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ť Forum Category: PT Boats of WWII
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ť Forum Name: PT Boats - General
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ť Topic: Ken Prescott's book
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Guys;
I just recieved my copy of Ken's book offered by Merriam Press, I don't think it is officially released yet(I just checked the publishers website), but I have my copy direct. All the photos in it are from either Ken, Huck Wood, or Tom Kendall via me. There is a few aeriel shots acredited to Duane Hove, but Ken took the photos from a B-24/PB4Y from VD-1. Just to refresh, Ken was Exec of PT 61, Then CO of PT 61 at Searlesville, then CO of PT 48, after RON 3(2) Ken became first Gunnery Officer and Later XO of Jamestown APG-3
Take care,
TED

Posted By: TED WALTHER | Posted on: Jul 14, 2009 - 3:45pm
Total Posts: 3059 | Joined: Oct 16, 2006 - 7:42am

Ted,

My brother once mentioned he met Huck Wood and he told him a story about the night my father's boat was hit (Nov 1943) as it was many years ago my brother forgot everything about the encounter except his name. Is it possible for you to put me in touch with Huck Wood? My dad will turn 90 this December .. if Huck is still telling stories I'd like to hear a few.

Nat (PT-154 Ron 9 2nd Generation)

natsmith

Posted By: Nathaniel Smith | Posted on: Jul 16, 2009 - 11:35am
Total Posts: 211 | Joined: Jan 19, 2008 - 6:55am

Nat;
Unfortunatly, Huck Wood departed the base on March 24, 2009 as Clark Faulkner eased the PT 124 into the dock to pick up his Exec, and Clark threw the engines into reverse and headed out for Huck's last patrol. Even though Huck was in RON 6, Ken Prescott remained his close friend for life, often taking summer trips to Conneticutt and Florida, to spend time with the Woods, the Searles(both Jacks family and Bobs), and the Faulkners.
The two of them with Huck's wife Barbara went on a trip via Austrailia back to Tulagi, Searlesville, and Rendova in 1996. According to Ken they had a great time, meeting natives who remembered the PT's and their Crews. The photos of this trip are in the back of Ken's book.
Take care,
TED

Posted By: TED WALTHER | Posted on: Jul 16, 2009 - 8:10pm
Total Posts: 3059 | Joined: Oct 16, 2006 - 7:42am

Hey Ted,

What's the title of Ken's book?

Posted By: Drew Cook | Posted on: Jul 18, 2009 - 2:55pm
Total Posts: 1306 | Joined: Oct 19, 2006 - 10:44am

Drew;
Ken's book is "A PT SKIPPER IN THE SOUTH PACIFIC" MERRIAM PRESS ISBN 978-0-557-07811-0
TAKE CARE,
TED

Posted By: TED WALTHER | Posted on: Jul 20, 2009 - 6:12pm
Total Posts: 3059 | Joined: Oct 16, 2006 - 7:42am

Thanks, Ted...

100 photos? Holy moly!

The front and back cover photos are two of his beautiful Kodachromes taken aboard PT 61...are his other color photos in the book?

-- Drew

Posted By: Drew Cook | Posted on: Jul 22, 2009 - 2:04pm
Total Posts: 1306 | Joined: Oct 19, 2006 - 10:44am

Drew;
Yes they are, but they have been reproduced in the book as black and white, probably to keep costs down. only the covers are color.
Take care,
TED

Posted By: TED WALTHER | Posted on: Jul 23, 2009 - 4:41am
Total Posts: 3059 | Joined: Oct 16, 2006 - 7:42am

All,

This is a great little book. There are many previously unpublished photographs in this book. This is a real must buy for anyone interested in the boats.

Of special interest, to those who want to be definitive about the colors the south pacific boats were painted. Page 36 contains a description of painting the PT 61 that should shed complete doubt on any strong statement about the color of the south pacific boats.[:-question-:]

Great book, many thank to Ken Prescott and Merriam Press.

Bill Smallshaw

Posted By: smallwi | Posted on: Aug 21, 2009 - 8:50pm
Total Posts: 134 | Joined: Jun 21, 2007 - 3:02pm

In the book is there much mention of the Rendova PT base, and any photos of the war time & later visit ?

Regards-

Posted By: Shaneo2 | Posted on: Aug 22, 2009 - 1:55pm
Total Posts: 147 | Joined: Apr 17, 2008 - 10:19pm

Shane,

No first hand observations of Rendova nor are there photographs as Mr. Prescott did not make it up the line to this base.

Bill

Bill Smallshaw

Posted By: smallwi | Posted on: Aug 22, 2009 - 7:27pm
Total Posts: 134 | Joined: Jun 21, 2007 - 3:02pm

Many Thanks Bill for the reply..

Regards-

Posted By: Shaneo2 | Posted on: Aug 22, 2009 - 8:17pm
Total Posts: 147 | Joined: Apr 17, 2008 - 10:19pm

My Son bought me this book for Christmas this year, and I just started to read it. Some nice shots in the book, and it was nice to see my friend Huck Wood in there as well. Huck's Wife Barbara was supposed to send me the slides of Huck's visit to these old PT Boat sites, but I have yet to get them. I will call here and hopefully I can get them and transfer them to regular photo's.................

Posted By: Frank J Andruss Sr | Posted on: Jan 2, 2012 - 6:39am
Total Posts: 3497 | Joined: Oct 9, 2006 - 6:09am

Wow, I can't believe I missed this one. I ordered a copy today.
Dave

Update - I ordered the CD version. The color photos are reproduced in color throughout the book. I'm looking forward to reading through the book.

Thanks Ted!

David Waples

Posted By: David Waples | Posted on: Jan 2, 2012 - 7:58pm
Total Posts: 1679 | Joined: Jan 2, 2007 - 9:55pm

Dave,

I'm not quite sure what you mean when you say you ordered the "CD version" of Mr. Prescott's book. Do you mean the "PDF File on a DVD Disc" version of the book, as Merriam Press describes it?

You also said Mr. Prescott's color photos "are reproduced in color throughout the book" -- do you mean the PDF CD/DVD disc "book" or the actual book itself? I thought Ted had stated that the only color photos reproduced in color in the book were on the front and back covers...

I'm wondering if I should order both the book and the PDF CD/DVD disc -- my desire is to have all of Mr. Prescott's WWII color photos IN COLOR.

Can you or Ted clear this up for me? Thanks.

-- Drew

Posted By: Drew Cook | Posted on: Jan 15, 2012 - 5:18am
Total Posts: 1306 | Joined: Oct 19, 2006 - 10:44am

Hi Drew,
Sorry I wasn't clear. The DVD - PDF version has color photographs. Ted did say that the books don't have color photos.

My friend Jerry Beasley has told me ebooks for Kendel's are a great source of reference photographs. They are often much better quality images than what are reproduced in books.
Dave

David Waples

Posted By: David Waples | Posted on: Jan 15, 2012 - 6:36am
Total Posts: 1679 | Joined: Jan 2, 2007 - 9:55pm

Drew;
I don't know about a DVD/PDF/kindle verision of Ken's book. However, Wayne has already posted all of Ken's color photographs here on the board about 1 1/2 ago. you should be able to find all of them here.
Take care,
TED

Posted By: TED WALTHER | Posted on: Jan 15, 2012 - 7:14am
Total Posts: 3059 | Joined: Oct 16, 2006 - 7:42am

Hey Ted,

I recently purchased Kens book. It was a very good read and will drop him a line this week.

Were those three excellent underway photos of PT-61 origonally in color too? I had never viewed those shots.

Wayne Traxel

Posted By: Wayne Traxel | Posted on: Jan 15, 2012 - 8:22am
Total Posts: 248 | Joined: Oct 11, 2006 - 5:40am

I just went through all the photographs in the DVD/PDF version. There are 52 color photos and 11 of them are of the 61 boat in theatre. The photos of the 61 boat under way in the pdf version are all black and white. The remaining color photographs are past and recent photos of the south pacific, Mr. Prescott working with hawks, etc. For me as a modeler they make great reference photos.
Dave

David Waples

Posted By: David Waples | Posted on: Jan 15, 2012 - 9:22am
Total Posts: 1679 | Joined: Jan 2, 2007 - 9:55pm

I spoke with Barbara Wood this past week, and she has agreed to send me all of the slides from when Huck Wood and Ken Prescott visited the old sites that they were on during their time spent with PT BOATS. I am in hopes that my Walgreens or CVS will take the slides and convert them to photographs. They might have some great shots on the reels..............

Posted By: Frank J Andruss Sr | Posted on: Jan 15, 2012 - 11:06am
Total Posts: 3497 | Joined: Oct 9, 2006 - 6:09am

I just ordered this book as well from Amazon, there was no mention anywhere about a CD/DVD version with all color photos? Maybe that deal has come and gone? Otherwise, i look forward to the read!

Dam the torpedoes...full speed ahead!

Posted By: Michael Snodgrass | Posted on: Feb 25, 2012 - 3:07pm
Total Posts: 31 | Joined: Dec 28, 2011 - 12:52am

Michael,
You can get the DVD version from Merriam Press. That's where I got mine.
Dave

David Waples

Posted By: David Waples | Posted on: Feb 25, 2012 - 6:15pm
Total Posts: 1679 | Joined: Jan 2, 2007 - 9:55pm

Here is the direct link to Ken's book. You can order directly from the publisher in book form or .pdf on CD. The CD is $4.99 with free mailing.

[url]http://www.merriam-press.com/aptskipperinthesouthpacific.aspx[/url]

Dick . . .

Posted By: Dick | Posted on: Feb 26, 2012 - 9:10am
Total Posts: 1417 | Joined: Aug 27, 2006 - 6:36pm

Just came across this forum and the mention of Ken Prescott's book. I am Ray Merriam, the owner of Merriam Press, and the publisher of Ken's book. I figured I'd provide some additional details about the book to clear up the questions that others were asking as well as update you on Ken and his wife.

I wondered why all of sudden the last few months Ken's book was suddenly selling and it would appear this forum is the reason. Thanks, guys!

First, the book was revised slightly in format and appearance in January 2012, but no changes to the content - it still contains all the text and photos in the first edition. This was done because I recently switched to using CreateSpace, Amazon's print on demand division, to print the paperback editions of the books I publish. The printer I was using is quite expensive. The new edition is now only $14.95 retail; I offer free shipping on U.S. orders of books and DVDs.

The book is printed in B&W with full-color covers. There is a hardcover edition with color dust jacket, but it retails at $34.95. CreateSpace doesn't do hardcovers, so I have to continue using the other printer for the hardcover editions, and that's the lowest I could get the retail price on that edition and still be able to pay all the costs and still make a couple bucks.

I could do a full-color paperback edition, but it would be about twice the price of the B&W edition. The PDF supplied on a DVD disk by mail does display all the color photos Ken supplied in color. Other advantages of the PDF file are you can search the entire text and enlarge the pages to make the text easier to read, as well as enlarge the photos to view details.

Ken is in an assisted living facility near his home where his wife, Emma-Stina, still lives. She visits him regularly and after a recent move to a different facility, is being taken better care of and Emma-Stina tells me he is more alert and responsive. His mind is not as sharp as it used to be; I won't give particulars, but you can deduce what he is dealing with now. I started working on his book in 2009 while he was still in good shape mentally, but while we were working on it, his wife had to take over and help me finish it.

I'm sure he would love to hear from anyone in PT Boats, but you shouldn't expect an answer from him. His wife has email and she will read and try to respond, but she is busy with dealing with Ken and a lot of things that she has had to do that Ken used to do. If you don't have her email, you can email me and I will forward them to her, as I am in touch with her regularly.

Now, a little background on me: I started the business in 1968, originally to publish a WW2 magazine, which I did through the late 1970s. Gradually I switched to publishing booklets in the 1980s and in the mid-90s started publishing full-length books, primarily on WW2 topics. In late 2005 I started using a print on demand printer to do the books. Prior to that, I printed (direct from computer file to laser printer) and bound the books myself. Today the books are standard trade paperback and hardcover editions.

I have branched out into other periods, such as Vietnam, Korea, WWI, Civil War, First Gulf War and even some non-military topics and fiction. But I still concentrate on military history, especially WW2, as that is my passion.

Back in the late 1960s, when I was getting my first magazine effort started, I discovered PT Boats and Boats Newberry. As a result of that contact and receiving the newspaper for years, I consider PT Boats, Inc., one of the best veterans organizations there is and have promoted it whenever I could.

Ray Merriam
Owner, Merriam Press
Bennington VT

Posted By: Ray Merriam | Posted on: Feb 26, 2012 - 11:40pm
Total Posts: | Joined: Unregistered

Ray: Many thanks for your informative post. Thanks for your efforts and best of luck with your future endeavors. Our thoughts go out to Ken and his wife.

Will

Posted By: Will Day | Posted on: Feb 27, 2012 - 8:00am
Total Posts: 1955 | Joined: Oct 8, 2006 - 4:19pm

Ray

Thanks so much for your diligent efforts in helping to preserve our WWII PT BOATS, BASES, and TENDERS. I am in hopes that you will please pass along my message of "JOB WELL DONE" for Ken Prescott. I do hope that the Lord helps him in his time of need..............

Posted By: Frank J Andruss Sr | Posted on: Feb 27, 2012 - 8:14am
Total Posts: 3497 | Joined: Oct 9, 2006 - 6:09am

Ray;
You did an excellent job, on Ken's book. I am the one who "found" ken's PT 48 so I was writing amnd Calling Ken and Emma-Stina since 1994. When I used to talk with Ken on the phone, he was so happy to have you publishing his book, he was always concerned with doing it the right way and also his way. I helped him and Emma-Stina with some of the information and photos. Thank you again for being a good friend to my friend and Skipper.
Take care,
TED WAL:THER

Posted By: TED WALTHER | Posted on: Feb 28, 2012 - 9:16am
Total Posts: 3059 | Joined: Oct 16, 2006 - 7:42am

Thanks to Will, Frank and Ted for your comments. I did inform Emma-Stina of the discussion about Ken's book on this forum and gave her the links to it, which she visited and then sent me the reply, which is presented below.

Ray

Hi Ray,

How exciting!!!!!! Regarding the comments: Ted Walthers was a young sailor at the time Ken was in the Navy. I do not remember just when they met. I am sure that he has stayed in the Navy and risen in the ranks to what, I am not sure. My memory is bad, since I have been so preoccupied with Ken for several years now. Ted kept up with Ken through the years, very devotedly. During Kens stay at home, while having succumbed to Alzheimers, Ted wrote him often. His interest in the Navy and boats have stayed with him through the years. He seems to learn more and more. He sent Ken gifts of music, etc., while he was still at home to cheer him up. He did a lot of research on PT48, and followed the owners, and how it was used in different ways, until its last purchase by a man, who was going to make a museum of his Navy collection. Nothing seems to have come of it, after the boat was shipped to its new destination. Ken was approached and invited to attend the ceremonies at the time of the purchase, but, of course, was not able to attend. That was after the book was published, I am sure, or otherwise I would have mentioned it to you.

I am so glad there is some movement [in the book]. You said once, that there would be interest in the pictures. Please be so kind and answer or comment on anything. I just do not have the time now, to put myself back into this. I am so overwhelmed with my tasks as they are. Thats why I do not write more often. I have to withdraw from our responsibilities of representing an artist, Burgoyne Diller, whose heirs we have looked after, when it comes to his art, since the 70s. I have someone who will take it over, but it will involve easing out of contracts, etc., etc. It will eat up a lot of time. Then there is everything else, including Ken, who is content in his new home.

Oh, please add a hard cover to my order. I will pay by check, as I do not handle monetary matters on the computer. I will donate it to the library here. I hope Ken will be able to sign the books. I am not sure, but if he still is, it will not be for long.

Thank you for the good news. It made my day.

I hope you are taking good care of yourself!

Emma-Stina

Ray Merriam
Owner, Merriam Press
Bennington VT

Posted By: Ray Merriam | Posted on: Feb 28, 2012 - 3:44pm
Total Posts: | Joined: Unregistered

God bless, Emma-Stina

Will

Posted By: Will Day | Posted on: Feb 28, 2012 - 6:06pm
Total Posts: 1955 | Joined: Oct 8, 2006 - 4:19pm

I second that Will
Take care,
TED

Posted By: TED WALTHER | Posted on: Mar 1, 2012 - 8:27am
Total Posts: 3059 | Joined: Oct 16, 2006 - 7:42am

What a great book! I read it in 2 days! Couldnt put it down! Going to order the DVD version soon.

Dam the torpedoes...full speed ahead!

Posted By: Michael Snodgrass | Posted on: Mar 14, 2012 - 1:37pm
Total Posts: 31 | Joined: Dec 28, 2011 - 12:52am

I too ordered Mr. Prescott's book - did not know it was available until it was mentioned here on the board. I enjoyed reading it. I especially liked the pictures and description at Calvertville. I was there at about the same time he mentions. We were never based at the Russells and was only at the base enroute to Rendova a couple of times so I don't remember much about it. The book is very factual.

C. J. Willis

Posted By: CJ Willis | Posted on: Mar 14, 2012 - 2:31pm
Total Posts: 464 | Joined: Nov 5, 2006 - 5:02pm

Hello CJ

It's always nice to hear from you on the message board. I hope all is well with you............

Posted By: Frank J Andruss Sr | Posted on: Mar 14, 2012 - 6:03pm
Total Posts: 3497 | Joined: Oct 9, 2006 - 6:09am

Frank Thanks for acknowledging my comments. Not many of us "old salts" write on the message board anymore. I miss the discussions with Earl Richmond, Bob Pickett and others that we used to have on the board. God has blessed me with reasonablly good health for 87 and I am thankful for that. I keep busy and work out regularly at the fitness center. I also enjoy reading the message board and certainly appreciate what you young guys do to promote PT Boats.

C. J. Willis

Posted By: CJ Willis | Posted on: Mar 15, 2012 - 7:41am
Total Posts: 464 | Joined: Nov 5, 2006 - 5:02pm

C.J.
Good to hear from you again. previously mentioned in an earlier post in this tread, "Ken Never made it to Rendova". Yes, he and PT 48 did, it was after the boats conversion( two roll-off racks, MK 13 torpedoes, SO-A Radar, and a low mounted 37mm on the bow) This photo is not only in Ken's book but also Al's I will post it later, It is of PT 48 at the pier on Bau Island, and maybe you can I.D. it but there is a building in front of the boat, maybe it's the chow hall? I am guessing but I believe the time frame is Oct-Nov 1943, RON 2 was decommissioned on 11,November 1943, and every 77' Elco was transferred to RON 3(PT 's 21,23,25,26,36-40,45-48,59,60,61).
. RON 3 boats did move up to Bau, and remained in this area until late Spring 1944 for training purposes and shuttling personel back to Tulagi. This is also the time frame PT 48 was detached to Marine Parachute Regiment 1.
take care,
TED

Posted By: TED WALTHER | Posted on: Mar 15, 2012 - 11:38am
Total Posts: 3059 | Joined: Oct 16, 2006 - 7:42am