USS Columbia - Naval Cruise Book

Text from Pages 1 - 96 of the 1945 volume:

2 2 2 2 2 2 FIRST 2 JLOLF ••■■.: •..GroTip BATTLE CRUISE 2 2 2 2 iHaxLTVui) 0° .■v.Ocean. j ; ' C.v:-.OQtoiig Jscva. jpinville I KQioiseful ' •• V;. SOLOMON ISLANDS ■•■■■ (Lord Howe Is) oRorvccbdorRf :r fcussellls p -v. xjk ajdalcanal ■ ' k:s Belloiia.1 =55: Jleimell lliahRf t« San. xlixC ' stobal SANT VCRUZ IS Nupani .. . t-JiuH. or ' WilsoTi Is 10° cSyNdearL or Sta. Cruz ' Vasikorols «. .v.Anuda ■■ ' .vjFataka. vTikDpda. port Iff ; jLongf ■ • • • ■ • life I) Sani Is Torres Is r • • T urtiaXccvna,0 ' Banks Is Gana o • .... EspirittxSanto Ua J Aurora. : Efate Q Eronian a, .Hiion e O, o Aixei ami ' NKW CALEDONIA. 160° Ncnmica •.? v.-Walpole 20° Ma: 2 7 i Bctiih fiecm ma mh ttf ( 1 ine U. S. S. COLUMBIA f 942- 945 tt DO, rx . PUBLISH KD BY THE OFFITERS A D M EN WHO F O IJ « H T WITH HER IN THE YEARS OF WORLD WAR II IjV honor of the officers and men who gallantly gave their lives for their country on her decks, this Battle record and history of the USS COLUMBIA is respectfully dedicated. THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY WASHINGTON The Secretary of the ITavy tnices pleasure in connending the Ul ITED STAT3S SHIP COLIBIBIA for service as follows: For outstanding heroism in action as a Unit of Task Groun 77.2 operating in support of the initial landings at Lingayen Gulf, Luzon, Philippines, from Jjuiuary 5 to 9, 1945. 3ngaged in hom- bardment of hostile shore defenses and in coverage of minesv eep- ing opera-tions as a Japanese suicide dive homher plunged to attack, the U.S.S. COLUISIA promptly opened fire, blasting the target ur) ' vard and forcing it hetween foremast and mainmast to crash 80 feet from the side abreast of the bridge and spray the entire forward nart of the ship with gasoline. Althou saved from serious fires by the quick action of the repair crews, the COLUI IBIA suffered severe personnel casualties later the same day when a hostile suicide dive bomber crashed her main deck, put two turrets out of action and caused progressive electric;il failures from extensive flooding. Despite her crippled condition and the increased diimage resulting from a third suicide crash into the forward battery director, the C0LU15BIA stoutly con- tinued her heavy bombardment schedule after each fanatical attack, sending her salvos into enemy gun positions and facil- ities with punishing effect in galliint support of. our assault forces until her vital mission was fulfilled. A resolute and sturdy veteran, complemented by skilled sind aggressive officers and men, the GOLUTCBIA. hns rendf red distinctive sprvice, sustain- ing and enhancing the finest traditions of the United States Naval Service. All personnel attached to and serving on board the U.S.S. COLUMBIA during the above mentioned period are hereby authorized to wear the NAVY UNIT COi iSl ' mATION Ribbon. J James Forrestal Secretary of the Navy Be Beaten  ? Job ' Wlppines l t J n - ' „ sUyed on to fiaWi beti- e Navy revealed toniif ' Columbia it ' rtaci Gulf p- prelJ Sr gainst u J 4 m !ai tte i e hv e boi c, putt a batti imbia t ;le area n eff ectet the air a ' t  l•; : !V V Way B clL..-- w - ' ■he vessel, akippered by C E CurU of Washington, ned to the Terminal is vy Yar fyd ' tl 3vy Reveals Dama tingayen Gulf ' ashington, D r t , l.verageof8?5. ; e r ' ' ys at thp T orjcers sp(  the ' i,t , ' .7- in. da ' reported today ,h« Columbia 184 ca ' ' «0 killed and ' aft on agei in sh. if ' ie Lingaj tuck to f] itil 1 , ' , U ' a„ ,?• vefe .. by a Vr ' ' i ia ' ' differ spent 77 ra ■ She k ' ' S ' ' - ■ -she Meel battle fnreH- ri  t I boa lUt lre . t hit the si Dan t«h)y remaf: . Aft„ 2 2 2 2 4- X} HE BEGIXXIXG THIS, then, is a battle record and a history of the light cruiser USS COLUMBIA from her inception to her last Pacific Fleet assignment in WORLD WAR 11. This is the story of YOUR ship — a valiant ship manned by valiant men. The USS COLUMBIA was named for the city of Columbia, S. C, and she was the second cruiser of her class to be built. She was author- ized on May 17, 1938, and her building contract was placed with the New York Shipbuilding Corporation in Camden, N. J. Her keel was laid on August 19, 1940, and on the 17th day of December, 1941, she was launched. Miss Jean Adams Paschal, daughter of the acting mayor, in 1941, of Columbia, S. C, was -- acis (}j (Jniemi Boam «5 ' T ' a Length 610 ' O Displacement 10,000 Draft 24 ' 5 Haled Speed 33 Knots llwrse Power 100,000 Slain Battery 12 « 47 Secondary Battery ..12 5 38 tOM l Anti Aircraft BatlericN 20MM Anti Aircraft BattericN Steamed mileage 178,023 ■ -- -- Miss Jean Adams Paschal, daughter of acting mayor of Columbia, S. C, christens the USS Columbia — Dec. 17, 1941. accorded the honor of smashing the traditional bottle of champagne against the COLUMBIA ' S bow. With the blowing of yard whistles and the cheers of workmen, the youthful ship slipped quickly down the ways into the waters of the Delaware River unaware of the essential role she was to play in victory over Japan. Due to the exigencies of war, a pre-commis- sioning detail was immediately assigned to the new ship by the Navy Department. This first nucleus gathered for duty in the Welsback Building in Gloucester, N. J. — duty which ac- counted for the COLUMBIA ' S plank-owners being dubbed Welsbackers. Early on the morning of July 29, 1942, the order to board ship was given to the Wels- backers, and to many of that first crew, the order marked the beginning of a trip that would see them half-around the world, and for some others, half-around again to return after three years of fighting in the Pacific. The crew stepped up the gangway of the Gem of the Ocean, or Gem for short — a nickname the COLUMBIA had already acquired — at the New York Shipbuilding Cor- poration, having previously been assigned bunks and lockers. It was the first assigned billet aboard a naval vessel for some of the men and USS Columbia sliding down the ways at Camden, N. J. plaintive cries of Where is bunk number?? emanated from below decks. At 0900 the same day, the Gem, under tug power, was shifted across the Delaware River and berthed at the Philadelphia Navy Yard. Here, more new members of the crew joined the ship and a marine detachment came aboard followed by an aviation unit. The order All hands to Quarters sounded presently and the crew mustered on the fantail of the ship for commissioning ceremonies. Rear Admiral A. E. Watson, USN, then Commandant of the Fourth Naval District, presented com- mand of the ship to Captain W. A. Heard, USN. Captain Heard read his orders and upon assum- ing command, directed his Executive Officer, Commander H. E. Gearing, USN, to Set the Watch. With this procedure completed, the COLUMBIA became the USS COLUMBIA, a commissioned ship in the United States Navy. Certain installations of a military nature remained to be added, however, before the Gem could be sent to sea. These installations were rushed to completion by employees of the Philadelphia Navy Yard and members of the crew. In a matter of weeks the COLUMBIA was ready for her post repair trial. A Sunday was chosen and the trial consisted of a trip down the Delaware River to the Chesapeake Bay and back to the Philadelphia Navy Yard. All goes well was the professional opinion upon return and a prospective date for departure on a shakedown cruise was set. In September, 1942, the COLUMBIA de- parted from the Philadelphia Navy Yard for her intensive training and shakedown in the Chesapeake Bay. The task of preparing a green crew to man the vessel ' s guns, machin- ery, and planes, was a large job made larger by the limitations of time. To many seasoned veterans the shakedown was uninteresting, but to the large number of recruits aboard everyday brought new experiences such as launching planes from the ship, firing the AA weapons, the main and secondary batteries, executing the various drills (not to forget the Abandon Ship Drill), and running to the sound of the General Alarm or Beeper — an alarm the crew little realized would regulate their lives during the days and nights of the months to come. While engaged in training, the COLUMBIA anchored off the Naval Academy at Annapolis, Md., and weekend liberties were granted. Many of the crew visited the Capitol of the United States, while those with families or girls in the vicinity made hurried trips for what they felt might be the last visit with their loved ones. Captain W. A. Heard, USN A perfect straddle. Chesapeake Bay, 1942 Culebra Cut — Panama Canal Into the forward area. 2 2 ST BATTLE CRIJISE IN October the shakedown in the Chesa- peake Bay ended and the Gem proceeded to Portsmouth, Va., where repairs to the bugs developed during the cruise were made and additional fighting gear stowed aboard. It was here that she was stripped for action and all unnecessary equipage, including paint and linoleum, was removed. Stores, ammunition and fuel were brought aboard and on November 9, 1942, the Gem headed out through Hampton Roads on a southerly course. This was good-by to the United States for a good many months to come; this was the beginning of the first battle cruise. The destination of the COLUMBIA was the Pacific War Zone and she was in company with new units of the Pacific Fleet. Speed was a necessity with these units for at that time U. S. Forces were in the earlier stages of the long and bloody campaign for the Solomon Islands, and Japanese Admirals were risking major units in the defense of that outer rim of their Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere. The Panama Canal was reached after a five- day voyage from the States through sub-infested waters. The trip through the canal commenced almost immediately and by nightfall of the day of arrival, the Pacific Coast was reached. Here, the Gem paused briefly to take on fuel. No liberty was granted and many of the crew missed their only chance to see Panama City with its famous sights. The COLUMBIA left the Canal Zone and nosed her way through the Pacific bound for Tongatabu in the Tonga Islands. It was a smooth journey out to Tongatabu with various types of drills and practices being held along the route. The Royal Domain of Neptune Rex was entered but due to the war, the usual honors bestowed while in his domain were dis- pensed with. A number of funny-looking hair cuts, however, and various colored skins were noted among the crew and it was understood that the Chief ' s quarters qualified several bom- bardiers. At Tongatabu a few of the crew went ashore to see their first South Sea Island, but found it unlike the ones in the movies and to add to their disillusionment the Army had arrived somewhat earlier and had the situation well under control. By December 1, the COLUMBIA was sailing with a small group of ships for Noumea, New Caledonia. This was an important base in the early months of the war for it was from Noumea that many task forces staged hammering blows at the Japs. The Gem ' s stay there, however, was very short for she sailed the morning after her arrival. While at Noumea, the battle veteran cruiser HELENA tied up beside the Gem and many discussions between crews were carried on over the life lines and later many days were spent cruising with the HELENA in various task forces of Admiral William (Bull) Halsey, Commander South Pacific Forces and later Commander Third Fleet. After leaving Noumea, the Gem was definitely in the Forward Area for her next stop, Espiritu Santo in the New Hebrides Islands, had several raids after her arrival by single Jap planes. At Espiritu Santo, the COLUMBIA encountered major units of the Pacific Fleet back from the Solomon Islands, some with battle damage getting temporary repairs, others fueling and loading ammunition and stores. Joining the vets, the Gem prepared for her first fighting assignment. She was now ready to prove her fighting ability, and by this time her crew had a smart appearance — not veterans, but definitely not green. For nearly a month the COLUMBIA oper- ated out of Espiritu Santo with Task Group 67.2. This task group, using the Solomons as its stomping grounds, consisted of the NASH- VILLE, ST. LOUIS, HELENA, HONOLULU, LOUISVILLE, H. M. A. S. ACHILLES, COLUMBIA and four destroyers. The days of this month passed slowly for the crew of the Gem. Many were anxious for action, but as it happened they had not long to wait for the ambitious Jap was anxious too; and what could be a sweeter target for him than the Gem, her champagne-christened bow hardly more than dry. On January 5, 1943, the day came. Task Group 67.2 had sortied from Espiritu Santo to operate in the areas south and east of Guadal- canal Island in support of the American offen- sive. A four-plane Japanese dive bombing attack developed. With the aid of friendly fighters, two of the attacking planes were shot down and the attack was fought off, but the H. M. A. S. ACHILLES sustained a bomb hit on her number three turret. The Gem tasted her first danger and learned to know the sound of Ja]) dive bombers. When the task group returned to Espiritu Santo, the Gem paused only briefly and then left for Efate in the New Hebrides. Here, Task Force 18 was formed consisting of six cruisers and eight destroyers. The first duty given this combined cruiser- destroyer force was covering a large transport group moving reinforcements and supplies to Guadalcanal. Making a rendezvous with the transports, the task group shouldered its way through the South Pacific sea alerted for general quarters. About dusk on January 29, as the convoy was approaching Rennell Island from the south, it was suddenly attacked by a number of Jap torpedo planes. COLUMBIA ' S gunners trained their sights and shot down one of the Nip planes and assisted in the destruction of two others. Several more planes were destroyed by other U. S. ships, but the heavy cruiser CHICAGO suffered two hits in the attack and later sank. On the bridge of the COLUMBIA a scoreboard was started. Later, the transports Battle of Rennell Island. arrived safely off Guadalcanal and the task group retired. From February till June of 1943, Task Force 18 operated and trained in areas supporting the Beethoven ' s Fifth gets a going over. 10 Captain Beatty assumes command. Captain F. E. Beatty, USN. CRU DIV 12 off Havannah Harbor, Efate Island. p ■ !H!ff J i w i t ,| Solomon Islands operations. During this period, the DENVER reported and CRU DIV 12 was completed. On April 6, 1943, Captain F. E. Beatty, USN, relieved Captain W. A. Heard, USN, as Commanding Officer of the Gem. On June 27, 1943, a large task group con- sisting of CRU DIV 12 and destroyers, com- manded by Rear Admiral Merrill, USN, sortied from Havannah Harbor. The mission of this task group was to mine the area between Alu and Munia Islands in support and defense of the New Georgia area and to carry out bombard- ments of Poporong, Falsi, Ballale, and Short- land Islands. The task group (covered by a heavy rainstorm) proceeded up the Slot and carried out the mission as planned. The COLUMBIA bombarded Falsi Island expend ing 943 rounds of 6 47 and 525 rounds of 5 38 ammunition. Although the entire bombardment was conducted during a heavy rainstorm, about five large explosions were heard and a dull red glow (probably from a fire) was noted. In July, 1943, another task group was formed under the command of Rear Admiral Merrill. This group consisted of CRU DIV 12, acting as Fire Support Section one; two ships designated as fire support two; and two task units desig- nated as screening sections one and two. The mission of this force was to bombard enemy positions in the Munda area to further their capture and destruction. The task group sortied from Purvis Bay, Florida Island, on July 11, proceeded to the target area, and carried out the bombardment as scheduled beginning at 0300 on July 12. This bombardment was apparently very effective as 15 to 20 large fires were observed and one particularly large explosion followed by int ermittent explosions (probably an ammunition dump) was heard. From July 13 to September 5 in company with the CLEVELAND and destroyers, the COLUMBIA was engaged in patrolling sup- porting areas to the east and south of the Solo- mon Islands area. On September 6, the Bombardment of Munda. 12 We ' ve seen it all — we ' ve been to Sydney! COLUMBIA proceeded to Sydney, Australia, for recreation. Returning to the combat area on September 24, rendezvous was made with a large task group and the Gem received orders to proceed with the task group east and north of Vclla La Vella Island to intercept possible enemy vessels en- route to Kolombangara Island. The task group proceeded to a position off Sanka Point, Vella La Vella and deployed. Enemy torpedo planes in small groups made attacks on the formation on September 25 from 0100 to 0330. There was also evidence that enemy submarines were attacking with torpedoes for a torpedo wake was sighted ahead of the Gem at 0311; two at 0326; and another at 0336. No ships of the task group suffered damage and all planes were taken under fire. On November 1, CRU DIV 12 and DESRON 23 aided in conducting a night bombardment of Buka airfield. Later, early on the morning of November 2, bombardments of Falsi Island and Karove Peninsula (on Shortland Island) were carried out. The effectiveness of these bombardments, as far as shipboard observers could judge, was most satisfactory. At Buka, two fires were started, one of which seemed to increase in intensity and was plainly visible for sixty miles. No return fire from the beach at Buka was noted but return fire at the Short- lands, while persistent, did no damage to any ship of the force. X lIs believed that guns of the GOT.TJMBIA silenceH three shore batteries on t he.se islands. U pon completion ot the bombard- ment, the task force took up a position off Empress Augusta Bay in order to cover the American forces landing there. During the night of November 2-3, while CRU DIV 12 and DESRON 23 were screening the landings at Empress Augusta Bay, an enemy surface force which was estimated to consist of a minimum of three cruisers and five destroyers and possibly to consist of four cruisers and eight The bombardment of Shortland Islands. Battle of Empress Augusta Bay destroyers, was contacted. An engagement (the first major surface engagement for the Gem), took place 40 miles west of Cape Torokina, Bougainville Island. At 0230 the American task force commander announced a surface contact distant 32,000 yards and ordered the task force destroyers to attack with torpedoes. At 0241 contact was made on a second group of enemy ships and later contact was made on a third. Range was closed to 6 guns on the first group and firing on that group commenced. At 0300 one enemy ship of the leading group was seen burning in two places; this group probably consisting of destroyers fired torpedoes and then retired. The American destroyer FOOTE was torpedoed in this preliminary round. At 0310 firing on the second group commenced. This group apparently contained most of the Japs ' cruiser strength. The enemy immediately opened fire and illuminated with starshells and directly after the DENVER reported being hit forward. The COLUMBIA was under fire from one or two Jap eight-inch gun cruisers from about 0310 until 0326. Two minor hits were The morning after 14 Navy Cross presented to Captain Frank E. Beatty, USN, by Admiral Merrill, USN, for Empress Augusta Bay action. sustained. The battle continued until the Japs began retiring. Although assessment of damage to the enemy in a night engagement is difficult, the Gem and her battlemates carried out their mission in covering the Empress Augusta Bay landing and sent the remaining Jap vessels high-tailing it for Rabaul. In the engagement the COLUMBIA was credited wi th assistmg m the rip ;triirtir n nY nnp enem y cruiscr and one dcstrov oi: her own damage irom thg Ivv ' O iiilUui ' hits was as follows: damaec at frame 9 on the starboard side seven feet above the water hne, triang-ular in shape apparently c cm jr ' ' ■y hv _ b ase plug of an 8 shell ; damage to the search ra dar antenna, caused by an 8 shell passing through the antenna Puring the nght. the COLUMP TA ' S main hattery firp.; the l argest a mount of ammnnitinn nf :ir| v cruiser in the American group. As the task force was retiring from the battle area, the Japs sent out an air strike estimated at seventy planes. The attack began on the morn- ing of November 3, at which time friendly air cover had not yet arrived. Heavy AA fire on the part of the task force and violent maneuvers limited the damage suffered to two small bomb hits on the MONTPELIER. e COLUMBIA chalked up four enemy plancs as destroyed anH three more as probably destroyed. Back at the Augusta Bay landing area after the battle, the TF continued covering the beach- head on the nights of November 5, 6, 11, and 12. Enemy planes attacked repeatedly and snooped the task force and were fired at sufficiently to keep all hands in a sleepless status. On the night of November 11, approximately l.T enemy planes made a determined torpedo attack but no damage was incurred. On the night of November 13, approximately the same number of torpedo planes attacked the task force, result- ing in the torpedoing of the DENVER. During this engagement the COLUMBIA was credited with downing one of the attacking planes. After Empress Augusta Bay, the COLUMBIA with CRU DIV 12 and DESRON 23 on December 24, gave the airfield on Buka Island a Christmas Eve bombardment. The air spotter Cutting the Truk-Kavicng supply line. reported the area covered throughly. Two to three fires were observed including one at the northwest tip of the airfield which was accom- panied by explosive fires which could be seen for 22 miles. From February 15 to 18, CRU DIV 12 and DESRON 23 operated in the areas west and northwest of Bougainville Island and supported and covered the seizure and occupation of Nissan, Green Islands, in the northern Solomon area. From March 5 to 11 the task force cruised in areas between Truk and Kavieng in order to intercept any possible Jap reinforcements to the northern Solomon Islands. Later in March the task group supported the landing operations on the Emirau Islands. On April 4, the COLUMBIA received orders to proceed to the Navy Yard, Bethlehem Steel Co., San Francisco, California, for overhaul. On June 3, 1944, Captain M. E. Curts, USN, relieved Captain F. E. Beatty, USN, as Com- manding Officer. Thus, the light cruiser COLUMBIA finished her first cruise of battle duty. She had fought with hard-fighting units of the Pacific Fleet, learning to recognize the sound and smell of battle, and learning better the meaning of the phrase offensive action. She had been through the Solomon Islands campaign and had seen the first beginnings of a chang e of tide in the Pacific War. She was now a fighting ship! Captain M. E. Curts, USN, the Gem ' s third Captain. ECOXD BATTLE CRUISE T TPON completion of the Navy Yard overhaul - and completion of gunnery training in Pearl Harbor, T.H., the COLUMBIA arrived back in the battle zone of the Pacific for her second battle cruise. On August 24, 1944, she reached Purvis Bay, Florida Island, where she joined Task Group 32.5 under command of Rear Admiral Oldendorf, USN, and proceeded with this force to the Palau Islands. The mission of TG 32.5 was to neutralize and destroy enemy installations in the Palau area by gunfire, aerial bombardment, minesweeping, and underwater demolition operations in order to support American forces in the seizure and occupation of three islands, Anguar, Peliliu, and Ngesebus, in the Palau Islands group. On September 12, the scheduled bombard- ment of Anguar Island began. On September 15 (the day of the landing on Peliliu), COLUMBIA fire initiated a large explosion Effective fire at Anguar, Columbia target, Dulag Airfield, Leyte Catmon Hill — Leyte. followed by what was apparently an oil fire. On September 1 7, the attack force went ashore on Anguar Island against negligible opposition with the Gem ' s guns furnishing call fire support after the successful landing and again on September 18, and 19. In October the COLUMBIA was assigned to the Seventh Fleet for temporary duty in Task Group 77.2. The long awaited invasion of the Philippines was in the offing. The task group sortied from Manus in the Admiralty Islands en route to Leyte Gulf, P.I. All hands felt that this invasion was to be the test of remaining Jap strength in the Pacific. The direct mission of TG 77.2 in this invasion was to destroy enemy personnel, installations, and facilities on the entrance islands to Leyte Gulf, and in the vicinity of the landing beaches along the east First wave to go ashore in Philippines — October 20, 1944. coast of Lcytc in order to assist the U. S. Army troops in the seizure and occupation of that area. The Task Group arrived off Leyte unopposed and it is believed that the COLUMBIA and the DENVER were the first major U.S. surface ships in visual distance of the Philippines since the Japanese occupation. On October 19, 1944, the scheduled pre-landing bombardment of the Leyte area commenced. The targets were the Dulag airfield and gun emplacements on Cat- mon Hill. At first, some return fire (probably from mortars) was directed at the COLUMBIA from Catmon hill. No damage was sustained. The next day (the landing day) the COLUM- BIA moved in to within 2400 yards of the land- ing beaches and laid down a heavy pre-landing bombardment including 40mm fire. Enemy shells began landing in the water near the Gem and at 1009 six enemy shells landed about 200- 300 yards off her quarter. At 0 5 four more shells hit the water uncomfortably close. The Gem laid down a heavy fire in the vicinity of Catmon Hill whereupon the enemy fire was silenced. At 1600 a Japanese plane torpedoed the HONOLULU, about 3000 yards on the starboard bow. There developed a growing conviction that the Japs were going to fight and fight hard for the Philippines. American troops, however, waded ashore on that day and secured a beachhead. On October 22 (two days after the landing) while the Gem was conducting call fire, an enemy plane was taken under fire and later seen to crash. This plane was considered as probably destroyed. At dawn on October 21, an enemy plane was seen to deliberately crash into the bridge of the H. M. A. S. AUSTRALIA. It is believed that this deliberate suicide attack marked the beginning of the Kamikaze Corps (Divine Wind) attacks on allied vessels. On October 22 and 24, attacks by Kamikaze pilots were witnessed from the COLUMBIA on the DENVER, LOUISVILLE, and CALIFOR- NIA. On October 23, COLUMBIA ' S guns delivered effective rapid supporting fire in dis- persing an enemy troop concentration in the vicinity of Tabontabon Village on Leyte. Each evening during landing operations on the Leyte beachhead, Task Group 77.2 pro- ceeded to the north end of Surigao Strait to protect the beachhead from a surface attack in Columbia bombards Tabontabon Village on Leyte. 19 .sm • . i : ' i ' -?i! ' fi : Columbia and sister cruiser s blasting Jap ships at Surigao Strait. that direction. On October 24, allied air intelli- gence information revealed that a Japanese sur- face force containing battleships, cruisers, and destroyers was sighted in the Mindanao Sea apparently en route to Lcyte Gulf via Surigao Strait. Battle orders were issued and TG 77.2 proceeded towards the north end of the Strait to meet the challenge. This was to be the second test of the Gem in a major surface engagement. In the minds of the crew there was confidence in the ultimate outcome. The TG was formed in typical battle disposi- tion. PT ' s and destroyers were sent down the Strait to serve as pickets. A left flank of cruisers were in column in the following order: LOUIS- VILLE, PORTLAND, MINNEAPOLIS, DEN- VER, and COLUMBIA. Heavier units re- mained in the rear. The enemy entered Surigao Strait about 0230 on October 25, in two columns, heavy ships leading each column, the second column four miles astern of the first. Steaming through the darkness, this enemy force consisted of 2 battle- ships (Fuso and Yamoshiro), 2 light cruisers, 2 heavy cruisers and 10 destroyers. At 0300 American advance destroyers came out of hiding and went in firing torpedoes at the leading group (5 ships designated target A ). Two of the targets were apparently hit by this initial attack for they slowed down appreciably. At 0310 another group of destroyers fired torpedoes, and a large flare indicated another enemy ship had been hit. At 0323, a second group of enemy ships ( designated six ships target B ) was picked up on the TG radar screen. At 0336 a third group of about five ships was picked up by radar, standing up the Strait. It was evident that the Japs were risking major units in the defense of Leyte: the hunted fleet had come out to fight. At 0337 another destroyer group moved in and fired torpedoes at the oncoming ships and immediately a second large flame explosion was seen in the enemy group followed by another and three minutes later by still another. At 0350 cruisers left flank were ordered to open fire. The COLUMBIA opened fire on target A immediately in response to the Captain ' s orders to Let them have it! Range at this time was 15,450 yards: firing was rapid and continuous. In two minutes a fifth large explosion was seen in the enemy group. As to the effectiveness of the cruiser gunfire during the battle, the following is quoted from comments of a destroyer commander: It was a privilege of Commander Destroyer Squadron FIFTY-SIX to watch the gunfire of the cruisers from a position considerably removed from the line of fire. The devastating accuracy 20 of this gunfire was the most beautiful sight I have ever witnessed. The arched line of tracers in the darkness looked like a continual stream of lighted railroad cars going over a hill, . ' o target could be observed at first, then shortly there would be fires and explosions, and another enemy ship would be accounted for. I witnessed, personally, three ships destroyed one after an- other in this fashion. Such shooting certainly testifies to the superb fire control equipment and personnel of our Navy. At 0355, destroyers went in and fired tor- pedoes again while secondary batteries opened up at target Baker. One minute later a sixth large explosion was observed in the enemy group and in the next two minutes two more violent explosions were observed. At 0359 large caliber enemy shells began falling close astern of the Gem and a few min- utes later near misses and straddles aft were observed. (The COLUMBIA at this time was plainly silhouetted to the enemy by main battery flashes of BB ' s firing directly over her) . A total of 14 enemy salvos were noted landing in the Gem ' s vicinity, six of which were straddles. The cease firing order came at 0407 and a silence settled over the Surigao Strait. At 0414, this silence was shattered by a large explosion in the enemy group. Enemy ships that were hit burned furiously punctuated occasionally by large explosions, similar to fireworks, apparently the result of magazine explosions. At 0415 target A disappeared from all ladar screens. At 0418 target B disappeared from radar screens. At 0440 the remaining enemy ships began retiring. At 0530 the COLUMBIA commenced firing with main battery at a target designated C. This target although burning furiously was still retiring at a speed of 16 knots. Salvoes from the COLUMBIA at a range of 21,000 yards were observed to be hitting and fanning the blaze and the ship subsequently sank. At daybreak all that could be seen (except one damaged Jap destroyer scurrying around) were blazing pools of oil covering the positions where the enemy vessels had been sunk. Many survi- vors were also seen in the water. At 0650 the COLUMBIA and DENVER were ordered down the Strait to polish off the cripples. Fire was opened in company with the DENVER at a range of 11,500 yards on a crippled enemy destrover. The enemy destroyer soon rolled over and sank. Thus ended the Battle of Surigao Strait, per- haps for the American Navy the most successful surface engagement of the war. The COLUM- BIA fired a total of 11 47 rounds of 6 47 A. P. and 339 rounds of 5 38 common during the engagement. As a result of the engagement the Columbia and Denver turn to firing course prior to opening fire on crippled Jap destroyer — Surigao Strait. --;3i! COLUMBIA was officially credited with assist- ing in the sinking of two enemy battleships, one cruiser and one destroyer. The Jap had received a stinging blow in the Battle of Surigao Strait — a blow which, coupled with other U. S. victories on the sea in that same area, reduced for good the Jap ' s chance of keeping or even defending his stolen empire in the Pacific. It was not pleasant, however, to contemplate that with a large enemy task force just outside the entrance to Leyte Gulf attacking the Ameri- can CVE ' s, the following was all the major caliber ammunition remaining on board the COLUMBIA. 6V47 H.C. 120 V47 A.P. 5 38 A.A.C. 53 1150 5 ' 738 COM. •200 In view of this condition, the COLUMBIA was ordered to replenish ammunition and this was attempted throughout frequent air attacks during the day. Enemy air attacks continued on October 26, 27, 28, and 29, on which date the COLUMBIA with other units of TG 77.2 retired from the Leyte area for logistics. On November 16, the COLUMBIA returned to Leyte Gulf and joined units of TG 77.2 still in that area. The battle for Leyte was still in the balance and the Gem took up her position to furnish protection to the hard-fighting troops ashore. On November 18, one enemy .snooper dove out of the clouds and dropped what appeared to be a 500-pound bomb about 300 yards off the Gem ' s starboard quarter. No damage was sustained. Minor air attacks were successfully repelled on November 23 and 24. On the morning of November 27, the Task Force was engaged in fueling operations with a tanker in the center and the heavy ships and destroyers circling at a distance of 3000 yards. The sky was overcast with a ceiling of about 2000 feet. At 11 25 General Quarters was sounded when an enemy force consisting of 25 to 30 planes was reported approaching from the south. The next indication of an attack was a bomb seen falling near the DENVER. At about the same time a Japanese plane was seen to crash in the center of the formation, apparently shot down by Com- bat Air Patrol. The attack that followed was perhaps one of the first major attacks by the i .. ' ii %r JE •Ammunition available for surface firing against enemy warships. PT rescuing Jap survivors after battle of Surigao Strait. Kamikaze Corps on a group of our warships. The Jap having lost heavily on the seas was turning to more personal ways of dealing with his enemy. This method was to be, he hoped, his trump card. At 1136 that day the COLUMBIA opened fire on enemy suicide planes diving on the ST. LOUIS. One plane crashed on the main deck aft of the ST. LOUIS starting a large fire — a second missed her close astern. COLUMBIA ' S gunners shot down a third plane making a run on the ST. LOUIS. At 1140 three planes made runs on the formation from the port side of the Gem. Guns were hastily brought to bear on these targets and the Gem chalked up three splashes. Between 1140 and 1145 three more planes were brought down by the Gem ' s 40mm and 5 guns. At 1142 a suicide plane crashed into the COLORADO. An instant later a second plane missed the COLORADO by inches and crashed into the water beside her. Two minutes later a plane attacking the MONT- PELIER was shot down by the combined fire of the COLUMBIA and MONTPELIER. In this determined suicidal attack by a large force of Japanese planes, the COLUMBIA ' S fire contributed in a very commendable manner to her own safety and to the protection of the entire formation. Ammunition expended by the Gem was notably high for an attack of this duration: 326 rounds of 5 , 3648 rounds of 40mm, and 1603 rounds of 20mm. The , 22 COLUMBIA was officially credited with seven planes shot down and sure assists in the destruction of four others. Two days later repeated minor air attacks were staged by the Japs on the ships lying off the Leyte beachhead but these attacks were successfully fought off. However, during the night of Nov- ember 29, a diving enemy plane passed off the starboard bow of the COLUMBIA. The Gem ' s gunners opened fire and the plane swerved off, later crashing into the MARYLAND in the vicinity of her number two turret starting a raging fire which engulfed her entire forecastle. A few days later, the COLUMBIA retired from the Leyte area for the purpose of joining a large task group forming in the Palau Islands. This Task Group, 77.12, under command of Rear Admiral Ruddock, USN, consisted of numerous battleships, cruisers, destroyers and carrier units. On December 10, 1944, this TG sortied from Kossol Roads, Palau Island, on a mission to protect the second phase of the Philip- pine Invasion — the landing on Mindoro Island. The immediate duty of TG 77.12 was to protect the assault units from enemy air and surface attacks while en route to Mindoro and during the landings there. On December 1 3, the TG en- tered the Mindanao Sea. This was the first group of American surface ships to enter the Mindanao Sea since the occupation of the Philippines by the Japs. On the same day TG 77.12 comprised the first American surface force to enter the Sulu Sea. The Japs were waiting here, however, for a suicide attack began at dusk. At 1717 the NASHVILLE was hit. At 1718 the COLUM- BIA fired on a formation of enemy planes diving on the TG. One plane was shot down. A short while later a Jap plane broke through the AA fire and crashed into the destroyer HARADEN about 1000 yards ahead of the Gem. The fol- Right 30 rudder — and they miss us again! Leyte, Nov. 27, 1944. 23 Splashing one Betty in Sulu Sea — December 15, 1944. lowing day many enemy raids started towards the formation but all these were intercepted by the Combat Air Patrol of the accompanying carriers. The attacks continued in the afternoon. At 1556 the Fighter Director reported (apologetically) that several Jap planes had gotten by the Combat Air Patrol. These planes made futile attacks and were disposed of by the combined fire of the ships in the TG. The next Recalling the loading of ammunition on Christmas Day, 1944. morning, several groups of enemy planes started in towards the formation. At 0821 the COLUM- BIA fired on two planes making suicide dives on the MARCUS ISLAND. Both planes missed. At 0943 five enemy planes were seen coming in. One started up the starboard side of the formation and 40mm fire from the COLUMBIA could be seen first hitting the tail surfaces and then walking up the fuselage towards the cock- pit. This plane began to burn and then exploded. At the time the Gem was turning hard to port and the 40mm battery opened up on still another plane approaching from that quarter. This plane was also shot down. On the morning of December 15, the army troops were successfully landed on Mindoro Island. There was scarcely any opposition to the landing and the Americans now had facilities for air bases only 90 airline miles from Manila. Upon receipt of news of the success of the land- ing operations, TG 77.12 commenced retiring. The COLUMBIA was officially credited with the destruction of three enemy planes during the Mindoro operations. Christmas Day was spent at Manus loading ammunition and provisions. This necessitated a delayed Christmas dinner on December 26. The Japs had now been routed out of two of the major islands of the Philippines and there 24 remained but Luzon to complete the initial offensive. In January, 1945, the COLUMBIA joined a large task group composed of TGs 77.2 and 77.4. The mission of this force was to arrive at Lingaycn Gulf, Luzon, P.I., on the morning of January 6, 194.5, and accomplish the follow- ing, prior to the landings of U. S. army assault troops on Luzon on January 9 : ( 1 ) Cover the minesweeping and UDT operations. (2) Destroy by surface and aerial bombard- ment, enemy personnel, shore installation.s and facilities along the south coast of Lingaycn Gulf. (3) Furnish counter battery fire. (4) Bombardment of beach area on Janu- ary 7th, 8th and 9th prior to the landings and furnish call fire thereafter. On the 3rd and 4th days of January, this TG transited Surigao Strait, Mindanao Sea and Sulu Sea. Enemy reconnaissance planes shad- owed the large formation and at dusk on the 3rd day of January an enemy plane attempted a suicide crash on the H. M. A. S. SHROP- SHIRE but missed close aboard. At 1716 a single enemy plane came in out of the sun and crashed dived into the carrier OMMANEY Loss of the USS Ommaney Bay off Manila — January 5, 1945. BAY. The fire on this carrier soon got out oi control, planes on her deck caught fire and ammunition began to explode. The ship was aoandoned and destroyed by torpedoes. At 2345 the Gem received 6 officers and 1 1 2 enlisted survivors (17 of them urgently in need of medical attention) from the OMMANEY BAY. At 0745 on January 4, the TG entered the Entering Lingayen Gulf on January 6. Number one Kamikaze — January 6. South China Sea. This was the first group of U. S. surface ships to enter the South China Sea since the fall of the Philippines to the Japanese. At about 16.30 a major, determined, concentrated enemy suicide plane attack devel- oped. In rapid succession the LOUISVILLE, STAFFORD (DE), MANILA BAY, H. M. A. S. ARUNTA, and H. M. A. S. AUSTRALIA were hit by suicide planes in spite of the tre- mendous fire put up by our ships. In the fray the COLUMBIA succeeded in shooting down two of the attacking planes. Two days later, on January 6, an enemy dive bomber dropped a bomb just off the Gem ' s port bow. No damage was sustained. Air attacks continued throughout the morning. The TG, however, by this time had reached a position off Santiago Island at the entrance to Lingayen Gulf and at 1023, the scheduled bombardment of this island commenced. At 1 1 55 that day an enemy suicide plane crashed into the destroyer R. P. LEARY. Enemy planes at this time were continuously in the area and fire was opened whenever one came in range. At 1251 the destroyer WALKE was hit by a suicide plane. At 1423 the Gem commenced firing with all weapons at 3 Zekes headed for her superstructure. One plane was turned away. Another crashed into a nearby destroyer and the third although badly hit by the Gem ' s fire continued in his dive (strafing all the way). This plane overshot (fortunately) passing down the COLUMBIA ' S radio antennae and crashed close aboard her. The explosion that followed showered gasoline over the entire superstructure. Salt water from a hose on the forecastle was immediately sprayed on the super- structure and undoubtedly prevented a flash fire and many casualties. One man was slightly wounded. At 1525 that afternoon the fire support ships formed column and began entering Lingayen Gulf to support the minesweepers. This forma- tion, with necessarily restricted maneuverability and slow speed in the narrow channel swept by the minesweepers, seemed to be what the Japs were looking for. At about 1615a large, con- centrated persistent attack by approximately 26 75 (apparently carrier based) enemy aircraft developed. Enemy planes seemed to be every- where. All ships kept firing almost continuously to beat off the attack. Ships reported being hit by suicide planes in rapid succession. The CALIFORNIA was hit at 1720— the AUS- TRALIA at 1 727. At 1 729 the Gem commenced firing with all weapons at a Japanese Val diving at her superstructure from off the star- board bow. This plane was seen to be hit by 40mm fire in its right wing which caused the plane to swerve to starboard missing the Gem ' s bridge. As this plane passed down the port side it suddenly dove and crashed into the Gem ' s main deck on the port side of turret number four. The plane, pilot, and engine penetrated the main deck and the 800 kg bomb which the plane carried penetrated the second and third decks before exploding. Several fires resulted on the main and second decks. All power including steering control was lost aft. The magazines in the vicinity of turrets three and four were sprinkled and it is believed that this action coupled with the sea water admitted through six holes in the hidl is all that saved the ship from destruction from a magazine explosion. Turrets three and four were put out of commission and remained so for the rest of the operation. Nine compartments were flooded causing the ship to settle about five feet by the Damage — Kamikaze crashed main deck aft through large hole, bomb through small hole. 27 Cf A , 4 j Above: Number two Kamikaze coming in — January 6. Below: She hits and explodes. stern. A total of 77 casualties were sustained of which 17 were killed or died of their wounds and 20 were listed as missing in action. Upon loss of steering control in the pilot hou.se, shift was made to the starboard cable as it was believed that the port cable was severed. Steer- ing control was momentarily regained by this method but soon lost again as the starboard cable was flooded out. Steering aft then took control. Between 1732 and 1735 (two to five minutes) after the ship had been hit, the COLUMBIA fired almost continuously at enemy planes attacking other ships. At 1800 all fires were H.M.A.S. Australia — Lingayen Gulf, January 8, 1945. reported out. At 1828 the Gem ' s forward 20 mm ' s did a beautiful job of shooting the tail off an enemy plane attempting to crash dive the H. M. A. S. AUSTRALIA. The remainder of the task group commen ced retiring shortly thereafter, but the Gem remained temporarily as it was believed (in view of the bombardment schedule for the next three days) imperative that she recover her planes which had been aloft. At 1930 all power was lost to the steering engines. By means of an auxiliary electric lead to the crane, and while steering with engines, one plane was recovered. Darkness set in and the second plane (after rescue of its occupants) was sunk by one of two destroyers standing by. At 2027 steering control was regained in steering aft and the Gem was able to rejoin the task group forming outside of the Gulf. The ship was steered by trick wheel from steering aft until 1430 two days later at which time emer- gency repairs permitted steering control from the pilot house. Since 163p on January 5, a total of 21 ships had been hit, several of these had been hit twice. In view of this fact and because of the possibility of a Jap surface attack, the Third Fleet was ordered into the South China Sea. While the Gem ' s doctors worked without respite during the night (their facilities by now greatly overtaxed) to save the badly wounded, the Gem ' s crew buried their dead. It was indeed inspiring to witness the manner in which all hands turned to tirelessly to repair and prepare the ship for action the next day. Throughout the night the Task force was snooped continuously, but entry was made into the Gulf again early on the following morning and no doubt presented a sight the Japs did not expect to see. At 1015 the scheduled bombardment from Lingayen Gulf commenced. Throughout the 7th, 8th, and 9th days of January, the complete 6 bombardment schedule of the Gem was carried out with turrets one and two. The COLUMBIA had been assigned a close-in support mission including 40mm fire on the beach areas to cover the work of the underwater demolition teams on the seventh. Although the fathometer was out of commission (due to the hit on the previous day) , and the ship was down five feet by the stern, necessity demanded that the ship go in close in order to carry out its assigned task. The ship was brought in to within 3200 yards of the beach from which station the required covering fire was delivered. In addition, adjacent areas were covered because the vessel assigned to these areas had been ordered to retire from the Gulf after being hit 28 Number three Kamikaze fails to stop the Columbia — January 9, 1945. {n C- fUf r on January 6. At 1700 the Gem ' s medical, billeting, and messing problems were multiplied by the receipt of 26 survivors from another stricken vessel. On the morning of January 8, a minor attack occurred and the H. M. A. S. AUSTRALIA was hit again. Scheduled bombardment was commenced that day at 1000. At 1400 between bombardments (with probably 30,000 Japs looking on) Chief Carpenter J. T. Keenan, USN, went over the side of the Gem in diving gear to inspect the hull for underwater damage. It was hoped that an inspection might reveal that temporary repairs could be made by the ship ' s force with the possibility of removal of the 17 men trapped in flooded compartments below. This time was also utilized to carry serviceable 6 ammunition from turrets three and four forward to turrets one and two, whose supply was rapidly becoming exhausted. Emer- gency repairs to steering gear were also accom- plished and steering control regained on the bridge. Upon completion of diving operations the bombardment was resumed. During the night of January 8-9, transports and assault craft entered Lingayen Gulf. At 0745 on January 9, while proceeding to bom- bardment station, the Gem took under fire a Japanese plane diving at her superstructure. This plane, without any previous warning, was detected approaching from the beach area pro- ceeding from an area in which friendly planes were operating. At this time the Gem was only 4000 yards from the beach. This enemy plane (a Tojo, Zcke, Tony, or similar type of fighter, tracked at 400 miles per hour) strafed continu- ously throughout the approach and although hit by 40mm fire continued on and with a 250 kg bomb aboard, crashed into the Gem ' s forward main battery director. The force of the plane striking the director and the attendant bomb explosion carried the main battery director over the side. The forward 5 director was also put out of commission as well as 5 mount No. 2 (both barrels holed by shrapnel) and four ma- chine gun directors for 40mm batteries. Gasoline was sprayed over the forward superstructure causing a flash fire in the upper works. As a result of this hit, one officer and 16 men were killed or died of their wounds, one officer and six men were listed as missing in action and seven officers and 90 men were wounded in action. At 0757 all fires were brought under control. Although the COLUMBIA had again been critically hit she was soon ready to fight on. A message from the task force commander ask- ing if the Gem could carry out her bombard- ment mission was answered in the affirmative. As the Gunnery Officer and Air Defense Officer had both been wounded their assistants pro- ceeded to the remaining 6 and 5 control sta- tions aft and took over control of their respective batteries. At this time, as a result of the 3 hits sustained, a total of 199 officers and men had been killed, wounded or were missing in action. At 0818 (33 minutes after the hit) on schedule with all remaining serviceable weapons that could bear, the COLUMBIA commenced the pre- landing bombardment. At this time the follow- ing message was received from the WASATCH : THE WASATCH SENDS SYMPATHY FOR YOUR LOSSES. WE ADMIRE YOUR 29 FINE SPIRIT AND QUICK COMEBACK. At 0907 intense close-in bombardment of the landing beach areas commenced. At this time the following message was received from the Gem ' s Task Group commander, Vice Admiral ]. B. Oldcndorf: YOU HAVE SHOWN YOU HAVE PLENTY OF SAND COLUMBIA. At 0930 the first wave of troops hit the beach to deliver the death blow to the Japanese in the Philippines. This landing was unopposed. From a nearby ship, in answer to a request for medical supplies, came the following message : ONLY TOO GLAD TO ASSIST IN EVERY WAY POSSIBLE A SHIP WHICH HAS FOUGHT BRAVELY AND THOUGH BATTLE SCARRED IS UNBOWED. Lingayen Gulf, at this time, with the trans- ports lying peacefully at anchor presented quite a different picture than that of the preceding three days. The COLUMBIA, at great cost, had completed her mission. A feeling of pride in the ship, and in the accomplishment of a duty well done, welled up in the hearts of each officer and man on board. At 1750 (after stand- ing by for call fire throughout the day) orders were received to depart in convoy with unloaded transports leaving at 1830. At this time the following message was received from Vice Admiral Oldcndorf: REGRET TO LOSE YOU AT THIS TIME. THE COURAGEOUS CONDUCT OF YOUR OFFICERS AND CREW HAS ADDED TO THE LUSTER OF OUR NAVY. The following excerpts from the report of the Executive Officer, Commander G. A. Lang, USN, after the battle are believed pertinent to the War Record; During the period January 1st to 9th, 1945, the COLUMBIA as a unit of TG 77.2, in the Lingayen Gulf, Luzon, P. I., operation, performed in an outstanding manner as a combat unit of preeminent efficiency, and the conduct of the officers and crew was fully in keeping with the highest traditions of the U. S. Naval Service. The efficiency of the ;pc nTo . ' .f COLUMBIA, as a combat unit, is well demon- strated by the smooth and precise manner in which all duties were carried out to the final fulfillment of her mission, in the face of the continuous air attacks, and in spite of the casu- alties and damage suffered from three successive hits by suicide dive bombers; two on January 6, 1945, and one on January 9, 1943. When hit January 6, casualties and damage were heavy. But with turrets 3 and 4 out of commission, magazines of turrets 3 and 4 flooded by fuel oil and sea water, progressive electrical casual- ties, the COLUMBIA carried out the bom- bardment schedule January 7th and 8th, 1945, with undiminished efficiency and successfully stood off several air attacks. When again hit and damaged on January 9, 1945, just prior to the scheduled time for laying down the bom- bardment in preparation for the landing of the troops, just at the critical time when transports were unloading, the Gunnery Officer and Air Defense Officer were wounded, forward fire control stations were demolished, the COLUM- BIA, while fighting fire, clearing wreckage, treating and evacuating wounded, and remov- ing the dead, continued the bombardment, covering the landing craft and advancing troops, until her schedule was completed. The ship then remained on station ready for call fire missions until darkness when ordered by the Task Group Commander to retire to Leyte Gulf. The efficiency of the COLUMBIA, as a combat unit, was due to the excellent performance and gallantry of the officers and crew who fought and repaired damage with veteran skill and discipline, and inspiring fighting spirit unsur- passed in aggressiveness and determination, endurance that knew no end, the homogeneous cooperation of clockwork, unswerving loyalty and a courage conspicuous in a courageous serv- ice. AH of which are proved only in bitter and sustained combat. The Gem ' s Commanding Officer, Captain M. E. Curts, USN, commented as follows: The performance of officers and men of the COLUMBIA was all a Commanding Officer could ask for or expect in dire extremity. It was perfect. The following is quoted from Commander Battleship Squadron ONE (CTG 77.2) Vice Admiral J. B. Oldendorf ' s endorse- ment to the Commanding Officer USS COLUMBIA ' S recommendation for awards: Mast and stack damage by third Kamikaze. The conduct of the Officers and men of the COLUMBIA was so remarkable during the Lingayen operation, as to make her ' shine ' among many heroic ships. The recommendation that the COLUMBIA be awarded a Presidential Citation is concurred in. Certainly few ships have ever been forced to undergo the devastating attacks which the COLUMBIA so nobly faced and few ships have ever deserved more than she, the right to recognition by the Commander-in- Chief himself. It was b y heroic performances such as this that the Battle of Lingayen Gulf was won! It is believed that in these actions the COLUMBIA truly distinguished herself by extraordinary heroism in action with the enemy and exhibited gallantry and determination in overcoming such difficult and hazardous condi- tions as to render her outstanding compared to similar units participating in the same or similar engagements. In this action the COLUMBIA has been officially credited with the destruction of 9 enemy aircraft. The following ammunition was expended in this operation: 31 (1) BOMBARDMENT. 6 HC 5 AAC 40mm Jan. 6 92 17 Jan. 7 300 569 1200 Jan. 8 420 442 Jan. 9 623 10 1435 1038 1200 (2) Anti-Aircraft. 6 HC 5 AAC 5 Spccial 40mm 20mm Jan. 5 6 117 42 500 300 Jan. 6 303 111 4200 2300 Jan. 7 46 400 Jan. 8 40 60 160 Jan. 9 39 500 500 545 153 5660 3260 (3) Total 6 HC 1441 5 AAG 1736 40mm 6860 20mm 3260 Emergency repairs to the underwater hull damage were effected at Leyte Gulf, P.I., and Manus, Admiralty Island. The ship arrived in Pearl Harbor, T.H., on January 29, 1945, and sufficient progress was made on the underwater damage to permit the removal of the bodies of 17 men (missing since January 6) for burial ashore. The ship arrived at the Navy Yard, Terminal Island, San Pedro, California, on February 11, 1945. The Gem had finished her second battle cruise — a cruise which brought her home licking her wounds. She had learned much in the Philip- pines — learned that death can come from the sky; that the fanatical little men of the Rising Sun empire would fight viciously when cor- nered; but she had also learned that in a given opportunity she could slug it out with the best (at times better than the best) and make a record worthy of the valiant men who served her. Her head was high now; and indeed it had a right to be high. Australian B-25 ' s strike landing beaches at Balikapapan. • « aiP ' tr= -, 2 2 2 HIRD BATTLE CRUISE IT required 875 workmen per day for a period of 77 days to repair the COLUMBIA after her return from the Philippines. More than 30 percent of her damage was to electrical equip- ment and more than 50 miles of electrical cable was required to replace her blasted and burned out wiring systems. Five tons of welding rods were used in repairing the exten sive damage to the COLUMBIA ' S hull. Repairs to battle damage and alterations of military necessity were completed on April 29, 1945. Upon completion of post overhaul train- ing at San Clcmente Island, California, and Pearl Harbor, T.H., the COLUMBIA returned to the Pacific for her third battle cruise, arriving in the Philippines area on June 16. On June 19, she proceeded via Morotai Island to Balika- papan, Borneo, arriving on June 23, to partici- pate in the assault and occupation of that area. The COLUMBIA operated with TG 74.2 which conducted bombardment of landing and adjacent areas, counter battery fire in support of the minesweepers, and firing at targets of oppor- tunity until the landing date on July 1. During this period at least three active enemy anti- aircraft or shore batteries were hit causing explosions and fires, and destruction of the batteries. One 3 gun (DP) emplacement set in concrete was well covered with 6 HC and AP and explosions and fires were observed. A large fire and what appeared to be an ammuni- tion magazine explosion resulted from a direct hit with a three gun 6 salvo on tunnel entrances to Signal Hill. Four days prior to the landing on Balikapapan a 6 salvo started a large fire, apparently in a storage area, which was still burning the day of the landing. At about 2025 on June 25, seven enemy planes in three groups made a night torpedo run on the task group. No damage was sustained. One enemy plane was destroyed. On June 26, YMS 365 struck a mine and sank. The COLUMBIA received four officers and 31 enlisted survivors from the YMS. At 1550 YMS 39 struck a mine and sank. The Gem received five officers and 38 enlisted survivors from this ship. Three enlisted men (deceased) from YMS 39 were buried at sea. On June 27, the Gem ' s spotting plane was hit by Japanese anti-aircraft fire. Slight damage was sustained and the pilot was wound- ed. On June 28, YMS 47 struck a mine and the Balikapapan Refineries go up in smoke. Gem received eleven more survivors. At 0700 on July 1, the prelanding bombardment firing commenced. At 0855 the first wave of Austral- ian assault troops hit the Balikapapan beach. The beachhead was rapidly secured and the COLUMBIA provided call fire throughout the day. So perfect was the fire laid down by the six cruisers, nine destroyers, six minesweepers, and rocket ships during this attack that not a living thing could move within 5,000 yards of the barrage. The Aussies reported at the end of the first day of landing, NONE KILLED— NONE WOUNDED. This proved that at this stage of the war, the Navy coupled with frequent daily a ir attacks could devastate one given sector. On July 2, the COLUMBIA proceeded with units of TG 74.2 and arrived in Leyte Gulf on July 5. On July 7, the COLUMBIA was detached from duty in the Seventh Fleet and reported to Task Force 95 for duty. The mission of this force was to conduct repeated sweeps in the East China Sea, to destroy enemy shipping in order to exercise control of the China Coast and to mislead the enemy as to the next assault objective. This task force sortied from Leyte on July 1 3, and fueled at Buckner Bay, Okinawa, on July 16. From Buckner Bay it proceeded to the East China Sea for the initial sweep of the China Coast. Many floating mines were encountered and were destroyed by gunfire. At sunset on July 21, the COLUMBIA took station eight miles ahead of the formation to back up a destroyer screen and to assist in making land- fall on Tangang Tao Island off the China Coast. One bogie was detected and taken under fire. Landfall was made on the island and a naviga- tional position was sent to CTF 95 at 0350 on July 22. The COLUMBIA then joined the formation at high speed and the course was changed to parallel the China Coast. This was the first sweep of the Chinese Coast by American surface vessels in the war. Many small sailing (fishing) vessels were sighted and taken under fire. Later it was determined that these vessels were manned by Chinese and orders were received not to open fire without investigation. No ships of any size were encountered on a sweep which extended about 150 miles up the coast. Captain Dupree assuming command. TF 95 retired to Buckner Bay and proceeded via the East China Sea to run a barrier night patrol between the approaches of Shanghai, China, and the Japanese mainlaind. At 1800 on July 27, one division of destroyers was detached and made a high speed shipping sweep off Shanghai. At 2200 on July 27, the Task Force entered the Yellow Sea. This was the first American surface force to enter the Yellow Sea since the beginning of the war. The results of this sweep were also negative, indicating that the Japanese (even at night) were unable to run shipping out of Shanghai. On July 31, Captain M. M. Dupre, Jr., USN, relieved Captain M. E. Curts, USN., as com- manding Officer of the Gem. On August 1, the task force sortied from Buckner Bay and proceeded via the East China Sea to a position in the Yellow Sea north and east of Shanghai. Shipping sweeps were con- ducted in this area on the nights of August 3, 4, and 5. Except for one fishing boat identified as Chinese, all sweeps were negative. In the morning, retirement was made to a position about 120 miles east of Shanghai. In this area the Combat Air Patrol spla.shed three bogies while the Task Group engaged in anti-aircraft target practice firing at towed sleeves. This task group then returned to Buckner Bay on August 7, 1945. 34 2 XI 2 2 2 2 2 t 7 ICTORY! THE advent of the atomic bomb followed by the entrance of Russia into the war with Japan was greeted with enthusiasm. The initial Japanese peace offer was hailed by extensive fireworks on the shores of Okinawa. This enthusiasm was somewhat dampened by the torpedoing of the USS PENNSYLVANIA a thousand yards from the Gem ' s berth off to right on the 12th day of August. The suspense occasioned by Japan ' s dickering continued until the final unconditional surrender on 15 August (Tokyo date). The attitude of the Gem ' s crew upon hearing the news of the surrender can perhaps be best reflected in the statements of her Captain and her Chaplain on that day. Here follows the message of Captain M. M. Dupre, Jr., USN, recorded in the Victory Edition of the COLUMBIA News: This is the hour of Victory. The end towards which we have all worked and fought has at last been crowned with success. Each of you has contributed his efforts and many have made great sacrifices to achieve this great moment of triumph. When this ship was commissioned three years ago, its crew, many of whom are still with us, could scarcely foretell the glowing history of this great ship. The COLUMBIA has set a record in this conflict of which you may all be justly proud. Your war history will be an inspiration to the future crews of the Gem. In this hour of triumph let us not forget the bravery, sacrifice and devotion to duty of those men who are no longer with us. First there are those who have made the supreme sacrifice, secondly, there are many wounded men who may be incapacitated for the rest of their lives. Finally, there are many unsung heroes on this ship whose deeds have not been officially record- ed. To all of these the COLUMBIA will always owe a deep debt of gratitude. I am sincerely pleased with my assignment as Commanding Officer of a really great fighting ship. I count upon you men to continue your fine spirit of cooperation, and to work as a winning crew on this most splendid ship of the U. S. Navy. I in turn shall endeavor to the best of my ability to uphold and maintain the high standard of performance that has been passed on to me. Okinawa — First Japanese Peace Offer. Scoreboard. tin .IIJLV lUt ' 2 - 2 S( |il. It l5. The COIAJMttIA in ollifiaUy i-rvditt-d irith ihe lollowinu: 1. Dcstruelion of 27 plnncs. 2. ANNiNtiiiif in Iho Ninkin 1 vriiiNi ' r ami 1 ilONlrovt ' r nl flii IIATTI.K OF K.MPItK.S f A|;4;|TSTA KAY aiul 2 llHltl ' Nlii|ts, 1 (•riiiHor ami 1 fi N(roy r at tlic IIATTLK OF .SI ' lllUAO NTIIAITS. :i. Partit-ipalioii in fl Mlioru bonibnrilnit ' nlN. 36 Here follows the message of Chaplain Thomas H. Bodie: My dear shipmates : We have fought to gain the peace. Wc shall be eternally grateful to God for His enduring cooperation in assisting us to earn this Victory. Let us humbly give thanks to God. The more grateful we are towards God, the more new graces shall we attract to ourselves; whilst ingratitude stops the course of graces, dries up like a burning wind the source of piety, the dew of mercy, and places an obstacle in the way of all the designs of God with regard to us. You, my dear mates, and countless unseen millions have prayed patiently for the dawn of peace over the world during the long days and nights since that fateful December 7th, nineteen hundred and forty one. Our prayers have been answered. Thanks be to God ! Let us resolve : first, to make acts of gratitude toward God at the sight of the heavens, the beauties of nature, and still more at the sight of churches and crosses, and for every good thought with which the goodness of God inspires us; secondly, to be faithful in making our Thanksgiving when rising, at our meals, and in the evening. Our spiritual slogan will be the The church pennant flies on V-J day. song of the Church; Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. Each cloud-capt mountain is a holy altar; An organ breathes in every grove; And the full heart ' s a Psalter, Rich in deep hymn of gratitude and love. At Okinawa — Cease Firing — PEACE! High Japs bow low to the Gem. Signing Occupation Terms (aboard COLUMBIA). General Blake, USMC, and staff. he ixspectiox of truk AAN September 9, the COLUMBIA proceeded - to Guam via Iwo Jima and Saipan, assist- ing in the transportation of troops. Upon arrival at Guam on September 18, she was assigned duty as flagship of Vice Admiral G. D. Murray, USN, Commander Mariana Islands. On October 1, 1945, the COLUMBIA left Guam bound for Truk. She was to serve as headquarters ship for Brig. General Robert Blake, USMC, future Island Commander of the atoll, and members of his party who were to make a survey of conditions existing on the former Jap stronghold. Truk atoll had been completely neutralized by severe poundings during the war from Allied Air and sea forces, and a tight naval blockade had prevented importation of materials and supplies. The Japanese military commanders and the civil governor of Truk had surrendered to Vice Admiral George D. Murray, USN, Commander Marianas, aboard the USS PORT- LAND on September 2, but since that time no United States occupation troops had been sent ashore. Jap air support. As the COLUMBIA lay ofl Truk on October 3, Lt. General Shunzaburo Magikura, com- mander of the 31st Imperial Japanese Army and military chief of the vast Nipponese com- mand based on Truk atoll, with his conferees, arrived on board at 0900 to report on the prog- ress of Truk ' s demilitarization and to be informed of inspection tours planned by the American survey group. The Japanese delegates arrived alongside the COLUMBIA in a highly polished and well-kept gig, manned by Japanese sailors done out in their dress uniforms. The delegates themselves were dressed in their formal military uniforms, thus affording the Gem ' s crew their first glimpse of what the well dressed Japanese officer wears. Close inspection, how- ever, revealed many a patched trouser and frayed cuff in the Japanese group. The pre-inspection conference lasted for two hours and was held in the CO LUMBIA ' S ward room. The Jap conferees answered extensive verbal questionnaires and also presented data they had previously been directed to compile. (They also enjoyed a few American cigarettes). The Jap General revealed the urgent need for food. Truk, he said, had been cut off from supplies since June 1944, when the last transport to sneak through the American blockade brought 600 tons of rice. Approximately 4,000 Japs died after that time 60 percent of them from disea.se and malnutrition. General Blake and his party went ashore on October 4, to make their first inspection. It is believed that General Blake ' s inspection marked the first time since 1935 that an American had set foot on the shores of the Jap Pearl Harbor. Inspecting Dublon Island on the first day, the American party found the naval base site had been bombed into uselessness and that broken skeletons of planes littered the ramp from which hundreds of Jap pilots had left to scout the sea lanes and cut off American shipping earlier 39 Jap hospital — Truk. in the war. Only five planes had escaped destruction on the whole atoll. Many military installations had been removed, as directed in the surrender documents signed September 2, but scores of huge bomb craters pocking the island near the beach gave evidence of the thoroughness with which all military targets were blasted. Huge fuel storage tanks, twisted into grotesque shapes by fires which raged after bombs struck; a few crumbled shells of concrete buildings; shattered hulks of storage buildings; hulls or sterns of sunken ships sticking out of the water; scores of vehicles rusting away after bombs or flames had crumpled them; — all these gave proof of the deadly precision with which American fliers had rained down destruc- tion on the former home of the Imperial Japan- ese Fourth Fleet. Only intensive cultivation of almost every inch of arable ground, saved the Japs from being completely starved out. On a visit to the Japanese Naval Hospital on Dublon, numerous patients suffering from malnutrition and allied diseases testified to the urgent need of the garrison for food. Leading natives as well as Jap civil government officials were inter- viewed by General Blake ' s party and it was found that the 10,000 natives on the atoll were in fairly good health. Although many of the natives were unfamiliar with Americans, they appeared to be ready to cooperate. General Blake, USMC, checks Jap gun. 40 Paratn Airfield. The following morning the American party inspected Moen Island. To the party, it seemed that only the excellent natural defenses of the surrounding coral reef, with four or five easily- mined entrances, remained to suggest the awe with which Americans viewed the former Japan- ese Pacific bastion in the early days of the war. Once, this fortress of more than 100 islands bristled with huge guns, smaller guns, pill- boxes and all the other war implements with which the Japs had fortified the islands from the time they wrested control from the Germans Figures don ' t lie — they were really by-passed. in 1914. But, as trucks of the inspecting party bounced and groaned over main highways that were little more than dirt trails, it was difficult for most observers to escape the conviction that Truk was never quite the Truk of legend because the Japs lacked something the Americans dis- played in abundance — the ability to conceive and execute big ideas. There were more than 2,000 Japanese construction battalion men on Moen Island, but there wasn ' t one road on the island, or on Dublon, that wouldn ' t have made the building demons — the American Seabees — blush for shame. Narrow, one-car lanes of gravel, rocks and dirt wound their tortuous and bumpy, way around the island. When one Jap officer was bounced ofT his truck seat he was asked why the roads were so bad. No concrete, he replied. But when asked why good roads were never built in the last 25 years, he suggested that it was a case of carelessness. He smiled, apparently understandingly, when one enthus- iastic marine pointed to a bomb-pocked airstrip patched with crushed rock and said B-29 ' s would be able to land there in a few days. With bugs and worms ravaging the sweet potato crop, the Jap garrison of 8,680 on Moen suffered sharply from malnutrition. Rank upon rank of living scarecrows lined up along the route of the inspection party, men with ankles as thin as skinny wrists, with sunken-in cheeks and with every rib showing sharply. On October 6, the survey party visited two 41 •h After three years, heading back to the Atlantic. smaller islands — Param and Eten. Both, how- ever, were strategically important since both had air strips which were the objects of much explosive attention from American bombers. Twisted wrecks of planes littered both islands and, on one air strip, patched-up bomb craters seemed to cover a larger area than did the stretches of original concrete that had not been hit. Each of three substantial concrete buildings on Eten had received direct bomb hits that tore large holes through the center of them. One of the buildings was still used as a storage place for the small food supply in which roaches of the B-29 class seemed to show as much interest as the none-too-well-fed Japs. On October 7, 1945, the inspection was completed and the COLUMBIA returned to Guam. Later that month, on the 31st day of October, 1945, the Gem bade farewell to Guam on her way back to the Philadelphia Navy Yard to join the Atlantic Fleet. Thus ended the wartime Pacific duty of the COLUMBIA. With her assignment to the Atlantic Fleet, the Gem left behind her a trail of remarkable war service. She had truly lived up to her name; she was without a doubt the Gem of the Ocean. Back in Philadelphia. 2 2 2 OPERATIONS ABJD ENGAGEMENTS 2 2 2 CAPTURE AND DEFENSE OF GUADALCANAL Covering Force Patrol Solomons Area 7 - 9 Dec. 1942 17-21 Dec. 1942 2 - 8 Jan. 1943 1-14 Feb. 19 43 RENNELL ISLAND 29 - 30 Jan. 1943 CONSOLIDATION OF SOLOMON ISLANDS Consolidation of Southern Solomons Covering Operation for Landing and Occupation of Russell Islands 20 - 25 Feb. 1943 Covering Force Patrol Operations Solomons Area 20 - 29 March 1943 7-13 April 1943 Consolidation of Northern Solomons Bombardment of Buka-Bonis 23 - 24 Dec. 1943 NEW GEORGIA OPERATION New Georgia — Rendova — Vangunu Occupation. Diversional Bombardment and Mining Operation Shortland Area for New Georgia — Rendova — Vangunu Landings 29 - 30 June 1943 Covering Forces Patrol Operations South of New Georgia 3 - 5 July 1943 Operations to Intercept Enemy Surface Forces North of New Georgia and Kolombangara 6-8 July 1943 10-11 July 1943 Bombardment Munda Shore Installations from Blanche Channel 11 - 12 July 1943 Operations to Intercept Enemy Surface Forces South of New Georgia and Rendova 13 - 14 July 1943 Covering Forces Patrol Operations West of Rcnnell Island 21 - 22 July 1943 Vella Lavella Occupation 28 - 30 July 1943 Operations to Intercept Enemy Surface Forces West and North of Vella Lavella 25 - 26 Sept. 1943 TREASURY-BOUGAINVILLE OPERATION Occupation and Defense of Cape Torokina : 1-2 Nov. 1943 4 - 8 Nov. 1943 9 - 14 Nov. 1943 7 - 9 Dec. 1943 Bombardment of Buka-Bonis 31 Oct. - 1 Nov. 1943 Bombardment of Shortland Area 1 November 1943 Battle of Empress Augusta Bay 1 - 2 Nov. 1943 43 BISMARCK ARCHIPELAGO OPERATION Green Islands Landing 13 - 18 Feb. 1943 ANTI-SHIPPING SWEEP SOUTH OF TRUK ON TRUK— KAVIENG ROUTE 5-11 March 1944 LANDING AND OCCUPATION OF EMIRAU ISLAND 17 - 23 March 1944 WESTERN CAROLINE ISLANDS OPERATION Capture and Occupation of the Southern Palau Islands 12 - 18 Sept. 1944 LEYTE OPERATION Leyte Landings 17 - 29 Oct. 1944 15 Nov. - 3 Dec. 1944 Battle for Leyte Gulf 24 - 26 Oct. 1944 Battle for Surigao Strait 25 October 1944 LUZON OPERATION Mindoro Landings 12 - 17 Dec. 1944 Lingayen Gulf Landings 1-12 Jan. 19 5 BALIKPAPAN, BORNEO OPERATION Preparatory Bombardments and Support of Initial Landings at Balikpapan, Borneo 21 June - 2 July 1945 ANTI-SHIPPING SWEEP— CHINA COAST IN EAST CHINA SEA FROM FORMOSA STRAIT TO LATI- TUDE 28-40 N 20 - 24 July 1945 ANTI-SHIPPING SWEEPS— YELLOW SEA ON SHANG- HAI-EMPIRE ROUTE 26 - 29 July 1945 1 - 7 Aug. 1945 OKINAWA-EAST CHINA SEA COVERING AND DEFENSE OPERATIONS 16 July- 2 Sept. 1945 Indicates operations and engagements for which Bronze Stars have been authorized up to September 2, 1945. 44 20 2 2 X 2 2 2 2 2;} Xl ADAMS, CD., Sic, USNR BASSETT, H.R., Jr., Pfc, USMCR BEDENBAUGH, C. (n), S2c, USNR BIRNS, A.J., Pfc, USMCR BOCHICCHIO, J.J., Sic, USNR BOICE, O.K., Lieut, USNR BRADY, R.E., Cox., USN BRINDLE, R.B., S2c, USNR BROWN, J.E., Sic, USNR CAVINESS, M.J., Sic, USNR CERVA, M. (n), S2c, USNR CHIARAVALLE, F.J., Sic, USNR CLARK, C.R., Sic, USNR COCHRAN, J.H., S2c, USNR COLE, H.F., Sic, USNR CONROY, J.E., RdM3c, USN COOGAN, H.E., S2c, USNR COOK, M.O., S2c, USNR COOPER, C. (n) , Sic, USNR CRAIG, F.E., S2c, USNR CUNNINGHAM, J. (n), GM3c, USN EKINS, J. (n), Pfc, USMCR GILLE, R. (n). Sic, USN GURLEY, R.I., Sic, USNR HACKETT, B.L., FC3c, USNR HOLMES, W.C, MoMM2c, USNR HONEA, R.R., Y3c, USNR HUMENIK, S. (n). Sic, USNR JENNINGS, E.F., FG2c, USN KAPLAN , J.M., Flc, USNR KEEGAN, DF., Sic, USN KETCHAM, P.L., Sic, USNR KILLCOYNE, J. (n), Sic, USN LEMKE, P.A., WT3c, USNR LIBERATORE, H.V., Sic, USNR LINDAUER, F.W., FC3c, USNR LOYSCH, R.G., FC3c(T), USNR MAHAN, D.L., Sic, USNR MAJOR, R.R., Lt (jg), USNR McLEAN, J.F., Flc, USNR MORAN, N.J., Sic, USNR MURRAY, J.M., Flc, USNR MYERS, H.E., SSML3C, USNR MYERS, W.W., Sic, USNR NELLIS, D.A., Sic, USN NILES, W.W., CTC(T), USN PISARCHUCK, J. (n), WT2c, USN PULL, B.B., WT3c, USNR QUACKENBUSH, R.R., Sic, USNR RAVEY, E.L., S2c, USNR ROBERTS, E.L., CSK(T), USNR ROMIG, D.J., Pfc, USMCR ROSSER, J.A., Sic, USNR RYAN, J.A., SF2c, USN TABACCHI, S.E., Cox., USN THOMPSON, R.O., Sic, USNR TOLLERSON, J.F., Flc, USN TREVOR, R.T., PhM3c, USNR WELLS D.T., Sic, USNR WISENER, R.A., Cox., USNR 2 20 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 X1 2 2 X1 2 45 XK20 X} 2 2 AWARDS4 20 2 XK2 EMPRESS AUGUSTA BAY— 2 NOVEMBER 1943 NAME Frank E. BEATTY John SYLVESTER Karl J. BIEDERMAN George A. LANGE George G. WESTON Robert C. SLEIGHT RANK DUTY Captain, USN, Commanding Officer Commander, USN, Executive Officer Commander, USN, Gunnery Officer Commander, USN, Navigator Lt. Comdr., USN, Engineering Officer Lt. Comdr., USN, Asst. Gunnery Off. AWARD Navy Cross Leg. Merit Ltr. Comm. Ltr. Comm. Ltr. Comm. Ltr. Comm. LEYTE GULF ACTION 17-29 OCTOBER 1944 Maurice E. CURTS George A. LANGE Francis O. IFFRIG James M. WOLFE, Jr. Clarence UNNEVEHR Robert H. McALEER John R. HENRY Robert B. MALCOLM Thomas J. FEELEY Captain, USN, Commanding Officer Commander, USN, Executive Officer Commander, USN, Navigator Commander, USN, Gunnery Lt. Comdr., USNR, DSC 1st Lieut. Lt. Comdr., USNR, Engineering Off. Lt. Comdr., USNR, Main Battery Asst. Lieut., USNR, Communication Off. Ensign, USNR, Aviator Navy Cross Leg. Merit Bronze Star Bronze Star Bronze Star Bronze Star Bronze Star Bronze Star Air Medal Maurice E. CURTS Stephen E. FLYNN Clarence UNNEVEHR John R. HENRY Gary H. HALL Jeff D. SMITH, Jr. Nicholas ADAMS Nicholo CAPUTO Raymond N. SWEENEY Hugh P. PITTS James W. RYAN Guy SHUFORD Shirley W. FERGUSON Charles F. DANIELS Harold A. JACOB Osborne H. TRIBBY Alvin J. MARTELL Edward B. KRUSE Aubrey WRIGHT LINGAYEN GULF ACTION— 1-9 JANUARY Captain, USN, Commanding Officer Lt. Comdr., USN, Medical Officer Lt. Comdr., USNR, DCO 1st Lieut. Lt. Comdr., USNR, Asst. Gunnery Off. Lt. Comdr., USN, Air Defense Officer Captain, USMC, MG Control Officer Chief Fire Controlman Chief Electrician ' s Mate Chief Boatswain ' s Mate Boatswain Mate First Class Pharmacist ' s Mate First Class Seaman First Class Sergeant, USMC Lieut. (MC), USNR, Jr. Medical Off. Chief Fire Controlman Pharmacist ' s Mate First Class Boatswain ' s Mate Second Class Seaman First Class Electrician ' s Mate Second Class 1945 Silver Star Bronze Star Bronze Star Bronze Star Bronze Star Bronze Star Bronze Star Bronze Star Bronze Star Bronze Star Bronze Star Bronze Star Bronze Star Ltr. of Comm Ltr. of Comm Ltr. of Comm Ltr. of Comm Ltr. of Comm Ltr. of Comm Approximately 170 Purple Hearts were awarded. Commander J. M. WOLFE, Jr., US.X; and CARR, F. B., RM3c, USNR, were awarded Gold Stars in lieu of a second Purple Heart. 46 Xl 2 2 2 IX RETROSPECT i XK 2 2 ' T ' HE sea is the province of adventurers — and in time of war the seaman adds precision to his - - longing for adventure, to safeguard his own and his shipmates ' lives. The fighting crew of the scrappy cruiser USS COLUMBIA, CL-56, was constantly a coordinated team, mentally and mechanically geared for every emergency. The mettle of this gallant crew was frequently tested, and always shone brilliantly, especially when the enemy Kamikaze pilots, aimed their suicidal attacks at the ship. From the foregoing battle record of the USS COLUMBIA, should there not always be a Gem in the U. S. Navy? Modesty and humility forbid a long eulogy extolling the individual or collective incidents of bravery of the COLUMBIA ' S crews. However, it may be stated as a fact of history that never under stress of battle did any member of the crew fail to carry out his duties. Each member of the crew can feel proud of his personal contribution resulting in the award of the Navy Unit Com- mendation by the Secretary of the Navy. Above the storm and excitement of battle a quiet yet constant prayer arose from the heart of every man. The crew ' s faith in God was being tested, and this faith resulted in perfect self-confidence. The men had faith in their ship. They had faith in one another far above creed or racial differences. The prayers so frequently offered were generously rewarded, and will be a constant reminder to all, when the battles of life must be won with a Well Done. 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 X1 20 2 2 2:(1 47 II E M I N I 4 I N Ci . . . 48 cx MISS COLUMBIA 49 IMp Wi ' Admiral A. S. Merrill— USN Cease Firing Roger i _i%K. ...Sf -- Hide and Seek Open Fire I •■mamk V-J Plus 1, Bright Work Again Big Game Hunters — Guadalcanal • ¥ipi.j-y, ' MM. .. ' ,:■ .. ..«.nvt.g ' «ii ' ? ' ., Q Oh My Aching Back — V-J Plus One 54 Gem Jam Session Purple Heart Officers r -.« 9 Skipper Curts Long Beach Surigao A Long Beach Welcome Mail At Sea Rear Admiral Riggs Fred Apostoli Heavy Seas Reporting Aboard Barnacle Bill Another V For Victory V For Victory The Big E and Chicks ' ffiMMIi ' W  « Eddie Peabody Entertains in the Admirahies f . « , 4ym  .i .V Lcyte, P. I. Salamat Po %.- ' Panama Canal . ' mf Hail Columbia . « 75?f- A Near Miss ' iA . I J ( . m V_ _,— Plank Owners - 1945 Peace Havannah Harbour, Efate First Sight of Purvis Bay ■ ' ,« 1 5 ■ l jjl ■y l B r J 1 4 aJI f |r jf • ' ••. 4 J ' K i Jli 4 A . s fc5 y :! iPi Hb 4 L ' 1 1 i P s : . - ■% ' ■ ' Arriving in U.S. I or Battle Daniiige Repairs Survivor Search - Surigao Officer Plank Owners - 1945 JJLJJL ROii TER 2 2 2 2 The following U. S. Naval and U. S. Marine Officers served aboard lli ' U. S. $. Columbia daring 1% ' orld U ' ar II: Alpert, M Lt. Comdr. Anderson, C. H Carp. Baker, E. B., Jr Lt. Bancroft, H. S Ens. Barnes, J. H Mach. Barnett, M Ens. Bashford, B. J Bosn. Batte, J. C, Jr Lt. Beattv, F. E Capt. Beck, F. W Lt. Bennett, B Lt. Besco, S Gun. Biederman, K. J Comdr. Bienvenu, W. C, Jr Lt. (JG) Blount, F. E Lt. (JG) Bodie, T. H Lt. Comdr. (ChC) Bowser, J. H Ens. Bodv, G. L Lt. Boice, O. K Lt. Bowman, D. J Ens. Bowman, F.E CPC Bradley, J. J Lt. Broussard, C Comdr. Bullington, J. M Pav Clerk Bunting, R. W Lt. (JG) Burdette, P. F Ens. Burger, R. G APC Burr, J. D Lt. Comdr. Burum, A. T Gun. Bush, D Mach. Carpenter, J. L Ens. Carter, A. M., Jr Lt. (JG) Chase, E. G., Jr Lt. (JG) Christensen, H Ch. Gun. Christy, L. S Ens. Conn, R. N Lt. Clark, C. B Lt. Clark, C. W Ens. Craft, J. P Lt. Comdr. Grim, E. H Ens. Crossen, J. E Lt. Curts, M. E Capt. Dale, H. L Lt. (JG) Daniels, C. F Lt. Davidson, P. T Ens. Davis, F. L Ens. Dean, R. T Ens. De Long, M. E Carp. Dobbs, N. E Lt. (JG) Dupre, M. M Capt. Durham, H. M Lt. Duxberry, P. P Lt. Dwver, J. E Lt. Comdr. Erwine, S. D., Jr Lt. (JG) Ewin, G. O Lt. (JG) Falcone, L. P Lt. Farwell, C. B Lt. Comdr. Faucette, H. F., Jr Lt. (JG) Feeley, T. J Lt. (JG) Fitzgerald, J. M Lt. (JG) Fitzgibbons, W., Jr Ens. Funston, W. H Lt. (JG) Flvnn, S. E Lt. Comdr. Fox, E Lt. Fuller, H. H Ens. Gavin, C Lt. Gearing, H. F Comdr. Giese, S. J Lt. (JG) Giffin, H. M Lt. Gillaspv, D. K Ens. Gilloolv, J. F Ens. Glied, C. T Lt. (JG) Goldsbv, J. K Phm. Graff, B. P Ens. Gregg, W Lt. Hall, C. H Lt. Comdr. Hammond, E. W., Jr Lt. Hanlin, P. W Lt. Comdr. Hannon, S. V Lt. Hanson, G. W Lt. Harrington, M. W Cg. Carp. Harris, N. M Bos ' n Harrison, T. B Lt. Heard, W. A Capt. Henrv, J. R., Jr Lt. Comdr. Hepburn, F. N Lt. (JG) Hertzig, R. D Ens. Hoar, E Lt. Comdr. Holben, R. E Ens. Horling, J. W Bos ' n Hourihan, J. J Lt. Comdr. Howard, J. W Elect. Iffrig, F. O Comdr. Isaac, E. J Lt. (JG) Johnson, W. J Lt. (JG) Kantner, G. B Capt. Keenan, J. T Ch. Carp. Kellv, T. F Ens. Keith, G Lt. (JG) Kellv, T. J Lt. Kemp, E. J Lt. King, R. H Lt. (JG) Kreutzer, C. K., Jr Ens. Lanford, W. E Lt. Lange, G. A Comdr. Lapine, E. W Lt. (JG) Lawler, W. W Lt. (JG) Lawrence, M Lt. (JG) Le Bourgeois, J. J Ens. Legatie. E CSC Linn, R. E Lt. Lockett, T. B Lt. (JG) Lunde, D. J Lt. Lynch, F. J Ens. Mace, H. P ' . Lt. Madsen, E. P Lt. Major, R. R Lt. (JG) Malcolm, R. B., Jr Lt. Malcolmson, R. D Lt. (JG) Marker, J. A Ch. Elc. McAleer, R. H Lt. Comdr. McDaniel, R R. E. McHenrv, F. W Mach. McKeon, F. M. J Lt. McMillan, W Lt. McPherren, R. E Lt. (JG) Meador, C. L Ens. Menze, R. J Ens. Moffat, J. W Lt. (JG) Molhoek, H. C Lt. (JG) 73 Montgomery, H., Jr Lt. Moorcr, J. P Ens. Morris, H. T Lt. (JG) Nawotka, H. E Ens. Nelson, M. R 1st Lt. Nesbit, G. A Ens. Newman, C Lt. (JG) Nicholson, A. T., Jr Lt. Nottcr, R. L Ens. Nowacki, L, R Lt. Comdr. O ' Ncil, J. E Lt. (JG) Parks, R. C Lt. (JG) Paris, P. E. V Lt. (JG) Parssinen, E. J Lt. Partridge, R. W Lt. (JG) Pasek, H. W Ens. Pavne, C. N., Jr Lt. Pecotte, E. H Gun. Pedersen, O. N., Jr Lt. Peters, R Lt. Polls, J. E Ens. Porter, C. T Lt. (JG) Prestwich, G. D Ens. Quigg, J. M Ens. Radwav, R. C Gun. Ragan, ' D. O Lt. Raimond, A. C Bos ' n Reed, W. J Lt. Reisman, C Lt. (JG) Reeves, C. H Lt. Rasmussen, G. P Lt. Rynbrandt, T. J Lt. Rickc, J. O Lt. (JG) Riggs, C. G Lt. (JG) Robeson, R. H., Jr Roberts, L. F Lt. (JG) Roberts, H. L APC Roche, W. A Lt. Rochester, H Lt. Com. Rodgers, J. W Lt. Rogers, R. B Ens. Ruhlman, F. L Lt. Comdr. Rush, G. F Ens. Savidge, W. L Lt. Comdr. Schell, L. C Ch. Clk. Schneider, J. J Lt. (JG) Scholl, M CPC Scott, C. J Carp. Sears, C. A Cre. Sessums, W. M Lt. Com. Sherman, N. R 1st Lt. Simon, W. J Lt. Sleight, R, C Lt. Comdr. Slesnick, W. E Ens. Slover, J. A Lt. (JG) Smith, C. C Lt. (JG) Smith, J. D., Jr Capt. Smith, M., Jr Lt. (JG) Smith, S. C Gun. Stettler, L. B Lt. (JG) Stowell, K. C Lt. (JG) Strange, J. C Lt. Suggs, C. L Lt. Summers, G. C Lt. Sylvester, J Comdr. Tackberrv, R. S Lt. Tate, N. L Lt. (JG) Tavlor, J. W Lt. (JG) Taylor, J. C Ens. Templeton, O. A Lt. (JG) Thompson, L. M Lt. (JG) Tieslau, B Lt. Comdr. Tower, R. J Lt. (JG) Truba, P. K Lt. Tuhey, E. F Ens. Turner, J. A Ens. Unnewehr, C Lt. Comdr. Van Arsdale, H. C Lt. Comdr. Vinncdge, K. H Comdr. Warwick, C. E Ens. Weller, J. F Lt. Weston, G. G Lt. Comdr. Wheeler, R. W Lt. Comdr. Whitcomb, H. R Ch. Mach. Whittemore, R. M Lt. Comdr. Wolfe, J. M., Jr Lt. Comdr. Woods, J. W Pharm. Woodward, H. C Ch. Elc. Yielding, W. E Ens. Zerbe, H. E Cre. Zoff, H. G Lt. (JG) List  f nion «i-li« M rv« fl ahoaril the U. 8. S. i '  luinliia diirinjij li% ' orl l War II. liiit who vt ' ori ' transferred prior to 8 •laniiary 1946. Abraham, William John Adair, Williams Manard Adams, Leo James Adams, Oral Purdy Adams, David Penn, Jr. . dams, Nicholas, Jr. Alagot, Alipio (None) Apostoli, Fred Peter Albert, Cyril Herman Alexander, Frederick Irving Alexander, Robert James, Jr. Adams, Calvin Dewitt Anderson, Clair Charles Anderson, Charles Noel Andrews, Glover Clyde, Jr. Ansley, Woodrow Wilson Anthony, Douglas Castlcman Archibald, John Joseph Ardizzone, Joe (None) Areias, Fred Augustus Argall, William Grandficld Argubright, Samuel Wilbern, Jr. Arino, Henry Alvin Armeson, Frank James Armstrong, Kenneth Myrle Arnold, Lawrence Robert Arzillo, Frank Carl Ashland, Edward Loyal Ashworth, Joseph James Atkins, Harold Baker Atkin, Robert Alfred Atkinson, Jerry T Aubrey, Raphael Leslie Augenstein, John Adelbert Averbook, Gordon Marvin Averitt, Raymond Hartley, Jr. Avery, Frederick Charles Ayotte, Robert Henry Baird, James Albert Baisden, George Wilson, Jr. Baiz, Ralph Parra Baker, Alvin Milton Baker, David Edward Baker, Edward John Baker, Johnnie B Baker, Ora DePaul Baker, Ro Haywood Baldino, Frank Idolo Ballard, Johnny James Ballou, Doyle Amos Banker, George Emanuel Banks, Gilbert (N) Barker, Daniel James Barndt, Winslow Frederick Barkovich, John (N) Barnett, Paul (None) Bartram, George Edward Battit, Nicholas Elian Bauer, Charles John Bayne, Hudson DcForest Bearden, Otis Wayne Beaty, Thomas Lavern Beaver, Charles R. 74 Becher, Lester Anthony Becker, Charles (N) Bedenbaugh, Carroll (N) Bell, John Charles Bell, Lemuel Madden Bell, Robert (N) BcUeau, Henry (N) Bellesfield, Leonard Carl L Beneccio, Cyril Floyd j Benfield, Roy Leslie Benner, William Robert Bentley, Johnnie Marvin Benton, Earle (N) Berens, Louis Francis Bercsky, Nichael Zolton Bergamini, Frank (N) Bergnes, Anthony Michael Berry, Norman Russell Betz, Edward Luther Bevan, Billy Eugene Bigler, Samuel Smith Binder, Jack Morris Binder, Joseph Henrv, Jr. Bird, Macey (N) Bishop, John Clarence Bissettc, Claude Harold Black, Jack Johnson Black, John Truman, Jr. Black, Richard James Blackmon, Freddie (N) Blake, Warren Day Blakeley, Clyde Aubrev, Jr. Blanchard, Leonard Joseph Blees, William (N) Bleisnick, John (N) Blomberg, Roy Leonard Blume, Francis Phillip Bobe, Raymond (N) Bobersky, Andrew (N) Bochicchio, James John Bock, Warren Maxwell Boggs, Harry Albert Boggs, William Armeanus Bohon, Edward Oscar Bolden, L M Boles, Arthur Raymond Boone, Raleigh (N) Bost, Ralph Lee Bostic, James Bee Boston, Raymond Cecil Bowles, Haywood Clifton Bowling, Walter Thorle Bowman, Floyd Elwood Bowman, Paul Byron Bowser, John Henry Brady, Robert Edward Bramblett, John Winston Bramstedt, Herbert George Brannen, Walter Raleigh Bratton, David L Brady, Abbie Lee Brauer, Clavin Kinley Breitbach, Donald Clarence Brenner, Louis Anthony Brewer, Lemuel Staley Breynaert, Oscar (N) Breznai. Thomas Anthony Bridges, Garvin Wainright Brida, William (N) Briggs, John Edward Brindle, Randall Bruce Bronsdoin, Arthur Henry Brooks, Francis Eugene Brooks, Henry Thomas Brooks, Louis William Brothers, Burr Leonard Broulok, Joseph, Jr. Browcr, Harry Grant Brown, Clinton Alfred Brown, Duane Bernard Brown, Fred Lucian Brown, Jerome William Brown, Oscar (N) Brown, James Edward Brown, William Wesley Brown, Willie (N) Bruce, Dale Dixon Bruce, Kenneth Wilson Bruch Harry Frank Bruget, Bernard Charles Bruning, Malcolm Harold Bryant, Carl Elmer Bryar, John Vincent Bubis, Samuel (N) Buckalew, Denville Caldwell Buckner, Robert Frank Buckland, Dale Louis Bullock, Ben (N) Bunting, Alfred (N) Burant, Joseph Theodore Burch, Horace Walter Burgan, Russell Edward Burgess, Robert Thurmond, Jr. Burke, Chester Field Burnett, John Benjamin Burns, George Willey Burns, William Thomas Burt, Herbert Harley Bush, Donald D Burris, Harold Ra mond Bush, Robert Merritt Buttke. Robert John Bye, Leslie Evan Byers, Donald Leroy Calamia, Bennie Salvatore Calloway, Rufus David Caldwell, Clarence Alvin Caldwell, Henry Alexander, Sr. Caldwell, James Otto Calhoun, Vervl Keith Calkins, William (N) Callahan, Benjamin William Gallon, Donald Henry Calvert, Grady Vaughn Cameron, James Bernard Camp, Marvin Ray Campagna, Mike Joseph Campbell, William Johnson, Jr. Canada, Herman Jones Canady, Fred Lee Cannaday, Morton Lacy Cannon, Edward Frank Cannon, Lee Roy Cannon, Roy Gene Cape, Chester Harold Capodicasa, Thomas Samuel Capone, Peter Anthony Caponera, Raymond Rocco Capps, Julius Foster Caputo, Nicole (N) Caranna, Salvador Peter Card, Raymond Fred Carek, Charles Cyril, Jr. Carey, Elmer Franklin Carey, John Francis Carey, Ivan Alfred Carithers, John Henry Carlson, John Fredrick Carlson, Leonard Warner Carlson, Roy Frank Carlson, William Edward Carlton, Leon Lowe Carlucci, Hugh Richard Carman, Lester Alverd Garni, Jimmy (N) Caron, Henry Joseph, Jr. Carpenter, William Norman Carr, Arthur Paul Carr, Frank Miron Carr, Sidney George Carr, Rudolph Eugene, Jr. Carr, Victory Henry Carrigg, John Samuel Carroll, George Charles Carroll, Ralph Marcellus Carroll, Willard John Carson, Louis Eldon Carson, Vern Maurice Carter, Charles Reginald Carter, Herman Joseph Cascio, Rosario (N) CashwcU, William Gaston, Sr. Caskey, Virden Hewitt Cason, William Bernard Castello, Clifford (N) Castle, Alfred William Cataldo, Armando (N) Catalina, Frank Anthony Caudle, Morris (N) Caviness, Macon Jackson Cedarholm, Henry (N), Jr. Cerreto, Thomas F ' ranklin Cerva, Milton (N) Cervantes, Miguel (N) Cervenak, John (N) Cesarz, Andrew E Chadwick, William Donald Chamberlain, Gilmer Ray Champ, James Oscar Chance, George Washington, Jr. Chandler, Robert Benson Chaplin, John Howard, Jr. Chapman, Edwin Yates Chappell, James Charles Chapman, Frank Varner Charette, Robert Emil Charles, Abel Edward Charleston, Richard (N) Chartier, Leo Gerard Chatellier, Grady Hoffman Chattin, Herbert Gerald Chavez, Simon (N) Cheadle, Howard Henrv Cheeks, Gurlvn B Chenski, Albert (N) Chester, Claude Joseph Chester, William Franklin Chiarvalle, Frank James Chiarieri, Alfred Anthony Childers, Calvin Russell Childers, Wilford Elmer Childress, Charles Jethro Chilton, Reuben 75 Chincarini, Augustin (N), Jr. Chiscnhall, Charles William Choatc, Herbert Willard Choolfain, Harry James Chrisman, Joe Brown Christensen, Robert Maxwell Chronister, Herman Lewis Chuderewicz, Richard Raymond Chuick, Milan Michael Chupasko, Mikolay (N) Cianelli, Ralph Peter Cianico, Samuel Joseph Ciccone, Fabian Edward Cimaglia, Charles (N) Cingel, Adam Steve Clapp, Kenneth Raymond Clapper, Ralph (N) Clark, Aaron Lee Clark, Albert Pierce Clark, Alwyn Gordon Clark, Charles Robert Clark, Frank Courtney Clark, George Henry Clark, James Fred Clark, Raymond Austin Clausi, Bernard (N) Clawson, James Monroe Clay, William Harold Claypool, Marvin Audry Clayton, Dewev (N) Clements, O ' Dell (N) Clayton, James Tilman Clemmons, Gilbert (N) Clements Harry Lindsey Clinc, Rov Ernest Clossick, Thomas Joseph Clunk, Robert William Cochran, David Sherman Cochran, James Hal Cochrane, Perry (N), Jr. Cofer, Donald Owen CoflFey, Thomas Joseph Coffman, Ernest Harold Colantuono, Albert Thomas Cole, Christian Thorne Cole, Edward (N) Cole, Harold Fagaly Cole, John Stuart Collette, Richard Sharp Collins, Robert Arthur Colella, Vincent Joseph Collins, Dale Vern Collins, Earnest Robert Collins, John (N) Collins, William Edward Colson, James Milton Colvin, Donald James Colvin, Johnnie (N) Condren, Joseph John Conner, Raymond Eugene Conroy, James Edwin Converse, Roger Lester Converso, Daniel William Conway, Ernest Dale Conway, John Michael Coogan, Howard Edward Cook, Harold William Cook, Harrv Ralph Cook, Jess Edward Cook, Malcolm Omer Cook, Ross Milton Cooke, Harold Lorenzo Coons, George Dewey, Jr. Cooper, Chester (N) Cooper, John M Cordeau, Alfred Earley Cordner, John Ray Cornell, James Rufus Cornwcll, Harold (N) Corolla, Samuel James, Jr Cosby, Lorimer Russell Costa, Daniel (N) Corpuz, Lauro (N) Cotter, Melvin Fredric Cottrell, Billy Lee Cowsert, Billy Gene Cox, Cloyce Lee Craig, Freddie Edward Craig, Glenn Charles Crandall, Robert Desaulniers Crane, Richard Ellsworth Crawford, Glenn Edward Crisler, Clifton Carl Crockett, Donald Dale Crockett, James (N) Croisant, Melvin Arthur Crom, Peter Lewis Crook, Bert Mervin Crowder, Thomas (N) Crotty, Reginald Joseph Cuffel, Lynford (N) Cummings, Harold Howard Cummings, James Joseph, Jr. Cummings, Kenneth John Cunningham, Jack (N) Cunningham, William Thomas Cuocolo, Anthony Carman Curley, John Lawrence Currie, Joseph Kennedy Curry, John Joseph Curry, Marion Carlyle Curtright, Wilmer Junior Daggett, Marvin Chester Dale, Henry Vincent Dalessandro, Felice John, Jr. Dallaire, Norman Joseph E. Dame, Earl Lewyllen, Jr. Damm, William Henry, Jr. Dardeen, Robert Harold Daum, Harold Arthur Davenport, James William Davidson, Paul William Davis, Arthur (N) Davis, Arthur Herman Davis, Clyde Edward Davis, Floyd Alford Davis, Harold Ralph Davis, Jim (N) Davis, Miles Alexander Davis, Render Paul Davis, Richard Grosser Davis, Rov Almow Davis, William Ralph Davison, Fred William Dawson, William Russell, Jr. Dayton, John Dale Dean, Elwood Cooper, Jr. Dean, John Lawrence Defelice, Samuel Stephen Defeo, Tony Stanislaus DeLatte, Luchien Levi Delatte, Noland William Delmont, Joseph (N) DeMichele, Anthony Ralph Dennis, Joe Winston Denton, Alfred Earl DeSantis, Henry George DeSiatio, Oreste Leonard DeSoto, Howard Vincent Deyo, James Francis DiAmacis, Joseph Anthony, Jr. Diaz, Vincente Vargas Dickey, John Wesley, Jr. Dillon, James (N) DiPrizio, Joseph Anthony George Ditton, Homer Floyd Dixon, Harry B Dlugosz, John Paul Dobiesz, Henry Edward Dobo, John William Dobrovolny, Harry (N) Dobrowolski, Marvin Edward Dodge, Howard Curtin Doerr, Walter August Doherty, Charles Patrick Domaschenz, Walter Otto Donabedian, Leo H. Donahue, James Herbert Dongilli, Robert . ngelo Donnelly, Robert Frederick Donoghue, William Joseph Dorochovich, Anthony (N) Douglas, Harley Franklin Doyle, Warner Hart Doyle, William Francis Dozier, John Edgar Drab, Bernard Frank Drew, Cecil Harvey Drotos, John James Dubois, Roland Leonel Dubose, Jasper Clayton Dudney, Arthur Dale Dudra, Raymond (N) Ducan, Henry Barnett Duncan, Dan A, Jr. Duncan, Paul Alfred Durando, Joseph Andrew Dusell, Robert James Dutcher, Walter Melvin Dwyer, Patrick Donald Dybvig, Orville Robert Dye, DeWitt Spencer Earl, Andrew Franklyn Ebert, Warren Harding Edwards, Louis Edmond Edwards, Marshall William Egan, Martin Joseph Egan, Thomas Ignativs Egnew, Carl Richard Ehlcn, Carl William Eker, Robert Kenneth Ekstrom, David Arthur Elder, Thomas John Eldredge, Robert Ellsworth Elkington, Joseph William Elliott, Jackie Lane Elliott, James Alton Elliott, Robert Allen Ellyson, Herbert Weisiger Elmes, George Bertram Elmore, Edgar Russell Elvis, Hubert Roland Endrias, Frank Steve 76 Engle, Gerald William Ennd, William James Ervin, Donald Harry Ervin, Sara Porter Erwin, Earl B. Escobcdo, Rcynaldo Rodriguez Essigmann, William George Estenson, Milo Amos Etheridgc, Eugene J. Etheridge, William Pawnee, 3rd Etschman, Charles Albert Evans, Clinton (N) Evans, Leo Kcllam Everett, Louis Sagcr, Jr. Ewald, Arno Arthur Eymann, Ludwig Martin Fadden, John Howard Fahcy, Russell Joseph Faile, James Elvin Fair, James Arthur Fannelli, Frank Carl Fannin, Clifford Lewis Farley, Robert Edmund Farlow, George Horace Farmer, Alexander, Jr. Farme, Charles Edward Farmer, Ernest Richard Farren, Richard John Farris, Elbert Leslie Farwell, John Charles Faust, Richard Morgan Favor, Clifford Elton Fazio, Samuel Charles Feehan, Chester Walter Fcldman, Jacobc Jack Fenhaus, Harvey Alfred Fenimore, Ray Delbert Fenley, Robert Wesley Fennessey, Francis Benerdick Ferguson, Oscar William Fernandez, Rafael John Ferro, Leo Joseph Ferris, Ernest Hayes, Jr. Ferro, Robert Louis Filizzola, John George Finegan, Marvin Thomas Fink, Merie (N) Finn, William Austin Fish, William Kenneth Fisher, Arthur Irwin Fitzgerald, John Joseph, Jr. Fives, James Joseph Flade, Carl F., Jr. Fletcher, Billie Freeman Fletcher, Tommie Eugene Flocchini, Giacomo Pietro Flores, Phillip Joe Flynn, John Frank Foley, Edward Thomas Folev, George Henrv Foley, Robert Willis Follett, Kenneth Claude, Jr. Fones, Albert Herbert Forse, Raymond Herbert Foster, Phillip Rav Fowler, Donald Joseph Fowler, Noble Shirley Fox, Harvey Sisler Fraley, Merle Orson Fraim, Carroll Best Franco, Melanio Maquirang Frautten, Malcolm Raymond Fraval, Albert Yves Frazier, James (N) Frey, Mclvin Edward Fricano, Pietro F. Freeman, Jackie Louis Freeman, Kermit Alexander Freeman, Louis (N) Friedlander, Max (N) Frost, Charles Edward, Jr. Fry, Paul Richard Fuchs, Thomas Francis Fugate, Gilmer Granville Fuller, William Edward Funderburk, Gilbert Derwood Gaffney, James Clarence Gage, Elmer Irving Gall, Frank (N), Jr. Gallos, Steve James Gambrazzio, Francis Paul Ganz, Melvin (N) Gardner, Harlan James Garlitz, William Meredith Garmen, William Francis Garmon, Charles Kenneth Garner, Lenwood Sampson Garner, Luther Webster Garrett, James Henry Garrison, Dwainc Oliver Garzone, Samuel (N) Gassen, Gilbert John Gassman, Erwin John Gaston, Charles David Gates, Francis Dale Gaudette, Vincent Eli Gauldin, Robert Edward Gazarian, Michael (N) Geier, Carl (N) Gendek, Thomas Anthony Gendice, Nicholas, Jr. Gentile, Dominic Joseph Gerrero, William (N) Gettys, Harold Floyd Giambrone, Louis James Giannechini, Leo John Gibbons, James Walker Gilbert, John Dwight Gill, John Joseph Gill, Richard Lee GiUe, Robert (N) Gillespie, Jack Raymond Gipple, Raymond Eugene Girten, Paul Edward Gisondi, Julius Jerome Gizze, John (N), Jr. Glasco, Henry Dewrel Glassburn, Wa ne Dallas Glassman, Norman Nathen Gleckner, Homer Merrill Glenzer, Robert Herbert Glischinski, Edward Mas Gnatek, Edward George Godden, Howard Robert Godfrey, John BlakeK Goetz, Harold Edward Golanski, Chester Edward Golden, Ra mond .Andrew Goldsby, Jack Kaufman Goldspring, Francis Michael Goltz, George (N) Gomori, Andrew Frank Goodwin, Clinton Marciel Goon, Melvin Howard Gordon, Frederick Adolphus Gordon, Stanton Warren Gorman, Thomas James Gossard, William Stanley Gosselin, Wilfred T. Gradel, Philip Elmer Graham, John William Graham, Philip Joseph Grahame, Gordon Wight Grampp, Edward J. Grande, Francisco Grande, Francisco (N) Grant, Alonza (N) Grant, Coyet Vernon Graybeal, Norman (N) Grebel, Robert William Green, Charlie Edward Green, Henry Herbert, Jr. Green, James Raraond Green, James Thomas Gresio, Julius John Griffith, Howard James Grimes, William Thomas, Jr. Grocott, William Anthony Groesch, Armin Thomas Gross, Edwin Walter, Jr. Gross, Kenneth Edward Groter, Robert Anderson Grotenhuis, Lambert William Grupa, George Wilfred Guadagno, Joseph Gene Guardino, Alphonse Nicholas GuUi, Dominick Nicholas Gurley, Robert Isom Guron, Alexander (N) Gurreri, Bernard (N) Gyorkos, Julius John Hackett, Blaine Lavern Haddad, David Sam Hagaman, Hohn J. Hagan, Henry Allen Hagan, Walter Francis Hagerman, Dave (N) Haidukewich, Joseph (N) Halecki. William (N) Hall, Edward William Richard Hall, Hugh Edwin Halleran, John Martin Halvorsen, Robert Evell Ham, Claude Ray Hamm, Robert Chastain Hammond, Richard Leon Hamilton, Marion (N) Hammon, Keith Edward Hampton, Larue S. Hanlon, Thomas John Hapner, Paul Edward Harden, Thomas Lvon Harlow, Kenneth Perry Harper, Thomas Nelson Harris, Noel Morris, Jr. Harris, Robert John Harrison, Albert Hamilton Harrison, Truman (N) Harrison, William (N) Hart, Frank Edward Hart, William Alvin 77 Hatfield, James Roy Hatfield, Hohn Edward, Jr. Hattem, Solomon Albert Hattemer, Francis Neil Hawkins, Chelsea V. Hawkins, William W. Hayes, Jack Edward Havward, Milton Lerov Head, Russell Wilfred ' Hearing, Merle Everett Hearing, William Robert Hebert, Cyrus Joseph Hedley, Mertis Bo d, Jr. Hedrick, Bart (N) ' Heelin, Roy Eugene Hcil, Harold Frank Heilig, Martin Luther Hemann, Herbert (N) Hendricks, Ed Robert Henry, Arthur (N) Henry, Harold Edward Hentosh, John (N) Hergert, Raymond Henry Herget, James Robert Higgins, Bruce (N) Hilbert, George Kenneth Hilbun, Otis Otto, Jr. Hill, James William Hill, Louis King Hill, William David Hilt, George James Hines, William Albert Hinshaw, Virgil Elmer Hite, Jackie Lee Hockett, Kenneth Raymond Hoback, John Henry Hoctor, John Henrv Hoff, Willis Paul Hoffmann, Victor Fredrick Hogan, Harry Joe Hogan, Joseph Glenn Hogan, William Paul Holbert, John David, Jr. Holcom, Charles Dodge Hollman, Harry John HoUoway, Francis (N) Holloway, Marshall, Jr. Holmes, Thomas Earl Holmes, Willis Clair Holt, Graves Jefferson Homer, Herbert Howard Hommel, John William Hone, Bernell Timothv Honea, Raymond Ronald Honeychuck, Lawrence Aloysius Honeycutt, Lawrence Edward Hooper, Scdric (N) Hoops, Charles Allison Hooper, Leland Eugene Horacek, John Frank Horbacz, John Joseph Horner, Glenn C, Jr. Horner, Layton (N) Hosch, Asbury Camp Hostetter, Richard Isac Hougland, Robert Eugene House, Ramon Kenneth Houston, Delmas Woodrow Houston, Orville Levi Houston, Willard J Hovland, Allan Russell Howard, Harold Stanley Howard, Robert Lee Howard, William Jennings, Jr. Howland, John Wesley Howlett, Gene Elroy Hren, Joseph Fred Hubbs, Elmer Lee Huber, Robert Carl Hudak, Albert Joseph Huddleston, Jay Thomas Hudson, Clois Dale Hudson, Russell Dale Huffmire, Leon Junior Hughes, Gordon George Hulse, McKinley (N) Humenik, Stephen (N) Humphreys, Frank Clinton, Jr. Hunter, Ralph Merlyn Hurley, John Amous Huss, Alan Jacob Hussey, Robert Lee Hutchinson, Curtis (N) Hutchins, Lester Leroy Hyde, Fay Harold Imler, William Alonzo Ingle, Arthur Dean Ingo, Felix (N) Irvine, Richard Robert Irwin, Howard Moscow Jackson, Edward Philip Jackson, Hubert Olin Jackson, Luther (N) Jackson, Robert Willie Jacob, Harold Allen Jacobs, Henry Izel James, Alfred (N) James, James R. James, Judge Clifton, Jr. James, Stanley (N) Jancarich, Paul William Jenkins, Barton Harrv Jennings, Eugene Franklin Jennings, Lov Ester Jeter, Clyde ' (N) Jctt, Robert Lee Johnigean, William John, Jr. Johnson, Bernard William Johnson, Cletus Jessie Johnson, Delmar (N) Johnson, George Verner Johnson, Jack Carlton Johnson, Kenneth Julius Johnson, Kenneth Artie Johnson, Ralph James Johnson, Robert Stanley Johnson, Carl Bryant Johnson, Jerry Jefferson Jolly, Terrell Rufus Jones, Darrell Jay Jones, John David Jones, Garland (N), Jr. Tones, .John Davis ' .Tones, William (N) V Jones, William Henry Jordan, Raymond Chester Joyce, George (N) Jurgevich, Pete (N) Justus, Earl Lavern Kaczoroski, Leo Stanley Kajmowicz, Casimir Joseph Kandle, Donald Willard Kane, Edward Donald Kania, Chester (N) Kaplan, Joseph Martin Karagiannes, John James Karst, Godfred (N) Karalius, Albert Marcelius Kasper, Tunny L. Katla, Frank Joseph Kauffman, John Abraham Kaufman, Jack John Kazee, James Clarence Keegan, Donald Francis Keen, Donald Ross Keller, Arthur Richards Keller, Paul Frederick Kemp, James Bart Kenadv, Richard Leyon Kendall, James E. Kennedy, John Kenneth Kenistion, Frank Joseph Kepler, Paul Preston Ketcham, Philip Lester Key, Robert Dalton Kierman, Charles Henrv Killcoyne, John (N) Kimball, Lavernc Vincent Kinard, Autice Edmond King, Billie Tom King, Fred Roy Kingslcy, Theodore (N) Kinley, Clarence Roscoe Kirby, Bovce Arthur Kilgore, Wetzel (N) Klaus, Frederick Francis Kling, Kenneth Robert Knepper, Eugene R Knox, Leon William Koch, Frederick Edwin Koenemund, William John, Jr. Kolenz, Joseph John Kolodziejski, Edward Nicholas Kolomick, Joseph (N) Kolty ' s, Henry (N) Kopavzewski, Thomas (N) Kordowski, Anthony Joseph Kosar, Joseph John Kossow, Gordon Daniel Kowalski, Alojzi (N), Jr. Kraetzner, Gerhart Otto Krause, George Irvin Krauspe, Robert Fredrick Kritzman, John (N) Krouse, Joseph Charles Kruse, Edward Bernard Kubalak, Stephen Andrew Kueker, Robert Edward Kuhlman, John Sprold Kurczop, Sigmond Alexander Labudde, Gilbert Rhinehart Lack, Lewis Russell Lackey, Charles William Lada, Henry Walter Lalonde, Robert Everett Lamarita, Charles Gerad Landry, Arthur Paul Lane, Ernest John, Jr. Lane, Thomas William Lany. Robert William Larson, Douglas Leo Larson, Frederick Edward La Tarte, Emery George 78 Laue, Raymond Augustus, Jr. Layers, Frederick Raymond Lawrukiewicz, Frank Anthony Lcab, Joseph Crouch Lease, Charles William Lebeau, Clement John Lcblanc, Raymond Albert Lecce, Joseph Lewis Ledoux, Theophile Edmond Lee, Daniel Virgil Lee, Robert E Lee, Thomas Bill Leek, Donald Earl Lehman, Floyd Edward Leigh, Oliver Gault Leikara, John (N) Leininger, George Ralph Lemke, Phillip Arthur Lesich, George Stanley Lewis, Carl Ervin Lewis, Jack (N) Lewis, Thomas Paul Libby, Charles Alexander, Jr. Liberatore, Hugo Vincent Lindauer, Frank Walter Lindley, William Basel Lindsey, James Douglas Lindsley, Earl Melvil Lines, Enos Abner Linneman, Albert (N), Jr. Linville, Ralph Phillip Lister, IDwight William Locha, Francis (N) Lofay, John Joseph Lokkesmoe, Marvin Julius Long, James Harry Lorts, Charles Thomas Lotshaw, Richard Ray Loughlin, Lawrence (N) Love, Elmer (N) Lovell, Thomas Woodrow Lovett, William Joseph Lovin, John Bunyan, Jr. Loy, Kenneth Alvin Loy, Richard Lee Loyns, Eddie Louis Loysch, Robert Gregory Lucas, Homer Frank Lugara, Frank Richard Luther, Merle Evan Lutz, Arthur Joseph Lynch, Francis Andrew Lyne, Donald Thomas Lytle, Gale Stanton Lyons, William Francis Mabry, Garland Franklin Maciejewski, Arthur Anthonv Mackler, Isadore Michael Madsen, Leo Robert Magare, William Bill, Jr. Magnuson, Leonard Roy Maguire, Edward Thomas Mahan, Delmar Lee Mahaney, Ernest Eugene Mailloux, Albert Leon Maitland, Andrew James Major, Eugene (N) Makulis, Anthony Thomas Malone, Larry Charles Malecky, Frederick Carl Mamet, Morris (N) Malloch, James Charlfin Malloni, James (N) Mancini, Dante Anthon ' Mangini, Bonifacio Joseph Manlcy, Fred Donald Manley, James Kenneth Mann, Emil Mihaly Manoggian, Peter (N) Manshack, Herman Arlin Manykolt, Peter (N) Manzo, Lester Anthony Marino, Angelo Charles Markowski, Edward Joseph Marks, John Edward Marlow, Thomas Roland Maroulis, Edward (N) Martin, James Norman Martin, Lowell Harold Martin, Richard Garland Martinson, Edwin Richard Martz, William Charles Mascio, Anthony Louis Mason, Charles DriscoU Mason, Gordon Atlas Mason, Norman Ora Massano, Victor (N) Massie, Merle Elden Mastrogicomo, Leon Anthony Mathews, Ralph Richard Matlock, John Asby Matt, Cyrillus Benjamin Walter Matthews, Edward Joseph Mattson, George Gust Matzke, Walter William Maxwell, John Horace May, George (N) Mayo, Bruce Ra Mays, William Louis Maziarz, Thaddeus Edward McBride, Paul (N) McBroom, Kenneth Moscipt McCaig, John Francis McCain, James Seward McCarthy, Raymond Francis McClain, Troy Glen McCarthy, William Aloyius McClcskey, Charles Samuel McCracken, Earl (N) McCrary, Walter Estil McCreery, Thomas Donald McCurry, Mark Alton McCusker, Matthew Francis McDaniel, Richard Dcwin McDermott, Jack Bernard McDermott, Joseph Francis McDonald, Francis Patrick McDowell, .Alvin Lee McElhone, James Malcolm McElroy, Donald Joseph McElroy, John Joseph McFail, Gerald Pictock McGarvey, John Joseph McGilley, Donald Edward McGuiness, Walter Joseph Mcllvain, Howard Watkin McKenzie, Fred William McKinney, Robert William McClean, John Franklin McMahon, Donald Merle McNally, Raymond Cedric McNally, Robert Joseph McPheeters, Paul Samuel McPherson, William Warenburg McQuay, Clayton William Medlev, Jack Elbert Mehlhaff, Reuben (N) Melton, Jessie Wright Merollo, Alfred (N) Merschen, Jacob Messenger, Bryson Monroe Messier, Barton Dale Metivier, Joseph Armand Meyer, Theodore Vincent Meyers, Frank Lonsberry Meza, Quadalupe John Michelson, John Sylvester Middleton, Lord Dowell Miller, George Arthur McNulty, Vern Nelson Michael, Keith Kerment Michael, Robert Earl Michalowski, Wallace Dominick Milbourn, John Alonzo Miles, William Steven Miller, Alvin Linard Miller, George Earl Miller, George Edward Miller, Ralph Albert Miller, Robert Lee Mills, McDonald Minton, Ralph Owen Missler, Eugene George Misuraca, John (N) Mitchell, .Mbert Post Mitchell, Carl Columbus Mitchell, Eugene Victor Mitchell, Lemar Lunton Moffett, James William Mogensen, Paul (N), Jr. Mongan, Edward Patrick Mongan, William Joseph Monk, Earl (N) Montgomery, Orville Eaton Moore, Cambron Clifford, Jr. Moore, Ellis Willard Moore, James Ellis Moore, James Moody Moore, Maurice Perry Moore, Samuel Paul Moran, James Frederick Moran, Norman Joseph Moran, Philip Joseph, Jr. Moren, R B Eligah Morsette, Vern Louis Morgan, Donald Weston Morgan, George Clayton Morris, Raymond Fredrick Morrison, Henry (N) Morton, Aud Reese Moss, Ralph Elwood Moya, Frank Leo Mueller, Albert Francis Mueller, Joseph George Mueller, Walter Benjamin Mulanax, Ray Lervan Mulkins, Earl Leonard Muller, Michael Joseph, Jr. MuUins, Robert Eugene Murdock, Harold Lane Murphy, Gerard Paul Murphy, Joseph Marcus Murray, Albert Knight 79 Murray, Frank Wentworth Murray, Junior Max Murrell, Taylor (N) Musick, Ira Z. Musser, Owen (N) Myers, Duane Edward Myers, Edward Ha es Myers, Edwin Rutman Myers, Harold Elmer Myers, Walter William Nadasky, Joseph Rudolph Naylor, Edgar (N) Ncedham, Fred Walter Nelligar, Theodore Sedgwick Nellis, David Albert Nelson, Gordon (N) Nelson, Vincent Edward Nelson, Ralph Leon Nerini, Fulvio (N) Nester, Louis Thomas Nethercott, Wilford Henry Netterfield, Roland Leroy Neville, Michael Alford Newman, Jacob Lafayette Neubauer, Richard Carl Nevcherlian, Jacob (N) Neyer, Leo Jerome Nicholas, Arthur Soloman Nickell, James Nikolaus, Garth (N) Niles, William Wesley Nixon, Harry Richard Nolan, Donald James Norenberg, Oscar Carl Norris, Robert Wallace North, Cecil Ellsworth North, Ernest (N) Norton, James Allen Norwood, James Harvey, Jr. Nudson, Geo rge Mason Nugent, William Benjamin Nunn, Ulysses (N) Nyhagen, Robert Edward Obenour, Parker James Oberleas, Darrell Clark Obregon, Albert (N) O ' Brien, Thomas Patrick O ' Callaghan, Richard Edward Ochoa, Mike Molino O ' Connor, Edmund (N) O ' Dell, Jack Pershing Oertli, Edwin Fritz Ofalt, Frank Stanley O ' Grady, John Robert Olmstead, Robert Waverly Olmstead, James Edward Olsen, Daniel Leon Olson, Lamar K. Olson, Lawrence Everett Olson, Nyle Rockwell Olson, Sylvester Harold O ' Mara, Warren Freadrick Osborne, Ermil (N) Osborne, George Robert Osborne, Marion Nicholas O ' Steen, William Lee Oxnam, Melvin George Padgett, Edwin James Padilla, Eustacio (N) Paganini, Charles Samuel Paine, Charles Stewart Pallai, Frank (N) Palmer, Homer Virgil Pankratz, Wilhclme Fredrick Pare, Charles Augustc Parker, Robert Wattcrston Parks, James Henderson Parnell, Carl Wood Parker, Raymond James Parsons, Harold Warden Patterson, Berry Andy, Jr. Patrick, Leonard Anthony Patterson, Harold Eugene Paul, Hugh Joseph, Jr. Pcachey, Charles (N) Pecuch, Louis (N) Peczynski, Joseph John Pellow, Walter Charles Peluso, Nicholas Rocco Penders, Edmond Peter Pepicelli, Angelo Joseph Perdue, Arthur (N) Pereira, Richard Joseph Perkins, John Booker Perosky, Theodore John Perry, Elmer John Perry, Theodore Joseph Peterman, Irving Leon Peters, William Joseph, Jr. Peterson, Frank Filmore Petrakovich, Stephen Joseph Pettine, Frank John Phillips, Colonel Brooks Phillips, Elmer Leroy Phillips, Jack Otis Phillips, Wilford (N) Pickard, Lawrence Edward Piderit, Charles Keith Pierce, John Thomas Pierce, Luther Henry Pireaux, Henry Otto Pisarchuck, John (N) Pitts, Hugh Pinkney Pitts, Perry Leander Pletz, Henry William Plog, Howard Charles Ploper, Warren Merrill Pollpetcr, Bernard Joseph Pomeroy, Ellsworth Lloyd Popiel, Frank Anthony Porter, Alan Stuart Porter, Harrison Oscar Potter, Harlan Dean Potter, Laverne Francis Potts, Forrest Harrison Powers, Wallace Stephen Prevatte, William Gaston Priest, Oscar Beus Price, William Mack Prim, Hubert Whalcy Prince, Paul Graham Pricthett, Arthur Lee Pross, Francis Edmund Proulx, Virgil Louis Provencal, Elmer Albert Prusakowski, John Henry Pugginoni, Anthony Emanuel Pull, Bernard Benjamin Pyles, Wendell Albert Quackenbush, Robert Rice Querio, Caeser Marchclino Quertermous, James Willard Quick, Alfred Nelson Quinn, James Jerome Raap, Robert F., Jr. Rachuba, John George Rainer, Jim Bob Ramsay, Gordon Eugene Ranieri, Primo Paul Ravey, Elmer Lenard Ray, John Francis Raymond Robert Lester Reagan, Daniel Gene Reed, James Joshua, Jr. Reed, Joe Dudley Reeves, Edwin Charles Reile, Frank H. Reilly, Thomas Gregory Reinert, John George Reno, John Reynolds, Jack Reynolds, Warren Franklin Rhodes, Arlo Daniel Rhoades, Joseph Huntress Rice, Felix Joseph Rice, Theodore Roosevelt Rider, William Ernest Riley, Jesse Buckner Ringbloom, Arnold Ritchie, Charles Bernard Ritchie, Kenneth Leroy Rivera, Raul Rivoire, Albert, Jr. Robert, Enos Lyall Roberson, Samuel Jennings Robeydek, Norman Stanley Robichaud, Leo Joseph Robson, Jack Eugene Robinett, Homer Edward Rogers, Howard Warren Rogers, Kenneth Eugene Rohrer, Edgar Arthur Rohrer, John Elwood Rojicek, William Romanowski, Jesse Anthony Rooney, John Edward Root, Darrel Roger Rose, Homer Ervin Rosenstein, Joseph Ross, Woodrow Wilson Rosser, John Arthur Rouchard, Jean Louis, Jr. Rozelle, Walter M. Rowland, Thomas Ruble, Robert Keith Rupprecht, Oscar Donald Russaw, David Russell, Francis Stanley Russell, Glen Edward Russell, William Robert Rutledge, Arnold David R an, Francis Carroll Ryan, James Alfred Ryan, James Francis Ryan, James Wilson Ryan, Joseph William Sabatino, Oreste Sadahire, Charles William Salas, Thomas (N) Salen, Bernard Hitchcock Sams, Curtis Eldon Sanchez, Anthony Andrew Sanchez, Daniel Joseph 80 Sandbcrg, William Harvey SanFillippo, Joseph Michael Santos, Eugene Harold Santos, George Thomas Saradpon, Victorino (N) Sartain, Frank Adam Savage, Jack Edward Scarmuzelli, Frederick William Schanz, Erwin Adolf Schiffer, Herman Joseph Schneider, Daniel Phillip Schoonover, Frances Marion Schroeder, Edwin Richard Schwarga, Edward Eugene Schwartz, William (N) Schwarz, William (N) Scott, Frank S Scott, Robert William Scott, Jack (N) Scott, Robert Edward Sensenig, Robert Charles Serchak, Joseph John Sgro, Vito William Shahinian, Henry (N) Shanks, Ernest Joseph Shannon, George Alexander Shannon, Malcolm Erwin Shattuck, Milton Robert Shaw, Billy Joe Shaw, Proctor (N) Sheppard, John Riley Seiter, George Henry Shackelford, Gordon Lee Shaffner, Ray Allen Shearer, Jack Richard Shaker, Elmer Sidney Shanyfelt, Arthur Lloyd Shelton, William Clayton Sheppard, Ross Alden Shepard, Howard Jesse Sheputis, Anthony Louis Shilow, Warren Milton Shilts, Robert Elwood Shiplet, Aley (N) Shivers, William E Shooner, Robert Jean Sholders, Osmond (N) Shriner, Charles Bohrer Shuford, Guy (N) Shuka, Walter William Shuttleworth, James Edward Sibbet, James Elliot, Jr. Sigafoose, James Franklin Sillman, Harry Stephen Silva, Manuel (N) Simpson, Edward Musselman Simpson, Hulon Alton Sims, Charles Lonzo Sinclair, William Roslyn Skarbek, John Peter Skomski, Maurice Stanley Skurtu, George John Skwarlo, Edward (N) Slover, Clifford Joseph Small, Thomas Walter Smith, Donald Lester Smith, Delbert Lee Smith, Frederick James Smith, Harold (N) Smith, John Edgar Smith, Lavern Smith, Richard Arthur Smith, Swanson Claude Smith, William Earl Smith, William Eugene Smith, Burrel (N) Smith, William Joseph Smith, Winfield Keithley Smitka, Andrew Richard Smoliner, Lawrence (N) Smolensky, Edward Michael Snedeker, Robert Housley Snellgrove, John Augustus Snow, Warren Anthony Snyder, James Dennis Snyder, John Arthur, Jr. Snyder, Paul Robert Sobieski, Hilary Francis Solano, Charles Sopczynski, Joseph Christopher Soper, Charles Francis Soto, Narciso Milton Southard, Eugene Comer Sowma, Louis Spekhart, John Robert Spence, Edward Hamlin Spence, George Corvin Spence, Richard Harrison Soerbeck, John, Jr. Sprouse, Elderidge Lolan St. Angelo, Edward Stanley, Kenneth Leroy Stanley, Raymond James Stansfield, Gerald Francis Staples, Forest Milburn Stardevant, Clifford Stark, Donald George Starkie, John Wesley Starr, Norman Lovell Stavast, Wilbur Stearns, Francis Raymond Steggs, Clifton Clarence Stehm, William Steier, Maurice Stephens, Walter Wallace Sterling, Willie James Stephens, Charles Stevens, Ralph Gordon Stevenson, Ralph Winfield Stewart, Roy Stiles, John Howard, Jr. Stoll, Arthur John, Jr. Storey, Marion Raymond Stout, Robert Newton Stratton, Richard Delmar Stratton, Thomas Ferdenand Straub, Daniel Strickland, Horace Lee Suck, Albert William Suiter, Marvin Swift, Jr. Strickland, William Elder Strum, Melvin Charles Sullivan, Francis John Sullivan, William James Summers, Charles Lewis Suozzi, Arthur Girard Sutton, Howard Wesley Swaim, Earl Edward Swanson, , ' rthur William Swanson, Robert Wendall Sweat, Jerome Leonard Sweatt, Warren Lynn Sweeney, Joseph Lawrence Sweeney, Woodrow Wilson Swindle, George, Jr. Swinford, Lloyd Wayne Sycks, Aubrey Claude Sywilok, Walter Szudarek, Richard Tabacchi, Santo Edmond Takats, John Talley, Thomas Michael Tamburlini, Alfred Serafino Tanguay, Martin Paul Tanner, Harold Edward Tarjick, Raymond Martin Tarrant, Earl Dean Tasky, William Joseph Tatem, James Mccleas Tatum, Benton Thomas Taylor, Clarence Monroe Taylor, Edward Junior Taylor, Francis Hubert Taylor, Harold Albert Taylor, Hiram Ford Taylor, James David Taylor, Philip Edward Taylor, Theodore Gerald Teaford, Merle Edward Teague, Charles Vincent Terry, Frank Lee Teyssier, Larry Thayer, Lawrence Edward Thielman, Clarence Nicholas Theisen, William Leroy Thistleton, George Coren Thoman, Francis Anthony Thomas, Gordon Alvin Thomas, Guy C. Thomas, Howard Lewis Thomas, Robert Paul Thompson, Bernice Clay Thompson, Edgar Allen Thompson, Ervin Byron Thompson, Francis Garland Thompson, James Howard Thompson, James Vincent Thompson, Orla Thompson, Richard Oliver Thompson, Thomas Eugene Thomson, Franklin Harold Thompson, George Ellsworth Thompson, Harlow James Thomson, Norman Greig Thor, Frank Thoresz, John Thorn, Joshua Able Thornton, Joe Thorvund, Roy Threewitts, James Albert Tibbs, James David Tiitto, Robert William Tilton, Jack Stanley Tilton, Jack Stanley Timbers, Lewis Tims, Jarrell Marvis Tippen, Robert Dclton Towery, Fred Bobo Tirone, Aloysius Peter Titchenell, Junior Walter Toler, Charles Edward Tollerson, John Freeman, Jr. Tolvin, Rubin r 81 Tomsik, Thomas John Toney, James Mack, Jr. Toolcs, William Thomas Toomc ' , Rayinoiid Robert Torbich, John, Jr. Toumbs, Frank Wallace Tracy, Vincent Travis, Benjamin Trayer, William AUouis Tremblay, Walter Marcel, Jr. Trow, Leo Roscoe Trepak, John David Trevor, Robert Thomas Trimble, Isaac Rayburn Truedson, Russell Dale Trush, William S. Tryggestad, Leyton Ellsworth Tuisl, Harold August Turnage, James Paul Turnbaugh, Bruce Turner, Lester Brown Turvey, Junior Port Twardos, Martin John Tyler, Clifford Mack Tyler, Edwin Myron Tyler, Henry Edward Tyndall, James Robert Uhles, Harry Robert Uhre, Edward Patrick Underwood, Charles Lowell Urbanski, Arthur George Urman, Paul William Usenicnik, Rudy Usern, Charles James Usyk, Jerry Vaienta, Carl Albert Van Acker, Alber Emiel Vanderkooi, David Ralph Van Holbeck, Francis Louis Vaickevicious, John Gilbert Valerio, Anthony Eustace Vallet, George Van Able, John Louis Vance, Earl Douglas Vann, Kenneth Lemont Vanden Brook, John Jacob VanNoy, Robert Claron VanOver, Wilbur Moore VanPelt, Robert Manning, Jr. VanSant, William Russel VanSickle, Virgil Durward VanVeldhuizen, Everett George Varnadore, John Thomas Varney, Thirl William Varney, Troy Arthur Vartanian, Kazar Vaughan, Julius Carter Velazquez, Margarito Vella, Anthony Joseph Vick, Melvin Lewis Vigario, Lionel Viveiros, Edward Vollmer, Walter Volmar, John Vrooman, Harold Rose Wade, Robert Earl Wagner, Fred Wagner, Robert Wilbur Wagoner, Willie Glenn Wagnon, Richard Charles Waite, Marshall Rollin Wake, Maurice V. Walker, John Thomas Wall, James Frank Wallace, Cullcn Wallace, James Michael, Jr. Wallace, William Joseph Wallen, Perry Richard Walsh, John Richard Walzer, Irwin Herbert Wanner, Robert Jacob Warbritton, Joseph Ballard Ward, Clarence Albert Warick, Harold Roberts Warren, Sampson Evans Warren, Thomas Lyon Wartelsky, Saul Irwin Wasitowski, Joseph Watson, Charles Morris Watson, Philip Bruce Watson, Wayne Monroe Watson, Wavne Monroe Wayne, Paul ' Phillip Webb, Harold Matteson Webb, Howard Leland Webb, Zane Elden Weber, Howard Carl Wechsler, Edward Andrew, Jr. Weede, Russell Jimmie Weiss, Jack S. Weitzel, Charles Leonard Welch, John Howard Wells, Corbett Bruce Wells, Darwin Thomas Wells, Harold Vance Welsch, Joseph Charles Welsh, Charles Edward Welsh, Joseph, Jr. Wemmer, James Rader Wenger, Hubert Milton Wennberg, William John Wenzel, Russell Daniel West, Teddy Bryan West, Walter Edgle West, William Irl Westmoreland, Edwin Parker Weston, Floyd Stephen Whalen, John Patrick Wheat, Theophilus Ethelbert Wheeler, Albert Fred Wheeler, Arthur Lynn Wheeler, William Benjamin Whitcomb, Herbert Riley Whited, Robert Joseph Whitt, Leroy Whittington, Lawrence W. Whittington, Theodore Whyte, Marshall Courtney Wilborn, Beverly Clyde Wildes, George Francis Wileman, Raymond Ward Willey, Elmer Winget, Jr. Williams, Adolphus Williams, Billie Franklin Williams, Glen Carl, Jr. Williams, J. W., Jr. Williams, Robert Ben Williams, Robert Henrv Williams, Donald R. Williams, William Clyde Williams, William Thompson Willyerd, Jack M. Williamson, Irvin Gordon Willis, Earl Dean Willyerd, Jack Wilmarth, Fred Lester, Jr. Wilson, Claude Thomas Wilson, George Carl Wilton, Robert Joseph Williams, Kent Alvin Williams, Manfred Guy Williams, Vaughn Wilson, Douglas Duane Wilson, Harold Lloyd Wilson, James Rufus Wilburn, David Lee Williams, Max Leroy Wilson, John Lewis Wing, Robert Earle Winkle, Matthew Joseph, Jr. Winn, Carroll Lorain Winter, Gail Boyd Winter, Stanley William Winters, Robert James Wise, Donald C. Wisener, Romolus Ancel Withers, Roy Witter, Lawrence Henry Wojciechowicz, Julian Charles Wolf, Robert Kenneth Wolfe, John William Wolfe, Stanley Elton Wolnik, Francis Wolters, Donald Ray Womac, Fletcher L. T. Womack, John Austin Wood, Clayton Wood, Curtis Monroe Woodall, Dennis Robert Woodington, Robert Eugene Woods, Ernest Woods, Forest Lee Woods, Frank Samuel Woods, John William Workman, Robert Lawrence Wormington, Glen Lenard Wortman, Forest William Wright, Al Webb Wright, Aubrey Wringer, Jerome Claude Wylie, Ira Cleveland Yakes, James Robert Yankes, Michael, Jr. Yarbrough, Guy Franklin Young, Roy Carter Young, Russell James Young, William Elden Yuhas, John Yukanowitz, Benny Zalno, John Stanley Zarella, Albert Zaleski, Joseph John Zavala, Hector Villaviceno Zawilinski, Stanley Anthony Zeback, Raymond Zeferes, George Zcvlas, Constantine Zieke, Franklin Gottlef Ziola, Leo Robert Zito, Vito Zoltanski, Stanley John, Jr. 82 Addili« nal lisl of iiicn who served aboard I he U. S; S. f ' oluniliia duriii|{ norld War II Adair, Walter Curtis Adler, Stanley (N) Aitken, William Henderson Allen, Elmer Lee Allen, Benjamin Steele Allen, William Gerald Allison, Frank Laymen Alonzo, Manuel (N) Anderson, Lewis Edward Anderson, Roland Theadore Anderson, Victor Albert Andrews, C W Andrysczyk, Florian Joseph Arenbright, Edgar Junior Antonowicz, Stanley Edward Armstrong, Felix Ray Armstrong, Robert Preston Arnett, Lanier Devon Arnold, Billy Len Aronson, Jack Edward Arronte, Albert Ray Ashcraft, Donald Dean Avalos, William Joseph Babcock, Bobby Doyle Babcock, Howard Eugene Baca, Tom Damian Bailey, Joe Monroe, Jr. Baldridge, Swimmer, Jr. (N) Ball, Sherman Moodie Ballard, Francis Marion Balthis, Calvin Hunter Barnes, Billy Lamar Barnett, William Howard Bates, Elbert Johnie, Jr. Baxter, George Hershel Bayouth, Jack Ellis Beatrice, Edward William Beatty, John Paul Beck, Kenneth Francis Beckett, Stanley Easrl Beelman, George Henry Julius Beeson, John Harrison Behrens, Edwin Kenneth Belston, William George Bennett, Herman Blevins Bennett, Robert George Berkenpas, Norman (N) Berry, John Bennett Bertram, Clinton McMuUin Bickford, Ray Edward Bielski, Robert Vincent Bieniek, Peter Paul Bird, Glen Rav Bird, Ralph Wilbur Birtley, William Paul, Jr. Bishop, Lawrence Frederick Bjork, Donald Clifton Black, William Merle Blake, Sidney Milton Bland, John Edward Bloxsom, Willard Thomas Boccanfuso, Anthony (N) Bogli, Rudolph Bohne, William Theodore Bonawitz, John Hcnrv Bonds, Bethel (N) Boner, James Lipscomb Bonnalie, Eugene Jacob Boone, James David Boren, George Harris Bostic, Garvid Leon Bowens, James Edward Bowers, Samuel M Boyd, Donald Thomas Braley, Ernest Shirley Brant, John Lester Braun, Charles William, Jr. Braun, John (N) Bressler, Wendell Dale Brida, William (N) Bronson, Wayne Eugene Brooker, Daniel Anthony Brookman, William Ritter, Jr. Brown, Edward Eugene Brown, Walter John Brozozwski, Ernest Adam Bruce, Willie (N) Bruton, William Bowlin Buckles, Lyle Nelson Buda, Leonard Edward BuUard, Francis Walter Bundy, Duane Stanton Burke, John Thomas Burke, William Michael Burkett, Garnet Dibrell Burnett, Howard Wisner Burnley, A J Burnsed, Enoch Jack Burt, Clifford Lee Burton, Eddie Emroe Bush, A D Bushman, Marvin Doyle Bushnell, Earle Rouse, Jr. Byrd, Arthur Stanton Calhoun, John Preston Calla han, Daniel Gradis, Jr. Callahan, George Ray Cameron, Leo Blair Cameron, Robert James Campas, Jimmie Victor Campbell, George Lyman Campbell, Herman Straus Campbell, James Cleveland Canet, Ernest Cunard, Jr. Cannon, Paul Dewayne Cantrell, Bruce Head Canute, Harrv Dean, Jr. Capelli, Jim (N) Capps, Athens (N) Carlton, Elbert Junior Carncvale, Thomas Salvatore Carr, Francis Bernard Carr, John Anthony Carroll, Charles Cameron Carroll, William James Carson, Peter Charles Carter, Charles Oscar Case, Jerry (N) Castine, Richard August Casto, William Aubra Castor, Jimmy (N) Catron, James Henry Cavanaugh, Jack Bradford Cecil, Dewev Lansford Cerrone, Anthony Frank Cessna, Kenneth William Chaffin, Edsil Lagree Chapman, Russell Allen Charnecki, Henry Wallace Chase, Richard Dee Chavez, Godfrey Salazar Chavez, Phillip Cacrillo Cheek, Arthur Fendley Cheek, James William Chervek, Gerald Albert Chestnut, George Walton Chiasson, Clyde Guy Joseph Childress, Andrew Jackson Childress, Joseph Albert Christensen, Ejgil (N) Christian, Robert Louis Chr istiansen, John Elton Christianson, John (N) Chromack, Fr. Emil Joe Cifaldi, Michael (N) Claborn, Wade Earl Clark, Gerald Allen Clark, Frank Silvey Clark, Joel Wesley Clark, Roy Lee, Jr. Clonts, Sherman Calven Cochran, Carlos Earl Cochran, Fred (N) Cochren, George Henry Cockrell, Marvin Lewis Cogar, Minter Jackson, Jr. Cole, George Washington, Jr. Colleen, Leonard Eugene Collins, Hardin Ambrose Comer, Darwin (N) Conlin, James Earl Cook, Delmoe Lorin Cooper, Leonard Frank Corbin, James Othello Corner, Lewis Elmer Cosier, George Montgomery Costanzo, Patsy James Crawford, Benjamin Franklin, Jr. Cronin, Jack Leroy Crowder, William Jean Crump, Charles Harold Cundiff, Hubert Lee Czerwonka, Walter Louis Czyczerski, John, Jr. Dario, Gullermo (N) Darling, Darrell Lamont Darling, George Russell Dary, Paul William Davis, Guy Henry Davis, Harry Newton Davis, Leonard Dale Davis, Ralph Francis Davis, Reid Fisher Dean, Ernest Franklin DeCroff, Theodore Leroy Degnan, Robert Bronson Denham, Jack Orlie Devine, James Luke Dickson, Robert Donald DiStanislao, Joseph Alfred Djidich, Eugene Junior 83 Doan, Harold Lorcn Dodge, Richard Frederick Donahue, George Lero Dorenius, Donald Charles Doty, Dale (N) Dow, Jesse Kenneth Downs, James Lionel Doxcy, Rupert Bernard Dreps, Leon Edward Dricfke, Ray John Drowne, George William, Sr. Duckett, Carl Wallace Duffield, Emery Elsworth Dukett, Robert Russell Dumbauld, Kenneth Dean Duncan, Bob Nickell Dunn, Charles William Dunn, Clarence Wa ne Eaddy, Willie B Earnest, Randall Warren Eckstein, Roger Dale Edmonds, Charles (iN), Jr. EUedge, Paul Girard Ellis, Wilson Franklin Elvert, Keith Lewis Ertresvaag, James Thomas Evans, Clinton (N) Evans, William James Fahler, Eugene Joseph Farnell, Luchen (N) Farr, Thomas Bryan Farrell, James Joseph Henry Faulkner, Keith Edward Feehily, John Joseph Fildes, Vincent John, Jr. Fisk, William Sherman Fitzgerald, William Edward Fitzpatrick, Woodrow Wilson Flack, Leonard .Mford Fleckenstein, Robert Joseph Fliegel, Martin Bernard Fluckinger, Thomas Eugene Fontenot, John Eluid Ford, Daniel Forrest, Donald George Forst, George, Jr. Forster, Claude Victor, Jr. Fortunato, Ernest John Fournier, Henry David Francis, Joseph Franssen, Eugene Leo Furin, Edward William Gallagher, Donald Eugene Gallen, William Patrick Gangeness, Leonard George Gano, Lamar Albert Garcia, Thomas Michael Gamier, David John, Jr. Garrison, Odel Alfred Gary, Richard Moody Garrison, Vasal Eugene Gatlin, John Lewis Gauger, Lawrence William Gay, Robert Chase Giangregorio, Angelo (N) Gibson, John William, Jr. Gill, Kenneth (N) Gillam, Calvin James Gosnell, James Benjamin Graham, Parish Furman Graham, Milard (N), Jr. Graham, Robert Lavern Greenwood, Russell Clay Guernsey, Ralph Frederick Guillory, Elvin Joseph Gust, Urban Franklin Guy, Louis Marshall Haburchak, Paul Halliday, William James Hanson, Ralph Edward Hardeman, John Henr Harnish, Max John Hartman, Sherman Reynold, Jr. Hasty, Jesse Ray Hatfield, William Henry Hawk, Walter Sherrard, Jr. Hayes, John Robert Hayes, George Daniel Henderson, Milford Ray Henry, George Franklin Herrington, Lawrence Frederick Hickerson, Clyde Lee Hickman, Red Rufner, Jr. Hicks, Hallie Cameron Hill, Kenneth Lero ' Hindel, Jackie Elwin Hinkle, Harold Lewis Hjulstrom, David Norman Hodge, William Leroy Hoffman, Hack Leroy Hogg, Raymond Taylor Hollywood, Thomas James Holmes, Milburn Jay Homa, Cyril Methodeus Hoobler, Robert Lee Hopkins, James William Horrell, Leland Ra - House, Virgil (N) ' Hoxit, Jack Hoyt, Dean Martin Hubert, Leonard Freeman Huffman, Guy Harlan Hughes, Eugene Hughes, George William Hugunin, Harold Edgar Hull, Ronald Allen Humphrey, Jerald Cantril Hunt, Philip Barnes Hunter, Chadburn Joseph Huskey, Orville Eugene Huston, Irvin, Jr. Jackson, Clarence Henry Jenkins, Edwin Gann Jennings, Singleton Jestice, David Llovd Johnson, Bernard George Johnson, Donald Jack Jarosz, Frank Matthew, Jr. Johnson, Gradford Dow Johnson, Francis Lee Johnson, Hansford Harr Johnson, Luther Lee Jones, David Stephen Jones, Kenneth Eugene Jones, Vernon Oren Joslin, Richard Gordon Kane, Edward Donald Kass, James William Kavinsk , James Paul, Jr. Kellogg, Richard Leroy Kelly, Arthur Harold Kiker, Thomas Harral Kinderman, John Edward Kiphen, Harry Benhard Kirk, James Paul Kistler, Verne Owen Kitto, Robert Owen Kleman, Bernard James Knox, Leon William Loehler, Raxmond (N) Lonoff, Babe Victor Lowalski, Alojzi (N), Jr. Jorgensen, Alfred Pedro Kosienski, Stanley (N) Kratz, Robert Atkinson Krause, Donald Oscar Krech, Lester Leroy Kr sczak, Kostanty Leonard Kulhanek, Maxie George Lail, James Edward Lamb, Donald Patton Lammert, Eugene Abraham Lane, John Frank Larbell, F ' rank Morris V Larney, Justin Bruno Larsen, Delbert (N) Laske, Carl Grant Lay, John William Lee, Lane Conway Lemirande, Harold Roy Lemos, Donald (N) Leonard, Marvin Pasco Levar, Paul (N) Lewis, Jackie Eugene Livingston, Robert Paul Loftin, Theodore Harold Lomuscio, Anthony Frank, Jr. Loughrey, John Joseph Loyd, Theodore Roosevelt Lund, Kenneth (N) Luthi, Robinson Tex Lyons, Ruthford Corbin Lyons, Thomas Bowles Maier, Bernard Moritz Mainente, Victor Francis Malone, Hugh Edward Manther, Noldy Darell Mason, William Dwight Marcus, Arnold (N) Marietta, Aurelio Bartolomeo Markins, James Edward Marks, Leo Joseph, Jr. Marsh, James Marian Martell, Alvin Joseph Martin, Emmett Myers Martin, Harold Lerov McCauslin, Charles Owen McChain, Perley Eugene McCollough, Floyd Neil McCraven, Matthew Jones McDonald, Clyde Wesley, Jr. McDowell, Howard Adrian McEachron, John Carlyle McGrew, Walter Lane McLeod, Phillip Ray Meadows, James Robert Menges, Martin Allison Messr, George Anson, Jr. Mettlach, Albert Joseph, Jr. Mhoon, Hershell Lesley Mier, Charles Roger Miller, Arnold Anderson Miller, Joseph Frederick, Jr. 84 Millerj Loyd Leslie Mishoe, Ostcen Mohlman, Carl Joseph Moon, Louis Martin Moore, Billy Eugene Moore, Cecil Joseph Moore, George William Moran, Calvin John Morgenstern, Dclmar Clayton Moss, William Eugene Mullins, John Frank Murphy, Joseph Henry Murray, Lee Burtam Muse , Marvjn ] ■ ■ Mvhand. Vill Henry J Neckopulos; Lvan PMS (N) Neff, Brenton Eugene Negri, John Joseph Nelson, Cliflford Wayne Nelson, Warren Haines Ncuharth, Glen Russell Niceschwander, Richard Alfred Nicosia, Benjamin Joseph Nielsen, Leroy Obray Nivens, William Woodrow Noon, Michael Joseph Norris, George Bitner Nuss, Ray Junior Oatney, Ralph Edward Ocker, Paul Brown, Jr. O ' Conner, John Patrick O ' Kell, Conrad (N), Jr. O ' Neill, Joseph Francis Orton, Edward (N) Ostrowski, Edward Patrick Otte, Louis Donald Quellette, Edmond Joseph Overcash, James Prcssley Owens, Robert Clelland Phal, William Allan Pajunas, Anthony George Palmer, Walter Karl Papiro, Pete Guido Parker, Donald Fulton Parker, Donald Gilbert Parker, William Claud, Jr. Parks, Elwood Keyes Paul, Hubert Whiting, Jr. Pauyatt, Francis Pearce, Arthur Amos, Jr. Perkins, Lawrence Archie Pernasilice, Felix (N) Perry, Manuel Leonard Petterson, Swen Merwin Petteys, Manville Laddie Petteys, Robert Eustace Philpot, John Clinton Pincock, La Mar R Pixler, Jack (N) Plaisance, Herbert Joseph Poley, Olin Eugene Powell, William Donald Pramuka, Frank Thomas Price, Francis Cooper Proud, Carl James Ralphs, William Howard Rasmussen, Clair Douglas Reed, Kenneth Leon Reich, Carroll Howard Repella, Joseph (N),Jr. Resinger, Leenian Rodger Rhein, Bernard Don Rhoton, Verl Dow Richards, James Harrison Richardson, Charles Emerson Richcrick, Charles Augustus Rickey, Edward John Riippi, Albert Samuel Rilev, Lester Leroy Ringer, Robert Bruce Ripley, Leroy Ephraim Ritson, James Hartley Rixse, Frank Ernest, jr. Robb, William R, Jr. Roberts, Eugene Lincoln Rockwell, Francis Richard Rodzenko, Michael (N) Rogers, Robert James Rohraan, Willard James Rosato, Anthony Charles Rose, Donald L Rose, William Arthur Rosenthal, Earl Alvin Ross, Olen Broach Ross, Raymond (N) Roth, Robert George Rouland, Howard (N) Rudder, Herbert (N), Jr. Sander, Martin Kenneth Sanquist, Lloyd David Saunders, Leonard (N) Sawicki, Henry Leopold Sawyer, Genn Robert Schein, Herbert Oscar Schmitt, Edward John Schwindt, John Claus Scott, Charles Tough Scott, Royce Gilbert Scale, Robert James Seaton, Robert Ernest Serra, Donald William Shane, William Jacob Sharick, Nick (N) Shaver, George William, Jr. Shaver, James Willis Shaw, Alfred (N) Shinneman, Howard Allen Shipp, John Bcrrv Shults, Glenn Wanda Simmons, James Delis Simpson, Daniel Owen Sinclair, Robert Othel Siracuse, Charles Lewis Sischo, Leroy Robert Skidraore, John Kendrick Smarto, Joseph Demctrio Smelser, Billie Junior Smith, Bernard Robert Smith, Charles Oswell Smith, Daniel Houston Smith, Edward Eugene Smith, Glen Benjamin Smith, Jack Walton Smith, Jack Walton Smith, Nelson Herbert Smith, Robert Glenn, Jr. Smith, Ralph (N) Smith, Ray Lewis Smith, Ronald Leroy Smoot, Floyd (N) Snead, Forest Earl Sneddon, Crawford Russell, Jr. Snodcrly, Charles Wallace Snyder, Ernest Byron Soper, Ronald Traine Southward, Thomas Dilford Sparks, Carlton Philip Spartz, Joseph John Spears, Morris Eugene Spector, Louis (N) Sperl, Conrad Joseph Spiwak, Richard Charles Spry, Richard George Srb, Richard Frank Staehling, John Pinkard Stafford, John W Stair, Forest (N), Jr. Stangenberg, Robert Dale Stangland, Wallace Long Stankiewicz, John, Jr. Starkey, Harry Roger Starnes, Herman (N), Jr. Starrett, Chester David, Jr. Staton, Edward Allen Steffen, Harold Florean Stein, John Franklin Stelmasczyk, Alexander Stephens, Ralph William, Jr. Stipe, Adren Rose Stohner, George Wagner Stratton, Dwain Ellsworth Svaglic, Richard Joseph Swanson, Emmet Waldo Sweeney, Raymond William Szabo, Frank Paul Tenny, Albert .Joseph, Jr. Tharpe, Hugo L Theis, Joseph Anthony Theodorides, Theodore (N) Thiel, Charles Wesley Thompson, Rufus Edgar, Jr. Thornton, Thomas Bruce Tiegs, Harold Henry Tierney, William Gerald Timpa, Frank Mike, Jr. Tinsley, Ralph Terrv Towslee, Howard Hiram Trahan, Harold Joseph Traough, Robert Lee Tribby, Osborne Meade Tucker, Donald Joseph Turner, James Marvin Tyson, Robert Franklin Vance, Norman Lee Vandekerkhove, Freddie (N) Van Dusen. Charles Earl. Jr. Vanlandingham, L B Vasquez, Roberto Lorenzo Vecera. Adolph Vit Vegh, Steve John. Jr. Vercher, Joseph Ulric Vickers, Arthur Lee Vidalier, Murphy Joseph Vile. Kenneth Lucius Vogler. Curbie (N) Waddell, Kit Carson Waddill, Frederick Vernon, Jr. Wadsworth. Floyd J Wagner, Charles Kenneth Walden, Clayton Rav Wa ' lis, Clem Levern Walker, Harry Johnny Walsh, Lloyd Eugene 85 Walton, William Irvin Ward, Doyne (N) Ward, Robert John Ward, Virgil Lawrence Wareham Max (N) Warneke, Norman John Warner, David Mclvin Warnette, Harry Lee Warnick, Harvey James Washington, William Junior Wasson, Charles Floyd Watkins, Virgil William Watts, Virgil Andrew Weaver, George Lindscy Weaver, Claud Owen Webb, Herbert Maxwell Webb, James Daniel Webb, Troy Bennett Webb, Thomas Guy Webster, Daniel Beady Weeden, Kenneth Richard Wehenkel, Robert Karl Weir, Dwight Earl Weiss, Herbert William Welch, James Dewight Wells, Wayne West, George Crockett White, Edward George White, John David White, J W Whitehead, Urvin Loy, Jr. Whiteley, Eddie Jefferson, Jr. Whittakcr, Leonard Eugene Wigginton, Clovis Rayburn Wilson, Hubert Clark Wilson, Woodrow (N) Wilt, Robert Eugene Winston, Eugene (N) Wisnoski, Emil Bill Wittenberg, Wallace Lee Woida, Jerome Gerhart Wolverton, Jack Randel Wood, Clifford Dyle Wood, William Joseph Woodruff, Edward John, Jr. Workman, Charles Robert Wright, Harold Eugene Wubbels, Wallace Benjamin Wysong, James Richard, Jr. Yates, Willard Melvin Yeagcr, Terrance Nicl Yost, Bruce Anthony Young, Eldcn Russell Young, W B Zeiger, Jack Chandler Zimmerman, Glenn Evans Zindell, Charles Paul Zola, Charles John Zowada, Edward Michael Zubak, Nicholas Robert Zugay, Joseph John Zydzik, Anthony Walter The following IT. s. MarinoN sitvimI AlM ar«l liirinj£ Iti ' orhl War II. hi ' W S. S. roluiiibia Abramson, Mortimer Abrams, Elmer R. Acton, James B. Archer, Rober K. Arnold, William B. Bailey, Oscar V. Bassett, Harold R. Beard, Graver, C. E. Berdin, Jesus Birns, Alain J. Borders, Russell K. Boyle, Charles T. Beadleym, Harold A. Brooks, Kenneth A. Bronec, Mathew H. Buckland, Kenneth P. Bucklev, Kenneth J. Caddell, John H. Carter, E. L. Carvill, Alfred Casdorph, Charles L. Cheatwood, James O. Clifton, Billv B. Cline, CccilG. Cole, William T. Coleman, James P. Connett, Herbert J. Corbett, L. E. Deking, Leroy M. Denney, Jefferson F., Jr. Dereamer, Benjimin F. Dischely, Alexander C. Divine, Ronald H. Daudy, Albert Draper, Mexyln L. Eastlick, Merton, Jr. Ekins, Jack Evans, Joll R. Fender, Albert J. Ferguson, Charles E. Ferguson, Shirley W. Finan, Ernest T., Jr. Francis, Joseph Frimmel, Victor F. Fry, Kenneth C. Fulner, Albert J. Gates, Marshall E. Guas, Edward J., Jr. Greene, Wilbert D. Griffin, Lester L. Grogan, George F., Jr. Guisness Bert H., Jr. Hart, Dan R. Hair, William V. Hanson, Russell A. Hassey, John T. Heckman, Wilson L. Henel, Franklin W. Hope, Alman J. Hoppenspirgcr, Joseph Howard, Robert T. .Johnson, Elmer F. Kantner, George B. Knabel, Urban Lee, Arthur T. Limle, George B. Liming, Robert C. Lewenthal, Lawrence K. Lolli, Frank A. Lott, Junior H. Lovas, John J. Lovingood, John F., Jr. Lucero, Lawrence A. Manclark, David Malburg, Ravmond E. Malson, William R. Mattson, Donald S. McCarty, Frederick V. McGarrv, John B. McMuUin Burton S. McNeely, William H. McNultv, Walter F., Jr. Metcalf, William III Millian, Douglas G. Manger, William W. Morales, Raymon A. Nelson, Marrison R. Nelson, Ronald B. Nester, G. A. Newman, Joyce, Jr. Obitts, Dean S. Odell, Donald C. Oswald, Ralph L. Payne, Earle E. Peck, Nolan R. Portal, George T. Ranker, Robert Redd, Claurence O., Jr. Romig. Donald J. Rosnicki, Harry R. Rucinski. Adam Ryder, Ted J. Sambrooks, William Sands, T. N. Scheridan, Joseph P. Sherman, Norman R. Spilger, Harold G. Smith, Teff D. Stane, t). M. Taylor, Clifton H. Tindall, Joseph D. Tomsick, Stanley F. Vitu, Edward A. Walthius. William A. Walcott, John H. Wegner, Henry C. Whitehead, Robert D. Wiggins, loe F. Wolf, Earl B. 86 Editori« of this War lleeoril Hook Commander F. O. IFFRIG, USN Lieut. Comdr. A. F. FISCHER, USN Lieut. Comdr. T. H. BODIE (ChC) USNR Lieutenant C. L. SUGGS, USN Captain J. D. SMITH, USMC Lieut, (jg) J. A. SLOVER, USN Ensign W. E. SLESNICK, USN Ensign H. S. BANCROFT, USN WILSON, H. C. CBM, USN WARD, V. L. BMlc, USN CLARK, R. L. Ylc, USN HOLLYWOOD, T. J. MaMlc, USN HILL, K. L. Sic, USN ABRAMSON, M. N. 1st. Sgt. USMC BOYLE, C. T. Pfc. USMC Lists of officers and men .serving on the USS CO- LUMBIA are as complete as all available information indicates. Official U. S. Naval Photographs used throughout this book. This book was printed at no expense to the Government. 87 Jh.e. Commanding OffLc£.x :: l[antic 2oai.i and _ ft£ (Dffics. 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