MW? MW DPU mf WR 1 ' 3997 'E PJSH 2 ..- Nl 'ifif 4 if u 4 9 1 k i E 9 1 5 A .,.,..-4 ,W-.W Efgg -,gy .gafii 9 ,fe A Ei J 'tif' . l -J J SAGA SHANNCN THE STORY OF THE USS SHANNON DM25 IN ACTION 1944 -1946 A documentary, historical account of the lives ot the light-minelayer Shannon, of the men who served in her and fought her so valiantly through the lwo Jima and Okinawa campaigns, extensive mine-sweeping operations in the East China Sea, and the Occupation of Japan. Her part in operations ot such size and scope was small, but vastly important and extremely well executed, contributing measurably to final victory, which was the end ot World War ll. X il WL X f X.. K' , r ' ' J .X , Xi, . T f Ulfm IECEWED Juneww MVAL RECORDS l UGUMV NAVY DEPT. USS SHANNON D I :Y l I V L Y ' ...Y.- l Q' fr 7 Y Y - Y , Y V - Qs ff f - '- 5 if 4 13 i. ,E Y , ,- H I , 1 . 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NAVY This book is dedicated to: COMMANDER EDWARD LEE FCSTER, U. S. NAVY known to his men as Uncle Ed. He brought the Shannon into being and fought her with skill and distinction that is born onl ot knowledge and love of the sciences of the sea. He loved his ship ancllhis men with a love equaled only by the trust and respect that the men under his command held 'for their Captain. COMMANDER EDWARD LEE FOSTER, USN ----qgQQjJy:..-...- Uncle Edu has led a colorful and active life in the tin-can Navy which has gained for him a wealth of experience and innumerable friends, particularly among the crews he has commanded. Captain Foster spent his early years in Northport. Ala., where he was born January 19, 1910. He attended and was graduated from high school in nearby Tusca- loosa. At the age of 17, Foster became a Plebe at the Naval Academy, where he was active in athletics, par- ticularly as a member of the water polo team. In June, 1931, Foster was graduated with a degree and was commissioned Ensign. His first duty was abroad the four-piper Bernadou QDD 153Q, where he served in various capacities for a year. August 27, 1932, Ensign Foster and Miss Adele VVolcott were 'married in La Jolla, California. In the same year he reported to the Barney QDD 149j. He served on her until 1933, when he was ordered to the Arizona QBB 391 After three and a half years on the Arizona, Lieut. Foster reported to the hospital ship Relief QAH lj for a short tour of duty before going to the XYhitneyQAD 45. In 1938 he was stationed at the Naval Air Station, Pearl Harbor, his first two-year tour of shore duty. Lieut. Foster went to sea again late in 1940 to serve a year abroad the Craven IDD 3821 In November, 1941, was transferred tothe McCall IDD 4005 as Executive Officer. Shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Foster was promoted to Lieutenant Commander, and on November 1, 1942, to Commander. VVhen the Pacific Naval forces were reorganized fol- lowing the Pearl Harbor attack, the McCall joined a force of carriers, cruisers, and destroyers to carry out the first offensive operation of the war. Beginning Feb- ruary 1, 1942, this force struck and inflicted heavy damage on installations in nine of the Marshall Islands. On February 24, the McCall accompanied the Enterprise, two cruisers and six destroyers in the first 1Vake Island raid. On August 7, the same year, the McCall joined a force of cruisers and destroyers in the first bombardment of Kiska in the Aleutians. Commander Foster assumed command of the McCall in February, 1943, and led his ship through numerous operations during the succeeding Hfteen months. He participated in the capture of Kwajalein Cfiebruary 2-8, 19445 and Eniwetok Qlfebruary 17-20D by which control of the Marshalls was gained. As part of a fast Carrier task force, the McCall participated in an attack on the VVestern Carolines, striking Palau, Yap and Woleai be- tween March 30 and April 1, and in the Hollandia land- ings April 22. Returning from support of the Hollandia operation, the same fast carrier task force carried out the second Truk raid on April 29-30, and on May 1, bombarded Ponape. Commander Foster was relieved in May, 1944, and ordered to the States as PCO of the Shannon. He at- tended Fleet Sound School, Key VVest, before going to Bath, Me. to organize his new crew and supervise fitting out. Captain Foster assumed command of the Shannon at her commissioning in Boston, September 8, 1944 During the following nine months he successfully and brilliantly led the ship and her crew through shakedown and other training phases, the Capture and Occupation of Iwo Jima, the Capture and Occupation of Okinawa, and Operations Against the Empire in the East China Sea. For support provided by the Shannon at Iwo lima, Captain Foster was awarded a Letter of Commen- dation with ribbon by the Commander in Chief, U. S. Pacific Fleet. He also was recommended for decoration for his outstanding work as skipper of the Shannon during the Okinawa operation. In addition, he wears six engagement stars on the Asiatic-Pacific ribbon. Commander Foster was relieved by Commander W. T. Ingram on june 10, 1945, and returned to the States for a tour of well-deserved shore duty. He served as Executive Officer of the West Coast Sound School, San Diego, living with his wife and six-year-old son, Richard, at 531 J Street, Coronado, Calif. He was assigned in lune, 1948, to the Naval VVar College, Newport, R. I. All who knew and served under Uncle Ed attribute much of the Shannon's 'fIrish I.uck,' to his courage, understanding, fine ship-handling, master seamanship, and skillful fighting. Everyone will remember him with pride in having known a true friend and gentleman, a fine man and skillful officer. A MESSAGE FROM CAPTAIN FOSTER TO THE OFFICERS AND ENLISTED CREW or THE sAssY SHANNON: The gratification with which I recall your accomplish- ments is exceeded only by my appreciation of your loyalty, cooperation, and faith. To your individual efforts we owe our lives. If in your various walks of life you carry on as you did on the Shannon, your success is assured. Good luck to you all. Q X7 Q 3 K i COLONEL HAROLD D. SHANNON, 'HW L35 54,lm,m.tii was rlitistt-mwl by her sponsor, Mrs, Hitt- tit' tlie litli' ttilirtlel llllt'-rltl llutlt.Qlil:-iw Sl.2ll11lOtt, tftiips, on .lime 15, l'l-14, at llutli, Xlr. illlt' llflltlfl name that lmre tlieiievttitttlt the itaiint' -it ll ttgltttnp :nan-'was fit' ,,,-,,l,,-,-' fl., the Sliziniiiiii, in the yt-at that hallowed, pg-gved et-lt' 'i li--litin-f ship ui-rilw in het ln-rttauf, r',,l,,,,,-1 gligmnliit, lmrn St-ptriiilwt lti, 1892, in Chicago,I gun his inilitzitvi eztievi on tlrttilier 17, 1913, when he enlist the Nlaiiine titirps. lit-tix:-vii 1913 :mtl 1917 he served inthe Mgxi. can lhirtler liIlllll!11lQ.l,ll, during xshirh tiniellie was awarded the Gund, L',,,,,t,,,-1 Ml-llgil 11013 111171 :md thi' Xlexiean Service Medal C1914- Xlexieul. ' ll, lilly, 11117, Sliniintiti nits uliiiiiiiissiintt-tl SUCOIIC1 l-lCUtC1l31'lf1Il1,l'lE Li. gi fXli:tt'ine titurps. 'liliree inntllhs litter, he was protnoted to First l.lC11lL'llZl1ll :intl sent to l i':lnee txith the l'ui'etgii Shore lzxpeditlottary Service. Nyltile in l9t':itiee he serrefl im-i'witrii'ioiisly with the 74th and Stlth eoinpzinies in vztrions seettiix including lonl and lielleau Wood. l.ient, Slixinnon was :iwurilecl nnnieroiis decorations and citations for lor Ulll5l1ll1tllllg service :incl clexotion to duty. These included the Yietorx' Medal tl'llN- l'ii':tneel, the llllfhll' l'lC'3l'l 41918 ' Francel. ,hp l:,,,,,-,-:',g,.,.,. ,wig , lf,-:met-1, the tirtiis :lt-qt'itiert'e with Palm and lllllltllllll 11018 - l-irzuieel, with the t'olloxx'tiig Lxtattoni lit-eeiitlx' returned to his regiment :liter having been evacu- M041 flyr-ons ptiisoiiing. XYitliotit regzird for his pel'50rl3.l sxilt-ty he led his nien out ot' :i zone boinbzirded by the enemy. Ile mlisplityecl exceptional qnztlities ol lnzavery and ZC3l until IK. ,mg W,,,,,.tL.,t tw tht- fire ol' the enemy. and the Silver Stair tl'llN - l i':ineel with zi similar citation. l,ient, Slizinnon uns stzitioneml :it the Marine Barracks, Brooklyn Navy Yzirml, froin 1919 until :after his promotion to Captain, May 2, 1921- liolloxyiiig two years :tt the Lihzirleston Natl' Yard- Captain Shfulnou served in Santo lloniingo :-ind the Virgin islands. winning the Dominican Republic lfxpeclitioimry Medal 1192.1-241. Returning to the States 111 1925, he spent ll month :it Qnznitieo, and then began a three year tour as Recruiting Officer in llittsbnrgli. . . . . . ,. - - ,- -, ., -' the VV1th the outbreak of the revolution and bandit raids in Nicaragua Ill the sunnner of 1923. t awptain Sliaiiitoii nas sent! tliere Nth Nicaraguan National Guard Detachment, where he stayed for two years. ezirinng the Second lNie:ir:igti:ni Lanipalflll Mida- After the 'next seven years in the States, serving at various bases, yards. and seliools. and Hillel' 1115 tN'01N0ll'-911 to Major ln -lug: 1935, Shannon was sent to Coco Solo, Canal Zone, for two years. Returning to the States in 1939. Major Shannon was S tioned at the Naval Operating Base, San Diego, where he was promoted to lieutenant Colonel on March 5. 1940. He spent a short time at the Navy Yard, Pearl Harbor, T. H., in the summer of 1941. before :tssinning command of the Flees Marine Force Defense Battalion on Midway Island, where, on May 21, 1942. he was promoted to Colonel. lt was in this commaia that Colonel Shannon particularly distinguished himself. ln addition to the American llelense Service Medal C1939-lgful' ti Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal C1941 - Midwayl, and the Presidential Unit Citation, which was au'zti'cletl to all personnellon Miduay 3- the time of the attack, Colonel Shannon was decorated, in 1942, with the Distinguished Service Nledxtl for outstanding service at Midway- The accompanying Citation read: For exceptionally meritorious service in a duty of great responsibility as Commanding Officer til :t Defense llattalion, Fleet Marine P Force, before and during the Battle of Midway, lui onel Shannon brought the Defense Battalion to such a high state of readiness and combat efficiency that ten enemy Japanese planes were shot down and two others damaged by anti-aircraft fire during the attack on his stat- ion by enemy carrier-based aircraft on June 4, thereby lessening the damage suffered by the station and contributing in a large measure to the defeat of the enemy forces. Colonel Shannon's professional skill and outstanding devotion to duty throughout the period preQ ceding and during the attack on his vital base were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. Two months after the Battle of Midway, Colonel Shannon was transferred to the 14th Naval District, Pearl Harbor, and then, in October, to the Naval Operating Base, San Diego. It was there, on February 16, 1943 that Colonel Shannon died - a great loss to the Corps and the Nation. That is the man, and those the traditions, the Challenges 211161. responsibilities, that were handed clown to.the ship with the name she assumed at her christening. The Shannon is a good ship and her crew. was capable. Her record and reputation in wartime service lived up to the heritage of her proud name, and -her new peacetime crews have assumed the obligation of carrying on in the same tradition. 4 ie 4 and 5. 1942. Through his expert leztdersliip and his Ct11l1l31'l'llL'll5lYC lW0l'Hf21Il0t1S. Col- A . ' X yi f an-.ga-+,,,,X,,,.:, I , f .,,. , ,g X I-'-M, r-fc . L f.. -N if .4 L ..... N? W, Q M' COMMISSIONING - SEPTEMBER 8, 1944 The Shannon looked new and shiny, and very proud as she lay alongside the dock in the Navy Yard, Boston, on September S, 1944. Having just arrived from the building yard in Bath, Me., she was the scene of much last-minute bustle and preparation. The balance crew came aboard. The ship was given a final touch of spit and polish to make her appearance commensurate with the occasion. At 1500, the officers and crew. uniformed in immaculate whites, fell in on the fantail. An audience of families and friends lined the dock. Captain R. C. Grady, USN CRet.j the Captain of the Yard, Mrs. H. D. Shannon, the ship's sponsor, and the Commissioning Party were piped over the side. The Commanding Officer then reported to the Captain of the Yard that all was in readiness for the Commissioning ceremony. Captain Grady directed that the ship be placed in commission. All hands faced about and saluted as the band played the National Anthem. The National Ensign was hoisted on the flag staff and the Commission Pennant broken at the forepeak. Commander Foster read his orders and assumed command. He then ordered that the first watch be set. Lieut. B. A. Grehan stepped forward and, upon receiving the long-glass, assumed his post as Officer of the Deck. Ensign J. H. Noyes was Junior Officer of the Watch. Captain Grady addressed the crew briefly, complimenting all hands on the fine ship of which they were so fortunate to be a part, and charging every man to maintain the pride and the glory of the name she bears, to faithfully perform any and all duties assigned, and to fight her courageously unto final victory. The Commanding Officer then delivered a congratulatory mes- sage from the Secretary of the Navy, and concluded with the following address: Officers and men of the Shannon: A few minutes ago this vessel was merely an intricate mass of metal and wires. Although she was designed with all the ingenuity available to the Navy Department and built with superb skill and care by the Bath Iron VVorks, she was not yet alive. Her life's blood started singing through her veins as the band played the National An- them, the Colors were hoisted, and the Commission Pen- nant was broken at the mast. At that moment the USS Shannon became the newest ship in commission in the Navy. At that moment you became her officers and crew -her life's blood, for a ship, no matter how well designed or constructed can be no better than the men who man and fight her. VVe are starting out with a nucleus of 'oldtimers', some of whom have seen many years of service in many theatres, and the remainder of you are new to the ways of the sea. You have all completed a period of intensive training and thus have a background for developing the ship's com- pany into a fighting unit, a unit of which you and I and the whole country will be proud if we all pull together with our best efforts toward the common end of combat efficiency. The term combat efficiency covers a large num- ber of fields-the gunnery department defeats the enemy with all available weapons-the 'black gang' provides power and the speed to get us there and keep us where we can dish it out-the communicators provide us, and other ships and units, with vital information which may mean victory or defeat-the repair parties keep us afloat and make repairs to minimize the damage sustained. It has been the subject of many discussions as to which department was the most important. .Let us not argue about it, but accept the fact that all departments are vitally im- portant and interdependent. It is pulling together in har- mony with all we have that produces results. And it is only by preparation through drill and hard work that we can obtain the desired proficiency and team work. Knowl- edge is essential, for 'through knowledge comes sea power'. Know your job-and that of the next man, too. To the old timers I say that, It is your job to impart your knowledge to the new men, but that is not enough-you must con- stantly strive to improve your own knowledge. I am count- ing on you to lead the way by instruction and example'. To the new men I say, 'Learn your job and do it cheer- fully, but you must also prepare yourself to step into the shoes of an oldtimer and be a leader yourself when the time comes'. To all of you I say, 'I am proud to command this fine ship and I am proud to be your commander'. May we all work together to make the USS Shannon a credit to the U. S. Navy and to the name she so proudly bears. The chaplain delivered the invocation, committing and dedicat- ing the Shannon to the Service of God and Country and the Rights of Mankind, and asking Godspeed in her performance of duty. The Shannon was in commission-the newest and proudest ship in the United States Navy. 5 CAPTAIN WILLIAM GORDON BEECHER, JR.. Um Xyilliillll fiurclou Ilccrlu-1' IDCLIZIII his fxctive and interesting Naval cznn-1-V Q11 Hill. Ho hm wrvcd Ill a variety of duties ailuut and zlshmw-, inclucling muncrqur, commands, which hgwc takm-11 him to tlu- fum' m'm'mrrs ui the Carth. 1-ig was burn january IU, NH4, in Hfillhnore, Md. After graduating from high 5cImnl, he stuchecl in the Baltimore Polytcclmiq Instituu- until hc znccm,-pu-cl an appointment to tl1c'Nz1v: 1l .'XcucIvmy. Midslxipmzm l:L't'Cl1LTl'.I'l21I'iiCi1lZltCfl in variogs Academy organizations :md znctn-vamp, pnrtlculafly muslc clubs. He was C0!11l11iSSiUllL'fI IQIISIHII 111 ,Iqng-,.l02:1, and was graduated with the ClC.Q,'l'l'l' of Iincln,-lm' 01 Science. TWO wal-5 11111-r, hu and Min Carvilla Brian were married in Baltimore. A clznughlcr, X irg inia, was born to them in 1927, and Ll son, Gordon Loc, in 1932. Ensign Becclmurk first tour uf rluty was aboard the Texas CBB 35J, from which hc was transfcrrccl tolthe Arizona CBB 393. His next ships wa-rc the destroyer Kidder and the l1ig'h-speed minclaycr Roper, the Hcctksganker Neches and the converted .DME M ontgomcry and Slcard. From 193.2 to 1935, he was an instructor at the Academy. His first command was thc dcstroyer-minelayer Pruitt, in which he served three years. Lieut. Beecher was assigned to the Navy Department, VVashiugton, D. C., in 19.38, as Deputy Director of Public Relations. He was promoted to Lieutenant Commander in 1940 and ordered to command of the Flusser CDD 3685. Serving with thc Pacific Fleet, the Flusser was at her Pearl , Harbor base when the Japanese attacked December 7, 1941. Commander Beecher returned to the States in 1942 as Deputy Director of Public Relations, and was. promoted, luly 20, 1943, to Captgin. In the summer of 1944, Captain Beecher was ordered tg copmgand Mine Division 7. He brpke F115 pennant Ill the Robert H. Smxfh QDM 235 at her commissioning, August 4, 1944. Wfhile NIIUDIV X was m Pearl Harbor Dl'C1J3.l'1Hg 1Ol' the Iwo Inna operatlon, Captain Beecher shifted his pennant from the Smith to the Shannon. ' . Q ' In the Iwo Jima operation he often served as a Task Group or Task Umt commander, or OTC of groups of slugs 111 Qompllxuentary, movements. He led the minesweeping operations that preceeded landings at Kerama Retto and Okinawa and other actloqs 11? the campaign. Captain Beecher was awarded the Legion of Merit Medal for outstanding leadership and meritorious servlce lll those commands. May 10, 1945, he was relieved as ComiuDiv 7 by Captain Henry Farrow to assume command, a few days later, of Destroyer Squad- ron 53, then a part of the famed Task Force 38, which he led in attacks on the home islands of Japan. DesRon 53 returned to California early in 1946. Captain Beecher reported to the Third Naval District as Director of Public Inform- ation, and later was ordered to the office of the Secretary of the Navy, Navy Department, XVashington, D. C. . One of Captain Slim BCCCIICIJS greatest loves is music. He often performs on the piano and guitar but has gained most of his musxcal prominence as a composer. Two of his best-known popular works are Song of Old Hawaii' and 4'Nimitz and Halsey and Me . His lesser- known, but no less entertaining compositions include many songs about ships, divisions. and squadrons with which he -has been associated. CAPTAIN HENRY FARROW. usN It is quite natural that Henry F3I'I'OXX S interests, from h1S early childhood days, led him to a love of ships and the sea, and eventually into a Naval career. He was born April 24, 1904- in the bustling seaport city of Mobile, Ala., where he grew UP 111 a seafaring environment. Wfhile in high school he worked in the Mobile Shipyards and shortly after graduation, shipped on a tramp steamer. Farrow received an appointment to the Naval Academy. alld in June 1922, was sworn into the Navy as a Plebe. In 1926, E11Sig'11 F211'1'0w was graduated with a degree. He was 3.SSlgU' ed to the USS California QBB 443, and later was transferred to the four-stacker Robert Smith. which took part.1p the Second Nicaraguan Campaign during' the 1927 upr1Sll1g3 n In 1928, 110 beg?-ll a two-and-a-half years tour with th? ZWIQ' t1o11 unit 011 board the battleship New Mexico. Following his promotion to Lieutenant Qjgb in February, 1951 he traveled t0 China fQr two years duty as Gunnery Oflicer aboard the de- stroyer Edsall. He spent a few months at the Naval BHS9, Cffwlfey P. T., before rcturningg to the Naval .-Xcademyi for? post graduate course in general line duties. He was retamed IH napohs another txxo ymr: ae a marine Lllgilletfillg imtru - eut 1111-1 ow xx cnt hunk to sm m l9gl aboard the TUG 93 CCA 375 21 I'11st I xgutunmt and Xsbxstant Damage C Omccr Dl1lll1g, the txxo VL us met before the war he G on bo ud thc Rwlph Tmlbot QDD a90j fu Pxecutxve Office Cl Ins 1110111011011 lmlvlu 1 10-P It Commander Fai' vs Ich he took to Panama for tfallllllg, aftel which the squadl Q11 Wag qplll IT I I I nlmlxqmmd thi in Nt x 'ml ' of In M Mmm lorpedo B L Cm cc tm P I' umella ere he Wqs made Area Commander of PT B t I L s unclu Ins comm md on l tmker for m No 0:1 S am PT opc1at101 'll lmflortantly to the success of ODCIHUOIIS at Tulagl New GCO1r1ld li v Us Sqlalldmn Om! Ind thmuhhout tht Loral ma and con ship iid lgeltgzirlglls service clurmg these opelatlons Iarnow Wm DI011125125'11.1i?v60ii11lSll:1iIIElIillllfllwll mil gxxbmsl 'Jn Ttltsgnglggxg lea d I- uouu ull It IN mpalgffand the Eirgmiufcgf tigfbvilyjjvsl5111SSU21tl1Eii31:g:fdg Tsllxtgkx ijiraxlmich hLl:o1En11uulfcl tlnoug,h hakndmfvm She 1:12 iw' was promoted to Laptaln March 20 194w R l U 1 S-01 Q ll IH ltll ut a ncond Q1 ver tal' dlmeg of Commander Mme Dlwslon Seven QaDtZ1:?VfQElE3Vl1E'EH1 tiflcfzgxssl Mwv IIO 1945 lu moxul xlmnd thm Shannon to aQSl1m ed mmesweepmg ODCFHUOIIQ m the Fwst Chma Sm thc Yellow Sc 1 on m lu Iuwumlu of tht 0k 1W' cmmmlgn and Com 1 surrender of Japan Captain V3.1 row as CFC 523 and 9911101 mmccl rtttmsf In tht Rmb Nl N lk' ut 1 I O' three months after M' tions around northern and westeln Kyushu 'TSUQhlI'l1'1 Strait 'md Qcm11ll3'11:CiJo:T1tm Rmb um dulcud ln tht mmuweepmg Captain Farrow returned wlth his DIVISION to thu Qtitcs Decu I 19 mms I mlmst M Nun dx Xlhed xusels and was ordered to duty on the staff of the Comm'1ndmt Sth Nui' I3lSllll?L1qIX?xhlli3LiNUu1c he M is uhuld In Ldmam Vx N Wythe' 4 UN I lll1N xxluu he Inu mth lm mte and daughiiffa 51 An f I L N , X , ctof Li , 4' - A, W - - V U. - - .CB- , ,K . . n . look K S 4 'J' x J 2 , 5 - OH' tl'Ol , . -' ,- - , ,Z .. ' , X f a ,8l'V' ed , g - - , I K1 . 5. lf Y- - fxft ' I ' v. 1 1 - f- ' row , . Q , . . , .., .4 . V - .. , - C01 1 - 1 N- . QMS, ,h , V l .Y I . . . . A , . . , ' ' 1 x ' - , . ' , l ' ' V i ' K - K Q In 1 , ' ' ' 1 K C Q U, . , V - .. , 5 5 2 - - ' 0' K ' ' ' 1 trib- uted ' ' -' V - W - ,- 1 I ' L ' . - . . . . . ' Q ' F71 v Y If , ' V' ' ' 2 ' VT. . I . X , . - , 4 I l 1 A V Y f - , r 1 1 . . , - v L , 4 I V , . . l , M X V. X -- Y n , J 4 ' - - . - - , ' . ' ' - -. ' I ca ' - . ' ' , . ' ' X ' 1' X ' S ' ' ' . He ' ' . '. . 'f-'21 X 2 'A .: H v -X ' ,, 68114 '. . . . , v -. l c c ,f ' r , V X ' X t -, xr' e QBN Q . , ' ' , .. . . '. g ' -v 4 2 ' ' . ' - g ' - za, 1 . f ' 1 - - V 1 - 7 - - . , :wap ' 4 ' 4 ' ty 1 V' L' f'.' .. . X 'ISN ' 521-'Z ' 1'x2. 7 ' , Y ' y - 1 .. , Q X - , ', , N I . V . A , - Ar. Jeligff - . - - ,. - 1 - - 1 . ' X 2 - 2, 2 - . . . . .' ' L x' ' f Y 1 . - z, J 'A ,z z . ik. H , K. 44 ' un. .h - - ., 1 ', . , .X ' , ' K y ' w 4 , x , W - . ., . ' V v 3 'f ' 7 , , ' v 'c . ' K r 1 f 1 L- ' L ,Q..,3:.,,- ' ' f f ' ' ' - . . - . ' , . . ' ' ' . 1 ' fw. v I 1 K V X y .C h ' . . - . , ji, Y S Y ' A A K . fi P 6 Er.: , 'mf G ' ff f - fi: ?:LY' ,Mi V. ,, 7.01, ' fu sb. MINE DIVISION SEVEN The twelve ships of Mine Squadron Three were con- verted in the summer and early fall of 1944, while still being built, from Sumner Class destroyers to light mine layers. Several DM's of the Breese Class. converted from VVorld VVar I four-stack destroyers, were in the active fieet at the time, but future operations called for more DM's with higher speed, a greater capacity mine load, and more fire power-ships which could, in a quick dash under cover of darkness, lay mines in enemy waters and get away before being discovered, or, if discovered, would have enough fire power to protect themselves. Plans for these ships also contemplated their being used to lay drifting mines in the path of an enemy fleet, par- ticularly in a major fleet engagement and in restricted waters. The new DM's were desgned so that in addition to their specialized duties, they would be capable of fulfilling all functions of a destroyer, except torpedo attack. Ships of this type therefore, are actually more versatile than conventional destroyers. MinRon Three was made up of three divisions of four ships each: Min Div 7 DM 23 Robert H. Smith tex-DD 7355 DM 24 Thomas E. Fraser tex-DD736j DM 25 Shannon tex-DD 7375 DM 26 Harry F. Bauer tex-DD738j Min Div 8 DM 27 Adams tex-DD 739D DM 28 Tolman tex-DD 7405 DM 29 Henry A. VViley tex-DD 7495 DM 30 Shea tex-DD 750D Min Div 9 DM 31 J. VVilliam Ditter tex-DD 751D DM 32 Lindsey tex-DD 7713 DM 33 Gwin tex-DD 7725 DM 34 Aaron VVard tex-DD 7735 The squadron commander Calso Commander MinDiv 91 was Captain A. M. Townsend, USN, in the Gwin. Captain H. J. Armstrong, USN, in the VViley, command- ed MinDiv 8. MinDiv 7, when first formed, was commanded by Captain VV. Gordon Beecher, USN, with the Smith as his fiagship. Wliile in Pearl Harbor in January, 1945, he shifted his pennant to the Shannon, where it remained until long after the division's return to the States, in 1946. Vtlhen Captain Beecher was given command of Destoyer Squadron 53, in june, 1945, he was relieved as Con1inDiv 7 by Captain Henry Farrow, USN, former skipper of the Smith. Captain Farrow was relieved in December, 1945, by Captain VVilliam N. VVylie, USN, former submarine skipper and holder of the Navy Cross. Owing to the nature of the operations in which we took part, the whole squadron or the division seldom operated as a unit, although, at one time or another during the war, each ship in the squadron operated with every other ship in some capacity and for varied periods of time. The Shannon was in company with ships in Min- Div 7 and with the Wiley more than any others. The ships in MinDiv 7 suffered less damage and fewer casualties than those of the other two divisions, and, by the same token, saw more action because they, with the exception of the Bauer, did not have to be returned to rear areas for repairs. The Bauer's damage was only superficial, but required the attention of more complete repair facilities than were available in the forward areas. Of the other eight ships only the VViley was not dam- aged. This might be attributed to luck or skill but was most likely a combination of both. During the frequent air actions encountered, the batteries of the Division were neither inactive nor inaccurate, accounting for a total of forty-two enemy planes. The Smith shot down eight, the Fraser seven, the Shannon ten plus two destroyed on the ground, and the Bauer fifteen. After the division returned to the States and to the Atlantic Fleet, administrative organization was rear- ranged. MinDiv 7 became MinDiv 2, and the Shea join- ed the division in place of the Smith. Although the original designation and membership of the Division was changed, it lost neither its identity nor its reputation. That, along with the impressive war record of the Squadron as a whole, will live on in the annals oftthe Navy and of History. r'.' '. fi Z iff Q' 'Vi' .J 2' ' 7 'fi'f' ' f ! 'f'f' I I 1, rv' , Alb... H, f fy ,,',, - ,-.1 - 1.0, :I f IJ.-, - J A .H -sf f eff waaaafffmfd f ' , ' I - ' 1 . ig--,.-'f -J fx 1.v ' 751 'Q'MQf,:, f , . Q --' X 'iv nu, 4,345 '- f -Aff gl f' P ,334-A++ 1.-Q 5,1 fi 'V f get 1 :mf f - L fr X. e,4.a-12 ,--lE'. 'Ti C i is -s.e- 7 f- ..- . f ,ig-sexi, .-'vv' by I-LA' Ayr , -- I lf -F? ' -...I - UI! U' - ji f . 3 --g,,f.a- + , 5 N- .. ' 'Wav - Q f-:fg,,gg' Rs,- Q A .I 'E .pf fi -Y HV .- 4 - 14, 1 I., ' - TrQ:A,,aH,.3, i:s - 7 i 14- I - 1' ,f ,. - 1-4-2' 4- ee: ' f 4 , T,i4g.f 1 if gg - 4- f .:T' 1 3 - ns- -Q 7 OFFICER QOMMANDER WILLIAM THOMAS INGRAM, 11, u5N lkilliain 'l'l1o111:1s llllflillll 11:11 l1o1'11 to l.ict1t. .longs H' IHQHUN' ligw, and Xlrs. l111:1'11111 ,lnly JH, 1915, at .'Xnnap0li5, nlld, l.it'lll. llly,I'lllll.1tl that tune. nas. stationed at the Naval .'XC2lllt'IlIj' as lll1tlllt'lIlZlllte 1llall'llt1lIIl' llllfl football coach, Ilill's cliiltlliotid 21: ll Nitty -lllllitll'11, I1ltlY1lljJ.' with his Wlwlll, l'l't1lll slltliirll to slltllttll, was spent mostly in Chicago and k.12lllftll'lllIl. .Xt an 1-arly :tee I11- bt-caiiie an liagle Scout, XYl1ile 2lllt'lltl1lI4U lll't'lI2tlA2tltil'1' school at l.anre11ceville, N,j,, lnerani becanie an outstanding atlilt-te, Xtdllllillg' letters and leading teams i11 ftnttluitll, basketball, and baseball. ln 1933, he enrolled at Yale Lfiiiversity, New Haven, Conn. intending to study t'lljlllll'L'l4llllJ, but 11-ft two weeks later, when he received an xtppointnit-nt to the Naval Academy, .-Xt the .'XC2ltlL'Illj', he won letters in football, basketball, and baseball. .M the end uf his second-class year, Midship- man Ingram was awarded the Naval .Xthletic sword and while a llI'Sl-Cl1lSSlll21ll, he was named on the .f1tll-American 1 football team. lrle also was a liattalion Commander. 1 . . - 1--U ' J --' ff lrlis first dutv was aboard the USS Tennessee. . - d .fafded 3 de ,ict in cngintunig. n . In Jfme' 1933 IugdgingQZIESCCEEETEfllcgljgllliggglfgllig bglcl in Pearl Plarbor where she met her untimely end some two years later. 7 - -f . 1413611 Te feffltef CfnDeCember 7 1941 Lt UO., Inolam had been Valle ved as Otllcer ot the Deck when. the attack began. Seven torpedoes -Jp12dtE2tO1Ehi1fmll of the Qklahonia eauguo- lin- to liqt badly and finally capsize. lngrani jumped into tl1e water, swam to the nearby ri - - - . ' ' ' - - - Mamland and climbed 3 Clans-line line to get agoard Tlirougliout the rest of the attack he passed anununition lox an AA gun mount. ' c zz- ' . . 1 1 . - - ' ' ' 1 XX Defense Officer. He saw action - . M 4 I a ordered to thc neu .XA Ctulsct San ,Iuan as. . u atlisguggggaisagxlgiiiii-SSiiteeliaitiefjgg SgT11i1d21Ela1iiq1Sa11d Santa Cruz, and in the Gilbert Islands operations. He was present at the D 1 ' ' ' - T 4 I sinking of the carrier VVasp, and landed with a detachment ot Marines at lluna Futi. ri j -I - In 1943 lieut Ins-1-am was assigned as Flag Lieutenant to his father. Admiral Ingram, then conimandantkat lxecite, Brazil. A - ln April 1944. hg 1135 gent to Fleet Sound School, Key NVest, Fla., and then ordered to the Fraser CDM 241 as lzxecutive Officer. I Lt Commander Ingram served on board the Fraser through the first half of the Okinawa campaign. ,lune 10. 1945, in Kerania Retto, . Q - ' '- he relieved Commander Foster as Commanding Ofhcer of the Shannon. l ' - u I November 6. Captain Ingram was promoted to Commander. He wears the Purple Heart Medal, the Legion of Merit Cawarded tor operations against the enemy in Southern Atlantic waters while ser vmg at the Recife Naval Based, the Order of the Southern Cross Ca Brazilian decoration for outstanding diplomatic servicel, and the Bronze Star Medal Ctor the Okinawa cam.palgn1. Q ' Relieved by Commander Crenshaw, in December, 1945, Ingram became Public Information Officer on the statt ot his father, Commander 111 Chief, U.S. Atlantic Fleet. In 1946, he was ordered to the Academy as an instructor in seamanship and assistant football coach. .Ingram resigned from the Navy in 1948. His address is 2500 South Third Street. Louisville, Ky. LT. COM. HAROLD THEODORE GORANSON. USN Harold Theodore Ooranson was born in Minneapolis. Minn., September 13. 1916. As a youth he moved to Bowling GI 3C11v Ohio, where his mother and father still live at 3-10 XX est Evers Avenue. 1-le compiled an enviable scholastic and athletic reC0Yd in high school, from which he graduated in 193-1. Swede CH- rolled in Bowling Green State University. where 116 played basketball and was elected to an honorary fraternity. HQ 15.3 member of the Free and Accepted Masons and a Chevalier 111 the Order of lleklolays. Appointed to the Academy. tioransoii was sworn 11110 1119 Navy June 19, 1936, as a Nlidshipman. At .-Xnn2lD0115 he earnj ed letters in basketball. which he played fOllf 3'f'f11'5- -111116 O' 1940, he was graduated high in his class withltlli' degree 01 Bachelor of Science and an linsign's commission. M linsign tioranson was assigned to the Pennsylvania CBB 051' as F Division Officer. During the Pearl Harbor attack, 1119 Pennsylvania was in dry dock. where she was hit and tEIllll01 arily put out of action. Men l.l'tllIl dainaged ships lv01 3 1131? ferred to active ships to bring them np to full iWH.'I'l.1Ill61COll1D111 ment. llnring the early phases of the war, lziisigil-110131150 111 A served on board the carriers Yorktown and lznterprise. l lle was then ordered lo the llaltiniore lf.-X 031, o11.w1l1C11.11F served 1i11til early 111-l-I as t'lt' and Radar Officer. His ingenuity, resourcefulness a11d enterprising efforts were 2111 1011101111111 1301111 I. G 1 1 . . A . , , V 'T r in the early developnient of the tactical use Yof 1'21f1i11'-H albert .,1eut. oianson paiticipatcd in the battle of Midway, the Pacific raids of 1943111111 104-1.111111 l',2l5lt'l'll and XX estern New t1n111ca.fJ1 and Marshall Islands raids. He was ordered to Norfolk in early sumiuer, 194-l, to take cliarge of the balance crew of the Shannon. D 11112195161 di21O1Ef1ii1iiff11f'1iQ121ifXEf3ilfl21I1f11 15111511-12111312111.1112-111112-10111fllfiillt15111131 11111115151 111 -1 '1'.11'1f 1' '11 11 -1' 1111 17131 1111113311311 K . . . l is 1 , 1 ,,1 , ll1lX1l t.11t1ts, ttlllllllllllll and llllll, .ind lus inttlligtnt ctntl of situations which confronted us were an important factor i11 the su r'--- f I and cuss u llllSt lll1Qtl tJl1l'l lllUllN of the Slrinnon P S Nl H OmoreOfrgilghgilmneclah vyas awaiided to him foi exceptionally mei itoi ions tondntt ni tl 1 1 1 1 1 mist indin struct 'IQ 1 ts G an toups o mineswcepeis in opciations issoti ittd with tht Ol in 111 1 1 lllllt ll ll 1' Flf11'a115011I51?6ISSDH01110fCf1OLtO17Ct' 17 1944 to lt C0lllll1tI1ClLl 1111111 1t Ststbo 1 llll O tol 1 10-ts ht was gixtn LOIIHIIHIY fiancee 1e'Ii11X3aICl C 9f1t fl? 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Lt' ' 1 'A 1 f ?' 1 ' Q. .s 'i --1' 1 ' - APf11v h 4 . , , ' 1 1 - N lll l 5 . . 'z 1. ' 1 ,'.' .VP I ' ' ' ' 1 1 ' '-3 . , , N, Hel . . ,, n - 1 n .K inn -, 111. - - 1 1 15 . 2 1 in 1 i' 1 1 -f - - -. . f . .. ' . ' . '--'les ' 1 h 1 1 K Q 5 1 lu L ,, 1. 8 .1 LIEUT. BERNARD A. GREHAN, USNR Bernard A. Grehan has lived his entire life in New Orleans, La., where he was born March ll, 19.22. Throughout his high school and college davs, he was an outstanding student and a leader in athletics and other extracurricu- lar activities. At 16, Grehan entered Tulane University. For his contributions to campus activities, he was elected to two honorary fraternities. ln june, 1942, he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Science in civil engineering, and was elected to Tau Beta Pi, National Engineering Fraternity. Having served four years in the Naval ROTC, he was commissioned Ensign. Ensign Grehan's first duty assignment was on board the Fitch CDD467l, on which he served in every deck division before being made Gunnery Officer. In the spring of 1943, he was promoted to Lieutenant Cjgj, and a year later to Lieutenant. In twenty months, Grehan saw action in Atlantic and Arctic convoy and anti-submarine work, and at the landings at Casablanca. Lieut. Grehan spent three months in Fire Control School and a month as an afloat gunnery instructor. ln july, 1944, he joined the nucleus crew in Bath, Me., and was named Gunnery Officer and Senior WVatch Officer. Throughout the Shannon's actions, Lieut. Grehan served so skillfully as general quarters Control Officer that he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal. The ship's record and unscathed operation attest to the outstanding and effective performance of her Gunnery Officer. Vlhen Lt. Commander Goranson was detached in October, 1945, Lieut. Grehan was made Executive Officer. He performed the duties of this post capably, with quiet understanding. ln February, 1946, Lieut. Grehan was relieved by Lieut. David P. XVynkoop. USN. He returned to New Orleans, where he lives at 1670 Soniat Street. LIEUT. JO R. PERSONS, JR., USNR jo R. Persons has made his home in New Orleans, La., since 1929. He moved there from Montgomery, Ala., where he was born April 24, 1917. Graduating from high school in New Orleans, Persons entered Tulane University, where he studied accounting and statistics. He was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity and a founder of the Tulane Camera Club. ln 1939, after receiving his degree from Tulane, Persons joined the staff of the Farm Security Administration, Little Rock, Ark. A year later he accepted a position with a New Orleans certified public accounting firm. Persons entered the Army in April, 1941, as a private. Later released he returned to service in February, 1942, as a Naval Reserve Midshipman. Commissioned in June, 1942, Ensign Persons served on the carrier Hornet in the Guadalcanal and Eastern Solomons campaigns. In the Battle of Santa Cruz Island, the Hornet, suffering numerous hits, was left dead in the water and had to be abandoned and sunk. Ensign Persons was picked up by a destroyer and sent to Pearl Harbor, where he served on CinCPac's staff. In 1943, aboard the Anderson CDD 4111 he saw action in the Aleutian raids and at Tarawa. While bombarding at Kwajalein, the Anderson was damaged by a shore battery and forced to retire. Lieut. Persons was detached after his ship returned for repairs. He and Miss Ellen Martin were married in 1944. Lieut. Persons reported to Bath, Me., for duty as First Lieutenant and Damage Control Officer, of the Shannon. For his outstanding performance of duty while towing the Aaron VVard, he was awarded a Letter of Commendation with Ribbon. Lieut. Persons' leadership and experience were an important contribution to the Shannon. Mr. and Mrs. Persons and their son. Jo Robert, 111, born Dec. 30, 1946, live at 4376 State St. Drive, New Orleans 15, La. LT. COMMANDER WILLIAM H. HEMMERLY, USNR VVilliam H. Hemmerly, raised in the New England coastal town of Plymouth, Mass., where he was born Feb. 13, 1915, has been a seafarer more than 10 years. Graduating from high school, Hemmerly studied at the Massachusetts Nautical School several years before joining the Standard Oil Company of New jersey. At the age of 21, he went to sea as an engineering officer on Standard Oil tankers in transoceanic and coastal trade. In 1942, Hemmerly enlisted in the Naval Reserve and was commissioned Lieutenantfjgj. He was assigned to the newly commissioned Conway QDD 5075, which was ordered to the southwest Pacific in time to participate in the January, 1943, actions off Guadalcanal, including encounters with the Tokyo Express . The Conway also operated in support of the New Georgia and Bougainville land- ings and in the numerous surface engagements off those islands. Hemmerly then was serving as Chief Engineer. ln 1943, he was promoted to Lieutenant. He returned to the States early in 1944, and was ordered to Bath, Me., to fit out the Shannon and to serve on board as Chief Engineer. He was the first officer to reach the ship and was instrumental in preparing the Shannon and her crew. VVhile the Shannon was at Norfolk for post-shakedown availability, Lieut. Hemmerly and Miss Jean Fletcher were married in the N.O.B. chapel. Lieut. Hemmerly's experience and his knowledge of men and machines were important factors in the distinguished success of the Shannon. The skill he im- parted to his men and the high degree of emciency and operation at which he maintained the Shannon's engineering plant are a tribute to his ability. Before leaving the ship at Sasebo, Hemmerly was promoted to Lieutenant Commander. When released from active duty, he entered business in Oakland, Calif.. before becoming an instructor at the Massachusetts Maritime School Hyannis, Mass., where he. his wife and daughter live at 26 Yarmouth Road :IQ X IM x fc AOIOV, scifi, I , I I ,K ,. NN-.. yi-74713V-l4tVi7.Tifi'? f Trias f- F A ,Mya ,.g,y,zsf1w-swf' ,,,,, g x f 1 ' , , sg s ,.sf4sZ,y.y.s fsq , ,,, gf it 4-7513 X 2.4. LIEUT. CLYDE J. ALLEN, USNR Clyde J- Ajlclfs Curly life was I-,itln-r nomadic. lly the time he was 14, hg had lived in eight states. ln 1932, he returned! to Ogden, Dtah, where he was born of Mormon parents, lxlllffusl 24' 1919- 5l'lllll't4' 111 Salt. Lake City, and later in nearby Tooele, Allen finished high school and matriculatedgt Utah State Agricultural College, l.,ogan. . . Allen majored in accounting and served as photographic editor of the year book. He was active in the Camera club, tliesrliool paper., dramatics, Sigma Chi fraternity, and Alpha Kappa I'si, a business Iratern1ty..He received 3 master's degree in merchandising from the New X ork Lniyersity. Settling in New York with his wile, the lormer Norma Fate, of Tooele, hg worked for Gimbel's department store, and later, als a grocery buyer with the Brooklyn hrm of Abraham and Straus' Commissioned in the Navy in August, 1942, Allen was trained at Cornell l,nivers1ty and in the Communi- cation School at Harvard University. A gi Q 7 F Ensign Allen joined the crew of the USS Thorn flDlJ64!J as Communica- tion Officer. The Thorn operated in the Atlantic and Mediterranean, before she was sent to the Southwest Pacific to take part in operations around New Guinea, the Bismarck Archipelago and the Northern Solomons. Lieut. Allen was detached in Noumea and ordered to Bath, Me., as Com- munication Officer of the Shannon. His experience and knowledge were of great value in organizing the Communication department and the ship, He served as a top watch-stander, general quarters OOD, ship's phgto- grapher, and in various collateral duties. Lieut. Allen was detached in Sasebo and released to inactive duty. He returned to Tooele, Utah, to join his father's grocery firm and resume his work in merchandising. He and Mrs. Allen live at 34 Park Avenue, Tooele. LIEUT. JAMES B. CALDWELL, USNR James B. Caldwell has lived his entire life in Spartanburg, S. C., where he was born january 16, 1915. Jun was an outstanding student and a leader. He maintained a fine academic standing at Spartanburg High School, won letters in football, basketball, and baseball, and was active in other school organizations. Matriculating at Spartanburgfs VVofford College, Caldwell concentrated on modern languages and business administration. He was on the Dean's list throughout his college career and was prominent as a varsity baseball player, a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, and an active participant in other campus societies and functions. Receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree, Caldwell joined his father's firm, manufacturers of cottenseed products. He enlisted in the Navy V-7 program in March, 1942, and was trained in the Prairie State, and at Fleet Sound School, Key Vllest, Fla. Ensign Caldwell joined the crew of the old four-piper USS Greer CDD 1455 as Sound Officer and later as Assistant Gunnery Ofhcer. He saw action in con- voy and anti-submarine operations in the North Atlantic and the Mediterranean. Promoted in 1944, he was sent to Fire Control School before joining the bal- ance crew of the Shannon. He served on the ship as Assistant Gunnery Officer. Lieut. Caldwell was one of the most popular and highly respected officers on the Shannon, His foresight, intelligence, and experienceg his firm but considerate and unassuming manner, spiced with humor, made him invaluable. He was a condition watch Control Officer until made a top watch stander and Senior VVatch Officer. For meritorious achievement and cool capable direction as general quarters Machine Gun Control Officer , Lieut. Caldwell was award- ed tlhe Bronze Star Medal. He succeeded Lieut. Grehan as Gunnery Officer. Lieut. Caldwell was released in February, 1946. and returned to his position as assistant manager of Caldwell X Co. He lives at 315 Pine Street, Spartanburg. LIEUT. E. BRADNER PETERSEN, USNR Edward Bradner Petersen was born january 25, 1916, in Los Angeles, Calif- During his early childhood, Pete spent five vears in Nebraska, before settling in South Pasadena, Calif. ' Q In high school, he won several debating honors. Scholastically outstanding. he became class valedictorian in 1933 and was awarded a scholarship't0 Dartmouth College, Hanover, N. H. Majoring in political science and economics. 11616061-V661 Bachelor of Arts degree in 1937. and entered law school at the UUIVCVSWY Of California. VVhen admitted to the California Bar in the summer Of 1940, PCt61'SCl1 iOined the l.os Angeles firm of Mitchell, Selberberg Hlld KUUPD- He practiced, as a junior member of the firm, working with movie studio and oil business clients. In 1942,A Petersen enlisted in the Navy Y-7 program and was trained at NOYW Dame University. He was commissioned Ensign in january, 1943. and sent t0 San Diego, .before assignment to the USS Mahan KDD 36-li as Assistallli Communication Officer. The lvlahan operated in the Coral Sea and the Bismarck Archipelago' and SUlFl10l'liOtl landings on New Guinea, New Britain and the Admiralty lslands. After llt. Cjgi Petersen left her, the Mahan was sunk Rf O-rnioc Bay. Pile was ordered to Norfolk and assigned to the balance crew of the Shfilrlnfm- 'USISQU' lfmmotecl to l.1eutenant in 10-15, served as Assistant Coinmumcatwn Offlcelu Custodlall 9' RCtIlstered Publications, Legal Officer, and an Officer of the Deck- Al,2'f lCl'f1l flllllrters he was on the bridge as IOONV. From NOV' ember, 1945, until separated in liebruary, 19-lo, he was Coxinnunication Officer- I:it1HIgiflclItci his law praeticeiin South Pasadena, where he liveslwitlil fr-tlf I S fl H .afnrel Street. l-le is a member ol Phi lxappa Plll. 3 egay 3 willy, and of the California and l.os Angeles Bar Associations. A LIEUT. ROBERT C. KENAN, USNR Robert C. Kenan spent several years in Valparaiso, Ind., where he was born June 23, 1914. His family moved to Cleveland, Ohio, where he attended high school and became an outstanding swimmer, winning a State freestyle championship. Entering VVestern Reserve University, Cleveland, Kenan majored in economics. He won varsity letters in swimming and track and was a member of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. Kenan worked as a machinist in an engineering firm before joining Koppers Coal Company, a coal tar chemical organization. He traveled three years before being sent to the firm's home office in Pittsburgh. Kenan had just settled in Pittsburgh when the United States declared war. He enlisted in the Navy, was commissioned Ensign and sent to Harvard University for a five months course in the Navy Communication School. Ensign Kenan was ordered to the USS Boyle CDD 6001, on which he served as Assistant Communication Officer. He was promoted to Lieutenant Cjgb in 1943, and a year later, to Lieutenant. He saw action in the North Atlantic and Mediterranean areas, where the Boyle operated in support of the Sicilian land- ings, in bombardment of Anzio and VVestern Italy, and in support of the invasion of Southern France. Immediately after the Southern France operation, Lieut. Kenan returned to the States. He was ordered to the Staff of CominDiv 7, then in the Smith, as Division Communication Officer. Vtfhen Commodore Beecher shifted his pennant to the Shannon at Pearl Harbor, Lieut. Kenan moved aboard. His duties included serving the Commodore as Flag Lieutenant, aide and secretary, division communicator, and officer in charge of staff enlisted men. Detached in Japan and separated in the States, Kenan returned to Koppers in Pittsburgh. He and his wife live at Richmond Circle, R.F.D. 4, Pittsburgh. LT.lJGl THEODORE A. WEAGER, JR., lSCl USNR Theodore A. VVeager has lived an exceedingly interesting, well-rounded life. He was born January 21, 1919, in Cleveland, Ohio, and later moved to Cleveland Heights, where he entered high school in 1933. He was a good student, but was outstanding as a football player, winning letters two years, and as a weight man in track. During the summer of 1936, VV eager traveled through Europe. In 1937, he entered Colgate University, Hamilton, N. Y., where he majored in economics, and won letters in football, wrestling, and track. He was elected to Phi Gamma Delta fraternity and was a member of other campus organizations. VVeager spent the summers of 1939 and 1940 selling Fuller Brushes. He worked as an executive trainee in the Sears, Roebuck 8: Co. Cleveland store a year after his graduation. VVhen he and Kathleen Rodway were married in Cleveland, he joined the Parsons Engineering Corporation for a year. VVeager enlisted in the Navy in the fall of 1943. Commissioned Ensign in the Supply Corps, in November, he was sent to the University of Illinois, Champaign, as Assistant Supply Officer and later to Harvard University for five months training in the Navy Supply School. Upon graduation, he was assigned to the DE Pre-commissioning detail in Boston. Requesting sea duty, he was ordered to the Shannon in November, at Norfolk, relieving Lt. Cjgj Creger. In addition to supply and disbursing duties, he was Coding Officer at general quarters. Lt. fjgj Weager's resourcefulness, integrity and devotion to duty were a major factor in keeping the ship well supplied and the crew well fed. His sense of humor was an important aid to morale-it was a treat to hear, more especially to see him tell a story. Relieved by Ensign Ungs in March, 1946, VVeager returned to Cleveland to take a position as sales engineer with the Buffalo Forge Company. He and his wife make their home at 1906 East 105th Street, Cleveland 6, Ohio. LT.lJGl WILLIAM L. MUSSER, lMCl USNR William L. Musser was born December 27, 1916, in Clarksburg, W. Va., where he lived in an atmosphere of professional sciences. His father is an educator and his brother a botanist. While still in high school, he became absorbed in chemistry and biology. Attending the University of West Vir- ginia, Morgantown, he was an outstanding pre-medical student. I-Ie became a member of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity, in which he served as house manager, and belonged to numerous other campus organizations. After receiving a Bachelor of Science degree, Musser continued his studies at the Medical College of McGill University, Montreal, Quebec. He was graduated with the degree of Doctor of Medicine in November, 1943. Dr. Musser enlisted in the Naval Medical Corps, and was commissioned Lieutenant Cjgj. He interned at jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, Fla., nine months before being called to active duty. Ordered to Portsmouth, Va., he had duty as a resident physician in the Norfolk Navy Yard Dispensary. When the Shannon returned from shakedown, D-r. Smith was transferred to Princeton University and Dr. Musser reported aboard. During the Shan- non's availability period in Norfolk, Dr. Musser and Miss Jeanette VVhited, of Lakeland, Fla., were married in the N.O.B. chapel. His duties as Medical Officer of the Shannon were performed with con- scientious capability and devotion to the standards of his profession. Dr. Musser was detached from the Shannon upon her return to San Diego, and ordered to the U. Naval Hospital, Key West, Fla., where he worked in the Obstetrical and Gynecological Department for six months before he was released to inactive duty. Specializing in obstetrics and gynecology, Dr. Musser obtained a position on the staff of the Chicago Maternity Hospital. His permanent address is 410 Spring Avenue, Clarksburg. I J J as-,g we-sw . . . Lt wx. W. 1 4 f f I 'gf f , f A 4, ffm. f 4 .s ,V W A f r . WNW ings Z fiifewzf 2411, ,U 0 v ss C Q uf 4 Q ff V ' v f !,f,9..'s . ' . fa, ,4,v,4,.1 1 X K , 1 K. ., . vw 04413, i Z ,f bw- , V D ,M s w oy 5 Wx fvggxfgxfi X 1 ffik r 12 LT.lJGl CURTIS R. REAM. USNR H pC1,,-ugn-y IU, 191-l, in Xlfindber, Pa., whgre he 1 lykig vinnh Nluintaining a fine :tcatlc-mic record in high school, he also Curtis R Ream was bor Spell 5- A tt- ' 1,.f1.'. it - . was outstanding as a baseball 1'l?ll'l'f. tneliinrti ot tn -git. CU1, clarmetist in thc hid, Schiuol hand, and author ol a line lnuttertly collection. Ream worked nkire than two years for a steel construction firm ln Wlndller before . . - - 4 ' .' .. ', ' f entering the Columbia, LllllVl'1'Sllyv f9llfH4' ffl llflllizlllrll in 1137. He was active in campus organizations and played on the varsity baseball team. Hg was awarded the degree of lkachelor ol 'Arts' in lzducation in june, 1940. Ream accclmgl it position with the Vlortlnngton 1'ump and Machinery Corporation, Harrison, N. ,l., Wllffv llf' WUl'l4t'fl ll1l'f'C YVUVS 35 ll Dump and ' ft et ui lment test enffineer. puliidiiiif wzis lcommissionedhlinsign in 194.1 llt-'was trained at Princeton University and Fort Schuyler, N. Y., lllfltllit' lwllll-C Uffliffbtl to the Naval Training Station, Norfolk. Q I A Q In luly, 1944, Ensign Ream joined the balance crew ot the Shannon. He was at valuable asset in training and organizing the crew. Aboard the Shan- non, he served as Assistant First Lieutenant and Second Division Officer, His watches were rotated between JOOVV, the coding room, and CIC, until he qualified as an Oflicer of the Deck in 1945. At general quarters, he was the Officer-in-Charge of Repair One, Ream was promoted to Lieutenant tjgj in the spring of 1945. NVhen l,ieut. Persons was detached in November, 1945, Ream became First,Lieutenant and Damage Control Ofticer. Shortly after the Shannon arrived in the States, he was detached and ordered to New York for separation, He resumed his work at Worthington Pump, although he hopes some day to run a children's camp. He, his wife and daughter live at Hudson Guild Farm, Andover, nl. A trust WILLIAM R. AYRES, USNR . yvilliam R. Ayres has lived an interesting and inquisitive life, accumulating extensive knowledge in innumerable fields. He was born at Dallas, Tex., in 1918, and lived in St. Louis and Kansas City. Incessant and inquisitive tinkling as a youngster showed his aptitude for natural sciences. He was graduated from high school with an outstanding academic record. Ayres studied electrical engineering at the University of Kansas, where he was active in the Triangle engineering fraternity, music, art, and athletics. As a musician he can perform on any instrument from the sweet potatoe to the organ. Athletically, he is accomplished as a weight lifter. Ayres was graduated from Kansas with the degree of Bachelor of Science, and joined the Aircraft Accessory Corporation. ln 1940, he joined the staff of the Army Air Forces educational enterprise, working three years at Scott Field, lll., and in Sioux Falls, S. D. In 1943, Ayres accepted an Ensign's commission in the Naval Reserve. Following indoctrination at Fort Schuyler, N. Y., and an extensive course at the Naval Mine Vvarfare School, Yorktown, Va., he was assigned to ex- perimental work at Naval Ordnance Laboratory, Vvashington, D. C. Field tests and experiments took him aboard PT boats, submarines, and planes.. Ensign Ayres reported to the Shannon in 1944 as Mining Officer. He was an NO' Division assistant, Electronics Officer, Assistant Machinegun Control Ofncer at general quarters and served in every deck condition watch station. 'He was .promoted in the spring of 1945 to Lieutenant Cjgj. Returning to civilian life early in 1946, Ayres accepted an engineering Position with the Radio Corporation of America at Camden, N. J., in development and production of electric organs. He and his wife and son live at 311 VVest Oakland Avenue. Oaklyn, N. -1. LT JG GLEN H BERG USN . 'l l ' I GIS11 H- B918 Was born March 18, 1919, in South Dakota. He moved to S0ld1Cf. IOvva, where he attended high school, participated in athletics and several school organizations and worked at various iobs. .lilly 9, 1938. Bflfg enlisted in the Navy at Des 'Moines Iowa, and waS sent to Great Lakes Naval Training Station for boot training. He reported aboard th? PCml5ylVl1l1l2l CBB 385 just before she started on a round-the- worldcruise, which took her through the Panama Cgmgil, acl-055 the Atlantic. through the Mediterranean, and eventually to Pearl Harbor, making many P0115 O11 the WHY- Befg started as a fire control striker, and bv the time thcxwarwhegan, had made Chief. ' ' mlilfgbiEtil1l1?1Ylg?1'l2lblhlenNFlagshipYof the Fleet, was undergoing routille 7111 attack Came BBC-:inf umhei One, learl Harbor, when the December an AA batter- tilts 1QfD01tCfl to 'his inain battery station, then moved 120 MDS U-im to tglipmo lglss aminunition. lv,epeatedly,. but unsuccessttrlly. age guffm-Cd H mcdium bona caisson of the 1 ennsylvauias dryjdock. 'lhe 2111 attacks' SGW!-'ll ex ,hm n on the boat deck and casualties from stra U? the l'ennsvlvania citiiseilolls chlgtmymi Downes' docked forward O In 1O42HChiCf'i, X' T- V -lllfil tual damage to the battleship. , t A .MFA was tiansteiied to Newport R 1 for 1 ve'1r as a fire l1f?.l1'l1ClO1'. He was connnissioncd Ensign in Ft-liruarv, 1044, and WHS V V o iliac Control School in VVZlSllll1glU11 ll C i 1.1. 1- - - -1 . . ' ' ' Olilicigiiiilit Citi i-L.p,OSlEil.,m the Sllimllml 'll Allglwl- 1044. HS Fire Control H. ' , T H ll 'lswflillll imfl Qvucral quarters ldlottimg Room 0fl'1C9f- Hlwaslpfioinotecl to Lieutenant Cigj in 10.4'Q ' vxfitidliillrlcliuiFCclfiilili'tiii TuJllUSiikif illiil was disclmligcll- He lives with his! ' i 9 J 1 .f . Loth, Seattle 66 Vvwsh A. 'Xl 5 r .I LT.l.lG1 HERBERT C. SIGVARTSEN, USNR Herbert C. Sigvartsen has lived a life as versatile and as interesting as his many talents. He was born April 9, 1915, in Astoria, Long Island. lflis family moved to Cliffside, N. -I., where Herb was active in school organizations and won academic honors. Graduating from high school, he worked in a bank two years before entering XvllSlllI1g1OI1 and Lee University, Lexington, Va., in 1935. Summer work and occasional campus jobs financed his educa- tion. He was a member of the varsity swimming team and numerous other organizations, ln 1939, Sigvartsen was elected president of his senior class. He was graduated with Cum Laude honors and the degrees of Bachelor of Science in Commerce and Bachelor of Arts in Economics. Sigvartsen joined the United Fruit Company and was sent to the Panama Canal Zone. I-Ie serv ed successively in Cristobal as a passenger agent, opera- tions supervisor and inward freight supervisor, and in Managna, Nicaragua, as company agent. Sigvartsen also worked in the Canal Zone as a civilian construction inspector for Army and Navy engineering units. XYhile there he met Lieut. Hazel Howe, an Army Nurse, whom he later married. Accepted by the Navy, in December, 1943, Sigvartsen returned to New York, where he was commissioned Ensign. He was indoctrinated at Fort Schuyler, N. Y. and trained in radar and fighter direction at Ft. Simons, Ga. He reported to the Shannon at Boston, as Fighter Director and an UO' Division assistant. Sigvartsens ingenuity and knowledge were of great value in the efiicient and continually improved operations of CIC. Promoted early in 1945 to Lieutenant fjgb, he stood condition watches in CIC and as DIOOXN' and later as a top watch stander. His battle station was in CIC. Returning to civilian life early in 1946, Sigvartsen settled with his family at 215 Morris Street, Fairview, N. I They have a son and daughter. LT.lJGl JAMES R. GEYER, USNR James R. Geyer was born December 17, 1922, in South Bend, Ind. He lived in several northern Indiana towns before his family settled in Madison. At Madison High School Geyer was active in the Hi-Y club and as a mem- ber of the basketball and track teams. He also operated a newspaper agency, the receipts from which helped send him to college. At Purdue University, VVest Lafayette, Ind., Geyer studied mechanical engineering. He became a member of Delta Chi fraternity, the Society of Automotive Engineers and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. Upon graduation with a Bachelor of Science degree, Geyer enlisted in the Navy. He was trained at the Naval Academy in marine engineering, and was commissioned in December, 1943. Ensign Geyer was ordered to the CSS Parrott CDD 2185 as an Engineer- ing Assistant. The Parrott operated on North Atlantic convoy duty until she had to be scrapped as a result of a collision at Norfolk, May 2, 1944. Ensign Geyer was then ordered to the Shannon to assist in fitting her out and training her crew. He served on board as Assistant Engineering Officer, standing watches as Engineering Officer of the XYatch and occasionally as ,IOOW underway. At general quarters, he was Officer-in-Charge of the after engine room. Lt. tjgj Geyer, promoted in early 1945, assumeil the duties of Chief Engineer in November, 1945, when Lt. Commander Hemmerly was detached. Geyer left the ship at Norfolk for separation in February, 1946, He ac- cepted a position as a heat engineer with the General Electric Company, Bridgeport, Conn., and later was transferred to the GE test laboratory in Schenectady, N. Y., where he and his wife, the former 'lean XVright of Princeton, Incl., live at 1 Selden Street, LT.lJGl NILS V. MONTAN, USNR Nils V. Montan has a background of rich experience, study, and travel. Since his birth February 13, 1915, in Newark, N. J., he has lived in nearby West Orange and Montclair. During vacations from high school, Montan worked as a shaper at the Eastern Tool and Manufacturing Company, Belleville, N. J. and traveled in Norway and Sweden. Entering Cornell University, Ithica. N. Y., in 1932, he studied economics. He was manager of the lacrosse team, and a member of the glee club, the editorial board of the Cornell lVid1ne, Delta Phi fraternity, and two honorary societies. Receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1936 he joined a New York textile firm. In 1940, after visiting the XVest Indies, he went to work for Eastern Tool as a purchasing agent, traveling in the East and Midwest. Montan enlisted in 1943 and was commissioned ,lanuary 28, 1944. He trained at Fort Schuyler, N. Y., Norfolk and Tactical Radar School, Hollywood, Fla., after which he and Mary Dukacz of South Amboy, N. ,l., were married. He was assigned to the Shannon as Radar Officer and Communication Assistant. He served notably, organizing CIC into a vital and efficient combat station. 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XY111-11 1.1, fjgj 11k'j'1'1' 11115 dc-111c11 11111-1' 1111- 8111111111111 :11'1'i1'1-11 111 1111' S1:111-s, 111111-S1111 1111s 111111110 Chiei 11111111 his l'l'111'1 1'1-1111111-11 111111 11:15 1111:11i1'i1-11, 11:111N1111 w:1S 1101: 1- 1916- 101' S1'11:11':11i1111. 111' 1:111-1- :11'1'1-1111-11 ll 111151111111 with I1 P C1lCl111S11'j' 111-111. 11111-1 S1111 11:15 111:11'1'i1-11 111 111-17. 111- 111111 his wifv P10111CS1C2lC1 120311, S1:1ff111'11-1Y:1y111-. 1311. , 11.1161 ROBERT s. HOWARD. USNR R1-1hcr1 S. H1111-111-11 was h111'11 11111111111 211, 10.21, 111 Iiockford, 1111 111 S11-fling, 111., 111111 1iL'111JS111l, X-Vis. 111-1'1'11-1- S1-11111113 111 h111V1'R111iCC. If 111311 SC1111111 111Q1'L' 211111 was :1 1111-111111-1' 111' 1111- 11:11111 :11111 g1Ce C1l11T1. 111i.S11a11l11C1's 111 N11I'1111'1'11 XN is1'1111si11 111141 11'11rki11- 111 his f:1t11CrS 11011 11 1 .C1C1111C'l1 C11f,11ll'C1'i ' - ' ' ag' . '11r 1114 W2 21C11vCf1111y 1111111 11 h111ll11K 1. 1- . 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WY- 111- 11--16 1411111111111-11.111 .11111l', 10411, 11-1111 the degree of B1 S- - - ' 1 - -- lsgrff 111 'C11111111.11 1'1I1XI111l'C1'111jl. 1111- 1101-1-111011 Il pusmon as B hc gin-:l11s,i111f1F'11 1111- -T11xs1'111111-hc-11'1'P:111Qr C111-miitry, in Appleton, W S 4111115 11v1 .11 721 1'..1s1 1'.111111'a1111 fgtrqet, 1 1 LT.pGj RICHARD W. FEDER, usNR Richard WI. Feder has lived most of his life in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he was born October 23, 1923. In grammar school and high school there, he was a good student and active in baseball, music, and art. Summers he spent in Northern Canada. Feder attended the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. He majored in geology, although his academic interest wandered among many fields. As a member of the Naval ROTC he continued his studies at the University and was transferred July 1, 1943, to the V-12 program. Commissioned Ensign February 28, 1944, he spent four months in Recognition School at Ohio State University. He joined the balance crew of the Shannon in Norfolk and was aboard the ship on her maiden voyage from Bath, Me., to Boston, September S, 1944. Ensign Feder served as Recognition Officer, Assistant First Lieutenant, and First Division Officer. He was promoted to Lieutenant Cjgj July 1, 1945. 'When Lt. Cjgl Ream was detached, Mr. Feder assumed the duties of First Lieutenant and Damage Control Officer. Before qualifying for top watches, he was assigned as JOOW, CIC Watcli Officer, and Coding Officer. At general quarters he was Assistant Air Defense Officer and Illumination Officer. His collateral s. duties included recognition and lookout training, Summary Court and the Hull I S BX Board. Almost every afternoon he could be found on the boat deck exercising with his home-made bar bell and weights. Q He was detached late in June, 1946, in Charleston, S, C. -- the last of the .4 Shannon's plank-owning officers. A week later he was married in Columbus,Ohio. After a long honeymoon through part of Eastern Canada and the United States, 24 sg he entered the University of Chicago, School of Business Administration. He and Mrs. Feder live at 4631 East Lake Park Avenue, Chicago 15, Ill. ENSIGN EDWARD W. BISHOP, USNR Edward VV. Bishop lives in Arlington, Va., across the Potomac River from Vtfashington, D. C., where he was born May 25, 1922, and attended school. He worked part time as an armature winder in his father's electrical business. Bishop was graduated by Eastern High School, XVashington, in 1942. After a four months course in architectural drafting, he qualified as a classification cartographer and was employed by the U. S. Coast and Geodetic Survey. A year later he entered George VVas'hington University, Wfashington. He enlisted November 7, 1942, in the V-12 program and was ordered to the University of Virginia, Charlottesville, July 1, 1943. He was transferred la.ter to the University of Richmond, where he studied six months. He trained four months at the USNR Midshipmen's School, Northwestern University, Chicago. A short time later, after he was commissioned Ensign Bishop and Miss Mary C. Ludwick, of Vifashington, were married. He was trained several months in the Mining Officer course at Mine 1Varfare School. Yorktown, Va., before being ordered to the Shannon. After chasing the ship around the Pacific for two months, Ensign Bishop reported aboard July 7, 1945, at Okinawa. He served as Assistant Mining Officer until Lt. Cjgj Ayres was detached, giving Bishop full responsibility for the department. He stood condition watches on the bridge as JOOVV, in the coding room, and in CIC. His general quarters station, except during mining operations, was as Assistant Machinegun Control Officer on the bridge. VVhen released to inactive duty in the spring of 1946, Mr. Bishop was made a junior executive of the Potomac Armature company. He and his wife live at 2712 North Pershing Drive, Arlington. 'VT 6 .-f'-'ffpghy ?v Q'g f JD! 5 HAXM 7giQi?QA gffgji .Q ,fi lf? x xx 'IQ ' 10 km PZ. M' hi! II 5, 3 I 'C SIE E Blair?-hifi o I 'i X- ., .. .' . S I i 'a' . ' ,. , I . I' ' . ,f IF' 1. ' -.5-. 2 -fp '1' t- gn , Ill, V, ' N g ' in . A ,, ,Q . ',-3V Mwfs W W if ' ' 'i xA'i:EA'53i,N if L 2 E 5 ' , is' Y, , - '-'X W!! X n Q xx i 5 X - PE.. Ni' 1 C I iffap John J. Konen, CMM 'Frank J. Mayone, CCS N S S w-Q' , Q ff My . gf ..,4,,, , .,,,.,.1a-fy' ' f 'ff fy .mr spec CHIEF Fzank J. Madden, CBM Edward T. Siruss, CSQM 1' J Joseph B. Knipe, Jr., CY Roberi J. Martin CFC f 4 .xx . f N. .wp-, A I . ? x 'D qi f' 4. U E ' ,Pas Q, - 1' ' , is Lewis S- Wifmef. CGM Anthony D. George, CWT 16 ...w 1 .-fvif' I Q . 1 ' lg. . , 'ff K .. K 49' 5-X 1:15 EM 'Vvw.x... J E 1 u r Q if ,X--ilw f -w- '?' , James K. Johnson, CQM Clarence A. Adams, CMM ' James H. Feltman, CEM X 'ii J Richard T. Koscielniak, CPhM x George P. Steimer, CSM f .na X X - s XCQQ , J , . X G gf 3 KQ V Af' - 4 ' B ' , . s ' A f f if fa' rs. J fl Q X , ,if ' MQ. ' in ' 1 slr J wx- Xe'a ,Q ,gf f A f . , is A......fz - X is Q in . ,, MY . ill . J J s ' Za J 'IAA' f , X ,. N ., L , , ,.,1 Maurice R. Phillips, CRT James F. O'Connor, CFC 1 A J vl J , f Robert E. Bradle , CSM Howell W. Herrin, CRM V lDrvrslon Commanders Siaffl Q ' V ' if Chiefs not in pictures: G. Ayres, CRM, C. W. Bloomingdale, CGM, C. W. , f V, f Cullum, CY lMinDiv 7lg J. l. Hanson, CWTq L. B. Harper, CMN, H. M. Massey, CMM, E. W. Richardson, CMM. fi' J , '- . l K 17 CRE st DIVISION lsi Row: G. S. Goodrich, Sic, F. H. Hill, SIC. 2nd Row: P. G. Galantino, Slcg R. H. Baessier, SF2cg W. Grine, Sic: G. H. Burns, Cox, J. D. Lycefi, SF3cg G. G. LaGoda, S2c. . . X, . .1 . ..-gn s .Lf xg v r fl-Q X1 Ist Row: C. B. Childs, Sic, E. T. Manning, Sic 2nd Row: L. E. Adams, Slcg A. M. Serriteila Sic, A. T. MacGrath, SF2cg A. E. Roach, Cox G. W. Brigel, Slcg A. Brancati, BM2c. 1 . K . wif i ,X f J NK' -1, 5, . . .ij ,vii A . iv lst mow: r'. L. Lauderdale, Slcg W. Giacalone, Sic. ii lst Row: S. M. Evans Sic. E Daluisio SIC' 2nd ROWT J- E- Chambliss. BM2cg J. J. Grimes, Slcg F. G. 2nd Row: J. E. Allen, BMIC: J. W. Schwartz, SIC: J- H' E S?'ha'f- 5'Cf W- W- COX' 5'Cr J- M- Goncharuk. Cox: J. L. Williams, sec, E. L. Knitilc src- r. D. Gerwzcks, Cox: T- 1- Morm' SJC' Rogers, Cox, H. V. George, Sic, Nor in pictures: N. E. Cole, CM3cg D. J. Ennis, SFIcg A. Gutierrez, Slcg R. D. Hancock Cox, 18 nd DIVISION lst Row: B. E. Dubbs, Slc: B. Rich, Slcg W. E. Eshbaugh, Slc. 2nd Row: R. C. Hoyt, Slcg V. Rush, Cox: W. L. Elliott, Slc: C. R. Fedor, GM3cg C. L. Groner, Slc, Ist Row: L. T. Henclershot, Slc, J. H. Gilliam, Slcg A. B. Bentley, Slcg J. Maslcers, SF3c. 2nd Row: R. B. Filling, Slcg T. L. Peoples, MM3cg H. L. Black, Cox: S. J. Dzubay, Cox, W. F. Botlcin, BM lc. 'Y lst Row: M. R. Webster, Slcg G. J. Casano, Slcg C.NV.C-iarland, lst Row: D. F. Davis, S2cg K. H. Heckman, Slcg A. B. Cherenzia BM2c. EM3c. 2nd Row: P. P. Manning, Slcg J. J. Letlcowicz, BM2cg E. Zncl Row: W. C. Styron, Slcg L. M. Whitley, Cox, M. C. Ains Kandipzki, BM2cg F. P. Lydon, BM2c. ' worth. SIC: H- A- Lacks. Sic. Noi in pictures: W. H. Baxter, Slcg A. J. Canneffe, Slc, A. M. Crouch, Slcg P. Duncan, S2cg J. T. Gann, Slcg R. M. Lanham, Slcg J. E. Larson, Slc: D I V I ' MAIN BATTERY GUNNER'S MATES lst Row: C. C. Wilson, GM3cp D. R. Currie, GM3cg L. E. Martin, GM2cg C. E. King, GM2c. 2nd Row: R. K. Ballou, GM Icp W. J. Davis, Slc: W. E. Hurst, Slc: O. A. Charboneau, GM3cg H. L. Wolter, GM lc: Not in picture: A. Thomas, GM2c. 20 FIRE CONTROLMEN Ist Row: G. J. Haggerty, FC2cg W. W. Esl- gdge. FC3cg D. E. Anderson, FC3c: J. Seidel. lc. 2nd Row: R. E. Murphey, FCIC: R. N. Kleine. FCO3cg G. L. Phillips, FClcg R. F. Denhardt. FC3c. lst Row: R. T. Dundon, Sic: F. L. Clym0l'C- SJC: B. L. Austin, SIC, 2nd Row: E. R. Morgan, FCO3c: H. S. Farringf0f'f FgO3CI J. P. Heaney, FC2cg E. L. Quinn. SJC' Nom picture: B. E. Prothro, FClc. MINEMEN lst Row: J. J. DiArenzo, Slc: W. E. Rolerson, Slcg W. E. Burt, MN2cg. 2nd Row: J. B. Fankel, CMN: C. F. Gumble, Sic: R. B. Dye, MN2cg A. C. Harder, MN3c. Ist Row: A. Dewey, MN3cg H. J. Cover, MN3c. 2nd Row: J. E. Craver, MN2cg M. A. Ryan, MNIcg E. J. Howard, Slcg R. W. Wickey, MN2c. Not in picture: M. Britt, GM2c. MACHINEGUN BATTERY GUNNER'S MATES Ist Row: L. R. Lyttle, Slcg T. D. Allen, Slcg M. D. Hill GMlcg F. F. Frantz, GM2cg T. E. Curry, GM3cg M. H Chapman, GM3c: A. J. Disipio, GM3c. 2nd Row: W. F. Aikey, Slcg R. G. Ech, Slcg J. Boyd GM2c. Not in picture: R. H. Miller, GMIC. 'I V I I QUARTERMASTERS lst Row: J. T. Fratantaro, QM3c: T. L. Gourlay QMZC. 2nd Row: D. J. Mahoney. QM lc: C. J. Bray, QM2c. A. G. Reisinger, Slcg L. Z. Howie, QM3c. SIGNALMEN L - R: D. W. Young, SM2cg G.P Steimer, CSM: D. J. Sipe, SM3c F. H. Dorsch, Slc: R. L. Goodman Slcg S. G. Gabriel, SM3c. 3 L - R: R. C. Carazo, Slc: C. K. Graf. SM3C- K. W. Lang, Slcg T. P. Potier, SMJC- . 37' A n SGNARM EN Ist Row: J. F. Goldsworthy, RdM3cg D. W. Kimel, Slcg R. L. Woodcock, SoM3c. 2nd Row: C. F. Weismann, SoM2cg C. A. Lamb, SoM2cg H. H. Mann, SoMIcg T. S. FrieI, SoM3c, J. Pajas, SoM3c: J. J. Engle, SoM lc. RADIOMEN and RADIO TECHNICIANS Ist Row: E. Lanktord, Slcg J. J Ulaszek, RM3cg R. C. Haines RM2c: R. A. Carlton, CRM. 2nd Row: W. J. Fraind, RM3c J. E. Donahue, RM3cg C. S. Agnew, Slcg B. Block, RM3cg M. F. Atkins Slc. Ist Row: J. W. McAIpin, RM2cg H. F FroeI1IicI1, SICIRMI, T. H. Mortord, RT3c J. O. DaFFt, RM3c. 2nd Row: C. L. Mason, Slcg T. K. FIaI'1erty, RM3c: E. A. Harsche, RM2c3 S. A. Kady sI1esIci, RTIc. Not in picture: Bonaparte SICIRMI. ,Y fs ,Q 1 ' -Y xx wi 1, X 'Q X OP 1 1 . f JW? t as 2 I 've Vfwv 5 ,J .fx CCDMMUNICATION DIVISION YEGM EN L - R: P. M. Mims, Y3cg R. P.Jack, MaM3cg L.C,C05tell0 ' Y3cg M. F. King, Y2cg W. J. Dunn, F2c lLog Room YeomenJ Not in picture: J. A. Mcdniclc, CY. RADARM EN L - R: C. F. Greenhoe, RcJM3c: A. J. Hall, RdM2c: C. L. Stokes, RdM3c: R. E. Williams, RcJM3cg R. S.Tyler, RdM2cg N. W. Smith, RcJM lc. L - R: F. R. McNamara, RdM3c: J. J. McCaffrey, RdM3cg W. H. Tormohlen, RcJM2cg G. F. Nast, RdM2c: J. F. Nutiing, RcJM2cg H. W. Tanner, RdM2c. xiii' QB ' I. 'px wi . ' PHARMACIST'S MATES L - R. R. E. Laverdam, PhM nc, R. T. Koscielniak. CPHMI M. J. Ennis, PJ1M2c. 24 D I V I S I CD N AUXILIARY GANG lst Row: J. E. Laporte, Flcg S. E. Moore, MM3cg G. G. Napolitan, MM3cg W. Evanoski, Flc. 2nd Row: W. L. Sanford, MoMM lc: O. C. Freeman, Flcg J. E. Couper, MM2cg A. Feneck, MoMM2c. ELECTRlCIAN'S MATES lst Row: R. R.aReinhoIt, Flcg H. F. Lewis, EM2c: R. E. Cauffield, EM2c. 2nd Row: W. J. Greenwood, EM3cg W. H. France, EM3c: R. B. White, EM3c. lst Row: G. E. Hatsell, CEM: N. J. Wygent, EM2cg H. G Benson, EMIc. 2nd Row: O. F. Grassel, EM3c: S. K. Bauer, EM3cg R. C Tapfer, EMIcg R. S. Anderson, EM3c. ENGINEERING A. ' . J lr , f I M V r . , ' I, . Q , w If I I I ' 5 1 - K G .5 . -,, l -. . ' 44- FORWARD FIRE ROOM lst Row: J. V. Scala, WT3cg G. D. Tatum, WTIcg R. R. lst Row: V. W. Bruno, WT3cg H. H. Fischer, WTIcg F. W. Huclson, Flc. B6U9l1. WT3C. 2ncl Row: F. C. Barnett, CWTQ M. J. Greer, B3cg C. L.Spencer, Zncl Row: J. E. Pulling, Flcg R. Sikorslci, Flcg W. J. Dinsmoore, Flo: B. Kemp, Flc. WT3cp P. A. Matarazzo, Flc. FORWARD ENGINE ROOM lst Row' R F Starrett MM3 W oelsigahfe, EMM. ' C: ' W' Frey' MMM P' A' IBTPEK l.Afl,i3Madde ' MMR: B J Oren. MMIC: A- J- Di' I C. 2nd R : G. J. W'tt - . MurphCzlMM2c. r man, MM lc, G. L. Howard. CMM. E. L. ixiidggwz C. H. Luslc, Flcg C. B. Mitchell, MM3cgJ.B.Catl'1QY- 26 DIVISION l R F AFTER FIRE ROOM lst Row: C. P. McCreary, Flc: P. W. Harris, WT2c: R. E. lst Row: J. Cicchillo, WT3c: R. W. Schilling, WT2c: G. M. Balaney, Flc. , White, Flc. 2nd Row: P. D. Smith, Flc: M. M. Zima, F2c: J. T. S'cewar'c, 2ncl Row: F. H. Bartol, WT2c: H. R. Luilcin, Flc: E. J. Soto, Flc: G. W. Chipps, Flc. WTIc: W. G. Ellis, WTIc. AFTER ENGINE ROOM lst Row: A. L. Shaw, MM lc: J. J. Alecci, CMM: E. L. Varga, lst Row: L. H. Phelps, Fic: N. Kialc, MM2c. MM2c. 2nd Row: W. J. Sepac, Flc: J. A. Kerr, MM3c: J. R. Earner Zncl Row: R. R. Hooper, MM3c: R. G. Dellit, MMlc: F. J. MM3c. Kelly, MM2c. Not in pictures: N. Jones, CMM: J. A. Stanfield, Flc: K. A. Smilh, MM2c. Div STOREKEEPERS and SHIPSERVICEM EN Ist Row: G. J. Casano, Slc: L. L. Boone, SKlcg R. P. LaVia, Slc. 2ncl Row: M. D. Bridge, SSML2cg S. K. Welch, .SK3cg R. E. Burbank, SSML3c: E. J. Debowski, SKD2cg L. Gdovm, SSMB2c. Not in picture: G. M. Duncan, Slc. STEWARD'S MATES lst Row: VJ. Jefferson, StMlcg G. Mayberry, StMIcg W. Wells, StM lc. 2nd Row: A. Vasher, Ck2cg B. O. Mann, StM Icp T. G. Howell, StM2cg C. C. Hitchcock, St2c. Not in picture: J. L. Washington, StM lc: C. E. Davis, StM lc lMinDiv 7l. 28 I I SHIP'S COOKS and BAKERS lst Row: D. H. Hall, Slcg G. A. Adams, Slcg R. R. Quirion SC2c. 2nd Row: A. F. lmbrone, SCIc: D. W. Rickhoff, Bkr2c: R. D. Page, Bkr3cq F. J. Warren, Slc. Ist Row: C. G. Akers, Slcg W. Gonzalez, SC3cg R. M- Mendoza, Slc. 2nd Row: G. J. Sliker, Slc: F. M. Hancock, Slcq H. E. Bubbs Slcg R. S. Archer, SC2c. UR MASCCDT 39 H It was a rather wet Boston night when Gunner's Mates VVolter and Thomas ' , pulled themselves aboard after a success- ful liberty. The Officer of the Deck not- iced, but paid little attention to a squirm- ing bulge in XVolter's pea coat pocket. Several days later, the presence of Feather Merchant , as he was promptly dubbed, became known to everyone. The ff Captain at fiist not in faxor of haxing a clog aboard soon gaxe uay to the unanimous opnuon of the creu and the dogs endearing appearance and antics Thenceforth Feathers uas one of the most important membeis of the Shannon s ciew The ancestry of Feathers is a mystery, but appearently includes some Spitz. The frail, bent old woman who had sold Feathers and his brothers and sisters 111 a Scollay Square bar described her wares as just pooch. NYhatever his lineage, it certainly includes intelligence Feathers is an inseparable companion of XVolter, Thomas, and Ballou. He obeys them to the letter, but seldom anyone else. He is truly a crew's dog. Sometimes he will tolerate even reciprocate the attention of the men, but will have absolutely nothing to do with any officer His favorite haunts are the ordnance work shop, the top of a laundry bag in the 'midships passageway, the mess hall during meals, the forward chief's quarters, and his own living compartment, A-303. Until he learned to climb, and eventually to descend all but the vertical ladders Feathers could get around only on the shoulder of one of his masters. Now he scampers nimbly up or down 70-degree ladders Feathers is a veteran of 16 months sea duty, three major campaigns, and the occupation of Japan. He has earned four ribbons and three battle stars. And he has them, too-sewn on a collar fashioned from a piece of red Japanese silk Feathers personal effects also include a specially constructed, fitted life Jacket. To make him an official member of the crew, a serxice record has been compiled for him. It is kept up to date, showing all his accomplishments, his training, and the honors to which he is entitled Nothing pleases Feathers more than to go on liberty, especially on a beer party. NVhen given permission to leave the ship, he is always the first one in the boat, and the last to return-more like the proverbial sailor than many of the sailors themselves. At first he was bashful with females for he had lived all his life among men. But once acquainted with them, he became a sailor in that respect, too Feathers' battle station is in the Chief's pantry. VVhen general quarters is sounded, Feathers heads for the forecastle, scrambling between th l ff of da hino' sailors and down the hatch to comparative safety below. Usually he is calm. But the minute he hears the guns training e egs s D and elevating or the ammunition hoists operating, he scampers for cover under a shelf. VVhen the guns are fired he shudders to the dm of shaking bulkheads and crashing lightbulbs and paces back and forth nervously During lulls in the action the Captain or Officer of the Deck often gives the crew an account of what has happened. Feathers perks 6 up his ears at the first crackle of the IMC slips out and cocks his head to look at the speaker with rapt attention. XVhen the announcement is over he returns to his place under the shelf, satisfied that he has gotten the word. W'1hen condition one-easy is set Feathers stretches, then relaxes and rolls over to sleep. :Xt Secure from general quarters, Feathers Jumps up full of life and runs looking for one of his buddies Yes, Feathers is almost human. He is accepted as one of the boys -more than that, actually he is our mascot, well-loved by every officer and man on board. 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For six long months, work progressed at top speed, day and night, through all kinds of weather until, on june 24, 19-l-1, a ship stood poised and ready for her baptismal plunge into the waters of the Kennebec River. On that sunny afternoon, as the men and women who built this trim hull number 238 looked on, the sponsor christened the ship in honor of her husband, the late Col, Harold Douglas Shannon, USMC. After the USS Shannon CDD 7371 had been launched, she was moored alongside the dock, Where her superstructure and armament were to be added and her fittings installed, The Shannon's destiny, however, was soon changed when her designation became light-minelaycr-DM 25. That meant a change in armament and complement, and most important of all, a change in prospective duty. SPONSOR, MRS. HAROLD D. SHANNON Uff1't'1't1l t'..S'. .X'trr'y l'lmlnff1'11l1l1 9. ,gf-. In Juibrtlie -first of the nucleus crew arrived. Each 1112111 b1'0USl1f Wlth lmn doubts and questions, for all had heard that their-ship was now a minelayer, not the destroyer theylhad anticipated. lint soon they agreed that their ship was still H tm -can-a destroyer that had .been chosen for a special m1ss1O11 which should in time attord much excitement. ,Of 3111109 Cflual importance, were their doubts about Buathi F1-11959, ll0WCver, were soon dispelled lor the men were FCCGNU WIU1 019011 211'1ns and lound a town ready to show them 501119 of the best liberty available anywhere. U ,A day 3ftCl' the crew's arrival, their critical eyes scoured the Shannon as she lay alongside the doch- at the time only a hull. 11121111 deck, and partial superstructure. Yard workers. both Wen and Wfmllcnz scrambled about the Silil3 '-i7lll'llillg'- Xwiiiillg- flvetmg' C0VQ '9' Hwilltl the Shannon the graceful lines and potency.0f hcl' Class- TINY flfldvd guns that she might sting, welded filme tI'Z1CiiS that she might carry out her deadly and highly specialized 32 ti xx ii, so I jk ,K ,K if ,K 7' it llllllkllllllllmmmiv C Af t . Y Y , l, f 5,1 I X . K ff ,.,wwwlllllwwwwlillii ,ffl , , V s T e Q K iluitmuilimullwlllmuuillnmmulumumu1llllilllilllillxiltwillilulinfillilwtltili--1ur fi I ll-Q i i x 1 ff- -. f t mission against' the enemy, equipped her that life might be as g'f.,,,-f 4 7 comfortable as is possible aboard a can, and filled her tanks with SX X f f fuel that life blood might flow through her veins. During the next two months, each man had a part in preparing the ship for her coming tasks. To celebrate the ship's completion and the crew's departure, a real Maine clambake was held. Beer, lobsters, beer, clams, beer, roast corn, and beer headed the beer of fare . An orchestra hired at the last minute, when the party was forced indoors by rain, and uninterrupted singing around the piano provided the entertainment. ' The next day the Shannon, with a rousing send-off of band music and the well-wishing cheers of townspeople and workers, left on her maiden voyage-a four-hour trip to Boston. -i-l-- W'hile the nucleus crew worked with the ship and en- joyed Maine's hospitality, the balance crew assembled in Norfolk. There through unforgettable weeks in the quonset huts, men, most of whom were new to Navy life, were ex- posed to a training program, their shipmates and officers. Under the able tutelage of the Executive Officer, the crew was formed and organized and each man was readied to do his part aboard the Shannon. Each day the crew was broken into groups for assigned studies at machinist mates, signal, sonar attack teacher and other schools. Other training took them to the boat shed for seamanship, one of the swimming pools for tests and water safety classes, the mock five-inch battery for gun drills or the athletic Held for calisthenics. Captain's inspection was held on the parade grounds every Saturday, Special groups, such as radarmen, attended training classes at other schools along the Liberty was granted frequently, but Norfolk lived up to its reputation of inadequate facilities, probably due to the burden imposed by the great number of service personnel in the area. Many sought refuge in Virginia Beach, but found the situation little better. VVith a sigh of relief, the crew bid Norfolk goodbye and en- trained for Boston, August 29, There they were quartered in the Fargo Building while waiting for the ship to arrive from Bath. The final move took them aboard their wartime home the morning of the commissioning, September Sth. There were, it seemed, a million things to do and practically no time in which to do them. Time was precious-every warship had a fighting job to do. For the most part the men did not mind the work, since much of it was new and interesting. Wlien it was done for the day, good liberty was available. Most of the crew liked Boston and found entertainment plentiful. A ship's party was held September 23rd at Convention Hall, Plenty of refreshments- both solid and liquid-plenty of girls and plenty of dancing were enough to make any sailor happy. Perhaps this party was not as boisterous as the Bath clam bake, but everyone enjoyed himself. ---i--- The next three weeks were spent in fitting out the ship, training, and indulging in those last few days of liberty before going to war. Ammunition, stores, and odds and ends of equipment were loaded aboard. New equipment was added and many alterations made. Tests had to be run and adjustments East Coast. effected. 4 e fe- ig Q 1 1 ,ii ' 4.7-12-T K ii 7773 . T ' ' sET fl for for' : I X 1 , U 'YALE A fx ff .VI n df'if': n ii Q L it ' Q- f If ' i - - ' e ' I .. I T ' ' ' ' C ff l Q-' 1 lag li' wif .'?'i ,Nag 1 : if F r U V K , f f f Or 'D 2 A i isvhf, ', .,..a..h, , .Alai I Y r U r i I' t f 3:41, ,Dx A X I -O. 24 - s 4-A-sf- . r r -. , if ,-, - .ff'-mesa 'fs-M , . - f r-. - ,.f :5l, we ff 'f's1'-f:fm:fv.:.'f-'. '- Fifa ?f'vr'f4 3':'i4 , 41127 -.pjffwfiikf g,,f-,s,e,j ..2 'q.'. Q Q ----'rf D P'-5,Q.......,, ' ,,,.. - I ' 'Him it - --iQ ' ' ii, w aa - 6 1 'Y 7 - 's K ,-k,.- fx fic '- -i-tvs.. ... . -5 - '49-Ss.Ll'eY --5N s --df? is 5 'wg' u -a- , .. X ka - 5' f!z J -0-,QA A f - On September 28, the Shannon began its first period of sea duty as she got underway for Bermuda and the drudgery of shakedown. The trip was uneventful and we arrived in good time, September 30. Upon entering Bermuda Harbor we re- ported to the Shakedown Group Commander and new duties began. Three weeks were spent in and around Bermuda operating on a schedule crowded with exercises and drills that included anti-submarine exercises with tame su.bs, anti-aircraft track- ing drills and firing runs with friendly planes as targets, tactical maneuvers in company with other ships on shakedown, mock shore bombardment runs with all the accompanying problems, signal drills, fighter direction exercises, battle and damage control problems, Fire and rescue drills, plane rescue drills, radar exercises, radio drills, and main battery bring exercises. There were drills for every department, every gang, and every man. During one of the exercises, an enemy submarine was re- ported some fifty miles south of Bermuda. All the destroyers and destroyer-type ships in the immediate area were sent to aid in the hunt for that sub, but through a lack of early co- ordination of the attack, he got away. Only a day after this first alarm, an enemy sub was sighted by a plane about one hundred miles northwest ofthe islands. The Shannon was immediately sent, in company with several other ships, to assist in the attack. But contact was never made. On several of our short stays in the harbor the crew was given liberty ashore. Most of the men headed for Hamilton, the largest city in the islands. Entertainment facilities were limited, but there was plenty of sightseeing and shopping to be done. Bermuda is unusually picturesque with its rolling hills, narrow, winding roads, beautiful beaches, colorful homes, horses, buggies, bicycles, and interesting people. The other highlight of liberty was the shops and their goods for sale. lmported English woolens were the largest item of purchase nith Planters Punch a close second! 33 Upon eotnpletton -it i' the L'Xet't'lsL' l'l'lil 'l- several inspeetiotts ill were ntade lllillililllllll ll, ' f' ing the l'k'iltlllll'SS HI il C3 X, the Shannon for eoni, t 'i' 122' bat duty. XYe lYllS5Wl l ir, witlt a high score and ,lt if flying colors, t he highlight being the receipt of the Navy lf for the excellent ' U N , score tallied by our U l-illlll L gunners in Mount Three. Two days before our scheduled departure, we were given special orders and detached to carry them out. lf or a day and a half We steamed at thirty knots to overtake a large convoy bound for the States and deliver war .ballots. During the trip we made our full power run and tests on emergency maneu- vers, such as the time required to back down full from lull ahead. Witli our mission completed, we steamed leisurely into Hampton Roads and on to the Mine Depot at Yorktown, Yir- ginia, where we were royally welcomed by the local ranking officers and a band. VVe loaded mines the next day and lett for the last phase of our Shakedown. Near Bloodsworth Island in Chesapeake Hay and along the Atlantic Coast of Virginia we conducted day and night mining exercises and bombardment operations. yVhen these had been completed, We returned to Yorktown for another, and this time, a full load of mines and proceeded out to sea to look for tr .vformf The plan was to conduct a structural test of the mine tracks and gear. For four days we steamed off Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, in an area that was soon nick-named Shannon Square. llut not a breath of wind could be found. hveryone was certain Across the Continental Divide-Cucaracha Reach, Panama Canal THROUGH THE BIG DITCHH Z On November 27 the Shannon moored at Cristobal, Canal one. Half the crew was granted liberty which was spent there and tn Colon, the older section of the port, The next day, during our transit of the Canal, the traditional field day was held, taking advantage of the fresh water to wash down and flush out the ship. But everyone took time out to see the sights and wonders the Big Ditch offers. 'AS we moved through the various lakes and locks, Ens. SISVQ-i't?CH, who had lived in Panama four years, and the EXCCUtIVC'Off1CCF drew attention to the points of interest and, via the sh1p's pu.blic address system, described the scenes and gavesome of the history of the country and the Canal. ln the evening we anchored in the harbor at Balboa, where libertv was granted the next morning. ' The Shannon was in the Pacific! At noon we left for San Pedro, California, this time with only the New York Nevada, 'md Smith Except for '1 short mission of reconnaissance, the trip was uneventful We u rtved tn los Angeles Harbor December 9 For two days we had liberty in l ong Beach I os Angeles md Hollywood, giving us a chance to see the land of movie sttrs visit their homes that tlio-ve four dats were the eahnest in the histor- W ' of . llattetas sltrttll-1. y Cave XX1- eould wait no longer for that tickle femme Moth Nature, as our .tyadalnlny had already been scheduled Af er unloading our tnines at Yorktown, we put into Norfolk Nter lard, l'--rtr-.tnotttli ' avy llutiniq the ayailahility period, front November 8 to 20 half the crew at at tinn' was eixen four days leave. Most oif the inen were aldt' In visit their hontes while tht: less fortunate visited cities alone the roast. WESTWARD TO WAR tin Novetnher ll the Shannon got underway in company with the New York tllll .4-ll, Nevarla tlil336j, Tuscaloosa awmrl, 1t.,t,t-it n. satin. ttinzai, ami Lmtt tDD703J eil- route to l':tn:tnta on the lirst leg cull our voyage tg the fm-lward areas of the l'aeilie, 'lihis tiine as we passed eontrary Cape Hatteras we en- eountered one of the worst storms the Shannon has ever seen, A-Xt its lteithltt. contact was made on an unidentified ship, which the Shannon was ordered to investigate. To effect this We had to run broadside to the sea and took the worst it had to offer. lfor ahnost half an hour the ship rolled in the neighborhood of fifty degrees tand that ain't cradle-likel. On the fourth day out one of the Tuscaloosa's planes was badly tlaniaeed while being recovered after a routine flight. Since the Shannon was on plane guard duty, we had to rescue the pilot and radioinan and sink the plane, whiclt had capsized. That gave us an interesting' and exciting few minutes. Although officially the Zjrd, Thanksgiving was celebrated on boardthe Shannon November 23. lts observation had been delayed until the weather calmed down enough for everyone to enjoy the turkey. The date did not matter for this was a real meal and would have been enjoyed at anytime. Bauer and Fraser in Miraflores Locks ' FOV the HCM Clglll flklvs we conducted shore bombardment and anti-aircraft exercises otl' San Clemente Island, wllllf escorting battleships in a refresher training progfalll- On December 19 and 20 the Shannon was moored.at the repatrbasc at San Diego, undergoing last tninute retlalf? 2114 provisioning. During this time everyone enjoyed his last liberty in the States and made his last 'phone calls home. At 1600 December 20 the Shannon turned her stern to-lHH,d and headed west for tlte rttn to Pearl lrlarbor. Evefl' Salloks heart and mind was far from the sea and war. Lumps rose-In malllt' llll'02llS as the United States and last physical ties wltll home tllS?1Dpeared in the tnist and distance. n , But nostalgia and loneliness soon gave wav to anticlpalfon Olf the excttetnent and adventure that lziy ahead.iVVe were getting coser to tnetnbershtp on the first team, XVe were F935 and at last off to Wm-U YV?-Iltatl left in company with the 'llll0lll2lS E. Fraser tDM243 alll 'UTY F- lmlwl' fluhlzfll, The next dav we rendezvouse Wllll the ,General R if C'1ll'tu time lgoj and General E L- t ins tl A l l7l for nu tuo t plt tstnt tonyoy duty esC0f no shllllolflq Of lllelll ntnst to llono u ul nstmas Day tl lVVllktl warm bright uid clear on an en must of blut tl I Ct 1-iqtma cerful 1 pt ssl ul l lx M Running of A I hom idt wis held on the b09-lf C Owul ln l lllltlt tttrkty ind hun dint it . , f . c - . , 1 - ' - 1 -1 ' , . . , Ch 2 , K - ,, , , dless . ' .4 ' J . ' j ' t - . . , . ' .. i 1 - , A . . 'V Y 1' - . 'nc' Q f s . E OCQHI1' It yy: I- , , ,I ' . x . S 85 and sunny California. A few men were fortunate enough to A yvell MTC, Jqllcflfol 'l lmlwl' Ol Smlors aww from deg? ' ' f ' l lt'Cl SCVVIQC . ' - ft 1 ' ' -' full - Y - K, . '- ' ' A It 1' ter. s 34 , F545 c The YHQ55 hall and W3Ulf00ll1 WCl'e gay with small, decorated Christmas trees, mistletoe, and red and green streamers, producing a holiday atmosphere. tThe mistletoe was purely decorativel ' Merry and humorous messages of good wishes were sent brick and forth between the ships in company. During the afternoon movies were shown in the mess hall, and those who had not done so before broke out their packages from home. The day after Christmas the Shannon rounded Dianiond Head and made her Way into Pearl Harbor. She steamed through windinff bottle- neck channels and into the Mine Depot to discharge the load brit mines she had carried from Yorktown. The next day SllCl1llOVCtl to a buoy in Middle Loch in the DesPac area. ' For two da-ys, while the ship was being cleaned up and prepared for coming exercises, the crew had liberty on Oahu. Manv of the men were somewhat disappointed in the Crossroads of the Pacific when they found that crowded Honolulu reminded them of Norfolk on Saturday night, However, they found numerous places of interest in VVaikiki Beach, service centers where name bands from the States played dailv, Hawaiian shops, and local entertainment spots. There was enough to do and see to give everyone a good time, or at least the relaxation of getting off the ship. T On December 29 the Shannon left with several other DM's for Maui, where we conducted mining and shore bombardment exercises off the islands of Kahoolawe, Lanai, and Molokai. After laying our minefield, we operated in support of a group of minesweepers, recovering the dummy mines as they swept them. X' New Year's Eve, exercises completed, we returned to Pearl and moored again in Middle Loch. There is an old custom in the Navy which requires the first log of each year to be written in verse by whatever Qfficer of the Deck stands the miclwatch. All the information that would be entered in a normal log for that watch must be included, preferably in proper sequence and terminology, but with some necessary allowance for poetic license and meter. ?VeE9.?',!z Our log for the midwatch, January 1, 1945, was written by Ens. Noyes. ' U.S.S. SHANNON CDM-253 Monday, 1 January 1945 'Tis a night quite Hawaiian, the moon's shining clear, As We lie in Pearl Harbor, 'though not at a pier. No, our mooring is Middle Loch, off the west shore, Quite secure in a berth quaintly known as Dog Four. Fifteen fathoms on deck to the port anchor chain To the buoy that is forward, and this, I should deign Quite enough with the line of tive-eighths inch wire gauge To the buoy that is aft, forming said anchorage. All nestled quite snug in this nest in the west, Lies the Harry F. Bauer, to port she does rest. And outboard the Bauer, the Lindsey, whose name Will rise with the squadron of Dog Mikes to fame. Now the snipes for the black gangj, who number four score, Keep a watch on the boiler, to wit number four. For auxiliary purposes it is in use So that lights will be bright and the pumps not recluse. All the ships that are present in variegation Fly flags of the US or some Allied nation. Besides all those units you might find a raft 'Among numerous district and Navy Yard craft. The SOPA is Commander DesPac. CI presume he's at present secured in his sack Unless steeped in the usual New Year's Eve canonl For all the ships have set Baker, including the Shannon. Now the only thing left to go into this log Is a hope and a prayer that our drive will not bog, Indomitable cries, and a resolute cheer For a victorious, honor-steeped, HAPPY NEW YEAR! January 2, we moved to the Navy Yard for a nine day availability and overhaul period. During that time more new equipment was installed and the ship was made ready for action against the enemy. A training program was established during our stay in the Yard under which men were once again sent daily to various training activities-AA gunnery school, anti-submarine war- fare attack teacher, and schools teaching operation of new equipment. Various types of recreation were offered from time to time in addition to regular liberty. Several softball games were played with teams from other ships. fAt this writing the Shan- non Shillalah-wielders, are still undefeatedj There were also trips to several nearby recreation centers, such as Nimitz Beach, for steak and beer picnics, swimming, and other athletics. January 6 at 1300, CominDiv 7, Capt. VV. G. Beecher, USN, hauled down his pennant in the Robert H. Smith and hoisted it in the Shannon, making her the flagship of Mine Division 7. VVith him, the new Commodore brought his staff of one officer and four men. ..'h.... ., Wfhen our availability ended, the Shannon became a part of Task Force 51, with whom we conducted a dress rehearsal for the coming operations. These exercises, which took place off .Kahoolawe Island, were conducted under conditions as realistic as possible with the Marines landing on the beaches, support ships bombarding, and planes making air strikes with bombing, rocket, and strafing attacks. All that was missing was the enemy. And they weren't missed! ,Our final week of preparation at Pearl was broken only by operating as a gunnery school ship for parts of three days. 4 ON TO BATTLE Our training was over. XVe left Pearl Harbor January 27 with a large convoy of troop-laden transports, enroute to forward areas. At 2330 January 31, the Shannon crossed the International Date Line, longitude 180 degrees, at latitude 16 degrees 30 minutes north. All 'hands were initiated into the Oriental Mysteries nf I-Iozzorablc Ancestors of the Golden Dragon and became Trusty Dragon Backs. Upon crossing the 180th Meridian, time moved ahead twenty-four hours, making February 1 only one-half hour long on the Shannon. The first stop was February 5 at Eniwetok, a barren, bomb- gutted atoll in the Marshall Islands. Two days were spent provisioning and fueling before we got underway again on the next leg of our trip. Never before had such a vigilant watch been stood, for several Jap subs had been reported in the area. None was contacted, however, and the convoy arrived without incident at Saipan, February 10. The Shannon did not go. directly to Saipan, but left the convoy east of Guam and proceeded under orders to a radar picket station about 250 miles northwest of the island. This was a disappointment but it-did not hold the formidable signifi- cance that was later attached to picket duty. Four days we patrolled this station, with excitement provided only by false or friendly submarine ,Yi and air contacts. On the 15th, we were relieved to accomplish logis- tics at Saipan. Early the next day we left with MX a group of transports enroute to f Iwo Jima. Everyone was alert for enemy attacks from any quarter, X in any form. Much to our sur- prise the trip was completed with- out incident and we arrived off Iwo I ,lima in the pre-dawn darkness of 4 February 19. At 0500 we went to general gf, .15 X N quarters and covered the rear of the Marine-packed ships until they reached the transport wait- ing area. NVe then moved to an assigned station in the screen around the island. 35 IWC UMA At dawn, Iwo Jima rose out of the mist, resembling the fuse- lage of a plane in silhouette. Mount Suribachi on the southern end, the rudder, rose 546 feet in height, while from the base of Suribachi the island had a gradual rise to Kitano Point at the northern end. For the previous seven months Iwo had been subjected to air and surface bombardment, which increased in frequency and intensity from December on. Chichi Jima and Haha Jima in the Bonins also had been the targets for occasional strikes to neutralize the air fields there and to keep the Japs guessing. During the three days immediately before the landings, efforts to soften the enemy were redoubled. The island was subjected to extremely intensive bombardment bv surface ships of the Fifth Fleet and bombing by Army and Navy planes. t The air of tenseness became more acute as H-Hour ap- proached. Just before 0900, the Shannon was ordered to a station on the same side as and nearer to the landing beaches There was a slight swell, but the seas ran smooth. lt was good day for the landings. As we glided into our new station in the inner screen, one of the lookouts shouted, There are the boats! Sure enough, the troops had started to move in, according to plan. Soon the waters were teaming with waves of landing craft, all moving slowly towards the beach and the enemy. The panorama could be likened to the mass and power of molten lava, unrelenting and unretarded, moving slowly forward to bring inevitable destruction to all that lay in its path. For a while the source seemed inexhaustible. Alongside the large transports we could make out the ant-like movements of the Marine-laden assault boats moving toward the beach as quickly as possible so that more boats could be lowered and loaded. All during the time the boats were being loaded and while they were moving in to the beaches, supporting Naval gunhre .1 X I .,,,, , W. . ,,,,z Q it Official I'..S'. .YcIt'.t' Pllofogrftpft unleashed its tremendous cargo of death with added fervor and speed. The crash and explosion of shells made a cOntlHll0l15 roar that reverberated throughout the area, Concussion was felt miles at sea. Simultaneously, planes dive-bombed, strafed, and rocketled the beach, adding their weight to the onslaught. The intensify of the bombardment reached its maximum just before the iirSt boats were beached on this island that was soon to become 3 virtual hell. Resistance to the ships and planes, at hrst1,Wa5 practically nil for, as we learned later, the Japs were S3Vmg eVCfYtl1l1lt5 UWB' had for the troops. A dense, black and for- boding pall of smoke shadowed the island when the MHYIUQS stormed ashore in the southeast corner. On the heels of the Marines, larger craft moved in with tl'lEi1' cargoes 1 t. V , t ' , . .g - ' s-v ' and o maxi upnpnicnt-Qtaults, artillery, mo1ta.fS, truckloads of ammunition and supplies. The coordination be' tweell SllllYS Hltfl troops was magnificent-everyone carried Qui his duties Perfectly, giving his all to the tasks at hand. Willie the troops lvcfl' lilllflilltl, several destroyers moved in EWU closer, on the flanks, to take enemy batteries under direct flfe- OUV lJ0Sition was north of the beachhead and about ten miles offshore. lt was impossible to discern any of the troOP move, ments so, in an attempt to allav our anxiety, we crowflet around all available radios, listening to every circuit on which we could tune in any report that might tell what pl'02 eS5 the Marines were making, t 'WC learned that the bombardment and bombillg' had Wade initial Ummsitlml litlllt, except for some mortar and artillery' hre at l.S'l s and the landing boats. At 1430. came the moment for which we had been W3-lung' 'iiilC Shannon received orders to report to Connnantlef Gun' imc Sul'l 'l Grfflllt for duty. XiVe were relieved of our svfeen' tug station and moved in to do a little shooting, Feldacing thc , . , tl 'VW il7l55l.i5 in the sector to which she had been HSSISM with a sho' - ' -X - - V, at ictnc ltJllllOl1hI'lj'. 36 - g .gb -Xx. V ...,.,..,,. 1 ns -ww 1 muh- ? ' 1 1 JWHQAXA I X : , ' 1 fs . ' Q , fr! V . 5 ,' LX if f ,RK ,fflif x ,-my x ,L ff x f 'j ff 6 1 4, M. ,x F 4 P2 433- f 2111? 'xg' Q f, 12 gfrff X X 'My . wayuggzufl ,, , . , , Q , ,,, .2,f.'W.0,-,,5 ,H ,gf A I ms......... Y fiw, 'U' l!X1,ac.f.n My WW 51IiXl,X 1l,x?N21-5 Q. f TJWVXCJ' K ,ku WW J Q .,,,N X f,,5r4f.i,X X -3:.....,... X V5 NX x ' X ' x x X , xx w 1 51- W. , . N -x mx.. Q 'M -1 N A X X - .35 X Q ,uf X XM! . I ' 'mv Y A vs , I .1 - -'DW 'N ' ' , ,- f f N X-4 .MSL ' 1 , 1 I K I L Ng,,.e'1 ys Y X J' rx -wT: ' I -,.,., V, X , , 1 N - 1 wx N Fixx . rg AX f W . iQ5, mn X , , , A I nw. V1 Sex -Q x , V ff-2371177-5i,i' 1 I 1 Y A K ' ' :Q l X V f-f' ' ff I 4 ff f yf ff x 51'3',?Z,'11 If V X ,- ,- f , nw ' 12' X f f' mb' , x I f xx! ' 'W , X' ,. V Q 'ff , My , ,W V ,374 'fn -V V . ' , , ,M H , ' :g45'5 , , V4 1 'M J I on 55 , 4,-1 'Kiwi 1 0 r,.r ,, 4.5 9 S f 4 -H X u I J A 1 i . :QQ , , ,, 3 . , ,f 'agmw ,!:,A7zh.,,, H ' X AQWA' 1 , A xKAXml?71Kx ' 1 Ykfili L b xl .,. ,... ,WJ From our new vantage point we could see the Marines niovuls warily along the debris-strewn beach. Tanks crawled slowly through the heavy volcanic ash and sand, moving up a hill towards the first main objective-Motoyama Airfield No. ul. Several tanks became balls of fire as they took direct hits from Jap artillery and mortars. lVe learned that the ,laps were offering stiff resistance, much stiffer than had been expected, but that the beachhead had been well established. The enemy had for some time been laying down a devastat- ing curtain of artillery, mortar, and rocket fire on the beaches. Our troops were encountering an intricate system of defense, as well as some of the most modern weapons that the enemy had employed any time during the war. The defending garri- son, numbering about 20,000 was emplaced in an interlocking svstem of caves, pillboxes, and block-houses, with ,guns mounted in well hidden and protected positions both on Mount Suribachi and the high areas at the north, commanding the Marines' positions, the beaches, and the sea approaches. Casualties on both sides were extremely high as the Marines literally inched ahead against determined resistance from heavily fortified positions. By Sundown we heard the heartening news that part of the airstrip had been securedg that our lines had been advanced across the island at its narrow southwestern tip, isolating the Japs on Suribachi from the main forces in the north. As We waited impatiently, night came and with it our first Jap air attack. The raid was light and short. What little damage was caused was paid for dearly by the Japs in the loss of planes. During the attack, one of our pilots who inter- cepted the Jap raid described our flak over the island as, So thick you could walk on it. Communication difficulties and lack of information as to the location of our own troops had kept us from firing, but then contact was established with the shore fire control party and our schedule of fire ordered. From 2140 until 0315 we conducted illuminating and harass- ing nre into areas of enemy troop concentration. Combat 1n- formation Center picked out the targets in our area and supplied Control and Plot with ranges, bearings, and the time to tire. At 0323 our rate of fire was increased to Soften up the enemy a little more in preparation for the Marines' morning attack. No one on board got much sleep that night, but neither did the Japs! In the early morning hours of the 20th a determined enemy counter-attack was broken upg by the end of the day Moto- yama Airfield No. 1 had been captured. At 0800 we began firing on call of the shore fire control party and an hour later took under direct tire and destroyed an en m b tt l' l ' e y a ery W.11Cl had been spotted through its cam- ouflage by the Captain. Throughout the day we fired sporadi- cally on call of the SFCP usually from ten to fifteen sal . xi VOS at each target, with occasional spots to correct our aim or to shift us from one target to another. We were given a few specific targets to take care of, but most of the fire was at random, intended to rake areas of heavy enemy concentration. Late in the afternoon we were assigned a target of enemy artillery. The first salvo brought a spot of, No chan 'e N' . o change, indicating that we were right on Five more git-gun salvos effectively disposed of guns and personnel. At 1616 we were relieved as a-fire support unit by the Howorth CDD 5923 and took a screening station off the northwest coast. During the night and morning of February 19 20 we rec i 1 , , - e ver a small amount of spasmodic and inaccurate return fire from enemy batteries. Several projectiles landed within 800 yards and one within 100 yards, causing no damage Since th Fnemy did not push the attack, their batteries could not if ocated and consequently, not destroyed. Desperate Hghting continued ashore during the third dav' many Japanese dead had .been counted, but only one man had been captured. The Third Marine Division landed ag r andlmoved into the battle line between the Fourth andSFiifiili Divisions. Flash Red was ordered at 1715 on the Zlst. Jap plqnee were in the area, making their second attack. None approacheil the Shannon Until 1929 when we commenced Bring on a cnl'i we had tracked by radar for several minute.. Tli- I Clic . s ic plane wtg low and closing rapidly. Curt orders from the Captain maneii vered the ship at 25 knots to keep our batteries iiniiiaslf il 2 i bearing. At 4,000 yards the target slowed rapidly thieii dill- appeared. ' ' A large cloud of smoke was observed in the vicinitv of lip. last air bursts, There was no other evidence of thc' fum of this plane. Enemy air strength was surprisingly liig-pt Air attacks such as the one we had just undergone were gcnerallv infrequent and short-lived, but during this attack they hail succeeded in sinking the escort carrier Bismark Sea. i SURIBACHI WORKED OVER :Xfter fueling the next day, we relieved the Stanley fDD 478, in the sector providing tire support for operations on Mt Suribachi. This area had caused the greatest trouble the firsf few days of fighting. The .laps from concentrated mortar and small arms emplace- ments raked the bearln-s with tire, seriously impeding the landing of troops, heavy t-rluipintfnt, and supplies. Rain and fog further hampered operations, Heavy seas made close Naval support difficult, but not impossible. For thirty-Six hours destroyers and a few battleships had been hammering away at Jap caves, particularly on Suribachi. Withering fire mauled the mountain, literally changing its face. Mount Suribachi was Hot Rocks in reality. The Shannon's batteries were ready to add their bit, but the Shore Fire Control l-'arty ordered no hre. Friendly troops had just surrounded the entire base of the mountain and were worming their way laboriously up its almost perpendicular slopes. The reduced visibility would have made ships' gunfire dangerous to our forces. Jap resistance, even the trick of rolling grenades down the rocks, failed to stop our advance. Marines, with flame-throwcrs and in hand to hand com- bat, fought their way upwards, mopping up the remnants of Jap troops, Thus, at 1035 February 23, as a result of the sheer courage and tenacity of the 28th Marine Regiment, the Stars and Stripes were hoisted over the extinct volcano- Suribachi. The thrill of this was electrifying. Heart and strength were renewed in all who watched. The material effect was of equal importance. Capture of these heights eliminated some of the enemy mortar and ar- tillery hre which had been directed against our troops on the previous days, while mortar hre from Kangoku Rock, north- west of the island, was eliminated by a destroyer. VVhile we stood by awaiting orders, a bogey was reported sixteen miles away. Four minutes later the terrifying roar ofa plane diving and pulling out was heard. Eyes and ears stramed to find him. Radar had no contact. Suddenly an explosion shook the ship. Two bombs of undetermined size had landed only 500 yards on the port beam. No damage was caused but everyone was shaken up-and 8 bit frightened! At 1900 the ship was ordered to the northern. end of the island to work with a Mortar Support Unit providingillumi- nating and harassing fire throughout the night. In add1ti0n,a few targets of opportunity, mostly enemy batteries, were taken under fire by the five-inch and forty millimeter guns, with unobserved results. Upon completion of our schedule of fire the next morning. we were relieved by the Ralph Tal.bot QDD 3905 and agam took an inner screen station. U The Jap air raid came right on schedule that evening- Flash Red called us to general quarters, and for two and 21 half hours we tracked targets on the radar. The only Plane to come within range was quickly turned away by our HFC- SHANNON SILENCES ENEMY GUNS On orders of Commander Amphibious Force, we felllaced the Colhoun CDD 8013 as a fire support unit the afternoon Of the 24th. For four hours we covered prominent terrain feag tufes with fakillg fire to soften up areas ahead of UGYTCUC drives. From time to time targets of opportunity were takell under fire and destroyed. Special concentrated tire was called fOl' by the SFCP to destroy an cnemv pillbox and several HflillC1'y C1UDl21Ceineiits. At l7l8 we observed an enemy inachlfle 81111 nest being strafed by friendly lighters. Wfhen the planCS were clear it was our turn-we silenced thc guns. Agillll llll'0UtIl1011t the night we fired a schedule of haraSSll1g and illuminating tire into enemy territorv. The Shannon WHS highly commended by the SFCI' when,'at 2139, we silenced an enemy battery that had been tiring into our liIlC5- Tll1'Ul1l4'l1o1it the morning of the 25th we fired on the call of the Sl C.lf' and a Spottinti plane. During this time the f0ll0W' 'Us' were among comments received from our spotters: EX' cellent, Now l'll walk you right up the hill: there are Sevefal more small emplaccnieuts there . . . Right ou! Those l35t f '5 WCW' very Hood. l have a truck here-on the read at the intersection, time mi- up tgp' pq, 25' pi,-,C one , , , Good: Good! fnvc ine three salvos, rapid tire . . . Verv good. Tha lakes care ol him. Xhfait one' l'll lind some more targets. S i t l 1 l t l I , t J l i i l l 1 i I i t l l i J l l t l i l l l i I l x il yi 4 if . Q . fl' 38 . .Si2?r f' 1 1 1:11 545 '- 1' LL? 1 Ii.- Q . , 4. 5 . FIFA , .' When asked for a summary of the results of our fire the SFCP replied, Oh, you knocked out quite a few things, 'Iiherg were block houses, pillboxes, small gun eniplacenients a bivouac area, that truck, entrenchments, and many many small buildings. And then last night you silenced that battery That was good work. ' ' Our fire had been a distinct aid to the advance of the ground troops, which had to be made against fanatical resistance from rockets, bazooka-type guns, pillboxes and interlocking underground strongholds. On one flank alone, 100 caves 30 to 40.feet deep, had to be knocked out, one by one. i By noon we had only 80 rounds of AA Common ammu- nition left on board. Consequently we had to be relievgd for replenishment in the outer transport area. SAIPAN AGAIN At 1815, having received orders during the afternoon, we took departure for Saipan, in company with eight transports and three other escorts. As we left we learned that the conquest of Iwo Jima was virtually assured. Marine observation and spotting planes were operating from Motoyama Airfield No. lg hills in the north had been captured, further reducing the enemy's fire power and allowing freer flow of supplies to the beaches, and from the beaches to the front lines, over half of the island had been captured, including Motoyama Airfield No. 2, and the troops were closing in on the main village of Motoyama. The Japanese despite heavy losses, continued to offer maxi- mum resistance, but the Marines were established on high ground and moving ahead' steadily. The Finnegan, one of the escorting DE's, reported a surface radar contact early the next morning and was ordered to in- vestigate, That contact was lost but a sound contact gained. Several depth charge attacks were made before she was re- lieved by a hunter-killer group. Reports indicate that the Finnegan had probably sunk an enemy submarine. The balance of the trip was uneventful. Upon arrival at Saipan, the Task Unit was dissolved. The Shannon and Van Valkenburgh CDD 6561 accomplished logis- tics and then departed at noon, March 1, to return to Iwo Jima. On board was a precious load of mail for the Marines. We were sure to be the most welcome ship in the area. BACK IN THE FIGHT After delivering the mail, we patrolled in the inner screen until noon on the Sth when we reported to Commander Am hibious Support Force and relieved the Bache CDD 470J. P During our absence, fierce ground fighting had continued. By March Znd the whole of the Motoyama tableland and all of the southern part of the island was in our hands-more than two-thirds of the island. Progress on the right flank was made difficult by the enemy's skillfully prepared defense positions in steep and rough terrain. This left the enemy in possession of a diminishing horse-shoe shaped area fringing the north- eastern end of the island. Motoyama Airfield No, 1 had been used for several days by artillery spotting planes, but on March 3 it came into its own when a B-29, returning from a strike against the Japanese mainland, made a successful forced landing at Iwo Jima. The importance of the Iwo Jima airfields for emergency landings became increasingly greater as the tempo of air strikes against Japan was stepped up. On March 6 the first land based fighter planes came in and relieved carrier planes in patrol flights and close support of troops. Our assignment for the afternoon was to bornbard enemy areas using direct fire. Such targets of opportunity as caves, trenches, buildings, concrete blockhouses, and a five-inch gun emplacement were taken under fire and destroyed or damaged. Another night of harassing and illuminating fire lasted until we were relieved at 0847 by the Stanley CDD 4785 to again take an inner screen station. The next morning, March 6, we were again back in the fire sup- port sector to relieve the Putnam CDD757J. This day and the next were to be our best on the firing line, proving to be the most interest, and achieving the best results, The spotting planes and Shore Fire Control Parties assigned to us were all excel- ent and efficient, and especially pleasant to work with. The strain of our intense firing schedule was eased by the humor which the spotters interspersed throughout their remarks and directions. To ut us on tar et the spotter gave its grid coordinates. p . g . g . g . The position was then picked out on the special chart in CIC. Our position and the front lines were continually plotted on l llgwv , xx'-txbt I 1 'f A' 5 Xgtkx ---a xr ff? - xt ta af ,ia Ffh 1-5 4-we if is 2 fa XS1 ' tl11S.Cl13I't, to facilitate determining the elevation, range, and bearing of the target, and to check the safety bearing. This information was passed to Plot and Control, where they set up the problem and laid the guns, After the first salvo the plane made whatever correcting spot was necessary to put us directly on the target, and then called for the num- ber of salvos, type of fire, and kind of ammunition he wanted. Additional spots were given between salvos whenever neces- sary to correct the fall of shells, or to shift us to another nearby target. The first target assigned by the plane was a large concrete pillbox in an area near the front lines. Thirteen two-gun salvos were fired before fire was checked at the plane's Beau- tiful, Two direct hits. I'll go down and take a look. Fire was then resumed and spotted by the plane. After twelve more salvos the pilot took another look and remarked, Very good. At least one direct hit. All within twenty-five yards. Again we fired, nine more salvos this time. The plane observed, VVe put shells right in the eastern side. At least a one-and-a- half foot hole in the side. I'm sure if any men were in there they're no longer serviceable. As far as I can make out the target is definitely out of commission. And so it went until dark with spotter relieving spotter and all leading us on to enemy targets. Tanks and pillboxes, block- houses, emplacements, snipers' shacks, and fortified buildings all became targets for our guns. Few escaped damage 'and most of them were destroyed, according to the spotters' en- thusiastic reports. From time to time firing became very ticklish due to the proximity of our troops, for the Marines were taking full advantage of our fire to inch their lines for- ward before nightfall. As on previous nights we fired a schedule of harassing and illuminating fire into enemy territory, At 0636 we were ordered to cease fire and shift to another sector to conduct preparation and call fire throughout the morning. 'WE'RE KNOCKING HELL OUT OF THEM' The preparation fire began at King I-Iour C0800J and con- tinued until King-plus-thirty. Our spotting plane reported that during that time we had destroyed three caves on a cliff and covered the area very well. From then on the plane called the targets for us and spotted us to them. The pilot picked out two blockhouses that were pinning down our troops and called for our fire. There's enemy fire up there now. Up 100, left 100, he directed. l'Think we have him now. No change, left 100 . . . Right in there . . . Give me three more salvos right away . . . Three more! . . . Rapid fire! Rapid fire! Keep them coming . . . Really got them spotted down there. Can see the Jap's artillery Give me three more. Rapid Fire! We're knocking hell out of them down there. Three more quick! Down 50, left 20. Rapid fire, five salvos . . . Right on. That's getting them . . . Here comes an air strike in there now, but don't stop. Keep firing at that piece if it takes you all day. That's the one that's been giving us all the trouble. . We replied, This is Shannon. Wilco, with pleasure. Out. The plane then told the spotter on the ground, The Shannon has hit it. Those 8z 'l 'CJ'W Ccensoredj Nips haven't been firing lately and probably won't again. Am getting other emplacements now. Hundreds of them down there. As soon as we get this air strike out of here we will be able to take care of them. This strike is giving them all a chance to get away. Tflgeyy are getting away! VVould like to call this damn air strike o 39 4 We then requested that the air strike be called off. A couple of minutes later our spotter remarked, The fZoomie' boys are going home now. Let's go! Resume fire on the same set- up. ' After several more salvos and spots, the spotter ordered, Check fire. I'll go down and take a look. This fog and rain is getting so bad I can't see too much . . . H I I-Iave investigated the area. Personnel killed all over the place down there. No one there now. The artillery piece is abandoned. What about the gun? we asked. It might still be operational. I'll take another look. Don't take any chancesg we need you around! The spotter thought the gun might still be good, so we resumed fire. The plane again spotted. .'fFour fox-holes- four of them newly dug-any shell in this area is doing a hell of a good job . . . just saw one of the boys come out of a cave. We're on him . . . Hit about three caves on that last one . . . Swell job-the gun has completely vanished now. The spotter called for several more salvos and then some anti-personnel air bursts. Right on. Check fire. Very nice, coming over at about 100 feet. Area is completely neutralized. Am looking for that gun. '- The shore spotter cut in, VVant to make sure of that gun. He has been all our trouble. Take all the time you want. Target area thoroughly neutralized, came from the plane. Cannot see gun there. The area is so stirred up I can't find anything left. At this time the relief spotting plane arrived. The first spotter told him, Come over here in 187 at 'angels' point- seven and I'll show you a good ship to work with and plenty of targets ,worthy of her salvos. Watch out for the flak though! After turning over his duties, he told us, Your firing has been very good. Have enjoyed working with you. Before we could hand back orchids for his excellent spot- ting, the new spotter came in, very excitedly, with Good Lord! There are a bunch of Iaps down there shooting into our lines , . . Hell, they're firing at me! Give me some more right away-Hurry! After one salvo came, No change, no change. Rapid fire for one minutef' The spotter then picked out some more targets for us. In the next hour and a half we fired 130 two-gun salvos-salvos that earned such welcome remarks as, Direct hit-right on . . . That takes care of that target . . . I have a major emplace- ment up hereg up 200, right 50, . . Good! Excellent! Especiallv in this terrain. It's rugged. Four more salvos, maximum ratie . . . Right on about ten emplacements down there. There are emplacements all over this gulley. Keep them coming . . , Oh, Boy! Those were the best of all. Hit a stone bloekhouse that time . . . Hitting right on now . . . Very, very good, We are doing a fine job . . . There were many pogifions in that area-not so many now. Looked like mortar emplage- ments. You knocked out about eight. Only a couple left. Despite the hills you dropped those last few right into eight dug-ins and more mortars. Will be a great help to our infantry going up there. Damn good work! You just got five gun emplacements, too! VVhen we ceased fire in that area to make an ammo report, the spotter said, Area well beat upg only two slit trenches left. Gun emplacements vacated. No activity. By this time we had become inured to the day and night, seemingly endless jar and concussion of our roaring five-inch batteries. Concussions that exploded light bulbs all over the ship, ripped.tOpside doors from their hinges, and twisted solid steel ladders into snake-like patterns no longer bothered us. VVe had learned what the Marines were paying to take that tiny island. Wie had buddies, brothers, and neighbors over there, and our part seemed small. Every shell in every salvo carried our prayers-earnest prayers that they would destroy to make a path for the Marines through the fanatical resistance. Our prayers seemed answered in the pilot's remarks, as we poured fifty-seven more salvos into a new area: Perfect, All four salvos right on . . . Check fire . . . Every projectile a hit . . . Area well covered and concentration of 12 or 14 mortar emplacements knocked out. Excellent work! The' SFCP told the relieving plane, These last two 'Wfake Island planes have been having a field day with the Shannonf And the field day continued. f ,VVe began firing at an enemy troop concentration, being chreeted, at times, to lay salvos as closes as 200 yards to our own slowly advancing lines. This was ticklish business, .but verb' effective. When it became too risky, we switched to another area and worked over a blockhouse. DiSHDpointment was the principal feeling throughout the 511119 when we had to be relieved because practically all of our thousands of rounds of ammunition had been expended. T!11S was reflected in the last message from the Shore Fire ContrOl Party as we reluctantly pulled away. 'As far as we are concerned, Shannon, you are the best 511111 we have ever worked with. The plane spotters and WC are very much pleased, and are happy to have worked with yOU- You did an excellent jobf' Such D1'21iSC from those veterans of other invasions was HS . -, , 1 QOOC! HS 3 Hlghts sleep to us. It was by far the best time we had ever had. We left for a rendezvous with the Idaho 11213421 to load ammunition, and then took station in the outer screen. The flex! Clay, Hflef fueling, we returned to the ammunition replen- ishment area to discharge some of the ammunition we had Worked so hard to get the day before to the two destroyers that .had less than we and were not returning to a rear area within the next few days. Lvwe departed f'Bloody Iwo at 1616 March 7, with a group-Qf 2-Ss .and LST s, enroute to Saipan. Thus ended our particle PHUO11 in the capture of Iwo lima I ki 1 ,ss . I . 40 I ,, N 21' . f L..-iff ' ff it ' 'W an . 9 Q., l l Pg-Qgress during tl1e few days befoie and those after our dgparture was slow despite daily lDl'4CllZll'2lllOll and support by artillery, an' strikes, and naval gunhre, such as we hgttl ly,-t-11 C0l'1dL!Cllll3 beltre a 1i'd111'111g lilfll grounrl attack. liul sub- sequentto tlltidllglll, of hlarcli 1-8, during which an 11111-inptt-tl majgf lI'll'lltl'3.flQIl organizetl by the eneniy was broken Ill? by the 4th lhlilflllt' -lJlYlSlUll, killing over 1,000 Japs, resistance to our attacks tlllllllllSllCll SUlllCXYll1l1. March 1-l tl1e flag- was raised ollieially over the island the establishment of a lllllllllfj' governineiit was 1ro'l.' 1 t '1l1llGLl. On March 16, when lllC,lh l2ll'lllQS reached tl1e lltfl'lllXVKlSlCi'll and shore, isolating Kitano loint, org1111ized resistance was de- clared ended, as of 1800, Much inoppnig up reniained to be done, particularly i11 one of the rugged igulches just south of Kitano Point, but tl1e island was 111 Olll' hands: tl1e major 1 part of the bloody task was tinished. l l 1 - Tl1e Marines began re-einbarking innnediately. On March the U, S. Arnly 1-l7th lllflllllfy lQt'Qll11Clll of 1llQ garrison 1 -ce arrived, and on tl1e 26th responsibility for defense lllltl development officially passed to them. 20 fox Fleet Admiral King, i11 his final report to tl1e Secretary of 2 the Navy, o11 tl1e Navy at XYar. said of lwo Jima: .'l'he loss of life during the capture resulted inevitably l-l'lJlll the streiigth of lwo Jima as a defensive position and from tl1e 1'e:.1di11ess of the enemy. Neither strategic nor tactical surprise was possible . . . lwo Jima was by its lo- cation and 1llC character of its 1Cl'l'2llll tl1e most profitable land obviousl objective. lt llllil no extensive coast line to afford invading troops a choice of laiiding points where they would meet little op- position, either o11 the beaches or i11 subsequent deployments for 'advance against enemy positions . . . Landing was feasible o11 only two beaches of limited extent, and they were so situated that a single defensive organization could oppose Zlll assault against either separately, or both simul- taneously , . , The defensive orgaiiization of lwo Jima was the most co111plete and effective yet encountered. The beaches were flanked .by high terrain favorable to the defenders. Artillery, mortars, Zllltl rocket launchers were well concealed, yet could register on both beaches in f'1ct, on any Joint of tl1e t ,.- . ,f 1 island Tl-1 -A' ' -- -' I it 1161131111 affoidcd excellent natural cover and concealment, a11d lent litselfj readily to the construc- tion. of SLllJ1CI'I'21llC2lll positions to which tl1e Japanese are addicted. ' , , , The diminutive size -of' Two Jima and its general . . , Tl1e defenders were dedicated to expending them- 1 barrenness. lack ot natural .facilities and resources should selves-but expending skillfully a11d protractedly 111 order lead no one either to minimize the importance of capturing to exact the uttermost toll from the attackers. Small won- it or to depreciate as unreasonable and unnecessary our der then that every step had to be won slowly by men l heavy losses in doing so. lt was important solely as an air inching' forward with hand weapons, and at heavy costs. l base, but as such its importance was great. Not only was the There was no other way of doing it. - of air attacl' bv our 1VI1r1anc1s-ba:ed B-291' materi- . . . . . l Webs-ure ,- X ' , -I I-1-C, fcl , Sf 7 , The sk1ll and gallantry of tl1e Marines in this exception- allv mtensified by the axai an ity o wo or topping them . . . . . . - . , , ,- , I - I - ,I Y , allv difficult enterprise was worthv of t11e1r best traditions OE with fuel and fo1 supplying tiem wit 1 ng 1ter cox er from - , . , A , , ' , - - , , - , - - - and deserving of the highest commendation. This was there on, but also there was a11 111crease 111 combat effective- ecuau V tru of the mural units actin in their Support ness of the B-29's due to the heightened morale of personnel, ,l .5 Q , c ' g -' .. b b loads and decrease in abortive Hightq There especially those engaged at tl1e hazardous beaches. Ameri- heavler Om ' ,, - , '- , - , D - X' . can historv offers no finer example of courage, ardor, and Was, moreover, a substantial saving in valuable hfe in the effbiencv ' , number of B-29's which would have been shot down over ' -' japan had there been no flghter cover, and in tl1e number I which would have been lost at sea had 1wo Jima not been Upon arrival at Saipan March 11, the Task Unit was available for emergency landing-s. It 15 estimated that tl1e dissolved, The Captain reported to the Port Director for on- liveg saved through this latter factor alone, subsequent to ward routing, which took us past Tinian and Guam to Ulltlll the capture of Iwo Jima, exceeded the lives lost in ,tl1e Atoll in the VVestern Caroline Islands. We arrived early March capture itself, 13 and reported to COIIIITIPHC for duty. l - :1 , tl., wi- -W ..Y?-B, :',,,,.? i . Y 17 1 ,,,l:,-- , l . 'ZfQ f- jf-J -T-' - -' '- -'- -, '- .- ,. , fi? '?T5?f62'z- . 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'AQ -G 5 - 'NE l Ulithi is a large atoil formed by many reefs and small 11123 IU3g3Zff1eSfW1tl1 9'mUJU111tEQU,3l1'1Elfligilgqplgizllgjilgliolsqilgi islands that provide an excellent anchorage Ellltl ideal staging mengal tales Od lifelmfatlgll- Hg? Woimhe deserted glands base for large operations. Xlfe XYlt1l6SSCCl the preparation of br1e stea an DCCF. par y on e . - - l one so large that we hardly believed what we saw, Almost The afternoon before our departure. ChL11'Cl1 SCFVICCS Weis HS far 33 One COL1ld SCC there WCVC Fllilis-sh1P5 of CVCYB' S1201 held on board-Catholic Mass in the mess hall and Protes- type and description, tant service on the boat deck for tl1e rest of tl1e crew. 16 . . , 1 , t solemnlty that gripped the crew and tl1e large attendance at We lay at anchor for six days surrounded by Q16 fllfali' these services was an indication of each man's anxiety con- Naval arlllafla m the tllsfofs' of the world' Carrlershimtii- cerning the coming campaign. 2 Ships, cruisers, destrovers small Jatrol and 1111116 Craft 121111 l ' - , 7 . I . A mg craft, and all the auxiliary ships necessary to 21 531111118 fleet were there. Signal lights blinked constantly, llaghoists streamed in the breeze, and radios blared, while ships' boats .cut c1'azy1p21ttG1'11H in the water as tl1ey raced from ship to ship. 'l he effect WHS one of complete confusion, but work lJI 'l!'fC55Cfl at toll Sllfefl- It soon became clear that there was complete and 6l:lflClCllt Organization behind it all. .The Sll3Ill1OlliS crew forgot heat that. was more. opprless- lflg than many had ever experienced anrljoined in this bee nyc of activity-loading stores. fiieling. inaking' repairs, lCDlLlll5l- :Xt 0900 March 19, just a month after the .beginning of tl1e It,-O Jima 'campaign we got underway, leaving the safety of our big-gunned brothers. The small craft formed 111to six columns of eight ships each and tl1e shepherding destroyer- minelavers took screening stations ahead and on tl1e flanks. ' . wo, as we were known, consisted of Sweep U,?iItl?ZyClItJC?uFl,'Il2, 13, 14 and 15, and included the Shannon, Robert H, Smith CDM ZSJ, Thomas E. Fraser CDM 245, Harry F Bauer QDM 26J, J, Wi1lia1n Ditter QDM 31J, Tracy CODM 101 AM's YMS's, PGM's, LC1's and LCS's. Commander of the, task group was CominDiv 7 fcapfam W- G- Beecher: USNJ in the Sl1anno11. 41 Although scuttlebutt was voluminous, our destination and all information on the operation had been, for security reasons, a well kept secret. Vile were far out to sea when the Captain announced over the 1 MC: We are proceeding to Okinawa Island in the Ryulflm Group, We will arrive on the morning of the 25th. Our job is to enter the harbor formed by the islands of Ixerama Retto, off the Okinawa coast, and cover the sweeD5- We are to destroy any shore batteries or gun 6mDl3CQ' ments that the laps may have. We may encounter oDD05l' tion even before reaching the objective. It behooves every man to be alert, to maintain a sharp lookout, even when not on watch. The ,laps are expected to throw everything they haveat us. We must be ready for air attacks, submarines, suicide boats, and suicide swimmers. just do your jobs as well HS you have done before, perhaps a little better, I know I can count on every one of you to come through with YOUT best' The tremendous size and importance of the operation upon which we were embarked, its scope, character, and objective became apparent to us as time progressed and added bits of information could be pieced together. With the Marianas and the Philippines under our control, and with the newly-captured Iwo lima, just 640 miles from Tokyo, becoming operational, the next step was directed by the Joint Chiefs of Staff-to secure a position in the Nansei Shoto chain, which extends in a shallow loop from Kyushu, the southernmost of the main japanese islands, down to jap- anese held Formosa. Okinawa, the largest and most populous island in this chain, offered numerous sites for airlields from which almost any type of plane could reach industrial Kyushu, only 350 miles distant, and attack the enemy's communications to Korea, to the Chinese mainland, and to the Indo-China and Singapore areas. Since Okinawa also contained several excellent naval anchorages, it was chosen as the objective. From many standpoints the Okinawa operation proved to be the most difficult ever undertaken by our forces in the Pacific. It was defended by 120,000 men Cinclud-ing native.. Okinawans serving with the .combat forcesl with tanks and artillery.. As.-possiblLI.d nts,, there were 'some-I 60,000 ' troops in various other positions in the NanseitShoto chain, plus much larger forces in nearby Formosa, Kyushu, and the Shanghai area. Also of great importance was the large native population, which afforded the enemy an unlimited supply of labor, and which might easily become a serious problem to us by clogging roads and imposing a burden of relief. The most serious threat to us, however, lay in the very factor for which we had initiated the operation, namely the short distance from Okinawa to the japanese homeland, where lay the main reserves of air and naval power. just as we would be able to strike Japan to better effect after securing Okinawa, the Japanese could strike us while we were attack- ing that island. Iapan's naval strength had been so reduced that it could not hope for success against our own in a decisive actiong but hit-and-run raids, or perhaps forlorn-hope, honor-saving attempts, were a possibility. Air attack, partic- ularly of the suicide variety, was the greatest menace, since the japanese airfields within easy range of Okinawa were too numerous to permit more than their partial and temporarv interdiction by our own air strikes against them. Severe damage and losses, therefore, had to be expected and accepted as the price of our success. Our initial part in the operation would entail seven davs maneuvering with three destroyer-minelayers, the heaviest ships present, a few supporting LCI's and PGM's and sewn- teen yard minesweepers, only 325 miles from the Japanese homeland and right in the center of a hornet's nest of Jap- anese-held islands. Seven days and nights in and around an area of which little was known about enemy defenges 'ind preparations. Seven days and nights subject to air attack fgom F01'm053f, China Hrldjapan as well as from the local islands Seven days, and nights of God knows what! if H The Executive'fOfficer remarked to a group gf Officers and chiefs, If we are alive at noon on Love-minus-seven Day our chances of survival are good. The talk around theship was of the Shannon'5 dune Q Comments ran ,in general: I ei' The laps will probably take us for cru' l ' 'spit-kits' and beat our brains in. ISHS 3 Ongslde them 'f'I'hey'll let us get inside that harbor and then cut loose from both sides. 'dvyvonder what they do with prisoners? . . . Don't answer that. avrzell, if we come through this one we'll live through any- thing! liy far the most optimistic remark was the fatalist'5, jf yoifre going to get it, you're going to get it, so what the hell! TWO ,dayg Went by. Men topside kept gazing at the sky for any sign of planes. Radar operators were more vigilant than ever before, searching their 'lscopes for the slightest Dip-1, On the Zlst the Officer of the Deck passed the word, Spring is here officially, which drew a great deal of laughter and helped relieve the tension. Men joked, and the buzz of con- versation could be heard throughout the ship. A plying was picked up in the afternoon which, after a few anxious minutes, proved to be a friendly THF Avenger. The conversation immediately turned to Admiral Mitscher and his fast carrier force with hopes that it was in the vicinity, The following night a San Francisco news commentator elaborated on the Jap Fleet being in hiding. He called them f'yellow and said that if they didn't come out and fight we'd go in and get them. Most of the retorts that this drew from the crew are unprintable. One of the milder comments was, I don't mind this lash-up, but I don't want some guy sitting back in 'Frisco daring the laps to come out and fight. H At sundown on the 23rd, a number of battle ships and cruisers, a part of Task Force 58, were seen on the horizon. This news spread rapidly through the ship and most of the crew rushed out on deck to get a glimpse of the ships that were causing the japs so much grief. Sighs of relief and words of praise for this famed outfit could be heard everywhere. Boy, they sure look good, expressed the feelings of most. But they didn't stay with us-they had other work, closer to japan. Time was growing short. One more day of steaming and we would be on the jap's front porch. Throughout the day all hands kept a vigilant lookout for lap planes. Men shaved and showered, and donned clean clothes to lessen the chance of infection 'inthe event of any wound. We checked life -jackets, sharpened knives, and checked to make sure everything was ready to abandon ship if necessary. In the mess hall that night some wag cracked, The con- demned rnan ate a hearty meal, for the Chief Commissary Steward served an appetizing supper to ease the possible hardship of having to live on short rations for some length of time. The day before, while fueling from a tanker, the mailman had transferred overflowing bags of hastily written, last mm- ute letters. There were no wise cracks now. Laughter and even conversation faded with daylight. Ominous silence seemed to shroud the ship. That night, just before those off watch turned in, Tokio-Rose announced that an invasion of the Ryukyus was imminent. Vile recalled that she had accurately forecast the day and h011l' of the Iwo Jima invasion. We prayed . . . , At 0027 March 25 tLove-minus-scven-DayJ radar contact was made on Okinawa. The objective was in sight! The Task Group was dissolved at 0500 when Unit C0111- manders took charge. The mission of Sweep Units ll, 12914 13 was to enter Keramo Retto, a group of islands 20 m1lCS West of southern Okinawa, making exploratory and clear8I1CC SWCCDS. Transports were to enter the next day and land.troopS to secure the islands for use as a logistics base during the 0CCUDation of Okinawa Gunto. The Shannon, Fraser, and Bauer were to furnish fire suPP0'Ql for thc Sweebers. We had been assigned Unit 13 which didnt llClD the morale of the superstitious. This had not been a pleasant task to anticipate. Keram0 Remo was 0nlY the beginning, a one day operation. We were to be fit UIC Olllectivc seven days before the main f0'!'CC Wifs fo afflyc. with no heavy ships nearby and very little' 311' cover. There were a few carriers, battlewagons and cruisers bomlmrdlnlf in 0lllCf parts of Okinawa, but too far away to do Lis much tI00d if wc should really need aid. All flle wafefs 0UlSlflC Keramo Retto and around Okinawa had to be Swett' mo' before ll'3llShorts and supporting ships could m0Ve m for the landing. Phe worst Wifi was thc uncertainty-not knowing what tn Cxpect or when it would come l 2 ,xii KERAMA RETTO -,...' N Ta We j C A s A 9- ffifiy tQ,,4sTi5 j 'i-V71 , . 526.1 . 'LW X , ' s ' l T ' ,f1.,,.. xii: ,i'Y,j.H- ' , N Ac age--f-. 3 - if .K 2 A . , f, .- ,S .41-5 . , f K f -1 L. f,' -r ffxt? 0 T 9 '- .. T71-K 'QE ' ' . T f i-iiif 1 WI' .' A 1 Q - , , . - - . f Jam! ,. at 7 'J ,X ,t -L, ' . ' f . f - --' for . . f-f--- Q, 'sire i'f 'S1-if- f- 7 . Q! fix . gag 5. , f K . - r'i11.gf'f T , ,f f 3-2 ef 1 . --, f- - M - f L A k . '-K' ,,-5 .ff X 4 gif, . . M -:,:j f' E W f o, A L . ' A gb H cy -g f A A BRT' as----,112 if -,.r 9 ki!!-,ZR ' 4 ' t -P F ' r--fr' ' 3- 'q:,s.4,f ,,,, r' . 5- ' x , K -'Ti . xy Xi- ,,0-A lx-4 f P- I i '- g , 'gs Q-ff 4 w :fe ,M - , - w s----- ci --'17 Y ' , . Tm, ff I-f - fy 4, d,1:f-1ggg. - Q 'TL'-T xix - l' 'W '!: I 9- ' - - FW 3 The eerie gray light of early dawn seeped out of the black- ened horizon, revealing the ghostlike silhouettes of the tiny ships heading towards the enemy-held land as the insistent clatter of the general alarm brought us, fully clothed, to our stations. The crew manned the guns-silent, quietly waiting. The Shannon was battened down, ready to fight. The islands appeared foreboding in the dim light. They were immense in comparison with l'Tiny Iwo. As we drew closer and the light improved, we could see the passage we must enter. Hills looked like Gibraltars on either side. It was hard to believe that more than a mile of water separated the rocky walls of the entrance. The YMS sweeping gear was seen bobbing in the water. XVe moved closer, following cautiously in their wake. Suddenly the 1 MC crackled as the Captain announced, Were heading in! This was our over the top! The strain of the occasion was revealed in twitching muscles and taught faces. Hands automatically adjusted lifebelts and fingered the straps of helmets. Hearts pounded. Every man could feel the blood racing through his veins as he waited for the shudder and explosion of an enemy hit. Our guns burst forth with a salvo that scored a direct hit on a gasoline storage tank on Yakabi Shima. Red Hames shot into the air and black smoke spiralled high above the mountain on our port beam. A spontaneous cheer went up from the crew. Tension had been broken, and pent up emotions were unleashed in curses and work. We're heading in! the Skipper had announced. Actually we were fighting our way in. Everyone was too busy now to worry about the enemy. Keen eyes picked out targets right and left. Combat found on the chart others that were hidden from view. All were destroyed or heavily damaged. No counter fire was observed and the YMS's continued sweeping according to the prear- ranged plan. At noon dinner was piped down for one hungry section at a time. We had eaten on our stations at 0600: hard boiled eggs, a sandwich and apples, brought to us by the repair parties. Men began to relax bodies and minds a little but not vigilance. Everyone was puzzled by the lack of resistance to such a daring and hazardous exploit. It seemed improbable that our arrival, just a week before the planned invasion, could have .caught them so unprepared. No one doubted that there was still considerable danger-even a trap. The veterans, at least, had learned not to trust Iaps, even dead ones. The sweeping, completed about l300, was followed immedi- ately by the clearance of obstacles and survey of the beaches by Underwater Demolition Teams. We remained to support the UDT's, while the sweep units began working to the southwest, clearing a larger channel into the harbor. They then rendezvoused with the other units to retire for the night. The following day an advance element of the ArmY,S 7701 Division arrived from l.eyte. They landed on three of the islands and, finding surprisingly little opposition, secured them in one dav. Throughout the night enemy aircraft were in the area. Our presence was, by tlns time, well known to the Japs, and they were determined to do something about it. At 0400 and again at 0600 we were under air attack. The raids were small and only a few planes came within range. Each plane at which we tired was turned away and only one pressed a serious attack on any of the ships in the group. That plane, a Val, made a suicide run on the Robert H. Smith, but missed and crashed close aboard her, causing no damage or casualties. This was the first suicide attack any of us had witnessed. We had heard plenty about them, even at Pearl, but until now suicid- ers had not seemed very real. Even now they looked rather harm- less--hadn't this one missed and exploded harmlessly in the water? The rest of the day was uneventful as the units swept south and west of Kerama Retto. VVe were starting a period of what grew into months of either waiting for or repelling air attacks. We soon found that the waiting was worseg that only in action were tense nerves relaxed. Sleep didn't do it, for one seldom undressed and always awakened drenched with perspiration. The heat was oppressive, especially for March. We again retired to the southwest that night. From time to time, enemy planes came within range and were taken under hre. After one raid, all was quiet for an hour. Suddenly, a Jap Betty appeared without warning, headed for the bridge in a glide-bombing attack. He had come in just over the water, to prevent detection, and then climbed enough just before reaching us to gain altitude for his dive. The huge mass of plane loomed gigantic on the starboard side of the bridge. Before anything could be done he had skimmed over the pilot house and dropped his bomb. It landed only twenty yards off the port side, but, through some trick of fate, was a dud and did not explode. VVe had been at GQ. all night. By dawn everything was quiet again. Condition One-Easy had been set, with half the crew trying to catch a little much needed ' sleep on station. The general alarm brought all hands to their feet. Guns blazed again as two Vals began their dives on nearby ships. Both planes were intent on suiciding. Un the tail of the second appeared a lead-spitting Ameri- can Hellcat. Only a few hits were scored before the CAP fighter was forced by flak to break off the chase. 43 Official U..S'. Na-Uy Phofogrcijah The first plane missed a DE by scant feet and crashed in the water with an explosion that sent flames and smoke towering skyward. Seconds later, the otherplane crashed, with a sickening rending of metal and explosion, into the starboard superstructure of the O'Brien CDD 7251. Instantly a sheet of fire shot down her side and enveloped the boat deck. A flaming pile of debris crashed onto her main deck and slid off into the water. I-Ier entire forward 40 milli- meter gun mount and part of the radio shack had been carried away. It seemedto take ages to cover the mile of water between us and the O'Brien, although it was actually little more than two minutes. The Captain deftly maneuvered the Shannon close aboard. Repair parties had hoses broken out and playing on the holocaust, even before the Captain shouted over to the O'Brien's skipper to inquire as to his welfare, the ship's damage, and the manner in which we might best assist. The reply as full of concern for his men. His ship was under control, except for the fire which was being rapidly extin- guished, and the casualties, although heavy, could have been much worse. Wlien the fire was out, we guided the stricken ship through swept waters into the haven of Kerama Retto where we aided in quickly transferring casualties to a waiting APA. C This was the Shannon's first close-up of horrible death and destruction. The sight of charred, mangled bodies strewn on the decks, of the decapitated body of a man .blown to a wedged position high on the yard arm was sickening to all, but the scene served to draw our crew into an even tighter, harder fighting team with a single, common objective. When weehad done all that was possible for the O'Brien, we rejoined our sweep group, which was working in an area northwest of Kerama Retto. That night we were assigned a station for the first of many nights of screening duty off Okinawa. The patrol was north- west of Kerama Retto, particularly to screen the Pitt CAPA 2231, which was anchored in Northwest Anchorage. At 1730 the following day, when the sweeps had formed for night retirement, we proceeded to the southwest, and none too soon, for the Jap air raid came right on schedule at sun- set. Our group, however, must not have been noticed for none of the enemy planes came within range. Early morning brought the Nip planes back. This time we were not so fortunate and underwent attacks for several minutes. All planes were met with withering fire and turned away. The day's sweeping was conducted in areas off the south- east coast of Okinawa near Nakagasuku Wan. At night, instead of retiring with the sweeps as usual, we were ordered by Commander Amphibious Support Force to patrol a station on the coast of Okinawa. Enroute to our station we sighted a small boat which we sank with 20 milh meter tire Throughout the night while patrolling, we conducted harass mg fire into designated areas along the coast Shades f Iwo' Buildings, artillery emplacements bivouac areas bai racks, vehicle parking areas, and supply dumps were chosen from a special grid coordinate chart and fired upon destroy no bridges Since all firing was done at night and we left before dawn, the results could not be observed ,Xt 071--l ltfarrli 30, we rt-lnclvzvotised with our gwgep I ionp ind toiiiiiitmul th ning 'arms southvtes rs - ' ' ' ' - rf Q ' ijgtwgt, wol'liiltg XYilllill it Illilt' tif lllg lpgach. Orfjyofaggl' niint-s were swept and the day's work was rather dull Ng: , did that night provt' evciitfnl, ' At 04127 the next day, as wt- entered our assigned area of t-rations, an t-xritvtl voice frmn the sound hut an- nonnred, 'lSound contact bearing 035, range one-nine- ilih,--oli. Sounds goml, probable sub! lhc anti il tl tint stirred tht: ship into activity, Dgpth thiifes were rcadied, K-guns uncovered, dye markers int. lxiolqmits scanned the surface for any Signs of .t ptriseopt-, tinnnt-rs stood ,by hoping a sub would ce and give tht-ir waiting guns a target, XX'hen the Captain had gotten the picture, analyzing the eitugttioii from what information was available, he an- nonncetl, NVQ-'rt' going in for an attackf' ' 'cc I' 2 swered her helm and the engines brouglit her up to speed, ranges began to decrease 1 tpidly and the target moved slowly to the right. Range: e tive double oh . . . Mark: one two double oh , ,, one oh double oh Xlarkz seven double oh four five oh.. . three double oh. ln reply to the Captain's, 'lliire on schedule, the Sonar Officer ordered: Stand by depth charges, and a short time later, Fire one. As the other charges were dropped in order, the ship trembled from the terrific jolt of each successive explosion. Contact was soon regained and we came about to reattack. Two more patterns were dropped, without observed results, before contact was hnally lost. During the ensuing search three planes from a hunter-killer group were sent to aid us. lust as we were ordered to rejoin our group, one of the planes reported sighting a school of whales several miles seaward. Since no other object was sighted, our contact was evaluated as probably whales! Vifhether or not it was actually a sub we attacked, we will never know. ' Wfe proceeded to rendezvous for night retirement but upon joining the sweeps our orders were changed by Commander X'Vestern Islands Attack Group. VVe were ordered to a station east of Tokashiki lima, Kerama Retto, and commenced patroll- ing with the Henry A. 1Viley CDM 295 in column 1000 yards astern. This was particularly a bad spot to patrol because the proximity of the islands made search diilicult. At 0155 the persistent and penetrating sound of the general alarm brought everyone to his battle station. The condition is now Flash Red, Control Green, barked the speaker. For thirty-hve minutes no planes approached, although Corn- bat reported several raids in the area. Suddenly, the waiting silence was violated .by two short bursts from one of our .30 calibre machine guns. A flash of movement had been caught by the alert eyes of Dye, MN Zfc. Wfithout hesitating or wait- ing for orders, for there was no time to waste, he had opened up. The tracers in these bursts were just enough to reveal the target to the VViley. She immediately commenced firing and splashed the Betty, which had come in low over the islands, hoping to escape detection. The sweepers, during these seven days of the pre-assault phase, had cleared the entire coastal perimeter of southern Okinawa of mines, in addition to doing the sweeping necessary for the capture of Kerama Retto and Ie Shima. Including the re-sweeping, over 3000 square miles were swept and declared Safe Drior to L-day. Some 177 mines were swept and ab0l1f 80 floaters destroyed. Said Fleet Admiral King of this sweeping operation: The thoroughness of this task is evidenced by the safety with which bombardment and assault ships in great numbers closed the assault beaches without significant loss from mines. I 'V ' . , ' ' I 1,1 A! ? ,rt tt , I ff .. x, . MX47 if A nf' t,' Z it it if f - , it y f f t ' jill' itil-+. ,fl . , rx' lv N img-' ll ,ji iff A 1 I. ' XX 1 N iq, 'ali f' l .-X 1 jx ix t l I 3 1 ff!! V! f x I PQ f ,f 1 A dx J :N K U ff! A 1 Mg, A 1 ' I 1 JW f 1 1 1v'AX, -Q X 'W' 1 NN' Qvtww 3 1.. N ws. -'Eh 1 -1' A . , . . W- hx i l , ,N it -A K ' ' ' - ' .. o 'ti X li- -5-. f'-V . f 1' . u A. ' ., , - 4 v.,:V-I 1, Y V, ,ihfw , Lf. 'g . ' ' f. 4 f fi Iii, 3' 1 twlnla I. l We had todae particularly careful for we had orders to . tw. I k, XX .tw , NT, X . . . 'H 'R hd- . i- -if i ' I fl r , X r i I ,I t . 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J,1vg:g,::x:E2'?ff '11f-J-1 2 Q ' - ---- ' ' J E152 ,f OKINAWA In addition to the capture of the Kerama Retto group, establishing therein a logistics supply and naval repair base and a seaplane base, the small island of Keise Shima, about 20,000 yards from the landing beaches and 11,000 yards from Naha city was seized, landing Army artillery there to command the lower end of Okinawa. The island of Okinawa, which is about 65 miles long, is roughly divided into almost equal northern and southern parts. The northern area is generally rugged, mountainous, wooded, and undeveloped.-The southern area, which is gen- erally rolling but frequently broken by deep scarps and ravines, is the developed part of the island, containing the greater number of towns, roads, and cultivated areas, the capital city of Naha, all tive of the island's airfields, and the strongest defenses. ' In the early morning hours of Love Day CApril lj, the main attack force moved within striking distance and stood by waiting for H-Hour, Admiral R. K. Turner, USN, Commander Task Force Sl, assumed command of all forces in the area, and directed the operations. The preferred plan called for our ground forces to land on six miles of beach on the southwestern shore, a location best protected from the wind and weather, and closely bordering the island's Yontan and Kadena Airfielcls. Four divisions were to be landed abreast on these beaches. XN7ith the two center divisions advancing directly across the island to the east coast, and with the left and right Hank divisions pivoting toward the north and south respectively, the Japanese forces in the south- ern part of the island would be isolated and were then to be overcome by attack from the north. Coincident with the main troop attack, there was planned for the southeast coast a demonstration landing, and an actual landing if necessary. The first wave of assault troops, embarked in amphibious vehicles of all sorts, hit the beach just south of point Bolo in the Hagushi area, precisely at the 0830 H-hour, and stormed rapidly inland. The Marine Corps and the Army landed side by side-the 6th and lst Marine Divisions north of Hagushi town, and the 7th and 96th Divisions of the XXIV Corps, Official US. Navy Phofograplt Our troops met surprisingly little resistance on the landing beaches, capturing Yontan and Katena Airfields in the first two and one-half hours. Prior to dark, with 50,000 troops ashore, they had established an eight and one-half mile long beachhead and had driven two and one-half miles inland. As the attack progressed from day to day, it became evident that the Japanese, having made no attempt to stop us at the beaches where we had landed, had withdrawn most of their forces into the southernmost part of the island, and had estab- lished their defenses in depth on terrain admirably suited for defense and delaying action tactics. The enemy defense COU' sisted of blockhouses, pillboxes, and caves, protected by barbed wire and minefields. Here the enemy used his artillery 1111- stingily, and his defensive tactics were described as artful and fantastic. At Kerama Retto the Shannon was assigned to 9. Hlgllf retirement group as part of a six-ship screen for the APALS and APD's of TransRon 17. The retirement course waS lald out to the southwest, following almost exactly the route Howl' by Jap planes from Sakishima and Formosa. We soon discovered this, for each night that we were in thlS SYOUD Our Sleep was continually and unpleasantly interrupted by the presence of bogies. Many, but not all, passed us for the blggfif game at Okinawa. The morning of April 2 we were at CHQ- for seven hours with only a slight break. Several plHI1e5 were taken under fire, two of which were identified by emergency means as friendly. The retirement unit WHS 415' Solved Upon return to the area, and we took a screening staflfm south of the island while waiting our turn to load ammunition in the afternoon. 4 Kgihat evening as theiretirement group rendezvoused south' gf F'-yldlnft Fetto, a warning of approaching planes was receivek- AW? as Ofe the Hmup could form up, we were'und-er attach- . P AUC from the first raid to approach started its dive-b0m,' mgqfllllkxirllef Sky became a plaid pattern of tracers and 525 ion E .lout half WHY down the plane was lnt. It swervl ITNCCISIOH and then picked out '1 target to suicide-tie Tenth Army, to the south. i I 1 luckless Henrico CAPA-155 only 3000 vardsito our starboard. The Shannon's assignment in this Easter Sunday parade was A second, then a thitd Nancy foncmjed an the tail of the in an anti-submarine patrol, screening the demonstration land- hi-st. Number two was turned bv our hre only to crash the ings, The demonstration force did not land, butimade a feint Dickerson CAPD 315 while the tim-d - I 'def from the be' to draw enemy troops away from the actual landing. All boats ginning, crashed the' Goodhue QA1-,A'1557iuici . returned to their ships soon after H-l-lour, their mission hav- ln the short qwwc of Evo mimlt Q 1 , - tl .G fifteen minlflle ing been accomplished. The transports withdrew shortly he- mir attacli three ,,.OO,!hdCn Qhiwol fairflm 111' blazing Dy,-qs, fore noon and the Shannon was ordered to Kerama Retro for Five ,l?1l3,Dl?1llCS had IbeienAdestrbyeddluitebiilve two were new assignment. down without completing their infamous missions. is 46 tti.'i i . if The attack ended abruptly, as it had started. For a moment a death Sll6l1CC Seemed to llflllg' over the ships. Tl1en across the water we could hear clearly the roar of tire-tires fed .bv hundreds of gallons of gasoline from the suicide planes, fires that reached from main deck to yard arms enveloped the superstructures of the crashed ships, These had to be brought under control before the wounded could be reached for treat- ment. Only superb damage control plans and heroic efforts of repair parties kept casualties from soaring much higher. Aid was quickly dispatched to the stricken ships to help with the fires and with the grimmer task of treating the wounded and burned, and caring for the dead. The damaged Ships were escorted into Kerama Retto while the remainder continued to the south on retirement. The next two hours were quiet and the other planes that approached during the night and early morning did not press their attacks. But nerves were a bit unravelled by this pre- view of the coming months of hell. It was not a future that one might anticipate with relish . . . if one could anticipate a future! In the afternoon of Love plus two day, TransRon 17, es- corted by several DM's and DE's, took departure from Kerama Retto, and for the next twelve days steamed in a large square 300 miles southeast of Okinawa. This proved to be a good rest and relaxation period. Some of the crew even resumed the old pre-Okinawa practice of taking their clothes off when they went to bed. Nothing interrupted us but a few alarms caused by unidentified friendly planes, false sonar and radar contacts, and the usual hour to hour and is--- one-half long routine G.Q.'s at dawn andk A X ligible. Then a Betty was sighted coming in on a glide-bomb- ing or suicide dive. We opened up immediately, but had fired for only a minute when several Corsair fighters swooped out of the clouds and onto the tail of the Betty. They splashed it and sent seven more japs to Davey Jones before any damage could be done to ships in the area. The Betty had hardly hit the water when a Val, which had been threatening, came' in from the starboard bow in another suicide attempt. Again we ceased fire as the Corsairs took him on. It was practically the same as suicide for the Jap pilot. He didn't get to fire a shot at our fighters. One sprayed the cock- pit then pulled out of his dive to the right, letting a second Corsair go in to finish the Nip. But the second was superfluous- his target was already on his way to the sea in fiames. THE SHEA HAS A FIELD DAY By this time the Shea and the AM had left us to take their screen stations southwest of Ie Shima. The Shea seemed to attract most of the nearby planes-to the Japs' regret, for she splashed no less than seven of them before the raid was over. We finally got to our station at 1045 and patrolled until ordered to the assistance of the Bowers CDE 6371, which had been hit by a suicider. By the time we arrived, the Bowers needed no further assistance for she was under control and proceeded on her own power to the transport area. We re- mained to conduct an unsuccessful forty-five-minute search for survivors. IE BECOMES ERNIE PYLE dusk! -f ri The troops we were escorting were finally A ls, X X-N5 MEMORIAL needed for replacements Zfnd to make a new 1 HS? 'Q xlrqx The Ie Shima attack progressed as sched- landmgy so OH Loveiplub fourteen day our N 5 'Q ' f X Q uled and b f the end of the first dav the air- Task Group returned to Okinawa and Wag Q'T 'TT'--. T i'fQx field' had bizen captured It was during the dissolved. Q- 5 - ' Q '- - +1 --'1 - f first few hours of fighting on Ie that the At 1700 we were assigned to patrol station il , ,, Ti ffifflffd and beloved news Correspondent' 155-A in the anti-suicide boat screen .between X 1' ' X Efme Pyle, WHS kllled by 3 bUfSf Of .THD Okinawa and Kerama Retto. Our principal duty on this station was to provide a group of LCS gunboats with illumination and fire support on their patrol off Naha. between Kezu-Saki and Kiyamu-Saki. Surrounding land-Okinawa, Kerama Retto, Keise Shima, and Mae Shima-provided excellent navigational aids, but at the same time made the station extremely hazardous due to the difficulties of search. WE GET TWO SITTING DUCKS As we arrived on station at dusk several planes were sighted on Jap-held Naha Airfield. General quarters was sounded and, upon receiving permission from Commander Southern Attack Force, the planes were taken under fire. Wie had only twenty minutes in which to work before darkness and smoke made us cease fire. But during that time one Betty was destroyed and another made such a repairmen's headache that it wouldn't take to the air for a long time. By 1915 we were doing our graceful figure eight on station. In our absence the japs had changed their usual time of attack to shortly after midnight-they had found that with even a visage of light our gunners made suckers out of suiciders-and that night they came right on time. General quarters lasted until 0605 for, while no planes approached close enough for us to shoot at, there were a great many in the area providing a constant threat. April 16 was D-day at Ie Shima, an island just west of OklH3W2,S Motabu Peninsula. The main objective was to secure an excellent concrete airfield for our own use-an air- field that the japs were using all too effectively for lightning stabs at fleet units. The Shannon's part in the landings was in an anti-aircraft and anti-sub screen just northwest of the island. As we passed to the east of Aguni Shima, enroute with the Shea CDM 30, and an AM to our new station, warning of approaching enemy planes was received. Immediately we went to G.Q. and, at 0937, just after the Shea had opened up, we commenced firing at a Val as it began a suicide run. The plane, thrown slightly off its collision course by the volume of Hre, overshot and crashed close aboard the Shea and thc AM. ' A second Val was taken under tire by all three ships, .but It-soon passed out of range eventually to be splashed as it tried to reach troop transports in the I-Iagushi area. For an hour activity in our immediate area was almost neg- 00YLWe 's machinegun fire. After several days the en- tire island was in our hands. Following two days in this sector, the transports having returned to the anchorage, the Shannon was shifted to a sta- tion off the coast of southern Okinawa to screen the third demonstration landing. At 0345 the transports moved in. Throughout the morning empty boats shuttled between their ships and the shore in feints to draw the enemy away from our hard-pressed front lines. Upon completion of the demonstration, we entered Kerama Retto for ammunition and then joined Task Group 54.2, the heavy defense force. This group, consisting of six cruisers and six destroyers, steamed in an area northwest of Okinawa to intercept any heavy enemy force that might venture into those waters. ORCHIDS AGAIN Throughout our second night as a part of this group, we were under air attack. Many planes came Within range and were taken under fire, while the group maneuvered at high speed. The Shannon's radars were usually the first to spot enemy planes approaching, and her guns the first to fire. This vigilance and speed brought the following message from the Task Group Commander, during a lull in firing: Your reports and action have been excellent. Well done! Combat had kept a continual fiow of information on the location and move- ments of the enemy going out over the radio circuits to the task group, allowing the OTC to maneuver the group more rapidly and efifectively. In addition we had fired some 275 rounds of five-inch pro- jectiles. While the effectiveness of our fire could not be observed, the bogeys had been turned away before they could come close enough to cause damage to the ships in company. It had been a good change for us to operate with big ships, after weeks of slow speed sweeping with ships of limited fire power, speed, and maneuverability. VVith the heavies it becomes a matter of rapid, well executed maneuvers and effective fighting. The speed with which orders were given kept everyone on his toes, but they were so well executed that the operations became easy. VVe were sorry to have to leave their company. The next day was the first of many operating as escort to a tanker, during fueling operations. VVe soon dubbed our- selves Fuel Div 7. This duty entailed first getting fuel ourselves, and then patrolling to protect the tanker as other sltips scheduled for refueling took their turns alongside her. 47 That night we returned to our favorite station-ln: Able. the anti-boat screen. During the night the S1111-11102115 f21111'11 for illumination to intercept several suicide boats 111111 W1'1'1' trving to filter into the Hagushi anchorage for a crack at ftllllk' of the transports and heavy ships. These boats were 1111101111 disposed of. The usual enemy air raids arrived on schedule, but 119110 111 the planes approached our area. They came lll a few miles to the north making high altitude passes over the ll'2ll.lhl9l1l1 anchorage and the American held airftelds, but we e011S11l01'U11 our area to be only the space that could be reached by our guns. LINE UP FOR AMMO The drain on ammunition in the Okinawa area was heavbk with thousands of rounds being expended daily 111 1116-5111211011 and anti-aircraft fire. What supply was on hand waS 1tl11Ck15' expended and each new ammunition ship arriving in the area with a full load was soon cleaned out. As there were 1101 enough ammo ships to fill the demand, many warships had to wait hours, sometimes even a day or two, for their turn- to replenish magazines for hungry guns. Yes, as for everything else in the Navyj one had to stand in line even for the am- munition with which to fight the enemy! We waited a full day for our supply, and then took station northwest of Okinawa for radar picket tgulplj and anti-sub- marine patrol duty. To our surprise and relief-for Roger Peter stations were poison to tin cans-the night proved to be one of little activity.i We went to GQ. only twice that night and both times the alerts were caused by friendly planes showing bogey. ' At times we were sure that PBM patrol bombers caused more alarms than real bogeys. They gave indications of unfriendly planes so often that they were regularly reported as Peter Bogey Mikes by disappointed fighter pilots sent to intercept them, and by disgusted lookouts sent to general quarters stations, only to find a friendly boxcar flying by. Unfortunately many of these unidentified friendly planes were fired upon by allied ships, and a few shot down. Occasionally it might have been due to faulty equipment, but mostly it seemed that the pilots just couldn't understand that at night ships could not risk holding fire until a plane could be identified visually. We shot the wing tip off a Corsair one night. After howling over the radio that he was friendly, he finally identified himself properly. We talked to him again after he set his ship down on a nearby airfield without further damage. We were anxious to learn how he made out. He was so relieved that he actually apologized for alerting us. We couldnit take chances. Auda- cious Nip pilots even resorted to turning on their wing and tail running lights in efforts to appear friendly and sneak in without being fired upon. A whole night and the entire next day OH, with only our regular eight hours of watches and dawn and desk alerts was almost as good as a vacation. During the day we were again Fuel Div 7. The night of April 25-26, we patrolled one of the most vulnerable screening stations, just west of Kerama Retto, At 0201 we were routed from ourrsacks for GQ. by a plane that made two runs on us before he was turned awav. He gave ns a rough few minutes, but caused no damage.'Other planes kept us up the balance of the night, but none came close enough to draw our fire. Morale was getting pretty low at this point. Day after night after day of patrolling and screening, under almost con- stant air attack, with little sleep and no ,diversion began to grate on nerves. It would have sunk lower had we known thnt months more of it lay ahead! It wouldn't have been so bad if we had something to show for it, but the side of our bridge was as nude of Jap flags as the day the Shannon Wire launched-we hadn't officially knocked down a single plane. Apparently we just weren't getting the breaks. Many who griped realize now how lucky we really were! The Shnnnfm seemed to have the knack of being in the wrong place for right place, depending on how one looks at ith at the right time. ' The next day we moved back to one of the stations north- west of Okinawa for another day and night of alerts, Then we Went back to old Shannon Alley, 155 Able. As had happened tust a week before severtl s111c1de 110115 tried to get through to the transport area All but one of this bunch were destroyed by 1 CI gunboats For the list one we searched without results until well after daylight it which time we were ordered back to our place in the screen nound the transport anchorage The next day was again spent super West of Hagushl SLEEP JUST A DAY DREAM tlnr station .Xpril 20-30 was again i11 support of the anti- boat screen. 'lihree times before midnight, we were called to GQ, by l l:1sh lied condition. After 2357, when we secured for the third time, everyone oft' watch tried to catch some sh-ep, hoping against hope that we would have the rest of the night i11. Wie tumbled into our sacks and most of us had fallen into a restless sleep when, at 0053, the dreaded and indescribable clanging of the general alarm brought us to our feet, into our shoes, and racing for our battle stations. f Those short minutes between the sounding of the alarm and the time when eaeh station is manned and readv are endless-filled with uncertainty, for only those on watchiknow what causes the alert and. if it is an air raid, how far and in what direction the planes are. That's enough to make evervone lose as little time as possible in reaching his station. ' A hre was observed to the north of us, probably from the 1-lagushi transport area, and several raids of planes were tracked Oll o11r radar, but none came within range. At 0115 all was quiet again and we secured from GQ.--to be called back fifty minutes laterl Many enemy raids were reported approaching from the north. Several miles north of le Shima the raids split and headed in various directions-some for the lonely picket stations, some for Kerama Retto, some for le and the Hagushi transport area, and others for Army and Marine installations on Okinawa. One raid that headed for Kc-rama Retro veered off just north of Tokashiki and began to orbit between ten and fifteen miles northwest of us. liinally he seemed to make up his mind for he commenced a direct approach, coming in low. At 0245, whe11 we commenced firing. the plane showed a weak identification but his direct, hostile approach was considered sufficient to warrant tiring. Vve couldn't take any chances at that point. PLANE GETS ANTENNA-WE GET PLANE Eyes strained into the darkness trying to find this aggressor, but nothing could be seen until he had closed to about 2000 yards. lt was definite then that he was a Kamikazeg a fanatic pilot deliberately going to his death in an attempt to take as many as possible of tl1e Shannon's crew with him. The Captain, acting instantly on information from Combat, maneuvered to keep the plane on the beam. This brought the greatest number of guns to bear and at the same time gave the suicider the smallest possible target in range. It was no easy job keeping' up with the movements of a 1113116 going ten times faster tha11 we. He was trying to come in from astern. lt was like ducking a mosquito in the dark. Our 40 millimeters commenced firing, warning of 1116 near- ness of the enemy, Then the twenties opened up in accom- pantment to the heart-stopping screech of the diving P18119- Although still unseen, we knew where he was and knew 116 112111 bicked us. There was no other target for him w1tl1111 four miles. The sky was ablaze with bursting' shells and the red strealiS of tracers, piercing' the shroud of smoke from our guns. Suddenly-huge, black. and roaring almost straight down, 1110 Dlflue loomed ottt of the darkness. At almost tlte same instant, with an abruptness that heeled us over, We Swllng 10 11011 51111111151 10 21 split second the range and bearing 011116 blanc on information from Combat, the Skipper had ordered the hard turn that saved many of our lives! 1118101111 of C1'i1511111tI just abaft the britltlei 1116 1913115 935591: between our- stacks, so low that he ripped away 2111 39113 before crashing twenty-five yards off the starboard beam. I 1111 CXl110sion rocked the ship, Men were soaked in gasolms 110111 1110 l112111C's tanks and nearly drowned where tl1CY S100 113' 1110 avalanclte of water that 'shouted into the air. VV?-ter 1'911 C11 H. 1001 110011 Over the main deck. The deck house Was 17111011 with dents made by flying debris. Parts of 1116 Plane len QV9 3'W110103 l1111'1s of a wing, a section of fuselage Com' Dlfftft with meat ball , a chunk ol' wing flap, part of the bullet' ' tg t . . , - - ' , v 11 ffflmfl 11141 kill, some ot the mstrutncut hoatd, and even 3 atleron control rod, 11' H 111 l thttl td the ship for casualtter m Lf it p ttttd tntcunt Mtraculoug 1 1 tt ttcl ull Xl my were N03-ke 1 fl iptn their spirits now that WC c 1 td up our first p 4 N 111111 1111ts tfttt out hrst splish another 611 tcttt l 11 11s tutttx tttkx were almost anX101f1 t 1 lx1n11k'11e KN H 1' t , V ,V r Q . . I lla a 1 cot 'o tm,-tips . N. - 5 ' , 3113 , i . C 4 y . 1 .V , :ig 1.1 :txt-tv but found only Il Y, 2 . , I X 2. . V ybflt J - X .4 -. g I - 5 on - was hu 't---not even s 1 'z '1- . .'z ' 5 ' ., - r l 1,7 1 t 1 t-V11 that Cmuld not dan i N. by . . V . lla , - , . , , 2 hz lk' . pm, ' V K , ,'i , J iz if lllfl Init if . ,. . , , Q . vtslng and screening fueling operations in tl1e waters north- tlllint was itpotltegl in our area. lfVe had had our appgs L '. 1 1 't no 111111, e-elif . .. . .,,. .. 3 1 f take 21 cpzlck at m,,,H,,.,. of VNC tt - .K ,I 4,. lynn At . ' . 48 if ' l Official 0.5. Navy Plzafogrcifilz First Splash this plane was picked up on the surface radar, circling the ship at low altitude. We tracked him for six minutes before he began his run. As he came in he was sighted by several men on the secondary battery. The 40's and 20's opened up. They had tired for only a few seconds when an explosion rent the darkness. The Captain, after seeing the plane hit the water, wasted no time in announcing, Splash another Jap. That was damn -good work men. That ended the excitement for the night, although more enemy planes in the area kept us at GQ. for another two and a half hours. Later in the morning, we entered Kerama Retto for logistics and remained anchored there for the next 48 iours. At 0400, May 1, just after we had gone to GQ. in response to a red alert, a Jap plane sneaked in through the smoke, Fly- ing low, and without warning crashed into the Terror QCM 59, which was anchored only 1500 yards off our starboard quarter. Except'for a short alert in the evening, the rest of the day was quiet. Upon completion of logistics the morning of the Znd, we moved to Hagushi for the rest of the day and night. May 3rd we operated as Fuel Div 7, after which we returned to Hagushi. AARON WARD RESCUED FROM UNDER JAP WINGS The familiar Flash Red, Control Yellow came over the circuits at 1838, sending us to General Quarters. just hve minutes later we were ordered to proceed at best possible speed to Radar Picket Station 10, southwest of Kume Shima, about 75 miles from Hagushi, and render all possible assist- ance to the Aaron Ward CDM 343 and the Little CDD 8035, which had been badly damaged in a suicide attack. We sped to the rescue. Not knowing the extent of the damage, we made all preparations for fire-Hghting, transfer of casualties, rescue of survivors, towing, and anything, else that we might be called upon to do. -To our dismay, we learned.that'the damaged ships were still under attack and were still being hit. They fought gal- lantly trying to drive off the remainder of the 26-plane raid and to control the damage that had already been inflicted, but the odds were overwhelming. lly the time we arrived, at 2050, the NVard's guns had accounted for five of the attackers, but six others had gotten through and crashed to her decks and superstructure. The l.ittle's score will never be known, she sank after taking at least three suiciders. The VVard herself was in danger of foundering. Several compartments had been Hooded and she was very low in the water. Her crew worked furiously to keep her afloat, although at times it looked hopeless, and they were ready to abandon ship should that be necessary. As we approached cautiously through the oil-thickened, debris-cluttered water, Comi11Div 7, as Senior Officer Present, assumed command of the rescue operations and directed the smaller craft in their search for survivors. Through flooding and fires, the Ward had lost all main propulsion and auxiliary power. She was dead in the water. The sea sloshed back and forth through two gaping holes in her side. The superstructure abaft number one stack was a mass of twisted steel. Number two stack was gone, and jagged stumps were all that remained of her after forty and twenty mounts. In the darkness, the ship ironically resembled a pile of scrap metal collected by some Stateside patriotic group. The racing of 'Ahandy-billy motors rose above the sounds of rasping metal and muffled orders. The last of the fires had just been put out as we moved slowly abeam of the stricken ship, but the odor of burned flesh and blistered paint stung our nostrils. The only light then visible on the black hull was the beam of a battle lantern, Hickering on and off, revealing men, in silhouette, working laboriously amidst the smoking debris. Occasionally, a searchlight from one of the -LCI's or PCECRJ's engaged in rescue work would flash across the water and sweep close to the Ward. High-pitched voiced, close to hysteria, would scream, Put out that light. Muttered curses would follow, for the slightest light X might guide the Iaps back for another attack. Once a voice pierced the quiet, shouting, There's a man off the port bow, then pleadingly, Please pick him up. Another survivor was talking to his rescuers from the water. His legs were badly mangled, but the sailor showed no signs of pain. A body Hoated by, face down, angidst a variety of articles, including an unoccupied life ra t. It was decided that we would take the Aaron VVard in tow, so the Captain maneuvered the Shannon a little closer. The towing operation had to be carried out in total dark- ness, which imposed no little difficulty. Operations were further hampered by the Ward's lack of communication facil- ities, for with no power, she had only one small, undepend- able battery radio that could be used. But the operation was effected with the methodical meticulousness that comes from good training and drill. As we took station ahead of the yVard a request was shouted over from her bridge. Back down closer, please. We got a line over to their forecastle and paid out our messenger, which was attached to the wire towing hawser. At first, the Ward had no power on her capstan and had to tend the lines by hand. In order to prevent fouling our screws, it was necessary to work slowly, shouting orders back and forth. - Have you our twenty-one thread messenger? Affirmative Wie have it. xi Let us know when you get the four inch. Roger. The line snaked out of the chock as rapidly as the sailors on the VVard's forecastle could haul in ab,oard. On the Shannon. Wie have power on our capstan! Every- one felt relief. This would speed up operations and reduce the tension on everyone's nerves. We have your four inch messenger now. Roger, VVe're paying out the wire now. Heave around slowly, please. uixyey Aye.rv A few minutes later they shouted, VVe have your wire. YVe stopped paying out the wire and waited quietly, but somewhat impatiently, listening to the sledge hammer blows, while the connecting shackle of the Wai-d's anchor chain was broken at the tive fathom shot. It wasn't a very comfortable feeling lying dead in the water, an easy prey to any Jap planes that should happen along and spot us. Minutes seemed like hours. V 49 t t , 1 c . . . K x ' i 5 . 4 e ' 1 .- ' ' if ' K H i T .bn , Then, like the answer to a prayer, a triumphant shout came from the other ship: VVe're connected up! A low murmer of excitement ran throughout the ship as we started ahead slowly, paying out the remainder of the wire. Then from the Warcl came the word, You'll have to pull our chain out. Roger, Let it pay out to forty-five fathoms, please. zcOkay.:9 A Now that we were connected up and moving ahead, un- certainty and impatience crept into the voices of the VVard's crew. They were anxious to get going, and although we sym- pathized and agreed with them, it would have been foolhardy to start too fast. As painstaking and nerve-racking as it was opening the distance between the two ships so slowly, it was safest. If we had parted the wire or fouled the screws, then it would have been necessary to start all over again, pro- vided we weren't disabled too, leaving both ships at the mercy of Jap planes. Again and again we heard shouts from the Ward, Please go faster. To relieve the tension and for something to say, we liollered back, Let us know when you have way on. , Roger. Then, after a long few minutes, a barely audible but thankful voice cried, VVe have way onf' This word was passed from our fantail to the Captain. As the number of turns of the engines was increased, the towing wire stretched out cleared the water once, and then settled into the desired catenary. The bow of the VVard slowly came about into our wake-she was in tow! But our task was far from completed, for there were still forty-five miles of dangerous waters between us and the haven of Kerama Retto. It was then just 2300, and the night that lay ahead would be a long, restless one, hard on already frayed nerves. To make matters worse the moon rose at 0300. As we worked up speed, the Ward crabbed badly to star- board, increasing the danger of parting the wire. Using hand steering, she had trouble maintaining a steadv course, Although, over a period of an hour, we had worked up to tugqnsffor eight and a half knots, we made good only five and a a . Before we had gone many miles, tracers and ack ack filled the s-ky over the area we had just left. The ships which had remained to search for survivors were again being attacked by Jap planes. Soon the firing ceased. We prayed that the Japs wouldn't spot us, steaming at our crippled-snail's pace. But the radar soon picked up a plane off our port quarter, closing. The guns trained out and waited, as we all literally held our breath. The Captain ordered control to hold ire. The moon had been up for some time, but at the moment hea.vy clouds shadowed us, and firing would only have given away our position. The ruse worked, for the Jap closed to four miles and then Offiria! U..5'. Navy Photograph veered off without seeing us. The VVard had repaired her steering casualty and took con- trol front the bridge, enabling her to hold a better course. Suddenly, she lunged to port. The wire straightened out with a huin. For an anxious moment, we watched the strain, standing helpless and transfixed. The Captain immediately slowed our engines and, dropping back, allowed the wire to slacken until the VVard could come about, under control. Then, with the tow saved, we laboriously worked back up the former speed. About 0440, just after receiving word of another approach- ing raid, we saw AA fire over Kerama Retto. A plane eXDl0dCd in the air about fifteen miles away. Combat tracked the rest of the raid as it passed to the south of us and headed for Formosa or Sakishima. Again, we breathed more easily. At 0740, we arrived off the southern entrance to Kerama Retto and released our tow to the Tekesta CATF-93J. TCH minutes later, another red alert was sounded. Smoke from the anchorage, augmented by our own smokehcovered all three ships. Although there were many planes in the area, none were sighted and apparently none sighted us. Only then was our mission successfully completed. Although somewhat haggared by the experience, the tension was lifted and we relaxed, feeling no little pride in our accomplishment- The Skipper of the VVard thanked us profusely fOr 3 Jig well done, and asked Captain Foster, How do .we look- He could not make a very heartening reply, but 1n.SQfte Of what the crew of the VVard later referred to as' their fllght deck, the ship was still afloat, and her casualties were not nearly so heavy as they might have been. .We returned to Hagushi and assumed our duties mlthe anti- aircraft screen. In the early evening more ,lap raids were feported closing from the north and west. Before they had Passed the radar picket stations, we were ordered to the assistance of the Gwin QDM 333 which had just been hlf On Roger Peter 10. As we got underway, already feeling fatigue at the thought of facing another ordeal similar to that of the previous Hlghii the Gwin sent word that she was not badly damaged an would remain on station. Consequently, our orders Wefe Changed, Sending us to support the anti-small boat Patrol on station 155 A. A5 USPHI, our sleep that night and the next was iltteffupfefl many times by enemy air raids, but no planes came C1053 enough to bother us. On .the afternoon of the 6th, we took charge of fueling ?PCfTtl0llS northwest -of Hagushi and then returned to 155 A Ol' llYCL unusually quiet dave, ,The Ilwmmg of Mai' 10, we entered Kerama RENO, at VYl'C.l' tlme Captain W. G. Beecher, USN, was relieved as ',m lD1V 7 ln Cfmtaitt H larrou Usn Captain Beee Suisequentlv 1-.sunitd tonnnand of lkslyon S3 ei 1 1 L0 J . , T, 4 ,i S t 4 -1 - ' ' 7 Y 1 ' ' ' , . 5 W K' 50 . L, QE,-ft 1 .25 13 ,I V -i RUGGED DUTY TORI SHIMA SWEEP Task Unit 52.4.4 madea rendezvous north of Kei-uma Retto at 0700, and then proceeded to Tori Shima, 50 miles west of Okinawa, to conduct a sweep of the surrounding shallow waters, in preparation for a landing the next day, Tori Shima is just a pin-point of rock, but its strategic position made it important as the location of a land-based air Warning station. Every destroyer and destroyer type was happy to see land based stations established, for each one reduced the number of radar picket ships needed. At 0830, we arrived. The AMG commenced their sweep, which lasted until early afternoon, and proved uneventful. Throughout the day, many enemy planes attacked shipping in the Okinawa area, especially around Hagushi, and the northern radar picket stations. Fortunately, no planes ap- proached or attacked us, for with the sweep gear streamed our maneuvers were greatly hampered. During our return trip, a sonar contact was picked up at 2800 yards. It was first believed to be a sub, but after investi- gation it was evaluated as non-sub. The sweeps were left at Kerama Retto while we were ordered to anti-submarine patrol station B-18, with additional duties as radar picket. After their unusually heavy daylight raids, the Japs were not very active, and the night passed without disturbance. The next day, May 12, was spent conducting fueling opera- tions, and the night, which once more found the laps active, on station 155-A. Daylight hours of the following day were spent on anti-sub- marine and radar picket patrol south of Kerama Retto. That night, we returned Okinawa. This .and several successive raids headed directly for the island, passing us up for bigger game. Our feelings were not hurt in the least by thus being slighted. The Japs, however, must have thought we missed their company, for .they soon became interested in our welfare and tried to make it as unhealthy as possible. r The first attackers to approach R.P. 16 were taken under Hre at. 2259. While the other planes circled the ship, a Betty came in low. just after this plane fiew over the ship, a torpedo wake was sighted passing down the port side, close aboard. Ihe Betty had been hit by our fire, and was finally knocked down while going away, crashing off our port quarter, close aboard the Smith. -Six minutes later another Betty attacked from the starboard side and was taken under fire by both ships. In less than a 1I1ll'lL1lC,-'IDIS plane, intent on suiciding, was splashed close to the Smith. The other planes of the raid were turned by our fire and opened towards Okinawa. For about the next hour, the japs gave ug 3 little breathing spell, wlnle they concentrated on other picket stations and on Okinawa. Shortly after midnight, new adversaries began to close us, in raids of from one to ten planes. The first of these was taken under tire at 0026. High speed and violent maneuvers, aug- menting our large volume of fire, proved very effective in countering the Jap attacks. For fifteen minutes, we fired almost without a break. Many of the attackers were Kamikazes, although some attempted bombing and torpedoing tactics. Although only two of the planes in this attack were officially claimed as prob- , 6, ables, several 'others could not be ac- ' , counted for after they had made their to our old favorite-155-A. ffiffiw' runs. Those planes that were not We passed the following five days in A 'Oli K Splaished were tllmed by Ovf me and the AA Sweep around Hagushi and on a ,l,.Q, Ni 14' gx Elhased lhoine with their tails between Shoff aV9fil3-b1litY period at that anchor- 1 - l ' len Wwe S' . . . age and in Kerama Retto. Enemy air R ,Q , 51,-N A few minutes of inactivity and rest activity during this time was heavy, but Qt if ' gf was Interrupted by 9' fevoff of gr0up5 we were usually prevented from tiring jf- '- ! H' Of DIHHCS Closing us. These were sub- by the smoke conditions in the anchor- Q fxq WW' J' . Sefluently DIQICCC1 UD. At 0120, 2111 STIIDS ages. Q 0 . X . -Y H-- gf-1 X on the station .commenced firing and , , . g '15 s tired almost continuously throughout the From May 19 to Zn, we patrolled Sta- k f i ltihll 1 thirteen minute attack . , . . Y N.. . X. . . . tion 135'A' Ja? alf raids were prevalent ,A At one time during the attack, there throughout this period, although few 'N-5 ' were ten planes within ten miles of the planes came close enough to our station ' Ship all closing to allow us to fire. ' ' The few occasions on which planes were sighted and taken under-tire, they were either quickly turned away, or splashed by ships nearby. ROGER PETER 16 During the morning of May 25, came the orders that we had long expected, but had dreaded to hear- Proceed immediately. in company with the Robert H. Smith, to Roger Peter 16 and relieve the Cowell CDD 4575 and Wren CDD 5681 1 With the ominous feeling that gripped his heart showing in his voice, the Combat Officer Rogered for the message and passed the word on to the Captain. At 1023, We left station and proceeded on our assigned duty. The Smith joined us an hour later for the rest of. the trip. When we arrived on station, the Smith assumed the fighter direction duties, and the Shannon joined the Ingersoll CDD 652D and the LCS's 14, 17, 18, and 21, which were already on station, as supporting ships. CominDiv 7 assumed tactical command and issued instructions for the patrol. Soon after our arriva.l the sky became heavily overcast and a steady, heavy downpour began. This blessed weather lasted for two days and nights, keeping the laps at home. But when the skies cleared, on the evening of May 27, we realized that the past two days had been only the calm before the storms of what proved to be the most harrowing night in the Shan- non's existence. And the situation was aggravated by the loss of almost one-third of the station's fire power, when thc Ingersoll was ordered to return to Kerama Retto, during the early morning of May 26th. The usual routine dusk general quarters was SOHHCRNI HT 1845, May 27, but the routine aspect was soon replaced by one of necessity and activity. Shortly after sunset the first of the night's 54 raids was reported by a picket northwest of This attack seemed to be more coordi- nated than any of the previous ones, and entailed a variety of tactics. The first plane started his run from about five miles on the starboard bow. As soon as his intentions were detected, con- trol was put on the target and the main battery opened up. The plane maneuvered to get ahead of us and seemed intent on suiciding. But the Captain's expert ship-handling, enriched by previous experience with Kamikazes, kept the attacker between the beam and the bow, allowing all guns to bear. Suddenly control passed the dreaded word to combat: VVe've lost him! One quick, new bearing from combat was fortunately enough to put them back on. They resumed fire. At about 4000 yards the forties opened up, telling those who couldn't see of our adversary's nearnessg at 2500 the twenties. I-Ie was breathing his fiery breath down our necks, but no one flinched-we were all too busy. Anxious moments later, we could see that he had been hit, but was trying- to maintain the altitude and aim necessary.to carry out his diabolical mission. But the Shannon's Irish Luck was still with her. He fell into the sea a very few hundred yards away. We had chalked up another sure! But our spirits were soon dampened, and thoughts were never allowed to turn to the added meatball that would soon grace our bridge, the attack was being pressed from another quarter. Both ships resumed fire. This plane turned away at 5000 yards, having suiiiciently diverted our attention from one of his cohorts .who was com- ing in on the starboard quarter. Both ships shifted targets. The plane never had a chance, and was splashed before he got in to 3000 yards. 51 After a momentary t f C breathing spell,two more X ' were upon us in what ap- fa . I 4 A I, . . peared to be l'.llVC-lJO1llJ- ' - ,K ing runs-one direct at ,f X . T j -ig, , I 'Z :W the Shannon the other l 'f .- 'A ' at the Smith. Our vio- ' N px K ' lent maneuvers and with- - fr- . - 1 N ermg volume of fire X seemed to spoil their X K aim for they pulled out N early and their missiles fell harmlessly into the g, 5 'N s ea. Woke: ? As we were catching our breath again, a Betty was picked up, coming in from the port quarter, low on the water. ,lust after we had commenced firing, the radar operator noticed another plane following the first, about one or two thousand yards behind him. The first plane was the most threatening at the moment, so control stayed on him. He maneuvered very little, making it easy to keep him on our beam. IVhen he had gotten in to two miles, he suddenly turned off, flew up on the port side, and then turned out. The moment the first plane broke off his run, the second became the more threatening of the two. Combat immediately and franticly sent this information up to control, and gave them the ranges and bearings necessary to pick up the second plane. The reaction and teamwork was excellent. Control shifted to the second plane, which was maneuvering to get astern of us, and was on him in a very few seconds, missing only one salvo in the process. This plane, however, was so close when we started shooting at him that only a few salvos could be put out before he was on top of us. He was apparently not interested in becoming a suicide hero for the Emperor, but merely flew over the ship, fortunately for us. When he had opened to about 4000 yards, he suddenly disappeared from the radar screen and from sight. We presumed that he crashed, having been hit by our fire. Just before that plane disappeared, the ominous, phosphor- escent wake of a torpedo was sighted, passing about ten yards ahead of the bow. This we assumed to be the Ufishy' dropped by the first plane. Again the Luck of the Irish was with her native daughter, the Shannon. When traveling ati30 knots, ten yards is not very comfortable clearance for a torpedo. During the next few minutes, several planes made rung on us, but most of them were driven off before they closed the ship, None inflicted any damage. At 0141 we ceased firing. All the attackers had been re- pelled. Those that were still airborne had become discouraged and headed for home. Several other raids-enough to keep the condition Flash Red, and keep the ship at general quarters-closed the area, but none approached our station close enough to be taken under fire. During the night's actions, we expended 856 rounds of tive inch ammunition, 385 rounds of 40 mm, and 808 rounds of 20 mm ammunition, accounting for two sures, two assists, and three probables. In addition, several enemy planes could not be accounted for, and, therefore, could not be claimed. The action moved too fast to be accurately recorded. At the time, we were too busy to care. The Van Valkenburgh CDD 6563 arrived on R.P. 16 at 0839, relieving the Shannon so that she could return to Kerama Retto for fuel and ammo. The rest of the 28th and most of the 29th were spent in this occupation. Later on May 29, the ship was ordered to her familiar old station-155-A-in support of the anti-small boat screen. Vile remained there throughout the night, but then the next day returned to Kerama Retto to prepare for a coming sweep operation which we were to support. 52 Admiral Halsey had relieved Adrniral Spruance on May 27 and assumed eoinmand of all former liifth lileet units. At that time, we became a member of the Third Fleet, and Task l:',,,-CQ, Group, and Unit designations were changed aqcgrdingly but the current tactical organization was otherwise unaffected, IHEYA SHIMA SWEEP AND OCCUPATION ln the evening of May 31, the ship moved to the Northwest Anchorage, where we joined Task Unit 32.54, of which Comin- Div 7 fCapt. liarrowj because FOP.-X. CTU 32.5.4 was in the Staunch CAM 3071. lVe got underway at 2139 in company with the Henry A. VViley QDM 292. six AM's, and two Pfiwls At 0300, as we neared the objective, the Task Unit was ordered to turn around and proceed to I-Iagushi Anchorage. The operation had been post- poned because of an expected large scale air attack the next morning. The next night we tried again. At 2116 the Task Unit was formed and enroute to Iheya Retto for the operation which had been postponed. This time it was only an hour before we were ordered to reverse course and return to Kerama Retto, anticipating the same large enemy air attack which had failed to materialize that morning. Again the attack did not come, and again we were ordered to the Northwest Anchorage to prepare for another attempt. The third time proved to be the charm! At 0015, June 3, Task Unit 32.5.4 was underway. Three hours and 30 miles later the Destroyer Support Unit joined our formation. Simul- taneously, the transports, loaded with the attack troops, were picked up by radar. Throughout the approach, enemy planes were in the area, but none closed our group. VVe arrived at the objective area, off the southeastern end of Iheya Shima, just before dawn. VVithin an hour, the sweeps had their gear streamed and were conducting exploratory oper- ations, while the VViley and Shannon supported them. At the same time, the Destroyer Support Unit moved in to conduct preliminary bombardment. As soon as the sweeps had passed the designated beaches, the transports moved in to launch the landings. VVhile we were sweeping the waters at the northern end of the island and then down the west coast, many reports of the Dmgress of the troops were received. All seemed to indicate that the resistance was meager and that the operation was being -successfully carried out. This made us wary, for it seemed too easy. Our fears were confirmed by the sounding of the general alarm. Reports from the nearby pickets, at l300, indicated that unusually large enemy raids were closing from the north. These raids were soon picked up on our gear. Some gafltfed up on the pickets, while the largest groups flew on by 10 attack the ships and installations at Okinawa. After f01'l3' minutes of tracking the main raids southward, We Picked UD Hn unidentified plane fifteen miles to the north, Cl0SlI1g. VVC weren't sure of his complexion until five minuteS later when he was visually identified as a slow but deadly Val- The Captain ordered. Commence firing. as the plane began he dlvc- COUUIIQ' in from the starboard side. the Val closed 'V 4 - fe 0000 Yfl1'ClS lbelore he was turned away by our gunfire. He then opened to sev- eral miles and circled ,-' . X, !-,' 1, around to make an- . , ,ff other approach. N'Ve W , W' if . I ' resumed tire at l350 as the first Val peel- - - '- .. . 9 ed ol'l in a suicide ft np' . dive from the poi-1 K ,df rluarter. 1' ' A' If dfnhycs' I l l - l . l this , 62,5 4 ' ,, .Q,,iLf'2ff . , ' 1 55212 . V J .Pwr W if 9 ' I Lag 1 - ss , g 1 b, . -1' me . 4 .wt ' f' ef Gut' projectiles were seen actually hitting the as well as bursting near him, but he kept coming. the end of his dive he pulled out, several tlxousand from the ship, and pressed his attack in a low The forties and twenties opened up, adding their hits 120 those of the main battery. Still he came, held up g by God only knows what! Plot reported, Range against the stops! The advance range was zero-we were tiring point-blank. -l0mm projectiles were pouring into the engine, The twenties were hitting him everywhere. Five inch bursts surrounded him. And still he came. VVe braced ourselves for the crash . . . But it never came. At only 1800 yards-10 seconds before he would have hit- his left wing was knqcked off. The Val rolled over onto his side and his right wing hit the water. XVith a blinding flash and a great pall of smoke, the plane exploded, throwing a geyser of water into the air. Relief escaped our lungs as we relaxed and wiped our brows. Chalk up another for the Sassy Shannon! By 1410, the sweeping operations were completed. WVe returned to Hagushi. ' The following week was spent in uneventful operations as part of the Hagushi AA screen, conducting fueling, and in availability alongside the tender Cascade in Kerama Retto, to prepare for the coming East China Sea sweeps. Official UAS. Navy Pll0fUflF'Uf7!I . . But he never reached his mark. Official US. Navy Photograph And still he came. TURNOVER IN COMMAND June 10, while the ship lay at anchor in Kerama Retto, the crew was gathered on the boat deck to witness the turnover of command of the Shannon. Everyone hated to see Captain Foster leave, although we were all glad that he was going to get a well-deserved rest and shore duty. Lieutenant Com- mander Ingram's reputation had preceeded him, so we knew that in VVild Bill, as he was affectionately known in bull sessions, we were getting a fine new captain. Before turning over the Shannon to her new skipper, Captain Foster addressed his men: W'e've been through a lot together on the 'Sassy Shannon'. It was only nine months ago yesterday when we gathered together on this ship for the first time. Men from all parts of the nation, many of you putting to sea for the first time. I told you at that time that our battle efficiency depended on the spirit of teamwork, that each man must learn his job, and that all efforts should lead to one purpose-to make the Shannon the fightin'est ship in the Navy. I'm proud to say that you haven't let me down. The gun- ners have stuck by their guns, the engineers by their throttles, the CIC personnel, the repair parties, the communication gang, and bridge personnel have all done an outstanding job with the result that we have handled every assignment our Navy or the Japs have given us. U1 can thank you only in words for your loyalty and your splendid performance, but I won't forget and the nation won't forget what you have done. The memories of these past few months will be with me forever. It is hard to leave a ship and a crew with which one has been so close and on whom one has been so dependent, but that is the way progress is made. I had command of a ship before, so the Navy drew on my experience to start the 'Sassy Shannon' on her career. Now it is time to pass along a well seasoned ship and an experienced and efficient crew to new hands-to introduce new ideas. I depend on you to give Captain lngram the same fine support you have given me so that the Shannon-my ship and your ship-may ever fly her colors proudly with the best, and that you, my men, will always hold your heads high with pride in your accomplishments. XVhen Gunner Koerner left, he gave me this four-leafed clover saying: 'You'll need this more than I will.' I am passing this to Captain Ingram as the ship's good luck piece, but the real reascn for the Shannon's luck is your own skill and the kindness of God Almighty. May he continue to guard you and guide you. Remember your 'Uncle Ed' will not forget you, and I'll always be looking for news of the Shannon and her men. Goodbye and good luck. 53 5 1 T 5 wysj Y-5 1, M f -wwf' , Q . B . H91 IBr-0u,gllLOYlHQ'! L' -in :ak Noi.. , .. , , N -'O ' 9 s 'ws 'X .rt if Gunn!!! 50 WB 51hm.wl '53, lx sg' 29 2x IQ IZ y - ' H K ft-.RJ Susan 'mo who xr xx 'T x-rv X L ne -'Q' ' aHNNnSTN' au V gym 5 '- 4 .X lx x 9, .ybx . ,LX w , x X N. A X Pr 2 X. ,f. 2., 1709 -. , 2 gl. 28 x22 E! y . 'sul-In 1 630 'aa i309 X 1 X f - 4 S ,N X rf. 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J , Bill y x X' X 2:3 T f K -. - ,. 1 2 l l , T., , . -- - 1 ' gr S ' 3' '12 Ml ,mn 5 .asm ' - ' ' g . . 1:4 ' i : - ,235 1 5 ' ' ' , - vi-:ff 7 . .,. 2 , Q K mm , A b SMU l MA ! A xmkk 1 X 0 I X x.fI .' JM- K 2 1 4 it f I , A ' ...., '17-Af 111-'z ,,,,, A X, A .4.,1.,t., 2 'V X Q ' -1 1 ix, f' 3 , is- z Q A vgiiiff l a 4 1 5' ' ' ' 2 54 m fb' 3 W 'Eff Q 5 V The future looked unpleasantly exciting whgn We made rendezvous with Task Group 32.3 nprthwest of the Keramu island of Yakabl Shima. Area Zebra, ' wlnch our group was to Sweep, was 2000 square miles in area, extending northeast of lap-held Miyako xblnma, the northernmost island in the Sakishima group, The southwestern end ot Zebra lay less than 20 miles from this island, on which there were several airlields, making air attack extremely probable. Capt, Townsend, CominRon 3, in the Gwin QDM 333 was in command of the Task Group wlnchiconsisted of the Breeze KQDM 183, Shannon, Smith, and Gwin in support of the AM's and other small craft. At dawn on the 1-lth, the sweeps streamed their gear and fell into sweeping formation, as the DM's took station astern for Supporting duties. As soon as all ships were on station, the sweeps began their hrst pass in a northwesterly direction. Two passes were made the first day,.cutting no mines. That night we retired to the east, returning to the area in the morning in time for the sweeps to stream gear, preparatory to sweeping. The second day was also uneventful, no mines being cut on either the northwesterly or southeasterly pass. Buoys were laid by the DM's to mark the limits of each pass and to fix the starting point of each successive day's sweep. The afternoon of the third day, June 16th, provided the first excitement. Enemy aircraft approached the area apparently on reconnaissance, but did not come close enough for our guns or the CAP to engage them. The following day the first Jap moored mines were cut and destroyed. This necessitated changing from an exploratory to a clearance operation. June 18th, our progress took us into the heart of the mine- field, for, on the second pass, numerous mines were swept. These were all sunk or destroyed by the PGM's. During the afternoon another Jap snooper plane was picked up. Our CAP gave chase, keeping him away from the ships. Although he was not even given a chance to attack, the sighting of this plane and knowing that he had seen us made us uneasy, VVe couldn't understand why the Japs did not attack in force. We were certain they knew of our pre- sence. But none ever did. On completion of sweeping operations the next day, during which numerous mines were swept and destroyed, the Task Group formed a cruising disposition to return to Kerama Retto for logistics. While the maneuvers of forming up were in progress, several enemy planes were picked up. The fighter director in the Smith sent our CAP out to intercept before the Japs could get too close. This strategy worked, for upon Slghting our planes the Japs turned and ran for their base, which we assumed to be Miyako Shima. TG 32.3 anchored in Kerama Retto on the morning of June 20, and spent the next two and a half days fueling and taking on stores for the last phase of the Zebra sweep. SURPRISE ATTACK The clear, bright evening quiet of our second day in port was suddenly violated by the rude chatter of guns 22 and 26. Taken completely unawares, no one knew what was happen- ing, but the fact remained that whatever it was it was happen- lflg foo close. No one ever before had moved so fast in man- ning his battle station. Many arrived topside just in time to See two Jap fighters crash into the seaplane tenders Curtiss CAV 43 and Kenneth Wliiting CAV 1-lj, only 3000 yards off our port bow. Although we stayed at general quarters for the next three hours, no more enemy planes approached the area. During this time, information was grad- ually pieced together to form the story of the attack. The two Jap planes had somehow gotten into the until Wilson, GM sc, and Disipio, s ic, gunners on ff . number two and number six ready 20 mm machine f , , SUHS, sighted them coming in low over the hills f ,4 'x of Hokaji Shima. As the first of these planes attacked and then crashed into the Curtiss, the other circled the harbor. Our guns opened up as the plane -- 7 if 'fag f Al f If . I . area undetectedg their presence was not known - iff ,ff MIYAKO SI-IIMA approached, and each very accurately poured 60 rounds into UIC Ulfilet. The Jap was either turned by our fire or had already picked out his target, for he continued to turn and dove on the Whiting, crashing close aboard her, 'The Shannon was the first, and practically the only ship in lxerama Retto to hre on the planes. The action was so un- expected and so rapid that no one knew what was happening until the harbor was rocked by explosions and fire on the unfortunate victims. Wilson and Disipio are to be highly commended for their rapid, cool-headed, and effective action in the situation. At 1850, June 22, the Task Group again sortied on the south- west .entrance to Kerama Retto to return to the Zebra area. Arriving early the next morning, the AM's streamed their gear and made one last northeasterly pass before starting the check sweep. Only a few mines were cut during the day, and, on completion of the day's sweeping, the area was con- sidered cleared and the operation completed. We returned to lxerama Retto and anchored, early the next morning, June 24th. During the Zebra operation, approximately 120 mines were swept and destroyed. June 25th the Shannon was granted a five day availability alongside the destroyer tender Hamul CAD 201. OKINAWA CAMPAIGN ENDS Organized resistance on Okinawa was declared to have ended on June 21, after eighty-two days of bitter fighting. Mop- ping up of two small enemy pockets still remained to be done, but the worst was over-for the ground troops, at least. The campaign had been a bloody and trying one. PfOgfCSS in the north had been rapid, against scattered opposition, and organized resistance in the northern two-thirds of the island had ceased by April 22. Advance in the south, however, had been stubbornly contested. From April 4 to May 26, our lines advanced only four miles, and it took from May 26 to June 21 to cover the remaining ten miles to the southern tip of the island. On June 18, while observing an attack of the Marine 8th Regimental Combat Team, Lieut. General S. B. Buckner, Commanding General of the Tenth Army and the Ryukyus Forces, was instantly killed by a shell burst. Command of the ground forces was then assumed by Major General R. S. Geiger, USMC, until after the capture of the island. June 23, General J. W, Stilwell, USA, relieved General Geiger, and assumed command of the occupation and garrison forces. About 548,000 men of the Army, Navy and Marine Corps had taken part in the operation as a whole, with 318 com- batant vessels and 1139 auxiliary vessels, exclusive of personnel landing craft. The Navy had suffered heavy losses at Okinawa through no fault of its owng that was one of the prices that had to be paid. The time element was closely connected with the extent of our ship casualties. By its very nature an amphibious in- vasion implies advancing a huge number of vessels, both combatant and noncombatant, from a zone dominated by one's own landbased air forces into one hitherto dominated by the enemy's. Our vessels are localized by the landing so that the enemy had not the problem of finding them, 'but only of hitting them. The longer the Navy must remain in support ot assault troop operations, the more vulnerable it is to attack, and the higher is the proportion of personnel and slnp casual- ties. Slow progress on the ground is directly reflected, there- fore, in naval losses. Between March 26, when the first damage was done, and June 21, when organized resistance had ceased, over 250 vessels of all classes, from battleships and carriers down to ' destroyers and landing ships, had been hit by air attack, by far the greatest proportion of them in suicide crashes. Some 34 destroyers or smaller 5 craft were sunk. Early warning of impending P- attacks proved to be the best countermeasure, and for this purpose destroyers and destroyer types were stationed as pickets at appropriate distances from the concentrations of heavier shipping. These pickets took the heaviest losses themselves, but in so doing they undoubtedly saved many bigger and more valuable vessels, during a critical three months. 55 1 IUNEAU Juneau was the largest single mine-sweeping operation ever undertaken. The area, roughly 150 miles long .by 60 miles wide, lay 110 miles west-northwest of Okinawa. The uncomfort- able proximity to Jap-held territory made enemy arr attacks a constant threat. Logistics having been completed, the Shannon clellflflcfl Kerama Retto early on the morning of July 4th. The 21dV2mCC buoy unit, TU 39.11.8, of which we were a part, included the W'iley and Fraser, CCTU 39.118 was Captain H. J. Armstrong, USN, CominDiv 8, in the Vtlileyl. Upon arrival we commenced laying a line of buoys marking the northeastern bounda.ry.Of the area preparatory to the start of operations the following day. Wlhen the line had been laid and checked, we 1'Ct111'l'lCd to the eastward and joined the sweep group, which had left Kerama Retto during the evening. NVhen sweeping operations began, the morning of the Sth, the Shannon took station astern of the last sweep and lard buoys to mark the inboard limit of the cleared area. ln addition, we served, along with the other DM's and DD's, as support ship, to protect the smaller units against air or surface attack. During the first two days' operations, only one mrne was cut, and five floaters destroyed. On night retirements, the Shannon was generally stationed ten miles ahead or astern of the formation of AM's, as a radar picket ship. The third day, business became good. Twenty mines were cut, four floaters destroyed. At the end of the fourth day, the Shannon rendezvoused with the Wiley, Breese CODM 185, and Hambleton CDMS 205 to return to Kerama Retto for fuel. When logistics had been completed, the same ships, plus the Gwin CDM 33J, returned to the area, arriving in time for the beginning of operations, on the morning of the 10th. The operations continued to be uneventful for the next four days, with the exception of cutting from twenty to thirty mines a day. At the completion of sweeping, on July 14th, with half of the entire area covered, over two hundred mines, most of which had been cut, had been destroyed. With the entire task group in need of logistics and a rest all ships headed for Buckner Bay, arriving on the following morning. TYPHOON Buoys, fuel, water, and provisions had been taken aboard by the 17th, and the Shannon, along with the rest of the ships, was ready to resume operations, All operations, howe , l , ver, were postponed by warnings of an approaching typhoon. Ar 1530, with the typhoon close- at hand, we were ordered to sortie with the rest of the ships from Buckner Bay to execute the prearranged typhoon retirement plan. Retirement began none too soon. liy steaming as fast aslweather and the slower ships in company would pernrrt until beyond Okino Daito Shima, wc just nranaged to skirt the storm, missing the worst part, but encountered plenty of rough weather on the edges, After three days, the center had passed enough to allow Your return to port. VVe arrived on the morning of Jrrly 21st. Necessary fueling having been completed, we left Buckner Bay later the same day with the Wiley and Rooks CDD 804J, as 'gm advance unit to locate the marker buoys. The next day was spent checking the lines of buoys, preparatory to the ar- rival of the sweeps on the morning of the 23rd. The operation continued to be uneventful, except for the mines which were cut in about the same numbers as before. At the completion of the day's sweeping July 26th, we steamed in to Buckner Bay with the Smith, to accomplish logistics, and returned to the area on the morning of the 28th. That day the normal passes were completed. During the night retire- ment on the 28th and 29th, we passed very close to the Jap islands of Kobi Sho, Sento Shosho, and Uotsuri Shima, and within about 75 miles of Formosa. The 29th and 30th were spent checksweeping along the mine barrier, which had been established by our plot, to ensure that the entire area had been covered and cleared. At the end of the operation, the 9000 square miles which had .been swept was declared free of mines. Eighteen days of sweeping had yielded 343 mines, swept and destroyed, and 61 Hoaters destroyed. We steamed into Buckner Bay at noon July 31, tired from the operation, but satisfied that we had done a good Job, and happy that we had encountered no particular dffrcultres. VVe had just anchored when another typhoon warning was received and we were ordered to shift to a more protected berth to ride it out, Typhoon season had begun in earnest. Fortunately, the center of the storm passed more than a hundred miles away, but the fringes were rough enough to give us a few trying hours, in spite of our shelter. The danger was short-lived, however, permitting us to commence a nine-day availability and logistics period at anchor in the vicinity of the Hamul CAD ZOJ. During those days, air alerts were frequent, causing considerable interruption, but few enemy planes actually came within range and fewer made attacks, SKAGWAY Another formidable sweeping operation was assigned to us when the plans had been completed-this time right in back yard of the enemy homeland. f'Skagway was an area slightly smaller than Juneau-120 by 45 miles--but promised a considerably larger number of mines and greater probability of 'rir attack The areas north ern boundary was only 120 miles from Kyushu anel the southern lrmrt 100 miles from Amamr O Shrma with numerous Jap held islands rn between It was an important and necessary operation because rt contained several mrne lines which pre sented an effective barrier against Allied submarine and sur face operations rn the East China Sea especially those of future invasion fleets which would be directing their efforts against Kyushu The days of preparation were fraught with anxiety and r patience for the Empire was wrtlrerrng under the Allied attacks Everyone hoped fervently that Japan would say Uncle Sam, and prevent the hell th rt wts imminent rf we should be forced to land on the shores of the Home Islands Scuttlebrrtt flenl 1 very brt of gh news sounded better than the Q Q as Lf During the evening of Xuf ust 10 the most exciting news of all was received A radio report stated that Japan had informed the Swedish and Svtrss governments that she trou fl rccept the surrender terms lard down by the Allies Wflfvyu at Potsdam, providing she could retain the Emperor assovereigll ruler. This news touched off a powder keg of celebration. AlIl105t immediately the sky was filled with gunfire. lighting the wl1OlC harbor and island Very signal shells flares and star shCllS burst everywhere tracers streaked the nroht The display VHS beautiful rernrnrscent of a peacetime Fourth of July celebra tron but extremely dtnoerous ln attempt to c0ntrol tl1IS rndrscrrmrnent frrrng lrlash Red was ordered bx all r6SP0U srble comm rnders rn the rrea After 'r few rnrnutes 111051 Of the hrrng stopped althouvlr spor rtrc reports could be heard from the beach md occrsronallx from 1 small Nlllp llhlch radnt got the nord rlhe rox fermented br the occasion was somewhat d'rmpened by reports th rt 'r number of men 11105111 soldiers on the beach lrtd betn lrlled by the spontaneouS demonstr rtron A later nexxs broadtrst reported that PICS1ClCHf Tluman c crllcd r nrectrng., of the L rbrnet rnd that r meetrntl Of al four of the letdrnt, Allred Nrtrons nrrrst be held before Pm answer eorrld l grxen o the ptrce olier recepted e xcrtement lr rung tlred dorxn temporrrrlx and 1021511 ICS t t Xs rn the prexrous SYNC Q or 1 s e the other 1111115 twlrsh and nrrrl t re nrrtlr rorned ns rt 1800 August 12 rs we steamed OU r kner may le rx rx LonrrnD 7 was rrnrlnd of x rngr rrrl rnrl liter of the southern QW rrnrt , .1 . 1' - - - fi - 5- - 1 fi Y H 'g . ': , Y . . . Y , . , 1 .l , ' 2 g A .' ' .- - ' ' - I 'B - ' C 'h C ' 8 . .B ,. . ' . -'y H1 r- ,, ,ci l , I -, - E . . . X - -. - - i I 2 .f . 2 ac . i . c 1 sv 'A - . . ' . r ' ' Q , g .. '2 ' f , . . . . i. - . , - 2 2 , . 23' 2 if, ' 2 . I Q ' . ' lc l L' - I I J 2 i D' ' - -' . I Y ' ' ' ' ' ,' ' in - - ' r A ., 2 , 2 . -2 Q' t . fr I ,, I C r c . . . L ' ' ' ,ry - K sz N - r 1 A K ' Q. 1 ' , A' Q X hal 2 2 A 2' rr' 2 ' ,-,2 2'2 ic' 1 ' 1 7 3 , -Q - .2 ' lr A '1 ' 2 ' 5 fl , V . Y 1 . ' Je H r iz - . A' ' 1 ' ' - I ' , . . . C , . ,' v K. 5 ' I - ' l' qt. Tlr ex r 2 1' -A ' 1 1 . '2 j Q 5 CS Q' ly ' A f' 1, A , . I A having been completed, including loading buoys, WC were . 3' H 'i , .Q 'J X ,. , 'W I-CZ if for thc. UllCr'21t'ior1 to st: 1' . r .' i ' ' ' 'i .Y 'epi' + mf I, - Q V Y , -g 5 the bln if rrn t wa: to leave ahead rf ' to . . 2' J 5 2 f estzl . 2 2 it the lirnits of the area. : 'X . Q ' 'f 2 2 A ff ' ' - .f 'f '. 2 Tl S ' f ' r .' :V , , 3' 3 ', If , gf ,t ' A kj' . 1 2 . of l'rrc X' l'2j, enrorr r to Skag iz J i 'll' ' m f l, 2. 1 ' A . -A' cor' 2 this 'z T rz ' , 2 2 T r eep 56 Three hours afterrwe had left, Flash Red was ordered .by gill Okinawa bases. Ihe Pennsylvzuna had been seriously hit by a torpedo from a Jap plane wlnch had sneaked into liuck- ner Bay- A large group of' enemy planes was subsequently peported to be closing the island, but gall planes were turned back before reaching their objectives. lilash White was broad- cast about an hour later. Early the next morning we arrived and located the south- eastern corner of Skagway. Wfhen the. position had been es- tablished, we commenced laying a line ot reflector buoys along the eastern boundary. Wfhen the lme was completed, we returned to the original position, checking the buoys on the way, The first half of the night was spent patrolling in that vicinity, and then, at 0200. we left to rendezvous with the FWUCIJ units, Task Units 95.4.4 and 95.45, and lead them into position. lhe brst pass was an exploratory sweep, made along the eastern boundary. No mines were swept during the day, and, by 1900, the. two task units had recovered gear and formed tor night retirement to the southeast. Numerous bogies closed the formation during the night keeping us at GQ. most of the tune, but none were close enough to fire on. The next morning, the sweeps made their first pass on a northwesterly course, normal to the mine line, while the Shannon laid buoys astern of the last sweep. By noon, the area had been crossed, and the sweeps reversed course to make their return pass. The day's operations were completed by 1830, 52 mines having been cut and destroyed. V-I Early in the afternoon, the most exhilerating news anyone on the ship had ever heard was announced over the IMC. Captain Ingram said, Attention all hands! Communique number 467 released from NVashington at 0200 zebra, 15 August 1946, reads as follows: 'Orders have been issued to the United States Pacific Fleet and to other forces under the command of CinCPac-CinCPoa to CEASE OFFENSIVE OPERA- TIONS AGAINST THE JAPANESEV' There was a second or two of meditative, unbelieving silence, and then . , . the loudest, happiest conglomeration of shrieks, liollars, yells, noises of all kinds issued from all over the ship-from the lowest bilge to top of the foremast. The ship's whistle, siren, and bell added to the confusion of joy. It was a great and historic day. Every man was proud of his contribution in the struggle that led to this moment of victoryg and every man issued a silent prayer-HThank God that I am here to see this day. The war was officially over, but we still had at least this job to finish, and probably several others like it before we could train in and secure. And even though cease bring orders had been given, we were still keeping a wary watch for enemy activity. Some of the Iaps might not have gotten the wordg even if they had, we, like so many others, had learned not to trust their honor. So the Skagway sweep continued, During the day, we either laid buoys, or assisted one of the other ships by pointing the previously laid buoy, as they laid each successive one. Our night retirement station was in the van picket station until early morning, when we would steam ahead to locate and point the initial buoy, coaching the sweepg into pogition, 'The efficiency of this operation exceeded that of the pre- vious ones, for a tanker was assigned as part of the Task Group, enabling all ships to fuel without returning to Okinawa, thereby saving a considerable amount of fuel and time. The sweeping continued smoothly and without incident, with the sweeps making two passes a day. On the 16th, 59 mines were swept and destroyed: 55 the 17th, 42 the 18th, 15 the 19th, -ll the 20thg and only 6 the 21st, The last pass normal to the mine line was made on the 21st, On the following day we began to check sweep along the mine line, which had been established by plotting the positions of the mines as they were cut. ' No mines were cut on the 22nd, but on the second check sweep, August 23, 36 were cut, indicating that we had prob- ably left a holiday during the initial passes. This necessitated another check- to insure that the field was clear. Operations the 2-ith accounted for 14 mines which presumably cleared the holiday and completed the operation. At the end of the day we set our course for Okinawa, where we anchored in Buckner Bay at noon, August 25. Area Skagway was half finished. The unit of which the Shannon was a part had cut 320 mines and the Northern Sweep Unit, an equally large number, totaling about 650 mines from half of the Skagway area, This had proved to be the most concentrated and dangerous minefield in the East China Sea. YELLOW SEA OPERATIONS The original plan for future sweeping operations had to be changed. Preparations must now be made for occupation of the Home Islands, Korea, and China, rather than for landings on the beaches. This meant that the harbors and their approaches would require primary attention, rather than the beaches. 1-,-, , So instead of returning to 'finish Skagway, our sweep units were ordered to Area T Arcadia in the Yellow Sea, off the southeast coast of Korea. The Arcadia operation was to be undertaken by TU 95.48, the Service Unit, - consisting of the Shannon, Smith, Avoyel CATF 1505, and three smaller ships: N- and TU 95.49, the Sweep Group, made up of Sweep Units 1, 2, and 3-21 AM's and 13 supporting small craft. Cantain Farrow was CTU 95.4.8 and Captain T. W. l Davison USN, QCominDiv 155 was CTU 95.4.9, both in the Shannon. ...ii , These task units departed from Buckner Bay on the morning of August 30. 2 and, after two uneventful da.ys of steaming, arrived off Southwestern Korea. By 1130, September I, the sweep units had formed, streamed gear, and commenced A clearance sweep of Area Arcadia. As in previous operations, the Shannon laid, or assisted in laying buoys during ' the day, and at night took retirement station as van radar picket. important for it was to open the Yellow S This operation was much smaller than any of the previous ones, but was very ea to Seventh Fleet units carrying the ii- ' -s ,JI i '7 Korea Occupation Forces. It also proved to be considerably easier and more accurate than others, for throughout the entire operation we were able to obtain visual and radar fixes on the island of Kokuzan To, and occasionally on Ko To lll the Daikokuzan Gunto. J X s ? s F' X ' 2 6 'Q -1- , f 57 On completion of the day's operations September 3, the Smith joined Sweep Units 1 and 3 to remain in the Arcadia area, while the Shannon and Sweep Unit 2, as TU 95.4.92, proceeded northward to Jinsen, Korea, to conduct an explora- tory sweep of the harbor and approaches in preparation for landings in that area. Early in the morning, the unit arrived off Kakureppi Retto, and, by 1000, began an exploratory sweep of the approaches to Iinsen Harbor. The Shannon's assignment was to lay buoys to mark the center of the channel and coincidently, the limit of the First pass. At the end of the first pass, the sweeps ex- plored an area which was later to be used as an anchorage. They then returned toward Kakureppi, sweeping the other half of the channel. By 1800, the day's operations, during which no mines were cut, had been completed. VVe anchored for the night in the western end of the swept channel. Shortly after we anchored Commodore Davison shifted his pennant to the Dour QAM 2235 to remain in the Jinsen area directing the operation, The Shannon was then ordered to return to Arcadia, and left at 1908, with several other ships. Early the next morning we made a rendezvous with TG 70.6 to fuel from the Chiwawa CAO 681, on the completion of which we continued to Arcadia. When we arrived, at noon, the Commodore relieved the Smith as OTC, allowing her to meet the Chiwawa and fuel. By September 7, the area had been completely swept and checked, and a line of buoys laid to mark the channel through the mine lines, As we were completing the last check, several Seventh Fleet units, mostly transports and escorts steamed safely through, enroute to Iinsen for the occupation. i At 1830, our job finished, TU 95.4.8 and TU 95.4.9 were l 1 . . . and no beer ever tasted better. Plenty to Celebrate . . . dissolved and TG 52.3 was formed of the same units, with Commodore Farrow in command. The sweeps assumed their steaming disposition and we departed Area Arcadia, enroute to Sasebo, Kyushu, Japan. ANNIVERSARY , , During the night, as we passed within 25 miles of Saishu To, the Fitch CDMS 255 joined our formation, Early the morning of September 8, the Fitch came alongside to transfer a load of very welcome mail and one passenger, Lttjgj D. D. Coffin, a Japanese language officer, who was to be our interpreter throughout the coming operations. This being the first anniversary of the Shannon's com- missioning, a celebration, as proper as the time and place would permit, was in order. All work was knocked ofi' early that afternoon, and all hands off watch moved to the fantail, where two cans of cold beer awaited each man. Never did beer taste so good! Besides being a long time since the last one, the afternoon was hot and sultry, Everyone drank in toast to the Shannon, to her accomplishments during the historical past year, to her future, and to victory and peace. Adding to the significance of the day, an order was received to burn peace-time navigational lights. At sunset running lights were turned on by all Naval vessels for the first time since December 7, 1941, and by the Shannon for the first time in her history. That night, further celebration was both occasioned and accomplished by showing movies topside. It was, indeed, an historical day for the Shannon. SASEBO - NAGASAKI SWEEP Operations in the Sasebo area were equally as important as those in the Arcadia area and the approaches to Iinsen, if not more so. The waters between Goto Retto and the west coast of Kyushu, the harbors and approaches, had to be free of mines before the occupation forces could land at Nagasaki and Sasebo to take control of Kyushu. Dllfillg U10 morning watch, September 9. the Task Group passed between Fukao Shima, the southern-most island in the Goto Retto chain, and Danjo Gunto. 58 ' ! Quarters was sounded at 0750, as we stopped and mbfmt 30 miles southwest of Nagasaki, Kyushu, A Ship had been sighted and contacted, and was closing leeording to plan. At 0810, the Saishu fCMc 311, a light mine-layer, lay to several hundred yards away. small pulling .boat was put in the water and loaded, At 5345, 3 delegation of Japanese coastal defense officers, headed by Commander Tsunji Aztnna, came aboard for a conference with CTG 52.3. The conference, held in the wardrooin, was conducted by Commodore Farrow and attended by Commodore Davison, Captain Ingram, the Navigator, the Flag Lieutenant, the Interpreter, Lt. fjgl Howard, and the japanese delegation. Charts brought aboard by the japanese showed the location of all the minefields in the area. A description of the local the Smith, on the right Hank of the sweep formation, planted l9U0Ys to mark the eastern boundary, At 1600, the right flank unit left the formation to sweep an anchorage area north of Matsu Shimaj while the rest of the ships continued past O Shima, clearing the channel up to the entrance of Sasebo Har.bor. At that point we reversed course and enlarged the channel to the newly swept anchorage area, where we anchored for the night, Lt, Commander Kimura returned to his ship. Early the next morning, Lt. Commander Fujii, Japanese Imperial Navy, came aboard to assist in the days operations. The units then proceeded from the anchorage and began sweeping. Wlieri the channel and approach to Sasebo Ko had been completed, we started a clearance sweep of the area north defenses was given by the delegation, In addition, the facilities, size, and location of anchorages and harbors was discussed, as well as the number, size, and capabilities of Japanese ships which might be used to assist in minesweeping. The delegation left the ship at 1033 leaving Lt. Commander S. Kibura on board to assist in the day's sweeping OperatiOnS. AS Soon thereafter as possible, the sweeps streamed their gear, and we commenced a clearance sweep of the aDDF03Cl1 channel to Sasebo. During the operation, the Shann0n laid buoys to mark the western limit of the swept channel, While , Ulf., .sf as, of the channel. At the end of the day we returned to the Matsu Shima anchorage, which was rapidly coming to be known as Stewards Cove , During the day. the tanker Millicoma CAO 733 arrived, providing us with much needed fuel. 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X vm '- , zxa Q . 1 6 grae-. , Q 1 I 14 he , L- NAGASAKI K0Ya8' Sh'ma I-'SM marks fha Channel entrance This new Jap merchantman never got out of port Entrance to the Inner harbor Mndget submanne ways and pens western sh , W ' L, Z Q 4 AQVNWQW s ang x - J 'l'ht- wtiitl -pitntl igtiritlly when wt- gm underway the lttxl llltlllllllf, lh.tl txt' XNt'It ptilltg tri fxgrgatakihtarget f IIN. stt-.intl Alltitlllt lntilllli, killfltislij' ldlltjll QVC,-V man? iiiintl XXX' wt-it' :ill ttnxittiis It. st-t- tht- results of this foo? til' want griitl tllstllltylillltllll whith hzitl playt-tl 50 great a tttltr iii litisltlllltt' 1-t-gttt 'Xfttr txxti htiitrs tif stt-gming down thtr sWt'lvl t'llLlllllt'l, wt- ztiitttttl till' tht- viitritllfe to Nagagaki llgtihttr, K 'l'ht- ftilllllltaltlt' thttit- is tltttlsugtlly piCIl1rCSque its htrztiity t-nhgtnt-t'tl .hut riigytrtl, wtttttlt-tl :intl pnrtiztllyterfaced iiitttintztins Niiinttittlls xt-rtlztnt islztntls mark the ap- In-.nrt-Irts, whilt- st-iitinxil llyllllIUllSl'5 ht-rrtltl the harbor t-ntrztnt't'. Mitsubishi Aircraft Engine Works. ,,.,,-st ,, '- Skeletal remains ot Mitsubishi attest to the aim ot American bombs. Unly one iiztrrtiw clinnntrl hzttl ht't-n swept through the 1llitit'lit'ltls which gngrrtlt-tl tht- :thin-tizrttli and entrance, so xt YMS lztmiliztr with thztl t'h:innt'l inet us outside and lt-tl thtr vtzty. St-xt-rzil small, lllt'lllI'L'Sqllt' fishing' x'ill2l,Qes on the islands :intl tht- pt-riiiitrttrr til tht- tiritt'r hztrhor, along with the nninurtnis lislllllp htiztts in tht- hay. ht-ltl our attention as wt- rtniiitlttl thtr lirst turn in tht- Chztnnel, hut only briefiy, ttir t'x'itlt'nt't- tit' tlt-strnctitin :intl war was mingled with tht ht':tuty, 'lift tht' It-it lay :t sunken ship, with only part tif its .htiw :intl sniit-rsti'nt-tnrtr showing :thove the surface. Signs tif titrtitlt-nt:il cnltnrt- wt-rtf surprisingly prominent, iiiinglt-tl with tlltrst' of tht' tiritrnt, Un the hillsides stood stxti il tliiistrtn t'hurt'ht's. :1ti1i:tt'e1itly untouched by the ittt ts ttf wztr, Snrpristf :tt set-ing' these was lessened wht-ii wt- lt-:trnt-tl lzttt-r that Nzigzisztlti was one of the - Orient. l'itittttlin, itirthtr into tht- hztrhor we passed a.lQUg flight til stairs, :trtht-tl hy ttrttirii, which led up the hlllS1dC Sliiiiyarrtls :intl snhniztrint' pens were numerous but t-niitty, ways gnttt-tl with htinih critters. steel cranes re- thittifl to XXlil't'lt1lQJt'Q hniltlings, shops :intl factories torn and twistt-tl, or tiivrtrlx' iiiltrs ol' rtthhltk :X nlitlget Sublllaflne fttt tix xx is t slttilttitm tillvtl with nnlinishetl, rusted Grid l72l1lt'l'l'll htillts. wa.-g,Z,.,m 'fm' I , Vf3p1, '1:rEQ 'f'fif -3 lht' Nlitsnhishi lfnuinti Xtorlts, -which made aircraft 'V V 'A' l'llHlllt'S, wats iviwilmlwly tht- hztrtltfst hit ot :ill the f8LtOYl9b- -Af' My 'T' Y , lht- ftrw hniltlings which rt-niziinctl stzuiding were alm0St 4 ' t'tniiplt'tt1ly utttttwl, that' lzirgt-, newly ltllilt cargo Sllilhland fstltllt' NIIl1llll'I' ships, hntl ht't'ti sunk ztltntgsitlc the Mitsu- hishi tltttlts, ftltlitniuli stunt- rvtiziir work llilfl been flonf' tht' streets :intl rnrtls in tht- lztcttirv tlistrict were Silll -, , V, , -FW' Allied POW's processed at Nagasaki Customs House Consolation lAH-I5l. , 12 and on board The Gun e'Y Officer and First Lieutenant take flw EM 'tor a jinriltsha ride in Nagasaki. AKI Clutter-eel with debris, Most ol' tlie-tlestrnetion visible front the harbor had been catisetl by incendiary and high explogivg bombs dropped .by .Xrmy lieztxty bonilmers and Carrier-based Navy bombers, not .by the :ttontie liontlm, Effects of the atomic bomb were noticeable from the harbor, manifested mostly in at large burn scar on the side of a hill, and somewhat tin the tlestrnetion ot' buildings in the northwestern part ot the city, but not prevalent as one would expect, The main reason for this is that the bomb, dropped through a lteaxy oxercast which limited visibility, missed its target. lt landed somewhat north till the center of the city in one of the valleys which runs off the large valley in which Nagasaki is located, 'l'he hills which form this valley generally limited the moye- ment of precussion waves and heat from the explosion to the direction in which the valley runs, and, therefore, lim- ited the destruction to less than was expected. The atomic .bomb explosion had a much greater effect on the people of Nagasaki than on the physical structure of the City. Many were killed outright, and many more died later from radioactive burns, which generally destroy the blood cells and vital organs of the body, At the time of our arrival, a month after the explosion, there were still about twenty or thirty people dying each day, Doctors working at the local hospital and on board the hospital ship were obtaining much valuable information and perience. A very decided mental effect was evident in those natives who still lived, Every one of them was very apathetic and reticent, They moved about on their busi- ness, but very little was accomplished, A death-pall of silence hung over the city, These people of Nagasaki were completely beaten and submissive. The atomic bombing had not accomplished the com- plete destruction that was expected, but its effect was great and complete enough to achieve one desired purpose: effecting or at least aiding in effecting unconditional sur- render. Late in the morning we moored alongside the Phantom CAM 2735 in Berth C, First District, Nagasaki Harbor. where We remained until l600, while Commodore lfarrow called on the Admiral to discuss future plans and obtain orders. In the late afternoon, we turned to 'tFarrow's Cove, between Matsu Shima and Kakmoura Shima, where we anchored and remained throughout the next day, f ,.,r r ,,f,,, ,V ya t K x fr-. I e - rl 'lj , Nagasaki street scene. Looking across a bridge in the Nagasaki business district In Looking north from the harbor toward the valley ' l Nagasaki commerce canal. which the atomic bomb landed. i i 5 SASEBO A SHANNON PRIORITY The Shannon got underway again in the early morning, September 14, and steamed down the swept channel to Nagasaki, where we moored alongside the Phantom tAM 2731 XYhen Commodore Farrow returned from his conference with the .-Xdmiral, he ordered the Shannon to get underway in order to carry out the orders l1e had just received. Two hours later we anchored in the Matsu Shima area. :Xt 1353, we were again underway in accordance with verbal orders from the Naga- saki-Sasebo Area Commander. The Shannon passed through the entrance to Sasebo at 1445. At that moment. she be- came the first U. S. Man-o'-War to enter that harbor. Sasebo, normally a city of l33,000, is one of it the principle naval bases and shipyards in japan, and the largest in Kyushu, The city is built around the harbor, with the residential sections extending well back into the hills. The countryside is not as rugged as that around Nagasaki, although there are a great many large and rather steep hills. Nor is it as picturesque as Nagasaki, but from the harbor the scenery is pretty. The harbor entrance is narrow and the approaches confined -both protected by Well concealed fortifications. At the southern end of the harbor, near the entrance to Omura VVan, lay several new ships, the largest of which were carriers. These were abandoned-some not even completely built. We steamed east for two and a half miles and then turned north to enter the main part of the harbor. Shortly after turn- ing, the installations around the perimeteriof the harbor be- came visible. On the western shore there were fuel storage tanks, coal yards, wharves, and caves presumably used for storage and as air-raid shelters. Along the eastern shore Could be 'seen a' Naval air station, torpedo testing station, a large ammunition dump, a mine base, and numerous smaller instal- lations such as barracks and shops. At the head of the harbor were several large drydocks, piers, shipyards, an outfitting 1 R Standing into Sasebo Harbor - The first Allied Man-O'-War. wharf and arsenal, naval gun factories, machine shops and an aircraft factory. On the highest hills we could see radar and radio antennae. The base was, on the whole, Well equipped and well protected. At 1503, the Shannon anchored close to the western shore, in the First District, Sascbo Harbor. Twenty minutes later a small tugcame alongside with the boarding party. Rear Admiral K, lshii, the Chief of Staff, Sasebo Naval Station, came aboard with his staff. a Captain, Commander, Lieutenant Commander, and an Ensign. The Admiral, after saluting the Quarterdeck, saluted and bowed very formally to Captain Ingram. The others of the Japanese delegation followed suit. Captain Ingram was assisted in receiving them by Lt. Cjgl Coffin, who acted HS interpreter, Lt. Cjgl Berg, l..t. O87 Geyer, and armed g2mg'W9-Y petty officers Allen, BM lc, and Reisinger, QM Sc. The delegation was then escorted to the wardroom, VVIICII all was ready, Commodore Farrow entered and the confer- ence began. 64 1 The base was informally surrendered by Admiral Ishii and then the principal topics of the conference were discussed. Charts of the harbor defenses, particularly the location of controlled minefields, were turned over and explained. Methods of and arrangements for disposing of the mines were discussed and agreed upon. Other topics of discussion included the number and types of japanese ships available for minesweep- ing outside of the harbor, the facilities of the har.bor and the base which would be available for use by Allied ships and the occupation forces, control of the natives during the early days of occupation, and the disposition and employment of Japanese troops during occupation. This conference by no means settled all of the questions and problems that presented themselves at this time and in the future, but it did lay the foundation for occupation, and arranged preparation of the harbor and station. As soon as the conference was over, Admiral Ishii and his staff left the ship. Shortly afterwards, we returned to Matsu Shima, where we anchored for the night, The visit of the Japanese delegation had an interesting and ironical sidelight. The Japanese Ensign, who was a member of the party to act as interpreter, had been a classmate of Lieutenant Petersen at Pasadena tCaliforniaJ Junior College in 1936. just before the delegation left the ship these two former fellow-students recognized each other and exchanged very formal and somewhat cold greetings. . The following day the Shannon returned to Nagasaki with Commodore Farrow. When the Commodore had reported the results of the Sasebo conference to the Admiral, he re- turned aboard, The Shannon went back to Matsu Shima, only to return to Nagasaki the next day to ride out the typhoon which was approaching and of which we had warning. During the afternoon and evening of September 17, the typhoon reached its full fury, In spite of the protection offered hx by the surrounding mountains, winds in the harbor increased to well over 65 knots. Fortunately, the center of the storm passed about 100 miles to the east of Nagasaki. Our mooring held and no damage was sustained, By midnight the storm had abated, and dawn broke clear and fresh. 1Ve left. Nagasaki at 1400, enroute to Sasebo, where we anchored in the outer harbor three hours later, and remained throughout the night. The following day, Lt. 1180 Ayres and Lt. Cjgl Coffin went ashore to supervise the destruction of the controlled mines which guarded the harbor entrance, After some difficulty, most of the mines were detonated, and arrangements were made for the destruction of those which could not be flred from the control station. Upon their return, in the late after- noon, the Shannon left for Matsu Shima, our anchorage for the night. Ships, by this time, were coming into Sasebo in preparation for the Occupation Forces, which were to follow. When we returned to the harbor on the 20th, we moored alongside the Flusser CDD 3683, in berth 17, remaining over night. The Shannon's duties continued to be varied, some of them becoming menial, others providing considerable interest and excitement. September 21, we met and escorted the Rooks CDD 8045 into Sasebo, and then,went alongside the Cossatot CAO 773 to fuel, After fueling, we moored with the Smith and transferred 25 radar refiector buoys from her tracks to ours. That night, we anchored again in f'Steward's Cove. The occupation troops arrived in the har.bor September 22nd, and landed the same day, Shortly after their arrival, CominDiv 7 ordered the Shannon into Sasebo so that he could call on and confer with the Admiral in command of Occupation Forces. 65 The next several days were spent in Sasebo, cont-t1'Ul-lilltl UN' sweeping operations and occasionally escorting ships into the harbor, although we returned to Matsu Shima each night to anchor. September 26th provided a considerable departure from the routine of the previous week. Starting early in the niornutg we went hunting for an anchorage for TG 52.3, and particularly for one which would provide a good typhoon shelter. The most likely possibilities were in the coves of the Goto' Retto islands. Our first stop was Fukae Shima, where we investi- gated Tomiye W'an and the waters between some of the out- lying islands and the coast of Fukae. From there we-headed northeast, checking all the possibilities along the chain. Our last stop-Arikawa Xalan, on the northern coast of Nakadort Shima-was the most promising, but still hardly suitable as a typhoon anchorage for the Bay was open to the north. Upon our return to Sasebo Ko in the late afternoon, Lt. Commander Sujiyama, Japanese Imperial Navy, and his staff re- ported aboard for a minesweeping conference with CominDiv Z, which lasted a little more than an hour. ., After a night in Sasebo Harbor, rare for us, we returned to Matsu Shima Anchorage, where we fueled- and then waited for the signal to proceed on a special mission. Most of the 28th was spent in Sasebo while the Commodore made preparations for a conference he was to conduct the following day. Fusan, Korea was our dt-stination when we ot troin Sasclio, jllsl licfore sunset. lit-fore we lefg C51-gglerlYlaY XY. lf Nlicltt-ls, KLTSNR, a mining expert from the Bm-ein er th'dttance, eatin- alniartl to join the staff of CTG 52,3 temgopf 'trilv ' 1 . The morning of St-ptt-1n.ln-r 20, the Shannon arrived off the entrance to lfnsan, intent on a s aerial niissi ' - and investiuatitnt. I on of mspectlon The city ol lfnsan has a long and interesting history in t-tnnn-t.tion with Ktn-4-att-Japanese and Russo-japanese wars and with the struggle for control of the Tsushima Kaikyo mf Korean Strait, a narrow and very important passage betwleen Korea and japan, on which stands the city of Fusan, It was in these Straits that the Russian fleet, in 1905, after steamin from thc. lialtit- Sept through the Atlantic, around the C3135 of Good Hope, and through the Indian Gcean and China Seas, in hopes of basing in Vladivostok and blockading Japan was completely annihilated by the japanese fieet, undef Admiral Tojo. The harbor at lfusan is large and roomy, and has recently become one of ,lapan's large naval bases, The city has a population of over 2Ull,000, although the area it covers is comparatively small. Because of the dangers from mine fields and numerous derelicts in the channel, we did not enter the harbor, The inspection party-Commodore Farrow and his staff-was met bv a YMS and taken ashore for the conference and tour. WELCOME INTO SUNG IUNG p The Shannon sought an anchorage which would be inore suitable and better protected, Cn information from local authorities, we steamed about 15 miles northeast to a small and very picturesque bay, known on the charts as Yoguamupo Wan. There, in the middle of the afternoon, we anchored, In this bay, there were numerous rocks and Small islands Along its shore, at the foot of the mountains, was a village- whose people apparently made their livelihood from fishing and difficult farming on the terraced slopes, The houses were of either stone or wood, and most had thatched roofs. A great many trees covered the land that was not terraced for farm- ing. It was, indeed, a pretty setting. The people on shore were curious about our ship but cautious, and those in .boats kept their distance, at nrst Soon however, when they saw that we made no hostile move their curiosity overcame their fear. People flocked from their homes to look. Boats already in the bay came closer, and manv more started out from shore, As these boats approached the Crew watched in silence, with reserve. They expected tb find the people the same glum, silent japanese as those that had met us in the bum-boats at Nagasaki and Sasebo. But as they approached, much to everyone's surprise, we could see their smiles and hear their laughs and cheers. The word s0011 got around that these people were Koreans, not Japs A happy people they were, too-singing, laughing, and cheer- ing, It hadn't taken them long to discover that we were the long awaited American Navy. i The First few boats that ventured alongside were greeted with a shower of cigarettes and candy. This was a natural and spontaneous reaction for a group of men who had been at for nine months of war and flaming hell, men who, for that long nine months, had received no friendly greeting or smile of ---e- '- 1 welcome, lt was a refreshing experience for all of us. Vile were as glad as they to see a friendly face. Almost immediately, the international jargon of barter began, augmented .by a mixture of English, Korean, several pidgin adaptations, and a variety of very expressive gestures Cigarettes, gum, candy, shoes, hats, and watches were traded for pipes, chopsticks, money, sandles, books and posters. Each party to a trade thought he got the better of the other. ln relative value to the recipient, the natives undoubtedly fared better than the sailors. In the excitement of greeting and dickering, one bearded old manlgestured so vigorously that he toppled backwardS 0Uf.Of his boat, Amid the howls of American and Korean laugltfer, he was quickly pulled back aboard, drenched bllf happy. Slmffly bfffore sunset, a small coal-burning steamboat RP' Pf03ChCfl fF0H1 the village landing. As it drew near, we could See the 0CPUDHnts and hear their cheers and songs. T116 bfiat was crawling with humanity-people hanging over the glin- Wales, ilftmg' 011 the pilot house, and clinging to the Sfl10ke' Stack. hach man and boy waved a small, rice-paper AmerlC3U of Korean Hilti, which was drawn from a seemingly inexhaust- ftble SUDIQIY. One bespectaclcd young man led the passengelfs in organized' cheering, reminiscent of the most enthusiastic cheering section at a high school football game. Wlien this boat had come alongside, its passengers swarrned over our decks .before they could be stopped-bowing, shaking hands, and shouting greetings to all they met. Each carried some Pflfl to Present to our captain, It is hard to estimate the value of these gifts to these peasant people, but it is sure that the chickens and large bottles of ntilkv-white rice wine yvere f'm0Il-H their most prized possessions, Thev were determlnedi 111 spite of our protests, to show their appreciation with H1939 tokens of friendship and welcome, and insisted that we keep: them. . r i l . ,fer-f i. 5 iw,-we f - ' i st 1 L 53? . W K fv.,s.v, We welcome the American Sailors. It was indeed a queer sight to see these natives standing on our quarterdeck, dressed in everything from flowing white knee-length kimonas and full trousers wrapped tightly at the ankles, to double-breasted occidental suits, with their arms laden with live chickens and large bottles of liquor, Nor when they left were they empty-handed, for we returned their ges- ture with cartons of cigarettes and candy. Early the next morning, the waters teemed with small boats, manned by happy, curious Koreans. Around the point of the bay to the south sailed a small Heet of boats, apparently from another village to which the word of our arrival already had spread. Trading continued as be- fore, except that it had grown in its fervor. The life of these simple village folk had been disrupted , by .What to them was a great event. lint after the first , excitement, except for those in the boats around the ship, they continued their business as usual, for no mat- ter how great the event they still had to work to eat and live. Farmers went into the fields and fishing craft set out to make their day's catch. On a small rock not far from the ship, half a dozen men and women landed from alboat. Unabashed by our presence they proceeded to disrobe and put on bathing suits. For several hours they swam, searching the coral and sand of the shoal for clams or whatever seafood might be found, Then about HOOD, they again removed their clothes, and, while basking naked in the sun, opened and ate some of the clams they had dug. It was an unusual sight for a group of Americans to behold-an example of a standard of living and code of morals far different from our own, which we deem so perfect. .Shortly after noon, as the Shannon was making all prepara- tions for getting underway, all work in the village and fields Www WN' Q Wyman' , E52 V And the band played on. stopped. lrpople lined the shore and watched the ship, At the same time we could see a long procession of people filing dow-n from-the hills to the village. Everyone was in white, native, holiday dress. At the head of the procession, lll2Ll't'llt'tl two men proudly carrying large American and lxoreaii. flags side .by side. For well over an hour, the lfI'fM'LfsS1oI1 wound its way down the mountain road and through the village, until the people lined the shore and covered the pier, As soon as the gathering was completed, the same steamboat that had once before paid us a visit was loaded, and stood out of the harbor. lielching smoke and strain- ing under the load, it made its way toward the Shannon, As it came near, a twelve piece brass band struck up, and . a chorus of Korean women, robed in immaculate white kimonas, began to sing. From the mast of the boat, fiew 4 large American and Korean flags. In the bow, stood two men holding a wide banner, on the ends of which were painted American and Korean Hags. In the Center of the banner, in large, yellow, block letters was the word t WELCOME and below this, in Hovving script, Our Allied 4- T Forces into Song Jung. A translation into Korean com- pleted tlie banner. The .boat circled the ship three times, as the band played what we assumed to be their national anthem, The Beer Barrel Pollsn, and fluld Lang Sync, The boat then came alongside at the quarterdeck gangway. Time after time, in response to the enthusiasm of the Koreans, the Executive Officer led the crew in three cheers for Korea, for the women, and for the occasion in general. NXfe all happy. All Korea want you. yvhen all Vvag reasonably quiet, their leader stepped for- ward' and' with difficulty in his broken English, delivered this welcoming address: lVc revlmiiie 1110 .dmeriraiz Sailors. life all Koreans wish you happy and lzmlflz. Today we are Kowaiz. To you wglmifiy Iflfv 'wait for you long time. lflf 0 lzofli .-luzericayg 5 . f W . Wi ,Y 2,32 and KIIl'L'Ull today, go T0 flzc cleaflz. If e all happy A It or ea run ll l y 0 11. . - f d The speech was poor in grammar and choice o wor s, but the meaning behind it was unmistakable, VVhatever .it might have lacked was more than compensated for in sincerity and depth of feeling. Captain Ingram then made a gracious f6DlY i9 behalf of the Crew, the Navy, and the United States, which their leader translated in emphatic terms with Howing gestures. At the conclusion of the ceremonies the Captain shook hands with some of the Korean dignitaries, after which they all bowed and we saluted. Our duties elsewhere were pressing, and the Commodore for ns at Fnsan. So, as the Korean fleet from the side, the Shannon got underway, with whistle and siren shrieking, The band played, hats arms wavedg our crew and the Koreans, both afloat was waiting moved away and , and ashore cheered each other. As we moved out into the stream: we broke a small Korean Hag, which had been given us, from our mast, just below our own colors. 67 As the boats :tml the town dis- appeared in the distance one of the chiefs rernatrked, The tiovf ernment doesn't need to st-ml any diplornatsg just give at bunch ol' - - - r 4 .5 sailors a few cigarettes :tml some sud candy and they'll make friends. . f 'These guys could win over any- body. That is certainly trite in t Yoguamupo, Korea, or Song lung, ' ' as the natives apparently call it. X This had been a mighty pleasant' ,X X interlude from months of grueling sea duty. But to everyone on .board the Shannon it was much 0 more. There in Korea, a country which, to most people, seems like the end of the Earth, we found an expression of what we had been fighting forf To those somewhat primitive, peasant people, we symbolized America-and America meant free- dom. These people believed in and worshipped a far-away country, which they had never seen, because of the things for which it stands. The Korean spokesman had said, VVe wait for you long time. That made most of us feel a bit ashamed that it had taken us, the United States, so long to get there and fulfill the promises we had made some forty years before. But our shame was far overshadowed by the joy that our coming had wrought. It is a wonderful experience to free a people, whether actually or symbolically. Their happiness and gratitude was, in a measure, payment for the hell and horror we had experi- enced. All that seemed to matter little when we saw its re- sults. Freedom, war, ways of life-much that had before been intangible, expressed in generalities-took on new mean- ing. Our experience in Korea had made many things specific and real. Probably never again will we be given as sincere and ap- preciative a reception, and in no port in the world will the Shannon ever be more welcome than in Yoguamupo, Korea, BACK TO OKINAWA Shortly after leaving Yoguamupo Wan, We anchored off the entrance to Fusan harbor, in the vicinity of the sea buoy. An LCS came alongside at 1600, returning CominDiv 7 and his staff to the ship. Our orders then called for a hurried trip to Okinawa, the main purpose of which was to report to CominPac the findings, of the Korea conference and the progress of sweep- ing operations around northern and western Kyushu. Time was pressing, so we made 25 knots all the way down, and arrived in Buckner Bay at 1700, October lst. LOST: ONE WORKING PARTY On the following day while the Commodore called on Com1nPac to make his report, the Paymaster and a working party of twelve men went over to Brown Beach for provisions and much needed GSK stores During the afternoon gr third of the crew enjoyed a beer picnic and baseball game on Tsuken Shrma Later rn the day the Commodore returned, but there was still no word from the working party This caused a great deal of concern for we were scheduled to leave for Sasebo prior to sunset few more hours would produce the lost Finrlly about 2000 Word was received that the Supply Officer the working party and several tons of provisions were sitting on the dock waiting for a boat to bring them out to the ship Your hours of searching in Pipe clown the chickens on the forecas'cle. ttnirinp, and ph-gtding had produced no trait-.pttrtatinn, The If,,-Obability ttf getting a boat at night was even lt-ss Ui t.'reatt:r' concern than getting 4-ni int-n and supplies back, was tht' approach of a very Severe typht.on. t'onsidc-rable danger and hiss ff prt-ciorrs time would result it' wc- did not get back to Sasebo i ahead tit' the storm. Finally, at 2200, we gave np, and headed north at ltr knots in hopes of making up tht- time which had been lost. This left our men stranded on the beach, all without a change of clothes, and most without even a foul-weather jacket. Luckily, Mr, lllcager had enough money to buy , each man a tooth brush, but that was hardly a necessary item the first day for no one had had any- thing to Cat since breakfast. As we proceeded, the weather got worse and the sea heavier. By the end of the midswatch, We were steaming through 25- to 40-foot seas. Green water washed over the bow constantly, and very heavy spray kept the bridge personnel looking like drowned rats. The impact of each wave, shook the ship so severely that we soon wondered what kept her in one piece. Since we were heading into the sea, our roll was negligible, but the pitch was terrific. As we rode up each wave, the ship would pause momentarily at the crest, and then plunge downward as if the sea had opened up and its bottom had fallen out. This constant pounding, and eventually an engineering casualty, forced us to slow to 18 knots, which speed we main- tained until noon. Reducing the speed only eight knots had eased the strain considerably, but we found it necessary to resume the former rate in order to reach Sasebo before dark. Our calculations proved correct, for, shortly after sunset, October 3, we were moored alongside the Ralph Talbot CDD 3901, in berth 25, Sasebo Ko. By the time we moored, the wind had abated. Since the typhoon was moving much more slowly than had been antici- pated, and since the Shannon was not operating, We l121d.3 short breathing spell. This allowed us some time to spend in upkeep and preparations for painting in case we should get some paint, which was then almost unobtainable. October 4, the Sasebo Officers' Recreation Center waS opened for business on a bring your own basis. A full delegation from the Shannon was on hand for the inaugura- tion, and all those present became charter members. The club was housed in a small, two-story, brick building in one of th-C coal storage yards on the western shore of the harbor. Busi- ness boomed, so, by the end of the month, a frame shed and a small, fenced-in terrace had been built as additions. A large warehouse just across the road was taken oxer and renovated for use as an Enlisted Mens lvecreatton Cetlfel' ns was readv for use the second rieel rn October A Cmfl c next to the building proxrded room enough for tOL1C1 football and baseball games rough the condition and location of the recreation CC s and the adjacent playing frtld was far from ideal 01' eqrrrtc it did provide r plrce for rnrrclr needed relaaatl f KWC Cvery one the chance to get rway from the cramps rrters of s p ind to drrnl 1 little beer This was N 1' f come for liberty had been mighty scarce rn months Pa oon one third of the slnp was sent over t0 brrch timed with plenty of eer - . . Tl' .- - - .- Q' . ' ef 4 C , v ' ' ' C ,n nel l, 5 ' ' , - -' - - ' 1 1 , 's ' , ' ' Arn - -' , f - ' rr- ' 5 A tiff. c ' 5 'lc 7' 1' I X r' Q K . 1 ' ' ad Z , . l ' 1' 2 it - ' 'On' Our departure was subsequently delayed in the hope that a I ,z R f . - - 3 f - d ' '- is- 'i 2 , , quz 'R -, a .hi , 1 -' gg ' -, '. - 'E Y t s ' ' J, vsel- , - ' - , x ' 4 5 , ' - St- ' e ' I - -. I 3' ' liach aftern '- , ' v- 5 , the ' ' ' 4 l 4 nil ' Q xi , 2 ' I 'V b ' 68 TYPHOON The morning of October Oth, word was received that the ex- h pected typhoon was close at .. , hand, Shortly afterwards, in ac- dance with typhoon plan William, the steering gear was energized and the boilers lighted off. The number of ships in each nest had to be reduced, 35 a precaution, so we were rdered to shift to buoy 14, which was in a more sheltered part of the harbor. COY 0 At 1335, just after we had moored, the Helm CDD 3883 moored alongside. This maneu- ver was made difficult by the steadily increasing winds, which had already reached 30 knots. On the first two attempts, the Helm was caught and swung broadside by the wind, forcing her to ram us on each occasion, Fortunately, she had little way on and the skin of the ship was not broken, By sunset, the wind had reached about 45 knots, where it stayed throughout the night and until early the next after- DOOR. During the day, several ships were torn from their moorings and drifted,-out of control, down the harbor. An APD, adrift from the mooring just north of buoy 14, miraculously swerved aside to miss the Shannon by scant inches. A few minutes later, an LST began to drag her anchor and passed only a few hundred yards east of us. She was almost com- pletely out of control-a perfect target for the wind because of her very high freeboard, - shallow draft, and very little available speed. When we last saw her, she crashed into the Wicliita CCA 455, scraped the length of her side, and then slid off, only to go drifting on down the harbor. Several small- er landing craft were in equal difficulty, but finally managed to beach at the southern end of the harbor, 0 . ' -' ft ss . . sis J MS The full fury of the typhoon struck at about 1600 when the reached 97 knots, with 1 gusts to well over 100. After about two hours of full force, it began to subside, dropping to wind about 40 knots by midnight. By noon the 11th, the storm had passed and the weather was back to normalcy, although a little colder. Very fortunately, the center of the typhoon had passed about 100 miles south- east of Sasebo, it veered to the northeast. The velocity of the wind at the center had been estimated at over 125 knots. The damage inflicted at Okinawa, which had been directly in the path of the storm center, is a grim, Well known fact. More than 200 ships of all classes and sizes were destroyed or severely damaged in Buckner Bay, and numerous lives lost, The effect of those losses was felt by us only in the temporary loss of mail service, a not serious shortage of supplies, and considerable concern for Lt. fig? Weager and his working party, which had not yet returned from Okinawa. SASEBO CITY Occupation proceeded according to schedule. The city was being slowly cleaned upg military forces had been disarmedg all military installations and factories had been taken overg NavTechJap Engineers had arrived from Wasliington to in- spect Japanese military, naval, and production material, and to recommend and arrange for its proper disposition, the people were under control and orderly. There was still much to be done-work that would probably require years-but the city was orderly enough to permit liberty parties within certain limits. Everyone was curious to see as much as possible of ,lapan and its people, and to collect souvenirs. Each man went ashore at least once when his turn came. XVhat they saw was not pretty. The city was filthy. Those utilities and facilities that still existed were very primitive in comparison with a city of the same size in the United States. The community as a whole was very poor, as one would expect in the feudal society of japan. This poverty was made more acute by the sacrifices and ravages of war. ' Only a few of the streets are paved, most of which were in the business district. Except for the government buildings, a bank, a hospital, two department stores a new theater, one Or two temples, and a few miscellaneous buildings, all structures in the business district were of fiimsy frame construction. Sasebo had been hit by only two small raids of medium bombers, dropping mostly incendiaries, but about half of the business district was completely leveled. The amount of destruction was almost unbelievable for the number of bombs dropped. The railroad and most of the roads were intact and open to traffic, under the control of the occupation forces. Most of the people traveled on foot, although some of the most prosperous had bicycles. The few automobiles that one might see belonged to the govern- ment. Practically all material was hauled on the back or in crude carts, pulled by men and women. Only a very few people were fortunate or wealthy enough to own .12 a horse. Small shops were numerous, but had practically nothing to sell, at first. Sou- venir hungry sailors, rich from months at sea, were willing to buy anything that looked Japanese, and did. Cheap pottery, fans, cheap kimonas, wooden sandles, chop sticks, stamps, and pictures were the most common items of purchase. XVhen the natives learned that Ameri- cans would buy anything and everything they had to offer, they gathered old books, chopsticks, pictures, household utensils, pieces of silk, and every other item available to put on the market. 69 . 1 ....,,.,g1: 9 'J 4 A 4 5 V V ,,,, -I iff-,i 2 Occasionally someone would find a good silk kimona for sale. A few fortunates traveled to Kakyaimo's pottery shop in Arita, or to a pearl diver's home on Amura Wan, where items of unusually fine workmanship and value could be purchased. The residential sections of Sasebo surrounded the city, ex- tending all the way up the hillsides. Most of the houses were small, frail wooden structures, roofed with tile, and built practically on top of one another. The interiors of these houses were almost devoid of furniture, having, at the most, a few Hoor mats, a low table, and a small charcoal stove which served both for heating and cooking. The buildings were di- vided into rooms by thin porta.ble screens. Narrow streets and stairways wound up the hillsides, and in among the groups of houses. A few open canals flowed down the hills to provide drainage and to carry off sewage. Each family, or group of families, kept a small vegetable garden in rocky, terraced plots, carved from the hillside. Much of the sewage was used to fertilize these gardens. The people of Sasebo were not nearly so reticent as those of Nagasaki, although they were thoroughly beaten and, for the most part, submissive. During the early days of the occupation, many had been moved or frightened into moving back into the hills, After a few weeks, they were allowed tt, return to the city, or had overcome their fright enough to come back. As the city became more populous, the natives .became more friendly, especially the children and elderly people. Every child had a greeting for the visitors. Laughing and giggling, they would call out, usually with a bow or a nod, Qhio CGood morningl, Ohio Gozy'mas fGood morning, Sirj, or Sayonora CGood eyeningj, After a few days, natives and Americans began to pick up words from each others languages. Jap children would say God-day or Haro KI-Iellol, and the sailors would reply with the Japanese equivalent, Kon-nee-chee-waf' I Overlooking the city and harbor from northeastern Sasebo residential section. 2 Remains of Sasebo business center. 3 Street scene - Sasebo business district. 4 Shopkeeper rests during lull. iVehicle in right background isia taxi., 5 The children were friendly. iNote, extreme left, girl wearing identi- fication tag, and, center, girl carrying her baby brother on back., 6 Mothers watch dubiously as sons pose. T 6 am. On the whole, Sasebo is a picturesque city, especially in the residential areas, with the mountains as a backdrop to the hillside homes and shrines. But the filth and squalor detracted from, and often obliterated, anything of beauty that might be there, Much was learned of the Japanese people and their way of life in Sasebo. It was exceedingly interesting, but not 3 single American envied the Japanese. October 14, Lt. Commander Goranson was detached. In order to catch the Ellyson CDMS 195, of which he was to assume command, he Hew in a small Marine plane to Kobe, Honshu, a city which had not yet been occupied. From there he traveled overland to Wakayama where, his new ship was based. just before leaving, he had been relieved as Executive Officer by Lieut, Grehan, who in turn had been relieved as Gunnery Officer by Lieut. Caldwell. The following day, the Shannon moved out to Buoy 23 to nest with the Helm, Lamson QDD 367J, and Coghlan CDD 606j. In the afternoon of October 17th, the Supply Officer, with Boone, Welcli, A, I, Hall, Pajas, Frey, Manning, Schwartz, Gilliam, Hendershot, Gumble, T. D. Allen, and Matarazzo, returned aboard, after 16 grueling days on Okinawa and on an LST in Buckner Bay, They were all mighty happy to get home. All had had to borrow or draw clothes and toilet articles, since none of them was prepared for so long a stay. The time and effort to get supplies was in vain, for nothing could be brought up from Okinawa. Perhaps the biggest blow of all was that among the stores which we almost got, was 250 gallons of paint. We had long since resigned ourselves to the fact that We would have to use a conglomeration of whatever we could beg, borrow, or steal. Most of what we did get was Japanese lacquer in a variety of colors, including bright purple, yellow, and green. 7 Entrance to bombproof underground factory. 8 Sasebo's crowded hillside homes, tile roofs, terraced roads, and steps are typical of all Japanese cities. 9 Wayside shrine stands amid bombing rubble. I0 Suburban Sasebo street. ll Geisha girl plays her unmusical stringed instrument. I2 Party at a Sasebo Geisha House. fThe only furnishings, as in most Japanese homes, are a low table and thiclr floor mats. Note sliding screens which divide rooms.l KLONDIKE Ever since our arrival in the Sasebo-Nagasaki area, C0111- modore Farrow, as CTG 52.3, had been directing all the sweeping operations in the waters north and west of Kyushu. Most of the operations were in confined waters 111iI16C1 190111 by the Japanese with moored mines, and the Allies with mag- netic and accoustic mines, making sweeping dangerous, dihfi- cult, and slow. Of these, Fukuoka Wan and harbor, Iki Shima, and the waters between Hirado Shima and Uku Shima were the largest and most difficult. Direction of these operations was, in itself, a large task, especially with the limited facilities and space offered by a ship of the Shannon's size. In order to accomplish it, the entire ship's company communication de- partment was required to work primarily as a part of the staff. This was possible since the ship was not needed for actual operations in connection with the sweeps. The Klondike area was the last of the open-sea sweeps, since a force from Okinawa was, at that time, finishing Skag- way. The Shannon was needed for this operation to navigate and lay buoys. October 25, CominDiv 7 shifted his pennant temporarily to the Doyle CDMS 345. The staff of CTG 52.3 moved aboard the Monadnock CCM 105, alongside which the Doyle was moored, and set up offices with a greatly increased number of person- nel, taking over complete administrative control of the ships in the task group, in addition to operational control. Lt. Cjg5 Montan was temporarily attached to CominDiv 7's staff during this period. The following day, having received buoys and topped off with fuel from the Gwin CDM 335, the Shannon joined TG 52.4, and assumed duties as OTC and guide of the formation while enroute to Klondike. Captain Freiberghouse in the Scoter CAM 3815 was CTG 52.4 and OTC during actual sweep- ing operations. The Task Group consisted of about 21 AM's an ATA, an ACM, several LSI's, and the Shannon. A Klondike was a 1300-square-mile area, lying 100 miles south- west of Sasebo, with its northeastern limit bordering on the small islands of Danjo Gunto. The mine lines in Klondike were the northernmost group of the chain which had closed off the entire East China Sea, from Formosa to Kyushu. Skag- way lay only a few miles to the south. As at Arcadia, the ease and accuracy with which the operation was conducted was enhanced by the proximity gf land from which visual and radar hxes could be obtained, The operation was considerably hampered, however, by heavy weather and numerous casualties to ships and gear, At the end of the first day, Captain Freiberghouse was ordered to return to Sasebo to conduct another operation, making CominDiv 13 CCommander J. L. Judson, USNR5, in the Revenge CAM 1105, OTC. No mines were swept the first day, but, on the second, the mine line was located, and about 35 mines were cut and destroyed. The night of October 29-30, the wind increased to, about 40 knots, making maneuvering difficult, and sweeping opera- tions hazardous, if not impossible. The smaller ships were ordered to anchor on the leeward side of O Shima in the Danjo Gunto group, reducing the hazard to ships and per- sonnel. By the middle of the next morning, however, the wind and sea had died sufficiently to permit sweeping. Passes normal to the mine line were made each day through November 4, cutting about 30 mines per day. Novem- ber 5, 6, and 7 were spent check-sweeping the area along the established mine line, and exploring the areas north and south of Klondike for any previously undiscovered minefields. The morning of November 6, volcanic activity was noted in Danjo Gunto. For several hours, great palls of smoke and occasional flame could be seen billowing out of the highest peak of one of the islands, even though we were, at the time, 30 miles away. ' VVhen the check and exploratory sweeps had been completed on the afternoon of the 7th, the Task Group headed for Sasebo. The area was considered cleared, having been de- prived of over 200 mines. Upon arrival in port, we fueled from the Elk CIX 1155 and then moored to buoy 3 in the inner harbor of Sasebo Ko. HOW MANY POINTS YA GOT, MAC? Ever since the end of the war, the big question asked by everyone was, VVhen am I going to get out? VVhen the Army point system was announced, unrest among Naval personnel increased. Then, early in September, A1Nav 196 came out. Everyone was anxious to get home, for a leave if not for discharge. But unfortunately, the work that had to be done by the Navy, and the Army, didnot end with the cessation of hostilities. The first group of men from the Shannon to return to the States left September 10th. From that time on, men were transferred each time transportation was available. Since the most deserving men, those with the longest service, were the first to be rehabilitated, the personnel situation in the forward areas became critical. Those men were for the most part the rates upon which the operation of a ship is dependent. To ease this situation as much as possible while waiting for replacements, CominPac put out an order, in the middle of November, stating that low point personnel on ships that were ordered back to the States would be transferred to ships staying in the forward areas as replacements for their point- winnersf' It was not pleasant for a man to have to leave 3 ship on which he had fought, just as that ship was going home, but it was necessary under the circumstances. The last two weeks of November were hectic. Each day men were transferred to other ships or received on board f0l' duty. A few lucky men among those we had transferred were returned to us because the ships to which they had gone were . over complemented in their rates. A The last few days in November, men came aboard for, transportation to the States, for our sailing date had beofli, definitely fixed. 7 ,135 ' if? -- . '- - ' if'-1 : '1.r',r1-5 - ' - ' - 'J 2' 'Z HOMEWARD BCDUND. , ffl im.: , f wg . A x . . L. I A 5-'X 'i g L . M 7. California Here I Come. Bauer and Fraser Standing out of Sasebo Harbor entrance for fall in astern. the last time, Our going homerpennant tluttered in the early morning breeze-256 feet of red and white bunting, a foot for each man, and twenty white stars on a blue field, one for each officer in the ship's company. The envious eyes of less fortunate ships looked on when, at 0754, December 2, we got underway, enroute to Uncle Sugar. After turning at the northern end of the harbor, we were joined by the Bauer and Fraser, who fell in astern. As we approached the Panamint CAGC 135, CominPac's flagship, a loud speaker blared out the songs CaIiforuia Here I Come , and Am'lz0r.r .4fc'ciyl1 . Admiral Struble came out on his flag bridge to give us a send-off. The Palawan K.-XRG 101 and several other ships with which we had worked and been particularly friendly sent us messages of envy and Godspeed. We passed through the entrance to Sasebo Ko at 0846, and took our departure from Kogo Saki light, VVe steamed south along the coast past Nagasaki, to the southern tip of Kyushu, where we turned southeast and headed through Nansei Shoto, between Nakano Shima and Yaku Shima. Eniwetok was to be our first stop. After the first day, which was cold and damp, the weather became very pleasant and increasingly warmer. The sea was calm, except for a fairly heavy swell. In the middle of the third day, we passed about 40 miles south of Iwo Jima, continuing on the same course until beyond Farallon de Pajaros, where we turned slightly to the south. Q The first leg oflthe trip was uneventful, with each day Droken only by drills and ship maneuvers, and every third or fourth day by the exchange of movies. We arrived at Eniwetok at noon December 8, staying only N-. M .M-yr 7, ,. 5' , long enough to fuel, before heading out to sea again, four hours later. XVhile enroute to Pearl, numerous heavy storms and ty- phoons were reported both to the north and south, but the weather remained calm, clear, and hot for us. The Hawaiian Islands were a welcome sight when they loomed out of the early morning mist, December 14. Before we could go into Pearl Harbor, however, we had to shoot an AA practice, For a long hour and a half the main battery and machine guns fired at sleeve, towed by the target plane. XVith the practice finally completed, we got permission to enter the harbor. The sight of real civilization, after a year of coral atolls and lap-infested islands, made nerves tingle, Each familiar land- mark we passed caused more excitement and impatience. YVe steamed around the western side of Ford Island and moored at the fuel docks in berth H-4. Waiting for us were Captain VV. N. XN'ylie, USN, the new Cornmodoreg Commander XY. R. Crenshaw, USN, the new skipper, a large load of mail, and a boy selling newspapers-the first current papers we had seen in eleven months. Perhaps most welcome of all was the sight of pretty, Amer- ican women. That was indeed civilization, and nothing ever looked better. VVe stayed in Pearl for two days, just long enough to give everyone liberty. And there wasn't a man on the ship who didn't take advantage of it-Waikiki Beach, the Moana, P. Y. Chung's, Lau Yee Chai's, Qutrigger Canoe Club, Trader Vic's, the USO dance pavilion near Diamond Head, Officers' Clubs, downtown Honolulu spots, Pearl City, the Pali, and Kailua-not a one was missed. , , . iif, ,C f C f . . aa. pl.. fa I Ag W ., ' ,i ,....,.. ,,,.... W.: Lt. ljgl Montan awarded Letter of Commendation. Comdr. W. R. Crenshaw . . . relieves Comdr. W. T. Ingram as skipper 73 3 l fl in A-san-i:wn.v-Q ffm Shannon and Jeffers lDMS-271 in Miraflores Locks, Panama Canal. Normally no one would have objected to staying longer, but with the Continental United States. only six days away and Christmas approaching, we were all anxious to leave. We streamed out of Pearl at 0700, December 16, enroute to San Diego, making 17 knots. Except for minor engineering casualties, the trip was uneventful. The weather was poor all the way, making navigation difficult, but Pop Howard kept us right on the track and we hit the landmarks off the coast of California on the button. Captain W. N. Wylie, USN, relieved Captain H. Farrow, USN, as Commander Mine Division Seven at 0800, Decem- ber 18. The following day, with all hands gathered on the boat deck, Commander W. T. Ingram, II, USN, read his orders and made a short speech, after which Commander W. R. Crenshaw, USN, read his orders and made a reply. At exactly 1400 they saluted and Commander Crenshaw assumed all duties as Commanding 'Officer of the Shannon. An unusual coincidence occurred about 200 miles off Cali- fornia. At 1200, December 21, our position was Lat, 32 45' North, Long. 1220 40' West, just 20 miles from where we had been exactly a year before. This year's direction was much more to our liking, however. A heavy fog settled over the sea during the night, so that the shore line of the United States, for which everyone was watching, could not be seen until we passed Point Loma, at 0655, December 22, 1945. At 0835, we moored to the Navy Pier in San Diego. THE SHANNON WAS HOME! Christmas in the States was a much different and more V f! if W, ,. V, 7, .f,7 X 5! Through Empire Reach, Panama Canal Peak on the left is Gold Hilll . i l Approaching Pedro Miguel Loclts, Panama Canal. pleasant experience than Christmas, 1944, had offered. Even though most of us could not be with our families, just being on native soil was home enough. Those four days in San Diego were very pleasant, but most of the crew was anxious to reach the East Coast. December 26, we sailed for Panama, arriving there in the early morning, January 3. New Year's Eve and Day had been spent at sea, but no one cared particularly. Right after our arrival, we started transiting the Canal in company with the Fraser, Bauer, and Jeffers CDMS 271. Traffic and the rain were heavy, making the crossing slow. At 1845, we stood out of Gatun Locks into the Atlantic waters of Limon Bay and on to Coco Solo, where We moored. 1 Everyone got at least a few hours ashore--enough to spend plenty of money on Cristobal night clubs, alligator purses and Tabu perfume. By late afternoon the 4th, we were on our way again, making 25 knots all the way to Norfolk, where we arrived the morning of January 8, and moored alongside pier 22, Convoy Escort Piers. Even Norfolk was a welcome sight. The story of the Shannon does not end here. ' True, most of the plank-owners have said their last good- byes: the men who built her into a fighting ship, who fought her for all they and she had, who earned her reputation, have saluted the Shannon's Quarterdeck for the last time and gone to assume their duties on other ships or in civilian life. But the spirit with which she was endowed lives on. She is a proud ship worthy of her name, of her Navy, of her Country, and ofthe men who have sailed her, May that pride and spirit never die! s .E if si 3 Entering Gatun Locks from Gatun Lalce Limon Bay and the Atlantic can be seen in the distance 9 s- Q p X af wi ' l I , x x t , I . h . . . K 5 f 'f ' H X' -' ' . lg A, , , . A , K 4 , . .1 ,l - ' ft, ... I g . , , ..,.. sf . u , .sywl K . . I . Q . 4 . K . . I I V. l 1 X R . fwgw , 3.552 Qi WELL DONE. rf inn: 1- 1 'is - - - E l 1-5 l 5' 1 i - - ., - 1 F ll n. I l i mv i- 1-aan: 1.5,- 1 Ever since the day of her commissioning, the Shannon and her men have received commendations, congratulations, and a variety of well done's for outstanding performances. These range from the Navy E for excellence in gunnery, won while on shakedown, to general congratulatory messages from the Fleet Admirals at the end of the war. A few of the more formal messages and letters are quoted: Commander Mine Division Seven 10 May 1945 Memorandum for Commanding Officer, U.S.S. Shannon CDM-25D : Upon turning over command of this Division, I wish to express my sincere appreciation for the loyalty, cooper,- ation, and teamwork shown by the Commanding Officer, Officers, and men of the USS Shannon. From the beginning these qualities have been out- standing and a reputation has been established by Mine Division Seven which will be hard to beat. This in my opinion is a hot outfit and a lucky one. May you continue to be both until Japan is shot to Hell. The best of everything to each of you. fs! W. G. Beecher, Jr. 18 June 94 From: Commander Mine Squadron Five . Commanding Officer U.S.S. Shannon fDM'25D Subject: Commendation 1. This Command has recently received from the Commander Minecraft b.S. Pacific Fleet, a commendation which is quoted in part as follows: The Commander Minecraft Pacific Fleet takes pleasure in commending the Commander 'Xffine Squadron Five and through him the officers and men under his command for the outstanding performance of duty as Commander of the Task Group of minesweepers engaged in the amphibi- ous assault operation at Iheya Shima, Okinawa Gunto. The effective application of professional skill ingenu'ty and seamanship are reflected in the precise planning of the nainesweeping phase. The courage and determination displayed in the execution of this phase while facing de- termined Japanese air 'tttack are indicative of 1 high quality of leadership. appreciation for the wholeheaited coopeiation 'ind cncful duo tion to duty extended by you and the ofhcei s and men undef Noni command This Command would decm it a DlL1SLllC to serx L with I 3. it is requested that the above expression of appreciation and commendation be conveyed to your officers and men. fs! G. VV. Allen ' Commander Minecraft United States Pacific Fleet 14 July 1945 TO ALL HANDS OF TASK GROUP 52.22 The assault on Okinawa having ended successfully, it is my pleasure to pass on to the participa.ting ships the following well-deserved praise of their performance. My reporting Senior in Command, Commander Task Force Fifty-Two, has made the following statement: Ships under the Command of Rear Admiral Sharp per- formed their assigned tasks in an outstandingly successful manner. They showed indomitable courage and persever- ance in the face of damage and casualties from enemy mines, aircraft, and shore batteries. Their operations are considered to haxe been a major factor with successful completion of the pre-landing phase of the Okinawa cam- paign. I pass this on to you with the full appreciation of your able and tireless support during this operation. My thanks and a hearty Well Done. Q 151 Alex. sharp Statement made by Capt. A. M. Tovsnsend DSN Commander Nffine Squadron Three, in a letter to ComPhibsPac dated '75 June 94: I The Squadron Commander has noted with pride the fine performance of the U.S.S. Shannon CDM-755 during her continuous service in the Okinana area for ox er two and one-half monthsy Capt. A. M. Townsend USN in his endorsement to the SllaUI10l1 S Report of Action during the Capture of Okinawa said: The USS Shannon has performed oustauding service under the most hazardous 'ind strenuous conditions in the Okinawa area for a prolonfed period. The tow serviCC rendered the USS .Xaron Xhhlffi which was in a sinkin2 condition and successfully bringing her to port nas 8. splendid example of coordination and excellent seaman- ship lhe per'form'xnee of this fine ship in combat with the Nu il SCIXICL n endoiscmtnt to the sune iepoit 1xe'u fhCll11ll'li Xlex Siarp, Y0111 511111111 d11Yf11lU1'C 011612111011 10 001110 Comm lllfiil Xlintci lit U S P xtihe 1 leet ind CTC VZ Said if l 1 J V 7 if Y, Y 77 W v 7 Y 1 M lf 7! 1 5 '1 1 To' , V V Q V 1 , .. 1 5 A Q It Y 7 I? 1 H it Y V Q ll 4 i -4 1 ' i 1 4 s I 5 , ig' 1 Y 1 -Q v rt. - - ,s I ll 5 I V KI Y 1 Y N U 1 f f ' - 1 1 A ,1 1 iw I be-e L r 1 , c e 3 z i c E x if if rx 4 1 I ui . .. .. f 1 . 1 . 2. This command also takes pleasure in expressing extreme menu 1145.111 ,itcflnllg 111111 thi 11191199 113dm0 5 of the 1 . ' ' ' 1' 1 1- . 1 1 , 12 T ,Q 1 1--.',. 5 1 76 ,,,. Shortly after t xdgitignn to her duties as tire support vessel in sup- of minegweeping op.erations. this vessel was nm-rl in and anti-aircraft screen, :ind as rzular 54,1 port ship. She rendcrcil towing service for the Vkfllrd fDM-341 when that ship had been severely by enemy suicide aircraft, and in addition during iod of this report claims credit for destroying live ,memy planes. assisting in the sure kill of two more, and Brticipating in the probable destruction ol three enemy aircraft. he surrender of the Japanese, the following two atches were received: disp From: ComDesPac and COlllCl'llP2lC T05 DesPac and CruPac You officers and men who inzin the cruisers, destroyers, destroyer-escorts, destroyer tenders, and patrol vessels of the Pacific can remember your tine records and accom- plishments with a full measure of pride and satisfaction You have contributed to the success of every seaboi-ne 'fllfrdlloll emi SUl2lJ01'tetl every offensive with full con- lidence wlnle making glorious history in your proven Ven- tureuin the thick of itg and destroyed the enemy We do not lorget our comrades who gave their lives. The slot in the battle ol Samar and in the Surigao Straits and the l91Ck0t duty at Okinawa are cited as the ultimate in high courage and duty battle efficiency. VVell Dong, lifroinz CinCPac To : AlPoa ?inLPac has received the following message from CinC- ..ant. Heartiest congratulations to you and the officers and men' of your 'command on your dramatic successes Qilinmating on this memorable day in complete victory. om operations in the Pacific against our bitter enemy nil be recorded as the most brilliant in history. VVe of the Atlantic salute you. AWARDS TO PERsoNNEL BRONZE STAR Lt. Commander Harold T. Goranson, USN For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of out- standing service as Executive Officer and Navigator of a United States Ship in Central Pacific waters from March 24, 1945, to June 8, 1945. By his initiative, perseverance, and outstanding ability he performed navigation for this vessel and certain mine sweep- ing units in company which enabled the mine sweeping units to conduct a sweep of extremely restricted waters, in the face of the enemy, without damage and his eva.luation and dissemination of information of friendly and enemy forces in the vicinity through many air attacks resulted in the destruction of several enerny planes without damage to his own ship. His outstanding service and conduct throughout were in keeping with the highest tradition of the Naval Service. Lieutenant Bernard A. Grehan, USNR For distinguishing himself by meritorious achievement as Gun- nery Ofiicer of a ship in Central Pacific waters. By cool and cap- able direction, and in an outstanding manner, he caused his guns repeatedly to deliver accurate and effective gunfire while under repeated attacks by enemy aircraft. His courage and conduct throughout were in keeping with the best traditions of the Naval Service. Lieutenant James B. Caldwell, USNR f'For distinguishing himself by meritorious achievement as mach- ine gun officer of a ship in Central Pacific waters. By his cool and capable direction, and in an outstanding manner, he caused the ship to deliver accurate and effective gunfire while under repeated attack by enemy aircraft. His conduct throughout distinguished him among those performing duties of the same character. Richard B. Dye, MN2c, USNR VVhile on condition II watch on depth charge projectors at 0230 On the morninv of 1 April 1945, did sight visually an enemy ' 4 3 p aircraft passing close aboard which was previously unreported and opened fire with a .50 caliber machine gun adjacent to his station, thus pointing out the enemy aircraft to the gunners and to another ship 300 yards astern, thereby being partially respon- sible for and assisting in shooting down this plane. He displayed extreme- alertness and presence of mind at a time when it was believed that there was no immediate danger of attack. His outstanding service and conduct throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Service. Robert Henry Miller, GMlc, USN For distinguishing himself by meritorious achievement as a 40mm mount captain on board a ship in the Central Pacific waters. He sighted an enemy aircraft making an attack upon the shipg he brought his mount to bear and opened fire which assisted in shooting dgwn the plane. His conduct throughout distinguished him among those performing duties of the same character. M. D. Hill, GM2c, USNR For distinguishing himself by meritorious achievement as a 40mm mount captain on board a ship in the Central Pacific waters. He sighted an enemy aircraft making an attack upon the ship: he brought his mount to bear and opened fire which assisted in shooting down the plane. His conduct throughout distinguished him among those performing duties of the same character. LETTER OF COM MEN DATION Lieutenant Nils V. Montan, USNR For distinguishing himself by meritorious achievement as CIC Officer of a ship during operations against the enemy in Central Pacific waters. He kept information coming to the Evaluator in a cool and collected manner in such a manner that the information was sent to the Commanding Officer so he was able to most effectively utilize his ship's armament against the enemy. His conduct throughout distinguished him among those performing duties of the same character. V 77 X dx ' ,fr if 4 x ...Q K 1 A ,,..-A--1 x J dm U AW K Nigxgkvf XNQA x YA, 1 :MX jg as. L S X . K2 X. X QN Q 'W'-f,L 'f vis J ' MNA 5 N1 X R g w ,Q A sfbgiigixx its Q 5 XX Q x X Q X WGA : W X X X .-W A ul 9, H , up , Q' 1 6 e f , f 4 4 K fx Q- 'MQ N X iv WW ,MW W is bln 1 QS' ff , ix S ZLL .uw i 1 nf ,mv WEN ,, sf A f k mx ig! NVNQ X fx wx: aw Mi YQ f ',7 M MQW ,, ,v ,f W x4 gf! , f f X ,M XM ,X 4, 7, ,, Zu' , , , of My Wwjvw I, W AM WWA7 yff 79 'i ' 4 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS With a deep sense of appreciation, I wish to acknow- ledge my indebtedness to the officers and men of the Shannon for the aid they have offered and given me in compiling this book, for the patience with which they have waited for its completion, and for their cooperation in the trials it has presented. Especially do I wish to make known to all readers the indebtedness I owe several. They have my heartfelt thanks. Commander E. I.. Foster, Commander W. T. Ingram, and Commander NV. R. Crenshaw, who, in their re- spective tenures as Captain of the Shannon, have given the cooperation, aid, and encouragement necessary to make this book a reality. Lt. Commander H. T. Goranson, Lieut. B..G. Grehan, and Lieut. D. P. Wynkoop who, as Executive Offic- ers of the Shannon, have given untold assistance. Captain VV. G. Beecher for his professional advice and assistance, and for the loan of Official U. S. Navy Photographs from the Department of Public Information, Third Naval District. I Lieut. C. I. Allen who made, developed, and printed a majority of the photographs used in this book. Lt. Qjgj R. W. Feder for making the interviews and preliminary prepar- ation for the biographical sketches of the officers. Lt. Cjgj N. V. Montan, and Lt. W. R. Ayres for editorial and photographic assistance. . F. 'Madden, CBM for the use in the text of this book parts of several stories he wrote, and for his editorial advice and assistance. Cr. F. Nast, RdM Zc for artistic advice, contribution of several drawings, invaluable assistance with the layout of the book, the preparation for engraving of all photographs, drawings, and charts, liaison work between myself and the printer and engraver, and professional and personal advice, assistance, and encouragement in these and many more matters too numerous to men- tion. W'ithout his help, this book would never have l' icompleted. ,. , Fm 511045160 mafmifav .,-T MHS 80 A. J. Hall, RdM Zc for his professional advice and skill as a publisher, editor, and writer, his aid in writing, editing, and rewriting, and his enthusiastic encouragement and participation in this project. J. Curtis Blue, Inc., 99 Myrtle Ave., Brooklyn 1, N, Y, Frank Terillo, proprietor, and Lewis Falce, foreman, for conscientious consultation and skillful printing. This book was printed with meticulous care, not only to maintain high standards of craftsmanship and professional pride, but with a desire to do the best possible work at the lowest possible cost, be- cause of the nature of the project. Edison Photo-Engraving Co., Inc., 15 VVest 20th St., New York, N. Y. for excellent workmanship and considerate business conduct. Engravings for this book were made at a figure only slightly above cost. ik ik it Documentary reference used in compiling and writing this book was drawn from the following sources: VVar Diary, USS Shannon QDM 255 Log of the USS Shannon QDM 255 g U.S. Navy at VVar, 1941-1945. Official Reports to the Secretary of the Navy by Fleet Admiral E. J. King, USN. g The charts used in this book are reproduced from official I-Iydrographic Office publications. iii? ik It has been a pleasure to write, edit, and prepare this book. NV ith humility, I submit it for the approval and enjoyment of its readers. May it recall to you the many details of a vast experience, its pleasures and hardships alike. But most of all, may it make unforgettable and proud the part which our ship played in accomplishing a great and difficult task. t i 278 Pnmrzn av J. cunrls nut, INCL w g x S E Y i 1 I E E K E 5 1 2 ll V 5 , 1 f I , , I n Q . 'af if H. . my v -4 um z .- x gil V ,,.:y5,,- - Alf ? fixil-1,, , uf 2- . ,- . K , . Wfhsfi ' , - flaky. -Y 5' '13 I ' V3-if W S
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