John Pierce (DD 753) - Naval Cruise Book

Page 10 text:

To the officers and men of the John R. Pierce who have sailed her, maintained her and fought with her so gallantly, I say Well Done. This cruise to the Far East gave the -John R. her first opportunity to use her guns in anger. Though wounded in action, she healed fast. For myself, this is the greatest ship I hare had the pleasure to serve aboard and I am proud to have commanded her. Respectfully, (). C. Foote, Jr., Cdr. USN

Page 12 text:

Topside, Smith, Aversa, Clark and Petersen take time out during a general quarters drill Passing the ammunition during an anti- aircraft shoot are Britt, Harris and Van Ess. The division lays a smoke screen in prep- aration for possible amphibious landings. Old stamping grounds were again revisited as the ship headed south towards the Panama Canal. Cape Hatteras gave her usual rough greeting, much to the discomfort of the crew, especially the new hands who came aboard prior to departure from Norfolk. Training took most of our time and the barking of the loud speaker became a familiar part of the daily routine. This is a drill. All hands man your battle stations. Soon the drills went off smoothly and the new recruits snapped into their spots on the team. Within a few seconds after the alarm was sounded, the Pierce ' s guns were manned, bristling for action; or a damage control party was at the scene of a simulated fire. The men of the Pierce were ready for action.