I just returned from our Memorial Service for the Emmons and her Crew. Attached you will find photographs of our Memorial to you and your ship taken during the service.

Captain John Green USN, Commanding Officer of Fleet Activities Okinawa, assisted by his Chaplain, representatives from both the VFW and American Legion here on Okinawa paid a wonderful tribute to the efforts and memory of those who toiled her for freedom and gave their full measure. In the photos you will see a wreath laying by the VFW, Captain Green giving his remarks, TAPs being sounded for Emmons and those who went down with her, and Mr Rich Ruth offering a ceremonial toast of Rum to Emmons and her crew. You will also see a picture of Rich and I reading off the names of those who are listed as KIA and MIA just after the wreaths were laid over Emmons.

I gave some remarks on behalf of the Emmons Survivors Association thanking everyone of the 25 people who accepted Captain Green's invitation to the Memorial Service. It was a very nice ceremony that was videotaped by the American Forces Television Network and several other folks. I hope these photographs begin to portray the respect we have for you and your ship.

Semper Fidelis,

John Chandler

VFW laying a wreath assisted by Captain Green on the right and John Chandler on the left.	Rich Ruth (right) and John Chandler (left) reading the names of KIA and MIAs.
The bugler sounding TAPS.	Captain Green and his Master Chief
Rich Ruth offering a Rum Toast to the Emmons and her Crew.

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Information and photos courtesy of Rich Ruth and John Chandler. Thanks to them for making this possible.
The authors of this website and the Emmons Association are not liable for any problems encountered in diving on the Emmons. Do so at your own risk.