As most followers of this site know, the History Junkie loves unit reunions. Next week, August 28-31, “Spanglermates” from the USS Spangler DE-696 will be getting together in San Diego. A tour of the USS Midway, a harbor cruise, a silent auction and plenty of great stories are just some of the planned activities. By [...]
Working on yesterday’s post regarding the USS Atlanta at Guadalcanal reminded the History Junkie that he hadn’t spoken to an old friend in quite some time. New Yorker, Albert Marchesano survived the Naval battle at Guadalcanal and was kind enough to help the Spangler family in their search for answers. Lt. Donald Spangler lost his [...]
This November 13 marks the 68th anniversary of the naval battle at Guadalcanal. In the early morning hours, the USS Atlanta and her battle group, at over a dozen ships strong, tread water off the coast of the island. They lay wait to intercept a like-sized Japanese surface force. The American contingent spied the enemy [...]