The following email was received by the Post:
My name is Juan Vera. I am the State Underwater Archaeologist in Puerto Rico. A few years ago we rediscovered a Fletcher Class destroyer in Puerto Rico. We have since identified it as the USS Killen DD-593. I have researched the history of the ship and its crew. One of your members, Amos B Chapman S2/C USNR, was a crew member on the Killen. I have put together a pictorial tribute to honor the ship and her crew for their service in a time of need. The Killen received a deadly attack on 1 November 1944. This year on the 70 anniversary of the attack, I laid a wreath and read the names of the 17 young sailors that gave their lives that day. I am sending you a copy of the tribute and would deeply appreciate if you can give a copy to Mr. Amos Chapman and his family. If I have made any mistakes in this tribute I would be glad to correct them or if Mr. Chapman or his family would like any photos or comment added, I would be more than happy to do so.
Amos B. Chapman
Amos grew up in Toppenish, WA but also lived in Seattle and graduated from Franklin HS. He joined the US Navy in May, 1943, just a couple months before turning 18. He served aboard the USS Killen (DD-593) in the Pacific as a Fire Controller. The Killen was a new destroyer built in Bremerton. It provided convoy escort, shore bombardment and antiaircraft screen. It participated in action in the Surigao Strait. The Killen was attacked by 9 Japanese Aircraft off of Leyte and was heavily damaged by a bomb, killing 15 crewmen. Amos resides in Edmonds. Amos retired from the US Postal Service Seattle. He has 3 daughters, 7 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.
We appreciate receiving stories about our members. The report that Mr. Vera send with his email was quite extensive and far too lengthy to be included in this newsletter. The fact that someone took the time to learn the history of a ship and its crew is remarkable. Amos and the crew of the USS Killen have our deepest thanks for their service.