Susan Walsh, with the USS Samuel B. Roberts DE 413 Survivors’ Association, has graciously allowed me to post this issue of the Newsletter. The link below is to a PDF file of that newsletter on our website (ask David if you need to know the technical reasons we did it this way – to me, it’s just magic!).
On Page Two of the Newsletter, it is noted that “Mel” Harden and “Bill” Wilson died within the past year. I had the privilege of meeting both of them at the 2009 reunion in Fredericksburg, Texas. When I met Mr. Wilson, I introduced myself as Paul Carr’s nephew. His face lit up; he said that Paul Carr was his best friend on the Roberts, that they went on shore leave together quite a few times. I felt as if I was giving the gift, rather than receiving it – it was my honor to meet him, and he was thanking me! I did try to get some detail as to any juicy stories about Uncle Paul, but he allowed as some things were better kept private! He said it with a twinkle in his eye!
On Page Three of the Newsletter, to the best of their knowledge, the Survivors’ Association believes there are only 11 survivors alive at this time. Within a few years, they will all be gone, our last living links to Uncle Paul. In some ways, I feel it will be up to us to perhaps build links of a different sort.
One Page Four of the Newsletter, there is information about joining the Association. Dues are only $10 a year; the money in past years has been spent on very specific projects to honor their fallen comrades and the Sammy B. For example, if you are ever able, go to Fredericksburg, Texas and the National Museum of the Pacific War. There is a pavilion honoring the Sammy B, and a plaque listing the men who went down with her on October 25, 1944.
Survivors’ Association Newsletter
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