Entry: 21439
Subject: GUNNERY FIRST DIVISON 51 - 53
Lee Bennett wrote on December 12, 2001
Email Update Needed
City and State:
Unit:
Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran - Korea
Comments: I am writing this for my dad. He served aboard the Valley Forge during the Korean War. I know he would like to here from anyone who would like to swap tales. The E-Mail listed is his.
Keywords: U.S.S. Valley Forge, 51 - 53 Gunner Mate, First Division
Entry: 21340
Subject: PHILIP TANNENHOLZ
Lonnie Tannenholz wrote on December 9, 2001
Email Update Needed
City and State:
Unit:
Service or Relationship: Family Member
Comments: anyone who knew my father Phil Tannenholz. He served on the Valley Forge durng Korea. he would love to hear from old buddies or know of any reunions. I'll relay all info to my dad. Thanks.
Keywords:
Entry: 21052
Subject: MM2 CHARLES KIRBY
John L. Kirby wrote on November 28, 2001
Email Update Needed
City and State: APPLE VALLEY CA
Unit:
Service or Relationship: Family Member
Comments: My father, Charles C. Kirby, served aboard USS Valley Forge from 1954-56. He was a machinist's mate second class. I'd be very interested in hearing from anyone that may have served with him. Dad passed away in 1990. I followed him into the Navy myself and have been in now over 15 years.
Keywords:
Entry: 20646
Subject:
John Kennedy wrote on November 14, 2001
Email Update Needed
City and State:
Unit:
Service or Relationship: -
Comments: My uncles miles and lynn Santamour sevreved on the ship during the Korean war during 49-51 or so and if you have any in fo they would apricate it
Keywords:
Entry: 20488
Subject: ONBOARD VALLEY NOV 1950
Bob White wrote on November 11, 2001
City and State: CHULA VISTA CA
Unit: PACFLT COMBAT CAMERA GROUP
Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran - Korea
Comments: Interested in Ed Mason's book, etc.
Keywords: Onboard the Valley Nov 1950.
Flying with VA-55, AD4Q, Bridges over Yalu river.
Making film of the Flight Surgeon Story, also got coverage of F4U crashing on flight deck.
Retired 1968 PHC
Entry: 20383
Subject: CHANGE MY EMAIL ADDRESS
Wayne Barrup wrote on November 5, 2001
Email Update Needed
City and State: ENGLEWOOD FL
Unit: M-DIV
Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran - Korea
Comments: First listing had words misspelled, typist I Aint!On board 1949-1951 Main Control, Jack Madritch Main control Throttle man, I a 3j-v phone talker. Attended reunion Mystic, CT 1999.
Keywords:
Entry: 19690
Subject: DEATH ABOARD SHIP
Terry Nelson wrote on September 30, 2001
Email Update Needed
City and State: PORTLAND OR
Unit: N/A
Service or Relationship: Family Member
Comments: My wifes grandfather born June 13 1928, sailor Lawrence Carlson (rating unknown) died aboard the USS Valley Forge, I believe in 1947. My wifes grandmother was never informed as to the specifics of her husbands death. The death of her husband early in their marrage, and early in her life greatly disturbed her. She passed 3 years ago. Any information regarding his death
or those who knew him, would be thankfully received.
Keywords: Death aboard ship
Entry: 19689
Subject: DEATH ABOARD SHIP
Terry Nelson wrote on September 30, 2001
Email Update Needed
City and State: PORTLAND OR
Unit: N/A
Service or Relationship: Family Member
Comments: My wifes grandfather born June 13 1928, sailor Lawrence Carlson (rating unknown) died aboard the USS Valley Forge, I believe in 1947. My wifes grandmother was never informed as to the specifics of her husbands death. The death of her husband early in their marrage, and early in her life greatly disturbed her. She passed 3 years ago. Any information regarding his death
or those who knew him, would be thankfully received.
Keywords: Death aboard ship
Entry: 19493
Subject: DAVID STILLWELL
Jim Wilson wrote on September 19, 2001
Email Update Needed
City and State: ANTIOH TN
Unit: S-2 DIVISION
Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran - Korea
Comments: Looking for shipmate. Served on board from 1951-1955.
Keywords:
Entry: 19366
Subject: FORMER CREW MEMBER
James Stutesman wrote on September 10, 2001
Email Update Needed
City and State: SAGINAW MI
Unit:
Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran - Korea
Comments: I found this site very interesting. It brought back many memories.
Keywords: served aboard in V2 division as AB2 from 1950 to 1953
Entry: 18382
Subject: VALLEY FORGE
Jayne Hall wrote on August 1, 2001
Email Update Needed
City and State: RIVERTON
Unit:
Service or Relationship: Family Member
Comments: anyone who knew my dad barry allsopp on loan to the valley forge from hms glory, he was a photographer with the fleet air arm thanks
Keywords:
Entry: 17809
Subject: LOOKING FOR VF653 OR S3 DIV.51-52
Alexander Gabor wrote on July 7, 2001
Email Update Needed
City and State: OAK HARBOR WN
Unit:
Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran - Korea
Comments: Looking for VF 653 or S3 division Personel who were aboard the Valley Forge during the 51-52 cruise.
Keywords:
Entry: 17764
Subject: LOOKING FOR SQUADRON MEMBERS
Leonard DeFranco wrote on July 5, 2001
City and State: CLEVELAND OH
Unit: VF-653
Service or Relationship: -
Comments: VF 653. Cook Cleland and Corsairs.
Keywords:
Entry: 17151
Subject: A.D. CLIFTON
Larry Clifton wrote on June 6, 2001
City and State: APO AE
Unit: HHT 1-1 CAV
Service or Relationship: Family Member
Comments: My dad, A.D. (CLIFF) Clifton, was on the Valley Forge from 1948-1950 as a firman and a "CR"..
He past away in 1989, but I am looking for people who knew him during that time to possibly get copies of pictures of him or any related information. I would like to thank each of you who served during that time..it is you who have preserved what we enjoy today!
Keywords: USS VALLEY FORGE CV-45
FN OR CR RATING
Entry: 17115
Subject: JOHN WILKINSON
Daniel Williamson wrote on June 4, 2001
Email Update Needed
City and State:
Unit:
Service or Relationship: Family Member
Comments: My grandfather,John Wilkinson, was an enginier on the carrier. He past away a while ago and I would like to know some information on what he exactly did on the carrier. If anyone knew him please e-mail me.
Keywords:
Entry: 16958
Subject: LOOKING FOR OLD BUDDY
Keith Varner wrote on May 29, 2001
Email Update Needed
City and State: RURAL HALL NC
Unit:
Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran - Korea
Comments: Actually my name is Pam but I am doing this for my brother who just lost his wife last Christmas. As long as I can remember I have heard about this special buddy that came home with him to North Caroline that they called "Mac" _ Harold Dean MacMillian from Portland, OR. So I want to find him or anyone else who was with my brother Keith Varner on that carrier. We call my bro - Sonny. Anyone who knows Mac or my brother Keith please email me. Thanks and God Bless you all.
Pam Chilton
Keywords: Valley Forge around 1955, Harold Dean MacMillian (Mac) from Portland, Oregan. Been looking years.
Entry: 14299
Subject: VF 64 1951-1952
Brian Sievers wrote on January 14, 2001
Email Update Needed
City and State: IL
Unit: VF-64
Service or Relationship: Family Member
Comments: My dad Vince Sievers served in air group two VF 64
on the VF during the Korean War, from 1950-1952.
know anybody from the same air group you can give me email for?
also, is there any web site with info on reunions for the VF
Keywords: VF-64 Air group 2
Entry: 12115
Subject: SERVING 4-15-52 TO 4-9-56 2ND DIVISION
Ellis Harness wrote on October 2, 2000
Email Update Needed
City and State: MARION IN
Unit: 2ND DIVISION GUNNERY DEPT.
Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran - Korea
Comments: Would like to hear from any persons serving in the 1st or 2nd divisions between 4-15-52 to 4-9-56.
Would also like to know of any reunions.
I would love to have any pictures of ship or Cruise made between 4-15-52 to 4-9-56.
you may e-mail pictures also at harness1@comteck.com
Keywords: USS Valley Forge CV-45
Entry: 11414
Subject: WHEN/WHERE IS THE NEXT REUION?
Paul HustonII wrote on September 1, 2000
Email Update Needed
City and State: HUNDRED WV
Unit: NONE-UNCLE WAS ON THE SHIP.
Service or Relationship: Family Member
Comments: My uncle Ron Huston would like to Know when the next reunion will be held and also its's location?
His phone number is (304)775-2546.. Thanks!
Keywords:
Entry: 10707
Subject: LOOKING FOR S-1 DIVISION AKS (1949-52)
Cle Tandy wrote on July 30, 2000
Email Update Needed
City and State: QUINCY IL
Unit: S-1 AKS
Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran - Korea
Comments: I am looking for anyone who served with the S-1 AKs division between 1949-1952. Contact me by e-mail at gidget@ksni.net
Keywords:
Entry: 9174
Subject: '52-'53 'HAPPY VALLEY' CREW MEMBER
Clyde Cheek wrote on June 4, 2000
Email Update Needed
City and State:
Unit: V-4 DIVISION
Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran - Korea
Comments: I certainly would like to here from any of my shipmates from that cruise.
Keywords: APU's
Entry: 8924
Subject: GREEN SHIRTS
Brian Kukon wrote on May 26, 2000
Email Update Needed
City and State:
Unit:
Service or Relationship: Family Member
Comments: I would like to hear from anyone that may be able to tell me information about the greenshirts or Shore Patrol onboard the U.S.S. Valley Forge in the Korean War.
Possibly, as well, to hear from friends, people who knew my father.
Keywords: U.S.S. Valley Forge, Greenshirts, Milton Kukon, Shore Patrol, SP, Navy, Greenshirt, Green Shirts, Green shirt, Korean War,
Entry: 8348
Subject: 1948 UNTIL 1952
Gerald Smith wrote on April 30, 2000
Email Update Needed
City and State: RINCON GA
Unit: NAVY- CV45 USS VALLEY FORGE
Service or Relationship: -
Comments: WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM ANY ENGINE ROOM #2 PERSONNEL FROM THAT TIME PERIOD
Keywords: 1948 UNTIL 1952-- NAVY --CV45 USS VALLEY FORGE
Entry: 7784
Subject: KOREAN CONFLICT
Gerald Smith wrote on April 2, 2000
Email Update Needed
City and State: RINCON GA
Unit: CV45 VALLEY FORGE
Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran - Korea
Comments: STAYED OUT FOR FIRST TOUR,WENT BACK TO NORTH ISLAND TOOK ON SUPPLIES FOR THREE, WENT RIGHT BACK FOR ANOTHER TOUR, BOXER, WHICH RELIEVED US WAS SABOTAGED and HAD TO COME BACK and GO BACK INTO DRY DOCK FOR FUTHER REPAIR, SPENT SECOND TOUR OFF THE COAST OF KOREA ,, WAS DISCHARGED IN APRIL 1952,, MY WORK STATION WAS #2 ENGINE ROOM , ANY ONE ELSE AROUND DURING THAT TIME PERIOD?
Keywords: CV45 -VALLEY FORGE IN ROUTE BETWEEN HONG KONG AND SUBIC BAY ON DAY THE (POLICE ACTION)STARTED
Entry: 5008
Subject: SHIP'S HISTORY - KOREAN WAR SERVICE
Craig Rothhammer wrote on November 16, 1999
Email Update Needed
City and State: LA CRESCENTA CA
Unit: USS GRASP (ARS-24) USS BOLSTER (ARS-38)
Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran - Korea
Comments:
USS VALLEY FORGE (CV-45)
“The first carrier air strike of the Korean conflict was launched from Valley Forge's flight deck on 3 July 1950.”
Displacement: 36,380 t.
Length: 888'0"
Beam: 93'0"
Draft: 28'7"
Speed: 32.7 k.
Complement: 3,448
Armament: 12 5"; 72 40mm
Aircraft: 80
Class: Ticonderoga
Valley Forge deployed to the Far East, departing the west coast on 1 May 1950. While anchored in Hong Kong harbor on 25 June, the warship received electrifying news that North Korean forces had begun streaming across the 38th parallel into South Korea. Departing Hong Kong the next day, the carrier steamed north to Subic Bay, where she provisioned, fueled, and set her course for Korea.
The first carrier air strike of the Korean conflict was launched from Valley Forge's flight deck on 3 July 1950. Outnumbered and outgunned, the South Korean troops battled desperately against veritable tides of communist invaders. Waves of Douglas AD Skyraiders and Vought F4U Corsairs struck the North Korean airfield at Pyongyang while Grumman F9F-2 Panthers flew top cover. Tons of bombs from the attacking American planes pounded hangars, fuel storages, parked Russian-built aircraft, and railroad marshaling yards. Meanwhile, the escorting Panthers downed two Yak-9's and damaged another.
In spite of attempts by United Nations forces to interdict the steady flow of communist infantry and armor, the North Koreans steadily pushed the defending South Koreans back into a tenuous defense perimeter around Pusan. On 18 September 1950, the American landing at Inchon outflanked the communist forces while United Nations forces broke out of the perimeter to the south. During this period of bitter struggle, Valley Forge's Air Group 5 made numerous daily strikes against North Korean targets. Troop concentrations, defensive positions, and supply and communications lines were repeatedly "fair game" for the bombs of the Skyraiders and the rocket and cannon fire from the Panthers and Corsairs. Over 5,000 combat sorties delivered 2,000 tons of bombs and rockets between 3 July and 19 November 1950.
Returning to San Diego for overhaul, Valley Forge arrived on the west coast on 1 December, only to have sailing orders urgently direct her back to Korea. In the interim, between the carrier's leaving station and her projected west coast overhaul, the communist Chinese had entered the fray, launching a powerful offensive which sent United Nations' troops reeling back to the southward. Accordingly, Valley Forge hurriedly embarked a new air group, replenished, and sailed on 6 December for the Far East. Rendezvousing with TF 77 three days before Christmas of 1950, Valley Forge recommenced air strikes on the 23d-- the first of three months of concentrated air operations against the advancing communist juggernaut. During her second deployment, the ship launched some 2,580 sorties in which her planes delivered some 1,500 tons of bombs.
On 11 December 1951, Valley Forge launched her first air strikes in railway interdiction. Rockets, cannon fire, and bombs from the ship's embarked air group, and those of her sister ships also on station, hammered at North Korean railway targets-- lines, junctions, marshaling yards, and rolling stock. Anything that could possibly permit the enemy to move his forces rapidly by rail came under attack. By June, Valley Forge's train-busting Skyraiders, Corsairs, and Panthers had severed communist rail lines in at least 5,346 places.
Valley Forge returned to the United States in the summer of 1952 but was again deployed to the Far East late in the year. In October 1952, she was reclassified an attack carrier and redesignated CVA-45. On 2 January 1953, she began the new year with strikes against communist supply dumps and troop billeting areas behind the stalemated front lines. While the propeller-driven Skyraiders and Corsairs delivered tons of bombs on their targets, the jet Panthers conducted flak-suppression missions using a combination of cannon fire and rockets to knock out troublesome enemy gun sites. This close teamwork between old and new style planes made possible regular strikes against Korea's eastern coastlines and close-support missions to aid embattled Marine Corps or Army forces on the often bitterly contested battle lines. Valley Forge air groups dropped some 3,700 tons of bombs on the enemy before the ship left the Korean coast and returned to San Diego on 25 June 1953.
Valley Forge was awarded eight battle stars for Korean War service and nine for Vietnam service, as well as three Navy Unit Commendations.
From: DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL FIGHTING SHIPS
Keywords: AIR GROUP 5, TF 77,
Entry: 4958
Subject: DAY TO DAY OPERATIONS - 1950
Alfred (Ed) Mason wrote on November 15, 1999
Email Update Needed
City and State: MILES CITY MT
Unit: MD-U.S.S. VALLEY FORGE CV-45 JAN 50-JUN 52
Service or Relationship: Marine Veteran - Korea
Comments: MD-U.S.S. VALLEY FORGE CV-45 JAN 50-JUN 52
Keywords: I have compiled information for the day to day operations of the Valley Forge from 1 May 50 to 31 Dec 50. I may have an answer for those still looking for information. Everything in my manuscript is documented--"no here say."
Entry: 4860
Subject: LOOKING FOR SHIPMATES
Barry Nies wrote on November 13, 1999
City and State:
Unit: ARRESTING GEAR/CAT. V-2 DIV.
Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran - Korea
Comments: u.s.s. valley forge cv-45. looking for any of my
shipmates serving aboard 1951-55. would like to
hear from any of the guys in the v-2 division.
Keywords: u.s.s.valley forge cv 45/ arresting gear/catapult.
v-2 division