USS Pritchett (DD-561)

USS Prichett Reunion Association

Association Web Site

Terry Crawford

President

Association Email and Info

Navy BBS

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Mike MacDonald wrote on April 3, 2014

Send Email To MIKE MACDONALD

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City and State: MINNEAPOLIS MN

Unit: CO C 2/28 INF REG, 1ST INF DIV

Service or Relationship: Marine Veteran

Comments: looking for anyone who recalls Marine paymaster going ashore in Vietnam from USS Pricthett
in 1962.
Trying to verify Agent Orange claim for Marine vet, John Neilson, who is terminally ill with Leukemia.
Like to know if Navy kept deck logs for Marine's leaving ship.

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Patrick (Steve) Stevens wrote on January 11, 2014

Email Update Needed

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City and State: AUBURN WA

Unit: 2ND DIVISION

Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran

Comments: If any one knows me . Get at me. Ward Harvey Johnson, Ken Mchaugie, Fignar. We were in Danang 64 enough said . Operation StarLight. Aug.18th 1965 . Flag ship 7th fleet STEAMIN PRICHETT DD 561

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Earl Larue wrote on February 15, 2013

Email Update Needed

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City and State: CAMDEN DE

Unit: FIRE CONTROL

Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran

Comments: I SERVED ON THE pRITCHETT BETWEEN 1951-53..WE WENT TO
KOREA-JAPAN..I WAS IN THE FIRE CONTROL UNIT.MY SECTION
CHIEF'S NAME WAS SETTON - I REMEMBER A FRIEND BY THE NAME
OF ARTHER E. LOVE..HE WAS AN ELECTRICIAN AND LIVED IN THE
WINDY CITY..MR HART(CAN'T REMEMBER HIS FIRST NAME) WAS
THE OFFICER IN CHARGE..AT THIS TIME I WAS 17-18 YRS
OLD..I HAD A FRIEND BY THE NAME OF DEFRANCO;HE WAS A
YEOMAN AND LIVED IN NY( I HAVE HIS PHOTO..MY BATTLE
STATION WAS THE MK 36 DIRECTOR..I HAVE A WORLD CRUISE
BOOK(IF I CAN FIND IT)..IT HAS PHOTOS AND NAMES

Keywords: SETTON,DEFRANCO,CALAFORNIA

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Jane Hedin wrote on August 22, 2012

Send Email To JANE HEDIN

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City and State: DANVERS MA

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: I am trying to reach any shipmates of my Uncle, James Francis Hedin. He
was a Navy Veteran of the Korean War. He served aboard the USS Pritchett
in the 1950's. He passed away tragically in 1964, at the age of 30. I was
not quite two years old at the time. My Dad was also a Veteran of the
Korean War in the Air Force. He passed away in 2000. I would love to
know any information regarding my Uncle. He was taken from us far too
soon. Also, he had a wife named Esperanza and a son who I am trying to
locate. They lived in Chula Vista while my Uncle was stationed in San
Diego. I would love to hear from anyone who knew my Uncle Jimmy.
Thank you so much. God bless you all.

Keywords: James F. Hedin, Navy, Korean War, 1950's, USS Pritchett

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Shari Helms wrote on October 1, 2011

Send Email To SHARI HELMS

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City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: My aunt Eula Cumbie is looking for a roster of the
Crew of the USS Pritchett 1955,1956. that is the
year her husband Richard D. Cumbie served on board.
If any one can assist please send an email. Richard
passed away a couple years ago. Thank you.

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Jack Butler wrote on December 27, 2010

Send Email To JACK BUTLER

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City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran

Comments: Looking to make contact with those with whom we shared the best and the worst of times, on a fine ship.

Keywords: From Frog to Moose,Porky,Perch,and the rest of my buds.

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Jim Ray wrote on December 2, 2010

Email Update Needed

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City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran

Comments: Served on board for one westpac cruise in 1969 was an RMSN at that time. I would love to run across anyone that would have any pictures from that period of time.

Keywords: Westpac cruise/Viet Nam/Korea

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Dennis Arens wrote on January 15, 2009

Send Email To DENNIS ARENS

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City and State: KELLER TX

Unit: RETIRED

Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran

Comments: I served on USS Pritchett DD561 from April 1964 through November 1964 on a Westpac cruise. I was a Radioman 2nd Class at the time. I transferred to USS O'Brien DD725 in November 1964 and served aboard her until April 1966. I'd like to locate ships plaques for both ships.

Keywords: USS Pritchett DD561, USS O'Brien DD725, Ships Plaques

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Gary Irving wrote on November 7, 2008

Send Email To GARY IRVING

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City and State: IDAHO FALLS ID

Unit: M DIVISION

Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran

Comments: She was a great lady!

Keywords: USS Pritchett, DD561, Viet Nam, West Pac

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Leon Mika wrote on August 14, 2008

Email Update Needed

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City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Other

Comments: anyone there at the same tie

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Teresa Fults wrote on June 29, 2008

Email Update Needed

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City and State: ZIONSVILLE IN

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: I am looking for anyone who may have served with my father during 1951 - 1954 while on ground or on the USS Prichett. Father's name - James R. Amos from Indianapolis, IN.

My father has passsed and I am currently serving as Chaplain of the Zionsville Post 79 American Legion Riders and I would be honored to locate and have a patch during the time my father served to wear on my vest.

If anyone would be able to provide me with additional information, where to locate a patch, any information you may remember about my father - I would be so honored.

Thank you in advance for your help.

May God be with each of our soldiers as they serve our wonderful country.

Teresa Fults

Keywords: USS Prichett - 1951 - 1954

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Dick Travers wrote on March 5, 2008

Email Update Needed

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City and State: RENO NV

Unit: ENGINEROOM PRICHETT

Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran

Comments: LOOKING FOR TERRY DIFFENDERFER AND CHIEF BALLINGER MMC

Keywords: USS PRICHETT AND USS PHILIP

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Dena Della Rocca wrote on February 13, 2008

Email Update Needed

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City and State: MORTON PA

Unit: USS PRICHETT (DD-561)

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: We,the Della Rocca family, are looking for anyone who knew my father, Ned "Rocco" Della Rocca. My father served during the Vietnam War and was on the USS Pritchett (DD-561). He served our country from 1962 thru 1966. If you know of anyone or are someone who knew my father, please contact us. My father passed away in November 2002 from lung cancer and we are trying to get confirmation that my father set foot on land in Vietnam. Our family knows that my father did because of some of the stories he has shared with our mother but we need proof that he stepped on land. His job was working in the boiler room with asbestos. The asbestos played a large role in the death of my father. Please contact me if you know any information that could be useful. Thank you.

Keywords: Rocco, Della Rocca, Ned, Neddy, Vietnam War, Japan, USS Pritchett (dd-561), Personal friends are Ernie DuPree, Wally DuPree, Cohen (last name)

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William Coleman wrote on January 7, 2008

Email Update Needed

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City and State: KANSAS CITY MO

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: Looking for information and friends of Jack L or John L Coleman, 1951-1954, He is still alive and I would just like to get some ship mates together or just a call.
Would have been in sonar radio or op's.
Email with information.

Keywords: Prichett 561 Jack L Coleman or John Coleman Korean War

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Elmer Lawrence wrote on November 12, 2007

Email Update Needed

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City and State: BROOKFIELD OH

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran

Comments: I was a very good friend of Orin French who served as a boilerman on board the USS Prichett in the 1960's.Hoping to hear from any or all of his children or good friends of his.

Keywords: USS Prichett

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Rob Wassem wrote on September 17, 2007

Send Email To ROB WASSEM

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City and State: ROSWELL GA

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: I am looking for anyone who served on the USS Prichett DD 561 during WWII (44'-46') with my father, Kenneth Wassem, whom went home to be with the Lord in 1989.

Thanks


Rob Wassem

Keywords: Tin Can Sailors

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Leon Abrusley wrote on August 29, 2007

Send Email To LEON ABRUSLEY

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City and State: HOUSTON TX

Unit: USS HENLEY ##391, SUNK OCT.3, L943: US PRITCHETT

Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran

Comments: We fought Japanese suicide planes from Saipan to the end of WWW11. The planes came with only enought fuel to reach the ships and try to sink them by crashing in the ships. We were shot up at Formosa, twice at Okinawa by suicide planes. We were with the USS Callahan when they were hit by suicide planes; we rescured them; and later we were hit by suicide planes.

Keywords: USS Henley - DD391, Talagi, Guadacanal, Buna, Gona, Salamua, Lae, Finnschafen; Sunk Oct. 3, 1943.

USS Pritchett - DD56l, Bremerton, Wash.; Jan. 15, '44 to end of war. Truk, Ponape, Saipan, Tinian, Guam, Phillipines, Iwo Jima and Okinawa (the granddaddy of them all).

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Alan Want wrote on May 29, 2007

Send Email To ALAN WANT

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City and State: CORAL SPRINGS FL

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran

Comments: was aboard the uss prichett from aug '57 to apl '59
was in first div
made wespac cruise aug 58' to feb '59
any shipmates out there i would like to hear from you..

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William Stegall wrote on March 11, 2007

Email Update Needed

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City and State: CHARLOTTE NC

Unit: RADAR

Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran

Comments: Looking for anyone that served on board the Prichett from the time she was commissioned to the day she was sold to Italy.
I have at present (3/12/07) over 1200 names of men who served on board and am looking to find more and add to my list.
Need names and address if known but will take just names and years on board and maybe someone else will have the information needed to complete the file.
Any information will be helpful.

Thanks,

Bill

Keywords: Service on board the Prichett.

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Fred Brozek wrote on October 8, 2006

Email Update Needed

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City and State: PALMER MA

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran

Comments:

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James (Buck) Buchanan SR. wrote on July 11, 2006

Email Update Needed

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City and State: NEOSHO MO

Unit: PRITCHETT DD 561

Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran

Comments: Lookingfor shipmates that were aboard from 1951untill 1954. Worked in No 2 boiler room.
Played guitar and sang with Harold Fryman.

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Don Calvin wrote on June 25, 2006

Send Email To DON CALVIN

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City and State: COATSBURG IL

Unit: USS PRICHETT DD-561

Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran

Comments: lOOKING FOR NEW MEMBERS FOR USS PRICHETT ROSTER.
RECEIVE OUR NEWSLETTER AND KEEP IN TOUCH WITH YOUR SHIPMATES. ALSO OUR ANNUAL REUNION. THIS YEAR IT WILL BE HELD IN COLORADO SPRINGS SEPT. 12-17.

Keywords: D561,DD867,AGS30,AF58

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Howard Chennault SR. wrote on April 18, 2006

Send Email To HOWARD CHENNAULT

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City and State: ATLANTA GA

Unit: FRA BRANCH 89

Service or Relationship: Other

Comments: i would like to respond to my dear departed ship mate
the late chief millsap BMC us navy.
to give his family members some heart felt memories,
of him.

Keywords: uss pritchett dd 561
uss bausell dd 845
uss columbus ca 74/cg 12
uss montague aka 98
uss capacornus aka 57
uss navaro apa 215

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Jeff Marshall wrote on March 31, 2006

Email Update Needed

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City and State: DOWNEY CA

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: my dad served on the prichett in the 50's he knew chester milsap well,id like to talk to you or some of dads shipmates.Also dads best friend was "red" bradley i saw on one site awhile ago he has a niece if anyone has info on her please send to me,also the ship does have reunions(which mom and i and my older sister plan to attend)they aslo have a very great newsletter.God bless you all,dad said it was the best time of his life sincerely jeff marshall

Keywords: uss prichett dd561

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David M. Yoder JR. wrote on March 1, 2006

Email Update Needed

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City and State: ABBEVILLE SC

Unit: SICBAY

Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran

Comments: Looking for a GMG3 Jerry Ness last known was on the Pritchet in San Diego. Always glad to hear from any old shipmate. dmyoderjr@charter.net

Keywords: DOC, Phan Thiet was a big time. Served onboard for 67'-68' west pac cruise

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Marshal Ray wrote on November 14, 2005

Send Email To MARSHAL RAY

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City and State: RANCHO CUCAMONGA CA

Unit: USS PRITCHETT

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: My dad William Ray Jr. served on the USS Pritchett as a Hospital Corpsman during the Korean War. I am seeking information about thase days.

Keywords: Wonsan Harbor, Sasebo Japan,round-the-world cruise

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Dennis Jeannotte wrote on July 16, 2005

Send Email To DENNIS JEANNOTTE

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City and State: BEAVERTON OR

Unit: U.S.S. PRICHETT DD-561

Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran

Comments: Looking for anyone who remembers me hurting my back
in Kaohsiung, Taiwan on WestPac cruise Summer/Fall 1966

Keywords: Shipmates, WetPac 1966

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Ed Cambron wrote on February 15, 2005

Send Email To ED CAMBRON

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City and State: WESTLAKE OH

Unit: USS PRICHETT DD-561

Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran - Korea

Comments: Would like to hear from any shiopmates and see if we could have a ship's reunion (1952-54).
Bob Fulkerson was a good friend. He was fron Alton, Illinois.

Keywords: WE opweated with the "Mighty MO" and the "Midway"
Major operation Wonson Harbor, Korea

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James Davis wrote on February 2, 2005

Email Update Needed

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City and State: STUART FL

Unit: B DIVISIOIN

Service or Relationship: -

Comments: I was a first class Boilerman on the Pritchett May of 1965 to December 1966. I would like to here from anyone that was on board during that time.

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Scott Lutz wrote on September 24, 2004

Email Update Needed

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City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: My uncle was station on the Prichett from 56-60. He was a RM3. His name is Bruce Lutz. If anybody remembers him and can send me an E-mail I will foreward it to him. Thanks....

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Scott Lutz wrote on September 24, 2004

Email Update Needed

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City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran - Korea

Comments: My dad is looking for any GM's the were stationed on the Prichett around 54-58. His name is Ken Lutz and shot 3" 50's mount 31. Give me an E-mail and I will foreward it to him...

Keywords: "Short Charge"

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Greg Millsap wrote on September 13, 2004

Email Update Needed

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City and State: MO

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: My uncle was stationed on the Pritchett. I am not certain in which campaign. He did 30 years in the USN, and served in WWII, Korea and Viet Nam.

He was my hero. I have the flag that was placed over his coffin, and I played taps for his funeral.

I miss him so very much. If anyone knows of him, or has anything to relate of him during his service for our country, I would love to hear from you.

God Bless
and
God Bless the USA

Keywords: Chester Millsap, Chet or " Chief "

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Frank Bachteler wrote on August 12, 2004

Email Update Needed

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City and State: BUSHELL FL

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran - Korea

Comments: Helped recommission the ship in California
Then went to the east coast for conversion from torpedos to missles.

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Jenna Small wrote on May 6, 2004

Email Update Needed

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City and State: HERMITAGE TN

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: My grandfather is Joe Small (red hair, freckled, rose tattoo with "mother") . He served as a torpedo man aboard the USS Pitchett in 1953. I was wondering if anyone could contact me if they know or knew him. Or if anyone could just tell me a little bit about the ship.
Much thanks,
Jenna Small

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Terry Crawford wrote on April 28, 2004

Email Update Needed

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City and State: IL

Unit: USS PRICHETT DD561

Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran - Korea

Comments: Reunions being held twice a year for all hands.

Keywords: USS Prichett DD561

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Jim Grindstaff wrote on April 5, 2004

Email Update Needed

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City and State: VA

Unit: RETIRED CWO USN (SEAL)

Service or Relationship: -

Comments: Would be interested in hearing from anyone who knew dad.

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Louanne Cantrell wrote on March 4, 2004

Email Update Needed

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City and State: SPRINGFIELD MO

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: my dad was on the Pritchett during Korea in 1950's, but
would never talk about what he did or saw. I would like to
leave history for my grandchildren. Dad passed away last
summer and i want this legacy passed on. he also served in
WWII. any info appreciated

Keywords: dad was boatswain's mate and known as Mickey to his
friends.

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Terry Manges wrote on February 2, 2004

Email Update Needed

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City and State: SOUTH FORK PA

Unit: USS PRICHETT DD 561

Service or Relationship: Friend of Veteran

Comments:
LOOKING FOR DANIEL LENOARD THAT SERVE ABOARD

THE USS PRICHETT TILL 1968.

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Joseph Wassem wrote on January 25, 2004

Email Update Needed

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City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments:

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Eve Conaway wrote on January 13, 2004

Send Email To EVE CONAWAY

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City and State: PHILADELPHIA PA

Unit:

Service or Relationship: -

Comments: Looking for anyone who worked in the boiler room along side Ned Della Rocca "Rocco" aboard the USS Prichett during the years 1962-1968.

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Will Shisler wrote on September 1, 2003

Email Update Needed

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City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Friend of Veteran

Comments: I grew up next door to Bill. He told a story about a Kamikaze attack of Okinawa where his gun mount was barely missed. I was looking for more detail.

Keywords: Bill Zehner

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Richard (Dick) Bigham wrote on July 24, 2003

Email Update Needed

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City and State: GARLAND TX

Unit:

Service or Relationship: -

Comments: Aboard Pritchett 58-60 RD3 Des Div 192.
Fond memories..long ago and far away. like to hear from some shimates

Keywords: USS Pritchett DD561

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Len Grindstaff wrote on May 31, 2002

Email Update Needed

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City and State: SLIDELL LA

Unit:

Service or Relationship: -

Comments: I'm Looking for anyone who knew my father who served on the Pritchett 1958-1961

Keywords: USS Pritchett

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George Chapman wrote on May 20, 2002

Email Update Needed

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City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran - Korea

Comments: My name is George Chapman. I was aboard the USS Pritchett DD561 in 1954 and 1955. I was a Fire Control Technician 2nd class and made a Mediterrean cruise in 1954 and a far east cruise in 1955. Are their any shipmates out there?

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Gary Irving wrote on May 5, 2002

Email Update Needed

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City and State: CEDAR RAPIDS IA

Unit: MACHINIST MATE MAIN CONTROL

Service or Relationship: -

Comments: I was on board from 1965 to 1969. She was a good ship and had a good record. I don't know what all these thousands of men that served on her did but she always responded to their needs and actions. Maybe because I was 19 or 20, she will always have a fond spot in my heart. You know how it is "men and their toys." Well you have my e-mail address so if you have any questions I will try to answer. Gary

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Dan Hedin wrote on April 4, 2002

Email Update Needed

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City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: My Uncle Jimmy was on this ship in the early
1950s. He passed away in 1964 a year before
I was born. My Dad passed away in 2000 and
was in the Air Force at the same time. I would
like to hear from anyone who knew my Uncle,I
know very little of him.
Thank You,
Dan Hedin

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Ronald Archer wrote on February 10, 2002

Email Update Needed

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City and State:

Unit: USS PRITCHETT

Service or Relationship: -

Comments: I was a Gunner Mate 3rd Class on the USS Pritchett 1955 - 1958, and am wondering if any of the ship mates are out there?

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Kevin Horn wrote on February 10, 2002

Email Update Needed

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City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: -

Comments: i am looking for anyone who may have served on this ship in 1952-1954.... my freinds father had passed away recently and im interested on any stories or any info you might have on this ship or if you even recalled a tall man by the name of leroy phillip hunter,,,

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Kevin Horn wrote on February 10, 2002

Email Update Needed

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City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: -

Comments: i am looking for anyone who may have served on this ship in 1952-1954.... my freinds father had passed away recently and im interested on any stories or any info you might have on this ship or if you even recalled a tall man by the name of leroy phillip hunter,,,

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Jennifer Barone (Vandevender) wrote on October 23, 2001

Send Email To JENNIFER BARONE (VANDEVENDER)

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City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: My name is Jennifer Barone (Vandevender) I am looking for more information on anyone that was on the Prichett with my father Robert L. Vandevender.
He passed away 6yrs ago and I never had a chance to hear some of the stories about where he went or what he did.
Any information is helpful.
Thank you

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