Feb. 7, 2002
I served on the SLC from July 2, 1943 until Feb. 26, 1946. I was in the 10th Division, 20mm anti-aircraft sky aft.

I think the SLC was the best ship in the entire Navy. She was not afraid of anything and fought when called upon. I remember shooting down suicide planes.... holding our ground and fighting like men.

I miss the ship very much and will go to my grave thinking about my shipmates.

I regret not being able to attend any of the reunions and not seeing my shipmates. I have had 5 heart bypasses, cancer and I am on dialysis three times a week. Not a day goes by that I don't remember what happened while on the SLC. I have a ship's book from the war and look at it every so often.

Thank you for being in touch.
Launie A. Stone

Jeff Stone, son