Shannon (DM 25) - Naval Cruise Book

Page 83 text:

,,,. 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

Page 82 text:

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

Page 84 text:

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