Stan Ketron
Plank Owner and Survivor of Okinawa

 


Ship and Plank Owner Living Parallel Life
By Marshall DuBois and the USS Rich

Special Edition
Volume 1, Number 1 December 2008

The Sumner-class USS LAFFEY (DD 724) is a highly decorated World War II destroyer who is serving her retirement as a museum ship at Patriot’s Point Naval and Maritime Museum located at Mount Pleasant (Charleston), South Carolina.

On April 16, 1945 the ship was attacked by 22 Japanese Kamikaze aircraft during an 80 minute battle in which LAFFEY shot down 9 attackers while being struck by 6 kamikazes and 4 bombs. At the end of the melee 32 crew members had been killed, 71 wounded and 70% of the ship’s weaponry had been damaged or destroyed. The battle had become the most intense kamikaze attack of the war and the destroyer earned the moniker “The Ship That Wouldn’t Die”.

Today, the 65-year old ship is experiencing signs of old age. Steel and salt water have never mixed well and the major hull repairs below the waterline some 14 years ago are now needing some expensive attention in order to keep her afloat. Such efforts are underway and the ship is not in imminent danger.

Back in November, 1943, a young seaman from Tennessee reported for duty aboard LAFFEY. His name was Stan Kentron and he was destined to become a Gunners Mate. He was a member of the first crew of LAFFEY thus earning the coveted title of “Plank Owner”.

Stan was aboard when LAFFEY steamed into that infamous battle so far from our shores. It is through his courage and that of his shipmates that the United States went on to win the war for which we owe a debt of gratitude.

What’s the parallel?  It seems that both Stan and LAFFEY are both feeling their age and have “damage below the waterline”. And both are expected to remain “afloat”.

Our job is to let them know of our appreciation and that our thoughts and prayers are with them through this difficult time.  In Navy lingo, “Bravo Zulu” and wishes to Get Well from a grateful brotherhood of tin can sailors.


All Hands:

We have a shipmate injured and needs to have a card or letter sent to him to cheer him up.

Stan Ketron, plank owner and survivor of Okinawa has ended up in a nursing home after falling and fracturing his pelvic bone and breaking one of his arms. While not life threatening at this point, it isn't the best of circumstances for him.

I know he would appreciate a call or a Christmas card by any of his shipmates.

Let's let Stan know that we don't forget our old shipmates.

His address:

Stan Ketron, Room 122
Brookhaven Manor
2035 Stonebrook Place
Kingsport, TN 37660

Phone: (423) 246-8934

Thanks,

Sonny
Walker

 

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