Bios Page

---

Fernald P. (Flip) Anderson Capt USN (Ret)

---

---

Fernald P. (Flip) Anderson, 89, a decorated Navy captain whose flying squadron amassed a distinguished World War II record, died January 2 of cardiac arrest at his home in Arlington.

Deployed to the Southwest Pacific from September 1943 to February 1944, Capt. Anderson held several leadership positions in VPB-33, a squadron that flew PBY-5 Catalina seaplanes referred to as “Black Cats” for their black non-reflective paint and the ability to attack Japanese strongholds and ships at night deep behind enemy lines. During September 1944 while Capt. Anderson was the Commanding Officer, VPB-33 sank or destroyed 103,500 tons of valuable enemy shipping and damaged an additional 53,000 tons. This was the highest one-month total achieved by any WW II flying unit. For this feat, the squadron received the Presidential Unit Citation and Capt. Anderson was awarded the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” It was also during this period that Captain Anderson earned personally the Distinguished Flying Cross for attacking and sinking a Japanese tanker and its escort despite intense antiaircraft fire damaging his aircraft.

A longtime Arlington resident, Fernald Philip Anderson was born in New Sweden, Maine. He was the first young man from this Swedish community in northern Maine to attend the U.S. Naval Academy graduating in 1939. For the next two years, Capt. Anderson served in the surface Navy as a gunnery officer. In September 1941, he was detached from the battleship, USS ARKANSAS, with orders to report to Naval Air Station, Pensacola, Florida, for flight training. Designated a Naval Aviator on May 8, 1942, Capt. Anderson was assigned to VP-33 as it was forming in Norfolk, Virginia. In August 1942, VP-33 was ordered to the Panama Canal Zone and participated in anti-submarine operations protecting the Panama Canal. For his conduct during this deployment, Capt. Anderson was awarded the Cross of Boyaca by the Government of Columbia. Now re-designated VPB-33, the squadron deployed to the Southwest Pacific via Hawaii and Australia in August 1943. The squadron participated in every campaign in this combat theater of operations until February 1945 following the liberation of the Philippines. In addition to the combat sorties deep into enemy territory, these operations included regular daytime patrols and rescue missions As reported in the 1992 book, “Black Cats with Wings of Gold” by A. J. Mueller, VPB-33 “became the most highly decorated squadron in the Pacific Area of Operations”. The exploits of VPB-33 were the subject of a 1999 Birds of a Feather video production entitled “Black Cats” that has been aired on various cable television channels.

Following his return to the United States in March 1945, Capt. Anderson served in several aviation training assignments, most notably as Executive Officer, Naval Air Station, Brunswick, Maine. In February 1948 he reported for duty at Air (sic) Early Warning Squadron One (VPW 1), San Diego, California, as the Executive Officer. VPW 1 was the Navy’s first dedicated land-based airborne early warning (AEW) squadron flying the Navy’s variant of the Army Air Forces radar-equipped EB-17G or PB-1W. After a tour of shore duty at the Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, D.C., as Program Officer and Atomic Energy Commission Liaison, Capt. Anderson returned to flying in June 1952 when he became the first Commanding Officer of the new AEW Squadron One (VW-1). During Capt. Anderson’s tour, VW-1 participated in combat operations in Korea and transitioned from the PB-1W to the Lockheed Constellation (WV-2) in December 1952.

Capt. Anderson returned to Washington, D. C., in July 1954 and was assigned to the staff of the Chief of Naval Operations. From August 1956 to July 1957, he was a student at the National War College, Fort Leslie J. McNair. After tours in Norfolk, Virginia, on the staff of the Commander, Naval Air Force, Atlantic Fleet, and Commander-in-Chief, NATO’s Atlantic Command, Capt. Anderson returned to Washington when he was appointed the Director of the Navy’s Astronautics Operations Division serving as the Navy’s liaison with NASA’s Project Mercury and the original 7 astronauts.. This office was instrumental in the early days of the U.S. space program. From 1962 to 1965, Capt. Anderson served on the staff of the Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff. On July 1, 1965, he retired from the Navy after 26 years commissioned service. Effective September 1, 1970, after working as a research and systems analyst with a defense contractor, Capt. Anderson was recalled to active duty as Director, Navy Council of Personnel Boards. In this position, he served also as the President, Navy Discharge Review Board and Navy Clemency and Parole Board. His duties were expanded in 1975 to include Director, Office of Naval Disability Evaluation. Retiring for the second time in 1976, Capt. Anderson was awarded his second Legion of Merit for his performance of duty during this period.

In retirement, finally, Capt. Anderson remained in Arlington, Virginia, where he was active in community and business affairs for many years. He was a deacon in the Memorial Baptist Church and was church clerk for 36 years. Capt. Anderson also was a member of the church choir and served as the interim choir director for a period during the 1970’s. An active member of the Arlington Host Lions Club, he was also the secretary of U.S. Naval Academy Class of 1939 and served as class president from 1980 to 1986. Beginning in 1976, Capt. Anderson was a tax consultant affiliated with the Executive Tax Service of H & R Block. In 1981, he was appointed the Director of H & R Block’s Premium Tax Service for Arlington, a post he held until 2002.

Capt. Anderson was very proud of his Swedish heritage. In 1959, he was awarded the Royal Order of the Sword (Knight Commander) by the King of Sweden in appreciation of services rendered as escort officer for Admiral Stig Ericsson, Commander-in-Chief, Royal Swedish Navy, during a visit to the United States in 1958. In addition, Capt. Anderson was deeply touched and honored when the citizen’s committee from New Sweden, Maine, asked him to be the Grand Marshall in the community’s centennial parade in 1970 as his grandfather was one of the founders of the town.

Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Carolyn R. Anderson, of Arlington; two sons, Philip R. Anderson M.D., of South Berwick, Maine, and Colonel William T. Anderson USMC (Ret.), of Casteau, Belgium; a sister, Enid Olivenbaum, of Clermont, Florida; and five grandchildren.

---

Charles A. Barton Capt USN (Ret.)

---

---

From a member who attended his service:
Folks, This past Sat. (Aug. 23 2014) Lucille and I attended a memorial service for Capt. Barton at the St. James Episcopal Church in Monkton, Md. Monkton is located 75 miles North of Wash. DC out in the boondocks. I am not sure I could have found it without a GPS. The Barton’s Son, Charlie, is the Senior Pastor of this church and therefore the selection of a location. The Church may be the oldest Episcopal Church in Maryland back to at least the early 1800’s. The town of Monkton does not even seem to exist since we did not see a post office, 7/11 or gas station. The Church sits alone along Monkton Road. There were about 75 of us in attendance, many of whom did not know the Skipper but were there to support their Pastor. However, importantly, MaryLee was there and all 4 of the Barton off springs. Their Son from Calif. was back for the first time since the Skipper died and I believe that is what prompted the service at this time. It was a touching Service with a Homily speaking of the Skippers life, beautiful organ music and a communion. At noon, we retreated across the lot to a newer, beautiful activity building for a reception with the Family and a luncheon. I introduced my self to their Kids as the representative on His Squadron VW1. The only other squadron mate that I know of being there was Ernie Racz. We really didn’t remember each other and spoke only briefly. Mary Lee looked and seemed great (see attachment) and I am sure that this event helped her in the “closure” process. I have attached a few pictures. Lucille and I are shown with MaryLee and their daughter, Stephanie.

For Jim Galinsky, please feel free to forward this to the squadron.

Roland CREPS

---

David W Cousineau ATR2

---

---

multiple complications. He was born March 4, 1938 in Rochester, NY to a loving mother, Anne Mae Prevost. He was married for 50 years to a loving and devoted wife, Maryann Galligan. They were married on July 11, 1962 in Columbus, GA and later sealed in the Washington D.C. LDS Temple on November 25, 1977.

Dave was raised in Rochester, NY and joined the Navy for four years. He put himself through night school to become an electrical engineer while raising a family of six children. He worked for Eastman Kodak for over 27 years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, practicing the organ, working with the Boy Scouts of America, spending time with his grandchildren, and the Buffalo Bills.

He is survived by his wife: Maryann; children: Karen of Rochester, NY, Paul of St. George, UT, Susan of Rochester, NY, David (MariJo) of Las Vegas, NV, Catherine (Karl) of Liberty, MO, and Daniel of Salt Lake City, UT; grandchildren: 19; great grandchildren: 2; sisters/brothers: Tom Zonnevylle, Jim Zonnevylle, and Nancy Zonnevylle Jackson. Preceded in death by sister: Peg Fischer.

Funeral Services will be Saturday, February 16, 2013 at 2:00pm at the Sun River 3rd Branch Chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 4461 S. Country Club Dr. Visitation will be at 1:00pm on the same date and location. Interment will be in the Tonaquint Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Diabetes Association. Arrangements are under the direction of McMillan Mortuary. Condolences may be shared at http://www.mcmillanmortuary.com.

---

Memorial comments

February 20, 2013
Mary Ann,
this is sad for all of us in the VW-1 group, and our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. We pray God’s healing for your saddened heart.
Gary and Gay Oulman

February 20, 2013
Dear Maryann and family, Chuck and I are saddened to hear of Dave’s passing. We enjoyed you both at the last V-W1 reunion. Our prayers are with you
. Chuck and Sandra Lange

February 20, 2013
MaryAnn:
Dottie and I were shocked to hear about Dave’s passing. Dave and I were in “A” school for a short time at NATTC Memphis in Jan/Feb 1958. After our graduation from “A” School we both were transferred to Brunswick GA. where we flew and worked on the WV-2 aircraft.
Dave was my best man at our wedding in Brunswick in June of ’58. Dottie and I will always remember that. He was there at the beginning of our marriage.
About a year later we were both transferred out to VW-1 on Guam. Dave and I met up in St. Louis MO. and drove a brand new 1960 “T” Bird out to LA stopping for a day or so in Las Vegas. This car was to be sold at as a new vehicle. I still feel sorry for the people who bought this car because we didn’t baby it coming across country.
We went through a 6 week school at Barbers’ Pt. Hawaii, spending a couple of the weekends taking in the sights of the island.
When we arrived at VW-1 on Guam we both were assigned to flight crews but we were not on the same crew. So as it usually happened when he was deployed I was on Guam and when he was on Guam I was deployed. However there were many times that we were on the island together so we had him over for dinner on several occasions.
I still remember some of those evenings that extended into the wee hours talking about everything from religion, politics, our asperations and our various deployments.
A few times we all piled into my old beat-up Guam Bomb, a 1950 Ford that was thoroughly rusted out and drove around the island. Dave sent me some of those pictures a few years back.
I say all this to show that Dave and I go back a few years and will miss him very much. He was a good buddy and friend.
MaryAnn, our thoughts and prayers are with you and the rest of your family. We hope that you join us again at our reunions.
Our Love to you
Pete & Dottie

February 20, 2013
Maryann,
Jane and I are shocked and saddened as well the VW 1 community on hearing of Dave’s passing. May God’s blessing be with you and your family. You are are in our thoughts, prayers and our hearts. We will endeavor to stay in touch with you as you are part of our VW 1 family.
Ralph Link

Dave will really be missed at our squadron reunions. I always enjoyed his stories at the reunions. Rest in peace our dear friend.
Bob Orsini,

February 21, 2013
MaryAnn,
Judy and I were saddended to hear about Dave. You and his presence was always anticipated at the reunions.
Roy Stotts, Groves, Texas

February 21, 2013
Dave will be greatly missed by all of us. Our prayers are with you for strength during this difficult time.
Jim & Ruth Tandy, Wolfe City, Texas

---

Captain Marvin L. Duke USN(ret)

---

---

Captain Marvin L. Duke, USN (Ret.) a resident of Honolulu, HI died on 9 January 2002 of Cardiopulmonary failure. He was 74 years old..

Born on 18 May 1927 in St. Louis, MO. Marv enlisted in the Navy in 1945 and won a fleet appointment to the Academy. Upon graduation, he was flown out to Sicily during the Korean War. Subsequent orders sent him to Pensacola FL. and after winning his wings, he was sent to VW-2 at Patuxent River.

In 1956, Marv earned a bachelor’s degree in aeronautical engineering at the Naval Postgraduate School and received a master’s in nuclear engineering at Iowa State University. Sea duty followed on Yorktown and later a tour in VQ-1 at Atsugi. He returned to the Naval Academy as a physics professor followed by a stint at the Naval War College.

A mandatory tour in Washington, DC, enabled Marv to earn another master’s degree in international affairs at the George Washington University. A second assignment to VQ-1 had Marv going to Vietnam twice, fleeting up to XO and later assuming command of VW-1 at Guam. Marv was then selected to be the defense attaché at Guam. Marv was then selected to be the defense attaché in Tokyo. He was directly responsible for coordinating the evacuation of the Soviet MiG-25 fighter pilot who flew his aircraft from the former Soviet Union to Japan and requested political asylum in 1976. for his services in interrogating the pilot and overseeing the complete disassembly of the jet, he received a commendation from them-CIA director, George Bush. He also received one of Japan’s highest honors– the Order of the Sacred Treasure from Emperor Hirohito in 1978 for his efforts over the years to promote friendly relations between the United States and Japan.

Marv’s last active duty tour was as Chief of Staff in the Trust Territories in Micronesia. Marv completed his doctorate at the International Institute of Advanced Studies in 1979. Marv retired to Florida and worked with Boeing Services on the first space shuttle program in 1980.

Martin Marietta poached him for their Denver operations and promoted him to senior vice president responsible for all their interests throughtout Asia for more than a decade in Toyko.

Marv is survived by his wife of 47 years, Judith; three sons, Lawrence in Taiwan. Michael in Ireland, and Andrew in England; and his brother Edward.

Internment was at the Hawaii State Verterans Cemetary with full military honors.

---

Eldon Eugene Eskew AT1/ATC

---

---

Eldon Eugene Eskew entered into eternal rest on Friday, January 25,2013 at Yuma Regional Medical Center. Eldon was born on July 23, 1937 in Hood River, OR, the son of Eldon Eskew, Sr. and Sybil Angeline Scott.

Eldon graduated from Hood River High School in Hood River, OR with the class of 1955. On June 3, 1961, he was united in marriage to Karen Ellen Shinpaugh in Arlington, VA. Eldon and Karen were blessed with the birth of their son, Eldon Eugene Eskew on October 25, 1962.

In July 1973, Eldon, Karen and their son moved to Yuma where Eldon retired as a Chief Petty Officer after serving 20 years in the United States Navy. Eldon then began his 25 year career as the Assistant Director for Yuma Union High School District’s Facilities Management department overseeing maintenance and construction projects. When Eldon retired from the school district, he and his wife Karen enjoyed traveling and visiting their many friends and family members throughout the nation.

Eldon is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Karen. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, and son. Eldon will be missed tremendously and he will always be remembered as a great friend and mentor.

In accordance with his wishes, there will be no service as he wanted his body donated to a medical research facility (SCIENCE CARE) of Phoenix, AZ. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to American Cancer Society for Cancer Research.

---

Charles C. Gagon ADR1/ADCS (Ret)

---

---

A great number of people lost a wonderful person in their lives when Charlie, as he was known to most, passed away on August 27, 1990.

Stricken with a rare and terribly painful disease, Scleroderma, almost 3 years ago, Charlie was nurtured throughout the course of the disease by the love of his wife, Annie, the companionship of his 2 dogs. Beau (died on August 29) and Gretchen; and the devotion of many friends who grieve Charlie’s passing.

Born on January 9, 1933 in Central Palls, R.I., Charlie served in the Navy from 1951 -1978 seeing service during both the Korean and Vietnam War while assigned to experimental and research planes. Stationed to North Island in 1974 as senior chief aviation machinists mate upon retiring from the Navy he subsequently continued at NAS as a civilian weight and balance specialist until 1988.

During 1964 to 1966, Charlie was assigned to VW-1 at NAS Agana Guam as a Flight Engineer on the squadrons EC-121 and C-121 aircraft.

Charlie and Annie married on July 14. Bastille Day, in 1973 in Jamestown, RI and in 1974 moved to Imperial Beach. It has been their home for the past 16 years.

Survivors include Annie, brothers Paul N. and Roger L. Gagnon both of Manville, R.I.

A memorial service was held on Saturday, September 1st at St. Charles Catholic Church officiated by the Reverend Msgr. Richard F. Duncanson, followed by a reception at the family home. The poem enclosed below was read at the service by Bill Ganderton, a close friend of Charlie’s. Interment will take place at St. Mark’s Cemetery at Jamestown, Rhode Island on September 15 to be attended by Charlie’s wife, Annie, brothers, nephews, nieces and friends from his hometown area.

Scleroderma causes gradual thickening and stiffening first of the outer skin, eventually membranes, reaching major and vital organs, such as the lungs and heart.

---

Earl Arthur Luehman, CDR/CAPT, USN, (Ret.)

---

---

Captain Earl Arthur Luehman, USN Retired, passed away peacefully on December 18, 2011, at home and surrounded by family.

Captain Luehman was born January 29, 1918 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He graduated from the U. S. Naval Academy in 1941, and was onboard the USS Helena when it was hit by a torpedo, at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Subsequently while serving as a turret officer on the Helana he was involved in a number of sea battles near the Savo Islands. In 1943, Capt. Luehman earned his wings and returned to the Pacific theatre as a Naval Aviator, flying shipping interdiction and mining missions. Captain Luehman’s decorations included the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Navy Air Medal with Star.

After the war, Capt Luehman had various sea and shore assignments. In 1961-62, he served as the Commanding Officer at the Naval Base in Trinidad, W.I. to facilitate turnover to the newly independent nation. From 1963-65, Capt. Luehman served as Naval Attachè to the US Embassy in Moscow, and from 1968-1971 he was the Defense Attachè to the US Embassy in Athens, Greece. He received a Masters of Political Affairs from George Washington University and graduated from the US Naval War College in Newport, RI.

He and Helen, his wife of over seventy years, have son Jim of Frederick, Maryland, also a graduate of the U. S. Naval Academy, and daughter Nancy, a resident of Great Falls, Virginia. Through Jim’s marriage to Kathy and Nancy’s marriage to Michael, Helen and Earl have four grandchildren. During retirement, Captain Luehman enjoyed golf, cooking, and worldwide travel with Helen, as well as activities at Army-Navy Country Club and with an extended family in Wisconsin.

His pride in the Navy, his sense of humor, and his natural grace and dignity live on in the hearts of those who love him.

---

Edward R. Metzger ADR1/AFCM (Ret)

---

---

EDWARD R. METZGER, AFCM, U.S. Navy, Retired, 73, of Inverness, died Monday, February 27, 2012 at his home under the loving care of his family and Hospice of Citrus County. Edward was born on October 28, 1938 in Meriden, Connecticut, to the late George and Helen Metzger. Ed and his family moved to Inverness in 1996 from Connecticut.

He retired from the US Navy as a Master Chief, with 26 years of service. During his Naval career, he was a flight engineer on the “Willie-Victors”, Typhoon Hunters, stationed in Guam. In 1999, Edward founded the “VW-1 All Hands Alumni Association”, and was currently serving as President.

The squadrons and commands Ed served in during his navy career are shown below.

• NTC Bainbridge, MD Nov. ’55 – Feb. ’56
• VAH-7 Feb. ’56 – Dec. ’59 Sanford, FL
• NAS Brunswick, ME Dec. ’59 – Dec. ’63
• NATTC Memphis, TN Jan. ’64 – May ’64 (B School)
• Air Barron Pac June ’64 – July ’65 Barbers’Point, HI
• VW-1 July ’65 – July ’67 Guam
• NATTC Memphis, TN July ’67 – April ’72
• VS-28 April ’72 – June ’76 Quonset Point, RI/ Cecil Field, FL
• VX-1 June ’76 – July -’79 Patuxent River, MD
• VP – 8 July ’79 – Oct. ’80 Brunswick, ME

He was also an enthusiastic bass fisherman and was a member of a local fishing club competing in many fishing tournaments through out the South East.

Edward is survived by his wife of over 53 years, Sally; his son, Dan Metzger of Anchorage, Alaska; his daughter, Kristi (Edward) Hardgrove of Higganum, CT; his brother, Rudy (Judy) Metzger of Dunnellon, 6 Grandchildren and 4 Great Grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Kerri Lynn, in 2001.

Funeral services for Master Chief Metzger were conducted on Friday, March 2, 2012 at 12:30 pm from the Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home, in Inverness. Burial with Military Honors were given at the Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell.

May you always walk in sunshine and God’s love around you flow,
for the happiness you gave us, no one will ever know,
it broke our hearts to lose you, but you did not go alone,
a part of us went with you, the day God called you home.
A million times we’ve needed you. A million times we’ve cried.
If love could only have saved you, you never would have died.
The Lord be with you
And May You Rest in Peace.
Amen.

---

LCdr. Ernest Dale Ruff Jr. USN (Ret)

---

---

Ernest was born Jan. 2, 1927, in Omaha, Neb., to Ernest “Blondy” and Esther Ruff. He was raised in Papillion, Nebraska. He always prided himself in being from Papillion whose population at the time was in the 700’s. His Grandparents owned a farm about 8 miles from Papillion, in what is now known as Bellevue. He spent a lot of time on that farm while he was growing up.

While in high school he was employed at the Martin Marietta Bomber Plant where he quickly was promoted because he could read blueprints. The Martin Marietta Bomber Plant produced the well known Flying Box Car and the even better known, Enola Gay. He graduated from Papillion High School in 1943 and enlisted in the Navy on August 30, 1944. He had a Navy Recruiter that led him into the Navy’s V-12 program at Doane College. He learned many of his life’s lessons at Doane and built life long friendships. He held Doane College and his friends from the V-12 program in highest regards, often returning for reunions or various other programs.

In 1945, he attended Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan and then went on to earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Science from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois and was commissioned an Ensign on January 4, 1947.

Ernie’s first Naval assignment, that was not education related, was as a Division Officer  aboard a Destroyer Escort and an Aircraft Carrier. While on the destroyer, the entire city of Portland, ME. was without power and they were dispatched to hook up and provide power to the city for a length of time. The city was so grateful to the sailors that they made sure they had all of the lobster they could eat every day.

In 1948 Ernie was accepted as a student Naval Aviator in the Navy’s NavCad Program. He was assigned to the Naval Aviation Training Command at NAS Pensacola, FL for Flight Training as a Naval Aviator. After receiving his Wings he was transferred to NAS Corpus Christi, TX, for multi-engine training and received his multi-engine rating in 1950. Later in 1950 he was assigned to Composite Squadron Eleven – Detachment (VC-11 Det) based at NAAS Miramar, San Diego, California. The Squadron flew the PB-1W (Modified B-17G’s equipped with APS 20 Radar). Ernie was assigned as a CIC Officer and on occasion flew as a co-pilot.

During the first week of June 1952 the Detachment was transferred to NAS Barbers Point, Territory of Hawaii, where on June 18, 1952 the Detachment was Commissioned as Airborne Early Warning Squadron One (VW-1). In January 1953 Ernie was assigned to one of the three Flight Crews of VW-1 Detachment A to be deployed for service in Korea. The Detachment arrived at NAS Atsugi, Japan on February 14, 1953. Each day from Feb. 24 to March 25 one Aircraft from VW-1 Det A, operating out of NAS Atsugi, flew a 12-14 hour AEW mission in the area of Wonsan, North Korea in support of Navy Task Force 77. On March 11, 1953 Ernie’s aircraft and crew were deployed on a special assignment to the First Marine Air Wing’s Base K-3 (Pohang) South Korea. Operating out of K-3 they flew one or two missions a day along the 38th Parallel until March 20 when they returned to NAS Atsugi. The Detachment was released and returned to NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii on March 31, 1953.

Later in 1953 he was transferred to NAS Corpus Christi, TX. as an Instrument Flight  Instructor at the US Naval All-Weather-Flight and Training School, Units of the Naval Air Advanced Training Command. There he instructed pilots in instrument flying of single-engine and multi-engine aircraft.

From 1956 to 1958 he was assigned to NAS Ford Island, at Pearl Harbor, as a Personnel Officer. One of his favorite memories of that time was the use of a Crash Boat in his duties as a Personnel Officer. Then from 1958 to 1960 he was again assigned to Airborne Early Warning Squadron One (VW-1), now based at NAS Agana, Guam, as Squadron Flight Training and Standardization Officer as well as a WV-2 Patrol Plane Commander.

After leaving VW-1 he became an Assistant Professor at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin instructing students in navigation, nautical astronomy and naval operations.

In 1963 he was assigned as the Squadron Training Officer for Flight, Ground and Standardization Operations and as a Check Pilot in Airborne Early Warning Squadron Eleven (VW-11). VW-11 operated in the area of Iceland, Greenland, the United Kingdom and with logistic flights to Britain, Northern Europe and US East Coast Cities. In 1965 he was assigned as an Associate Professor at Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, directing the administration of the Naval ROTC training program.

He retired from the Navy on April 1, 1967 as a Lieutenant Commander.

He began his second career with American Airlines in 1967 where he served as Manager of International and Navigational Training and MD-80 Ground School Supervisor. He retired from American Airlines in 1993 with 26 years of service.

In retirement Ernie volunteered at the Vintage Flying Museum in Fort Worth, TX and the American Airlines, CR Smith Museum in Fort Worth, TX. Ernie was still an active licensed pilot at the age of 81 which he was proud of. His wife Kimberly stated: “He belonged to many groups and organizations. He was building an RV-8 with one of his friends, loved to travel, and was fulfilling items on an ongoing bucket list. Ernie’s love for life was contagious, he was so busy doing that, he never had time to grow old. Ernest D. Ruff Jr., 81, the finest man I have ever known, passed away Saturday, Oct. 11, 2008, in North Richland Hills, TX of pneumonia.”

Survivors include his wife, Kimberly (Kim) Ruff of Keller; daughters, Nicole Crawford of Dallas, Deborah Marchmont of Belleville and Jodie Brown of Haltom City; sons, Ernest A. Ruff of Lumberton and Eric Ruff of Haltom City; stepdaughters, Alexis Kovalovich of Alamogordo, N.M., and Jillian Johnson of Omaha, Neb.; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Ernie was preceded in death by his first wife, Barbara; parents, Ernest Sr. and Esther Ruff; and sister, Shirley.

Written by Mrs. Kimberly Ruff with input from George Stewart (VC-11 Det/VW-1 Oct 1950-Nov.1955)

---

Lawrence D. (Spanky) Spangenberg ALAN/AL3 ATC(Ret)

---

---

Lawrence “Spanky” Spangenberg ATC, USN Retired. Passed away in Walnut Creek on June 9, 2012 at the age of 80, a resident of Concord, California. He was born in Nashville, TN to Marshall and Evelyn Spangenberg on February 11, 1932.”Spanky” enlisted in the United States Navy in July 1950. His first duty station was VC-11 Detachment at NAAS Miramar, San Diego California. In June 1952 he was transferred to Hawaii where he became a Plank Owner of the newly Commissioned Squadron VW-1. In 1953 he saw duty in Korea with VW-1 Det. “A” and later with VP-6 and VAQ-308 served his country during the Vietnam War. He retired from the Navy in August 1975 as an ATC Chief Petty Officer.

After retirement from the US Navy he worked at Lawrence Livermore Lab from 1977 to 1993. He was a scoutmaster with The Boy Scouts of America and loved to backpack and mentor young Scouts. He was a member of the German Genealogical Society in Sacramento and was an avid cyclist with the Valley Spokesman Bicycle Club in Dublin. He was a member of Bethel Baptist Church in Concord where he served many years as a Deacon. Two of his favorite places to eat were Boston Market and Fuddruckers and they loved him. He loved the Lord and his family; getting together for holidays, birthdays and Sunday suppers was very important to him. Spanky will be missed by all who knew him.

Larry is survived by his wife, Wanda; children: Larry, Ed (Faith), Glynn (Lisa) and Patti (Hudson); siblings Marsi, Karen, Phillip and ten grandchildren. Larry is also survived by his former daughter-in-law, Donna and son-in-law, Tim. Larry was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Ted and a sister, Doris.

---

Benjamin D. Steers ACW3/ACCA (Ret)

---

---

Benjamin D. Steers 77, resident of Topsham, died Saturday, March 26, 2016 at the home of his daughter Janet, following a long illness. He was born March 20, 1939 in Queens, NY. Benjamin was predeceased by his parents and his wife Diane Steers (Rashevich). He is survived by his Son Benjamin J. Steers of Topsham and daughter Janet Freitas of MA, as well as his Son-in Law Steven and four cherished grandchildren, Xavier, Delaney, Maddox and Brody, also by his sister Carol and Brother Duncan. He was a fascinating man and had many friends. He held many positions that started with his career in U.S Navy. He was owner of Bena’s Barber Shop on Front St. in Bath ME, drove a school bus, amongst other interests. He will be greatly missed by the many lives he touched.

Ben served as a member of the CIC crew during his two tours with VW-1. He was also a member of the VW-1 All Hands Alumni Association. He is pictured above while at the 2005 Myrtle Beach VW-1 reunion.

---

H. Jim Tandy AX-2

---

---

Jim Tandy, of Wolfe City, age 73 passed away on Friday, August 18, 2017 in Baylor Scott & White hospital in Dallas. He was born to Halbyrd and Olive Edna Bradwell Tandy on March 4, 1944 in Harlingen, Texas. He married Ruth Mary Winslow in South Sulphur, March 18,1978.

He served in the US Navy as a typhoon tracker in squadron VW-1 in Vietnam, He worked as a logistician at Raytheon

He is survived by his wife Ruth, two sons: Wayne Allison of Paris Texas, Jeff and wife Kathy Allison of Wolfe City, twelve grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, two sisters – Elaine Tandy of Wofe City, Mary Pryor of Wolfe City, one brother John Tandy of Greenville, and one cousin Cleve Breedlove of Los Fresnos, Texas, and numerous nieces and nephews.