Author: reddirt2

USS Paul H. Carr, USS Samuel B. Roberts

USS Samuel B. Roberts shipwreck found

This is a huge deal for my family.  As readers of my blog may know this is the ship, USS Samuel B. Roberts (DE-413), that my Uncle Paul died on during WW II.  He was the gunnery captain on aft 5 inch gun that blew up after the ship lost power and they were firing and loading manually.  For his bravery in this action he received the Silver Star and for 30 years there was a missile frigate, the USS Paul Henry Carr (FFG-52) floating around the seas on various naval missions. Quite an honor for my uncle and for our family.

Here are some links to the stories on the finding of the shipwreck:

Explorers find USS Samuel B. Roberts shipwreck

World’s deepest shipwreck, the Sammy B, is discovered by explorers

Explorers found the USS Samuel B. Roberts, which sunk 78 years ago holding off an overwhelming Japanese battle group

BBC article: USS Samuel B Roberts: World’s deepest shipwreck discovered

In 2018 my Uncle Paul was inducted into the Oklahoma Military Hall of Fame.  At the time I wrote a blog article about that experience:

Paul H. Carr inducted into the Oklahoma Military Hall of Fame

I am sure there will be more coming out on this discovery as the story just broke a few days ago.

And so it goes.

Videos

Robin sings at the Turkish Community Center

Robin and I spent part of our Christmas Day at an interfaith event at the Turkish Community Center. There was a young man who sang some some songs in Turkish. Anne and Robin then sang some Jewish songs. Some were all in Hebrew and some were a mixture of Hebrew and English.

Before the singing we enjoyed a potluck meal of Turkish food and Jewish food. Although most Jewish food is not of an ethnic, distinct nature. Someone did bring some honey cake.

It was a really nice time.

We should celebrate diversity more.

Shalom.

hint… Robin is on the left.

USS Paul H. Carr

Hallelujah — Paul Henry Carr Memorial Foundation Debt Free

From Nancy Milam:

Hello Family,

With great joy and gratefulness to God, I am thrilled to notify you that the debt owed Crain Displays and Exhibits for the Paul Carr exhibit has been paid!!  A donation was made the day before the Bridge Dedication in the amount of $7000.00 to pay off our balance. This generous donation was given by Jo and Jack Babbitt, friends of Jane and Jeff Rush.  Jack is a World War II veteran and greatly values the efforts to preserve our history and maintain patriotism.  I have attached the note they sent with their donation.  Now that we are debt free the PHCMF can focus on upkeep of the exhibit, reach out to local school children for tours, and signage in the city of Checotah to promote more awareness of Katy Depot and the Paul Carr Exhibit. if you have additional suggestions for use of future donations please contact Jeff Rush, Sue Warren, Perry Schulz, Luana Tucker, Carol Lohn, or myself.  It is exciting to focus on these goals now that the debt has been paid.

The Paul Carr Bridge dedication was an incredible dream come true.  Our Mamas, The Aunts, and other family members that are no longer with us would be dancing with joy.  To see pictures of the dedication and read the details go to Austin-Carr.org, Thanks to David Stephen and Sarah Lohn!!

Go to face book Paul Henry Carr Memorial Foundation also to read and to view the pictures and other people’s  comments..  Thanks to Jeff.

Praying that all have a Blessed Thanksgiving with loved ones, family and friends.  We are thanking GOD for all HE has done for us this year and HIS continual presence in “good times” and the difficult..

Love you, Nancy

USS Paul H. Carr

Bridge in Checotah Dedicated to Gunner’s Mate Paul Henry Carr

New road signs were unveiled on November 9, designating the bridge over U.S. Highway 266 on U.S. Highway 69 within the municipal limits of Checotah, Oklahoma as the Gunner’s Mate Paul Henry Carr Memorial Bridge. The signs are located at the North and South ends of the bridge.

A celebration was also held at the Katy Depot Museum and Visitors Center, attended by Oklahoma District 13 State Representative Avery Frix, who co-sponsored HB-2311 authorizing the sign’s placement. Mayor Daniel Tarkington spoke at the celebration and the Checotah Landmark Preservation Society provided refreshments.