Comments on: USS Grunion Story on the NBC Today Show 10/24/06

By: Thomas Rutledge

Thomas Rutledge — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 13:14:59 +0000

They “went down to the sea in ships” but also took on the dangers of the underwater world of the Second World War. In “Iron Coffins”, written about the battle for the North Atlantic, the hardships these brave men faced were detailed as were the costs paid for by both sides but little has been said about the pacific battle which continued to rage after Germany had surrendered. These men were the best of our best who chose the most dangerous of work in the most arduous of conditions, and the men of the USS Grunion pulled perhaps the very worst of all assignments in that they were operating in waters that could kill a swimmer in less than five minutes. Their story must be told. In the recent book “Shadow Divers” the efforts of two divers to identify a German U-boat discovered on the Atlantic seaboard is detailed and was a griping story of the dangerous underwater exploration that effort required; in light of that story the idea of raising the Grunion is probably unworkable but what an honor it would be to those men who gave their lives so soon after our entry into the War.
I know this must be a labor of love for those who have taken the challenge to find the lost ship and my prayers will be that they succeed in every endeavor to tell of one missing crew, and the ship they manned, and the country they served. May we never forget.
Tom Rutledge

By: Susan Wisenbaker

Susan Wisenbaker — Tue, 31 Oct 2006 16:24:49 +0000

Did anyone copy the Today segment? I was camping in Colorado and missed it.

By: Lynne Blinco Earle

Lynne Blinco Earle — Wed, 25 Oct 2006 21:57:08 +0000

The Today Show segment was very moving to those of us who lost a loved one on the Grunion. We owe so much gratitude and thanks to Jim, Brad, and John Abele for their continued search, endurance, and financial backing. Thanks also to NBC for finally featuring the story of the gallant crew of the Grunion and their loss after 64 years.

By: Meryl Kretschmann & Family

Meryl Kretschmann & Family — Wed, 25 Oct 2006 04:52:38 +0000

Thanks to the Abele Family for continuing the search for
the Grunion. We saw the Today Show today and it was very
moving. My Mom cherished the letters to her from Mrs
Abele encouraging her hoping for answers about my
Dad and Commander Abele and the other men.. The Valient men should
never be forgotten. Their story must be told.
Thank you NBC

By: Meryl Kretschmann & Family

Meryl Kretschmann & Family — Wed, 25 Oct 2006 01:09:13 +0000

Our thanks to the Abele Brothers for continuing the
search. The Valiant men’s
story must be told. We want them never to be forgotten.
The comradeship of the Grunion people on this find
of my Dad’s sub since August
has been spectacular.
The Today Feature Show was
very touching and a long time
in coming. Thank you NBC