In a message dated 8/29/2010 9:33:42 A.M. US Mountain Standard Time, gmullenmpls@aol.com writes: Msg. forwarded to me by Billy Roberts........ NOTE;

Billy and I have tried to locate the family of Nicholas Jim Boutos through the years. The following contact added  new information concerning the time the Sigsbee picked up a downed airman who unfortunately lost his life even after parachuting from his plane. Type of plane and the his pilots name we now know of because the pilots family in doing research on their lost loved one found our Sigsbee web sites.

Dear Mr Roberts,

We have been searching for information on our uncle, Lt(jg) Paul Mullen, pilot of an SB2 Divebomber who went missing in action during the Battle of the Mariana Islands on 16 July, 1944.  

We recently came across the USS Sigsbee site with the assistance of Mr Dennis Blocker, historian for the National Landing Craft Infantry Association.  Mr Blocker was able to locate Paul Mullen's pilot 's log from the USS Yorktown listing a 'Nicholas Jim Boutos' as Radioman/Gunner and passenger in our uncle's aircraft.

The USS Sigsbee 'Action Report Series' details the rescue attempt of Mr Boutos on 16 July, 1944 and subsequent burial at sea.  His cause of death was listed as 'drowning'.  The USS Schroeder and Dickerson participated in the search for the missing pilot, which would have been our uncle, Paul Mullen.

The Department of Defense notified our family (in 1944) that our uncle had been 'kia' and that only his passenger's lifejacket had been recovered and it was 'contained bullet holes' which is contrary to the reports from the USS Sigsbee of Mr Boutos' death by drowning. Any persons or information you could provide on the actual cause of death would be greatly appreciated in helping us solve this 66 year old mystery.

The battle accounts from the Action Reports have allowed us a brief historical glimpse into our beloved uncle's final day and for this we are forever indebted.

 Thank you.....Greg Mullen (USN 1965 - 1968) Minneapolis, MN

John, Billy, and SIGSBEE Shipmates and Family  

May 7, 2010

Yesterday it was my honor to relieve CDR Mike McCartney as the Commanding Officer of USS CHUNG-HOON (DDG 93). I wanted to take a moment to introduce myself and to thank you all for your critical role in keeping our Naval Heritage alive in the hearts of our Sailors. I grew up in a Navy family; my father is a retired Captain, and my maternal grandfather served in the Navy in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters in World War II and also retired as a Captain. Navy heritage is strong in my family!

I have enjoyed reading some of the letters and e-mails that you have sent to CDR McCartney and I am excited to carry on the relationship that he helped build between our ships. To that end, we will continue to honor the SIGSBEE each April and to make video available on the Internet and DVD as we are able.

 Next week we get underway to do some important missile testing with one of our newest sister ships, the USS DEWEY (DDG 105). In early June, we will deploy to the western Pacific for about 4 and a half months. It is exciting that we will likely sail some of the same waters that SIGSBEE did during her distinguished service throughout the war! We will be sure to take a moment to remember and reconnect when that happens.

 Thank you each again for your important service to our country and for being such a meaningful part of the life of our ship.

 Very Respectfully,

Scott

 CDR Scott Erb, Commanding Officer USS CHUNG-HOON (DDG 93)

--From: Ed.Fleischer@CH2M.com     To: dd502@c3bb.com

Sent: Friday, March 13, 2009 3:37 PM    Subject: RE: Sigsbee 

John:

 Thank you for your e-mail.  I will register on your page.  I thought the bell photos were fabulous, BTW.  The Sigsbee was on my mind this last weekend, as I want home to visit my mother for her 80th birthday.  My father, who passed away in 1992, was on the Sigsbee.  I really hadn't heard too much about the Sigsbee from my father.  I knew about the Kamikaze hit, of course, and a bit about the Captain. 

 I am just amazed at how much dedication you and Billy Roberts have put into your web sites.  Both sites contain lots of good information.  I really appreciate your efforts.  

 I also went to visit the USS Cassin Young this weekend (another Fletcher Class Destroyer), which is docked at the Boston Navy Yard, across from the USS Constitution.  I have attached a photo and also an article on the USS Chung-Hoon, which happened to be in the Washington Post today.  I think it's a little ironic that the Chung-Hoon is on duty in the South China Sea trying to keep the Chinese in check (since he was 1/4 Chinese). 

 Best Regards,

 Edwin J. Fleischer, P.E.
Senior Project Manager

CH2M HILL
15010 Conference Center Drive
Chantilly, VA 20151

Dear Mr. Roberts –  

First, I would like to thank you for the sacrifices you made so many years ago by volunteering to defend our country and our way of life.  Unfortunately, those of us who came after you have not been such good shepherds; but that is a discussion for another day. Attached are some photos of the bell from the Sigsbee.  We also have a clock and ship’s light which I was told came off the Sigsbee.  The source of these articles is a WWII veteran himself and I have known him as an honest and trustworthy man for almost twenty years so I have no doubt as to their authenticity.   

I got the bell for my wife since her father retired as a Navy commander who had served in Korea on the Fletcher.  We collect a lot of antique militaria including Revolutionary war and Civil war cannon shells, weapons from all wars and so on.  We bought this bell from The Horse Soldier in Gettysburg, PA which is owned by Mr. Smalls.  When we got it, it was painted Navy Grey.  I built the stand and it sounds great! 

I would be more than happy to bring the bell and other items to one of your reunions on the east coast – it the least I can do for you.  I would put the bell and its frame on my trailer.  I live in Brookeville which is half way between Baltimore and Washington DC so traveling to Norfolk, or Charlotte, or New Jersey or Pennsylvania would be no problem, just give me a couple months notice!  

Stay well and contact me with any further question or requests.

 Sincerely, David Kugler

* Email borrowed from Billy Roberts

I want to let you know just how much I appreciate everything you have done for me and Harry. Now I guess I should let you know what a wonderful contribution you have been in our lives. You have given me so much knowledge about just the kind of strength and sacrifice that so many gave to our county. You have given me so much insight into the man my Grandfather was. There have been so many of you, Billy, gallant souls,  that have found the strength to endure and go forward, against what seems like impossible odds. That knowledge, at this time in my life, gave me the courage to be there for Harry. I don't think I could have been as strong as I have been these past 2 weeks without your wonderful gifts. Thank You for all that you have given us. So Much Pride! Pride in the accomplishments of the men on the Sigsbee and all who worked so hard to win the war and who are sacrificing to keep us safe now. Also, a pride in the small contribution that I could give. I love you all.
 

Patty Simons
I miss him so much.

Hi John

Thanks. It was nice to hear from you. Yes, I remember Joe Cook. I'm pretty sure we stood condition one watches in port aft. 40mm gun tub-it was a quad. forty. We were in the 6th deck div. My reg. GQ was gun capt. on 20mm port quarter gun tub (the officers called them mounts-we called 'em tubs). I e-mailed Joe and hope to hear from him. Thanks very much for telling me about him. Our ranks are getting mighty thin and it was very thoughtful of you to remember me. My very best regards to you and the family.

 John Killary, USS MIAMI

  P.S. Billy Roberts invited me to join him and his crew buddies but I was unable to accept as my daughter and family drove me back home to the west coast. It was their first trip and they were thrilled to be able to go swimming in the Pacific. Billy understood and in addition named me an honorary member of the fine Sigsbee crew. I was honored indeed and very moved by it. Of all the campaigns, Okinawa was the nightmare of them all. To this day I still wonder why we escaped from being hit.   
 

Lt. Jack Hoyle

I happened upon your web site and noticed that you have my father, Leo Cimikoski, Jr. listed. Just letting you know that he passed away August 29, 2006 in Concord, NH, where he'd lived since high school.

Hi Billy and John

Just wanted to let you know that apparently Dick Dewey has died.  The last time Hank saw him was last year. He was living in a retirement residence in La Mirada (about 35 miles south of LA).  He was doing well.  We mailed him a Christmas card this year and it was returned to us marked "deceased."  That's all the information we have.  But, wanted to share it with you.

Take care, Hank and Arline

  An old Shipmate,  Joe carroll

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