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US Flag Flown on the IOWA on April 19, 1989

In November 1997, Les N. Thielbar contacted me via e-mail informing me that he had in his possession, the US Flag that was flown on the IOWA on the dreadful day of the Turret Two explosion.  Les said he would be honored to donate the flag to the IOWA museum.  In subsequent correspondence, Les was given the necessary information to contact Al Murray, Chairman of the Historical Committee. Arrangements were then made for him to deliver the flag to Al who presently has the flag in the museum’s collection of historical memorabilia.

Les was aboard the IOWA from 1987 to 1991 as PN1 in the X2 Division.  He obtained the flag from a Signalman Second Class on the day after the explosion.  He has kept it stored in a drawer over the years, until it was delivered to Al.

According to Les, the flag is quite soiled.  He doesn’t know if the soiled condition is normal, or if the explosion contributed to its present condition.  In any case, the flag is truly a historic artifact which will be a permanent part of the museum for display in Spokane and future reunions.

The Association would like to take this opportunity to thank Les, Sheri and Family for recognizing the value of the flag in our continued effort to document and collect artifacts that are directly or indirectly associated with the history of the USS IOWA.
                       
By: Paul Gomez

This page last updated: 08/24/10

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