Date: Mon, 1 Oct 2007 09:25:15 -0400

We intend to commemorate the Pueblo incident 40th anniversary. Can you send us a line copy illustration of the Pueblo to be used for a USPS postal commemorative?

Phil Schreiber, Cachet chairman USS NEW JERSEY CHAPTER 90

Date: Fri, 5 Oct 2007 08:10:29 -0700

I was just a young R brancher stationed at Kami when the Pueblo was grabbed. I had just come back to the barracks from Yokohama with some buddies. It was about 6pm. We had come back early because we had our first day watch of the string the next morning. We quickly found out a lot of the guys had been yanked from the barracks that afternoon and bused to Atsugi, where they were stuffed into some CODs and flown out to the Coral Sea and some other carrier.

Chicca and Hammond had been on the Pueblo. McClintock too. Everybody was buzzing around, hoping to hear some good news, or to be in the next draft of men flown out to the carriers. I listened to my radio some before going to sleep. To my surprise I found an English voice speaking up around 1600khz. It was CDR Bucher giving his “confession”. He sounded rough. The next couple of days we kept waiting for the U.S. to take some action, any action. We KNEW that we weren’t going to leave our guys swinging in the wind like that. I even remember occasionally hesitating before using the head, not wanting to get caught sitting in there when the missiles started flying.

During the day and mid watches we always had a spare R-390 and speaker set up on Radio Pyongyang to hear the latest BS from them, but more importantly to hear who was being forced to read their confessions that particular day. Whenever we heard someone we knew, the argument would begin as to whether that was really their voice, and speculation as to how much or what type of drugs had been injected into them. We had been raised on tales of the evil KGB and their use of truth serum or other chemicals to get confessions.

We had no idea the North Koreans were so brutal and primitive. I remember the Sea of Japan being filled to the brim with ships – ours and the Soviets. I think they had just about their whole Pacific Fleet out there. We were constantly hearing rumors about small fishing boats being run down by rampaging Task Groups. But after a month or so, everybody started dispersing back to various ports, and our TAD guys started filtering back. At that point we knew there would be no war, there would be no rescue, there would be no anything.

We had believed that if anything happened to any of us, the U.S. would send the cavalry to our rescue. Not any more. After the crew was released, I was angry at all those who seemed to feel the whole thing was the fault of CDR Bucher and the crew. The attitude seemed to be that they should have fought to the death using their bare hands. The complacent attitudes of those who sent PUEBLO out there with no emergency backup if needed were the ones who should have been raked over the coals.

I guess after the LIBERTY, we should have seen that coming. What really made me proud was the fact that the men of the PUEBLO treated their captors with the same contempt and derision that CTs of that era were famous for heaping on those who were not of “The Clearance”. With your lives on the line, literally, you not only dumped on those pigs, but you rubbed their faces in it! Those confessions were works of art! I remember seeing a lot of the guys from the Pueblo in the Tunnel at Kami before they sailed. At the time I’d never heard of PUEBLO and seeing the oversize PUEBLO patches on the back of their working jackets, I remember wondering what guys from a fleet tug were doing in out spaces? (Fleet tugs were traditionally named after Indian tribes.) I knew McClintock by sight, but that was about it. Since I had been in sections 3 and 4, I knew Chicca and Hammond. Chicca was a real character. There was rarely a dull moment when he was around. Hammond sat the position next to mine for some time. He was always quiet and studious. Seemed like he was always working on correspondence courses. Great guys. I’m so sorry you guys had to go through all that you did then and since. I’ll always regret that we never came after you.

CTRC(SW) Gerald M. Geiger, USN(Ret.)

Date: Sat, 13 Oct 2007 17:27:20 -0700 (PDT)

I saw a newscast about the USS Pueblo a few weeks ago. As a american citizen, I would like to get our goverment to have North Korea to return the ship. Do you have any ideas to get this going? I'm serious about this. God bless.

Melody Rodgers Flagstaff, Arizona

Date: Wed, 17 Oct 2007 02:39:37 -0700 (PDT)

Hello. My name is Kyle Nappi. I am 17 years old and I live in Ostrander , Ohio ( USA ). I was wondering if you could do me a favor.

I have a big interest in history, specifically WWII. I collect military medals, patches, badges, insignia, field gear, and a very unique thing, veteran autographs. I have a scrapbook collection of autographs from military veterans who served during WWI, WWII, Korea , Vietnam , Gulf War, and the present war in Iraq . I have been interested in history for over 5 years now, and I have collected the autographs and stories from nearly 1,600 veterans in 20 countries. The oldest veteran was 111 years old and the youngest is presently serving in Iraq.

I have autographs from Pearl Harbor survivors, D-Day veterans, airman, POWs, USS Indianapolis survivors, Holocaust survivors, and even German soldiers! I personally believe that war history is an interesting subject, and one worth the time to study. It is a shame when people, especially my age, have no idea about the events of the past. When we were watching the Omaha Beach scene on Saving Private Ryan in my social studies class and one my classmates asked the teacher if we were fighting the Japanese!

I have recently begun branching out to the German side of WWII and it is a very interesting subject. I have contacted U-Boat captains, Panzer Tank Commanders, Luftwaffe Aces, Conspirators within the Third Reich, and the last people to see Hitler alive in the bunker in Berlin . Some of them were younger than I am when they were being ordered to fight until the last man!

Two years ago, I was able to fly in a B-17, and a WWII POW was one of the other passengers! I have also been to Washington , D.C. , and was able to see all of the war memorials. It was a great trip, because I had the honor of laying the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington , VA.

I have also had the privilege of visiting the Wilson ’s Creek battlefield, outside of Springfield Missouri . It was one of the first battles of the Civil War, in which the first Union general was killed since the war of 1812. At one point, I was standing on Bloody Hill, in which nearly 1,600 soldiers where killed. It was very moving.

Back in January (of 2006), the Columbus Dispatch (a central Ohio newspaper) printed an article about my interest in history and my collection of autographs. I have attached a copy of the article with this letter. Here is the website where you can find that article: http://www.dispatch.com/dispatch/contentbe/dispatch/2006/01/02/20060102-D1-04.html

Recently, I have been trying to contact the last surviving veterans of WWI. There are only 23 alive, worldwide, and I have autographs from 21 of them (7 now deceased). I was trying to find one in particular who lives in a nursing home in Italy . I came across an article about him and I wrote to the columnist of the article, asking how I could contact the WWI veteran. He gave me his address and printed an article about my collection of autographs…in their Italian newspaper! Here is the website where you can find that article: http://www3.varesenews.it/busto/articolo.php?id=74733

Back in June, I was interview by Brent Davis, who works for PBS. He called my in early-June and asked if I wanted to come down to talk about my collection for an interview that was to shown online. Once, I was there, I met Mr. Davis, and he did the first interview about my collection. After that, he and others that worked there, thought that I had a good amount in my collection, so they asked me if they could interview me for "The Columbus World War II Roadshow." They mentioned that it was to come on (in Central-Ohio) before some of the episodes of Ken Burns’ "The War." Here is the website where you can watch my first interview: http://www.ohiowarstories.org/?q=node/293

Now, this is not the interview that will be shown on television. This was another interview that took place before the television one. The television interview was on September 23 at 7:00 p.m. on PBS, but you were not able to see it because it was only shown in central-Ohio. You can also find this interview on YouTube under "Kyle Nappi." I had also had the privilege of attending the Gathering of Mustangs and Legends, here in Columbus, Ohio. I have also begun contacting numerous worldwide veteran organizations, such as the DAV, VFW, and many, many more. Three of them, one an Australian veteran organization, another a VFW post in Arizona, and the Blinded Veterans Association, posted my request on their website. Here is where you can find them: http://www.clubsonline.com.au/news/index.cfm?fuseaction=display_main&NewsID=1067&orgid=195&cfid http://vfwpost10227.org/Incoming.aspx http://www.bva.org/sum07bulletin/ofnote.html

I have attached a questionnaire with this E-mail. If you are able to contact any USS Pueblo veterans, would you mind to provide them with a copy of my questionnaire? If they could receive the questionnaire, answer the questions, autograph it, and mail it to me, I would really appreciate it. If this is not possible, would there be a way to "post" my request? Again, if you could put me in touch with any military veterans, I would really appreciate it. Please let me know if this is possible. My main purpose for writing it to share with you that people from our generation do remember the past and the sacrifices that were made for our great country. I would greatly appreciate it if you could pass the word around that there are people who remember. I would like to hear back from you. Thank you very much for your time.

Sincerely, Kyle Nappi

Date: Fri, 19 Oct 2007 07:05:48 -0400

I am one of the co-founders of www.uniforms-4u.com. We provide active duty and retired servicemen with military dress uniforms and insignias. We would like to know if it would be possible for you to add a link to our website on http://www.usspueblo.org/ and/or in the newsletter you send, if any. I would really appreciate any help you could provide us. I will make sure to send you the simple html for the link to add, once you confirm that it is possible.

Thanks and have a great day! Kate

Date: Sat, 27 Oct 2007 13:29:36 EDT

Hello, My name is Joe Kuster and I live in the Seattle, WA area. Two weeks ago I returned from a trip to North Korea and had an opportunity to go aboard the USS Pueblo.

On the Pueblo we were shown a propaganda video that gives their "version" of what happened. None of Americans actually believed a single word of what they told us, but it did cause me to want to learn absolutely as much as possible about the events of 1968. I was born in 1972 and so I can't have a memory of the actual events as they happened. I've ordered all the books I can find on the subject and cannot wait to get through all of them. Then I happened upon this website and saw that one Gene Lacy lives very near me. I am sure it is an extremely long shot, but I was wondering if it would be even remotely possible for me to contact him and spend some time listening to whatever he may be willing to tell me about the event and his experiences. I am not a writer, journalist, photographer or anything related to that. I would only be interested in sitting down with him or talking on the phone with him. If you could point me in the direction of locating or contacting him, I would be forever grateful.

Thank you, Joe Kuster

Date: Mon, 29 Oct 2007 19:53:42 -0400 (EDT)

You may already have this information, but it is additional detail to Stu Russell’s account. I was doing research on my “Service” to our Country for a Veterans Day program at Church, dates and time lines. I though of the PUEBLO incident; It is one of the most memorable event I experienced while serving in the Coast Guard. (I went out on the internet and Googled the PUEBLO, found your web site.. ) I was stationed as a Seaman on board the USCG WINNEBAGO that PUEBLO was moored alongside.

15 Oct 1967 Winnebago, 1945 WPG / WHEC-40 Call sign: NRUB

As I remember, the WINNEBAGO arrived in Yokosuka, after a 30 day Ocean Station Patrol. PUEBLO had to give up her dockside mooring due to protocol. The WINNEBAGO’s Commanding Officer, Captian Samuel Taylor, out ranked Commander Bucher.

The WINNEBAGO departed for a second stint on Ocean Station. While on station we got word that you had been attacked and taken captive. We went on full alert in preparation for the worst, as did most if not all of the military units in the Pacific.Although I did not have much interaction with the Crew on board while we were along side each other. But during that episode and since, you ALL have been in my Thoughts and Prayers. I thank God the event did not turn out for the worse. Howard W Steele

 

Date: Sat, 3 Nov 2007 09:41:43 -0700

I was a Third Class Petty Officer aboard the USS Ranger (CVA-61) S-7 Division when the Pueblo was boarded. The Ranger was making air strikes in Nam when we got the order to proceed to Korea. The next morning we were somewhere off the coast of Korea. We were in the second of my cruises to Nam where it was always warm. No one was ready for the cold of that area because most of our cold weather gear was back in the U.S. in storage. I was with the ship off Korea for the next 50 days until I was flown to Japan for return to the US for discharge.

Michel J. Bethune

Date: Tue, 6 Nov 2007 16:15:56 -0500

Could you tell me please if there is a 40th reunion planned for 2008? I was 10 years old when the Pueblo and her crew were taken captive. I have a framed autographed picture of Commander Bucher in my den.

God bless you, Charles Frank

Date: Fri, 9 Nov 2007 11:58:38 -0800

I am publisher of the daily Lahontan Valley News, of Fallon, Nevada, home of NAS Fallon and the Navy’s “Top Gun” school. I am planning to write articles for the upcoming (January, 2008) 40th anniversary of the USS Pueblo’s seizure. I was an Army Reserve captain when the crew returned to San Diego from captivity in late Dec., 1968 and because of my status as an Army intelligence officer, was present at the crew’s press conference and debriefing at the San Diego Naval Hospital. I would like to visit with any survivors to interview them.

I see from your crew’s list that Seaman Stephen P. Ellis has a Henderson, Nevada address. Would he speak with me? Can you give me his address? I am now retired as a National Guard brigadier general and my articles would be very favorable to the USS Pueblo crew and the ordeals they have gone through.

David C. Henley

Date: Mon, 12 Nov 2007 11:38:18 -0800 (PST)

My name is Tim Day, I was at the DMZ when you were released from North Korea. I have a series of pictures, and wanted to know if might be interested in them?

Date: Tue, 13 Nov 2007 10:24:20 -0900

My name is Amy Evans. I am a student in Ms. Behner's A.P. U.S. History class and we are currently working on our history day projects. I was wondering if there would be someone able to communicate with me when I have questions. The help would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you, Amy

Date: Wed, 14 Nov 2007 08:17:01 -0500

I am researching the Pueblo to do an illustration of the ship. I have only been able to find the most basic of lines drawings. Would any of your members have something more detailed? I am particularly interested in getting drawings of the hull sections so I can get that shape right, but any drawings would be of great help. I am attaching a low-res copy of one of my illustrations so you get an idea of my work. Once I get the drawing of the Pueblo done, I will be happy to provide your site with a copy. Sincerely, Jim Caiella

Date: Fri, 30 Nov 2007 17:31:21 -0500

Hi, What do you think of this incident with a North Korean ship. We have time to save there ship but could not help our own.

Donald Witmer CTO2 1964 - 1968

Date: Wed, 5 Dec 2007 09:36:46 -0600

I was on the USS Yorktown when we were sent to Korean for, what we thought was your rescue mission. I can remember when we were told over the intercom that we were going in to get you that morning of the night we arrived. Our carrier was blocking the entrance to the harbor and I can remember all the fishing boats with their lights on. Our first thought was that we did not stand a chance with all these boats surrounding us until we had one of the boats go right under our number two elevator and they looked at us as we did them. We were an antisubmarine aircraft carrier and all our planes were recipes. The E1B and the S2E if my memory is correct. The first three days were the most stressful because reality set in when we came up from General Quarters and saw our planes loaded with nuclear radiation decals on the bombs with Marine guards around the aircrafts.

I can't remember if we were the first task group their or the Enterprise but I do remember that we had discovered so many unidentified submarines that the USS Enterprise only stayed for a few days and was replaced with the Kitty Hawk I think. The history books never mention the USS Yorktown but I do know we were willing to give our all to save our all of you our Navy buddies. We stayed on station for 47 days and then were relieved to continue our mission to Viet Nam.

The memories of your sacrifice to this day and treatment by our government will never leave my memory. I am honored that I and we of the USS Yorktown had served to save true heroes. God Bless you and your service and sacrifices and I truly think all of you as my heroes and inspiration to you; true patriots. Your sacrifices will always be with me and the Crew of the USS Yorktown and my family forever.

Your Navy Comrade, Seaman David B. Chambers V-3 Division

Date: Tue, 11 Dec 2007 14:22:22 -0500

My name is James Scott, and I am writing a book on the U.S.S. Liberty for Simon and Schuster. One of the points I am making in my book is that had Congress and the Navy properly investigated the attack on the Liberty then the Pueblo may very well have had a different fate.

I noticed on your Web site that you all raise some of the same questions I have: "Just exactly how did the Navy absorb the experiences of the Liberty and use that knowledge to more fully protect the Pueblo? What revised procedures did the Defense Department institute take to protect its valuable assets? How did the courage, determination and heroics of Captain McGonagle differ from those exhibited by Commander Bucher? All mostly unanswered questions, but well worthy of further research and study, lest it happen again."

I was hoping I might be able to chat with someone in the U.S.S. Pueblo Veteran's Association about these ideas. Thanks in advance for your assistance.

Best, James Scott Harvard University

Date: Fri, 14 Dec 2007 12:31:09 -0500

My name is Charles Frank and I found your name on the U.S.S. Pueblo Website. I hope that you and your family will have a wonderful Christmas and holiday season. Is there going to be a 40th reunion in 2008? I have read Commander Bucher’s book and he was a wonderful man, just as are all of the other men of the Pueblo. It will be an honor to hear from you.

Best regards, Charles Frank Burbank, California

Date: Mon, 17 Dec 2007 10:24:32 -0500

An account of a recent visitor to the Pueblo http://www.gadling.com/2007/12/17/infiltrating-north-korea-part-12-a-north-korean-history-lesson/

Amit Trehan

Date: Thu, 20 Dec 2007 16:27:36 -0500

I was with the 17th Infantry Regiment for fourteen months. Our mission was to stay in a constant state of readiness in case the North Koreans came across the border again. We were dedicated to our mission and took it to heart. I returned Fort Benning Ga. in Late 1967.

After the ship was taken, I ran into a kid I had served with in Korea at the PX. I still remember how fired up we were, although we had not liked our tour over there, we really were eager to go back and get our guys and our ship back. But of course it was not to be.

I just wanted you to know that even though we were Army, and ground ponders. we were with you in sprit, and I have thought of you (our comrades in Arms ) ever sense off and on. I do hope that those of you who remain, live out your lives in peace and happiness. And know that your countrymen have always been proud of you, your commander and your ship.

Sincerely Walter D. Brinkley Pvt. Former United States Army 17th Infantry, Seventh Infantry Division Republic of Korea

Date: Wed, 26 Dec 2007 16:14:41 +0100

In April 2007 I visited North Horea during a business trip and we also were able to see the "USS Pueblo" in Pyongyang. During the tour on the ship I noticed a flag, which lay in a glass vitrine. Attached as pictured. Do you have information or probably a picture/sketch? What does the flag look like full sized? As I think there is a motif on the flag. It would be great if you could help me.

Kind regards and best wishes from Germany Florian Wuest

 

Date: Wed, 26 Dec 2007 16:23:00 +0100

Thanks for a fine and moving site! I am a radio historian looking for crew and pictures of the USS Deal, referred to on your site http://www.usspueblo.org/v2f/association/guests102002.html by Les Wright Thu, 14 Nov 2002 12:02:41 EST "I noticed today that North Korea has decided not to return the Pueblo. Hadn't thought about that ship in many years. In 1968 Newsweek in conjunction with its reporting published a picture of the Pueblo that certainly looked like the USS Deal AKL-2 ( I am a former XO in the Deal). The picture I see today on your websight looks somewhat different, but your request for information mentions a USS Banner which I'm sure was an AKL operating in the Solomons (I think in the 50's). I also noticed a letter from one who worked on the Pueblo's conversion (?) in Bremerton -- the Deal was decommisioned in 1955 (I had been reassigned but received an invitation to the party) in Bremerton. Anyhow, would like to know if the Deal is the Pueblo, and if it is and the Association would like an 8X10 glossy of the Deal entering Sasebo harbor in 1952 after delivering ammunition to the Marines in Inchon, its theirs for the asking.

Les Wright Portland, OR"

Date: Friday, December 28, 2007 8:08 AM

Just found your web site and it brings back vivid memories of that date the Pueblo was taken. I was chasing ditties and doing HFDF on Adak. We were all sick over the incident and extremely disappointed that little or no action was taken to recover the crew and vessel. My last tour of duty was at Northwest and I believe the J. Layton was there but I didn't get to meet him.

Thanks for the site. Howard Dahill

Date: Fri, 28 Dec 2007 12:50:13 -0500

I am a writer/researcher for TIME Magazine who is part of an editorial team that is preparing a special issue of TIME devoted entirely to the tumultuous events of the year 1968. (This issue will be released in 2008, in observance of that year's 40th anniversary.) As part of our reporting, we are reaching out to people who were participants in or eyewitnesses to these events. Because the Pueblo Crisis was a milestone event in 1968, we would be very grateful for the chance to speak with one or more of the ship's surviving crew members. We are hoping that your organization can put us in touch with these men. Whenever you have a moment, please message back (or give me a call, at 917-673-0865). I would very much appreciate the opportunity to familiarize you with the details of this project, and answer any questions you may have.

Regards, -Matthew Fenton

Date: 30 Dec 2007 21:07

Can you please e-mail me a high resolution image (scan) of the USS. PUEBLO's logo in black&white and/or in color? I would appreciate this very much! I have the image of the jacket patch and I need a clear printed one. Thank you very much for your kind support. Have a great New Year 2008!

Sincerely, Wolfgang Hechler