LST (491) - Naval Cruise Book

Page 10 text:

THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON, D. C. To you who answered the call of your country and ser-oed in its Armed Forces to bring about the total defeat of the enemy, I extend thenheart- felt thanks of a grateful Nation. As one of the Nation's finest, you undertook the most severe task one can be called upon to perform. Be- cause you demonstrated the fortitude, resource- fulness and calm judgment necessary to carry out that task, we now look to you for leadership and example in further exalting our country in peace. HARRY S. TRUMAN

Page 9 text:

Foiuzwonn i T01 The crew ofthe Uss LST 491 I wish to express my appreciation for the services each of you have rendered to the Navy in time of war. All of you performed your duties in a manner which met the high standards of the Naval service. The qual- ities of fellowship and cooperation which you displayed contributed materially to the successful performance of the mission of this command. I want each of you to remember that you left some- thing behind on the Ol' 49l. You have left just a little bit of your life. You have left Bill and john and Bob and joe. You have left fellows whom you will know forever, regardless of wherever or whenever you may see them again, what city or what restaurant or what party or what year. Former shipmates never can be strangers one to the other ever again. The name of the ship, or the memory of the ship is all that is required for their mutual backlog. My bestwishes for a happy and prosperous future for each of you. james W. Knox Commanding From: - Now Hear This -December 29, 1945-Captain? letter to the crew.

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THE CRI-ZW FORMS. . . OUR SHIP. . . THE SHAKI-IDOWN. . . CONTENTS EASTWARD HO! DESTINATION U. K.. . OPERATION OVPIRLlJRD. . MEUITERRANEAN ADVENTURE .. GOING HOME. . . ON OUR WAY AGAIN. . . ORINAWA . . THE IMPERIAL EMPIRE DECOMMISSIONED ..