LSM 168 was commissioned 7 Sept 1944, C.O. Lt. Roger Whelan, USNR. The ship was involved in Brunei Bay Operation 10-14 June 1945, Visayan Island Landings 2 April 1945, and decommissioned 5 Sept 1946

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Subj: Thank You!
Date: 6/14/00 9:52:58 PM Central Daylight Time
From: Mitchywomn

Warren,

Thank you so very much for sending the pictures. I received both and found Dad right away. I can't tell you how much it means to see him in these photos. He has been gone for 25 years and I miss him so very much. He passed just months after my son was born and I believe that he is my son's guardian angel as there are so many "coincidences" since my son joined the Navy 3 years ago. Both graduated on May 2 from Great Lakes and both went to Little Creek to meet their ship. My son is serving on CG-68 (USS Anzio), while Dad was on LSM-168. Can't tell me he's not watching over him!

I called my mother in Illinois to tell her of the photo and will be sending copies to my sister and brother there. She was very excited to hear about it and looks forward to seeing the picture on the website at my sister's house.

My husband, Wayne, is also a former Navy man. He served from 60-64 as a Navy Corpman and was assigned to the USS Pine Island. He has connected with his shipmates on the web recently as well. Isn't the internet wonderful!

My husband and I really appreciate the letter to President Clinton! There is such a lack of comprehension these days as to what our fathers and brothers (mine was in Viet Nam and my husband's died in France in WWII) did to maintain the freedom we all enjoy. I work in the Health Dept. in Austin, Tx. and I have taken over a wall in the hall outside my office on which I have posted pictures, articles, historical reviews of the "current event" in history. Recently I had a Memorial Day tribute, then D-Day and Battle of Midway. I really think people must be reminded of what has happened to give them the life they take for granted. Today it was Flag Day and soon I will change it to the Anniversary of the start of the Korean War. Just little steps to help make others aware of the price that has been paid.

I am sending you copies of the photos I wrote about earlier, all as separate files. The first one of LSM 168 is attached to this note. My Dad was BM2 Samuel McGaw, and he is now listed in the log on the Navy Memorial Website. The photo I am sending has a typed notation on the back as such: L.S.M. 168 AFTER LAUNCHING U.S. NAVY YARD, S.C. July 28, 1944. It also has stamped on the back "If published credit must be given as follows "Official Photograph U.S. Navy" The letter accompanying the photo states it is the only print available in the USN files for this particular ship and is dated 13 January, 1948.

Again, thank you so much for this website. It is wonderful - all of it! I hope to make a trip to Omaha someday soon to see LSM 45. First, we have a wedding in August in Ohio when my son returns from the Mediterranean. The family tree continues to grow! Maybe we will get another sailor someday!

With much appreciation, Linda Mitchell

BM2c Samuel McGaw

This photo was with Dad's things from WWII. He is the fella' in the middle. He noted two names and addresses on the back, presumably the other two fella's: John M. Parker, Hanford, Calif. Michael J. Alvaro, Lyons, N.Y.

They must have been shipmates as Dad served on no other ship than LSM 168.

Linda

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