Naval History and Heritage Command

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   “Notes on Past Operations”

January 44’

1.  Got Underway from Long Beach for practice landing operations.

3. Anchored San Pedro Harbor

13. Left San Pedro for Lahaina rds in the Hawaiian/s

21. Arrived Lahaina rds

22. Got underway for the Marshall Is.

31. Dog day at Kwajalein

February 44’

1.  Bombarded Roi island for the second day

2.  Anchored Kwajalein Lagoon

6. Underway at (1730)

7. Anchored at Majuro at (1800)

10. Underway at (1400)

11. Anchored in Southern Kwajalein at (1800)

15. Underway at (1400)

17. Dog day at Eniwetor Atoll.

18. Anchored in Lagoon Eniwetor swim call

19. Bombared heart-string from inside Eniwetor Lagoon

     Anchored bombarded all night from there

20. Underway for one hour anchored in same lagoon

21.  "             "     "    "      "             "           "

21.  At (1245) for fire support.  Bombarded

      Parry Island until sunset

22. At (1930) tonight the 22nd Marines Reported 

Parry Island secured. This secured Eniwetor

23. Underway at (0730)

25. Anchored Majuro

28. Underway for Pearl Harbor

March 44’

5. Entered Pearl Harbor anchored at (1000)

6. Underway from Pearl Harbor in forenoon for Bremerton Navy Yard

13. Entered Puget Sound Navy Yards

14. First leave party

April 44’

2. Second leave party

29. Anchored Port Townsend

29. Departed Puget Sound

May 44’

3. Anchored San Francisco   Bay

5. Departed the State, enroute to Pearl Harbor

10. Tied up at Pearl Harbor

13. Underway

16. Run aground

19. In dry dock from 19th to 31th

31. Underway for Kwajalein

June 44’

6. Americans Invade France

8. Anchored at Kwajalein

10. Underway fro Saipan

14. First day of raid on Saipan

15. Second    "         "      "  Troops landed on Saipan. Colorado bombarded all day yesterday and today supported landing.

16. Third day of raid on Saipan. Colorado supported landing parties and refueled 2 destroyers

Fire support group and units at Saipan

Fire support unit one:

Fire support unit two:

Fire support three:

Fire support unit four:

Fire support unit five:

Fire support unit at Guam unit one: 

Unit three:

Unit five:

Unit seven:

Unit two:

Unit four:

Unit six:

July 44’

11. Left Eniwetor

14. Arrived Guam bombarded all day

15. Bombarded all day at distance of 2000 yards

16. Third day of bombardment leaving for Saipan

17. Came into Saipan for ammo and fuel; Donald Jenkins shot on board pocomoke (AV-9)

18. At (0600) we shifted berths left for Guam at (1800) with the following ships

19. Bombarded Guam. Planes do a lot of bombing

20.       "             "    for fifth day

21.       "             "    Sixth supporting landing parties. Got underway for Saipan at (1600)

22. Anchored at Saipan at (0800). Got underway and shifted berths. Got underway for the night

23. Bombarded Tinian all day

24.     "              "        "   " Counted so far 22 hits. One 5” 51 knocked out one 5” 25 knocked out. Officers 2 killed 1 seriously wounded enlisted men 34 killed, 98 and 20 minor wounded. Anchored in transport area. Took on ammo all night. Destroyer Norman Scott took several hits. Capt. killed

27. Underway for Guam. Arrived about (1600)

27. ADM. Hill Chief of staff looked over for damage. ADM Spruance

28. General Quarters all day for call fire but no call

29. General Quarters all day still no call. Raised flag for Guam

30. Still waiting for fire support mission. Fire star shells all night

31. Stood by Guam waiting for cal fire

August 44’

1.  Stood by Guam waiting for call fire.

2.  Had fire support mission. Fired all day for Guam

3.  Got underway to Rendezvous with Pennsylvania (B-38) Alshain (AKA-55) Apache (AT-67) Cloves (DE 265) Spear (AM 322) Waters (APD 8) at 0600. Left Guam at 0800 for Eniwetor

4.  Enroute to Eniwetor

5.      "       "     "

6.  Anchored at

12. Got underway for Pearl Harbor. R. ADM. Roddock and staff left for Maryland (B46)

7. Got underway for Pearl Harbor at 0530 from Eniwetor and arrived Pearl Aug. 12 at (1600)

14. Underway for Bremerton Navy Yard

20. Anchored at N.Y.P.S. at 1825

31. Went into drydock

Sept. 44’

1-30. Still in N.Y.P.S.

Oct. 44’

2. Pulled out of yards and anchored in Stream

3. Got underway and tied up at Port Blakely

4.  "      "            "     "     "    "  "      "

5.   "     "           "      "      "   "    "   Orchard

6.   "     "          "       "      "    "    "  For Southern California

9. Arrived San Pedro, California

10. Left for training cruise

11. Testing out guns

12. Practice landing operations

13.    "          "          "

14. Firing all day

15.    "      "   "

18. Arrived in San Pedro

20. Admirals inspections

24. Underway at 1400 for Pearl Harbor

26. Had 2 fires on board

30. Had drill all day around Pearl Harbor

Nov. 44’

6. Got underway from Pearl Harbor for Ulithi Island with the renshaw (D499) and Saufley (D465)

9. All midnight crossed international date line

12. Refueled both DD’s

17. Arrived Ulithi Island

18. Left Ulithi for Leyte Gulf had 3 air alerts

21. Arrived Philipine area in Leyte Gulf for patrol duty had 3 air alerts

22. Had 2 air alerts

23.   "   3   "   "   We fired but no score

24.    "  2    "   "   P-38 got 1 plane

25.    "   "    "   "  Transport area bombed

26.     " 4    "    "

27. At about 11:30 a Jap suicide attack was made on ships in Leyte Gulf. 12 planes out of 20 were either shot down or crash dived their planes into us. One did no damage but the other did quite a bit of damage. Two 5’ 51’s were knocked out, one 40mm mount out twenty men killed and 30 seriously wounded. The St. Louis (C 49) had 2 planes hit on her quarter deck and 3 missed.

28. 3 air alerts

29. 1  "     " One Jap suicide attack. It started at 4:45, it came in but Colorado

shot it down.  Then Colorado and St. Louis left the formation with Eaton (D510) Taylor (D468) Waller (D466) and Sigourney (D643) for Manos in Admiralty Islands. We attacked by Jap suicides again the Maryland (B46) was hit by a bomb and a plane crashed into the Aulick (D569) and 2 missed her. The doctor was killed and they had many casualty’s. Two bombs were dropped about 2000 yards ahead of us

30. Was called back to Leyte Gulf this morning

Chapter 11 Vol. 30     The Colorado Despatch          30 Nov. 1944

            Undated Pacific:

            Japanese planes made all out attempt to destroy American fleet units off the East Coast of Leyte on Monday. The attack cost the enemy 15 plane’s for what today’s communique described as some casualties and damage. The Japs threw in a force of about 25 fighters, torpedo bombers, and dive bombers suffering more than 50 percent loss. The Naval vessels included a battleship (U.S.S. Colorado) which was singled out for special attention. Enemy pilots regardless of the terrific flak screen thrown up passed home their attacks from low levels, their aggressive tactics contributing to their own destruction. 13 of the kills were claimed by gun crews and only 2 by land based.

P-38’s which flew from Leyte based fields to assist the ships cover. This was the most determined enemy bid against allied Naval power in Leyte sector since the Leyte Gulf Battle late last month.

            Ships present list at Kossol RDS        Dec. 7, 1944

                    "Carriers"

                    "Battleships"

                    "Cruisers"

"Tankers"

"Destroyers"

    "Destroyers Cont."

“Mine Sweeps”

Concise

Control

“American Merchant”

Yugoslavia Victory

Durham

Meridian

Iran

John F. Corbett

Bluefield Victory

“LST’s”

LST-129

LST-131

LST-278

LST-661

“Gasoline Tanker”

Kishwaukee

“Ships that went to Mindoro”

December 44’

1.  Late in the afternoon the DD’s made several sub contacts. Believe about 6 sbs in Leyte Gulf. The Minneapolis had a torpedo fired at her but they missed.

2.  Went about 50 miles out of the gulf. Came back in and the West Virginia had a periscope in her wake. Had several contracts, left for Kossol RDS. in the Palau Island for fuel, ammo and supplies.

3.  A Jap torpedo plane fired a torpedo at one of our hospital ships but missed.

4.  Pulled in Kossol RDS. and dropped anchor at 1800. Had a movie and mail first since 17th of Nov.

10. Left Kossol RDS. for coming operation (Mindoro)

12. Leyte, Leyte Gulf and Samar got a good working over by Jap planes. We couldn’t get our CAP (combat air patrol) off the ground. When we left Kossol RDS we came down through Leyte Gulf then through Surigao Strait (which is very narrow) out into the Mindanao Sea. Then we hit the Sulu Sea for the Mindoro operation.

13. Had 2 air attacks. The destroyer haraden was badly damaged. Many dead and wounded, had large fires on her. West Virginia shot down a plane.

14. Had 3 air attacks. As far as I know 7 planes were shot down. We lost 3 in recovering them. No damage to our ships.

15. Went to G.Q. 3 times for air attacks. 8 planes were shot down inside of formation. 9 were shot down by fighters outside formation. Colorado got 1. Marcus Island had 1 man killed and 3 wounded when plane crashed near her. We lost 2 fighters. One to Jap planes

16. G.Q. twice. Fighters shot down (scoot plane), left Sulu Sea for Leyte Gulf (bloody gulch)

By Associated Press Correspondent Davis 7th Fleet

            Correspondent Davis described how, “giants of our scrap iron Navy” and “Jeep” aircraft carriers proceeded farther west than any previous American task force which provided safe conduct and opened up the Sulu Sea for Mindoro landing convoy. Davis excerpts. It was no mean feat for these battlewagons, cruisers and escort carriers commanders by R. ADM. T.D. Ruddock (on West Virginia) yet it was accomplished with astonishing lack of enemy opposition. At no time did the Jap surface forces remotely threat the fleet. Jap aircraft (although) tempted by slow pace convoy creeping along 960 mice course to the objective and return only 3 major attacks were made by the Japsin 5 days. Over 7 weeks ago this combination, carriers, battlewagons and destroyers won a decisive victory when powerful 

Japanese forces struck through Surigao straits and off Eastern Samar Island in the Philippines. Now it is America who challenges, while a phibious force under R. ADM. Arthur D. Struble (on Natoma Bay) were at Mindoro discharging MacArthur landing force, Roddock’s battleships, cruisers, and destroyers, patroled only 120 Airline miles from the South China Sea. This position is considerably westward of the point reached by Admiral William F. Halsey’s forces in recent strikes at Formosa. Constant air cover from “Jeep” carriers under tactical command of rear admiral felix stump made bold maneuvering of this force possible.

There were no less than 75 enemy airfields within range of the sprawling task force from the time of its departure and it’s return to an undisclosed base. (Kossol RDS.) However coordinated sweeps on Vice Admiral John S. McCains carrier task force airmen over Luzon Island to the north. Army Bombers over Mindanao Island and visayai group to the south, temporarily neutralized most of the Jap Air-Drmes.

Yank Navy Fliers of Mindoro based convoy account for 68 Jap planes, the task force gun-fire accounted for 11 more. (copied Dec. 18-44’ on way to Palao from Sweep in Mindanao and Sulu Sea Area)

19. Arrived Kossol RDS in the Palao Islands in the afternoon

20. Left afternoon for Manos in the Admiralty Island group

23. Arrived Manos. Received Mail. Was here for Christmas.

26. Left for Kossol RDS.

29. Arrived Kossol RDS.

30. Capt.’s Military inspection. R. ADM. Ruddock relieved by R. ADM. Sowell of his combatdiv four command. Awards were presented by Capt. McCauley. Gave us the dope on coming operation.

Ships Present at Manus      23 Dec. 1944

    "Battleships"

    "Cruisers"

"Destroyer Escorts"

"Destroyers"

"Transports"

Fire Support and Associated Groups (CT.G. 77.2) Oper. Plan

            Bombardment Plan                 Task Organization

77.2.1 San Fabian Fire Support Unit:

Section Mike: (CMDR. Farncomb)

Section Nan: (R.ADM. Sowell)

Section Oboe: (R.ADM. Weyler)

77.2.2 Lingayen Fire Support Unit:

Section Able: (R.ADM. Chandler)

Section Banker:

C.T. U. 77.2.3 (Cap’t. Martin)

C.T.U. 77.2.5

January 45’

1. Left Kossol RDS. for Luzon operation. Had AA firing in the morning.
2. Entered Leyte Gulf and went through Surigao straits
3. Went through the Mindoro Sea
4. Our formation was steaming through the Sulu Sea and all through the day our fighters were busy taking care of planes trying to get to our formation. Hbout Sopper time they blew G. Q. and said enemy planes were in the formation. They tried to crash dive the Salamaua (CVE 96) but missed. One crash dived into the Ommaney Bay (CVE 79) at 1715. She was burning very bad. At 1815 they started to abandon ship. By that time the fires were out of control. All her radar gear was out. Then large explosions started. The following DD’s went to rescue the men. The bell 36 men and 13 officers, Twiggs 162 men and 26 officers, Burns 140 men and 12 officers, Helm 90 men and 3 officers, Maury 13 men and 6 officers, Paul Hamilton 65 men and 12 officers, McCall 103 men and 6 officers, Moore 30 men, Patterson 110 men and 14 officers, and the Eichenberger 11 men. The burns put 3 torpedos in her and she went down at 2000.

5.  We were in the South China Sea on our way to the Luzon operation when about 1700 our foundation was attacked by Jap suicide planes. We were in 2 groups as the forward and rear groups. The rear group was attacked and the following ships were hit, the Australian destroyer Arunta, the cruiser Louisville, destroyer Arunta, the cruiser Australia carrier Bismark Sea, carrier Manila Bay, and destroyer Helm got a near miss. The HMAS Arunta had several holes on and around the water line, the gear locker flooded and now being dried out. Steam line to the main lubricating pump had holes in it and now being repaired and will be able to proceed in about 1 to 2 hrs. The Louisville was hit by Jap suicide plane about 1715. When the plane hit there was a large explosion. Her damage was, hit port side on turret 2, turret 1 was sprinkled except the small arms and magazines. Forward AA director slightly damaged Captain slightly burned. Casualties were 15 men minor wounds, 1 killed and 1 in critical condition. The destroyer escort Stafford was hit by Jap suicide plane. Her damage was number 1 fire room and number 2 engine room completely flooded. Casualty not determined. At first didn’t think could save her but did. She is in very bad shape, the cruiser Australia was hit by Jap suicide plane. Damage unknown. Carrier Manila Bay

It sure is nerve racking business. They were using “vals” most of the time. (A val is a single engine bomber and carry a load of 550 lbs.  and TNT). They also had a few “nicks” which is a fighter with crew of 3. Also had a “tojo” which is a type of fighter. A jap twin engine bomber was shot down while coming straight in on us. It sure felt good seeing him burning then sink. The following ships were hit - R.P. Leary (D664) hit by both wings of a suicide plane at 1200. The only damage were 2 guns knocked out. Leutz (D481) shot down a “val” A.M. Sumner hit by suicide plane. Fire in after MAGS, 2 killed and 3 injured, later came up and gave foll report. Suicide plane smashed rigging gear, demolish. ed NR 2 stack, 4 crew living compartments gutted and shattered, 8 foot hole in main deck about fragment and several smaller ones aft. After MAGS flooded but pumpable, fire main aft NR 1 engine room reported 1 K gun out, two 20 mm beyond repair, remaining damaged guns repaired. 12 dead, 20 wounded, 4 critical. 1 - 24 inch and 1 - 36 inch searchlight beyond repairs. New Mexico hit by suicide plane. Hit by 1159. Hit in navigation bridge. Many casualties. All communication out. Admiral OK. Walke (D-723) hit by planes (Jap) after part of bridge and C.I.C. 10 killed, 25 burned. Capt critically, later died. All guns working in local control. LCI 77 was hit but don’t know what with.  

She had several men in the water. One of our planes an OS2U was upside down in the water with one man dead. Brooks (APD 100) hit but don’t know if it was a suicide plane or bomb. Taken in tow by HMAS Warramunga. Unable to keep ahead of flooding in engine room. She said she had 170 men aboard who she would like to transfer to a larger ship. Engine room half flooded. 2 destroyer minesweeps (DMS) was hit and later sunk. We have some of the survivors on here. O’Brien (D-725) was either hit by suicide plane or near miss water line. Port after living  quarters flooded, steering room damaged, heavy port list. Lowry (D 723)  had only minor shrapnel holes. Said it would not hinder operations. 1 man dead. A seaplane tender (AVP-49) was hit but damage unknown. Pennsylvania (B 38) reported 3 “vals” coming in, one made for Louisville but missed. One made for Portland but missed and the last was taken care of before it got in. we then bombarded a while and must of stirred up a hornet nest, for they really came in after us. California (B 44) was hit by suicide plane, don’t know damage but 1 stack gone. One just missed a DD and crashed into the water. Australia (HMAS) was hit by suicide plane. She was hit midship. One motor was knocked out. Louisville was hit by navigation and flag bridge with many casualties. Leutz (D 481) 

hit and had many men in water. R. P. Leary was hit by suicide plane and had a lot of men in water. The Kimberley (D 521) was picking men up. The Japs were dropping mines from planes with parachutes on them the admiral on the Louisville (C 28) was painfully and seriously burned. The Columbia and Minneapolis were hit by suicide planes. The A.M. Sumner delivered 14 stretcher cases to the Columbia. The Minneapolis picked up a lot of men out of the water.

7. January 45’

 Had G. Q. at 0435. There was quite a few planes out there but they didn’t attack our formation but didn’t hit anybody. Bombarded until 1630. Went to G. Q. at 1830 planes started to attack the formation but none got in doe to our fighters. A destroyer Minesweep (DMS) took a direct bomb hit and was sunk. Most of the crew got off. A plane dropped a bomb 500 yds from the Lowry (DTIO) but missed. Doing the bombardment today the Minneapolis and the Shropshire (HMAS) got return fire from the beach but was not hit.

8 January 45’

During the early part of the morning a suicide plane crashed near the Australia and she received some damage. 5 compartments flooded and she lost control for a while. Then we bombarded all day. Our targets were in following areas: 9238, 9338, 9239, 9339, 9240, 9340. This is damage we did. Destroyed 20 buildings, started fires in area 9338 and 9240. Auditorium and capital building gutted but walls still standing, no evidence of enemy activity. 2 enemy planes were destroyer. Then we refueled the 2 Australian destroyers. The crew were throwing candy and cigarettes to the Aussies which they were glad to get. In return they threw cigarettes and magazines to us. The following is what the Pennsylvania did when she bombarded destroyed 1 AA gun is area 0042, 7 small AA guns in 9439. 3 warehouses, 1 log pill box. Killed several troops and scattered the rest in area 9838, destroyed underground Dugoot in 7688 long narrow building housing machine guns in 7644, one gun 8 building in 9838, 4 building in 9837, concrete house controlling pass across river in 9937, L shape building commanding approach to beach in 9541, one church and 7 long building in 9739, one small building in 9640, 15 to 20 building in 9640, concrete pillbox in 9937, 40 houses 50% destroyed, large building in 9739, 10 houses in 0329, block houses in 9641, all buildings and boarding houses in 9641, area 9837 they had repaired a bridge we damaged. In area 7644 fifty fox hole located in town.

9 January 45’     “S” Day on Luzon

 Started bombarding at 0600 from Lingayen Gulf. Bombarded until 0900: the troops were supposed to land at 0930 but first wave didn’t hit till 0938. They landed without any opposition. Just before the troops landed 2 Jap planes came over the formation. 1 crashed into the Columbia and the other was shot down by our fighters. The pilot bailed out and he was dead as he was going down in chute. The troops landed at the ton of Lingayen and San Fabian. Don’t know for sure but they said the 1st landing at San Fabian was repulsed. They had gone through the 2 towns and crossed the river by 1430 that afternoon one of our DD’s picked up some Philipino scouts and they said the Japs had left the beaches and gone into the hills, and they were reporting for duty. Yesterday when the DD’s were bombarding the Philippinos were in the streets of the town and were marching down the streets carrying American and Philippino flags and painted signs saying “stop firing there is no Japs”. Of course we didn’t take their words for it and sent a plane over dropping leaflets telling them to get out of our town for we were going to fire in to the town. Last seen they were on the outskirts heading for the hills.

     The DD Stemble reported she had many wounded on her. The LSM-219 took a hit from shore battery the New Mexico was hit by Jap suicide plane. The 

Australia was hit by suicide plane which made it NR a that crashed her. The plane was a “Tony”. She had superficial damage on forward funnel. Air warning radar knocked out. Few casualties had to secure 2 boilers. The LCI-72 had 20mm magazine blow up killing 1 and wounded 1.

     After supper we were on signal bridge watching our landing craft put out smoke to cover transports. All ships were firing and we were watching. There was 2 Jap planes up there. Then things quitted down and the 1st thing we knew they all opened up again and were firing sea-ward and we were watching the tracers when all of a sudden it looked like every ship had their guns trained on us. I was standing by the conning tower when I felt us take a hit. I thought a suicide plane hit us but found out later it was a 5”-38 believe to have come from the Pennsylvania. It hit our mast by skycontrol and navigation bridge killing 20 officers and men. 78 men wounded.

10 January 45’

            At 0355 LST-295 was hit by torpedo from 3 Jap PT boats in the formation. She was hit in the fan-tail she sank on killing the 6 crew members, but the other 2 got away. At 0425 the (DD 442) Robinson was bit by a small hand charge. At 0419 the (DD 481) Leutze was hit by a small charge. At 0430 a P-168 was hit by torpedo NR 3 hold flooded, engine head bulkhead leaking. A PH-2 was hit. She had 4 dead and 176 wounded. LCI-305 sunk LSD-1 hit. (DD) Leroy Willson hit. These PT’s got in among our ships this morning causing small damage. They were about the size of our LCVP’s with a crew of 6 men. During the day armed Japs were swimming among our ships. They’d stay under boxes and try to get in like that. They carried small hand charges. The Japs on the beach had charges strapped to their waist and would jump in front of our tanks trying to stop them that way. The large ships went outside the gulf for patrol duty of the South China Seas to keep the Japs form re-enforcing their troops on Luzon. On the way out alone Jap plane came over and crashed into the Thomas E. Nickel (DE 687) the men were swimming in the water. She later sank. At 2000 we had sea burial for the officers and men who were killed.

Press put out by Radio San Francisco

The convoy moved into Lingayen Gulf proper soon after 2 a.m. and crept steadily toward the beaches. Toward dawn we could see fires burning on the shore to out left, as h crescent moon and bright stars paled, 2 Jap planes came in on either flank of the convoy. A hail of anti-aircraft fire went up, and they appeared to have been driven off. Around 7 a.m. 2 ½ hours before landing time 1 of our battleships opened devastating fire apparently at shore targets gradually others joined in and by 7:30 warships all along the semi-circle of beach were dust raised by shells. As far as we could see, there literally was no answering fire from shore. Only a couple more planes came near. By 8 a.m. all trace of air opposition seemed to be gone. We anchored in calm waters, beneath a sky hazy with smoke but clear of clouds, a perfect day for our landing. Mac Arthur had done it again. An amphibious operation of enormous proportions, executed with the smoothness of a textbook classic had reached its goal. Ahead and very near now lay Manila

            Kelly enroute with ADM Kinkaid said we ran through seas in brilliant sunshine. You wounded how many pairs of enemy eyes matched ships and how many voices rushed to radios to jabber the news to Tokyo. Behind Ordendorf’s powerful fleet, more than a match for remaining Jap Navy, came

Berkeley's force immediately covering troop convoys. All warships were from Kinkaid’s 7th fleet. Transports were in 2 vast groups and with attendant ships and supply units covered virtually 600 miles of sea. 1st groups was San Fabian attack force. This commanded by vice ADM D.E. Barbey, 2nd transport group was known as Lingayen attack force with vice ADM. T.S. Wilkinson in command of the Luzon attack force until Mac Arthur and Krueger take over a shore Barbey’s force about ½ day ahead of Wilkinson’s attacked by midget sub’s enroute Friday. The sub about 75 feet long fired 2 torpedos, which missed targets. A destroyer rammed and sank it. Farther back 2 Jap bombers, shadowing our ships, were caught and hot into sea by air patrol. Dawn yesterday convoys steamed off entrance Manila Bay. There was no sign of the enemy although unfriendly planes were known in the air ships plodded northward all day lifting on swell shores winds from Luzon whipped whitecaps, flagships bugler sounded in the Navy, is like summons to hunt. Men rushed to battle stations with helmet and lift jackets. Suddenly a cloudless sky erupted. Bursts of AA. 8 planes attacking were using the sun to blind our gunners. Hellcats from

other Carriers broke up raid swiftly. 4 Jap planes flaming fell like comets in 4 minutes. 3 others were downed, 1 fled and the convoys kept grimly to course on the eve of the battle.

Lingayen Gulf, January 9:

            The sun whitened sans of this Northern Luzon beach are spotted with piles of unloaded supplies which sweaty natives and sailors are seeking to move into orderly dispersal areas before nightfall amphibious vessels proceeding with ammunition and rations are still being unloaded from grotesque looking leviathans and trucks and jeeps are pouring out of LST’s over 300 feet long. Steel causeways bridging the choppy surface. We can see the sun slowly sinking in the west across the yielding beach sands and disappear beyond the rolling duns, and once again we have made practically a bloodless landing. This time on one of Japan’s most heavily defended beaches and positions in the Philippines. Although he bitterly contested every mile of our convoy advance with savage air attacks. Once again the enemy has failed to stop us.

U.S.S. Colorado January 10, 1945

     A committal service was held tonight on the quarterdeck of the U.S.S. Colorado for our late shipmates. The service was necessarily brief. However, it is planned to have a suitable memorial service as soon as circumstances permit. Further information will be disseminated at the appropriate time.

Estimate of the Situation as of 11, January 1945

    The operation appears to be proceeding according to plan. Landing of the army corps concerned was successful and only minor opposition was encountered at the beaches. The 1st re-enforcements groups have arrived and are landing with some delay being encountered because of the weather.

    The Navy had a definite task in this operation. Our assignment required us to transport, protect, and land and support. The army established the necessary beaches heads. Our task of transporting and landing the troops is practically complete, but our assignment to protect and support the army on shore continues for the time being.

    For the present the Japanese lines are outside of Naval gun range, therefore, we can best protect and support the army by preventing any attack on its rear by enemy Naval forces entering the Gulf. We are doing this by remaining in a position to intercept and destroy any such Naval force. If the enemy attempts to approach Lingayen we will locate him by air and 

him with our forces. No important information concerning enemy Naval forces has been received since we left Kossol RDS. In such case information is received the third fleet is in a position to intercept the enemy also.

    Results obtained by airstrikes against enemy air forces have been relatively small. The Japs have been very successful in dispersing, scattering, and camouflaging their planes during attacks. Consequently they have not suffered any extensive losses. They are still in a position to re-enforce any time the airstrikes on Formosa and Luzon let up. The air situation is and will remain critical until army is able to establish and maintain land based planes in Northern Luzon. The best estimates on this is probably 2 weeks.

    It will be necessary to release ships from the bombardment and support groups for repairs and replenishment from time to time. Replacements for this purpose are of course available for assignment from the screening and close support forces of the transport groups. As a result our combatent strength will be maintained at approximately the same level as at the commencement of the operation.

    It is believed that the army on Luzon will follow the tactics of the United Nations forces when they attacked Normandy in June of 1944. There was a period of consolidation and re-enforcement which was followed

by heavy, continous, successful offensives that drove the Germans out of France back into Germany.

    In general we can say that the situation today is satisfactory

13 January 1945   Press from San Francisco:

With MacArthur on Luzon on Wednesday:

    General of the Army, Douglas MacArthur, today hailed the American landing on Luzon as a “complete surprise” and predicted confidently that Jap forces on the island would be brought to battle and defeated on the great central plains north of Manila, where the Japs plan to make their main stand is not yet apparent but MacArthur said “there is no doubt that the battle for Manila and the entire Philippines will be fought on the great central plains north of Manila. Vast numbers of men and enormous quantities of guns, armor and supplies have been brought ashore and deep penetrations inland already have been made at some points beyond the 4 landing beaches. The landing itself was uneventful. Not a single battery opened up as the hundreds of American vessels steamed into Lingayen before dawn. Undoubtedly was attained through recent feints in the direction of batangas and other points. It was not immediately revealed what towns we had

already. Gen. MacArthur went only a few hours behind his assault troops and only a short time after Lt. Gen. Walter Krueger, 6th Army Commander, had established HDQTRS. Ashore and taken over active command of the operations from Vice ADM. Thomas C. Kinkaid, 7th Flt. Commander. MacArthur waded ashore from his barge accompanied by Lt. Gen. Richard K. Sutherland, his Chief of Staff, and congratulated his leaders on the progress so far made. He urged them however to keep driving ahead, not letting the Japanese get set in any position to bar our advance. MacArthur has steadfastly refused to predict when Manila may be taken but it is anticipated that he will drive hard toward that goal. Although our ground forces went ashore standing up with almost no opposition, we suffered some loss and damage to shipping enroute here and during the preliminary bombardment and carrier activities. The Japs lost heavily, 79 planes shot down, a midget sub, 2 destroyers, 1 coastal vessel, and many small craft sunk by our attacks. These losses are in addition to those inflicted by 3rd Flt. forces of ADM. W.F. Halsey which gave coordinated support to our landing. A considerable measure of strategic surprise attained in part, no doubt, through our recent feints in the direction of batangas and other points. Gen. MacArthur commonique, in announcing the return to Luzon 2 yr, 9 months, 24 days after he had reached Australia 

to organize forces for the long march back bataan, Corregidor and Manila, said the enemy evidently had not prepared for the landing at Lingayen Gulf and as a result of this strategic surprise our landing losses were insignificant. The landing itself was completely uneventful. Not ashore battery fired as the hundreds of American vessels steamed into the gulf before dawn. After ashore bombardment of more than 2 hours, in which battleships including restored pre-Pearl Harbor veterans participated in greater strength than in any previous S.W. Pacific operation, the swarms of amphibious tanks, alligators, buffalo’s, LCVI-S and larger landing craft moved in almost unmolested. A little mortar fire at one point was quickly silenced. During S-Day, as the landing date for this operation was christened, only a few sneak Jap raiders distorted the routine of pouring in supplies and men. Gen. MacArthur told this correspondent in an interview today.

January 14, 1945         Radio Press

London:

    The war office in Britain announced British Lt General Herbert Lumsden had been killed by enemy aircraft on January 6th, while aboard an American warship (New Mexico) in the Pacific. Lumsden was Churchill’s special representative to Gen. MacArthur and assumption us he was killed operation preparatory to the Luzon landings. Lomsden aged 48, was formerly corps commander in the British 8th army in Africa. In the message to Churchill, MacArthur said “Lumsden’s general service and usefulness to the allied cause was beyond praise and his has caused deepest sorrow throughout the ranks”.

January 15, 1945

Lingayen Gulf:

    Ferrying explosives, 2 Jap were picked up in a small boat and attempted to blow it up with hand grenades. Other Japs were shot in the water resisting capture. A dispatch said that the only opposition to landing operations the 1st night at Lingayen came from these bomb carrying Japs who approached American shipping with heads hidden under boxes and attempted to damage ships with handmade torpedo’s, hand grenades and bombs made from oil cans filled with explosions which they pushed ahead of them with long poles. 2 swimmers tried to blow up a destroyer by tying hand grenades on fantail.

January 15 Cont.

Bulletin From Tokyo: (Japanese Propaganda)

    Japanese Air Force continuing relentless attacks against enemy war craft transports Lingayen Gulf, Luzon Islands during 2 day period Jan 9 + 10th sank instantaneously or otherwise a total of 9 enemy war craft and transports besides heavily damaging setting ablaze 13 others. Meanwhile Japanese troops now locked in heavy combat with landed enemy troops. Announcement said. Announcement textually follows quote firstly strength enemy forces which landed coastal area Lingayen Gulf is about 2 infantry divisions and 1 tank division. Enemy force advance some distance in area in front San Fabian and adjusting their lines near coastal area and now attempting to reinforce this strength. Our ground force have intercepted enemy and heavy fighting now in progress. Secondly our air force meanwhile continuing furious attacks against enemy war craft and other vessels near Lingayen Gulf and during 2 days 9 and 10 achieved following war results which had been confirmed to date: instantaneously sank 1 transport , 2 cruisers, sank 2 transports, one aircraft carrier, one cruiser, 2 cruisers or destroyers: (we lost none of these but did lose some ships). Heavily damaged and set ablaze 7 transports, 1 carrier, 2 carriers or battleships, 1 battleship and 2 cruisers. (We have a battleship and cruiser damaged). (In paren Is what I put in I know)

January 16th to Feb 1st, Nothing of Interest

Feb 1 Ref. your 011142 X please collect at 0800 tomorrow for delivery to be delivered to commanding General 6th Army the following X 20 cases ice cream mix from Mississippi X 25 cases ice cream mix and 1000 lbs boneless beef from Portland X 20 cases ice cream mix 250 lbs cabbage and 1000 lbs beef from Colorado X 15 case ice cream mix from West Virginia X 5 cases ice cream mix 60 lbs butter is dozens eggs and 350 lbs beef from Minneapolis

(This is for the 512 prisoners retaken on Luzon 31st of January. These are the survivors of bataan)

ADM. Halsey Press Conference:

     In press conference within the Western Pacific ADM Halsey told reporters, “the silly fools (Japanese) spent all their effort down on Leyte and because of 3rd + 7th flts and air force they have not been able to bring in reinforcements.” At Luzon, Halsey said, Japs have lost control of South China Sea and the American fleet can wander around in it at will. Halsey praised Gen. MacArthur conduct of the Philippines campaign.

Ships that left Ulithi for Okinawa Shima in Ryukyu

"F" After Ship's name stand for a division Comm. ship

"FD" after ship's name means dighter Director ship.

Fire Support Organization

C.T.G. 54.1 (R.A. Deyo) (R.A. Rodgers)

T.G. 54.1 (Fire Support Group)

CTU 54.1.1 Fire Support Unit (R.A. Fischler)

C.T.U. 54.1.2. Fire Support Unit 2 (R.A. Joy)

C.T.U. 54.1.3. Fire Support Unit 3 (R.A. Rogers)

C.T.U. 54.1.4. Fire Support Unit 4 (R.A.Sowell)

C.T.U. 54.1.5. Fire Support Unit 5 (R.A. Smith)

C.T.U. 54.1.6. Fire Support Unit 6

Jan. 13, 45’

Refueled from tanker A0-50. The carrier Salamua (CVE-96) was hit by an unidentified object on her flight deck. Had fires. One over the after engine room. She lost steering control for a while. Believe the object was a Jap suicide plane. The destroyer Ralph Talbot had sea burial at 1500. The Salamua had sea burial for 4 men.

Jan. 16

Left South China Sea and went back to Lingayen Gulf to take on ammo. Left Lingayen Gulf. On the way out they had an air raid. The sea is very rough.

Jan. 17

Joined up with the formation again for patroling of the South China Sea. Sea still very rough.

Jan. 18

Pulled in Lingayen Gulf and dropped anchor.

Jan. 23

The Destroyer Escort 706 (Holt) had a near miss by one or more bombers. One believed to be incendiary from the fire it made. The Chaffee (DD 230) had a near miss from a dud by a betty and the spray was over the bridge and broke the glass in one of the searchlights.

Jan. 25

Call fire missions. Fired 3 salvos. Was relieved by the Minneapolis. 

Jan. 27

Had ADM. inspection of ship by R. ADM. Sowell. A Jap suicide plane strafed and then crashed his plane on the air field.

Feb. 2

Captain military inspection

Feb. 4

Recaptured Manila

Feb. 5

Went out to sea for one day to try out new battle formation

Feb. 10

Left Lingayen for Leyte Gulf (Bloody Gulch)

Feb. 13

Arrived Leyte Gulf at 0830. Left Leyte at 1630

Feb. 17

Arrived Ulithi Island at 0830

March 11

Was writing letter to Sari and about 2015 there was a large explosion that lit up the anchorage. The Randolph (CV-19) was hit by Jap suicide plane. We were in Ulithi and all the lights were on. We weren’t paying any attention to blackouts for we didn’t think it possible for any planes to get here. The place was blacked out after that.

March 21

Got underway at 0800 for Okinawa in the Ryukyu Islands. Had AA firing at drones during day. The Ryukyu is only 350 miles from Japan. There were 9 BB’s, 10 Cruisers, 17 Destroyers, 2 Destroyer Escorts, 5 Transport Destroyers, One Destroyer Mine Sweep, 2 Destroyer Seaplane Tenders, and One Command Ship, the sea was very rough.

March 22

The sea still very rough and the wind very strong. You could feel the rop in temperature. We were picking up enemy radar all day and night.

March 23

The sea has calmed down a lot today. We refueled 2 DD’s.

March 24

We are right off the island of Kerama Retto. Had 2 air raids, but not on the formation.

March 26

Destroyer Kimberly was hit by suicide plane. The Wichita sighted a sub off her port quarter. It fired two torpedoes at her but missed. Had several other contacts during the day. Had 2 air raids. The CAP (Combat Air Patrol) shot down 36 planes.

March 27

Things weren’t so quite. At 0345 a suicide plane knocked off part of the mast on the Porterfield. Nevada (BB 36) hit by suicide plane. Several casualties. Both her planes thrown overboard. All pilots wounded (3). Other damage not known. Biloxi (C 80) hit by Jap

plane on port quarter. Damage slight. Dorsey (DMS-1) hit by Jap plane. Ice box and galley damaged 8 men missing, 2 wounded. O’Brien (D 725) hit by Jap plane. Many casualties. All radio and radar equipment knocked out. One engine room also knocked out. Indianapolis (CA 35) near miss by bomb. Then plane crashed into sea. Colorado shot down a plane that tried to crash us. The Callaghan and Porterfield sank a sub. New Mexico missed by several torpedos. Portland almost rammed a midget sub. Pensacola ad a sub under her. Preston (D 795) almost hit by 500lb bomb. It landed about 1000 yards from her but no damage. The Destroyer Mine Sweeps were fired on by shore batteries. They landed troops on Kerama Retto.

March 28

Went to G.Q. at 0530. The suiciders made their usual dawn attacks on us. One missed a  DMS by 10 ft. The Wiley (DMS 29) shot down 2 planes. We had shore bombardment. At G.Q. all day. About 2000 had an attack but none of the ships hit.

March 29

G.Q. at 0530. As usual suicide runs were made on ships. At 0600 one crashed about 50 ft off our stbd bow. At 0617 another crashed off our port side. The Wiley shot down 2 planes. During the early morn

2 suicide boats made a row on some of the ships. They sank LSM 188. One got away but the other sunk. The Sweare (DE 186) sank the suicide boat. At G.Q. all day again. The shore batteries (Japs) opened fire a couple of times. They have hangers built under the ground. That’s where a lot of suicide planes were coming from. They sure had a lot of AA guns and shore battery guns set up on the beach. The Japs have lost heavily in aircraft.

March 30

Had a few planes get inside of formation during early morning. One dropped a bomb astern of Gherardi (DMS 20) but no damage. The ships opened fire but got no planes. G.Q. at 0530 and bombarded all day. During the morning Indianapolis hit by suicide plane.

April 1

the Japs gave us nuisance raids during the early morning. One of our destroyers shot down 2. No ships hit. G.Q. at 0530. Had our regular dawn suicide raid but no ships hit. Birmingham shot down a “nick”. Love day on Okinawa Shima. Troops landed at 0830 A.M. during the afternoon was standing on the signal bridge and watched a lot of troops go ashore they passed by the ship and waves to us as they

were passing by. They crossed the island and cut it in half. Its 2 ½ miles wide at this point, where they crossed and expanded 500 yds. About dark the West Virginia by suicide plane. Also one of our Destroyers. Secured from G.Q. at 1945.

April 2

The transports were under air attacks all during the early morning. A few Jap planes in our formation. Quite a few Jap’s shot down. We (Colorado) shot 1 down about dawn making a run on us. Few air raids during day. About Dark Dickerson (APD 21) was hit by Jap plane. We stood by in transport area for firing mission if called for. Sure is a helluva place during air raid for the Japs go for transports and the transports when they open up don’t care what they fire at. Plane or ship is the same an LCI off our port box caught fire when he was laying smoke for us during air attack Henrico (APA-45) was hit by suicide plane. Several men killed and wounded.

April 3

Had several raids in early morning. Foreman (DE 755) hit by 1000 lb bomb and badly damaged. Had to be towed to Kerama Retto. Many casualties. G.Q. all day for firing mission. Destroyed several tanks and quite a few Japs. 48

planes shot down during day.

April 5

Stood by for call fire mission. Several sub contacts. Sub fired torpedo’s but missed. They sank one sub. Shore batteries opened fire on some of our ships, but were taken under fire and knocked out. No damage to our ships.

April 6

0130 awoke at sound of ships in our formation firing, the sky was lit up with a white light. I got up put my clothes on and by that time the white light had turned red. It was a suicide plane making a run on the formation. He had dropped a flare and the bomb he dropped missed. One of our destroyers opened fire and shot him down. He made a hell of a big fire out there burning. It lit up the whole surroundings. G.Q. at 0300 the Jap planes were attacking the troops on Okinawa and the outer ships of which we were a part. Our CAP was taking care of them. About 0900 a Jap twin engine bomber was over us. We opened fire but missed the CAP took care of him. About 1000 our C.A.P. spotted a Jap fleet heading towards us at Okinawa and went out to attack. G.Q. at 1215 for

planes were attacking our transports. Secured about 1315. At 1500 all hell broke loose. They kept sending wave after wave of planes per raid. 116 planes were shot down. 55 by AA fire and balance by our C.A.P. The following ships hit and sunk by suicide planes, Bush (D 529) sunk. She was hit and then was attacked by 8 planes, then Calhoon (D 801) went to help her and she was hit and later sunk. The Bush went down at 1950. The Calhoun was flooding fast and breaking midships. They took all personal off then sank her. The Bush shot down 3 and the Calhoon one. Wittier (DE 636) was towed to Kerama Retto by Gregory (D 802) Devastator (DMS) Defense (DMS) Harry F. Baver, Hyman (D 732), Hayworth (D 592). She lost battery director and other topside equipment. Mullary (D 528) was badly damaged. She reported she was burning badly and needed assistance badly. Reported she was abandoning ship, but they were able to save her. Newcomb (D 586) needed assistance immediately. She was burning and listing when she was hit again. Leutze (D 481) was hit aft.

She had several compartments flooded, lost steering control completely. Port screw damaged. In danger of sinking. She later reported she had been ruptured in after fire room and bulkhead. Got rid of all topside weight. Such as torpedo’s, depth charges, and all other loose material. Morris (D 417) reported she needed to tug to tow her, and Bates (APD 47) was alongside her helping put out fires. Bates had some wounded fighting fires. Hutching (D 476) hit in mast. Radar gear knocked out. Devastator (AM 318) hit above water line in forward engine room. 5 men injured. LST 108 sunk. Halligan (D 584) sunk during day when our planes attacked the Jap fleet heading towards Okinawa. Following ships were sunk - 1 battleship, 2 cruisers, and 3 destroyers. Shot down 245 planes. About 1600 a plane made a run on us but our gunners got him. He hit about 10 ft in front of ship. 4 more made runs on the formation and were all shot down. Secured from G.Q. at 2000. They figured the raid was to knock out our ships so their fleet could get in at our transports and sink them. We retired to sea tonight in the following battle formation.

2 Fighter Directors

April 7 45’

A little after 4 this morn a torpedo plane made a run on the formation. Fired a torpedo at a cruiser but missed and then the plane tried to crash us but missed about 10 ft. Had suicide planes make on our outer screen. Wesson (D 184) was hit by suicide plane. Lost power in one shaft. Needed medical attention immediately both after engine rooms flooded. Thought for awhile they wouldn’t be able to save her. In the afternoon she went to Kerama Retto on one shaft and emergency steering. The Bennett (D 473) hit by suicide plane. Not much damage. Longshaw (D 559) missed by suicider by 50 ft. She also sighted sub. Two planes tried to crash the Idaho but missed. Two tried to crash our mine sweeps but missed. LCS 24 had 40 survivors from Bush. LCS 34 had 173 injured and 2 hospitalization. At 1600 the captain gave us a little speech. He told us about Jap fleet heading our way and if they got by TF 58 (New Wagons). CV’s who had sent out 375 planes this morn to attack and we were to go out tonight and finish them off. We pulled out with 6 wagons, 7 cruisers, and 13 destroyers. 

On the way out a Jap suicide plane made a run on us but our fire was too heavy so she went in on the Maryland. Not much damage later found out it did more damage than they thought. The only ships the planes left were 3 destroyers and they hauled ass to Tokyo.

April 8

Went to Kerama Retto for fuel and ammo. Panamint (AGC 13) was hit. Thornton (AVD 1) and Munsee (AFT 107) ran together. Thornton and all living compartments flooded. They had no food and power was gone. Took all the men off the ship.

April 9

Left Kerama Retto this morn and on the way out some tug came in pulling a sub chaser and the whole ass end had been blown off. Her depth charges must have gone off. During the late evening 6 suicide planes attacked the Sterett (D 407). She shot down 5 and the 6th one crashed her. Lost all steering control and power. Thought for a while they’d have to sink her. Hopping (APD 5) was hit by Jap shore battery. 2 planes attacked our formation. 1 was shot down we were almost hit by shells from our own ships.

April 11

During the afternoon TF 58 caught hell. They were attacked by many Jap planes. One battleship was hit. Kidd (D 661) was hit by suicider. She was on fire, but they put in out. She had 20 killed and 60 wounded. The captain and doctor seriously wounded.

April 12

Things were pretty quiet until 1330 this noon then all hell broke loose. The Japs pulled a big raid on us. There were 6 planes in our formation at once and all the ships were throwing out the lead. Five of them were knocked down by AA fire. We got credit for one. The Zellars was hit by the 6th one. She took it in the mast. Plotting room and combat information center knocked out. Few casualties. The following fighter directors were hit. Cassin young (D 793) Jeffers (DMS-27) M.L. Abele (D 733) was sunk. Riddle (DE 185) she had 1 missing and 4 seriously wounded. Small holes in deck and side port quarter. Just above water line. 1 gun of main battery and 40 mm knocked out. Steering gear partly out. Lindsey (DM 32) hit by 2 and had bow knocked off all the way to the bridge. Many casualties. Walter C. Wann (DE 412) near miss. Sound gear out. Purdy (DE 734), LCS 105 hit port side, waking water. 8 missing.

LCS 33 had forward engine room knocked out. Tennessee in our formation was hit. Seid (DE 256) under air attack.

April 13

    Got the word about President Roosevelt’s death. Pulled into Retto to take on ammo. Had 2 air raids. 9 planes shot down.

April 14 45’

Press:

    Franklin D. Roosevelt died in Georgia Thursday afternoon of a brain hemorrhage. This tragic news has shocked the world. Pres. Roosevelt, Mrs. Roosevelt said, and continued to work until his death.

    Vice-President Truman who is the President’s successor, took oath immediately at the white house, and the cabinet met at once the President had been resting in warm springs for 10 days before he died (April 11)

    Funeral services will be held Saturday (April 14) afternoon in the White House, and internment will be at Hyde Park Saturday.

    President Roosevelt was the Nation's Chief Executive for more than 12 years, and was the first man ever to be elected to head the American government for four terms.

    Pre. Roosevelt had served just over 2 months of his 4th term at the time of his death. He took office in 1933. At that time his administration was faced with national and international problems. A depression at home which had undermined the economic balance of the nation, and from aboard, the threat of German and Japanese aggression to the domestic processes of all democratic nations was in its first stages.

    When he died, the allied forces throughout the world were moving steadily toward victory over the axis, a victory to which Mr. Roosevelt dedicated his life.

April 14

    Large numbers of enemy aircraft made desperate suicidal attacks on our forces in the Okinawa area. Early in the morning 7 enemy aircraft were shot down in the vicinity of the Hagushi Beaches. During the afternoon ship’s guns, carrier aircraft, and shore based anti-aircraft shot down 111 of the attackers. One of our destroyers was sunk. Several other surface units were damaged, but remain in operation. Japanese are using many tricks. One dispatch said they are suspected of using small observation planes with U.S. markings to direct mortar fire. Our troops investigating Japanese forces in bushes found faces cardboard masks. Japs planted mine fields without any camouflage and then in other areas covered empty houses with fresh earth. Americans were slowed as they probed mineless holes. 4 Jap planes down.

    Vice Admiral Marc Mitsher, commander task force 58 reported his fliers have destroyed or damaged 1212 Jap planes since start of the Okinawa operation, 204 ships damaged and 43 probably sunk.

Had one air raid. 53 planes shot down by C.A.P.

April 15

    Fred all day. Had air raid starting at 0700 and ending star shells all night long.

April 16

    During early morning the Japs bombed air strip on Okinawa. One of the planes believed to be a rocket buzz bomb. During the morning had another air attack. Following ships hit. Harding (DMS-28) slightly damaged. Hit by suicider. A “val” hit her mid-ships. Forward magazine flooded gyro out, forward bulkhead knocked off. She had to back into port. Hobson (DMS-26), LCS-116 was badly damaged. They abandoned ship. Many killed and wounded. Laffey (D 724) had many fires on her had quite a time getting them under control. She was under attack about 2 hrs. by 30 planes. Mainly “vals” and “zekes”. She took 2 bomb hits and was hit by 4 suicide planes. She shot down 6 planes. Pringle (D 477) sunk. Harding picked up 136 survivors. 30 of them stretcher cases. LCS-34 had 87 survivors, 5 urgent stretcher cases and 11 Ambulatory. She also had Capt. Bryant (D 665) had several fires on her. Shep (DM-30) shot down 6 “Oscars”. Cowell (D 547), The Swearer (DE-186) had 38 stretcher cases, 17

ambulatory, and 39 bodies. Fired all day and all night. 186 planes shot down by C.A.P.

April 17

    Bombarded all day, no planes around.

April 18

    Morning. The army started a big drive on Okinawa.

April 20

    Went to Kerama Retto to take on ammo, during the morning had a fire in number 2 handling room had to flood 11 magazines. 3 men injured and 1 killed. Had an air alert from 1830 to 2330.

April 21

    Took on ammo all day and night. Had one air alert.

April 22

     After a day of heavy attack’s on the enemy’s fortified positions our troops advanced about 1000 yds by the morning of 20 April. The 7th infantry division penetrated enemy defense up to 1400 yds in the zone of action near the east coast. Heavy naval guns continued to bombard enemy strong points and marine and artillery supported the advancing infantry with carrier aircraft delivering close support. Most of Yonabaru Town was destroyed. The enemy resisted our attacks bitterly in all sectors of the fighting in the south on Le Shima the 10th army troops continued to drive eastward against strong resistance from isolated enemy positions on 20 April.

Simultaneously operations were begun to destroy enemy forces holding Legusuku Peak. At the end of 18 April, 736 of the enemy had been killed on the island. Patrols of the Marines 3rd Amphibious Corps continued to cover the rugged country in Northern Okinawa on 20 April while operating against small groups of the enemy in Motobu Peninsula were continued.  In the early morning hours of 20 April several small groups of enemy aircraft approaching our forces in the Okinawa area and retired without causing damage the following is the complete list of ships sunk by enemy action in the Okinawa operation and the associated attacks on Japan from 18 March to 18 April: Halligan DD 584, Bush DD 529, Colhoun DD 801, Abele DD 773, Pringle DD 477, Emmons DMS-22, Skylark AM 63, Dickerson APD 21, Gunboat P.G.M. 18, LST 477, LCI 82, LCS 33, LCT 876. Ammunition ships: Hobbs Victory, Logan Victory, during the same period the following Japanese ships and aircraft were destroyed by our forces participating in the home operations; 2,569 aircraft destroyed, one Yamato class battleship, 2 light cruisers, 5 destroyers, 5 destroyers escorts, 4 large cargo ships, one medium cargo ship,

28 small cargo ships, 54 small craft, numerous enemy torpedo boats, speedboats, and other types of small craft. Liberators of the 7th Army Air Force in 19 April bombed installations on truk in the Carolines.

    The following MSG was sent to the old battleships participating in this operation by the overall commander.

    Requests have been made to me to stop references calling battleships of this squadron “old battleships” these requests are based on the idea that this type has been modernized and are just as good as the new wagons. But it seems to me that officers and crews of these ships whose splendid fighting records are known to all the world should be particularly proud that their aged ships have fired more bullets against the enemy, with telling effect than any other group of ships in the history of the Navy. far from lacking in respect, the classification will not be discontinued.

April 22

    Took on ammo all day. During the evening we had an air alert. Had an air raid around Point Bolo. Wadsmuth (D 516) hit by suicide plane. Swallow (AM 65) sunk. Isherwood (D 520) hit by suicide plane. From 1800 to 2000 in the evening 53 planes shot down. 37 by C.A.P. 12 by AA fire, and 4 tired suicide. About midnight we had an air alert. Was on the signal bridge when the LCM alongside us opened fire. Don’t know what they were firing at and didn’t stay around to find out.

April 23

    Left Kerama Retto and came back to Okinawa and fired all afternoon and night.

April 24

    Fired all day and night

April 25

    Fired all night

April 26

    Fired all night.

April 30, 1945

Cincpoa Communique 347:

    A Naval hospital ship U.S.S. Comfort, was attacked and heavily damaged by a Japanese aircraft about 50 miles south of Okinawa on 28 April. The crashed Japanese plane which made the attack is still on the comfort. The vessel which was engaged in evacuating the wounded from Okinawa suffered 29 killed, 33 seriously wounded, and 61 missing, including patients, passengers and crew. At the time of the attack she was operating under full hospital procedure, was clearly marked and was fully lighted. She is now proceeding to port under her own power.

    A series of attacks involving a total of about 200 enemy aircraft were made on our forces in the Okinawa area during the afternoon of 28 April, and the night of 28-29 April. Combat air patrols (C.A.P.) from escort and fast carriers of the U.S. Pacific fleet and from the second Marine aircraft wing prevented any enemy planes from penetrating to our main forces during daylight. Attacks after nightfall and

continuing until 0215 on 29 April caused some damage to light units of the fleet. A total of 104 enemy aircraft were destroyed by ships, guns, and carrier and land based aircraft.

April 27

    During the early morning the Hutchins (D 476) was damaged by Jap suicide boats. We went to G.Q. for air attack. The Rathborn APA-28 was sunk. Ralph Talbot (D 390) hit by Jap suicide plane. She was badly damaged. Flooding fast. Needed dry-docking to save her. Canada Victory (Merchant) sunk. Jap planes were around all night. Suicide boats got in transport area. One of our ships hit by damaged in the fight. Several of our ships hit and several men wounded during the air attack, by our own ships firing at the planes and hitting our own ships.

April 28

    The Japs came over again and gave our air field a good working over on Okinawa. They also shelled they airfield with shore artillery. Took on ammo all day at Kerama Retto.

April 30

    Fired all morning. In the afternoon one of our planes was up spotting for us when it was shot down. Both pilot and radioman lost. (this was Colorado’s plane). We fired all night.

            Cincpoa Communique #353:

    During the air attacks of 4 May our forces shot down 168 planes over the Okinawa area including 45 by the second Marine aircraft wing and 67 by fast carrier forces patrol. Early in the morning of 5 May, a small group of enemy planes approached our forces and bombed the Yontan airstrip causing no damage. From the beginning of the Okinawa operation to 5 May, the enemy lost 33, 462 killed and 700 prisoners of war including 297 labor troops. The tenth army up to 3 May lost 2,337 soldiers and Marines killed. A total of 11,432 were wounded and 514 missing.

May 1

    Fired all day and night.

May 2

  Fired all day and night. The Japs shore battery opened fire on some of our ships and on the airfield. No damage done to ships. The way they hid their guns was by building houses over them. At night they’d move the houses and fire at our troops, ships and airfield. During the day they’d move the houses back over the guns.

May 3

    Fired all day and night. During the late afternoon the Jap planes came over. They bombed the airfield. The following ships were hit or sunk. LSM-195 sunk, LCS-84 sunk, LCS-25 hit, Aaron Ward (DM-34) hit twice, Malcomb (DM-23) hit. The Japs lost 17 planes.

May 4

    Had another big air raid. They were using a lot of buzz bombs. Following ships hit and sunk. Luce (D-552) sunk, Morrison (D-560) sunk, both with heavy loss of personal. LSM-196 sunk. These ships sunk by buzz bombs. Birmingham (CL-62) badly damaged, a destroyer (name unknown) was hit and reported she was dead in the water. She got flooding under control but had to be towed into Kerama Retto. (Better known as Wiseman’s Junkyard). Gwin DM-33 hit, Sangamon (CVE-26) badly damaged. Reported she was burning badly and her ammo was exploding.

She was dead in the water. Destroyers were picking men up out of the water that were knocked over by the blast’s. Her after mast were knocked off. During the early morning a lot of suicide boats were sunk. Carina (AK-74) was damaged by one. During the day air attack 168 planes were shot down.

May 5

    Fired all day and night. The Okinawa airfield got a good working over by the Japs.

May 6

    Fired all day and night. The Japs worked over airfield.

May 7

            Fired all and night. Germany unconditionally surrendered to the Allies. They surrendered at 0401 East Coast Time.

May 8

     Rained all day and was unable to fire. Fired one round from each gun for V-E day. (V-E1 here and only VE back in the states). Done by all ships.

May 9

    Fired all day and night. During the late evening the Japs sent their suicide boys over again. Damaged the Oberrender (DE 344). She reported she was burning badly, but were able to save her. They made bombing runs all night long on airfield.

May 10

    Back to Kerama Retto for ammo, then came back to Okinawa and anchored in transport area. Japs made bombing runs on the airfield again.

May 11

    Fired all day and night. During the morning the Japs pulled a big air raid. Some ships badly damaged. Hugh W. Hadley (D-774) hit by suicide plane and bomb. Shot down 23 planes in this raid. She was badly damaged and flooded. Reported she needed pumping and towing service. Evans (D-552) hit and they abandoned ship. Was badly flooded and reported she needed pumping and towing service. LCS-81 had to be in. 95 aircraft shot down. They bombed the island again that night.

May 12

    Fired all day and night. During the late evening the New Mexico (B-40) was hit by suicide plane. 50 killed and 85 seriously wounded. 4 of her 5 inch guns knocked out.

May 13

    Planes made a raid on our ships. 25 of the planes were shot down. Bache (D-470) damaged. We fired all day again as usual.

May 14

    During the early morning hours they bombed Okinawa, but no damage done so they say. There were a lot of suicide boats around. The ships sank 15 of them. 2 of our landing craft ran aground fighting them. Fired all day again.

May 15

    Fired all afternoon and night. During the late evening we had a few aircraft come over, but they were shot down by our C.A.P. They were expecting a large scale attack.

May 16

    Fired all day and night. A few planes came over during the night and did little damage to airfield. No ships hit. They never attacked our ships during the night raids. Just daylight attacks.

May 17

    Fired all day and night. During late evening the suicide planes came again. Douglas H. Fox (D-779) hit by plane. Reported she was flooding forward. Mount 1 and 2 knocked out. Later reported all fires out and power ok.

May 18

    Fired all day. During early morning Longshaw (D-559) ran aground. About 1115 Jap shore battery opened fire on her. Hit several times. Forward magazine exploded blowing off everything back to the bridge. Bridge badly damaged. Finished sinking her by torpedo’s. (Our own ship)

May 19

    Fired all day. No air attacks.

May 20

    Fired all day. During late evening we had another suicide attack. Chase (APD-54) had a very near miss. Reported no power and no rudder. Thatcher (D-514) hit by suicide plane. I was on bridge watching them fire at planes. They opened up on a friendly and he sure let us know he was friendly plenty fast.

May 21

    Went to Kerama Retto to take off ammo and trade planes with the West Virginia (B-48) then back to Okinawa for the night. This was the end of the campaign for the Colorado.

She had put in 60 days. It seems like she did her share of the firing and the other ships also. Just think no more suicide planes or boats for a while. A goodnights sleep.

May 22

    Left Okinawa after being there seven weeks. Left for a three week rest period at Leyte.

May 25

    Arrived at Leyte about noon.

May 26 to June 7

    Painted ships and made necessary repairs.

June 8

    Two P-38’s were making runs on the Randolph (CV-15) into her. Caused quite a bit of damage. Had large fires on her.

June 11

    Went out in the gulf and fired at a sleeve.

June 12

    Went out in the gulf to fire again, but weather was too bad and couldn’t fire.

June 25

    Went out in the gulf and fired at a drone. Came back in about 1700. 

2,058   Rounds main battery (16 inch)

7,317   Secondary and AA battery

9,375   Rounds total

2, 058        Rounds

        2000  Pounds Each

4,116,000  Total Pounds main battery

7,317   Rounds

     75   Pounds Each

36,585

51,219

548,775  Total Pounds 5”

   548,775

4,116,000

4,664,775  Total pounds main and secondary and AA

Why Hitler gave up night shirts for silk pajamas

    Adolph Hitler’s girlfriend, plump little Eva Braun, who broke the Fuehrer's habit of wearing long old fashioned night shirts, probably committed suicide with him. This is the opinion of 2 women who knew the lovers well. Blonde Eva Braun, Hitler’s mistress for 10 years or more, the only woman he ever loved, left for Berlin a month ago apparantly on his orders, this information disclosed, this is the address where Hitler maintained his private apartment and kept the, socks, shirts, ties, hankies, and pajama’s  that Eva bought him. Frau Marie Schiffler, the janitor's wife, and Frau Else Graham Gardner told the story of Hitler’s romance. They were obviously very much in love and you can be sure that wherever Hitler is, dead or alive, Eva is at his side, Frau Schiffler said. Eva maintained a villa t 12 Asserburger St. with a big SS troop guard, she added. When Hitler was in town she used to come here. In the morning she used to wait a ½ hour or so after he left the building before she sneaked out to the car about a couple of blocks away.

Alpoa 408:

    This inspiring message received “The President of the United States today received the following message from Prime Minister Churchill which is to be passed to the forces under your command.” “I wish to offer sincere congratulations upon the splendid victory gained by the United States Army fleet and Air Force in Okinawa. This strength of will power devotion and technical resources applied by the United States to this task joined with the death struggle of the enemy of whom 90,100 are reported killed places this battle among the most intense and famous of military history.” “It is in profound admiration of the American valor and resolve to conquer at whatever cost might be necessary that I send to you this tribute from our faithful ally and

your British Comrades in arms who watch these measurable victories from this island and we make out salute to all your troops and their commanders engaged.” 

Just for Pleasure:

            Those 3 R’s sure sick a fellow. As a kid. It’s Readin, Ritin and Rithmetic. At 18, it’s rocket’s, radar and robot bombs. If you last though that, it’s romance, rent and rheumatism. 

            In board ship use lump soap. Doesn’t lather, doesn’t bubble, doesn’t clean. It’s just company in the shower room.

AG      Auxiliaries, miscelaneous

AGC    Amphibious Force Flagship

AGP    MTB Tenders

AGS    Surveying Ships

AKN    Net Cargo Ships

AKS    General Store Issue Ships

AKV    Cargo Ship and Aircraft Ferries

AM6    Mine Sweepers, Harbor

AMC   Coastal

AN      Net Laying Ships

AOG   Gasoline Tankers

APC    Coastal Transports (small)

APD    High Speed (DES) Transports

APM   Mechanized Artillery Transports

APH    Transports for Evacuation of Wounded

APV    Transports and Aircraft Ferries

APB    Repair Ships, Battle Damage

ARD    Floating Drydocks

ARG    Repair Ships, Internal Combustion Engine

ARH    Heavy Hull Repair Ships

ARL    Repair Ships, Landing Craft

ARS    Salvage Vessels

ARV    Aircraft Repair Ships

ASR    Submarine Rescue Vessels

ATR    Rescue Tugs

AVD   Seaplane Tenders (DES)

AVP    Seaplane Tenders (small)

AW     Distilling Ships

CA       Heavy Cruisers

CB       Large Cruisers

CM      Mine Layers

CL       Light Cruisers

CMc    Mine Layers (coastal)

CV       Aircraft Carriers (large)

CVE    (escort)

CVL    (small)

DM      Light Mine Layers

DMS   Mine Sweepers, High Speed)

IX        Unclassified Vessels

LCI      Landing Craft, Infantry (large)

LCS     Support

LCT     Tanks

PC       Patrol Craft

PCE     Patrol Vessel Escort

PCS     Submarine Chasers (136’)

PE       Eagles

PF        Frigates

PG       Gunboats

PGM   Motor Gunboats

PT       Motor Torpedo Boats

PYC    Coastal

SC       Submarine Chasers (110’)

What God Gave Me

            God gave me what I got

            And What I got is mine

            And if you want to see what God gave me

            Come up to see me sometime

Quest.  What’s an invasion kiss?

Ans.     A kiss before a big push

Quest. Why is a glass of milk like a kiss?

Ans.     Cause they both make the bone hard

Quest. What’s the cleanest thing in a bedroom?

Ans.     The clock - doesn’t make a mess when it goes off

August 3

    Left Leyte for Okinawa at 0700. Due to arrive at Okinawa 1500 August 6.

August 6

    Arrived Okinawa and anchored in Buckner Bay (Nagakasuka Wan) at 1700.

August 7

    Heard we were to relieve California and West VA to relieve Nevada. We are able to do patrol duty in China Sea, Yellow Sea, and, Japan Sea for about one month.

August 8        

    Saw Ted’s ship and sent MSG, but no answer

August

    Sent Ted another MSG, but still no answer

August

    About 2130 heard Japan wanted to call it quits, but no confirmed as yet.

August 11

    Sent Ted another MSG and haven’t got an answer yet. Capt. said not to take news report too serious yet for still unconfirmed. About 1200 heard commentators from states say about 66% of people back home want unconditional surrender only. Wonder if they have anyone out here going fighting. Just found out we were going back to Leyte. Sure hope it’s all over for us for I don’t know how much more I can take before I crack up. Wish I’d her from sari. I need and bad. (Following was in the morning press).

Flash!  Flash! Flash! Flash!

    10 August 1945 - the following Domei broadcast on surrender approved by Washington for use:

    The Japan news agency Domei announced that the Japanese government addressed the following communications Friday to the Swiss and Swedish governments, respectfully, for transmission to the United States, Great Britain, China and the Soviet Union:

     “The Japanese Government is ready to accept the terms enumerated in the joint declaration which was issued at POTSDAM on July 26, 1945, by the heads of the governments of the United States, Great Britain, and China, and later subscribed by the Soviet government, with the understanding that the said declaration does not compromise any demand which prejudices the prerogative of his majesty as a sovereign ruler.

    This was a Domei broadcast. A White House Press Secretary, Eben Ayres, has announced that he has no official information regarding a Japanese acceptance of the POTSDAM surrender terms.

----- 

Washington (10 August 1945)

            Secretary of State James F. Byrnes said at 1320 o’clock (GMT) today that the United States Government had not received officially any Japanese offer to accept the Potsdam ultimatum conditionally. Byrnes, with Secretary of War Stimson and Secretary of Navy Forrestal, attended a half-hour meeting with President Truman after Domei news agency broadcast that Japan was ready to capitulate, provided Emperor Hirohito retains his sovereignty. Forrestal, after the conference, said he hoped the surrender offer was true and that he expected a development soon.

-------

            Last night when we first heard it all the guns on the beach opened up and flares were shot up. From what we saw and how we felt can give some folks an idea of how we out here want it to end so we can get back to our loved ones. We all pray it won’t be long now before it’s all over.

Still in Okinawa (Buckner Bay)

August 12

    About 0900 this morning the USS Pennsylvania (B38) stood in. She just arrived

from the United States.

    At about 2100 tonight the Pennsy was hit by an aerial torpedo with much damage done to ship. 2 men killed 1 missing and 12 wounded.

August 24

    Left Okinawa at 1000 for (Sagima Wan) Japan. We’re to be there at 1400 Monday.

August 27

    Arrived in Sagami Wan at 1430 today and I can’t explain the feeling one gets from finally reaching your goal and not having a shot fired at you when you are off the shores of Japan. Entered the Bay and had one Jap destroyer take us in. When we left Okinawa there were 5 Battleships and 3 destroyers as our screen. The Japs were as follows;

August 27

    At 0340 we joined up with T.F. 35 and 35.7 which is English ships. Steamed along in separate formations and no matter where you looked all you could see was ships. Guess when the sons and daughters of Nippon saw us they realized just what they were up against and were glad to call it quits.

    Following is list of ships that were first to enter Sagami Wan and anchor;

Battleships; (12)

Aircraft Carriers; (17)

Escort Carriers; (6) 

Cruisers; (21)

Destroyers; (88)

Destroyers;

Destroyer Escorts; (24)

Tankers; (36)

Auxilliary Transports; (19)

Ammunition Ships; (8)

Fast Minesweeps; (7)

Seaplane Tenders; (5)

Minesweeps; (4)

Hospital Ships; (3)

Benevolence - Rescue - Tjitjalengka (Dutch)

Destroyer Tender; (1)

Proteus

Sub Rescue Vessel; (1)

Greenlet

Landing Ship Vehicle; (2)

Ozark 

Monitor

Landing Ship Dock; (3)

Shadwell - San Marcos - Catamount

Repair Ship; (1)
Delta

Landing Craft Repair Ship; (1)

Patroclus

Command Ship (Amphibious); (2)

Teton

Nacan

Provision Storeship; (2)

Aldes Aran (AKA)       Argonne (AK) 

The following ships are included in the units of the British Pacific Fleet now operating with Admiral Halseys Forces;

Battleships; (2)

Duke of York - King George V

Aircraft Carriers; (1)

Indefatigable

Cruisers; (1)

Newfoundland

Destroyers; (11)

     The size of the force can be understood only if one were to see it spread in formation. One can readyly understand the tremendous power here. A total of 277 ships are engaged in the first day’s operation, and this doesn’t include LST’s, LSM’s, LCI’s, LCT’s, LCM’s and numerous other small craft such as tugs etc.

Aug. 28

    Still anchored Sagami Wan. Today the U.S.S. Missouri (B 63) went into Tokyo Bay and anchored. She had San Diego and a few cans with her.

    Saw Mt Fujiyama last evening when the sun was setting and it’s really a beautiful sight. Couldn’t see the top till about 0900 this morn. Clouds covered it. Saw a Ford Sedan (1936 model) and also a few street cars. Japs don’t seem to pay any attention to us being here for you can see them on the beach swimming and fishing. 

Aug. 28

    Still anchored in Sagami Wan. Today Admiral Nimitz arrived from Guam and is staying aboard the South Dakota (BB 57). About 1230 this noon 2 Jap subs were escorted in and the had aboard them prize American crews. They tied up alongside the Sub Tender Proteus (AS 19). Had movies tonight. 

Aug. 30

    Had revielle at 0430 and got underway and stood by for counter fire in case the Japs opened up and our airborne troops were landed. Nothing happened.

Aug. 31

    Still anchored Sagami Wan. Boy there sure are a lot of C 54’s and B 29’s flying around. Up to the present it seems the Japs really do want peace. 

Sept. 1

    Reveille at 0500 and got underway to enter Tokyo Bay. Never expected to get in there the way we did. We all thought we’d go in with guns blazing. Anchored about 5 miles from Yokahama. 

Sept. 2

    Reveille at 0500 and standing by in case the Japs get any ideas. The papers were signed at 1048 I (Japan Time). So far none of us has been able to celebrate, but wait till I get back home then stand by. 

Sept. 3

    Nothing has occured. Today we saw a Jap Hospital Ship. It’s sure a nice looking job, but none can compare with ours. 

Sept. 4

    Nothing new. Still anchored in Berth Able 72. 

Sept. 5

    No change. Today a Jap Tug came out to pick up a lot of Debris floating around out here. It’s a menace to navigation. 

Sept. 6

    No change. The carrier HMS stood in last night, along with the Ticonderoga, and Lexington and some cruisers and DD’s. We’re now in T.G.35.6.

Sept. 20

    Got underway from Tokyo, Japan at 1230, on our homeward journey. Our first stop is at Okinawa, and we are due in there Sept. 23. Ships in this group are as follows;

Sept. 21

    Steaming along in formation and having flaghoist drills during day and at night searchlight drills. Sighte the Tennessee and California steaming towards Japan this evening.