Santa Cruz man tells tale of ramming a German U-boat

...of you, Mr. Arsenault. You (and your wife!) were and thankfully still today are shining members OF OUR GREATEST GENERATION!
We all owe you and all our veterans so much and are so thankful for your service and sacrifice. We won't forget.
http://www.thewall-usa.com/

http://www.thewall-usa.com/
"If you are able, save for them a place inside of you and save one backward glance when you are leaving for the places they can no longer go.

Be not ashamed to say you loved them, though you may or may not have always. Take what they have taught you with their dying and keep it with your own.

And in that time when men decide and feel safe to call the war insane, take one moment to embrace those gentle heroes you left behind.

Major Michael Davis O'Donnell
1 January 1970
Dak To, Vietnam
Listed as KIA February 7, 1978

A perfect example of why every day you live in a free society should be considered Veterans Day. My sincerest appreciation to my own father. Also to Frank, his shipmates and all of the other boys, men and women who have been there. I thank you on behalf of myself, my children and future generations.

You should be proud, sir. Thank you for sharing your story and thank you for your service.

Frank - thanks for your service during WW ll . The story brings back memories of my father who served in the Navy, on a Destroyer, during the war. You are one of many unsung heroes.

Congratulations and THANK YOU to Mr. Arsenault and his fellow members of the Greatest Generation.

His story is an inspiring life experience and he and his lovely wife an example to us all of that generation and the quality of their opionions and experiences.

As the waters of time pass beneath the bridges of space and being, much information (much of it formerly classified) has come to light that can add clarity to the recollections from this time.

The survivor that Mr Arsenault saw on the bridge of the U-Boot was First Lieutenant Wolf-Dietrich Danckworth. He was on the bridge and was thrown overboard. He was rescued from by escort vessel "Port Arthur".

WD Danckworth survived the war and returned to his family and later worked for NATO.

This is a link re Royal Navy interrogation of the capture enemy sailor.

http://www.uboatarchive.net/U-224INT.htm

Three Cheers for Mr Arsenault and his generation!

Sean Van Sommeran
Local mariner, independent scholar

You are a true Hero my friend. Thanks for your dedication and service. You are truly from the gtreatest generation. Johnny at the Harbor, saluting.

The Wall wrote:

http://www.thewall-usa.com/
"If you are able, save for them a place inside of you and save one backward glance when you are leaving for the places they can no longer go.
Be not ashamed to say you loved them, though you may or may not have always. Take what they have taught you with their dying and keep it with your own.
And in that time when men decide and feel safe to call the war insane, take one moment to embrace those gentle heroes you left behind.
Major Michael Davis O'Donnell
1 January 1970
Dak To, Vietnam
Listed as KIA February 7, 1978

How is he listed KIA in Viet Nam when we pulled out in 1973-74?
Another typo?

Much respect,
Sean

Togodamnus wrote:

<quoted text>
How is he listed KIA in Viet Nam when we pulled out in 1973-74?
Another typo?
Much respect,
Sean

To answer your question..he was more than likely MIA during the war and his body was never recovered and then listed KIA in 73-74. Check out www.virtualwall.com . It will tell you..I hope..Im looking now.
Johnny at the Harbor, answering questions.

I checked the website and there is summary of the battle that Major O'Donnell and his chopper crew flew that day in Dak to. It has his picture and gives you names of his comrades that also perished that day. Rest is peace my brothers..Johnny at the Harbor, Head bowed.

Frank, I know those dreams still haunt you. Thank you for all you have done in the name of freedom and liberty. Im am grateful to you for coming to our support in a time when you didnt have too. You are a brave and very much loved Canadian American. Thank you for allowing our families to live in safety, surrounded in love.
I love you,
lori

Johnnybitchin wrote:

I checked the website and there is summary of the battle that Major O'Donnell and his chopper crew flew that day in Dak to. It has his picture and gives you names of his comrades that also perished that day. Rest is peace my brothers..Johnny at the Harbor, Head bowed.

Roger that,
The MIA issue is as serious as ever, have a great day Johnny.
Fair winds and following seas mate,
Sean
PSRF
Since 1990

Fascinating and poignant story; thank you for sharing it with us, and thank you for your voluntary wartime service to the Canadian Navy, Mr. Arsenault.

After reading all these wonderful comments about you Uncle Frank, I got to tell you that if it weren't for guys like you, guys like me who spent 22 years in the United States Navy wouldn't have had things as good as we did!

My dad called me yesterday very excited to let me know about the article and I can verify from my own recollection and through all of our own personal conversations, that you never mentioned the u-boat story.

I find it facinating and can tell you from my own personal experiences in the Navy, we never had the opportunity to part of something that made a difference as you have.

I'm proud of you Uncle Frank and glad you chose my Aunt Jeri as your wife to share all those wonderful years together. From one Sailor to another, I salute you for your service and thank you for being who you are! Give my love to Aunt Jeri...and I hope we can visit after I'm better and able to get out and about once again...

Bobby