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Native men and women in New Guinea, circa: 1957
Native Bird
Walton sailors relaxing and goofing off: circa 1957
Native of the Carolina Islands in Outrigger canoe
Walton sailors on liberty somewhere in Asia. circa: 1957
Rickshaws in New Guinea, circa: 1957
Walton sailors in black rubber raft: circa 1957
There existed a tradition in the Navy, that on New Year’s Eve, the first entry into the Deck Log would be a poem. The poem was often written by the Quartermaster but could also be done by the Officer of the Deck, should he wish to do so, which was then approved by the Executive Officer or Commanding Officer. This was no easy task since the log entry had to have pertinent facts about the ship’s position, condition, etc.
The following is an example of a New Year’s Deck Log entry from Thursday, January 1, 1953, 00-04 hours, for the USS Walton (DE 361) written by LT J.B. Keck. I think you will agree that it is very well done. Bravo Zulu LT Keck.
Moored like a mighty Destroyer
At each spot is a standard line.
Standing port side to and outboard
Of the FOSS, DE fifty-nine.
A brand new year has reported
At this very hour and date;
And Father Time has been transferred,
A retiring old bos’un’s mate.
At this berth, Mike-1, it is noisy
Sirens all over the place,
At Pearl Harbor, Territory of Hawaii,
On the U.S. Naval Base.
Steaming on #1 boiler
And generator to boot,
Used for auxiliary purposes
And steam so the whistle can toot.
Many units of Pac Fleet are present
As every man here will agree;
Most important of which is the WALTON,
And second the PHILIPPINE SEA.
There are craft of the yard and district
To make the picture complete.
They supply many shouting indulgees,
And SOPA in CinCPacFlt.
We remember the staff of the squadron
In the D.E. McGINTY embarked
Is ComCortRon 11 at Sail-13
And we bet that their office darke’d.
And from this sober old duty section,
Who each prefers not to be here;
But since there’s no choice-in a lusty dry voice,
We wish you a Happy New Year!
The River’s Edge, a beautiful corner building in the French Corner, New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans, a beautiful old city with some of the best food in the country!
The Famous Cafe Du Monde in early morning, where they serve deep fried Benet’s and Chicory coffee.
Lou Bodiford and Ed Whitehead, We served together on the Walton 46 years ago
Don and Marilyn Conrod. Don was aboard in the 1950’s
Clarence Weatherby & wife
Lou Bodiford (SN) & Bob Merrick (LT), Served aboard in 1963
Don Conrad w/wife & Lou Bodiford at the French Market
Most of the Reunion attendees the evening of a special train ride provided by Tony Gaspar (BT2) and his lovely wife Carolyn. Tony and Carolyn are 7th & 8th from the left.
I served aboard the USS Walton from Sept. 1955 till August 1956 (not sure of dates). During that time we made a far east cruise, crossing the equator and international dateline.
While underway in the Formosan Straits we came upon an unidentified submarine. Our Captain was Cdr. A.T. Emerson, the Exec. was Lt. F.X. Kern, (two fine gentlemen and officers). I was a radioman. The Capt. entered the radio shack and ordered us to send “AA de NXXX (our call sign) identify yourself“. “AA” stood for unknown ship” The quartermasters were doing the same on the signal deck via flashing light. The sub did not identify itself. We sent the message repeatedly (my guess 4 or 5 times). The sub still did not identify itself. The Captain called General Quarters and announced “Prepare to ram“ . As I recall, we increased the speed and headed directly toward the sub (broadside). I believe we had gotten within 100 yards when the sub identified itself as a Russian submarine. The Captain changed course.
That is the way I remember it.
By the way, Ed, a few months ago I read somewhere, probably in the DE or DD newspaper, that retired military personnel could obtain copies of their service records. I sent for mine and received them yesterday. I was surprised of the contents. There were evaluations of me, both performance of duty and conduct which I don’t think I knew were being recorded. The dates of the equator crossing and much more were in it. If you need the address I’ll give it to you; you probably already know.
The website is excellent. Now that I have retired, at age 73, I have more time to look at these things. I might still take another job if the phone rings. I retired as a school administrator and have been in 9 school districts since then plus 6 years with the NJDOE as a County Superintendent…not bad for a white hat! Good health and happiness to you and your family.
By the way, the jeep is running just fine.
The Walton arriving in Townsville,Australia in Oct.1957, where we were told that the
Soviet Union had just launched Sputnik
Neptune’s Subpoena-crossing the Equator–April 1956. Hope you can read it.
Bob McKinnon in front of the 5″38 and later in whites on liberty: 1958
Bob w/friend in Engine Room. Interesting hat on friend.
Natives in small boat – The Carolina Islands: late 1950’s
Walton sailor next to native girl, Carolina Islands: late 1950’s