CREW'S STORIES
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THE CAP
Chief Aviation Storekeeper
F.D. "Flip" Monigold
September - 1956 to April - 1958
"The Cap"
The USS Bennington Cap made quite a trip -- from Australia in 1957 to the Bennington Reunion in 2002.
The cap was worn by Chief Aviation Storekeeper F.D. "Flip" Monigold, who served on the Bennington from September, 1956, to April, 1958.
Dad retired as a Master Chief in 1972 and lived in San Diego until his death in March, 1997. After his home was sold, the new owners brought the cap to a neighbor. "We found this in he corner of the storage room," they explained. "Do you know anyone who might want it?"
"I sure do," the neighbor replied. "I'll send it to his son in Texas."
That's me. I'm Vaughn Monigold Hendrie. My wife, Eleanor, and I live in Tyler, Tx. My Dad and I kept in touch and visited often after he and my mother divorced in 1938.
After adding the Bennington cap to Dad's memorabilia, Eleanor searched the internet to learn more about this ship. The magnificant Bennington website not only offered lots of information and photographs, it introduced us to some very friendly and caring people.
We decided to attend the Bennington reunion on behalf of my father.
And yes, we found one man -- Ray Martinez -- who served on the Bennington during the same time my Dad was there.
Maybe, just maybe, someone who knew Chief Monigold will be at the 2003 reunion in Baton Rouge.
Thanks again,
Vaughn Monigold
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