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Topic: MAURICE KOWAL |
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Frank J Andruss Sr |
TOP BOSS
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Posted on: Sep 29, 2011 - 1:47pm
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I had a very sad conversation with the Wife of Maurice Kowal. Kowal is the last survivor of PT-109, and when you think about that statement, it sure is sad indeed. To think that all these men, who served on PT-109 have made their last patrol weighs on my mind. Maurice is now in a Rehab facility for Alzheimers patients and most times does not know his own Wife. Gone is the memory of his time spent on PT-109. She said I was very lucky to have met him when I did and do a recorded interview. There is no doubt that this meeting Mr. Kowal was one of the high-lights of my Life. My first encounter with another crew-member was way back in 1993, when I met and became friends with Gerard Zinser. What were the chances that I would meet and become friends with two of my heroes from PT-109.
I hope and pray that Mr. Kowal can relate to his family and remember the good times he had with them. Alzheimers is a terrible thing, that robs one of his/her thought process and identity. I will always remember my time spent with Mr. Kowal and will remember him fondly as I do Gerard Zinser. Each time I watch the movie PT-109, I will be reminded of them both. I thought I would pass this on to you guys. By the way, in case you never noticed. Gerard Zinser is in the beginning of that movie as Cliff Robertson walks on to the base for the first time from the Landing Craft. Watch the guy getting his hair cut, that's Mr. Zinser..........
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John Sullivan
Full Member
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Posted on: Sep 29, 2011 - 3:32pm
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I have never heard of Mr.Kowal before.Gerrald Zinser was the last survivor of the 109 His name is not in the Knights of the sea book.I was on the 107 and hope someone will clear this up for me.John Sullivan 3rd class gunnersmate THank You
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Frank J Andruss Sr
TOP BOSS
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Posted on: Sep 29, 2011 - 4:06pm
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John
Maurice Kowal served on PT-109 prior to her being sunk in 1943. He would also serve with Kennedy again while on PT-59. Kowal was injured when a daisey cutter was dropped by a Jap Float Plane. Kowal, along with Edmund Drewitch, and Leon Drawdy would be removed from the 109 and sent to a Navy Hospital. Drewitch and Drawdy would also serve on PT-59.
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TED WALTHER
TOP BOSS
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Posted on: Sep 29, 2011 - 7:16pm
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Frank;
As I write this to you, I tivo'ed PT 109(which was recently replayed because of Cliff Robertson's passing) and I am watching it right now, as I write this. It is with a heavy heart that I take aboard you recent info on MM 1/C Maurice Kowal, RON 2, PT 109, PT 59.
I as well as you, were brought up knowing who these men were, whether it be because our Dad's were in the Navy, our because we first saw a movie in 1963 that sparked our interest 's . It really does not matter, we all became aware of fast boats and REAL brave men, For me, These men were my heroes, they were my guiding light, and I tried to pattern my Navy career after them.
I hope MM 1/C Maurice Kowal, RON 2, PT 109, PT 59, days are quiet and comfortable and he is surrounded by his family, He did his service to our country and I honor and salute him, for this country is a better place because of iron men who rode wooden fast boats like he did.
Very Respectfully,
TED WALTHER
NR SBU 24/NR SBU 20/ SBR 2/SBU 26/SBU 20
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David Waples
TOP BOSS
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Posted on: Sep 29, 2011 - 8:37pm
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Gents,
Very sorry news indeed. If you haven't done so already take a moment to watch this video from WGBH Boston. Maurice Kowal was one of the participants 6 years ago. All the best to Mr. Kowal and his wife during these difficult times.
http://forum-network.org/lecture/conversation-world-war-ii-pt-boat-veterans
David Waples |
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John Sullivan
Full Member
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Posted on: Sep 30, 2011 - 8:32am
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Thanks Frank for telling me things I had never heard before John Sullivan
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PPF
New Member
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Posted on: Oct 2, 2011 - 9:10am
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See group picture of PT 109 crew
http://www.maritimequest.com/warship_directory/us_navy_pages/pt_boats/uss_pt_109.htm
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