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Click here to Leave a Tribute
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August 19, 2010 - 12:21 PM
Boyd Leonhardt from United States
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I served with Chief Alexander for almost 18 months aboard the USS Hancock in 1962 - 1964. In that short time, he had a more positive impact on my young life than any male other than my father.
He was a friend, a teacher, a leader and will forever be in my thoughts.
My heart goes out to his family who lost their husband, father, grandfather, etc. May they find peace.
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November 07, 2009 - 03:49 AM
John Lewis from United States
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As a young sailor of 20, I joined the Oriskany in the Philippines during the WestPac cruise of 1966. While inprocessing I met LTJG Dewey Alexander. He welcomed me aboart the Oriskany and somehow made me feel like I was speaking with a friend. He asked where I was from and made me feel like he really cared. He did care. There has hardly been a day gone by that I haven't thought of LTJG Alexander. What a great guy. I have always wanted to speak to someone in his family and let them know how I have felt and what a wonderful, kind, and caring person he was. I hope they will read my comment.
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March 24, 2009 - 03:09 AM
Albert Spratley, M-Division - '63-'66 from United States
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Thanks Jake for sharing this story. I didn't know your Hancock Website was dedicated to LTJG Dewey Alexander. This story has touched me deeply; it's brought tears to my old eyes and a little pain in my heart as it should.
LTJG Dewey Alexander was MY shipmate. Do I remember him? No. did I ever see him on the Hancock? Can't really say for sure, but his face looks familiar.
I was wayyyyyy below decks and he was wayyyyyy above. I like to think I saw him maybe on the quarterdeck, or passed him in a passageway.
I was on the Hancock from 62-66 so in those years our paths must have surely crossed, but above all else we were shipmates. We steamed the same seas, ate the same food and trained men and prepared Hanna for what was to come.
My heart goes out to LTJG Dewey Alexander's family. I too, lost my dad when I was only 5, so I know what they have been going through all these years. LTJG Dewey Alexander is a true patriot. He loved what he was doing; he was serving and protecting his country and his family and I know he was doing his duty the day he perished. So the next time the traveling wall gets close to where I live I'll do as I always do - take my grandkids to see it. We will etch the names we etch, only this time I'll tell them of the story of one of my shipmates and we will etch the name of LTJG Dewey Alexander on paper and they will ask me as they always do, why are you crying grandpa, and I'll answer as I always do, the tears of remembrance, mixed with a little pain and a little joy.
Jake thank you for sharing this Page! I'm very touched and very moved by this. I didn't complete the '66 Vietnam cruise; I left Hanna in April. I was wondering if Hanna was with the Oriskany or was relieved by her?
Oh one last thing: I also lost my dad in a fire.
Albert Spratley,
USS Hancock CVA-19,
M Division 1962-1966
Joplin, MO
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December 19, 2008 - 06:19 PM
Ken 'Jake' Jaccard from United States
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Chief Alexander (as I knew him), I want you to know that I have never forgotten you for one minute during the years since I saw you last which was back in 1963. I knew you were going on to bigger and better things, but it never occurred to me that one of those things would be the giving of your life for your friends. I can't imagine a greater thing you could do for anyone. So thanks, Chief, for your life and for your sacrifice. I will never forget you!
Ken Jaccard,YN3, USNR-R '61-'67
Web Yeoman, USS Hancock CV/CVA-19 Memorial
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