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USS KALININ BAY (CVE 68)
Deck Log
24 & 25 October 1944
from the personal collection of BM2/c
Sam McNeil, USNR
USS KALININ BAY (CVE 68)
DECK LOG - REMARKS SHEET
UNITED STATES SHIP KALININ BAY
(CVE 68)
Tuesday 24 October 1944
| 00-04 |
Steaming in assigned operating area to eastward
of Leyte Island, Philippine Islands, in company with T.U. 77.4.3 on various courses and
speeds. Cruising disposition 5-LS with this ship in station #3. OTC embarked
in U.S.S. FANSHAW BAY (CVE70). Clear with a few stars, gentle winds, smooth sea.
Av. rpm. 132.7
R. C. MEREDITH,
Lieut., U.S.N.R. |
|
|
| 04-08 |
Steaming as before. 0420 Formed cruising
disposition 5R. 0500 General Quarters. 0514 Secured from General Quarters, set
Condition II watches. 0648 U.S.S. HOEL (DD533) came alongside to transfer radio
equipment. 0710 Flight Quarters. 0749 Catapulted eight (8) TBM-1C planes and
launched four (4) FM-2 planes. Clear and hot, gentle winds, smooth sea. Av.
rpm. 132.6.
A. E. FETRIDGE,
Lt.Comdr., U.S.N.R. |
|
|
| 08-12 |
Steaming as before. 0811 Flight Quarters.
0820 Secured from flight quarters after having catapulted (8) TBM-1C planes.
0829 General Quarters. 0903 Made daily inspection of magazines and S.P. samples,
conditions normal. 0925 Flight Quarters. 0959 Completed launching (g) FM-2
planes. 1005 Completed landing (3) FM-2 planes. 1110 Flight Quarters.
1140 Recovered 10 TBM-1C planes. Clear weather, light winds, smooth sea. Av.
rpm. 139.8.
H. G. BARSUR,
Lieut., U.S.N.R. |
|
|
| 12-16 |
Steaming as before. 1218 Launched 2 TBM-1C
planes and 6 FM-2 planes. 1310 Recovered 3 FM-2 planes. 1345 Recovered 4 FM-2
planes. 1431 Launched 6 TBM-1C planes. 1500 Received the following reports:
At about 0900 Ens. William Dean McDANIEL, A-V(N), USNR while on combat air patrol
in an FM-2 plane was shot down during an engagement with Japanese aircraft over Leyte Gulf
and was rescued and placed in Base Hospital on Leyte Island; at about 1120 Lieut. William
Elliot SIMPSON, A-V(N), USNR, pilot of an FM-2 plane after colliding with Japanese
aircraft, crashed into Leyte Gulf and is missing. Clear and warm, gentle winds,
smooth sea. Av. rpm. 141.3.
E. C. CONRAD
Lieut., U.S.N.R. |
|
|
| 16-18 |
Steaming as before. 1601 Completed
recovering (6) FM-2 planes and secured from flight quarters. 1742 Flight Quarters.
Cloudy with sun occasionally visible, light winds, calm sea. Av. rpm. 133.8.
H. G. BARSUR,
Lieut., U.S.N.R. |
|
|
| 18-20 |
Steaming as before. 1800 Secured from
flight quarters, having recovered six TBM-1C. 1835 Formed cruising disposition 5-LS.
Clear with occasional lightning. Gentle winds. Smooth sea. Av.
rpm. 130.7.
R. C. MEREDITH,
Lieut., U.S.N.R. |
|
|
| 20-24 |
Steaming as before. 2308 Ceased zigzagging
and resumed base course, 070º (T). 2317 Changed course to 142º (T) & PGC,
143º pac. 2337 Changed course to 232º (T) & PGC, 223º pac. 2355 Resumed
zigzagging in accordance with plan #25. Clear with bright moonlight and starlight,
lightning at all points of horizon, gentle winds, smooth seas. Av. rpm. 131.4.
B. C. BOUNDS, Jr.,
Lt. (jg), U.S.N.R. |
| APPROVED: T. B.
WILLIAMSON, Capt., USN COMMANDING |
|
EXAMINED: B.
STALNAKER, Lt.Comdr., C-V(G), USNR NAVIGATOR |
DECK LOG - REMARKS SHEET
UNITED STATES SHIP KALININ BAY
(CVE 68)
Wednesday 25 October 1944
| 00-04 |
Steaming in assigned area off entrance to Leyte
Gulf, Philippine Islands, in company with Task Unit 77.4.3 at standard speed 15 knots (140
rpm), steaming at 14 knots (130 rpm) on base course 232º (T) and pgc, 223º pac.,
zigzagging in accordance with Plan #25. Cruising disposition 5-LS, this vessel in
station #3. Fleet axis 000º (T). All boilers in use. Light showers of
rain. Gentle winds. Smooth sea. Av. rpm. 132.8.
A. W. ARCHER, Jr.,
Lt. (jg), U.S.N.R. |
|
|
| 04-08 |
Steaming as before.
0412 c/c to 307º (T), 298º pac. 0415 Casualty to port main engine (main
circulator breakdown). Replaced with fire pumps in parallel. 0437 On signal
from OTC ships formed cruising disposition 5 R(N). 0452 Ships turned into wind for
flight operations (none from this ship). 0500 General Quarters (morning routine).
0530 c/c to 350º (T), 345º pac., speed 14 knots, 130 rpm. 0604 Commenced
zigzagging on plan #25. 0614 Secured from General Quarters, set Condition II
watches. 0654 Friendly aircraft reported an enemy task force of 4 battleships, 6
cruisers and numerous destroyers bearing 270º (T), 20 miles. All engines ahead at
flank speed. General Quarters. c/c to 090º (T), 087º pac. All
prisoners released from brig. Made smoke from stacks. Position at 0700.
11º 44' N. 126º 31' E. 0705 Sighted at 34,500 yards a Japanese task force of
2 battleships, 3 cruisers, heavy, 8 destroyers. Enemy began shelling. Salvo
hitting in water close by in all directions. 0706 Commenced launching and
catapulting. 0725 Finished launching and catapulting. 10 FM-2 and 10 TBM-1C
planes with crews and pilots as follows:
Lt. Comdr. W. H. KEIGHLEY
Lt. W. D. CROCKETT
Lt. P. CAPANO
Lt. (jg) J. E. MERCHANT
Lt. (jg) E. L. ARCHER, Jr.
Lt. (jg) J. J. PERPNLL, Jr.
Lt. (jg) E. J. GREEN
Ens. R. G. ALTMAN
Ens. J. R. ZIETVOGEL
Ens. G. N. SMITH
Lt. J. W. MURPHY
Lt. L. R. PORTERFIELD
Lt. C. G. SIMMONS
Lt. K. G. HIPPE
Lt. (jg) S. B. FRANCOVICH
Lt. (jg) W. C. COUGHLAN
Lt. (jg) R. T. SELL
Ens. P. GOODMAN
Ens. C. T. GREEN
Ens. G. B. KING, Jr.
Ens. P. HOPFNER
Ens. J. I. MURPHY
Ens. G. A. HEINMILLER |
A-V(N)
A-V(N)
A-V(N)
A-V(N)
A-V(N)
A-V(N)
A-V(N)
A-V(N)
USN(T)
A-V(N)
A-V(N)
A-V(N)
A-V(N)
A-V(N)
A-V(N)
A-V(N)
A-V(N)
A-V(N)
A-V(N)
A-V(N)
A-V(N)
A-V(N)
A-V(N) |
USNR
USNR
USNR
USNR
USNR
USNR
USNR
USNR
USNR
USNR
USNR
USNR
USNR
USNR
USNR
USNR
USNR
USNR
USNR
USNR
USNR
USNR |
|
|
|
CROW, Asa L., Jr.
AIMONE, Albert E.
TRESTRAIL, Richard W.
THORPE, Andrew G.
DZIEDZINA, Frank (n)
BAIR, Harold E.
DUNSWORTH, Henry E.
RAIMING, Burkhardt H.
McBRIDGE, John W.
GORDON, Malcomb J.
GALLOWAY, Gordon E.
ENGLESRUD, Ernest S.
TROLLINGER, Arthur J.
MAYERNICK, Joseph J.
RIVENBARK, Alton (n)
HENDERSON, Harry A.
IWUC, Charles P.
PALMER, Harry W.
HALLER, Eugene K. |
ARM2c
AMM1c
ARM3c
ARM3c
ARM2c
AOM3c
ARM3c
ARM1c
ARM2c
ARM1c
AMM2c
ARM2c
AMM2c
ARM2c
AMM1c
ARM3c
ARM3c
ARM2c
AMM2c |
USNR
USNR
USNR
USNR
USNR
USNR
USNR
USNR
USNR
USN
USNR
USNR
USNR
USNR
USN
USNR
USNR
USNR
USNR |
|
|
Steering evasive courses. This formation
passed into rain squall. Enemy shelling continued somewhat reduced because of poor
visibility but was continued in full force after squall passed. 0750 Launched three
additional FM-2 planes. This was all planes available. All ships continued
smoking and visibility poor in direction of enemy. Destroyers of the screen turned
toward enemy and attacked. 0730 Course of the formation changed to 180º (T) to keep
enemy astern. Mostly clear |
| APPROVED: T. B.
WILLIAMSON, Capt., USN COMMANDING |
|
EXAMINED: B.
STALNAKER, Lt.Comdr., C-V(G), USNR NAVIGATOR |
DECK LOG - REMARKS SHEET
UNITED STATES SHIP KALININ BAY
(CVE 68)
Wednesday 25 October 1944
|
weather. Gentle winds. Smooth sea.
B. STALNAKER
Lieut. Comdr., U.S.N.R. |
|
|
| 08-12 |
Steaming as before. Undergoing continual
shelling from enemy salvos which fell close and all around with occasional hit. 0800
Opened fire with 5"/38 cal. gun. 0815 Retirement course changed to south west.
0820 U.S.S. GAMBIER BAY (CVE73) off port bow, received several hits, gradually lost
speed, dropped astern and was lost to view. About 0830 a second group of enemy
ships, one cruiser and four destroyers began to approach from starboard quarter, making an
enemy group on both quarters. At this time this ship was nearest the enemy with
U.S.S. ST LO (CVE63) on the port bow and the others ahead. Undergoing continual
shelling from both quarters with occasional salvos from battleships also and received
numerous hits during this period. 0930 Lost steering control and shifted to
"trick wheel". The force on the port side approached gradually to about
7000 yds and abeam and made several hits. 0935 Shelling from the enemy ceased.
The force on the starboard quarter fired 15 to 20 torpedoes which passed close
aboard on both sides without any hits. After making torpedo attack enemy surface
ships broke off engagement with CVEs changed course and disappeared to the northward.
1045 Formation of enemy planes appeared and began to attack by making
"suicide" dives on carriers. 1051 Enemy planes crashed on after end of
flight deck and skidded almost straight forward at high speed and in flames starting
several fires which were quickly extinguished. 1053 Two more enemy planes made dives
on the ship going into water close aboard port side amidships, carrying away part of
catwalk. During entire battle this ship received several direct hits from enemy
shells, some of large caliber from battleships, most from 8 and 6 inch cruisers but was
never stopped or out of control, although flooding partially of 5 compartments caused a 7
degree starboard list. Extensive damage was done to flight deck, forward elevator,
fresh water tanks, fuel oil tanks, radar, radio, and interior communications. Damage
to forward elevator made flight deck unserviceable except for emergency landings.
For complete report see Action Report this vessel dated 25 October 1944. Casualties
during battle were 5 killed, 55 wounded: |
|
KILLED IN ACTION |
|
CHOIN, Robert Elmer
DEMETRESCU, Aur
GUNLER, Berchard Kenneth
MORAN, Charles Ralph
WILSON, Charles Albert |
RdM2c
S1c
RM2c
RM2c
RT1c |
Multiple Injuries, Extreme - Dead.
Multiple Injuries, Extreme - Dead.
Multiple Injuries, Extreme - Dead.
Multiple Injuries, Extreme - Dead.
Multiple Injuries, Extreme - Dead. |
|
|
WOUNDED IN ACTION |
|
ALEXANDER, Charles
AHMWINE, Floyd Collins
BAKER, Charles Edward
BRADFORD, Eunice Lee
BRELAND, William Richard
BURKE, Nelson Henry
BURLEIGH, Emmett
CHRISTENSON, Murray David
CULLUMBER, Donald Lee
DAVIS, Francis Everett
DAVIS, Joseph Reid
DURFEE, Robert Edgar
EARLY, Ernest
ECKART, Lee Walter Jr.
ERBE, Harold Lloyd
FERGUSON, Donald Ova
GASIO, Claude Alexander
HANSON, Ralph Edwin
HIGHT, Henry Boynton
HILDENBRAND, Thomas J.
HILTON, Owen Otto
HODGES, Sinclair
HOLLIS, James Clifford
HUDSON, Fred (n)
JACKSON, Clifton
JACKSON, Mose
JACKSON, Starling Jr.
JACKSON, William Thomas
KAY, Leonard Alvin |
S2c
StM1c
AMM2c
Cox
CBM
S1c
StM2c
RdM3c
S2c
CRM
Lt. (jg)
S2c
GM3c
ARM2c
SK3c
RdM3c
S2c
S1c
RM2c
AMM3c
Y3c
StM1c
StM1c
StM1c
StM1c
StM1c
StM1c
StM1c
RdM3c |
Avulsion, Left Elbow.
Burns, Face, Hands, Knees, Shoulders.
Shrapnel Wounds, Back.
Burns, Left Arm, Left Hand, and Back.
Burns, Back, Legs, Arms, Face.
Shrapnel Wound, Right Elbow.
Burns, Arms, Hands, Legs.
Fracture, Left Arm; Shrapnel Wounds,
Multiple on Body.
Burns, Back, Arms, Hands, Feet.
Laceration, Head, Shrapnel Wound,
Neck.
Shrapnel Wound, Right Thigh.
Burns, Back, Both Hands.
Burns, Left Leg, Both Ankles.
Shrapnel Wound, Head.
Shrapnel Wound, Right Knee, Burn,
Right Hand.
Shrapnel Wounds, Back, Hands, Leg.
Shrapnel Wounds, Right Upper Arm.
Burns, Both Hands and Left Foot.
Shrapnel Wound, Left Wrist.
Shrapnel Wounds, Shoulder.
Shrapnel Wounds, Forehead & Left
Ankle.
Burns, Back, Face, Hands, Knees.
Burns, Back, Face, Hands.
Burns, Back, Face, Arms, Hands.
Burns, Face, Arms, Legs, Arms.
Burns, Face, Hands, Back, Arms.
Burns, Face, Back, Arms, Hands.
Burns, Back, Face, Arms, Legs.
Shrapnel Wounds, Buttocks. |
|
| APPROVED: T. B.
WILLIAMSON, Capt., USN COMMANDING |
|
EXAMINED: B.
STALNAKER, Lt.Comdr., C-V(G), USNR NAVIGATOR |
DECK LOG - REMARKS SHEET
UNITED STATES SHIP KALININ BAY
(CVE 68)
Wednesday 25 October 1944
|
KLAESSON, Phillip Severin
KNOBLAUCH, Henry K.
KUZIW, George
LARSON, Henry Orville
MACKEY, Jack Ervin
MAC KINNON, Robert Roy
MILANO, Emile Anthony
MILASSIAN, Don Hrant
MINITREZ, Celso
ODGON, Ralph Ivan
OLIVAREZ, Andrew Jurado
OSTERLAND, Donald Lewis
REIFSNYDER, Earold Kehl
RODAK, Stanislof
ROOT, Lester Merl
SLE, Orcean Floyd
ROSS, James Elvin Jr.
STRAKAL, Joseph Albert
STRAWN, Paul Leroy
TROWBRIDGE, Kenneth E.
WALLS, Edward Jackson
WASHINGTON, Booker T.
WATERMAN, James Emett
WEBER, Charles Joseph
WIMAR, Robert Joel
VAN DYKEN, Nicholas C. |
Lieut.
Lieut.
S1c
St2c
RdM2c
CSF
S2c
S1c
S1c
S1c
S2c
GM1c
Lt.Comdr
Ch.Mach.
S2c
RM2c
AOM1c
S1c
S2c
S2c
AMM3c
StM1c
S1c
AMM2c
Lt. (jg)
AMM2c |
Compound Fracture, Right Leg; Wounds,
Multiple, Severe, Back.
Shrapnel Wounds, Back.
Burns, 2nd Degree, Both Ankles.
Foreign Body, Traumatic, Right Cornea
Shrapnel Wounds, Back; Chest Perfor-
ation; Fractured Ribs.
Burns, Right Ankle.
Burns, Back, Hands, Ankles.
Burns, Left Hand and Back.
Avulsion, Left Elbow.
Shrapnel Wound, Left Side.
Shrapnel Wound, Right Arm.
Burns, Both Hands, Right Forearms and
Right Ankle.
Burns, Back, Face, Hands.
Shrapnel Wound, Right Upper Arm.
Multiple Shrapnel Wounds; Burns, Hands,
Legs.
Burns, Left Hand.
Shrapnel Wounds, Left Cheek; Burns
Both Hands and Face.
Burns, Back, Arms and Ankles.
Shrapnel Wound, Left Buttock.
Burns, 3rd Degree, Multiple.
Shrapnel Wound, Right leg.
Burn, Left Upper Arm.
Shrapnel Wounds, Multiple, Everywhere.
Shrapnel Wound, Right Arm.
Burn, Abdomen.
Shrapnel Wound, Right Leg. |
|
|
1052 U.S.S. ST LO (CVE63) was attacked by enemy
plane which dived into the ship in a suicide dive was set on fire and when flames got out
of control a big explosion occurred after which the ship was abandoned by her crew.
Ammunition expended during engagement 170 rounds 5"/38, 1750 rds. 40 M/M, 4800 rounds
20 M/M. Clear and warm. Gentle winds. Smooth sea.
B. STALNAKER
Lieut. Comdr., U.S.N.R. |
|
|
| 12-16 |
Steaming as before. Retiring to the
southeast on course 120º (T), 120º pac. Task Unit now composed of U.S.S. FANSHAW
BAY (CVE70), OTC, U.S.S. WHITE PLAINS (CVE66), U.S.S. KITKUN BAY (CVE71) and this vessel.
No screen, all escort screen vessels having left to attack enemy or pick up
survivors and not yet joined up. Clear weather, gentle winds, smooth sea.
B. STALNAKER
Lieut. Comdr., U.S.N.R. |
|
|
| 16-20 |
Steaming as before. 1610 c/c to 125º (T),
121º pac. 1622 Commenced zigzagging according to plan #25. 1700 c/c to 180º
(T), 170º pac. 1745 Turned into wind and recovered one FM plane, pilot Lieut. John
W. MURPHY, A-V(N), USNR. The TBM planes which had returned to be recovered were
ordered to return to the beach by the OTC. 1905 Secured from General Quarters and
set watch I, Condition III. 1930 Turned into wind for flight operations. 1937
After flight operations resumed base course 180º (T), 170º pac. Clear weather,
Gentle winds, Smooth sea.
B. STALNAKER
Lieut. Comdr., U.S.N.R. |
|
|
| 20-24 |
Steaming as before. 2000 "Skunk"
surface contact reported by radar bearing 320º (T), distance eleven miles. Three
screen vessels from T.U. 77.4.1 attempting to join this formation were ordered to
investigate. 2040 Changed speed to 14 knots (130 rpm). 2101 Lost steering
control and shifted to "Trick Wheel". 2109 Regained steering control and
shifted to Pilot House. 2130 Surface contact identified as submarine and when fired
upon by escort vessels, submerged. 2145 General Quarters. 2155
"Bogey" aircraft reported at 20 miles distance. Bogey aircraft circling
formation at 3½ miles. Commenced zigzagging in accordance with Plan No. 25.
2233 Screening vessel made attacks on submarine and reported sinking same. 2241
Changed course to 005º (T) and pgc, 006º pac. 2245 Emergency turn to course 095º
(T) and pgc. 2259 Changed course to 185º (T) and pgc., 176º pac. All
"Bogey" aircraft reported off radar screen. 2310 Secured from General
Quarters, set Condition I Easy - all hands remaining at battle stations. 2320
Changed course to |
| APPROVED: T. B.
WILLIAMSON, Capt., USN COMMANDING |
|
EXAMINED: B.
STALNAKER, Lt.Comdr., C-V(G), USNR NAVIGATOR |
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Robert Jon Cox
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last revised January 8 1998
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