Navy Commander in 1968 Spy Ship Case Dies

[peterh]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uslatest/story/0,1282,-3685227,00.html

SAN DIEGO (AP) - Former Navy Cmdr. Lloyd ``Pete'' Bucher, who commanded the spy ship USS Pueblo when it was captured by North Korea in 1968 and helped his crew survive months of brutal captivity, only to nearly face a court-martial back home, has died. He was 76.
Bucher, who lived in San Diego, died Wednesday evening at a nursing facility in suburban Poway. He had been in declining health for months, partly the legacy of his captivity, said Stu Russell, who served under Bucher and is president of the USS Pueblo Veteran's Association.
The lightly armed Pueblo was monitoring communist ship movements and intercepting messages in international waters near the North Korean coast when it was attacked by torpedo boats Jan. 23, 1968.
One sailor was killed and 82 were taken prisoner. Bucher, who was wounded when the Pueblo was shelled, was beaten and tortured into signing a confession. During their captivity, crew members said, they were beaten with pieces of lumber, burned on radiators and had their teeth kicked out by North Korean soldiers.



RIP Pete….he was an admired and much talked about subject when I was in language school (Korean) in D.C. back in `70….<taps>

[CO Liberal]

1. He Was a Bit of a Celebrity Here in Southern Colorado

Since the ship was named for Pueblo, CO, Commander Bucher (and a lot of his crew) were frequent guests on talk radio here. There's currently a move afoot to get the ship moved here once North Korea gives it back, thought I don't understand how thay propose to get it here.....

[MaineDem]

2. There's a guy who got a bum rap!

RIP, Commander.

[Journeyman]

3. The Crew of the Pueblo were photographed. . .

by the North Koreans, to show they were being treated well. To put the lie to it, the crew smiled while they flipped the bird at the cameraman. When asked, they told the North Koreans it was a colloquial greeting, a fun way to tell everyone back home, 'Howdy!' When the truth came out, they were beaten unmercifully, though most would later say it was well worth it.

[CO Liberal]

4. They Re-Created That Photo A Few Years Back

When they had a reunion in Pueblo, CO. The photo was published on the front page of the local paper, and people in this town went BALLISTIC!!!!!

:-)

I found the original photo thru Google:

[CO Liberal]

5. Do You Know Why There Were No Freepers On The "Pueblo"?

Because it was an intelligence ship.

:-)

[CaptAhab]

6. He was a brave man

Captain Bucher was a great man and a military hero, in my opinion. He managed to save every single one of his crew, except for the crewman who died during the North Korean attack, only to be court martialled when they returned. Rest in peace, Cdr. Bucher.

You can read more about the USS Pueblo case at http://www.usspueblo.org/.

[alfredo]

11. And remember the USS Liberty.

I was in Asmara (Kagnew Station) when the Liberty was attacked and when the Pueblo captured. I remember it well. Still pissed about the Liberty, still seeking justice.

Both crews were my brothers.









ASA?

[slackmaster]

7. Bucher was my mom's neighbor for several years

My folks used to see the Buchers at parties in Poway. I met him once.

RIP indeed. He was a nice man.

[CO Liberal]

8. I Heard Him Talk Quite Often....

...on the talk shows on KCSJ in Pueblo, CO.

To use an old '60s expression, Lloyd Bucher had all his shit in one sock.

[amber dog democrat]

9. I served with one of the signalmen from the Pueblo

after the ordeal. I have nothing but respect for the captain.
The Navy mismanaged that operation.

Rest in peace. He was a decent indivudual.

[Ivote]

10. Rest In Peace

Cmdr. Bucher Now you are really at peace, from your enemies.