USS Columbia - Naval Cruise Book

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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

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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

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