Bacon, Francis Sylvester, PO3

My name Bob Gardner and I served on the USS Bennington with Francis Sylvestor who was sadly killed on May 26th 1954. When the explosions were hiting, I headed down the the hangar deck to assist in anything I could do to help in locating survivors or any injured or killed. An Ensign from my unit was also just arriving and I joined his team along with five others at a gangway going down to the lower decks on the forward starboard side of the hangar deck. Needless to say, I was scared as I proceeded to put on a RBA (rescue breathing apparatus) which would supply air for a short length of time and an attached umbillical cable to locate me if anything should happen during my search below deck. The explosions were found to be caused by a petroleum leak from the starboard side catapult system. Our team of three proceeded down two hot and smoking decks to the officers and stewards quarters. We entered what seemed to be a stewards living area and didn't notice if anyone was in there. As we proceeded to leave, I saw something floating behind a mangled row of lockers which turned out to be a dead steward. I'll skip further deails but after reading about Francis, I thought just maybe that could have been him. At any rate, I offer my sincere condolences. My email is bobgardner2@comcast.net.