4.
June 21, 2009

I recently stumbled upon your website while doing a bit of research on my grandfather's battleship and was delighted to see what I think is his smiling face in the large group photo of U.S.S. Idaho crewmen posted by Mike Swift. I can't be sure that it's him without being able to enlarge the photo, but I believe that my grandfather, Richard Thomas "Dickie" Doane, may be the 10th sailor from the right in the top row.

I grew up listening to grandpa Dickie's stories of his time on board the Idaho, which he always said were the best time of his life. He passed away just this past month (May 1, 2009), and my grandmother, June Elizabeth Tompkins Doane, who was a WAVE in the U.S. Navy when she met my grandfather, passed away just one month later (May 31, 2009). I will miss them both immensely and always remember their heroic service to their country in time of war.

Very best regards,
Paul Doane
Camas, Washington

3.
Apr. 2, 2007

I was sent the link to the MaritimeQuest website in regard to a post from a family member that served on the USS Idaho. I just wanted to let you know of www.ussidaho.com , a tribute site to the men who served on the USS Idaho. You may add a link to your site if you wish.

Thanks.
David Roye

2.
April 1, 2007

My dad was on the Idaho in the 43-44’ time frame. I have an old picture I can scan (and repair) of his group. He was a boatswain’s mate, there are several sailors in the picture and may be of interest to someone.

Regards,
Mike Swift

1.
Feb. 7, 2007

My father, Herbert H. Baker, served on the Idaho during WWII. While in the Navy, he reached the rank of Lieutenant JG. I believe that he worked with radar (a new thing back then) in the Navy. He died many years ago (1973) in my youth.

Now, as I have grown older and more appreciated of history, I wish I could have asked him all about his service on the Idaho. I do recall him mentioning a Kamikaze attack that damaged the the bow of the ship. BTW, the Wikipedia write up on the BB42 is good reading.

Sincerely,
Doug Baker
Tumwater, WA