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Topic: PT Veteran steps into History |
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Frank J Andruss Sr
TOP BOSS
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 Posted on: Aug 8, 2021 - 3:37am
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Arthur Frongello on Saturday August 7th as he stands on the deck of a Higgins boat once more. This as you all know is PT-658 in Portland Oregon, the only operational PT BOAT in the world operating under her own Packard Marine Engines. Our friend Bill Smallshaw was there as well today and took some great photos. Our GO FUND ME was a huge success to raise the money to get Arthur to Portland. During WWII Arthur served on PT-302 as her QM2/c. Special thanks goes out to my friends Jerry Gilmartin, Bill Weaver and all the others from the PT-658. They rolled out the red carpet for Arthur even taking him to lunch and dinner, and today Jerry will be taking him to a Ball game. Please take the time to try and visit this wonderful operational PT BOAT and if you can't, head on over to Save the PT BOAT and make a donation to help keep her running for future generations.
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Jeff D
Moderator
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Posted on: Aug 8, 2021 - 12:38pm
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Art look really happy. Thank you for showing him a good time Jerry and Bill! And thanks for posting the images Frank.
Here is PT 658 website: https://www.savetheptboatinc.com/
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Jerry Gilmartin |
TOP BOSS
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Posted on: Aug 9, 2021 - 9:00am
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Hey Go get em! Arthur and his son Wayne were treated to dinner by the crew of the PT658 up in Vancouver WA at a nice Seafood place on the Columbia River waterfront called "Wildfin" later Saturday night, everybody seemed to order the wild caught Coho Salmon.. Then I picked them up Sunday morning and we attended a Minor League baseball game of the Hillsboro Hops vs Vancouver Canadians at the Hillsboro OR stadium. Arthur is a huge baseball fan, especially the Boston Red Sox During the 7th inning stretch, the announcer recognized Arthur and the whole stadium cheered for him as he stood up and waved to the crowd. After the game, the Baseball Team President and the Mayor of Hillsboro welcomed Arthur to our fair city. He was the life of the party! Then Arthur and Wayne came over to my house for a Backyard BarBQ and then we sat around the firepit having a glass of wine telling stories until way too late! I am totally amazed that Arthur was still going strong when I dropped them off at the hotel that night. Pretty amazing for a 96 year old veteran! I took several pics that I will post later when I get home from work.
Jerry
Jerry Gilmartin
PT658 Crewman
Portland OR |
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Frank J Andruss Sr
TOP BOSS
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Posted on: Aug 9, 2021 - 1:55pm
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Such an amazing guy that Arthur. Thank you so much Jerry for being with him and his son Wayne. I so look forward to talking with him when he gets home, and seeing all the photos and videos. GO GET UM!!!!
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Jerry Gilmartin |
TOP BOSS
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Posted on: Aug 14, 2021 - 1:14pm
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Apparently nobody on this board cares Frank!
Jerry Gilmartin
PT658 Crewman
Portland OR |
Total Posts: 1472 | Joined:
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Frank J Andruss Sr
TOP BOSS
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Posted on: Aug 14, 2021 - 4:05pm
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Jerry I hate to say it but this board has fallen into the depths of the deep when you can't get more than 2 or 3 people to say something about Arthur's special weekend. Such a shame as Dick has worked so hard to keep it running
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Grady
MASTER
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Posted on: Aug 15, 2021 - 2:46am
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I will be the first to admit I looked at the post, thought it was a wonderful story , and shamelessly went back to my own boat building world, Frank & Jerry are right men like Arthur are the reason why we have a love for the PTs, without them there is no story to tell. My father was a WW2 vet I grew up listening to there stories, often after having a few and in there own company, I would hide under the table and take it all in. So yes I’m more than a bit embarrassed having to be reminded that these very few cherished men are the last links to a often forgotten generation of civilian soldiers , sailors, airman, and marines. Men like Arthur are America, and they most currently deserve better. M Grady
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Frank J Andruss Sr
TOP BOSS
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Posted on: Aug 15, 2021 - 4:46am
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Grady you Sir are a class act and I am so happy to see a post like yours. Jerry and I have been members on this board for many years and I have watched it dwindle down. I am in hopes that somehow it will jump start once again as WWII PT BOATS and men like Arthur deserve better
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