Submitted by
Name: Jane Parks-McKay
From: Santa Cruz, CA
E-mail: Contact

Comments:
I have had such a special time looking through one of the Squadron's last Muster lists. Having attended reunions for 433 since the late 1980's and almost until the end, so many names sound familiar, so man wonderful stories and times shared.

As I read from the fellow "kids" of this Greatest Generation, I want you to know how much I share your pride in your Dads, your Grandpa's in this Sqaudron. I knew these members from the time they were in the 50's at the St. Lous reunion and got to know even 4th generations.

To the grandson of D. K. Crosswhite, I looked at the deceased list as posted on your July16, 2012 posting and Don Menhennet that I last heard is still alive. If you would like me to connect you with him, please let me know, my number is (831) 475-0588. Santa Cruz, CA time. The other Marines you listed are deceased according to the 10 November 2009 roster.

God bless you all. We not only share in our pride for this group but we are family.

Jane Parks-McKay, daughter of William R. Parks, San Jose, CA
died June 10, 2012.

Added: March 1, 2014

Submitted by
Name: scott pollock
From: long island new york
E-mail: Contact

Comments:
hi my dad was eugene pollock radio gunner in vmb433 he passed years ago he never really talked about his years in the corp i was just wondering if anybody had pictures or stories about my dad who served with him. thanks his son scott pollock

Added: February 25, 2014

Submitted by
Name: Charles O'Reilly
From: Tampa, FL
E-mail: Contact

Comments:
My father, Sgt. Charles J. O'Reilly, passed away in Lansdale, PA on February 7, 2014. He was a father, a friend, and always a Marine - so proud of his service and the opportunity to serve with so many great men. He had countless stories of his time in Pacific and our family is forever rich for it.

Added: February 8, 2014

Submitted by
Name: carl wachtman
From: ellicott city, md
E-mail: Contact

Comments:
My Father, Loyal Wachtman, was a PBJ pilot with VMB-433.
He passed away on 10/19/2008 at the age of 88. In a footlocker in the basement I found a PBJ flight manual, some aircraft recognition cards, and copies of orders where I learned his squadron number and some places he had been. I know he was proud to be a Marine, he had a PBJ picture on the wall and there was a dungeree jacket in a corner of the garage. He married my Mother, Lois Dozer, at Cherry Point in 1945 where she was a link trainer instructor. In her footlocker was a logbook showing she trained him as well as other VMB-433 pilots. Her uniform was still in her closet when she passed away in 2012. It all reminded me of the movie "Memorial Day". I hope to see the last remaining PBJ being restored in Camarillo,Ca. Thanks for the website.

Added: February 3, 2014

Submitted by
Name: Michael J. Keselik
From: Jacksonville,FL
E-mail: Contact

Comments:
I was named after my uncle Michael Keselik, USMC, who served in the Pacific during the war. He passed away Dec 7,2007. I found he was listed as a "Parachute Rigger" in the personnel roster. I would appreciate any information about his war duties as I know very little about his service. Thank you, Michael J. Keselik

Added: January 31, 2014

Submitted by
Name: Tom Walker
From: Spokane, WA
E-mail: Contact

Comments:
My Uncle O.C.Walker served with this group of our Greatest Generation. While he was in the Pacific serving my father was flying B-29's in Europe. These two men have had a very large impact on who I am. Uncle Orville I love you and am so very proud of what you and Dad did for our country.

He is 92 and still going strong. Hopefully for a long time to come.

Added: January 21, 2014

Submitted by
Name: Jan Lee
From: Scurry, Tx
E-mail: Contact

Comments:
A THANK YOU TO ALL FOR FIGHTING FOR THIS COUNTRY. I HAVE A VERY SPECIAL "THANK YOU "FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART FOR DAVE ARANT WHO I HAVE KNOWN FOR MOST OF MY 65 YEARS. HE IS IN HEAVEN NOW, WITH MANY OF HIS FRIENDS AND I KNOW HE SMILES DOWN UPON US ALL.

IT IS NOW A VERY SPECIAL DAY OF HONOR TO ALL OF THE MEN AND WOMEN WHO HAVE SEARVED THIS COUNTRY!
11-11-2014 VETERANS DAY!

Added: November 11, 2013

Submitted by
Name: Barbara Arant Carleton
From: Dallas, Texas
E-mail: Contact

Comments:
Dave Arant (Hugh David), who help start this website, died peacefully last Wednesday, October 9, 2013 in Dallas, Texas. His obituary is in the Sunday, October 13, 2013 Dallas Morning News. The VMB433 Ready Room flag was with him continuously throughout his 7 day hospital/hospice stay.

The memorial service and celebration will be Monday, October 14, 2013 at Ridgewood Park United Methodist Church, Dallas, Texas where he was a member since 1955.

He loved the Marine Corps and serving his country as a pilot during World War II and the Korean Conflict. He was so proud to be part of the VMB433. Our family so enjoyed the annual reunions and Daddy help host the 1986 reunion in Dallas.

My mom Lannie is doing well for losing her husband of 69+ years. Although more frail in recent months, my dad�s mind was still sharp and he walked with only a cane and occasional walker. He hosted my mom�s birthday party for family and friends just three days before his hospitalization. Praise be to God!

To hear Daddy�s story and other World War II veterans�, please visit generationslestweforget website.

So thankful for the VMB433 website that honors our fathers and documents their story for future generations. Please consider a donation to the webmaster to help keep it going...

Semper Fi,
Barbara Arant Carleton

Added: October 13, 2013

Submitted by
Name: James E Dodson jr
From: Vincennes,in
E-mail: Contact

Comments:
Dad, James E Dodson,Sr is 92 and still doing well. He is proud to be a Marine.

Added: October 11, 2013

Submitted by
Name: Wilmer E. Stare, USAF, Ret
From: TX
E-mail: Contact

Comments:
After more than a year of searching for my birth father, Ralph Adam Yessler, this web site provided a picture. My father died in 2011, in PA. I never met my father, and learned of him about this time last year, after his death. After much searching, I have gotten his medical military records, and those records have provided me with the unit he served with while in USMC. I am hoping to find more information about him, so I continue to search. Am hoping someday to find clearer picture of him. I want to thank you for a wonderful web site, helpful and historical. And if anyone out there remembers Ralph Adam Yessler, PFC, and can help in my search for information. I would greatly appreciated the help.

Added: September 27, 2013