my uncle wally norman was a survivor. never spoke much about
it but i recall what a proud american he was.

My Uncle was lost with the Little long before I was born and my Aunt had remarried by the time I came along, but I remember my mother speaking very highly of Mardie when I was younger and how nice of a man he was. Unfortunately, I have no one in my family left who has any information about him or his family. I have three items that link me to him....He and my Aunts wedding picture from 1943, a return address label from a letter he sent my Aunt when he was aboard the USS Yorktown and the address label from the package that his Purple Heart was sent in, addressed to my Aunt. The Purple Heart Medal and Flag have been lost for years. I served in the Navy myself, as did my Father, and as does my Son. I am proud to be part of a long time family tradition. I salute the USS Little, her Crew and all the Family Members and Friends of the Crew.

The weather in the Chicago area is beginning to break and spring can only be around the corner. That means the 24th reunion is only weeks away and we are continuing to put the final touches on what we hope will be a great time for all of the attendees. If you haven't submitted your registration or made hotel reservations, please do so before registration closes March 22nd. Registration and hotel reservation information is available on the USS Little Association website at http://mysite.verizon.net/res8te87/usslittleassociation/ or contact me at rpsmith@comcast.net

Each time I visit this site I am impressed with the impact it has on so many lives and what a fantastic job Larry has done for us all. It has provided information that otherwise would have been lost - and it's so important to keep track of the crew members of all the ships on Picket Station #10. On behalf of my crew member husband, Gene, and myself, many thanks to Larry and all who log in to this site and make it so worthwhile.

My father was Lloyd F. ("Jack") Mevers of New Orleans, LA, who was serving proudly on the Little when it was sunk. I first visited your site a couple of years ago and enjoyed it. I have a short biog sketch of my father if it might be useful for the site. Thank you for keeping the Little's history alive.

My father, Charles Leckie, was on the USS Little when it was attacked. He survived the attack, but has since passed in 1976 of Lung Cancer.

I am the Granson of Robert L. Gattenby. I regret to inform you that my Grandfather has past away on the morning of March 24, 2005. Please update his register for his family. He never talked about his War experiences until his time close to his death. He fought throat cancer for close to a year. I'm so proud of him, both for being strong in those War times like alot of patriotic people and being a strong fighter with his ultimate battle with cancer. He lived in Harrisonville, Missouri at the time of his death, lived a good honest life, raised good kids, and was a joy to be around. Thank you for giving us a place to give our thoughts about these great heroes of the past.

Little crew: I simply have to relay a story that occurred this week. I was talking with one of my coworkers (Jim McCormick-USNR) and he said that his uncle had served (and died) during an attack off of Okinawa on a destroyer. I mentioned that my wife's great uncle had also died during a kamikaze attack on a can. Turns out they were shipmates over 60 yers ago on the Little! His uncle was Roy Lucas and my wife's great uncle was Gail Johnston (GM/3 on the aft 20mm). According to this website, they were among a group of 5 or 6 that were recovered from the sinking but died on the way to the hospital.

Gail was from Batesville, AR and the story goes that he lied about his age to join up. His older brother, Roy "Chick" Johnston was an SBD gunner and survived the war, but succumbed to cancer in 93. He named his daugher "Gayle" in honor of his brother. My mother-in-law is currently digging up the letter from CMDR Hall informing the family of Gail's death and some of the details on what happened that day.

I would love to hear from anyone that has any interesting stories regarding this young man. I'm sure Jim would also like to follow up any info on Roy also. Thanks to Jim for linking me to this site! Thanks also to all the great men (and ladies) that are serving and have served our country. God bless all.

My Dad is Louis V. (Vasil) Turkus and he served as coxswain aboard the USS Little and lives in Michigan. His family is quote proud of his service during WWII and some may remember that he was in the Navy for four years before the onset of the war. He has attended several of the reunions in the past and enjoyed them all.

We lost my Mother in July 2006 and Dad (he'll turn 86 in November) has had health problems, he lost a leg in September, that now have him confined to a nursing facility in Michigan near his home in Centerline. I know he would appreciate any cards or letters and ask the shipmates that may read this note, and are so inclined, to send greetings to: Louis Turkus, 8528 Harding St., Centerline, MI 48015.

We thank you!!

The Family of Lou Turkus

The DD803 Visitor's Deck log in once again active. Please feel free to leave comments. The log entries do not post automatically in order for us to attempt to weed out spam.

Thanks and I hope you enjoy your visit to the DD 803 website!

Larry

I would like to compliment all of those who have put this site together. It truly is a blessing to see that the ship and the men are still remembered.

I am James McCamant's wife, Martha. He was an engineering officer aboard The Little.

My grandfather was Paul Frederick Dunwell Jr. He served as a 2nd Class Boatswain's Mate on the USS Little APD-4. He was killed September 5th 1942 when two Japanese Destroyers fired upon the Little and the Gregory about midnight. Both ships were lost at sea.

October 16 2003, my grandfather will finally receive a memorial service and his marker will be placed in Arlington. After many years of research and a lengthy process he will finally get a hero's send off.

I love you Granddad, thank you for giving your life so that I can live free.

I have some information about my grandfather who served on the APD-4 if you are interested.

His name was Paul Frederick Dunwell, Jr. He was a BM 2/C. He received the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal with 2 Bronze Stars, American Campaign Medal, WWII Victory Medal and the Purple Heart. He was lost at sea September 5 1942.

He will be receiving a military honors service October 16 2003. His marker will be placed in the Arlington National Cemetery 61 years after his death.

Please let me know if you would like a picture of him for the website.

My father was aboard the USS Little. This is a great site thanks.

Would like to hear from anyone who knew my dad Harry(Red)Harlicker

I came to this site to look up information on my Uncle Richie, better known to the U.S.S. Little, Eugene R. Douglas.

He past away May 7, 2003 in Kingston New York. He left behind his sister, Joan, his wife Shirley, his son, Rod, and his daughters, Jennifer and Valerie. He also had 6 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren and a bunch of nieces and nephews that love and miss him very much.

I just wanted this on the Deck Log for updated information on one of it's crew members to be on record here.

My father served on the USS LITTLE in WWll. I remember him telling me when I was a little girl about being on the ship, serving in the sea of Japan, Austraila and other exciting places....I always wanted to be like my dad, I joined the airforce/army during vietnam so he could be proud of me....I did not join the Navy because I can't swim..I don't know much about the ship but am honored that he was on it.

Thank you so much for having photos on the website....I honor my dad with a picture of his ship next to his navy picture on the wall! He has since been put rest at sea, 7 miles west of the golden gate bridge, he had wonderful memories of coming into San Francisco under the Golden Gate Bridge.

Thank you so much Judy Mottern (daughter) calmer2@comcast.com

Your site is a Great Tribute to the men and ship that are not forgotten!

JUST VISTING LOOKING FORWARD TO REVISED SITE SERVED ON BARTON DD722 JOHN R PIERCE DD753 AND CONE DD866.

My visit to your web site was quite a trip. I was Captain's talker on AARON WARD during the attack of 3 May and viewed from the bridge as LITTLE broke in half and sunk . . a sight indelibly etched in my mind.

I am happy that after so many years, LITTLE and AARON WARD are finally together for reunions. It seems only right. Best wishes for your reunion in Pittsburg this year (2003). I am beyond such travels but hope that a few "Aaron Warriors" will be there.

My favorite uncle, Neil Mero served on the Little. I was so proud of him and what he lived through protecting our country, our freedom. He was severely burned and injured during the attack. He lived a good life and raised a large family eventually leaving Michigan for California. He was my mothers baby brother and to this day she cries when she recalls his return home.

I'm sure your families are equally proud of you. As his nephew I salute and thank you for your service. I would welcome any comments or stories you might care to pass on about my uncle.

Thank you and may God Bless and Keep you, Bob Hughey

My uncle was John M. Riggs who died on the Little. I was just looking for more info for my mother, his sister.

I just wanted to update my e-mail address in case someone would want to contact me that might have served with my dad, Ernest Flanagan.

This web site has been invaluable to me.

Horace Smith was my Grandfather. On the Crew sheet he is listed as deceased circa 1974. He actually passed away only a couple of years ago.

Thank you very much for this site, I will pass your URL along to other interested folks.

My brother Alfred Piazza was a survivor of the sinking............he has since passed away.........any survivor that knew him and can tell me anthing al all................I would GREATLY appreciate it.

Fathers name is Benjamine Anthony Guzzetta 1927-1987

My uncle, whom I am named after, Elmo Keen was one of the unfortunate few who went down with the ship. Was wondering if anyone still remembered him? Would deeply appreciate any response.

Thank you and thank you to all the brave men aboard the "USS LITTLE"!

I was just stopping by to show Mom & Dad this sight. My Dad, Louis Silas Hughes Is the son of your crew member Louis Herbert Hughes,Jr. I am his grandson.

I thank the good Lord for today's technology, because I've been trying to find information on this for years. And, I thank you for putting this site here, it's really important to us, more than words can say.

Thank you, and God bless you. sincerely, Brian L. Hughes

My father, Alfred (Freddy) A. Piazza, was a crew member when the Little went down. He never talked much about his time in the service but I know he was a very proud American. He went on to have a great marriage to Rose Marie Triolo that lasted almost fifty years. He had two sons and five grandchildren. I believe he went to two reunions before he passed away in October 1995. He is dearly missed by everyone who ever knew him. He was truly my hero.

It is sad to read of the unfortunate sinking of this ship and the loss of many. Luckily, when I served on the USS Beale, DDE-471 (58-60,RM2) we only had to contend with hurricanes and rough seas.

I salute all Veterans, past,present and future.

I am the son of Wallace (Wally) Bradley who served aboard the USS Little during WWII. He was on-board the USS Little when sunk by Japanese bombers during WWII and has spoken very little about his experiences. All he has ever mentioned to me is that he worked in the rear turret and when the ship sank, he spent approximately 9 hours in the water before he was rescued.

My dad today is 76 years old, currently battling colon cancer, but is doing well with chemotherapy treatments. He has a framed picture of the USS Little hanging in his home and I know he was very proud to serve his country.

Melvin Fenoglio is my great uncle and i ran across this site while surfing on the web,im so glad that i found it though. He is a hard charger and a smart man.

My dad, William J. Mills of Saginaw, MI was on the USS Little. I'm glad there is a site with this information. Maybe this will spur him to get on line. If anyone would like to get in contact with him his address is 6139 Country Way South, Saginaw, MI 48603. Also, I tried to get on the crew link and couldn't open it.

My father, Ernest Flanagan, served on the USS Little. He didn't talk much about the war but enough for his children to know that he was sunk at sea and couldn't swim. He always told us that if it wasn't for a guy from Massachusetts he would have drowned. Every time he went under this other Seaman pulled him back up. He also met the woman who became my mother because he was on ship with her first husband who lost his life when the ship was sunk. They were both from West Virginia and had promised if either lost his life during the war that the other would make a point to talk to the relatives when they got back home.

Finding this site has made my day. Keep up the good work. Something like this means a lot to the relatives these men.

Thurston Shinn is a friend of mine and I was curious if there was a website on the U.S.S. Little. We both grew up and worked on Catalina Island, California (seperated by one whole generation) and since he has moved back to the East Coast I no longer see him.

This is an excellent website!

I was searching for a site that could tell me about the U.S.S. Little, and I found it. My uncle, Don Hillmeyer, was on the U.S.S. Little during the attack. If anyone has any information on Don, our family would love to hear it. Don was born on 04-20-1925 and passed away on 07-04-1981

By the way, this is a really good site. Thanks, Richard Hellmeier

I am the nephew and namesake of a crewmember on the USS Aaron Ward DM34 who was lost on May 3,1945. My brother Bill and I are coordinating a joint reunion of Radar Picket Station #10 survivors in San Diego, May 1-5, 2002. Hope to meet the courageous warriors of the USS Little and their families. Very impressive website.

See the DM34 version at "www.ussaaronward.com".

My father Dayle W. Cooper served on the U.S.S.Little . He passed away when I was only 12 yrs old. I don't remember him talking about his experiences at all. This site has given me a chance find out information that I never knew.

Thanks for having this wonderful site for me to find more information. My father was wounded and I would like to know if there is anywhere I can find out if he received a purple heart for this. If anyone could help me I would appreciate it.

I am Jack Butlers Grandson . I was looking for info on the ship for him as a part of a gift.

If anyone would like to contact him you may do so through me .

I have just returned from Arlington National Cemetary where my brother,Thomas B Hebert was buried. He was a survivor of the sinking.

I think you are doing a wonderful job with this web site. Keep up the good work. I had six brothers in the military during WW2. Five of those were in the navy, so you see, I followed in their footsteps.

My father, Stanley W. Paris, survived the sinking of the USS Little, but it haunted him the remainder of his life. Your website has helped me to understand what he went through. I'm very excited that the 18th Annual Reunion will be held in San Diego this May. I will be very proud to attend, and I hope to meet at least one surviving USS Little crew member who knew my father.

My father, Stanley W Paris was a crew member on the U.S.S Little. He since passed on but I found this site and I finally have a better sense of understanding of what my father experienced in is time of service.

William S. Matthews is my grandfather. i am extreamly proud of him. if anyone who knew him reads this please write me. his actions lead me to join the service. i am currently a sergeant in the Marine Corps.

Wising a happy Veteran's Day to those that served on the Little, and all those who have ever served.

Thank you and God Bless.

My father, Clarence E. Thompson, was on the USS Little and survived the sinking of the ship. He died in 1976. My sister just donated my father's American flag to be flown at her grandson's elementary school in Virginia. It was difficult for her to let it go but felt our father would be proud. She wants to help the children understand what is happening in our world today and what tremendous sacrifices men and women have made to keep our country free.

I am making a study of destroyers in Desron 25 during WWII. Today I found some papers that listed the USS Little DD803 in our squadron for two weeks, March 1, 1945 to March 15, 1945. Further checking with DANFS history of the USS Little gave an account of the multi kamikaze assult on the Little and the Ward on May 3, 1945, that sad day

I served as a gunners mate 3c on gun #43 on the USS Sigsbee DD502 from January 23, 1943 until Arpril 14, 1945 when she was hit by a kamikaze off Okinawa. We lost 23 crewmen killed or missing on the fantail area and about 60 feet of the ship's stern section. 75 or more crewmen were injured by the hit.

I maintain a web site at
http://members.aol.com/sigsbee502/index.html

My uncle, Frank Whall, told me about this site. It's very well done, and shows a lot of pride. I was born on 16 May 45, and my uncle came home on survivor's leave to hold me.

God bless all.

My cousin brought this website to my attention and I logged on today. My father was on the Little and is listed as a deceased crew member. I remember him telling me many stories about life on board and of course the disastrous sinking of the ship. He was wounded in action, received the Purple Heart, and was adrift in the Pacific Ocean for approximately 4 hours, until around 11 p.m. the evening of the sinking. He had 2 shrapnel wounds, one in the arm and one in the leg.

I'm sure my family will enjoy revisiting the site and I hope to provide further information concerning my father at a later date.

How exciting it was to find the site about the U. S. Little on which my dad served. He has shared many stories and as I get older it means more and more to me on what my dad and all other veterans have done for our country.

Thanks for providing information about Fletcher Class destroyers. I often research this kind of stuff for an author I help. He writes war stories and wants to be accurate!

I am a web designer and I used Google on my Mac to look up this information.

I do not have any family ties or affiliations to the U.S.S.Little(DD-803),but wished to say a sincere THANK YOU! to all the servicemen of the U.S.S.Little for helping to defeat the tyranny being fought at that time,and making times of peace for future generations.

This is a very good and important website that helps to ensure that deeds are remembered,and that history stays alive.As are any websites that commemorate the brave and vallorous sacrifices made in the Allied cause in WW2.

I just wanted to wish all the veterans and their families all the best in their futures and happy retirements!

My heart goes out to those brave men I'll never get to meet,and in particular,those from the U.S.S.Little still out on patrol off of Okinawa ------God Bless You All.

My grandfather served on the USS Little, Samuel Yannessa. Only recently has he really started telling me about his expereinces and shared some of his photos with our family. I wanted more information and you have provided the absolute best site so far.

Thanks you so very much!! God Bless

Mr. Gordon Smith told me about this site. What a great guy!!! I hope that I have the opportunity to listen to more of his stories. I am honored and thankful to have met him.

Thanks Mr. Gordon!!! -Oliver

Son of the late Harold Hansman. Thank you enhancing the memories for that my father shared with me about the USS Little.

My dad is James T. Hall, a survivor of the sinking of the U.S.S. Little. Dad is now 81, and in a nursing home in Marietta, GA. He has given me his Purple Heart for safe-keeping.

My thanks to all who served aboard this ship!

My father, S1C, Myron N. McKee served on the USS Little during the time it was sunk. He did not talk about his experiences on the ship. He passed away in 1989.

I wanted some information on the ship and found this site to be very helpful and informative. It is a tribute to all of those who served on the USS Little. Thanks.

I found this the same night I found your site and thought it interesting that The Little was cammanded by Capt Hall and a Daniel Hall was second mate for the Little's name sake. No idea if they are related, but interesting coincidence.

Volume 115, page 93 of the DAR register, "Daniel Hall served as second mate on the sloop “Winthrop” commanded by Capt. George Little. He was born in Marshfield, Mass.; died in the West Indies, 1793."

Great site. I never heard of the USS Little and will ask my uncles who served in the Navy. Excellent, just excellent. I am sitting here reading about the Little while listening to the history channel talk about the naval battle at Guatal Canal and the role of the destroyers.

I have been collecting Little memrobelia and have built model planes flown by Littles. Now I have to find a destroyer model. Your photos will help me paint her correctly. Thank you.

If possible add EMCS USN Retired behind my brother Thomas B Hebert's name. Thank You.

NOTE: I have updated Thomas B. Hebert's listing to reflect the above request. [01-02-2002 lwp]

Please look over your records for me. My Grandfathers Brother was killed on this ship (USS Little) His name was Ovide Fredieu he was from Powhaten, LA Thanks

My Father, Raymond Dean Childers served on board. Dad Past away in 1993. I very seldom asked Dad about the war and wish I had.

I will continue to visit. Fantastic Job!
Thanks R. Dean Childers

My Grandpa was on the ship and I was just looking for more information on it.

Thanks for having such a detailed site.

My father served on the little, but passed away in 1966. I appreciate everything you've done on this site. It keeps me that much closer to my dad after all these years. I

I know how important a part this played in his life. Thanks.

This is a great site. Thanks for your time on this. My uncle Louie Varner was killed when the ship was attacked. Does anyone remember him? I have a letter from Phil Little, who sent it to my grandmother, detailing what probably happened to my uncle during the attack. I will copy it and sent it to you.

Again thanks for your time on this site.

Larry. your web site is great! keep up the good work!

Larry Papenfuss:

Thanks for continuing the good work in preserving the memory of the ships on which your father, Clarence, served in World War II. Hope both you and he will be attending the USS LITTLE (DD803) reunion next May in Denver.

Sincerely,

Andy Anderson

My uncle, Joe W. Shirley, served on the U.S.S. Little. He was a wonderful man and one of my heroes. This is a great web site.

Thanks for all the time and effort that went into making it as a tribute to those who served our country so gallantly.

Great site,I really appreciate this work. My uncle was one of the crewmen killed when the ship was sunk. Your log has his name as William Varner, but it should say Louie Varner. Good Work.

THANKS! I have made the name change. 06-24-2000

Thank you for maintaining this wonderful site. The family of S1/c Roy W. Lucas (my mother's brother) who was one of the crew men killed on the USS Little on May 3, 1945, have been searching for detailed information since the notification of his death on June 16, 1945.

We have been preparing for a family get together this July and have been going through old war letters to and from Roy. This again gave cause to focus our effort on gaining more detail. I would be interested in corresponding with anyone of the crew or their descendants who knew Roy or have additional information on individuals of the crew.

Thank you.

Larry, What a great service you are doing for the crew of the U.S.S. Little. We will, as will future generations, benefit from the information you have gathered here.

Thank you for preserving the history of the Little and the memories its crew. I will be happy to help in any way I can.

Larry, You are doing a great job with the information for the web site. Thanks so much for all the time and efforts in getting this done.

It was great having you in Branson for the 16th reunion. Keep up the good work.

Wayne and Betty

Larry, Thanks so much for this site. It was so good to meet you in Branson. Hope to cross paths again.

If I can ever be of any assistance please let me know.

Greg

Congratulations to our Webmaster Larry Papenfuss for positioning us in the Second Millenium !!

What's more by communicating with shipmate George Miller S1/C FC)we may entice him along with others to join us in Denver (2001) and San Diego (2002)!!

Congratulations on locating George Miller S1/C (FC)
E-Mail: brokus803@pacbell.net

(NOTE: George's e-mail address has changed - this is his new address)

Dear Larry,

Just received my letter about the re-union in Branson. In it I found your web page address for the Internet. Wow, what a good job you've done. Many congratulations!

I haven't been able to attend any of the re-unions yet, but hope to before I kick the bucket. I'm Seventy-five now and the Lord has given me the best of health so I'm really looking forward to makng one. Perhaps in Denver. I served aboard the Little from beginning to end.

I was a fire controlman. I was stationed on the starboard bow 40 mm. as director operator on the bridge. I will make this missile short and hope to get a reply from you. Sincerely,
George R. Miller

I was a guest of Iggy's in Branson. He told me about this web site. Iggy sent me a e-mail with your home page.

Thank you
Arnold Banals

I am a survivor of the USS Little DD803. I missed that reunion in Branson, due to wife being sick. Sure was sorry to miss all my shipmates.

This is a wonderful thing you are doing. Your web site sent to me by a shipmate who was there. Hope to make the next one.

Bob & Scottie Cotta.

Enjoyed this site very much.All the work you guys put into make this happen is something that people will remeber.

My father Edward M. Anderson served on the USS Little.

Larry,

Thanks for this web site.

As the daughter of a survivor of the sinking of the USS Little DD803, I appreciate having the info available to share with others. Thanks also for attending the 16th Reunion in Branson, MO.

I have been checking for your updates and was excited to see the group pictures appear so quickly. The story of DD is priceless. Again - thanks, Larry.

Larry,

Thank you for all the hard work you've put into the web site. It is great!

David