The Sand-Witch is a news letter printed periodically to inform the members of the 4th Beach Battalion
news of other members, of events, and a place to reminisce. A place to tell of our experience in the
invasions of Sicily, Italy and Southern France. A place to pay tribute to our comrades who have gone
to their reward. Created some (eighteen) years ago by James Townley, who with his wife Phyllis
have wrote, collected material sent in by the members, printed and mailed this letter. Not an easy
undertaking, this is all paid for by donations received from the members Jim and Phyllis, we take our
hats off to you for a job well done.
Paul Deese

Each issue is an effort, an attempt to present interesting news, another milestone along evening's life,
a signpost to pass to reach the next one. Some may be disappointing, even out-and-out failures but
ultimately, who cares? The bigger question is, "Can we 'hit the sack' content that we did the best we
could? Can we say to ourselves, we did our work -- our best work -- for our 4th BB in this issue?"

Creativity somehow demands that you give of yourself simply for the sheer love of giving. These efforts
are made without expecting anything in return at all. Our efforts require courage which is merely
creativity's gift back to us.
Jim and Phyllis Townley

Greetings to all our friends around the country, and may God bless you this New Year
and all the coming New Years with His grace and peace.

First, “World War II veterans who earned the Combat Infantry Badge or the Combat Medical Badge are eligible to receive another award to honor their heroism, but how many are eligible is unknown, because a fire in 1963 destroyed many military files. In 1942, the Bronze Star Medal was authorized for all those who earned a CIB or the CMB.

The Medal was designed to honor the infantry who endured the greatest hardships and the medics who accompanied them on the front lines, according to officials. Thousands of veterans don’t know that the Bronze Star Medal is automatic as long as their discharge papers state that they received the Combat Infantry Badge.

The Bronze Star Medal, based on the award of the CIB or CMB before July 1, 1947, may be awarded by a letter application submitted to the National Personnel Research Records Center (MRPNA-A) Medical Section, 9700 Page Ave., St. Louis MO 63132-5100.”

(Editor’s note: Naval personnel in the Beach Battalions who landed with the infantry during invasions are eligible to be awarded the CIB and naval medics who landed with the infantry are eligible to be awarded the CMB. Therefore, submitting the letter of application should win you a Bronze Star Medal.)

Rand reports that, “During our recent Florida trip to visit friends, we also visited Bill and Teri DiVONA (Orange Park FL) and Birnie BENEVELI (Titusville FL). Also, we were especially privileged that unpretentious George and Ginny FREDERICKS (Barefoot Bay FL) interrupted their busy schedule to have lunch on us, which was like a mini-reunion. Their busy schedule includes their volunteer services in the Emergency Room.

In addition we learned that George is very busy with Kiwanis Club duties and activities. George reports, after several days of SRMC Auxiliary total commitment, my Library days (1 day/wk). Our American Legion Pork Dinner (Fund Raiser). My Kiwanis Health Fair (with SRMC) Backing on the 19th, and so on… George and Ginny keep themselves busy. George gave a generous donation toward the recent 2003 Reunion expenses, which is really appreciated. They had wanted to attend but were unable to travel.

It was unfortunate that we ran out of time to complete our schedule of visits. We had fully
intended to visit Roland and Yvonne COBB in Jensen Beach FL as well as James and Arline DWYER in Barefoot Bay FL. So we’ve put the COBBs and DWYERs at the top of our next visit-list, maybe in 2004. We sure wanted to visit with you folks, too.”

We have received so many more letters, thank you notes and telephone calls commending
the Townleys for arranging such a beautiful and interesting military reunion that we want to share the praise with you.

The many expressions perhaps can be summarized as follows: “It’s hard to characterize the

decidedly different military reunion you Townleys arranged there in Wilmington in 2003. Not only
was it quite different from a normal reunion because of the warm camaraderie, but it was so contagious. It still leaves the heart warm”

Furthermore, none of the attendees missed the fact that the Dempseys pitched right in to assist ... again, assuring for a smooth event all the way around!

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USS SAVANNAH - BOMB DAMAGE – GULF OF SALERNO, ITALY

(Contributed by Art Neild, Stratford, NJ)

On 11 September 1943 SAVANNAH was acting as a fire support vessel for the amphibious operations of the US and British in the Gulf of Salerno, Italy. Prior to dawn she had undergone some sharp air attacks. In the transport area about 5 miles from the beach while awaiting assignment of a fire mission, an alert at 0930 was received reporting that 12 German planes were entering the area.

A twin-engined bomber coming out of the sun at 18,700 feet 14 minutes later, released a radio-controlled bomb which struck SAVANNAH. This bomb was the largest to have scored a hit on a US Naval vessel and the first time a hit was made with a German radio-controlled bomb.

Although the damage was considered severe, and there were casualties to the magazine and turret crews, the ship’s survival was never in jeopardy due to the ship’s sea-worthiness and the excellent damage-control response from the crew.

Some “patch-up” repairs to SAVANNAH were made at Malta for our return to the U.S., and she made it successfully back to the Philadelphia Shipyard to undergo a major overhaul and repairs to the battle damage.

In a monthly many-paged report of the overhaul and repairs to the battle damage, the details of the progress were outlined from January 1944 through September 1944, including a Memorial Service for the members of the crew killed in the bomb attack. The lengthy report concluded with a successful shake-down training schedule.

Fred and Clara ALBRIGHT (Davison MI) are numbered among our most dedicated
supporters and enjoy the newsletter. They send Seasons Greetings and Happy New Year.

Fred and Betty ANTOUS (Danbury CT) are numbered among our loyal newsletter supporters and send us Christmas Greetings and a Happy, Healthy New Year.

Warren and Norma BAKER (Southwick MA) send their warm Christmas Greetings. “May the Spirit of Christmas fill your hearts with joy and your home with love.

Joe and Helen BALCHUNAS (Wolcott CT) send their warm wishes for a Joyous Holiday Season and Health and Happiness in the coming year.

Vince & Antoinette BAMBINO (New Hartford NY) send their Seasons Greetings and their wish for a Happy,.Healthy New Year.

Birnie BENEVELLI (Titusville FL), Al’s widow, enjoys the Newsletter and supports it. She thoroughly enjoyed Rand and JoAnne Townley’s surprise visit

Dorothy BLAKE (Fayetteville WV), Bill’s widow, wishes us the Seasons best. She misses Bill very much. Thank you for remembering us, Dorothy, and we remember you and Bill.

Al & Jeanette BLUE (Kennesaw GA) sent their wishes for a Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy New Year.

Frank and Marie BUCKLEY (Binghamton NY) send warm Seasons Greetings and mention again how much they enjoyed the outstanding 2003 Reunion in Delaware.

Charles and Ruby CHEATWOOD (Gadsden AL) sent their Seasons Greetings with the hope that we were enjoying good health.

Phil and Millie CHIARELLI (Bronx NY) are numbered among our most dedicated supporters of the newsletter. They send their love and Christmas Greetings.

Bob and Loretta DANKE (L.I.C. NY) wish us the best for the Christmas Season and a happy, healthy New Year. Looking forward to the 2004 Roanoke Reunion.

Dick and Chris DENEEN (Millerton NY) send Seasons Greetings and a healthy New Year.

Joe DENSBERGER (Des Plaines IL) wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year. He called our attention to Dick Doame’s valiant horse, Seymore. Is there a story here, Dick?

Dick DOAME (Nottingham MD) sends his Christmas greetings and is looking forward to the 2004 Roanoke VA Reunion.

Louis and Virginia DUMAS (Henderson TX) send their warm Christmas greetings and wishes for a Happy, Healthy New Year.

Jim and Arline DWYER (Barefoot Bay FL) send their wishes for a happy and blessed Christmas and New Year and advise us to take care of ourselves.

Willie and Velma ELLENDER (Houma LA) really enjoy the newsletter and hope our health continues to improve so that there will be no interruption in our issuing it. Willie had a brief stay in the hospital but is home now, doing better.

John and Eileen ENDYKE (Lawrence MA) enjoy the newsletter and again paid tribute to Rand and the Townleys for arranging such an outstanding 2003 Reunion in Wilmington Delaware.

Walt ESCHENBACH (Clearwater FL) keeps in touch with us, checking on our health. He enjoys reading the newsletter, learning how his friends in the Beach Battalion are doing.

George and Ginny FREDERICKS (Barefoot Bay FL) send Seasons Greetings but don’t know yet if they can attend the Roanoke VA 2004 Reunion.

Gene and Patricia GLEASON (Stanwood MI), loyal supporters of the Newsletter are spending three months in Naples Florida. We’re so sorry to hear that you are losing your eyesight, Gene.

Harlan & Gladys HALL (Elon NC) sent us their warm Seasons Greetings with a wish for a Happy, Healthy New Year.

Ted and Barbara HANFT (Glendale CA) are loyal supporters of THE SAND-WITCH and send their Holiday Greetings and wishes for a happy, healthy New Year.

Chuck and Marie MARLETTE (Charlotte NC) are numbered among our loyal supporters of THE SAND-WITCH. They wish us Seasons Greetings and the best in the New Year.

C, A. MAY (Salem VA) is slowly recovering from his injuries suffered from his fall on the farm and is hospitalized at the Veterans’ Administration Hospital, Salem, VA 24153. Estelle has had heart trouble and with her newly installed “pacer” is doing fine. She is disposing of the farm and has an apartment near the hospital in Salem, VA.

Don and Corrine PALMER (Springfield IL) are numbered among our dedicated supporters and enjoy the newsletter. They send their warm Christmas Greetings. They send their appreciation for a wonderful 2003 reunion to Rand and his helpers.

Russ and Joan PETERSON (Naples FL) thoroughly enjoyed their Caribbean Cruise where they ate, gambled and sunned. They wish us a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year,

Norma REILLY (Cloverdale CA), Claude’s widow, sends her warm Christmas Greetings and the best of he New Year to the Townleys.

Carolyn SPRAGUE (Houston TX) keeps us updated on Bill’s progress after his apparent stroke. He had a severe case of pneumonia. He is now in an assisted care facility. Bill finally got a phone and called us. He sounded weak but determined.

Wally and Marie STUARD (Cape May NJ) send their Christmas Greetings, “May your holiday be bright with happiness and warm with love.”

Melton and Madeline VAN POOLE (Salisbury NC) send their warm Seasons Greetings. Melton is numbered among the chief loyal supporters of the newsletter. Thank you very much, again.

Fred and Dot VOSSEL (Cookeville TN) send Christmas greetings. He hopes his health will improve so they can attend the Roanoke VA 2004 Reunion.

2004 ROANOKE REUNION

4^TH Beach Battalion Attendee Sign-ups

Bob AUTRY (Rockville MD) Ted HANFT (Glendale CA)

Fred BINGAMAN (York PA) Chuck MARLETTE (Charlotte NC)

Al BLUE (Kennesaw GA) Don PALMER (Springfield IL)

Robert DANKE (L.I.C. NY) John PARTIN (Baytown TX)

Dick DOAME (Baltimore MD)

You are encouraged to let the 7^th Beach Battalion know as early as possible your plans to attend the reunion so they can make proper arrangements to take care of all attendees. Address your intentions to attend to: Julius E. Shoulars, 1901 Paddock Rd., Norfolk VA 23518-4929, or e-mail Jes7rubi@infionline,net

BOB DANKE’S PACIFIC EXPERIENCES

Following our adventures in the Mediterranean, we returned to the States and I was sent to Oceanside, California, for training and further assignment to the APA 75, U.S.S. Cortland, which was commissioned on January 1, 1945. Shortly after commissioning we went on a “shake-down” cruise and returned to Long Beach CA, for some ship repairs.

On one occasion, I was given “fire-watch” duty, which I hadn’t been given the least idea how to do. My only instructions were to make sure the welder didn’t start any fires. No problem. So I stood behind him and watched him weld all day. How did I know I was supposed to be wearing protective goggles?

After about an hour, while on Liberty that night, I discovered I was blind. They took me to the Long Beach Naval Hospital where they examined me and confirmed that I was blind. They bandaged my eyes and kept me for several days. Then they put me in a dark room and removed the bandages. At this point they gradually introduced light to see what my reaction would be. It was wonderful! Thank God I could see again. Their diagnosis was “temporary blindness” from “welder’s arc” without proper eye protection. Shortly I was returned to the ship and we headed for Pearl Harbor. From there we went further into the Pacific Theatre, hitting all the islands, the Carolinas, Marshall Islands, et al. Those Pacific typhoons were something to behold. It took real seamanship to survive the pounding we got.

We were at Okinawa when Japan surrendered. I was in the Beach Party aboard ship, so when we landed in Korea on September 8, 1945, at a town named Jin Sin, not knowing what to expect, we came ashore with fixed bayonets. However, there was no problem. Everything was okay. Following this we made several trips carrying troops.

Sometime in October, 1945, I was sent back to the States, to Long Beach, Long Island, where I was discharged November 19, 1945. AMEN to the Navy.

I was drafted on January 29, 1945, at the age of 18 and went first to Butte, for a physical exam, and then to Salt Lake City, and then to Camp Hood, Texas, for basic training.
Among the few Montanans in my barracks was a kid from Choteau, and one day after we had been in basic for perhaps 3-4 weeks, the kid and I were chatting, and he said, he had decided he did not like the Army, and he would get out!
"Ha, ha," I said, "Lots of luck."
"No," he said, "I'm going to get out. It will be easy."
"Oh yeah, what makes you think that?"
"Oh," he said, "I'll just tell them how old I really am."
"How old are you?" I said.
And they did. Two years later, after serving in the Army of Occupation in Japan, I was discharged, and walking down Central Avenue in Great Falls, when who did I see, but the kid from Choteau. We stopped and chatted, and then as we were separating to go our own way, I said to him, "By the way, where are you going now?"
"Oh," he replied, "I'm going into the Army. I've been drafted."
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HEARD FROM

(Note: This whole newsletter was wiped out because of an electrical surge, a so-called “glitch.” So I had to start from scratch, and my memory isn’t what it used to be. Please bear with me.)

Warren & Norma BAKER (Southwick MA) enjoy reading THE SAND-WITCH. They were sorry to hear about Al Benevelli passing away. Norma said that she would write to Birnie. She loved to read the recipes and enjoyed “The Chaplain’s Corner” too. Dr. Stewart Seigle, passed away shortly after voicing his objection to this religious section.

Bob and Loretta DANKE (L.I.C., NY) enjoy the newsletter.

Terry O. ANDERSON (1457 Hwy #1, Casey Plt., ME 04471-3006) mailed Bob a mason jar full of the Salerno beach sand. On the 1^st page in this issue of the newsletter, Bob recalls a brief training period at Oceanside, CA, (after returning to the States from those Mediterranean adventures), then being assigned to the Beach Party aboard APA 75, The U.S.S. Cortland, and cruising the Pacific Islands.

Jim & Arline DWYER (Barefoot Bay FL) enjoy the newsletter and support it. They’ve had the coldest winter in 18 years. Old age isn’t so golden. Some days are better than others, but “We are thankful that we’re still above the sod together.”

Vern EGLI (Portland OR) enjoys the interesting newsletters and writes to “Keep up the work!” He turned 84 years old on January 19, 2004, and commented that “…with modern medical technology, I could last a few more years.”

Walt ESCHENBACH (Clearwater FL) calls frequently to check on our health and well fare, and we usually return his calls but seldom catch him before he’s “out to lunch!”

George FREDERICKS (Barefoot Bay FL) misses being on the Rand’s Website. He feels that he’s “out of touch” with the 4^th BB activities.

Gene GLEASON (Stanwod MI) writes, “on Dec 9, 2003 Miriam, Dr Harwin’s wife, passed away, and the following day, Dr. Stew Seigle passed away from lung cancer.

Ted HANFT(Glendale CA) called to see how we were doing. Getting this newsletter together is taking a little longer because neither of us have been well.

Al & Barbara PRATT (Fall River Mills CA) thoroughly enjoy THE SAND-WITCH. Al gives a brief account of his assignment to the APA 30, The Thomas Jefferson, after failing to get his transfer to the 4^th Beach Battalion before the Salerno Invasion.

Bill & Carolyn SPRAGUE (Houston TX) always enjoy receiving the interesting newsletter. Bill is thoroughly enjoying being at home after his experiences in the Nursing Home. He and Carolyn are busy catching-up on life with their family.

Fred VOSSEL (Cookeville TN) called to relate that his operation to remove the cancer spot on his lung was a complete success. He’s not up to running any races but is recovering very nicely.

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HAVEN’T HEARD FROM YOU FOR AWHILE

Are you still interested in receiving the newsletter? I’ve recently been classified as Hospice, which according to the dictionary is a “terminal” case. (Aren’t we all terminal?) I’m with “Compassionate Care,” but I’m still helping Phyllis put together this newsletter. However, if we don’t hear from you soon, is it safe to assume you’re no longer interested? Let’s hear from you.

Paul N. ADAMS, Sr. (Southport FL), Albert BAKER (Rock Hill SC), Roy BOLSTRIDGE (Skowhegan ME), Willie BOWLES ( Crewe VA), John CASEY (Vineyard Haven, MA), James CHAMBERS (Charlotte NC), James DeCAMP (Indianapolis IN), Wayne EARLL (Lodi OH), Frank FIELDS (Mooresville NC), Ray FOWLDS (Palisade MN), Robert LaPLANTE (Manchester NH), James ROSE (Lima OH), Jean BJORNSEN (Huntington Sta., NY), Fred DAUGHERTY (Oklahoma City, OK), Michael DOBRANSKY (Bloomfield NJ), Tibby LINNELL (Las Vegas (NV), Felix SPARKS (Lakewood CO).
(Note: There are many stories hidden in the hearts of you heroes, which we’d like to read about. Make the next newsletter easier for us.)
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AL PRATT’S EXPERIENCES ON BOARD THE U.S.S. THOMAS JEFFERSON

All eight of us, sent from the States to be assigned to the U.S. Naval 4^th Beach Battalion, never made it from Bene Seif, No. Africa, where we were given jobs as truck drivers (and other duties) while waiting for our transfer during the summer of 1943 (from May 19 until September 18^th). At this point we were transferred to the APA 30, The U.S.S. Thomas Jefferson, to replace the men lost at Salerno. We felt that at last we were finally in the Navy. This is where I served the rest of my 6-year hitch. After we made the Southern France Invasion, the ship went to the Pacific Theatre where we made the Okinawa and the occupation of Sasebo in southern Japan.
After the war, we made Korea and began the “diaper run,” San Francisco, Honolulu, Guam, the Philippines, China, and Japan until 1947, servicing the Service Personnel. On board we had military dependants and supplies to be delivered.
I was discharged in San Francisco, December 1947. I must add that I have never forgotten the six months I was in the 4^th Beach Battalion. Names escape me, but if anyone ever traveled on the Thomas Jefferson, you’ll agree she was a good ship and did her share to help win the war in the Atlantic and the Pacific.

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place: and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you with failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
in Flanders fields.

These three books trace the author’s interesting life as a RECON SCOUT in Patton’s cavalry, as a hobo in THE MAVERICK TUMBLWEED, and as a veteran FOREVER ON THE EDGE recovering from the mental strain of WWII combat fatigue.
When a book is interesting, it’s hard to put down, and these are hard to put down.
They sell for $16.95 each (shipping and handling included) and may be purchased from The Maverick Tumbleweed, 1525 Foothills Road, Kalispell MT 59901. You will not be disappointed.

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Webmasters Note: This is the final edition of The Sand-Witch. The newsletter edited and published by Jim and Phyllis Townley will be retired with Jim's passing. Thank you for your support and caring over these eighteen years. Rand Townley