Monday Oct. 1, 1945

Underway pursuant to CincPac Pearl Harbor dispatch 172046 Sept 1945 enroute Eniwetok Atoll Marshall Islands to Okinawa Shima. In company with USS MOTIVE (AM-102) in column formation 700 yars astern of this vessel, OTC task unit 10.15.19 aboard this vessel. All running lights bright SA radar in operation.

0805, mustered crew on stations — no absentees.

0930, made daily inspection of magazines and smokeless powder samples — conditions normal.

1900, set all ships clocks back (1) one hours to —11 zone.

Tuesday, Oct. 2

1220, GARNER, C. R. 347 00 37 SM1c USN reported to sick bay for treatment of laceration of scalp due to falling against a locker when ship lurched. Injury was treated and dressed by ship’s Pharmacist Mate.

1530, all hands manned their general quarter station for general drills.

1540, held steering casualty drill — shifted steering to after steering station.

1550, held fire drill in Boatswain’s Locker — first stream of water at fire in time of 2 minutes.

1604, secured from General Drills.

Thursday, Oct. 4

1900, retarded all ships clocks one hour to (-10) time zone.

Friday, Oct. 5

1819, secured #4 main engine for repairs.

0952, placed #4 engine back on the line.

1900, set all ships clocks back one (1) hour to —9 zone time.

Saturday, Oct. 6

0250, radar contact of the island of Abina Oagari Shima veering 245 degrees T, distance 14 miles.

1732, station special sea detail.

1752, steering various courses upon entering Buckner Bay, Okinawa Shima.

1908, anchored in berth B209 in 16 fathom of water with 60 fathom of chain out to the starboard anchor on the following bearings: MECI tower bearing 119 degrees T, left tangent T suken Shima bearing 092 degrees T, right tangent KUTARI Shima bearing 189 degrees T.

Sunday, Oct. 7, 1945

Anchored in Berth B209 Buckner Bay, Okinawa in 16 fathoms of water, coral bottom with 60 fathoms of chain to the starboard anchor, etc.

1407, stationed all special sea detail.

1431, underway, Captain at the Conn and Navigator on the bridge steering on various courses and speeds.

1518, anchored in berth B209 Buckner Bay, Okinawa in 16 fathoms of water, etc.

1537, underway pursuant to C. T. C. 52.9 dispatch 070524, Oct. 1945, sortie for typhoon East. This C. T. U. in this vessel to form Task Unit 52. 9.4 in company with the following vessels:

• USS ELUSIVE (AM-225),
• USS IMPLICIT (AM-246),
• USS INCESSANT (AM-248),
• USS INCREDIBLE (AM-249),
• USS MAINSTAY (AM-261),
• USS PINNACLE (AM-274),
• USS PROJECT (AM-278),
• USS PRIME (AM-279),
• USS QUEST (AM-281),
• USS SCUFFLE (AM-298),
• USS SENTRY (AM-299),
• USS STRENGTH (AM-309).

Monday, Oct. 8

Underway pursuant to CTG 52.9 sortie for typhoon, as before. On course 095 degrees T, 098 PstgC, speed 180 rpm’s. Steaming in formation with a column of six AM’s on each quarter, port and starboard, distance between column 2000 yards, distance between ships 1000 years to area assigned by CTG 52.9. All running lights bright. S/L radar in operation.

Thursday, Oct. 11, 1945

Underway as before.

0210, USS SENTRY (AM-299) USS QUEST (AM-281) were detached from this unit to proceed to Buckner Bay direct.

0400, This unit proceeding to form a column on course 020 degrees T, distance between ships 4000 yards. Column #1, previously on this vessels’ starboard quarter, executing corpen 020 degrees T, at base speed of 11 knots, and column #2 previously on this vessels’ port quarter, is executing corpen 020 T, following astern of this vessel as guide at speed of 8 knots.

0410, USS INCESSANT (AM-248) left this formation pursuant to verbal orders of CTU 52.9.4 to proceed on course 064 degrees T, for a distance of 36 miles then change course to 000 degrees T, for a distance of 12 miles, to search for a ship in distress: USS DAVID BARRY.

0425, proceeded to take station astern of USS SCUFFLE (AM-198), the end ship of #1 column, with #2 column falling in astern of this vessel in column formation.

0637, this vessel increased speed to base speed for 11 knots.

0738, Commencing to conduct search to westward for typhoon wreckage and survivors.

1332, expended 300 rounds of 20 MM ammunition on net float. Left float in sinking condition.

1443, sighted land, Okinawa Shima, bearing 290 degrees T, distance 16 miles.

1750, Wreckage and debris sighted in water by ships of this unit.

1800, manuevering on various courses and speeds to recover floating life raft.

1815, recovered life raft, proceeding back to station.

1840, resumed guide in formation.

1906, c/c to 090 degrees T, 092 degrees PstgC by ships turn changed to column formation USS PRIME (AM-279) assumed guide.

Friday, Oct. 12

0630, commenced manuevering on various courses and speed to investigate motor life boat adrift.

0700, unidentified mother lifeboat sunk by gunfire. Proceeding on various courses and speeds to return to station.

1620, commenced maneuvering to investigate floating life jacket.

1632, no identification on life jacket. Proceeding to station on course 180 degrees T, 176 degrees PstgC, speed 12 knots.

1659, detached USS STRENGTH (AM-309) to return to Buckner Bay Okinawa Shima with a case of acute appendicitis aboard.

1720, arrived on station in formation.

1817, detached USS ELUSIVE (AM-225) from this unit to proceed into port with 2 corpses of men found by that vessel.

2055, forming a column formation with the USS INCESSANT (AM-248) as guide.

Saturday, Oct. 13

0100, formation guide shifted to this vessel Interval of formation changed to 4000 yards.

0633, detached USS PRIME (AM-279) from this unit to proceed into port with unidentified lighter in tow found adrift in area.

1010, forming a column formation with 4000 yards distance between ships. USS IMPLICIT (AM-246) is guide.

1130, forming line abreast with this vessel as guide. Interval between ships is 4000 years.

1909, arrived in vicinity of USS PRIME (AM-279) and two barges, commenced maneuvering on various courses at range of approximately 2000 yards around 2 barges and USS PRIME (AM-279).

2045, ceased maneuvering around barges. Proceeding on various courses and speeds to return to formation.

2123, rejoined formation on course 180 degrees T, 182 degrees PstgC, speed 7 knots (140 rpm’s). In column formation distance 1000 yards between column has USS INCESSANT (AM-248) as guide.

2230, c/c to 000 degrees T, 006 degrees PstgC. by ship turn. Guide assumed by this vessel distance changed to 6000 yards.

Sunday Oct. 14

Underway with Task Unit 52.9.4 in column formation with this vessel acting as unit guide. In assigned area vicinity of Okinawa Shima. All running lights bright and S/L radar in operation.

1000, USS INCREDIBLE (AM-249) detached by CTU 52.9.4 dispatch140030 to return to Buckner Bay with sick man.

1001, Left formation proceeding to vicinity of USS INCREDIBLE (AM-249) to transfer wounded man.

1025, launched boat, transferred MILLER, William L. S1c, 251 44 92, USNR to USS INCREDIBLE (AM-249) for transportation to USS TERROR for treatment of injuries caused by broken glass while cleaning compass box with air (compressed) in the line of duty. Glass shattered and entered left eye. Patient had lacerations of left eyelid and left side of face.

1035, recovered boat.

1045, proceeding to return to formation, speed 15 knots.

1228, assumed station.

1700, USS IMPLICIT (AM-246) reported finding large dolphin afloat and was ordered by CTU 52.9.4 to attempt to break up dolphin by 3" 50 gunfire to eliminate hazard to navigation.

Monday, Oct. 15

0805 Underway. Mustered crew on station — no absentees, one authorized person missing, MILLER, William L. S1c 251 44 92.

1449, stationed all the special sea detail.

1458, commenced proceeding independently on various courses and speed to anchorage.

1528, anchored between berths 208 and 209, in Buckner Bay, Okinawa Shima in 15 fathoms of water with 75 fathoms of chain, to starboard anchor on the following bearings: Left Tangent T SuKen Shima 101 degrees T, HECP 123 degrees T, right tangent HAMAKIKA HANARI o55.5 degrees T.

Tuesday, Oct. 16,

0600, made all preparations for getting underway.

0630, underway pursuant to CTG 52.9 dispatch 150908.0751. Moored starboard side of IX-113 with three five inch manila lines all doubled up and one five inch manila line singled up.

0812 commenced taking on fuel draft 8’ 0" forward, 10’ 0" aft.

0826, secured from special sea detail.

0925, completed taking on fuel. 33,211 gallons received — draft 10’ 0" forward, 11’ 6" aft.

0928, stationed special sea detail.

0935, underway proceeding at various courses and speeds to berth L34.

1014, anchored in berth L34 in 13 fathoms of water with 60 fathoms of chain to starboard anchor on following bearings: Right tangent Kutaka Shima 140 degrees T, HECP 069.5 degrees T, Komoku Shima 169 degrees T to take on provisions in compliance with CTG 52.9 dispatch 151020 October 1945.

1020, secured from special sea detail.

Wednesday, Oct. 17

0645, made all preparations for getting underway.

0716, underway to shift anchorage.

0807, anchored in Berth B215 Buckner Bay, Okinawa in 15 fathoms of water, coral sand bottom with 60 fathoms of chain to the starboard anchor on the following bearings: HECP 121.5 degrees T, left tangent T sunken Shima 084 degrees T, Kamma Saki 012 degrees T.

0815, secured special sea detail

0840, YMS 283 came alongside and moored port side to with mail with USS ELLYSON (DMS-18) at Bungo Suido Japan

0845, commenced taking on board83 sacks first class mail, 10 sacks registered mail, 1 sack officer messenger mail and 9 boxes of freight.

1000, secured from taking on board mail.

1005, YMS 283 underway from alongside.

1010, TORSKE, Cleo Herbert S1c 660 23 74 reported aboard this vessel for transportation to the USS DUNLIN (AM-361) pursuant to orders dated 12 Sept. 1945. Serial SAH#7, P16-4/MM by direction of Medical Officer in Charge Special Assignment Hospital #7.

BUTCHOCK, Andrew (n) GM3c 250 75 28 USN, BYERS, La Verne Mathew, S1c 621 73 04 USNR reported aboard this vessel for transportation to the USS STAFF (AM-114) pursuant to orders dated 15 Oct. 1945, serial CM5/P16/MM from Commanding Officer USS TERROR (CM5).

1420, YMS 183 came alongside and moored starboard side to.

1425, commenced receiving stores from YMS 183.

1440, Lt (jg) Arthur MC GRAW, D, 252614 USNR reported aboard this vessel for transportation to the USS PHANTOM (AM-273) pursuant to orders dated 3 Oct. 1945, serial P16-4/00, 61-1425 from Commander Administrative Command Minecraft U. S. PACIFIC FLEET.

1447, secured from receiving stores from UMS 183.

1455, YMS 183 underway from alongside.

1545, stationed all special sea detail.

1600, underway pursuant to CTG 52.9 dispatch 161505 Oct. 1945 in company with the following vessels: USS BASTION ACM6, USS YMS 283, USS YMS 396, USS YMS 422, USS YMS 425, as Task Unit 52.9.15. On various courses and speeds upon leaving Buckner Bay Okinawa Shima.

1710, took departure with left of TSUKEN SHIMA bearing 317 degrees T, and right of TSUKEN SHIMA bearing 349 degrees T.

Thursday, Oct. 18

Underway pursuant to CTG 52.9 dispatch 161545 Oct. 1945 enroute Buckner Bay Okinawa Shima to Nagoya Japan. In column formation of three columns with this vessel as formation guide lead ship center column, distance 1000 yards.

Friday, Oct. 19

1030, underway on various courses and speeds taking position on starboard side of USS BASTION ACM6 to pass mail.

1055, completed passing mail, returning to station.

Saturday, Oct. 20

1033, underway, sighted land (Japan) bearing 300 degrees T, approximate distance 40 miles.

1167, casualty on reduction gear in forwarded engine room. Secured starboard shaft.

1115, Proceeding at various speeds on port shaft.

1145, left formation.

1205, CominRon 107 in USS BASTION (ACM6) made OTC of YMS group.

Sunday, Oct. 21

0640, all vessels in this task unit except this vessel proceeded with USS CLIMAX (AM-161) (or the USS CLAMOUR AM-160) as guide to anchorage in Nagoya Ko, Japan.

0710, USS YMS 147 commenced standing by this vessel.

0758, too station astern USS YMS 147, set base course 340 degrees T, 347 degrees PstgC. Proceeding to anchorage in Nagova Ko, Japan.

0822, on various courses and speeds keeping station on USS YMS 147.

1159, all engines stopped — lying to while waiting for pilot from USS IMPACCABLE (AM-320) to board this vessel.

1207, received pilot H. ASAI aboard this vessel.

1211, proceeding at various courses and speeds to pass through Toba Ko. Captain at the Conn, Navigator on the bridge with pilot.

1218, stationed anchor detail, pilot to the Conn.

1434, anchored in Iseno Umi, Japan south anchorage in 13 fathoms of water with 60 fathoms of chain to port anchor on the following bearings: Kannon Zoki bearing 120 degrees T, and Buto Sohie bearing 190 degrees T.

1455, pilot left bridge.

Monday, Oct. 22

Anchored as before.

Tuesday, Oct. 23

0630, made all preparations for getting underway.

0645, set all special sea detail.

1701, underway pursuant to C.T.G. 52.8 dispatch proceeding to northern anchorage on various courses and speeds conforming to the swept channel.

1707, secured from special sea detail.

0954, anchored in 13 fathoms of water with 60 fathoms of chain to port anchor off Yokkaichi Ko, Japan. Chimney (617 ft) bearing 214 degrees, east breakwater light bearing 280.5 degrees T.

Wednesday, Oct. 24

0803, USS YMS 415 underway from alongside.

1530, pursuant to ALNAV 252-45 the following men were transferred with baggage, records and orders to the USS KLINSMITH (APD-134) for transportation to a staging center for further transfer to continental United States for discharge:

CASAVAN, G. F. SC2c, 666 68 37 V-6 USNR; HARVEY, C. D. RM3c (T) 814 52 79 SV6 USNR; MONYCH, S. E. Bkr3c (T), 360 49 71 USN; VAN BOXEL, B. J. SC2c, 615 10 37 V6 USNR and CORDELL, W. D., MoMM3c (T), 849 40 41 SV6 USNR.

Thursday Oct. 25

Anchored at Yokkaichi Ko, Japan

1030, WRIGHT, Russell G. S2c 783 90 92 USNR received dislocated right shoulder when getting out of motor whale boat at Yokkacihi docks. Injury not due to won misconduct, reduction of shoulder and bandaging were done aboard USS BASTION (ACM6).

Friday, Oct. 26

1115, Lt. (jg) Arthur MC GRAW D USNR 252614 detached with order to report to USS LUZON (ARG2) for further transportation. Transferred the following men to USS LUZON (ARG2) for further transportation:

• TORSKE, C. H. S1c 660 23 47, USNR;
• BUTCHOCK, A. GM3c, 250 75 28, USN;
• BYERS, LaVern, S1c 621 73 04.

Transferred officer messenger registered and first class mail which was being transported to USS LUZON (ARG2) for further disposition.

1421, Pursuant to BuPers dispatch of 1 Sept. 1945 serial 61-1428, Lt. (jg) Victor B. LAWHEAD, (D) L USNR 266047 reported aboard this vessel for duty.

Saturday, Oct. 27

Anchored as before.

1000, commenced captain inspection of crew.

1025, secured from captain’s inspection.

1030, the following named men were awarded the Purple Heart Medal, pursuant to CominPac letter serial 1510 of 3 August 1945:

• GIBSON, R. L., 553 79 09 S2c USN;
• MILLS, R. D. 379 10 91 GM3c USN;
• SMITH, W, A. 338 61 35 L1c USNR.

BOWELL, J. P. SM3c USNR was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal pursuant to CominPac letter serial 02223 or 18 September 1945.

1040, secured from presentation of awards.

Monday Oct. 29

Anchored as before.

1555, pursuant to ALNAV 252-45 HARTJE, Robert H. EM2c 870 37 87 SV6 USNR was transferred with sea bag, pay accounts and records to a staging center for further processing via Commanding Officer of USS LCI 814.

1609, received stores from USS BOREAS (AF8)

1900, USS LCI 1091 tied up port side to this vessel.

1955, USS LCI 1091 completed taking on stores from this vessel.

2120, USS YMS 470 tied up port side to the USS LCI 1091.

2209, USS YMS 470 completed taking on stores and got underway from port side USS LCI 1091.

Tuesday, Oct. 30

0647, USS LCI 1091 got underway from our port side.

Wednesday, Oct. 31

Anchored as before.

1030, pursuant to standard transfer orders dated 31 October 1945 and ComSerDiv 103 despatch 301517 the following men reported for duty on board this vessel from the USS PICKENS (APA-190): LIPPI, George (n) MoMM3c 712 41 05;

• MYLES, Oliver StM2c 983 39 81;
• MC MAUGH, Raymond A. F2c 205 91 30;
• JOYNER, Robert W. F2c 950 ? ?;
• OLSON, Orlyn E. F1c 378 89 87;
• FROSCH, Stanley N. F1c (EM) 671 84 36:
• FIFE, Kerl W. S1c 256 87 10;
• ROZICH, Rudolph M. S2c 960 18 49;
• PAYNE, Harold E. S2c 273 48 95;
• MORRIS, Earl F. S2c 981 01 23:
• MILLER, Charles R. S2c 756 44 45;
• HAAS, Joseph B. S2c 942 11 72;
• DAILEY, George S2c 581 59 82;
• USSERY, Louis C. S1c 631 39 71;
• STEWART, James E. S1c 631 40 17.

This is a photo of Louis Ussery:

1530, pursuant to ALNAV 252-45 the following men were transferred with sea bags, pay accounts and records to staging center for further processing via the Commanding Officer USS LCI 814: LIND, Harold J. CmoMM 620 07 92 USNR;

• MC MANUS, George B. F1c 605 53 65 USNR;
• REMINGTON, Donald P. Cox 882 89 49 USNR; BAER, Frederick W. SM1c 654 62 43 USNR;
• BUNDY, Merle R. RM2c 725 10 09 USNR;
• MC DONALD, Ralph C. SF2c 866 22 96 USNR; HILL, William T. QM2c 757 62 79 USNR;
• VERA, Vincent W. S1c 819 15 66 USNR;
• BENNIEN, George R. Cox 858 57 50 USNR.