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Ellis Gene Buettner
Petty Officer 2nd Class - Navy
Ellis Buettner
Assigned: USS Boxer (CV-21)
Highest Rank: Petty Officer 2nd Class
Foreign Service Length: 1 Year, 1 Month and 15 Days
Continental Service Length: 2 Years, 7 Months and 10 Days
Location of Service: Continental Service / Korea
Gender: male
Basic Training: San Diego, California
Military Position: AD2 Second Class Mechanic (Plane Captain)
Place of Separation: San Diego, California
From City: Delphos
From State: Ohio
Current City: Lima
Current State: Ohio
Date of Birth: 11/1930

Awards and Citations

  • Korean Service Medal
  • Navy Good Conduct Medal
  • United Nations (UN) Korean Service Medal
5/24/1949 - 2/1/1952
Honored by Bitts, Great Nephew


My War Stories
5/24/1949 Gene chooses to join the Navy because five of his friends from Delphos were all enlisting at the same time. The recruiting station was in Lima, Ohio but he was sent to Columbus, Ohio to be sworn in.
5/26/1949 Two days after graduating from High School Gene went to Columbus, Ohio from Delphos, Ohio and enlisted into the US Navy for 3-years because he wanted to learn a trade but more importantly, he did not want to get drafted by Army. Gene's two brothers were drafted into the Army in World War II and their experiences were still fresh in his mind (Thomas and Donald can be found by searching MyWarHistory.com). After enlisting, Gene was sent by train to San Diego for boot camp.
6/1949 Basic training consisted of marching, marching, and more marching. Gene was also sun burnt frequently in the California heat. Boot camp was by far the farthest Gene had ever been away from home but Gene was confined to the base most of the time so did not really experience a big city life outside of farming in Ohio. Basic lasted for three months.
10/1949 After basic training, Gene was able to choose what school he wanted to go into which was guaranteed with a three year enlistment. Gene then boarded a train to Memphis, Tennessee for aviation machinist school until 4/1950. Class (A) AD school for 9 months.
5/1950 While stationed in Monterey for almost 2 years, Gene worked on the line as an aircraft mechanic. He also worked as plane captain making sure all of the planes Gene was assigned to be ready to fly. Rated AD3 third class aircraft engine mechanic.
6/1950 Korean War breaks out but Gene did not think much about it at the time. The Korean War in the end had as many people killed as World War I (ten million). Gene would never see the enemy face to face and being assigned to an Aircraft carrier made him feel quite safe.
4/16/1951 From Memphis on 4/1950 was sent by train to Alameda Naval Air Station (N.A.S.) for two weeks. Gene then was allowed to decide to stay at Alameda or go to Monterey. Monterey only consisted of 300 personnel so he decided to go to Monterey Naval Air Station. Gene was glad he made this decision because everything worked out.
6/1951 Korean War started while Gene was at Monterey and enlistment was extended one year. Gene did not know what to expect on an Aircraft carrier but was exited to find out. He was assigned to Aircraft Carrier USS Boxer (CV21). While on Boxer was rated (AD2) second class mechanic. Served one tour of duty on the Boxer in Korean waters.
1952 On the way to Korea, Ellis Gene Buettner pulled liberty in Hawaii with his brother-in-law John Feather (search for him on MyWarHistory.com). His ship the USS Mansfield was in Hawaii the same time as the USS Boxer.
1952 The USS Boxer would stop in port (Tokyo and Yokosuka, Japan) about once a month to let the men have some R&R. The carrier did not need to come into port except for repairs as it was supplied at sea. Liberty consisted of going to bars, sightseeing and once in a while trying to avoid trouble.
8/6/1952 Fire on the hanger deck of USS Boxer August 6, 1952. 9 died from a fire that started when a sailor improperly remove a shell from a machine gun on a plane which then fired a bullet into a planes gasoline tank starting an inferno.
2/20/1953 On return to the states by the way of Hawaii to San Diego, Gene was discharged two months early because the USS Boxer was due to return to Korea.
1954 Around 9 months after Gene was discharged his brother-in-law was assigned to the USS Boxer. The Boxer later became an assault helicopter carrier for amphibious warfare.

My War Pictures
Gene wearing his pilot's jacket from the USS Boxer (CV-21). It still fits, well almost. Gene wearing his pilot's jacket from the USS Boxer (CV-21). It still fits, well almost.
Gene's unofficial pilot's jacket. Gene's unofficial pilot's jacket.
Gene in front of a F6F Hellcat. Kill wise, the Hellcat was the most successful aircraft in naval history. It came into service during World War II and replaced the F4F Wildcat. The Hellcat was the primary fighter along with the Corsair. The F6F outclassed the Zero in nearly every category. Gene in front of a F6F Hellcat. Kill wise, the Hellcat was the most successful aircraft in naval history. It came into service during World War II and replaced the F4F Wildcat. The Hellcat was the primary fighter along with the Corsair. The F6F outclassed the Zero in nearly every category.
First guided missiles (un-piloted drone) to take off on the aircraft carrier USS Boxer Korean War. The drone is controlled by a guide plane which takes off at the same time and the drone is radio controlled into hot zones where it is to smash into the objective. First guided missiles (un-piloted drone) to take off on the aircraft carrier USS Boxer Korean War. The drone is controlled by a guide plane which takes off at the same time and the drone is radio controlled into hot zones where it is to smash into the objective.
Some sort of plane. Do you know? If you do send me a WarChat. Some sort of plane. Do you know? If you do send me a WarChat.
Maybe a torpedo bomber, not sure. Gene in the middle. Maybe a torpedo bomber, not sure. Gene in the middle.
Beechcraft SNB at the Naval Air Station Monterey, California in 1951. Beechcraft SNB at the Naval Air Station Monterey, California in 1951.
Cessna in front of a hanger at Monterey, California in 1951. Cessna in front of a hanger at Monterey, California in 1951.
Douglas DC-3 flown by Southwest. The DC-3 paved the way for modern aircraft travel today not to mention played an integral part of World War II as a C-47 transport. Douglas DC-3 flown by Southwest. The DC-3 paved the way for modern aircraft travel today not to mention played an integral part of World War II as a C-47 transport.
Navy SNJ Advanced Flight Trainer. Navy SNJ Advanced Flight Trainer.
AD-2 Skyraider missed its mark on the carrier landing. It was an attack bomber that was the backbone of the Navy during the Korean War.. AD-2 Skyraider missed its mark on the carrier landing. It was an attack bomber that was the backbone of the Navy during the Korean War..
Mid field Monterey, California. Mid field Monterey, California.
United States Ship, USS Boxer. United States Ship, USS Boxer.
F9F Panther after the fire on the Boxer. F9F Panther after the fire on the Boxer.
Navy men. Navy men.
USS Boxer. USS Boxer.
Boxer in Korean waters. The Boxer served 3 tours in Korea. Boxer in Korean waters. The Boxer served 3 tours in Korea.
CV-21 U.S.S. Boxer. CV-21 U.S.S. Boxer.
Laundry, Navy style. Laundry, Navy style.
Gene top right and friends, 17-mile drive California. 1951 Gene top right and friends, 17-mile drive California. 1951
Gene to the right. Gene to the right.
Gene's mates. Gene's mates.
Corsair formation above the Boxer. Corsair formation above the Boxer.
Welcome aboard. Welcome aboard.
Panther jet crash on Boxer. Panther jet crash on Boxer.
Corsair after the Boxer fire on desk. Many planes were so badly damaged they were pushed over desk. Corsair after the Boxer fire on desk. Many planes were so badly damaged they were pushed over desk.
Fire on the hanger deck of USS Boxer August 6, 1952. 9 died from a fire that started when a sailor improperly remove a shell from a machine gun on a plane which then fired a bullet into a planes gasoline tank starting an inferno. Fire on the hanger deck of USS Boxer August 6, 1952. 9 died from a fire that started when a sailor improperly remove a shell from a machine gun on a plane which then fired a bullet into a planes gasoline tank starting an inferno.
Monterey getting some gas. Monterey getting some gas.
Yokosuka, City Hall in Japan. Yokosuka, City Hall in Japan.
Gene in Navy dress. Gene in Navy dress.
Mop duty for Gene. Mop duty for Gene.
"Miss Fired" onboard the USS Boxer. Gene is to the right.
Identification Card, Petty Officer Third Class. Identification Card, Petty Officer Third Class.
USS Boxer Joins Task Force 77 off east coast of Korean on June 24, 1952. She was joined by Princeton, Philippine Sea and Bon Homme Richard. They conducted successful raids against Hydro Electric plants in North Korea. USS Boxer Joins Task Force 77 off east coast of Korean on June 24, 1952. She was joined by Princeton, Philippine Sea and Bon Homme Richard. They conducted successful raids against Hydro Electric plants in North Korea.
Message from the Captain concerning the fire. Message from the Captain concerning the fire.
Crewman brave flying bullets and exploding bombs while trying to put out the fire on the Boxer in 1952. Crewman brave flying bullets and exploding bombs while trying to put out the fire on the Boxer in 1952.
Aftermath of hanger on the USS Boxer. Aftermath of hanger on the USS Boxer.
Pictures of the fire taken by Gene while he was on the deck. The fire spread so fast that Gene was unable to man his fire station. Sailors on the desk were lifted 6 feet in the air when the main explosion went off. Pictures of the fire taken by Gene while he was on the deck. The fire spread so fast that Gene was unable to man his fire station. Sailors on the desk were lifted 6 feet in the air when the main explosion went off.
The fire on the Boxer forced 63 men who had been trapped by the blaze to jump overboard. Most of which were picked up Task Force 77. The fire on the Boxer forced 63 men who had been trapped by the blaze to jump overboard. Most of which were picked up Task Force 77.
F9F Panther picked up by the tractor loader. F9F Panther picked up by the tractor loader.
Black Roge Night Club Tokosuka, Japan. Gene in the middle. Black Roge Night Club Tokosuka, Japan. Gene in the middle.
Friend of Gene Buettner. Friend of Gene Buettner.
More cars in California. More cars in California.
Hellcats lined up in Monterey. Hellcats lined up in Monterey.
Range scorecard from Basic. Gene finished with High Score for his class. Range scorecard from Basic. Gene finished with High Score for his class.
PBY Catalina was an flying boat. PBY Catalina was an flying boat.
Drinking beers on liberty in Ducks, Inn California. Drinking beers on liberty in Ducks, Inn California.
Aerial photo of Salinas Airfield near Monterey County, California. . Aerial photo of Salinas Airfield near Monterey County, California. .
Pilot in the drink after having to bailout. Pilot was safely rescued by the Boxer. Pilot in the drink after having to bailout. Pilot was safely rescued by the Boxer.
Korean War enemy propaganda leaflet. Korean War enemy propaganda leaflet.
Along the 17-mile drive. Wreckage of Steam schooner S.S. Flavel, which ran aground on rocks off of Cypress Point on December 14, 1923. Along the 17-mile drive. Wreckage of Steam schooner S.S. Flavel, which ran aground on rocks off of Cypress Point on December 14, 1923.
Ellis G Buettner at the flight controls of a Hellcat. Ellis G Buettner at the flight controls of a Hellcat.
Inside the cockpit of a Grumman F6F Hellcat. Inside the cockpit of a Grumman F6F Hellcat.
Gene in front of a Buddha during the Korean War in Tokyo. Gene in front of a Buddha during the Korean War in Tokyo.
On liberty in Tokyo during the Korean War. On liberty in Tokyo during the Korean War.
TBM Avenger taking off the Boxer during the Korean War. TBM Avenger taking off the Boxer during the Korean War.
Yokosuka, Japan was one of two destinations the Boxer made during Korean War. The other was Tokyo. Yokosuka, Japan was one of two destinations the Boxer made during Korean War. The other was Tokyo.
Scenic view along the 17 mile drive through Pacific Grove, California. Today it is the main road of the Pebble Beach gated community. Scenic view along the 17 mile drive through Pacific Grove, California. Today it is the main road of the Pebble Beach gated community.
The lone cypress at the foot of the 17-mile drive in California still stands today. The lone cypress at the foot of the 17-mile drive in California still stands today.
Ghost tree on 17-mile drive. The drive as it was known was extremely popular for sailors while on liberty from naval base. The ghost tree still exists today but looks much different, as it has fallen down. Ghost tree on 17-mile drive. The drive as it was known was extremely popular for sailors while on liberty from naval base. The ghost tree still exists today but looks much different, as it has fallen down.
Portrait of Gene Buettner drawn in 15 minutes while on liberty in Yokosuka, Japan 7/31/1952. Even today, Yokosuka is the largest U.S. naval facility in Japan. Portrait of Gene Buettner drawn in 15 minutes while on liberty in Yokosuka, Japan 7/31/1952. Even today, Yokosuka is the largest U.S. naval facility in Japan.
Buettner qualified on AD3 on F6F Hellcat, SNJ's (T-6 Texan), SNB's (Beechcraft Expeditor) and JRB's (VR-24). November 1951. V.J. Feigenbutz and W.A. Sherrill. Buettner qualified on AD3 on F6F Hellcat, SNJ's (T-6 Texan), SNB's (Beechcraft Expeditor) and JRB's (VR-24). November 1951. V.J. Feigenbutz and W.A. Sherrill.
U.S. Naval Auxiliary Air Station, Monterey, California. Known as NAAS. It provided aircraft for flight proficiency by the Navy. Gene qualified for plane captain on F6F's (F6F Hellcat ), SNJ's (T-6 Texan), SNB's (Beechcraft Expeditor) and JRB's (VR-24). U.S. Naval Auxiliary Air Station, Monterey, California. Known as NAAS. It provided aircraft for flight proficiency by the Navy. Gene qualified for plane captain on F6F's (F6F Hellcat ), SNJ's (T-6 Texan), SNB's (Beechcraft Expeditor) and JRB's (VR-24).
Gene with his Pontiac 1949 Memphis, Tennessee. Gene with his Pontiac 1949 Memphis, Tennessee.
Gene on the right with his friend. Gene on the right with his friend.
Gene Buettner with his Navy pea coat in Delphos, Ohio visiting his family. When Gene was about to be discharged someone had stole his pea coat, most likely to be sold on the black market for money by another sailor. Gene Buettner with his Navy pea coat in Delphos, Ohio visiting his family. When Gene was about to be discharged someone had stole his pea coat, most likely to be sold on the black market for money by another sailor.
Ellis Gene Buettner on leave from the Navy and home for Christmas. Ellis Gene Buettner on leave from the Navy and home for Christmas.
On the wing of Corsair in Memphis, Tennessee. On the wing of Corsair in Memphis, Tennessee.
John Hittle and Ellis Buettner from Delphos, Ohio graduate from aviation school. John Hittle and Ellis Buettner from Delphos, Ohio graduate from aviation school.
Korean Waters U. S. S. Boxer (CV-21) . The fifth Boxer was launched on December 14, 1944 and commissioned on April 16, 1945. Korean Waters U. S. S. Boxer (CV-21) . The fifth Boxer was launched on December 14, 1944 and commissioned on April 16, 1945.
Greetings from Honolulu. Seeing is believing but feeling is the naked truth. Greetings from Honolulu. Seeing is believing but feeling is the naked truth.
Naval Aviation News magazine from September 1952. Naval Aviation News magazine from September 1952.
Japanese 3 Man Sub World War II. These came to be known as midget subs. Japanese 3 Man Sub World War II. These came to be known as midget subs.
Grumman F9F Panther is about ready to grab a wire on the deck of the Boxer. It was the most widely used jet fighter of the Korean War by the Navy. Grumman F9F Panther is about ready to grab a wire on the deck of the Boxer. It was the most widely used jet fighter of the Korean War by the Navy.
A helicopter would always take off and patrol the water around the USS Boxer during the Korean War when planes were going to land or take off. The reason for this is so that it could pick up any pilots who had to bailout. As you can tell this was a common occurrence during the 1950's. A helicopter would always take off and patrol the water around the USS Boxer during the Korean War when planes were going to land or take off. The reason for this is so that it could pick up any pilots who had to bailout. As you can tell this was a common occurrence during the 1950's.
A special cargo net is set for when F9F Panther jets are about to land. A special cargo net is set for when F9F Panther jets are about to land.
Imperial Domain of the Golden Dragon. Know as the 'International Date line', when a sailor crosses from East to West, a day is skipped. when crossed from West to East the day is repeated. Imperial Domain of the Golden Dragon. Know as the 'International Date line', when a sailor crosses from East to West, a day is skipped. when crossed from West to East the day is repeated.
Korean Veterans from Ohio members of the USS Boxer. Korean Veterans from Ohio members of the USS Boxer.
1951 Monterey Christmas Dinner. 1951 Monterey Christmas Dinner.
B-24 Liberator maintains the record as the most produced American aircraft. B-24 Liberator maintains the record as the most produced American aircraft.
Loading the USS Boxer at sea would consume the entire aircraft carrier's resources. Loading the USS Boxer at sea would consume the entire aircraft carrier's resources.
Loading the aircraft carrier at sea. Loading the aircraft carrier at sea.
Chance Vought F4U Corsair and - are lined up the deck of the USS Boxer. Chance Vought F4U Corsair and - are lined up the deck of the USS Boxer.
Gene Ellis Buettner on the deck of the Boxer during the Korean War in front of the 5-inch guns. Gene Ellis Buettner on the deck of the Boxer during the Korean War in front of the 5-inch guns.
Firefighter suit on the Aircraft carrier USS Boxer 1950's. Firefighter suit on the Aircraft carrier USS Boxer 1950's.
F4U Corsair undergoing maintenance. Each plane would have a plane captain making sure the plan was in flying condition at all times. F4U Corsair undergoing maintenance. Each plane would have a plane captain making sure the plan was in flying condition at all times.
Anti-aircraft guns on CV-21 USS Boxer. Anti-aircraft guns on CV-21 USS Boxer.
Push truck on Boxer Korean waters. Push truck on Boxer Korean waters.
Helicopter flying above USS Boxer Korean War. Helicopter flying above USS Boxer Korean War.
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