These web pages have been designed for the enjoyment of all who served on board USS Fremont APA-44. I dedicate this site to the memory of the USS Fremont sailors and embarked troops who gave their lives in the service of their country. Sadly, SA H.W. Nesbit, USN and LCPL R.F. Cook, USMC were lost at sea during a naval exercise in January, 1960. The "Plan Of the Day" button below will display the POD for 28 January 1960. Read about a not so typical day aboard the USS Fremont over 40 years ago.
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Proud supporters of our troops around the globe defending freedom
The USS Fremont Website is supported by the USS Fremont Association. If you have enjoyed your visit and wish to help keep this site on the Internet; join the USS Fremont Association. Contact Bos'n Bob via e-mail at "BOSNBOB44@netzero.net" or send your $20 yearly membership fee to:
Bob Allen
819 Ackerman Ave.
Syracuse, NY 13210.
P.S. If you are becoming a member because you want to support this site; let Bos'n Bob know.
"WANT ONE or some of the other memorabilia items we have in our Ship's Store???
Looking for a great gift for your father or husband? -- Check out our Ship's Store!!
To get there quickly click on Ship's Store below."
A message for Clarence Kurtzweil aka "Kurt".
Hello, "Kurt" looking to hear from you. You can reach me at Sydwil@msn.com. We were in E Division 1965-1968. Drop me a line soon.
Sydney Williams aka "Willy"
There is an Internet store that calls themselves the USS Fremont APA-44 Store. They are in no way connected to this web site or the USS Fremont Reunion Association. The Association does sell some items which are for sale and are listed further down on this page.
The purpose for this correspondence is two-fold. The first reason is to offer congratulations on the magnificent website for the USS Fremont. It is truly a flotilla of information on the life and history of a great ship and her crewmembers, and it is both a grand and honorable testament to their memory.
The second reason is in the form of a request. My late father, Herman Clifford Bannister, served during World War II in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Fremont from September 1943 until his discharge in December 1945. During that time he served in various duties, being promoted from S2c to S1c in September 1944, and again from S1c to Coxswain (T) in March of 1945. He participated in the assault landings and occupations of Saipan, Ulithi, Palau, Leyte, Lingayen Gulf (Luzon), and Iwo Jima. He also received a commendation in December 1944 from Captain Conlan for his actions at San Pedro Bay, Leyte, where the ship was subject to 85 enemy air attacks between October 20th and November 19th. I have copies of my father’s service record, which verify these facts, and can make them available to you via fax or hard copy, upon request.
I can still remember when I was a young boy, he would tell me stories about his wartime experiences. He would speak of the vastness of the open sea, filled in all directions as far as the eye could see with the ships of the fleet, heading into harm’s way. He would mention the thunderous, terrible, nd seemingly ceaseless pounding of the fleet’s batteries upon the beachhead in preparation for troop landing- a sight thousands of times more amazing than any 4th of July fireworks celebration that he had ever seen. He remembered the unbelievable horror of the civilian suicides off the cliffs at Saipan. He remembered the premature exultation and joy of the flag raisings on Suribachi, and the subsequent month or more it would still take before the island of Iwo Jima was finally secured. My father was a quiet man, hesitant to speak about his past military encounters unless asked; but he would remember them and speak about them with honor and pride.
These were just some of the many experiences he shared with his comrades at sea, and I know that these memories were all very dear to him. I know that he was honored and proud to serve, and if he were still alive today, he would want to have his name listed and included amongst his fellow shipmates in the final roll call of the USS Fremont.
Sincerely-
A Proud Son.
Clifford Bannister.
My grandfather served aboard the Fremont from 1952-1956, I'm looking for information on the following sailors: -Burton,-Kimbel, Dave Thoma, Joe Bergen,-Durban..anything on these men or from anyone who might remember Thomas Buday would be greatly appreciated. Email me at thomasm@atlanticbb.net Thank you, Michele Buday
I'm looking for "Fuzzy" RM3, 1958-60. I recall that his full name was James P. Farazoko. Last name may be spelled wrong. Please check in with the webmaster webmaster@ussfremont.org for the benefit of all the radio shack gang if you know anything about him. Cliff Britton.
I would like to hear from anyone that hung out in Hy's City Hall during the early 60's. BJ and Brenda think about them alot. They were good friends. E-mail me at Seawitch45@cox.net
From Kaye Lovegrove -- I am searching for Larry Swope (Illinois) and Roger Schofield (Florida I think). The others I remember are Donald Fields, Joseph Harris and Robert Humphrey (from Toledo). I really have no pressing reason to find them except they impressed me very much (must have for me to still remember them) and always wondered what they did with their lives. I also was really concerned about the Vietnam thing which was going on then. Larry, Roger, and I did spend News Years Eve in Time Square (which was the only time I did that) and that was pretty special. That's a problem with me; I do tend to get attached to people and always want only good things for them and it is frustrating not to know. Anyone with any information about them please contact me at klovegrove@webtv.net
If you have any item you would like to appear on the bulletin board, please e-mail me or notify me by mail at the following address:
Anthony R. Yebba
785 Briarwood Ct.
Orange City, FL 32763
"Click here to E-mail your information"
The Campaign to Save
The Last Originally Configured World War II Attack Transport
CLICK HERE to learn more about the effort to save this historic vessel...
Our 2008, 28th reunion will be in St. Louis Missouri, September 17 - 21 and our host with be Dave and Donna Lape. Click on the link below the countdown clock to go to the reunion section for the latest 2008 reunion news. If you have never attended a reunion and are not on the mailing list or if on the mailing list and you move or change your phone number let Bos'n Bob know. You can contact Bos'n Bob via e-mail at "BOSNBOB44@netzero.net" or if you do not trust these "DANG" computers send a letter to Bos'n Bob:
Bob Allen
819 Ackerman Ave.
Syracuse, NY 13210.
21 April 08 -- Added more information concerning the 2008 USS Fremont reunion.
4 December 07 -- Completed the Niagara Falls Reunion pictures. They can be seen in the Reunion Photo and Scrap Book Section of this page. Added GM2 Keith (Jack) Hawes to the 50's Roster.
29 September 07 -- Added LCDR Alan Machenberg USN Retired and RM3 Al Primavera to the 60's Roster. Added Bill Peters to the 50's Roster. Added pictures of A Division provided by Bill Peters on page 11 of the 50's section of the Ship's Photo & Scrap Book. Added a picture submitted by Marine Sgt Ed Nunn 2nd ANGLICO 1957 - 1959 of Robert Mitchum when aboard the Fremont in 1958 to the first page in the 50's section of the Ship's Photo & Scrap Book.
27 July 07 -- Added a picture submitted by RM2 Frank Grover to the first page in the 50's section of the Ship's Photo & Scrap Book and 2 pictures to page 20 in the 60's section.
02 June 07 -- Added Cox Herman C. Bannister to the 40's Roster, Rememberance Section, and pages from his service record to page 14 of the 40's section of the Ship's Photo & Scrap Book. Added Joe Harris to the 60's Roster. Added QMSN Marlin Sherman to the 50's Roster. Added new pictures provided by Dan All to the Cleveland section of the Reunion Photo and Scrap Book.
09 February 07 -- Added William D. Lion (ship's MPA 1954-1955) to the 50's Roster and added his comments concerning the 1954 collision with the SS Yaffo in Hampton Roads.
03 February 07 -- Added additional 2007 reunion information in the reunion section. Added ENS Robert C. Enstam, CPL Patrick Arata USMC and Dick Kleva USMC to the 50's roster. Added Dick Kleva's personal observations about the 1958 Beruit Landing in the 1958 section of the History Section. Added EM2 Clarence (Kurt) Kurtzweil and Bruce Spenser to the 60's Roster.
23 December 06 -- Completed the Cleveland Reunion pictures. They can be seen in the reunion photo and scrap book section of this page. I have only about half of the normal amount of pictures for this reunion. If you have pictures and would like them to be added send them to me. Send them to Webmaster Tony Yebba at webmaster@ussfremont.org
I am fresh out of new ideas!!! If you have any thoughts on what you like to see included or any changes that you would like to see me make, please send them to me.
"USS Fremont Call Sign"
N K G R
A special welcome for the USS Fremont radiomen.
(Click on the sparks for the message.)
A special welcome for the USS Fremont signalmen.
If you ever want to re-live your experiences aboard an APA watch "Away All Boats!" starring Jeff Chandler, Richard Boone, George Nader, Julie Adams and Lex Barker. If you watch real close you may see Clint Eastwood. Clint had a one line bit part in the movie. This movie is based on the novel "Away all Boats" by Kenneth Dodson. The story was conceived during Mr. Dodson's wartime service aboard the Navy attack transport USS Pierce APA-50.
The movie's fictitious ship the USS Belinda APA-22 was played by the USS Randall APA-224. The USS Fremont played a minor roll in the making of this movie. The following are recollections of SM2 Kenneth Sapp and GM3 Joe Montgomery: SM2 Kenneth Sapp -- "I was on the Fremont when they made the movie "Away all Boats". I think the ship they used to film on was the USS Olmstead or one of her class. If you see the movie the Fremont can be seen in the background of several scenes. It was filmed off the island of Vieques". GM3 Joe Montgomery -- "We were operating with our "Sister Ship" at the time, the USS Randle APA-224. I was able to get a glimpse of the sail boat that was used in the movie. Also, I was one ot the coxswains that hit the beach with the Marines".
This movie serves as an excellent depiction of what it was like to serve aboard an attack transport. If you were a crew member aboard the USS Fremont you will not be disappointed with this movie for there are many scenes that will cause you to remember life aboard ship.
In the movie there was a Tennessee sailor who was in charge of the garbage grinder. With the exception of being a scrounge, I can relate to the character's job as I was placed in charge of the garbage grinder during my 90 days of mess duty. When in port and unable to use the grinder, empty boxes would be stacked in the grinder space. Myself and several marines who had also been assigned mess duty would hide behind the boxes and play poker.
The movie like most movies does not do the book justice, therefore it is my recommendation that you read Kenneth Dodson's book. Believe me, it is far better than the movie. I have read the book three times over the past 40 years. A year prior to his passing, Mr. Dodson informed me that the USS Pierce (Mr. Dodson's ship) and the USS Fremont sailed many a sea mile together during WWII. "Away all Boats" was re-published by the U.S. Naval Institute, Annapolis, Maryland as part of their "Classics of Naval Literature" series. In the re-published book's introduction, Capt. Robert Shenk USNR (Retired) states, "The Navy .... bought one thousand copies of the novel for officer training--perhaps the only time fiction has ever been used for such a purpose. Clearly, Dodson was successful at conveying the essence of the naval side of amphibious work to laymen and professionals alike." USS Fremont WWII veterans will find the parallels between the books fictitious USS Belinda's adventures and their own experiences very similar. A great addition to a book collector's library.
Kenneth Dodson passed away May 24, 1999 at his home in Stanwood, Washington after a long fight with Parkinsons. He was 91. Dodson was lucid and communicative right to the end. Like any good seaman, he had everything planned and all the details worked out. He even wrote his own obituary. Dodson was buried in the Fern Hill Cemetery, Anacortes, Washington with full military honors. He had just finished a book about his relationship with author Carl Sandburg and this book is soon to be published. Kenneth Dodson's passing was reported to me by his friend Jim Allen.
APA sailors have lost a good friend in Kenneth Dodson. Mr. Dodson in his book "Away all Boats" immortalized for all time our service aboard an APA. He will be missed by all of us who have heard the call "Away all Boats, All Boats Away".
Tony Yebba
The USS Fremont was decommissioned 3 September 1969. A copy of the decommissioning program was provided by ENC Dennis Snyder. Click below to see the Decommissioning Program.
The USS Fremont was decommissioned in 1969. Probably forgotten by the U.S. Navy -- WRONG. Ship's name is still used in BUPERSINST 1430.16E. Click below to see the instruction.
I am searching for those who served (crew members and embarked troops) aboard USS Fremont APA-44. E-mail your name, final rank/rate while on board, branch of service, the month and year reported/departed, if a plank owner, and duties if USN. Optionally, you may want to provide a good sea story, where you live and what you are doing today. I will add this information to the ship's muster making it a permanent part of this site. If you have any facts, or pre-scanned pictures that you think would enhance this web site, please include them with your e-mail. If you have Fremont pictures or other scannable mementos, mail them to the following address:
Anthony R. Yebba
785 Briarwood Ct.
Orange City, FL 32763
Include your address so that I can return them to you.
"Click here to E-mail your information"
Below is a muster list directory of the crew members who have submitted entries to date. The Ship's Muster is listed by the decade in which they reported for duty aboard the USS Fremont. If you see a shipmate that you know and wish to contact, you may send e-mail by clicking on the last name in the actual roster (the full name in the quick list will only take you to the main roster entry).
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The 40's |
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The 50's |
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The 60's |
Ahoy, Shipmates & Ladies,
The 28th USS Fremont reunion will be held in St. Louis Missouri, September 17 - 21, 2008. Our host is David and Donna Lape. The hotel is the Drury Inn & Suites -- St. Louis Forest Park, 2111 Sulphur Avenue, St Louis, MO, 63139 will be the location of our 2008 reunion. The hotel can be reached at the following phone numbers:
Toll Free: 1-800-325-0720
Local: 314-646-0770
The activity fee is $110 per person and the 2008 membership fee is $20. Please make check payable to the USS Fremont Reunion and send to David Lape; 82 Deerfield; Chafee, MO 63740. Any questions call: 573-887-6100 or email davidlape@live.com to reach David Lape.
TRANSPORTATION
Those flying in will land at Lambert St. Louis International airport in St. Louis. Please provide us with your airline, Flight number, and arrival time so we can assist with transportation if needed.
To arrange for your own transportation from the airport please contact: Transportation Express at 314-428-7799 or 1-800844-1985. A one-way trip from the airport to the hotel will be $30-$35. You can call in Mid-July to make reservations in advance of your September trip. When you call to make reservations, ask for the USS Fremont rate.
Our reunion activities are as follows:
9/19 Wednesday ....... Early Bird Day Welcome hospitality room open"MEET ME IN St. Louis"
9/20 Thursday ........ Hugs & Kisses Day and registration in hospitality room.
At 6:00pm Tailgate Party with barbecue and local refreshments served in the hospitality room.
9/21 Friday .......... Scheduled Tour Day -- 8:30am depart to St. Louis Arch - Downtown St. Louis (Cost is $12.00); 11:30am Lunch;
1:00pm Travel to Grant's Farm; 3:30pm Return to Hotel
9/22 Saturday ........ On your Own Day, be back in time for a the 6PM Attitude Adjustment,
and the 7PM Banquet & Entertainment
9/23 Sunday .......... 7am - 11am Breakfast and Farewell Till We Meet Again
If you are not able to attend the reunion but want to be a member of the USS Fremont Reunion Association contact Bos'n Bob via e-mail at "BOSNBOB44@netzero.net"or send a letter to:
Bob Allen
819 Ackerman Ave.
Syracuse, NY 13210.
If you have pre-scanned pictures that you would like displayed for any reunion, please attach them to an e-mail message. If you have non-scanned reunion pictures, mail them to the following address:
Anthony R. Yebba
785 Briarwood Ct.
Orange City, FL 32763
Include your address and I will return them to you.
"Click here to E-mail your pictures"
Looking for a great gift idea for your father or husband? -- Check out our USS Fremont items!! The USS Fremont Reunion Association has ball caps, ship's patches, rate pins, ship's bells, shirts, and jackets.
USS Fremont Ship's Patch (Price $4.00) -- Press the button to the left for a larger picture.
Polo style shirt nicely done (Price $20.00) -- Press the button to the left for a larger picture.
T shirt (Price $8.00) -- Press the button to the left for a larger picture.
Light Jacket or Pull Over Jacket with USS Fremont logo (Price $30.00) -- Press the button to the left for a larger picture.
Regulation style Navy Command ball cap (Price $10.00) -- Press the button to the left for a larger picture.
E-mail Bos'n Bob at "BOSNBOB44@netzero.net" to place an order for any of our Ship's Store items.
I strongly support the U. S. Navy Memorial Foundation and encourage all of my USS Fremont shipmates to enroll and be a part of our country's naval history. Click on the "Lone Sailor" below for further information.
View the USS Fremont Log
Some of my fondest memories are of the time I served aboard the USS Fremont APA-44. When I first started searching the Web, I was surprised to find that information about the USS Fremont was not available on the Internet. I decided to solve that by creating a web site dedicated to this ship and her crew. It is my hope that this web site will feel like home to all those seeking the USS Fremont on the Internet. If you have time click on the chief's anchor below and visit Chief Yebba's Navy Web Site.
"Chief Yebba's Home Page"
USS Fremont Home Page | USS Fremont Specs | Ship's History | Ship's Bell | The War Diaries | Commanding Officers | Ship's Roster the 40's | Ship's Roster the 50's | Ship's Roster the 60's | Ship's Photo Album | Ship's Reunion | Deceased Shipmates |