MELVIN E. BECKSTRAND, CSK, born April 19, 1919, joined the USN in November 1941. He was assigned to the USS Washington in January 1942. Station/job on ship: Spare parts (CSK). He served aboard the USS Washington for two and one-half years and on the USS Kwajalein for one and one-half years.

Beckstrand was discharged in October 1945. He was awarded Battle Stars and ribbons.

He and his wife, Marie, have two children, Bradley and Sandra. Beckstrand is presently farming and ranching.

HOWARD H.J. BENSON, ADM, born Oct. 8, 1888, Baltimore, MD, the son of Adm. William S. Benson and Mary A. Benson. Graduated from the USNA in June 1909.

Served on battleship Vermont until April 1912 when ordered to submarine Flotilla. In July 1913 he fitted out and commanded submarine H-2.

From January 1916-July 1917 he had duty at Navy Yard, Washington, D.C. and Navy Department. Then duty in connection with steam fishing vessels for distant patrol duty, served as aide to commander Patrol Forces 3 and 4, and command of Guinevere, Noma Corona, Roe and duty on the destroyer Sigourney. After return to US he commanded the destroyers Buchanan, Yarnall and Howard.

From September 1920-June 1922 was instructor at the USNA, then commanded destroyer S.P. Lee. In October 1922 he was assigned to battleship Tennessee and served as first lieutenant and then navigator until March 1925

After two years in the Hydrographic Office, Navy Dept., he commanded the destroyer Sloat from May 1927-1929. He attended the Naval War College at Newport from 1929-May 1930, senior course.

Reported as executive officer in the department of navigation, USNA. Headed the department from Feb. 6, 1932-July 25, 1932. Became commanding officer of the oil tanker Sapelo and a month later assigned as executive officer of the battleship Tennessee. On May 4, 1934, he assumed command of the Tennessee and proceeded to Culebra and New York City. At New York the fleet was reviewed by President Roosevelt.

Attended the Army War College, Washington, D.C. June 1934-June 1935, then assigned to the Shore Establishment Div., Navy Dept.

In June 1936 he returned to sea duty commanding submarine tender Holland and in July assumed command of station ship at the USNA. He remained there until March 1941, when he reported for fitting out of USS Washington, and assumed command of Washington May 15, 1941.

Under his command Washington operated from Scapa Flow with the British Home Fleet guarding convoys between Iceland and Russia against possible action by German Battle Fleet.

Benson was detached from command of Washington in July 1942. He served as chief of staff of Seventh Naval District and Gulf Sea Frontier. He retired from active duty Nov. 1, 1946, as commodore.

Benson was awarded the Navy Cross (WWI), the Legion of Merit (WWII), Victory Medal, Patrol Clasp (WWI), second Nicaraguan Campaign Medal, American Defense Service Medal w/Fleet Clasp, American Campaign Medal, EAME Campaign Medal and WWII Victory Medal. He has also been awarded the Order of the Southern Cross and diploma from Brazil and the Oak Leaf Emblem for Distinguished Service.

JAMES B. BIAS, born Sept. 14, 1923, Logan, WV, joined the USN Feb. 17, 1941, and was assigned to the USS Washington as a gunners mate on turret #2 in May 1941.

He saw all action for 34 months including the Battle of Savo Nov. 14, 1942, while receiving 14 Battle Stars, American Theater, Good Conduct, Asiatic-Pacific, European & African, American Defense and WWII Victory Medals.

He remembers as a 17-year-old relaxing on the deck looking at the clouds, they suddenly parted and a Jap plane appeared and he saw the Rising Sun painted on the wings. All of a sudden all Hell broke out as the fleet fired at the plane.

One day while in Pearl Harbor he decided to get a shave. The barber was a young Japanese girl who used a razor that had JAPAN stamped on it. As she ran the blade over his neck all he could think about was getting out of there.

After achieving the rank of first class he was discharged Nov. 19, 1946. He is now a retired mechanic living in southern San Francisco, CA.

He married the former Hazel Campton in 1945 and was happily married for 51 years until her passing on Nov. 2, 1996. They have four married sons and nine grandchildren.

James passed away January 15, 2007 peacefully and unexpectingly. The family would like everyone to know that the reunions meant a lot to him these past years and that he enjoyed having the friends in the navy to talk with.
Thank you,
Dave Bias

POWERTAN BLANCHETT, born April 7, 1924, Nancemond County, VA was among the original roster of the USS Washington where he served as mess attendant. He served aboard the Washington for her shakedown cruise. Believes they were the first battleship to be refueled while underway. On the rough voyage to Rekejavik, they lost two seamen and their captain. A turret became inoperable. Experts were flown from Philadelphia to make repairs.

At Scapa Flow, President Roosevelt's son, King George, and Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. toured their ship. As they left Scapa Flow, the battleship King George ran into another British ship, a "tin can." As the doomed ship sank, the depth charges were exploding. Few survivors were saved. Joining Task Force 39, the Washington escorted convoys to Russia. His battle station in those scary days was many many decks below. He left the Washington, attended Fleet Service School and became an officer's cook. Service aboard the Claxton, Engstrom, OBQ, Adak, the Vallejo Naval Base and finally honorable discharge at Shoemaker, CA Oct. 12, 1945.

He and his wife, Sarajane, have five sons and two daughters. Blanchett is a retired teamster.

Published in Charlotte Observer from December 13 to December 14, 2009

JOHN H. BOGHOSIAN, EM 2/C, born Jan. 3, 1923, St. Louis, MO, joined the USN Sept. 17, 1943, and was assigned to the USS Washington in May 1944. He served on 16" gun, turret #3, as electrician.

His memorable experiences: Dry docking in AB&D-2 and passing through the Panama Canal in 1945. Remembering the USS Franklin come back to life, after the kamikaze attack and steam back to Pearl Harbor under her own power for repairs.

Action while at sea included the bombardment of Saipan, battle of the Philippine Sea, Palau, Okinawa, Iwo Jima, Taiwan, Luzon and the battle of Leyte Gulf. He was called back into service in 1951 for the Korean War, and served aboard the USS Earl K. Olson DE-765.

Boghosian was awarded the American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, EAME Campaign Medal, Victory Medal, Philippine Liberation Medal and Korean Campaign Medal.

He married the former, Ann Aslanian, April 15, 1950. They have one daughter, Linda Schmitt; one son, Paul; and five grandsons. Boghosian was employed as a radio electrician in 1953 and retired as a flight test buyer in 1987 from McDonnell Douglas Aircraft.

He and Ann are enjoying their retirement with their grandchildren, visiting their friends, dining out often and traveling now and then.

OLIVER L. "BO" BOHANNON, SR., SF 3/C, born Dec. 3, 1923, Louisville, KY, Jefferson County, joined the USN Dec. 17, 1941, at age 18. He was assigned to the USS Washington BB-56 Jan. 13, 1942, as seaman the first year, then the R Div. Shipfitter Shop. He was on board ship for all major action�Murmansk Run, third battle of Savo Island, collision with USS Indiana-bombardments and air attacks.

His memorable experiences: The sinking of the Kirishima and Avanami.

After discharge as 3rd class shipfitter Nov. 5, 1945, he re-enlisted for six years June 30, 1946, as shipfitter 3/c. After 22 years he was discharged from naval service Dec. 27, 1962, as chief shipfitter. May 3, 1966, he worked at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Portsmouth, VA as a pipefitter WG-10 5th step. After 21 years of civil service he retired May 1, 1987.

He married the late Germaine B. Hassison, from Fall River, MA. They had four sons, one daughter, two grandsons and three granddaughters. They made their home at Virginia Beach, VA.

ROBERT L. BOST, COXSWAIN, born March 20, 1925, Napoleon, OH, joined the USN May 15. 1942, and was assigned to the USS Washington in July 1942. He was assigned as sail locker on ship.I

His memorable experience: Knocked overboard when they lost their anchor.

Bost participated in the entire Pacific Campaign. He was awarded the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, WWII Victory Medal, etc. Discharged March 24, 1946.

He and his wife, Evelyn, have five children. Presently retired as locomotive engineer.

LINFORD BOYD JR., born May 14, 1924, Ecorse, Ml, joined the USN Dec. 17, 1941. Short training at Navy Pier, Chicago, then left for Key West, FL. Assigned to USS Washington in Gulf of Mexico in January 1942. Served in American Theatre, European Theater w/1 star, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign w/12 stars Philippine Liberation w/2 stars and Guam w/1 star Main assignment was 20mm gunner.

His memorable experiences: Refueling and taking on supplies at sea and the battle of Savo Island. Discharged Oct. 13, 1945.

He married the former Doris Shelt March 17, 1946, and has two children and two grandchildren. He started his student trips on DT&L, Flat Rock, MI Oct. 19, 1945. Promoted to locomotive engineer Aug. 30, 1949. Served 41 years and six months.

BEA BRANTLEY, SN 1/C, born Feb. 26, 1922, (Buffalo Bill's birthday), Liberty County, TX. He joined the USN in Houston, TX Feb. 26, 1942. He first saw the USS Washington on TV as she was launched at the 1940 World's Fair in New York. Three years later, he was assigned to the greatest battleship to ever sail the ocean blue. He boarded the Washington in 1943 at Pearl Harbor and was assigned in I Div., as a lookout.

One of his most memorable times was as he watched the USS Washington 's 16 guns bombard Iwo Jima. His idols were the great Adm. Willis A. Lee of Kentucky and the great Capt. Good.

During his time on the Washington he rated nine Battle Stars including Good Conduct and other various medals. Brantley was honorably discharged as seaman first class at Camp Wallace, TX Oct. 11, 1945.

He is a retired rancher and guard from Union Carbide. He married the former Margaret Romero Nov. 24, 1956, who is now deceased. They have five children: Faith, Joan, Michael, Dorllyn and Lanette. He now enjoys his free time with his 13 grandchildren and little dog, Poncho, who reminds him of his shipmate, Zero.

JAMES F.BRESKE, EM 1/C, born Oct. 4, 1920, Milwaukee, WI, joined the USN in May 1944 and was assigned to the USS Washington in January 1945. He was stationed at power distribution.

His memorable experience: Going aboard the ship for the first time.

Boot camp at Great Lakes. Action at sea included Iwo Jima, Taiwan and Okinawa.

Breske was awarded Campaign Medals and Asiatic and American Defense Medal. Discharged Jan. 7, 1946.

He married the former Beverly Marger Oct. 11, 1941, (she passed away in August 1991). They have three daughters and one son. Retired in January 1986 as an electrical foreman. Spent the majority of his working career as an electrician.

ALBERT BRIGHTWELL, Damage Controlman 2/C, born Oct. 1, 1924, Louisville, KY, joined the USN Dec. 16, 1941, Naval Training Center, Great Lakes, IL. He boarded the USS Washington in January 1942 in the Gulf of Mexico. Left BB-56 Aug. 2, 1945.

Served aboard the USS Juneau from Feb. 23, 1948-Jan. 25, 1951.

Received American Theatre Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, WWII Victory Medal, EAME Campaign Medal, Philippine Liberation Medal, Navy Occupation Medal and Good Conduct Medal.

His most memorable experience: Watching their aircraft carrier being sunk at Guadalcanal and witnessing kamikaze attacks.

Received honorable discharge Jan. 25, 1951.

Employed 34 years as meter reader for Indiana Gas Co. Married the former Even Nalley Sept. 15, 1951. He has three sons: Albert Jr., Joseph and Bruce; and six grandchildren.

EDWARD M. BROWN, RM 2/C, born Aug. 4. 1920, DeWitt, AR. joined the USN May 29. 1942. and was assigned to the USS Washington in August 1942 in New York. Stationed in radio communications, made second class there. He was assigned to the flag and was a part of it until he received 31 points which made him eligible for shore duty stateside.

His first and most memorable experience: The night action Nov. 15, 1942, when the Washington sank the battleship off Savo Island. Also finding his brother on Manus Island when they went in to a floating dry dock to have their bow replaced and he went ashore there.

Discharged Nov. 6, 1945. Awarded the Philippine Liberation Ribbon w/2 stars, American Area Service Ribbon. WWII Victory Medal. and Asiatic-Pacific Service Ribbon w/8 stars.

He is a semi-retired real estate broker. He and his wife have been married for 50+ years. They have five children and nine grandchildren. His son. Randy, served and was wounded two times in Vietnam.

MELVIN F. BROWN, EM 2/C, born Sept. 18, 1925, Tribune, KS, joined the USN Jan. 8, 1942. He was assigned to the USS Washington from October 1942-November 1946. Station/job on ship: E Div., light locker and batter locker.

His memorable experiences: Battle of Savo, Iwo Jima, passing through Panama Canal and various other battles of the South Pacific.

Actions while at sea included all of the above, plus the encounter of the USS Washington and the transport of troops from the European Theatre.

He was awarded 15 Battle Stars, Good Conduct Medal and WWII Victory Medal. Discharged Jan. 18, 1946.

He married the former Margaret "Teenie" Bland July 1, 1951, Fort Scott, KS. They have one son, Terry; one daughter, Tammy; and three grandchildren: Toby, William and Megan. Semi-retired after owning and operating a truck line for 33 years.

JAMES BILLY BRYANT, GMC, born Aug. 25, 1923, Carbon Hill, AL, joined the USN Jan. 27, 1941. After boot camp in Norfolk, assigned to USS Washington May 1, 1941. He served turret #2 until Aug. 1, 1945, then sent to GM School in D.C. Decided on a naval career and served aboard the USS Duluth, Tsingtao, China, Ammo. Depot, Guam, PACRESFLT San Francisco, USS Pittsburgh, MCB-IO Guam and instructed at the GM School, Great Lakes his last three years prior to retirement Sept. 16, 1960, with the rating of GMC

In addition to Washington medals he was awarded a Command Commendation, Good Conduct Medal w/5 stars, Expert Pistol, Expert Rifle, China Service Medal and various occupational medals.

Upon retirement, lived in Waterford, CA for 15 years. Moved to west Tennessee in 1975 and has been active in real estate sales and related businesses many years. Married the former Leona Hinton many plus years ago and they have three children and four grandchildren. Now retired again, and lives on the Tennessee River near Camden.

ROBERT O. BUCHHOLZ, YN 2/C, born Jan. 30, 1922, Detroit, MI, joined the USN July 14, 1943, and was assigned to the USS Washington in March 1944. Served as intelligence yeoman in captain's office and admiral's tanker at GQ.

His memorable experiences: (1)Riding out two typhoons and looking and listening for survivors of destroyers caught dead in the water and breaking up. (2) Witnessing the carrier directly in front of them being destroyed by three Jap bombers. (3) Watching the 16" shells being fired 15 miles or so onto Okinawa. (4) Seeing a Japanese torpedo bomber being shot down by their 40mm quads a scant 50 yards away on his run to their starboard side. (5) Watching a Jap plane being shot down by a 20mm gunner on the signal bridge and the admiral remarking that the gunner just earned the Bronze Star. (6) Seeing his first hit by a kamikaze (on the Lexington) and cursing the war. (7) Watching the unfurling of the battle flag, which at the time, appeared to be at least a third of the ship's length. (8) While nearing dry dock, a boat load of nurses in swimsuits passing on the starboard and their loud speakers ordering half of the crew back to the portside.

Buchholz was awarded the American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal w/7 stars, Philippine Liberation Medal w/2 stars, Asian Occupation Service Medal, Victory Medal and Letter of Commendation. He was discharged Feb. 4, 1946.

He married the former Fran Dodsworth Aug. 10, 1946. They have two sons, two daughters and seven grandchildren. Retired from J.L. Hudson Co., finance division.

SYLVESTER M. BUDZINSKI, born Aug. 21, 1924, Webster, MA,joined the USN June 7, 1943, and was assigned to Newport Naval Training Station in Newport, RI. He attended Gunnery School and Fire Fighter School at the Naval Training Station.

On Aug. 18, 1943, he was assigned to the USS Alabama BB-60, transferred to the USS Washington BB-56 Sept. 22, 1943.

Was aboard for all major action in the Pacific, including the collision with the USS Indiana, typhoon and many bombardments and air attacks.

The most memorable experience was being made a coxswain of the captain's gig #3 motor whale boat and ready boat; and being lowered into the water while the battleship was still underway to rescue downed aircraft flyers and pilots.

On Feb. 18, 1946, he was discharged. He received 15 Battle Stars, European Theater Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, WWII Victory Medal, Expert Rifle Ribbon, Philippine Liberation Ribbon, Naval Occupation Medal, and Philippine Presidential Unit Citation Medal.

He is retired, owned and operated his own meat market for several years; later worked as a senior storekeeper in the purchasing department at Woic City Hospital. He is a member of the USS Washington's Reunion Group. He married the former Mary Ferro July 3, 1948. They have two children, Elaine and Brian; one grandson, and three granddaughters.

FRANK E. BULLOCK, MM 2/C, born Aug. 3, 1921, Nodaway, MO, joined the USN May 28, 1942, and was assigned to the USS Washington Aug. 1, 1942. He was stationed in the evaporator room and transferred to refrigeration and air conditioning.

He was on board in all actions from August 1942 September 1945.

His most memorable experiences: The time spent in the Bible Study classes which met each evening while at sea and the sinking of the Kirishima and Ayanami. He also enjoyed visiting with church leaders on Efate Island.

He left the ship at the end of September 1945 and was discharged Oct. 12, 1945, with the rate of machinist's mate second class. He received 14 Battle Stars. He served in the American area, Asiatic-Pacific area. and Philippine Liberation. Bullock received the Good Conduct Award.

He is a retired Southern Baptist Home Missionary. He married the former Rosella Hayden July 1, 1945. They have three daughters, eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.