I've been in Pearl Harbor six months now. During this period the Robinson has been put through some rugged drills -- shore bombardment, anti-aircraft drills, torpedo runs, anti-submarine runs. We're loaded to the gills with stores, shells, and powder. I took my last liberty day. At least the latest is that we steam in the morning. I wonder where we're headed for? Time will tell. It's a shame that I couldn't see Sandy; the Navy said "Nix."
I didn't do very much when I went ashore today, just knocked around looking in all the shops. I bought some pineapple juice and a carton of gum.
Just received a letter from Mother. Guess this is the last for some time. Ye ole scuttlebutt is really flying from stem to stern now. Some say we're going to Truk, others say Marshalls, Marianas, Gilberts and just now some deck ape said the States-- must be crazy. The Marshalls seem the most logical to me.
Saw a picture on the fan-tail tonight. The movie was some cowboy picture, not too good, but usually we get first-rate pictures out here.
Lights out, we get underway sure tomorrow, so I'd better hit my rack and get some sleep.
Underway at 0630. Just got off the special sea detail. Heard some straight stuff from the bridge gang this morning. We're going to the Marshalls as I suspected. We're to meet a task force there of about a hundred destroyers and twenty-one aircraft carriers. There will be about six battle wagons also. This is going tobe one big invasion. While we were in Hawaii, we had a practice shore bombardment with the Army making. landing in their "duck" boats which are carried aboard LST's. It was that day when we found out our position one-half mile off the shore; too damn close to suit me. I must say we're going to make some darn good bait for the Japs. We can only hope that they don't have too heavy shore installations there. I was up topside today and saw our division (4 cans) and about twenty two transports, full of dog faces, no doubt. There is a new system aboard now. They're going to dog the watches every third day. Jack and I have 12-4.
Jim Lydiatt |
SoM2/c |
Sec. 1 GQ standby operator |
Sound Shack Bridge |
Me |
SoM3/c |
Sec. 2 GQ operator |
Sound Shack Bridge |
Jack Azevedo |
SoM3/c |
Sec. 2 |
|
George Flege |
SoM3/c |
Sec. 1 |
|
Ralph Moore |
SoM3/c |
Sec. 3 GQ |
Radar Shack |
Elmer Klette |
SoM3/c |
Sec. 3 GQ JA talker |
Flying Bridge (Gun) |
Steaming right along, a bit slow due to the slowness of the transports. They keep us down to about twelve or thirteen knots. It's been one GQ after another all day. I no sooner hit my rack than the loud speakers blare out "ALL HANDS; MAN YOUR BATTLE STATIONS." I hardly slept a wink last night; excited, I guess. Very poor sound conditions today. There are about five destroyers pinging on us. A whole wolf pack could slip into us without us picking them up. I'd hate to see one of those transports go down, too damn many men aboard. Water conditions are excellent, very good ranges.
Tonight the Robinson leaves the convoy. We're going ahead about ten miles to form an anti-submarine sound screen. It sure is a beautiful night out. The sea is calm and the moon makes the water shine like silver. There are millions of stars out; it's almost like day. Looking out onto the water tonight you could scarcely believe that there is a war on. Oh, oh! Radar just picked up an airplane eighty-five miles off our starboard beam which doesn't answer our challenge. Gone now, I wonder who it was. Mr. Coakley (1st Lieut.) said today that we will hit the Marshalls the eighth of June. Time is drawing close-- too damn close.
Just secured from GQ. The 2nd section is really taking a beating. I'm so tired now I can't see straight. Here it comes again …
Secured from GQ. We are speeding up now from 12 knots to 28 knots. Going up topside, I see our division is pulling ahead of the convoy. Up to now, we've come about 700 miles-- 1700 more to go. The radio is cut off now. We have a radioman in the emergency radio shack playing records over the intercom system. Last night, we had a movie in the mess hall. From what I hear, there is to be one every night.
We have a ship's paper called "THE SLOW EXPRESS." The radiomen take down all communiques and print them into a damn good little paper, sports news, war news, and general news from the States. From what I can gather, it's the Marianas area after this blow out. (If we get through!)
Note from the "S.E." -- AMERICAN AIRMEN HIT AGAIN AT SAIPAN IN THE MARIANAS ISLANDS OFF THE SOUTHWEST FLANK OF THE BONINS. RAIDED A POSITION IN THE NORTHERN KURILES AND SMASHED TARGETS IN THE MARSHALLS.
It's 1145. Time to go on sound watch. Azevedo is most likely in his rack-- we're fagged out, but good.
Time: 1845. The watches have been dogged. Jack and I have the 8-12 now. I've had about ten hours sleep in the last three days. Sho am tired!
A rather odd thing happened last night. After being relieved from my 2000-2400 watch, I was a bit warm so I decided to go out on the bridge for some fresh air. Although it was but a few minutes past midnight, the water and sky shone with a beautiful deep silver. As I was standing on the port side, noting the beauty, I chanced to see a rather bright light right on the horizon. Upon reporting this to Com, I found that there was nothing out there--that area on the P.P.I. radar scope was blank. The only hitch was that a lookout saw the same damn thing. After seeing it again, Mr. Halbert, Lieut., J.G., came up and explained in these waters the moon's reflection will hit the horizon and it will appear to be a bright light for a few seconds. Sure had me guessing for awhile.
We're still steaming along at this same slow speed - 12 knots. I heard the procedure we're to follow when we hit the Marshalls.
ROBINSON WILL GO IN ON THE 3RD WAVE, LEAVING THE TRANSPORTS BEHIND. WE WILL GET AS CLOSE AS POSSIBLE AND FIRE FIFTY ROUNDS. IF STILL AFLOAT AFTER THIS, WE WILL RETURN OUT TO THE TRANSPORTS AND ESCORT THE LANDING PARTY IN, FIRING AN ADDITIONAL THOUSAND ROUNDS BEFORE OUR MEN HIT THE BEACH.
This should be a sight worth seeing.
The weather is almost unbearable. It's the hottest I've been yet. I wonder how my folks are today. They don't realize how lucky they are. Oh, well, what the hell!
Every morning we have a 0400 GQ. Just secured from it now. The zero hour for the raid is 0900. From what I hear, it may be sooner than the ninth. Chow down.
Good Lord, but it's hot. I no sooner take a shower than I'm in a sweat again, never been so uncomfortable in my life. We have a movie every night in the crew's mess hall. It's usually so hot you can't stand it. The rest of the sound-men and I got a hot plate in Hawaii. It sure is swell to have a cup of Java while on watch.
I sure do wish we would speed up and get to the Marshall's. I'm getting tired of waiting. Sure wish we could get some mail. Mother would throw a fit if she knew where I am now and what I'm heading for. It wouldn't be so bad if we were just returning after this the next few months. Nothing much now to write about today,same old thing, our wake points homeward, chow is down.
Going on watch now. It's beautiful and cool night out. The Robinson has the "picket" again tonight-- ten miles ahead of the force. The Admiral must know that the Robinson has some sharp soundmen aboard.
It's getting hotter every day. Thank God, the nights are cool The clocks have been set back an hour four times up to now. Time: 1500. We just crossed the international date line-- clocks set back one hour and gain a day.
One of the carriers that is with us is having target practice, firing forty's etc. I wonder if we will get any mail when we hit the Marshalls. At least, we may get to send some. They must realize by now that we have left Pearl. Emmy Lou may be married now; I would like to have seen it. It seems that the further this diary goes, the less I have to say.
Time to go on watch. They're dogged now. Jack and I have the 8 to 12 picket again.
They had a meeting of all gun captains last night. Straight dope: after the Marshalls, we head for the Marianas. The 15th day of this month we will hit Saipan at 0830. We have one half hour to get within one quarter of a mile off this one stretch of beach and dispense 400 rounds of shells, set fire to the sugar cane and knock out all the trenches. We then return and bring back our transports for a landing. More damn fun. We will be able to mail letters when we hit the Marshalls. Here's hoping we receive some also. Ought to be there in a few days now. Chow--
Just had pay call. I drew ten dollars (guess I'll go on liberty today.) The doctor has put out an order that all hands must get a sun tan, so I shall now proceed up topside and burn hell out of myself. Damn, but it's hot!
Well, I baked myself a half hour on each side-- slow but safe. Jack Azevedo has been getting a tan ever since we left the States and he looks like a damn [native] now. Guess I'll write some letters so as to have them ready when we hit port. Damn "picket" again.
I forgot to mention that we passed the island "Johnson" a couple of days ago. We're nearing our objective; in fact, tomorrow we should pass some of the islands in the Marshalls-- ours. It's been a black day aboard the Robinson today. Jessen, RDW, has been struck with appendicitis. About an hour ago, we pulled along side a transport and transferred him to her. There was no slowing down at all; we just swung him aboard her by a crane the transport had. I hope he makes it back. He's a damn good kid. He will get the best of medical care, that's for sure. It was kind of nice to pull along another ship. That ship was cram full of Marines-- so many that hundreds had to stay topside.
This is the damndest weather, just finished a damn welcome rain. It just poured down. I went out and just soaked it up, most refreshing. Rain out here lasts about ten minutes, then it's hot all over again.
On our 14-8, Jack and I got a loaf of bread from the galley and had bread and jam with coffee. It's remarkable how blue the water is, really beautiful. Strange that I never tire of looking at the ocean. Guess I'll hit my rack and sweat my life away. Oh, how I would love some mail.
We're in the Marshalls now. So far we've passed Mili, Arno, Aur, Maloelap, Wotho, Erkub, Majuro, Jaluit, Ailinglaplap, Ailuk, Namu, Likiep, Kwajalein, Ujae, Wotho, Rondrik, which we have taken. Rongalap, Bikini and Eniwetok are the only ones left. About an hour ago, we had a torpedo scare. Turned out to be a yellow rubber ball. Every rain squall on radar appears to be an enemy plane. We're all jumpy as hell.
I had the honor of being present in the ward room while the Skipper laid out the plans for the taking of Saipan in the Marianas. It's an engagement which will bring in the entire Pacific fleet. From what the Captain said, it seems that we will be there for eighty days. Quite a stretch.
At 1100 tomorrow, we hit an island here in the Marshalls where we can send some letters. Here's hoping we will receive some. We will pull up alongside a Tanker.
Jack and I are on our Mid-watch now, just came from the flying bridge where there is a stiff breeze blowing-- nice and cool. We have the "Picket" again, got to be on the ball.
The Marshall Islands are ours. They ran like sheep and were slaughtered as same. This was a snap. Saipan is the one that's going to be tough. The islands here are a mess; most all of the trees have been blown away and the earth is a mass of holes. I guess after they fill in the holes, they will make good landing fields for our planes. Otherwise, they're not worth a damn.
This ole war wouldn't be so bad if all engagements were as easy as this, but I know better. In a way it's rather beautiful here-- sandy beaches with palm trees, cooler weather and the water is as blue as the sky. Nice layover and rest!
What a push this is going to be. There must be 250 ships here waiting for the big push on the Marianas. This engagement may go down in history if it draws out the Japan Fleet. What a battle royal. Some guys just came down and mentioned swimming. Guess I'll go up to the Sound Shack and clear the area of sharks. The high frequency tone scares hell out of them. I'll probably dive in and come up with a dead Jap on my nose. I wouldn't doubt it a bit. Lord, what a mess.
Just came in from swimming. Water was warm as toast. Saw an arm-- what the hell. There's a movie on the focsile-- Dead End Kids in something or other. Very warm tonight.
(Place: Marshall Islands; as of yesterday, all twenty were taken.) We have fueled and taken on stores -- everything's ship-shape. Just secured from GQ. Five Jap planes came over with torpedoes; they dropped their load but didn't hit a damn thing. They were knocked clear to hell before they even got near our ship. About 150 more ships are here now -- mostly LST's. The Robinson has patrol duty now. We run a figure eight course next to the island of Kawajalein. Very boring as the soundmen have to keep pinging on a certain reef so we won't run aground.
It's as hot as usual. If we weren't patrolling now we could be swimming. Anyhow, we secure at 1300 tomorrow. This lad is going swimming all day. I don't know why but the water seems awfully salty out here. Yesterday, I dove off the forty millimeter mount and damn near broke my head.
It's very dull night, back and forth, and some damn mine sweeper keeps pinging off us. Just got relieved---sack, here I come. Got some mail today. Hot dogs-- letters and pictures from Mom, Dad, Emmy Lou and Sandy.
Page Break
We're still on patrol, over the TBS I just heard that we secure at 1300. As soon as we come in, this lad is going swimming. 1400: I was just getting my suit when one of our corpsmen came down and told me I could see the dentist. Boy, am I sore. Went aboard the tender USS Prairie and saw the doc. He looked at my tooth and the stupid ass was too damn lazy to fill it so he pulled the damn thing out. It doesn't show so I guess it's not so bad. I feel like an old man with no teeth.
2100. Great news, or is it? The good ship Robinson steams at 0600 in the morning for Saipan. Yellow beach (our objective). It has just been learned that the Japs have four times as many shore installations as we counted on. I don't like that at all. Light out, guess I'll turn in.
2300. Just secured from GQ. Jap planes were in our area (60 miles). They didn't even come near out ship. We will hit Saipan Thursday (ZERO HOUR is 0900.) What a blow out this is going to be.
0600. U.S.S. Robinson is underway. We're steaming for Saipan in the Marianas Islands. It will be a four day trip. The Marshalls are out of sight now. At least we have one engagement chalked up for our side. The Japs have sent airplanes over here so they must have seen the huge amount of ships sure as Hell. The Marianas attack will be no surprise.
These are bad waters we're in now. The force ahead of us has had 14 sub contacts. I'll have to be on the ball. One of the subs threw some torpedoes at one of our carriers but missed. Thank God.
The Robinson is in the lead of this force. This flagship business isn't so hot after all. We're really getting screwed on this Saipan attack. All of the other ships will lay out about 16,000 yards. What ship goes in to 1400 yards (close enough to swear at us) off the beach? The Robinson (DD 562). I just bet Dewitt S2/c five bucks that the good ship sinks in this deal. (Thirty days leave, Man-O-Man!)
I'm not sleeping in my rack any more. The flying bridge is a hell-of-a-lot safer and cooler. Azevedo and I both thought of this; it's close to our GQ stations. The watches are dogged. Jack and I have the 8-12.
I don't like this a damn bit, three more days! At quarters this morning, they passed this information:
Some times I almost wish I were in the States. I can't say that I'm scared, but this damn waiting is really hell. We know for sure that we're going to take a hit and some of our men will go; that's the catch to war, though. If I ever get back to the States and hear a civilian gripe, so help me. I'll kick hell out of him. I don't know why I'm writing all this; it's a cinch it will go down with this death trap. Guess I'll pay off my debts now. (Hell of a time for humor.) I'm starting to feel a wee bit jumpy now. When I'm on watch I damn near fill my pants every time I hear a swish or a wake. I'm going to sleep, the hell with it all. I was born to hang anyhow. (Hotter than blazes out.)
While on watch this morning (8-12), I plugged in the phones in the R.D.F. shack which is next to the Sound shack: Some shortwave which turned out to be Radio Tokyo was coming in. Its purpose was to break down our morale, what a laugh. I quote: "The stupid Americans are fighting a useless war. They are being slaughtered by tens of thousands in Europe and South Pacific. How would you like to be home now with your best girl listening to this song: 'You'd be so nice to come home to'. The Americans have nothing to gain in the South Pacific but the lives of their men." (Song: Tiger Rag.) "The British and Americans are in full retreat in the Europe invasion." (Song: All four movements of Bolero.) I get a big bang out of it. Besides, they have some damn good records.
We fueled from an "AM" (transport) about an hour ago. Also took on some bread. I just got issued a gas mask. Don't tell me they're using gas already? Well, I'm all set for the big blow out the day after tomorrow. All my most personal things are on my person. I have a rubber and kapok life jacket. (Two should be enough.) I swiped a battle cap come what may! The day after tomorrow is the big day. In the last six months I've been letting my nails grow (heh-heh, no mo'.) They're down to the bloody nub now. Could I be nervous; you're damn right I am. Chow is down and after is my watch. (Subs, look out!)
We're all set. The Captain informed the crew all the dope about the raid. I have the 1800-2000 watch tonight which isn't so bad. GQ starts at 0100 and will last all night, day and most of the next night. Chow will be served on our battle stations when possible. We're going in on the third wave which will land our troops on the beach (Yellow). It's up to them to get the air field.
Radio Tokyo on the air. I quote: "The foolish American forces are making a sad attempt to gain positions in the Marianas, but the Japs are too strong for them." They can sure sling out a sad line of bull. Usually it's this one gal who does all of the talking (very good English, too). We have nicknamed her "Tokyo Rose," when we take Japan I'm going to ram that mike up where it belongs.
Nothing much to write about now. I'm excited as hell and wish we could get started. I may go a couple of days without writing in this but will make it up. Securing for now. Hope everything goes as planned. Give 'em Hell, Robinson! The weather is hot but overcast; excellent conditions. Time: 2415. Just secured from GQ. About an hour ago, Radar got a contact dead ahead, range, about six miles. After having this "pip" for about five minutes, they reported "TARGET FADING OUT." We knew then that sure as hell it was a sub. As soon as the Jap sub dove, I got contact on it; range, 4,000-- no doppler. We ran in for the attack; when in about 2000 yards it changed into a stern attack (mark down doppler). We dropped a full pattern, deep setting and then opened range for a re-attack. Plot of radar informed us of results made. It was a "struck" target and was now lying dead in the water. (Huge oil slick in a shape.) The Captain, upon hearing it was a "struck" and dead sub, pulled in right over the spot and stopped. We dropped a deep setting all around her. The last was the pay-off. The Robinson will shell Saipan in about seven hours so seeing that I've got the 0400-0800 watch; guess I'll get some sleep.
U.S.S. Robinson (DD 562) (Flagship)
Destroyer Division One Hundred Twelve
United States Pacific Fleet 1 vp
PLAN OF THE DAY FOR THURSDAY 15 JUNE, 1944
0415 Call Police Petty Officers.
0425 All Hands, Call all officers.
0445 General Quarters
0600-0700 Breakfast served at Battle Stations.
1130-1230 Lunch served at Battle Stations.
1700-1800 Supper served at Battle Stations
E. Harvey
Lieut. Comdr., Navy
Executive Officer
[Ed. Note: There is a four-day break in the narrative at this point; "time out" during the Battle of Saipan.)]
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This is a rather late entry but I've taken notes while in Battle so will fill this in up to date. On the morning of the 15th (0400), GQ was sounded. The Robinson steamed in between Tinian and Saipan and took her position off Yellow Beach. At the first shot, old glory was two-blocked on our for'd mast. We shelled hell out of the two and sugar refinery (a mass of ruins now). The Japs were rather one way about it and fired back 2-8” forward of our bow (25 yds.), 3-5” after our stern (50 yds.). The battleship Tennessee took a 5' just above her water line amid her starboard side. Off Nafuten Point, three Jap ships were burning, almost sunk. Off Marpi Point, the Japs were picking off our Higgins boats; our planes made quick work of them (we lost three planes on the deal.)
Our LST's were scattered all over and Higgins boats full of Marines were swarming out of them towards the beach. The guns from our battleships and destroyers were beating the Japs away from the beach to clear the way for the boats. (I saw seven Higgins boats blasted from the water; we knocked out the positions that did it. We placed tanks on the beach and started the push. Our men and tanks were swarming up the hill. All of a sudden, the Japs opened up with their shore installations and pushed twice as many tanks against us. What a slaughter. They pushed us clear back to the beach. We lost hundreds on the move. Standing on the bridge, looking through a long glass, I could see our men dropping like flies on the beach-- a sight I'll never forget.
We were pounding out shells like mad and finally succeeded in halting the little bastards and drove them back into the hills. The Sound Shack was secured so all I had to do was watch. The men on the fans were really worked. In the handling rooms below decks, the men were fainting right and left, buckets of water were thrown in each other's faces to keep them going. This went on for four days and four nights without securing from GQ. In this time, I had four hours sleep, some others even less. What a grind. At night, we would fire by star shells. In a way it was a beautiful sight. All of this steady pounding made my ears feel as if they would burst.
The Japs were clever and wouldn't fire for fear of disclosing their positions. Instead, they would hold them until the opportune moment. Whenever we saw a flash, we would center our fire on it. The Robinson's gunners were really on the ball. Some cruisers came up to assist us. What a joke; they killed more of our men than did the enemy until fire control put them on the ball.
Our fire control spotter really had a time. In getting positions, he lost 1 Higgins boat, 2 tanks -- all within a half hour. All the time, I could see our planes diving-bombing Jap positions. (We lost very few.)
About the most horrible experience that happened to me was when the wind changed. It brought this ghastly smell of burning fuel over the water. Nothing could smell worse. We had an air attack one evening. Four enemy planes flew over us. We threw everything but the "head" at them but missed.
The following is from over out TBS. Radio:
"Hospital ships filled to capacity."
"Twelve survivors picked up from a sunken sub." (The one we got.)
"Jap task force on its way. 2 battleships, 3 cruisers, 4 aircraft carriers, destroyers and destroyer escorts."
"Four of our ships burning on horizon."
"Des Pac. (concerning bombardment) As far as I'm concerned the U.S.S. Robinson (DD 562) was the only ship who fired. Congratulations from our Admiral of the 5th Amfib. Force."
We were relieved by the U.S.S. Phelps to go on transport for a few days-- a much needed rest.
Four days and four nights without a shower and in the same gear. Was I filthy! I've been doing nothing but stand my watches and sleep. We had an air attack last night. Three planes flew over and dropped bombs. One landed 20 yds. off our starboard bow (close shave).
Nothing much to say now. Things seem very quiet and peaceful out here (25 miles from Saipan.) Score for the ship up to now is: 1 submarine, 14 shore installations, 16 tanks, oil dumps and hundreds of men.
The Captain just spoke over the intercom. He congratulated us all on the work we did. Get all the rest and sleep we can and we're expecting the Jap task force any day now. We're now attached to the 58th task force.
Bad news. The night after we left Saipan, Jap torpedo bombers struck. The U.S.S. Phelps (the one which relieved us) took four 8" shells (not sunk). I believe a transport and a couple of LST's were sunk.
I just heard ole Tokyo Rose over the radio sending us her daily cheer. According to the Japs, we've lost the damn war. Their news broadcast said that we lost two battleships, three cruisers and about a million cans. I found out that I'm allergic to pickles. Last night within three minutes my eyes swelled so much that I couldn't see. No more pickles!
Just received some good news. The Marines have taken the airfield on Saipan. From what I can gather, we're out here to meet the Jap task force which is on its way. Should be a battle royal. We just fueled off a tanker. It had been hit a few days before which left many men wounded.
Steaming along with our division. We're still escorting the empty transports about thirty miles from Saipan. News has come that within a few days the entire Jap fleet will steam into the Marianas. It's up to the 5th fleet (ships now in this area) to knock it out once and for all. I believe we're outnumbered, but we can still knock hell out of them. It will be the largest sea battle fought in history and will decide the outcome of the war in the Pacific. I'm quite sure we have more wagons and carriers but about cruisers, I couldn't say.
An armada of Jap planes raided Saipan last night. Three hundred of their planes were destroyed-- great news. The men are all rested now. The chow is terrible, but that is to be expected, as the ship has not received stores for quite some time. Time to go on watch. Jack and I have the 2000-2400.
A little excitement today for a change. While on the Sound Stack this morning, I heard the damndest noise. It sounded like fish noises, echo ranging, a receiver being tuned all at once. The Captain couldn't explain it either. It turned out to be a Jap submarine using his transmitter with F.F.G. to foul us up. The U.S.S .Newcomb, 3000 yards off our starboard beam, picked it up and made about five runs on it. (They were a different frequency than us.) Wreckage, fuel oil and military papers came to the surface. They got it for sure.
Orders just came over the TBS for us and our division to return to Saipan on the double. We're flank speed now, wonder what's up?
Saipan is again in sight. We just secured from an air attack. The Japs didn't even bother with our ship but concentrated on the island. It's evening now. It seems odd to know that with everything so calm just three miles from that island, men are fighting for their lives. War is sure hell.
We're still laying outside of Saipan, but just now some wonderful scuttlebutt is running from here to hell. It seems that we are going to take some transports back to Eniwetok, Marshalls. I only hope it's true because God only knows we can use the rest.
We're underway now and by gosh, we are going to the Marshalls. We're really making knots now, the transports are "empty." I can hardly eat the chow now, It's the worst we've ever had. I'm sitting on my rack now. One of the mess cooks just broke open a can of sliced pineapple he "acquired." The old sun is really beating down now. Oh, for the Frisco weather! The clocks were set ahead a half hour this evening. Jack and I stood only three hours. That and having the four to eight watch for three days-straight has really been swell for the second section.
The Robinson is still steaming towards the Marshall Islands. At Saipan, we were but nine hundred miles from Japan---too damn close. We just passed Truk. We should hit Eniwetok tomorrow morning. This will mean swimming, fishing, just plain loafing and most of all mail. I should have quite a bunch by now, a little over two weeks, I believe.
Chow is getting worse every day. When we hit Eniwetok, we will take on stores. We hit port Monday instead of Sunday. Time to go on watch. Just heard over the radio about more strikes in the States. That really pisses me off.
Just got off watch, 4-8. Today is "Rope Yarn Sunday." Nothing to do but stand our watch and flake off. I wrote two letters today. Mail will leave ship tomorrow. We had a "skunk" and "bugey" alert last night. Nothing came of it, though.
We're really making the knots now. It makes the weather appear to seem cooler. I'm breaking out with some heat sores now, enough to drive a guy nuts. I've made some damn good arrangements. From now on I sleep on the Flying Bridge in a hammock, really the nuts.
Just heard from my good friend, Tokyo Rose, shouting her mouth off. She's having a hell of a time explaining the Japs getting their asses kicked clear on back to the China Sea. They sure left the Nips on Saipan and Tinian in a heck of a fix. They can't even retreat. I feel so-so sorry for them. Here's hoping they won't give up. Then we can butcher them down to the last man.
The Robinson hit the Eniwetok-Marshalls at 0730 this morning. We took on stores and had a fairly good chow for a change. The dope now is that as soon as we take on ammunition we will steam towards Guam. Should be a good blowout. Hope it's not another Saipan!
I'm really seeing this South Pacific. Wonder how many more islands the Robinson will visit? We're tied up along a tender, the U.S.S. Markap. Went aboard and bought ice cream, cigars, coca colas and candy. What a treat.
The 1st section had a recreation party on the island. 2nd Section's chance tomorrow. Jack Azevedo, Elmer Diette, Ralph Moore and I will really raise hell together.
Note: This log is rather screwed up on the dates. We either gain or lose a day every time we turn around.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Time is 1500. Just came back from a recreation party. At 0830, the 2nd section piled into a landing barge and went over to Eniwetok. We anchored to the beach about 50 yards and swam in. The island is about three miles around and covered with palm trees. Really beautiful with white sand and crystal clear water. We spent the whole day swimming, eating coconuts and drinking ice-cold beer. (Placed aboard ship for such an occasion.) I've never had so much fun in my life. When the boat took the men back at 1230, they left Jack and I with four other men on the beach. We were in the middle of the island eating coconuts. Jack, Hardy and I hitched a ride on a boat load of Marines which brought us right back to the ship. They sent the whale boat over for the rest of them. The ship put us down as AWOL. Hope I don't get busted. I brought back some shells, a coconut and a damn good sunburn.
Boy, have I got a sunburn, most of all on my feet. I ache from head to toe. Most all of the men aboard got burned. They're crawling and screaming to beat hell--that sun is really hot. Now I don't know if it was worth it or not. Oh, well.
No ammunition as yet. Good. The longer it's delayed, the longer we stay here. Chow is quite a bit better now, even have fresh fruit now. I hear we have another mail call today. Nothing like mail-- it just came in!
At quarters, the Captain gave s superb speech. He was telling us how we've been broken in and are now set for the bigger stuff. My, gosh, this next scrap must really be big. The Skipper congratulates us on the fine work we've done up to now. Ammunition comes aboard tomorrow morning; ought to be leaving soon.
Just secured from taking on ammunition We've now got more than we have room for. It looks like we may be needing it. Men aboard ship worked twice as hard today. A large majority of them either have a sunburn or are sick from green coconuts. It looks like in an hour we will have a swim call. I'm going in-- sunburn or no sunburn. I heard some good news just now. The Robinson is the second best firing ship in the Pacific and that covers a hell of a lot of ships. Not bad, not bad at tall. The mail is coming in quite regular now. Sure is a treat.
There sure are a bunch of ships here in the Marshalls. Cans, wagons, carriers, aux. flat-tops, tenders, etc. Sure as hell, we're going to Guam. Everybody's yelling "Guam bound." What a scrap this is going to be. I'm just waiting for the day that we can shell Japan.
Swim call is about to be sounded so will secure this.
Still laying off Eniwetok, Marshalls. Had a swim call today and tested out my rubber life jacket, works fine. I see by the dope sheet today that Jack and I are on report. Doesn't look so good. Oh, well, nothing can be told until we have "Captain's Mast." It's quite well known that we're going to Guam. Should be leaving in a few days. We've been having movies every night. Some darn good ones, too.
2300: Just secured from general quarters. Enemy aircraft was in our area. Nothing happened.
U.S.S. Robinson(DD 562)
DD 562/KO/P 13-1/M :rd
1 July, 1944
EXECUTIVE OFFICER'S MEMORANDUM TO THE CREW:
Subject: Captain's Mast.
The Commanding Officer held mast at 1000 this date and awarded punishment for the following offenses as follows:
NAME RATE OFFENSE PUNISHMENT FIELDS, R.M. S2c Violation of censorship
879 08 60 Regulations Warned
AZEVEDO, J.L. SoM3c AOL a period of 3 hrs.
378 48 02 and 15 minutes 6-27-44 Deck Court
HEINECKE, J.C. SoM3c AOL a period of 3 hrs.
885 93 45 and 15 minutes 6-27-44 Deck Court
HARDY, R.W. S1c AOL a period of 3 hrs.
626 65 52 and 15 minutes 6-27-44 Deck Court
COTTINGHAM, J.P. TM3c AOL a period of 3 hrs.
846 26 91 and 15 minutes 6-27-44 Deck Court
ARCHIBALD, R.C. CM3c AOL a period of 6 hrs.
877 85 59 and 45 minutes 6-27-44 Deck Court
CHERRINGTON, R.W. TM 2c AOL a period of 6 hrs.
329 10 66 and 45 minutes 6-27-44 Deck Court
RINEHART, A.D. Ck1c Failure to carry out Reduction to the
346 61 12 orders next inferior rating
WHALEN, JOHN C. CM3c (1) Refusing to relieve
300 54 75 the watch. Deck Court
(2) Disrespectful language
to a superior officer.
Copy to: M. HARVEY
OOD Lieutenant Commander, USN.
Crew’s BBs Executive Officer
Disb. Off.
Just finished having Captain's Mast. Jack Azevedo and I were awarded a deck court which most likely means we get busted. S1/c again. Ain't that a hell of a note. It also means about twelve dollars less a month. Nuts!
The word was just passed to make all preparations for going to sea. We get underway in about an hour -- Guam bound no doubt. Jack and I have the 12-4. Just our luck.
We just fueled from a tanker and are now underway. Chow down.
Steaming along very slow (11 knots.) We're taking six transports some place, most likely Saipan and then on to Guam. Quarter-master White said this morning that he overheard the executive officer (Lt. Commander Harvey) say that he was going to see to it that all AOL's from Eniwetok get busted. That doesn't sound so good. I still cannot understand a deck court for three hours over-leave, really rugged. Maybe it's because we were in the war zone. If things go smooth and we don't ball ourselves up we may make our rate back in three months, if we're lucky.
I hear from the third section that the sound gear is on the blink. Lydiatt is in the lower sound room now, fixing it. Gosh darn it. S1c; that still gripes me. I'll still be a soundman except that I won't be packing a rate.
TOKYO ON THE AIR. According to "Tokyo Rose," we're really doing awful. I guess it is pretty bad when we lose more carriers than we've ever owned. They still have good music so they can blab from here to hell for all I care. Lights out.
Just returned from Captain's Inspection. Passed O.K. I guess we will receive mail as soon as we hit Saipan. We have a post office on the island now. The nights are getting warmer now. Am sleeping on the forecastle in a hammock now. Much cooler than those hot compartments.
Jack and I just went before the executive officer and pleaded guilty to the charges against us. I'm afraid we will soon be known as Seamen 1/c. Mr. True (Sound office) said that he would see to it that we got our rates back as soon as possible. Three months will be the shortest. Not too bad at that.
Well, I'll be damned. We went up to the bridge to get read off and instead of getting busted, they fined us fifteen dollars. What a relief! Seeing that this is the Fourth, we really had an excellent chow for a change-- really swell.
We're still steaming towards Saipan. Slow but sure. That's us with these damn transports. I wonder if we will shell Saipan or Tinian before moving on to Guam. Hope not.
I can't understand why it's so darn hot. We're in a steady sweat day and night (even the nights are unbearable). The watches are dogged tonight. Jack and I have the 8-12, a hell of a lot better than the mid.
Still can't get over how that deck court came out. Still Soundman third -- yeah, man. Time to go on that god damn watch-- PING Crazy, that's me.
JULY 5, 1944: Thirty-seventh Day Out
I'm getting SoM on the logs now with great relief. What a close shave.
We should be in Saipan about Friday. Wonder how long it will be before we get that damn island. There hasn't even been any troop landings in Tinian as yet. Guam shouldn't take too long, I HOPE.
My old friend Tokyo Rose is having a hell of a time trying to broadcast. Things are so hot for them that she is rather stumped as to what scuttlebutt she can hand out. I believe this war should be over in about a year. Certainly hope so.
Chow for some reason or other is really getting better. Eating like humans now.
(At Saipan and Tinian, Marianas) Last night we came in sight of Saipan, Marianas. Sleeping topside, I could see the star shells being fired by bombarding cans, wagons and carriers. This morning I looked again at the old island. The same as when we left, except there's no more town and blown up quite a bit more. Saipan is just about ours-- next comes Tinian. We have not fired as yet, maybe tonight.
Here we are about two miles from as fierce action as can be found in the South Pacific and we're not even at general quarters. Crazy war.
1400. Just secured from GQ. One of our airplanes sighted a sub just off the island and about seven cans were ordered out to get it, us included. There were too many ship wakes for my money -- like looking for a needle in a haystack. Saipan is a huge sub base and we believe they will try a break tonight. (15,000 Japs on the tip of the island with no way of retreating.) Today we went within 500 yards of the beach-- one shell missed our bow by 25 yards. We may fire tonight. Surfaced subs, troops on the beach, shore installations or escaping barges.
We had GQ from 1900 last night to 1600 today. The Japs have been pushed from the town and are crowded on the tip of Saipan. While at GQ this morning, we noticed some men on a coral reef about 150 yards off the island. We couldn't tell whether they were our boys or the Japs. They kept waving and signaling with their hands and informed us that they were some of our men and that they were trapped. The U.S.S. Bryant and our ship sent our whale boats over there to pick them up-- with the Japs on the beach but 150 yards away, it was no easy job. We brought about 1500 aboard our ship. Several were wounded from shrapnel-- one poor devil had a slug in the groin and one through his arm. I just finished talking with a couple of them. It seems that the Japs pushed them down to the beach where they ran out of ammunition. Rather than be taken prisoner, they stripped themselves and started swimming for this reef where they signaled for help. These Army boys really looked scared, no wonder. They've really been through hell and back: The beach is dotted with wounded which we can't get at -- what a hell of a way to die. One of the men said that on the island the smell of death is unbearable. An LCI is pulling alongside to take the survivors. They have been dressed, fed and rested. I sure don't envy these boys.
We're doing patrol duty now, from one end of Saipan to the other. The Japs are doing very poor now. I believe their ammunition is running low. They lay up in the hills drinking Saki by day and at night come yelling and screaming down on our men. (A large per cent of them don't even have guns-- just knives.) They know they're licked and have no way of retreat. The enemy has been hearing shells dropping on them for the past month, should be getting tired of it by now.
On that LCI which pulled alongside yesterday, I saw that they had a Jap officer prisoner. He spoke perfect English and was shooting the breeze with the soldiers on board. He probably went to school in the States, wouldn't doubt it a bit.
I can't figure what the hell's the matter-- no G.Q for damn near two days. We just keep steaming back and forth. The Captain (Commander Granthem) gave a speech today. He told us the resistance of Saipan is about over and that the enemy has been damn near wiped out.
Saipan was one of Japan's strongest forts in the South Pacific-- the toughest we've come against as yet. The Nips have had this island for about forty years and when we raided it, they had between sixty and ninety thousand men on her.
Our losses have been close to fifteen thousand men, too damn many. The Japs have women snipers on the island and from what I hear, they're all right with a "Browning automatic."
The U.S.S. Grant sighted about 20 Japs swimming in the water. They picked up one and took care of the rest. (Depth charge, very effective.) The U.S.S. Ross picked up an unidentified body. A burial was given at sea after personal gear, had been removed.
Believe it or not, it's raining-- what a relief
The battle for Saipan is drawing toward an end. They threw a large counterattack which brought them to the town of Tanapac, but after close hand to hand combat, they were again cooped up in the northern tip of the island. They lost 1,500 men on that move. We've killed 10,600 Japs so far (half their garrison) and most likely thousands more as they try to drag their dead back with them. What with the land troops, heavy artillery and destroyers hammering constantly at the Nips, they're really screwed blue and tattooed. Enemy shore batteries at Tinian (3 miles south of Saipan) have been silenced by our ships. I imagine things should be well in hand in another week. One thing that does my heart good is knowing that not a single Jap will leave that island alive. It seems incredible that we could lose so many men on that damn island.
Sub contact by another ship last night -- lost it. A large amount of Japs were trapped on a coral reef last night and we couldn't get permission to fire on them. God damn the luck.
Two cans have come alongside to get some of our star shells.
We're now laying to on the southern end of Saipan -- for what reason I don't know. I wonder what's holding up our mail--- should have quite a stack by now. It's hard sleeping topside now. The smell of dead men on the beach is getting even worse. God, what a smell.
Time: 1500: Just came down from topside. I really saw a nice sight, about fifty "good" Japs. They were floating around in the water, deader than hell. All were pretty well bloated up. One Jap's legs were so swelled up that his pants were starting to rip. They must have been in the water for quite a while. It's funny that the fish didn't pick them apart, smart fish.
The "Slow Express" just came out. According to the people back in the States, Saipan has fallen to our forces. There is still fierce combat on the northern tip of the island. Most of the Japs are now fighting a different type of warfare-- snipping from trees and caves in the mountains and hills. Yesterday, a Jap girl came down a hill with two hand grenades in her hair, apparently giving herself up; she got five marines on that trick.
Last night, shore installations on Tinian were giving our ships moored on the southern tip of Saipan a bad time. Not silenced as yet. More damn bodies floating around-- not all of them are Japs.
Having our forces in Saipan has placed us within 1260 miles of Tokyo and only 1200 miles from the Philippinos. Japanese lost 58 ships on this one engagement-- not bad for our side. We lost 172 planes, 4 ships damaged and the total American casualties are still unknown, but were the highest of any Pacific campaign. The island is now being converted into one of our most advanced bases in the Pacific. I sure do hope we can get in on the Philippines campaign. Guess that won't come off for a while yet.
We just passed some more Jap corpses in the water. One fellow had a gold watch, two rings and a revolver on his body. One of the Boatswains threw a grappling hook over him but missed. Would have been a good haul.
We're steaming a figure eight course near the two islands. Wonder what we're waiting for. We're preparing to fuel right now.
We're in the transport area-- southern Saipan. The Navy is giving Tinian the works now. The Robinson will most likely throw some lead that way tonight.
While on watch about an hour ago, I saw a Jap body float about 15 yards off our beam. Rigor-mortis had not set in yet. He was on his back floating like driftwood. I noticed that his body was as white as snow but, no head!
Last night we berthed at Southern Saipan but were called out to fire star shells on the north tip of the island. We should send a newspaper over to the Japs to let them know that all organized resistance has ceased. As it is now, they're still raising hell. Newspapers sure can screw things up.
This morning, we came back to our berth and this morning the mail came aboard. Sure was swell to hear from home again. It seems to me that they would clear the area of all these bodies that are floating around, at least the Americans.
Sent a hundred dollars home today.
I was hoping we would stay berthed all day but here we are, doing figure eights by Saipan. While on watch this morning, I saw two Jap women and a baby (about a year or two old) float by plus, the usual amount of soldiers. There's one guy who always floats by (bloated Joe) right on schedule every day.
While on watch this evening, Aze and I had to secure the hatch, ports, and anything else that would help keep that god-awful smell from coming in. Wonder how in hell the fellows on the beach can possibly stand it. Aze and I threw a feast while on watch-- corn bread, Joe and cigars; what a life. According to the people back home, Tinian must be a hundred miles from Saipan; actually, it's but three miles. There is still fighting going on on the island. We lost more men on that island than any other, so far.
There's a sub snooping around 50 miles north of here.
We're still on patrol in these stinking waters. I wish we would get the hell out of here and move on to Guam or Rota-- anything for a change. Or if anything, just for some fresh air. Mail just came aboard. Not a damn one for me. Maybe next time.
We're supposed to take on stores either today or tomorrow. We were in the transport area for about an hour but we are now back on the beaten track again. I cannot figure why we're hanging around now that Saipan is practically in our hands.
Just had a false condition red.
What a relief. We're steaming about 25 miles west of Saipan. No stinking smell, no bodies, but just fresh air and clean, clear water. We have escort duty now, starboard bow of a formation of wagons, flat-tops and cruisers. This morning, we took on stores and fuel at the transport area. Chow isn't half bad now, you can almost eat it.
I broke the base to our jo pot today, must swipe one some place.
The weather has grown cooler now, must be winter. Looking at Saipan you can really see how the Japs were able to dig in so well. Rolling hills, huge cliffs, and wide beaches. It's really a beautiful island (what's left of it.)
Special sea detail was set early this morning while we pulled into the transport area. We fueled and are now on patrol just off the island again. I hear that mail comes aboard tomorrow. Sure hope so. According to Flege, we will be going back to Hawaii in a couple of months to pick up 77th inf. and bring them out here. It wouldn't be bad, but I doubt it very much. It sure seems longer than three months but that's how long we've been away from the States today. More like three years if you ask me. Note: This damn diary is starting to look more like a letter. Oh, well, nothing else to do.
We returned to the transport area this morning. The Captain and the division commander went ashore while we again went to patrol (radar and sound picket), a few miles off Saipan. We have just returned and the gig has left the ship to pick up the Captain and Commander. The mailman went, also.
The scuttlebutt is really flying now-- it seems that either Wednesday or Thursday, we will steam for Guam. Must be straight stuff because I noticed about 150 LST's come in today. It sure will be great to be on the move again. Guam shouldn't be as hard as Saipan was-- nothing could be. The 77th inf. Flege said we were going back to Hawaii to pick up, just pulled in today. There's some dope all shot to hell.
This damn area is crawling with flies: Three guesses at to what they have been feeding on. They're so fat they don't even jump when you swat them. No mail, damn it.
We were patrolling the coast of Tinian last night. Radar picked up a target and after GQ was sounded, it turned out to be some kind of barge. We're in the transport area now-- supposed to fuel and take ammunition aboard sometime today. I'm sure we will be leaving for Guam in a couple of days. Things are really amoving in this area. Jack and I were figuring it up yesterday; we're 6,000 miles from home, 1,200 miles from Japan. I was listening to a short wave broadcast from the States yesterday, really sounded swell. "Tokyo Rose" isn't saying much nowadays. She just talks about China.
Out on patrol again. This is getting tiresome. Mail was on the beach but we were unable to get it. It's come 6,000 miles and we're unable to receive it; really makes sense. We took on ammunition but no fuel.
Just secured from receiving fuel. If scuttlebutt proves to be correct, we should get underway tomorrow for Guam. It's been bombed several times by air. It's time for the troops to move in now. That means bombing of shore installations by the Fleet to cover the landings of our troops. We will most likely go in on the first wave as we did on Saipan. It's always been said that it's the Marines that make the first landing. Not in the Marianas; the Army hit the beach ahead of them. Out of the first three companies of solders that hit Saipan, only eighteen got back alive. I'll never forget watching that slaughter, a lot of young blood was spilled on that damn island. I was looking through the long-glass yesterday and on one section of the beach you could see white crosses dotted over hundreds of yards in this park-like area. They're still burning those 15,000 Japs over there. We have about 1,500 Jap civilians locked up on the island; wonder why we spared them? They say there will be snipers running loose on Saipan for the next six months-- plenty of places to hide.
The Robinson got underway at 0830. We're escorting nine LCD's to Guam. We should be there tomorrow morning. It's only 85 miles from Saipan but these Marine boats can only steam six knots. Whether we will engage the enemy or not will remain to be seen. At Saipan they just got the Post Office on the beach; there is 75 tons of mail there but only eight men to sort it so we didn't receive any. When we get back there should be quite a bunch for us. It's a little cooler out now and since we've left Saipan, we left all those damn flies with it. Az and I have the mid watch which isn't so hot seeing that GQ will start in the morning. Haven't been getting much sleep lately-- tired as hell.
We passed Rota during the night and pulled into Guam this morning. They are really shelling it now-- smoke is all over the island. From what I hear, we will return to Saipan this evening. It took us 24 hours to get here but only 8 to return. LCD's held us up. I cannot understand why we're going back. Must be because we're no longer attached to the 5th Amfib. force. I can see that Guam is just about three times as large as Saipan. Much larger mountains, also. Cocos Island is a very small piece of land on the tip of Guam.
The following took place on the morning of the 21st (time, 0300): I've really done it this time. Last night while on the mid watch, I dozed off for a moment. It was just my luck to have the Captain walk into the Sound Room at the time. Of course he placed me on report and assured me that in a short time, I would cease being SOM3/2. He was absolutely right, of course, and it was entirely my fault. My luck was about to run out, sooner or later
GQ was sounded at 0830 this morning and we commenced to shell Tinian, although this
island is but three miles west of the captured Saipan. There are supposed to be
about 6,000 enemy troops on it. We steamed back and forth firing tracers in the
caves and burning cane fields. If anything moved then the forties would open
up. We secured from GQ in the evening but was sounded again at 0100 the next
morning for about an hour. Then the regular condition took over the firing.
D-day for landing troops on Tinian, I hear, is the 24th. It's for sure and
certain that we will be in on that. The sugar refinery and town is pretty well
blown up; we finished that job last night by star shells. Mail came aboard
first thing in the morning-- what a relief!
( Ninety-ninth Day Out of States)
We're on patrol now, just off Tinian. The island is still taking a pounding-- both by sea and air (observation planes). I hope we don't fire today. Could use some sleep. (God knows I need it after the other day.)
Tomorrow troops will ashore on Tinian. From what I hear our ship will have a screening station-- not bad. The battleship Colorado and assisting destroyers will do the shelling.
Today is D-day for Tinian. Troops have been put ashore on both sides of the island. The Robinson was put on a screening--just off the beach. Three ships were hit today-- I was standing on the bridge watching the battleship Colorado shell shore installations when all of a sudden the Japs opened up and fired about fifteen 5 to 8 inch and a couple of 40's. (20 men killed; 30 or 40 wounded.) She was about 10,000 yards off the beach we fired on the day before; we were only a thousand yards out -- wonder why they let us alone.
The destroyer Norman Scott (same class as ours) got hers the same time as the wagon did. She received two hits. One back aft, knocking the steering gear out; the other hit the bridge (worst placed to get hit.) 20 men killed, including the captain; 30 men wounded. The Cruiser (heavy) Louisville was hit also. I didn't hear what her damage was but they buried her dead at sea about an hour ago. The other two ships took theirs over to Saipan.
While the island was under fire, I saw two of our planes get knocked down; one never did pull out of a dive while the other, when it caught fire, tried to get away from the island but had to bail out its crew. One man landed alive (for the Japs). This evening, shore guns on Saipan kept a steady pounding on Tinian. Most have kept the enemy busy. On the enemy island, there are 6,000 navy yard workmen and 14,000 troops.
0100: 7-25-44. I got a sound contact. We dropped a full pattern medium depth on the sound to the last run. Target was doubtful.
0100: I got a sound contact. We dropped a full pattern medium depth on the sound to the last run. Target was doubtful. We never did find out if that was a sub or not-- never will know. We came into the transport area this noon. The Colorado was tied up right off our beam. You can see where most of her hits were -- just above her water line. She was burnt pretty bad, mostly around the bow.
We're out on patrol again-- figure eights in front of Tinian. Our troops, from what I hear, are having a hell of a time; sounds just like another Saipan. Tinian has been one of Japan's advanced Naval bases up to now. We can sure put it to good use.
1800: GQ for shore bombardment.
1230-- Just secured from GQ, eighteen and a half hours straight, keeping up a steady fire all the time. I guess I got all of three hours of sleep. The Japs really got hell from the heavy guns on Saipan. What with the latter and the steady pounding from the naval guns, we really threw a 4th of July for the Nips. I think those navy fliers are completely mad. They fly about 200 feet from the ground and practically beg the Japs to knock them down, which they often do. I have not heard from the scuttlebutt chain how the army is doing on the island yet. Sure hope it's not another slaughter. We're in the transport area now. Time to get some sack time in. Sound Stack is secured.
We got underway at 0745 this morning and we're now on patrol between Auguijan and Tinian Islands. I sure did enjoy a full night's sleep without getting up for a watch. Had Captain's mast this noon. The old man said he would have to break me but couldn't do it at mast so he gave me a deck court which comes later. I can't understand it; nothing ever happened to me when I was on the beach but as soon as I go to sea-- boom!
It certainly is cool out. It's a bit cloudy, even a few minutes rain once in a while. They're still knocking hell out of Tinian.
DD 562/P13-1 U.S.S. Robinson (DD 562) (Flagship)
Destroyer Division One Hundred Twelve
United States Pacific Fleet fgd:
27 July, 1944
EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S MEMORANDUM TO THE CREW:
Subject: Captain’s Mast.
1. Captain’s Mast in the cases of the below named men for the offenses indicated was held this date.
Name Rate Offense Punishment
HEINECKE, J.C. SoM/C Asleep on watch in soundroom at Deck Court
885 93 45 1245, 7-21-44
WASHINGTON, C. StM2/C Leaving watch station in ward- Deck Court
722 00 97 room without being properly
relieved. (0400, 26 July, 1944)
cc: C.O.D. M. HARVEY
C.M.A.A. Lt. Comdr., U.S. Navy
Executive Officer
(Patrol off Tinian.) We're still on this damn patrol off Tinian, same position and area that those three ships got smacked. They haven't put out those positions yet-- expect to be blown to hell any minute. Guess we were put here to draw them out and see just where they're hidden. We were in the transport area for about a half hour to fuel but we're back to the grind again. Still no mail. According to these guys around my rack, we should be in the States this time next year. I sure hope so but doubt it.
Time: 1800. The Japs are getting fresh. A large splash landed about 1000 yards off our stdbd. beam. It came from Tinian-- about an eight incher. We've now got about a third of the islands with fairly small casualties. Tinian is the largest and most advanced base in the Pacific-- ideal for land based raids on Japan proper.
GQ was sounded at 0730 this morning and we commenced to shell Tinian. We now have one half of the islands which isn't bad, although we've met heavier resistance than was planned. The Japs took pot shots at us
--- a couple fifty yards off our bow and some off our beam. This ship must really be lucky; we've had so damn many close shaves. We made some good hits today-- installations, dumps and oil tanks. Not bad for a day's work.
I really got a start today. I was looking over the bridge at the island when I saw a periscope. I yelled out "Submarine off the starboard beam." Much to my embarrassment, it turned out to be a paravane towed by a mine-sweeper. (This small ship blew up a mine this afternoon.) GQ was secured at 1600. Scuttlebutt says we're taking an evacuation ship somewhere-- most likely Eniwetok or Guam. Who knows? I don't know whether I've said this before or not, but we're the second best firing ship in the Pacific. Not bad for a new ship.
(Patrol west of Tinian.) I had my damn "deck" today. Ahem, Seaman Heinecke, that's me. I believe I can go up in three months which won't be so bad after all.
We steamed into the transport area for about two hours but the guys at the post office said our mail has been forwarded to our next destination. Seeing that this evacuation ship is out, God knows where we're being sent now. Some scuttlebutt was going around that we were returning to Pearl Harbor pretty soon, but it doesn't seem probable. That's my idea, anyhow. Sure as hell I'd like some mail. Most likely it will take weeks before we get it. Oh, this God damned war!
Still on this blasted patrol duty.
We're doing our usual figure eight off Tinian. I'm still sore about that mail situation. They haul the damn stuff 6,000 miles and then ball it up when they get it out here. If we are moving on, I sure wish we would get started; getting restless.
Our ventilation system blew out yesterday-- no air in the compartments at all. I never knew a place could get so blasted hot! They say it will take at least three months to get them fixed. The motors are burned out and have to be rewound.
We've really hit the jack pot this time. We are no longer in the 5th Amphib. force but are instead the "Third Attack Fleet" under Admiral Halsey, who is known as a fighting son of a - - - -. We're now underway, heading for Eniwetok, Marshalls, where we will tie alongside a tender for three days-- then we head south across the New Hebrides where we will meet the 3rd Fleet. Then most likely through the Coral Sea and up towards the Western Central Pacific. This should be some cruise. It looks like I'll become a shellback after all. Can't say I'm looking forward to crossing the line, though.
We're still steaming towards the Marshalls-- should be there the day after tomorrow. We're really going to see action now. Guess most of which will be sea battles. At Saipan, they said our mail was forwarded which means quite a batch at Eniwetok for us. I'm afraid it will be some time until we can either write or receive any mail as soon as we leave the Marshalls. I'm going to cut these entries down-- can't stay in these compartments over ten minutes with this cooling system out.
We are getting sick on account of this heat and lack of ventilation. Have a slight belly ache myself. We should hit port tomorrow, sure hope we can receive repairs when we get there. Weather is getting hotter. In fact, it’s so God damn hot now I’m going to close this for now and go topside.
We steamed into the Marshalls at 0730 this morning where we took on 1,000 rounds of ammunition. We only stayed about four hours, then we headed south. We received no mail as it hit Saipan just as we hit Eniwetok-- just our luck.
Today they announced that all loyal and trusted shell backs lay below to the mess hall -- mmm -- It don't look so good for us pollywogs. We cross the equator the day after tomorrow -- boy, are we going to get a going over. Our ventilation system is still out of order. We're in a continuous sweat, day and night.
Those shell backs have started in already. I'm now bald headed with a few tufts of hair sticking out here and there. And, just to top it off, to add that debonair look, what hair there is left is dyed stark, raving red. Plus a nice red "P" on my forehead (pollywog). It's only 0745 now, lord knows what else will happen. The officers are either serving chow or singing songs in the mess hail. Some of the officers are even shining shoes for the shells. Some of the "P's" are even minus their eyebrows-- more damn fun! Nuts!
1130: Ah, der day has come. We rebelled against the shells up on the focs'l. What a slaughter. We turned the hoses on 'em and painted their hair and faces red. The most I suffered was a bump on the head and a welted rear elevation. The Radar officer was put on the bow with a bed spring. He had to keep going around and around yelling our contacts (hand-cuffed to the spring). The doctor had a swabbing job up forward while calling "mine sweeper."
I had to scrub the deck with a tooth brush while a fire hose was full in my face. Oh, am I sore. Tomorrow is the day we really get it! We passed the small island of Kusaie. I believe it is bare of troops.
I'm now a shellback, but after what I went through I don't know whether it was worth it or not. They lined us all up in a row and wetted us down with a saltwater hose. Then up a ladder to receive ten swats with a canvas club (wet). We were then put before the judge for our hearing (more swats). We, of course, pleaded guilty to being pollywogs so we all had to kiss the baby's belly which had grease on it (a fat snipe). When you put your head down, he pushed it in your face. Then I sang a song for the king and received a pill (bitter) from the doc. After this came paint, grease, and graphite in my hair (what’s left), face, mouth, eyes and chest. Then we ran the length of the ship, getting swats all the way. Last, but not least, we crawled through a 20 foot canvas bag full of grease and our own hair receiving pelts all the way. What a mess and am I sore. Shell back-- great stuff. My - - - is as red as a beet!
Thank gosh, we're across the Equator, after four showers, the paint has at least come off. The barber trimmed my hair down even (skin head). We should hit Guadalcanal in a few days. Then on to the New Hebrides to get rid of this evacuation ship which has been astern of us ever since we left the Marshalls or rather, Saipan. Now that we're in the Southern Hemisphere, you can really notice the change. It's hotter than hell, frequent rains, and the ocean at times is like glass. Sunsets out here are really beautiful and the moon at night is huge.
Boy, were my calculations off the beam. We're already passed the Solomon Islands, New Hebrides, and are nearing our destination. Noumea, New Caledonia. We're supposed to tie up alongside a tender from seven to ten days and maybe even a liberty in Noumea which is a very small French town with French people and natives. With my smattering of French, maybe I'll even make out-- with the local quail, of course.
I take back all I said about the South Pacific being calm. It's winter down here now and it's rougher than hell. Even worse than Seattle. Ever since last night we have been bouncing around like a cork. It's been raining most of the time and the waves are going over our bow and getting the bridge. It's hard as hell to stand a watch on the gear.
This is the roughest weather this ship has ever seen. We're rolling and pitching about like mad. We're supposed to hit Noumea tomorrow night. I sure do hope we can get a liberty out of the deal. If we can tie up alongside a tender, I'm really going to stock up on candy, cigars and clothes. I just got off watch and I thought I had a sub for awhile but it must have been a school of fish as the echo was gone after a few transmissions were put on it. With the ocean so rough there isn't much you can do besides sleep, so …
Noumea, New Caledonia. We streamed into Noumea at 1300 this afternoon. It sure is beautiful here among the New Caledonia area. The houses and churches are all of French design-- something new. The third section has already gone ashore (undress blues or whites.) We're on an island so in order to go to town we have to take a barge. The liberty part was instructed that any man who was arrested for being drunk would be put in irons. Don't buy whiskey from the natives and leave the local quail alone. From what I hear, there isn't a hell of a lot you can do so I guess I'll have to get polluted on beer. I don't rate liberty until the day after tomorrow. We were supposed to tie up alongside a tender but I don't even see one in this area. I sure do need some gear and I don't believe you can buy anything ashore.
I wonder if those nine bags of mail will catch up with us. The mailman just this minute came back aboard. No damn mail! That sure makes me sore.
I went ashore early this morning to the other side of Noumea to the hospital. They straightened out my glasses in a few minutes, so instead of coming right back to the ship, I broke liberty. Christ, what a stinking burg. All the people speak French or very broken English. Most of the people on the island are natives. The men are way over six feet tall with hair about a foot long (straight up). If they are single, they dye it red and if married they leave it black. What a sight to see those damn nugs running around with that red hair. Couldn't make out so hot with local quail. They talk too fast for my limited French. Maybe next time!
The Robinson is well known in this country now. All liberty parties have come back stinking drunk on this native wine-- three shots and you're out. Tastes awful. The first section beat hell out of the S.P.'s and got tossed in the brig. They're coming back now.
It looks like there may not be any liberty tomorrow because this ship damn near tore the town apart. We're the only American warship in this area at the present. Ashore, you see plenty of French sailors, New Zealand soldiers, Australian soldiers (white and black), navy Waves and WAACS and God knows what else. The town is the same as it was 500 years ago. Same forts, buildings and houses. The churches are modern and really beautiful.
They say this native brew will kill you if you drink enough of it and I don't doubt it a damn bit. As soon as you get a couple of shots in you, you want to lick the world. After two drinks of that stuff, I'll quit for the day.
U.S.S. Robinson (DD562) Flagship
Destroyer Division One Hundred Twelve
United States Pacific Fleet
9 August, 1944
From: Executive Officer
To: OOD
no field shoes. This also applies to the OOD
poisoned whiskey. Call pharmacist's mates or doctor if necessary.
M. HARVEY
Lieutenant Commander, USN
Executive Officer
(0715.) Just got off watch (security patrol). What a banged up crew this is-- black eyes, cut heads, hangovers and sick men. I'm going over to the beach this morning and see the sawbones about my eyes again. Seeing that I rate liberty at 1300, I'll go right to town after my business. Hope I come back sober. (1900.) Swell time!
Mail came aboard this morning 12 letters. Today, Azeveco, Deitte, Flege, Allen and I went all around this small island we're tied up to. It sure was good to walk around in the country. We went up a hill to a small French farm house and bought a a damn nice dinner; fresh meat, potatoes, eggs, lettuce and lemon juice from these two French girls. Sure was good. In our tour, we could see all these French and Javanese houses and forts now crumbling from age, old grave yards and temples-- even some of those old walls with niches in them where they used to fire from. I exchanged some money and got some French Noumea notes. I'd like to send them home but no can do. I believe we will be here for six more days, then up to Espiritu Santos in the New Hebrides. From there, I guess it will either be New Guinea or the Philippines-- should be interesting, no doubt.
U.S.S. Robinson (DD 562) (Flagship)
Destroyer Division One Hundred Twelve
United States Pacific Fleet
9 August, 1944
Executive Officer's Memorandum to the Crew
M. HARVEY
Lieutenant Commander, USN
Executive Officer
It’s a swell sunny day out. Can even hear the birds singing on the island. About noon, Diette and I are going on the island hiking again. There’s an old fort on top of a hill that we’re hoping to see. Hiked all over the island and saw damn near the whole place. Bob Hope was in Noumea on one of his overseas programs. Seeing that I’m in the second section, I got gypped out of it. Aze and I are going to the section base now to see a movie.
It’s very undependable weather over here. Rains one minute and hot the next. I have to go to the hospital again today. I rate liberty so I can go to town right after. I’m supposed to meet Aze at the Chicago bar between two and three.
Oh, what a hangover. I was ashore last night and drank those native’s pink lady’s and straight run – lousy stuff! Boy, did I get polluted.
The repair base here is working with the crew on the ship. New paint job, engines for the ventilation system, things should be ship-shape in no time. At the repair base is a swell Ship’s Service. Good chance to stock up on candy and cigars.
Went ashore and got my new glasses this morning.
This whole ship is being painted, really looks sharp. Fifteen new seamen reported aboard this morning. Some of our boys have been transferred – one for “war jitters.”
What little French I've had has really come in handy over in Noumea. It's about the only language spoken on the island. There are quite a few army boys stationed here in New Caledonia. Some of them have been here over two years-- what lousy duty.
Mail call – 1 from Dad.
We're still holding field day on the ship. Just finished some painting. Liberty starts at 1300 and seeing that this is (or may be) the last liberty, I'm going to get stinko.
8/18/44: Aze, Flege, Arch and I went ashore together yesterday. We had one hell of a swell time. Maybe I shouldn't have mixed rum, gin and wine together, but what the hell. We met some New Zealanders yesterday, swell guys. They haven't seen any action yet and were all ears to hear about the Marshalls, Marianas, etc. When we told them we were most likely headed for the Philippines, they wished us luck with tears in their eyes-- funny guys. My buddys in the compartment got me in my sack all right--- thus the late entry.
Mail-call-- 2 from Mom, 1 from Mrs. McCarthy and 1 from Gloria.
Painted part of the Sound shack this morning, then wrote a few letters home. The ole Robinson really looks swell now-- when we steamed in it was rusty, salty ship. Now it's got a complete paint job, guns all worked over, engines all ship-shape. It looks like a brand new ship now.
I believe we've got steaming orders coming up soon-- Maybe by Monday. Sure hope so as I'm getting tired of this damn place. It's funny how a guy can get restless even when in port. Saw a movie at the Repair Base tonight. Not a bad picture.
We're still laying in port -- looks like we may stay here a bit longer. A repair (French) crane ship pulled along side this morning and returned our radar screen. The sound gear has been worked over and is in A-1 shape.
Flege, Winnie and I bought a case of beer from the Repair Base this evening and the three of us went on a binge up in the hills. No mail today.
Aze and I are going swimming this afternoon over on the other side of the island. This being in port isn't so bad in ways but it will feel good to get steaming again. I went fishing this morning off the fantail. Not a damn thing.
Azevedo went to Noumea, so Gabo, Hoppie and I went over to the other side of the island for a hike. We went swimming for about 15 minutes (too many sharks). We ate dinner at a French farm, then came back to the Repair Base and saw a move-- a very enjoyable day. No mail!!!
Those gals on the farm cannot speak English so hot; we've taught them to swear wonderfully in good ole American!
We got underway at noon today. We're still in sight of the island. A tanker is alongside giving us fuel. I guess we will anchor out here tonight.
We're laying outside the island and get underway at 1100 tomorrow. Nothing much doing today. We had a movie on the focsal today, darn good picture.
We've left Noumea, New Caledonia, and are now steaming towards Espiritu Santos, New Hebrides. For what reason, I do not know. We passed between two islands awhile ago but is all open sea now. It sure feels great to be steaming along once again. Hope we steam west in a few days.
The sea is a bit rough out and the weather cool. We sleep with a blanket now. It wasn't many days ago that we were sweating fools.
Test fired No. 1 & 2 guns. OK.
It seems a shame to have been so close to Australia and New Zealand without a liberty there. Maybe later. Axe and I have got the mid-watch. Hell!
We just steamed into the New Hebrides right on schedule. From what I can see of the islands, I believe it's quite a bit better than New Caledonia-- greener and cooler. It's too bad we won't be here any longer than a day. Kind of like to go ashore and take a look around.
All men in the second section of the T-division are going ashore on a working party. Most likely for stores. At least we will be able to see what the beach is like. I hear they sell beer over there. Hmmmm.
Just returned from the island-- no beer. We rode all over in a truck with very little work. There sure are a lot of palm trees on the island. Wouldn't mind some beach duty here for a month. No more, though. Out in the harbor with us is three carriers, a battle wagon, a couple of tin cans, S.C.'s and a French destroyer.
All hands on deck on 0200 this morning to take on ammunition. Sure was a hell of a time to get up but it's all aboard now. There are three battle wagons in the harbor now -- New Mexico, Idaho and the Tennessee. About six more Fletcher class destroyers are also with us. Looks like something is brewing.
Packages came aboard but no mail. 1235: We're underway now. Three carriers and about six destroyers are going with us.
We're steaming to some bay in the Solomons. I believe it's in or near Guadalcanal. It looks like the Skipper is out to see the world by the way we're moving around. I'm afraid the next few months will be fairly heavy. After we leave Guadalcanal, no one will know where we will be going. My idea (ahem) is that we will steam down past New Guinea and into the Indian Ocean around Timor, Java, Bali, Borneo and maybe even Singapore. Sure hope not. There we will lay in waiting until the day we will strike at the Philippines.
The further north we go, the hotter it gets. I've put my blanket away again. The weather is sultry, musty and uncomfortable. That's the main thing that gripes me out here.
We steamed into Purvis Bay, Solomons, at 0800 this morning. It sure is a beautiful place. The bay is surrounded by Guadalcanal, Savo and Tulagi islands. Purvis Bay is better known as Iron Bottom Bay or Massacre Bay because not long ago a huge battle took place here where a large amount of our ships were sunk. Damn near a hundred from what I hear.
Some natives came alongside today in a dugout. We traded and bought some junk from them. I got some cateye shells. (Those natives stink like hell!) The islands here are quite a bit different from what I’ve seen so far. The jungles are deeper and more colorful than the others. This bay is chuck full of ships – battle wagons, heavy and light cruisers, tin cans, transports, tenders, etc.
A recreation party of the first section went ashore on Florida Island (a beer party.) We have to be careful of mosquitoes around here – malaria is quite common in and around these islands.
The weather is quite warm now. In fact, it’s sticky heat. Movies are shown on the fantail instead of the crew’s mess compartment which is a great deal better. There sure is a powerful striking force assembled here – wonder what’s up?
Mail came aboard – three. I hear we get underway tomorrow some time. It’s a two day trip, I hear. Torpedoes and sleeve firing.
Second section had a recreation party ashore on Florida Island – between Tulagi and Guadalcanal. Happy, Hardy and I got our ration of beer and then headed for the jungle. We crawled, stumbled and hacked our way quite a distance into the jungle. It’s hard to describe a South Pacific Island jungle. It’s very beautiful with all shades of green, huge palm and other types of trees, large twisting vines hanging everywhere, colorful birds, lizards, poisonous snakes. The plant life consists of large ferns, all kinds of bushes, mostly poisonous. On top of the latter – it’s amazingly hot, sticky, noisy and the bugs feed on you. Well, we wandered down a large canyon and found a vine hanging from a tree almost eighty feet tall. We spent an hour swinging out on it, about forty feet from the ground -- more darn fun. There are known to be Jap snipers still on this island. No wonder-- a guy could hide ten feet from a person and still not be seen, even us with our light dungarees and white hats. We stayed in the jungle for about four hours and when we came out, we were all dirty, sweaty, sticky and smelly. Boy did that shower feel good. I'm really tired now. Should sleep swell.
We took on enough chow for 120 days. God, but we must be staying out for a long time. The Robinson gets underway tomorrow for gunnery practice maybe two days. Gosh, when I look at a map I can see where we sure are a hell of a distance from ole San Francisco. Mail: 2 and pen from Mother. Really a pip.
We got underway early this morning. We're out on maneuvers now with cruisers, carriers, wagons and tin cans. We haven't fired as yet, although we've been on our battle stations off and on all morning.
We're steaming back to port now. There sure were a large number of ships out with us today. From what I hear, they will be shoving off with us when we leave which is the sixth, I believe.
I believe were staying in port all day today. We're on thirty minute steaming notice, though.
Went over to the tender, U.S.S. Dixie, and bought four bottles of lighter fluid. I've been trying to get some of that since we left Pearl Harbor. Mail came aboard today -- three. Got the security patrol tonight. Movies on the fantail.
This morning Deitte, Flege, Azevedo and I went over to the tender for Attack teacher training. We sure needed the practice. We get underway tomorrow for a couple of days of torpedo runs. That means about 35 knots almost all day and night. Double feature tonight.
Distress signals about forty miles out at sea. Special sea detail has been set and we're about to go out.
We've secured the special sea detail. Seeing that our radar antenna is off, we will stay in port.
We got underway at 0900 this morning and are now operating about fifty miles north of Guadalcanal on torpedo runs. We're at flank speed most of the time in a zig-zag run. It certainly is rough.
GQ this morning land another tonight. Aze and I have been lucky by having it on our watch.
Still on maneuvers. There are light cruisers and destroyers with us. Had GQ--still on watch. It's so rough there really isn't much you can do except sleep.
We've finished all the runs and are now headed towards port. I wonder where our next engagement is. It's not the Philippines. We leave the sixth of this month and stay out for 120 days. Must be some of those small islands between New Guinea and the Philippines.
On this next campaign, 5 battleships, 4 cruisers and 7 destroyers are going with us--nice, fast and powerful force (four carriers).
Today is Labor Day. Now if I were home, it would mean a vacation.
Aze, Flege, Deitte, Moore and I went over to the tender Dixie for Attack teacher this morning. We stayed over and ate lunch aboard her. Turkey and everything that goes with it-- a hell of a lot better than if we had eaten aboard our ship.
It looks like we may be steaming out of here the day after tomorrow. It sure will feel good to be moving again. No mail.
Second section liberty party today. Azevedo, Hopkins and I are going over and get our two beers and then head for the jungles and play "Tarzan" on the vines. I'm going to have to take it easy today. I've got a boil right on my rear elevation and when I sit or hit it, it hurts like hell.
Just came back from the island. Aze, Hoppie, Skee and I went into the jungle and again found our vine. When you swing on this vine you leave the ground about 75 feet. Well, Skee went out and slipped. He went wailing through space, trying to catch hold of an overhanging vine, but only succeeded in breaking his fall a little. He missed a tree by feet and landed on dirt ledge. We felt sure we had a dead body on our hands but when we got to him, he had a few cuts, sore from head to toe and knocked out. That guy was really lucky. We told him that he beats Tarzan all to hell and will receive his wings in due time.
We get underway tomorrow. Here it comes!
We got underway at 0400 this morning. With us are five wagons, four carriers, four cruisers, eight cans and some attack transports. This is really it this time. We're steaming towards the Palau (Pelew) Islands., which are located between Yap and the Philippines --500 miles from the latter. D-Day is Sept. 15 and we're going in three days before! Which most likely means that on the morning of the 12th, we steam in like hell, fire like mad men and swim back.! I cannot understand why we're exposing ourselves between two enemy fires. Oh, well.
From what I hear, the main purpose for us coming out this way is to hunt down the Jap fleet. I don't like that at all!
We're still Palau bound. The two largest of the islands are Babelthuap and Koror. There are about 20 islands in the whole group.
Aze and I have the four to 8 which is a good deal for us. We're making about 18 knots so it's damn smooth sailing. Some more cans have joined us. There are a couple of ships added, but I couldn't make out what they were. It's hard to believe that in a matter of days our guns will be speaking again. It just seems like we're patrolling or something. I don't know what I mean.
We crossed the Equator early this morning (about 0300). We're now approximately 300 miles south of Truk, Caroline Islands, and still headed N.W.
Seeing that we hit Palau three days before D-Day, I guess we can expect a long GQ. I don't like the looks of things myself but who am I to say?
We had a surface contact this evening. GQ was sounded but the contact turned out to be four destroyers and four transports.
I'm afraid I underestimated the strength of the force that we are a part of: 5 battleships, 7 cruisers, 4 carriers, 12 destroyers and 4 attack transports. Straight dope! When we hit Palau, we will split into two units-- half to the west side and the other to the east (DD 562, east). We will head in single file and then fan out for a broadside sweeping back and forth. Then (if still afloat) division 112 (that's us) will go in and work with the underwater demolition crews to break a path for troops by blowing up the coral reefs. They say we will go in close enough to, and I quote Murphy, piss on the beach.
It's getting warmer every day now. The further north we go, the hotter it gets. We fueled underway from the battleship U.S.S. Idaho today. Those wagons certainly look big when they're along side a destroyer. From today's press, I see that Palau has been hit by our planes. After the Palau campaign, they say we will strike at Yap-- war, war, war. All loose gear is being removed from the deck-- prepare for battle.
PLAN OF THE DAY FOR MONDAY, 11 SEPTEMBER, 1944
0415 Call Police Petty Officers.
0420 All hands. Call all officers.
0440 General Quarters. (OOD, obtain advance notice from Captain.)
0540 (About) Secure from General Quarters.
0630 Breakfast for 1st section.
0655 Breakfast for 2nd section.
0720 Breakfast for 3rd section
0800 Muster on stations, make reports to the ship's office. Keep silence about the decks.
1130 Lunch for 2nd section.
1155 Lunch for 3rd section.
1220 Lunch for 1st section.
1700 Supper for 2nd section.
1725 Supper for 1st section.
1750 Supper for 3rd section.
2330 General Quarters for approach to Palau Islands.
Note: Anyone knowing any information as to the whereabouts of a Government issue Colt .45 caliber automatic pistol # 943438, see the Gunnery Officer immediately.
M. HARVEY
Lieutenant Commander, USN
Executive Officer
Today is a rest day for all hands. Guess we're supposed to store up sleep. We're going to hit Peleliu, Palau, the first thing in the morning; so seeing that GQ starts tonight, I had better get some sack time in.
Our division has pulled ahead of the attack force five miles in case of any resistance by enemy ships. The five PCD's (attack transports) we're escorting, carry the underwater demolition squads. These men are to clear an area of coral reefs so the Marines and Army can land.
(Peleliu, Palau Islands)
GQ was sounded at 2300 last night. Our division picket met no resistance whatsoever when we steamed within sight of the islands. At the crack of dawn, the battleships and cruisers opened fire with their 14 and 16 inch guns (12 thousand yards from the beach, out of our 5-inch range). We got a large oil slump so far-- can't see the damage so well from this distance. One shell fire from the island passed over our ship and landed about 100 yards abeam of us--bum shots.
Secured from GQ 0815 this morning but expected it again soon. Two tankers crashed into each other last night, slight damage. Two of the P.C.D.'s crashed just a few hours ago. One of them has sunk. All hands saved. GQ. will be sounded at 0930 so will secure this for now. Believe we're going to fire.
1730: Our division and a couple of cruisers went into screen and to draw fire from the demolition squads as they laid charges in the reefs of Peleliu. While the men went to their objective, we maintained a rapid fire over their heads up and down the beach with our fives and forties. The Japs are smart. They're not disclosing any of their positions yet. They always wait until the troops start landing.. We went in within 600 yards of the reef. I believe that the Japs, like at Tinian, could have hit us bad but they're holding back until D-Day. The men in the boats received some machine gun fire and we got some 3 inch shells abaft of us. I can see a Jap plane on the shore that had been knocked down earlier. We spotted another on a small field, apparently in good condition. We left it burning. It sure was interesting to watch our gunfire mow the palm trees down. I was
watching one large tree when we bowled it over. Who should come tumbling from the top
but a Jap spotter. Japanese gunfire got so heavy at one time that our boats had to retreat but
went right back after a few salvos from our guns.
Peleliu is quite a bit different from Saipan or Tinian which have hills and valleys. This island is more like Guadalcanal or Bougainvillea because of the land being so level, very thick jungle. Peleliu has about 4,000 troops while Ngemelis, about two miles from Peleliu, has 20,000.
GQ was sounded at 0530 this morning. We steamed in and commenced firing on Peleliu. Flege and I were really kept busy; we had to give ranges of the reef and the depth every 15 seconds. I was able to go out on the bridge every so often so I see everything. The Japs fired at a cruiser but shot over it and damn near hit us. Once while changing our position, about 15 shells followed our wake right around in a circle-- close. The island is under a constant fire from the Fleet. From the looks of things, I don't believe our troops will have such a bad time on D-day. Secured from GQ at 1130.
GQ was sounded at 1245 for shore bombardment again. The demolition crews went in again, this time to set the charges off. What a sight-- it threw water five hundred feet in the air. There are two paths now cut in the reef for the landing party. When the crews finished their work they came along side on their way back to their own ships to thank us for our fire support. I really take my hat off to those guys - they did a damn good job. The Skipper congratulated Flege and I on our good job on the gear and fathometer, a good day.
1500: The Japs just knocked down one of our planes-- the first one so far.
We just lost a ship, the U.S.S. Perry, which is an AM. It hit a mine just off the beach. Most of the men were saved. GQ was sounded at 0530. Secured at 0900. We're on a screening station now. We're covering a couple of cruisers and battleships.
GQ at 1245 for shore bombardment. The demolition crews again went ashore to put the finishing touches on the break. Everything is set for tomorrow.
Secured GQ at 1600. Back on our screening station.
U.S.S. ROBINSON (DD 562)
PLAN
OF THE DAY FOR FRIDAY 15 SEPTEMBER, 1944
0430 All hands
0500 Breakfast for 1st section
0525 Breakfast for 2nd section
0550 Breakfast for 3rd section
0730 General Quarters for shore bombardment
0800-0930 Shore Bombardment
0830 HOW HOUR
0945 (About) Secure from General Quarters
1100 Lunch for 2nd section
1125 Lunch for 3rd section
1150 Lunch for 1st section
1300 Turn to: Scrub down all weather decks
1600 Knock off work
1700 Supper for 2nd section
1725 Supper for 1st section
1750 Supper for 3rd section
2100 Lights out
M. HARVEY