History

This is the launching page for historical information related to the Calvert’s service during WWII, Korea, and Vietnam.

The four main history sections of this site are:

Written historical documents:

A History of the USS Calvert (APA-32), by David. B. Cullen, Jr., is a 48-page book that covers the ship’s history from 1942 to 1966 and includes a detailed account of the Calvert’s invasions, operations and voyages during WWII, Korea, and Vietnam.Mr. Cullen served as an officer aboard the Calvert during WWII and he published this book in 1986. Copies were made available at cost via the Calversion newsletter and at reunions for many years. You can download the full .pdf document by clicking on the title above.

13 thoughts on “History

  1. Cecil Lee Henderson

    This is the ship my dad served on in WWII His name was Marvin Lee Henderson.
    He was a petite officer second class Machinist Mate. He didn’t talk much about the war and I was wandering If some way I could find out what his duties were. did he have to go in with the landing craft I know he told me that he saw a suicide plane sink a small aircraft carrier. He died in 1964 heart attack. I would like to see some WWII pictures if possible.

    Thanks
    Cecil Lee Henderson

    Reply
    1. Dennis Worthington

      There is a reunion group for the Calvert. Most of the WWII veterans have passed by now but there are a few left. My father is one.

      Reply
  2. Ted Garcia

    My dad, David Julio Garcia, Seaman 1st Class V-6, was aboard the USS Calvert. He said he was a cook. I would like to honor him with any pictures you might have of him. He just turned 86 yrs old. He was aboard during the time period of 04/-5/1956 to 04/30/1946.

    Reply
  3. Arnold and Dianne Weber

    My father, Warren T. Weber, also known as “Ted” or “Teddy” served as BM2C. He fought in No. Africa, Sicily, Pacific and was in Japan at Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
    His friends from home (New Jersey) during war time were Peter Lange and Kenneth Whitman. I believe Kenny Whitman was killed during WWII or was shipped back
    to the States where he died at a later date. Dad ran the Higgins’ boats during many invasions and spoke often of going in and out of “Pearl.” A major storm off the
    US Pacific coast late in the war occurred; he went out on deck and photographed 40 foot waves by securing himself with his feet to the railings. Around that time,
    he steered the USS Calvert down the Columbia River. He was helmsman and said the ship was about 500 feet long. If anyone has more information on him, his
    buddies, etc. please contact us. Thank you.

    P.S. His photo is in the 2nd Division Deck Crew/Boat Crew, circa 1943 or 1944, USS Calvert. He is in front row on the right.

    Reply
  4. Pingback: Warren “Ted” Weber – Boatswain Mate 2nd Class – WWII Crew Member | USS Calvert (APA-32)

  5. Louis W.Pontecorvo

    Dick; A friend of mine served on the USS Calvert during the Korean conflict in 1954.His name was Donald Jayne.Do you remember him or do you have any information about him? Sincerely,Louis

    Reply
    1. Jed Lutgen

      My Grandfather (Ambrose Wentland – FC1 – Holdingford, MN) was on the USS Calvert during WWII. I know he was there for Okinawa and went to Hiroshima after the Atomic bomb and Japan’s surrender. He didn’t talk much about his experiences. Seeing the aftermath at Hiroshima haunted him more than we all knew until his passing in 2010. I am very proud of him, and all of our troops of their sacrifices made for our freedoms!

      With Covid19 I have been trying to find out as much information about him, his ship, his mates, during this time so I can teach/tell my kids and Grandkids about their time in history. If anyone has any pictures, or info about the ship during this time frame that would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

      Reply
  6. Jed Lutgen

    My Grandfather (Ambrose Wentland – FC1 – Holdingford, MN) was on the USS Calvert during WWII. I know he was there for Okinawa and went to Hiroshima after the Atomic bomb and Japan’s surrender. He didn’t talk much about his experiences. Seeing the aftermath at Hiroshima haunted him more than we all knew until his passing in 2010. I am very proud of him, and all of our troops of their sacrifices made for our freedoms!

    With Covid19 I have been trying to find out as much information about him, his ship, his mates, during this time so I can teach/tell my kids and Grandkids about their time in history. If anyone has any pictures, or info about the ship during this time frame that would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

    Reply
    1. Chris Funck Post author

      Hi Jed, Thank you for visiting the Calvert web site. I will email you directly over the next day or two regarding more information you may find helpful regarding your grandfather’s time aboard the Calvert.
      Chris

      Reply
  7. Dean Thames

    I was aboard the USS Calvert for landing exercises at Camp Pendleton, as a Marine, in about September 1957. Not being much of a sailor, I suffered from seasickness. I was allowed to sleep on deck towards the bow as a special assignment.

    Reply
    1. Chris Funck Post author

      Hello Mr. Thames,
      Thank you for visiting the Calvert website and for you comment. From my records “14 November, when the Calvert, flying the flag of Rear Admiral Harold O. Larson, USN, Commander, Amphibious Group Three, and with Brigadier General Harvey C. Tschirgi, USMC, Assistant Division Commander, 1st Marine Division, and staff embarked, sailed for Camp Pendleton to participate in Phiblex 3-58.” Was that possibly the time you were aboard (i.e., November vs September)?

      Reply

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