USS New York BB-34
Message Board

11.
Apr. 19, 2020

I am the son law of Gino Paesani. He passed away last year at 97 yrs of age. He flew in the backseat of the Kingfisher spotting targets mostly in the Pacific and from BB 34. His log book had him at about 1,000 hrs. We thought it remarkable that he had that many hours and lived.  I wished I had been aware of this site when he was alive.

Russ Felt


10.
May 25, 2014

My neighbor is moving and in the process he discovered three pieces of memorabilia that should be of interest to MaritimeQuest. A "Crossing the equator Certificate", a 40" by 10" panoramic photograph of the combined Atlantic and Pacific Fleet in 1921 and an engraved seashell. The items belonged to a sailor named Shelley T. Wright.

Layton Buckner,
Past President, USS Rupertus DD-851 Assn.

Mr. Buckner has donated these items to MaritimeQuest for preservation.

The exact origin of this shell is unknown. The surface of the shell appears to have been ground down leaving only the inscription. How ever it was made it is a very interesting work.


9.
Aug. 11, 2011

My Dad, Bill Copeland, was a Pharmacist's Mate on the New York during the early part of WW 2, specifically the North Atlantic convoys, and the invasion of North Africa. He attended many reunions in the 1990's before passing away in 2001. I would like to hear from anyone who may remember him, or John Vladik, who is my neighbor in Zephyrhills, Florida. Also I would like some information about the upcoming 2011 reunion in Norfolk, Va.

Bill Copeland Jr.
President, USS Bennington CV/CVA/CVS 20 Association


8.
July 22, 2011

My dad, Alden E Gross Jr. served as communications officer on Battleship New York from 1942 until just after Iwo Jima and Okinawa. He remembered the ship being hit by the Kamikaze. He also talked about being launched off the ship in an airplane to go to pick up new code and going ship to ship on a line between two ships while the ships were moving. He also fondly remembered being fed well on the ship. I noticed the Thanksgiving menu.  That was the first Thanksgiving after my dad left the New York, so his name is not listed. I wonder if anyone on the website remembers my father. It would be nice to hear from them .

Jim Gross


7.
Sept. 25, 2010

I know this is probably like "looking for a needle in a hay-stack", but my father served on the USS New York during WWI, because of the fire in the records many years ago, I cannot find the years that the served.  His name was Eugene Paul Gauntt.  Can you give me any information on how I could find this out? 

Dianne Rutherford


6.
July 13, 2010

It's great to find a site dedicated to USS New York BB-34 which my father served upon '43-'45. BB-34 did see a lot of action, especially at Iwo Jima..my father did share a few stories, and did relate about the kamikaze hit. She did serve us well. Unfortunately Dad passed in 1988 and was unable to see the 'new' USS New York. Anyone with info, please leave a reply. My Dad was Anthony T. Duarte from San Jose, CA. Thanks for the great site!

Douglas K. Duarte
Connecticut


5.
May 7, 2010

I am researching the USS New York and am unable to find out if it was stripped down when it was decommissioned.  I understand that it was part of Operation Crossroads in 1946 and finally targeted to sink in 1948.  I would like to find out if the steering wheel and other brass items were removed before it sank. Any help would be appreciated.

Jamie Berdzar


4.
Feb. 9, 2010

I have this postcard (see below) of USS New York launching. On the reverse side, a note from the Navy Recruiting Station Richmond, VA. to my grandfather, telling him that my father had enlisted (the enlistment notice was dated Jul. 20, 1916). This view is slightly different that the posted ones (great site!!!) and may be of interest.

Regards, Jim Phillips

October 30, 1912 launching of New York.


3.
Aug. 3, 2009

My father-in-law, Richard Randals Kaiser served on the USS NEW YORK as a radio operator from 1944-1945, he was aboard her when she bombarded Iwo Jima and Okinawa, as well as when she took a hit from a Kamikaze to her catapult plane. He passed away Feb. 13, 1986. Sadly, he never shared any of his memories with us before he passed. He was one of our great heroes of the Best Generation. He met my mother-in-law while she was working at the Naval Shipyard at Norfolk, Va. in 1943. They were married before he left for the war.

Anthony Anello

Reply 1
Nov. 2, 2009

My dad was also on the BB-34 during this time also. Since 1980 or 81, there have been reunions of the shipmates who could make them, all over the US. On Nov 7th, the commissioning of the newest USS New York will be held, and this is also a reunion for them once again. They think it is likely to be the last one as it is harder and harder for many of them to travel long distances and you are right, they are part of the Greatest Generation. Too many people will realize this too late.


Hopefully they will have a slight mention of their service during the commissioning but they all know that this new ship is in commemoration of all the USS New York ships over the years and the tribute to the 9/11 victims.


I have not only been told many things that happened during this time they were on the ship but it made me want to ask more as well. Must have been an adventure, but I'm sure to many of them it may be a time to forget as well.


My fathers name is Charles Fortune, fyi. I will ask he he remembers your father in law.


David Fortune



2.
Dec. 13, 2008

I was able to find your web site through a google search.  Perhaps you can help me locate a home for a piece of memorabilia from the U.S.S. New York BB-34. I have made it a hobby of picking up historical items from antique
stores and reuniting them with their families. However, in this case I was unable to locate anyone. I have a Thanksgiving menu from the New York dated Nov. 22, 1945. On the back is the list of officers names with rank.
Please let me know if there is a place where I can give this a happy home. 

Thanks, 
Marla Daniels Whitson

(Marla has graciously donated this item to MaritimeQuest for preservation)

Front cover.


Menu.


Back cover.
 

1.
Apr. 3, 2008

Looking at pictures of the ship my father served on throughout WWII....sad to know what happened to this
great ship. Does anyone have personal photos taken aboard the USS NEW YORK Battleship #34?

Royalyn Lawrence




To post a message or comment please email the webmaster.
All replies will be forwarded to the original sender.


Message Board
Page published Aug. 24, 2007