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Torpedomen take a break with
a couple of friends - most likely
while at Mare Island in 1943 or
1944.
Pictured left to right: |
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These four torpedomen are (from left to right):
Austin F. Wagner - TM3c |
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As noted, all of the identified men above were part of the ship's original crew.
Gene Lukowski was killed in a 5-inch gun accident on July 23, 1944, just a few days
before his 22nd birthday. Torpedomen Kalhagen and Towell were detached from the ship on August 16, 1944 and sent
to Fleet Services School in San Diego. Carl Tillman lost his life when the USS BUSH
was sunk on April 6, 1945. Torpedomen Wagner and Kasparek survived the April 1945
sinking. The ratings shown are the last ratings while serving aboard the USS BUSH.
If you can identify the unknown face above, we would appreciate hearing from you.
Just e-mail us at: |
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The torpedo gang on a destroyer had to know quite a few things. The instructional
pamphlet from 1943 had six chapters. The information was divided into several broad
categories and covered subjects such as:
- Torpedo tubes and mounts On a tin can, to become a good torpedoman required a lot of study, training and teamwork. |
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The April 1944 revised "pamphlet" for the Mark 15 torpedo was 499 pages of pictures,
diagrams and text.
In the opening pages of the pamphlet, the term Mark 15 torpedo was noted to apply "to the complete torpedo and to the air flask, afterbody, tail and war head. The exercise head and gyroscope have individual designations". |