Comments on: USS Franklin: Struck by a Japanese Dive Bomber During World War II

By: Sam Conant

Sam Conant — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 18:37:06 +0000

My uncle, Roger Conant of Greenfield Mass, was a Marine pilot aboard the Franklin and was killed by one of the initial bomb blasts. He left behind a wonderful wife and a brand new baby girl. His brothers and sister are now gone and lay next to him in Greeenfield, but thanks to their stories our generation will always remember Uncle Roger’s sacrifice. I served in the Tonkin Gulf aboard the USS Coral Sea and USS Constellation !966-1968.

By: Richard Don Simms

Richard Don Simms — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 03:02:28 +0000

Thank you, U.S.S. Franklin veterans. My Dad joined the crew May 22,1944. When the ship got hit October 30,1944 and went to Bremerton for repairs Dad came home to Ft. Worth,Texas. Dad went back to the Franklin Jan 5,1945. Omer Dee Simms,my Dad was 33. When the ship was hit 3-19-45 Dad was trapped with 12 men. He was able to open a stuck hatch which allowed 12 men to go free. The only survivor of the group,Mr. George F. Black , gives my Dad credit for saving his life. What an honor to know Mr. George Black. RDS rbanjo50@peoplepc.com

By: Kyle Copeland

Kyle Copeland — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 12:52:32 +0000

I just wanted to say thank you for printing the story of The Franklin. It is one of the greatest examples of Military Resilience
in our nations history. The Franklin’s story has always served me as a benchmark of how to react in the face of Catastrophe and Eminent Peril.

The Franklin was struck while she was serving a just and noble cause. Calamity fell upon her and on many of her honorable men
as they struggled to fix her ills. Their efforts were thwarted
with many setbacks as ordanance and gasoline fought against
the Franklin’s ability to recover.

I have known just and honorable people who have faced the
same things in their lives. Shelled and battered by events unbecoming of their noble lives.

On that far away sea years ago the Men of the Franklin lit a
great beacon of hope and lived a great example that all should
aspire to when looking into the face of devastation and uncertainty.

My thanks to those brave men and to the authors for sharing
their story.

By: Joe Durick

Joe Durick — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 00:09:52 +0000

Frank R. Sepesy, 84 passed away Monday, June 15, 2009. I knew Frank well and he was one of he survivors of the Franklin. He was a cook on the ship. He was working in the mess hall when one of the bombs hit the side of the ship right where his bunk was located. Lived in Struthers, Ohio after leaving the service. Good man.

By: Betty Trudell

Betty Trudell — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 21:15:46 +0000

I read a book when I was in high school in the 1960’s that was a story about the USS Franklin. I do not remember the name of the book. Do you have any idea what the name of the book would be. I would like to read it again. Dr. James Fuelling who was on the Franklin, operated on my eyes when I was a little girl.

By: Bill Halpin

Bill Halpin — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 05:56:29 +0000

This article reports:

“At 7:05, Jurika heard a scratchy message on the TBS (talk between ships) radio from the carrier Hancock: Enemy plane closing on you…one coming toward you!”

My uncle, Dave, was killed on Franklin during this attack. Years later, I served on Hancock in the Tonkin Gulf, 1968-70.

By: Wade Schritter

Wade Schritter — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 02:54:04 +0000

Just to add to my comment….

On the bottom, “S.S.G. #83″ is written. On the inside front cover, it says “Stanley Severance Graham 83-126″. Then on the back cover it says “Stanley Graham Company 42-83″. There is a sketch glued to the inside front of a woman clasping a book and written in pen below is a name that i can’t read, but the last word is “Graham”.

By: Wade Schritter

Wade Schritter — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 02:49:10 +0000

I have a 1940 edition “Bluejackets Manual” with the name “Stanley Severance Graham” written all over it. I am active duty U.S. Navy and my father saw it at a garage sale a few years ago and thought that i would want it. I was looking through some of the old books i have and i came across it, and thought i would do an internet search on WWII Stanley Graham. I’m assuming this is his book. Is there a museum or someone that would want this book. I’m not looking for money, i would just like to know that this book is in a place that would fully appreciate it’s historical significance. My email is wade23454@msn.com.

By: James Collins

James Collins — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 18:46:24 +0000

What division or regimental Marine Corps Detachment was aboard the USS Franklin on 19 March 1945.

Thank you

By: James Collins

James Collins — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 04:27:55 +0000

What Marine Corps Detachment was assigned and onboard on 19 March 1945.

Thank you