Tuesday, March 12, 2024

UPDATES AND SHORT CUTS 2024

 

prior front of web site links


NEWSLETTER-

The Boston Reunion and the year Prior in 2017 at Philadelphia were superb reunions. Photos and notes are links in the website or on Facebook. 
It was a fun and productive reunion in Valley Forge. There will be news and photos from that and more in upcoming NEWS..

2017- REUNION - REPORT from VALLEY FORGE        

2016-REUNION REPORT from PENSACOLA

Could use a report on 2018, BOSTON


Tuesday, January 17, 2023

FUNERAL - Capt Jack Smith (1971-72 - C.O. )

 Capt. Marvin G. (Jack) Smith passed away last week. Here is a ZOOM invitation to the funeral service and the graveside service (Separate streams) .  Below is a copy of the Obituary.  Jack, while C.O. parts of the years noted - affected the leadership and lives of our shipmates who included some from as early as plank owners to some who were still with the ship into 1974 or 75.  His daughter, Karen, gave us the link to share with our members --  members whom Capt. Jack called "The Irish Songsters"

LINK TO CHURCH SERVICE - LIVE 

https://subsplash.com/fumcprattville/media/mi/+22vgz54


LINK TO GRAVESIDE SERVICE - LIVE

https://us05web.zoom.us/j/84503517517?pwd=aVdXYVVsTjdaMjdzSmJWdVFnMEVsUT09&fbclid=IwAR3oh5jDYd1P8H0aGFr4SHjLF8-AQYdP5X6bHzSi8Thucv8R1ofbXUe3zyE#success

Obituary for Captain Marvin "Jack" Gilford Smith Jr

You may go to the above obituary link to leave a note of condolence for the family
Captain Marvin “Jack” Gilford Smith, Jr., 99, resident of Prattville, AL, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 12, 2023, at his home. He was a veteran who served in the United States Navy for 38 years including during WWII, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Smith received the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V”, Joint Service Commendation Medal, and Medal of Honor, First Class, Republic of Vietnam.
Smith was born on April 13, 1923, to his parents, Marvin G. Smith, Sr. and Bobbie B. Smith, in Indianapolis, IN. He was reared in Kentucky and graduated from Livingston County High School at the age of 16. After living for awhile with his aunt in Indianapolis, he pleaded with his father to sign his papers for his joining the Navy. At 17 years of age in January 1941, he volunteered and entered the Navy as a “Minority Cruise” recruit for men ages 17-21, and he completed Naval boot camp in Great Lakes, IL. He then attended a technical school in Dearborn, MI, followed by service at Cape May, NJ, Travis City, MI, Eagle Mt., TX and Clinton, OK, working on guidance systems for pilotless aircraft.
After WWII ended, Smith was assigned to the Naval Air Station at Pensacola, Fl, where he served as the Crew Chief for admiral Frank Wagner, the head of Naval Aviation training. During the Cold War, he served on Naval cruisers and the battleship, the USS Missouri, in the Mediterranean Sea and the Caribbean Sea. His next tour of duty was at the Naval Air Station at Anacostia, D.C., which also involved his completion of two years of an engineering degree at George Washington University. Smith was accepted into officers training and was commissioned with the rank of Ensign in 1955. After completing three years of sea duty, he received his B.S. Degree in Naval Engineering from the Navy Post Graduate School in Monterey, CA.
Smith had a distinguished career as a Navy officer both on ship and shore. He served as the Communications Officer and the Operations Officer on the Allen M. Sumner (DD692), Executive Officer on the Vital (MSO-474), Executive Officer on the Valor (MSO-472), Operations Office on the USS Dahlgren (DLG-12) and Commanding Officer on the USS O’Callahan (DE-1051). He served two tours in Vietnam, graduated from the War College at Maxwell AFB, served with the Organization of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, served as commander of one of three teams each having 40 men with the Fleet Introduction Team Spruance Class destroyers in Pascagoula, MS, served as NROTC commander at the University of MS, for two years, retiring from military service in 1979. After retirement from military service, he worked as plant manager for the Polyquip Co. at St. Joseph, TN. His last employment of 20 years as Director of International Business Development for Von Gal Manufacturing Co. which made automatic material handling systems equipment at Montgomery, AL, retiring in 2000.
He was married to Joan Merriam Smith for three years; however, she did not survive the crash of an airplane that had a folded wing that she was piloting. Joan was a highly skilled aviatrix who completed the same route attempted by Amelia Earhardt. She was the first person to fly solo around the world at the equator, and a twin-engine plane around the world. In 1964, Joan was posthumously awarded the Harmon Trophy, one of three international trophies awarded to the world’s outstanding aviator, aviatrix and aeronaut. Her biography describing her piloting skills and records are recorded in the recently published book, Fate on a Folded Wing by Tiffany Brown.
Smith was married to Martha Ann Slade Smith on June 16, 1967, for over 52 years. They had one son, Kevin Gaines Smith of Memphis, TN.; one daughter, Karen Ann Smith (Gil) of Barcelona, Spain; four grandchildren, Dawn Powers of Washington, Dylan Slade Garcia and Anna Camille Garcia of Barcelona, Spain, and Gaines Gilford Smith of Memphis, TN. Smith is also survived his sister, Henrietta Dickerson of Wisconsin; a host of nieces and nephews in the US, and abroad. Smith was an active member of First United Methodist Church, Prattville, AL. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, January 17, 2023, from First United Methodist Church at 2:00 pm with Dr. Tony McCullough officiating. Burial will follow at Prattville Memorial Mausoleum with Prattville Memorial directing and the folding of his flag in honor of his military service. The family will receive friends at the church on Tuesday from 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his honor to First United Methodist Church or Habitat for Humanity, 431 W. 4th Street, Prattville, AL, 36067. Pallbearers will be Matt Lewis, Andy Southern, Tom Rischer, Gordon Hallmark, Trey Salatto and Ron Ramon. Honorary Pallbearers will be Dylan Garcia Smith, Gaines Gillford Smith, Pat Benton, Glenn Kanal, Don Carrol, Pete O’Day, Benny Jackson, Mike Hargis, Mark Hargis, Winfred Slade, Kent Slade, Brent Slade, Gaines Slade, Bowen Slade, Field Slade, Brad Smith, Todd Smith, Lester Ray Smith, Anthony Smith, David Allen Smith and Boyce Jonathan Smith.

From Vic Campbell 
I was able to talk a few times with Jack the last month.  We had a good conversation BEFORE it was discovered he had pancreatic cancer. Afterward, with the help of his daughter, Karen, I was able to speak with him briefly.  He already knew but I confirmed his association with USS O'CALLAHAN left indelible positive life impressions on his officers and crew and that he was in our prayers.   A second call only a couple of days before he passed, he could not respond but could understand - so I spoke some words to him of our admiration for his service to God, Family, Country and Community.  I spoke to him a final "salute" from us all at "The Irish Song"... 

Monday, October 25, 2021

2022 REUNION for IRISH SONG - Houston in SEPT

 USS O’CALLAHAN Reunion PLANNING and REGISTRATION

………….. 2022 --  Sept 25-29 -- Houston TX

………….. IN association with The National Association of Destroyer Veterans

……………………”TIN CAN SAILORS”  -- DD/DE/FF/DDG/DLG/DEG/FFG/ and support vessels are all open to membership.

….

ADDITIONAL INFO ON USS FRANKLIN Reunion in Fredericksburg TX is located at END of this post.

This reunion is separate from USS O'Callahan but we are invited from our heritage......


CALL IN OR EMAIL your contact information to TIN CAN SAILORS  -- ASAP.

This helps to set up the count and services . Earlier is better. THIS IS ALL you have to do to start the ball rolling so you can register by mailing in the forms for registration.


EMAIL your request for a packet to:

Annmarie@destroyers.org 

Include your name - number in party - address - email - phone# and ship association (USS O’Callahan)

or call the TCS office at (508) 677-0515.


All the information below will be included in your packet. This information is here for those who wish to book the hotel ahead of time - before the packet arrives.  


BELOW is HOTEL REGISTRATION information. 

This is separate from the request for the event registration

Through the National Destroyer Association. TCS.


See USSOCALLAHAN.org  for news links - other information


Many tin-can groups are now using TCS as the umbrella reunion group. It works well because the numbers provide the logistics to provide top notch tours and speakers. All the ships typically have their own meeting rooms - while main events are hosted in a ballroom for all the groups. It is easy to remain with your own shipmates throughout at group tables or in our own meeting or hospitality suites.


A HUGE PLUS for the organization is that the burden of the setup - the registration- the banking - the insurance -the tours and more are ALL handled by TCS staff -far less costly and stressful to our own organizations. 


SEE THE HOTEL information below. This is a copy from the recent TCS news magazine which you would all enjoy by becoming a member of TCS (national Destroyer Veteran’s ) TCS has reached out to DE’s, Frigates, Tenders, Oilers and more.  If they served alongside us -- we see them as our compatriots and encourage them to join us under the TCS umbrella. The annual membership is a small fee and the news magazine is chock FULL of fascinating history and current Navy news.

IRISH SONG ASSOCIATION (USS O'Callahan) will join with the TIN CAN SAILORS in 2022 for a SEPTEMBER 23-29  reunion in HOUSTON, TX.    Register soon. 


IN FOLLOWING YEARS - We will continue to look for options to get closer to or on the West Coast.  Our cost and headaches of planning, funding and executing a reunion is massively cut down by doing our gathering under the umbrella of the Destroyer Sailors Association of Tin Can Sailors.   They have the staff and ability to plan for a very nice venue with superb programs. Ships that join in have their own meeting rooms and only meet with the larger association for most meals and keynote events.  Usually one or two meals are planned outside the group for our own special ceremony and camaraderie. 

Here is the notice in the TIN CAN SAILOR  4th QTR 2021 - News for 2022  USE THIS INFORMATION TO Register at the HOTEL.  

To REGISTER FOR THE EVENT -- Call or email as noted here

You can send in the requests for information packets any time.  Email them to Annmarie@destroyers.org or call the office at (508) 677-0515.  (this information repeated and print friendly AT THIS LINK.




July 19-22 2022 USS Franklin Reunion information at the National Museum of the Pacific War in Fredericksburg TX information is available now: https://ussfranklin.org/2022/04/19/2022-spring-newsletter-and-reunion-announcement/
The reunion is open to USS Franklin Veterans, Family, and Friends and we will continue the tradition of opening the reunion to crew members (and their families) of the USS O’Callahan FF-1051 and USS Gary FFG-51 as well as other ships involved in the USS Franklin legacy. If you or your family are in contact with any crew members from these ships, be sure to mention the reunion, this is a great way for these veterans to connect!

262-305-6979 

This is an option for any of our O'Callahan shipmates and family.

At the USS FRANKLIN reunion (photos) in June 2021, Sam Rhodes, who was a young sailor in the crew - related his experience after the bombing of the ship in April - off the coast of Japan. Over 800 sailors died. Sam was a "snipe" rating (the engine crew) He carried a rating of "Watertender" which was critical to running the oil fired boilers on most combatant ships of the day.  (PODCAST AT END - listen - for other stories too, including the way a zippo lighter saved the entire ship from a second attack)

 Sam's story (in the audio interview here) tells of the burning ship and the leadership of Chaplain Joseph O'Callahan to clear the decks and care for wounded. Much live ordnance from the ships' own planes and stocks to be loaded was rolling around the deck. Some was "cooking off" in the fires. The bombs HAD to be taken off by rolling over the side - through burning decks. 

Chaplain O'Callahan (A Lt. Commander) encouraged the young men to keep rolling the bombs - even though their hands were burning. After the last bomb as over the side, he left them for a few minutes and returned with whiskey from the Sick Bay. Only the Sick Bay on a US Navy ship has alcohol and it is for medicinal use. 

The boys were all encouraged by the chaplain to take some for their pain and exhaustion. It is for this reason - with respect for appropriate drinking - the shipmates of USS

O'CALLAHAN (DE/FF 1051) have modified our "IRISH BLESSING" to include (if appropriate) following the prayer for those in need (veterans, active or others who need a prayer) a shot of whiskey may be consumed. 

This, in the locality of an Irish Pub - and in honor of Fr. O'Callahan's Irish heritage - adds an extra dose of Irish Blessings to the person who says the prayer while their hand is placed on the seal of the ship. The seal includes the cross of the Chaplain's Christian faith. 

 It became a tradition among veteran shipmates of USS O'Callahan (in service from 1968-1998) to offer an Irish Blessing - sometimes with a Card showing the seal and the ship. More about the O'Callahan, the USS Gary and USS Franklin is found at their respective websites. Sam Rhodes (USS O'Callahan and USS Gary are the two honored with Medals of Honor for actions that day.)


Tuesday, November 05, 2019

Joan Smith - O'Callahan Connection

Capt. Jack Smith's first wife was Joan Merriam Smith. Capt Smith has been recorded and you can learn more about her in those videos .   He was remarried when he came to USS O'Callahan (1971-72)  .  Joan died in an airplane crash along with the grandmother of the woman who wrote this book.  Trixie was supposed to finish the book on Joan's around the world flight very soon.  The manuscript lay in a trunk over 50 years.

https://fateonafoldedwing.com/the-book/


BLOG POST WITH MORE about JACK SMITH and JOAN
http://incountry.blogspot.com/2018/08/my-navy-co-jack-smith-visit.html

Sunday, February 03, 2019

2019 REUNION and Gathering

PLAN AND REGISTER 2019
Special gathering with USS Franklin
The Boston Reunion and the year Prior in 2017 at Philadelphia were superb reunions. Photos and notes are links in the website or on Facebook. 


Thursday, April 12, 2018

Military Chaplains receive our Challenge Coin

Irish Blessings are always in demand.   These chaplains are part of a fine tradition in our military.  


Dobson receives coin
Matt Dobson is an Army Reserve Chaplain who is also a minister and counselor at prisons. He is also a marathon champion runner and coach.  His annual "Coon Hill 5K" run raises local funds to help maintain and repair damages to our local (to Vic Campbell) heritage cemetery.   We know his coin will get a lot of activity as he takes time to pray with and for veterans and others that need a little grace.


Kissinger reflecting on the coin
Col. H. Philip Kissinger (PhD) is a veteran of Vietnam and a regular counselor and visitor to support Veterans in the VA homes.  He was involved in heavy combat with his unit in Vietnam and has many memories that are difficult himself.  In his mission to visit with veterans in the homes in PA and NJ, he has many opportunities to bring out our challenge coin in a prayer for peace and grace. 

His nephew is a friend from association with the USS Houston survivors organization. Sean Frey made a scale model of that ship from scratch.   Resources about the USS Houston.

He has become a regular assistant to his uncle in visits to the VA homes. Here is another recipient of our coin. 




Tuesday, March 13, 2018

Promoting the Irish Blessings

blow up to read the card
Last year one of the volunteers at the Tin Can Sailor (Destroyer Veterans) annual meeting (and our own Irish Song Reunion), Paula Botelho, became enamored with the story of Fr. O'Callahan and the USS Franklin and our association.  She has since become an ambassador of the IRISH BLESSING in MA and RI where she volunteers with community service projects.  Often she will tell the story of Fr. O'Callahan and give out some facsimiles of our ship's seal with the instructions to say a prayer for a veteran and receive an Irish Blessing in return. 




This week I received in the mail some cookies and a shamrock dish towel from Paula in gratitude for her new-found enjoyment of passing along the story and the blessings.   Well, blessings must revolve so, I am sending her some of our prints and more sticky seals to share with special people.   At this year's reunion in Boston, I hope she and others from the DESVETS organization (big write-up on us last year) are able to share in the transfer of the seal for the next host pub. (Boston is HQ for DESVETS).

I think she meant for all of us to enjoy the cookies - so I will let you all know how they taste!  "Really good" ...  so .... that is something you can enjoy --- my report.   THANK YOU, PAULA ! 


prints and coins available from our ship's store - at ussocallahan.org .
(shown are the 11x14 prints and post cards)


Sunday, January 21, 2018

KEY LINKS From our HOME PAGE

NEWSLETTER- Boston Reunion Info and more     to help you PLAN AHEAD for the JULY 11-15 BOSTON 50th ANNIVERSARY Gathering. The newsletter will be mailed to those who do not use internet resources. UPDATES to the newsletter will be found at the NEWS link on our main page.

It was a fun and productive reunion in Valley Forge. There will be news and photos from that and more in upcoming NEWS..


2017  SHIP's STORE - memberships
(these are in the ship's store)




An Irish Blessing - our ship's seal is now finding its way into use as a talisman to encourage a prayer for a veteran - and with it the gift of an "IRISH BLESSING" by association with Fr. O'Callahan. 








2017- REUNION - REPORT from VALLEY FORGE
2016-REUNION REPORT from PENSACOLA