Date: Fri, 06 Oct 2006 19:14:14 +0200

I read with many interest the history of your vessel. I only had one question. After the crew was released, what happened with the boat? Did she ever return to the US?

Kind regards, Frederic Logghe

Date: Sun, 8 Oct 2006 16:46:03 -0700 (PDT)

Do you know of a site where I might find the full text of the "confession" which includes the phrase about "penetration, no matter how slight?" Does the association have reunions from time to time? Is there a list of how the crew are doing? I ask out of historical interest -- it seems to me this incident doesn't get the attention it deserves, nor do the crew get the credit they deserve. Thank you. Ed Darrell Dallas

Date: Tue, 17 Oct 2006 12:59:42 -0700

l find it hard after so many years that finding someone other than the official government website to help me contact anyone who was aboard the Pueblo when they were captured, intentionally, in a few months prior to the TET OFFENSIVE. l am formerly with the Adjutant General's Ofc, Ft. Lewis, WA during l966 to l968 and knew of the capture of either the Pueblo or two other ships approximately 4 months prior to the TET OFFENSIVE. l believe now, as l did than and after speaking via phone with Cmdr. Bucher and Gen. Westmoreland, that the ONLY reason they were planted there were to obtain enough troops for the upcoming TET Offensive. The DRAFT was not quick enough and the US broke Federal Law by sending National Guardsmen to do other than to protect our borders and those of our territories. History has proven me right and US Senator Maria Cantwell has filed the FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) on the USS Pueblo, Morgellons Disease which tests are currently being conducted by the CDC (Ctr for Dis Ctrl), and the CID's involvement with this activity during that time period. The CIA has sent myself a letter in which l have yet to reply but need input from ANY of the troops aboard the Pueblo to help establish what is currently happening know in lraq and North Korea. lt is time to step forward and stop Bush from making a final step the wrong direction. Please contact Sen. Maria Cantwell, US Senator from WA state at 202 - 224 - 3441 or myself, JC at 253 445 0490. Thanks and in this writing process decided to enter a couple of more names to the email. Best regards, JC Johnston Adjutant General's Ofc l966-68 Ft Lewis, WA ltr from CIA 25 Aug. 2006 ltr from Don Rayburn, last man interrogated by CID at Ft Lewis, WA ltr from DAV 22 Sep. 06 ltr from DAV 26 Sep. 06 more available but know Sen Cantwell is for ALL soldiers, current or not and I'm tired of waiting 38 years for completion and hiding this lie regarding the "Taking of the Pueblo" when the truth is it was set up. l also haven't VOTED except once since Viet Nam. At this point in my life l do not fear the CIA as they have destroyed the last 40 years for no reason. To kill me now would be a blessing. All responses appreciated.

Date: Wed, 18 Oct 2006 17:47:43 EDT

1. I served in the US Navy for 20 years. Retired in June 1975. 2. I was GMC (DV) on board the USS Safeguard (ARS-25) sailing into Sasebo, tying up at the same pier, where the "Pueblo" was getting underway, on the opposite side of the pier, to "head north" as the "signalman" on the "pueblo" sent to me by "semaphore" (using just his hands/arms, without "sem. Flags) That was the last time i saw him, or the Pueblo. 3. Shortly thereafter, we were in "Yokosuka" when we received a message to return to "Sasebo" via the "Nagasaki Straits" (navigator's nightmare) (all the messages were "top secret" and I was breaking in the "C.O." in navigation, consequently, although I did not have a "clearance" he had to show me the messages and charts in order that I could plot the course.) Intentions were, by the time we reached the "north" end of the "Nagasaki Straits" we were either: (a) going to head "north" and enter "Wonsan Harbor" in company of a destroyer, go alongside the "Pueblo" put a "boarding party" on board, and take it under tow out of the channel. .. Or.. (b) head "south" to Sasebo. 4. Of course, we did "b"...that was the first time in my naval career, that I felt "shame" in wearing the "uniform" and I was not alone. 5. We thought for sure we were going to war with "North Korea" (we had all those ships already on station around "North Korea") 6. That same year, (after spitting on our faces with the "Pueblo") two migs forced a commercial airliner to land in North Korea, claiming they were in their "air space" - as I recollect, they let another plane land and pick up the crew & passengers, but they kept the aircraft, as they did the "Pueblo" 7. What really gets me. Here "they" are at it again. This time with the "atomic weapons" scenario" and you know they are going to "spit on our faces again, by doing another "blast" 8. What gets me the most is, why is it when, (the way I see it), "we" loose "face" you never hear about it again??!! I'm still working offshore in the Gulf of mMxico, as a "diving construction consultant" (Iretired as a "master diver") 9. Boat captain on the vessel that I’m on, and a couple of other hands, were watching the "news" when they had mentioned "Noth Korea" and their "nuclear blast" (I made the statement, "we should of "nuked" those suckers, when they captured the "Peublo" I was shocked to get these "dumb looks" from all. As I looked around those faces, I said, "Don't tell me that you guys never heard of the "North Koreans" capturing the "Pueblo" back in 1968!!?? (of course, they had not!! One guy was born around that time, another was 8 years old, the other two, were not even born yet!!) I turn to one of them that was by the computer and told him tom go on the "internet" and type "USS Pueblo". He did..and .. Of course..found your website, and the story in detail. 10.I decided to write this letter to you. 11. Just like "9/11" the day it happened I felt we should've had one of the "boomers" in the Atlantic coast push the "button" and make a big lake out of "Iraq, Iran, & Syria" instead of loosing all the young persons we keep loosing every month. 12.The, "North Korea" started acting up back then, (9/11), I said "have a "boomer" in the "Pacific Ocean" push their "button" and "nuke" those suckers, and whoever doesn't like it, give us your name, and we'll put it on the "list" of "who's next??!!" and end all this bullcrap of, even the little countries, like Venezuela, Argentina, are threatening to "kick our butts" 13. Contrary to the governments believes, I think like "Toby Keith's" song, "they should show "9/11" tragedy every day numerous times!! Why let the people forget!!??? Just like the "Pueblo"...the majority of the persons that I talk to from 20 to 40 years ole, & some older, don't have any knowledge whatsoever about the "Pueblo" no sense asking them about the "Liberty"!!! 14. I do believe it's a great shame!! 15. Lastly, to all of you that were on the uss pueblo (ager-2), I salute you!!

May the Lord keep on guiding you through your life, and keep you in good health, and you keep the Lord close to your heart!!! Frank de la Oliva QMC(MDV) USN RET.

Date: Fri, 20 Oct 2006 01:40:41 EDT

Since the North Koreans were not beligerants in the Viet Nam War, and

since this nation is nowhere near the third world countries in Africa which countries you specified were somehow to be protected by the Pueblo's re- conosance mission, of what material importance was it to create this mis- sion. Yours Truly: Richard Coen

Date: Fri, 27 Oct 2006 07:49:23 -0400

Thought you might find these recent pictures (2004) of the ship (outside and inside) interesting for inclusion on your site. … Paul Lemsky

http://www.korea-dpr.com/gallery/view_photo.php?set_albumName=KFA-International-March-for-Koreas-Peace-and-Reunification%2C-2004&id=abg http://www.korea-dpr.com/gallery/view_photo.php?set_albumName=KFA-International-March-for-Koreas-Peace-and-Reunification%2C-2004&id=abi http://www.korea-dpr.com/gallery/view_photo.php?set_albumName=micheldprk&id=aas http://www.korea-dpr.com/gallery/view_photo.php?set_albumName=simonsen-album&id=abz http://www.korea-dpr.com/gallery/view_photo.php?set_albumName=Morepicsreun&id=abg

Date: Fri, 27 Oct 2006 09:30:44 -0400

To whom it may concern. I have looked into this site and need to know. Do you ever send merchant marines now or have you ever had them on a ship like the USS Pueblo? Someone cklaims that he was on that ship as a merchant marine. Thank you very much. Mrs. Marion Weed. I would appreciate hearing from you.

Date: Thu, 2 Nov 2006 11:29:56 -0500

I came across your site inadvertently, while searching for another web page. I was a boatswains mate aboard the USS Jouett (DLG-29), a guided missle destroyer frigate. We were in the Gulf of Tonkin at the time of the Pueblo incident. We were called off station and sent directly to Korea. All we heard at that time was the Pueblo supposedly entered Korean waters, and some of the crew were injured during an attack and ultimately captured. Our mission was to be in position to show military power to the Koreans. From what I heard, we were first on the scene and told to stay there until other forces arrived. We weren’t alone for long. Other ships arrived shortly after us and we went directly back to the gulf. Information following the incident was sketchy. We heard all kinds of rumors. What I do remember was reading about the incident via the newspapers and other media sources. I recall the photos taken of the crew, with what I vaguely recall, more then one of them giving the finger. I remember Capt. Bucher being blamed for the incident and couldn’t believe it. In my opinion, those guys were heroes. They went through much physical and mental torture. I met one of the crew after they were released. It was in a bar in downtown San Diego. He didn’t say much at all. I got a strong impression he didn’t want to talk, not because he shouldn’t, but because he wanted to forget. I saw an article recently on Capt. Bucher’s obit. That man deserved better then what they wrote about him, a lot better. On rare occasions in the past, the Pueblo incident would come up in conversation, and I was shocked to learn no one ever heard of it. It’s very sad to me, but I make sure they hear at least some of it. I don’t think anyone of our generation will ever forget the Pueblo, it’s Capt. and crew. I for one won’t. God bless you all! Dennis

Date: Mon, 6 Nov 2006 17:40:12 -0800

As much as I hate to add to the cheesy factor that the USS Pueblo is now a tourist attraction, I thought you might like to know where the ship is now. It can viewed on Google earth. (see attachment). Also tx for the website on the history of the Pueblo Incident. I was actually trying to find Pongyondom after reading a Yahoo article on border tourism. I was searching on Google earth and was frustrated. Further searches found some interesting milatary maps of the Korean War. There was a reference to the Pueblo Incident and that took me to your site. A couple or more hourslater..... Anyways, I eventually found the 'Bridge of No Return' and the rest of the village.

Cheers, Dave Hooey USS Pueblo.kmz

Date: Thu, 9 Nov 2006 10:27:17 -0500

F I am a vet ofthe USS Thomas C. Hart FF-1092 and wanted to share this with all the Veteran Associations: Veterans Urged to Wear Military Medals, American Forces Press Service | Donna Miles | November 07, 2006

WASHINGTON - With National Veterans Awareness Week under way and the national Veterans Day observance on Nov. 11, the Veterans Affairs secretary is urging all veterans to show their pride by wearing their military medals. “R. James Nicholson’s Veterans Pride initiative calls on veterans to wear the medals they earned while in uniform this Veterans Day to let America know who you are and what you did for freedom.” he said. The campaign is modeled after a tradition in Australia and New Zealand, countries that honor the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, or ANZAC, every April 25. The observance originally commemorated more than 8,000 Australians killed during the battle of Gallipoli during World War I, but now honors all Australian and New Zealand veterans. Last year, while attending ANZAC ceremonies in Sydney, Nicholson said he was struck to see all the veterans and surviving family members wearing their military medals and campaign ribbons. “It focused public pride and attention on those veterans as individuals with personal histories of service and sacrifice for the common good.” he noted in a message to veterans. “That is why I am calling on America’s veterans to wear their military medals this Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2006.” Nicholson and leaders of major veterans groups announced the initiative during an Oct. 18 ceremony here at the VA headquarters. Wearing their medals, he said, “Will demonstrate the deep pride our veterans have in their military service and bring Veterans Day home to all American citizens.” “We expect Americans will see our decorated heroes unite in spirit at ceremonies, in parades and elsewhere as a compelling symbol of courage and sacrifice on Veterans Day, the day we set aside to thank those who served and safeguarded our national security.” Nicholson said at the ceremony. Nicholson and the veterans group leaders hope to start a new tradition in which U.S. veterans wear their military medals every Veterans Day, Memorial Day and Fourth of July. More information about the Veterans Pride campaign is posted on the VA Web site. The site also helps veterans determine where to go to replace lost medals or to confirm which decorations they’re entitled to wear. John D,. lewis s

pic14388.jpg

Date: Thu, 16 Nov 2006 15:03:54 -0500

Brave crew of the USS Pueblo, I recently saw a documentary series on TV about “Spying” and in one part of the show they talked about the Ed Walker spy ring and how he got his start in the treason business of selling secrets. Apparently Ed Walker sold the crypto code disk plans and manuals to the soviets but the soviets needed the machine to decode the disks so the they put the N. Koreans up to the task of obtaining the crypto machine. According to a soviets defector that, indeed, was the deal and apparently the soviets ended up with a functional decoding machine. Is that true and if so, how was that possible that the intelligence equipment and code books were not destroyed? Thanks in advance, Peter Dillon

Date: Wed, 29 Nov 2006 20:08:50 -0800 (PST)

On January 23, 1968, I was in a firefight in Vietnam alongside a Garcia -- Emilio Garcia. He was first to tell me of the Pueblo's capture and, as I recall, that a relative of his was aboard the ship. On that same day, January 23, 1968, Emilio was killed by small arms fire. I was one of the last people he spoke to. I am wondering of Policarpo "PP" Garcia could be that relative of which he spoke? If he is, and if "PP" is still alive, could you please forward my e-mail address to him? I would be grateful. Respectfully, Joe Guerra San Diego, California

Date: Thu, 30 Nov 2006 08:55:28 -0800

My name is Ken Simundson and I am associated with American Legion Post 129 in Whidbey Island Washington. One of our members approached me with a story of paying the members of the Pueblo after their release. Apparently he was a dispersing clerk at the time and has in his position the original payment card deck. What this is I'm not quit sure, however it does identify all the members that received pay after their release. If there is an interest to receive these items please contact me at this email address. Thank You, Ken

Date: Fri, 01 Dec 2006 22:02:46 -0500

I was an E-5 stationed aboard USS Canberra, heavy guided missile cruiser. Was in Yokosuka, Japan - getting drunk on my ass drinking Drambuie - chasing it down with Budweiser. Not too sophisticated a drinker. Got my butt hauled back to the ship by the shore patrol - a 'General Recall' I was saved from a twelve hour foot beat the next night on shore patrol by the fact that we were hauling ass in the early morning for the Sea of Japan and the area off Wonsan Harbor. I had to climb to the top of a missile fire control radar, and try to run receiver alignments while still in the grips of a gargantuan hangover. Tossed more than tools that day!! Spent a bit of time up there till the a very large tak force gathered; then they needed out 8" guns down in hue. Something happened during Tet and the Gyrenes were catching hell. Now I've just turned 60, collected my first USN Reserve retirement check. God, what history it all was. Ron Riml

Date: Fri, 1 Dec 2006 22:28:14 -0700

My name is Alan Bellows, and I am the proprietor of a popular website called DamnInteresting.com. I have been doing research on the USS Pueblo incident for a future article, and your site has proven invaluable. Given your wealth of information on the subject, I was wondering if you might be able to help me confirm or contradict a detail of the story which appears in some retellings. While it is clearly true that the crew members used the "Hawaiian good luck sign" in photographs to give lie to the propaganda claims of the North Koreans, it has been said that in one photo the crew members secretly used sign language to spell out "snowjob." In my searching, I have yet to find a reputable reference for this photo's existence, nor have I been able to locate the photo itself. Can you let me know if the story is true to the best of your knowledge? Even better, if it is true, do you know where one can find a copy of the photograph in question? Incidentally, I intend to include your site in the reference links for the article, so you can expect a large, temporary influx of traffic on your site in the next few days... anywhere from 15,000-30,000 visitors. Thanks very much for any help, and take care!

Alan Bellows

Thanks for your reply! I did not realize that I would be addressing someone who experienced the Pueblo events first-hand. I must say that I admire the tenacity demonstrated by you and your crewmates during the ordeal, and I'm glad that almost all of you made it home. As I prepare my article, is there any oft-overlooked aspect to the story that you feel could use some extra attention? And/or any common misconceptions about the events? I wish to be as accurate, thorough, and respectful as possible in my retelling. Thank you. Alan Bellows

Date: Tue, 5 Dec 2006 10:12:31 -0700

I hope this message finds you well. I've published my article about the USS Pueblo, and it can be found here: http://www.damninteresting.com/?p=588 . I was operating on a deadline, so I apologize if there was some overlooked aspect to the story which you would have suggested I include. Please feel welcome to contribute a comment on the article if you so desire (either with the site's form or by sending me a message to post on your behalf), as it will be seen by tens of thousands of readers over the next few days. I hope I did the events justice in my retelling, and I hope the article helps to immortalize the story... it is one which should be remembered always. Alan Bellows

Date: Tue, 5 Dec 2006 16:15:14 -0700

I joined the Marine Corps as an enlisted man in 1978. One of my drill instructors at Parris Island claimed to be on the Pueblo, his last name was Saldate – amazing how you never forget some people. At the time I was in boot camp he was a Staff Sergeant. Anyway, one of my classmates at the Citadel recently sent me a link to your web site. When I reviewed it I noticed that there was no such listing for a Saldate being on board. Are all the veterans of the incident listed? Could a Marine guard have been overlooked in the listing? Just curious… By the way, thanks for your service! Best regards; Joe Cal

Date: Fri, 8 Dec 2006 13:57:47 -0600

God Bless all of those who served and suffered. Thank you for your service to our Navy, country and ideals of freedom. It is a shame that the administration allowed you all to be held so long and equally shameful that your trust was betrayed by one of our own media outlets. It was a horrible thing you had to endure and I, again, wanted to say thank you for your service to all of us. Jeffrey L. Falwell

Date: Fri, 15 Dec 2006 04:59:25 -0500 As a long ago member of the Yorktown's aviation element crew I wanted to send Merry Christmas wishes to all of the crew of the Pueblo. I've always felt guilty as hell that we came up there and then left without you guys. Best wishes Alan Yates Concord, New Hampshire

Date: Fri, 15 Dec 2006 11:04:54 -0800 (PST)

Gentlemen, my name is Kenneth Fields and I thought you might be interested in how the Pueblo and its crew have touched my life on two different occasion. First, while serving combat duty as a Marine Corporal in Vietnam with "M" Company 3rd Battalion 5th Marines, I had been in Viet Nam for 10 months when the Pueblo was illegally seized by the North Koreans. Shortly after its seizure my company was placed on 1 hour alert status. This meant that within one hour we must be loading aircraft and headed for South Korea in the event of "call up". For several days we were required to stay dressed 24 hours a day with our gear packed, our field gear and weapons within arms reach and confined to our quarters and the immediate company area. We could only remove our boots at night while sleeping but must remain dressed in our utility uniform. Talking with the men of my company, we were ready, able and willing to go to S. Korea to do what we could. However, our main concern was that we were acclimated to the climate in Vietnam (hot and muggy) and could possibly be headed to Korea where it was the dead of winter. We had only light clothing and absolutely no cold weather gear. We were certain that we would arrive in Korea and freeze our butts off.(I might note here that in the 80's I was the Director of Korean Branch Operations for San Diego Navy Federal Credit Union and am familiar with the cold winters there. I have also been to Panmunjom and visited the bridge that you crossed.) The "call up" never came and we continued with our combat operations in Nam. Second, 11 months later. Now a Sgt of Marines, I was on leave enjoying Christmas with my family in Kansas. We watched your release on the news and all were happy to see you coming home. (My father was a WWII Marine.) A few days after Christmas I returned to my unit, 5th MPs, stationed at Camp Pendleton, Calif. Upon my arrival, I found that my platoon, of which I was the Platoon Sgt., had been assigned TDY to the Balboa Naval Hospital as security for the officers and crew of the Pueblo. You had already arrived there when I returned from leave. Upon arrival at Balboa Naval Hospital, I was assigned as NCOIC of the MPs. The same day, my platoon commander, a Lt. who was the OIC, departed leaving me in charge for the duration of the assignment. As you may remember, an NCO club was designated as your recreation and reception area for family. You were given unlimited long distance phone usage from the club and food was available 24/7. My office and staging area for the MPs was a room in the back of the club and we were allowed to partake in your food. As I remember it was quite a spread. We saw many of you meeting your family and friends. We visited with you and you told us stories of your capture and incarceration. One story I remember was from one of the Marines (as I recollect). He told us of how he was being beaten and kicked in the groin; at one point he looked up to his torturer and said: "You might as well stop as I can no longer feel it." I remember the day that Cmdr Bucher visited you in the club. It was evident that he really cared for all of you guys and that you, in return, really cared and respected him. I also remember the award ceremony that was held in the hospitals court yard. I do have a question, all these years I thought you had 4 Marines aboard the Pueblo but looking at your website, your crew listing only shows 2. Some things you may not be aware of: - An MP was stationed at the hospital room door of Cmdr. Bucher's. The only persons allowed in were the doctors and his wife. When his wife was in visit, no one was allowed to enter the room. - Your debrief material was stored in a round wall Quonset hut close to the NCO club. I had 2 armed Marines guarding that building 24/7. They were under strict orders that if ANYONE approached that building without a proper ID (hung around the neck by chain), that they were to shoot first and ask questions later. That is the truth as I was the one who passed that order on to them from the brass. I don't know who originated the order but it WAS passed down. As I did then, again, after 37 years, I say to you: Welcome Home! Semper Fi, Kenneth Fields, USMC NCOIC 5th MP Detachment

Date: Tuesday, December 12, 2006 2:51 PM

Best wishes to the crew and families this Holiday Season. I was so Honored to meet some of you at the last reunion, and will continue to take care of your shipmate Duane's memorial and resting place as a way of showing my respect for him and you all. God Bless Paul & Susan Schreiber

Date: Tue, 26 Dec 2006 11:12:31 -0500

Hello, My father was LTJG William A. Dennis, USN, and he worked in cryptography during the time of the Pueblo Incident. He was stationed at Kamiseya (Atsugi Air Base) and was in charge on the other end of communications with the USS Pueblo throughout the events culminating in the boarding of the Pueblo by the North Koreans. Over the years he made mention of "Operation Clickbeetle" among other things related to his work in the Navy, none of which he would ever really elaborate. At one point maybe ten years ago I came across a book on the Pueblo Incident in which the author presented a rather convoluted (but nonetheless compelling) hypothesis of espionage and counter-espionage; namely, that the US government was intent on not only playing into the hands of Soviet intelligence by "allowing" the capture of the ship and its submariner Captain Bucher, an inexperienced crew, with inadequate defenses onboard and a lack of air support, an atypically heavy load of paper documents (for an ELINT vessel), and a crypto machine that was (the author alleges) rigged in to enable US intelligence to not only plant phony intelligence for the Soviets, but to crack from the inside the Soviets' use of this "captured" crypto machine. Perhaps you or others connected to the Incident could illuminate me further on the veracity of this author's ideas? Thank you, Mark Dennis Arlington, VA

Date: Tue, 26 Dec 2006 14:48:21 -0700

How are you, and a Merry Christmas to you and yours. I keep getting invitations to a Pueblo Reunion, and I am hoping to get to one before my time is up. I considered Captain Bucher to have been one of the greatest Naval Officers that we have ever had. I think he was speaking somewhere about the Pueblo at the same time that I was speaking at the Navy Ball in San Angelo TX. I think he was at the language school in Monteray, CA but not for sure. It would have been in Oct of 2003. I was a good friend of Joe Sterling, and introduced him to his wife in Cheltenham many years ago. My question to you is brief. I have some unverified information that the Pueblo as well as other spy ships had a submarine assigned to them, and that sub was around at all times. Do you know if that is true or not? It will be interesting to see how much information NSA is going to release early in 2007 about the Liberty. If some of the unverified information that has been revealed to me is true, then I am sure they will not release everything about the Liberty. 200 years from now might not be long enough. Ron Kukal Former CTT1 USS Liberty AGTR-5