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)
