USS California BB-44
Message Board
Messages 1 to 24

24.
Aug. 1, 2010

My uncle's name was Boyd Francis Gibson (Buck), and he lost his life aboard the USS California on January 6, 1945 when a Kamikaze plane hit the ship. He was from Parkersburg, West Virginia, and he held the rank of Coxswain. When he died, the family was informed he was buried at sea, but I have seen other documentation that he is buried in the American Cemetery in Manila. If there is anyone who knew "Buck" or would have any photos or any knowledge of him, I would appreciate hearing from them. Thanking you in advance.

Larry C. Gibson


23.
Apr. 16, 2010

My grandfather Keith M. Laizure, was an ensign on the USS California from 1943 to 1945. He was from Palo Alto, CA and I am looking to see if anyone may remember him or served with him. My grandfather passed away in 1998 from  Alzheimer's and I did not take the initiative to learn and appreciate his service during WWII. I have received his service records from the U.S. Navy, but it is very limited in scope. I regret not knowing or talking more with him when he was alive. I am hoping I might find out something to share with his great grand children (my two boy's). 

Thank you for your time and effort,
Chris Sanderson


22.
Mar. 17, 2010

My grandfather served on board the USS California during WWWI, I think 1944-45. I don't know much about what he did other than that he was a gunner (I believe) - he didn't talk about the war much. His name was Leonard Leusby and he was from Michigan. If there is anyone out there who can remember him I'd love to hear from you.

Also, are there still reunions for the crew of BB-44? And if so, are family members welcome to attend? I'd love the opportunity to be able to meet some of the men who served with my grandfather during this time (whether they knew him or not) to gain a better sense of what life was like on the ship.

Thanks so much!
Spring Leusby


21.
Mar. 10, 2010

My grandfather served on the USS California during part of WW2. He was Captain Frederick G. E. Carlson and used to tell me stories about the war, the Pacific and the USS California. He talked about the Kamikaze attack and the terrible loss of life. He was always proud of the crews that he served with. Do any of you remember him? Any remembrances that you would like to share? He passed away many years ago in 1976 and I miss him very much. I would enjoy hearing anything you remember.

Thanks,
Karl Ludwig


20.
Feb. 20, 2010

My father was on the California for most of the Pacific battles. His name was Ensign William D. Kent from Kenosha Wisconsin. He died in 1998 and my mother just died in December. After her death we discovered many letters from him to my mother in Kenosha. Can you post his name and see if any of his shipmates
remember him?

Thanks,
Susan Kent Anderson


19.
Feb. 18, 2010

My grandfather served on the USS California during World War II. His name is John Henry McConnell.  He was from Dixon, Illinois, but now lives in Quincy, Illinois. Are there any of his shipmates still alive? I am not sure of his exact dates of service. He was I think a spotter or look-out man. I am not sure what the exact name of his position was. Are there any books about the USS California? I would like to learn more about the ship that my grandfather served on and the men that served with him.

Thank you,
Patrick McConnell
Springfield, Illinois


18.
Jan. 28, 2010

My father, Frank Clark, served aboard the California from '43 to through the end of the war as an Electrician's Mate. I have been putting together a history video of him talking about his experiences and have been trying to find as many photos from that time as possible. I would appreciate any help. Those of you who also served aboard did an amazing service to our country and I am proud of each of you.

Thank you,
Specialist Joshua Clark


17.
Jan. 14, 2010

My father, Robert James Mahon, was on the USS California. He died when I was just 15 years old and I was his only child, I am 44 now. No one kept any pictures or correspondence on my father from World War II. I am looking for someone who would have known him. I am a lost soul without him. My mother passed away also. I have received some information from the National Archives but not enough. I have very few pictures of my father but I loved him very much. I do know he had his physical and was put on the USS California on January 9, 1945. He left from Puget Sound. Can someone please help me and if anyone knew him? I would love to hear about anything they might help me with.

Sincerely,
Robert James Mahon


16.
Dec. 8, 2009

I'm trying to compile our family history for preservation and there is a story that my late grandfather, Paul J. Cassidy, served on the USS California. If anyone at all can confirm, that would be fantastic!

Thank you,
Lillian Bonnici


15.
Oct. 25, 2009

I have seen photos of Ens. Herbert C. Jones, who received the Medal of Honor posthumously for his actions at Pearl Harbor aboard the USS California, on the web site http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/pers-us/uspers-j/hc-jones.htm .  The problem is, the two faces pictured as belonging to Jones do not look alike.  One of them can't be Jones.  If there's a veteran who can tell me which one is Jones, I'd very much appreciate it. 

Thanks,
Thomas Wolke
Chantilly, Virginia


14.
Oct. 14, 2009

My Father served on the U.S.S. California during WW-II. I am looking for any Plank Holders who might have a piece of plank (deck) made of Teak 1-1/2" X 1-1/2" X 5" in size. I am hoping to make a knife handle from the plank to honor my father. This has been done in the past by a knife maker I know. Any help in the request honoring my father would be appreciated.

Thank you,
August Thomas Vaught, II


13.
Sept. 2, 2009

Regarding Kenny McMillan...a further story.... As I mentioned, my father Charles "Chizzy" Schifftner (see Message #9) had a good friend, Tom Smith, on the prune barge. Tom is in the group photo in the center, back row, in the sun just under the gun barrel (see photo on Message #5). We used to visit Tom and his family after the War at Tom's home near Latrobe, PA. I was brought up to call Tom Smith, "Uncle Tom"...he was family.

Tom told me that the day of the attack, a lookout and very popular sailor was killed instantly by the plane (or parts of it). The fellow apparently liked to read the Bible and apparently had one near where he was stationed during the attack. Tom said he caught the Bible which was burning, put out the fire, and later (if I recall correctly) brought it to the person gathering up the personal effects of the lookout. Others have recalled Kenny McMillan as a lookout. I wonder if it was his Bible? 

I wonder if the family ever remembers receiving a singed, but saved, Bible? If they have it, it may be thanks to my Uncle Tom. My Uncle Tom passed away after serving honorably in the Nike missile program. He was involved in the infancy of radar based Nike defense system and was stationed for a while at Fort Monmouth in NJ. His widow, Eleanor, I believe is still living near Latrobe, PA. 

Ken Schifftner
Mahwah, New Jersey


12.
Aug. 29, 2009

I to served on the USS California and was aboard when the ship was hit and Kenny McMillan was killed. Kenny was a master entertainer. He sang at all our smokers and sang also with the ship's band. His duty station was, I am pretty sure was a lookout. We had both surface and sky lookouts. The area he was in lost most of our men. If you have questions I would be glad to visit with you. We still have our reunions but this will probably be the last one. We have been having them for fifty years. I was a signalman aboard the ship.

Don Douglas
Hindsboro, Illinois


11.
Aug. 26, 2009

Walter (Kenny) Kenneth McMillan was my Mother's uncle. He was a childhood actor and singer from Los Angeles California. He starred in many Little Rascals and Buster Brown movies and later played bellhops and doormen as a young man along side Jackie Coogan and Mae Murray to name a few. He later was known for his singing as seen in one of the pictures.

I was told he was a Chaplin's assistant while serving on board the USS California. I have his Purple Heart award certificate and medal that were awarded posthumously to his mother. Kenny and his brother were one of many of our family who served the United States. Every generation of our family have had one or all serve for the last
97 years (including her Majesty, before immigrating to the U.S.). If there are any friends of Kenny around still that would like to see some of the Hollywood pictures I would be glad to post them. I am hoping there are some men still around who might have known him so that I can fill in the gaps of our family history.

Finally, I'd like to thank all you veterans that are still around, as a disabled vet myself, I can appreciate all you went through to secure our freedom!

Todd Raine

Reply 1
Aug. 29, 2009

I knew Kenny McMillan from his performances on board, but did not get to know him further. We enjoyed his singing.

Bob Constance QM 3/c 1944-1946
Alton, Missouri



10.
Aug. 18, 2009

My grandpa was on the California on the 12th day of May 1936 when they crossed the equator. His name is Ray Richard Bowman at that time he was a seaman first class.

Steve Moore


9.
Aug. 13, 2009

I am the grand nephew of Walter Kenneth McMillan who was killed January 6th 1945 on the USS California. I am trying to contact anyone who knew him and get information. I also have pictures and information for any of his friends that may want them.

Thanks,
Todd Raine


8.
July 7, 2009

My father, Charles Schifftner, was a Gunner's Mate on one of the 5" guns that was hit late in the war. He told me of a brave fellow sailor pulled him and others from the mount and placed them on the deck for fear that the mount would explode. They thought my father was dead. Medics moved my Dad to the officer's mess, i'm told, which was being used as a morgue.

A good friend of my father, Tom Smith, couldn't believe my Dad had been killed and after the battle went into the "morgue" only to find my father still alive. Tom called for medical aide. My Dad was later moved to a hospital ship and then Stateside. My father and Tom Smith remained lifelong friends. My Dad died in 1989... with shrapnel from the attack still in his arm and shoulder and with only partial hearing in one ear. 

He put my sister and I, with the help of my mother, through college. He cried every time he heard "Taps" played. My Dad had told me that, though brave men died that day, it could have been much worse. The command had just been given to bring up the charge for the next round. There was a delay from the fire control officer and there was a momentary mechanical problem with the lift. They had shifted to manual settings, he told me, and only had the headphone over one ear. He was just relating the settings when the mount was hit. The man next to him was killed instantly. The eardrum was shattered in the exposed ear.

My Dad won the Purple Heart the old fashioned way, but he never talked about that "award".  He spoke highly of his shipmates and captain. Yes, God Bless the crew of the USS California!

Kenneth Schifftner

Reply 1
Aug. 29, 2009

I served aboard the U.S.S. California from 43 to 46. I remember the incident you were talking about. The man that did the rescuing was a man named Church. He was in the gun mount. I was told he just started throwing guys out on the deck. He was wounded bad and according to my ship's log wasn't supposed to live. Also a Marine went into the turret and got people out and he also got a medal.     

You may have the report on what happened. A Destroyer on our Starboard bow was shooting at the plane that hit us. They didn't get stopped in time and the turret was hit in the bottom corner with a five inch shell. Had the shell been down a foot it would have missed the turret. If I can be of any help let me know. We are having our ship's reunion in Indianapolis this year. This will be our 35th one and it appears it will be our last one. We don't have that many left anymore. We use to have huge crowds. Their is a group of us on the computer that served on the California so if you have questions maybe on of us can answer you.

Don Douglas
Hindsboro, Illinois

Reply 2
Aug. 29, 2009


I did not know Charles personally, but knew some of his actions aboard the California, since I was closely related to his 5" turret experience. I was on the upper handling room of the port side #4 5" turret during G Q.  The ammo lift was indeed  inoperative for a short time, we had no ammo coming up to pass to the turret. Suddenly there was a deafening roar above us which was the effect of the 5" shell from a destroyer [our own] hitting and penetrating the armor of the turret, and exploding. Joe Jenks, a quartermaster shipmate who was also an ammo handler shouted "FIRE" and was prepared to use the foam and water we had available. Fortunately, the fire extinguished itself. None of us in the upper handling room were hurt.  

Bob Constance QM 3/c 1944-1946
Alton, Missouri



7.
May 24, 2009

I would like to post a message for information on my Uncle Peter Anthony Scurto. He was killed on the USS California in the 1945 Kamikaze attack.

Thank you,
Jane Scurto Manarik

May 31, 2010: There has been a lot of activity on this board since I last posted. My uncle was Peter Anthony Scurto. He was killed in the Kamikaze attack of 1/6/45. I was wondering if anyone else knew him or where he was when the plane hit. A chaplain from the ship sent a beautiful letter assuring her that Pete had been given last rites and hadn't suffered. I pray that is the case. He was a Lieutenant Jr. Grade and had about 60 men under him. He wrote to my Grandparents that he felt responsible for them and he couldn't have asked for a greater group of guys. Any pictures or other memories you'd like to share would be welcome. God bless those who serve and God bless America.

Jane Scurto Manarik

Reply 1
Aug. 29, 2009
I knew Pete only slightly, but remember him as an outgoing, very likable sailor. He was always in a good mood, and liked to joke with fellow sailors. 64 years erases many memories, but Pete's humor has survived. 

Bob Constance QM 3/c 1944-1946
Alton, Missouri



6.
Mar. 11, 2009

My brother, Jack R. Wyatt, was a gunner's mate in the turret that was hit on January 6, 1945, he was killed.
Our family had a Cruise Book covering the USS California (BB44) from Pearl Harbor until 1945, but it has been lost. I do have a copy of the Book which I purchased on a CD. I do have a question: is the photograph on your website of the crew of the turret in question? There are photos in the book, but I do not know which group my brother is in. It would be valuable if I know which turret he was in. I would appreciate hearing from anyone with information about my brother. Thank you,

Don Wyatt
Murrieta, California


5.
Jan. 19, 2009

My father, Kirk H. Lucas, served aboard the California from her return to service after Pearl Harbor to the end of the war. He was a Gunner's Mate 3rd Class in the gun that took the Kamikaze hit. He survived and was awarded the Purple Heart. His bunk space was also demolished when the California and her sister ship the Tennessee collided in the Pacific. He survived that too. Lucky for me !

He had a Marine friend that he used to talk to about the "Island Hopping" to Japan. The Marine was trying to take the hills while my dad helped lob those big shells over his head. Very interesting, even to a kid - me!
Kirk passed away November 1968 at age 44. Wish I could have been able to ask for more of those stories as
an adult.

To all the men who served and died aboard the USS California we are eternally grateful and proud to be related to such brave Americans. GOD Bless You All!

Charles Kirk Lucas
(Aviation Electricians Mate 3rd Class 1969 to 1975
VP-16 Anti Submarine Squadron, Jacksonville, Florida)
Kerrville, Texas

Crew of USS California.

Reply 1
Aug. 4, 2010

I believe that one of those shown in this photo could possibly be my Uncle, Coxswain Boyd F. Gibson. He is in the second row, kneeling, second from the left. Could there be a crew member who remembers any of the sailors in the picture, specifically Coxswain Gibson?  Thanks once again, I have gathered a lot of information about the USS California from this site.    

Larry C. Gibson


4.
Jan. 6, 2009

My dad also served aboard the California after Pearl Harbor. He was George Deininger and I believe he was a signalman (he never talked much about his war experience). If anyone who served on the California remembers my dad, I sure would like to hear from him or her. Dad passed in 1993. Thank you kindly,
Katie Rogow

Reply 1
Aug. 29, 2009

I was aboard the California in WW-2 as a signalman. I don't remember a guy by that name in the signal gang. I wrote to another signalman and he didn't either. I will do some checking. When an Admiral came aboard he would bring in his staff a few signalman. It is possible he could have been one of them. We are having our reunion in Indianapolis this year and possibly will be our last. We are starting to get to old to travel and attend. We have been having them since the 50's. I will do some more checking and see what I can find out. My daughter was telling me about this website and getting your letter off and sending it to me.

Don Douglas
Hindsboro, Illinois



3.
Oct. 5, 2008

I have a cousin named Albert Porter who served aboard the USS California when attacked at Pearl Harbor. I never had the opportunity to meet this cousin, or his family, and find out anything about him. However, my grandfather visited him during the 1950's in California and he gave my grandfather a brass cone shaped piece about 1.5 - 2 inches tall that he removed from the USS California. I have been trying to find out what it is and if anyone has any information about him. I would appreciate any feedback.

Jason Urwin


2.
Apr. 11, 2008

My father served aboard the California BB-44 from around 1943 to late 1945. He was onboard when the Kamikaze plane hit the ship on January 6,1945. I have been trying to find out the name of the Japanese pilot of that aircraft. If you have any information, I would appreciate any information available. My father's name was Donaciano (Don) Gonzales from Questa, New Mexico. He passed away in 1985. I served on The USS Hancock CVA 19 from 1965 to 1968.

Thanks,
Phil Torres (IC2)

Reply 1
Nov. 28, 2008


My Father was a Marine aboard BB 44 at that time, and was manning the gun emplacement that got nailed. He survived (obviously, since I'm writing this). I don't have any information on the name of the pilot, but my kid brother has most of the info about my Dad, his getting the Navy cross, and the names on the Navy cross recommendations. If he thinks any of that info would help him, please let me know and I will give him my brother's PO box number. All the info I have is in storage at the moment, otherwise I would be able to send it to him.


Unsigned


1.
November 25, 2006

MY DADDY SERVED ON THE USS CALIFORNIA BB-44 AND I HAVE NEVER BEEN ABLE TO FIND ANY PHOTOS OF HIS SHIP AND ANY INFORMATION ABOUT THE CALIFORNIA. I SINCERELY WOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU FOR PROVIDING ME THIS GREAT AND TEARFUL REUNION WITH MY DADDY'S MEMORIES AND THE GLORIOUS PHOTOS OF THE CALIFORNIA. I AM WONDERING IF THERE ARE ANY PEOPLE LEFT ALIVE WHO SERVED WITH MY DADDY ON BOARD THE CALIFORNIA. I SURELY WOULD LIKE TO TALK WITH THEM. MY DADDY'S NAME WAS CHESTER BENJAMIN WALL- SEAMAN 1ST CLASS. MY DADDY WAS BORN IN 1912 AND I DON'T KNOW WHEN HE SERVED IN THE WAR. I THINK HE SAID HE WAS A TORPEDOMAN.
THANK YOU SO MUCH AND GOD BLESS.

SINCERELY,
TONYA WALL BOONE

Reply 1
Dec. 3, 2008

Hi Tonya my dad was on the California too. He was an electricians mate and handled almost all things Electrical. Email me and maybe I can help you with more info on the ship.

Phil Hollandsworth



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Page published Apr. 11, 2008