Cotten (DD 669) - Naval Cruise Book

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As usual things were too good to last as we left for old 77 on the 14th. With twenty one days at sea ahead of us one might think things were mighty gloomy. Actually they were not, as this was to be our last tour of duty in the far east. October 16th found the ship resuming her normal screening duties and condition III watches, which continued for eight days unmarred by any extraordinary incidents. On 23 October, the task force was scheduled for drone practice which was better known to the crew as a turkey shoot. On this day the Cotten's gunnery gang had the pleasure to down one of these fast moving targets. Upon retrieving the target the drone's parachute was sucked into the main circulating pump of the starboard engine. After an unsuccessful attempt to remove the chute it was determined that the ship would require the assistance of a diver. That night we were ordered to proceed to Sasebo for necessary repairs. The pump was soon fixed and the following day we rejoined 77 to continue our job. Although only a one day break in operations, it was enough to break the monotony of the long days at SCH. Normal operations followed until 4 November when a sudden wave of happiness overcame the crew. The reason ? ? P It was our last day of operations in the Korean Theatre. Also with several messages such as the following received, how else could we feel? COMMANDER SEVENTH FLEET CONGRATULATES THE OFFICERS AND MEN OF DESDIV 302 FOR PERFORMING MANY DIFFICULT ASSIGNMENTS IN A MOST CREDITABLE MANNER, WHICH CONTRIBUTED GREATLY TO THE SUCCESS OF THE U. N. NAVAL EFFORT DURING THE RECENT HOSTILITIES X WELL DONE AND BEST WISHES FOR A HAPPY VOYAGE HOME X VADAM CLARK BT... We were soon detached from our employers of the past five months with the feeling that we had done our best to uphold the free world. However we must always be prepared for outbursts of aggression such as the one in which we had helped to compel and more recently kept in check. Yes, we would always be ready in the future as we had been in the past to uphold freedom and democracy throughout the free countries of the world. Q? xv ,Ir 1.3. LL, - e WWW W ,Z ,' N 'W -1- , ? Q.. 1.

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yoi Kokai on oyage All good things must come to an end as did our stretch of Wonderful liberty in Japan. On November 10, 1953 after 5 days of combined merry making, hard work and fare- wells, the well supplied DesDiv 302 departed from Sasebo, leaving behind many pleasant memories. a What will be remembered most? - - The beautiful creatures in silk kimonos. They entertained us with their talents. They served us food and drink. They were our companions for dancing, both American and the native style, which they so patiently taught us. Yes, Without them our stay in japan may not have been so pleasant and enjoyable. Now lay ahead the ever welcome arms of the continental United States. With the blue coastline of japan slowly sinking far astern, hearts were 'filled with remorse and sadness for the many months We had spent in the land of the rising sun. Here was liberty at its best. Yes, Japan would long be retained in the memories of all. ,, CREW TAKING ON STORES