cmomm44 wrote:
Since my cutter is close to being finished (perhaps my special Christmas present) I thought a few words of appreciation and explanation would be in order. As many of you know from building so very many excellent replicas of WW2 naval warships, dreams and recalling our youth are part of many lives as we grow old. That was the driving reason for me to put a question on the internet as to "who would be interested in building an old vets dream? " Fortunately for me, Bill Waldorf was one who answered and offered his expertise to me and the pics on this website show just how well he has accomplished that task. Bill has been kind enough to keep me 'in the loop' every step of the build and hopefully I have been helpful to him as much of the material needed to complete my '464 is not available in plan form (at least we have not been able to find it). Other than 2 copies of official plans, first & last contracts which leave out much of the armament and little extras, we had to rely on a scant number of pics and my 88 yr old memory (I served 22 months on the '464) to give Bill enough to 'make something out of little'----he has more than fulfilled his promise and all I did was pay for material since BIll honors WW2 vets---can't beat that kind of offer from anywhere I know of. However, the financial advantage I was fortunate enough to get is far less than the emotional surge that comes from seeing my cutter in an action scene, sailing again on a anti-sub patrol course as we did so many times long years ago, is like a elixer of youth to this ancient vet. I have little to add but my sincere thanks to a Master Builder and new found friend, Bill Waldorf.
As an after thought, if anyone would like to know just what this class of US Coast Guard WPB 83' cutters did for over 20 years for the USA and specifically my CG 83464 during the years of WW2, I would be happy to give a further rundown of actions in other posts but do not want to intrude on the marvelous builds of all types of craft that I find on MW. Thank you for allowing me to ramble
Jack W Read - CMoMM USCG (Honorary Master Chief Petty Officer)
Thanks very much for the post. The 83 has been quite a challenge. More so than I had originally anticipated. I hope that I have made your life a little better, recalling those brave years during the war. I was honored to build your boat for you, and I hope that it has lived up to your expectations. I must thank-you for all your drawings, many photographs, and your keen memory as to the story of these small patrol craft. Hopefully with this replica, you will be able to spread the word to others about your experiences, and others like you, and preserve a little known but nonetheless important part of History.
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