Message Board
Oakland Naval Hospital
20 Messages Since 9-30-02
Posted 3-9-03
Bernie Mullin, HN, 1958 - 1959
Bfrancism@aol.com
Miss you Cecelia Angel !
Posted 9-2-03
Gary Dasch, 1970 - 1972
gjdasch@mshsi.com
My name is Gary Dasch. I was an HM3 and worked in the surgery from 1970 to 1972. Would be glad to hear from anyone from that time. Here are some of the people I remember: Ron Deutsch, Joe Keane, Bob Crowe, Rich Day, John Fisher (who I've talke with over the years), Dan Pixely ( was still in Oakland last I knew).
Posted 11-27-03
Thomas Stoeckel, HM2, 1965 - 1966
ns069@cvip.net
Worked on the ICU ward 65 B. Had the opportunity to “special” Fleet Adm. Nimitz for a month of nights during one of his last stays there. Remained in the Navy and Navy Reserve for 37 years and retired as a CAPT MSC. Would be interested in knowing if there are any reunions planned and would love to hear from people in that era. Especially Lt Marge Miller or other nurses who worked the ICU during that period.
Posted 11-27-03
Steve Lamkins,
1971 - 1973
Bearhnt@aol.com
My name is Steve Lamkins. I was a patient at Oak Knoll from 1971 to approx. 1973. I did not have a combat related injury, rather I was a patient in the CIC (Clinical Investigation) ward. We weren't in the main bldg. but were in one of the outlying wards. Not sure which one. I remember a nurse- Bonnie Buouy(sp) and a Dr. Weinstein.There was a guy named George who worked in CIC in the main bldg., and a lady named Kathy McVicker who was in charge of the animal lab (where I was assigned for my work detail). Kathy passed away in the early 1990's (I have heard) from a brain tumor. Another of the patients I remember was another sailor named Don Hawn(sp). Also Alonzo Gregg was there as a patient. Alonzo (Lonnie) and I have been in contact recently. That's about all I remember for now. Except for one of the corpsmen who was killed outside of the main gate at the bus stop. I wish I remembered his name, but I don't. All I remember is that he was stabbed numerous times. He was one of my favorite corpsmen. I believe his name was Eddie, but I don't remember his last name. Any help anybody can give me would be appreciated.
Posted 11-27-03
Beverly Fields, 1987 - 1989
beverly@medamericaonline.com
My favorite duty station. I was an HN there from early 1987 until mid 1989. I worked Post Partum (8th floor) and then for Capt Riddell in Administration. My son was actually conceived in the Ortho Duty room on the 7th floor. My husband was HN Richard Fields (now Chief). I would love to hear from anyone who was stationed there during this time frame.
Posted 11-27-03
Walter H Rommel, Pharmacist Mate, 3rd
Class, May 1944 - May 1946
walrom@msn.com
Looking for Robert G Slater from Maryland, Montana, Minnesota - No contact since 1948.
Posted
12-13-03
Jim "Flash" Henderson, October 1989 - May 1992
henderson4610@yahoo.com
I am HN Jim "Flash" Henderson, Oak Knoll from October 1989 - May 1992 (includes USNS Mercy). I worked for wards 9 South and 6 West. Looking for anyone that was part of The Crew at the hospital or on the Mercy: names include Jim "Preacher" Morris, Grizz, Amy, and Eddie Guting. There were lots of us, so please e-mail me and place Oak Knoll in the subject - if you don't I will think it's SPAM.
Posted 1-25-04
Brian E. Petersen, 1969 - 1970
bepetersen@hotmail.com
I left the Navy as Brian E. Petersen HM2. I was a HN while at Oak Knoll and worked on the 9th floor, Septic Orthopedics. What I remember most are the patients and their tragic wounds. Most on my ward were Marines, very recently Medivaced from 'Nam,, with horriffic infected amputations resulting from landmines, AK47 and other weaponry. The patients attitudes and courage in the face of a very altered future life was inspiring. It made my last year in the Navy, spent with First Marine Air Wing, much easier to be with Marines!
Posted 2-14-09
Gerry Allen, 1968 - 1969
fcem@mt-vernon.com
I worked on old neurosurgery Ward in '68 and went to Lab Tech School in the New Hospital in '69
Posted 2-14-09
HM3 Darrell Pace, Surgical Tech
dspace400@msn.com
Looking for anyone with information on HM3 John Gaines
Posted 2-14-09
Larry Taylor, HM3, Oct 1972 thru Oct. 1974
arizprinter@msn.com
I'm Larry Taylor, HM3, was stationed at NRMC Oakland Oct 1972 thru Oct. 1974. Assigned to SOQ 'sick officer quarters' (6-NE) for the first year, then Psych. Testing 5th floor for a year.
I participated in 'Operation Homecoming' in 1973 as Sr. Corpman. What a great time seeing these men letting loose after their terrible ordeal. They got special privledges. One wanted a bloody mary.... with the blood I drew from him. They were absolutely ecstatic and didn't sleep for a week. Lots of Ice Cream, booze, Playboy Bunnies, Music, and we really had fun playing jokes on the Marines who took over the 1st floor of our barracks.
Got to know LCDR Alverez (longest time POW), Cdr. Richard Stratton and several others. Have pictures taken on the ward with all of the men, and POW bracelets piled 3 feet deep.
In psych testing, I was the solo enlisted man and worked with a Dr. Slater, and 7 other Docs.... tested everyone going on subs, Antarctica, psych school, and, of course, all the psych patients on the 5th floor. A drug company took 20 docs deep sea fishing, they invited me. 25 miles offshore, they all were analyzing each other, and one by one they got seasick and started barfing. Then, they analyzed why they were barfing!!
I enjoyed Oakland Hospital. Food was great, beer dispenser in the barracks, lots of fun times. This was also during the Patty Hearst SLA thing...a crazy time. There was the sniper who took pot shots every night for about a month. Then, the killing by the front gate. But, mostly a damn good place to be stationed.
All in all, some of the best memories of my life come from that place. Did I mention the enormous amount of attractive WAVES stationed there? What's a guy to do?
I went on to college, got married in 77, have two kids, started a Tucson printing company in 1981, and that’s where I am today.
Posted 2-14-09
Don Belt, 1978 - 1981
dabelt@charter.net
I was a Lt JG MSC pharmacist 1978-1981. Had wonderful memories of Oak Knoll and San Leandro where I lived. On my second OD watch, there was a fire in the BART tunnel between Oakland and San Francisco. Had a great time playing and coaching softball. Later transferred to AF and retired as Maj. (I was a former HM2 aboard the Yorktown CVS-10)
Posted 2-14-09
Jerry Lee Heilman, 1969 - 1971
jpbquilting@charter.net
I have frequent recollection of 67-69 stint in Nurse Corps (anesthesia) at Oak Knoll. Jerry Lee Heilman was my name then, Porter is last name now. I would love to hear from anybody with ties to that time. There are so many people I remember but do not recall their names. I am going through slides "from back then" and it is such a "trip"(as we used to say)! Hoping to hear from others with fond memories of those VERY YOUNG days. With shared times, Jerry Lee Porter
Posted 2-14-09
ginger1997@bellsouth.net
John Roberts, Volunteer, American Red Cross, Murfreesboro, Tennessee I am doing research on Marie Adams who was a POW during WWII in the Phillipeans (St Tomas Camp) for almost 3 years before all were freed by the American Military and as I understand, was Red Cross Hospital Field Director at Oak Knoll Naval Hospital after the war? Any information on her or maybe her family will be greatly appreciated. She is just a part of my "Project Find" which I started on January 8th, 2003. Thanking you in advance... John Roberts-Volunteer Heart of Tennessee Chapter American Red Cross Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Posted 2-14-09
David Burleson HM2, 1980 - 1986
burlesond001@comcast.net
My name is David Burleson HM2 stationed from 1980-1986. I worked as a Naval Instructor for Psych Tech C School. Then I worked for Alcohol Rehab Center next to the Coast Guard Credit Union. I know the hospital closed and I tried to visit the base in June 04. Security wouldn't let us on base.
Posted 2-14-09
Tom Rawson, Airman 3rd Class (USAF), Feb
1964 - Feb 1965
Trainee USN Prosthetics Laboratory.
tom_rawson@comcast.net
There is no year of my life when I learned more than I did that year at beautiful Oak Knoll, everything from anatomy to welding. Oh, yeah, and drinking. We were a class of four, two rookies from the Air Force and two salty petty officers. There were me, Roberto Ramiro Paez, Max Henry Werner, and Tony ... Tony, I'm sorry, but old age is getting to me and I can't remember the rest of your names. What a time we had with a million-dollar hobby shop open 24 hours. We put ripple soles on all our shoes and made shanks in the machine shop.
Posted 2-14-09
John P. Leary, Patient 1967 - 1968
jlbigoak@volcano.net
I was a patient at Oak Knoll from August 1967 until being retired in December 1968 with a medical disability due to gunshot wounds. I was on ward 78A for awhile and then ward 79B. Would like to hear from anyone who was a patient or working on those wards during that time, especially from ward 79B.
Posted 2-14-09
"Fred" Groeger, HM3, 1961 - 1963
JGroeger@WadsNet.com
Stationed at USNH Oakland from 61 -63. Lotta memories. Met and married my wife there. I remember a lot of names but have lost touch with everyone from those days. "V" you still out there?
Posted 2-14-09
Ramona L. Boudreaux Portland, Maine
RBoudreaux@maine.rr.com
I am writing to find out if there is any way of contacting a LT Bob Sundin that was admitted to this hospital approximately 1970-1971. He was my penpal during that time when I was 11 years old and I have often wondered what happened to him after discharge. If anyone knows of a link or a site that might give me an opportunity to write to him again, I would appreciate it. Thank you!
Posted 2-14-09
Mary Nieuwhof
thunderball_q@hotmail.com
I’m a college student in Michigan doing research for a memorial project dedicated to women war veterans (through my English class). Each of my fellow students and I have been assigned a veteran to interview. I was assigned to Mrs. Clarissa DeKorne (nee De Hoog). Mrs. DeKorne, who grew up in Grand Rapids, mentioned that she worked in a dressing department of Oak Knoll (Oakland, California) during WWII, and achieved the status of Lieutenant Junior Grade before finishing her term at the end of the war. I was wondering if there is anyone out there who has heard of her, or knew her at the time. It would also be interesting to hear other people’s experiences working at Oak Knoll during WWII.
[ Back To Oakland Naval Hospital ] [ Back To Northern California ] [ Back To Home Page ]