Military Records:  Lonnie Lee Chandler, 1969, Winn Parish, LA.
Submitted by Greggory E. Davies, 120 Ted Price Lane, Winnfield, LA 71483
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From:  May 1, 1969 Winn Parish Enterprise-News American

[PHOTO]

Caption:  Lonnie Lee Chandler is shown here in 1945, the year he was aboard
the ill fated carrier U. S. S. Franklin, "The Ship That Wouldn't Sink".  A
reenaction of the bombing was shown on TV Easter Sunday.

Survivor Of Unsinkable Ship Relives Scene

Lonnie Lee Chandler, Rt. 3. Winnfield, watched a TV historic movie Sunday,
April 6, and recalled some harrowing experiences in 1945.  Chandler is manager
of the meat market at Riley's Supermarket.

The film was called "The Ship That Wouldn't Sink" and Lonnie Chandler was on
that ship, the ill-fated carrier U. S. S. Franklin, which was hit twice but
still came back for more operations in the South Pacific.

It was first hit by a Japanese bomber in October, 1944, and was returned to
the United States for repairs.  Chandler was a cook on the ship and remained
with the ship during attack.

While the ship was being repaired after the attack, Chandler was given a 21
day leave to enjoy Christmas and New Year at home with his parents, Mr. and
Mrs. Nathan Chandler.  Then he returned to the Pacific again on the repaired
U. S. S. Franklin.  The ship was hit by a suicide bomber March 19, 1945 and
the carrier's ammunition was set afire.  Over 800 men were dead and missing
and 270 mates were wounded.  Chandler was a lucky survivor again on this ship
which refused to sink, and was thankful to be alive to see the re-enaction of
bombing 24 years later.  He and 160 enlisted men were trapped in the smoke
filled mess hall.  The Captain also stayed with the carrier and appeared in
the movie, which was apparently made about two years ago.

Chandler recognized the mess hall and many other places on the ship as it
appeared in the film.  The ship drifted within 40 miles of Japanese waters
after being hit.

Chandler, his wife, the former Johnnie Riffe, and four children, watched the
U. S. S. Franklin being demolished on film after the war.  His mother, Mrs.
Nathan Chandler, was also in front of the TV set Easter Sunday to watch it. 
His father is deceased.