The Book:
SEABEE71
IN CHU LAI
A 350 page memoir of a Navy Journalist's 14 months with the Seabees.
Photographs and text copyright © 1967 and 2019 by David H. Lyman
Gerald “Jerry” Montecupo, EO2, Alpha Company
When Jerry got out of NMCB 71, he had orders of CBU 201, the Antarctic Support unit based in Davisville. Checked into 201 and as a EO2 was assigned to the MAA office but left service before deploying to the Ice. He returned home, worked as a laborer in construction, moved up to an equipment operator in the United States Steelworkers union, then joined the Operating Engineers out of Pittsburgh. He was a volunteer fireman in Monroeville PA, his hometown. He worked as ambulance engineer/driver with the fire department. With another Seabee from Harrisburg, Jerry formed an "Island" in Pittsburgh for the Navy Seabee Veterans of America. After a few years he became a National Counselor and Trustee.
In 2001, Jerry received a call from John Allsworth, EO2, from Alpha company asking for help in setting up a Post for the WW II 71 Seabees, so they could have a reunion. He and John have hosted 9 reunions every other year since.
Jerry manages the NMCB71 Seabee Facebook page, and has compiled a roster of former Seventy-Oners.
Reach him at jmontecupo@verizon.net