Rescue vessels picking up USS BUSH sailors included four LCS(L)(3)'s (the 24, 37, 40, and 64), the sea going tug PAKANA (ATF 108) and the patrol craft PCE(R) 855. The term LCS(L)(3) stands for Landing Craft Support - Large - Mark 3. To make reading a bit easier, the editor has shortened the acronym to just "LCS". Two destroyers assisted in the rescue operation, the USS CASSIN YOUNG (DD 793) and the USS BENNETT (DD 473). On the morning of the 7th, a Kamikaze plane also struck the BENNETT, killing three of her crew and wounding 18 others.
What follows are excerpts from the deck logs of these vessels, including the destroyers CASSIN YOUNG and BENNETT. In many instances, the names and rates of rescued sailors were misspelled in deck logs (understandable given the circumstances). The editor has corrected such spelling mistakes when noted, relying on the final reports written by Commander Westholm, Commanding Officer USS BUSH, as well as the medical report by the USS BUSH doctor, Lt. George Johnson.
Also included are excerpts from the Final Action Report submitted by Commander G. R. Wilson, Commanding Officer of the USS COLHOUN (DD-801). Deck logs from the COLHOUN were lost with the ship. Commander Wilson's report indicates that 35 COLHOUN sailors were killed or missing in action as a result of action on April 6, 1945. 21 COLHOUN sailors were wounded.
These records provide a glimpse into the hardship and danger the rescue ships endured to find and recover as many sailors as possible. A dark night, rough seas, and constant threat of attack made for a long night and morning for all involved. Many BUSH families will be forever grateful to the officers and crews of these ships.
As you read the deck logs, the acronym RP stands for radar picket. There were a number of radar picket stations, the BUSH being at RP1, the COLHOUN at RP2, and references will be made as well to stations 3 and 4.
The Commanding and Executive Officers for these rescue craft were as follows:
| Commanding Officer | Executive Officer and Navigator | |
| LCS 24 | W. A. Russell, Lt. | C. H. Schmadeke, Lt. (jg) |
| LCS 37 | S. N. Brickhouse, Lt. | J. A, McEvoy, Ensign |
| LCS 40 | T. T. Hollen, Lt. | R. A. Mundy, Ensign |
| LCS 64 | Charles Fogg, Lt. | John E. Littleton, Ensign |
| PAKANA, ATF 108 | W. E. White, Lt. | Paul N. Scherbel, Lt. (jg) |
| PCE(R) 855 | Arthur L. Dowling, Lt. | P. L. Griffeth, Lt. |
| USS CASSIN YOUNG (DD-793) | J. W. Ailes, III, Commander | C. R. Noble, Lt. (jg) |
| USS BENNETT (DD-473) | J. N. McDonald, Commander | R. R. Carter, Lt. |
| USS COLHOUN (DD-801) | G. R. Wilson, Commander |
Back to Final Action Reports Page
PAKANA (ATF 108)
0000-Anchored in berth H44, Hagushi Beach, Okinawa Shima, Nansei Shoto, in 24 fathoms
of water with 75 fathoms of chain to the port anchor….ship in modified material
condition "Affirm".
... Paul R. Scherbel, Lt. (jg), USNR
PCE(R) 855
0000-Anchored in 19 fathoms of water off beach between Zampa Misaki and Naha on the
western side of Okinawa Gunto with starboard anchor out and 60 fathoms of chain on
deck.
... R. H. Hoerner, Lt. (jg), USNR
USS CASSIN YOUNG (DD-793)
0000-Steaming darkened on Radar Picket station #3 .... Distance 65.3 miles from
Point Bolo. Patrolling station on various courses at 15 knots, 149 RPM. Steaming
on boilers #1 and #4.
... D. P. Overholt, Lt. (jg), USNR
USS BENNETT (DD-473)
0000-Steaming independently in Radar Picket Station #4 .... Distance 58 miles from
Zampa Misaki, Okinawa Jima, Ryuku Islands .... at speed 15 knots .... Zig-zagging
by constant helm method 20o either side of base course. Ship
completely darkened ....
... W. E. Ford, Lt. (jg), USNR
LCS 37
Anchored off blue beach No. 2. Condition is "Red", control yellow. Ship at general
quarters....0706-Weighed anchor and formed column with LCS 24, 39, 37, 40 in that
order, headed north
... J. A. McEvoy, Ensign, USNR
LCS 24
0658-Got underway at various speeds on courses, for RP-4R, in compliance with orders
from CTG 52.9.1..
... F. H. Mackaman, Ensign, USNR.
USS COLHOUN (DD-801)
At 0700 a CAP of two divisions report to us. At 0830 commenced interception of single
bogey using one division. Interception completed at 0902, bogey splashed and reported
as an Irving.
... G. R. Wilson, Commander, USN, Action Report dated April 27, 1945
LCS 24
1232-Object sighted crashing in flames about 26o56' N:
128o16' E. Proceeded toward object on base course.
1330-Left formation at various speeds and courses to wreckage of unidentified
object....1405-Spotted unknown object in water. 1406-Object identified as Jap
aviator. 1414-Rescued Jap aviator. 1435-Proceeded on course
140oT to search for American flyers believed to have been
forced down. Had received emergency IFF contact. 1541-All hands to general
quarters. 1547-Jap plane seen downed at 108oT from
LCS-L(3)-24.
... O. C. Handrich, Ensign, USNR
LCS 37
1330-LCS 24 pulled out of column and went back to make search....1342-AA fire off
stb'd bow....1428-All ahead standard, LCS 39 pulled out of column to go to their
Radar Picket station. 1500-LCS 40 pulled out to go to their station. 1531-Arrived
at designated station "RP3R"....1543-Changed pitch to 44" all ahead standard to get
in visual distance of DD 793 for message.
... O. W. Blake, Ensign, USNR
LCS 64
1440-Sighted tire and landing gear in water, steaming to pick it up.
1458-Opened fire at Japanese plane. 1515-USS BUSH in RP1 hit by suicide plane.
Steaming to her aid.
...L. E. Davis, Ensign, USNR
USS BENNETT (DD-473)
1515-Set material condition Able. Received numerous reports of bogies to the
north. 1539-Attacked by two enemy dive bombers identified as "Val". Commenced
firing to port. One plane turned away. Second dive bomber passed low over ship,
dropped bomb 100 yards off port quarter and opened on starboard bow. 1550-One "Val"
shot down by CAP. Other plane opened to south. 1555-Observed "Val" on starboard
beam. Commenced firing. 1556-Plane dove toward ship, was seen to catch fire,
and crashed 4,000 yards on starboard beam. 1559-Commenced steaming toward area
of crash to investigate parachute.
... J. B. Jessup, Lt. (jg), USNR
USS COLHOUN (DD-801)
At 1200 - received word that TF 58 was under heavy air attack ....1500 - Several large
raids detected approaching from the northward .... Raids were stacked at various
altitudes from 500 to 20,000 feet .... The raids attacking in northern sectors seemed
to be missing us and concentrating on ths ships in radar picket stations one and three.
From forty to fifty planes appeared to be orbiting and attacking the Bush in station one
and from ten to twelve the Young in station three, but none approached us closer than ten
miles. 1530 - Heard TBS transmission: "Any station this circuit, this is Helper", (USS
Bush), no further transmissions heard from Bush, assumed her to be in need of assistance
since from twenty to thirty bogies were still orbiting her position. Proceeded at 30
knots, later increased to 35 to render assistance. Assumed control of CAP, "Arab 29"
assigned to Bush .... "Arab 29" reported his flight low on fuel and ammunition and returned
to base, they had splashed at least six planes by this time.
... G. R. Wilson, Commander, USN, Action Report dated April 27, 1945
LCS 37
Underway as before. Received visual message from DD 793 setting our patrol area as
line 5 miles long running north and south about 5 miles from Yoron Jima....1609-One
destroyer ahead and one astern reported under attack. Sighted various bogies and
friendly planes.
... C. E. Theriot, Ensign, USNR
LCS 24
1639-AA fire from can. Plane hit and tried suicide dive at him but missed.
1642-c/c 055oT. Closing USS BENNETT, which was still under
Dive Bomber Attack. 1702-Secured from general quarters. 1800-Exercised at general
quarters. Enemy plane sighted, 2 friendly planes in pursuit. Continued closing
USS BENNETT, steering various courses and speeds. 1921-Proceeded to area RP1 (one)
where USS BUSH reported in distress.
... C. H. Schmadeke, Lt. (jg), USNR
USS BENNETT (DD-473)
1615-Stopped all engines; picked up body of Japanese pilot for recovery of
intelligence material. 1620-Returned body to sea. Resumed normal patrol.
1635-Made radar contact on bogey .... distant 19 miles. Commenced maneuvering to
unmask batteries. 1639-Bogey identified as enemy dive bomber "Judy", visually.
Commenced firing all batteries to starboard. Plane commenced steep dive from
starboard bow, attempting to crash ship. 1639½-Plane passed over bridge and crashed
40 feet on port beam. Resumed normal patrol. 1734-Commenced steaming on
various courses en route to take Radar Picket Station #2 .... to relieve U.S.S.
COLHOUN. Latter vessel proceeding to assistance of U.S.S BUSH on Radar Picket
Station #1 .... 1825-Observed enemy plane attacking LCS on port quarter.
Plane identified as fighter "Irving"". 1825½-Commenced firing to port. 1828-Ceased
firing. Plane opened range to south. Numerous bogeys continued to be
reported to north, at ranges of ten miles and over. 1855-Commenced steaming on
various courses at 25 knots, 257 rpm, en route to Radar Picket Station #1 ....
to assist U.S.S. BUSH and U.S.S. COLHOUN, as ordered by ComTaskForce 51 ....
1940-Changed speed to 15 knots .... Reported to U.S.S. CASSIN YOUNG for orders.
1946-Commenced standing north to search area in which U.S.S. BUSH sank.
1950-Commenced maneuvering on various courses at various speeds to search
for survivors. Coordinated movements of several LCS in area. U.S.S. CASSIN
YOUNG moored alongside U.S.S. COLHOUN.
... J. B. Jessup, Lt. (jg), USNR
USS COLHOUN (DD-801)
1610 - Sighted Bush dead ahead. 1635 - Closed Bush who was dead in the water smoking
badly and down by the stern. She still had remains of what appeared to be a Betty plastered
on her starboard side amidships. She was being circled by a group of enemy planes .... At
about 1710, the leading top Zeke peeled off and started a run on Colhoun .... Opened fire
at 9000 yards .... motor started smoking at about 1000 yards off. Plane released bomb at
about this point, but continued his strafing and glide. He passed over the ship .... no
damage to ship .... Plane apparently headed for Bush .... Bush was in line distant about
4000 yards, 40mm and 20mm continued to register hits .... plane hit water about midway
between Colhoun and Bush .... another attack started about 1714 .... received report that
plane on port bow was about to crash us, ordered full left rudder but too late .... Plane
hit in flames on main deck at #44 40mm mount, part of flaming fuselage swept across ship,
engine and bomb penetrated main deck exploding in after fireroom .... also setting fire to
handy billys which had been placed in readiness for going alongside Bush .... Gun crews of
40mm mounts 3 and 4 were either killed or badly burned, mounts destroyed by crash and fire
and ready ammunition on fire. Gun crews of 20mm guns 1 and 3 were all severely burned but
guns not badly damaged .... 1717 .... high Zeke started in .... this time the two leading
Vals came along .... The Zeke came in on starboard bow, one Val on port and one on port
quarter. Again all three came in at about at 45o dive very
slow .... All guns opened fire when attack started on port bow targets .... hit Val square
with first 5" salvo thereby splashing him off port quarter about 200 yards. Guns 1 and 2
obtained hits early on (estimated 6000 yards) Val on port bow and he appeared out of control.
(This plane missed us attempted to suicide Bush and was splashed by automatic weapons of
Bush and LCS64) .... Shifted to plane on starboard bow. Here our lucked failed .... and
plane crashed through starboard motor whaleboat and into forward fireroom, where bomb
exploded, breaking keel, piercing both boilers, putting hole about 20 feet long and 4 feet
wide in starboard side below water line .... All communications lost with after part of ship
.... were soon dead in the water .... We still had 120 cans of foam extinguisher on board
.... In about eleven minutes all fires were under control by use of foam or CO2. .... 1725
another attack commenced ..... the Val on starboard bow caught his port wing on the after
stack bounced off gun 3 knocking off his gas tank which flamed to the main deck by gun 4,
flaming and taking 45 director bath tub along, bounced off main deck into water where bomb
exploded putting a hole below the water line about three feet square in compartment C-205,
but so deluging the after part of ship with water that all fires started were extinguished.
The water however washed most of after 20mm crews and a few of the torpedomen over the
fantail. They were in most instances able to swim back, one was rescued by Enyon, Coxswain
and four by ship's port motor whaleboat .... This attack was followed by the remaining two
Vals who came in off starboard quarter in loose echelon about 4000 yards apart, strafing as
they came. Each let go one bomb when about 300 yards off the quarter at about 500 feet. They
were fired on by gun 4 but undamaged. One pulled out and headed for Tokyo the other hit Bush
starting fires and explosions. The Bush sank about 1 hour later. The area now appeared clear
of all aircraft, so attention was devoted to getting some assistance. (The LCS 64 had cleared
Bush sometime in the melee and was apparently damaged herself, but she certainly had done a
brave bit of work in going alongside .... In fact her conduct throughout was that of complete
fearlessness coupled with good gunnery and good seamanship.) .... The ship was down about
3 feet by the stern but on almost an even keel at this time (About 1800) when out of nowhere
appeared a Hamp smoking badly and diving on the starboard bow, guns 1, 2 and 41 scored direct
hits, but at very close range. His left wing hooked the pilot house but the gasoline spilled
on the bridge did not catch fire, and all personnel had taken shelter so no great damage ....
this completed the enemy action for the day as far as we were concerned.
... G. R. Wilson, Commander, USN, Action Report dated April 27, 1945
LCS 40
1810-Received orders from DD 763 to follow to Radar Picket Station No. 1.
1839-Underway following DD 763, steering course 284oT
at standard speed.
... R. A. Mundy, Ensign, USNR
LCS 37
(Note on 16-20 Watch) 1800-Sounded General Quarters. 1821-Japanese "Tony", single
in-line engine fighter approached from Port Beam low over the water. All Port Guns
(2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 10) opened fire. Plane veered to the north and passed across our
bow 2500 yards distant. DD793 opened fire. Plane passed over the horizon to our
starboard.
... J. A. McEvoy, Ensign, USNR
PAKANA (ATF 108)
1700-Air raid alert. Set condition of readiness, one. 1704-Started #1, 2, 3, and
4 main diesel engines. 1705-Torpedo and Suicide bombers reported in vicinity.
1711-One enemy aircraft shot down....1714-Two groups of LCVP's caught fire off Hagushi
beach and were observed to burn fiercely. 1714-AA fire from ships in anchorage shot
down one Hellcat type plane....1828-Underway in accordance with CTG 51.6 dispatch
060920 to go to the assistance of the USS BUSH (DD529) and USS COLHOUN (DD801) in
distress at position Lat. 27o-15'N; Long.
127o-52'E; Commanding Officer at the conn, Navigator on the
bridge....
... Paul N. Scherbel, Lt. (jg), USNR
PCE(R) 855
1633-Moved anchorage ahead 200 yards. Anchored in 14 fathoms of water with 45 fathoms
of chain on deck. 1712-Commenced firing at enemy aircraft. 1714-Ceased firing;
fired 38 rounds 40MM; 1 round 3"50; 60 rounds 20MM. 1823-Proceeding to point 51
miles from Zampa Misaki, bearing 007oT, to assist DD 801 and
DD 529 by orders of CTG 51.5 received over radio telephone.
... R. H. Hoerner, Lt. (jg), USNR
USS COLHOUN (DD-801)
At about 1900 Cassin Young stood close aboard. She was told that we could
remain afloat and handle all casualties for the time being at least, given our best
estimate of where Bush went down and requested to search that area for Bush survivors.
About 20 minutes later the LCS 84 and 87 stood by.
... G. R. Wilson, Commander, USN, Action Report dated April 27, 1945
USS CASSIN YOUNG (DD-793)
1723-Cut in all boilers on main steam line. 1724-Maneuvering at various courses
and speeds to aid the USS BUSH and the USS COLHOUN. 1915-Maneuvering at various
courses and speeds at the scene of sinking of the USS BUSH, endeavoring to pick up
survivors. 1941-Maneuvering at various courses and speeds to go alongside the
USS COLHOUN. 1945-Alongside, port side to, USS COLHOUN, bow to bow.
... D. P. Overholt, Lt. (jg), USNR
LCS 37
2000-Secured from general quarters, set condition "One Easy". Course
330o speed full, heading to stricken DD to assist and help
pick up survivors from a DD sunk previously. 2125-Arrived at scene of disaster.
Came within 1000 yards of DD BENNETT, steaming slowly in area in search of survivors
of "BUSH", DD 529. 2246-Aircraft heard close by, slowed to steerageway, two DD's
and 3 LCS's assisting. DD 801, COLHOUN hit by suicide planes is abandoned and about to
be destroyed by gun fire. Searching ships are using floodlights to hunt for
survivors.
... J. A. McEvoy, Ensign, USNR
LCS 24
2237-Arrived in area RP-1 started search for survivors. 2358-USS BENNETT opened fire
on USS COLHOUN to sink her.
... E. A. Moyer, Ensign, USNR
LCS 40
2245-Stopped all engines and commenced picking up survivors from DD 529.
... R. A. Mundy, Ensign, USNR
PAKANA (ATF 108)
2310-Various courses and speeds maneuvering and picking up survivors in accordance
with verbal orders of USS CASSIN YOUNG (DD793).
... Paul N. Scherbel, Lt. (jg), USNR
USS COLHOUN (DD-801)
LCS 84 was directed by Young to make starboard quarter and remove casualties. About 200 men
including all seriously wounded were transferred to this vessel from 2015 to 2100 .... At
about 2100 LCS 87 came alongside starboard quarter and remainder of casualties and all except
17 men and 4 officers were evacuated to her. At about this time an electrical fire again broke
out in the emergency cabin on the bridge and in after fireroom .... It was controlled about
2320 but never fully extinguished as we ran out of foam and CO2 .... The Commanding Officer then
ordered the ship abandoned and the LCS 87 removed remaining officers and crew. The ship was
sunk by gunfire from Cassin Young.
... G. R. Wilson, Commander, USN, Action Report dated April 27, 1945
USS CASSIN YOUNG (DD-793)
2000-Receiving .... survivors on board from USS COLHOUN. 2006-Cast off all lines,
maneuvering at various courses and speeds to clear the COLHOUN. Could not remain alongside
due to the condition of the sea. 2008-LCS 84 ordered to go alongside USS COLHOUN to
take off all unnecessary personnel .... 2030-Maneuvering at various courses and speeds
endeavoring to get a bow line to the bow of the USS COLHOUN. 2040-Line across,
maneuvering to tow the USS COLHOUN into the sea. 2100-Line parted, condition of the
sea heavy, preventing any further attempts. 2110-Maneuvering at various courses
and speeds to stand clear of the USS COLHOUN. 2120-Clear of USS COLHOUN, maneuvering
at various courses and speeds to receive USS LCS 84 alongside. 2200-USS LCS 84 alongside
starboard side. 2220-Condition of the sea made it inadvisable to attempt to keep this
ship alongside and transfer personnel. USS LCS 84 cleared side. 2355-Conforming
to decision of the Commanding Officer of the USS COLHOUN, commenced firing on the USS
COLHOUN, with main battery guns.
... D. P. Overholt, Lt. (jg), USNR
USS BENNETT (DD-473)
2024-U.S.S. PAKANA reported in area. 2215-U.S.S. PCE 855 reported in area. U.S.S.
CASSIN YOUNG reported U.S.S. COLHOUN expected to sink in 15 minutes. 2300-Commenced
standing to west to clear line of fire for U.S.S. CASSIN YOUNG. 2355-U.S.S. CASSIN
YOUNG commenced firing on U.S.S. COLHOUN to sink that vessel.
... J. B. Jessup, Lt. (jg), USNR
LCS 24
At general quarters, underway in RP-1 and RP-2 looking for survivors of USS BUSH.
0056 Picked up men listed on attached list, were found in water on life rafts.
0153-Picked up two officers adrift from rafts. 0253-Secured from general quarters.
0330-Started back to transport area to discharge survivors aboard.
...F. H. Mackaman, Ensign, USNR.
| Personnel of U.S.S. BUSH Rescued by U.S.S. LCS(L)(3) 24, 7 April 1945 OFFICERS |
||
| NAME | RANK | |
| MOSES, R. | LIEUT. | Communications |
| HAVEY, E. T. | Lt. (jg) | Communications |
| SECHRIST, E. | Lt. (jg) | 1st Lt. |
| CARNEY, R. | Ensign | (SC) |
| BUCHANAN, R. H. | Ensign | Ass't Engr. |
| ENLISTED PERSONNEL | |||
| NAME | RATE | NAME | RATE |
| BURKE, G. | MM1c | BISHOP, S. | F1c |
| WOODS, P. T. | WT1c | BURNSIDE, W. | S1c |
| ENLOE, J. | MM1c | BARNHART, M. | S2c |
| HAYES, V. | F1c | NORDWALL, R. | GM2c |
| HOBBY, T. | CGM | SHOOK, A. | F1c |
| WALSTEAD, J. | EM3c | PETERSON, J. | B2c |
| SYKES, C. | F1c | JOHNS, F. | RM3c |
| SIBBERSON, F. | F1c | NOVI, L. | WT2c |
| TALY, C. | S1c | LAIPPLA, W. | S2c |
| FLYNN, R. W. | F1c | WILLIAMS, J. T. | S1c |
| BRETZ, L. | F1c | WALSH, D. | S1c |
| HOWSE, W. | SF1c | ANDERSON, D. J. | S1c |
| DIXON, C. | MM2c | MENDELL, H. | GM3c |
| TROYAN, P. T. | WT2c | PETERSEN, P. | QM2c |
| STAFFORD, H. | F1c | HUNTLEY, N. | S2c |
| WHITE, R. V. | MoMM1c | DYE, R. | S1c |
| BANASZAK, E. | S2c | DUCK, M. | S1c |
| YOUNGREN, R. | TM3c | EDWARD, G. | S2c |
| WOOLFOLK, C. | TM3c | ||
LCS 40
In Radar Picket Station #1 picking up survivors from DD 529. 0145-Unable to pick up anymore
survivors. The following men were picked up; were given medical care as needed.
Lieutenant Commander T. B. Owen
Lieut.(jg) Daniel Dennet Tontz
Ensign Franklin Coit Butler, Jr.
Barton, Horace; S2/c
Randall, Jack Delance; CMM
Cook, Harold C; S1/c
Barnes, Robert M; S2/c
Vaught, Charles; S2/c
Lawrence, Howard Taft; GM1/c
Barajas, S. R.; S1/c
Morgan, J. A.; WT3/c
Daugherty, R. E.; RM2/c
Cooper, C. V.; S1/c
Sanzi, Eugene N; Y3/c
Pelnar, Joe; PhM1/c
Younce, Elmon Edward; RM3/c
McGrath, Robert Francis; RdM2c
Dinda, Frank James; Y2/c
Baird, William Darrell; S2/c
Forbes, Herschel; S1/c
Justice, George G; S1/c
McKinney, Odas Ray; Bkr2/c
Danekas, William Edwin; CWT
Cregut, Eddie Downing; S1/c
Cowan, Francis; SM1/c
White, Theo; S1/c
Petroni, Mario; GM2/c
Watson, Claude; StM1/c
Martin, Duard Leon; Cox
Dyke, Donald E.; FC3/c
Wise, Robert Frederick; S1/c
McGhee, Dores David; Y3/c
Singletary, Benjamin Franklin; StM1/c
Miller, Carmen; Cox
Kent, George Aloysius; RT1/c
Felix, Arnold Frederick; F1/c
Daniels, Benjamin Frank; GM3/c
Kreis, Norman Ray; GM1/c
Cunningham, Lon Albert; F1/c
Dost, Herbert Arthur; Cox
Peterson, Robert C.; SF3/c
Basalla, Nicholas; S1/c
Lenhart, Joseph K., S2/c
Dunn, Victor H.; S1/c
Gallant, Elroy; MM3/c
McCall, F. B.; GM1/c
Winkhouse, G. R.; S1/c
Garnett, R. H.; CBM
Cooper, E. R.; StM2/c
Daly, R. J.; BM2/c
Ballard, J. P.; S2/c
Ferino, B. A.; S1/c
Burke, M. S.; StM2/c
Williams, H. R.; S1/c
Two men were dead when picked up. These men did not have identification tags but were identified by personal effects and officers from the DD529 as:
Martin, J. D.
Guinn, W. J.
0145-Underway to Point Polo at standard speed steering course 200oT.
... R. A. Mundy, Ensign, USNR
PAKANA (ATF 108)
Ship in material condition, "Affirm", condition of readiness, one, Commanding
Officer at the conn, Navigator on the bridge. 0040-Lowering MWB to facilitate rescues.
0053-HOOD, B. F., Jr., Cox. And
O'CONNELL, Hugh, S1c(SM) received minor bruises and abrasions about legs and
feet while rescuing men in water. 0200-Set course 205oT;
S/S 15 knots. 0215-The following named officers and men were picked up from the
water as survivors: STANLEY, H. C., Lieutenant; HUBBARD, M. G., Lt.(jg);
JOSTES, C. B., Lt. (jg); KINNEY, W. D., Ensign; AGUILAR,
R. M., SK2c; BALL, C. E., S2c; BENNETT, E. B., Cox; BURKE,
J. H., S1c; CARVER, R. L., S1c; COATS, J. B., S2c;
CORBETT, J. M. Jr., RM2c; CHANDLER, V. D., F1c; DAUNORIS,
A. A., MM3c; FLOYD, G. B., S1c; GALLAHER, S. L., SK3c; HAASE,
F. J., S2c; HOMER, C. J., CPhM; HOLDERNESS, V. E., F1c; KING,
J. E., RdM3c; KOZA, W. F., SC2c; LARSON, A. R.,
MM2c; LOFTUS, F. J., S1c; MAYHUGH, S. R., CTM; McCLOUD,
L. D., S1c; McMANUS, J. J., GM2c; MONTGOMERY, J. E., MM3c;
SHARP, R. A., Bkr2c; SERVIOLO, W. A., SM3c;
THOMPSON, R. W., SC3c; TOENNIGES, C. A. Jr., Y1c; VALERIO,
J. B., S2c; DAVEY, David S., S2c; DAY, R. R., SoM2c; WYSOCKI,
Tony, S1c....0314-In accordance with
CTG 51.6 dispatch 061811 proceeding to Western Anchorage, Okinawa Shima, Nansei
Shoto.
... Paul N. Scherbel, Lt. (jg), USNR
USS BENNETT (DD-473)
0000 .... Ship completely darkened, at General Quarters .... 0030-U.S.S. COLHOUN sunk
by gunfire from U.S.S. CASSIN YOUNG. Latter vessel stood south to take survivors
.... to Okinawa Jima. This vessel assumed charge of rescue operations in area.
0110-Sighted survivor in water. Directed LCS to recover man .... 0225-U.S.S.
STERETT reported in area to assist in rescue of survivors. 0255-Made radar contact
on bogey .... distant 46 miles. This vessel ordered all ships to extinguish
searchlights. 0310-U.S.S. STERETT commenced standing south to assist in sinking
U.S.S. EMMONS and assisting U.S.S. RODMAN as directed by ComTaskGroup 52.3.
... J. B. Jessup, Lt. (jg), USNR
LCS 37
In area "RP1" looking for survivors of the DD COLHOUN and DD BUSH. Other DD's
firing to sink the COLHOUN....0135-Picked up Underwood, H. of the DD BUSH.
0200-Picked up Libassi, B. T. of the DD BUSH. 0230-Put Dinghy over looking for
survivors and found 3 bodies. 0245-Brought Dinghy aboard. 0257-Bogie reported,
blacked out ship. 0325-AA fire port quarter. Still searching for survivors.
... O. W. Blake, Ensign, USNR
PCE(R) 855
0146-Standing by to pick up survivors. 0205-Picked up 17 men from two rafts.
Men survivors of DD 529. 0211-Underway various courses and speeds while searching
area.
... R. L. Brindle, Lt. (jg), USNR
USS CASSIN YOUNG (DD-793)
0000-Steaming darkened on various courses and speeds firing on hulk of USS COLHOUN
(DD-801) .... 0050-Ceased fire. USS COLHOUN sunk by gunfire, latitude
27o12'00" N; longitude 128o02'00" E
in 200 fathoms of water. Expended 246 rounds AA Common projectiles; 246 rounds
SPDN 4626 (FP) ammunition .... 0100-Secured from general quarters .... Proceeding at
various courses and speeds toward Kerama Rhetto. 0233-Changed course to proceed to
Radar Picket #3 .... 0335-Called all hands to general quarters; enemy aircraft in
vicinity.
... I. A. Welborn, Lt. (jg), USNR
USS BENNETT (DD-473)
0639-Commenced firing main battery at enemy dive bomber, identified as Judy, to
south. 0641-Plane opened range over Iheya Jima. Ceased firing .... Vectored two
plane CAP to south. 0648 CAP shot down one bogey. Stood west to resume sweep of
area for survivors. 0655-Daylight CAP arrived on station.
... J. B. Jessup, Lt. (jg), USNR
LCS 40
0810-Anchored off Blue Beach No. 2, awaiting orders to transfer survivors.
... R. A. Mundy, Ensign, USNR
LCS 64
0830-Commenced transferring survivors by small boat to APA 58. 1000-Completed
transfer.
... A. H. Jewell, Jr., Ensign, USNR
PCE(R) 855
0850-Attacked by enemy aircraft, commenced firing with port side 20MM and 40MM and
3"50 guns. 0852-Aircraft hit and made suicide dive into DD 473, range 1,500 yards,
hitting amidships on the starboard side. Ceased firing....Commenced maneuvering
about DD473 preparing to render aid. 0901-Attacked by enemy plane, commenced
firing 3"50 and port side 20MM and 40MM. 0903-Plane veered away, ceased firing....
0909-Took position astern of DD473 and 407....0930....proceeding to anchorage area
Okinawa Shima escorting LCS 39 and 37 by order of CTF 51....
... W. H. Lewis, Lt. (jg), USNR
USS BENNETT (DD-473)
0845-Bogeys reported .... distant 16 miles, closing this ship. 0847-Went to General
Quarters .... 0848-Second bogey shot down by CAP; identified as dive bomber Val.
Third Val continued to close from east, pursued by plane from CAP. 0848½-Attacking
fighter set left wing of Val afire, and turned away as directed by this ship.
0849-Commenced firing all batteries to port at Val. Ship now at 22 knots, 222 rpm.
Commenced taking evasive action. Val passed astern of ship. 0850-Val crashed into
starboard side of ship at frame 90. Ceased firing .... Subsequent investigation
revealed missile penetrated hull and detonated in forward fireroom. All electrical
power lost forward. Shifted steering control aft. Extensive damage caused
immediately by escaping steam. Lighted fires under boiler #4; secured boiler #1
from topside. Set course .... To return to Okinawa Jima. Commenced rescue of
personnel from damaged compartments. 0855-Increased speed to 22 knots, 222 rpm on
port engine. U.S.S. STERETT commenced proceeding in company to screen this vessel.
Sustained 3 men killed, 17 men and 1 officer wounded in action .... 0944-Returned
steering control to bridge.
... J. B. Jessup, Lt. (jg), USNR
LCS 24
Standing by at Okinawa anchorage near GC-11 awaiting small boat from GC-11 to
bring doctor....0900-Small boat alongside with doctor. 0917-Small boat from PA-58
alongside for survivors. 0935-Small boat from GC11 departed from port side with
the following survivors for hospitalization to USS COMFORT: CARNEY, R.-(SC),
WOODS, P. T.-WT1/c, FLYNN, R. W.-F1/c, TROYAN, P. T.-WT2/c, WHITE, R. V.-MoMM1/c,
NORDWALL, GM2/c. 0940-Small boat from starboard side departed with remainder of
survivors to PA-58
... O. C. Handrich, Ensign, USNR.
LCS 37
1440-Alongside LCS 40 to take on provisions, transfer two survivors from DD
BUSH.
... C. E. Theriot, Ensign, USNR
LCS 37
1615-VP from APPLING, APA 58 alongside to take 7 dead from DD BUSH aboard.
1700-VP cast off with dead.
... J. A. McEvoy, Ensign, USNR
PCE(R) 855
1845-15 survivors and two stretcher cases away in small boat to APA 58. These
included: ROBINSON, Narvis I., S1c; COWHERD, Robert M., S1c;
WALL, Harry R., St1c (laceration right hand); FORD, Floyd S., S1c;
FRIESLAND, Arthur C., S1c; ATTEBERRY, William C., QM1c; BLAKELEY,
Albert S., SoM2c; MULVANEY, Wilbur L., RM3c; BABUSEK, William E., S1c;
MARVICI, Pasquale F., F1c; BASS, Clarence C., S1c; SMITH,
Justin C., EM2c; WILLIAMS, Clyde E., SC3c; JOHNSON, Charles G., S2c;
YELLOCK, Hilbert, StM1c; BARNHILL, Owen A., S2c (stretcher case,
burns hands and face), GRIMMETT, Jack, S2c (burns hands and face), all of the
U. S. S. BUSH (DD 529).
... W. H. Lewis, Lt. (jg), USNR
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