USS WASP CV-18 - Burial At Sea - LTJG Bill Spiller VF-152 - The Far East - 1956

[mgorilla52]

I was on the decomissioning crew aboard the old stinger. And that happened in Quanset Point, RI. I was on the Crash and salvage rescue team on the flight deck. I was in V-1 division. I served on her a little more than a year. I was also part of the last recovery crew to take an aircraft aboard. she was a (cvs) carrier at this time. my name is Morris Pratt. I loved serving on her. I hope all my old shipmates are doing well as i am. God bless the USS NAVY!

[TheEdward1961]

My Uncle Victor Mark Franke was on the Wasp during that cruise. He died at port from what I understand. Eddie Franke

[BigRedRockeater1930]

@TheEdward1961 Sorry to hear about your uncle.. My uncle shot more film while they were on shore leave in Japan. At some point I'll get it digitized and upload it. The film is mostly of all the USS Wasp sailors visting tourist spots in Hiroshima and Yakohama, where they were docked.

[cheval572]

My late father served aboard the USS Wasp during the Korean War

[masonkill1]

I have my grandfathers year book for the uss wasp cva-18 is that different then the cv-18?

[BigRedRockeater1930]

@masonkill1 The WASP was CVA-18 from 1952 - 1956. I believe it was the same vessel, just reclassified as it was refurbished with different capabilities. You can do a Google search on USS WASP and get the history.

[masonkill1]

@BigRedRockeater1930 k thanks man.

[suite16productions]

My grandfather was on the USS Wasp CV-18 during the collision with the CSS Hobson. He survived and is still living and his stories of that tragic day when 176 lost their lives is something he still shares with me.

[ct110spitfire]

My dad was on the wasp from '67-'71.

[phillyzig33]

@ct110spitfire So was my dad. what was his name?

[BigRedRockeater1930]

Your comment and the previous comment from "thehalusay" confirm the identity of the pilot, LTJG F.J. Spiller, VF-152. I really appreciate the extra background you provided as well. THANK YOU! Mystery solved.

[lproy3]

This video is of the burial at sea of Ltjg Bill Spiller. USNA '53. My squadron mate in VF-152 and roomate on the Wasp. He crashed a few thousand yards ahead/left of the ship, after probably loosing an engine on the cat shot, and not able to maintain airspeed and altitude, finally stalling into the sea. 4 oz. of his lung tissue was recovered and that is what we buried on the 16th or 17th of July, 1956. I was one of the pallbarers, along with other junior officers of 152.

[thehalusay]

My Cruise Book ("Stinger's Tale 1956", indicates two names "In Memoriam: LTJG F.J. Spiller, VF-152 and T.C. Kosciuszko, AT2, VAW-11. There is no further info on the burial at sea. But I do recall it and I believe ti was for Un-recovered body(s). If accessible, surely the Ship's Log would clarify.

I am positive the video is not of a pet or mascot. Sorry I can't be of more help. Hal

[BigRedRockeater1930]

Thanks for your comment. See the recent comment from "Iproy3" who also identified my uncle's movie as LTJG Spiller's burial at sea.

[thehalusay]

I was part of the USS Wasp "ship's Company" at the time of this video. I will check my "Cruise Book" and provide more info when/if I find it. Hal

[BigRedRockeater1930]

The memory I have from my uncle was that it was a pilot that went over the side. Perhaps someone knows the protocol for burial at sea when the body isn't recovered, and, perhaps for ship pets or mascots (if any). The mystery continues..

[rickywaddle]

A partial remains would still receive a full casket, either that or a simple body bag.

Such regalia is not common for a dog, although it is entirely possible. Looks like it could be a large urn, although I am just guessing.

[dunroamintexan]

Well, just spoke to my Dad and it wasn't the right time-frame for when LCDR Wally Storm crashed and went over the side.

I did notice that in this video, the casket was quite small. Is it possible it was the ships' mascot, Peso the dog?? I'm not trying to make light of any of this, but it just seemed to be very small for a casket....

[BigRedRockeater1930]

The casket was small. Perhaps the small size might indicate burned or partial remains. Oh well, it may have been poor Peso. We may never know. Thanks!

[dunroamintexan]

My Dad was onboard the USS WASP during this time and I might be wrong, but this could be when LCDR Wally Storm died when his plane overshot the carrier and went overboard. Did you ever find out? If you have more video/photos from that period, it sure would be nice to see more.

[BigRedRockeater1930]

Thanks! Your the first to respond with a name. I remember my late uncle saying that the pilot overshot the carrier. How did you know the pilot's name? Is your dad still alive? I don't have any other film of the ship. There is other "touristy" film taken during shore leave while docked at Hiroshima and/or (Nagasaki?). There are several candid shots of sailors. If your father or anyone is interested I could post the rest of the film. Perhaps someone would catch a glimpse of an old friend.

[greasemonkeyjoe]

Best way to find out is to contact the Department of the Navy and see if they can help you. If you have the Date it would help as well. It also could take a while as well, I don't think it is classified. They may ask you also why you want the info, it may help if you tell them you are honoring him with a video in his honor. Just a idea.