Souvenir Edition pages 6-11

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 Ordnance Division

 By Beranek

Although at the present time the "0" Division has dwindled down to one officer and two enlisted men, at the peak of its strength it was one of the  most flourishing divisions of the ship.

The "0" Division was formed early after commissioning, under the able leadership and guidance of Lieutenant N.T. Schwin, Gunnery Officer, and Lieutenant H.E. Perdue, Division Officer. During the middle of November, 1944, Ensign R.C, Dowd joined forces with the Ordnance Department, and was assigned duties as Jr. Division Officer.

An intensive training program was begun immediately after the forming of the Division, and strikers were given instruction on the operation and maintenance of the various guns. Drills were performed almost daily. Watch crews were made up of men from various divisions, and these men were trained under the personal supervision of Lieut. Schwin and his gunners' mates. During the six weeks of this vessel's shakedown cruise, these watch crews were molded into efficient fighting teams, and it was shown later at Okinawa that this training was not in vain.

Practice firings were held regularly, and due to the training given the General Quarters' Gun Crews, more than the average number of target sleeves were brought down. This in itself was reward enough for all the hectic and tiring hours of drills.

During the invasion of Okinawa and Kerama Retto, the Ordnance Department was put to the final test. The scoreboard on the Natrona's bridge shows a total of two enemy planes shot down, as well as two assists. It is needless to say that the "0" Division and the watch crews came through with flying colors.

Since all the men in the Division were experts in their respective fields, advancements came quickly for them. A few transfers occurred in the middle of 1945, but the "0" Division remained essentially the same unit it had always been.

The Division Chief Petty Officer, colorful J.W.P. Glasgow CGM, who in civilian life had been a rancher, sharpshooter, magician, knife maker, cattle puncher, business owner, etc., was the main source of humor and amusement for the division, providing them with never-ending stories of his adventurous and swish-buckling career. However, it was largely due to his energetic ability and experience that the "0" Division became a highly skilled organization. Chief Glasgow retired from the Navy on 20 April, 1945, taking advantage of the newly passed bill which permitted men over 42 to be released from active duty. His place was taken by Overby GMlc, who was later promoted to Chief.

The two main "hangouts" of the Division were the Armory and the Forward Radar Shack, and a jo-pot was continuously perking in either of the two places. Occasionally the men were honored by the presence of either Lieut. Schwin, Lieut. Perdue, or more frequently, Ens. Dowd, who would spend a few minutes discussing the future of the Division over a steaming cup of coffee.

The Division functioned like a family. There were seldom any arguments, quarrels, or trouble of any sort, and when there occasionally arose a Slight difference of opinion in the division, Lieut. Schwin and Lieut. Perdue smoothly ironed it out.

The Division was composed of fine men. When peace was declared and the point system came into effect, the department dwindled slowly but surely. First to go was Wilson, GM2c, closely followed by Wood, GM2c, who had doubled as mail orderly before the arrival of Sebastian, Roy, GM2c, and Lamb, GM2c.

Lieut. Schwin went over the gangway on the 15th of September, 1945 to return to his civilian job as Advertising Manager of the Household Finance Corporation in Chicago, Illinois. Lieut. Perdue became Gunnery Officer and Ensign Dowd advanced to the post of Division Officer and Asst. Gunnery Officer. Trench, FC02c, and "Gigi" DiGregorio, GM2c, received their well earned freedom on 24 November. Three days later Lieut. Perdue counted his points, found they totaled 46, and lost no time in leaving the Natrona to resume his civilian occupation as a Lawyer at Salisbury, Maryland.

Another shift in the Gunnery Department took place, and Ensign Dowd became Gunnery Officer, Shortly after, Ensign Dowd was promoted to Lieut. (JG).

The next day Weichbrodt, GM3c, received an emergency leave, further lowering the complement of the rapidly diminishing "0" Division. On the 4th of December, Smalley, GMl received his sixty day leave. As the points were lowered further, Laubenheim, FC03c took his leave from the ship.

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The early part of January, 1946, saw Bryant, GM2c, enter The Gates of Civilian Life and soon after, seven of the eight remaining men were transferred for reassignment. These seven were Miller, FCOlc, Watkins, GMlc, Peters GM2c, Moore FC2c, Paustell GM3c, Saunders GM3c, and Thayer GM3c leaving Holifield GM2c, as the sole survivor of the-Division, later, a striker was added to the Division, to assist Holifield in the operation and maintenance of the remaining 20mm guns, clipping rooms and magazines

Thus, the "0" Division which was born early in November, 1944, saw an early death, but during the months between the two events, it was proven without a doubt that with able and intelligent leadership, a group of men can be trained to become an efficient division; a division that will remain in the memories of men for years to come.

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 History of the Laundry

 By Sherrard and Wierson

On 8 November, 1944, five men came aboard the "Mighty 'N- to put the Laundry in commission, Namely, Duane Hacking, Harold Stuller, Carl Renninger, Clarence W. Krewson and Thomas Sherrard. Out of the orginal five, four of them have been honorably discharged.

Duane Hacking, or "Hack" as he was better known as, hails from that sheepherding state of Utah, and was lucky enough to have enough points to be discharged in January. "Hal" Stuller is from the fair city of Denver, Co1orado. Hal was a master of

plastic works while aboard the "Mighty 'N!" He too was discharged in January. Clarence Krewson, "Mike" came from the rugged state of Oregon. He was the first of the four to be discharged. He changed his rate to Electricians's mate sometime before, However. To Hack, Hal, Mike, and Krout we wish you lots of luck in your new lives as civilians.

Thomas Sherrard, better known as Tom, is still aboard the ship. Tom hails from St. Marries, Idaho. That's where the fish stories are long and the timber grows high. He expects to be a civilian sometime in June.

Juel O. Wierson, "Oley", hails from the "Sweede" state of Minnesota. "Oley" was transferred from the Second Division to the Laundry in January of 1945, and there he still resides. He expects to be discharged in June also.

Billy E.Abshire, ("Abbie"), comes from that Hoosier state of Indiana. "Abbie" was transferred to the Second Division. "Abbie" also expects to be discharged in June.

In December, 1945, four men were transferred to the Laundry. They are Chresty, Bollins, Russel, and Pardun. Russel is the only one now left in the Laundry. Bollins was discharged in January of '46. Pardun and Chresty were transferred to the deck divisions.

At that time, Eldon Gowens was transferred from the Second Division to the Laundry. He hails from Colorado Springs, Colorado. His ambition is to own his own night club.

Winn was transferred into the Laundry about February 10th. He hails from Oklahoma - just one of those ditch diggers.

Russes, who we almost forgot to mention before hails from Detroit, Michigan. He really has a nice wife. Don't take offense, Russ.

Well, that about winds up the history of the Laundry.

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 The First Division

 By Willis

The First Division, on the 9th of August, 1945, consisted of twentyseven men. Twelve petty officers and fifteen seamen. Lieutenant D.S. Waddy and Ensign Gallaway were the Division Officers. Bell,J.H.BM2c was the leading petty officer; Sykes,W.G.BM2c; Costillio BM2c; Callahan, J.C. Coxswain; Chavarria,B., Coxswain; Capell,H.C., Coxswain; Hearing,R.P., Coxswain; Herbert J.C., Coxswain; Maxted,G.E., Coxswain; Osborne,O.H., Coxswain; Presnell, J.C., Coxswain; Prewitt, L.C., Coxswain; and Stehn, Coxswain. manned the boats assigned to the division and kept things shipshape on deck.

The fifteen seamen also manned boats along with mess-cooking, handling stores, and standing watches. General Quarters was sounded frequently, and sleep was scarce. The seamen were Syott,T.S.; Teller,M.D.; Gregg,L.L.; Bebish,W.A.; Schunder,C.O.;

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Abshire,W.; Macy,W.; Williams,C.C.; Hagesman, E.E.; Mandell,J.C.; Lee, B.J.; and Gully, L.E.

On the evening of August 10th, forty new recruits were brought aboard the ship, and thirteen were assigned to the First Division. They were Anderson,M.P.; Burr,W.C.; Coates,B.J.; DeGroot,T.L.; Demore,B.D.; Herbert,J.C.; Kurtovich,S; Milligan,W.N.; Perkins,E.E.; Stewart,C.E.; Thompson,E.S.; Vass,H.G.; and Willis,S .. These new men eased the strain on the old Division considerably.

Shortly later, in the first part of September, the USS Natrona set out to sea again. The trip lasted-over three months. One of those months was spent in Japan, where the Division lost six men because of transfers. These men who were transferred were Anderson, Burr, Demore, Herbert, Milligan, and Stewart. The other divisions aboard also lost men. At this time, DeGroot and Coates were transferred to other divisions on the ship. Another change at this time was that the original three deck divisions on the ship were cut down to two divisions, the First Division and the Second Division. Again the First Division received more men. These were Burns, BM2c; Burkhart,Slc; Cerello,Slc; Snead,BM2c; Hamby,BM2c; Bonnette, Coxswain; Boushley, Coxswain; Heath, Slc; Compton,Slc; Parker,Slc; Torries,BM2c; Schannian,BMlc; Pillsbury, Coxswain.; Jackson, Coxswain.; and Palentio, Coxswain;. Snead, BMlc took over the Division as leading petty officer.

The ship pulled into San Pedro the last part of November. The war had been over for three months, and a few of the men were discharged. There names are Bell, BM2c; Costello, BM2c; Callahan, Coxswain; Chavarria, Coxswain; Capell, Coxswain; Hearing, Coxswain; Herbert, Coxswain; Maxted, Coxswain; Osborne, Coxswain; Presnell, Coxswain; Prewitt, Coxswain; and Stehn, Coxswain. Here, seventeen men were taken aboard. They were Williams, B.; Stokes, B.; Sherfield,W.; Parrett,G.; Shervy,P.; Short,W.; Slaughter,W.; Lowe,C.; Price,B.; Rash,D.; Chrestay,A.A.; Nolan,J.; Schneiaer,C.; Nowicki,N.; Norris,R.; Szabo,J.; & Vincent,B. Ensign Cohen and Ensign Chandler were assigned to the first Division. Mr. Waddy was transferred for discharge and Ensign Gallaway relieved him. Ensign Erickson was assigned as Mr. Gallaway's assistant.

After spending fifteen days in the United States, we put out to sea again with Bachus, BM2c, as leading petty officer. Japan was our destination. However, our orders were changed to Okinawa only a few days before we were scheduled to arrive at Japan. The trip lasted a month, and we pulled into San Pedro again on 13th January.

After reaching San Pedro, more men were transferred for discharge. They were Sneed, BMlc; Cerello,Slc; and Hageman,Slc .. Mr. Gallaway was promoted to Lieutenant (JG) and was detached to the beach for discharge. Mr. Erickson became First Lieutenant; While Mr. Cohen became Assistant Second Division Officer. Mr. Strickland took over the first Division with Mr. Chandler as his assistant.

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 The Second Division

 By Burt

The Second Division is composed mostly of men from the old Third Division, which was disbanded several months ago. The men that made up the Third Division during the month of November, 1945, and that stayed with it up to the present date are Anderson, Ariza, Arnett, Harvey P. Bailey, Bayne, Barlow, Bartlett, Brown, Bryan, Buck, Burkhart, Burns, Burt, Cassel, Cassity, Coleman, Confrancisco, Cosma, Costa, Crain, DeAngeles, Deason, Denmore, Kendall, Lawrence, Leary, McDougal, Nelson, Neuman, Shoemaker, Seefeldt, Sneyd, Storer, Taylor, Thayer. Tourtillott, Thompson, Wibbing, and Woods.

When the Third Division became the Second Division the following men were added: Cabral, Larsen, Maurer, Palatino, and Ragusa. In charge of these men were Sneyd, BMlc, with Costa, BMlc second in charge. Ensign Payne and Ensign R.E. Collins were the Division Officers at that time. After Sneyd was transferred to the First Division, Costa took over and is still in charge.

When we were in the States during September, thirteen more men were added to the Division. They Were Walden, Stolarske, Swain, Galliher, Wyrick, Frehs, Crandall, Whitney,(end of page 8) Szabo, Steele, Franke, Wilson, Gilman, and Parduhn. Most of these men have seen more action than many of the men on the ship.

If all of these men were still aboard, we would have a very large Division, but several of the men have been discharged. These men are Cabral, Palantino, Ragusa, Anderson, H.P.Bailey, Bain, Bramlet, Cassity, Coleman, Cosma, Crain, Denmore, DiDonato, Eddy, Grissom, Leary, McDougal, Nelson, Thompson, Wibbing, Waldon, and Stolarski.

Also, several men have been transferred for various reasons. Buck, Deason, Shoemaker, Storer, and Taylor were transferred to another ship while we were in Japan. De Angeles and Handlee were' transferred to participate in the trial of Boatswain Bryan. Seefeldt and Tourtillott were transferred for leave. Burns and Burkhart are in the First Division now. Cassel was transferred to the "S" Division.

The newest addition to our Division is Bonnette, who was transferred from the First Division to fill a coxswain vacancy.

Since Mr. Payne was made Assistant First Lieutenant and Mr. R.E. Collins was made Assistant Navigator Mr. Strickland was made our new Division Officer, with Mr. R.L. Collins and Mr. Caldwell as his assistants. Mr. Strickland was later transferred to the First Division to fill Mr. Gallaway's vacancy. In turn, Mr. Cohen was transferred to the Second Division to be Mr. Caldwell's assistant, Mr. Caldwell being our Division Officer now. These new officers reported aboard in November for duty.

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 History of the Wardroom-Mess

 By Raphael

On 7th November, 1944, a group of twenty-nine men consisting of Stewards, Cooks, and Steward Mates came aboard the USS Natrona to carry out their part of the job.

These men, who we served with for many months, are as follows: Wren, C. StM2c and Herbert,L. StM2c, whom we don't know much about as they became ill and had to leave us in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Sim, B.A. Ck2c, whom we all liked but who met with an accident, had to leave us in San Francisco, California, August, 1945.

After the war ended, the following named men left us to resume their civilian life; Ancheta, I.Q. Cklc, who was quite an artist and quite a clown; Casalla, E.D., Cklc, whom everyone knew because he was always over the side, trying to feed all the fish in the ocean (you know, "Sea Sick"); Youg, P, St3c, who used to keep those decks hot, getting underway in Okinawa; Alford, T. StMlc, who we know best as "Pal", because he was quite a P-A-L; Jackson, E. Ck3c, the man with the record of telling the tallest and highest sea story on the Natrona (My how we miss those lies). And then there was Washington, L. St2c, the big man who everyone liked, the man about the ship. He always ran through the sick bay because of Doctor Putman.

Can anyone forget Gacad,J. CCk, who always started a game and broke it up saying "shoot two"; Brousard, C.J. Ck3c, the human snake with his odd wiggling and his candy making; Harrington, R.A. Ck3c, the "mouthpiece kid", who punched everything from bag to pot (look out for that bell, or you'll get hit); Jackson, T.C. StMlc, better known as "laughing boy" with his comical and humorous ways that kept the men's morale up; James, L, StMlc, also the life of the ship and the kid that was so full of fluid that he couldn't do it. (How about that "Texas hop"?); Jones, J.M. St2c, the "sack kid", the man that slept forty-eight hours and just couldn't get back to the ship on time for anything, not even for sixty days leave. (Oh, but he got two years to get in practice); Madayag, J.M. St2c, the man that put on that great exhibition and knocked himself out; McAllister, W. StMlc, better known as "wine, no!", the man who forgot everything but was liked by everyone.

And how about Stevins, J.D. StMlc, the islander from New York, whom everyone liked, even though his jokes were crumby and stunk; Nolasco, M.R. CSt., the"doughnut king", although we never did get any of those doughnuts (I guess Davey Jones got all of them); Robinson R. St3c, the big fellow who could out-run anything when "bogie" would cone over; Smith, J.H.,StMlc the "raisin jack kid", who always seemed to have trouble with someone tramping down his vine; (end of page 9)

Washington, L ,StMlc, better known as "grumpy" who was always complaining about something. (Well, what's up now?); Williams, E. StMlc, the man that woke up and scared everybody, even himself When he looked in the mirror; and William, R., St3c, the man that took Japan by surprise. What a man!

And then there was the last member of our old group that left; Thomas, E. Ck3c the square that got hep and oh, what a hep-cat he was.

There was also Weatheroy, L, St3c, better know as "snooks, the personality kid" who finally talked his way on enough points; and last but not least, the rip snortin’ cowboy from Texas; Wells, W. St3c, the boy that could do more with a cow and a horse than Buffalo Bill, but was liked by all.

Now, out of the twenty-nine that put the Natrona in commission, there are only two left. Namely, Hughes, J. (Cklc), and Raphael, L.D.(that's me).

Well, Hughes is still here wistfully watching the calendar and hoping some day he will be old "jodie", but he has hopes, because "Time Marches On".

And now, "yours truly": Raphael, L.D. (Stlc), the man that was going to beat everyone else out, is still here. (But remember the 4th of April is just around the corner. Of course, there are rumors that he might ship over. I wonder?).

Well, we have added quite a number of new members to our group, one of which has shipped over and left us. His name is Jones, C.W. StMlc, better known as "Gabby".

Now for those men who are still carrying on: Blackburn, O.,CSt and Chapman, I.M. CCk. are our leaders and are swell to work with and for. Fisher, H.A. StMlc; Jackson, W.G. StMlc; Brown,R.R. StM2c; Worship,J.C. StM2c; Blocker, C. StM2c; Jones, W.A.StM2c; Bryant, I. StM2c. They are all "regulars", and my hat is off to them. Keep up the good work.

The following are also aboard, but April or May will be their months to enter the cruel, hard, world: Jackson, J. StMlc; Jones, R.L. StM2c; Bolton, W.H. StMlc; Cole, A, StMlc and Wright, J. StMlc.

That takes care of this Wardroom Mess History and I am sure that I speak for everyone when I say that all of the men were well-liked on board the "Mighty !N!".

So-Long for now.

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 Facts Concerning the Dough-Heads

 By Stark

I will try to write something about the fellows who have worked in baking but who have been discharged by now.

First we had Eddy Hynes, Bkr 1c, who came aboard the ship when it was put into commission and stayed with us until he was discharged in December. Eddy was a good baker in civilian life, and I mean he really knew his baking. He had charge of the bake shop while he was aboard. Eddy was a swell “jo”. He was very quiet, never doing much talking. His main ambition was to be discharged and go back to his little of Berlin, New Hampshire. He wanted to loaf around until his cash should begin to run low; then he said he would go back to baking. By now I imagine he is back at work and forgotten that he was ever in the Navy. The last I heard of him, he was still loafing and was thinking (not very seriously) about going to work.

Most of you fellows knew Norman Wold, Bkrlc who hailed from Marseilles, Illinois. To those who knew him well, he answered to the name of "Freezing" or C.B.. Incidentally, "Freezing" was in the Sea Bees for a couple years before he transferred to the Navy. I still don’t know which he liked the best, but he always did talk of the Sea Bees with much pride. When he was discharged in December, the bake shop seemed empty. It seemed strange not to have him around wearing that goofy smile of his that we were all well acquainted with. There was one little thing that caused Wold to get plenty of razzing. This was when he was given charge of the ice boxes and when he became known as "Spud Coxswain First Class". I believe Wold resented it, but he never said anything. However, it wasn’t a bad deal at all for him-- he always said that his new job was a welcome change after eight years of baking. When Wold left us he went back to Marseilles with his wife and his son. His son was born just before we hit Kerama Retto. And by the time Wold got home, Denny was ten months old. I'd sure liked to have seen the expression on Wold's face when he held his son in his arms. When Wold last talked to me, he had already had his son through college. (end of page 10) I don’t know what you are doing now, Norm, but I wish you and Carolyn lots of luck

Everyone was acquainted with "Little Joe” DiGuglielmo. "Little Joe" was born and raised in wilmington, Delaware. And as far as he was concerned, there was no other State besides Delaware. Before he entered the Navy, Joe was working on the railroad. He signed up in order to see the world. Now he has seen the world and is back again on the railroad. I wonder whether or not he misses the Navy.

We had one fellow here in the shop who decided the Navy was going to be a good lifetime job, so he shipped over. He was Beaudioux, Bkr3c, better known as "Gabby". Why he was called "Gabby" I don't know, because he never did talk much. "Gabby" was born and raised in Houma, Louisiana, and he entered the Navy after he finished high school. The last time that I heard about him, he was headed home on a 50-day leave. By now he should be looking forward to December, 1949, when his next cruise is up.

Among our present dough-heads, and the one that everyone knows so well, is that handsome guy from Wyoming, L.S. Kraft. He is Wyoming's gift to the Navy and God's gift to the women. Maybe Cassel in the galley has what it takes, but Kraft just makes them swoon. He's a natural Boyer, Van Johnson, and Errol Flynn combination. And upon meeting a girl, he always tells her his name is Flynn and asks her what her hobby is. And if you should see Kraft turn on the charm, you would beg him to teach his methods to you. Boy, if only I were like him! Could I have fun--ow-ooo!. When~ I asked him what he was going to do when he got out of the Navy, He shrugged his shoulders and said, "I'm afraid I'll have to go back to Wyoming and give the girls a break by letting them gaze on their ideal." Well, that's enough about Kraft, because I'd like to tell you about another dough-head who all the girls are wild about.

This fellow has the cutest little mustache, and he told me that the girls love it. Everyone knows DeGroot, better known as "Tuck". "Tuck" comes from Petaluma, California, which is close to San Francisco. He has been in the "S" Division since September, and he really takes an interest in his work. Just to show you how well he likes his work, I will give an illustration. "Tuck" went home on a "72". and just to prove to his mother that he was good, he baked her two peach pies. When I asked him how they turned out, he said that they were just like those his mother used to make, ex-cept that they were only thirty times better. But "Tuck" really does like baking and is really a swell fellow. He still has about six months to go in the Navy, so he will probably get duty on another ship before he gets out.

Now there are only two more fellows from the bake shop to mention-Bunkmen and myself. We both came from Wisconsin and both have about the same ideas. Roy lives in Wansan, and I live in Waupun.

Roy has been in the bake shop about eight months and has really learned fast. From the way he talks, he would like to work in a bake shop on the outside. Good luck in your future job, Roy. But the first thing he says he is going to do when he gets out is to change Dolores' name from Miss to Mrs. Before he entered the service Roy worked in a box factory in Milwaukee. He says that he used to make the boxes. Now he wants to bake so that he can fill the boxes he made. Whatever Roy does, he should make good. He, Tiede, and myself figure on seeing each other quite often after we are all home.

Right at the present, I don't know what I will do when I get out. Perhaps I should say that I don't know where I will work, because I will be baking. Before I entered the Navy just ahead of the Draft Board I used to do baking, and since I have been in the service, I will naturally continue baking when I get out. But The first thing I intend to do is to talk Millie into changing her name to Mrs. I’ve asked her only 999 times by now, and the answer has always been no. But I'm always hoping that next time will be the time.

Well fellows and friends, (yes you cooks too), I have almost run out of gab. But I would like to take this opportunity to tell all of you that it has been a pleasure to know all of you and to be with all of you. Good luck to you all. 

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