I grew up (literally) across the street from Cdr. John Searles in Davenport, Iowa and knew him well for the first 18 years of my life. PT boat enthusiasts will easily recognize his name as one of the earliest and most influential PT commanders of the war. He was an incredibly interesting guy and gave me access to his library which was really something. I last heard from him a few years ago at the time he published his book "Tales of Tulagi" when he sent me an inscribed copy.

Anyway, I just talked to my mother who still lives back there and it seems he passed away yesterday at the age of 97. The passing of a great hero.

Michael Satin

I met him years ago when we lived in the Quad Cities. He talked about his adventures in WWII and sold some of his books. I have a copy and enjoyed reading it. I'm sorry to hear he's gone.

Tom