Harold Clark Adams

Harold Clark Adams
Additional photos can be seen at the Natoma Bay Photogallery.

Harold's daughter Tami Montgomery also submitted several written pieces after talking with him recently about his Natoma Bay experiences.  Her material has been posted here.  Many thanks to Tami and Harold for sharing their thoughts and photos with us.

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Oral "Al" Clifton Alcorn

Oral "Al" Alcorn, President of the USS Natoma Bay Association,
at the San Antonio Reunion in 2004

Oral Clifton Alcorn, 91, of Fresno died Dec. 25. Well-loved President of the Natoma Bay Association, he also was a retired CEO for Dac Corporation. Graveside: Noon Jan. 8, 2015 at Fresno Memorial Gardens. Arrangements: Lisle Funeral Home, Fresno, CA. [Obituary adapted from that printed in The Fresno Bee. LD]

On last Thrusday the 25, Christmas day, our dear friend and president of the USS Natoma Bay group passed away. He will be sorely missed by all the shipmates and families, A fine man and leader he kept us on course.

Submitted on January 1, 2015 by John Taylor

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John Roy Atkinson

I wanted to let you know that my dad, John Roy Atkinson, who served with the Natoma Bay from later 1943 until the end of the war, passed away in 1998. He had attended one or 2 of the reunions in the 1980's. He was also on the Lexington when she sank and at Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7th.

I still wear his lucky "Horseshoe" made from the kamikaze propeller. Dad was a machinist AMMc2ndC? up on the flight deck. A funny guy, he later became a Shrine clown so that he could help the burned children. Would love to hear any stories about him, he was a great dancer and the ladies loved him, the fellows called him "the bait"!

Submitted by his daughter, Claire Atkinson Baker, on July 12, 2014

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William H. Baumfalk

The following information was submitted by Terry L. Baumfalk, son of William H. Baumfalk in February 2009. 

William H. Baumfalk was a plankowner on the USS NATOMA BAY  CVE - 62.  He was awarded the Purple Heart and Combat Action ribbon on April 24, 2005, 60 years after the fact, for his injuries from a Kamikaze attack on January 5, 1945.  He passed away on August 17, 2006.  His grandson, Brian, who was in the Navy Reserves at the time, presented the folded flag that was on the coffin to William Baumfalk's son Alan.  Terry L. Baumfalk played Taps on his trumpet at the graveside military rites service.

[Editor's Note: Terry Baumfalk has kindly contributed a series of photos and a portion of the scrapbook he compiled about his dad's military service.  You can read his description here and see the photos in the Natoma Bay Photogallery.  Thanks to Terry for sharing his work of love with us.--LD]

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Dominic P. Cerulli

Our wonderful father Dominic Paul Cerulli passed away October 23, 2012. He served as a weatherman on the Natoma Bay during WW II and was always very proud of his Naval service. After the war he went to Northeastern University and became a reporter for UPI and later the Boston Globe. He married Dolores Costa in 1953, and moved to New York to be the editor of Down Beat Magazine. He wrote hundreds of liner notes and was nominated for a Grammy in 1965. He also co-authored a book on music called The Jazz Word. He is survived by his wife Dolores and two sons - Mark and Garrett and a grandson, Erik. Thank you veterans for your service. with appreciation - mark cerulli

Submitted on November 11, 2014 by his son, Mark Cerulli

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Frank Eugene Cummings

Frank Eugene Cummings 8/19/22 – 5/11/11

Graduated Manhattan College, WW2 vet of USS carrier Natoma Bay, aerospace engineer with Rockwell, most notable projects Saturn Rocket and space shuttle communication systems. Golfed until 88 years old, married 54 years to Gloria, survived by children Jeff, Scott, Victoria and David, grandchildren Jamie, Jessica, Kasey and Shea. Frank was a wonderful dad, grandpa and a true gentleman who will be greatly missed.

Submitted on May 18, 2011 by Milton W. Irwin

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Morris Daniel "Dannie" Daron

Morris Daniel "Dannie" Daron

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Morris D. Daron, Retired Naval Gunner
Morris Daniel "Dannie" Daron, 50, a retired Navy chief warrant gunner, died yesterday [June 2, 1952] in his home.  He was a past worshipful master of East San Diego Lodge, F.&A.M., and member of Estella Chapter O.E.S.

Mr. Daron was born in Flat Rock, Ill., joined the Navy when he was 17.  He retired in 1946 after service in both world wars.

Survivors are his wife, Susie, two daughters, Mrs. Tracy Miller and Miss Muriel Daron, of San Diego, and three sisters in other states.

He is buried in Ft. Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego, CA

- . - . - . - . - .

He died of a heart attack in 1952. He was only 50, but he did a lot more living in those years than most. My Mother and her sister (his children), are still alive.  I am helping my Mother go through all of the family pictures  and found lots of treasures.
Pictures and other material in this section submitted by his grand-daughter, Judi Snow, on October 22, 2013
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Plank Owner's Certificate

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George M. Douglass

This is to respectfully inform you of the passing of my father:

Capt. George M. Douglass, USN Ret.

7209 Lillooet Loop

Aberdeen, WA 98520

His wife, Kathleen, my mother passed 2006.

We have lovingly laid their ashes to rest at Golden Gate Nat'l Cemetery, Calif.

Thank you, Karen Miller, daughter

Submitted on February 15, 2011 by Karen Miller

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Warren Robert Edinger

The following information was submitted by Gayle Schaub (Warren Edinger's niece) and Mary Edinger (Warren Edinger's sister-in-law) in March 2009.

Warren Edinger of Glenwood, Minnesota, a 3rd Gunner’s Mate on the Natoma Bay, died on Friday, March 20, 2009.

Warren Robert Edinger, the son of Emil and Elizabeth (Cosh) Edinger was born September 15, 1923, in Elbow Lake, Minnesota. Warren grew up and attended school in Glenwood, graduating from the Glenwood High School in 1943. After graduation he entered active military service in the United States Navy on June 18, 1943. He served as a gunner's mate and was honorably discharged on November 5, 1946.

After his discharge from the Navy, Warren moved back to Glenwood and began working for the railroad. On September 15, 1967, Warren was united in marriage to Martha Jensen in Nashua, Iowa. Warren and Martha made their home in Glenwood where Warren continued to work for the railroad for 40+ years until his retirement. They shared 29 years of marriage before Martha passed away December 7, 1996.

Warren was a sports enthusiast, he enjoyed watching sports and played many when he was younger. He especially loved playing golf. He also enjoyed playing cards and going to the casino.

Warren is survived by his sister, Helen Schaefer of Pine City; sister-in-law, Mary Edinger of Glenwood; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Emil and Elizabeth Edinger; wife, Martha; two sisters, Margaret Hagen and Celeste Petschl; and one brother, Howard Edinger.

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Milton Fisher

After talking about how I went overseas, on an aircraft carrier, my daughter decided to look up the Natoma Bay.  I read all the info about the boat, and there was not one mention of the Marines that were on the first voyage from San Diego to Pearl.  I have fond memories of that voyage and sleeping on cots under the planes' wings (with oil dripping on me).  I believe there were twenty-eight of us Marines on that Voyage.

Sincerely,

S/SGT. Milton Fisher

Submitted on January 28, 2014

[Note from the editor: I was unaware that Marines traveled on the Natoma Bay.  If anyone has any additional information about this aspect of Natoma Bay History, please send it to me so I can add it to the website.  Thanks—LD]

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Edward L. Glockner

Edward L. Glockner, 89, of Hill View Retirement Center, died Monday, Dec. 20, 2010, at home.

Mr. Glockner wrote his own obituary. The full text is posted here.

Submitted on January 19, 2011 by Tami Montgomery, daughter of Harold Clark Adams.

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Henry Hernandez

Henry Hernandez, Jr.

Submitted on August 24, 2016 by Hector Cardenas, Retired SAFD.

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Arthur J. Imthurn

Arthur J. Imthurn

from his daughter Jeannie Haag (July 2014)

My dad, Arthur J. Imthurn, passed away in the early hours of June 28th. I cannot tell you how much he enjoyed attending the ship reunions the past several years. I was in hopes that my husband and I could make this year's gathering in Las Vegas, but we shall see. Would be great to see all who are able to go.

Arthur J. Imthurn

Obituary posted: Tuesday, July 1, 2014 to The Lewiston Tribune Online, lmtribune.com
http://lmtribune.com/obituaries/article_37b6d919-640a-507e-827d-77d038787f0e.html

"Do you have time for a short story?" was the favorite conversation starter of Arthur J. Imthurn, who was born Feb. 25, 1927, in Lewiston, to Arthur W. and Elda B. Imthurn. He passed away peacefully Saturday, June 28, 2014, at home in Lewiston at the age of 87 years.

At 6 in the morning on Easter Sunday, March 28, 1948, he married Melvena Wilkins, also of Lewiston. They started their life together on Normal Hill until December of 1955, when they finished building their current home overlooking the Clearwater River in the Hatwai area of Lewiston.

Art enlisted in the U.S. Navy in January 1945 at 17 years old in the middle of his senior year. He later received his diploma from Lewiston High School. Following World War II, he signed with the Navy Reserves and returned to active duty during the Korean conflict from 1951-1952. After being honorably discharged from the Navy, Art worked as the parts and service manager of Dodge/Chrysler dealerships in Lewiston, Moscow and Pullman until 1969. He then worked for Chrysler Corp. until 1971 as a warranty service writer. His final 10 years of employment were spent at Blount (now ATK), where he configured and set up manufacturing machinery.

Art was part of the "greatest generation." His word was gold. He was Mr. Fix-It and could repair just about anything. He felt if it was worth doing, it was worth doing right, and he would not stop until the end result was met with his seal of approval. Art was blessed with an unbelievable internal GPS, was a local and regional historian, and especially loved railroads and their history. Whenever possible, he spent his time out in the mountains with friends and family exploring, camping, fishing and hunting. Art and Melvena loved travel and explored all 50 states as well as Canada, Switzerland and parts of Europe after he retired.

Arthur is survived by his wife of 66 years, Melvena Imthurn; daughters Nancy (Russ) Randall of Clarkston and Jeannie (Rick) Haag of Lewiston; son David (Frances) Imthurn; grandchildren Amber Randall of Seattle, Ryan Randall of Grand Coulee, Wash., Wesley Haag of Las Vegas, Kevin (Rachelle) Haag of Lewiston, Tony Imthurn of Moscow, and Kyle (Rachel) Imthurn of Lewiston; and one great-grandson, Cruz Arthur Imthurn. He is also survived by a sister, Louise (Walter) Stevens of Coeur d'Alene.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur W. and Elda B. Imthurn; and his brother, Elmer R. Imthurn.

Services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Mountain View Funeral Home, Lewiston. Memorial donations may be given to Emmanuel Baptist Church, to any veterans organization, or a charity of choice.

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Ray D. Johnson

Address as of May 16, 2009:

Southwest Louisiana War Veterans Home
1610 Evangeline Road
Jennings, LA  70546

Ray was a Plankowner in the Second Division.  S 1/c.  Enlisted 8/11/42.

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Clarence Edward Kirsch

Clarence Edward Kirsch

Clarence Edward Kirsch, formerly of rural Fowler [IN], age 95, passed away peacefully on October 4, 2015 at Cumberland Pointe Health Care Facility. He was born March 21, 1920, near Dunnington, [IN] the son of Joseph and Helen (Sondgeroth) Kirsch, who are deceased. On July 15, 1946, in Fowler, he married Dolores Schroeder, who survives. They celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary in July.

Mr. Kirsch attended Ambia High School and farmed on the family farm for many years. Later he developed his own grain bin construction business. He was a Navy veteran of World War II, serving from October 1941 to December 19, 1945 on the aircraft carrier, The Natoma Bay. He saw much action in the South Pacific, and in 2010, was awarded many medals of Honor for those years of duty and service. Most recently, he was honored by the American Legion, Post #57 of Fowler for 70 years of active membership. He had the mind of an engineer and was very creative in developing innovative solutions to problems. In his retirement years he became an avid fisherman and enjoyed his time with friends on the ponds close to his home. He was a devoted and life-long member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, Dunnington, where he was a member of the Holy Name Society. He also belonged to the American Legion, Post #57.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by three daughters, Kathleen Leuck (David) of Pinehurst, NC, Jane Boden (Robert) of Louisville, KY, Annette Ross (Ken) of Exton, PA, and 2 sons, Greg A. Kirsch (Marsha) of Kansas City, MO and David A. Kirsch (Kelly) of New Lebanon, Ohio. Also surviving are 10 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Two brothers, Wilfred and Joseph Kirsch preceded him in death and 5 sisters; Sister M. Antonita, O.S.F. (Hilda), Ann Brennen, Maria VanDame, Geni LeSuer and Helen Ann Grieves. A funeral Mass of remembrance will be celebrated on October 24, 2015 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Dunnington, IN at 11 am. Friends may call one hour prior to the Mass. Father Donald Gross will officiate; interment will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Sacred Heart School Direct, St. Mary's Catholic Church or Bright Focus Foundation for Macular Degeneration Research. The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude and thanks to the caring staff of Cumberland Pointe Health Campus. Arrangements by Windler Funeral Home.

Published in the Journal & Courier on Oct. 6, 2015
- See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/jconline/obituary.aspx?pid=176020945#sthash.vJG1U7RA.dpuf

Submitted by son Dave Kirsch on October 20, 2015

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Jack Larsen

Jack Larsen (1923-2009)

Jack Larsen passed away Thursday, Nov. 5, 2009.

Memorial service: 3 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3, in Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery and will be open to the public.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in the name of Jack Aubertin Larsen to the via the web at www.kidney.org. Donations may also be mailed to:  National Kidney Foundation, 30 East 33rd St., New York, N.Y. 10016.

A retired World War II veteran, he served 22 years in the United States Navy. His distinguished military service included a career as a naval aviator. He flew missions in the South Pacific and in Korea. He achieved the rank of lieutenant commander and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his heroism.

Once retired from military service, Jack worked 20 years for the California State Board of Equalization as a tax representative supervisor. He retired from the state in 1982 and spent much of his retired life in Springdale, Ark. In 2005, Jack moved to Texas where he lived for the past four years.

Survivors: His wife of 66 years, Dorothy Delores Larsen of Highland Village; children, Carol Ann Diano of El Dorado, Calif., Don Fredrick Larsen of Houston, Jack Alan Larsen of Palm Desert, Calif., Gary Byron Larsen of Tucson, Ariz., and Tana Lynn Roche of Flower Mound; 10 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.

Obituary published in the Fort Worth Star Telegram, Nov. 24, 2009.  Notice to website submitted by Robert Tate, Nov. 24, 2009

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Kenneth Dan Lewis

Kenneth Dan Lewis, 88, of Monument California, died on Thursday, February 28, 2009.

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R. C. Malone

My Grandfather R.C. Malone served upon the Natoma Bay. I believe he came aboard in November '43. He died in 2003 we had planned to attend the reunion in San Antonio. I myself attended and meet many of the heros there.

Ronald Wideman

Submitted by his grandson, Ronald Wideman, on March 25, 2012.

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John Wallace McCleney, Sr.

John Wallace McCleney, Sr. (left); John McCleney & Temple Rodriguez (right)

I would just like to inform the association of the passing of my father John W McCleney Sr. He was a seaman aboard the USS Natoma Bay CVE - 62. He had attended most all of the reunions in the past except the last ones because of declining health. He was very proud of the fact that he served on the ship and fought for his country and we are quite proud of him. He passed away on November 6, 2011 in his home surrounded by his family. His wife had passed away only 40 days earlier. He was 86 years old and we really miss him.

His son.

John W McCleney Jr.

Submitted by his son, John W McCleney Jr., on November 13, 2011.

- . - . - . - . - .

It is with great regret that I am emailing to inform you that John Wallace McCleney Sr, a former crewmember of the USS Natoma Bay passed away last year on Nov 6 (2011). He always spoke proudly of his time in the Navy and on the Natoma Bay, and used to frequently attend the Reunions.

Submitted by his grandson, John Lambert, on April 12, 2012.

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Stanley Paled

I regret to inform your organization that my Father, Stanley Paled went to his reward on Monday, October 26, 2009 in Farmington Hills, Michigan after a five year battle with Alzheimer's disease. He was 84.

Submitted on September 11, 2010 by Stanley's daughter Michele Paled.

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Gerard Earl Papineau

Gerard Earl "Gerry" Papineau, 93, of Nashua, died Friday morning, Oct. 24, 2014, at the Community Hospice House in Merrimack, after a period of declining health. A resident of Nashua for many years, Gerry was born in Norwich, Conn. on Feb. 4, 1921, a son of the late Earl and Elizabeth (Charron) Papineau. Educated in Connecticut schools, Mr. Papineau was a Navy veteran, proudly serving as a tail gunner and radioman aboard the TBF Avenger on the aircraft carrier Natoma Bay in the Pacific Theater of operations during World War II. He twice survived his plane being shot down.

After the war, Mr. Papineau worked as a top sales manager for the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company and later ran the former Nashua Ten Pin Bowling Lanes. He also owned and operated Over the Hill Outfitters in Amherst. Mr. Papineau was passionate about hunting and fishing and the Detroit Tigers. He enjoyed bowling, golfing, dancing, listening to music, and singing at the Senior Center.  Most of all, Gerry loved his Brittany Spaniel dogs. 

Mr. Papineau is survived by his wife and love of 62 years, Ruth A. Papineau, of Nashua; a daughter and son-in-law Patricia and David Reno of Florence, Ore.; a son and daughter-in-law, Timothy M. and Linda Riley of Bedford; a daughter and son-in-law Kathleen and Marc Levine of Gilbert, Ariz.; 12 grandchildren, Kim Papineau, Walter Papineau, Garrett Papineau, Raymond Papineau, Eric Papineau, Bree Clark, Amy Bahan, Sean Riley, Christopher Riley, Matthew Riley, Rachel Levine and Jacob Levine; many great-grandchildren; a sister, Inez Urso of Baltic, Conn.; a brother, Lenwood Papineau of Hanover, Conn.; many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Gerry was predeceased by his son, Walter Papineau, his grandson, Michael Riley, and his brother, Richard Papineau.

Services were held November 3, 2014 at the Parish of the Resurrection, 449 Broad St., Nashua. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Mr. Papineau and in appreciation of the care and peace given to him in his final days, to the Community Hospice House, Attention: Development, 7 Executive Park Drive, Merrimack, NH 03054.

Information obtained from the Nashua Union Leader

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Howard F. Parker

Howard F Parker Died 10/17/1992. His brother James Parker died 1993. They both served at the same time on the USS Natoma Bay during World War II.

Submitted by Don Parker on November 9, 2011.

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Leonard A. Poth

It is with great regret that I have to inform you of the passing of my father Leonard A. Poth of VC-9.  He passed on February 6th 2009.  After WWII he served on active duty again for the Korean war and Vietnam, finally retiring as a Commander.  He loved his country, his time in service to it, and VC-9.  He is missed every day.

Submitted by Louis Poth, June 16, 2009.

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Vincent Summers

This is to inform you of the passing 8-19-2009 of Vincent Summers.  He was in B-division.  He was also a plank owner.  He put the ship in commission Oct. 14, 1943 in Astoria, Oregon.

Submitted by Lou Anne Burnett (daughter).

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Robert Edward Tanner

My Dad's name was, Robert Edward Tanner.  He went into the Navy in 1937.  I don't know what rank he was while on the Natoma Bay, but he was in the boiler room.  He also served on the U.S. Mississippi.  I do have a picture of him and shipmates from the Natoma.  When the Navy passed him over for Chief, after 9 yrs., he joined the army and served 11 yrs.  Dad retired in 1959 with 20 yrs. total at age 40.  We had a interesting life traveling around.  Spent 3 yrs. In Europe.  After retiring at 40 Dad went to work for the Corps of Engineers, on an ocean going dredge, The Biddle, out of Astoria, Oregon.  He worked on the Biddle for 10 yrs. and retired with 30 yrs. Our Dad was born June 30, 1919 & died Jan. 16, 1985.  Dad told me once that he was the happiest when he was on the sea. 

Submitted by Lana Tanner Jackson (daughter), January 2015.

[Photos from Robert Edward Tanner's time in the service can be found in the Natoma Bay Photogallery at: http://natomabaycve62.org/photogallery/index.php?/category/20  —LD]

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Kenneth Edward Wavell

My father is Kenneth Edward Wavell. He passed away on December 28, 2010 at 12:45 p.m. We were moving my parents into assisted living and my father had difficulty we his breathing so we called 911. He was taken to the hospital 12-17 and never got better. We moved him to the hospice back by the assisted living where he passed away peacefully surrounded by family. For the last two years he had much difficulty with pulmonary fibrosis. Dad was 91when he died. I took Mom and Dad to the Las Vegas reunion, Dad said that was the last one for him because there were no more pilots that he flew with. He enjoyed the reunions and seeing the crew, but it just wasn't the same without anymore pilots! I was trying to find Al Alcorn's address or phone number when I came across this website. Keep up the good work. Over and out. Arthur Wavell (youngest of six)

Submitted on January 10, 2011 by Arthur Wavell

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Robert Loyd Winne

My Stepfather AOM1 Robert L. Winne served aboard the USS Natoma Bay from San Fransisco to the return Stateside in August of 1945. Robert passed away on April 9, 1988. He was very proud of the USS Natoma Bay and his Service to our Country, the Constitution and to his Family.

Respectfully Submitted,

Leon C. Gall, SGT US Army

Submitted on June 21, 2010 by Leon C. Gall, stepson of Robert L. Winne.

- . - . - . - .

Robert Loyd Winne (Navy spelling Winnie) was an ordnance man, #300-41-44. He died 8 Apr 1988 at the V. A. Hospital in Live Oak, Florida. He is buried on the grave of his father, Loyd Potter Winne, at the Spring Grove Cemetery in Delavan, Wisconsin.

Pat Winne

Submitted on February 4, 2011 by Pat Winne, daughter-in-law of Robert Loyd Winne.

[Pat Winne also kindly submitted a transcript of Robert Winne's War Diary. A pdf file of that transcript can be found here.—LD]

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