USS Henderson (DD-785) - US Navy - Korean War Project Page 1

Legacy Messages - 1995-1999

Page 1

Entry: 93021
Subject: R.C.

Ralph Gerhardt SR. wrote on April 17, 2016

City and State: TEXAS CITY TX

Unit: USS HENDERSON DD785

Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran

Comments: On board April 58-Sep. 60. Two trips to WestPac. Looking for Ted Barney Walker -FT-2. from Sierra Vista, AZ.

Keywords:

Entry: 92449
Subject: CREW LIST INFORMATION

Alana Torres wrote on December 25, 2015

City and State:

Unit: DAMAGE CONTROLL

Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran

Comments: My grandfather served on this ship on 1953 and was looking for a crew list from that time. His Name was Thomas Mabius. is=f anyone has any information please feel free to email me at alana.torres1@aol.com

Keywords: Crew list

Entry: 92190
Subject: LOOKING FOR CREWMEMBER

Alf Bjorkman wrote on November 12, 2015

Email Update Needed

City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: Looking for information on my uncle Charles Bjorkman who served on this ship around 1948-1949.

Keywords:

Entry: 92188
Subject: LOOKING FOR CREWMEMBER

Alf Bjorkman wrote on November 12, 2015

Email Update Needed

City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Other

Comments: I believe my uncle served on this ship around 1948-1949. I would like to find out if he did and what this ship was doing during those years. Anyone know how to get a crew list?

Keywords:

Entry: 90175
Subject: USS HENDERSON

Cheryl Troutt wrote on December 10, 2014

City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: I have recently discovered that my father, John O. Rall was aboard the USS Henderson from 1951 through 1955. He passed away in 2000, but he did mention at one time that he was a UDT. Has anyone ever heard of him? Thank you.

Keywords:

Entry: 89987
Subject: USS HENDERSON DD-785

Chas (CJ) McGrillen wrote on November 12, 2014

City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran

Comments:

Keywords:

Entry: 89986
Subject: USS HENDERSON DD-785

Chas (CJ) McGrillen wrote on November 12, 2014

City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran

Comments:

Keywords:

Entry: 81669
Subject: LOOKING FOR SOME OF MY OLD SHIPMATES DARRYL WHIPPLE AND ANYONE THAT SERVED WITH ME FROM 1968/1970

Claude Thompson wrote on January 8, 2012

City and State: MONROVIA MD

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Other

Comments:

Keywords:

Entry: 73594
Subject: PLAQUE FROM USS HENDERSON DD 785

Pamela Blanchard wrote on February 16, 2010

City and State: WAGGAMAN LA

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Interested Person

Comments:

Keywords: I have a plaque that is from the USS Henderson (DD 785) It was found years ago. I don't know if it is of value or would mean something to anyone that was on the USS Henderson. If you are interested in it or would like to see a picture of it I can be contacted at This email or 504-431-8697. It is a very heavy plaque, I found it is Venice Louisiana.

Entry: 70079
Subject: LOOKING FOR

Filbert Lovato wrote on May 6, 2009

Email Update Needed

City and State: TRINIDAD CO

Unit: USS HENDERSON DD 785

Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran

Comments: Iwould like to hear from garcia or anyone who knows of his whereabout as we served together as cooks on the henderson from 1955 to 1959

Keywords: jesus d garcia ( chuy)

Entry: 67390
Subject: PICTURE TO POST

Daniel Goodwin wrote on October 2, 2008

City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran

Comments: I have a picture of my father and 3 other sailors taken at the Hula Hut, sometime in the early 50's like 50-54. How can I post this picture so people can view it and see if they recognize anyone?

Keywords: Picture to Post

Entry: 67141
Subject: PERSONNAL MAN GOODWIN

Daniel Goodwin wrote on September 9, 2008

City and State: LEXINGTON TN

Unit: USS SEMMES

Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran

Comments: My father was a personalman onboard the USS Henderson I believe between 50 and 53. His Name was Urban C. Goodwin. I have a great picture of him and a few of his shipmates at a place called the Hula Hut in San Deigo. Just was wondering if anyone out there remembers him. He has since passed. So just curious. I followed his foot steps and was onboard the USS Semmes from 1978 to 1982.

Keywords: PN Goodwin

Entry: 66089
Subject: USS HENDERSON (DD-785) SONAR

John Conner wrote on June 16, 2008

Email Update Needed

City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran

Comments: I served on the USS Henderson DD-785 from 1951 through November 1954 the time of my discharge.

I was fortunate enough to be accepted into the Sonar Gang in 1951 and attended US Fleet Sonar "A" School in San Diego, California. I caught up with the ship again in Japan. I was the Lead Sonarman during 1953 and 1954.

When someone asks about my service to my Country I am always proud to answer "I was a Tin Can Sailor."
Shipmates are forever.

Keywords: All of those who served aboard the great ship "HENDY"

Entry: 59681
Subject: USS HENDERSON DD785 NOV67 DEC68

Jack Buehler SR. wrote on January 19, 2007

Email Update Needed

City and State: WHITING IN

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran

Comments: I loved my time on the Henderson.I'm 59 and I still find myself missing everyone.Get intouch!

Keywords: Nickname dirtbomb friends john bolton,Ron brisco,fredricks

Entry: 55448
Subject: LOOKIN FOR COOKING BUDDIES

Joe E. Johnson wrote on January 28, 2006

Email Update Needed

City and State: MEMPHIS TN

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran

Comments: Would like to here from anyone that was a cook from 1952-1953 aboard the Henderson.

Keywords: Cookie

Entry: 55447
Subject: USS HENDERSON DD785 1952-54 COOK

Joe E. Johnson wrote on January 28, 2006

Email Update Needed

City and State: MEMPHIS TN

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran

Comments: would like to here from anyone that was a cook with me.

Keywords: Cook

Entry: 54494
Subject: USS HENDERSON '69 - 71

Michael Boop wrote on December 4, 2005

Email Update Needed

City and State: KINGMAN AZ

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran

Comments: I served on the Henderson from late 69 through 71.. It's been a long time and I don't remember very meny ship mates.. One that comes to mind is a fellow nicknamed "Stitch", a radioman who lived up to his name when he was escorted from a bar in Hawaii and had to be sewed up by the ships Doc.. I wrote a series of cartoon strips for the ship called the Hindi Cridders.. Also drew up the official papaers for the crossing of the equater and won a contest for the ships flag.. snoopy! Does anyone remember this time? Captian Sullivan was in command.
Thanks, Mike

Keywords: vetnam, stitch, hindi cridders

Entry: 52629
Subject: CREW MEMBER 1957-1961

Ted Walker wrote on August 14, 2005

Email Update Needed

City and State: SIERRA VISTA AZ

Unit: FOX DIVISION

Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran

Comments: I was aboard the Henderson '57 - May '61 and was released from active duty as FT2. My memory of the crew is fading fast but I remember the Hendy as a fine ship. We enjoyed the efficiency E for 2 maybe 3 years in the gunnery department. Our leading PO1 Yelton had us bore sighting every time the moon was on the horizon and I personally wondered why we spent so much time doing that. It finally dawned on me that if we had a gun battery properly aligned, we would score high on our gunnery runs. If I had it to do over again, I would have taken Mr. Gardner's advice (LTJG) and stayed in to make 40 years of the best time of my life. I married 2 years ago to SKCS Laurel Walker retired USNavyRes of 25 years so the memories are being kept alive. Even though she outranks me, I remind her that I was in the real Navy (before her and that comment has NOTHING to do with her being Reserve...), am bigger than her, older than her and sure as h#$$ am meaner than her, being a former tin can sailor! I appreciate this site and reading all the comments and memories of sailors before and after me. If I can come up with a roster of the crew during my time aboard DD785, I will enter that information here. If you would like to communicate with me about that great ship, please do so and I will pass on all that I can. Sincerely, Ted Walker. AKA Oldfield Walker as my nickname was Barney, a gift from my senior FT2 Gene 'Bones' Corgan.

Keywords: USS Henderson DD785 '57-'61

Entry: 50392
Subject: OPERATION HIGHJUMP

Edward (Ed.) Hilder wrote on April 25, 2005

City and State:

Unit: SONAR

Service or Relationship: -

Comments: Looking for fellow shipmates that went to the South Pole with RADM R. E. Byrd's "Operation High
Jump" 1946-47. Ships Capt. CDR. C.F.Baily.
USS Henderson DD785.

Keywords:

Entry: 48704
Subject: TIN CAN SAILORS/A SPECIAL BREED

James (jim) English wrote on February 4, 2005

Email Update Needed

City and State: CINCINNATI OH

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Interested Person

Comments: I would like to make contact with ,one Joe Mounce . I believe he was a MM.Served on Henderson late 50s early 60s.I have not seen or heard from him in more than 20 years.If anyone has any info ,e-mail ,phone or address please contact me at my e-mail address. I am just another old tin can sailor looking for old shipmates and friends. THANK YOU Jim English

Keywords: Served on USS Duncan DDR874 1959 to oct 1961 desdiv 52 remember well crossing the pacific with henderson usually in sight.had a childhood friend and schoolmate on henderson at the time.

Entry: 46227
Subject: WOULD LIKE MORE PICS FOR MY GRAND KIDS BECUSE I HAVE NOT MUST LONGER TO LIVE 6 MONTHS

James Kelley wrote on October 9, 2004

Email Update Needed

City and State: TX

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Interested Person

Comments:

Keywords:

Entry: 42338
Subject: USS HENDERSON (DD-785)

Robert (Bob) Karas wrote on April 14, 2004

City and State: OVIEDO FL

Unit: USS HENDERSON (DD-785)

Service or Relationship: -

Comments: I served aboard the Henderson from Oct 71 through June 73. Took the ship to Vietnam 72-73. I have photos, and hats from the Henderson. Look
forward to having you on our next reunion. Get in touch and I'll get you the info.
Warm Regards,
Bob-K

Keywords: USS Henderson (DD-785)

Entry: 40457
Subject: USS HENDERSON785

Jack Henry wrote on January 31, 2004

City and State: GRANT PARK IL

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: My father-in-law was the navagator on duty at the onset of the invasion of Ichon Bay.He has past on a couple of years ago.I would love to be able to show his grandsons any pics. of the great work the" seven little ships that could ".His name was Bernard Charland.

Keywords: Red,Bernie,

Entry: 40290
Subject: I SEVERD WITH MY BROTHER ON THE HENDERSON 71/72

Hugh Rogers wrote on January 26, 2004

Email Update Needed

City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: -

Comments: I would love to see any early 70's era photos or data and or any links to the like.

Keywords:

Entry: 38857
Subject: LOOKING FOR TOM JOHNSON

Terry Mizell wrote on December 1, 2003

City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Friend of Veteran

Comments: Looking for an old pal from Graduate School - Tommy D. Johnson, who served on Henderson in the late 50's.

Keywords: Tommy D. Johnson.

Entry: 38665
Subject: ANYONE REMEMBER SK3 DONALD WEBBER?

Donald Webber wrote on November 24, 2003

City and State: STATESVILLE NC

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran - Korea

Comments: Does anyone remember a guy name Donald Webber, when he was on the USS Henderson from June 1953 to March 1956?

Keywords:

Entry: 36187
Subject: THE SITTING DUCK SQUADRON 2004 REUNION

Richard A. (Rich) Bowman wrote on August 10, 2003

City and State: ROY UT

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran - Korea

Comments: We are trying to locate and contact former members of the Korean War who served aboard the following destroyers: USS DeHaven (DD-727), USS Mansfield (DD-728), USS Collett (DD-730), USS Lyman K. Swenson (DD-729), USS Henderson (DD-785) and USS Gurke (DD-783). The destroyers comprised Destroyer Squadron 9 (DESRON9) and became known as The Sitting Duck Squadron, for their pre-invasion assault on Wolmi-Do Island at Inchon, Korea on September 13, 1950. These six ships received the Navy Unit Commendation for their bravery and heroism on this historic day.

We like to locate veterans of DESRON9 to determine potential interest for organizing a Sitting Duck Squadron Reunion, to be held in 2004 at a yet to be determined location in the United States.

Interested veterans may write, call, or E-mail either:

William H. Barnes III
2 Williams Dr.
Annapolis, MD 21401-2215
Telephone: (410) 263-2006

Richard A. Bowman
5007 S. 1800 W.
Roy, UT 84067-2988
Telephone: (801) 774-9098
E-Mail: rbowman866@aol.com

Keywords: USS DeHaven (DD-727), USS Mansfield (DD-728), USS Collett (DD-730), USS Lyman K. Swenson (DD-729), USS Henderson (DD-785) and USS Gurke (DD-783).

Entry: 34222
Subject: HEAD COOK

John Hoskins wrote on May 16, 2003

Email Update Needed

City and State: CLARINGTON OH

Unit: USS HENDERSON DD785

Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran - Korea

Comments: I was the HeadCook on the USS Henderson from 1951-1955. Looking for my buddies(Art Kelly)any help would be appreciated.

Keywords: Henderson,Gurke,Rowan,Southerland

Entry: 34208
Subject: USS HENDERSON 785

Dixie Demchak wrote on May 16, 2003

Email Update Needed

City and State: OH

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: I was also looking for any pictures, members names and such off of this ship. My father John Otto Hoskins served on this ship and I would love to see it and get more information about it.

Keywords: Ship,Members

Entry: 33436
Subject: USS HENDERSON 1942

Jill Graven wrote on April 6, 2003

Email Update Needed

City and State: FOREST LAKE MN

Unit: USS HENDERSON

Service or Relationship: Friend of Veteran

Comments: My grandfather (Ralph Graven) served on this ship in 1942. If anyone has any pictures of this ship could you please email them to me it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Jill

Keywords:

Entry: 30281
Subject: LOOKING FOR SHIPMATES

Dock Garrett wrote on December 9, 2002

Email Update Needed

City and State: MILLEDGEVILLE GA

Unit: USS HENDERSON DD-785

Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran - Korea

Comments: Please e-mail me with any info...like roster,or reunion info...Thanks

Keywords: Served from 1948-1955...

Entry: 29678
Subject: NEW E-MAIL ADDRESS

George Henderson wrote on November 18, 2002

Email Update Needed

City and State: DAWSONVILLE GA

Unit: USS HENDERSON DD785

Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran - Korea

Comments: Comments: I served aboard the Henderson from early 1949 through end of 1951. We made a good will tour to Korea in when the 1949 and were back again in 1950 when the " conflict started " We participated in the Inchon invasion in sept,1950 and the crew received the Naval Unit Commendation.

Keywords: Speedy, Inchon,Torpedoman, Bobby Ruffin, Bill Adams, Killer Kane,

Entry: 27876
Subject:

Bud Ammons wrote on August 28, 2002

Email Update Needed

City and State: CAMARILLO CA

Unit: USS HENDERSON DD 785

Service or Relationship: Friend of Veteran

Comments: TILLIS

Keywords:

Entry: 25510
Subject: LOOING FOR SHIP MATES 1950-53

Robert McKay wrote on May 16, 2002

Email Update Needed

City and State: PLEASANT GROVE UT

Unit: TASK FORCE 95 - 77

Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran - Korea

Comments: Scotty was my boss from Atlanta Goerga...
My Captain"s --- first one was CDR Stewart and the second was CMDR J C Matthews..... Im looking for old ship mates to reunite with...
My twin Brother Biil McKay also served as a machinest at that time... Bill is now the CMDR of the Am. Legion in newport beach CA....

Keywords: USS Henderson DD785 sept 1950 My Nick name was Mack, I was a snipe and later a shipfitter...

Entry: 17000
Subject: ANYONE RECALL SEBASTIAN TRUSSO?

Douglas Trusso wrote on May 31, 2001

City and State: SAN JOSE CA

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: I would greatly appreciate it if anyone who remembers anything about my father, Commander Sebastian "Busty" Trusso, wouldn't mind telling me about it. I lost my father to cancer 3 years ago and he continues to be first and foremost in my heart and in my thoughts. I never had the opportunity to hear his old war stories, and I thought it would be nice to hear from anyone who knew him, or remembers anything about him.

Thank You Sincerely,

Douglas G. Trusso
San Jose, CA
dtrus@msn.com

Keywords: Russ Busty Inchon Henderson Henrico Pittsburgh

Entry: 14553
Subject: USS HENDERSON

Natalie Kramer wrote on January 24, 2001

Email Update Needed

City and State: LOGANTON PA

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: My grandfather served on the Henderson during the Korean War. Does anyone know where I can get pics, or anything else concerning this ship?? Did you know him, Ross W. Kramer?? I know that he worked in supply. Can you help me out?

Keywords:

Entry: 14368
Subject: USS HENDERSON 76-79

Mark Goodell wrote on January 17, 2001

Email Update Needed

City and State: WA WA

Unit: DESRON 27

Service or Relationship: -

Comments: i was onboard 39 mos when the hendy maru was a reserve ship. anyone else out there? etrsn, etr3,etr2 goodell. i was a damn good twidget but i should have been a snipe!!

Keywords:

Entry: 13372
Subject: USS HENDERSON DD 785 1950 TO 1952

Robert Hasty wrote on November 30, 2000

Email Update Needed

City and State: TAMPA FL

Unit: DD 785 AFTER ENGINE ROOM

Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran - Korea

Comments: DD 785 AFTER ENGINE ROOM

Keywords: would like to hear from old buddys.
Lost contact with Ulisses Turnbow and Jerry b. mc carty

Entry: 12600
Subject: LOOKING FOR CREW MEMBERS

Kim Minton wrote on October 28, 2000

City and State: STANTONVILLE TN

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: My father, Thetus E. Minton, is looking for anyone who served on the Henderson from 1951-1953. He was a MM3.

Keywords:

Entry: 12453
Subject: HELP

Mike Lages wrote on October 20, 2000

Email Update Needed

City and State: ST. LOUIS MO

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Friend of Veteran

Comments: My father in law was a radar operator on the USS Henderson in the 50's. I am looking for pictures for his birthday. Also, if anyone knows where I can get a cap with the Henderson on it, I would appreciate it.

Keywords:

Entry: 9737
Subject: USS HENDERSON DD 785

George Henderson wrote on June 25, 2000

Email Update Needed

City and State: DAWSONVILLE GA

Unit: TORPEDO GANG

Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran - Korea

Comments: I served aboard the Henderson from early 1949 through end of 1951.
We made a good will tour to Korea in when the 1949 and were back again in 1950 when the " conflict started " We participated in the Inchon invasion in sept,1950 and the crew received the Naval Unit Commendation.

Keywords: USS Henderson,DD785,Torpedo Gang

Entry: 9564
Subject: ROGER B. HENDERSON

Roger B. Thompson wrote on June 23, 2000

Email Update Needed

City and State: HUNTINGTON WV

Unit: USS HENDERSON 1949-51'

Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran - Korea

Comments: please contact me at Roger Thompson
130 W. 11th Ave.
Huntington, WV 25701
(304)523-8984

Keywords: I was aboard the Henderson from 1949-51 and would like to contact any old shipmates.

Entry: 9272
Subject: CREW MEMBER 1952-1954

Frank J. Doherty wrote on June 9, 2000

Email Update Needed

City and State: YUCCA VALLEY CA

Unit: SONAR

Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran - Korea

Comments: I was a member of the Sonar crew onboard the Henderson From late 7/52 to 10/54 when I was flown home for discharge. Our Sonar leader was John Conner SO3. I have a Small picture of the Henderson from a menu (Thanksgiving 1953). I can't remember our Capt name but he had a lighter then air wing. The exec was LCDR Wilshire. Our Div officer was James Herbert Carrington Jr. Ens. USN as he liked to tell us.

Keywords: Ivanhoe (a small flag that was raised when the message wasn't understood that said WHAT THE HELL?

Entry: 9230
Subject: I SERVED ON THE HENDY IN KOREA 49-52

Roger B. Thompson wrote on June 7, 2000

Email Update Needed

City and State: HUNTINGTON WV

Unit: I WAS ASSIGNED TO FIRE CONTROL ABOARD SHIP

Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran - Korea

Comments: I WAS ASSIGNED TO FIRE CONTROL ABOARD SHIP

Keywords:

Entry: 7012
Subject: USS HENDERSON DD785

Al Tilley wrote on February 16, 2000

Email Update Needed

City and State:

Unit: USS HENDERSON DD785

Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran - Korea

Comments: To Harlan Finch, Chuck Brink and Francis Robinson: Contact Dick Sierra (DIXERA@aol.com) USS Henderson reunion chairman. We have access to some pictures. Also the names of 400-500 shipmates from all eras (plankowners to Viet Nam). We have used US Archives to get ships company rosters. I'm sure all of your shipmates will work with you to get you in touch with buddies and finding your information.
To Lifeblood:The reason you think Hendy was best was because she was.

Keywords: USS Henderson DD785 '53-'56
Engineering Officer '55-'56

Entry: 5782
Subject: LOOKING FOR PICTURES OF THE HENDERSON

Harlan Finch wrote on December 23, 1999

Email Update Needed

City and State: SAN LUIS OBISPO CA

Unit: U. S. NAVY RETIRED (SH1)

Service or Relationship: United Nations Veteran - Korea

Comments: Of all the ship's I was on the Henderson was the best of them (7) all.

Phone (805)544-9550 Ship's that I was on from 1950 to 1971:
USS Kermit Roosevelt (ARG-16)
USS APL-30 Sasebo-Japan
USS Tolovana (AO-64)
USS Henderson (DD-785)
USS Ashtabula (AO-51)
USS Ajax (AR-6)
USS Hector (AR-7)