A Memory by Hal Gross
How I met Ellie and how the Weeks was involved
Invitations to the Ships Commissioning were sent to families of the crew. Ellie and her parents did attend. After the ceremony the guests were shown around Top Side, Ellie saw a tall sailor while walking the ship, she asked her brother Ed Hagan his name, he said he would send it to her and she could write to him.
Well she did just that, this sailor was in the bunk above me, one day in port I was going to the mess hall to write to my family, he saw my writing paper and he grabbed my (he was 6'4) and held out to me an envelope and said "Would you answer this letter" I asked if it was to a family member, he said "No, to a girl who was at the commissioning" I asked why, he replied "Well my hand writing is real bad!!
Well I did so, and wrote to this girl for 10 months until he was transferred from the ship, then I started writing for the rest of the time we were out at sea, in my own Name, and believe it or not when we met in Grand Central Station, NY (she worked there) on February 28th, became Engaged March 28, and Married April 28th Fifty Six Years ago!!! With about 12 of my ship- mates in attendance, and one of them sang at our Marriage Ceremony in the church!!