Reunions
Almost the same crew that sailed the MAD HOOLIGAN away from U.S. shores in 1944, brought her home again two years later, proudly displaying two battle stars. When our ship was mothballed in 1946, the few crew members left aboard, departed, thinking all each wanted from the war and the military, was as one put it, "a faint recollection".
NOT SO!!!!!!!!!!!!
In 1977 we held our first reunion in Atlantic City, NJ. Over 150 shipmates,
families, and friends were there. We never had another reunion like this one.
Why? As each of us entered the reception room, the only facial memory we had
was of shipmates then in their early twenties. What a change! Here before us
were men mostly in their late fifties, most portly, some bald, and all a far
cry from that image we remembered. This first reunion was great. So have the
many reunions since 1977. Although our numbers have dwindled, our camaraderie
continues. What is even better, reunions have become a family affair. Our
wives do most of the organizing and planning. We want everyone to know we are
proud of the girls to whom we came home.
Warren Young, captain of the Mad Hooligan is shown in the above photo taken
aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Dauntless. The Dauntless and its crew took part
in the 1979 reunion arranged by our skipper in St. Croix USVI. Warren Young
instigated our first reunion and organized our second reunion two years later.
Unfortunately, due to his untimely death, these were the only reunions he was
able to attend. Had he lived, I'm sure he would never miss any of our
get-togethers. He is remembered at all our reunions.
Reunions have been held in New Jersey, US Virgin Islands, Illinois,
Massachusetts, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Virginia, South Carolina, Tennessee,
Georgia, and several times in Florida.
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