Veterans and Friends of the USS Laffey Attend Memorial Service

On 1 October 2018, veterans and friends of the USS Laffey gathered aboard the fantail of their beloved ship for a service to remember the 32 sailors who were killed in action by Japanese bombers and kamikazes on 16 April 1945 and also the Laffey veterans who have died in the past year.

The memorial service is held aboard the USS Laffey each year and the list seems to grow longer of the veterans who have recently died.  This year, the following names were remembered and recognized with a solemn ringing of the bell:

- Karl Cooper MM3, 1964-67, died 1.4.2018

- Salvatore Belsito SFP3, 1965-67, died 11.21.2017

- Lloyd N. Hull LT, 1943-45, Plankowner, died 1.13.2018

- Luis Delavina EN2, 1951-55, died 4.11.2018

- Lon B. Wilson SN2/C, WWII veteran, died 2.25.2018

- Robert Elsberry MM2, 1958-62, died 4.3.2018

- Lyle "Pete" Lacore TM3, 1951-55, died 6.1.2018

- Aristides "Ari" Phoutrides QM1, 1943-46, Plankowner, died 6.7.2018

- Edwin Konopka FTG2, 1958-61, died 8.14.2018

- Waitman Kapaldo SHSN, 1943-45, Plankowner, died 8.20.2018

In addition, it was noted that Laffey veteran, Robert "Bob" Logsdon had passed away the day before (30 September 2018) at the age of 101.

In their memory, a wreath was cast from the fantail as Taps was played.  The ceremony was led by former Laffey Association veteran, Sonny Walker.  For photos from the event, check out the gallery below:

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