From the September14, 2016, MidWeek (DeKalb County, Illinois) "Looking Back."
1941, 75 years ago. "George Bjelk, who is now employed on a government project at Pearl Harbor, writes back to his father that the cost of living is exceedingly high at the well-known naval base."
This, of course, just three months before the attack and at a time when many Americans had never heard of Pearl Harbor before.
--GreGen
The USS North Carolina (BB-55) My all-time favorite warship. As an elementary school student in North Carolina, I donated nickels and dimes to save this ship back in the early sixties.
Thursday, October 6, 2016
Tuesday, October 4, 2016
Ten Members of USNA Class of 1940 Killed at Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941-- Part 2
These members of the USNA Class of 1940 died on the USS Oklahoma:
Darby, Marshall E.
Hittorff, Joseph P.
Thompson, Irvin A.R.
I wrote about Joseph Hittorff yesterday.
--GreGen
Darby, Marshall E.
Hittorff, Joseph P.
Thompson, Irvin A.R.
I wrote about Joseph Hittorff yesterday.
--GreGen
Ten Members of USNA Class of 1940 Killed at Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941-- Part 1
From USNA.com.
USNA Class of 1940 Killed in Action or Line of Duty during World War II.
These members died on the USS Arizona:
Clouse, Edward B.
Lomax, Frank S.
Merrill, Howard D.
Smith, Orville S.
Weeden, Carl A.
Whitehead, Ulmot I., Jr.
Young, Eric R.
USNA Class of 1940 Killed in Action or Line of Duty during World War II.
These members died on the USS Arizona:
Clouse, Edward B.
Lomax, Frank S.
Merrill, Howard D.
Smith, Orville S.
Weeden, Carl A.
Whitehead, Ulmot I., Jr.
Young, Eric R.
Monday, October 3, 2016
Joseph Hittorff Was a Classmate of William Croft
I have been writing about William Crosswell Croft and Barbara Engh in connection to her being "Color Girls" of the USNA Class of 1940.
It turns out that Ensign Joseph Hittorff was also a member of the Class of 1940.
Both men were at Pearl Harbor and on battleships. William Croft survived that day. Joseph Hittorff did not.
--GreGen
It turns out that Ensign Joseph Hittorff was also a member of the Class of 1940.
Both men were at Pearl Harbor and on battleships. William Croft survived that day. Joseph Hittorff did not.
--GreGen
Sailor's Remains Lost in Pearl Harbor Attack Come Home: Ensign Joseph P. Hittorff, Jr.
From the June 10, 2016, Litchfield (Connecticut) County Times by Diane Lang.
Ensign Joseph P. Hittorff, Jr, was on the battleship USS Oklahoma that day in Pearl Harbor and lost his life. His remains have recently been identified and he will be buried with full military honors June 18th in Kent, Connecticut.
He was a ember of the USNA Class of 1940.
Herbert Rommell, shipmate, wrote to Joseph Hittorff's family afterwards and said that Joseph reported to the engine room when the alarm went off in order to attempt to get the ship underway. "When last seen, he was in the machine shop, which is right above the engine room."
The Oklahoma was hit by many torpedoes in rapid succession and keeled over rapidly. Some of the men down there abandoned ship. But Joe decided to stay in an attempt to get the ship underway. He went down to the starboard engine room.
And, that was the end for him.
Brave To the End. --GreGen
Ensign Joseph P. Hittorff, Jr, was on the battleship USS Oklahoma that day in Pearl Harbor and lost his life. His remains have recently been identified and he will be buried with full military honors June 18th in Kent, Connecticut.
He was a ember of the USNA Class of 1940.
Herbert Rommell, shipmate, wrote to Joseph Hittorff's family afterwards and said that Joseph reported to the engine room when the alarm went off in order to attempt to get the ship underway. "When last seen, he was in the machine shop, which is right above the engine room."
The Oklahoma was hit by many torpedoes in rapid succession and keeled over rapidly. Some of the men down there abandoned ship. But Joe decided to stay in an attempt to get the ship underway. He went down to the starboard engine room.
And, that was the end for him.
Brave To the End. --GreGen
Death of Pearl Harbor Survivor William Crosswell Croft in 2009
From the March 27, 2009, Chicago Sun-Times "Pearl Harbor survivor, businessman."
He married Barbara Engh, at one time a resident of Sycamore, Illinois, where I came across her name as being "Color Girl" of the USNA Class of 1940.
Whenever he was asked about his health, William Croft would say. "I'm rugged. I'm rugged."
He was a young naval officer on the battleship USS California at Pearl Harbor that fateful day in which almost 100 of its crew were lost in the Japanese attack. He was also on the battleship USS Indiana when it collided with the the USS Washington in which ten crew were killed.
Mr. Croft, 91, of Northbrook, Illinois, died of pneumonia Saturday at Glenbrook Hospital, March 21, 2009.
He married Barbara Engh in 1942. She was "The One" from the moment he met her on a blind date in 1939. They were married for 67 years.
William Crosswell Croft was born January 8, 1918, in Greenville, South Carolina. In the Navy he rose from the rank of ensign to lieutenant-commander.
--GreGen
He married Barbara Engh, at one time a resident of Sycamore, Illinois, where I came across her name as being "Color Girl" of the USNA Class of 1940.
Whenever he was asked about his health, William Croft would say. "I'm rugged. I'm rugged."
He was a young naval officer on the battleship USS California at Pearl Harbor that fateful day in which almost 100 of its crew were lost in the Japanese attack. He was also on the battleship USS Indiana when it collided with the the USS Washington in which ten crew were killed.
Mr. Croft, 91, of Northbrook, Illinois, died of pneumonia Saturday at Glenbrook Hospital, March 21, 2009.
He married Barbara Engh in 1942. She was "The One" from the moment he met her on a blind date in 1939. They were married for 67 years.
William Crosswell Croft was born January 8, 1918, in Greenville, South Carolina. In the Navy he rose from the rank of ensign to lieutenant-commander.
--GreGen
Friday, September 30, 2016
Unknown for 75 Years, Pearl Harbor Sailor's Remains Finally Laid to Rest
From September 19, 2016, Wichita Eagle (Kansas) by Beccy Tanner.
Nearly 75 years after Lewis Lowell Wagoner was declared missing following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, his remains have been identified.
He was one of those lost that day on the USS Oklahoma. Now, he will be coming home and buried next to his his brothers at the Whitewater cemetery. This thanks to DNA technology.
Lewis Wagner was born on Kansas Day -- Jan. 29-- 1921 in Missouri. Shortly afterwards, his family moved to Whitewater, Kansas, where he was the oldest of eight boys. He was 20 when he died.
Since Pearl Harbor, the family had become friends with two other Pearl Harbor survivors from the USS Oklahoma, Arthur Dunn and Paul Aschbrenner, both of whom have since passed away.
--GreGen
Nearly 75 years after Lewis Lowell Wagoner was declared missing following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, his remains have been identified.
He was one of those lost that day on the USS Oklahoma. Now, he will be coming home and buried next to his his brothers at the Whitewater cemetery. This thanks to DNA technology.
Lewis Wagner was born on Kansas Day -- Jan. 29-- 1921 in Missouri. Shortly afterwards, his family moved to Whitewater, Kansas, where he was the oldest of eight boys. He was 20 when he died.
Since Pearl Harbor, the family had become friends with two other Pearl Harbor survivors from the USS Oklahoma, Arthur Dunn and Paul Aschbrenner, both of whom have since passed away.
--GreGen
Thursday, September 29, 2016
T-Shirt Sales to Help Arizona Survivors Go to 75th Pearl Harbor Anniversary
From the September 20, 2016, KVOA News 4 NBC News "Sale of t-shorts to help survivors of USS Arizona go to Pearl Harbor anniversary."
A fundraiser to help the seven remaining USS Arizona survivors and their families and their families return to Pearl Harbor for the 75th anniversary, has been a huge success.
The Arizona Wildcats wore special uniforms honoring the ship at last weekend's game against Hawaii. Many fans sported matching jerseys.
The seven survivors are all in their 90s now. And most did not expect to still be alive for the 75th anniversary.
The t-shirts are in battleship gray and feature "At 'Em Arizona // BB-38."
-- GreGen
A fundraiser to help the seven remaining USS Arizona survivors and their families and their families return to Pearl Harbor for the 75th anniversary, has been a huge success.
The Arizona Wildcats wore special uniforms honoring the ship at last weekend's game against Hawaii. Many fans sported matching jerseys.
The seven survivors are all in their 90s now. And most did not expect to still be alive for the 75th anniversary.
The t-shirts are in battleship gray and feature "At 'Em Arizona // BB-38."
-- GreGen
Thursday, September 22, 2016
UA to Have USS Arizona Memorial
From the September 16, 2016, Tucson News (Az) Now "UA shares memorial plans with USS Arizona survivor" by Craig Reck.
Lauren Bruner, a USS Arizona survivor from Pearl Harbor, one of just seven remaining survivors of that doomed ship, visited the University of Arizona and received a personal briefing on plans for a USS Artizona Memorial on campus.
The names of the 1,177 sailors and Marines who lost their lives that day will be enshrined in bronze medallions and placed in a new memorial plaza in the center of the ship's outline, outside the open canyon walkway of the Student Union memorial Center.
The outline will be 600 feet long and almost 100 feet wide.
The UA is a repository for artifacts from the USS Arizona and one of the largest archives of memorabilia in the world for the ship.
The memorial is expected to be finished in time for a Remembrance Ceremony on December 4 at 3 p.m..
--GreGen
Lauren Bruner, a USS Arizona survivor from Pearl Harbor, one of just seven remaining survivors of that doomed ship, visited the University of Arizona and received a personal briefing on plans for a USS Artizona Memorial on campus.
The names of the 1,177 sailors and Marines who lost their lives that day will be enshrined in bronze medallions and placed in a new memorial plaza in the center of the ship's outline, outside the open canyon walkway of the Student Union memorial Center.
The outline will be 600 feet long and almost 100 feet wide.
The UA is a repository for artifacts from the USS Arizona and one of the largest archives of memorabilia in the world for the ship.
The memorial is expected to be finished in time for a Remembrance Ceremony on December 4 at 3 p.m..
--GreGen
William Crosswell Croft, USNA Class of 1940-- Part 6: Pearl Harbor
""She (the USS California) began to list to port while at the same time, our lighting and power went off... the Utah and Oklahoma had capsized...the Arizona was on fire."
This is taken from William Crosswell Croft's memoir "My Impressions of the Japanese Attack On Pearl Harbor."
William Croft was a native of Aiken, South Carolina, born January 8, 1918. Died March 21, 2009. Attended the Citadel from 1935-1936 and then accepted an appointment to the United States Naval Academy where he graduated in 1940.
The Citadel only offered Army ROTC training. If a student wanted a direct appointment into the military they had to attend the USNA or the USMA.
--GreGen
This is taken from William Crosswell Croft's memoir "My Impressions of the Japanese Attack On Pearl Harbor."
William Croft was a native of Aiken, South Carolina, born January 8, 1918. Died March 21, 2009. Attended the Citadel from 1935-1936 and then accepted an appointment to the United States Naval Academy where he graduated in 1940.
The Citadel only offered Army ROTC training. If a student wanted a direct appointment into the military they had to attend the USNA or the USMA.
--GreGen
Wednesday, September 21, 2016
William Crosswell Croft-- USNA Class of 1940-- Part 5: At pearl Harbor
From the Citadel Memorial Europe: William Crosswell Croft USNA Class of 1939. (Although I had it that he was Class of 1940.)
Mr. Croft was on the battleship USS California when Pearl Harbor was attacked:
"On Sunday morning, I was suddenly awakened by the ringing of the general alarm.... I thought this was another drill and I ... looked out of my port hole just in time to see a Japanese plane strafing small boats in the channel not 100 yards away.... This was definitely no drill...
"About 8:10 a.m. an explosion similar to the firing of a turret occurred.... We had been torpedoed."
--GreGen
Mr. Croft was on the battleship USS California when Pearl Harbor was attacked:
"On Sunday morning, I was suddenly awakened by the ringing of the general alarm.... I thought this was another drill and I ... looked out of my port hole just in time to see a Japanese plane strafing small boats in the channel not 100 yards away.... This was definitely no drill...
"About 8:10 a.m. an explosion similar to the firing of a turret occurred.... We had been torpedoed."
--GreGen
Tuesday, September 20, 2016
William Crosswell Croft, USNA Class of 1940-- Part 4: Boredom in Mothballs, Then Business World
Croft served on the USS Massachusetts for the rest of the war and ended up in command of the battleship while it was in mothballs at Norfolk. He was in command of the ship for six months and beset by a major case of boredom and saw no foreseeable sea billets forthcoming, so he resigned in December 1946.
Afterwards, he held jobs with Anaconda Wire and Cable Company in California then in Los Angels. In 1950, he moved to Chicago and joined Pyle National as plant manager. He was elected president of Pyle in 1955 and served until 1977.
After that, he owned six companies in the Chicago area.
--GreGen
Afterwards, he held jobs with Anaconda Wire and Cable Company in California then in Los Angels. In 1950, he moved to Chicago and joined Pyle National as plant manager. He was elected president of Pyle in 1955 and served until 1977.
After that, he owned six companies in the Chicago area.
--GreGen
Saturday, September 17, 2016
William Croswell Croft, USNA Class of 1940-- Part 3: Collision of the Indiana and Washington
William Croft was detailed and ordered to PG School at MIT shortly after the collision between the USS Indiana and USS Washington (both battleships). This is considered as the worst collision in U.S. Navy history. Both ships were reduced to just 6 knots maximum speed. This was made even worse due to the fact that they were within 90 miles of a Japanese airfield.
Croft arrive in Boston 30 days before MIT courses started and within three weeks of waiting, declared that he couldn't concentrate on school work.
He contacted BuPers (Bureau of Personnel and requested a sea billet. he received a telegram to report to the USS Massachusetts within 12 hours-- a record for fast action by the U.S. Navy. the USS Massachusetts was another battleship.
A Real Battleship Man. --GreGen
Croft arrive in Boston 30 days before MIT courses started and within three weeks of waiting, declared that he couldn't concentrate on school work.
He contacted BuPers (Bureau of Personnel and requested a sea billet. he received a telegram to report to the USS Massachusetts within 12 hours-- a record for fast action by the U.S. Navy. the USS Massachusetts was another battleship.
A Real Battleship Man. --GreGen
Friday, September 16, 2016
William Croswell Croft, USNA Class of 1940-- Part 2: A Question of Marriage
He was detached from the USS California in February 1941 and ordered to the USSIndiana which was fitting out at Newport News, Virginai.
While there, he married Barabar Engh, his 1940 "Color Girl" in March 1942, before it was legal to do so. He married the same girl again in April 1942 after it was legal so he could claim the $40/ month housing allowment without having to lie about the marriage date.
He served as the Turret, Division and Deck Officer on the USS Indiana until 1944.
--GreGen
While there, he married Barabar Engh, his 1940 "Color Girl" in March 1942, before it was legal to do so. He married the same girl again in April 1942 after it was legal so he could claim the $40/ month housing allowment without having to lie about the marriage date.
He served as the Turret, Division and Deck Officer on the USS Indiana until 1944.
--GreGen
Thursday, September 15, 2016
William Crosswell Croft, Class of 1940 USNA-- Part 1: At Pearl Harbor on the USS California
From the USNA.com-- Class of 1940: William Crosswell Croft.
This is the man who selected Barbara Engh to be "Color Girl" of his Color Company in 1940.
After his graduation, William Croft joined the USS California while it was in drydock in Bremerton, Washington, Naval Shipyard. He served as a turret officer until the California was sunk at Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941. So, he was at Pearl Harbor.
The USS California was anchored by herself on Battleship Row, just south of the Oklahoma. It received two torpedo hits that caused much damage and a 551-pound bomb exploded on her killing about 50 men instantly. The ship sank, but its superstructure was above the water. Total casualties were 100 killed and 62 wounded.
This is the man who selected Barbara Engh to be "Color Girl" of his Color Company in 1940.
After his graduation, William Croft joined the USS California while it was in drydock in Bremerton, Washington, Naval Shipyard. He served as a turret officer until the California was sunk at Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941. So, he was at Pearl Harbor.
The USS California was anchored by herself on Battleship Row, just south of the Oklahoma. It received two torpedo hits that caused much damage and a 551-pound bomb exploded on her killing about 50 men instantly. The ship sank, but its superstructure was above the water. Total casualties were 100 killed and 62 wounded.
"Color Girls" -- Part 6: Barbara Engh
The USNA Nimitz Library has a photograph of Color Girl Helen Barbara Eagle from the Class of 1940. I believe this to be a misprint of the name Engh.
It said that William Croswell Croft married Helen Barbara Engh, a 40s Color Girl in March 1941.
Of course, his being in the USNA Class of 1940 would have put him in World War II. Perhaps he was at Pearl harbor. I'll have to look him up to see what became of him.
--GreGen
It said that William Croswell Croft married Helen Barbara Engh, a 40s Color Girl in March 1941.
Of course, his being in the USNA Class of 1940 would have put him in World War II. Perhaps he was at Pearl harbor. I'll have to look him up to see what became of him.
--GreGen
Wednesday, September 14, 2016
This Date in 1940, Selective Service Act Passes
September 14, 1940:
Congress passed the selective Service Act, providing for the first peacetime draft in United States history.
Even though we were not yet at war, we sure were preparing for its eventuality.
It is Good to be Selected. --GreGen
Congress passed the selective Service Act, providing for the first peacetime draft in United States history.
Even though we were not yet at war, we sure were preparing for its eventuality.
It is Good to be Selected. --GreGen
"Color Girls"-- Part 5: Barbara Engh
From the True Republican of DeKalb County, Illinois, from 4 June 1940 (or 1941). There is some confusion here.
Her family had lived in Sycamore, Illinois, but now resided in Irvington, New York.
Barbara Engh was selected by William C. Croft of Airken, South Carolina, commander of the 2nd Company at the USNA, the school's "Color Company." She is a sophomore at Sweet Briar College, in Sweet Briar, Virginia. The Engh family is well-known in Sycamore.
--GreGen
Her family had lived in Sycamore, Illinois, but now resided in Irvington, New York.
Barbara Engh was selected by William C. Croft of Airken, South Carolina, commander of the 2nd Company at the USNA, the school's "Color Company." She is a sophomore at Sweet Briar College, in Sweet Briar, Virginia. The Engh family is well-known in Sycamore.
--GreGen
Tuesday, September 13, 2016
Back Then: Anniversary of Church Established During the War
From the September 5, 2016, Wilmington (NC) Star-News "Back Then" by Scott Nunn. I am glad they started doing this column again. Always interesting to look back at old newspapers.
In the September 2, 1956, newspaper there was an article about the Sunset Park Baptist Church marking their 14th anniversary. It was formed on September 6, 1942, with 39 members and was located in one of the busiest parts of Wilmington at the time, the North Carolina Shipbuilding Company. By 1956, the church had 1,200 members.
The N.C. Shipbuilding Company grew to have a huge work force making many naval vessels, especially Liberty Ships.
--GreGen
In the September 2, 1956, newspaper there was an article about the Sunset Park Baptist Church marking their 14th anniversary. It was formed on September 6, 1942, with 39 members and was located in one of the busiest parts of Wilmington at the time, the North Carolina Shipbuilding Company. By 1956, the church had 1,200 members.
The N.C. Shipbuilding Company grew to have a huge work force making many naval vessels, especially Liberty Ships.
--GreGen
Shorpy Photos of the Home Front: Air Raid Drills in New York City
Remember, you can go to the site and look them up or just use Shorpy In a Jiffy for your search.
July 24, 2016, IN A JIFFY: 1942-- November 1942, New York. "Nurse training. Hospital preparations for air raids involving the training of street accident units for increased efficiency. Nurses wear coat and skirt that can be put on over uniform in a jiffy." Fritz Henle, OWI.
Two women are wearing helmets and have on Civil Defense armbands.
--GreGen
July 24, 2016, IN A JIFFY: 1942-- November 1942, New York. "Nurse training. Hospital preparations for air raids involving the training of street accident units for increased efficiency. Nurses wear coat and skirt that can be put on over uniform in a jiffy." Fritz Henle, OWI.
Two women are wearing helmets and have on Civil Defense armbands.
--GreGen
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)