U.S. NAVAL COMMUNICATION SERVICE
MAILGRAM

From the personal collection of Gilbert J. Raynor and
the U.S.S. KITKUN BAY Association

FROM: Commander Escort Carrier Group 77.4
ACTION: All ships and units under my command
DATE: 2 November 1944
INFO: COM7THFLT/CINCPAC/COMAIRPAC/COMDESPAC/COM3RDFLT/COM5THFLT

To those officers and men of the escort carriers and to the kin of those who were lost X

This task group has participated in one of the decisive battles of this war X

The aircraft of these carriers not only have met and defeated enemy attacks in the air but they have turned back a large enemy fleet composed of his most modern ships X

The intrepid courage, skill and fighting spirit of the pilots and air crewmen were superb X

Never have fighting men had a greater task and never have fighting men performed their duty with greater determination and distinction X

The seamanlike handling of the vessels X

The brilliant offensive and defensive work of the screen X

The sustained and imperturbable handling of planes on deck X

The calm singleness of purpose of the rearming and gasoline details X

The prompt and efficient action of the damage control parties and the engineers X

All contributed to turning the tide of battle to victory X

Against such teamwork the enemy could not prevail X

I am proud to have been priviledged to be present and observe your achievements X

May God bless everyone of you and may the citizens of your country forever remember and be thankful for your courage X

To the mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers, wives and sons and daughters of those who were lost I say X

Do not be sad X

Be comforted and inspired in the thought that the victory for which these men so freely and courageously gave their lives has contributed immeasurably to the final defeat of the enemy X

T. L. SPRAGUE
(Rear Admiral
in charge of all CVEs on Leyte Invasion)

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Honor the Missing in Action and Killed in Action of Taffy III

We do remember.  We won't forget.