CELEBRITY GALLERY
Marilyn Monroe
March 1955
How about a picture of Marilyn Monroe
in a Bennington T shirt?
well, okay, how about a picture of Marilyn "BEHIND"
a USS Bennington T shirt!
(Thanks, Jim Brusa)
(I wonder what that sailor is whispering in Marilyn's ear, in the 2nd picture)
Bill Copeland
From Mike Barbaro, CVA 20 :
Hi Bill,
I was looking at some of the pictures of Bob Hope and Joey Heatherton and something came to mind.
I don't recall the date but I know it was in the winter of 1954, after the explosion on the Bennington, that the ship had a huge party at the Waldorf Astoria. I think it was supposed to be a moral booster.
My leading chief was in charge of the entertainment and wouldn't tell us who was going to appear at the show.
He said we would be greatly surprised and we were because who should appear but the lovely Marlyn Monroe.
The only problem was they made a mistake by bringing her on stage late in the party and most sailors were kind of intoxicated by then. Everytime she tried to talk some drunk would run up on stage and slip off her spaghetti strap from her shoulder. She was beautiful and took it in stride.
We had a great time until it was time to leave and get back to the ship in Brooklyn. I don't! knowhow everyone got back, I do remember having to pickup a shipmate off the sidewalk in the middle of Times quare.People just looked and laughed at us I was also sprawled on the sidewalk with him ,trying to get him on his feet. I'm from New Jersey and I prayed no-one I knew would see me. I finally got him on a subway and back to the ship.
It was an experience I'll never forget. I'm surprised that no-one has ever mentioned the Party. Well thanks for letting me share the moment with you.
Your Shipmate--
Mike Barbaro AOAN
V 6 div.
USS BENNINGTON CVA20 1954-1955
Subject:
Marilyn Monroe and the USS Bennington Crew
From:
Bruce and Stacy [bseubank32@earthlink.net]
Date:
Tue, 6 May 2003 14:44:56 -0700 (PDT)
To:
info@uss-bennington.org
I found these on eBay and thought you might be interested in posting them on your site.
I am currently writing a book on Marilyn Monroe.
Do you happen to know the exact date of the party at the Waldorf Astoria, where these pictures were taken?
It was March of 1955, just before the USS Bennington left for sea trials. Anyway, I hope you like them.
Stacy Eubank
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