Ship's Company
On Wed, 19 Aug 1998
RAY RIESGO Email address wrote:
I was on Prairie (AD-15) until 12/54 and it went to Korea during the
War.
Hey, we had to be eligible for combat zone pay, too. Normally, we
just entered combat zone waters and had GQ exercises and returned to
Sasebo.
Once we moored in Pusan, I took liberty and met my brother-in-law, who
was a MSGT USAF, and he took me to his air base (K6 or K9, I think)
where he maintained B25s. Can you imagine a sailor (Fireman) in liberty
uniform going around meeting TSGTs and MSGTs living in barracks where
the ground was dry and dusty. They offered me hard liquor which came
out of their personal lockers and I ate lunch/dinner there. The Jeep
ride was fun, I did not see PUSAN or any liberty places in the area.
I think that one of the other ADs conducted some shore bombardment in
Korea but the Prairie did not while I was aboard.
Ray
SK-2 Storekeeper
On Fri, 4 Sep 1998
Norman Anderson Email address wrote:
407 S. Walnut, PO Box 88
Bondville, IL 61815
Phone: 217-863-2061
Fax: 1-217-253-3228
Email: dcmuseum@net66.com
Comments:
I served on the USS Prairie AD15 from April of 1953 until April 1955. I
was a storekeeper (SK2) there. During my time on the ship, President &
Mrs. Sigmund Rhee same aboard ship to thank the captain and crew for
assistance to the ROK naval vessels engaged in firing against communist
shore batteries.
The Prairie was given the Korean Presidential Unit Citation and the
shipboard members received the UN defense service medal.
I would like to get in touch with other ship's crew members. Are there
any reunions going on anywhere?
Contact me at home or through the Korean War Museum in Tuscola,
Illinois.
1953-54
On Wed, 12 May 1999
RD Uribe Jr. Email addresswrote:
Hi, my dad Roberto Daniel Uribe (1935-1998) Served on Prairie about
'53-'54 during the Korean conflict.
A few years ago I was aboard AD-15 here in port during her last tour.
My dad was able to go aboard and show me around, a great tour. I last
saw her leaving the bay between Sub-base and North Island heading west
into the sunset, flying the biggest "Don't Tread On Me" flag I've ever
seen.
As I said, I'll write back with what I have and some old Pictures taken
during that time period if you wish.
Respectfully, RD Uribe Jr.
