Morton (DD 948) - Naval Cruise Book

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FTCS Joseph F.Killeen Chula Vista, Ca. GMGl Talmadge R. Wilson, Jr. Yokohama, Japan GMGl Edward A. Perry Camden, N. J. FTGl Robert R. Hamilton Lenoir, N. C. FTG2 Wayne M. Yukuno Ewa Beach, Hi. FTG2 Ernesto G. Soliz, Jr. Kingsville, Tex. FTG2 Mark E. Minasian Roseville, Ca. GMG2 Cecil L. Duncan Commerce City, Colo.

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One of the most important assignments for a destroyer during a WestPac deployment is to provide naval gunfire support for friendly troops and to take military targets underfire. Success during this type of operation requires a rapid response to calls for fire from the spotters and a high volume of accurate gunfire. The Gunnersmates (GM) and Firecontrol Technicians (FT) of Second Division are respon- sible for this success. During a gunline period, the Gunnersmates replaced a pivot link in Mt. 52 while MORTON was evading typhoon Pamela. Due to the heavy equipment that had to be removed, the job had never been done at sea, let alone in the rough seas of a typhoon, yet the Gunnersmates completed the repair. The Firecontrol Technicians brought credit to MORTON by hitting targets at a range of 12 1 2 miles with dead-center accuracy. The spotter was amazed as the targets were hit with the first round three times in a row. The hours were long and times were difficult, yet through the hard work of each and every man of Second Division, MORTON was able to answer the calls for fire with thundering guns!

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GMG2 R. Kevin Rutledge San Jose, Ca. FTG2 Franklin J. Prayer Bellevue, Mich. FTG2 Russell E. Peterson Columbus, Oh. FTG2 William N. Weeks Park Rapids, Minn. GMG3 Harry B. Hamilton Kilgore, Tex. FTGa Jose F. Clark New Orleans, La. FTG3 Ronald L. Morris Enid Okla. GMG3 Larry D. Williams Pasadena, Tex.