Request form for WWII to present military records

To request records for anyone serving from WW1 to present, download request form below. It can be mailed in, faxed in or submtted online.

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02-26-2023 - USS Idaho Crew, Roger Olivette, S1C

Hello David,

My father, Roger Olivette, served on the Idaho from 1942-45,Seaman 1st class.

Thanks, Tony Olivette

My great-grandfather was James Fife, Jr. According to his Oral History Reminisces, he served aboard the USS Idaho for about a year from May 1930 until some time in mid-1931. During that time, he shared a story about being the back-up navigator who had to fill in at the last minute during a long range battle practice that won the USS Idaho that year's battleship battle efficiency competition over the USS New Mexico, who had won the previous 2 or 3 years competitions. This story is told on pages 48-51. At the time, the captains of the USS Idaho and New Mexico were Henry Lake Wyman and Adolphus Eugene Watson, respectively.

Please update your Crew List page to reflect the years the then Lt Cmdr Fife served on the USS Idaho. Thank you, Andy Prior

[Read More]

01-08-2024 - USS Idaho Crew Member Richard Warren Akeley (USMC)

Hello David,

I am editing a diary of the mother of a Marine Captain, Richard Warren Akeley. The diary states that he was on the USS Idaho for three years and that his roommate was William Klein (who you have listed on the www.ussidaho.com crew listing). Please also list Richard, thank you!

Richard Warren Akeley (USMC), born 31 Jul 1918, died 20 Oct 1975.

04-26-2023 - USS Idaho Crew Member Charlie (C.C) Keys MM-1

David,

My wonderful father was in the group photo with his fellow machinists for the Cruise Book, but the attached pre-war era colorized portrait is more fitting. He died at 60, but he would have currently been 100. He went by Charlie (or C.C.) Keys, and got his MM-1 certificate after the war.

I came up on your roster while researching the USS Idaho for my eBay listings of his cruise Book, ship photos and other items I'm letting go of (my children don't remember him and show no interest in his things). I've kept a few personal documents and photos, of course.

Thank you for your care and concern for historical treasure, and God bless you.

- Kay M. Keys Sams -

06.27.2022 - USS Idaho Officer Dick Ashbridge

Hello, I saw your message on ussidaho.com
My grandfather Dick Ashbridge ENS who served on the BB42 in 1945-1946 as an officer of the Fire Control Division. He is still living and lives in Cincinnati, Ohio. I copied him on this email. If there are any videos of the new Idaho or the old Idaho, they would be much appreciated. Also if there is an email list or any reunion events coming up, any invites or connections would be much appreciated.
Thank you and have a nice day!

~ Mitzi Goebel ~

 

 

05.21.2021 - SSN-799 Newsletter Download

12.25.2021 - Article from Maurice Quillen

I came across an old book on magnetic compasses. This document was folded in half inside the book.

Interesting memo on seamanship from the captain to his crew dated 1/10/24.

I'm grandson of WWII Naval vet who served on the APD USS Schley so I understand how important finding little tidbits of history like this are and I wanted the image to find it's way back to the ship.

Happy Holiday
Maurice

08.23.2021 - P.H. Peterson - USS Idaho Crew List

Dear Dave,
My father served aboard the USS Idaho during WWII as a S1c signalman. He’s deceased now (1/22/1991) so my information is based on some memories of him talking about “Big Spud”, some research and his album. As best that I can determine from researching records, he served from June to November 1945 and was then transferred to the USS Missouri. I’ve attached some documents indicating his service at that time. I’ve also attached a copy of the church program for August 12, 1945 that I thought others might find interesting.

Please let me know if you need additional information about his service and thank you for the work that you do to maintain this wonderful website.

Sincerely,
Phillip Peterson

08.03.2021 - USS Idaho crew (Walter Bryant Augustine)

Dear Dave,
I have been researching my father's naval records from WWII, and just verified he served on the USS Idaho from January 1944 to Mid April 1945. We located the USS Idaho memorial book that is in a number of the pictures on the website and on the Facebook page. On the website, I found one picture: The Fox division, Mack Roye's Album 3. He is in the upper right, 3rd row down, 2nd man from the right, with a cigarette hanging from his mouth. Boy do I remember that look! His name was Walter Bryant Augustine. He died in 2003. Trying to find more artifacts that I can share with you. Is it possible to add him to the crew list? Two pictures attached.

Thank you,
Betsy Hester

06.28-0.21 - Journal of Ken Phillippi - Yeoman Third Class V6 USNR (SV)- 8/9/44 to 7/22/46

Hello Dave,

My father served aboard the USS Idaho during WWII and a gunners mate. As I understand it, the Captain heard that he could type so he was ordered to the bridge to type messages. Anyhow, Dad typed a journal of his experiences and I wonder if you'd like a copy? It is 10 pages long and very well written and I'd be pleased to forward a copy to you if you'd like. [READ JOURNAL]

Thanks
Colin Phillippi

05.20.2021 - Passing of Ralph F. Bornhorst

David, Good morning.

I have some unfortunate news today. My father Ralph past away this morning ...99 years and 3 months old. He past peacefully and I will cherish the many years with him and the numerous USS Idaho stories!

I will send a more formal information when we get things together .. take care.

Regards,
Joe Bornhorst

[Read Obituary]

05.23.2021

David,

Per our previous chat, see attached a link for Ralph’s obituary. I also added a few photos that tell the story of his life .. we loved him dearly and always cherished his zest for life and and listening to his numerous stories of life as a sailor on the USS Idaho!

I am planning on attending the christening of the SSN Idaho submarine, if that is permitted, so please forward any information you may have when that event occurs.

Take care and I am grateful for all the work you have done for the sailors of the The Big Spud.

God bless you, America, and the crew of the USS Idaho!

Regards,
Joe Bornhorst

 

08.30.2020 - Douglas (Frenchy) Deneau

My grandfather was on the USS Idaho BB-42 from 08/1941 through 1943. Please add him to your crewlist. This is a photo of him and 2 other gentleman. - Mickey

 

08.23.2020 - William Lawrence Alexander

Dear Sir,

My grandfather served on the USS Idaho from either 1921-25 or 1922-26. His name was William Lawrence Alexander and he was an electrician. I have requested his service record, but have not heard back from the U.S. Navy yet. He named my Mother after a girl he met in Austrailia on the 1925 Pacific Cruise. If you could please include his name in the ceremony, It would mean a lot to me and my family.

If you have any additional information about my grandfather's time on the Big Spud, I would appreciate it. I have compiled a large collection of original photos of the ship, including a 52" panoramic from 1927 of the ship going through the Panama Canal.

Best Regards,

Alexander Sink

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04.30.2020 - Pete Domenico Forner

Hi Dave,

My name is Peter Dominic Forner, Jr. the son of Pete Domenico Forner. My father is deceased (11/14/2005) so I’m acting on his behalf to request his name be entered on the USS Idaho Crewman’s list. He served on the USS Idaho from July 31, 1942 – January 10, 1945 as a sailor first class. I have attached some documents to verify his service and time on the USS Idaho.

Thank you for tending to the history of the USS Idaho and all your time and effort that I’m sure it takes… If you need any additional information please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Peter D. Forner Jr.

 

03.13.2020 - Earl Albert Grigsby

Dear Sir,

I have been watching YouTube videos of WWII actions, especially those in the Pacific as my father, Earl Albert Grigsby, was on the USS Idaho from its time in support of sinking the Bismark to after Okinawa. My Dad joined the Navy before Pearl Harbor and trained at the Great Lakes Naval Station. I believe that he joined the Idaho after it was in the Atlantic. I do not recall much of his stories, but he always showed a book (long since missing) of photographs of the Idaho and her crew. I believe he served on one of the anti-aircraft guns. He described his job as "operator-director". I do not recall his mentioning action at Guadalcanal, but he did mention the Aleutians, the Marshalls, the Marianas, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa. Sometime before the end of the war, he was transferred to the mainland with the Shore Patrol riding the trains that delivered returning sailors to their homes.

I found your ship roster does not include my Dad, and wanted to add his name to your record.

Thank you very much for your work in helping to remember the many, often unnamed, people who defended our country.

Sincerely,

Chuck Grigsby