WWII National Convention where I visited with four of the veterans who's stories were told in my book, "Submarine Stories of World War II," William Dreher USS Boarfish (SS-327). Marion Shinn USS Guavina (SS-362) Melvin T. Smith USS Snapper(SS-185) and Ervin O Schmidt USS Torsk (SS-423) Mr. Schmidt is a Pearl Harbor survivor of the USS California. I thank each of the veterans who took part in telling their story for my book. It has been an honor. Green Bay, Wisconsin 55th National Convention U.S. Submarine Veterans of WW II, Aug 30-Sept 5 2009. We spent two there before we traveled Highway 29 Westward toward Knapp. I visited family along the route.

We had a great time at the convention. The Wisconsin

subvets and everyone worked very hard to bring us

interesting events. I enjoyed the film on the discovery

of the USS Lagarto that was shared by Jamie Maclend;

one of the divers who was part of expedition. The submarine

was found 230 feet deep in the Gulf of Siam.

St. Marys Submarine Museum, St. Marys, Georgia requested ten copies of my

book for their gift shop. With added sales through the mail

and at the convention I sold the last of my books.

I have loved promoting the veterans and their stories.

USCGC SEA FOX: Commissioning Ceremonies for the USCGC Sea Fox (WPB 87374) were held on 18 Sep 09. Jim Mason (60-62), Lon Schmidt (55-56), Ralph Ruppert (44-45), Jerry Foss (69-70), and Pat Bellew (60-63) along with their guests Evelyn Ryan, Sharon Bellew, and JeanMarie Foss were present for the ceremonies. An article, along with photos, has been submitted to the American Submariner and material, with more specifics, will be sent shortly to Mary Ellen Burdick for the next Association newsletter. Of special note is the donation of the Sea Fox (SS402)'s ships bell by our boat's last Commanding Officer, CDR Walt Stammer. The bell arrived in time to be installed aboard the cutter and a very important part of the Sea Fox (SS402) history will once again return to sea! We have a web page about the cutter and you can view it at: http://seafoxss402.homestead.com/USCG.html There is a link at the bottom of the page that will take you to several photos of the ceremonies. Our association SK, Lon Schmidt, forwarded a Sea Fox (SS402) plaque and some cups to the C/O and crew of the cutter. And, Jim Mason presented the C/O, CWO3 Michael Lemay, with an Honorary Association Membership for he and his crew. Submitted by George Arnold

WWII SUBMARINE STORIES WANTED: Alex Buder, associate producer at Story House Productions, a television and film documentary company based out of Washington, DC., are in pre-production for a new TV documentary series of American Submarines in the Pacific Theater World War II and experiences of crew members to documentary on the USS Cole. Their website is http://www.storyhousepro.com/ Mr. Buder is requesting stories from WWII Submarine Veterans to be sent by e-mail or by regular mail to: Alex Buder Associate Producer Story House Productions 2233 Wisconsin Ave. NW Washington, DC 20007 202-464-7260 buder@storyhousepro.com

Branson, USS Sterlet SS - 392 Association http://www.usssterlet.com The displays honoring the submarines of WWII will be unveiled at the Veteran's Memorial Museum in Branson at 1400 hours 1250 W State St Hwy 76 Branson (417) 332-2300 by the USS STERLET SS392 Association - this will be the permanent home for the displays and should attract many veterans to Branson in years to come. All are invited to the unveiling and submarine veterans please wear your base vest. Dick Jarenski/Sue Rainey Commander & Treasure USS STERLET SS392 Association The USS Sterlet (SS392) Association will be holding their reunion in Branson October 7-11

USS Sennet SS-408 Reunion, October 11-15 at Landmark Resorts - Myrtle Beach, South Carolina http://www.sennet.org/ or USS Sennet Reunion c/o Ralph Luther, P.O. Box 864, Summerville, SC 29485-0864

S-28 memorial service was held in Wilmington, NC. They met on the fantail of the battleship NORTH CAROLINA. Later, held the tolling of the bells of the lost boats at a nearby waterfront memorial. Photos and information submitted by Chaplain Bill Whelan. The issue of the ALL CLEAR newsletter official journal of North Carolina Subvets is posted at http://ncsubvets.org/base.html Click on photos to enlarge.

Ervin Schmidt has a story in my book, Submarine Stories of World War II, and his wife June, has a story on page 80, When Our Mothers Went to War