Quincy (CA 71) - Naval Cruise Book

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downpours. Leyte also offered curious sights of native life. The large town of Tacloban was picturesque in a filthy sort of way, but the odors were nearly unbearable. The natives, though small in size, carried themselves with a graceful air not observed in the poverty stricken peoples of the Mediterranean. Liberties were often made more interesting by meeting old friends from other ships. These chance meetings were surprisingly refreshing. At night the ship always had movies topside in the cool evening air. Rain, however, sometimes interf rupted even this amusement. Occasionally interfship boxing matches were arranged. These included refreshments, musical entertainment, good fights, and a movie. In retrospect the ship's stay in the San Pedro Bay seemed quite bearable, yet at the time, the days seemed to drag by in restless anticipation of the next operation. U. S. Fleet Bombards Japan Near the end of June the ship was put into a new task group- 38.4, and preparations were begun for the sortie. On june 28 Ad' The chief's initiate Calhoon, Shad, Reinholtz, and De Remer. miral Wiltse shifted his flag to the Quincy. Finally on july 1 all preparations had been completed and the ships proceeded from the bay. The heading was toward Japan. It would have been a jolt to all hands had they known that the ship would not anchor again for more than 58 days. Un july 10 strikes again flew off the decks of the carriers, and this time they flew against Tokyo itself. But larger things were in the ofling. The ships of the U. S. Navy were plan' ning to bombard the homeland of fortress Japan. Cn Saturday, July 14, the .Quincy was underway as before, steaming with task force 38. After the routine dawn alert, Bombardf ment Unit 34.8.1 formed up under the com' mand of Rear Admiral Shafroth. The mission was the complete neutralization of Kamaishi, a great steel center of Japan, located 240 miles north of Tokyo. After days of monotonous steaming far at sea, the bombardment loomed ahead as an awe' some, sobering thought. The shores of Japan had never been shelled during this war. just what revenge the bombarding ships would stir up in the way of Kamakazies was a question everyone asked. But come what might, at 1052 on July 14 Admiral Shafroth hoisted the battle cry Never Forget Pearl Harbor. The mission was at hand as Japan appeared ahead under the grey sky. This operation made the .Quincy the first ship to fire on both Fortress Europe and Fort' The cartographer brings the track up to date. 1551 I Noon Sightseers 'Y'

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