LST (491) - Naval Cruise Book

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- 10 The Imperial Empire . We loaded aboard an Army port battalion for trans- fer to Yokohama, japan, and departed in convoy on Sep- tember 29, 1945. As we proceeded north along the western coast of Luzon we were ordered to return to Ceubic Bay as a typhoon was approaching the northern coast of Luzon. We departed Ceubic Bay for a second try on October 2, but were ordered to return again from northern Luzon on October 4. We departed forthe third time on October 5, but on October 7, turned and sailed Southward for two days. Finally, on October 9, we were able to proceed North, arriving at Yokohama, Japan, on October 21, 1945. Our stay in Yokohama was short, but We encoun- tered considerable difficulty in getting rid of our port company and the tank deck load of Bailey Bridge. Again we were able to arrange transportation for several en- listed men who were now eligible for return to the United States. The Skipper, Lt. Cmdr. Wylie M. Hemp- hill received transfer orders as did Lt. Dick Loring, the Group 107 Staff Engineering Officer. On October 21, Lt. James W. Knox relieved Lt. Comdr. Wylie M. Hemp- hill of command of the LST 491. Lt. W. T. Baker was appointed the Executive Officer and Lt. R., A- 48

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' Q OKINAWA ' A The war was now over as far as actual combat was concerned, but probably our most important task was yet to come-the occupation of the Japanese homeland by which We hoped to lay the foundation for a lasting peace. We again loaded pontoons on each side of the ship and departed on a new assignment to Leyte, Philip- pine Islands, arriving on September 9, 1945. On com- pletion of needed repairs and assignment to the Fifth Fleet we sailed for Batangas, on the Southern end of the Island of Luzon, arriving on September 19, 1945. It was at this port that we were able to arrange trans- portation to the United States for the first group of our men, who were eligible for discharge to inactive duty under the new point system. Dr. Walker and Lt. Herb March received orders to return to the States. We were happy to know they were going home to their families, but we knew we were losing two grand guys, who had played a big part in making our ship a happy ship. We received aboard a new medical officer, Dr. Thomas Stjemholm, who replaced Dr. Walker, and the following day, Dr. Albert Kattus reported aboard for duty with Group Staff 107. 47 ------uni

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THE IMPERIAL EMPIRE Cannon, First Lieutenant. We departed Yokohama shortly thereafter for Ceubic Bay, arriving on November 2, 1945. Our stay this time in Ceubic Bay was a short but pleasant one. On the evening of November 3rd, an original entertainment production was presented on the tank deck. Martin Rogoff and Warren Weller wrote the script, lyrics, and music score. The production was called Headin' Stateside, something we all had hopes of doing in the very near future. The show lasted about three hours, and we had many visitors aboard from LST's and DE's, which were anchored in the vicinity. The cast worked hard, held many practices, and had many details to iron out. According to the October 13th issue of Now Hear This, the cast included the following men: The Hero, Ray Harney, lNise Guy, Martin Rogoffg the home town girls, joe Ries, john Coffing, Cal Hos- tettler, Charlie Vail, Ted Lainas, Brant Welge, Ben Harvey and Lou Anastasig Specialty numbers and male parts: Warren Weller, Harold Lewis, Weldon Smith. Paul Hadley, Clarence Moiris, Dick Myczek, A, Anderson, Dick Warner, and Bob Lee. The electrical work and stage settings were managed by Harlie Cooley and HJ. C. Norris. The show was a good one and en- joyed by all. During the intermission, Chief Wasie- lewski and his boys served refreshments-delicious mixed fruit ice cream, cokes, and joe Clark, our baker, pro- vided a huge batch of tasty cookies. We were all proud of the fact that we had men aboard with initiative and with a cooperative spirit. The men in the cast had a 49