The most recent entries are on the main Guestbook
page, |
which can be accessed through the link below. |
| Name: |
Lynn Gerhardt - 05/31/00 19:36:41 |
| Comments: |
My husband had 4 brothers in WW 2 & 2 step brothers.
Thank God for Higgin's effort. |
| Name: |
Bill Brichta - 05/31/00 14:58:35 |
| Comments: |
Your work to keep the memory of the sacrifices willingly
endured by these men alive for future generations is very important. My father
landed at Omaha beach with the second wave. There isn't a day that goes by
I don't recall one of his accounts of the fighting there, and through Belgium
into Germany, at least once. I was fortunate enough that he took the time
to tell me what it was like prior to his passing a few years ago. Keep up
the excellent work. |
| Name: |
Rudy Brown - 05/31/00 01:09:54 |
| Comments: |
Although my Grandfather Rudy J. Giarrusso, the oldest of
the Giarrusso brothers, never went to war in WWII. He began the police tradition
in the family as a Sergeant with the New Orleans Police Department at that
time and was assigned to the Higgins Shipyard by the N.O.P.D. and worked
as Chief of Security for the shipyard throughout WWII. I remember as a child
he would tell me stories about the war and Mr. Higgins, whom he spoke very
highly. Two of His three daughters, Catherine and Jacquline, worked at Higgins
also. I still have old photos of my Grand-Father sitting behind his desk
with a picture of Mr.Higgins over his shoulder in the background. My Grand-Father
passed away in 1977 at the age of 81, his stories will always be vivid in
my memory. I have some old photos that I would like to donate to the museum
for display. Even though he wasn't on the front line, I feel he made a great
contribution to the WWII and to the City of New Orleans as did all of the
other Policemen who served with him. |
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| Name: |
Chris Williams - 05/30/00 22:13:30 |
| Comments: |
My father, R.F. "Dickie" Williams was a foreman with the
Higgins project. To build so many, they had yards all over south Louisiana.
He worked at what became Swiftships Shipyard in Morgan City. Ambrose's praise
in his book _D-Day_ and the excellent documentary I just saw on PBS has made
me realize the important contribution made by him and all his comrades. |
| Name: |
RICHARD S. DORMER - 05/30/00 12:42:58 |
| Comments: |
I am pleased to see something on the Higgins LCVP. I was
a Coxswain of VP-3 on APA-98, made landings on Okinawa April 1945, survived
a few Kamakazi attacks. Helped to unload the poor lads when the Birmingham
was hit by a Kamakazi. Also took troops ashore when a amtrack was stranded
at night, and because I only draughted 18", I could go most anywhere, so
long as my sand traps didn't load up. I never worried about my ability to
get back off the beach after I unloaded, but I sure worried about having
sand trap problems. I had a great Motor Mech., and as soon as the last guy
had debarked, he would really get on me about getting to deeper, cleaner
water. Our boat had a Grey Marine diessel, that was great except in cold
weather, but ole' DePeiro MM2 always stated it even in the North Atlantic.
It was a great boat, and I was lucky enough to have had a great crew. |
| Name: |
Robert M. Avent, Ph.D. - 05/30/00 10:56:44 |
| Comments: |
My Dad, RMA Sr., and my uncle, Arthur Wm. Avent, both lieutenants
in the USN in WWII, told me about different sorts of landing craft in the
late '40's. While neither ever had to hit a beach under fire, they reminded
me over the years of the carnage and the heroism. They also admired the weapons,
ships, airplanes, vehicles and support equipment that allowed the many victories
in Europe, Africa. and in the Pacific. The most mentioned were the M-1 rifle
(of which I own two), the aircraft carrier, and the LCPV. They never mentioned
that the Higgin's boat was built in NOLA where I'm proud to have lived now
for almost 20 years. Now, how do I get a carrier and a Higgin's boat? |
| Name: |
Albert L. Soileau - 05/30/00 09:04:04 |
| Comments: |
Look forward to visiting the museum. My father worked at
the Delta Shipyard during WWII. My family lived in Ville Platte, La. during
most of WWII. Soldiers from Camp Livingston and Fort Polk used to "invade"
our town on weekend passes. Since hotel space was so limited, we along with
countless others used to open our home to soldiers for the night. It was
not uncommon to have as many as a dozen GIs sleeping on pallets and on
sofas;anything to get out of camp for the weekend. |
| Name: |
Sam Nicholson - 05/29/00 00:15:17 |
| Comments: |
I Served in the Navy from 1959 to 1962 as an Assault Boat
Coxswain aboard the U.S.S Merrick (AKA-97) out of Long Beach California.
I drove the LCVP, LCM's and LCPL's for almost four years and I have a fond
rememberance of them. All though I didn't serve during war time, I feel that
I was part of their history too. I just today, visited PT-309 (also a Higgins
Boat), in Kemah, Texas and was excited to be able to go aboard her! These
folks are trying to restore her, but they are in desperate need of drawings,
or blueprints to help in the restoration. I was wondering if you can make
available to me, a copy of the original Higgins engineering plans, blueprints
and outfitting information, for the PT's (Especially #309), or anything to
help me locate them, or who to contact? I thought that while the LCVP project
is being pursued, that the PT's plans may be available with them. Good Luck
on the LCVP project, I'd sure like to be there when it's finished. My regards,
Sam Nicholson
1063 Willow Oaks Circle Pasadena, Texas 77506
(713) 472-0923 (Voice/Fax) |
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| Name: |
pamela mcdonough - 05/27/00 08:56:45 |
| Comments: |
CBS News Sunday Morning will rebroadcast its story on the
Higgins Boat Project on June 4, 2000 to celebrate the opening of the museum. |
| Name: |
Colby Blackwood - 05/26/00 14:31:23 |
| Comments: |
I cant wait for the museum to open on the 6th! |
| Name: |
Bill Hamilton - 05/25/00 22:30:09 |
| Comments: |
An excellent presentation!! |
| Name: |
Maureen Nesser - 05/25/00 13:24:50 |
| Name: |
Arthur De Lorenzo - 05/24/00 20:46:13 |
| Comments: |
Crewmember on LST 262 at Normandy. Engineer in small boat
crew. Good job on your presentation. Thank you. |
| Name: |
Charlie Fleming - 05/23/00 13:49:52 |
| Comments: |
I just returned from a two week trip to Normandy. Once I
observed the beaches and the difficult landing procedures required by both
boat and pilot on June 6, 1944, I can only say God Bless Andrew Higgins.
Every American owes him a debt of gratitude. |
| Name: |
COMM4 Dave Van Sant, USCG - 05/23/00 12:29:24 |
| Comments: |
My father, Frank Van Sant, was deck crew on a Higgins boat
in the Pacific during WWII. His retirement dream had been to own one and
convert it so he could spend the remainder of his days on it. Unfortunately
it never came to pass. |
| Name: |
Robert Boddy Sr - 05/23/00 07:59:14 |
| Comments: |
I went to boat school at Higgins, also was a S/Sgt in the
Army Amphibs, served in the Pacific as a platoon sgt in charge of 13 LCM's.
We ran our boats from Finchhaven N.G. all the way up to Borneo participated
in 62 landings with the Australian 5th &th & 9th Divisions did not
serve in Europe, but had a plenty of action in the Pacific. |
| Name: |
Emmitt S. Calvert, Jr. - 05/19/00 10:24:31 |
| Comments: |
In 1943 I trained on the Higgins Boats (LCVP)in San Diego,
CA. I drove these boats in the Pacific while island hopping. I made the initial
invasion on Leyte, Philippines and later changed over to an LCM. I was assigned
to Standard Landing Craft Unit (SLCU)#24. I was in the Amphibious Corp while
in the U.S. Navy. |
| Name: |
Ryan Higgins - 05/17/00 22:54:52 |
| Comments: |
I think this is a great site because it recognizes a man
that has been forgotten by many. Andrew Higgins is one of the reasons we
won WWII, and I am glad to see that he is finally getting some of the credit
he deserves. He is my great-great uncle, so I am very interested in the boat
project. |
| Name: |
Rhufus E. Allen - 05/17/00 18:39:37 |
| Comments: |
Looking forward to the grand opening. |
| Name: |
Richard L. Maple - 05/16/00 22:14:18 |
| Comments: |
A museum like this has long been overdue. I would love to
take all of our younger generations through this museum to show them what
sacrifices were made for their freedom. |
| Name: |
Roy Amburgey - 05/15/00 00:51:08 |
| Comments: |
I was coxn of 36ft LCP on the landing, Aug. 7 1942 at Guadalcanal
from USS American Legion(APA17). They had gasoline (Hall-Scotts) Later they
changed to (Grey-Marine diesel), LCPRs. Made the rest of landings from (APD7),
the USS Talbot. We always had 2 30 caliber air cooled machine guns mounted
forward on two swivel mounts. |
| Name: |
Debbie Zambardino - 05/14/00 22:02:05 |
| Comments: |
My dad, Obie Ray Duncan was in WWII. He was on the USS Ormsby.
I am looking for anyone who might have known him. He passed away in July
1999. But told us about some of the men he was on ship with. Any info is
greatly appreciated. |
| Name: |
robert e. kilpatrick - 05/14/00 03:35:51 |
| Comments: |
I am going down for the opening. |
| Name: |
Paul Koeppler - 05/12/00 22:47:43 |
| Comments: |
I was a COX. on LST 282 and 284 lost my lcvp on June 6 44
on Normandy. Than got wounded in the 4 th wave Aug 15 in So. France Also
was in my small boat 50 yds. astern of LST.282 when it was hit by a radio
controlled bomb Spent many hrs. in one of those DO ALL JOBS. My story is
published in {SMALL BOATS & LARGE SLOW TARGETS} by Robert Witter of Sarasota
Fla The computer is new to me so I hope I get through Paul K |
| Name: |
Chuck Gibson - 05/12/00 10:37:25 |
| Comments: |
The final edition of the newsletter was very moving. Having
ridden a few "Mike" and "Papa" boats in my time, I wish I could have seen
the PA33-21 underway. Semper Fi, and thanks. |
| Name: |
Manning, Willie E. - 05/11/00 19:43:30 |
| Comments: |
I saw the LCM coming in for landings on Utah Beach But, I
came in on a LST. I was with the First Army until the Third Army was activated.
Then the 206 "Combat" Engr. was transferred to the Third Army XX Corp. We
was attached to the Seventh Armored Division until we ran out of supplies
at Metz, Fr |
| Name: |
C.F. William Maurer - 05/10/00 20:06:51 |
| Comments: |
An exciting project. The commemoration at the new museum
is to be something special. Best wishes. |
| Name: |
carlton kutzke - 05/10/00 19:51:48 |
| Comments: |
I was looking for information about U.S.S. President Hays
I was in the landing boats from after the Canal to the end of the war. I'm
now 76 years old and think of it everyday--We were very lucky with our losses--I
was a petty officer first class in the motor-machinists group. Thank you
very much & I did enjoy it. |
| Name: |
Mike Dutton - 05/10/00 16:24:18 |
| Comments: |
My dad drove a Higgin's boat during W.W.II. He never talked
about his time in the service, so I'm excited to learn about this project.
I hope to visit the museum after it's completed. |
| Name: |
Jim Heldberg - 05/10/00 13:40:09 |
| Comments: |
I was a deck officer on USS BEXAR (APA-237). We used LCVPs
to land the first troops into Chu Lai to start the Vietnam war. Those boats
stood up well to the hard work and abuse we gave them. They weren't pretty,
but war isn't, either. |
| Name: |
Richard Leemann - 05/10/00 07:30:53 |
| Comments: |
I worked several weekends on the construction of PA-33-21
over on Franklin Ave. at the Orleans Levee Boards warehouse. It was an
interesting experience. |
| Name: |
Jim Mulligan - 05/09/00 20:41:25 |
| Comments: |
I just spent over 3 nostalgic hours viewing the progressive
photos of the construction of the PA 33-21. It certainly brought back a lot
of memories of my 3 years service on LST's and I want to thank all of the
dedicated people for this labor of love. I hope I can get to the Museum someday
to see this special boat. |
| Name: |
bob warner - 05/09/00 20:11:41 |
| Comments: |
RAN THE NO. 5 BOAT OF THE USS RANDALL APA 224 46/7
ALWAYS WANTED WHAT WE THEN CALLED THE " L " MODEL. THE ONE SHOWN UP ON THE
SEAWALL. GREAT BOAT. |
| Name: |
Hank Levine - 05/09/00 17:44:41 |
| Comments: |
Just about lived on a lcvp for two years in the pacific. |
| Name: |
landscan - 05/08/00 11:18:48 |
| Comments: |
This is simply put a Great Site! |
| Name: |
George Hurne - 05/08/00 06:05:12 |
| Comments: |
I ran many LCVP'S as a amphibious sailor on LST/APA/AKA fOR
6 YEARS 1942/1948. |
| Name: |
Jim Rhoads - 05/06/00 13:41:32 |
| Comments: |
This is an overdue tribute to honor ALL the heros of the
"great" war. To Professor Ambrose, the Higgins family and all who have made
this memorial possible, in memory of my father, Thank You. |
| Name: |
Don Shackelford - 05/05/00 20:11:04 |
| Comments: |
Just visited the Normandy beaches and tried to picture myself
going onto the beaches from one of the landing crafts. Without them it would
have been a different story. I opted for the Navy in the Pacific.[CVE111
Vella Gulf] |
| Name: |
CWO5 Walter Schley USMC(RET) - 05/05/00 06:16:33 |
| Comments: |
I APPLAUD YOUR WORK. IT'S LONG OVERDUE. |
| Name: |
James Kenison - 05/04/00 22:01:45 |
| Comments: |
I was a MoM2/c on a LCM in SLCU# 24 1943-1945 Our unit made
landings on Tarawa, Saipan, Philippines, Iwo Jima --We are having our 6th
reunion in Chicago Sept.14-15-16 2000
Thanks for building a good boat--- |
| Name: |
Stephen Higgins - 05/01/00 14:22:01 |
| Comments: |
My father and his family were all hand riveters in the shipyards
of Port Glasgow on the River Clyde Scotland during world war two. Like
A. Higgins They were descended from the Irish and were master shipbuilders.
It must be in the blood. |
| Name: |
Ray Beadle Jr. - 04/27/00 09:14:24 |
| Comments: |
My mother just told me that my grandfather was mr Higgins
right hand man and a superintendent, Supervising over 25 engineers for the
project. That he was directly involved in the construction of hundreds of
vessels..Does anyone remember Enos Fangue from Morgan City . He was living
in New Orlean while the war was on? His wife was Mildred and his 2 daugters
and one son lived with him!! He was pretty mean too! That might jogg someones
memory! Real hard core worker. He liked to killed me growing up i know he
had to be hard as heck on the yard hands... I worked during my summers on
bridges with him and he was hell!! God bless his soul. If you knew him please
email me back? |
| Name: |
Ed "Otto" Pernotto - 04/24/00 20:26:04 |
| Comments: |
A hearty congratulations to all involved in this project!
My dad landed at D+1 on Omaha as a medic assigned to the Engineer Special
Purpose Brigade. My Dad, Mom, sister and I all were at the 50th Anniversary
in Normandy in 94. I work for the Navy's SEALs and am a Major in the Reserves
and know how critical the Higgins boat was to WWII and all the amphibious
operations since. Once again, great job! |
| Name: |
Steven Dyhrkopp - 04/24/00 18:43:55 |
| Comments: |
Visited your web site at my sisters and found it all to be
as you said. I am very impressed! |
| Name: |
Raymond R. Beadle Jr. - 04/24/00 00:12:25 |
| Comments: |
My grandfather Enos A. Fangue worked at Higgins in the War
and my mom asked me to find out anything on this company. He was a very
successful bridge builder in life. He mentioned having to go build boats
for the war to our family. |
| Name: |
Bobby Geoffroy - 04/23/00 15:29:25 |
| Comments: |
I enjoyed the visit, and was fortunate enough to have a
conversation with Mr. Richard McDerby ,employed by Higgins to train troops
on how to operate the vessels of WWII, and later started his own boat company,
The Yellow Jacket Boat Co. of Denison, Texas. I now own a 1958 Yellow Jacket
Boat built by Mr McDerby. |
| Name: |
scott vaughan - 04/22/00 23:57:58 |
| Comments: |
Anything a High School group in Atlanta can do??? |
| Name: |
Vicki Pichon Knight - 04/22/00 02:16:33 |
| Comments: |
It's great to see this museum come to fruition. My father,
J.B. Pichon, was killed in a welding accident while building the Higgins
boats, and I'm proud that what he was working on played such an important
part in our nation's history and our own freedom. |
| Name: |
Lee Sucherman - 04/20/00 12:01:45 |
| Comments: |
All of us at WDSU Television are excited to be a part of
the D-Day Museum opening. Congratulations. |
| Name: |
Don Wendel - 04/19/00 20:44:39 |
| Comments: |
I was a member of the commissioning crew of the USS DOYEN
(APA-l). Participated in landings in Aleutians Tarawa, Roi and Namur, Saipan,
Guam, Leyte, Llinguyen Gulf, Iwo. Was engineer in "Higgins Boat" , but our
boats were built by Cris Craft. Are these the same? We broke a few struts
and bent up a lot of screws but always made it back aboard. A tribute to
a tough machine. |
| Name: |
David Thomas - 04/19/00 12:27:58 |
| Comments: |
When you say the word Higgins, I take it personally. Not
only have I had the honor to get to know the Higgins family over the past
10 years, but I have gotten to know the many members of the Higgins Boat
Project such as Jerry Strahan, Graham Haddock and many others who have truly
touched my life forever.
Not only did Higgins build great military craft, but also some of the best
and beautiful pleasure craft I have ever seen. Everytime I take my Higgins
boat for a spin I think of the many veterans and Higgins employees that made
it possible for me to do so. Most of all I would like to thank Andrew J.
Higgins.
"Higgins boats, they could, they "wood" and they did"!
Sincerely,
David Thomas
Higgins Classic Boats |
| Name: |
Cheryl Cunningham - 04/18/00 21:01:51 |
| Comments: |
Excellent coverage and tribute to this New Orleanian hero.
Very useful in my American history classes at Isidore Newman. |
| Name: |
Thomas Gump - 04/15/00 23:26:33 |
| Comments: |
Did Higgins design and build all the LC's of D-Day, or just
the LCVP's? |
| Name: |
Ed. Salseda - 04/15/00 17:15:57 |
| Comments: |
My father Michael M Salseda was a coxswain on a LCVP aboard
the USS Kittson APA123. Aug 1944 - Jan46 in the Pacifc, some of his stories
were of Okinawa and its Typhoon, and just missing a mine..Picking up Marines
from Tientsin..His Capts were G.B Helmick and W.A.P Martin.. So if anyone
has some info Please... |
| Name: |
Victor A.Marsiglia.Jr. - 04/15/00 11:32:33 |
| Comments: |
I am a fan of Professor Ambrose and all of ww two works.As
a resident of a suburb of New Orleans,I look forward to the opening of the
D Day Museum.May God bless all of those brave men and women who contributed
to the Allied effort.They are truly the greatest generation. |
| Name: |
Feen Hardin - 04/15/00 03:47:04 |
| Name: |
Peter Dragna - 04/11/00 08:34:44 |
| Comments: |
Have read about this in newpaper. I am impressed with the
professionalism and dedication to history. |
| Name: |
Philip J Cheramie - 04/10/00 19:56:24 |
| Comments: |
I am anticipating visiting the museum. A GREAT TRIBUTE TO
A GREAT COUNTRY AND ITS CITIZENS!! |
| Name: |
FRANK L. STOUP - 04/10/00 19:07:33 |
| Comments: |
I AM A VET FROM WORLD WAR 2 AND I WAS IN SOUTH PACIFIC
AND WE HAD LOT OF HIGGINS BOAT NICE BOATS I AM 74 YEARS
OLD I WAS ON A LCI AND DON'T SEE ANY HERE I WAS ON
LCI 327 FOR 8 MONTHS |
| Name: |
Ray Jessen, Jr. - 04/08/00 14:07:08 |
| Comments: |
Good project, I remember the Higgins boats well. |
| Name: |
tony chapman - 04/08/00 08:29:26 |
| Comments: |
My congratulations to all concerned with the raising of this
site. I have spent these past four years gathering the recollections of Royal
Navy veterans who were present serving with landing craft on the morning
of D-Day in Normandy. Hopefully, when finally assembled, published under
the title 'At Dawning'. My efforts and endeavours during recent times have
gained me associate membership of the LST and Landing Craft Association.
I count myself privileged indeed to have unlimited access to our British
veterans, for them all, including the veterans of the US Navy, I have the
utmost respect and admiration.
If there are D-Day landing craft veterans of the US Navy reading this, I
would welcome contact. |
| Name: |
Roland C. "Skipper" Higgins, Jr. - 04/07/00 12:57:51 |
| Comments: |
I was there at the dedication. It was stirring. My grandfather
would have been pleased. |
| Name: |
Wendell Porter - 04/06/00 11:59:26 |
| Comments: |
My Dad was in the Navy during 1943-46. He was on LCVP, attack
transports, YO's etc. I'll show him this site the next time I see him. Hope
everybody has read Jerry Strahan's book on Higgins. |
| Name: |
CDR James P. Sutherland, USCG (ret) - 04/01/00 20:24:50 |
| Comments: |
Eisenhower was right - we couldn't have done it without the
Higgins LCVP. Had the pleasure of seeing a 47 Higgins speed boat at the Mt
Dora Antique Boat Show - beautiful. Keep up the good work. |
| Name: |
Lcdr J.M.Perret,Jr.,USNR(Ret) - 04/01/00 13:33:55 |
| Comments: |
Congratulations on the project. I had the pleasure(??) of
using LCVP's during WWII and remember those rides! |
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