USS DeWert FFG-45
Message Board

4.
Sept. 12, 2016

My name is Alfons de Wert, a 66 year old member of the relatively small Dutch branch of the De Wert family in the Netherlands.

First of all, I wanted to express my admiration for young hospitalman Richard de Wert, who sacrificed his life to save others. The posthumously awarded " Medal of Honor " was a fitting honor for such a selfless sacrifice.

I am happy that his name and his memory lives on till this day. For a few decades, the U.S. Navy named one of their frigates after Richard. Most important, though, is that since 2004 two clinics also bear Richards name and that Richard has a scholarship fund at Pepperdine University named for him. I also learned that there was a Dewert Ave in Taunton, MA that was named in his honor, but does that still exist today?

What I admire in particular, are the few pictures, original letters and newspaper articles in the showcase of the clinic at the Marine Cold Weather Base in Bridgeport, California. It is good to keep honoring good role models and to let their exemplary sacrifices serve as an inspiration for present generations and for generations yet to come.

Hopefully, one day, I'll be able to see this small exhibition with my own eyes (though preferably not as a patient, of course).

Best regards,
Alfons de wert,
the Netherlands


3.
Aug. 8, 2010

Trying to find old shipmates that was on the precom crew Back then I was HT2 Jeff Young also looking for stories about the ship and crew. She is a good ship Bath built is best built I believe in the saying because i've been on Bath built ships and I also work at BIW to this day.

Jeff Young


2.
Oct. 29, 2009

As a Navy veteran, Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class, I have read the story of Fellow Corpsman Richard DeWert, and was deeply moved by his heroic deeds and the actions of the Marines in the "Dog Company." I don't know what words I can write to explain the feeling of pride I have by being a Corpsman and the intensity of the story. May his memory be eternal.

George Essey
USS Lake Champlain CVS-39


1.
Mar. 9, 2009

All the Marines of Dog Company, 2nd Bn, 7th Marines Reg, 1st Marine Div want to wish all the crew and officers of the USS DeWert FFG 45 a most wonder and happy St. Patrick's Day. DeWert was our Navy Corpsman who gave his life to same several Marines of Dog Company. Keep up the good work and we hope you have fair winds and smooth sailing where ever you are deployed. April 5th, 1951 was my first fire fight when DeWert got killed.

Semper Fi--Curley
Charles W. Curley
machine gunner D/2/7 Korea March of 1951-Mar 1952
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