Quincy (CA 71) - Naval Cruise Book

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JOI NG THE PLE M 4-warg ...rs ' ,s.unllU5 '- :kdm TAKING STATION CAPTAIN AT THE CONN UNDERWAY FROM U.S No two men were burdened with the same thoughts, as they heard that one long blast of the bugle by which we knew the last line was cast off and we at last were under way for Europe. Each of us would leave a different life behind for the next six months, and each would return changed in his own particular way. But we did know that our training and yard overhaul would now be put to use. For we were on our Hrsi mission -- we as a ship would now, after seven months, be producing as well as consuming, Fourteen days were allotted to crossing the Atlantic, and our time was occupied with an intensive schedule ei drills and exer- cises and fleet maneuvers. For the Hrst time in her new life the Quincy was operating extensively with other ships, Huge carriers and scurrying destroyers ploughcd the sea alongside. We learned to coordinate our movements with theirs. At night we darkened ship, and wathched tensely on the bridge and in C.I.C. lest out of the enveloping black 30,000 unseen tons of steel should come hurtling suddenly at us. We turned, we formed and reformed, and seemed almost to spiral across the Atlantic, But, by the time our searching eyes made out the first welcome landfall, we had grown accustomed to the company of other ships and confident in our maneuvers. We felt ready for whatever Maiubruce might bring.

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H. HAND BROKE HIS FLA? COMCRUDIV I CHIEF OF STAFF fa gn X 'X X X H S FAX RADM. Jn THACII JR. USN COMMANDER CRUISER DIVISION SIX Rear Admiral James Harmon Thach, Jr., USN, was born Decem- ber 13, 1900, at Pine Bluff, Arkansas. He graduated from the U, S. Navai Academy on .Iune 8, 1923. From 1924 to 1933, he served in the U.S.S, TEXAS, and in the U.S.S. CONCORD, In 194-I he was ordered to command U.S.S. MONTOUR. In addition, he served as an instructor at the U. S. Naval Academy, in 1946 Navy Secretary, Research and Development Board, Ofiice of Secretary of Defense and Commanding Officer, U.S.S. MISSOURI. W 9 Iii, I W .P ' ' ' 1 L' . JI x CAPTAIN M.W. FIRTH. USN P I-Ie was promoted to Rear Admiral on ,IHIIUHYY 1, 1951. In Hearth of 1952 he was ordered to duty as Commander Cruiser Divisien SIX. Among the ribbons and izledais awarded .kdnzirsl Tkach are: Yangtze Service, China Service, American Defense with AH, Amf' rican Area Campaign, European African Campaign. Asiatic-Paxcitic Campaign, Wforld W'ar II Medal, Navy Oscupation Service Medal. Special Great Order of Pao Ting, by the President of China. Grand Gflicer of Grand Cross of Avis, by the President of Pzrrtugal. and 0 colnrnendution with ribbon for devehpnzetit and IIlI1'QtI!Ti'Iii71l of rnfkvi weapons into service during the war, He is married to the former Miss Caroline ire irxseit of 11r'i1'0ii- Michigan. They have u son, James Harmon III, born Dere:n11c'r 11. 1936.

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