The Search for the Grunion Blog

Bruce mbabele@999info.net

Some seven years ago our federal government created an electronic database of individuals who contributed to the World War II effort. The objective was not only to honor those individuals but to act as a definitive source of information for this very important part of American history. The name of this electronic database is World War II Registry.

There are four sources that have contributed to this registry. The first comes from those buried overseas, the second those missing in action or presumed lost, the third from the official War Departments rosters of those killed in service, and the forth from the public who can contribute their own enrollment.

As we all know the crew of the Grunion is now in the spotlight of history. For that reason Mary Bentz, with the help of Kelly Helgans of Oak Tree Systems, has enrolled all 70 of the crew in the registry, with up-to-date descriptions and pictures, all in the name of the “The Families of the Grunion”. It has been a time-consuming, but rewarding task.

In addition, because there are conflicting explanations about the loss of the Grunion, and because the story of the loss is continually unfolding there is an effort going on to correct inconsistencies that have developed between the various sources.

There is no charge to place a name in the registry and anyone can honor and record for a relative by going to http://www.wwiimemorial.com/default.asp?page=registry.asp
.

Bruce mbabele@999info.net

Thanks to Ms. Janis Kozlowski and the National Park Service. Anchorage, Alaska the USS Grunion and its crew have been honored in their 2010 calendar by devoting the month of January to their memory.

Limited copies of the calendar are still available. Order forms at
http://www.999info.net/2010.pdf

Bruce mbabele@999info.net

As many of you know a few weeks ago Vickie Rodgers lost her 28-year-old son Michael, married with two small boys, in an automobile accident.

The response from the Grunion family has been extraordinary and she wishes to extend her appreciation for your kindness and support.

The photo is of Michael and son Keagan

Bruce mbabele@999info.net

On Tuesday, September 8, 2009 (11:00 Pacific Time, 12:00 Mountain, 1:00 Central, and 2:00 Eastern) there will be a web-based talk show based on the search for the USS Grunion, featuring John and Bruce Abele, sons of the Skipper, along with Jim Christley, sub expert who has been heavily involved in the analysis of the loss, and Mary Bentz, one of the “Sub Ladies”. John Nobles who instigated the idea of this show and whose dad was on the sub will also be participating.

There are two ways to listen and or participate in the show

(1) By Phone:
Dial (347) 637-3101. If you wish to join the conversation then press 1. It is a long distance call which may not work for those without long distance service.

(2) The Internet: Log on to http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Mr-Wayne
then go down under the orange bar and click on “New Discoveries – National Pledge of Allegiance Day and Honoring the crew of the USS Grunion”

When the show starts If you would like to provide a comment or question you must have registered (upper right-hand corner) Then just type your comment in the box at the bottom of the page. Then hit Submit.

Not a bad idea to register before the show. Suggest that you use a user name with a number after it as all standard names are taken.

Bruce mbabele@999info.net

Janis Kozlowski of the National Park Service, Anchorage AK has produced a rather remarkable calendar about the WWII war in the Aleutians. The month of January is devoted solely to the Grunion

We have sent a mass mailing notifying people on how they can obtain copies.

If, after you get a copy, you would like to express your thoughts to Janis about this labor of love she can be reached at Janis_Kozlowski@nps.gov