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Posted on 08/13/2004 11:19:13 PM PDT by snippy_about_it
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 are acknowledged, affirmed and commemorated.
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| Our Mission: The FReeper Foxhole is dedicated to Veterans of our Nation's military forces and to others who are affected in their relationships with Veterans. In the FReeper Foxhole, Veterans or their family members should feel free to address their specific circumstances or whatever issues concern them in an atmosphere of peace, understanding, brotherhood and support. The FReeper Foxhole hopes to share with it's readers an open forum where we can learn about and discuss military history, military news and other topics of concern or interest to our readers be they Veteran's, Current Duty or anyone interested in what we have to offer. If the Foxhole makes someone appreciate, even a little, what others have sacrificed for us, then it has accomplished one of it's missions. We hope the Foxhole in some small way helps us to remember and honor those who came before us.
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 The Hero's Tale Godfrey De Courcelles Chevalier was born on March 7, 1889 in Providence, RI. His family moved to Medford, MA when he was a young man and he attended Medford High School in 1902. A High School Athlete... He was a member of his High School battalion, attained the rank of corporal and won first prize in the junior individual drill. In 1904, he won the senior individual and bayonet drills and the championship in individual drill at the MIT interscholastic competition. A well rounded scholar, Godfrey was interested in many subjects. In athletics, he was captain of crew and track and managed the High School hockey team. During Medford's 275th anniversary celebration, he won one gold and three silver medals in athletic events. While captain of the track team, he won the 600 yard open run. He was also a member of the Medford Boat Club. He also performed and managed his class play and was editor-in-chief of the school newspaper, The Review. In 1906, Godfrey left Medford High School during his senior year to prepare for the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis. He topped the entrance examination and received his appointment from Congressman McCall. The Young Hero... Godfrey graduated from the Naval Academy and was assigned as a midshipman to the U.S.S. New Hampshire. The night of October 1, 1910, was an eventful one for Godfrey and his shipmates. The New Hampshire, along with other ships of the fleet, was moored offshore in the Hudson River near the 157th street dock. In those days, sailors traveled to and from the big ships on barges towed by cutters. This night, Godfrey was in charge of the cutter transporting the men from the dock.  It was a cold night and there were high winds blowing up swells in the river. 150 seamen were in the barge being towed to the fleet when the high winds whipped up a sudden swell, and the barge overturned, dumping the men into the frigid water. Several of the sailors panicked, some were overcome by the cold water and couldn't swim. While the ships of the fleet prepared their rescue launches, Godfrey, realizing they could not arrive in time, dove from the Cutter into the water and swam to the struggling sailors. In spite of the cold, the turbulence and the general mayhem of the scene, Godfrey managed to rescue 20 men from drowning. He was about to dive into the water for another rescue when he collapsed from the effort and sheer exhaustion. He spent weeks in the hospital recuperating from the ordeal. It was a tragic incident that sunk the barge, and in spite of Godfrey's efforts, 29 sailors drowned. Everyone recognized Godfrey's heroism, yet this modest man later said of the incident: "Any part that I played in the affair is so completely overshadowed by the loss of 29 of our men that I simply cannot bear the memory of it." Godfrey was recognized for his heroism and promoted several ranks. Rear Admiral Vreeland, and Captain Rogers of the New Hampshire sought a Presidential and Congressional testimonial to honor him.  In March of the next year, Godfrey again showed his heroic stature. The New Hampshire was in dry dock in Brooklyn for fittings. A valve in the engine room began to leak, and the fireroom was flooding. Godfrey dove into the water to try and repair the valve. But the valve was stuck and could not be closed. Godfrey, with amazingly quick thinking, spied a bucket of red lead, and seizing it, packed the valve tight, slowing the leak until the water could be pumped out of the room. Godfrey saved the Navy an estimated $1M in potential damages by his quick action. An Aviation Pioneer... As time progressed, so did Godfrey's excellence as a naval officer. He soon became a Lieutenant and naval pilot. By 1917, he was considered one of the most experienced pilots in the Navy. During World War I, Godfrey was sent to France, where he he flew and distinguished himself at Dunkirk, Avord and Pau.  The planes of the time were still pretty experimental, and safety standards were not always adequate. Godfrey understood the errors made. In one letter, he even explained the need for a seat harness, which had never been implemented on Wright brother's designed planes. He did not blame the designers, but simply explained why the lack of a harness posed danger to the pilot. In the years of 1917 through 1922, the Navy was very interested in developing what was to become the modern aircraft carrier. Godfrey already had experience in the Navy's "F" boat, an amphibious plane that could land near a ship in the water, but not on it. Much experimentation was done in the years between 1917 and 1922 to create the aircraft carrier. The first ship to attain this status was the U.S.S. Langley. It was a primitive affair, basically a battleship with a deck mounted on top. It was experimental, and dangerous, as the ship pitched and rolled in rough seas. It should come as no surprise that the pioneering Lieutenant-Commander Godfrey Chevalier was assigned to her as senior flight officer.  The Historic Flight... On October 22, 1922, Godfrey Chevalier made naval history. He successfully landing the first plane on a moving ship, an heretofore impossible task. It was an historic moment and paved the way for future development in naval aviation.  Then, tragedy struck. Less than a month after this historic landing, Godfrey Chevalier was flying maneuvers near Norfolk VA when his plane crashed. He died two days later in hospital only 33 years of age. The Memory... Godfrey Chevalier, for whom this theatre is named, was a greatly loved officer, a aviation pioneer and hero. It is not surprising that the building dedicated to him was, at the time of its construction, equally pioneering in design and remains noble and heroic in stature.  When we maintain the theatre and restore it to its original glory, we not only preserve an architectural and cultural artifact, we continue to honor the man who selflessly served society and helped usher in the modern age of naval aviation.      |
Join us at the rally we call:
What: A peaceful remembrance of those with whom we served in Vietnam - those who lived and those who died.
We will tell the story of their virtues and how that contrasts with the lies told by John Kerry.
When: Sunday, Sept. 12, 2004 @ 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM EDT
Where: The West Front of the U.S. Capitol Building, Washington, DC
All Vietnam veterans and their families and supporters are asked to attend. Other veterans are invited as honored guests. This will be a peaceful event--no shouting or contact with others with different opinions. We fought for their rights then, and we respect their rights now. This is NOT a Republican or a pro-Bush rally. Democrats, Republicans and independents alike are warmly invited.
Our gathering is to remember those with whom we served, thereby giving the lie to John Kerry's smear against a generation of fine young men. B.G. "Jug" Burkett, author of "Stolen Valor," will be one of our speakers. Jug has debunked countless impostors who falsely claimed to be Vietnam veterans or who falsely claimed awards for heroism. Jug recommends that we refrain from dragging fatigues out of mothballs. Dress like America, like you do every day. Dress code: business casual, nice slacks, and shirt and shoes. No uniform remnants, please. Unit hats OK.
Selected members will wear badges identifying them as authorized to speak to the media about our event. Others who speak to the media will speak only for themselves.
The program will be controlled in an attempt to stay on-message. Speakers are encouraged not to engage in speculative criticism of John Kerry but (1) to stick to known and undisputed facts about John Kerry’s lies while (2) reminding America of the true honor and courage of our brothers in battle in Vietnam.
Send this announcement to 10 or more of your brothers! Bring them by car, bus, train or plane! Make this event one of pride in America, an event you would be proud to have your mother or your children attend.
Contact: kerrylied.com
What? No putting himself in for a medal and then running for President on the incident? I love reading about real American heroes
That's what we're all about. Real Men, no girly men allowed. ;-)
Good night Sam.
Good Night Snippy
I just stopped by to say hi. I've been real busy lately, and whenever I visit one of these great threads, I end up spending a couple of hours. That's why I haven't been around much.
Hi. My name is Aeronaut, and I'm a FReepaholic.
Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by Hurricane Charley.
Happy VJ Day, everybody.
Naval Avaition Foxhole Bump
Regards
alfa6 ;>}
Today's classic warship, USS Chevalier (DD-451)
Fletcher class destroyer
Displacement. 2,050 t.
Lenght. 376'5"
Beam. 39'7"Draft. 17'9"
Speed. 35 k.
Complement. 329
Armament. 5 5", 10 21" tt., 6 dep., 2 det.
The USS Chevalier (DD-451) was launched 11 April 1942 by Bath Iron Works Corp., Bath, Maine; sponsored by Mrs. G. DeC. Chevalier, commissioned 20 July 1942 Lieutenant Commander E. R. McLean, Jr., in command, and reported to the Pacific Fleet.
Between 3 October and 11 December 1942 Chevalier made three convoy escort voyages; one coastwise, with tankers; a second, from Bermuda to Norfolk and with one of the first reinforcement convoys for North Africa. Sailing from Norfolk 17 December, Chevalier reached Efate, New Hebrides 22 January 1943. On 27 January she sortied with TF 18 to cover the movement of troop transports to Guadalcanal. On 29 and 30 January Chevalier joined in protective antiaircraft fire as her force came under intensive Japanese air attack in the Battle of Rennell Island. Chevalier operated on patrol from Efate, and after 14 February from Espiritu Santo. On 7 May she escorted three minelayers as they mined Blackett Strait, and Kula Gulf, Solomon Islands. The next night three Japanese destroyers, Kuroshio, Oyashio, and Kagero, ran into the minefield and were severely damaged by the mines and then sunk by aircraft. Between 11 May and 14 May, Chevalier joined in the bombardment of Vila, and covered another minelaying operation in Kula Gulf.
On 28 June 1943 the destroyer again sailed from Espiritu Santo as a part of the covering force for troops bound for landings at Rice anchorage to block Japanese movements from Vila to Munda Solomon Islands The group entered Kula Gulf shortly before midnight,1 July, and began to bombard Vila and Bairoko Harbor, while the transports headed for the anchorage. During the operation the American force was attacked by three Japanese destroyers which launched torpedoes, and retired at high-speed. One of the Japanese torpedoes hit Strong (DD-467), tearing open her hull amidships on both sides. Chevalier deliberately rammed her bow into Strong's port side and lay along side for several minutes while Strong's survivors crawled on board. Japanese shore batteries opened fire on the stricken ship, but Chevalier remained alongside until 241 survivors had come on board, while O'Bannon (DD-450) delivered counterfire against the Japanese. Chevalier pulled clear of Strong at 0122, and the stricken destroyer sank A minute later. Chevalier had torn a hole 10 by 2 feet in her bow, but it did not seriously impair her operating ability as it was well above her waterline. The destroyer returned to Espiritu Santo 8 July for repairs.
Repairs completed 22 July 1943, Chevalier operated throughout the Solomons on patrol and escort duty until 14 August. On 15 August the destroyer covered the landings at Vella Lavella, Solomon Islands. On the 17th Chevalier and three other destroyers were dispatched to intercept four Japanese destroyers and several enemy barges who were attempting to reinforce Kolombangara. After a brief encounter between the destroyers, in which neither side suffered to any great extent, the Japanese destroyers departed the area, abandoning the barges. The American forces turned their attention to this objective and sank or severely damaged all of them. The destroyer returned to Espiritu Santo 29 August and during September made an escort voyage to Sydney, Australia.
On 6 October 1943 Chevalier, O'Bannon, and Selfridge (DD-357) intercepted nine Japanese destroyers and destroyer transports attempting to evacuate troops from Vella Lavella, Solomon Islands. Although greatly outnumbered, the American destroyers attacked. After firing half of their torpedoes and scoring several hits with gunfire, the group continued to steam into the line of fire of enemy torpedoes in order to keep their own guns bearing. At approximately 2205 Chevalier was struck on the port bow by an enemy torpedo which tore her bow off to the bridge, throwing the ship entirely out of control. The destroyer O'Bannon which was following Chevalier could not avoid the damaged destroyer and rammed her in the after engine room, flooding that space and stopping Chevalier's port shaft. While making preparations to abandon ship, Chevalier's skipper ordered the torpedoes in her tubes to be fired at the Japanese destroyer Yugumo. The burning Japanese ship blew up soon after. By 2326 it was apparent that Chevalier could not be saved and "Abandon Ship!" was ordered. Her crew was picked up by O'Bannon's boats, and Chevalier was sunk the following day by a torpedo from a friendly destroyer. Her severed bow was located about a mile to the west and was sunk with depth charges. Chevalier lost 54 killed, and suffered 36 wounded.
Chevalier received three battle stars for World War II service.
Coffee's on
Admitting you have a problem is the first step to recovery. ;^)
Who wants to recover?
LOL
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