1. In compliance with radio orders from Commander LCI(L) Flotillas,
this vessel got underway at 17:16 on 25 October from alongside USS ARL 41, anchored near
Dio Island, San Pedro Bay, Leyte Gulf, Philippines, and proceeded to rendezvous near USS
Blue Ridge, anchored in San Pedro Bay. Upon receipt of written orders, we became a part of
Task Group 78.12 consisting of 2 PC's and 4 other LCI (G's) and departed with them at
19:00 enroute to a point Lat. 11 Degrees 15 minutes N., Long. 125 Degrees 30 minutes E.,
there to conduct search for survivors of a US CVE and DD's sunk earlier in that area
2. Search was continued under direction of Commander Task Group 78.12
until 00:55 of 27 October at which time this vessel sighted and brought aboard the first
of its Survivors. During the day and night of 26 October debris and oil slicks had been
noted from time to time. Subsequent to time of picking up first survivors and until about
09:40 of 27 October a total of 172 living and 1 dead were picked up by this vessel. Of
this total, approximately 25 were stretcher cases from battle wounds, approximately an
additional 60 had sustained battle wounds of minor to major character and all were
suffering from shock and exposure.
3. At about 0940 of 27 October and with no additional survivors in
sight, an order was received to take station in cruising formation for return to Leyte
Gulf. Aside from a single enemy SALLY or BETTY type two engine bomber which was observed
to closely approach the LCI (G) 34 as she was preparing to assume cruising station at
about 09:45, the return trip to Leyte was accomplished without incident. A medical officer
from a DE on patrol near Dinagat Island was embarked for a period of about one hour upon
arrival at mouth of Leyte Gulf to render emergency treatment to 2 survivors.
4. Upon arrival San Pedro Bay, survivors were transferred to USS LST
464 Hospital Ship and USS Piedmont.
5. Enclosure (A), containing as much and as accurate information as
circumstances allowed, is forwarded herewith.
6. The dog tags and very limited personal effects of 2 additional men
who were buried at sea by the survivors prior to being picked up, and which were left
aboard this vessel, are retained by this command and awaiting proper disposition.
