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Topic: RON 1 At Pearl Harbor |
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Robert Orrell
Advanced Member
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Posted on: Jul 4, 2008 - 12:40pm
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I'm trying to find which boat Lt. Robert W. Orrell was on at Pearl Harbor. It had to be PT 21- 25 as they were the only ones in the water. He took pictures while pulling survivors from the water.
Robert's daughter told me he donated these pictures to PT Boats, Inc before his death in 1986.
As usual, thanks for any help.
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EARL RICHMOND
TOP BOSS
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Posted on: Jul 4, 2008 - 1:48pm
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hi THERE IS ALSO LT ROBERT W ORRELL LISTED ON PT 523 IN RON 36, AT SURRAGIO STRAIT.PT BOATS INC SEEMS TO HAVE SOME INFO ABOUT HIM. GOOD LUCK EARL PT 108 RON 5
earl richmond |
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Frank J Andruss Sr
TOP BOSS
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Posted on: Jul 5, 2008 - 7:18am
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Robert
Interesting about pictures of the PT Boats helping with the survivors of Pearl Harbor. There seems to be very little that show PT Boats doing anything after the Bombing ( in the way of photo's) I have looked for some for many years. I had asked PT BOAT HEADQUARTERS if they had anything, and they said the did not. I would check with them to see if in fact they did get photo's from your Family. If they do have them, I would like copies for sure........
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Robert Orrell
Advanced Member
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Posted on: Jul 5, 2008 - 9:21am
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Thanks, Earl - I have the 523 info and one photo of 523.
Thanks, Frank. I'll talk wth Robert Orrell's daughter again. Apparently Robert was quite a photographer and took many photos. His family tells me he gave almost all of his service momentos away or threw them out in his last years. He suffered from Alzheimer. The only photos I have I will scan and forward to you.
I have his marriage photo in uniform taken in Dec 1945 in Miami. I'll post that one in case someone recognizes him or the other officer, which I am assuming was his best man.
Thanks again.
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Jerry Gilmartin |
TOP BOSS
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Posted on: Jul 6, 2008 - 10:21pm
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Robert,
One of our veterans on the PT-658 restoration crew John Akin, was in RON1 on PT24 and then on PT27. I can put you in touch with him if you want to ask him questions. His son Norm is on the Board of Directors for PT Boats Inc also. Email me offline from here (using my info on my profile) and I can email you back his information. Jerry
Jerry Gilmartin |
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Randy Finfrock
Advanced Member
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Posted on: Jul 15, 2008 - 7:40pm
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Here is another possible lead in addition to John Akin. I talked and corresponded with William Eugene Coffee about 2-3 years ago. Bill was with Rons 1, 2, 3/2 and 32. With Ron 1 he was on the PT-23. He was at Pearl on Dec-7, 1941. Bill told me that he was on a burial detail at the cemetery following the attack. While occupied in this duty, he missed a noon draft of men that were recruited for a carrier. Due to this, Bill got assigned to PT's with Ron 1 instead.
Bill said he was on some of the 'early developmental' boats while at Pearl Harbor, and that 6 boats out of 12 were at a sub base (PT's 20-25). He was also a base force cook at Tulagi 1942-1943.
Bill is a member of PT Boats Inc. He joined the Navy at 17. I believe that he is still with us, though I haven't talked with him for some time. He also mentioned to me that he gave all of his photos to HQ's in Germantown. I didn't know what he had, but if someone inquires about PT-23 and Mr. Coffee, there is something in the archives.
If anyone wants to contact him, I have his address and phone. You may send an e-mail to me. I can give him a call if anyone would prefer. My e-mail is adaam0073@cox.net
Randy Finfrock
Tulsa, OK
Randy Finfrock |
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Robert Orrell
Advanced Member
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Posted on: Jul 16, 2008 - 3:01am
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Thanks, Randy
We're getting closer to identifying the boat Robert Orrell skippered at Pearl.
I sent you an email.
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TGConnelly
New Member
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Posted on: Jul 16, 2008 - 8:07am
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Mr. Orrell,
I have just sent you an email. Thank you.
Garth
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TED WALTHER |
TOP BOSS
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Posted on: Jul 16, 2008 - 7:53pm
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Robert;
I think were looking in the wrong area, I believe Robert Orrell was an Exec at Pearl Harbor, not a skipper, this is going to make it even more difficult. I have a photo that matches yours but from a different angle, however there is a guy standing in front of the starboard side boat number. I think I can see a 1, but it might also be the sun hitting his shirt just the right way. If not.....I believe the boat is PT 21. I will send the photo to Dick for enhancement. Don't get your hopes up, it is probably his shirt.
Take care,
TED
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Dick
Moderator
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Posted on: Jul 16, 2008 - 10:40pm
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Hey Ted . . .
Did what I could and have posted two images along with your original. It does appear to be a number, and a number with a straight side like a “1” or a “0”. Which it makes PT-21 a very good possibility.
Original Image:
Enhanced Image:
Blow-up:
Dick . . . .
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