USS LST Ship Memorial, Inc.

"SONGS OF THE 1940'S" by Susie Bloom
Posted 25 October 2005
Songs of the 1940's. Those few words immediately bring to mind other times, a special someone, an event cherished in memory. A multitude of emotions. Earlier this month, many Ohio LST/Amphib veterans were remembering ... and embarking upon a "Sentimental Journey" all their own.
The call “GANG PLANK DOWN!” came before daylight ... Gators showed their boarding papers to CPO James Leach and requested permission to board.
Approximately 90 Ohio Gators were present to hear “Anchor's Aweigh” at 0800 hours. The voyage was to be of a relatively short distance ... ETA 1500 hours at the Port of Evansville including time for chow. Unlike in service days, it was not to be a four-hour watch.
From the moment the buses left Columbus, Ohio, Gator Sailors spoke of their shipboard duties, special mates, boot training, schools and favorite ports of call with a hint of excitement in their voices. Even as a stop for lunch took place, anticipation was building. Thoughts of ships were thick in the air. Moments of quiet reflection. Animated conversation. Serious events composed of people, places and things interspersed with chuckles and laughter over an antic remembered.
The yearning to see a very special ship grew stronger -- the Last of the Class. LST 325.
Upon arrival in Evansville, James Leach and Walker Huffman passed the scuttlebutt. “Gangplank down! Liberty Call! Liberty Call!” Rooms were assigned, sea bags hoisted over shoulders and the invasion began in earnest. After settling in to their assigned quarters, just like sailors of all times, some gathered in small groups to chat. Some got to meet others for the first time, others renewed acquaintances. Some sailors planned their departure for adventures at the Aztar. Some frequented a favorite “watering hole.” At some time during the evening, most sought out a chow line of some sort.
Regardless of the specific venue, conversation flowed, just as the memories of the past flowed like willowy ribbons, curling around the anticipation for the day ahead.
A new day dawned. Laughter over antics at the Aztar, banter about shooting craps, the quality of the chow during evening mess filled the air just as the aroma of the “Joe” came wafting from the hotel's galley.
Anticipation ... “Waiting for the ship to come in.”
An hour later, upon disembarking the buses, one could see a lighter step, an erect bearing. One could feel the sense of coming home. A sense of renewal. These sailors were enjoying their personal and collective "Sentimental Journeys."
Gators familiar with the engineering processes were examining the new docking facility. The finishing touches were being completed as we walked down to the new Ship's Store and Office. The Gator Sailors who had visited in 2003 marveled over what had been accomplished. Volunteers in the Ship's Store collected tour fees and sold souvenirs.
Some Gator veterans approached the gangway alone ... with a need to be at one with their thoughts. Some waited for mates ... an overwhelming desire to share the experience with others who understood.
Expressions of those standing on the deck of an LST for the first time in 60 years were those that print indelibly in one's memory. “It's been a long, long time ...”
The group was welcomed by Captain Bob Jornlin and his wife Lois. What an honor to have the Commanding Officer and the Mayor present to welcome one aboard! The sailors took their seats and gave their full attention to the remarks of Captain Jornlin and Evansville Mayor Weinzapfel. Joy at having this experience bubbled through the Ohio Gator crew complement. Jim Leach, immediate Past President and Walker Huffman, President of the Ohio LST/Amphibious Association, expressed thanks to all those who have worked so hard to give new life to LST 325, to those who have restored her and to those who have given her a new home. A formal presentation was made to Mayor Weinzapfel and the City of Evansville in appreciation to all they have done on behalf of LST Sailors by providing such a splendid home for The USS LST Ship Memorial.
Eyes raising to the mast and halyards - two flags were proudly aloft - the City of Evansville’s and our own Ohio LST/Amphibs State of Ohio ensign. Special thanks were given to those who made this special salute to the Ohio Gators possible.
Tours commenced, but they were not “just” tours ... they were journeys into the minds and memories of all of those present. Tour guides answered questions, but also listened with respect as these sailors remembered.
One spoke of a kamikaze attack on an LST. The flames of the crash could still be seen in his eyes and the excitement heard reverberating in his voice. Silent tears could not wash away the memory of shipmates lost. Another laughed as he said he hoped that GQ didn't sound, as he could no longer run like he did 60 years ago - or lift his feet to slide down the handrails on the ladders! A cook stood inspecting the galley. One could almost sense the steam rising from the efforts of his labors. A sailor stood at the gun tub ... the ack-ack of anti-aircraft fire thundering in his ears, his expression as if he still scents the acrid smoke of exploded ordnance. A deck hand, standing near the lines. Hands grasping as they did sixty years ago - the sinews standing out with the force of labor remembered. The sailor standing on the main deck sharing his last visit to an LST with the daughter of a fellow LST veteran. The wife standing by in amazement as her husband of sixty years shares memories never before spoken aloud. The son of a veteran who softly asks whom he should thank for the fulfillment of his father's dream and for his own new understanding. The information shared on the tours will always be of importance, but the melody of these memories is beyond price.
As tours conclude and the tide of memories recede momentarily, the group gathers on the main deck for midday mess. A box lunch is served and enjoyed by all. Mike Whicker appears and greets many of the veterans. The group appreciates so many taking their time and making efforts to ensure that they have a memorable visit. Kenny Adams visits with many from home, encouraging them to visit during Tall Stacks next year and to return with their children and grandchildren.
After lunch, many linger on the deck. Others visit the new Ship's Store and purchase some items to remember this event, books to stir further memories, photographs to share with children and grandchildren, videos to relive the experiences of returning the 325 from Greece.
Eventually, the buses are loaded one by one. There was a sense of hesitancy, a dragging step as the sailors regretted the need to return from this very special liberty call. A short reprieve in the form of mechanical difficulties gave these 16-year-going-on-80-old veteran motor macs a chance to examine the bus’ diesel. The delay lasted long enough for a lingering look of longing as a veteran looks down at the ship. In his eyes you can see the firm promise of return, the words "Bravo Zulu" forming silently on his lips.
The trip back to Ohio is filled with a gamut of emotions. Laughter intertwines with stories of home, of special people. Sharing memories, some old and some new ...
As the group arrives in Columbus, Gators are thinking that this kind of “Sentimental Journey” should be an annual one ...

Author’s note: The writing of this article is, in part, a way to encourage those who are considering a visit to LST 325 to do so. Make arrangements with the ship for visitation information and the Evansville Convention and Visitors Bureau for information on accommodations and other attractions in the area. I can assure you, from firsthand experience, that your group will be given every courtesy and consideration.
I have often thanked all of you who make the 325 experience possible. That thanks is unending. I add my deepest personal thanks to all who made this visit so special for the Ohio Gators. I know that many of you gave up personal time and put aside other responsibilities, going above and beyond the call of duty to welcome them. I am aware that this is just one visit of many that are scheduled, but for those who participated, it was a highlight of their lives. I do thank you and appreciate the efforts that you made to ensure a good visit for all of them. You have my deepest gratitude.
~ Susie Bloom (“SeaBat”)