Wreckage Wows Survivor
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Episode #520 of Hometown Heroes, airing April 20-22, 2018, centers around the discovery of the cruiser USS Helena (CL-50), more than half a mile deep in the New Georgia Sound in the Solomon Islands. Sunk by Japanese torpedoes in July, 1943, the Helena is the latest find by the Research Vessel Petrel, commissioned by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen.
Read more about the USS Helena’s discovery at PaulAllen.com
You’ll hear from one of the last remaining survivors of the cruiser’s sinking, 96-year-old “Ski” Biernacki of Jamestown, CA, who has had several unexpected adventures since deciding to finally open up about his World War II experiences for a magazine article by Chace Anderson in 2014.
For more of Biernacki’s WWII memories, check out episode #441 of Hometown Heroes from October, 2016.
“All of a sudden it hit me, all at one time,” you’ll hear Biernacki say of the news of the Helena’s discovery. “You don’t know the feeling, unless it happens to you.”
96-year-old “Ski” Biernacki looks at images of the Helena online.
The discovery has stirred the 20-year Navy veteran’s memories of some of the 168 men who perished when the cruiser was sunk during the Battle of Kula Gulf 75 years ago. Biernacki himself spent close to two hours in crude oil-covered water, swimming initially without any life vest. Ultimately, he was picked up by a destroyer in the area and given survivor’s leave. Seeing photographic evidence of his ship’s final resting place also brings some more lighthearted thoughts to mind.
“If they ever get down there I hope they’ll go to my locker,” Ski jokes. “I had just bought a wristwatch at the ship’s store. I think I wore it once or twice.”
He wasn’t wearing it the night of the battle, and he imagines his first watch is still in that locker, like the cruiser itself, frozen in time.
Ski Biernacki,
Hello sir, I’m the son of a World War ll Sailor.Dad severed twice.1932-1936-1941-1945. My dad’s name is William R. Waugaman. He was a Chief gunner. My pop’s went through the battle of Guadalcanal. Do you know my father by any chance? He was born 11-24-1913.The dog tag #368-20-85. Can you tell me anything? Thank you & all the Veterans. Charles Lee Waugaman.
Dear Charles,
My name is Sharon Jondle from Iowa. My husband’s uncle Robert H Kallansrud served and died on the USS Helena. Did your father serve aboard the Helena? Family stories say he was a gunner and that he was in the forward turret the day she was hit and sunk. Any information is helpful.
Thank you,
Sharon
Hi Ski, my wife, and our son and daugter met you in Washington DC in April 20018 I believe. It was great talking to you and seeing my 25 and 23 year old son & daughter talking to you. Glad your doing well. It must feel weird looking at the Helena under water.