In 2012, the Hadley shipmates, friends and family gathered in Texas for their 19th reunion. One of the outings was a cruise on the famed San Antonio River Walk. Thirteen shipmates attended along with 50 others. Two river boats were needed to carry everyone from the Hadley crew.
Tom English and Doug Aitken organized this and most of the previous 18 reunions. At the banquet they passed the reunion planning torch on to Marty Weibel. But due to health of a number of the shipmates, the 2oth reunion was canceled . 
This cruise ended up being the last time these men sailed together.
Tom English seen above was involved in planning most of the reunion. It was a big job. He may have been contemplating his banquet speach for later that night.
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4 responses to “Cruising during 19th Reunion”
A dear friend of mine found this site. My uncle, Ralph “Stormy” Patterson was aboard and serving on that horrific day. He lost his license made and was buried at sea. Any info anyone can pass along to my family would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Ruth Ann Rodieck
[email protected]
Hi Ruth Ann. Sorry for the delay in responding. We had some problems with the website. I am the webmaster of this site and author of Kamikaze Destroyer. My uncle was killed too. I do know my uncle was on the portside 44mm gun with eight other men. They were hit by a bomb dropped from the last kamikaze. Your uncle Ralph was also killed from that same kamikaze when it crashed into the starboard 44 mm gun. He may have been stationed there or on the 20mm guns that were nearby. That was the only information I have for Ralph Patterson other than being 19 and from Mineola, Texas. I now know his nickname was “Stormy” If you have any photos or other information about him, I’d add it to the website and Facebook Page at USS Hugh W. Hadley DD774. Your uncle name is mentioned on Page 163 of Kamikaze Destroyer and on a list of KIA. Thanks for your comment, Jeff Veesenmeyer
Excuse me – lost his life*
Good morning Jeff
I am so pleased to discover you are keeping the story of the USS Hadley alive and current. The story of the B W Night fighter was an interesting addition. I recently was helping a family search for info on their Uncle who died in the last days of the War on a B W Fighter night raid. That the Air Army was flying them in May 1945 is an interesting addition to their history.
Keep up the great work, Jeff.
John Shepard, Grandson Cdr Hugh Hadley
USS Hadley 774 Plank Owner