Hello Mary......I've just finished reading your book and want you to know that it brought me right back to those days of sailing aboard the Tinosa. They were great voyages, interrupted by occasional moments of dreadful fear, but overall cruises filled with special feelings. Those "special feelings" were inspired by the nation that was so very much together in our objectives and with a patriotism we rarely see anymore. Thanks again for the wonderful gift Mary and I'm very happy to have met you and Mel. Very sincerely, Loyal

SUBMARINE STORIES OF WORLD WAR II Compiled and written by Mary Nida Smith

Stories of nine teenagers who served on US Navy Submarines during the 1940s. Many had never been away from home when they ventured beneath the sea to an unknown world of silence to spy and torpedo enemy ships. It was a world that quickly changed naïve teenagers into men who took home memories of good and painful times. Submarine Stories of World War II was written to honor the men who have served and are serving today on submarines.

William Dreher USS Boarfish SS-327 Marion Shinn USS Guavina SS-362 James A. Davidson USS Guitarro SS-363 Wayne Goodenow USS Cat SS-399 Gail Diamond USS Scorpion SS-278 Joseph Blanchett USS Seal SS-183 Melvin Tolbert Smith USS Snapper SS-185 Billy Grieves USS Thresher SS-200 Ervin O. Schmidt USS Torsk SS-423 USS Saury SS-189 and the USS California BB-44

A poem by Irma Goodenow honoring her submarine husband of 59 years. Mary Nida Smith - Wives of U.S. Submarine Veterans of World War II, Arkansas Diamond Chapter (Newsletter Editor), former Idaho member of the Spuds Chapter Twin Fall, Idaho, Associated member Twin Lakes Base USSVI, Military Writers Society of America, Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators, Missouri Writers Guild, and Ozarks Writers League. To order copies send $12.00 plus $2.00 Postage to: Mary Nida Smith 162 Stamford Drive Lakeview, AR 72642

Iowa Gold Star Military Museum Submitted by: Dennis Murphy on 4/21/2009---------------------------------------------------------The Iowa Base, The Iowa Chapter WWII Subvets, and the Placoderm Base are currently advising the Curators of The Iowa Gold Star Military Museum in Johnston, Iowa, as they plan a Submarine Exhibit in a new addition to be completed in late 2009.Our first suggestion, something indisputably submarine, was a Fleet Submarine Conning Tower, which could be installed as the new building is being built. Second would be a rotatable periscope, pushed through the roof, also to be installed during construction. As of April 1, we have been unable to locate either item. It may be necessary to lower our expectations for a centerpiece.The new exhibit will focus on the contributions and sacrifices made by Iowa's Submarine Veterans. The more significant the center piece, the more generous the Iowa contributions will be.We welcome information, advice, and offers of submarine items. Please contact, Dennis Murphy dmdmurph@mchsi.com or David Farran bream243@q.com.

Merchant Marines: I, being a women had never read or heard of the Merchant Marines until Joyce Larimore, a friend and member of the Fleet Reserve gave me a book about these brave men. The book: They Couldn't Have Won The War Without Us - Stories of the Merchant Marine in WWII...told by the men who sailed the ships. Edited by Pete Peterson. (This book can be purchased on http://www.amazon.com/) published in 1998 - Midwest Chapter Memorial Plaque, Dedicated May 22, 1995 Navy Pier, Chicago. It is a well written book, filled with stories of 20 men who served on these ships during WWII. Everything you ever wanted to know is in this book edited by one of the men who's story is told between the pages of "They Couldn't Have Won The War Without us." They received no pat on the back or honors. After reading this book, I salute each and everyone of you. - Thank You! To learn more go to http://www.mymerchantmarines.com/

USS Sea Fox Reunion May 10-15 at the Branson Settle Inn for more information go to their website http://www.seafoxss402.Homestead.com

NEWS-02: BATFISH needs a hand...Submitted by: Matt Albright on 4/10/2009---------------------------------------------------------Hello Submarine Veterans and friends:The USS Batfish SS-310 (located in Muskogee, OK) is seeking Donations to help pay for painting the boat. Please send your Tax Deductible Donation to: The Batfish Memorial Foundation18139 S 129th W Ave Sapulpa, OK 74066

The USS Batfish SS-310. Every year in May the Batfish Crew Members hold a Reunion (generally) on the 2nd Saturday at 10 am. At this Reunion is USSVI and WWII Submarine Veterans hold a Memorial Service which includes the Tolling of the Boats. Please consider this your Bases Official Invitation to attend this moving Ceremony. We hope you and your Base can attend and bring friends. You won't be disappointed. This year the Memorial Service at the Batfish will be held on Saturday May 16th, 2009 at 11 am at the Boat. We hope to see you there. Ken Recoy 620-305-9900 cell. USSVI Central Region - District One Commander.