USO News

And The Banjo Played On

Sunday, May 29, 2011

On Thursdays, you can almost always hear Richard Don Simms strumming his banjo in a special section of Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.  While the USO volunteer loves the sound of a musical instrument he's played for more than half a century, it's the faces of American troops walking in and out of the USO center that strike a chord with Simms.

In early 1944, Seaman 1st Class Omer Dee Simms sat down in California to write a letter to Richard Don, his six-year-old son.  Putting his pen to USO stationary, the sailor, who was getting ready to join the crew of the USS Franklin, sent warm greetings to his little boy in Riverside, Texas.

"Don, if I can get a good picture of the Franklin, I will send it to you," Seaman 1st Class Simms promised his son, who was fascinated by the ships his dad served on.

After asking his son to check in with the neighbors, the letter ended on a heartwarming note.

 "I'll be seeing you darlin'. Love from Daddy."

The sailor came home for Christmas in 1944, as the USS Franklin was repaired after the aircraft carrier was hit by enemy torpedoes.  But Richard Don Simms, now 73, never saw his father again after that special holiday season, which haunts him to this day.

On March 19, 1945, Seaman 1st Class Simms made the ultimate sacrifice when the USS Franklin was devastated by two enemy bombs about 50 miles off the coast of Japan.  In a tragedy of staggering magnitude, 724 Navy sailors and officers were killed in the attack, with hundreds more wounded.  Despite catastrophic damage, the ship did not sink, due to the heroism of the men who remained aboard.

On that terrible day, Lt. Commander Joseph O'Callahan, known  simply as "Father Joe," stayed on the devastated aircraft carrier to administer last rites to the dying, a breathtaking act of selflessness that earned the chaplain a posthumous Medal of Honor.  Seaman 1st Class Simms, 33, was also aboard "Big Ben," as the Franklin was nicknamed, during those chaotic moments.  Before his death, Seaman 1st Class Simms saved the lives of at least 12 younger men by holding open a hatch so they could escape.

Decades later, Richard Don Simms received another letter.  It was from a World War II veteran who was with Seaman 1st Class Simms just moments before his death.

"Your dad saved my life," the retired sailor wrote.

For 66 years, Simms has been deeply inspired by his father's story.  He tells everyone who will listen about what happened on the USS Franklin, both to honor his father and to make sure Americans appreciate the sacrifices that gave us the freedoms we still enjoy today.  That's why when Simms saw the opportunity to join an organization that his dad once utilized, he jumped at the chance.

"In 2004, I noticed on a TV channel that there is a USO at DFW Airport," Simms told the USO.  "I said 'wow, that's great, what can I do?'"

Since 1956, Simms has entertained Texans with his banjo and comedic acts.  Since 2005, usually on Thursdays, Simms has entertained troops and military families coming through DFW's state-of-the-art USO center, which hundreds of dedicated volunteers put everything into making a success.

"They are fantastic," Simms gushed.  "They keep that place open so long every day."

When Simms is able to lift the spirits of one of the thousands of U.S. troops passing through the airport, be it through his banjo or donated cinnamon rolls he often brings from a local restaurant, he can't help but remember his dad's smiling face.

"They've come up and thanked me for doing what I'm doing, and I turn around and thank them," Simms said, becoming emotional.  "They're just fantastic, and it's such an honor to be there and just bring them a smile."

Capt. Patrick Opp, an Army chaplain, passed through Dallas during leave from his Afghanistan deployment.  Afterwards, he sent Simms a letter to thank him for lifting his spirits.

"I cherish the moment we had together and especially the binder of loved memories you shared, not only of your father and the great bravery and dedication he showed, but also for our brave service members today," Chaplain Opp wrote.  "I know that your dad would be most proud of you."

Adm. Mike Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, also sent a letter to Simms, which is most appropriate to quote on Memorial Day 2011.

"Your father, Seaman First Class Omer Dee Simms, USN, who made the ultimate sacrifice on March 19, 1945 during World War II is not, and will never be, forgotten by those of us who remain," Adm. Mullen wrote.  "We will honor them – we will honor your father – by our continued dedication to the ideals for which he fought and died."

Richard Don Simms is one of many exceptional volunteers at USO Dallas-Fort Worth, and one of thousands donating their time at USO centers around the world.  More than 70 years after the United Service Organizations came together during World War II, and more than 66 years after the death of Seaman 1st Class Omer Dee Simms, the banjo still plays.