Franklin (CV 13) - Naval Cruise Book

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LEET IXDMIRAI, W11.l.1AM F. llfxmsm

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.XCKNOVVLEDGMENT Tlils BOOK is as nearly as possible an authentic history of the U.S.S. Franklin. The data was assembled from official action reports, shipis records, the history of Air Group Thirteen, and from conversations with crew members. The story was prepared by Lt. Marvin K. Bowman, U. S. N., with the advice and assistance of Mr. Paul Warrick, of Atlanta, Ga. Grateful acknowledgment for material and editorial assistance is made to many officers and men who served in the U. S. S. Franklin, in particular, to Comdr. Richard L. Kibbe, U. S. N., Capt. Leslie E. Gehres, U. S. N., Capt. James M. Shoemaker, U. S. N., Capt. Joe Taylor, U. S. N., Capt. Benjamin Moore, U. S. N., Capt. F. F. Agens, U. S. N., Chief Boilermaker Robert C. Stewart, U. S. N., Lt. Comdr. Donald A. Gary, U. S. N., Ch. Mach. William E. Green, U. S. N., Comdr. T. J. Greene, U. S. N., Lt. Comdr. James Moy, KMCJ U. S. N., Chief Yeoman William Tyree, U. S. N., Aviation Chief Ordnance- man Carl Orndorff, U. S. N., Lt. Comdr. Philip X. Walsh, ChC. U. S. N. B., and Comdr. Joseph O'Callahan, ChC, U. S. N. B. Also to Lt. fjgj Jack Stilwill, Chief Musician H. K. HSaxie,, Dowell Lt. Joseph LaRocca, and Lt. Knute Vlleidman, who are now separated from the naval service. All pictures are official U. S. Navy photographs. Credit for many of them is due Chief Photog- rapher's Mate Luke J. Durante, who was killed in action 19 March, 1945. The art work, including the cover design, was prepared by Thomas Leo, Seaman First Class, U. S. N. B. Attempts to achieve accuracy of detail, especially in connection with individual's names, have been handicapped to a certain extent by meager records, separation of personnel from the service and partial destruction of photographic files and records during the action of 19 March, 1945. lt is sincerely hoped that no grave omissions have occurred. The interest and assistance of the Commanding Ollicer, Comdr. H. H. Hale, U. S. N., have made this book possible. March 19th, 1946. U. S. Navy Yard, Brooklyn, N. Y.

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FOREWORD W e who had the privilege of serving in, and with, the nflat-topsn of our Navy have always known them to be fighting ships. The story of the Franklin is the story of o-ne of these fighting shipsg one that dealt out destruction from The Marianas to the home islands of Japang one that veritably returned from the jaws of what seemed certain destructiong their stubborn will to wing the American tenacity and reluctance to give in no matter what the oddsg these were the pulsating character- istics of our ships and men, characteristics that will always keep our way of life, our freedoms, inviolate. Our enemies who survived this past war will never forget the ccflat-topsv of our powerful fleets. We who knew these graceful ships and knew the men who fought and lived them shall forever honor their bravery and achievements. W. F. Halsey Fleet Admiral U. S. Navy