in
Tachakawa, Japan, then off to the USA in Dec. 1954
MOS 1740 radio operator. Just a few months shy of
80, any old buddies out there?
Keywords: 76th AAA, Korea 97th AAA, Japan
Entry: 83369
Subject: PLEASE CONTACT IF ALIVE
Subject: PLEASE CONTACT IF ALIVE
Robert Hunley wrote on June 17, 2012
City and State: HULEN KY
Unit: 97TH ANTIAIRCRAFT ARTILLERY BN (120MM)
Service or Relationship: Army Veteran
Comments:
Keywords: GROVER
Entry: 81323
Subject: 97TH AAA BN. (120 MM)
Subject: 97TH AAA BN. (120 MM)
Peter Henkels wrote on December 15, 2011
City and State: DUBUQUE IA
Unit: BTRY B 97TH AAA BN. 40TH BRIGADE
Service or Relationship: Army Veteran
Comments: I was a radio operator in B Btry. at Fuchu Air Station
from 1956 till the 97th. Bn. deactivated in 1957. Would
to hear from anyone who serves in the 97th AAA Bn. from
1954 to deactivation in 1957. Especially anyone who was
at Fuchu Air Station.
Keywords: 97th AAA Bn. Btry. B Fuchu Air Station
Entry: 78110
Subject: ROBERT H. TRAINA
Subject: ROBERT H. TRAINA
Robert H. Traina JR. wrote on March 7, 2011
City and State: MOUNT VERNON NY
Unit: 97TH AAA BATTALION, CAC
Service or Relationship: Family Member
Comments: My father, Robert H. Traina, Sr. was commander of Battery "A" at Fort Kamahameha during WW2 and was discharged with the rank of major. I don't know much about the details of his service, but I do have some of his papers. He died in 1968 and rests at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl).
His executive officer was the late Theodore (Ted) Wilson of Princeville, Kauai, Hawaii.
Keywords: Fort Kamehameha Stratosphere Gun 120mm 4.7"
Entry: 76261
Subject: 30 AAA 75MM JAPAN 1955 -1957
Subject: 30 AAA 75MM JAPAN 1955 -1957
Bob Corby SR. wrote on September 26, 2010
City and State: BETHLEHEM PA
Unit: US ARMY 30AAA BATTLION
Service or Relationship: Army Veteran
Comments:
Keywords:
Entry: 76056
Subject: B BATTERY 52-53 | ASBESTOS, CHEMICALS EXPOSURE
Subject: B BATTERY 52-53 | ASBESTOS, CHEMICALS EXPOSURE
Fabiola Torrez wrote on September 6, 2010
City and State: ARROYO SECO NM
Unit:
Service or Relationship: Family Member
Comments: My uncle, vito rael was stationed near Tachikawa, Japan from 1952 to 1954. He as in 97th AAA, Battery B. I am seeking to contact others in 97th AAA and to find out what chemicals/herbicides were used. Also want to know about asbestos exposure
Keywords: Battery B, 97th Gun Batallion
Entry: 75433
Subject: LOOKING FOR BUDDIES IN THE 97TH AAA GUN BATTALION BATTERY D
Subject: LOOKING FOR BUDDIES IN THE 97TH AAA GUN BATTALION BATTERY D
Gerald (Nick) Nickley wrote on July 12, 2010
City and State: CINCINNATI OH
Unit:
Service or Relationship: Army Veteran
Comments:
Keywords: Served 1951-1953 Ninomiya, Japan in the Korean War. Looking for others in battalion... G. Johnson, P. Cali, Lt. Meany, Lt. Dryer.....Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Entry: 75271
Subject: ANYBODY IN MY FATHERS BATALLION OUT THERE?
Subject: ANYBODY IN MY FATHERS BATALLION OUT THERE?
Denis Bausick wrote on June 28, 2010
City and State: FENTON MI
Unit:
Service or Relationship: Family Member
Comments: im trying to see if anybody out there was in my fathers unit from 47-52 in korea, then japan he was 15 when he went in and sargeant by 17 they used to call him SMOKEY he was a staff sgt.
Keywords:
Entry: 69154
Subject: 19 MONTHS WITH D BTY, 97TH AAA BATTALION AT NINOMIYA
Subject: 19 MONTHS WITH D BTY, 97TH AAA BATTALION AT NINOMIYA
Bill Baldauf wrote on February 16, 2009
City and State: OAK RIDGE TN
Unit: D BTY 97TH AAA BTN
Service or Relationship: Army Veteran
Comments: I was with D Bty, 97th AAA Btn at Ninomiya from 7/1952 until 2/1954. I was in the Range Platoon and served as RADAR operator and CRO (chief RADAR operator).
My son worked in Japan close to Chiba for a few years, returning to the USA in the spring of 1994. I visited him there just before his return. I got him to take me to Ninomiya and the firing range at Katakai.
The old camp at Ninomiya was a plant nursery at that time with no trace left of the camp that I could tell. Katakai looked different. The village houses seemed farther back from the beach than before and the wooden fishing fleet had been replaced by modern fiberglass boats that docked in a protected harbor instead of being pulled up on the beach as in the '50s.
My time there was good, I never went to Korea altho the day or two after I arrived at Camp Drake I was given an M1 and was expecting to go. We had a lot of veterans from service in Korea. The worst part of being in the 97th was that we were very short handed with sometimes less than 100 to the battery.
I had a friend, Corp. George Wynn, who is probably the source of the little history I heard about the 97th. He said it originated in Hawaii and was made up from soldiers that were screw-ups, had been in trouble of one kind or another.
The battalion motto was "Hoomau i luna" which we were told meant "always on top" in Hawaiian.
I remember a lot of names but don't want to say any now. Would like to hear from others who were there when I was.
Keywords:
Entry: 68209
Subject: 563 TH ORDANCE DET
Subject: 563 TH ORDANCE DET
Leo Dillon wrote on December 10, 2008
City and State: BEDFORD IA
Unit: 563 TH ORDANCE DET
Service or Relationship: Army Veteran
Comments: Hi
I was a member of the 563 rd Ordance Detachment Showa Air ststion Japan from Aug 1956 until the 97th AAA was deactivated in 1957. I did spend the last few months at Brigade Headquarters at Hiyoshi at the Brigade school maintaining their radar units.
I retuned to Japan in 2001 and found that our old stomping grounds is now, Showa Peace Park, what a shock. Tachi East is now a Japan Self Defence force base. Yokota is still huming with our airforce.
Names have slipped me but I thought someone might be interested in an update.
Keywords: Showa air station, Japan
Entry: 58593
Subject: 97TH AAA BN (75MM) OKINAWA 54-55
Subject: 97TH AAA BN (75MM) OKINAWA 54-55
Jim Stathis wrote on August 21, 2006
Email Update Needed
City and State: SOUTH HADLEY MA
Unit:
Service or Relationship: Army Veteran
Comments: Looking for info and photos on the 75mm Semi-mobile AAA Gun between 1954-1955 (okinawa)
Keywords: C battery, 22nd AAA Semi mobile 97th AAA Gp
Entry: 46822
Subject: 67TH AAA GUN BATTALION
Subject: 67TH AAA GUN BATTALION
Michael A. Bottey JR. wrote on November 12, 2004
Email Update Needed
City and State:
Unit: 67TH AAA GUN BN. BATTERY 'D'
Service or Relationship: Army Veteran - Korea
Comments: I have several photographs of my service time in Worms, Germany from 1951-53. I would like to find members of this unit and exchange information.
Keywords:
Entry: 42535
Subject: 97TH AAA GUN BATTALION
Subject: 97TH AAA GUN BATTALION
Frank Desiderati wrote on April 22, 2004
City and State: KENSINGTON MD
Unit: HEADQUARTERS BATTERY, 97TH AAA BN
Service or Relationship: -
Comments: I served in the 97th AAA Battalion in Tachikawa, Japan, from Jan, 1955 to March, 1956.
I was just curious if the old 97th AAA was on the net
Keywords:
Entry: 39087
Subject: LOOKING FOR UNIT PATCH
Subject: LOOKING FOR UNIT PATCH
K. Fisher wrote on December 10, 2003
City and State:
Unit:
Service or Relationship: Family Member
Comments: just got my deceased father's war medals. and i am now looking to find a patch from his unit if possible and i don't know where to look.
his discharge papers say "Btry C 97Th AAA Gun Bn (12 OMM)" and also "APO 323 Unit 1" .
i would like to find a patch or patches and make a dispaly for my mother in my father's honor.
i would appreicate any help.
thank you and GOD BLESS you all!!!
Keywords:
Entry: 37513
Subject: 97TH AAA BN. 120MM GUN BN
Subject: 97TH AAA BN. 120MM GUN BN
James Martin wrote on October 12, 2003
Email Update Needed
City and State: HILLSBORO BEACH FL
Unit: HEADQUARTERS BATTALION
Service or Relationship: Interested Person
Comments:
Keywords:
Entry: 37084
Subject: HQ BATTERY 97TH AAA GUN BN
Subject: HQ BATTERY 97TH AAA GUN BN
John Tomsett wrote on September 22, 2003
Email Update Needed
City and State: SEBRING FL
Unit: 97TH AAA GUN BN
Service or Relationship: -
Comments: I would like th hear from anyone who served at
Atsugi and Tachakawa at that time. I am interested in any history and information subsuquent to that time.
Keywords: 97th AAA Gun Bn 21 Nov 49 to 16 Nov 51, Sgt,
Hq Battery.Personnel
Entry: 36871
Subject: QUAD 50'S ON A HALF TRACK,92ND AAA
Subject: QUAD 50'S ON A HALF TRACK,92ND AAA
Bob McKinzey wrote on September 11, 2003
Email Update Needed
City and State:
Unit: C BTRY,92ND.AAA,AW,BTRY.
Service or Relationship: Army Veteran - Korea
Comments: THERE WERE 8 HALF TRACKS,With Quad 50's,As for as I know,Only one's in KOREA DEC.1950,to MAY 1951.WE WERE STUCK 99 PER CENT OF THE TIME.LEFT Korea,for Okinawa,
Keywords:
Entry: 27905
Subject: BTRY B 97TH AAA GUN BN 1945-6
Subject: BTRY B 97TH AAA GUN BN 1945-6
Bill Navey wrote on August 29, 2002
Email Update Needed
City and State: HOLLY RIDGE NC
Unit: BTRT B 98TH AAA GUN BN
Service or Relationship: Interested Person
Comments: We were stationed in Hawaii in 1945 and 1946.
Just after I was sent to be discharged, the
unit sail and become part of Occuopied army in Japan. We were trained as the 516th AAA Gun
Bn at Camp Haan, California.
Any other members of this unit out there?
Keywords:
Entry: 25591
Subject: 97TH AAA BN AND 67TH AAA BN
Subject: 97TH AAA BN AND 67TH AAA BN
Lisa Bennett wrote on May 19, 2002
Email Update Needed
City and State:
Unit:
Service or Relationship: Army Veteran - Korea
Comments: My father, Joseph R. Czajkowski was assigned to D/Btry from 1950-52. He made the trip from Japan where the 97th was permanently stationed. I am interested in any information on missions, locations, unit action.
He told me that he was also assigned to a "67th AAA Bn" for a period of time. I cannot find any reference to this Bn in any history.
Thanks for your help.
Lisa
Keywords:
Entry: 22338
Subject: ANYONE SERVING IN JAPAN '54 TO '57
Subject: ANYONE SERVING IN JAPAN '54 TO '57
Joseph Patronella wrote on January 16, 2002
City and State: WILLIS TX
Unit: 97TH AAA GUN BATTALION
Service or Relationship: Army Veteran - Korea
Comments:
Keywords:
Entry: 7755
Subject: POSSIBLE REUNION ALL BATTS/HEADQUARTERS
Subject: POSSIBLE REUNION ALL BATTS/HEADQUARTERS
Joseph Bennett wrote on April 1, 2000
Email Update Needed
City and State: FERNDALE MI
Unit: ABATTERY 97 AAA GN BATTALION
Service or Relationship: Army Veteran - Korea
Comments: Lets get some kind of reunion going before its to late Moran Don also interested he was in the computer section next to our radar still have lots of pictures left of the old group in the range section. Gen Divine was commanding officer of all the units.Capt Walter Loving was or CO.
Keywords: was station near Tachakawa Japan May 51 to Oct 53attached to the range section has a radar operator mos 3603 also attached to 40th Brigade out of Yokohuma for school
Entry: 6075
Subject: GREETINGS
Subject: GREETINGS
Joseph Russo wrote on January 7, 2000
Email Update Needed
City and State: OSWEGO IL
Unit: HEADQUARTERS BATTERY
Service or Relationship: Army Veteran - Korea
Comments: Looking for anyone from this unit.
Keywords: Metrological Section -detached service at 64thAAA
Gun Battalion at Headquarters battery
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