(Click on thumbnail for full photo)
(Click on thumbnail for full photo)
My name is Curt Hingson. I saw the notice about Diodon reunion in
the Spring 2001 issue of Shift Colors. Ironically, as I was
looking at the issue, all I had to do was glance up on the wall of my
den to see a picture (official Navy photo) of Diodon sliding down the
ways at Electric Boat in Groton CT, on Sept 10, 1945.
As I recall, my father, Jim Hingson (Capt USN Ret) was the first CO.
Somewhere, among old photos, I remember seeing some other pictures taken
of my parents at the launching ceremony. He is now deceased,
otherwise I would surely advise him of the reunion this September.
He attended several reunions of the crew of Batfish (SS310), in
Muskogee, Ok. I went with him once, about 4 or 5 years ago.
If it's worth mention, please share with surviving crew, the permanent
impressions of life aboard the boats left on us dependents. I
can't help but well up with pride when I think of my father's service in
the "Silent Service", as well as the sacrifices made by every
other submariner from Hunley to the present day. When my father
passed away in 99, from amongst his many accomplishments in life, the
one symbol we chose for engravement on his grave marker was the image of
the Submarine War Patrol pin.
I know little of Diodon's history, but would be interested in anything
you can share. If any surviving crew are plank owners, maybe they
can verify my impression that Jim Hingson was the first Old Man.
Best regards,
Curt Hingson
11666 Tyndel Creek Drive
Jacksonville FL 32223