Saint Paul (CA 73) - Naval Cruise Book

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ii if f ' , f Q R' - ., E Y ,f,,,f V ii Q fx. , A --. 4 ..,, Captain Harry F. Fischer, Jr Commanding Officer 2 4

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The Saint Paul did not return from this combat tour unscathed. Ofthe more than 500 rounds fired at her on September l, one found its mark but that special brand of 'Fighting Saint' teamwork enabled the ship to continue operations despite the damage. The cruise was not all sweat and toil. There were many ports of call. . .Nagasaki, Singapore, Hong k k d thers The crew enjoved a varietv of recreation during our short visits to Kong, Yo osu a, an o 1 e ' 1 1 ' 'dl-InKon these exotic cities. There was a festival in Nagasaki and sight seeing in Singapore an o g g. .the ship fueled at Pearl Harbor where there was swimming Enroute to the first operations off Vietnam ship's company truly had the opportunity to'see the world, and the sun-soaked sands of Waikiki. The ofthe far east. The months passed with letter-writing w 'old salts' became initiated into the realm of Neptunus Rex. . entertainment, adventure and most of allfhard work. Fledging crewmembers as well as a fe H t cheers were voiced during the frequent 'Fite Nitesf Keen competition prevailed as depart- ear y ments pitted their best athletes against one another in the 'Olympics' held at Subic Bay. Farewells were said when shipmates, their service obligations completed, were highlined off the ship. Others were congratulated upon re-enlisting and continuing their naval careers. It was a cruise of long weeks at sea, long months away from home, and events never to be forgot ten for long years in the future.

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A l958 graduate ofthe U.S. Naval War College, he also holds a M.S. degree in Internation AlTairs from George Washington University. In addition to the Silver Star Medal, two Bronze Stars and Commendation Ribbon with combat 'V's, he has been awarded the American Defense Service Medal with bronze star, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with nine operation stars, American Campaign Medal, Vic- tory Medal, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation Badge, the Japanese Order ofthe Sacred Treasure QThird Order of Meritj, the Republic of South Vietnam Navy Distinguished Service Order and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. Captain Harry Fredrick Fischer, Jr. served 14 months as an enlisted man prior to entering the U.S. Naval Academy via the Heet competitive examinations. Grad- uated in June of I9-40, he was commissioned as ensign and reported aboard the USS San Francisco QCA-383 as Signal Otiicer. ln October l942, he attended the Submarine School and upon completion of training made eight submarine war patrols inthe USS Thresher QSS-2003 and the USS Spikehsh QSS-4045. Captain Fischer has served ashore on the staff ofthe U.S. Submarine School, New London, Conn., Com- mander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet staff, U.S. Forces Japan stalfand on the staff ofthe U.S. Naval War Col- lege in addition to a tour in the Bureau of Naval Per- sonnel. He has commanded USS Ronquil QSS-3965, USS Rogers QDDR-8761, USS Pollux QAKS-45. Submarine Division 7l and the USS Saint Paul QCA-731. W' ,