STANLEY KLEIN (4066-1994) writes: "As a new Member of SHARKHUNTERS it was with great anticipation that I awaited my first issue of our KTB Magazine. Needless to say, I was not disappointed when I received it along with my bumper sticker and 4th Annual Winter Catalog. "After reading everything twice with great enjoyment I must say SHARKHUNTERS is a 4.0 operation."

EDDIE PHILLIPS (220-A-1986) writes: "You & the gang at HQ are doing an absolutely remarkable job of digging into the history of submarine warfare which results in a KTB Magazine that I can't wait to read each month. Keep up the fantastic research!"

SCOTT COLLETT (3609-1994) writes: "Thank you for a great magazine. It's the only magazine I have ever received that I read from cover to cover. I got my latest issue today and will eagerly start reading it as soon as I am done with this letter. I am not sure why I am so fascinated with submarines, but SHARKHUNTERS sure fuels the interest. Keep up the good work!"

ERIC D. GROSS (3563-1994) is currently serving on USN boats, and he writes: "I can't express how fantastic each and every part of the KTB Magazine is; so filled with just the information I'm looking for. It seems like I'm sitting on the edge of my seat as I read every word."

NICK DANELLIS (1746-1991) writes: "I would like to compliment the staff on how nicely you have developed the magazine and continue to expand in the right direction."

BUD VEATH (1711-1990) is the historian for the USCGC INGHAM and is a very active member of that group. He writes: "Have enjoyed the SHARKHUNTERS Magazine as one of the best being published. You sure have a world of information in it. Always looking forward for the next one."

We have read these clips over the years with SHARKHUNTERS in which various Members tell why they enjoy their Membership and why they really are proud to belong. We consider these letters very important, as they help us see the direction we should take our group and it also gives our Members a very important forum to let other Members know their feelings. We have received many fine letters over the years, but this is probably the nicest letter we've ever received for our Membership PRIDE section. This letter comes from one of the strongest supporters of our SHARKHUNTERS in Germany, and he has become one of the best friends I personally have ever met.

When he was handed command of U-995 just after his 21st birthday, OBLT zS HANS-GEORG HESS (125-LIFE-1985) became the youngest combat submarine commander in any navy in World War II. After the War, he became a lawyer and eventually earned his Doctorate in Law. Here is his letter:

"A short comment to KTB #112 that just arrived. I dropped everything and would like to give you a fast reply. Absolutely superb for us German soldiers of the Second World War was the PRESIDENT'S CORNER in KTB #112. In Germany the 8th of May 1995 was highly rejoiced as the day of freedom from the Hitler regime, what no Allied commander and no politician could see as the war goal - Germany was to be finally 'erased'. We were also relieved in Germany from the terror of war - not only in Germany and the millions that were driven from Eastern Germany. The 8th May celebration was to remember the dead throughout the world and the Germans that were driven out of their homeland.

Exactly this was accomplished by Harry Cooper in his written proclamation. For this I thank you - and with me surely every German submariner, my dear friend. Yes, us SHARKHUNTERS are building bridges between former enemies and endeavor with mutual respect to bring a piece of peace into the world - for example with our trips across the Atlantic, like your trip to Northern Germany in September. We are already happy to see all of you."

PETE SAMOLINSKI (985-1989) writes: "Besides doing a splendid job, keep giving hell to clowns like Tom Shutt! Keep up the tremendously great job SHARKHUNTERS is doing and I hope you realize how much it is appreciated."

Thanks for your kind words PETE, but we really are not trying to attack or 'give Hell' to Shutt or anyone else - just trying to make our Members aware of potential problems in the collecting arena. For example, we were just told by a major show promoter that "A German veteran named Hans who lives in Florida is selling fake artifacts" so our Members need to be aware of this as well. We will report more when additional information is available.

BOB MOHR (2134-1992) writes: "Another year has slipped and it's time to renew my Membership again. I really enjoy being a Member. The KTB is excellent and I have learned many things about the U-Boat war that I would never have learned anywhere else. I really enjoy the large amount of input by the many veterans of both sides. After all, who knows the history better than the people who helped make it?"

ED COWLES (3904-1994) is Editor of the BADGER STATE Newsletter of the SubVets of World War II and he writes: "The KTB is very interesting reading and it rings many bells."

A toast made by CAPTAIN BILL McGONNEGAL (4211-1995) USN aboard the cruiser KERTSH, flagship of the Russian Black Sea Fleet, during the reception for SHARKHUNTERS

A Toast to our common friend;
and our common foe.
One who makes no allies;
To the Sea!

CAPTAIN VLADIMIR VASUKOV is Commandant of the ASW Flotilla of the Black Sea Fleet (Russian Navy) and when he came on board as Member (4400-1995), UKRAINE became the 50th country in which there are SHARKHUNTERS Members.

WELCOME ABOARD! Captain; and many thanks for the superb WELCOME you gave our group on board your flagship, the cruiser KERTSH and for the visit on board the FOX TROT submarines. We look forward to our visit in 1996.

STANLEY KLEIN (4066-1995) is a new Member, and he wrote: "Let me close by saying again how much I am enjoying my Membership in the SHARKHUNTERS organization and looking forward to your illuminating publication. Like many retirees I have too much spare time on my hands so let me volunteer to help with the explosive growth of the organization."

CHRIS WILLS (1935-A-1991),/B> got the 6 hour version of "DAS BOOT" from us and he writes: "Got my 'DAS BOOT' tape - excellent movie!! After watching the two hour version for so long, things make better sense now."

WALTER BOERNER (SH3385-1994) and (EH 99-1994) is a Luftwaffe veteran & he writes: "I consider SHARKHUNTERS a great submarine history group and the KTB is most interesting for all naval history enthusiasts. Thank you for the Membership and for thinking of me which I consider an honor."

ERNIE MYETTE (3945-1994) and his wife, Jeanette were with our group in Russia & Ukraine, and ERNIE writes: "Had I known about SHARKHUNTERS sooner, my number would have been in the teens!"

HERMANN KUMPF (3508-1994) rode U-159 under KPLT HELMUT WITTE (4238-1995) and HERMANN writes: "I enjoy reading the KTB Magazine very much. I like especially the interesting style in which it is written."

KPLT PAUL JUST (206-1986) was C.O.of U-546; he writes: "I thank you very much for all work you in building up this worldwide organization. I am proud to belong to SHARKHUNTERS."

JIM SECORD (3504-1994) writes: "I really like the SHARKHUNTERS KTB Magazine. I enjoy the stories and adventures from those who lived them. During the war we were told so many lies." (HARRY's NOTE - you veterans, please send your stories)

Dr. JOHN LYON (1866-1991) writes: "Keep up the great historical dialogue."

ALTON MacILROY 4185-1995) writes: "Just a quick note to let you know I really enjoy reading the KTB Magazine. There is much more information, stories and such than I had ever imagined."