May 14 2011 Torpedo Dedication

American Legion Post #48
Chesnee, SC

May 14, 2011 Torpedo Dedication Ceremony

Equipment donated to Post #48 by retired Navy Veteran Harvey Visnaw through his close friend Tommy Walker (Post #48 member).

Harvey J Visnaw

Harvey was born May 4, 1924. He showed his patriotism by dropping out of high school at age 16 and joining the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). He planted trees and fought forest fires. Enlisting in the U. S. Navy at age 17 on November 27, 1941 shortly before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. During World War II, he served on 4 different ships and saw extensive combat in the Pacific Island campaign. On one occasion, his ship was hit by a Japanese kamikaze plane resulting in the deaths of 14 shipmates. When the war ended, Harvey was discharged and moved to Houston, Texas where he joined the Navy Reserve. In 1950, he moved back home to Saginaw, Michigan. He was then called back to active duty for the Korean Conflict. He was ordered to the USS Cunningham, DD-752 where he served as a cook. It was here that he met Tommy Walker and started a friendship that lasted over 60 years. Harvey retired in 1984 having served in the Navy, Air Force Reserves, and Navy Seabee Reserves. He stated, “I loved serving in the U. S. military and serving my country.” Harvey is a dedicated American and a true patriot.

Tommy Walker
Tommy was born on July 2, 1931. He grew up in Chesnee and enlisted in the U. S. Navy on July 10, 1950. He was ordered to the USS Cunningham, DD-752 and worked below decks in the engine room. During the Korean conflict, he saw combat duty off the coast of Korea. It was during this time that he met Harvey Visnaw. He was discharged on May 13, 1954 and returned to Chesnee and started his own business. Over the years, he has been a highly successful owner of 3 businesses. Tommy has been a long time member of American Legion Post #48. For many years, he managed our baseball team. Each year he raised the funds necessary to field the team. Many times, he donated personal funds when money was short. Tommy is always contributing to whatever cause for which we are raising money. He has dedicated countless hours of his time and effort to making Post #48 function as one of the best in the State. Tommy’s friendship with Harvey Visnaw resulted in Harvey donating the equipment seen in front of the building to Post #48. Tommy is a great American who loves his country and the American Legion. We are extremely proud to have him as a member.

Chesnee Mayor Max Cash & District 2 County Councilman O'Neal Mintz
(both members of Post #48)

Junior Littlejohn was responsible for much of the construction work
and installation of the concrete and equipment seen above.

Tommy Walker & Betty Visnaw Davis working on the
table of pictures of Harvey Visnaw and his family

Pictures of the display that Harvey had at his home in Colorado prior to donating the .
torpedo and related equipment to Post #48

Post Commander Cliff Jones opens the ceremony

Post Member Jack Wiggins thanks contributors who made this possible

Betty Visnaw Davis speaking on behalf of her father

Post #48's World War II veterans: Wilford Willingham, Connell Scruggs, & Chuck Thrift.
(photo courtesy of member Ronnie Duckett)

Members & visitors chatting prior to the ceremony

Plaque outside behind the display.

Junior Littlejohn, Cliff Jones, Tommy Walker, & Jack Wiggins

Betty's husband, Connell Scruggs, Chuck Thrift, Betty Davis, Tommy Walker, & Wilford Willingham

USN E5