Korean War Project

Note: Original postings on the Korean War Project from 1995 to about 1999.

1951-52

On Wed, 10 Mar 1999 
James Barakatt Email address wrote:

I served on the USS Fechtler during 1951 and 1952 trips to Korean waters
under the auspices and command of Task Force 77. The Fechtler and other
destroyers like her offered the carriers and crusiers and the
occassional battleship which graced us with its presence , primary
protection from submarine attacks, and  had there been air attacks. The
men of the destroyers could and would have mounted a formidible anti
aircraft barrage in defence of their fellow soldiers, sailors, marines,
and most esepecially the carrier pilots whoese protection was formost on
their minds, So if they are any of the brave men who served with me on
the Fecthler or some of the other screenimg destroyeres. let us hear
from you and perhaps renew once fond acquaintaince.

I traveled again with equally brave shipmates headed to Korea 1993 this
time aboard the USS Stembel and again to join up with Jehovah in Task
Force 77. When we stopped in Hawaii to refuel, I received orders to
transfer to the USS Nicholas, A Destroyer Escort
who was then making plans to set sail for the Marshall Islands where to
take part in
Atom and  Hydrydogen  bomb testing. We was there four about three
mounths and participated in about 4 blasts.  There were some very fine
people there. I received an honorable discharge when my enlistment
expired in 1954, So if any of you men on the Stemble read this, drop us
a line, I would be plesed to hear from every one of you.,especially from
Honest John Reynolds from Mississippi, David Ritche. from North
Carolina, and Patrick and Leo Kramer from the State of Washington, who
served om the Nicholas.

James Barakatt
Formerly Radarman 1st class
Presently, retired civilian.