Louisville (CA 28) - Naval Cruise Book

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group was taken aboard the Louisville without further incident. lt was then learned that the Chamorro sailor was a seaman second class of the lnsular Service. He was a survivor of the YP 17, lost when the ,laps invaded the island. The man was sent to the force commander by plane next morning. He gave important infor- mation concerning enemy dispositions. The Guam operation was approaching a successful conclusion by August 9. That day the Louisville fueled in Apra Harbor, under bluffs freshly scarred by Naval gun- fire. On one height was silhouetted the pitted, smoke-blackened walls of a ,lapa- nese Headquarters building, symbolizing in its destruction the termination on that island of the Emperorns regime. The Louisville had been in the battle area for fifty-nine days and nights, and in the Marianas campaign had fired 24,948 rounds of ammunition. The crew was proud of its part in the operation, proud to have carried the Hag of Admiral Oldendorf, the group com- mander, and proud to have made a con- tribution to that crushing, conclusive victory. When orders came on August 10 to retire to Eniwetok for replenishment, they were resoundingly received by a crew needing and deserving rest. The ship got underway, setting a course for recreation, but with full awareness that in the cabin of the high command lay operation plans already formulated and awaiting execution. All wondered what new adventure orders would bring. l2l

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