Saturday, May 22nd was a memorable one for the citizens of Deuel County, Nebraska, the USS Deuel Association representatives Don DiBello and Henry Spannbauer. On that date, the USS Deuel Commemorative Plaques were unveiled in an impressive ceremony held in the county courthouse.

The move to erect this memorial was conceived by Past President Don DiBello. As he traveled throughout the nation he saw memorials erected to various ships, aircraft, units, etc., and felt that the Deuel was also worthy of the same degree of recognition. Saturday’s dedication ceremony capped off a multi-year effort to have a memorial erected to the Deuel.

The VFW posted the colors, the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts led the Pledge of Allegiance. Mr. Verlin Brums offered the Invocation and the National Anthem was sung by Ms LeAnn Roth. Following the opening ceremonies, Commissioner Bailey welcomed everyone and introduced those members of the county government, Historical Society, and the Deuel Association who were present.

The VFW posted the colors, and the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts led the Pledge of Allegiance. Verlin Bruns offered the Invocation and the National Anthem sung by LeAnn Roth. Following the National Anthem, Commissioner Bailey welcomed everyone present and introduced those members of the county government, Historical Society, and the Deuel Association who were present.

Following the introductions, County Clerk Polly Olson gave a short biography of Harry P. Deuel, for whom the county is named. Mr. Dwight Smith (of the Grand Lodge of Nebraska, who was unable to attend) provided part of the information.

Past President DiBello then addressed the gathering. He began by saying it was "with very humble heart I deeply appreciate what you have done to create this memorial honoring the U.S.S. Deuel APA 160 which was named for your county and upon which we served so proudly."

He then explained the ship, its mission and related several stories of life on board the Deuel, as well as its mission during the Second World War, the Korean War and the Cold War. He also stated "As veterans, of any service knows, these unique and perilous experiences shared together form bonds that we share for life and never forget."

On behalf of the Association, I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all of you who, through your contributions helped make this memorial come to fruition. I know that the citizens of Deuel County will remember the good ship that bore their counties name and the men who felt so strongly about her that they helped raise the funds needed to erect this lasting tribute to it.

As I go out of office in October, I would like to thank all that have helped make the past two years so rewarding.

Bud Rosenberg, President

USS Deuel Association