On the Home Front
The sub ladies have just found relatives for the last remaining crew member Byron Traviss. That means that they have found relatives for 100% of the crew of 70!!! That is an extraordinary achievement.
The techniques that have been used are fascinating. We knew that Traviss had a Detroit background. Mary Bentz along with Frank Donnelly of the Detroit Free Press put together an article that was published on Friday August 24th. In addition Mary did some radio interviews and the result was that by the end of the day we had contacts with more than one relative.
[ The Detroit Free Press article is here. - Newman]
I first saw this story in the paper yesterday, August 24th and spent a couple hours looking for more info. I found it amazing. Checking in this morning and learning the family of the last sailor was located was a perfect way to start the day. Being prior service as many of the readers here are, we all know the importance of accounting for each and every service member, as it brings the closure that families need.
The Abele family and those who assisted them deserve more credit than we could ever give them for embarking on this enormous task and never giving, ultimately allowing closure for 100 percent of the crew members of the Grunion. Thank you everyone, I’m sure those with family aboard share the same thoughts.
Coming from a Military family and having searched the National Archives etc for info on family members I know very well how difficult it can be. I find what you have accomplished here amazing and want to say “well done” to all involved !!!
Ron Malone
Former US Marine
Congratulations to the sub ladies! You have achieved a clean sweep. You may now, as the WW II submariners did, attach a broom to the mast.
It has been an extraordinary two days.
my uncle albert ullman maybe(ullmann) was a crew member on this sub. we have his purple heart in hand. please anyone may contact us. thanks
Mr. Ullman, have you been contacted? My name is Mary Bentz and I have had the distinct pleasure of working with Rhonda and Vickie on this extraordinary search.
You may reach me at ca.par@hotmail.com.
Kindest regards,
Mary
I may have said this previously. I went through Submarine School wuth Al Ullman during the latter half of 1941. I knew Al quite well. We had many pizzas & beer at the old VICTORY CAFE in New London on weekends. After finishing the school I was sent to San Diego then to Pearl Harbor. Al stayed in the Groton area waiting, while the new GRUNION was being finished. Never saw him again after Oct 1941. I was 17 at that time and he may have been 19. A great guy, We had some great times during that short 3 months at Sub School together. - G.J. Herold
Yesterday, Detroit Free Press reporter Korie Wilkens published stories for the 6 men from Michigan who were lost on Grunion. These men from Michigan were Ensign William Cuthbertson, Jr. 27, Frankenmuth; Torpedoman’s Mate 3C Richard McCutcheon, 18 Detroit; Seaman 2C Arnold Post, 18, Midland; Seaman 2C Daniel Nathaniel Swartwood, 19, Flint Byron Allen “Buck†Traviss, 17, Detroit, Seaman 2C Loyal Ryan Jr, 17; — http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080817/NEWS06/808170401/1008
Thank you, Korie! — Mary Bentz
I am trying to find out if Curtic L. Vassar was among the crew of the Grunion? Thanks