Tazewell (APA 209) - Naval Cruise Book

Page 10 text:

41f 1 LIEUTENANT-COMMANDER y EDGHRC. SHEHHIHH yl EXECUTIVE OFFICER, U.s.s. TAZEWELL .,.,.rm W WMQMMMNBA , , ,i . ALIEUT. COMMANDER SHERMAN and the Tazewell had their nrst meeting on the sixth of June, 1945, and if remembered correctly that was the first day in port for the big TT , after many months steaming. f Prior to his present assignment Lieut. Commander Sherman served on the PC 1129, a ship that has seen continuous action throughout the Wat in the Pacific. A short time after his detachment from that vessel Mr. Sherman learned that it was sunk during a landing operation at the south entranoe be Manila Bay. r A , 1 that time he had the privilege to undergo training cruises on the Iclezbo and Oklahoma, and the destroyer Trevor. Later as a Naval 1 His earlier career in the Navy began as a Naval ROTC cadet, and Gfricer he also cruised on the Enterprise, the Pyrox, and the Langley. 1 ' Q yt p 1 In civilian life Mr. Sherman, after his graduation from the ippwashington as a chemical engineer, took a position with a 'Washirrmm paper company, and at the time of his entrance into the Navy QaQnr1pa5ny's technical supervisor. Qllieust. Commander Shermanfs residence is at Seattle, W his wife and two children, David, who is 7 Va, and

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QKXXXXXXXXX , THE lllllllllllllllllllli UFHCE lt was with mingled feelings that l stepper on that memorable day, October twenty-fifth, four. A new ship, a new crew, on the sea lar take us to the buttresses of the enemy in his ou hostile submarines, mines, low flying torpedo shielding a fanatic race, whose religious beliefs 1 is to go to Heavenf' Could we take it? Since then the bastions of the enemy stron, last to fall was Okinawa where the Tfzzerzzfell participated ior ine nrst thirty- six days of the campaign, when the whole amphibious force was under almost nightly attacks of kamikaze planes, suicide boats and at times submarines. Make smokef' Commence hringf were the orders most often heard. From this she emerged, proudly displaying the painted miniature of an enemy plane on each side of the bridge, telling the world at large she had one plane to her credit for certain. Many were downed, but with ships firing from all angles it was hard to determine who hit the bull's eye. But we did get one. So today it is with justified pride I look upon the Tfzzefzrell. From personal observation, based upon long experience, she is the most efficient and clean ship in the amphibious forces, manned by some of the smartest boys from all over the country, to whom goes the credit for making the T100-O-Nine a number we shall long remember. To you, to whom this book is dedicated, the mothers, fathers and wives of the men who made up the crew of the Tfzzetwelf. you can thank God, proudly look the world in the eye and smile. Your boy did his duty. MMA..

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EXECUTIVE UEEIEIEWS SlHlEHlEfll Xxx mx My first impression of the Tazewell was not too favorable, as I approached her over the waters of San Francisco Bay on the afternoon of June 6, 1945, reporting for duty as Executive Officer. Her sides were in sad condition, with patches of rust showing everywhere. It must be admitted that my heart sank a bit. On stepping aboard, however, it became apparent that work was being done to put the ship back into respectable condition. The decks were newly painted and interior spaces had a fresh, clean appearance. My hasty opinion was just as hastily revised, and I immediately knew I was going to like her. It did not take long to find out her rusty sides were due to a five months sojourn in the Southwest Pacific area and Okinawa where no opportunity arose to primp the lady up because of the operations schedule. One of the best compliments that can be paid a ship is to say she is a happy ship. My first wardroom meal convinced me the Tazewell was in that category. The whole atmosphere was one of friendliness and good nature. I knew at once I had a swell bunch of officers as shipmates. The Commanding Officer, I was delighted to find, was a former merchant mariner of many years standing, and in addition was an experienced naval officer. One instinctively sensed he knew his way around. I was given every break in the world in adjusting myself to this new tough job to which I had been ordered. It took longer to learn the enlisted personnel, of course, but almost immediately one could feel that here was an outfit with terrihc morale. Everything since I came aboard has confirmed that impression. In conclusion I can only say I'd stack the Tazewell up against any similar craft in the Fleet in any kind of competition and confidently expect her to win hands down. ,,53NXXXXNXxxx .,xxxX MXkxxx -,xx N- XKXN' XXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXX xx