July 23, 1942
At anchor in Nukualofa harbor with Task Force 18.5
A recreation party went ashore at 0900 and the remaining Marines engaged in exercises around the ship. The weather was overcast and miserable all morning. I tried to get stores and fresh fruit but very little was available. The army was loading the steamer Longfellow at the only dock here.
During the afternoon I went ashore with Dr. Bauward and Executive Officer Abernethy. After spending some time at the officers' club over a few beers, we went up to the county hospital where we saw some rare cases of tropical illness. I then went to look for a for a turtle shell and some tapa cloth and ran into an English colonel and his two aides, Captain Wide and a native captain of the Tonga Guard. After they'd had a few beers, some of the officers started to dance on the back porch with nurses stationed at the army post here. Colonel Arthur and his aide were up at the Club having a great time with the nurses.
The British colonel took us down to the boat at 1745 to catch the last boat out to the ships. All liberty ceases at 1800 hours and no one is allowed to remain ashore during the night. We were all aboard for dinner at 1800. After dinner I went to bed for a good night's sleep. The rest of the boys played poker and other games. Weitzal caught a few of the lads fooling around the deck as he walked around the ship to check things over.
We are awaiting orders to shove off to fight the Japanese wherever they might be.
July 24, 1942
Nukualofa Harbor, Tonga, together with Task Force 18.5, with Admiral Noyes in command.
We conducted landing exercises with the Marines, and practiced entering the boats. A long time has passed since the last landing exercise, and the crew was stale. The boats did not hit the water as they had when we carried out the landing practices in San Diego Bay. After we completed the boat landings, we sent the liberty boat to the beach with a load of men. They all had their time ashore and saw what there is to see and bought all they could lay their hands on - worthless articles as on all the islands. The boys from the ship bought out the stamps from Tonga Island. They also dragged back coconuts, bananas, papayas and anything else they could find.
Saturday, July 25, 1942
At anchor in Nukualofa harbor, Tonga Islands with Task Force 18.5.
We conducted inspection of the quarters. At 1000 the North Carolina, the cruisers Portland and San Juan, several destroyers, and the big aircraft carrier Enterprise arrived and anchored in the harbor. Just then we got orders to heave up and steam out. The Crescent City got away first and we followed with the Adams, Athena and Hayes behind bearing south. Once we cleared the reef, we hit weather, rain squalls and plenty of wind.
All the ships are steering on a 240o course. Orders are to head for the Fiji Islands, probably Suva, the only port there, to rehearse landings. Later on we are going to take Florida Island, now held by the Japanese. Word came over the loud speaker that we were going to Fiji Island to train the men further before continuing our voyage to wind up fighting the Japanese monkeys.
One marine remained behind on the beach (at Nukualofa). He had his appendix removed a few days ago. Then, after he had gone ashore, he kept missing the boat each time there was one at the dock.
We steamed in formation in open order with a destroyer leader and cruisers as guides. During the night the Enterprise and her escort caught up with us. Admiral Chadwick is in command of Task Force 18.5, the air squadron. Task Force 62.5 is commanded by Admiral Kelly Turner. His flagship is the heavy cruiser Portland. Admiral Scott is on board the cruiser San Juan.
Sunday, July 26, 1942.
En route from Nukualofa to the Fiji Islands.
During the night the task force caught up with us. The cruiser Portland, the Quincy, the San Juan and the Enterprise are with us now. At midnight we heard that a steamer was sunk just outside Noumea, New Caledonia, and that a strong task force had landed troops and material on the north side of New Guinea - four transports and destroyers along with a task force from the Solomon Islands supported by two destroyers and submarines. Four submarines are operating outside of Sydney and Newcastle.
Church services were held for both Protestants and Catholics on the starboard side of the promenade deck. At 1300, Executive Officer Abernethy had us assemble in the dining room and spoke to us about the task ahead. He said we would join another task force and that all of us were going to Fiji Islands to rehearse the landing practice before setting out to take the Solomon Islands and hold them at all costs.
At 1500, Australian time, we met with two task forces and two more carriers. The Saratoga, the Wasp and the Enterprise are all with us along with two British cruisers and 9 transports - altogether 3 task forces: 7 cruisers, 3 carriers and about 20 destroyers supporting us with one tanker to fuel us. The men are raring to go. All of them cheered when they saw all these ships steaming in the same direction.
We must be around 50,000 including crews and the troops bound to take the island. The report this morning was not good. The Japanese have already moved in on New Guinea and have established a camp.
After dinner I went down below to see a movie, Of Mice and Men. While I was sitting in the crew's mess room, I felt a sudden tremor. I first thought a torpedo had hit the ship, but learned that one of our destroyers had dropped several depth charges and that all the ships were rocking as if an earthquake had hit. After the show I went back up on deck. The two task forces had steamed away and were no longer with us. They were out scouting for bigger prey. All the transports are now in line of formation column.
The night is beautiful, bright and clear as day. No wind but a swell is running, so the ship is rolling a little.
Monday, July 27, 1942.
En route from Nukualofa to Koro Island in Fiji for landing rehearsal and practice.
General quarters was sounded at 0530. All the ships were with us except for the two task forces and the carriers. They are way ahead of us, hunting for submarines and enemy planes. Reports state that the Japanese are having quite a time holding on to what they think they are going to hold on to.
So far about 2500 of our men have landed on the north coast of eastern New Guinea. With our force of 50,000 men, we have been ordered to take and hold the Solomon Islands.
A small boat came over from one of the destroyers with sealed orders for the commanding officer. After lunch we all assembled on the afterdeck for instruction in the landing operations taking place tomorrow at Koro Island, one of the Fiji Islands. The Marines will stay on the Island over night to train in jungle warfare.
After the rehearsal, we will proceed to the Solomon Islands to take Florida Island. The team on our ship alone is supposed to take and hold it. The other ships are going on to New Guinea to take the southern tip of that island. Task Forces 11 and 62 have been gone somewhere all day.
This afternoon we steamed up close to Koro Island near Suva, the main island in the Fiji group. The ships are divided up now, so we have the Leland, the Heywood and the Neville in our Task Force, instead of the Hayes, the Adams and the Crescent City that we started out with when we sailed from San Diego. Nothing has happened so far. The nights are bright, there's a full moon, and the deck is as light as if it were daylight.
Tuesday, July 28, 1942
En route from Tongafalu to Koro Island in the Fiji Island group.
Steamed all day at various speeds. All ships are in formation now. General quarters was sounded at 0530 and when I got up it was overcast and cloudy. We are steaming around toward the east side of Koro Island. We were ordered to effect a landing at Koro at 1300. Boats were made ready and at 1100 we sent three extra boats to the Neville. We started to land troops at 1300 and finished at 1500. The boats were back on board at 1530. Now we are going to steam around without the troops, who will stay ashore over night.
The exercises went very well and all our boats are back on the ship. The first boat to reach the beach struck a coral reef sending several marines up to their necks in water and they had to be pulled back on board. Nevertheless, our men made the beach and the boats returned. Some of the boats from the Fuller got lost and ran around in the afternoon where we were laying. A big shark was swimming around the ship. We put lines out but no one caught him.
At 1700 we steamed out of the sea between Koro Island and Viti Suva with an escort of cruisers, carriers and raiders. A large troopship came in today with the British cruisers and destroyers. Tomorrow we transfer the men bound for New Zealand to the admiral staff that was sent out from San Francisco. It was quiet after all the marines had gone ashore and left us here on the ship by ourselves.
Wednesday, July 29, 1942.
At Fiji Islands with Task Force 62.5.
Got up at 0530 when general quarters was sounded. The Task Force was steaming in towards Koro Island. After breakfast, the boats were lowered over the side and sent in towards the beach to pick up the men. They all returned to the ships happy and told us that they had had a grand time. The men from the ship had killed several chickens and fried them on the beach. Grapefruit and coconuts were abundant ashore.
The only trouble our men ran up against was the beach itself. The coral was exposed several hundred feet from the beach. The men had left their boots, sure that the coral was fine to walk on but found out otherwise. When they tried to walk, they sank up to their necks into holes and had to be pulled out. This was at low tide and should have been at high tide. One of the men remarked that had there been a few machine guns hidden on the beach, they could have stopped and wiped out the whole team that came ashore. But of course there could be an argument about what can be done or not done.
While hoisting the boats back on board this afternoon, one of the carpenter's mates caught his foot in the waling davits cutting off one toe and part of another. The doctor said that his foot can be saved and that he will walk again in a few days.
Two New Zealand officers are aboard as lookouts and to point out the best place for a landing operation. We are landing at dawn. So far everything has been successful with our landings and all our men are back. We had no damages with the exception of a few boats that bent their propellers on the coral reef. We steamed around all night under a very bright moon.
Thursday, July 30, 1942
At Koro Island, Fiji Islands.
We are coming up again to Koro island with small commandos of converted destroyers in the lead, followed by a cruiser and the transports at the tail end. We are flanked by cruisers and destroyers with airplanes overhead blasting away at the hills with gun fire.
The natives were all removed from the beach for the duration of this operation. At 0730 we started to launch all boats in our davits and sent them over to the Neville to help unload her troops. They are supposed to return for our own maneuver today.
We are transferring the Engineers from the Adams, Athena and Crescent City. We will be more or less on our own as we take Florida Island and hold it. The Japanese landed on Florida Island 3 months ago and have been shipping more men into these islands.
When the troops started towards the beach, our cruisers and destroyers opened fire on the beach and the airplanes dropped bombs. It was a beautiful sight seeing the fire from the guns and all the planes overhead. We were almost through when it started to rain and cloud up all around us. The admiral was not satisfied with the landing we made and wanted us to improve our operation and shorten our landing time.
After dinner we discussed what we will do tomorrow. The planes were supposed to land the men and then go back and get the rest of the men the following day. However, it was too rough to land on Red Beach so orders were given not to land any men. We steamed all night around Koro Island.
Friday, July 31, 1942
Steaming around between Fiji Island and Koro Island with Task Force 62.5 consisting of 75 ships with 3 carriers-the Enterprise, the Wasp and the Saratoga and their escorts.
The conference was held on the McCawley and the order was out that the four ships, Jackson, Zeeland, Neville and Heywood, were allotted to take Tulagi on Solomon Island; the other ships were to take the north coast of New Guinea. Our orders are for a 1700
sailing to the Solomon Islands. We have been waiting for the Zeeland to join us and sail up with us. The attack is set for Tuesday morning (August 4, 1942).
At 1630 all the ships started to line up. At 1720 we steamed at full speed out from the Fiji Islands on our way to attack Tulagi Island. All ships were in formation with cruisers leading the parade. We took our lead after the Neville; the Heywood followed behind us. In the center we had the McCawley, Fuller, Leonard, Wood and Elliot and another formation of the Crescent City, Hayes, Adams and the Alheena. The mail went out to the tanker that was fueling the destroyers which were staying behind to finish up. The transport Zeeland was due today but is behind schedule and we expect to see her tomorrow.
Sometimes the British cruisers are with us and leading the right flank. Task Force 18.5 is on our left. The mail left on the destroyer to go to the oil tanker that oiled up our destroyers. The airplane carriers Saratoga, Wasp and the Enterprise are ahead of us.
Saturday, August 1, 1942
En route from the Fiji Islands toward Tulagi in the Solomons.
General quarters was sounded at 0530 this morning and all hands took their stations. All ships were steaming in formation around Veti Suva Island in the Fiji group. Several drills took place and we rehearsed the troops in how to effect our attack on the island with Task Force 62.5 at Tulagi. The Japanese have about 2000 men there. They have dismantled the guns from a cruiser that was sunk there a while ago.
Early this morning we were close to the southernmost island in the Mamaku Islands. The weather is overcast and cloudy. The army bombers and planes from the ships are blasting away all they are worth at Tulagi. The plans are laid out and the attack is taking place simultaneously on Thursday, August 7th, on New Guinea and Solomon Island.
Sunday, August 2, 1942
En route from Fiji Island to the Tulagi, Florida Island of the Solomon group.
Eromango Island to the left and Efati Island were sighted. Submarines were detected, bearing 310. All ships started zigzagging, and turning left and right. At 1000, the flying fortresses from New Caledonia flew over the Task Force. It was a nice sight to see those big birds. Later on the Zeeland finally caught up with us and soon after we got our mail from San Diego. I had two letters from Helen. Sonny had come down with measles and was running a high temperature. Otherwise there wasn't much news but Helen did not know at that time that I had left for the South Pacific on a trip to take the Solomon Islands.
Tuesday, August 4, 1942
En route from Fiji Islands towards Florida Island in the Solomons. (Noon Lat 17̊ 18' Long 164̊ 7', 290 miles).
General quarters was sounded for all hands. So far so good. Only reports of submarines and planes. Started fueling the destroyer and the mine sweeper. #14 was all through fueling at 1200 and took two sailors aboard who had mumps. They were isolated as soon as they came aboard. We received our mail from destroyer #13. It was only guard mail but we once more received secret orders for the next operation. We received a mailgram from Admiral Turner today. We are going into action to capture Florida Island and Guadalcanal Island from the Japanese. The Japanese hold Florida Island and surroundings. Later on it will be Santa Cruz Island.
Steaming as before and haven't encountered any enemy yet.
Wednesday, August 5, 1942
En route from Koro Island towards the Solomons to take the Florida Island now held by the Japanese. (Noon Lat. 16̊35'S, Long.159̊00'E) Steering almost due north now in the Coral Sea.
We are getting into closer waters where there are enemy subs and airplanes. The main force of carriers, battleships and cruisers is scouting up ahead of us. General quarters was sounded at 0530, and at dawn the whole Task Force stopped to transfer personnel from one ship to another. The carrier and the battleship North Carolina are ahead of us, on the left flank. All hands affirm set condition and instructions before the big battle begins. Having the boys making up a net for covering material ashore. All day we have been expecting an attack from the Japanese planes. The weather is favoring us - it's cloudy and overcast. It started to blow and became overcast later on in the evening.
Thursday, August 6, 1942
USS President Jackson en route from the Fiji Islands towards Florida Island to capture this island from the Japanese. (Steaming north through the Coral Sea in a task force 62.5 Admiral Turner in command. Noon Lat. 11̊58' S. Long. 158̊49'E).
At 0530 it was raining pretty hard, so while general quarters was sounded it was postponed until the rain stopped. At 0730 we heard gunfire to the right. It sounded like a dogfight between two planes fighting up in the air but it died away after a while. At 1500 all hands were called to general quarters. Unidentified planes were approaching from the west. After 30 minutes general quarters was secured and we continued the formation as before. The weather is improving.
I have been aboard the Jackson a whole year now. I joined the ship at Willamette/Portland and I sure wish I were back there and had my children with me as I did last year.
Friday, August 7, 1942 - THE BATTLE OF TULAGI
USS President Jackson at Tulagi Florida Island in the Solomon group.
General quarters sounded at 0430. At 0500 we had breakfast,and at 0530 condition affirm was set and we were close to the place where we would put the troops ashore.
As we steamed closer, we saw bombs being dropped from aircraft and then all of a sudden the light cruiser San Juan and the destroyer leader, the McCawley, let salvo after salvo go. A bomb from one of the airplanes caught the ammunition dump. What a sight - flames leaping skyward and blast after blast of black and yellow smoke and flames! A real beautiful sight! All the boys on the ship were thrilled to get their hands on the Japs. The conversations between the flyers were heard over the radio. They were anxious to get at the Japs. One flier was overheard saying "Let me at 'em!."
We were sending men ashore as fast as we could. A submarine was reported and the cruiser Chicago released a depth charge. Shortly after a spot of oil appeared on the water. Meanwhile, the planes were doing a grand job blasting away all they were worth.
Enemy planes were reported overhead. We were fueling two destroyers which had to let go, so we could steam away. All the cruisers opened up with anti-aircraft guns. Four planes were shot down. One of our own planes struck right in the waves. The tail of one plane was sticking up out of the water. The pilot and copilot got out and were picked up later.
The destroyers and cruisers opened up and blasted away and finally got another ammunition dump. The fire lit up the beach where our boats were tied up. The Japs' machine guns got them. The coxswain in boat #25, C.D. Ramsey, was shot. The boat brought back 2 Marines dead and fifteen wounded. One of the boys still had a hand grenade clasped in his hand.
They had left the ship this morning happy with the thought that they would get a Jap and do something useful.
War is a ghastly business. The ones who lead people into a war should be shot themselves. I am sitting here writing this, but I could be next. (It is different) when men fight with the sword. (But) no one knows when his time is up.
This has been a day of fighting. Our men are still ashore and hanging on. By tomorrow they may want help. The Japs are still strong and are giving us heavy opposition. No one knows how many have gone down fighting.
On Guadalcanal, where our main body of about 15,000 men is, our personnel got word that 3 of our boats didn't return. They were riddled with machine gun bullets. The Japs got more of our men than we had expected. We have lots of wounded and dead. The boats have started returning. The last boat carried 4 seriously wounded Marines.
After everything had been taken care of, I turned in. Then the doctor requested some canvas for the two dead marines, a corporal and a private. Boat #15 was a mess. They had filled the boat with their blood. The 15 marines who were wounded might have been saved if the boat hadn't been so obvious in the light of the ammunition dump fire.
After the anchor was up we put all our boats in the water and sent them back to the beach. It was a rainy and sultry day. At 0815 the flag was lowered to half mast and the two bodies were slid off a plank at the stern. It took only a few minutes and it was all over.
The boats that were fired on were left aboard to be cleaned up. What a mess! One boat was just smeared with blood. Fifteen men were almost killed when they tried to take the boat from one island to another to help to clean out the Japanese in the sheltered places. When they set the ammunition dump on fire, it lit up the country side. They were perfect targets for the Japanese. The coxswain's helmet was penetrated and his brain was blown out into the inner lining.
At 0900 enemy aircraft were reported: 27 big bombers and 7 Zeros. General quarters was sounded and at about 1145 the planes came. Big black navy bombers swooped down and flew low. What a spectacle! All the guns just cut loose. One after another, the Jap planes came down. All the planes were shot down except 3 that got away. The destroyer Mulford was hit. Also, the fire from a burning transport was seen all afternoon. It was the Elliot. Our boats shot down one Jap Zero when he tried to machine-gun our boys.
After the Japanese planes had gone, the ones that were shot down were left floating in the bay all afternoon. No one had time to stop. All ships were moving around at full speed.
As soon as we caught our breath, after the first round of bombing, the emergency flag went up again. All our vessels in the bay started zigzagging and steaming in formation. We had no time to eat, and had to take our lunch standing up and relieving each other the best way we could the all afternoon. We kept steaming and turning the boats. We left the boys behind to fight for themselves.
Not until 1700 were we able to secure and start to hoist all boats aboard after we sent food ashore. It's been two days now and the fight is still going on ashore. We dropped anchor and had dinner. Just as I started to jot down a few lines the loudspeaker barked (orders to) stand by to take wounded aboard. More wounded are coming back all the time. I hope this will be all for tonight.
All the plans that had been laid down have gone wrong. We had planned to capture this place in a day or so. However, we learned that the Japs had fortified themselves all over the two islands and it has proved pretty hard to drive them away. Our schedule was set to proceed to Santa Cruz Island to somehow establish an advance base there. Now we are going to stay here until Florida Island is taken.
A submarine was reported but it disappeared. A task force is reportedly on the way here. (Meanwhile) one of our destroyers went to the rescue of the Japanese pilot sitting on top of his plane that was shot down, but he opened fire on the destroyer and then turned the gun on himself and killed himself.
The latest report is that the Jap task force was steaming at 15 knots towards Sovo (Suva?) Island.
Sunday, August 9, 1942
At Guadalcanal and Tengo Channel
The Battle of Suvo Island between Allied cruisers and Japanese
At midnight we were called out to load and get ammunition ashore to the men. After we loaded all the boats, a sea battle was visible at the opposite side of Guadalcanal. What a sight! We saw heavy ships firing at each other with all their big guns. The battle lasted only about twenty minutes. Two ships blew up and the ammunition went up. Flames soared skyward at least 400 feet. It was a sight many would have liked to see: guns belching forth salvo after salvo at close range. It looked like the ships were almost as close as two ships could come. It was a sight. Later on the victor withdrew towards the sea, still firing, but the sea battle was heard a long time.
A long time later the vessels that were hit went down. Most of the men on the two ships must have gone down with their ships when the magazines went up. They must all have been killed outright.
Two other ships were seen burning from stem to stern, but (those fires) died out later on. An alarm was sounded at 0800 and we started to steam around at full speed. At 1100 we stood on deck watching ships firing on each other. We were sure that it was the enemy ships that were being blown up. However, it was our own ships that went down. Then we saw the enemy steaming out with the Chicago and Portland following them out to sea. The latest report was that the Chicago got the Japanese ship after a long chase.
The Japanese are as tricky as they can be but (usually) not very good shots. However, last night they surely got what they were after. And almost got the best of the deal. But, after we shot down all their heavy bombers as they flew over our fleet, they only managed to hit the Elliot but missed all the other transports in the Guadalcanal, so it wasn't so bad.
This afternoon we had more gruesome things to look at. First came the destroyer McCawley with 430 survivors, mostly from the cruiser Astoria but some from the Quincy and the Canberra. What a sight! About 275 were wounded and in pitiful shape. The sick bay filled up, then the messroom and the passageways all through the ship. Some of the boys were blown out of their beds and hit the steel (bulkheads). Broken legs and arms, burns, all the devil works that can be thought up. But some of the boys were happy to be alive and to feel the deck of a ship that was afloat and not going down.
Tonight we are on our way out to sea and doing a little steaming. War is terrible. To see young men blown to pieces and mangled bodies is the devil's work, that's all I can say.
Our forces ashore are having a pretty hard time. Too many Japanese have buried themselves and almost barricaded themselves.
We are now on our way to Noumea, New Caledonia, where we are going to transfer the survivors from the four cruisers. The ship is blacked out and it is hot below. The wounded are dying all around. Last night we buried many of them. Today all our ships left by way of Tengo channel and steamed eastward all night to get out of the submarine area.
Sunday & Monday, August 10-11, 1942
En route from Solomon Islands towards Noumea, New Caledonia with survivors from four ships, the cruisers Quincy, Vincennes, Astoria and Canberra.
All the cruisers went down with us except for the Astoria that is sitting on the bottom at Suvo Island. We are six transports and have 7 destroyers and two heavy cruisers as escort down to New Caledonia.
It has been a mess all around with all the survivors to take care of, berth and clothe, but most of them are happy to be alive. Today at 1300 we are burying the dead. Last night we buried several of them and now we have five more. They are dying by the dozens. The climate is quite unbearable. The men start to smell a few hours after they die. Nevertheless the weather is fairly good. At least a breeze is blowing and it is less sultry than it was yesterday.
We sighted a submarine today and the two destroyers sent down depth charges. We all think they got the sub. We were sitting down for lunch when the ship shook from stem to stern. The Exec and I went up on the bridge at once. We are sending the dead men to the bottom at once to get rid of them. We have been exposed to both air and subs this trip, even at 1300 when we were standing at attention and dropping the dead overboard. Two torpedoes came toward us between our ship and the cruiser Canberra and everyone was told to get off the aft gun foundation and to clear the gun circle for firing. After the all clear signal we went ahead with the sea burials. At 1320 all the dead had been committed to the deep. They had only lived a short time after they were brought aboard.
Everything is quiet for awhile. It seems that the ocean is full of submarines. A large force of Japanese ships is in our vicinity. I hope they don't steam in and blast our boys out from the advance base they have established at Florida Island. We were able to get food and water and plenty of ammunition ashore but no clothing or anything else. The boys must be tired after all this fighting. The hours on the ship have been, at all times, under general quarters. During this time we also transferred ammunition and food to the Marines ashore.
Last night, after sending the boats ashore for the Marines, we couldn't wait for the boats to return. We were forced to sail away without the boats, with all the transports sailing in two groups through the Tengo Channel, steaming all night towards Noumea, New Caledonia.
All hands are taken care of now and everyone has a berth on the ship. At dusk we saw a search light on the horizon and thought it was funny that one of our forces should start showing a light at night. It was a sure giveaway.
We had planned on a quiet night but it seems that there can be very little rest. I don't think there will be any, either, for any of us so long as this war is on. It seems that every time that I get down here that we have to bury someone. Last time I come through this Coral Sea I buried a sailor with an amputated leg & chest wound. I hope we reach port with the men we have left on the ship, and that no more die. Well it is quiet so I will take a nap.
Tuesday, August 12, 1942
En route from Solomon Islands to New Hebrides Island. Noon position - 14̊ 58'S Long.165̊35'E.
General quarters sounded at 0500. We were all steaming in the same direction, towards Noumea, when we got orders to anchor at New Hebrides.
At 1000 we again had a funeral, a sailor from the Astoria and a Marine. The doctors have been working night and day to get all the wounded well again. There are a few who have only a very slim chance of surviving, but tomorrow we will be transferring them all to the hospital ship, the Solace. After that I don't know where we will go. Probably back to the Guadalcanal to help the Marines there.
The battle of Guadalcanal is the largest battle fought so far. The loss of men is rather high. My estimate in round figures is about 4,000. More men were killed and wounded on Sunday than at Pearl Harbor. We now have over 100 badly wounded on board that will be transferred to the shore hospital as soon as we get to the New Hebrides. I hope they let us stay there for a while and rest up and give us some much needed time to clean up the ship. We have been on our toes all the time since the start of the attack on the Solomon Islands.
At 0900 Task Force 61 left us and sailed down to Noumea. The original task force that we sailed with from the West coast is going on to Espiritu Santu. The last message that came through was to be prepared to unload everything, except the wounded and survivors from the Astoria, Vincennes and Quincy, the heavy cruisers we lost at Guadalcanal. What they are going to do with them I don't know yet. As of now, they will stay aboard. Maybe we will have to take them back to the U.S.A.
Wednesday, August 13, 1942
En route from the Solomon Islands to Espiritu Santu Island and at anchor at Espiritu Santu.
We proceeded to Espiritu Santu Island and expect to get in soon at a small harbor, Luganville, a small settlement. Our Marines are there building an airport for our advance base.
This morning we had a funeral again, an ensign and a seaman first class from the Astoria. I think the ones we have left now will live. At most, 3 more may pass away today.
We are lying outside the channel leading to Luganville, and are waiting for a pilot to take us through the mine field. The entrance is mined and permanently bottled up so no one can get in. Finally at noon one of our destroyers took us in and we anchored close to Luganville. A full task force of army transports, the light cruiser Kalena, and destroyer Hull.
(Among the) ships present in the harbor are the Alcyone, Wharton, Santa Ana, President Polk, DelBrasil, Curtis, Mackinaq, Calhoun, Gregory, Little, McKean, Tracy, and Canoble.
We are ready to discharge the cargo, but have to wait for orders from shore. It has started to rain and the weather is hot and miserable and sultry all the time. This last week has been terrible. We had fighting in wet and sultry (conditions). Most the men were wringing wet and had no clothes along to change into. Now we are sitting here and waiting for orders. It seems to me that the brass don't know what to do. They don't feel so good after losing the ships in at Tulagi. It was surely a hard blow for the officers who commanded them, and for the Australian Admiral who had command of the squadron, Vice Admiral Gurnsley, who went down with the Canberra,
We finally received word to go ahead and discharge all the cargo and equipment to the beach. After we have transferred all the equipment to the shore, the Marines will stay on this island instead of on Tulagi where the other marines are now. This place looks like all other South Seas Islands. There are coconut trees all over; the surrounding from here looks nice and tempting. I wouldn't mind settling here. The weather is not too warm and there is always a breeze blowing from the South East trade wind.
Wednesday, August 13, 1942
Luganville, New Hebrides, South Pacific.
Anchored in Pekoa channel in New Hebrides.
At 0500 I was called out and had breakfast. Then we moved the ships to a place closer to the beach and started to discharge all the equipment. All the remaining wounded are alive today. A few of the survivors are fighting hard. One had a leg taken off. One young kid lost his left eye. One poor sailor will never see again, but he is happy to be alive and among friends. All the survivors are anxious to get back to the States. I heard one of the men make a remark about (staying at) this island, that he wouldn't give a darn as long as he got back to the States again.
All discharging of equipment and cargo was stopped at 1300 until further orders arrive from the commander of Task Force 62. We are awaiting orders to go ahead and load or discharge. It looks like we are going to stay here for some time before shoving off. The Wharton and President Polk will unload first and we have to wait until they get through.
A report came in that Efati, (an island) south of here was shelled by a Japanese vessel. Our air carriers are outside fueling up for the next battle coming up soon. All discharging was stopped and we didn't do any more unloading today. We are waiting for orders from the higher ups. The evening settled down with calm and warm weather. At 2000 the ship was quiet all around.
Friday, August 14, 1942
Anchored in Pekoa Channel outside of Luganville, New Hebrides.
At 0530 I was called out of bed when a mailgram arrived with orders to send 3 boats over to the DelBrasil and one officer with them to keep things moving along. The four ships are discharging all their cargo and preparing to return to the States for another load of Marines and equipment. As much equipment as possible is being shipped from the USA to all the islands to be used for our advance bases.
We got orders to start unloading everything from the ship and to put the marines ashore on this island. The weather here is not bad. Malaria is bad here, I was told by the Padre ashore. We worked all day trying to get unloaded but it goes slowly. The boys ashore went swimming and that stopped any work for a while.
Saturday, August 15, 1942
Anchored at Pekoa Channel, Luganville, New Hebrides.
At 0515 I was roused and had my breakfast. At daylight we started to discharge from all hatches. Everything is quiet now. The wounded are getting along fine, except four men who are still in critical condition. We expect to leave them in Noumea, New Caledonia. The weather is about as good as you can expect. The boys worked hard all day moving cargo from the ship to the beach. We are expected to get it all off the ship by tomorrow evening.
On Monday we are shoving off for New Caledonia with the wounded and (we will) get another load (of Marines) for the Solomon Islands. (They will serve as) reinforcement for the men up at Tulagi Island. The Alheena was selected to bring up equipment and food for the Marines at Tulagi.
Sunday, August 16, 1942
Anchored at Pekoa Channel, Luganville, New Hebrides.
It is Sunday and all hands are working to get the ship unloaded. They will also get all the wounded from the Adams. Then we will proceed to Noumea, New Caledonia. The whole crew is anxious to get there and to get ashore. After all this time aboard, they are getting tired of the ships.
All the cargo was discharged by 1130. After all the cargo was gone, we transferred the wounded from the President Adams. A company of Marines is also being transferred to the Alheena and will go to reinforce the boys up at Tulagi.
After lunch I took a trip ashore to stretch my legs on the beach, and talk to the natives. Their faces are tattooed and their teeth are stained black from chewing betel nuts. They are very small in stature. One chap took us up the river free of charge in his boat.
After the boat ride, we came back on the opposite bank of the river. We then went to visit a Frenchman who lives on the point of Luganville. He had lived there 38 years, ever since he left a sailing ship in 1904 and settled down. He had quite a plantation of coconut, coffee, cocoa bean trees. He invited us in and treated us to a bottle of white wine and (said he) was glad that the Americans had come over and taken charge. He told us that one of his friends had been murdered at Solomon Islands when the Japanese moved into their island, but added that it wouldn't be long before we would win the war when America had entered with all her ships, men and guns.
Monday, August 17, 1942.
Anchored at Luganville, New Hebrides.
Lat 16̊35'S Long. 159̊00'E.
By 0600 we got rid of the last Marines as they left for their new home, the camp they are establishing ashore at Luganville. We then made the ship ready, hoisted all boats and hove anchor at 0930, steaming out of Pekoa Channel's east entrance together with the Wharton and a destroyer. Everyone aboard was happy with the thought that they would return to the States. I mean, the survivors from the two cruisers, Astoria and Vincennes and one destroyer.
Tuesday, August 18, 1942
At sea, en route from Luganville, New Hebrides, towards Noumea, New Caledonia.
General quarters at 0500 and all hands were ordered up and to their stations. Weather was fine with moderate SE trade winds. Drilled the survivors and crew in abandon ship procedures. All able hands are helping clean up the ship. The wounded are getting better, except one who is badly burned. He is still fighting for his life, but the doctor thinks he can be saved. We are pulling into New Caledonia tomorrow and transferring all the survivors from the war ships that were lost at Tulagi on August 9th.
We received word that Tulagi had been bombed and shelled by a submarine, but no one seemed to know whether any damage had been done or if any one had been killed. We will find out when we get into port tomorrow.
Wednesday, August 19, 1942
At sea en route from Luganville to Espiritu Santu, New Hebrides.
At 0800 we were outside Noumea Harbor with the Wharton and the destroyer, Hull. We got orders to go alongside oil tanker, the Eastern Sun, and fuel up. The order was not to transfer any survivors from the cruisers. The harbor is full of ships, all alongside the oil tanker. One cruiser, the Chicago, is having repairs made on its hull. We are getting stores from the Aldebaran, a supply ship, one of the new C-3 modified ships.
Thursday, August 20, 1942
Anchored at Noumea, New Caledonia.
At 0800, we sent boats over to the Aldebaran for provisions. We were getting low on most stuff. All the wounded survivors were transferred today to the USS Wharton, which is bound for the States. The stretcher cases were transferred first and then the able-bodied left for the same ship.
The captain of the Astoria, Capt. Greeman, and his key men are still aboard writing the report about the sinking of the Astoria, when she settled at Tulagi bay on August 9, along with the Quincy and the Vincennes. Since there were not many from the Quincy, there was no report from that ship.
Friday, August 21, 1942
Anchored at Noumea, New Caledonia
The weather is not so hot here. It has been cold enough the last couple of days to need blankets at night.
Today we transferred the badly wounded to the shore hospital for treatment. It was a bad sight to see. A couple of young fellows were all torn to pieces and are crippled for life. It sure is hell that the human race has to kill each other just to control the earth and rocks. There is enough land for every one in this world if it were divided up evenly, enough for each nation to get along on.
Liberty was granted this afternoon and most of the fellows went ashore to look at this town. I was here a long time ago and enjoyed seeing it again. We received more boats for our landing operation at Nemdi Santa Cruz Island.
Saturday, August 22, 1942
Anchored at Noumea, New Caledonia, South Pacific.
We have orders to proceed at 1500 together with USS Wharton to Pago Pago to embark the 7th Marines who are going on to Pearl Harbor.
At 1500 we set special sea detail and hove up anchor together with the USS Wharton and Alchilea freighter that is taking the place of our original ship, the Alheena, that went up to Tulagi to bring food, equipment and gasoline up to the boys. They have been fighting hard there and are fighting with the Japs. They have been landing men all the time at night.
Sunday, August 23, 1942
En route from Noumea, New Caledonia, to Pago Pago, Samoa Sailing with the USS Wharton and Alchilea, A.K. steamer.
Since it was Sunday and everything was peaceful, we attended church services on the starboard side. It was pretty windy. The trade winds are pretty stiff at times. In the afternoon we all listened to the music played by the Chaplain. It was a quiet day all over the ship. The new men from the Astoria were getting themselves organized, getting clothing and one (such) thing after another.
Monday, August 24, 1942
En route from Noumea, New Caledonia to Pago Pago, Samoan Islands.
Noon position: Lat. 22̊10'S, Long. 175̊04'E.
We conducted abandon ship drill for all hands aboard. One of the CPO's reported seeing a submarine early this morning and said that by the time he had made the gun ready, the submarine had gone down for keeps. He said that he never saw the sub after that. We had word that a sea battle is taking place at Guadalcanal. The Japanese are amassing two task forces. There is no doubt that a sea battle is going on in that vicinity of the Solomon Islands.
Tuesday, August 25, 1942
En route from Noumea, New Caledonia,to Pago Pago, Solomon Islands.
News about the sea battle that has been going on for some time at Tulagi and Guadalcanal stated that in one raid 27 planes were shot down and that one of our carriers was hit. This battle, I think, is going to be the deciding battle of the Pacific for a long time to come. (A report) came over the radio that one Jap cruiser has been hit, one carrier was hit four times, and one transport is burning.
The report stated that the Japanese force was fleeing for home with all they had and that our ships were chasing them away from the Solomon Islands.
Tuesday, August 25, 1942 (crossed the International Dateline)
En route from Noumea, New Caledonia to Pago Pago, Samoan Islands.
This morning we had word that the Japanese were retreating with our fleet chasing them. The weather is blowing pretty stiff and a sea is kicking up a spray all over the bow of the ship. Word came over the radio from San Francisco that the US Fleet and our bombers had sunk one battle ship, 2 carriers and 7 cruisers at Tulagi and that the Japanese force was fleeing with some of our forces following in their wake. The very last report was that the North Carolina alone had sunk 4 cruisers.
Wednesday, August 26, 1942
En route from Noumea,New Caledonia, to Pago Pago, Samoan Islands
At daylight every one was called to general quarters, and after that we just sat around and waited for breakfast. After arriving at Pago Pago harbor we had to wait and go around until we got our turn to tie up. At last we got a pilot to take us in, and we made fast to a buoy with a wire. Afterwards I went ashore and took a walk around and up to the club and had a few beers. I didn't see anything interesting, only a few natives.
Thursday, August 27, 1942
Anchored at Pago Pago, Samoan Islands.
All day the crew has been painting and getting the ship ready our the next attack on the Solomon Islands. We are ready to steam over to Apia and load Marines.
Friday, August 28, 1942
En route towards Apia, Samoan Islands group.
We anchored in Apia harbor at 1400. We started loading into all hatches. We turned all our lights on and worked all night to get the Seventh marines to Ndeme Island to establish a base. We loaded all night trying to get the ship ready to sail by Sunday morning.
Saturday, August 29, 1942
Anchored at Apia, British Samoa.
I was up until about 0330 with all gears working as hard as possible. I called Daix, who took over on the deck and kept things moving along. When I got back on deck the ship was about 40% loaded and all day it went very well. I went ashore and saw the town and speeded up the loading at the dock.
This town is laid out in German style. Everything was closed up because of a holiday.
At 1500 we got a message that a sub was near and that the ships would be blacked out all together from 1600 until morning. So, the ship was darkened and we made sure that everything was dark.
Sunday, August 30, 1942
Anchored at Apia, British Samoa.
I was up at daybreak and started to send boats in towards the beach to get the equipment rolling along. By noon we had all the cargo and Marines aboard, the 7th Marines.
We are moving the Marines up to Ndemi, Santa Cruz Island, close to the Solomons to establish bases there for the submarines and air fields in order to stop the Japanese from gaining control of these islands. The Marines were aboard, we hove up and were under way for Pago Pago, US Samoa. We embarked at 1200 with the Marines of the 7th Defense Battalion.
Lt. Colonel Farrel and Major Hagerman are in command on the Jackson. Colonel Webb, on the Crescent City, is in command of the battalion.
Monday, August 31, 1942
Anchored in Pago Pago, American Samoa.
We arrived at Pago Pago at 0800. After everything was settled, liberty was granted to half of the crew.
Tuesday, September 1, 1942
Pago Pago, American Samoa
We are anchored in Pago Pago harbor in the Samoa waiting for our escort and transport to get ready for the next attack.
Wednesday, September 2, 1942
Pago Pago, American Samoa
Anchored at Pago Pago, together with Task Force 62. The Marines had abandon ship drill at 1300. Liberty was granted to all hands.
Thursday, September 3, 1942
Pago Pago, American Samoa.
Anchored at Pago Pago harbor waiting for the task force to be ready to leave here in a few days for some island in the south- western Pacific ocean.
Friday, September 4, 1942
Pago Pago harbor.
Anchored and keeping up with things. Painting. Liberty was granted to the crew and at dinner we had the Judge Advocate with us. Just as we were through (the meal), a message came through with orders to prepare to steam out of Pago Pago at the fastest speed possible.
An air attack from the north was expected early in the morning. First out was the Merritt, the destroyer leader and then every one left and we was speeded south under full steam. We steamed all night under blackout conditions steaming south for Tonga Island.
Saturday, September 5, 1942
En route from Pago Pago, Samoan Islands to Tongatabu Friendly Island. Noon position, 180 miles from Pago Pago.
We have been steaming south for all we are worth to get away from an air attack this morning at Pago Pago. So far we've seen nothing of air carrier or any protection. At 1500 the British cruiser Achilles came up with us together with her destroyer. They steamed south along with us. I think they are going in with us to Tongatabu Island where we are going to practice landings with the Marines.
Sunday was lost because we crossed the (International) date line from West to East. The padre did not like the idea that he was not able to hold a sermon.
Monday, September 7, 1942
En route from Pago Pago, Samoa, to Tongatabu Island.
Due to losing Sunday every one has the idea that we are going to have liberty. Well, that remains to be seen after we get in.
At 1400, we started in through the channel behind the Hayes which followed the Crescent City. We anchored between the cruisers New Orleans and Crescent City. The Saratoga was a little astern of us. She was listing badly and had divers down putting on a patch. All her planes were left up at Tulagi where she was torpedoed. The battleship South Dakota was anchored with her bottom torn up as a result of running aground. Captain Decker is sure (in a bad position) getting a brand new ship and then running the ship on a rock.
The harbor is full of ships. The Minneapolis is anchored here and a fleet of destroyers is moored to the repair ship Westdal. The transports here are the American Legion, Haywood, Libra.
A ship that belongs to Task Force 62.5, their new battleship, the South Dakota, is in bad shape with her bottom torn open from running aground. A brand new ship with 2000 men full of fight and ready to go and then this $100 million worth of fighting ship is put out of action by some person with very little experience with a ship.
Tuesday, September 8, 1942
Tongatabu, anchored between the carrier Saratoga and the cruiser New Orleans.
All day the crew was overhauling the gears and painting the ship and taking care of general upkeep of the ship. Orders came in to exercise the Marines but were canceled. Then orders came to proceed toward the New Hebrides with the 7th Defense Battalion of the Marines. Later on orders come in to leave at 0700.
Wednesday, September 9, 1942
En route from Tongatabu to Espiritu Santo, New Hebrides.
Noon position: Lat. 20̊49'S, Long. 175̊46'
At 0700 we hove up anchor and sailed out together with the cruiser Minneapolis and Task Force 62, the Heywood, and the Libra, steaming past the Saratoga lying over on her beam. Two tugs stood by. A large hole in her side was ripped by a torpedo received at Tulagi. She is going to return to the States for an
overhaul.
We are steaming in formation with the Crescent City, Adams, and Hayes on each flank, the Jackson and Heywood behind and five destroyers leading the parade. The weather is nice and it's getting warm (again) after the few nights at Nukualofa where it was almost cold weather compared to the climate at Pago Pago.
Thursday, September 10, 1942
En route from Tongatabu Island, Nukualofa, to Luganville on Espiritu Santo.
The weather broke out with light rain and mist. At 0900 we held fire, collision, and abandon ship drills. After that we had inspection of the Marines' quarters. The original operation plans have been canceled and a new plan is being made up for a landing somewhere on some island, but no one knows where we are going yet. However, when we arrive at Espiritu Santo we are going to exercise the men in landing practice and train them into an attack battalion instead of the defense battalion they were trained to be.
Friday, September 11, 1942
En route from Tongatabu, Nukualofa harbor to Luganville, Espiritu Santo.
The weather is overcast and cold. I was up and general quarters was sounded. After breakfast, a conference was held in the captain's cabin about discharging and loading of cargo at Espiritu Santo. Everything was fine and there was very little to do except routine aboard. The troops and crew are lolling around the deck doing various jobs, cleaning rifles, or playing cards or doing anything they can to pass their time. There are games going on at several tables in the ward room.
Saturday, September 12, 1942
En route from Tongatabu towards Luganville, Espiritu Santo, New Hebrides. Pos. Lat. 15̊58'S, Long.167̊59'E
The weather is just about perfect. We are dipping off 14.5 miles with the destroyers and the cruiser New Orleans in the lead.
At 1100 we all were thrilled to see a volcano erupt. Smoke and steam extended thousands of feet into the air. Then we felt a jolt through the ship. We thought it was a sub and that a destroyer had dropped a depth charge. Later on learned that it was (caused by) the eruption from the volcano and that the bottom of the ocean floor had cracked (as a result of) the vibrations.
We finally arrived in the Pekoa Channel, dropped anchor and waited for orders. The channel was full of ships. (Among others) There were 2 cruisers and destroyers; a total of
35 ships, including the British cruiser, the Leander, which was being fueled by the tanker Sabin. The clocks were pushed back one hour to 1830.
As we entered the channel a Japanese carrier was reported heading this way. The fortresses (B-17's) took off with fighter planes, about 15 in all. Everyone on our ship thought they would get the carrier; but, at 1830, we were ordered to get under way immediately, with everyone was told to go to his station at once. The anchor was hauled up and we are once again on our way to a safe place.
It doesn't seem to make any difference where we are. Something always comes up to spoil our rest. This is yet another night when we won't get much sleep. We are now headed toward Efati, the southernmost island of the New Hebrides Islands group.
The last we heard was that the boys at Guadalcanal, Tulagi and Florida Island in the Solomon Islands have had it pretty tough. They have very little provisions left and need both gasoline and food. Admiral Turner is up there conferring with General Wandergrief who is in command there. The outcome of this conference will determine our destination. Perhaps we will return to Guadalcanal again and be exposed to the air attack that is has been going on up there every day.
We are sailing in formation, steaming south to Efati. We steamed all night until 0400, when we changed course again to return to Espiritu Santo.
Sunday, September 13, 1942
En route from Luganville, Espiritu Santo, New Hebrides.
At 0400 we changed course to north. All ships are steaming in formation back over the same route. They didn't find the Japanese carrier and all our planes had returned last night. They took off this morning again.
Church services will be held today. We lost Sunday when we crossed the date line.
We returned to the Pekoa Channel and anchored behind the Heywood. After dark we received orders to oil up the destroyer Meredith, which escorted from Pago Pago to Tongatabu and then back here after the cruiser Boise left in July for San Francisco. She had sailed towards the Tokyo area, then steamed back to Hawaii and finally down here as an escort.
Monday, September 14, 1942
Enroute from Espiritu Santo towards Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands
Noon position: Lat.14̊43'S, Long. 167̊30'E.
Steaming northwest through the Coral Sea.
We left with Task Force 65.5 with the McCawley, our flag ship, leading the formation. At 0100 we received orders to leave at 0500 for Guadalcanal, Solomon Island, with the 7th Marine Battalion to reinforce the men already there.
Word came in that a task force of four battleships, cruisers and carriers was on its way down to Guadalcanal with a landing party. If that task force doesn't contact us, we will surely have to fight to hold our own with the ships we have with us. We had a conference in the Captain's cabin to plan the coming operation. We discussed how to land the troops and how to handle the landing. After we had discussed our plans and put them down in writing, we started to make the ship ready for operation.
Tuesday, September 15, 1942
En route from Espiritu Santo to Solomon Islands to make a landing with the 7th Marines Battalion reinforced. Japanese forces steaming towards us.
Noon Position: Lat: 11̊18'S, Long: 161̊07'E.
This morning we heard that the battle at Guadalcanal had ended with 500 dead Japanese. Our forces were said to be doing fine. So far we haven't had any difficulty and haven't seen anything. The cruiser from Task Force 61 came in sight at 1500 and steamed up to us along with the British cruiser Leander and planes flew up ahead of us.
Church services were held for all hands aboard. The last blessing was given by the ship's chaplain. Everyone is prepared to win this landing or die. If we meet strong opposition it is going to be tough if we are attacked by air like we were at Tulagi.
At 1830 we turned around when it was reported that superior Japanese forces were steaming south to intercept our convoy.
All ships are on course. Reports told us that there was steady fighting and that our boys had killed 500 (enemy troops) and were receiving air support. Boats and barges were smashed and the wrecks left on the beach.
The superior Japanese force is reported to consist of 4 battle ships, 4 cruisers and 4 carriers. The last we heard they were north of the Maitla Island heading southward to intercept us in the Tengo Channel. I think that it was a wise move to turn around and wait until the Japanese forces can be scattered.
It's five months today since I saw my children. It sure seems a long time since I was home.
Wednesday, September 16, 1942
En route from Espiritu Santo towards Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands. Submarine reported, depth charges dropped.
We have been steaming south all day to open the distance between the Japanese forces and our own. This morning we heard that the Japanese task force was attacked by our dive bombers, torpedoed, with two cruisers bombed, and that the (Japanese) task force is now on their way back home.
At 1700 our task force turned around and was ordered to head back to Guadalcanal since all the Japanese planes that had flown over us yesterday had turned around and fled. We supposed that when they learned we were not where we were supposed to be they turned around and went back to their bases.
Thursday, September 17, 1942
En route from Espiritu Santo towards Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands to land the 7th Marines and defense battalion.
The weather is overcast and a stiff trade wind is blowing. At 1500 general quarters. Airplanes are approaching. All hands are on alert and all guns are manned. At 1530 the airplanes turned around and headed north and general quarters was secured again.
Preparations are being made to get the men and equipment ashore tomorrow. No one knows what the outcome of this battle will be. It looks like it could to be tough if they attack us from the air since we have only land-based planes there.
We are steaming in formation as before. We had been expecting a visit from the Japanese fleet. So far no (enemy) ships have come around the south end of this island. The south end of the island seems to be in our hands and the west in Japanese hands.
Friday, September 18, 1942
En route from Espiritu Santo towards Guadalcanal. Entering the Tengo Channel and steaming on a course of 280̊.
At 0400 all hands were called out to prepare to embark troops and equipment at Lunga(?) Point. After the troops were embarked, we anchored and started to discharge ammunition and equipment.
At 1000 we hoisted 40 wounded men aboard. They were a sight: long whiskers and hair and sunburned. After they had been put into the sick bay, several planes were spotted overhead. The Hayes opened fire and hit several planes. One of the planes was one of our own. It crashed into the water near one of our boats and they too opened fire on the plane. The pilot and copilot got out of the plane and were picked up by our boat. The pilot died soon after he came aboard. His last words were that he had been trying to tell us not to shoot. Men with guns will shoot to kill. Every one was sore over the way it happened.
Two of our boys from Tulagi came aboard and wanted to go with us but the Marines wouldn't let them. They were a sight for sore eyes - long hair and whiskers - they looked more like wild men than white men.
At 1700 we had unloaded almost everything and had started hoisting boats and securing the ship for sea. When all the boats were aboard and we were ready to go the other ships were not ready. We stood by until 1815 when we formed up and made the get-away from Guadalcanal by way of the Tengo Channel.
We learned from the wounded that the natives were cutting the ears off the dead and bringing them in to the camp and that one Japanese came with a small white flag.
Saturday, September 19, 1942
En route from Guadalcanal towards Espiritu Santo, New Hebrides. Steaming in formation with Task Force 65, Admiral Turner in command. Noon position, Lat: 11̊52'S, Long: 161̊24' E. Steaming south from Solomon Islands.
We received word that after we left four Japanese cruisers came in to the beach and shelled the area with gun fire, trying to destroy all the supplies we had just landed there. What damage they caused and how many they killed no one knows.
We had several reports of airplanes. We stood at general quarters after breakfast. Later another report told us that planes had been picked up by the cruiser Boise, 22 miles away, but they must have missed us entirely because of the hazy weather.
We are all steaming in formation and heading for Espiritu Santo. The Hayes signaled that she had engine trouble.
...
Sunday, September 20, 1942
Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands. Steaming through the Coral Sea towards Espiritu Santo in New Hebrides. Noon position at 17 deg 04'S, 161 deg 57' E.
It's Sunday and everything is quiet and church services are being held. The USS Hayes dropped out of formation because of engine problems and was heading for Espiritu Santo.
The rest of Task Force 64 has orders to proceed to Nemea, New Caledonia. Around noon we met up with Battle Division 2, consisting of a carrier, battleships and cruisers, steaming on a course parallel to ours towards New Caledonia.
The wounded are all improving and are thanking all the doctors and men for the kindness they are receiving after lying on the ground at Solomon and no place to care for the men after they were wounded.
Monday, September 21, 1942
Steaming from Guadalcanal towards Espiritu Santo, New Caledonia.
The weather is pretty good
