Anthony (DD 515) - Naval Cruise Book

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A S'1'ONE'S THROW FROM TOKYO Upon arriving at our base in the Philippines, Captain Edward Young, USN, of Coronado, Cali- fornia, Commander Destroyer Squadron TWENTY-FOUR came aboard and hoisted pennant, thus making the A a Squadron Flagship. We had left Captain Tedder just shortly before we left Iwo and were now completely a unit of our new squadron. With the Commodore came his staff of of- ficers and enlisted men, and it Wasn't long before these new faces were as familiar as any of our older shipmates. Here, we also made friends with the men and officers of the other ships of our new unit, and by the time we had completed rehearsals and logistics, we were completely at home in our new role. We left for this next operation on the 27th: of March, escorting one of the transport groups and expecting to do some more bombardment when we arrived at the objective. We had been some- what awed at the prospect of this invasion as it truly was but A stones throw from Tokyo or at least from Kyushu. We expected that this was to be something to make all of our previous efforts look feeble, but it would have been impossible for anyone to imagine just what was actually in store. Even now, just the name of Okinawa Island brings back the memories of moments that one thought couldn't happen, and even time itself can't erase some of the scenes that we witnessed there. We arrived at the objective without incident, but the picture of things to come was portrayed by an air attack on one of the other groups as we arrived. We were in a position where we could see the tracers going up and the burning, diving planes coming down. Having brought our transports safely into their unloading area, we took our place as a fire sup- port ship in time to commence the initial D day bombardment, and to help out with the curtain of fire behind which our troops anded. They encountered little opposition, and, although slightly sur- prised, we were thankful. We continued our bombardment duties for the next nineteen days, before We left for a time out trip south. This made 8 invasions and 6 major bombardments. During our 'first stay at Okinawa as a bombardment ship, We learned what it really was to spend long hours at our battle stations,a.nd just as We had secured, the alarm would come and back we'd rush to man our battle stations before a prospective air attack could become a reality. It was during this time that we saw our first Kamikaze attacks, but we were still being looked over by that protecting power who had looked over us at Bougainville, Rabaul, Iwo and at the many other places where we were in' danger but came through safely. As we saw our first batch of cripples , we realized just what this sure hit-sure death business could mean. It was unbelievable that a ship such as a destroyer could take a hit like these ships had, some by several planes, and still fight back. It made us both proud and humble, proud to be destroyer men serving on one of these light units and humble in the presence of the heroism shown by the men who served on these sister ships. But as yet no Kamikrazy pilot had looked our way, and we were just as happy about it. - On the 19th of April, we headed afconvoy to the rear area or what is called the rear area now. Here we got a chance to see some movies and relax a bit while the ship got a few kinks ironed out and then back to Okinawa. ' We brought our convoy into the transport area on the morning of the 10th of May, and we lost no time getting back to work. . No longer a fire support ship, we reported to the screen commander' and for the neggt several days moved around the various screen stations. Each time we moved, we seemed to get out just ahead of an attack, and the climax came on the evening when ships in the stations on both sides of us were hit. By now, we had begun to get the idea, and wondered when our time would come to go out to a picket station. By now the newspapers had written up these courageous ships who had been doing picket duty and who had either been sunk or damaged. We were proud to be asso- ciated with them, but we'd have gladly forgone the opportunity to become one of them. Never have any ships been called upon to serve as these ships had done. ON THE PICKET LINE ' Our number came up on the 23rd of May, and we headed out for our picket station for duty as a support ship. We were somewhat soothed by the fact that we were heading for a quiet station. In the next 4 days this quiet station was under attack at least once each day, 7 planes were shot down, 1 bullet riddled attacker crashed harmlessly close aboard us, and the ship with us was hit. ...14..

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Goon-BYE Fmsco It init as ell good times have to come to an end, so did our stay in the United States and 3 08? CI' 09 S0011- But, While we were getting our valves ground, and a new set of spark plugs, Ulu' Sister Sh1PS .had been dealing out the blows that were to hasten the end of the war. The Philip- Pines had been 1f1Vaded and was now the scene of a bitter contest. it would have been much more fun to remain at home, but the Navy had a job, and we were a Snfal Put lmportant Part of that Navy, so on the 12th of December, just 47 days after we had sailed in, we once more passed beneath the Golden Gate Bridge and headed out to sea. We made a short trip .down the coast and arrived at San Diego the next day, where we spent a. few days in intense training. Then came a speedy return to San Francisco to make a last liberty in the U.. S. and pick up a convoy. At noon, on the 20th, we headed out to sea and as we dropped 001' Pennies under the Golden Gate Bridge, we hoped that it would be a. speedy return that they would bring for us. ' CHRISTMAS AT SEA Now, a completely modernized destroyer, the A , like her sister ships who were with her, chaffed at the slow speed of the convoy, but that was our job for the moment, and we made the best of it. Although Christmas at sea might be a. dismal prospect for some, the fact that the pre- vious one had seen us spending the day at our battle stations off Bougainville made this seem rela- tively pleasant. Our presents brought from horney' the gift packages provided us by the Red Cross and the excellent holiday dinner that the Supply Officer, Lt. Cjgy Samuel New, USNR, of South Bend, Indiana provided, made the day a memorable one. The holiday atmosphere was stimulated by Xmas carols and music, both via radio and from a special recording prepared for the day. As we steamed through the night, we could hear the carols and other music from the other ships, and while it made use think of our families, it made us realize the necessity for our job, so that never again would there be a wartime Christmas. ' AT THE ENEMY'S DOORSTEP With our arrival in Pearl Harbor on the 30th of December, we were ushered into the hustle and bustle of a fleet. getting ready for a truly bigoperation. We celebrated New Year's eve at sea, firing night exercises. Then came rehearsals, conferences, and all of the other preparations for the coming invasion. Meanwhile, the men made the most of what would be their last liberty port before they arrived in Japan, or returned to the States. ' The morning of the 27th of January found preparations complete and our force on' its way. It was a gigantic task that was ahead, and this was a gigantic force. Yet, it was but a part of the force that was to be thrown at the Japanese' doorstep. It was hard to believe, but we were actually on our way to invade Iwo Island in the Volcano Islands. This was indeed a stepping stone on the road to Tokyo. It was to be a tough struggle, and how tough is now a matter of common knowledge. The trip was uneventful, and upon arrival at Saipan, the A was detached along with the WADSWORTH, and we proceeded to Guam where we marvelled at the changes that had taken place since we had last been there. What had been a relatively complacent little island now was a miniature Pearl Harbor and the airfields could but awe us when we compared what the J aps had done with this Island in 215 years and what we had done in 8 months to create a base for opera- tions that would ultimately lead to Tokyo itself. QQ , We were not destined to be there for the initial landing, but we were close by, escorting a Re- serve Unit, and it was not long before our guns were blasting away at the Japs. We had more than a fair opportunity to test our new equipment against the enemy, and we were pleased at the oppor- tunity to do our bit to help the Marines who were putting up such a courageous fight ashore. This was our 7th invasion and our 5th major bombardment, and just as the coming operation was to overshadow this, so did this bombardment overshadow all that we had done before in both number of days so employed and in number of rounds fired. We were able to leave the area with a sense of satisfaction over a job well done, and the knowledge that the Island was now secure. ...13....

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We had learned what a picket station could be like in this quiet station. To hear the word h ' . . , . 1 e S Commg' 1113 then to heal' the 5 mchf 40 mm, 2o mm all barking out their song of destruction as the attacker comes .into their range is something that is indescribable, but when the 30 caliber machine guns on the bridge commence their sharp stacatto, you dive for the deck, and Wish you could dig a foxhole in its steel plate. A picket station is no place for anyone with a weak heart! '. We got a first-hand View of the damage sustained by our sister ship when we closed her to fight the fires that were raging, and we also got a first hand picture of what stuff our men were made of asiour repair parties went aboard her with fire fighting gear with complete disregard for their safety. Our remaining period at Okinawa was made up of picket duty, and the short logistics and re- laxation period between tours on station. We added to our collection of planes shot down as well as our collection of planes brought down. One overly ambitious pilot came so close that the blazing gasoline covered the entire ship forward of the bridge and Lt. Cjgj D. Ross Dennison, USNR, had his hair singed while he was up in the gun director, the highest point on the ship! We knew With that one that either the mighty A had truly been built of melted down horseshoes or that some higher power was looking out for us. Most of us will agree that it is more likely to be the latter. This was truly the climax of our career, and the rest that followed Was anti-climatic. For our work at Okinawa, several of our shipmates have been recommended for various awards as a result of their outstanding work, courageous action, and devotion to duty in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy. As Captain Van Mater predicted, the Mad ANTHONY bode no good for the enemy. MOVING FORWARD t i Our duty at Okinawa finished, we departed on the 24th of June, heading for the Philippines and our next duty. The stay in the islands was pleasant and all hands were completely relaxed when on the morning of July 13th, we steamed out in a fast striking force. We were escorting a fast cruiser task force and were heading into the East China Sea. ' Here we did our bit to maintain the naval blockade that was to strangle Japan, and there was no question as to our complete control of the sea lanes there. It was during this duty that we received the news that we were to lose our skipper who had brought us safely through the most dangerous spots. Comdr. Jackson H. Raymer, USN, of Al- hambra, California, Cthen Lieutenant Commanderl reported aboard, and as prospective commanding officer, accompanied us on our last sweep of the China Sea. On our return, we got ready for the usual ceremonies, and on the 7th of August, 1945, we once more gathered on the fantail to say good- bye to our true friend and second skipper. After relieving Captain Van Arsdall, our new skipper, Captain Raymer, said a few words, and assured us that he was proud to have been given the AN- THONY as his first command. THE GOAL ACHIEVED Between sweeps and typhoons, We returned to Okinawa, where appropriately we first learned of the surrender offer made by the Japs. We thrilled to the sight of the fireworks display that re- sulted from the announcement over the radio, and then wisely counselled by our new skipper, we took cover. It would have been indeed sad to come this far and then have anyone injured by shrapnel from a victory celebration! Fate kept our new skipper from guiding us on any expeditions before the war had come to an end, but on his shoulders is the honor and responsibility of guiding the A over the strained days when peace was becoming a reality, and through her activities during the occupation of Japan. Just as we had moved through the South Pacific, the Central Pacific, and then the Western Pacific to bring the war to Nippon, now we are supporting and covering the forces who are to occupy Japan and safeguard the peace for which we have fought. The story of the Mad ANTHONY and her part in the war now has become one of her part in the PI'eSeI'Vf1ti011 Of the PS9-Ce, -and we lock to Cap' tain Raymer to guide her activities and eventually bring us back to that paradise, the United States. Meanwhile, some of us are leaving to return to civilian life, others will stay with the. A , but all can be proud to say that he served on the ANTHONY and the ANTHONY can be confident that she has carried her marine sergeant's name in honor. .-.15....