U.S.S. Walton (DE-361)

LT Robert C. Stutzman, WWII Walton Vet, Dies at 85

Robert Stutzman of Bellbrook, OH, died Saturday, May 1, 2010 at Miami Valley Hospital.  He was born April 16, 1925.  He was preceded in death by his first wife, Susanne P. Stutzman, step son Terry Fulcomer, 2 sisters Anna Elizabeth Cramer and Mildred D. Stutzman. 

He is survived by his wife Alice M. (Hauer) Fulcomer-Stutzman, children Karen Hobson, Robin Stapleton, Robert Stutzman III, Craig Stutzman, step children Bill Fulcomer, Barry Fulcomer, Roi Ann Davis, numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. 

Robert was a retired lieutenant in the United States Navy and served in the South Pacific aboard the U.S.s. Walton (DE 361) from 1944 to 1946 in WWII.  He served in the Phillippines, Okinawa, China, Korea, and Japan.  He attended “bootcamp” at the Navy’s Great Lakes Training Center in 1943

He was a memeber of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, Military Officers Association of America, The Destroyer Escort Sailors Association,  U.S. Navy Memorial Association, and served as president of various other associations.

Robert served as Regional Superintendent and Vice President of two large international insurance companies, was a member of Masonic Franklin Lodge No 14 F.A. & M, 32 degree mason, graduate of the University of  Pennsylvania witha Bachelor of Science and a graduate of the University of Pittsburg with a Bachelor of Science.

Robert loved hunting and fishing and took many fly fishing trip to Canada .  He also lived in Inverness, FL for some years during the 90’s.

Online condolences may be left for the family at:  www.bakerhazelsnider.com

Our prayers go out to the family of our Walton shipmate.  Smooth sailing lieutenant.

Herb Mesler (RM1) on Walton c. 1962

Hi Everyone,

This morning I was going through my photos in iPhoto weeding out some I no longer wanted in my iPod.

I came across these two photos of myself in WESTPAC on the Walton.

I am fairly sure the color one was taken shortly after we arrived in WESTPAC.  I am standing right outside of Radio. I think both photos were either taken by you Gene or you Fran.  Either of you guys remember taking these pictures???  (To you others Gene and Fran were Radiomen on the USS Walton with me)

The B&W photo was taken on the fantail no doubt after I had just stood another 4 on/4 off. Looks like we may have been in  Da Nang, Vietnam at the time it was taken.  I normally wore clothing that fit me reasonably well.  No idea where I got that shirt in the B&W photo although it looks like the 4 on/4 off had effected me as I really look tired and like I had lost weight. 

Nicole says that back in those days I was so skinny that I looked like a poster child for some third world country and she is not to far off on that!  So I sure did not need to lose more!     – Herb

 Later, Herb made chief and got to wear some nice clothes.    This picture makes him look skinnier than he was.  Click on picture to get a truer perspective.

Herb Mesler in Subic Bay, P.I., circa 1958

Hi Everyone,

I just found this photo of NAS Cubi Point, Subic Bay, Philippines where I was a Radioman in the U S Navy.  I arrived in March of 1958 and left two years later. 

As you can see Subic Bay was/is beautiful, and just about the perfect natural harbor from typhoons.  Perfect for  U S Naval Base, Naval Station Subic Bay.

I was a Radioman and worked in communications, in the OPS Building shown in the distance.

I loved my time while I was stationed there as it was a totally new experience and adventure for the young kid that had never been out of the USA. 

Although as those of you who were there with me know it was hot and humid I lucked out as I loved the weather.

Cheers!
Herb

LT Larry Dugan Honored in Oregon

The state of Oregon knows how to do right by it’s servicemen and women.  They recently honored LT Larry Dugan (USS Walton 1961-63) with a Honorable Service medal.  Here’s a picture of the medel and of LT Dugan. 

Shipmate Carlos Cruz Herrero passes at 89

Carlos Cruz Herrero: May 3, 1920 – March 13, 2010, Resident of Dublin, CA

A former shipmate, Carlos Cruz Herrero passed away peacefully at 89 years of age in Pleasanton, CA.  A native of Agana, Guam where he lived until 1939 when he enlisted in the US Navy serving until his honorable discharge in 1970.  A Master Chief Petty Officer, Carlos served aboard the USS Portland, USS Cumberland Sound, USS WALTON (DE361), USS Epperson, USS Los Angeles, and the USS Kittyhawk. 

He was stationed at Treasure Island, Alameda, Kodiak, and Pearl Harbor.  A decorated veteran, he served in World War II, Korea and Vietnam.  While in the service he was awarded  the Navy Unit Commendation, Asiatic-Pacific Citation (8 stars), World War II Victory Medal, United Nations Ribbon, United Nations Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal as well as numerous good conduct awards.

  Upon discharge he worked for the US Post Office until 1991.

I know that all of Carlo’s shipmates send their prayers to his family.- Ed

Walton survives typhoon….in 1945! by Al Banks

Hello Walton Shipmates,

I served on the Walton from 1944- as an electrician and an 18 yr old kid.—we operated out of Subic Bay, Philippines with the submarines –and we escorted convoys into the Philippines. I remember we escorted a freighter from Shanghai to Hong Kong in a typhoon.   There were mountainous waves I heard that a DE capsized in one of those storms.

That was quite an adventure for me—I am 83 now –I wonder if there are any of the original crew left? That was our home and it stood the test it kept us alive and we were proud of her. There is still a restored DE at Albany, NY called the SLATER.  – Al Banks