Hull (DD 945) - Naval Cruise Book

Page 37 text:

A ii' S NOW SET CONDITION ZEBRA THROUGHOUT THE SHIP As the alarm is sounded, crewmen hurry to close Water-tight hatches in order to minimize flooding in the event the ship sustains a hit. Moments after the first enemy shell explodes, magazine crews are hurriedly loading the guns to capacity Qrightj. X Director Officer LTQjgj I-lazelton Qleftj places the crosshairs on the attacking batteries, takes control of the gun mounts and prepares to take the enemy artillery emplacements under fire.

Page 36 text:

I-IOSTILE FIRE, HOSTILE FIRE A 155mm shell from enemy gun ernplacements near the DMZ explodes in the Water nearby, and the ship goes into action to counter the attacking battery. The attacks came Without Warning and the ship had to react quickly in order to avoid the dangerously close incoming rounds and at the same time, take the attacking guns under fire. Director Officer, LTQjgj Santarlasci searches the beach for the artillery muzzle flashes, While the lee helmsman Qbelowj rings up an all ahead full bell.

Page 38 text:

RAPID CONTINUOUS FIRE. . . COMMENCE FIRE! The firing key is closed and MT. 52 begins smothering the hosile batteries with round after round of surface and air -burst shells. The ship came under attack on seven different occasions, but due to her quick and effective counter- battery measures, she avoided being hit. At the same time she launched accurate attacks against the enemy guns. .hp A nearby destroyer Qbelowj zeroes in on enemy artillery. Oftentimes, destroyers assisted each other in countering attacks by North Vietnamese guns. 3 I i I