Guam (CB 2) - Naval Cruise Book

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- 1 Exploding an Enemy Miildi . A---rr L

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Tense Moments ff ushll , , On tl1e morning of March 19, shortly after 0700, men topside on the GUAM witnessed one of the worst casualties ever suffered by a single unit i11 the history of the United States Navy when a Kamikaze succeeded in getting through to plant two 500 pound bombs on the flight deck of the USS FRANKLIN. The FRANKLIN was approximately ten miles distant, a unit of another Task Group. Several hours later the stricken FRANKLIN, dead in the water, smouldering and listing badly, was taken in tow by the cruiser USS PITTSBURGH. At 2030 the same day, the GUAINI and the ALASKA were detached from their group to protect the FRANKLIN and her towing Vessel. By noon of the following day, the valiant FRANKLIN was able to make 14 knots under her own power. In mid- afternoon a I ap Judy streaked across the formation, intent on finishing off the crippled carrier. The Judy dropped one bomb which missed and escaped a terrific barrage of anti- aircraft fire. By March 22, the FRANKLIN was able to make 20 knots. Now well out of range of land-based enemy aircraft, her escort vessels, including the GUAM, turned back to re- join their task groups. Twice on March 20th, injured personnel of the FRANK- LIN were transferred from destroyers to the GUAM for medical treatment. The second transfer, made by the USS HUNT, was in progress when an air defense alarm forced the DD to cast off before the operation was complete. . One of the transferred casualties, Charles E. Venable, died in the GUAM'S sick bay two days later. His body was committed to the deep that afternoon following formal ceremonies on the main deck aft.