The Survivors


US Marines in New Zealand

Governor General Lt Gen Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae with three U.S.Navy veterans who survived: Ray Plante, a 2nd class Radarman, also from Maine, Ted Picard, a 1st class Bosun’s Mate also from Maine and Frank Zalot from Massachusetts at the Salute 70 – Memorial Day Service and celebrations in 2012. They stayed in Paekākāriki village with their families.

The three men forged a life-long friendship in the Navy. Mr Picard was coxswain (driver) of an LCVP loaded with Marines in combat gear, Ray Plante was on the ship itself, and Frank Zalot was in the beach party of 25 sailors whose task was to manage the flotilla after landing their human cargo.

Read Frank Zalot Obituary

Read Ted Picard Obituary


The USS American Legion in Action, Narrated by Frank Zalot, Jr.


Frank Zalot and Ted Picard Describe Life Aboard The USS American Legion


US Marines in New Zealand

Ray Plante in 2012 and in 1942