Olen J Mouser 1916-1999

This slideshow is a tribute to my Dad, Olen James Mouser. 1916-1999

Dad was from a generation of Men, the likes of which will probably never be seen again. He worked his entire life. And his work ethic was unlike anything you see today. He got up with the sun, and usually was still working when it went down. He was strong all his life, and could outwork me even into his eighties when he developed Alzheimers.

He was raised on a farm just outside of Blevins Arkansas. He graduated from Blevins High School. He then spent 6 months with the CCC's.

His Father Sid Mouser died of a massive stroke at age 58 in Hope Arkansas in 1952

His Mother Mamie (Stingley) Mouser died at age 94 in Hope Arkansas from natural causes in 1993.

He joined the Navy in Feb of 1940 and served untill 1946.
He was a Gunners Mate. He was first stationed on the USS Charleston, PG-51, an Eerie class Gunboat, up on the Alutian Ilsands out of Kodiak, Alaska. The USS Charleston was awarded one Battle Star.

(Yes, the Japanese really did land on, and fight on American soil. The islands of Attu, and Kiska were invaded, and successfuly recovered. The Battle of Attu Island was one of the Bloodiest Battles of WW2, and occured in May of 1943. In usual fashion, the Japanese fought to the very last man, with the last few men killing themselves, by holding a grenade to thier forehead, instead of surrendering.)

Besides assisting in the battle for Attu, the Charleston fought the Japanese on several occasions, once 15 Japanese planes tried to torpedo her, but by using some extraordinary zig-zagging moves, the ship was not hit, and they were able to bring down one of the planes.

His younger Brother Willie Mouser was killed by a Japanese torpedo while on the USS New Orleans, CA-32, a heavy cruiser, on Nov 30, 1942 off Guadalcanal, in the Battle of Tassafaronga, and Dad had a very rough time with this. Also his first cousin William "Henry" Mouser (Uncle Arthurs Son) was taken prisoner on Corrigidor, he survived the Bataan death march, and was taken to Japan where he was tortured to death. Dad didn't feel that serving up in Alaska was the right thing for him, since it looked like there was to be no more major battles in Alaska. I also kinda think he wanted revenge for his little Brothers death, and wanted to be involved in the invasion of Japan.
Plus, it was cold as hell up there.

So, he transferred to the USS Oklahoma City, CL-91, a Light Cruiser. This ship entered the war a little late, but was awarded two battle stars. They fought numerous battles off the coast of Japan. They were in to Tokyo Harbor about a month after the Surrender, and he had some photos of some very dramatic scenes. He held no anymosity for the Japanese, and was glad to put the war behind him.

He and Myra got married in Nov of 1943, and after the war, they farmed in Arkansas for a year. He discovered he was not cut out to be a dirt farmer, so they headed up North to Oregon, in 1948, where his Uncle Theo lived. They raised 7 kids.

He became a logger, specifically a Tree Faller, and he did this for over 10 years. First in the Willamette Valley, but he was bothered by poison oak, so they moved to Bend, where he continued as a Faller, but there is no poison oak due to the elevation.

In 1959 he bought a farm in Tumalo Oregon, He named Tumalo Farms Inc. He made it into a chicken egg ranch, with over 7,000 laying hens in two chicken houses wich he designed and built himself. They were very modern for that time. They were partially underground, and are still standing to this day. He later went into road construction. He was successful in whatever he did.

Dad always had horses, and he used old fashioned veterinary techniques that he had learned from his Dad. Frequently amazing some of the local veterinarians.

Dad did some drinking in his younger days, but for all of my life he was a tea-totaller and I never seen him take even one sip of alcohol. He was definately against drinking alcohol of any kind. Mom however would drink once a year, New Years Eve, wich meant New Years Dinner always kinda sucked.. ha.

He was a Leader, not a Follower.

I'm so sorry your last days were so difficult Dad. I wish I could have done more, I felt so helpless. If I had it to do over again, there are so many things I would have done differently. Alzhiemers is such a horrible disease. I was with you when you died, and it was absolutely the worst day of my entire life.

I miss you Dad,
You were my Hero,
Your Loving Son,
Sid.

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[djb0110]

They Certainly were heroic. Thanks for posting, My Dad just got back from the last reunion of the USS New Orleans which was held in Texas. I'll have to show him this post. He boarded the ship just after the repairs were done from the Battle of Tassafaronga and they went on to get many more battle stars. Dad was lucky to get back. He wrote a book that we hope to get published someday. My wife plans to make it an E-book when time allows.

[hayseed1957]

@djb0110

Thanks so much for stopping in and commenting. I am aquainted with several of the surviving crewmembers from the Mighty USS New Orleans CA-32. Please give my highest regards to your Dad. What an incredible group of men. I know they just had thier last and final reunion. I heard about the shot glasses that were given out and all, that was just great.

[hayseed1957]

@djb0110

The Mighty USS New Orleans, CA-32 earned 17 Battle Stars.

My Uncle Willie was on her at Pearl Harbor, and went down with the Bow at Tassafaronga, but I'll bet he was there at the final reunion celebrating with the rest of his Shipmates.

An incredible generation of men. Thanks to all of the WW2 veterans.

"Praise the Lord, and Pass the Ammunition". Chaplain Forgey, USS New Orleans, Pearl Harbor, Nov 7, 1941

[Kentobean1972]

My Grandfather was on the USS Minneapolis, the sister ship of the New Orleans, during the battle of Tassafaronga. They took two torpedos also. If you get a chance, buy the book "the battle of Tassafaronga" it is chilling. BTW, I really enjoyed your video.  Kent

[hayseed1957]

Thanks for commenting Kent,

I have read a lot about the Minneapolis, did your Grandfather make it home OK?. What was his Rate?. I was recently given a book, "Hell at Tassafaronga" by one of the New Orleans Crewmembers. It was written by Herb Brown.

The Mighty USS New Orleans crew recently had what may be thier last reunion, where over twenty shipmates showed up. What an incredible bunch of Men they are.

[jennifer111856]

Sid,

I keep trying to "comment" on how awesome this is..But I don't think it's going thru??? You did a wonderful job on this!!!! I cried all the way from start to finish. BUT...is was a good cry. Man..you did a fantastic job!!!!

[hayseed1957]

Thanks Jenny, Glad you liked it. Thanks so much for dropping by. Take Care Cuz,

Love,

Hayseed......

[debulipie]

A wonderful tribute to your dad! Mine was on the Minneapolis at the Battle of Tassafaronga also. I am gathering info to make a book about his war experiences. He didn't want to talk about it much, but now that I am piecing together his life at that time, I wish I still had him to ask him questions! Now I feel compelled to do a slideshow like yours. So meaningful, look how many people you have shared with. The pic of your dad with pocket protector got to me. So like my dad! Thanks! Debra

[gl1800beast]

Uncle Olen was my papa's brother.Leslie Mouser.

[alolly2]

I just read this again....and here I sit, crying like a baby....This makes me proud and sad at the same time. I miss dad so much. Life goes way too fast!!!