THE END OF THE NEW GUINEA CAMPAIGN

APRIL 1944

With the 3 big invasions successfully completed, there were the usual troop reinforcements, bringing in heavy equipment and supplies. This was a never ending process. We, along with other cans, got very little rest-always on the go from one place to another. Mostly escorting the amphib ships, and various types of supply ships, as the Army and Navy moved their advance bases into Seeadler and Hollandia. This type of escorting along the New Guinea coast was pretty boring at times, but a most essential job. The weather was usually calm, always hot and many time rainy. Like in all tropical waters, we saw many flying fish, porpoise and sharks. Also at times, we saw some spectacular waterspouts, which are tornadoes at sea. They never came close to our ships. Watch standers had to keep their rain gear handy.

In Buna, on the 26th, we refueled from a tanker, took on stores and did some clean up on the ship. We hardly got our breath, when we got underway at 2345 for Cape Cretin. When we arrived, we patrolled outside while the convoy was making up. The convoy had 13 cargo ships, 25 LST's, 10 PT boats plus numerous smaller craft, including an Army headquarters yacht.. The escorts were: NICHOLAS (CDS 21), escort commander-(Capt Chandler),RADFORD (DD 446), LA VALLETTE, HOPEWELL (DD 681), STEMBEL (DD 644), LONG BEACH, GLENDALE, they were going to Hollandia.(White Beach) Our section: WILKES (CDD 26), escort commander, WELLES, STOCKTON, GILLESPIE, CORONADO, SAN PEDRO, with 8 LST's, 2 M/V, 10 PT boats were headed for Aitape, (Blue Beach). We all arrived safely. 27th - The Commodore left the ship for a conference on the TULSA (PG 22). 29th- The Commodore detached the STOCKTON and 8 PT's to proceed to Aitape, with the CO of the STOCKTON to arrange for beaching the LST's after dark. (This was a very tricky maneuver). 2030, LST's started to beach. 2130, We and the 2 M/V anchor and the other cans screened to seaward. By 1500 on the 30th, most ships were ready to return to Cape Cretin, so we escorted them back. We left with 8 LST's at 2030. The GILLESPIE and STOCKTON were left behind as a covering unit.

MAY 1944

1st- we were now CDD-4 (WILKES, NICHOLSON, SWANSON, GRAYSON). We were still escorting from Aitape to Cape Cretin. 0500, we passed at large convoy headed to Hollandia. 2nd-passed another large convoy escorted by CDS 19 in STEVENSON (Echelon R-8)-North bound.

On the 3rd, we arrived at 0530 and CDD 4, left the ship for a conference with the LCCO. We refueled from the ALCIBIADES in Dreger Harbor. Then underway again at 1600 to patrol with the WELLES, between Langemah and Cretin, waiting for LST's to come out. We and the WELLES left at 1800, escorting another convoy of 7 LST's from Cape Cretin to Cape Gloucester. These ships had troops to relieve the soldiers we took there in late Feb. 4th -We arrived 0930 at Borgen Bay. 5th -We then took the same LST's back to Cape Cretin. 1900, we got an urgent dispatch to leave, alone, for Cape Cretin and turned the convoy over to the WELLES. On the 6th -0600, we arrived Cretin and laid to off Megin Is. Later the Commodore left the ship for a conference on the TULSA. 0840, we re-fueled from the ALCIBIDES in Dreger Harbor. We left the same day, picking up another convoy of 4 Liberty ships: (SS URIAN M. ROSE, SAMUEL BRANNON, DUNHAM WRIGHT, WILLIAM ELLERY CHANNING) with WELLES, ALLEN, MULLANY, escorting them to Hollandia. On the 7th, en route, a soldier on one of the Liberty ships, CHANNING, was shot in the stomach. We took a doctor from the ROSE and hi-lined him to the CHANNING. The doctor reported the man needed immediate surgery, so we hi-lined him and the doctor back to our ship. Both doctors operated on the man, on our wardroom table. Several of our officers and our pharmacist mates assisted in the operation. 1700, after surgery was completed, we hi-lined the doctor back to the ROSE. Dr Stollman cared for the wounded man, but he became delirious, calling for his "MOMMA". He died the next day, a very sad episode. We had no proper way to take care of the body, so we wrapped the body in canvas and lashed it under the forward torpedo tubes. Later that day, we took the CO from the MULLANY and later transferred him to the SWANSON, all by hi-line. On the 9th- we arrived in Humboldt Bay, dropped off the convoy and the soldier's body. The Commodore went ashore for a conference. We got 3 Army officers and an enlisted man for Cretin and left with the WELLES, headed back to Buna. On the way, the WELLES hit a log and damaged her screws. We got emergency orders to go to Aitape, but they were canceled, before we got there. We stopped in Cretin and dropped off Army men, rejoined WELLES. Then back in Buna on the 11th, where we re-fueled, took on stores, etc. We got a couple days of rest, until early on the 14th.

WAKDE ISLAND

0500- On the l4th, we were underway with the MORRIS (DD 417), the flagship of Destroyer Squadron 2 (SquadDog 2). He was our new boss, as the Commodore was now CDD 4. We went to Hollandia, arriving on the l5th. On the 16th (D-1) for the invasion of WAKDE IS, we went to Tanahmerah Bay to pick of a convoy: LST 181(F), 170, 206, 245, 456, 457, 458, 466, plus the SONOMA (ATO 12), escorted by: WILKES, NICHOLSON, ROE, STEVENSON, STOCKTON, GILLESPIE, RUSSELL (DD 414).

We were all headed for the NEXT INVASION--- WAKDE ISLAND. It was a small island, about a mile and a half long, a couple of miles from the New Guinea coast, about 140 miles NW of Hollandia. It's importance-an air field. We wanted it to keep Japs from continuing to use it and we needed it for our up coming invasion of the Philippines. "Z" Day was May l7, "H" hour -- 0715. We were CTU 77.2.74. We all arrived safely and on time. About 20,000 soldiers and Navy were involved .Before the landings, Army A-20 and P-40 bombed and strafed the beaches. By 0830, the planes were finished and 2 minutes later, we and the ROE commenced bombardment of assigned targets. We had to cease fire as the landing waves were approaching the beach. 0905, landings were mostly unopposed, on the initial beaches. There were some machine gun fire from the beach. 4 enemy machine gun bullets struck us. 2 hit #2 stack, one hit a metal ladder on the after deck house, and the 4th hit near the 24" searchlight. Several of our people had very close calls. The talker on the #2 torpedo mount had his shoe laces cut, the talker on the #1 torpedo mount had his head set grazed, one passed through the aft -port 20MM gun crew. The port sky lookout had the last one hit under his seat. A fragment stuck in the dungaree shirt sleeve of the port D.C talker. We were mighty lucky no one got hurt. We called for an air strike but the planes couldn't silence it. By 0930, a tank that had landing in the first wave, silenced the machine gun nest. 0930, TF 74, and then at 12l0, TF 75 also left. 1015, Landing craft from the early waves stopped by the ROE and REID with casualties. Dr. Stollman went to the REID to assist their MD in treating the wounded soldiers.1300, more landings on Insoemanai Is. All day our planes bombed and strafed. 2000, the LST's and 3 DD's leave.

On the 18th, CDD 4 was the screen commander and REID was CTG 77.2. At the beaches we had W-, ROE, GRAYSON(F/D), NICK, plus 3 LST, 2 SC and many small craft. 19th-We conducted extensive shore fire in support of our troops on the beach. It was very effective. We were very close to the beach and fired 5", 40/20MM. We were close enough so we could see exactly what was going on. Like in the Admiralties, there were coconut plantations on the island. When our 5" and 40MM shells hit a tree, it was knocked down. After our shore firing, the plantations looked like a forest of stumps. Our troops had considerable number of wounded. Dr. Stollman and 2 pharmacist mates went ashore to help the Army medics. Later we took on 15 "walking" wounded men and treated them, and later took them back to Hollandia. By the end of the day, we had fired 232 rounds of 5", 704 rounds of 40MM, 1440 rounds of 20MM -- a very busy day. 1730, we left with LST 18, 67, 465, 206, for Humboldt.

May 20th - 0100, we wiped the starboard spring bearing and had to stop the starboard engine. We had to run on the port engine and our speed was limited to 20 kts. We arrived Humboldt and dropped off the convoy. We got the wounded men to the Army hospital, via an LCT. Then we took on fuel, ammo, and supplies. We anchored near Hamadi Is. There were 2 air raids during the night. Our engineers got a chance to work on the bearing and had it fixed by noon on the 21st. 1730, we got underway, with several Army photographers, who we later transfer to the NICHOLSON. Then we took our assigned ASW and radar picket duties outside the harbor and patrolled all night. 22nd- After we finish our duties, we returned to Hollandia to pick up more stores, and fuel. 1730, back out as picket - patrolling as before. 23rd - More picket duty, but later that day,, went with a convoy, escorted also by the ROE and NICHOLSON, headed to Aitape.

About this time, we stopped going back to Buna (our second home), as the Army and Navy had set up a large base in Hollandia (Humboldt) and we were moving up the New Guinea coast-one invasion after the other. On one of our short stays in Hollandia, the CO found a small island, with a native grass hut on it. He and the officers founded our own "officer's club" and ordered up some whiskey from Australia. However no whiskey was available, but we did get some Empire Gin and Meyers Rum. Until we stopped going to Hollandia, we used that "club" for a little R&R. However the CO neglected to provide a similar place for the Chiefs and enlisted men.

BIAK

24th-Back to Hollandia, to prepare for the NEXT LANDINGS on BIAK, in the Shouten Group, Dutch New Guinea. To go back in history a bit. One of the reasons for the landing at Hollandia, was the need/desire for a heavy bomber air field, as well the fine sheltered harbor. However the Army engineers found that the soil was not suitable to hold the heavy bombers. So another site was needed. The High Command decided on BIAK, which was a rocky island about 300 miles NW of Hollandia, measuring about 45 by 20 miles, with no natural harbor. It was much closer to the Philippines. Later in the day, with the ROE and NICHOLSON, we left with a convoy (LST 18,67, 206) for Aitape. After delivering the convoy, the 3 cans went back to Hollandia.

"Z" Day was the 27th. CDD 4 (the Commodore) was CTG 77.7. CTF 77 (Admiral Fechtler) was in the SAMPSON. On the 25th we completed work on our engine. 1700, went out on picket duty. 2100, CTF 74 (Rear Admiral Crutchley, RM in the HMAS AUSTRALIA and 75 in the PHOENIX, left to go to the West to screen the invasion beach head. 26th- (Z-1) 1730, we, SWANSON (F/D), NICK, WHITEHURST(DE-634), LOVELACE (DE-198)(ComCortDiv 37), escorting LST 22,26,339 (each LST towed an LCM), left for the invasion of BIAK IS, SHOUTEN GROUP. We were echelon H-2. On our way we passed 2 convoys headed back to Humboldt, escorted by the HOBBY (CDD 38), WELLES and GILLESPIE. 2000, 12 enemy planes attack, 4 are shot down. One crashed into SC 699, but it was not badly damaged.

(Z+1)-28th- 0400, we arrived at Green Beach, which was on the SE coast of Biak. 0630, the LST's started to beach and unload. We gave ASW and AA screening. 0657, an enemy plane overhead, but was driven off. 0845, LCI 34 and the WHITEHURST (DE 634) were fired on, by shore batteries, near Mokmer air field. The REID and STOCKTON engaged the battery. The STOCKTON was hit by a 4.7" shell, and sustained only minor casualties. The enemy guns were knocked out. Ships of our unit fired various shore fire mission. During this time, we came under shore fire, from the vicinity of Mokmer air field- several near misses- no problem. The first round was short, the next was long (over), and the next should have been on us. However, the CO quickly speeded up and they missed. A total of 5 rounds fell around us. We fired on the shore battery. Our fire appeared to have knocked out the enemy guns. Navy planes were supporting us. 2 were shot down by enemy fire. Japs planes around as well-2 shot down. They would come in under our radar coverage, drop their bombs, strafe and then take off. An A-20 (ours) was shot down by friendly fire, from the Army people on the beach. It was trying to drop mail to the troops. Our B-25's had 75MM guns in their nose and they would come in very low, strafe and fire the cannon at the enemy. They were very effective. 1200, the SWANSON left the area. 1500, we proceeded with the REID and STOCKTON, South of Borokoe and Sorido. 1730, The NICHOLSON and we relieved the STOCKTON and REID as shore fire ships. 1800, the STOCKTON CDS 19), REID, GRAYSON left with the LST's we brought up. 2000, the Army requested harassing for the night, 20 rounds per hour. We fired, as requested all night. The enemy was well dug in their caves and foxholes in the cliffs. The NICK and we were patrolling east of Owi Is.

29th- There were lots of heavy enemy resistance by Jap Marines, like in the Admiralties.. 0100, we were relieved by NICHOLSON as shore fire ship. During the night, we had fired 10l rounds 5". About 0500, 2 enemy planes came over (low) from Biak. We maneuvered to avoid a torpedo attack and fired on the planes. One crashed and burned on the beach. 0644, we were back as shore fire ship, and had several near misses from the Jap shore batteries. We fired counter-battery and silenced the guns. Army planes: A-20 and B-24 bombed and strafed. We fired on troop and gun emplacements. We fired 65-5". The Army reported excellent results. When we were firing, we were in voice radio contact with Army spotters on the Beach. They called the shots, we delivered the goods. At 0815, 4 enemy fighters came over and the LST plus beach fire, shot 2 down. 0825, another raid- we fired 31-5" and 29-40MM. SC 734 came alongside for water and provisions. 1020, we took a small armada of small craft (LCT, LCM, LCVP,DWKS, Alligators, Buffalo to the beach at Mokmer Village, for a landing there.. 1120-1400, we fired on various shore targets. At night we patrolled the area, West of Owi Is. During the day, the Jap resistance was very heavy and they drove our troops back. In the late afternoon Army headquarters informed us, their front lines had been withdrawn about 2 miles eastward. They requested us to fire in the vacated area during the night. The NICK got that job.

30th- 0100, we were patrolling between Owi and Biak. The Army requested shore fire until 0600. Then the Army requested us to give the area "an extra going over". We fired 5", 40/20 MM -much close in firing, until 0730. We fired 269 rounds 5", plus 10 white phosphorous, 1040-40MM, 1320-20MM. Then the SWANSON, BALCH (DD 363), ROE arrived with 8 LST's (Echelon H-3) and they assumed our shore fire duties. During our firing, 20 MM gun #3, exploded and 2 of the gun crew (Powers and Hammer) were injured. Fortunately they were not seriously hurt. They had been firing and had used 8 magazines, without stopping to change barrels. Since the 20MM gun had no cooling system, the gun barrel over heated. On the 9th magazine, a round failed to fire. The gun crew took the magazine off and tried to re-cock the gun. But the round "cooked" off and exploded. The gun was ruined, a small price to pay. 1900, we, NICK, SWANSON, WARRINGTON formed up a convoy of LST's (67, 170, 171, 395, 454, 457, 469(flag), 474) to return to Humboldt Bay. There was a air raid and the Commodore sent the SWANSON back to the beach as F/D. We had an uneventful trip and arrived the next day. As in the Admiralties, the Army grossly underestimated enemy strength at 2000 soldiers, but there were about 12,000 marines (tough fighters). Enemy resistance was heavy. Our 30,000 troops had their hands full. The Japs were defeated, with few prisoners taken.

SHIPS INVOLVED IN THE BIAK OPERATION-TF 77-RADM William E. Fechteler

DD's-- AMMEN, HMAS ARUNTA, BEALE, BACHE, BALCH, BUSH, DALEY, FLETCHER, GRAYSON, GILLESPIE, HOBBY, HUGHES, HUTCHINS, JENKINS, KALK, LAVALLETTE, LOVELACE, MUSTIN, MULLANY, NICHOLSON, RUSSELL, RADFORD, ROE, ABNER READ, REID, STEVENSON, SWANSON, STOCKTON, SAMPSON (F), TRATHEN, VAN BUREN (PF), HMAS WARRAMUNGA, WARRINGTON, WHITEHURST (DE), WELLES, WILKES.

CRUISERS--Heavy--HMAS AUSTRALIA, Light--BOISE, NASHVILLE, PHOENIX.

AMPHIBIOUS-- 32 LCI's, 14 LST's.

DESTROYER TRANSPORTS--HERBERT, CROSBY, KILTY, SCHLEY, WARD.

SPECIAL SERVICES--SC # 699,703, 734, 736, 742, 981: LCI (Rocket) # 31, 34, 73. Tug-SONOMA

JUNE 1944

lst--We arrived Humboldt and did our usual-took on fuel from the VICTORIA, ammo and stores from the GOLD STAR (AG 12). 3rd- We took another convoy (Echelon H-6) to Biak, with 9 LST's, 3 LCI, 4 LCT and escorts-WILKES, NICK, SWANSON, WARRINGTON, BALCH, VAN BUREN (PF 42). 4-5th-4 US and Aussie cruisers and 11 cans passed our convoy to intercept a Jap TF reported to be 3 heavy cruisers, 1 CV, 9 DD's west of Biak. A Jap plane strafed the REID, which was nearby. They had l man killed, 5 wounded and their radars were disabled. Later, when we all arrived back in Humboldt, the Commodore went over to the REID to confer with their CO and to access the damage. 5th- We had radar contact with TF 74 and 75 to the West. 0630, we arrived Green Beach and the LST's beached. While waiting for the LST to finish unloading, we went on AA and ASW screen between Owi and Auki Islands. The Army reported good progress, but the Japs still controlled the air strips. While at Biak, the Jap planes bombed the beach for the next few days. 1800, we started back to Humboldt with 9 LST, 3 LCI, 4 LCT, the same escorts, plus the RUSSELL. The Commodore was CTU. This left no combat ships at the beach head.

With all our moving around and the invasions, our incoming mail was erratic and almost none was received. The crew liked to hear from home. 6-7th-escorting to Humboldt and we all arrived on the 7th., refueled and took on ammo. 7th-ALLIED LANDINGS IN NORMANDY. We got the news over the press news. 8th-the enemy tried to reinforce Biak, but Admiral Crutchley's cruiser force turned them back. 9th-They tried again with 5 destroyers, but our cans intercepted them. We (not us) chased them but couldn't catch them. The Commodore temporarily shifted his flag to the ROE. 1030, we and MUSTIN (DD-413) escorted the NASHVILLE to Seeadler Harbor. It had been torpedoed at Biak and eventually went back to the US for repairs. The DOBBIN (destroyer tender) had been moved from Buna to Seeadler. There had been a terrific change on Manus since our invasion 3 months ago. The shore was lighted up at night, piers built, good roads, etc. - a real big base. The harbor was full of ships of all types-great activity. 0900-10th, we refueled from the LEOPARD and anchored near the DOBBIN for 1 day's upkeep. 12th- Back to Humboldt by ourselves. The KALK had just been hit by a bomb-much damage-26 killed , 31 wounded. It was there when we arrived, at 0700 on the 13th. We anchored. 1800, out to picket duty, relieved the HERBERT (APD-22). 14th-Commodore returned to the WILKES. 1200, HUGHES relieved us a picket. 1700, refueled from BISHOPDALE.

l6th- We got underway for Tanaherah Bay, arriving 1300. 1530, underway with a convoy -LST 459 (F), 245, 339, 467, 469,206, 204, 474, 1 cargo ship, (CHARLES RUSSELL), escorted by FLETCHER (CDD-42 -OTC), RADFORD, LA VALLETTE, GRAYSON (F/D), SAN PEDRO. This was reinforcements-Echelon H-10-all head to Biak. We were the rear guard A/S. 17th- JENKINS escorting LST 181, 486 from Wakde Is joined up. 18th- Commodore (OTC), GRAYSON, SAN PEDRO with LST466, 463 plus CHARLES RUSSELL left for Woendi Lagoon, the remaining ships went on to Biak. 0700, entered the lagoon. All day we patrol west of Owi and south of Mokmer-no problems. 1830, picked up another convoy-empty- back to Humboldt We arrived on the 20th-refueled, took on supplies, and were able to get in a good general cleaning before our next trip. 23rd- 1800, we got underway but were recalled. 1800-24th- another try-under way with SS JAMES BUCHANAN, SS JOHN ROACH, escorted by WILKES, GRAYSON, NEUENDORF (DE-200), YMS 51 for Biak. 26th- arrived 0700, Woendi lagoon, anchored. 0900, GRAYSON left to go to Biak to pick up USNAT CARIB QUEEN. We had a passenger, Col. S. D. Sturges for Hollandia.

27th -0130, we got an emergency dispatch ordering us, ROE, NICHOLSON, GRAYSON to go to Aitape to fire shore bombardment. The enemy was attacking our troops in that area. The by-passed Japs from the Wewak area apparently had made their way westward and were trying to meet up with their remaining forces in western New Guinea. At one time they had an estimated 50,000 soldiers in the Wewak area. 0800, we all arrived at Aitape. 0900, the Commodore left the ship for a conference with the Commanding General. 1200, we took on Col. M. M. McCleary, , Lt-Col Turnage, Capt L. H. Holloway and 2 enlisted men to go with us to the shore bombardment. 29th- 0000, all ships got underway. 0225, we all fired in the vicinity of Diriniour River from Niumen Creek to Harech River and to about 3000 yards inland. We had a very successful shore fire mission. We stopped the enemy attacks. We fired 400 rounds 5". We dropped the Army people off at Aitape. Then we all went to Hollandia, where we refueled from and got ammo from the PYRO (AE 1). 1700, anchored and took on stores. 30th- We left with our convoy at 1630, (CTU 77.5.2) in WILKES, with NICK, ROE, GILLESPIE (F/D), on our way to Toem..

On all these slow convoys, we used a "Bent Line" screen for the cans, with the LST's, merchant ships, etc. in 2 or 3 columns behind us. We would all zigzag in accordance with one of the standard plans. The "bent line" is an ASW formation, designed to sweep the water ahead of the convoyed ships, using our sonar gear. It gave the maximum protection against subs. The cans would patrol in their stations.

NOEMFOOR ISLAND

JULY 1944

1st- We were now (as of June 23rd) in DesDiv 24 (WILKES, NICHOLSON, SWANSON, GRAYSON). DesRon12 was Capt P. Burford in the FARENHOLT (DD 491). He was not in the SW Pacific Area. For this (OPERATION- TABLE TENNIS--the invasion of NOEMFOOR ISLAND), the Commodore was CTG 77.5/CTU 77.5.2 (WILKES, ROE, NICHOLSON, GILLESPIE F/D). CTF 77 was Rear Admiral William Fechteler, Commander of the Amphib Attack Force, in the REID. We escorted merchant ships: JOSE BARBOSA, NORMAN MACK, THOMAS NELSON, JANNSENS (Dutch). 0830, we anchored in Toem. The JAMES CRAIG (DE 201) and ROE, and GILLESPIE patrolled outside as the ASW screen. We had red alerts. (D DAY) 2nd-1800, we left Toem with (Echelon T-2) the merchant ships mentioned above, plus C. KOHRS, H. T. WHITE, LST 18 (F), 67, 66, 204 and YUMA (ATF 94). 3rd- 0030, passed cans of CDS 2. 1105, passed ships under the command of CDD 38. 1230, MACK, NELSON, WHITE, JANSSENS escorted by ROE and NICHOLSON left for Bosnik. The remaining ships anchored in Woendi Lagoon. Admiral Fechteler in the REID was SOPA. 1530, the Commodore left for conference with the Admiral.. 1700, we all got underway for Noemfoor, for our next invasion. 1900, a PT boat came alongside with Col. Vanderborg to go to Kamiri Airfield on Noemfoor.

4th- 0600, we arrived at Kamiri, Noemfoor and the LST's started towards the beach. CTU 77.3.3 in the STEVENSON was SOPA. Other ships present were: STOCKTON, GRAYSON, SWANSON, PC 1133, plus many landing craft. We, STOCKTON, NICHOLSON, ROE went on ASW screen to seaward. STEVENSON, SWANSON, GRAYSON were SFC ships. 1100, a large number of Army C-47 planes dropped paratroops in our area (Namiri Airfield). It was a spectacular sight. We later learned that many paratroopers were killed and injured in the drop, as the planes were too low, about 500 feet. It was about 9 months before we had another paratroop drop in SW Pac. 1930, B-17 bombers dropped supplies by parachute. 1900, we retired eastward, during the night, with LST 18, 67, 204, 66, KOHRS (M/S), YUMA. 5th-0640, all ships returned to unloading area. The NICHOLSON and we got orders to go on a shore fire mission near the Kornasoren airfield. We picked up Ens. Larson as Naval Gunfire Liaison Officer. 0900, we started firing in the vicinity of Sjoriboe Village and fired 200 rounds of 5". After we stopped firing, a very unusual thing happened, 5 men came out to the ship in a native canoe. All spoke Dutch but no English. One was a Dutch-native policeman. They were lucky to have survived the occupation. We took them to the Army HQ for any intelligence information they might have. 1000, ROE with a small detachment of Army troops, occupied Manim Is., with no opposition. That night we and the ROE patrolled outside the harbor. The Commanding General and his staff came on board for a conference with CO's and gun bosses of ROE and GILLESPIE. They wanted to plan the landing at Roemboi Bay, set for 0930 on the 6th.

6th- WILKES, GILLESPIE, NICHOLSON, ROE, PC 1133, 1 rocket LCI, 2 LCC and 18 LCM went on the landing at Roemboi Bay (Namber Airfield). 0800, 6 B-25's bomb and strafed the beaches. 0905, WILKES, ROE, GILLESPIE opened fire on our assigned shore targets. The rocket LCI fired its rockets. It was a awesome sight. 0935, we ceased firing and the landing craft hit the beach. 0800, 6 B-25 bombed and strafed the landing area. We fired a total of 603 - 5", plus a lot of 40/20MM. There was a shortage of smokeless powder for our 5" guns and had to use flashless powder. Smoke from our firing, interfered with our visibility to the firing area. 1400, the Army shore fire control party was still not set up. We went to Kamiri as the ASW screen. The ships in our group retired from the area at night. NICK fired on Menoekwari Village. All 3 airfields- Kornsoren, Kamiri and Namber had been taken. 7th-Landings were going well. 0030, ROE and GILLESPIE took 2 LST's to Woendi. Most of the ships returned to the beach to finish their unloading. MUSTIN was the fighter director ship now. We, HUGHES (DD 410), MORRIS (CDS 2)(SOPA), NICK, GILLESPIE, YUMA formed the ASW screen. 1600, we approached the beach and took 5 officers from CTF 77's staff for transportation to Humboldt. 1800, we left with our convoy of 4 LST's, 4 LCI's, (Echelon T-3) back to Humboldt. 8th- 0530, ROE escorting 2 LST's joined up. 9th- 1000, we all arrived Humboldt. CTF 77 was in the HENRY T. ALLEN (AG 90). 1600, refueled from the BISHOPDALE. 10th- alongside the BOOTES (AK-99) for ammo Then we were at anchor until the 13th. We had a few days to do some upkeep and cleaning. CDD 24 inspected the SWANSON. Even in the very forward areas, our ships had to keep up our training and all around efficiency.

13th-0800, we left Humboldt for Seeadler with the NICHOLSON, ROE and RUSSELL (DD 414). 14th- 0800, arrived Seeadler and went alongside the LEOPARD for fuel. We had 5 days availability, which was badly needed, alongside the WHITNEY (AD 4). We got new "fish" as well. This was a big job. Our torpedo gang had to get our old fish ready to be transferred and then had to get the new ones on board and into the mounts. The crew got some liberty and got caught up on ship's work. From NSD, Lorengau, we took on 250 cases of beer, which was something new for us, plus 1630 cases for ships at Humboldt. We had cases stacked all over the deck. The ROE was ordered back to the States for repairs. We were now operating with the RUSSELL and RADFORD (DD-446). On the 19th- we got underway for ASW exercises with sub - S-42. 1800, 2 Army majors and l Navy enlisted man came on board for transportation to

Hollandia.

20th-On the way back to Humboldt, the NICK had a boiler casualty. We fired AA practice. 21st- 0700, we got back to Humboldt and distributed the cases of beer to the other ships, keeping our shares, of course. We had a few days (23-29th) of R & R-beer parties on the beach. Our crew also got a chance to paint the ship. Since paint was a fire hazard, we carried very little on board. We drew the paint from a supply ship in the harbor. After it was done, the ship looked brand new. All hands took pride in a good looking ship. As usual, we took on fuel, ammo, and stores and was ready to go again. 30th- 1430, refueled from SS BIRCH COULIE. CDD 24 was again CTU 77.4.2. 2300, we, NICK, STACK (DD 406), GRAYSON, we went to Maffin Bay, N.G. 31st (D+1), we picked up LST 67, 181, 204, 245, 468, 469, 470, 475 from Maffin Bay to Red Beach at Warsai, N.G.

SHIPS IN THE INVASION OF NOEMFOOR "OPERATION TABLE TENNIS" TF 77-RADM William E. Fechteler, Commanding

ASSAULT FORCE DD'S-- GILLESPIE, GRAYSON, HOBBY, JENKINS, LAVALLETTE, NICHOLSON, RADFORD, REID (F), ROE, STEVENSON, STOCKTON, SWANSON (CTF 77), WELLES, WILKES.

OTHERS-- PC # 1120, 1132, 1133, 1134. Rocket-LCI #31, 34, 73. YUMA (tug), LCI #543, 544

COVERING FORCE--HMAS AUSTRALIA, USS BOISE, PHOENIX.

CAPE SANSAPOR

AUGUST 1944

We stopped by Windy Island so that 2 LST's could tow 2 other LST's to the beach head at CAPE SANSAPOR. The area was on the Vogelkop Peninsula, a bird shaped area of western New Guinea. The Sansapor operation was called ''OPERATION GLOBE TROTTER." RADM William Fechteler was the Commander (CTF 77). His flagship was the SWANSON. On the 1st- they passed us E/B. 2nd- We joined with a large convoy, led by ComDesRon2 , in the MORRIS. 0623, bogies 10 miles ahead. 0700, our air cover arrived. 1300, LST 456 and VIREO (ATO -144) joined up. 1530, we crossed the Equator at 134 degrees 5' E. 3rd-(D+4)- Our convoy re-crossed the equator at 0305, 132 degrees 25' East. 0800, we all arrived at the beach head. The LST's beached and unloaded. We and STOCKTON screened 15 miles west of Soe Is. The Commodore (CTG 77.4) left the ship to confer with Navy and Army officers on the beach. 1330, our fighter cover left due to bad weather. The overall plan was to establish a PT boat base on Amsterdam Is; an air field on Middleburg Is. and an Army base on Sanaspor Village. 1715, the LST's were finished, we took them back to Windy Island (Woendi Lagoon).

4th-Our fighter cover was back, on station. We were still escorting. The CO decided it would be a good time to have small arms practice on the fantail. We fired 400 rounds .30 cal; 100-.22 and 250-.45. Tonight we had 2 P-51 night fighters on patrol. 5th-0410, one of our LST reported a stick of bombs fell astern of her. A Jap plane must have followed a B-25 that flew overhead. 0430, Red Alert-bombs dropped-no damage. 0700, the VIREO left to go to Woendi Lagoon. LONG BEACH, CORONADO reported for duty. 0800, we, GRAYSON, NICK, STACK left the convoy to go Woendi Lagoon to refuel. 0900, refueled from VICTORIA, and then anchored west of Noesi Is. Army casualties were light, 1 soldier killed in the landings. This operation took our forces to the western end of New Guinea, ending it as a base for enemy operations. We had by-passed many enemy soldiers, who were now effectively isolated. Due to the absence of any roads, their only means of transport, was by barges along the coast. Our PT boats could and did take care of that threat.

6th- A Sunday, we finally got a chance to attend church services, which were held on the TANGIER (AV 8). The crew also got liberty. 7th- liberty again today. The shore based people loaned us an LCVP while we were in port. They provided the boat, we furnished the crew. This was standard in the forward area. We had our one and only fatality of the war. Fireman 1/c Harold Firebaugh, an electrician striker, drowned, while swimming in Woendi Lagoon. He was part of our liberty party and apparently attempted to swim to one of the small islands in the lagoon. There was a strong, swift current running between the islands and he wasn't that strong a swimmer. His body was found, shortly after he was discovered missing, in 10 feet of water. One of our crew dived down and recovered the body. We tried artificial respiration- no luck. We rushed him back to the ship, but the doctor pronounced him dead. He was buried on Windy Island. This was a very unfortunate accident. The XO always assigned a ship's officer to this kind of liberty party, but there was no way anyone could have prevented this accident. Later that day, we, NICK, LONG BEACH (ComCortDiv 25), CORONADO, SAN PEDRO convoyed LST's 22, 17l, 395, 397, 452, 462, 463; 1 Liberty ship (JAMES OLIVER) to Sansapor. We passed the HOBBY and her convoy going to Windy Is. 9th- 0800, we arrived at Sansapor, the LST's unloaded and we started back to Humboldt Bay. We got a dispatch informing us, and our Division were to be transferred to the THIRD FLEET. We are to report by Aug. 25 at the Majuro Atoll, in the Marshall's. This would be a big change for us.

We continue to convoy. 10th, we passed the FLETCHER (DD 445) and her convoy, headed to Sansapor. The next day, the NICHOLSON and 1 LST were dropped off for Windy Is. We dropped off the remaining ships at Wakde and then proceeded to Humboldt. On the way, we passed several convoys headed to Sansapor.

TASK FORCE 77--CAPE SANSAPOR "OPERATION GLOBE TROTTER"

RADM William M. Fechteler-Commanding, in the SWANSON

DD's--SWANSON (F), FLETCHER, HUGHES, JENKINS, LAVALLETTE, MORRIS, RADFORD, RUSSELL, STEVENSON, WELLES, WILKES

APD's--CROSBY, HERBERT, KILTY, SCHLEY, WARD

OTHERS--LCI (rocket) # 134, 173. VIREO (tug). 9 LST, 17 LCI, 2 PT.

COVERING FORCE--RADM Berkley-3 USS CL and 9 DD's.

WESTERN CAROLINES

THIRD/FIFTH FLEETS--TF 38/58

August 13-19th- We were still in Humboldt Bay, getting ready to leave for the THIRD FLEET. 14th- CDD 24 inspected the ship. There was another big change. 19th-1300, we got a new Commanding Officer. Captain Wolsieffer was transferred. The new CO was LCDR Fred E. McEntire, Jr., USN. Dr Bernard Stollman was also transferred back to the States. This was a very busy day. The Commodore made many calls on other ships and commands to say "good by". It was leaving old friends again and looking forward to new adventure and challenges in the THIRD FLEET. 1415, we refueled from the BISHOPDALE. Later in the day, we and the GRAYSON, who was now part of our Division, got underway for the Marshall Islands. 20th- We picked up the NICHOLSON (from Alexishafen) en route to Seeadler, where the SWANSON joined us. We were now DesDiv 24, our Squadron-DesRon 12. Our Division was: WILKES, SWANSON, NICHOLSON, GRAYSON. To keep the record straight on the number of the "Fleets". When Admiral Halsey was in command, it was the THIRD FLEET. When Admiral Spruance commanded, it was the FIFTH FLEET--same ships--same missions. It is doubtful it confused the Japs, as much as it did us.

En route, all ships performed various drills and gunnery practice. 25th-1415, The Division arrived at Eniwetok (a change of orders). The Commodore reported us ready for duty to the Commander Third Fleet---Admiral W. F. Halsey and CTF 38 --Vice Admiral M. A Mitscher. We all immediately refueled and took on stores. The harbor was full of ships of all kinds-an unbelievable number. In SW Pac, our Navy was mainly amphib types, with a good number of cans to protect them. We didn't have any heavy cruisers, carriers or BB's. Now the place is loaded with large carriers-10, lots of cruisers of all types, some BB's and a large number of cans, plus every type of auxiliary ship. The PRAIRIE (AD 15) gave us some spare parts we needed. We also got some good quality food, no more Aussie "mutton".

27th-Our new boss, put us to work right away. 1300, Capt E. G. Fullinwinder-CTU 38.4.3 called a conference on his flagship (MAURY) of all CDD's and CO's to discuss the upcoming operations. 28th-0500, we got underway with TG 38.4 of TF 38. In our group, we had 3 carriers: ENTERPRISE (CV 6), FRANKLIN (CV 13), SAN JACINTO (CVL 30), 2 cruisers: NEW ORLEANS (CA-32), BILOXI (CL-80) and 12 cans: MAURY (CDS 6), CRAVEN (DD-382), GRIDLEY (DD-380), HELM (DD-388), McCALL (DD-400), MUGFORD (DD-389),(CDD 12-CDR. K. F. Poehlman), RALPH TALBOT (DD-390), PATTERSON (DD-392), BAGLEY (DD-386), WILKES (CDD-24), NICHOLSON, SWANSON Our CTG 38.4, CTU 38.4.1 was RADM. R. Davison, in the FRANKLIN, plus SAN JACINTO. CTU 38.4.11 - RADM. H. B. Sallado (ComCarDiv 6) in ENTERPRISE. TU 38.4.2 - the BILOXI (CL 80) and NEW ORLEANS (CA 32) plus 11 DD's were the bombardment group. The carrier TG was screened by DesDiv 12 and 24 + McCALL. The Commodore was the screen commander. The heavy ships were in column and the screen was a "bent line."

The overall bosses: VADM. M. A. Mitscher in the LEXINGTON (CV 16) and ADM Halsey in the NEW JERSEY (BB 62) were not in our area.

The carriers in the TF were as follows: CTG 38.1--Vice Admiral J. S. McCain

WASP (CV 18)--Capt O. A.Weller HORNET (CV 12)--Capt A. K Doyle

MONTEREY (CVL 26)--Capt S. Ingersoll COWPENS (CVL 25)-- Capt H. W. Taylor

HANCOCK (CV 19)--Capt F. C. Dickey

CTG 38.2--Rear Admiral G. F. Borgan (ComCarDiv 4)

INTREPID (CV 11)-- Capt J. F. Bolger BUNKER HILL (CV 17)--Capt M. R. Greer

CABOT (CVL 28) Capt S. J. Michael LANGLEY (CVL 27) Capt J. F. Wegforth

CTG 38.4--Rear Admiral R. E. Davison (ComCarDiv 2) ---- OUR GROUP----

FRANKLIN (CV 13) Capt J. M. Shoemaker with Air Group 13

ENTERPRISE (CV 6)--Capt C. D. Glover--with Air Group 20

BELLEAU WOOD (CVL 24) Capt J. Perry, with Air Group 21

SAN JACINTO (CVL 30) Capt M. H. Kornodle, with Air Group 51

Commander, Escort Carrier Group---Rear Admiral T. L Sprague

BONIN-VOLCANO ISLANDS

As we all got underway, we all practiced firing at a "sleeve" being towed by a plane. We (Task Group) shot down 10. The carriers practiced launching and recovery of their planes. We were all headed for a heavy raid on the Bonin Islands, which were small islands, about 650 miles from Japan. These places had odd names: Chichi Jima, Ha Ha Jima, and Iwo Jima . No one had ever heard of them before. In a short time Iwo Jima would be in the world's spot light. They all had air fields placed to protect the Home Islands. These fields were our targets. We also raided Yap and Palau and later returned to Seeadler. Our base speed was 18 kts, with lots of 35 kts to keep up with the carriers, as they launched and recovered their planes. We took our turn as the radar picket 12 miles ahead of the TG. We had to refuel every day, due to our high speed. Usually, we refueled from the NEW ORLEANS, who passed us some whole wheat bread and ice cream. The TG was in cruising disposition 5R.

On the 31st-Our planes raided targets on the Bonin's. We started carrier ops, with the full launch at 1300, against Iwo Jima, Chichi Jima, Volcano Islands. We were 120 miles from them and 550 miles from Japan. 1735, RALPH TALBOT to picket duty. 2315, the 2 cruisers escorted by MAURY, CRAVEN, GRIDLEY HELM (cans) went to shell Futami Ko. We stayed and screened (protected) the carriers. Many enemy planes were around, but our CAP (combat air patrol) drove them off. When the carriers launched their planes, the whole formation changed course, into the wind, and increased formation speed to 30-35 kts. This was to give the heavy loaded planes additional lift to take off. On recovery, on completion of the mission, the same procedure. This was to make it easier for the planes to land on the pitching deck of the carrier--lower relative speed and the head wind slowed the planes down. Cans were plane guards for both launching and recovery. We got our share of this duty. If a plane crashed-the can rushed to pick up the survivors. The plane usually floated long enough for the men to get out. They all wore "Mae West" life vests, plus the planes carried small inflatable rubber rafts-if they had time to get them out. All planes carried green dye. This dye would cover a large area, so searching planes and ships could spot survivors in the water. During our time with the TF, we picked up 22 airmen. When we were plane guarding on recovery, the planes passed very low over us. We could see the battle damage to the planes. Sometimes it was severe, too bad to land on the carrier and the pilot would have to ditch in the water. We or another can would rush to pick him up.

The US was most concerned for the safe recovery of its airmen. The Navy also had subs stationed off the islands under attack. The sub monitored the plane's radio frequencies. If a plane was shot down, the sub would go in to pick the crew up, sometimes right up to the beach and under the Japs' guns. President Bush flying off the SAN JACINTO was shot down near Yap and a sub rescued him. This was during the time our TG was hitting Yap.

Perhaps it might be the time to discuss the huge difference between our present assignment and the ops with the 7th Fleet. First the climate: We had been working in the tropics-within 6 degrees of the equator and everyone suffered from the heat. The seas were usually calm, with lots of rain. Now the seas were almost as bad as in the North Atlantic, the weather much cooler. We were in the typhoon area. Operations-With the 7th Fleet our 2 main jobs were shore bombardment in support of numerous amphib landings, and protecting the ships/ troops, etc. from enemy air attacks. Second: the convoying of slow amphib and supply ships, at 9 kts, from our advance bases to the beach heads, in our "island hopping".

Now, we were operating with a fast carrier TG, at 35 kts, providing AA and ASW protection to the TG. We also had plane guarding responsibilities on launching and recovery of planes. We were also a radar picket and sometimes the radio link between TG's in our TF. Third: With the 7th Flt, we were known as "MacArthur's Navy". The Army called the shots. We went where and when they wanted us to go. In contrast, with the carriers, it was a 100% Navy show. However, we never had any trouble working with/for the Army. It was probably the very first long-term successful joint operations, "jointness", as it is now called in the 90's. In the 40's, it was called "BEAT THE ENEMY."

The first line of defense against enemy air attack, was the TG's CAP(Combat Air patrol). These were 4 or 5 fighter planes, which were launched early in the morning and recovered the last in the evening. They would orbit near and over the TG to attack any bogies that might approach us. Of course they were relieved during that time to come in to refuel, and re-arm. They were controlled by the TG fighter director, who was usually on the flagship. The air search radars on the various ships were meant to detect incoming enemy planes (bogies), but they had a bad habit of slipping in undetected. The CV's air search radar was much better than ours and their radar antenna were mounted higher, which gave their radar a longer range. The carriers had a very effective CIC, with much more sophisticated equipment to track multiple bogies. It was much more elaborate than ours, several times larger, with many more people, plotting, status and tracking boards.

We were on the leading edge of the US offensive against the Japanese Home Land. Our TF was going to places no US ships had gone in this war.

One other aspect of our operations that should be touched on, even though it only impacted the bridge personnel-mainly the OOD, CO, XO. Screening--There were several different types of formations, but our TF usually used 2 basic types-both circular. The carriers, cruisers and BB's were in the center. The cans were in a circular screen around the center. It was every ship's primary duty to protect the carriers at ALL COST. During the day, the formation was basically ASW. The other screen was against air attack-and the circle of cans were much closer to the center. The screen assignments were assigned by Com Screen. Sometimes the Commodore was the screen commander. There was a Fleet Tactical Publication (USF 10A) that spelled out how the screens would operate, etc. For some reason, occasionally there would be a vacant station, then the cans would be re-positioned. The vacant stations, if any, were always at the rear of the formation. Danger was up ahead. We were always headed into danger.

We knew about what time air ops would begin, so the OOD would keep an eye on the wind direction, so he had a good idea about what course the OTC would come to. Before flight ops started the TG commander's ship would fly the "FOX" flag at the dip.-which meant "prepare for flight operations." When 2-blocked, flight ops started. We all knew that a course and speed change would be ordered and the whole formation turned into the wind. The entire screen had to be adjusted. The cans-up in front-the vacant spots in the rear. The OOD and the CIC watch officer had to quickly figure out the course and speed to get to our new station. They had to be proficient in the use of the maneuvering board, which had all the stations plotted on it.

The OTC (Officer in Tactical Command)-on the carrier flagship, would hoist the signals for the new course. Our signalmen would be watching the OTC's ship for any signals. We would hoist the same signal flags. When the signal was understood, it was "2 blocked". When every ship "2 blocked", the OTC would "execute"-haul down the hoist. Then every ship in the formation turned at the same time. The cans would "scramble" to their new screening stations. If this maneuver was done at night, the OTC used the TBS to give his orders. Every ship had a code name, as well as the various flag/unit officers. The "W's name, for these operations, was BLUE RIBBON. The OTC would give the course/speed change in the following way: "WHITE DEER (all ships), this is TOP HAT (TG Commander) stand by to execute course Shackle -Dog, Baker, Tare- Unshackle. Speed- Shackle - Dog Xray- Unshackle. BLUE RIBBON acknowledge . Our OOD would reply on the TBS: "THIS IS BLUE RIBBON -ROGER". One ship would acknowledge for all-to save time. With 30-40 ships, if each acknowledged-what confusion. The OTC would wait 2-3 minutes and then say: "EXECUTE". The whole TG would come to the new course and speed. Our CIC would back up all voice radio transmissions, including TBS. They had a copy of the General Signal Book (GSB), op orders, call signs, etc. Woe to any OOD who missed the signal, came to the wrong course, was slow in getting to the new screen station. The ship would get a "JIG" flag or "POSIT" pennant. If this sounds complicated--it was. It separated the men from the boys.

SEPTEMBER 1944

Sept 1-Our TG was still making air strikes on Iwo Jima and Chichi Jima, operating off the Bonin and Volcano Islands. 0155, bogies were in the area until 0345, but they didn't come close to our TG. We were at GQ most of the time. The carriers launched a large number of planes at 0430. 1 plane, a TBM, crashed. We were the "plane guard" at 30 kts., for the "E". We picked up all 3 crew members. They were Lt. E. R. Holley, P. W. Knight, ARM 1/c, J. F. Schmidt, AOM 2/c. All were OK. 0530, the Bombardment Group (TU 38.4.2) left our formation, to hit Chichi Jima and Iwo Jima. When they were gone, the Commodore was the screen commander for the carriers. The position of the TG at 0800-was at 26 degrees, 32' N and 143 degrees, 15' W. 1340, another wave of planes launched. 1750, the carriers completed flight ops. If possible they wanted to finish flight ops before darkness. 1800, the cruisers and escorting cans returned to the formation. They reported a good shore bombardment.

2nd-0300, our SC radar had Iwo Jima 220 degrees T, 73,500 yards. Carriers launched another big raid. We were still doing plane guard duty. 1 plane crashed on launch. We picked up the crew-all safe. 0450, McCALL rescued a pilot in water. 0830, we went alongside the Big "E" and hi-lined her air crew back. She gave us ice cream-fair exchange. We had our own ice cream machine-a rarity for a can to have one, but we never turned down anything free. The cruisers and cans went back to bombard again. The Commodore was ComScreen. 0900, we went alongside the FRANKLIN and hi-lined her some radio equipment. A lowly "can" giving equipment to a carrier? Later the cruisers and cans came back to the formation, after completing another successful shore bombardment. The TG headed for Saipan for fuel and re-supply.

3rd- 8 B-29's came over our formation. One was badly damaged and the crew bailed out over the TG. 10 crew members were picked by McCALL, SWANSON, CRAVEN. One man drowned. 1700, we and RALPH TALBOT went out to our assigned picket station, 25,000 yards ahead of the formation. 4th -0345, we had radar contact with TU 30.8.10 (tankers). They were NIOBRARA (AO-72), ENOREE (AO-69), ATASCOSA (AO-66), escorted by WILEMAN (DE-22), WYMAN (DE-38). We re-fueled from the ATASCOSA, with the "E" on the other side of the tanker. Only 2 carriers fueled at any one time. The third maintained routine air patrols over the TG. By 1500, the TG had finished fueling. 1800, we all arrived at Saipan. There was no harbor at Saipan, all ships anchored off the island and were buffeted by heavy ocean swells. We took on supplies, etc. as quickly as we could, as we were scheduled to get underway again the next day.

YAP-PALAU-ULITHI-PELELIU

YAP was a small island in the Western Carolines, about 500 miles east of the Philippines and it had an air field. While we were not concerned about the High Command's strategy, it was obvious that it was 2 fold: to eliminate the enemy's air fields that might pose a threat to our ships and to capture the islands with suitable fields, so we could use them for our long range B -29 raids against the Home Islands.

5th- In the afternoon, our TG got underway for operations preparatory and incidental to the landings on Peleliu and Angour Islands. Our course was SW. 6th-1300, our TG was about 50 miles NE of Ulithi Atoll. Our carriers launched fighters against Yap Island. We were again plane guarding. One plane crashed and we went to pick up the pilot, Lt (jg) J.E. Tsarnas, USN. He was OK, except for a minor scratch, but we couldn't find the enlisted crew member. It was hard for the radio man to get out of a plane in the water. We searched, but had no luck-very sad. 1045, transferred the pilot back to the "E", via hi-line. We were now about 50 miles East of Yap. 7th & 8th- Both days our carriers launched multiple air strikes against Yap. Our bombardment group (NEW ORLEANS, BILOXI and Des Div 12) hit shore targets. The NICHOLSON went with this group. On the 7th- the NICK had a engineering casualty and had to leave the screen. She got back in the screen in about 2 hours. 1800, we and the SWANSON had picket duty 25,000 yards ahead of the TG. By this time, everyone felt we were on the "downhill pull'., but much heavy fighting was still ahead.

8th-The SWANSON went to pick up a downed pilot and crew near Yap, but on the way had a main engine casualty. 9th-We refueled early in the morning from the PATUXENT (AO 44). The BELLEAU WOOD rejoined our Task Group. The SWANSON picked up a downed pilot near the beach. Our TG was 175 miles east of Palau. The fueling group, were the tankers, NESHO (AO 48), PATUXENT (AO 44) and MONGAHELA (AO 42), Escort carriers, NASSAU (CVE 16), SARGENT BAY (CVE 83), STEAMER BAY (CVE 87), DE's- HILBERT (DE 742), OSTERHAUS (DE 164), RIDDLE (DE 185). The CVE's brought out planes for our CV's. While we refueled, the carriers got their replacement planes. During our air operations, many of the planes were damaged. Some, to badly to be repaired, were pushed over the side of the carrier. So the carriers were always in need of replacements. Fortunately our plane plants at home, were able to turn out planes fast enough to easily replace those lost. We all finished refueling about 1430 and proceeded NE to meet up with the SWANSON, at sunset. The TF was in cruising disposition 5R (our normal formation). 1800, we and the GRIDLEY went out to picket duty . The TG was now headed towards PALAU. 10th-Since all good targets were destroyed on Yap and Ulithi, the carriers shifted their attacks onto Palau. By this time, our TG was about 40 miles northeast of the island. 0450, we returned to the screen from our picket duty. 1055, we got mail from the BAGLEY. We hadn't gotten mail in sometime and the crew was delighted to get some. At sunset, the PATTERSON went out as a picket and the HELM and GRIDLEY left to join the LANGLEY (CVL 27). 11th-0600, the carriers launched their planes against the Palau Islands. Our TG was North of the Islands. 1130, we topped off fuel from the ENTERPRISE. 1630, carriers completed their air ops, all planes returned to their carriers. Each night, at sunset, pickets(cans) were sent out ahead of the TG.

12th-More heavy carrier raids on Palau, starting at 0600. The GRIDLEY and HELMS and the pickets rejoin the TG. 1430, the GRIDLEY went out to rescue a pilot-no luck. 2100, air ops finished for the day. The TG was now North of Palau. On the l3th- 0523, the carriers started launching planes against Palau. A plane crashed 22 miles astern of the TG. We went out to search for them. We recovered all 3 airmen (Lt (jg) C. C. Harbor-Pilot, W. Johnson, AOM 3/c, J. W. Nickum, ARM 3/c), and hi-lined them back to the FRANKLIN. One of the men picked up was a good friend of one of our crew- small world. 1800, the SWANSON and we went out on picket duty, but due to an unsatisfactory voice radio, we had to return to the formation. We went back to our normal position in the screen. 14th-0810, the forward spring bearing of the starboard engine was running hot. We had to stop the shaft. On inspection, we found water in the oil. Our engineering people flushed the bearing and replaced the oil. The shaft was put back in service. It was OK, but still ran hot. We got some mail hi-lined from the RALPH TALBOT. Our carriers conducted more heavy air raids. As usual-2000, the carriers recovered their night fighters. By this time out TG was West and SW of the islands. We had to keep moving around, so the enemy planes would have trouble finding us.

"D" Day for the invasion of Peleliu was the 15th. The First Marine Division hit the beach at 0830, and they met very heavy resistance. Our carrier planes supported the landing. Many sorties were flown on both 15th and 16th. The carriers started to launch very early in the mornings. 1500, we refueled from the "E". 2025, all carrier planes were home. Our shore fire units blasted the beaches. We were on the spotter plane radio frequency and could hear what was going on. One spotter plane saw a Jap tank coming towards our troops and the cruiser opened fire. While close, didn't hit the tank. The tank got close to our troops, when it turned around to go back into the hills. The cruiser got the range and destroyed the tank-nice shooting. At night we could see the gunflashes, starshells, etc. from the action on Peleliu Island. 17th - Everyone re-fueled from the tankers. TU 30.8.1, the refueling group was: MARIAS (AO-57), MANATEE (AO 58), MISSISSINEWA (AO 59), PONGANSET (AO 86), screened by the LEVY (DE 162) and HALL (DD 583). We got ours from the MARIAS. 1700, the BELLEAU WOOD came back to the TG. We then moved to an area west of Palau. The PATTERSON (DD 392) passed mail to us. 1800, we and the McCALL went out as pickets.

18th- At daylight the INDIANA (BB 58) and HEALY (DD 672) joined up with our TG. Our TG was now the carriers: BELLEAU WOOD, "E", SAN JACINTO, FRANKLIN (guide); INDIANA, NEW ORLEANS, BILOXI. The screen was: WILKES, SWANSON, NICHOLSON, McCALL, PATTERSON, CRAVEN, RALPH TALBOT, MAURY, MUGFORD, HALL, GRIDLEY, BAGLEY, HELM, HEALY. We were about 75 miles West of Palau. The carriers conducted more heavy raids on Peleliu and Anguar. They launched and recovered planes all day. At 1300, the INDIANA, GRIDLEY and HELMS left the TG and at 1800 they rejoined us. We heard that the INDIANA couldn't keep up with our hi-speed. In the evening, we all departed for Seeadler Harbor. During this entire operation our Division was on the ASW/AA screen., plus doing picket duty. We were at high speed most of the time. Fortunately, the weather was good and sea calm. Another TG relieved us ( 4 carriers, 1 BB, 12 cans). 19th - On our way we passed 2 very large convoys headed towards Palau with troop reinforcements and supplies. 21st-0600, we all arrived Seeadler, refueled, got mail and stores. We anchored and the BAGLEY (DD 386) tied up alongside. The crew got some liberty. By this time, Seeadler had some fine recreation facilities: baseball diamonds, tennis, volleyball courts, also a pool with 6 diving boards. The biggest draw was "Duffy's Tavern", which could seat 600 men and served beer. Some Place! Some change since Feb. 22nd- Capt V. D. Long relieved Capt E. G. Fullinwider as CDS 6 and CTU 38.4.3

24th- We were still with TG 38.4, with the same carriers, cruisers, etc. (FRANKLIN (F), ENTERPRISE, BELLEAU WOOD, SAN JACINTO, BILIOX, NEW ORLEANS, Desron 6 (less CRAVEN), MAURY(F), GRIDLEY, HELM, McCALL, MUGFORD, RALPH TALBOT, PATTERSON, BAGLEY; DesDiv 24 (less GRAYSON),WILKES, NICHOLSON, SWANSON. We got underway for the invasion of Yap at 0800. While we were in port, we got 40+ new men. 1630, we and McCALL had picket duty. 25th- 2 officers and 10 seamen were inducted into the "Kingdom of Neptune Rex". This "ceremony" was tame compared to the one in Jan. 26th- The ship got a dispatch, we and the NICHOLSON will be going back to the States (SFran) for overhaul. It was scheduled for the end of October, a long way off. Our overhaul was long overdue. However we had to stay with our TG, until our reliefs arrived. The war wouldn't wait, so we had to continue, as usual. 27th- We refueled from the NEW ORLEANS. One of the crew, Toop, got appendicitis and was hi-lined to the FRANKLIN for surgery. We and PATTERSON have picket duty. 28th-Each day the carriers launch and recover planes. We get in some AA gunnery drills. SWANSON and GRIDLEY went out as pickets. 29th- Lots of drills. We refueled from the "E" and they gave us ice cream. 1300, McCALL sunk a mine. 1530, we refueled from the "E" 1800, HELM and McCALL went out as pickets.

30th- 0300, "E" launched planes. Carrier ops all day. 1300, plane crashed trying to land on the SAN JACINTO. We recovered the pilot.

The invasions of the Palau Islands were very costly, as enemy resistance was heavy and our losses high. However we did eliminate enemy air fields and got a wonderful anchorage in the Ulithi Atoll. It became one of our largest advance bases and the hub for all naval/logistical activity for the THIRD FLEET.

PHILIPPINE CAMPAIGN ---------PALAU/OKINAWA/FORMOSA

OCTOBER 1944

lst- We were still with the same carriers, cruisers, cans in out TASK GROUP. 2nd- We were again west of Palau. 0300, the FRANKLIN launched her planes. The carriers launched and recovered planes all day, until 1730. 2nd- We again refueled from the "E" + ice cream. Our TG was now, 200 miles East of the Philippines. The TG conducted gunnery exercises. 1730, We and RALPH TALBOT went on picket duty. 3rd-Since we were scheduled to return to the States, we hi-lined the Commodore (Capt Greenacre) and his staff to the SWANSON. As events unfolded, it was a bit premature. We refueled from the TOMAHAWK (A0-88) , got mail and passengers. We then delivered mail to various ships in the TG. 4& 6th- The TG ran into very heavy weather. We rolled 44 degrees-just like in the North Atlantic. Due to very bad weather, all flight ops canceled. By this time, we were now close to Yap. On the 5th- we lost steering, due to binding of the helm. OK in 1/2 hour- We were very lucky, since we were in bad weather and in close formation. Our carriers launched heavy air strikes. We were the plane guard for the "E". 6th-Some AA gunnery practice. 7th- The sea was still rough, with waves over the bridge. TG 38.1 joined us. Now all of TF 38 was together. Another dispatch came concerning our overhaul. We will go to Seattle rather than Frisco.

8th-0610, our TG started to refuel from our tanker group. We tried to refuel from the MARIAS (AO 57), but the sea was too rough-no luck. We broke the fuel hose. Later in the day, we tried from the "E"-still no luck-too rough. We broke another fuel line. By this time, we were pretty low on fuel. However late in the day, we were able to refuel from a tanker. While alongside the "E" we got mail and then hi-lined it to the cruisers and other cans. We were the "mailman." The NICK did a fine job transferring passengers to us, as the seas still were very rough.

By the 9th- all of TF 38 was assembled and we were on our way to launch air strikes against Okinawa Jima, Nansei Shoto, then later to--Formosa, Luzon, and Samar. We went at 30 kts, steaming North, past the Maracas, to the vicinity of Risky Islands. There were 16 carriers, 7 BB's, 20 cruisers, 65 DD's. A Jap sub was spotted nearby, but it got away. 10th- 0540, all carriers launched their planes against Okinawa and Nansie Shoto. They had a very successful raid, destroying several hundred planes, and several surface ships. 0610, we topped off fuel from the FRANKLIN. 1145, a plane from the FRANKLIN was reported down about 40 miles away. We joined the STEPHEN POTTER (DD 538) in the search. No luck, and we rejoined the screen. However, we later learned a sub rescued the pilot (TEAM WORK). Many bogies were around but none approached the TF. Admiral Halsey's intelligence people sent out summaries of the results of our raids, so we would have some idea our efforts, which were paying off handsomely.

11th- 0252, bogies at 18 miles, we went to GQ. Lots of GQ today. Planes from the "E" shot down 2 "Bettys". Our CAP was doing a fine job. In the morning, we refueled from the SCHUYLKILL (AO 76) and also got mail from them. We were again the "mailman" and hi-lined it to other ships. These were "hit and run" raids. High speed in-launch planes-recover planes and leave at high speed. Our Task Force became known as "Haul ass with Halsey". After refueling, we all steamed towards Formosa- at top speed. We got Toop back via hi-line-100% recovered. 1900, more bogies-GQ-night fighters shot them down. For sometime now, when we went at high speed, the whole ship shook. We really needed an overhaul, and soon.

12th- 0515, our SC radar picked up Formosa at 122 miles. 0600, the TG carriers started launching planes for strikes against Formosa. About 1000 planes took part in these raids. 0700, the McCALL sighted a "Francis" and a fighter from the SAN JACINTO "splashed" it. 1415, a BELLEAU WOOD fighter shot down a bogey. 1900, the other TG was under heavy air attack. We could hear the action on the TBS. 2000, more bogies at 5 miles. We fired on several enemy planes-all low flying. We had been using our SG radar on the 75,000 yard range scale to pick up the low flying Jap planes. It worked very well. Lots of GQ today. 13th-Early in the morning-GQ-another big raid, 9 enemy planes were shot down. We fired on 2 Bettys missed-disappointed. These planes were headed for the carriers and they passed very low near us. The carriers opened fire on them. What a display of AA fire power. They have several twin 5" mounts on the island, plus 40/20MM guns all along the edge of the flight deck and quad 40MM on the fantail. The planes were shot down, but one crashed close to the "E". 0615, our carriers launched air strikes on Formosa. 1600, RALPH TALBOT rescued 5 Jap airmen in the water. They were a bit reluctant at first, but finally they decided rescue beat drowning. 1827, 2 Bettys sighted at 6000 yards. Everyone opened fire. Both crashed near the FRANKLN. The Jap planes were able to get in so close, as they came in very low-50 feet-in bad weather, and our radar wasn't able to pick them up. Fortunately the Japs hadn't started the Kamikaze attacks yet. About this time the CAMBERRA (CA 70), who was in another one of our TG's was torpedoed and badly damaged. 2200, all the carriers launched air strikes against Luzon.

BATTLE OF THE PHILIPPINES

14th- 0600, all carriers again launched heavy air strikes against Luzon. The WASP (CV 8) was now with our TG. 1140, we topped off fuel from the FRANKLIN. We got potatoes, ice cream and waste rags. 15th- 0740, SC radar showed bogies at 20 miles. Some were shot down by the CAP. 1020, more bogies in area. Our CAP engaged them. 1047-8 Jap planes broke through and headed towards the FRANKLIN. All ships fired on them and 2 were splashed. We thought we hit one. One plane survived and passed low over us, we fired on him, but he continued on and passed away from the formation. He was so low, we could see the holes in his wing. He was very lucky this time. Perhaps he survived the war? 16th-0615 refueled from the LACKAWANA (A0-40) 1030, we proceeded to pick up the crew of a downed plane from the FRANKLIN. 1307, we recovered them safely (pilot -2 crew), and rejoined the screen. The pilot said he had shot down 3 planes over Luzon. Our carrier planes continued to hit Luzon. 17th- Very early, all carriers launched planes. 0730, topped off fuel from the FRANKLIN. All the high speed for long periods of time was very hard on the ship and the engineering gang. We could make 25 kts with a split plant ( 1 engine room and 1 fire room manned). Speeds higher than that, required both engine rooms and fire rooms on line. It also took a lot more fuel oil to go at the higher speeds. This made it necessary to refuel almost everyday. All the high speed running, plus being a GQ for long periods of time, was wearing everyone out. Lack of sleep was taking its toll.

18th-In the morning TG 38.1 joined us and Vice Admiral J. S. McCAIN, assumed tactical command. Our carriers continued air strikes against Luzon. They launched and recovered planes all day. 0900, GRIDLEY rescued a pilot from the SAN JACINTO. Carrier refueled the cans. 1900, we proceeded to the "E" to act as the plane guard. 1910, a plane from the, "E", crashed and we went to rescue the pilot. 1940, we got all 3 crew members of the TBF. We continued to search for the crew from another plane from the "E", but had no luck. Since we were very close to the islands, we had a CAP over us for protection. 2120, we returned to the formation and took our usual place in the screen. A returning plane crashed in flames on the edge of the deck of the "E" and fell into the sea. That fouled the deck. The plane guard was told to check to see if there were any survivors. By a miracle, a can recovered all the crew. A plane hit the starboard side of the BELLEAU WOOD- all killed and deck fouled. Due these accidents, 8 planes from the "E" ran out of gas near the TG and ditched. We recovered 1 crew of the 8. One of the crew member had a broken arm and Doctor Wyatt set it. Of the 8 that ditched, only 1 pilot was lost. Great work by the cans. It was very hard to search of ditched airmen at night. They were usually in their small rafts, but we were not able to use our searchlights. They had very pistols, that fired red flares to help the cans find them. The nights were dark, and the ocean vast, and the rafts small. 19th-0400, we were still looking for downed pilots. We recovered light floats and debris. We gave and returned to the screen. More of the same, heavy air strikes, carriers launched and recovered planes all day. We refueled from the FRANKLIN and got more potatoes and the radio equipment we had loaned them, earlier. Our raids on the Philippines were very successful. Our pilots destroyed many enemy planes-both in the air and on the ground.

20th- This was "D" DAY for the landings on Leyte. "H" hour was 1000. Our old friends- General Krueger and his 6th Army made the landings. It had been a long road back for General MacArthur and his men. The General made good on his promise "I SHALL RETURN" When he made that vow, not very many people thought he would be able to deliver, at least in a relatively short time and with such overwhelming force. If we were still with the 7th Fleet, we would be right up to the beaches, firing at the enemy. Now we were far away, somewhat detached from the dirty business of landing on the beaches in face of enemy opposition. Our planes covered the landings, which went very well. They bombed and strafed the beaches and other targets. The carriers continued to launch and recover all day. In a lull in the action, we went alongside the "E" and hi-line their air crew, back to them. They gave us ice cream-a fair exchange. 1900, we all started to meet with our tankers. Everyone was short of fuel. 21st- We refueled from the KENNEBAGO (A0 81). The WICHITA (CA 45), escorted by the NICHOLSON, joined our group, from TG 38.2. The McCALL joined as well. We went alongside the "E" to get some pilots via hi-line, to transfer them to a the SITKOH BAY (CVE 86) that had just arrived. These pilots were going to fly the replacement planes to the large carriers. We also went alongside the SWANSON to get mail. During the period Oct 7-21, we fired 76- 5" (mostly MK 32)(proximity fuse), 350 -40MM, 540- 20MM. 6 Jap planes were knocked down by AA fire, mostly by 40/20MM. Our F/D radar continued to be unreliable. 1500, with refueling done, we were going to meet with TF 38.