RICHARD C. "DICK" HINZPETER, AOM3/C, born July 3, 1924 in Lake Geneva, WI. joined the USN Dec. 17, 1941 and was assigned to the USS Washington Jan. 13, 1942, 9th Div. and V Div.

He served in ship action from Jan. 13, 1942 to April 29, 1944 while at sea. His memorable experiences include the North Atlantic; Russia; King George and Punjabi collision; Savo Island Battle and Washington, Indiana. He was discharged with the rank of AOM3/c Dec. 18, 1961. His most memorable experiences include being rated chief petty officer.

He married Annabelle Wittig, Oct. 1, 1946 and they have a daughter. Carol and two sons, Richard and Gary and nine grandchildren and two great-granddaughters. His wife Ann passed away Aug. 16, 1991. He is now retired and traveling.

WILLIAM R. HIPPARD JR., born May 31, 1922 in Coulterville, IL, enlisted in the USNR Sept. 22, 1942 and reported on board USS Washington Nov. 12, 1944, served as with Div. JO and JWO. General Quarters Station was #4 engine room.

His most memorable experience was seeing the night bombardment of Iwo and listening to the chaplains description, over the PA system of the kamikaze attack on the USS Franklin.

He was honorably discharged June 12, 1946 and received four Battle Stars with accompanying ribbons.

Hippard was employed by Republic Steel Corporation and Reynolds Metals Company in engineering and management assignments. He retired Feb. 1, 1988. He married Patsy Parker Aug. 8, 1953 and they have two daughters, one son and four grandchildren.

JAMES DONALD HITTLE, BRIG GEN, reported to USS Washington in Philadelphia Navy Yard, May 31, 1941. Washington was assigned to be part of British Home Fleet, Scapa Flow, Orkneys. Lost their Admiral at sea on way to join British Home Fleet. With duty platoon from Washington, put down mutiny on SS Ironclad. Sailed as covering force for PO 17. SS Ironclad was in convoy. Went to GQ for Von Terpitz off northern Norway. ironclad, with skipper and new crew went north, painted ship white and proceeded to Murmansk. Capt. Moore, unbeknown to him that channel lights were off-set, piled up on rocks outside harbor. Later got another ship and participated in landings in North Africa. Detached USS Washington in Navy Yard Brooklyn and proceeded to Quantico, VA. Participated in latter operations in Guam. Was G-4 for Iwo Jima, 3rd Marine Div.

After active service in USMC Hittle was director, National Security and Foreign Affairs, VFW for eight years. Also columnist for Navy Times; served as correspondent. Mutual Broadcasting System; columnist Copley Newpapers; also director and founder D.C. National Bank. Served as senior vice president Pan American World Airways. Presently retired.

His decorations and medals include the Purple Heart, Legion of Merit w/combat V for Valor, Murmansk Commemoration, North China Medal, Asiatic-Pacific, North American and Atlantic, EAMF, two awards City of Paris (Gold and Silver).

ROBERT HOFEER JR., born Sept. 5, 1923 in Raymond, WA, joined the USMC Feb. 8, 1943, and was assigned to the USS Washington, July 27, 1943, as: a heavy antiaircraft gun crewman. He saw action in the Solomon Islands. Gilbert Islands, Marshall Islands, Saipan, Okinawa, Leyte, Luzon and Iwo Jima. On Oct. 3, 1945, he was honorably discharged as a corporal.

He was a co-owner of a service station with his brother. In 1947, he married Shirley Ford and they had three children: Kenneth, Nancy and Elaine. He was a member of the Raymond American Legion, the Pacific County #968 Veterans of Foreign Wars, and was an active 20 year member of the Willapa Lions Club. After his death, Aug. 15, 1979, the Lions Club renamed their park the Robert Hoffer Memorial Park.

POSEY L,. HOLBROOK, born Feb. 16, 1924 in Birmingham, AL, joined the USN Feb. 17, 1941,attended boot camp. Norfolk, VA. Assigned to USS Washington May 22, 1941,4th Div. Transferred to CR Div. November 1941.

He was aboard for all major action including Murmansk Runs, Third Battle of Savo Island, collision with USS Indiana, many bombardments and many air attacks. His most memorable experiences include the battle of Savo Island and collision with USS Indiana.

December 1944 he transferred to Flag Allowance Vice Adm. Lee Com-Bat Ran 2. Moved to USS South Dakota. Returned to US for further assignments Com 7th ND Miami also Jacksonville, FL; Pensacola NRTC; Birmingham TAK. Retired from the USNR July 1967.

He was awarded the American Campaign Medal, FAME Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Medal, Philippine Liberation/Guam, Saipan, China Service and the Good Conduct Medal.

He married Bess Holbrook, Dec. 31, 1945 and they have three daughters: Juanita, Linda and Virginia and three grandsons: Jason, Steven and James Michael. Holbrook is now retired from the trucking industry and still an active square dance caller after 37 years.