Hi, I just found your website. I have been doing research on my dad and his time in the US Navy. He has told me numerous stories and I have his separation papers. Turns out he was in the Armed Guard. from 9-26-44 to 6-8-46. He was on SS Daniel Willard, SS Camas Meadows and USS New Orleans. I am trying to sort out all of the info I have been reading about. This site has really helped me. BTW my dad will turn 91 in 2014 and his mind is as sharp as a tack.
Thank you Ron Carlson. This looks very very interesting. My dad is legally blind with Macular Degeneration. He has a viewer the could help with the newsletter Pointer. I will get that ordered. In the meantime I have sent him a copy of their last publication. He has Zoom Text on his computer so will be able to read it for sure on there. I have been looking for his Medals and other decorations. If you know anywhere I can get/see them would you let me know. Also, Dad was on the SS Camas Meadows and will be looking for others who served on that ship. Very interested in a picture of it. He was also on the USS New Orleans and the SS Daniel Willard (just found a picture of that one). Thanks for any help you may have for me.
Sources of photographs of World War II-era merchant ships can be found at http://www.usmm.org/photosource.html. Mr. Hultgren, the second source on the list, probably would not be a good bet, since his collection focuses on Liberty ships. CAMAS MEADOWS was a class T-2 tanker. The library at the Mariners Museum in Newport News, Virginia, fourth on the list, might be worth a try.
Here's a suggestion for a Christmas gift for your dad. Sign him up as a member of the U.S.N. World War II Armed Guard Veterans Association. It's free, no dues, what a deal! The chairman of the veterans association, C.A. Lloyd in North Carolina, publishes an interesting news magazine for members, "The Pointer," several time a year, with stories about the experiences of Armed Guard veterans. Maybe your dad could contribute a story for a future issue.
C.A. Lloyd, Chairman U.S.N. Armed Guard World War II Veterans Association 115 Wall Creek Drive Rolesville, NC 27571 Telephone: 919-570-0909 E-mail: clloyd@nc.rr.com
Tell C.A. that I sent you.
Good luck.
Ron Carlson, Webmaster Armed Guard / Merchant Marine website www.armed-guard.com