Louisville (CA 28) - Naval Cruise Book

Page 110 text:

Left: The Chicago, dead in the water, disabled by torpedoes. Under way, Chicago in tow, we foundf our charge steering badly. Curious onlookers crowded our topside decks.l Heavy shackles connected towing bridle with towing cable. A destroyer dashed here and there warding off sub attack. ---:xr - --2-ff.-r -fi----0-W.-, vi, , -Y F I l 1 V 1 1 w 1 l

Page 109 text:

and the ship raced nearer. Soon it was at a range of 6500 yards. Suddenly we could observe the roll of the sea as the shadowy bow cut through the water. From the shipjs speed and silhouette we could tell she was a de- stroyer, but we could not make out her colors. Words took shape in our minds. uWe could throw a lot of steel into her in a split second. '6What was her inten- tion? Nervous lingers waited at firing keys. THE LOUISVILLE AND THE CHICAGO SHOOT DOWN A JAP NIGHT RAIDER Range-4,000 yards. We still waited. The darkness seemed to echo our beating hearts. Within seconds the mystery ship came abreast our bow. We waited. 6'Would she fire ?9' Then, suddenly, the mysterious destroyer was 3,000 yards beyond--and in moments had passed into the night. A motor whaleboat was hurriedly low- ered to carry an eight-inch line and lighter messenger to the Chicago. Thus the tow- ing cable was finally passed to the disabled ship after nearly three hours had elapsed.

Page 111 text:

At 2305 the Louisville tightened the slack between the two ships and opened the throttles to get underway with her tre- mendous load. A few minutes later, firing was heard to the north, but we steadily crept through the shadowy water, gradually raising our speed to three knots, then five. We knew at best we could not get out of enemy plane range by morning, we could only get as much head start as the few remain- ing hours would allow. The U. S. S. Navajo, a sea-going tug, came alongside to take over the Chicago tow line as the light of early morning revealed our position. Acting on orders, we left the crippled cruiser to join the remaining units. Several destroyers were left with the tug and the grievously wounded Chicago as protective escort. Rumor had it that the Jap fleet was maneuvering to trap us. We dared not take that risk by remaining behind. When no immediate attacks were made it was thought the Chicago might make it through. However, enemy planes returned for their prey at 1640, attacking in great number. The crippled vessel joined the destroyers in anti-aircraft fire, helping to down a number of the aircraft. Unable to maneuver, it was not long before she was struck by four additional torpe- does, sealing her doom. Most of her crew was rescued by destroyers before she went down, ending the Battle of Rennel Island. Though we continued to miss contact with the Tokyo Express, we stood in the way of its activities. With Task Force 18, we went through many strenuous weeks guarding against air and underwater attack. Once while on patrol in early February, a submarine got to the center of the task force to release her torpedoes. The wake of one drove a furrow a little ahead ofthe port bow and another, off the port quarter, passed approximately 100 yards astern the ship. The Louisville stepped up her speed to 23 knots and maneuvered to follow the Wichita in a violent zigzag course out of the danger area, as destroyer depth charges heaved the sea into erupting columns. We kept up the Guadalcanal patrol throughout February and part of March before retiring to Wellington, New Zealand, for a well-earned rest. There we were given two exhilarating weeks of the warm- est hospitality in the shipis history. Inland tours were arranged for all. People in villages throughout the countryside threw open their homes to us. Parties and dances were given continuously during our stay in port. As is the case with most good things, it had to come to an end. Sad-hearted lads waved goodsbye to their newly won friends lining the quay and the old floating dry- dock as the Louisville pointed her prow northward early in April.