USS Atlanta survivor, Al Marchesano.

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 life aboard Atlanta that day.  His family pledged to find out all they could about the engagement that had taken their loved one so abruptly.  But with the internet still decades away, news was hard to come by.  However, Donald’s brother, Walter, working in New York City at the time, was fortunate in locating a reliable and willing source.

Walter wrote home:

“Dear Family:

“I have finally found a sailor from aboard the ATLANTA who survived and I spent this morning talking with him.  He knew Don and had spoken to him several times.

“I located this boy from an article in the Long Island Star, a newspaper.  The boy had been a Seaman 1st Class and Gun Captain of the No. 1 Turret aboard the Atlanta.  He was 19 years of age and entered the Navy 15 months ago and was assigned to the Atlanta.

“Following the battle of November 13th he contracted Malaria on Guadalcanal and is home recuperating.  He has been here several weeks now and is well again and is to be assigned to a new ship.  He went through the battle without a scratch.

“I had gone to his home in Bayside Monday afternoon but he was not there.  I talked with his mother and brother for a couple of hours and made arrangements to see him this morning.  His name is Albert Marchesano.

“They are a fine family.  He was very good in telling me all about the ATLANTA’s voyages after she left New York.”

A family needs to know, and Marchesano was kind enough to fill in the pieces.  He told Walter of the last moments of his brother, Donald Spangler’s life.  Walter in turn, passed the tale to his family, back in Albion, Indiana.

Several years ago, as I was researching the story of Donald Spangler and the USS Atlanta, I came across this note on Marchesano.  I used the internet to find him in Titusville, Florida.  We struck up a fast friendship.  He was full of info on Atlanta, and mailed me several packets.  Although we never met in person, we spoke maybe four times a year by phone.  I counted him a friend.

With the book, EVERYTOWN, USA, now complete.  I called to re-confirm his address that I might mail him a copy.  Instead, I was met with “This number is no longer in service.”  Still holding out hope, I then located his obituary online.  He had died this past summer.

What can I say?  Marchesano only knew me through phone conversations, yet he treated me like a long lost friend.  He would even tell me about his immigrant family, and their visits back to the “old country.”

Now that I look back, I wish I had just jumped on a plane to spend a few days hanging out with him.  It’s the least I could have done in return for what he did for us all in World War II.  But no such opportunity anymore.

Another good one is gone.  Sailors, rest your oars.

4 Responses to “USS Atlanta survivor, Al Marchesano”

1. Gary Marchesano says:

   November 17, 2010 at 3:20 am

   My uncle was a patriot in the true sense and regarded his service as only doing his duty. A veteran of eight major naval campaigns including Midway, Guadalcanal and The Solomon Islands, he was proud of, and loved this country passionately, often sending letters to President’s and congressmen with advice and commentary on national issues. Listening to him recount his experiences was life-changing for me and gave me new respect for the sacrifices made by fellow Americans, that we may continue to enjoy living in a free society.

   Reply
2. mikemccoy says:

   November 19, 2010 at 3:32 pm

   Gary,

   Well said. May we all follow your Uncle Albert’s example.

   Reply
3. Jeannie Spangler Kesler says:

   November 23, 2010 at 5:23 pm

   Gary,

   I was sorry to hear of your Uncle Albert’s passing. It was my father, Walter Spangler, whose letter is quoted in the blog. I know he was extremely appreciative of that visit with your uncle.

   In October I was honored to attend a reunion ot the “SpanglerMates”…a group of sailors who served on the USS Spangler named after my Uncle Donald. Listening to their stories, I can relate to your life-changing experience. I too have a deeper sense of love and respect for this great generation. I am also grateful to Mike McCoy for his insight, devotion and talent in putting their stories into print.

   May all who serve then and now feel our gratitude.

   Reply
4. mikemccoy says:

   November 24, 2010 at 2:39 am

   Jeannie,

   Thanks for the kind words. I look forward to hearing more about the Spangler Reunion.

   Reply