Benham (DD 796) - Naval Cruise Book

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In the States it ' s Matnbo — In Japan it ' s Tonko-Bush Bunny Hop

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SHIP ' S PARTY Profit ran high on our coke machine and much of it was retu. ned to the crew in the form of a ship ' s party that lasted for two nights. It is doubtful if the fabulous mansions along Narragansett Bay ever housed a more exciting and interesting party than the China Nite . Beer, food, entertainment were more than abundant. Types of dances were too numerous to mention and the Engineers demonstrated their proficiency in all of them by walking off with first honors in each contest. And many of the other members of the crew demonstrated their abilities in many arts, some of them rather impromptu. There were no specific highlights, because both evenings were highlights. The BENHAM ' s gendarmes were on hand, but were not really needed and it is a credit to the entire ship ' s company that such a tremendous party was conducted with such fine decorum. Eight o ' clock reports 1 Cookie. Cookie, Cookie-San. Cookie Get your own!

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Vi ' ' ■ Vv Common grave of 1200 Philippine Citizens massacred University of Manila MANILA We entered Manila after having been on patrol off Hainan Island and the morning sun shone on the harbor with its count- less sunken ships. Everyone was surprised to find that Manila hod been considerably reconstructed from the war. On the boulevard overlooking the bay there were numerous, excell- ent restaurants where we enjoyed delicious Filipino, Chinese, or American dishes. Downtown Manila boasted many, attrac- tive theaters and night clubs, but the prices were considerobly higher than in other ports we had visited in the For East. An excellent sight-seeing tour was arranged and the usual Camera bugs took every advantage of it. The first stop was the ancient, walled city where the Japanese held their last stand. Within the walls were seen the ancient barracks, tor- ture chambers and the tomb of the Philippine Unkown Soldier. A sight we will always remember was that of the mass grave containing the mutilated bodies of thousands of Filipinos. The tour then continued to Sa int Augustine ' s Church, the only church left standing undamoged from the war. Since it was built in 1689, it has withstood the destruction of many, and wars. up- igs The tour also stopped at San Tomas, an old Spanish-type school, and then proceeded to the country side and the Univer- sity of the Philippines, on outstanding institution. Last stop was the beautiful palace of President Ramon Magsosay. Vfe- i Liberty Recreation Only church remaining after Battle of Monila