USS Gunnel SS-253 Port side view 1945
ss-253 image


Crew Reunion
Branson, Missouri
October 11 - 14, 1999


Crew Members at the Golden Coral Dinner Club

Crew Members of USS GUNNEL SS-253

October 13, 1999

(Standing L to R) W. von Brethorst, Frank Cunha, RAdm. "Joe" Vasey, Capt. Guy O'Neil, Mike Lopatin,
Gene Glosson, Les Butler, Floyd Carlisle.

(Seated L to R) Roby Simpson, Larry Desousa, Sheldon "Skeeter" Lewis, Stan "Scotty" Scot,
Billy J. Stamper, Dennis Jewel, Ray Clark


 
 
Admiral Vasey addresses the crew

Admiral Vasey addresses the crew


 
 
Senator McCain's letter to the crew
mccain2.jpg - 62912 Bytes
Read by RADM Vasey

 
 
Captain O'Neil and Admiral Vasey

Captain O'Neil and Admiral Vasey prepare for Captain's Mast
Captain O'Neil is holding the proclamation making me an honorary member of the crew.

 


 
 
Jim Lavelle proudly holding his certificate

Here I am proudly holding my certificate.

 


 
 
Certificate

This is the certificate presented to me by Captain O'Neil and Admiral Vasey

 


 
 
Singing 'Beautiful Midway'

Admiral Vasey and Rhody Simpson Singing "Beautiful Midway"

 


 
 
Larry DeSousa, Frank Cunha and Admiral Vasey

Larry DeSousa, Frank Cunha and Admiral Vasey

 


 
 
Frank Cunha makes a point

Frank Cunha makes a point

 


 
 
Larry DeSousa

Larry DeSousa

 


 
 
Billy J. Stamper

Billy J. Stamper

 


 
Scenes from the breakfast room

 

Larry DeSousa and Stan 'Scotty' Scott

Larry DeSousa and Stan "Scotty" Scott talk over the good old days.

 


 
 
Looking over photo albums

Looking over photo albums

 


 
 
capt. O'Neil looking over our book 'The Complete History of the USS GUNNEL'

Capt. O'Neil looking over the web site printout.

 


 
 
Putting names on the photos

Putting names on the faces in the photo album

 


 
 
Ray Allen Clark and his wife relax outside their room

Ray Allen Clark and his wife Nina relax outside their room at the Country Hearth Inn

 


 
 
Capt. O'Neil and Jim Lavelle

Capt. O'Neil and Jim Lavelle
Two Thirds of the team writing the Gunnel's history
Admiral Vasey had to leave before this photo was taken.

 


 
 
The wives

Last but certainly not least, the wives. They've been getting together as long as the men have.

 



Country Hearth Inn - Branson MO
During our stay in Branson we were guests of
Randy and Mary Rubrigi
and the Country Hearth Inn.

We were treated like family and I think everyone would agree that Mary and Randy are perfect hosts.
If you are planning a visit to Branson give them a call at (417) 334-0040



A word of thanks...

As a long time employee of Automatic Data Processing I've grown accustomed to World Class Service, it's what we try to provide to each of our clients. Robin Harris provided a little of that when he told me I could borrow the equipment needed to record this reunion and get the results quickly posted to the web site so those members of the crew who couldn't attend could visit in spirit.

Thanks Robin!

 


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Copyright @ 1997 - 2007 James M. Lavelle