U.S.S. Grunion memorial planned

(10/02/08)-- It took 66 years, but now some Mid-Michigan folks will go to Cleveland next week to take part in a memorial service.

They're relatives of crew members who died while serving aboard the American submarine Grunion during World War II.

The Grunion disappeared off the coast of Alaska's Aleutian Islands in August 1942. For six decades no one knew what had become of her.

Last year, three sons of the boat's captain located the wreck hundreds of feet below the surface. Now a memorial service is planned to honor the 70 men who served on her.

"I think it will bring a lot of closure for a lot of people," said Bill Campeau, who is the nephew of a Grunion crew member.

Among the Grunion's crew was Ensign William Cuthbertson, who grew up in Ludington and eventually moved to the Flint area. He's the father of Nancy Wilson of Flushing.

"It's a relief. It's a relief to know, but it's also very difficult," she said.

Also planning to attend the memorial service is Clio attorney Bob Swartwood. His uncle, Seaman Second Class (SN2) David Swartwood, served aboard the Grunion.

"This sailor never came home. This is the tribute that he deserves," Swartwood said.

About 150 people will attend the service. They'll lay a wreath on Lake Erie and see video a deep-sea submersible shot of the wreck. For Nancy Wilson it will be a chance to see again the people who supported her and her mother during the dark days after the sub's disappearance.

"They understand what I'm going through. We have the same kind of emotional baggage," she said.

"I saw first hand the trauma the family goes through to not have the remains come back," Swartwood said.

A total of five sailors from Michigan died on the Grunion. It's now believed she was sunk after an encounter with a Japanese merchant ship.

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local, randy conat

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