Belle Grove (LSD 2) - Naval Cruise Book

Page 23 text:

On ttie 28th at 0245 we (ir()[);)P l tlic hodk about 1000 yards off the heach after weaving throiii h heavy tiaflii- without the heneCit of runninj lii ' hts and with a rniniriiuin of reliahle navigational aids. Within a few hours our 130 Marines and all their vehicles, plus hundreds of troops from other ships were on the beaches of Taiwan proving once again the capabilities of a strong amphibious force. ALL HANDS MAN YOUR BATTLE STATIONS EVERYONE HAS A JOB AND DOES A JOB

Page 22 text:

V EMBARKATION MEANS LABOR ON THE WINGWALLS ... ASHWORTH BM2 IN CHARGE MARINES COME ABOARD On the morning of the 18th our Engine- ering Officer earned the title of the human cam when the Belle was required to do some sinua- tintr without the use of her sinuous course clock which was suddenly found to be inope- rative. Lt. Hunt who had the conn and Weller j QMS who had the helm managed to dodge ' the rest of the formation for over an hour and did an admirable job of remaining within the general vicinity of assigned station.

Page 24 text:

r The t reatest threat to an amphibious force as it sits off the beach debarking the men and material necessary to wage war on the hind is from the air. Although we may assume air supremacy there is still an urgent need for remaining constantly alert and pre- pared to defend the ship at general (]uarters.