As a member of the USO Flying Squadron in Honolulu during WWII, I was privileged to attend a dance for the famous Carlson's Raiders on June 6, 1942 prior to their departure for Makin (at the time, the upcoming destination was not disclosed.)
The girls had no idea where the dance was to be held. Our destination was a small, wooden makeshift recreational hall in a dusty, remote area of Oahu. We were serenaded with the Marine's version of "Around Her Head she wore a Yellow (changed to "Purple")Ribbon." (I still have it and letters.)
Most of the time I danced with a Marine named Vic Armitage (from Southern CA, I believe). I was thrilled when he introduced me to LT.Col. Evans and Major James Roosevelt. Vic and I made arrangements for a date that never materialized. He sent me a Christmas "Card" (that he had drawn) on Nov.1, 1942.
I corresponded with him until Feb.'43 and then I heard no more. I've often wondered what happened to him? Does anyone know? Would appreciate a reply. Virginia
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lIKED YOUR STORY. WAS AN HONORARY MARINE RAIDER
ASSOC. FOR SEVERAL YEARS DUE TO OUR ASSOCIATION
AS CREWS ON APD'S, HIGH SPEED DESTROYERS. HAVE
ATTENDED NUMEROUS REUNIONS, ONE IN SAN DIEGO WITH
SEVERAL APD SAILORS. HAVE PHOTO TAKEN THERE WITH
SIGN & PIC OF APD WITH THE WORDS "THE BEST TEAM IN
THE PACIFIC WERE APD SAILORS & MARINE RAIDERS. HAVE
MEMOROBILIA FROM REUNIONS, PLUS ITEMS BOUGHT FROM
THEIR SHIPS STORES. HAVE MANY NEWSLETTERS, INCLUDES
ONE I WROTE. HAVE MARINE RAIDER ROSTER, ONE NAME IS
JAMES ROOSEVELT. WILL LOOK UP THIS MARINE YOUR
LETTER MENTIONED, HOPEFULLY I'LL BE SUCCESFUL.
ALOHA PUMEHANA, JOE
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looking for Marine Raider Robert S.Reardin"Smiley"
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August 21 2001, 1:19 AM
Bob I need to contact you concerning Masonic subjects as well to discuss and thankyou for the passage of true knowledge of life on the Astroplane! My early teachings opened an awareness later in life too which I Owe My Life.I Know now how you visited the Plane! Hope for a response,Love To My Brother
Don
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