The following is the text of Captain T. B. Williamson's commendation and remarks at the recent Meritorious Mast:

"I have previously expressed to you my congratulations and my hearty "Well Done" for your splendid performance of duty in the battle on 25 October 1944.

I have told you of Admiral Sprague's recommendation that Task Unit 77.4.3 of which we were a part, be awarded a Presidential Unit Citation.

Since the battle I have had many conferences with the Executive Officer, Heads of Departments and Division Officers, to determine which of those men on board should receive particular commendation. After much discussion we have arrived at the conclusion that the performance of duty by all hands was so heroic, and so splendid that all on board should receive special commendation at Captain's Meritorious Mast, in addition to any awards which may later be received.

We are now assembled at Captain's Mast and at this time I officially commend every man on board for a superior performance of duty in action against an overwhelming Japanese force.

The following citation will be entered in the record of every man on board the KALININ BAY during the battle.

"Commended at Meritorious Mast for excellent performance of duty during battle on 25 October 1944 against an overwhelming Japanese surface force and subsequent air attack."

I do not know of an occasion on which more men have been assembled at one time for commendation at Meritorious Mast. I do know that there never has been a group of men assembled who are more deserving of commendation.

Captain T. B. Williamson, USN
Commanding Officer
USS KALININ BAY (CVE 68)