Date: Mon, 4 Oct 1999 23:26:47 EDT

I just found you site. Well done.

Two of us have been investigating and writing a book about the Marine aircrew that encountered an uncharted cable car system in northern Italy on February 3, 1998, resulting in the deaths of 20 civilians. In our book, we mention other events where the US turned its back on the people involved.

Specifically talk about the Pueblo and the Liberty. I have attached the first open letter I sent about the accident. Our book should be out before Christmas. I look forward to talking with someone about the Pueblo.

I was in Guam on a submarine, when you were attacked. Our CO said make preparations to get underway in 5 minutes. There is more.

Richard McPherson, USN RET.

Date: Tue, 12 Oct 1999 21:20:24 +0900

Hello!

My mame is Kim Dong Gyu and I'm a Korean HIgh School Student. With my friends I made a homepage named "Time Travel to Korean War." Although there are many mistakes, my friends and I are very proud ofour homepage. Please come to see our homepage and write down your feeling and opinion on our guest room. And please tell your friends to visit our homepage "Time travel to Korean War." Our homepage address is http://library.advanced.org/28386

Thank you!
from Kim Dong Gyu

Date Wed, 13 Oct 1999 155234 EDT

Been watching the site as it has improved and grown.. It is looking great.

I was Chief, Intelligence Branch, Military Intelligence Division, ACofS, G-2, 8th US Army at time of USS PUEBLO incident and the Blue House Raid incident just a few day before. I participated in the response.

One of the considered responses was the use of a tactical nuclear weapons airburst over WONSAN HAROBR to deny access to the USS PUEBLO. Of course, if that would have occurred there would have been some undesireable side effects. My supervisor at that time was LTC Jason Martin, US Army who requested my input into the airburst tact nuke over WONSAN. I do not know where he is currently located and if someone in your organization could help locate him, I am sure he could give some eye opening information if he was will to speak about it.

My first choice was to use conventional weapons concurrent with rescue of crew with special forces. I was told that was not what I was being asked. I was being asked about support for tactical nuke airburst over WONSAN. My response was an 8 point memo that had 5 items against the use of the nuke and 3 for its use. It went out as TS, NOFORN, LIMIDIS, EYES ONLY.

The first item was against (1) The stated mission of UNC is to keep the peace. A first strick tactical nuke over WONSAN would hardly be in keeping witht he stated mission of UNC. The second item (2) US ought to negotiate to get crew and ship back. We ought to set the example for other countries in a peacable and negotiated settlement. The third item (3) There was intelligence from NK POLITBURO that NK intended to force US into a war in Korea in order to force a second major front (war) when US troop levels reached 500,000 in Vietnam. To use a nuke weapon would create the opportunity for NK to launch an offensive. (The public number of the troop level was 550,000 and the number I was using was 650,00 US troops).

More later. Must leave now.

Bob Liskey

Date: Wed, 13 Oct 1999 14:06:40 -0700

Just three cheers for your web page.

I was one of the two Army officers standing at the end of the bridge when you guys came back across the bridge and got into the busses. I did get in some "heat" when you all decided to take showers before going up to the mess hall to meet General Bonesteel. He kept asking "Where are they?" as he and the press were waiting in the mess hall. In the meantime, you all were getting showers, which had NOT been in the plan.

I was on the negotiating team for most of your internment --- a very frustrating assignment --- but the highlight of my military career was when each of you came walking across the bridge!!

W. A. Bart Hanchett
LTC, Artillery, US Army Retired

Date Thu, 14 Oct 1999 154614 EDT

Found my way to your website today almost by accident, but was intrigued.

At the time of the incident I had orders to the Pueblo and was waiting for her in Yokosuka. I had taken a tour of the USS Banner the day before, and the only thing I knew was that I was not looking forward to spending a year on anything that small.

I was a CTR2 then, enroute from NSGA Homestead, FL. After the capture of the ship I was sent to Kami Seya on indefinite TAD awaiting new orders. After 13 watches I was sent to the PI where I spent a year riding carriers. While at Kami Seya I felt really weird much of the time, as my locker was right next to those of Sgts. Hammond and Chicca. It was a constant reminder of how lucky I was.

Regards,
Bill Branick

Date Tue, 19 Oct 1999 172112 -0500

I just happened to access your web site and found it interesting. I was
an information officer in Korea during the time of the Pueblo capture
and served as a press liaison officer (1st LT) handling media during the
release of Capt. Bucher and his crew. The reason I'm e-mailing is not
to offer additional information, but rather the fact that I took several
hundred photos during the first hours of their release and would be
happy to consider digging them out of my archives should they be of any
interest to you. Best regards, John Earl

Date Thu, 21 Oct 1999 173211 EDT

Hi Folks just a note to say thanks for this web site.

I was the radioman in the first whaleboat to go over to the USS LIBERTY after she was attacked by the Israelis in June 67. Then I got promoted to civilian and got out. I couldn't understand how little was known about that incident by the people back home and then the Pueblo happened and my first thought was that the idiots that sent the Liberty in had done it again. I still hold that thought and feel that both crews were left hanging out to dry.

That the history is there is true, that the truth is there is not. It was my pleasure to go to Fort Mead this summer and see the fine job that the museum there has done in honoring both of your crews. I hope more people go there and see the museum and take a long hard look at what I call the wall of ultimate honor and horror. My hat is still off to you all and God Bless.
Gerald Surette, Former RM3 USS DAVIS DD937

Date: Sun, 24 Oct 1999 15:28:44 EDT

i was assigned to the usaf security service as a radio intecept analyst from 1964 through1968. just after the pueblo "incident" i was recalled from a temporary assignment at kelly air force base in texas to san angelo texas(goodfellow air force base, 6947 security squadron) and told to stand by for reassignment for a temoprary assignment to osan air force base, korea. i think i was back at goodfellow on a monday waiting transportation to osan korea. i was not allowed to leave the air force base for my departure was supposedly imminent. on thursday i questioned when i would be leaving to depart for korea. i was informed that transportation for my outfit had not been requested and that this request would be now put in place . this was identified as an oversite my higher headquarters. as far as i understand the situation my higher headquarters was the national security agency under a contract with the air force. we departed on saturday morning arriveng in south korea the following monday morning. seems like a long time to be of any assistance. when i arrived at my duty station one of my responsiblities was replotting the north korean intercepts identifying the location of your ship the day of capture. i replotted the morse code and voice intercepts of north korean transmissions and each time it showed your ship in international waters. i was required to do this plotting many times during my six month stay at osan, korea. don't know if this is any help , just thought i'd pass it on... thanks for reading and god bless. what a very cold place to be.

Name not given.

Date: 10/24/99 8:51:47 PM Pacific Daylight Time

Dear Mr Russell,

I saw your posting in the sci.military.naval newsgroup regarding the USS Pueblo. I wanted to say thank you to you and the officers and crew of the Pueblo for keeping the faith during your ordeal. I was just a little kid at the time, but I have been reading the books (just finished Cmdr. Bucher's) and am amazed at how you all held-up through what you were put through.

For what it's worth, I think you guys were screwed by the navy (Cmdr Bucher in particular) when you got back. I was, however, very surprised that a nuclear ultimatum was given to the Koreans. Nice to know that Pres. Johnson had some backbone about it after all. The sad part is it appears that very nearly the same type of event can happen today, as the naval beauracracy hasn't gotten any smaller in the mean time. :-( Anyway, I like the web site and thanks for reading this.

Mark Greene

Date: Tue, 26 Oct 1999 07:25:16 -0700

I found your web site this morning after doing a search for information on the USS Pueblo. Very interesting. I have heard alot about an event that gets little meantion, thank you.

I am a frequent reader of the North Korean News webpage, because I think it is important to know what an enemy thinks and there was an article about the USS Pueblo today. http://www.kcna.co.jp

The surest way to corrupt a youth is to instruct him to hold in higher regard those who think alike than those who think differently.
- Nietzche

Mark Buchholz

First of all, I would like to say, I salute the crew of the USS Pueblo for the sacrifices they made for our country. As a member of our nations armed forces, I feel that you handled yourselves in a manner that lends credit to the American Armed Forces. May God bless you for the sacrifice.

Several years ago I came across a document that contained hearings held by a Select Subcommittee of the Armed Forces Committee chaired by F Edward Hebert' of Louisiana. The hearings were held in 1971 and concerned communications that occurred with the USS Liberty, the USS Pueblo, and the EC121. In the hearings it talks about the timing that took place on the OPREP-3 Pinnacle reports transmitted by the Pueblo. Basically it boils down to the point the second OPREP-3 saying that you were being boarded prior to the first OPREP saying that you were under attack.

In my job as a Command Post controller, I have used the testimony to give briefings on the importance of OPREPs and why the timing is so critical. Command Posts within the Air Force are responsible for preparing and submitting the OPREP reports. The testimony from the subcommittee's hearings are excellent for doing that.

Right now I am an inspector with the Air Education and Training Command's Inspector General Team and am preparing an article about the Pueblo for publication in The Inspector General. The basis of the article is to talk about why the timing on the reports is so critical. This article will be read AF wide.

Recently while out on an inspection at one of our bases, I flipped to the History Channel and caught a program about the Pueblo. I found it to be even more informative but raised a several questions I need to get answered for the article I am preparing. There was a discrepancy in the show on which type of aircraft overflew your vessel during the attack. The first one concerns the type aircraft that overflew your vessel during the attack. I heard the term MIG-21 used (I believe by Commander Bucher) but later in the show it was said the aircraft were MIG-19s. I also saw a book, the title which eludes me now, which said the aircraft were MIG 17s. Could you please clarify that part for me. Also the show said that the torpedo boats were attacking you using 37 millimeter guns but from your web page I see it was 57 millimeter guns. Again, I need clarification. Additionally, there was a crypto device on your ship which was used to encode and decode messages. The show said the device was the KW-7 but the book said it was a KL-7 (or vice versa). Again, if someone remembers and can clarify for me it would be much appreciated. The significance of the crypto device is it was not completely destroyed and believed to have ended up in the hands of the Russians. American intelligence officials believed at the time that even if it wasn't entirely destroyed neither the NK nor Russians couldn't do anything with it. That was before they knew about John Walker.

In my command right now, I have a very young force. Most of the Command Posts I inspect have an E-7 and the other individuals are E-3 and below. Our experience level is very low. Unfortuantely, most of the E-7s have recently retrained into the career field so they are also fairly inexperienced. My objective of the article is to show them the importance of OPREPs and why the timing is so critical. Often these kids report the simple ones like inflight emergencies, fire, DWIs, etc. With our lack of inexperience and the current ops tempo these kids could one day wake up deployed to a hot spot and will have to do more than the routine OPREPs. One other thing, I didn't see any reference to this in your web sit, but LBJ said in his autobiography, The Vantage Point, he believed you were specifically targeted to divert the US attention from the build up of the North Vietnamese for the Tet Offensive. I thank you for your support in finding an answer to my questions and I again thank you for your service. God Bless!
 
Respectfully,
 
William L. "Loyd" Patton, III, MSgt, USAF
Chief, Command Control Inspections
HQ AETC/IG    

Date: Tue, 2 Nov 1999 13:31:24 EST

Don,

Finally had time to go through the entire web site today (~ 3 hours) and read every word and followed every link. It's truly a great and inspired effort.

I sent the items I mentioned to Don Peppard. Hope they might be of use to you guys for whatever purpose, as a footnote to history, or something like that. I'll send the orders along, too, if I can find where I put them. They're interesting in only for the sheer numbers of endorsements garnered as I bounced around looking for a home.

I noted in the newsletter on the site that Ralph McClintock had obtained the three-hour Korcom video. Is there any chance that it will in any shape be released to the public, or that it will be in any manner viewable?

Regards, Bill Branick

I am humbled by the bravery of the Pueblo crew. Veteran's Day is
approaching us soon, and I personally would like to say how proud I am
of the crew members. I hope that this great country of ours, will stop
and reflect upon you and those of you who have since passed on. A
faithful Seaman, George Brubaker RM1 USN-R (ret)

Date: Thu, 4 Nov 1999 21:06:40 -0500

I am an Air Force Korean Linguist.

I have 20 years plus and I am still in service. I was stationed in Korea earlier this year when the Pueblo was moved from Wonsan Harbor to the Nampo Harbor.

The imagery folks found it at Nampo the day it was docked, but as far as I know, there were no reports of the movement until after it happened.

When I found out, I was shocked and amazed. It would have been great to know in advance and reclaim it on the high seas.

The North Koreans obviously made the transit with as low a profile as possible. It was a great opportunity for the Navy to seize it. After all, it is still a US Navy vessel is it not?

Who could have blamed us for taking it back. The Pook Kook's story of how they moved it would be interesting to hear.

I am glad they are keeping it floating, even if it is to suite their sorted propaganda strategy.

If the Koreas ever unite, I would love to go see it. I haven't been to Ft Meade in a while, but the pictures and stories on your web site are great.
 
Thanks.

Kevin Mims

Date Fri, 5 Nov 1999 214940 EST

i was born after the event but have heard alot and don't think the crew got enought reconition for what they went for thought i would say thanks for being there for the american people.

also i read somewere that the uss pueble is still listed on the us navy's active list is that true and why when we do not even have the ship

once again thanks scott browning cincinnati

Date Sat, 06 Nov 1999 133557 -0900

As time lapses and we all learn more and more of the special circumstances of PUEBLO and her crew's (esp Llyod) ordeal, our suspicions seem to be confirmed that the nation owes this crew and that CO a special note of thanks that medals and commendations would not provide.

The North Koreans did not win by their acts ... today they are even more destitute of economy and spirit than they were in the 1960's.

I remember the incident will being OPS on USS COONTZ at the time. The feeling of brotherhood with PUEBLO's crew at the time has only grown with time.

You have a beautiful web site; it carries a strong message. In the end, this crew are understood to be the victors in this chapter of the COLD/hot war.

Thanks from a Tin Can Sailor Keith Ott Captain, USN (ret)

Date: Sun, 14 Nov 1999 22:36:59 -0800

Hello:

I came across your web page while surfing the net this evening and would like to thank you for the superb job you have done putting it together.

There is one area that I may be able to help you with: In the background section "To Japan and the Mission", Stu Russell made a statement that "No drills were evaluated for destruction of sensitive publications, or equipment". That may be true, but there was an emergency destruction bill in place before your underway training began.

I served on the USS Kalmia (ATA-184) as an RM1 at the time. We were tied up across the pier from Pueble at the ASW base when you arrived in San Diego. We worked for the Fleet Training Group most of the time in those days where we launched and recovered remote controlled aircraft and boats, towed targets and acted as assist ship for Communication drills.

Cdr Bucher was friends with our CO (Lt. Fellis) (a mustang also) and shortly after the Peuble arrived he came aboard our ship for a visit. He was worried that his Radioman (an RM3 with little sea experienc) might need some help getting ready for underway training and asked if we could help.

My CO brought him to the Radio Shack and we made arrangements for me to spend some time on Pueble the next day. Don't remember much about what we covered, but I do remember that we created an Emergency Destruction Bill that was patterned after my own. Our allowances for classified material and equipment was almost identical and it didn't take a lot of work to make the necessary modifications. In those days, the Fleet Training Group didn't do much in this area other than to check to see if the bill existed and that it covered everything that you had in the Radio Shack. I remember this so clearly because when the messages started coming in that you had been captured, Capt. Fellis spent most of his time in the Radio Shack watching for news about the Pueble. The subject came up many times in coversations we had. He was very concerned about his friend CDR Bucher and we all relieved when you were finally released. Regards; Don Gillispie RMC (Ret.)

Date: Sun, 21 Nov 1999 17:00:45 -0700

Hi, I frequently communicate with Don Gillispie (USS Kalmia), as I was a staff radioman at COMTRAPAC SDIEGO, and we handled communication guard for the Kalmia, as well as the Targeteer (The two smallest aircraft carriers in the world) Circa: 1963-1966. While I never had the personal dealings with the PUEBLO, I was stationed at the NAVCOMMSTA GUAM Message Center when the whole thing went down. I recall vividly, some of the communications "intercepted" from COMNAVFOR JAPAN, and COMNAVAIRFORPAC, and they made us pretty damned mad, for there but for the grace of God, could have been us... they left you guys out to dry, but in fact I ALSO remember that we began to harvest a wealth of intell', within 6 months, after they got the ship.

I always wondered if indeed, the thing was planned out as a set-up, as submitted by a book I read on the subject. Just know this... your brother sailors would have come to your aid, had they been permitted... and all of us prayed for your safe return... no kidding! Welcome Home.

Tom Dailey - former RMC, USN

Date Thu, 25 Nov 1999 104611 -0500

I have a small website that has become my hobby and it is in honor of all Veterans,I have placed a link to your U.S.S. Pueblo site on my "link" page.The information on your site is very informative and I am ashamed to say that until today,I was only familiar with the name of the ship,but not the incident.

Please visit my site and if you dont want me to link to your site let me know.Thank you

Honor the Veterans http//www.angelfire.com/nh/honorvets

W.Kissinger

Date: Fri, 26 Nov 1999 07:00:47 -0500

Just a quick note to say Semper Fidelis. From a gyrene 73 -76. I still love my country but am more loyal to our people as the government doesn't deserve men like you. God bless Peace and Health to all.

James Hackett

Date Mon, 29 Nov 1999 163349 -0500

My name is Paul Pierce and, while on active duty in the US Navy, I was a Cryptologic Technician. I had been stationed at the American Embassy in Nicosia, Cyprus and at San Vito Dei Normanni Air Station in Italy with Joe Sterling from 1963 - 1965. I was stationed at Naval Security Group Activity, Skaggs Island, California when Pueblo was captured, and was sent to San Diego as a member of the debriefing team when the crew returned to CONUS at the end of December 1968.

By the time of the crew's return, I had received orders to USS Palm Beach (AGER-3), and reported for duty in March of '69. We made a Med Cruise between late April '69 and mid October '69, and decommissioned in late November. Between June 1971 and June 1973, I was stationed at NAVCOMSTA, Norfolk at the receiver site at Northwest, Virginia. Both Jimmy Layton and Don Bailey were stationed there at the same time. There was also one other Pueblo crewmember whose name I can't currently recall who was at Northwest at the same time. He wasn't a CT, but was assigned to the firehouse at Northwest.

I am currently attempting to contact two other Palm Beach crewmembers who were on the ship at the same time I was. Gunners Mate James Maxwell was a plankowner on Palm Beach and stayed till the end. Bob Moroz was a CT and was assigned to Palm Beach at the same time I was. If my efforts to contact them are successful, I'll pass this along to them. Paul
Pierce Waldorf, Maryland

Date: Tue, 30 Nov 1999 14:15:55 -0600

Hello, My Name is TSgt. William E. Pacholski of the United States Air Force. I am an instructor at the Airman Leadership School at McConnell AFB, Wichita KS. Part of the curriculum that we teach at the school is dedicated to the Code of Conduct.

I want to know if I can purchase the Film about the Pueblo incident starring Hal Holbrooke from your organization. This film will be used to enhance this portion of the curriculum. I remember seeing this film when I was younger and it has always remained with me. This film is very powerful and it will give our students an understanding of the suffering and courage of the crew of the USS Pueblo.

In addition, I would like to know if it is possible if a former crew member would like to come to our school and discuss their experiences while in captivity.
TSgt. William E. Pacholski
Thank you

Date: Thu, 09 Dec 1999 12:30:11 PST

Shipmate, I'm Cryptologic Technician (Maintenance) (Surface Warfare) Senior Chief Petty Officer John Warrick. I'm currently attending the Navy's Senior Enlisted Academy in Newport Rhode Island. Each of us have been tasked with presenting a lecture on Naval Heritage. I'm doing my on the Naval Security Group, more specifically, the USS Pueblo incident. I've found almost all of the data I need, but I'm down to wrapping the project up, and I'm stuck on a few details. My brief is due in the morning, so if this is received this afternoon, and anyone can possibly provide me with some data, I would appreciate it immensly.

I've thoroughly looked over your website and there is a lot of great data there. Thanks for the effort! OK, on to the question. I know as a CTM I should already know this, but I'm ashamed to admit I do not. At any rate, here are the questions: 1) What was the outcome of the Court of Inquiry against Cdr. Bucher? 2) As I understand it, there was also a Congressional Inquiry in March and April of 1969, but I cannot find anywhere what the Court of Inquiry or the Congressional Inquiry determined. Was he convicted of any crime? Referred to a Courts Martial? 3) If I'm seeing the photos right on the site, it appears there was a special hearing by the Investigations Subcommitteeon June 23, 1989. I would assume it would have been to clear his name of any wrong doing? Again, any information you can provide would be greatly appreciated. Again, I reviewed the information on the site in detail so you shouldn't have to provide any detailed back ground info; just the basic info concerning the Court and Congressional inquiries.

Thanks in advance, CTMCS(SW) John R. Warrick CTM Senior Detailer Navy Personnel Command, Bureau of Naval Personnel

Date: Fri, 10 Dec 1999 15:00:11 EST

Does the association have any for sale ? I have a Shoulder Patch in my collection but no ships Jacket Patch. Thanks. Ron Reeves HTC (ret.)

Date: Wed, 15 Dec 1999 23:05:10 -0500 I don't know if you received my earlier Email so am sending you this info again just in case. I finished my website and thought it would be of interest to you and your fellow crewmember. The address is: http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Lights/2052 Included in our site is a tribute to your crew as well as a tribute to the crew of the Navy EC121 which was shot down in '69. We were there flying missions everyday around the clock, but you probably weren't made aware before or after your ordeal. Unfortunately we weren't armed so there wasn't much we could do except report what we knew was happening. One of my colleagues, Jim Hebert met with Cmdr Bucher last year at his home. Hebert was flying that day you were captured and was only about 50 miles away from your location. I hope you enjoy our tribute and please let me know if you see any mistakes. Best Regards,Fred Straub

Date Wed, 15 Dec 1999 194634 +0000

…All us Air Pirates from NAM-POWs admire and respect your entire crew. Bravo Zulu to all you survivors.

Mike McGrath >President of NAM-POWs

Date 12-14-1999 11:56:29:

I am LT Chris Chrislip, the CT Officer aboard USS CARL VINSON. I am in the process of working up a training brief for the CTs and Intel folks on LIBERTY and PUEBLO. I ran across your site, as well as Pueblo.org. I like you site. Provides some nice insight and information, and I can tie names to photos. What I am writing you about is if you know of any photos I can use for my brief that are not on yours or Pueblo.org? I suppose given the situation, not many exist. Do you know of any Damage Control Lessons learned photos or anything I may use for my folks? I feel there is a lot we should know about in both PUEBLO and LIBERTY - especially from the CT perspective. Any words of wisdom, lessons learned or direction to little knowns would be greatly appreciated. We're doing our part on the waterfront to keep the memory alive. Do you attend NCVA functions? Just left P-cola for Bremerton. Not too many of us up here! Hope to hear from you.

V/r, Chris Chrislip LT Chris Chrislip
SSES Officer/IMA Coordinator
OPS/OS
USS CARL VINSON (CVN 70)

Date: Sun, 26 Dec 1999 18:38:37 -0800 Merry Christmas... finally looked at the site...WOW, what a job. wish I had something like that a decade ago to look at... Christopher D. Dirr

Date: Mon, 27 Dec 1999 19:16:42 -0600

Sir,

Please excuse the intrusion - but in reading your note have noticed a gap in our history/archives. Is there any way to get the list of those held in Pueblo incident? We have had claims from "phonies and wannabees" and have found it difficult to reaserch. An accurate list would give us a great starting point.

Mary and Chuck Schantag P.O.W. Network http://www.asde.com/~pownet

Our Wish for You and Yours... Where there is pain, we wish you peace and mercy. Where there is tiredness, or exhaustion, we wish you understanding, patience, and renewed strength. Where there is fear, we wish you love, and courage. Where there is doubt, we wish you faith and hope, and the ability to know the truth. And where there is friendship let there be GRATITUDE, for there is no greater wealth on earth.

Date: Wed, 29 Dec 1999 17:28:27 -0600

To "My boys": I was just a high school teenager back in January of 1968. A lot was happening at the time and it was all I could do to finish out my senior year and graduate. Many of my classmates watched as the world seemed to be falling apart. I still remember vividly as if it were yesterday learning of your capture. Somehow, you all became "My boys" even though you were all older than me. I prayed daily for your release.

From the time of your capture to your release, I had graduated high school, began to work at the hospital, and became engaged to my "sailor". He was home on Christmas leave when we got the word. By this time I was personally involved with the Navy so my joy was even greater. In May of 1969, I flew to San Diego to marry my "sailor", I was told that Commander Bucher was on the plane. I felt connected somehow and followed your story closely. I have most of the books. I followed all the news stories.

One morning in 1990, my "sailor" came downstairs to find me weeping at the kitchen table with my face in hands. He asked what was wrong, but I could speak through the tears. Then he noticed the newspaper laying on the table. Finally I managed to tell him that I was crying because finally, at long last, "my boys" got their medals.

I have only been online a short while. I have only recently found the website and still have lots to read. But I wanted you to know that as I sit here, typing on my keyboard, tears are streaming down my face. You have not been forgotten. I just wanted you to know that there are people who still remember and are grateful for the sacrifices you made on our behalf. I am so very sad to see how many members are no longer with us. I hope that each and every one was able to realize some happiness.

Thank you. sincerely, Mary Wittler Elliott, IA

Date: Tue, 28 Dec 1999 14:24:20 EST

Dear Sir,

I'm an Adjunct Professor at the Joint Military Intelligence College, Washington, DC and teach the History of U.S. Intelligence course to mid/senior level Intelligence professionals. I would be very interested in contacting members of the crew, obtaining information about the incident, and possibly even arranging for some guest lectures to the students, etc. Any help you can provide to that end would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.

Rick Blair.

Date: Fri, 31 Dec 1999 12:21:29 -0600 Dear Don, What a nice surprise to hear from you. Yesterday I received two of the nicest letters from crew members who had responded to my note. The first was from Steve Woelk and the second from Frank Ginther. They came about 15 minutes apart. I was very touched. And now, yours this morning. You have no idea how much this means to me and I am very honored to hear from you. I have put the web site in my favorites file as there is much to read and I will visit often. Now that I have a complete list of the books that were written, I can go about trying to complete my collection. I have four and have read others but had to return them to the libraries from which I had borrowed them. Being no "saint", I will admit that I did entertain serious thoughts about saying that they had been "misplaced" and offer to pay for them, but saner thoughts prevailed and I reluctantly returned them so that others may read and learn. Now that I have internet access, I plan to hunt them like treasure! I had given much thought to what I would say if I ever got the chance and I narrowed it down to three things. Welcome Home, Thank You and Know that you will never, ever be forgotten. On this eve of the new year, I wish you all the best, but most of all, I wish you peace. You have no idea how you have touched my heart. You have made this day very special indeed and one that I will always remember and cherish.

Thanks so much! Mary