USS Columbia - Naval Cruise Book

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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.

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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!