Date: Sat, 1 Jan 2005 11:12:37 -050

Russ, Don, and Mike, Intros: Russ Farquer and I were stationed together in Kami @ NEATICC. Mike Allen and I were stationed in NAVSECSTA together right after the Pueblo was captured. Mike was stationed on more haze gray and underway than any other CTO I have ever met so he's probably going to be the key to this question. Herewith the puzzle so far. The first part that follows, Mike, is from Russ to me... Bob...interesting...as Don points out, the crew was unaware of the sign that hung in NEATICC pertaining to the message received from the USS Pueblo. I don't remember exactly what the sign read....was hoping to jog your memory. I f you can remember what it said exactly...or close ..would you email Don McClarren and advise him as such. Thanks.

“----- Original Message ----- From: Don To: Bob Sent:

Thursday, December 30, 2004 9:52 AM

Rus, just received your msg from our president about Adm Kidd. I don't recall any books being written by him, I know his name has been around with the USS LIBERTY and the USS PUEBLO. I was the "O" brancher aboard the PUEBLO, there were three of us assigned and one TAD from Kami Seyi. Don Bailey was the TAD "O", he was with us to help as none of us had ever worked the Sea of Japan and he had made several trip on the USS BANNER.. Both Don and myself were working the circuit that day. It started out we could not make contact with Yokusoka(ms), we tried all night and finally at daybreak the circuit came in and we were in comms with Kami Seyi. During that time the NK came out and it hit the fan. Bailey, myself and the other two "O"'s were destroying documents, Bailey and myself were on the TTY talking to Kami Seyi and giving positions reports. I was the last one on the circuit just before the NK's came aboard, we destroyed the cards, lists and the wires as best we could. I noticed you said that there was a sign above the TTY position that all our traffic came in. Could you please tell us what it says. This is the first we have heard of that. During the years we have heard from many CT's and thanked us. Earlier this year I was in Memphis, TN and spent the night at Millington Naval Sta. The next morning at the gas station I was stopped by a senior chief CTM type who is the detailer for the M branch, she, yes I said she, told us stores. One that stuck in my mind was when the PV landed in China, the CT's aboard used some of the information they learned of what we did and they said it really helped them. Just wanted to check on that sign and thank you for your kind words, the crew appericates.

Don McClarren CTO1,RET. MICHIGAN”

Me [Bob], again. What was hanging in NEATICC was actually the yellow TTY paper monitors that contained all the op chatter that passed back and forth from the time the shit hit the fan until you guys were unable to comm no more. I saw your XCRITIC XCRITIC header and all that came after it for the message you sent (I don't remember if there was more than one CRITIC or not.) But the actual op chit-chat showing your desperate situation was there. I could not begin to quote it. The sign that had been made up afterward was about 3' X 5' and it said something like "This is why YOU are here!" One time on a slow mid, I went to the M&R Section and pulled the message traffic for Jan '68 and started going through it to see what I could find about Pueblo. I found several messages about what happened, including a message that quoted word for word (bad words and all) all the comm chatter on the ckt that had transpired before you were captured, how you had worked at destroying all you could, how you had thrown stuff overboard, snatched wired, pulled ckt boards, etc, etc. An interesting side - I work at the VA Outpatient Clinic in Pensacola. Not even a month ago a veteran came in to register for his veteran's benefits and produced his DD214. I'm the Elegibility clerk so I have to review those docs. I noticed he had something unusual. The DD214 said he had been a POW. That was unusual because he'd never been to Vietnam, he was in a deck rating, and it was in 1968. I asked him the circumstances of him being a POW, but I knew the answer already, he just confirmed it. He was on Pueblo, too. For the life of me, I can't remember his name. But I'll bet I can find him again. Might take a while if you are interested. Let me know. Mike, ball's in your court. What can you add to solve this mystery? I don't know anyone with any more sea time than you as a CTO. But with you being on Banner and all those other AGTRs and anything else that moved with CTOs on board back in those days, you're bound to have been somewhere around then. Can you help a shipmate? Hope to hear from you all soon, Bob

Date: Tue, 4 Jan 2005 13:39:03 -0700

Sir: I have found that a ROSE BUCHER is living in Pocatello, Idaho, birth place of Capt. Bucher. I have been told that she is 83 years old. Do you think this could be Capt Bucher's widow. Please let me know. Thank you, Tom Williams HMCM USN RET Pocatello, Idaho

Date: 1/2/2005 8:40:02 AM

Good morning, my name is David Cohen and I'm a screenwriter researching the USS Pueblo incident. A brief background on myself. I was the Admirals cook during he Gulf war stationed in Yokosuka, Japan and Philippines. I have been very interested in this subject for a long time and would love to write the story on it. There a few things that I found out that noone has mentioned yet and that is the sighting of an American ship(possibly a Carrier)when the capture was going on. The ship turned around and left the area never offering any assistance. I also interviewed the Captain's cook(whom I was stationed with aboard the USS Midway)and he told me that he was tortured by the Koreans. They permannently damaged his kneecaps since he was Filipino and the Koreans didn't understand why U.S. would have Filipinos an board especially working for the Captain. Anyway, any info into this would be greatly appreciated. > have more questions that have gone unanswered. Happy New Year and thank you > > Regards, > D.S. Cohen >

Date: Thu, 13 Jan 2005 21:00:52 -0800

My name is Tom Auldridge and in 1968 I was a CYN 3 stationed at San Miguel Naval Base in the Philippines. This was a major communication relay station for all Pacific Naval and Military Communications. On the day you were seized, I was the radio operator who ultimately received and relayed all the messages from the 1st notice of your potential boarding up until the time your radio operator had to shut down all communications. My call sign was Popeye. and for over 36 hours I personally worked with the powers at hand to relay information regarding your situation and listen in and conduct communications with a secret mission to try and get you back prior to your entrance into Wonton bay. After Loosing communication with your ship, I was immediately transferred to communications with Washington D.C. where they were arranging a rescue from the USS Kirsarge, a destroyer headed to overtake and recapture your ship. As you all know all to well, it did not happen. You probably ask yourself why after 37 years am I telling you this. My daughter wanted a story about something that someone in her family history had done or would be interesting. Although I have had a very adventurous life and many amazing experiences, the days I was involved with your capture and the helplessness I felt when your Radio Man shared our last sign off, has haunted me ever since. I believe this was one of many terrible atrocities of the war levied against our service personnel and one of the most interesting parts of naval history. I have read just a bit of what you have on this internet but would enjoy communicating with anyone interested and especially with your radio operator. Sincerely and glad you got back relatively safe. Tom Auldridge P.S. I was born in Colorado Springs, Colorado, but I spent the majority of my Childhood growing up in Pueblo, Colorado. What a coincidence.

Date: Mon, 17 Jan 2005 08:43:35 -0500

My friend and I served during the Pueblo crisis. He was on the USS Enterprise and I was an Army Grunt on the DMZ. WE are looking for remember the Pueblo patches or other patches available. Any help? BeaufordEToney@eaton.com

Date: Tue, 18 Jan 2005 05:49:34 -0700

My name is Mike Antonio. On the day the Pueblo was captured I was serving on the Herbert J. Thomas DD833 as a Gunnersmate Third Class in charge of the forward gun mount, we were on patrol in the straights between Taiwan and main land China. That day we were scheduled to return to Kaoshung for 4 days liberty. After the Pueblo was captured, we were immediately ordered to the location where the Pueblo was taken and told to rendezvous with the aircraft carrier FDR. We arrived on station to find we were the first ship and were alone. This was a bit scary since Chinese MIGS were making runs at us in a hostile manner and the seas were extremely rough. We were on station off the coast for 24 hours before the FDR arrived. When the FDR's planes were in range of our location their first flyover got rid of the Migs, much to our releif. We were on red alert for several days until the rest of the ships arrived. I am very proud to say that we were the first ship on station after the Pueblo was captured and the memory will live with me until it's my turn to join Davy Jones.

Date: Thu, 20 Jan 2005 10:18:21 -0900

We're doing a history project in Mrs. Behner's class at North Pole High School on the USS Pueblo. The project is for National History Day and the theme this year is Communication in History: The Key to Understanding. We're just beginning our research and we're very interested in using your experiences as a focus in our project. We know about the use of gestures and photographs as communication to the American government. Is there any other forms of communication that you used? Also, how did you come up with the plan to use gestures in photographs to communicate to the US government that you weren't being treated fairly? Any information that you provide us would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, Chelsea and Britni

Date: Fri, 21 Jan 2005 09:59:27 -0600

Can you tell me, what was the name of the book that Commander Bucher wrote after the release of the crew? I read it once about 20 years ago, but I can't remember the title. Ken Willis - Barksdale AFB, LA 71110

Date: Fri, 21 Jan 2005 18:09:46 -0600

Dear Sir: We understand the USS Pueblo will be the subject of Sunday's "War Stories" by Ollie North on Fox. We applaud the efforts of Fox, etc. in ensuring the story of the Pueblo remains current in the minds of Americans but are saddened by the fact that they do not make the same effort vis-a-vis the attack on the USS Liberty. The attack on the USS Liberty remains the only incident of its kind in US Naval history NOT to be the subject of Congressional scrutiny. An email campaign is underway by USS Liberty survivors to convince Ollie North that an incident that involves the deliberate machine gunning of American life rafts in the water is worthy of being the subject of one of his "War Stories." We are contacting you in the hope that we could convince you and the rest of the USS Pueblo survivors to help us in our efforts by emailing War Stories at warstories@foxnews.com with a plea to have them do a segment on the USS Liberty. Warmest regards, Joe Meadors USS Liberty Survivor http://www.ussliberty.com http://www.usslibertyinquiry.com

Date: 1/22/2005 8:45:36 PM

Please help me confirm the message attached. Cathy Wilkinson

Attached message: I am working on my family genealogy for my history class paper. My aunt Informed me that her son, "Jackey" Jack O'Donnell was stationed in Hawaii at the time of the capture and was the first to hear the take over message. Can someone help me validate and retreave more information? Regards, Cathy Wilkinson

Date: Sun, 23 Jan 2005 20:51:40 -0500

Gentlemen: Please tell me what AGER-2 stands for. I have been reading with interest the plight of the crew. Thanks for your service to our country and her families. James Wolfe

Date: Sun, 23 Jan 2005 21:20:31 -0500

Hello, My father was stationed on the U.S.S Pueblo before it left for Japan. My father name is Larry Taylor he was a CT aboard the Pueblo. He has told me many stories of the Pueblo and of his shipmates. He told me he took very ill and was hospitalized in Hawaii i believe. My mother still has the Telegram from the state deparment saying my father was a pow in Korea. However 2 weeks after the Telegram we got news from him. I am just curious if any of you remember my father because i want to be able to pass on the stories of my father and stories of the Pueblo crew, true american heros. Sincerely, Justin Taylor

Date: Mon, 24 Jan 2005 03:05:22 +0000

On the occasion of my 60th birthday, I was leafing through some old navy records and also just saw a re-run of Oliver North's War Stories on the Pueblo that reminded me of you. Although I've thought about you alot after the capture of Peublo and all the subsequent news and books, I have not thought to contact you. I was that gung-ho (and young and idealistic) radioman on Vega from 65 to 68 and served in your department until you left for the Pueblo. I also wrote to you at some point after you left Vega to suggest I might like a transfer to the Pueblo -- thankfully for me that was not to be. My brother Bill was also on Vega and also a radioman. Perhaps you remember us? I clearly remember the night your ship was captured. Vega was off SF and the teletypes went crazy with bells and flash messages. I am so glad you made it through it and that you have worked with others to set the record straight. I left the navy and went to work for IBM and had a great career ending up runnning a large satellite program for the Air Force. I spent 10yrs in the UK after IBM sold us to Lockheed Martin. While there I was the programme manager for the Merlin helicopter programme for the UK Ministry of Defence. My brother went on the become a Doctor and practiced for 20 years in the bay area. I have two great kids from my first marriage and in my second marriage I am married to the most wonderful woman in the world. I am retired from IBM and Lockheed Martin and am working as consultant for Steven Myers and Accociates doing large proposals - government and large IT bids for the most part. Hopefully, I'll really retire someday soon but for now it is entirely too much fun to quit. Anyway, I thought you might get a kick out of hearing from an old friend. -- Erich Feigel

Date: Sun, 23 Jan 2005 22:12:52 EST

I am trying to make contact with Tom Masse, Fireman USS Pueblo. He was a customer of mine for several years and after he sold his business I lost touch with him. I was watching WAR Stories with Oliver North on Fox News and he did the USS Pueblo tonight and it made me of think Tom and how he is doing now that he is retired. I know you can't give me his phone number, but if you could pass my number along to him and tell him that Brent LeVee from JEB Leasing would love to hear from him it would be greatly appreciated. I was 12 years old when the Pueblo was taken. I new nothing about it until I met Tom. Ever since I have made it a point to learn as much as I can about the USS Pueblo. Tom gave me a USS Pueblo hat and I wear it proudly. Every so often someone will stop me and say "What is the USS Pueblo"? I always make the time to stop and tell them the story. A few weeks ago (while wearing my hat) a fellow stopped me and declared: "The USS Pueblo!! I remember that" he said. He said " My Dad was glued to the TV when that happened" "I remember he would shake his fist at the TV and yell "Those G Damd north koreans"!!!! His Dad fought them in the Korean War. Well, I sure would like to hear from Tom Masse just to say hello and see how he's doing. God bless all the men of the USS Pueblo and their families. I hope we get her back home some day. I for one will never forget the sacrifice those Men made for us. Brent C. LeVee

Date: Sun, 23 Jan 2005 22:44:56 EST

I was in navy boot camp in San Diego when the Pueblo was captured. After boot camp, I was assigned on temporary duty in main classification awaiting orders to OCS in New Port. Main Classification is where orders came through. I was astonished one day when order came through for a new graduate to report to the Pueblo. This was a substantial time period after the capture. I just thought of this today after a program about the Pueblo on Fox news. I hope all is now well with all the survivors. The Navy did not treat our heroes as they should have. There is a place in our heart for you because of the contribution you have made. Bob Ferguson

Date: Mon, 24 Jan 2005 09:22:31 -0500

Hello, I am Joan Patterson from Tennessee. I watched Oliver North's "War Stories" last night, which was about the USS Pueblo Incident. I want to say that I appreciate the crewmen of the Pueblo and what they did for their country. I believe that the way the crewmen were treated by this country after their release was just wrong. Watching their story last night made me want to do something...just like Captain Bucher's wife did during their capture. We need to start righting some of these wrongs! Is there any way I can e-mail the individual crew members? Thank you!

Date: Wed, 26 Jan 2005 06:36:06 -0500 H

i, I was just wondering what was the best (most accurate, most readable) account of the Pueblo Incident there is out there in your opinion. -Nick Eckert

Date: Thu, 27 Jan 2005 14:01:09 -0500

I was reading a book about "the second battle of Midway" and after finishing it I decided to do some searching on the WEB. The memories are starting to return - you see, I was a CTM3 stationed on Midway Island between 67' & 68'. Being on the "Mat" crew, we usually stayed in our show, especially on eve or mid watches. This night we came out of the shop to see why the radio guys were going crazy. We watched and listened to the traffic between the Pueblo, Japan, Imperial Beach and DC and back again. Midway served two purposes - HFDF and traffic handling so we knew what was going on and we knew where every ship was. My biggest memory was when the message came in saying the Pueblo was being boarded. We didn't know if the equipment was destroyed, so everyone scrambled to change all crypto codes. And the it was over. We left the building after the watch and no one talked - it was a quiet ride back to the barracks. When I left Midway, next station was Homestead, FL, I had to sign a document that I knew nothing, saw nothing and heard nothing. Funny thing, as all CT's know, we only know our job or equipment, so when I got home and I was asked what I did since I was a CT - it became a joke since Time Magazine had an article that explained what each antenna on the ship did. People at home actually knew more than I did. Of my tour with NSGA, that night still stands out and begs the question - Why ?? Vince Colotti CTM2 Nov. 63' - Nov. 69'

Date: Thu, 27 Jan 2005 23:38:15 EST

My name is Beauford Toney. I reside in marshall, Mi. I served on the Korean DMZ during the Pueblo Incident. I was mad as H... because our military would not do anything to get you guys out of there. I was ready to go north and die if necessary to show we would not tolerate anyone seizing our ship regardless of size and type. many of us Army guys were bound for Vietnam, then had orders changed to Korea because of North Koreas commitment to help out their buddies in Vietnam by starting more violations of the truce. Escalating ambushes, fire fights, terrorist and activities, started to build on the DMZ. The Pueblo was part of this scheme which failed. I heard that in 1969 Kim IL Sung executed many of his top brass for their failure to infiltrate and set up gorilla activities to regain the south. Does Rose Bucher have an e-mail address. I am looking for a couple of Remember the Pueblo bumber stickers. B. Toney

Date: Sat, 29 Jan 2005 09:12:53 -0600

My name is Donna Baldwin Kinderman. My grandparents were Martha J. Russell and Albert Joel Baldwin. We are seeking a photograph Stu to add to a heroes page as follows. We are members of the Philbrook/Philbrick Family Association. Usually managed by Robert Philbrook (who is being deployed to Iran in a week) it is now handled by Jack. He has added a Hero's page. It is a wonderful tribute to our family members who have served our country's wars. The lineage to this relationship is through Louisa Baldwin Russell and is attached.. Please check the side and let me know if you could forward a picture of Stu in uniform. The site is: Philbrick-L@rootsweb.com. Also, we would like an opportunity to communicate with you. We followed in Louis's footsteps, joining the Daughters of the American Revolution. I even have a copy of her application. Any assistance you can provide would so very much appreciated. If you check out the heroes, Robert Russell Baldwin is listed along with detail of the battle he was in during W.W.II. Thanks, cousin. Donna

Date: Thu, 3 Feb 2005 21:56:03 -0800

Hello, I'm doing research on the USS Pueblo incident. Did the North Koreans return the ship when they released the crew? Did they release it sometime afterward, or did they keep it? If they returned it, what kind of shape was it in when the Americans got it back? Please give me any info you have on this subject. It doesn't have to be detailed. Thanks. John Henneberry

Date: Wed, 9 Feb 2005 18:43:36 EST

My name is Joe i live in CHicago. I am ex navy Viet nam vet. I was on the USS Grand Canyon. there was a cook his name i am not sure . But reading your web site found a name of Cs3 Ralph E. Reed. Also the name of CS2 Harry Lewis. Could you tell me if they were abourd the Grand Canyon Nov. 1971 Dec. 1975. Also where i live was a fellow that went to Holy Trinity High School. He was in our news paper. Was he Richard J. Ragala. I also wrote to Mr. Clinton . You fellows should get the highest honor. God Bless all of you. i will never for get you brave men. If possible Could i get a reponse. Joseph E . Borys

Date: Thu, 10 Feb 2005 13:14:27 -0800 (PST)

you know i rarely ever respond to these web sites, in view of the recent events concening the north koreans i feel that i must. it is my understanding that our ship is still on display in n korea. can we not find a way to blow her out of the water. she does not belong there and i am still angry that we did not go after her and her crew. yes, they most likely would have all died but it is the principal of the incident. to show them that we can not be pushed, now with their threats all i can say is "come on big boy" let get it done and do it right this time. it is time to stop the nonsence. they want money from us who do they think they are kidding. no way would they get anything from us. enough is enough. it is far past time to go get our ship one way or the other Diana Baxter

Date: Tue, 15 Feb 2005 12:05:57 -0800 (PST)

Hello I am contacting you in the interest of a veteran, Harold Pacheco, who is searching other crew at the time he was there. The period of service was 12/07/1944 to 7/21/1945. He is currently apealing a denial of benefits for an injury that occurred at that time on the ship. Any information or contact would help. The VA has dates of injury wrong, but even when I fix that-They(VA) is using the fire of the records building in 1973 as the other reason of denial. He is more than 85 years old and has been doing everything by his self with out help!!! So I vowed to help research as much info as I could, Since I am A Veteran (US ARMY DRILLSERGEANT-with combat experience) and would not want this to happen to me!! He is under the impretion that VA is just prolonging it along until he is deceased. He doesn't have internet, so please reply at this email address. Please contact at Email POC Greg Chandler

Date: Fri, 18 Feb 2005 09:14:16 -0500

For an update of a paper on ExPOWs, can you tell me how many Pueblo crewmen were still alive at the end of 2004? Thanks very much, Rob Klein

Date: Mon, 21 Feb 2005 12:48:53 -0700

My name is Donald Buckenmeyer, in December of 1968 I was the Chaplain's Assistant at the 6th Bn 44th ADA stationed at Hq & Hq Btry (Reno Hill), Korea. During the Christmas holiday our Chaplain went to the CONUS on R&R while I stayed in country at our compound. With no real duties to perform with the Chaplain on R&R, our Commanding Officer ordered me to sign out a jeep & report to a Army installation in Seoul where I was to meet with and drive a Army Colonel to an undisclosed location. Upon my arrival in Seoul and meeting said Colonel, I was also introduced to a ABC News Correspondent (Mr. Lou Cioppi) whom had just arrived in country on assignment to document and report the release of the Captain and Crew Members of the U.S.S. Pueblo. I drove the two men to another Army Infintry Unit at Panmunjom where the details of the upcoming event would hopefully take place. Shortly there after we boarded APC's (armored personell carriers) to cross the DMZ leading the way for a few military buses and several other trucks and jeeps to the "Bridge of No Return". I remember hearing over the head set for the command to stay in our assigned vehicles in the event of Hostile fire. I watched each and every crewmember cross that bridge, including 3 or 4 of the men carrying a wrapped body of the only deceased on a crude type of sling. Every minute that passed seemed endless with anticipation and fear beyond belief. At least, speaking for myself. Once all were aboard the busses we were ordered to retreat to the southern side of the DMZ. I remained with my head and upper body peering from the top hatch of the APC that I was aboard untill I heard a couple random gunshots. We were then ordered to take all safety measures & pick up the pace as we neared the other side. Once we were safely out of the "Z" we returned to the infintry camp we had departed from earlier where we were immediately Debriefed in their chow hall and had lunch. Shortly thereafter, I was ordered to drive the News Correspondent back to Seoul and drop him off so he could return to New York (ABC News HQ) with his story. Probably a 1/2 hour south of the camp we had left I had the mis fortune of hitting a Korean school child (as he was refered to) in the head with the drivers side mirror on my jeep & fell under my left rear wheel. Being in less than a normal state of mind from what I had just witnessed hours before I refused to stop when the News Correspondent with me started screaming hysterically. I don't remember what happened after that until we reached the Army Station where I was to return this Correspondent. The Military Police were there as were some Korean Police that wanted to take custody of me. Not remembering how or why, but I was released to return to my unit at Reno Hill. Over the years since returning to the States, I have been haunted with memories of this day and this child whom no one would or could?, tell me if he lived or not. I did report the entire incident to my unit commander and to the Chaplain once he returned from the states. Since the "war" as we knew it ended in Nam, My unit has disbanned and I have been going back and forth with the VA regarding my claim of PTSD which has completely ruined my life as well as my families. I have been married and divorced 4 times with 4 children, one which passed on day one, my oldest son now 32, I have no contact with and my last 2, I raised alone since both of their mothers left and I eventually divorced. I accidently stumbeled upon your site online last night and figured there may possibly be someone out there that was there that may be able to validate my claim with either pictures or memory.? Naturally, there were no orders ever made for this operation which I recall being titled "Operation Focus Retina". If ANYONE can advise or assist me in proving my claim that I WAS IN FACT there I and my children would be forever grateful. Possibly someone took a picture of this News Correspondent with me or in my vehicle (for whatever reason) or possibly an old copy of "The Stars and Stripes" with this incident in mention!? I am at my last phase of appeals in the VA Appelant Court for Veterans. Thank You from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to read this and if you were there or know of someone that was please, please have them contact me at their earliest convience. Respectfully, Donald W. Buckenmeyer Glendale, Arizona 85302

Date: Sat, 26 Feb 2005 08:44:56 -0500

I'm not sure if this matters fellas but I was a combat engineer, camp essayons, stanley, crc, and casey in 69-70. A detachment of us went bivouic to the DMZ. We crossed freedom bridge (bridge of no return) sometime in late 69 or early 70. A lieutenant walked me to the fence and said that guard tower is North Korea. At that time I was also instructed not to shoot back if and when fired upon. We did experience some shooting and of course it scared the shit outta me. We also, as engineers, were there to reconstruct the poad to pamujhon. I remember uncovering a mass grave. Looking back I wish now that I had made better records of the experience. I also remember one soldier taking back to camp a human skull. He put a cigar in it's mouth and positioned it in front of the lieutenant's tent. The lieutenant became extremely inraged. I don't have much more for now. All I can tell you all is thanks for serving the greatest country on earth. I just e-mailed you all and forgot to give you permission to publish. Yes you can. By the way, When I was told that I may be shot at, it was because of the ever increasing cold war since your capture and confinement. I pray for you all. My uncle served in that war too. My dad WW11.and me during the vietnam era. forgot again to write the main reason to contact you all. For me, it was right after I left the DMZ that I experienced a bodily rash.I was discharged in sept. 70. My local VA called me down for an exam. In a couple months I was given a 30% disability rating for, what they called, an unknown skin condition. A year ago I was informed that the pentagon released top secret documents stating that the United States hergicided the DMZ in 68' and 69'. Are any of you sick in such a manner? My main reason for contacting all of you is that I was on the DMZ in 69 or 70 and left with a terrible skin rash on almost my entir body. It wasn't until last year when top secret records were released that the United States via the army treated the DMZ in 68' and 69' with herbicides. Are any of you living with such a problem. I am working on compensation now with the VA. A year ago I was also diagnosed with type 2 diabetes anothyer side effect from agent orange and/or another herbicided. I'm having a hard time convincing the VA I was truly on the Z. But you know how it goes, never give up. PEACE One in the Brotherhood Spec 5 Turner

Date: Mon, 28 Feb 2005 13:31:07 -0800 (PST)

Sir, I'm sure you get many requests for information about the USS Pueblo and the incident. I am a college student and currentley working on a term paper about the Pueblo. My goal is to write something that has not been written yet. I am writing you to see if you know of any sources that I might use with newly released info from the incident. I could use any primary sources of the men that were there. I am very interested in the aspect of the notion of what the Soviet Union played in all of this. I've read in books that the Soviets were the ones that boarded the USS Pueblo or at least were right there directing the North Koreans. Then I've read others that say this is nonsence. So I thought I would send you an e-mail to see if you could help me. Thank You for your time. Jim Stammerjohan

Date: Sun, 13 Mar 2005 18:33:01 -0800

Greetings: My name is Richard H. Wilson , I was a CTT stationed in Sidi Yahia 66-67 and Adak 67 till discharge in June of 68. My leading Petty officer in Sidi Yahia was PO1 Francis Ginther. Now, after sooo many years, I could be wrong about whether it was Sidi Yahi or Adak; but I KNOW FOR SURE that I served with him. While I was in Adak, I remember coming on duty on the mid-ships and listening to your boarding and the messages that were being sent by the radio shack. I remember being shocked and scared like never before, knowing that I knew a shipmate of mine was on the USS PUEBLO. I also remember crying like a baby when all of you (with the exception of the Seaman from my home state of Oregon,( Creswell Oregon to be exact) were released by the North Koreans. If it's not asking too much, I would like to forward my e-mail address to Francis if possible. With warmest regards, and strongest support for your ongoing effort to clear your ships record, Richard H. Wilson CTT2 USNR of the US Naval Cryptologic Veterans Association

Date: Tue, 15 Mar 2005 10:41:19 +0200

Greetings, My name is Melissa Robinson. I'm an AP reporter in the Washington bureau now on sabbatical writing a book on the case of Lt. Joe Dunn for the University of New England Press. Maureen Dunn, Joe's widow, Is my collaborator, and a good deal of the book will focus on her work in the POW-MIA movement. In the early days, when Maureen started a committee out of her living room to seek more information about Joe, who was shot down by the Chinese in February 1968, Maureen made contact with Rose Bucher. Maureen didn't know if Joe was dead or alive, and Rose, of course, was awaiting the outcome of her husband and his crew's capture by North Korea. I would very much like to interview Mrs. Bucher about her work in those early days. I'm interested in asking such questions as: _ Did she feel she had to stay on top of the government to make sure it was aggressively trying to free her husband and the other Pueblo hostages? _ Did she feel as though she was kept well-informed by the government on the case? _ How did she benefit from her contact with Maureen or other wives in similar predicaments? Was there comfort in solidarity? I found your web site and noted that Mrs. Bucher is listed as a director so I figured this would be a good place to make contact. If someone could kindly pass on this request, I would be most appreciative. I'm happy to answer any questions and look forward to a response. Sincerely, Melissa Robinson

Date: Tue, 15 Mar 2005 11:01:01 +0000

Hello, my name is David Kim and I am a graduate student; my research for my master's thesis is focusing on the national security decision making that led to the Pueblo Incident and how this Incident changed (or didn't change) the decision making process or paradigm. I was hoping to interview some crew members on their thoughts on the matter. If you could get me in contact with some of your shipmates who could help me out on this matter, it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you and God bless. Sincerely, David Kim

Date: Sun, 20 Mar 2005 22:40:37 +0900

I served as a “CTO” from Mar 1980 to Jan 2003. While I was stationed in Okinawa there was a copy of the original OPSCOMM transmission from the Pueblo. Since NSGA Hanza was part of the communications net, we had a copy for historical purposes. When NSGA Hanza was scheduled to close a copy of the original OPSCOMM transmission from the Pueblo was included in a “Decommissioning Binder” that was given out to certain VIP’s that attended the ceremony. I don’t know exactly how you could get a copy, I believe that document is now unclassified and I thought it would make a great addition to your website. Mark D. Cumber

Date: Mon, 28 Mar 2005 18:06:46 -0500

The following email was sent to Mr. Hemphill before I stumbled across your website. I don't know for sure the aircraft 249 or any other of our aircraft were part of your return with honor. I am interested in any information about how you were taken out of Korea. Thanks, Jim

“Dear Mr. Hemphill, I am a pilot at the 445th AW, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH. We are currently a C-141 Airlift Wing. As you may know, the C-141 will be retired over the next year. Out of 300+ aircraft we are down to about 17 Air Force Wide. The purpose of my email is to see if you have any information that you would care to share about the remaining crewmembers from the U.S.S Pueblo. I have recently learned that one of our remaining aircraft (249) may have been the aircraft that delivered the crew of the Pueblo to the U.S. Before aircraft 249 is delivered to the "Bone Yard" as its' final resting place I was curious if the crew of the Pueblo would be interested in saying goodbye to the aircraft that brought them out of Korea. The reason that I believe that 249 delivered the crew from Korea is that I recently saw a "War Stories" episode in which aircraft 249 was shown in the background. If you think that the crew of the Pueblo might be interested please contact me and I will see if we can coordinate whatever the crew might like. I am also in the process of contacting the Air Force Museum here in Fairborn, OH to see if they have any plans for the aircraft. Aircraft 177 will go to the Museum this year as the first aircraft into Hanoi to repatriate the Hanoi Hilton POW's. Thanks for your time and attention. Sincerely, Jim Couzins, LT COL, USAFR”