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Coquina Dailythe 'blog of Coquina Crossing, St. Augustine, FLyour ultimate source of information about Coquina CrossingCoquinaDaily.com |
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The Veteran's VoiceNews of Coquina Crossing Veterans |
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Volume
1, Number 4 - October 2007
Florida State Representative, Flagler College Chancellor, Dr. William Proctor will open the show, followed by our keynote speaker, Dr. Giles McCoy. Dr. McCoy, of Palm Coast, is a survivor of the sinking of the USS Indianapolis. His ship was sunk by Japanese torpedoes on July 30, 1945. There were 1,196 men on board and only 316 survived. As one of the survivors McCoy remembers the ordeal. The Indy sailors and Marines in the water suffered from dehydration and exhaustion, causing them to hallucinate. "We couldn't sleep at night, because of the sharks," McCoy said. "We floated in the ocean for days, kicking sharks, we learned that if you kick them in the eyeball, that really hurts them. You could see them below, thrashing in pain. They wouldn't come back. I hate (expletive) sharks," McCoy said. "Of 17 men in my group, only 5 made it out alive. Three of them were unconscious. Of 400 men in another group, only 93 made it." Sharks got them, he said. Dr. McCoy's story is retold in the book, In Harm's Way: The Sinking of the USS Indianapolis and the Extraordinary Story of Its Survivors, by Doug Stanton.
Serve & Protect will be shown with many of Coquina's WW II Veterans in attendance. A free trolley shuttle will provide transportation from the municipal parking garage to the Flagler College auditorium and back again after the show. This free transportation is provided by Old Town Trolley Tours.
This show is free and open to everyone so plan on bringing your friends to honor ALL Veterans.
The Veterans Day Show is produced by Michael Rothfeld. Any questions can be addressed to him at
This information was submitted by Coquina resident Don Coleman
My mother's brother, Andrew Bernie Knutson, was a veteran of World War I. He was drafted into the Army and served in the 23rd Infantry, 2nd Division in Europe from 1918 to 1920. They were in the Army of Occupation in Germany after the Armistice was signed.
In 1920 he was discharged and returned to his wife and his farm in Illinois. He was an avid sportsman and enjoyed hunting very much.
Rita Golden, of Verano Point Way, submitted this information about her father, Michael Kelleher, a World War I Veteran. Rita's father was born in Ireland and served in the US Navy during WWI on the USS Manchuria. The Manchuria transported troops to France from 1918 to 1919. He was honorably discharged in 1919 after an explosion in the engine room where he worked left him badly burned. And Rita adds, "After he healed, there were no scars left from the burns. Pretty unusual for that day and age."
I was able to gather the following information about the USS Manchuria from Google.
USS Manchuria (ID # 1633), 1918-1919. Originally SS Manchuria (American Passenger Liner, 1904). USS Manchuria, a 13,638 gross ton troop transport, was built at Camden, New Jersey, in 1904 as the commercial passenger steamer of the same name. She was taken over by the Navy in April 1918 and placed in commission later in that month. During the rest of World War I she made five voyages to France, carrying American service personnel to the European war zone. After the November 1918 Armistice ended the fighting, Manchuria began bringing veterans home, making nine trips from France to the United States for this purpose. Assigned to the Cruiser and Transport Force, Manchuria departed New York with the 18th Field Artillery and the 153d and 154th Infantry Battalions embarked for Europe. She arrived St. Nazaire, France, 13 May to debark her passengers. Five days later she returned to the east coast, arriving New York the 30th.
The troop transport made 13 round trips to Europe with nine of them after the Armistice, bringing approximately 39,500 troops home. On 25 August 1919 she arrived New York, decommissioned there 11 September, and was returned to her owner.
Manchuria continued service, on the New York-Hamburg run, begun in 1919, until 1923, when she was shifted to the New York-San Francisco run to operate under another subsidiary of International Mercantile Marine Co., the Panama Pacific Line. On I November 1928 she was renamed President Johnson and sold 7 days later to Dollar Steamship Lines for round-the-world cruises. The ship was acquired by the Maritime Commission, 26 October 1938 and operated by American President Lines.
On 29 November 1941 President Johnson was acquired by the Army from WSA. departed San Francisco for the Philippines 5 December but turned back on learning of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, 2 days later. On the 27th she began the first of eight round trips to Honolulu, Hawaii, transporting troops into September 1942. On 8 November the ship sailed from San Francisco for the South Pacific to spend the next 2 years in support of the amphibious operations which had penetrated by July 1945 to the Japanese home islands. With stops at Eniwetok and Guam, Marshalls; Ulithi, Carolines; Peleliu, Palaus; and Espiritu Santo, New Hebrides, long behind her, President Johnson returned to San Francisco 14 January 1946 to end her World War II service with the Army.
She was returned to the Maritime Commission 26 April 1946 and sold to Tagus Navigational Co., Panama City, Panama.
"The salute is a form of honor and respect, representing pride in one's military service," Senator Inhofe said. "Veterans and service members continue representing the military services even when not in uniform.
"Unfortunately, current U.S. law leaves confusion as to whether veterans and service members out of uniform can or should salute the flag. My legislation will clarify this regulation, allowing veterans and servicemen alike to salute the flag, whether they are in uniform or not.
"I look forward to seeing those who have served saluting proudly at baseball games, parades, and formal events. I believe this is an appropriate way to honor and recognize the 25 million veterans in the United States who have served in the military and remain as role models to other citizens. Those who are currently serving or have served in the military have earned this right, and their recognition will be inspiration to others."
New Year's Day, Jan. 1; Inauguration Day, Jan. 20; Martin Luther King, Jr's Birthday, third Monday in January; Lincoln's Birthday, Feb. 12; Washington's Birthday, third Monday in February; Easter Sunday, varies yearly; Mother's Day, second Sunday in May; Armed Forces Day, third Saturday in May; Memorial Day (half staffed until noon), last Monday in May; Flag Day, June 14; Independence Day, July 4; Labor Day, first Monday in September; Constitution Day, Sept. 17; Columbus Day, second Monday in Oct.; Navy Day, Oct. 27; Veterans Day, Nov. 11; Thanksgiving Day, fourth Thursday in Nov.; Christmas Day, Dec. 25; and any other days proclaimed by the President. The flag is half staffed (sunrise to sunset) on the following days: Peace Officers Memorial Day, May 15, National Korean War Armistice Day, July 27; Patriot Day, Sept. 11; and National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, Dec. 7.
This information is provided by the VFW and further information is available at: www.vfw.org
Jack Ernissee, Executive Officer
Russ Mosher. Adjutant
Earl Kidwell, Chaplain, Program Co-ordinator
Michael Rothfeld, Vererans Voice Editor
Next monthly meeting: Wednesday, Oct. 10 at 7:00 p.m.
Don't forget the BIG Veterans Day Show at Flagler College Auditorium on Monday Nov. 12 at 5:30 pm. Many Coquina residents will be performing. It will be produced by Michael Rothfeld, and directed by Jack Wentz and Jean Hammer. There is NO charge for admission. There will be a free shuttle trolley to the Flagler Auditorium and back from the Municipal Garage.
Don't forget to contribute to our AnySoldier Fund. Call -
Patty Worsham or Renie
where you can share your war story or video online and become part of the Library of Congress
A Coquina Veterans Day Extravaganza - Everyone is Invited!
This Veterans Day, Monday Nov. 12th (the legal observance) at 5:30 pm, will be a very special one for Coquina Crossing's many World War II Veterans. Flagler College and HACC (Homeowners Assoc. of Coquina Crossing) have joined forces to present an evening of entertainment with the first half provided by the Coquina Theater Group, directed by Jack Wentz and assisted by Jean Hammer. The show will be held at the Flagler College Auditorium at 14 Granada St. in St. Augustine and will feature 1940's WW II music and songs as well as Big Band music provided by the All Star Band. The second act will feature a presentation of the PBS recorded, Flagler College student edited, documentary starring Coquina's WW II heroes.Florida State Representative, Flagler College Chancellor, Dr. William Proctor will open the show, followed by our keynote speaker, Dr. Giles McCoy. Dr. McCoy, of Palm Coast, is a survivor of the sinking of the USS Indianapolis. His ship was sunk by Japanese torpedoes on July 30, 1945. There were 1,196 men on board and only 316 survived. As one of the survivors McCoy remembers the ordeal. The Indy sailors and Marines in the water suffered from dehydration and exhaustion, causing them to hallucinate. "We couldn't sleep at night, because of the sharks," McCoy said. "We floated in the ocean for days, kicking sharks, we learned that if you kick them in the eyeball, that really hurts them. You could see them below, thrashing in pain. They wouldn't come back. I hate (expletive) sharks," McCoy said. "Of 17 men in my group, only 5 made it out alive. Three of them were unconscious. Of 400 men in another group, only 93 made it." Sharks got them, he said. Dr. McCoy's story is retold in the book, In Harm's Way: The Sinking of the USS Indianapolis and the Extraordinary Story of Its Survivors, by Doug Stanton.
Serve & Protect will be shown with many of Coquina's WW II Veterans in attendance. A free trolley shuttle will provide transportation from the municipal parking garage to the Flagler College auditorium and back again after the show. This free transportation is provided by Old Town Trolley Tours.
This show is free and open to everyone so plan on bringing your friends to honor ALL Veterans.
The Veterans Day Show is produced by Michael Rothfeld. Any questions can be addressed to him at
World War I Veteran, Andrew Bernie Knutson
This information was submitted by Coquina resident Don Coleman
My mother's brother, Andrew Bernie Knutson, was a veteran of World War I. He was drafted into the Army and served in the 23rd Infantry, 2nd Division in Europe from 1918 to 1920. They were in the Army of Occupation in Germany after the Armistice was signed.
In 1920 he was discharged and returned to his wife and his farm in Illinois. He was an avid sportsman and enjoyed hunting very much.
Michael Kelleher - father of Rita Golden
Rita Golden, of Verano Point Way, submitted this information about her father, Michael Kelleher, a World War I Veteran. Rita's father was born in Ireland and served in the US Navy during WWI on the USS Manchuria. The Manchuria transported troops to France from 1918 to 1919. He was honorably discharged in 1919 after an explosion in the engine room where he worked left him badly burned. And Rita adds, "After he healed, there were no scars left from the burns. Pretty unusual for that day and age."
I was able to gather the following information about the USS Manchuria from Google.
USS Manchuria (ID # 1633), 1918-1919. Originally SS Manchuria (American Passenger Liner, 1904). USS Manchuria, a 13,638 gross ton troop transport, was built at Camden, New Jersey, in 1904 as the commercial passenger steamer of the same name. She was taken over by the Navy in April 1918 and placed in commission later in that month. During the rest of World War I she made five voyages to France, carrying American service personnel to the European war zone. After the November 1918 Armistice ended the fighting, Manchuria began bringing veterans home, making nine trips from France to the United States for this purpose. Assigned to the Cruiser and Transport Force, Manchuria departed New York with the 18th Field Artillery and the 153d and 154th Infantry Battalions embarked for Europe. She arrived St. Nazaire, France, 13 May to debark her passengers. Five days later she returned to the east coast, arriving New York the 30th.
The troop transport made 13 round trips to Europe with nine of them after the Armistice, bringing approximately 39,500 troops home. On 25 August 1919 she arrived New York, decommissioned there 11 September, and was returned to her owner.
Manchuria continued service, on the New York-Hamburg run, begun in 1919, until 1923, when she was shifted to the New York-San Francisco run to operate under another subsidiary of International Mercantile Marine Co., the Panama Pacific Line. On I November 1928 she was renamed President Johnson and sold 7 days later to Dollar Steamship Lines for round-the-world cruises. The ship was acquired by the Maritime Commission, 26 October 1938 and operated by American President Lines.
On 29 November 1941 President Johnson was acquired by the Army from WSA. departed San Francisco for the Philippines 5 December but turned back on learning of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, 2 days later. On the 27th she began the first of eight round trips to Honolulu, Hawaii, transporting troops into September 1942. On 8 November the ship sailed from San Francisco for the South Pacific to spend the next 2 years in support of the amphibious operations which had penetrated by July 1945 to the Japanese home islands. With stops at Eniwetok and Guam, Marshalls; Ulithi, Carolines; Peleliu, Palaus; and Espiritu Santo, New Hebrides, long behind her, President Johnson returned to San Francisco 14 January 1946 to end her World War II service with the Army.
She was returned to the Maritime Commission 26 April 1946 and sold to Tagus Navigational Co., Panama City, Panama.
Inhofe Legislation Allows Veterans to Salute the Flag
U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) praised the passage by unanimous consent of his bill (S.1877) clarifying U.S. law to allow veterans and servicemen not in uniform to salute the flag. Current law (US Code Title 4, Chapter 1) states that veterans and servicemen not in uniform should place their hand over their heart without clarifying whether they can or should salute the flag."The salute is a form of honor and respect, representing pride in one's military service," Senator Inhofe said. "Veterans and service members continue representing the military services even when not in uniform.
"Unfortunately, current U.S. law leaves confusion as to whether veterans and service members out of uniform can or should salute the flag. My legislation will clarify this regulation, allowing veterans and servicemen alike to salute the flag, whether they are in uniform or not.
"I look forward to seeing those who have served saluting proudly at baseball games, parades, and formal events. I believe this is an appropriate way to honor and recognize the 25 million veterans in the United States who have served in the military and remain as role models to other citizens. Those who are currently serving or have served in the military have earned this right, and their recognition will be inspiration to others."
When to Fly the United States Flag
The U.S. flag can be flown everyday of the year. If it is flown for 24 hours, it should be illuminated so the flag is not in complete darkness. The flag should especially be flown on the following days:New Year's Day, Jan. 1; Inauguration Day, Jan. 20; Martin Luther King, Jr's Birthday, third Monday in January; Lincoln's Birthday, Feb. 12; Washington's Birthday, third Monday in February; Easter Sunday, varies yearly; Mother's Day, second Sunday in May; Armed Forces Day, third Saturday in May; Memorial Day (half staffed until noon), last Monday in May; Flag Day, June 14; Independence Day, July 4; Labor Day, first Monday in September; Constitution Day, Sept. 17; Columbus Day, second Monday in Oct.; Navy Day, Oct. 27; Veterans Day, Nov. 11; Thanksgiving Day, fourth Thursday in Nov.; Christmas Day, Dec. 25; and any other days proclaimed by the President. The flag is half staffed (sunrise to sunset) on the following days: Peace Officers Memorial Day, May 15, National Korean War Armistice Day, July 27; Patriot Day, Sept. 11; and National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, Dec. 7.
This information is provided by the VFW and further information is available at: www.vfw.org
Caring for the Flag
If soiled, the flag may be washed or dry cleaned. When torn or frayed but not faded, the flag may be mended. A worn or faded flag should be retired with respect. Fold the flag and place it on a fire. The ashes should be buried. Some Veterans Posts collect worn flags and conduct a retirement ceremony. Coquina's Veterans representative who will retire your worn flag for you is George Milroy.Coquina Veterans Officers
Harry Manford, CommanderJack Ernissee, Executive Officer
Russ Mosher. Adjutant
Earl Kidwell, Chaplain, Program Co-ordinator
Michael Rothfeld, Vererans Voice Editor
Next monthly meeting: Wednesday, Oct. 10 at 7:00 p.m.
Don't forget the BIG Veterans Day Show at Flagler College Auditorium on Monday Nov. 12 at 5:30 pm. Many Coquina residents will be performing. It will be produced by Michael Rothfeld, and directed by Jack Wentz and Jean Hammer. There is NO charge for admission. There will be a free shuttle trolley to the Flagler Auditorium and back from the Municipal Garage.
Don't forget to contribute to our AnySoldier Fund. Call -
Patty Worsham or Renie
IMPORTANT NEWS UPDATE
Don't forget to watch WJCT TV, PBS in Jacksonville on Tuesday Oct. 16 at 8 pm to see Coquina's World War II Heroes. The show is titled War Stories from the First Coast. The film documents the personal stories of Coquina Crossing and local WW II Veterans. Rich in compelling detail, their stories bring the war vividly to life for viewers of all ages. War Stories from the First Coast honors their service, and preserves their stories for our collective history. (Premiers Tuesday , October 16 at 8:00 pm on WJCT TV)Website of the Month:
wjct.orgwhere you can share your war story or video online and become part of the Library of Congress
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