Date: Tue, 3 Jul 2001 20:41:00 EDT

Excuse me as I am rather new to this internet. I searched for sites concerning events that acted as catalysts in my life and stumbled across this one. Back then I worked in the ASA at Camp Drake Japan, PCRS, I was only 20 years old and rather naive. I am still not sure what I can talk about (you know) but as soon as the situation in my com center got critical I verified the flow of traffic, then read it, then took steps to insure no backlog of traffic would occur, not on my shift! To this day I understand the excuses but not the reason timely suport was not sent ! Thinking about it still leaves a bad taste in my mouth ! I have nothing but sadness and respect for the entire crew. I SALUTE YOU ALL ! ! ! ! S. Patterson

Date: Thu, 5 Jul 2001 15:08:02 -0700

1. When I was attached to CNSGHQ, WDC to G-51, I made a trip report to G-50 regarding my trip to Pueblo at Bremerton. The report was at least 3 pages long and included my observations of deficiencies and recommendations. One vivid memory was of the Signal Bridge exposed incinerator for the destruction of classified papers. I recommended an inside, oil fueled, forced draft unit be installed above the ladder leading to the engine room and vent thru a separate flue up the existing stack. I would think that under the Freedom of Information Act, you could get a copy of that trip report plus other documents re Pueblo/Palm Beach.

2. Enjoyed your Web site. Would suggest that for accuracy you consider a few changes on <<http://www.usspueblo.org/v2f/background/agerback.html>> page as follows:

line 4: change from "signal(SIGINT)" to "communications(COMINT)";

line 5: delete last word "electronic";

line 8/9: replace "electronic communications" with "and observing";

line 13: replace "ELINT" with "intelligence";

line 17: delete "electronic and";

line 28: replace "ELINT/SIGINT" with "intelligence".

3. Add another book on page <<http://www.usspueblo.org/v2f/aftermath/booksother.html>>:

John P Arnold

Date: Thu, 12 Jul 2001 11:31:17 -0600

Dear Fellow Veterans:

You are receiving this message because we have either traded reciprocal links (for which I am grateful) or I have posted a link on my page to your fine historical or veteran's site. I wanted to write and let you know that I have placed a new feature on my 'G. I. Memories' page that should be of interest to many G.I.'s. It is called 'G. I. Memories Classifieds Online'. It is free, of course, and strictly going to be limited to items of interest to military, veterans, and retirees, such as military memorabilia and military items for sale or trade, looking for items, collectors' notices, upcoming reunions, and so forth. For the most part I want to keep the historical aspect of the page intact and thought that a place to post information about artifacts and other useful information would be of great benefit to all. I am NOT going to permit 'business offers' or anything that does not pertain to veterans and the history of US armed forces. Please try it out. All classifieds will be kept for 30 to 90 days (I haven't decided yet how long); for now it is 90 days. I will be monitoring it daily to edit out the garbage so in time you should be able to get good exposure. Thanks for your time. Harry Meekins USAF Retired G. I. Memories Webmaster

Date: Wed, 18 Jul 2001 16:48:25 -0700

My father was on the Pueblo, and I was just wondering if anyone who knew him during and before the incident could tell me what he was like before it all happened, and if you could tell me what he himself went through during the Pueblo incident. I appreciate it. My father was Howard E. Bland If Mr. Scarborough, Mr. Berens or anyone else could tell me about him, I would be completely grateful. Tammy A Ross

Date: Thu, 19 Jul 2001 20:38:30 -0700

Hi:

I was stationed at MCAS Iwakuni when the Pueblo was taken. Spent some time sitting on my seabag waiting for the mount out order that never came. I noticed that in your list of books there is a disclaimer showing some disagreement with the book THE PUEBLO SURRENDER by Robert Liston. Can you tell me what parts are in question? -- Jerry West Editor/publisher/janitor

Date: Mon, 23 Jul 2001 11:40:55 -0700

So many times I have waited and dreamed for this moment, and now it has come true and I am at a total loss of words! Thank you so much for sending me that letter, it makes me feel so much closer to him just to even think that there might be someone out there who could talk to me about him. I have wished and dreamed so many times, just to go back in time and see him in his youth, to tell him not to go on that voyage, to warn the whole crew. But unfortunately that couldn't happen. Since he passed away, there isn't hardly anyone who I can talk to about this. I was always too afraid to talk to him about it, because I was afraid to hurt him. I know there are things in my life that I just can't talk about, but even all of them added up couldn't even compare to what all you brave men went through. My heart goes out to each and every one of you for what you had to do and put up with just to save your own lives and sanity. And I'll tell you, that thing with the middle finger, that is one of the best and funniest things I have ever heard. I don't know exactly where I am going with this, but I just want you to know just how much you have touched me just by sending me a reply. I wasn't around when my father died, I was pregnant in Hawaii, the news sent me into labor and I delivered the very next day, but I could swear I saw him in the labor room with me. I didn't get to go to the funeral, or anything, but two years later, I introduced him to my two oldest daughters and brought him a ceramic angel. Tucked inside the back of the angel is a poem I wrote for my dad, and the entire crew of the USS Pueblo. It was wrapped in plastic, so the weather shouldn't have hurt it. If you ever get a chance to go to Willits, Ca. go see his grave, I would like you to have that poem, and hopefully, you will be able to read it, and send copies to all the crew members. This is the closest I have come to getting to know my dad (see, he is my stepdad, but treated me, and loved me like his own, I was the only one he got to give away at a wedding, and my daughter is his first granddaughter) I just want to know what he was like before all that happened, I want to be able to know that he did have happiness. He hurt for so long, as do many of you, and it changed him I know, he didn't mean to be like that, just when something like that happens, it does permanent damage. Please excuse my jabbering on like this, it's just I am trying to type through tears, and I don't know if it's from joy or sadness, but I know that I sure do hope that someone out there who knew him could talk to me. Tammy A Ross

Date: Thu, 26 Jul 2001 07:53:14 -0400

Dear Crew Members of the USS Pueblo,

I talked with CDR Bucher last night and he suggested that I email you the attached info on the creation of the Cold War Museum. We are working with the survivors of the USS Liberty and they have been very supportive of our efforts. I would like to start an official dialog with your organization to help the Cold War Museum create a display about the USS Pueblo. In addition, I would like to request that you send the attachments out to your members and add what you can in your next newsletter. Look forward to talking with you soon, Very truly yours, Francis Gary Powers, Jr. Founder The Cold War Museum P.O. Box 178 Fairfax, VA 22030 (703) 273-2381 (703) 273-4903 FAX

Date: Thu, 26 Jul 2001 11:34:33 -0400

Dear Pueblo Crew,

My name is LCDR Chris Chrislip and I wanted to thank you for your help in providing first hand information to me on the Pueblo seizure. I presented your story -with the help of Mr Earl Kisler and Mr Ralph McClintock to the CTs and ISs aboard USS CARL VINSON. Your story made a big difference in how we see things now and how we trained for cruise. I am writing back now to ask if anyone would like to attend an informal gathering of the DC Chapter of the Naval Intelligence Professionals (NIP). The Chapter president asked me if I could ask you as they would love to meet some honest-to-goodness heroes. I told them I would see what you thought. Hope to hear from you! Thanks again, Chris Chrislip LCDR Chris Chrislip NIWA

Date: Thu, 26 Jul 2001 23:33:33 -0700

Dear Crew;

I just had to write and tell you how touched I am over the web site. I know you all know full well all the heartaches and nightmares that Ed, (Howard E. Bland) went through for you all are still going through them. I cannot say how my heart aches for each and everyone of you. I wrote a poem about the Pueblo and when Ed and I were in San Diego for the one and only reunion we were able to attend, I gave a copy to Commander Bucher. In the poem I told of how I respected each and every one of you and if I had to be in a similar situation as you all were I would want you on my side. With little more than your minds you showed great ingenuity and was able to overcome all the trials the North Koreans put you through. You all have been and will continue to be my hero's. I found the tribute to your fallen comrades very comforting, having lost Ed I lost touch with all of you. I hope that we will be able to keep in contact now. I want to thank you for all your donations to his service when he passed away, without your help I would have been a long time paying for the services of his death. I didn't realize just how much help you all were until a few weeks ago when I came across some of the things from the funeral. I wasn't able to look at any of that until then as the pain was to great to bear. If anyone knows where I can get a copy of the service ring that you all received when you were released I would be forever grateful, the family took possession of it and I was not allowed to keep it. Of course it won't be the same but I would wear it with pride and a great honor. Also if possible I would appreciate all emails from anyone that was on the ship. I guess it is a way for me to remain close to Ed in a special way. I will write some letters from the list of addresses that you posted, that alone is a great help to me. I wasn't around when the Pueblo incident occurred I was still in high school. However I did live the aftermath, and there were times it wasn't very pretty. Ed had a rough time especially when my son was in the Gulf war. I don't think he ever got over the stress from that combined with the stress he was already under from Korea. I cannot say enough how proud I am to have met some of you, or how proud I am of Ed. He will remain always my hero, my love, and my life.

Sincerely, Mary Bland Kaser

Date: 08/02/2001 6:12:08 PM Mountain Daylight Time

Like your page. Did Ed Murphy put it all together? You guys have done so much to gather and document The PUEBLO Incident. It's the best "not politically correct" version and the best historical account of all the events before, during, and after I have come across. I have always had a very keen interest in the seizure and the utmost respect for those of you who endured the merciless acts done by the North Koreans, and how you were excused by our own government. It's to bad that those who made those decisions are no longer able to feel the shame they brought upon themselves. Only those of us who who have no shame can keep the historical significance of the PUEBLO and her crew alive. I had the honor of spending an evening with Pete and Rose Bucher in 1995. We became instant friends and have kept in touch since. They mentioned the upcoming reunion in Pueblo, CO, and that you have people other than the crew come to your reunions. I would like to be one of those persons as it would be nice to again see and spend time with the Buchers and this time with members of the crew. I would arrive late Friday, the 7th, be there all day Saturday the 8th and attend your banquet that evening (which I would pay for and all other reunion functions), and leave early Sunday morning. Following two (2) e-mails forwarded by Don Peppard at the request of Association President Don Mac . . . Additionally, I understand there are efforts underway by the PUEBLO group which the U.S.S. OKLAHOMA CITY ASSOCIATION can provide participation and support. These we could talk about in Pueblo too. I look forward to your response and being with you in Pueblo. Best Regards, U.S.S. OKLAHOMA CITY ASSOCIATION John F. Baker, President

Date: Tue, 07 Aug 2001 10:22:32 -0700

Fox News contacted me via telephone this morning stating that they were doing a story on Duane Hodges and wanted to know if I had any amplifying information. I think they called me because there is a picture of my wife at a memorial site for Petty Officer Hodges in Creswell, Oregon, not far from our home. I referred them to Don McClarren and/or the Commanding Officer, Commander Bucher. It if gratifying to learn that there is still interest about the ship and her crew.

God bless one and all, Jim H Holman, CTO1(E-6), USN(Ret).

Date: Wed, 08 Aug 2001 14:30:40 -0400

Shipmates:

I'm a survivor of the USS Liberty AGTR-5. I've been attempting to find some of the books written about your ship. Everything seems out of print. Do you stock any of them and are they for sale? BUCHER: MY STORY SECOND IN COMMAND THE LAST VOYAGE OF THE USS PUEBLO by Ed Brandt with 15 crew members BRIDGE OF NO RETURN MY ANCHOR HELD PUEBLO INTRIGUE A MATTER OF ACCOUNTABILITY, by Trevor Armbrister THE PUEBLO SURRENDER; A Covert Action by the NSA. THE SHIP THAT NEVER RETURNED, Eleanor Van Buskirk Harris THE PUEBLO INCIDENT; Rear Admiral Daniel V Gallery You have a good, informative, and easy to look at, site dedicated to you and your ship.

Smooth sailing forever. Richard C. Carlson USN Retired CTR1

Date: Thu, 9 Aug 2001 07:54:44 -0700

I have taped the History channel's rendition of "Blind Man's Bluff". Last evening, as we were watching it, they were discussing the first nuke boat, they showed Admiral Rickhover and along side of him was Commander Bucher! I stopped the tape, retrieved the book he wrote "Bucher: My Story" and compared the pictures. I am absolutely sure that they are the same. I also was a CT who served earlier TAD on subs and then the USS Rehoboth, a hydrographical ship that may have been the forerunner to the Pueblo type ships. Thank you for your time, Paul Lake CTR2 Sun City, AZ 85351-1048

Date: Fri, 17 Aug 2001 14:32:10 EDT

Hi, As a former CTR and supporter of the great guys aboard the Pueblo I'm wondering if a date has been set for this year's reunion yet. Since I live near Pueblo, I'd like to attend. Thanks, Bill Hildebrand

Date: Fri, 17 Aug 2001 01:47:31 EDT

I sent the Pueblo's Veterans Association a letter a few years ago and received a letter from Commander Bucher. The skipper mention in his book that you guys got in a bad typhoon. I am pretty sure we were in that same typhoon with the USS Westchester County. The VC blew a hole in the Westchester killing about 25 guys. I think they were pretty close to going down on their way to Japan. My ship the USS Chipola was tied up by the USS Pueblo in Japan. I had a mid watch on the fantail just a few feet from your forecastle. I did not see a watch on the forecastle or the quarter deck. No weapons were visible. The next night I went over on the beach. I drank a beer with a CT from Washington State and he told me that the Pueblo was a communication ship. Could the CT be Elton Wood? I remember the fellow had glasses. We shoved off for Pearl and you guys went to Korea. When we were in Pearl the Enterprise came through on its way to Korea. We spent a few months in Pearl then started the WestPac tour in Japan and operated off Korea. The Russians were there and had their guns and missiles pointed at us. I am proud to have served in the Navy. However, I do not have any respect for the scoundrels over us like LBJ and McNamara. Portland, Oregon has a real nice veterans memorial and your sailor Duane Hodges is on it. Gary Smith

Date: Sun, 19 Aug 2001 17:51:19 -0500

Hello again, I found your page and signed the guestbook a long time ago. I was in Taiwan at the time of your capture and was immediately sent to Camp Humphrey 177th ASA company to "help out" the intelligence mission there. I had the pleasure of getting to meet one of your crew members - Joe Stirling a few weeks back. He is now living in Lincoln, NE says he doesn't compute much and doesn't attend your reunions and such and not looking for any publicity. Did get to talk to him for about 2 hours though and he filled me in on a lot of things that I had wondered about. Left his place with half a book in my head unfortunately it was all off the record! ;-) At least i got to finally shake the hand of a crew member of your ship ... an honor indeed! When I left Taiwan (in a hurry) i packed light, and jotted off a note to my folks about heading for korea. Didn't take any stationary along and didn't write them while I was there.... SO ... when I got back to Taiwan after a month I had the RED CROSS looking for me to WRITE HOME!!!! As they knew I was "in the business" similar to your ship's mission. and might somehow have gotten tangled into the mess too. I also had been able to borrow a copy of the made for TV movie from CT3 Anthony A. Lamantia, Tony said he was held in same room with Joe Stirling and to say "hi" from him when I met Joe. Unfortunatly I lost Tony's email address and Mailing address so if you can pass the message on .... "Joe's doing okay" .. .some health issues .. but in good spirits and helping out at the Vets Center and Hospital in Lincoln, twice a week I think. Would have called Tony myself but forgot which state he lived in .... I see now it's Maryland. Might try to give him a jingle on phone yet .... I currently maintain a database for Army Security Agency Veterans .... very close to 23,000 records of just ASA vets. If anyone is looking for an ASA'er ... just point em my way. Thanks! vern greunke

Date: Thu, 23 Aug 2001 07:51:53 +1000

Hello, Thanks for your site... One point puzzles me. Here: http://www.usspueblo.org/v2f/captivity/goodluck.html You quote... "As the bus drove down the street one proper English gentlemen (sic) complete with derby and umbrella spotted the bus and flipped it off. " This does not ring true. In Britain the gesture used by the people would be the time honoured "two fingered salute" Which has been in use since Agincourt. I suspect that nowadays people would recognize the American version due to the proliferation of your culture via television and movies, but in 1968 things would have been very different. Especially by a "proper English gentlemen" (sic). Regards Paul Hannah

Date: Fri, 24 Aug 2001 13:09:50 -0700

My name is Ven Griva and I am an editor for Copley News Service in San Diego, Calif. I am also a free-lance writer. Recently while working on a story for a San Diego County newspaper about a museum exhibit in Poway, Calif., dedicated to the Pueblo. I met Bob Chicca there. He told me your organization is planning a reunion in Pueblo, Colo., in September. Copley News Service is interested in doing a feature story in advance to the Pueblo reunion. In fact we are interested in doing a package of stories, if that is possible. Will you please give me some details about your reunion? Where and when it will be held. Who you expect to be there. If there will any special speakers, etc. Also, if it is possible, I would like to speak with you about the Pueblo Veterans Association and your experience. I can be contacted at Copley News Service at ven.griva@copleynews.com Sincerely, Ven Griva

Date: Tue, 28 Aug 2001 23:14:42 -0400

I was on the Canberra in the Sea of Japan. We got really frustrated sailing around doing nothing, and wanting to do something. Go to www.cag2.com for some discussions about the events we were involved in there. You guys did well - all of us on the Canberra were proud of you, and felt that some action should have been taken by the Navy to get you out.

Date: Wed, 29 Aug 2001 14:00:36 EDT

I will NEVER forget USS Pueblo. I've read everything I could get my hands on about the boat and your mission. I have 15 years experience in the same field and identify greatly with all of you. One question: Where is Pueblo now? Is she still in Wonson harbor? Thanks Paul Penta former MSgt, Massachusetts Air National Guard 1968-1974, 1983-1992 NCOIC Wing Intel Shop

Date: Sat, 8 Sep 2001 08:01:14 -0600

Greetings;

I have just read the article of September 08, 2001, (in the Pueblo Chieftain), and among other things, I wish to thank the entire crew of the Pueblo, for their service to our country. I am a retired, air Force Veteran, having retired in March 1966, after a long career, involved since WW2, in Strategic Reconnaissance Squadrons. My heart and my prayers were with you guys, during the long months you were held in "cold" Korea. This is because, many of my friends are still "missing", on reconnaissance flights, with no resolution as to their fate. I often visit Pueblo, where I am hoping we can build an epic Monument to honor all the KIA / MIA from the Korean War, including all those who are still missing, those who died on the DMZ, and the sailor from your ship, who never again saw home As conceived, the Monument will be on the 38th parallel, where it crosses Interstate 25, just north of exit 77, and pretty close to Colorado City. The monument to be built with private funds, and as little "political" involvement as possible. It is meant to honor those those who died or disappeared, as a consequence of the Korean War, and by so doing, honor all who fought there, as well as there families. Pueblo is almost exactly half way between Seattle Washington, and Atlanta Georgia, and we think a much better place for a monument to the ( still not resolved) Korean War, than is, Washington DC. If you are interested, I will be glad to share further information with you.

Stay Warm; Bruce L Salisbury Msgt USAF Retired Aztec, New Mexico

Date: Sat, 8 Sep 2001 11:57:51 -0400

I'm the editor of a site advocating for human rights in North Korea. I would like to do an interview with one of the veterans of the USS Pueblo. Thank you. Sincerely, Edward Kim Editor, The Chosun Journal www.chosunjournal.com "informing, provoking, mobilizing consciences for the sake of human rights in North Korea"

Date: Sat, 8 Sep 2001

I realized, when I saw this morning's article at The Pueblo Chieftain, online, that I had no recall of the date. The article stated: January 23, 1968. Suddenly I understood why I didn't know, and went searching for the date of the onset of the Tet Offensive. Within an octave?! This, if true, sheds considerable light on the events which were such a formative part of my young adulthood. Now, I will remember the relationship I have just learned. Thank you for making it so, at Pueblo, Colorado, virtually.

Sincerely, Marta Laux

Date: Sat, 08 Sep 2001 12:27:42 -0500

Sir,

Just was visiting your web site. Fantastic!! Will be linking onto mine ("The Willy Victor Page" http://www.willyvictor.com ) in a day or two. You have my site "Willy Victors" on your links page but apparently you have not been made aware of the new URL. I'm not sure if you were linked to the EC-121 shoot down by the North Koreans that I have on the site. That URL will be different also. I have another article from the Washington Post (not yet posted) that will go on the record of the shoot down. Hopefully, I will get this work done within the next week or so. Wes Mortensen Web Master, "The Willy Victor Page"

Date: Sun, 9 Sep 2001 11:43:50 -0700

I have been reading about your convention in Pueblo, Co and have decided to share my Pueblo story with you. Small in comparison to what you guys went through, but I thought it might be of interest. If not, nothing ventured, nothing gained. To begin my story, you need to know that I was born and raised on a working cattle ranch in Pueblo County and have always considered Pueblo to be my home. I enlisted in the US Air Force in 1966 and was a aircraft radio repairman, stationed at Cannon AFB, New Mexico at the time of the loss of the USS Pueblo and its crew. At Cannon, I was the "mobility" person assigned from the comm shop and as such kept a tool box and a shaving kit in the hanger, in case of an emergency. We experienced several "recall" drills during this time, but on one particular night as the sirens were sounding, my First Sergeant came into my room and said, "This is no drill. Get yourself and gear to the hanger, the Koreans have taken [the] Pueblo!" Of course, the thought that went through my mind was, "What in the world does the Koreans want with my home town?" I spent the morning sitting on the tail gate of a C-130 while we had 4 flights of f-100's sitting on the runway, with engines running, waiting for the word to go. As one flight would run low on fuel, they would taxi back to the maintenance ramp, refuel, and allow the second flight to take their place at the end of the runway. All the while, I'm still trying to justify, in my mind, why Korea wanted the town of Pueblo. Must be the steel mill, or the ordenance depot possibly, but why not Colorado Springs where NORAD is headquartered? Just didn't make sense to me and then I overheard someone saying that the Korean Navy had taken Pueblo! Now, I'm really confused as the Arkansas River rarely has enough water to support a Naval action. This probably all sounds pretty silly to you guys, but I was really concerned for family and friends and such. Finally, at mid afternoon, we were released and all the air planes were parked. It was then that I was able to find a newspaper and read that the Korean navy had boarded and captured a ship, and it's crew, named after my home town and that it wasn't the city of Pueblo that was in harm's way. I never understood why we did not come after you guys, and still don't. We were ready and had the fire power sitting on the runway. Why our government let things go the way it did is still a mystery to me. The fact that you were kept against your will, while we had the machinery to bring you home, in my mind is still a travesty. However, I have always followed the story and just want you to know that I appreciate your sacrifices and just wanted to say that I hope you enjoyed your stay in my hometown, Pueblo. To all of the crew of the USS Pueblo, I want you also to know that you were always in my thoughts and prayers, and still are, but most of all I just wanted to say, "Welcome Home." Jack Rudder Formerly SSGT, US Air Force Spirit of the Beaver be with you!

Date: Tue, 11 Sep 2001 20:11:28 -0700

All,

We only have one word to say to everyone...THANKS! Karen and I want to say thanks to everyone for your hospitality and warmth to us at last weeks reunion. We were honored to be with you and enjoyed every minute. We hope all made it home safe and will remain in touch with some of you. God willing and the creek don't rise, we would love to visit with you again in Branson. If their is ever anything I can do in my capacity as POW/MIA Advocate here in Colorado, please let me know. Thanks again, Rod and Karen Utech CTM2, NSGA Midway Is., CinCPACFLT

Date: Sun, 30 Sep 2001 21:48:54 EDT

PAX: I had been released from the Navy 8 months prior to your ship being attacked and you imprisonment. I was raised in Pueblo, Colorado. I have just finished watching a documentary about the USS Pueblo and I just wanted to add my thank you, to a long list of people, for all the pain and torture that you had to endure. For the freedom of the USA. Paul Stacy

Date: Sun, 30 Sep 2001 7:59:56 PM Mountain Daylight Time

I just finished watching the Pueblo story with Oliver North on FOX News. I recall the incident clearly when it happened. I was a E-2 (private) in the army at the time. I just completed a cryptic course in teletype at Ft. Gordon, GA. I recall one of the instructors telling us how vital it was for us to destroy all encrypted messages. We were all told how the crew of the Pueblo screwed up. It was years later I found out how false that statement was, and I am sure the instructor later realized it also. It was not until many years later that I began to realize just how little our military cared about us. I am not anti-American. In fact I am proud to be a part of this wonderful country of ours. But as I grew from a green soldier to one that served his country and served it well, I learned that not everything I did was appreciated. The way CDR. Bucher was treated by the Navy during and after the incident with N. Korea is a travesty to all Americans. The idea of a military court of inquiry convening after your release caused shame upon all men in uniform. I would merely like to welcome you back and congratulate you for the duty and honor that you gave to our country. My sincere and highest respect to you and the remainder of your ship mates. Regards, Thom La Barbera Brookfield, CT