tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37791153139645356572024-03-04T23:44:13.122-08:00The War Diaries of Lt. George Lester CushmanThe following notes were written at odd hours and strange places -- some in times of stress, others in times of enjoyment -- most when the writing thereof postponed for a few moments more odious tasks. This is not a literary piece, but just a sketchy reminder in outline for of all of the then forbidden things that I would have liked to have written about to Jane and the family.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger69125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3779115313964535657.post-76705504021544921082013-10-30T10:14:00.001-07:002013-10-30T10:14:13.807-07:00Message from the Admin: HiatusHello,<br />
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The last post is the last one I have typed up. Since I am in Los Angeles and the Diary is in Michigan, this has caused a delay in postings. When I go back East for Thanksgiving, I hope to type up some more pages and resume posting regularly.<br />
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Best,<br />
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The Granddaughter.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3779115313964535657.post-35308817833413866302013-10-07T08:40:00.002-07:002013-10-07T08:40:31.338-07:0015 August 1944 - The Invasion of Southern France
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<span class="s1"><u>D-Day • </u></span><span class="s1"><u>H-Hour: 0800</u></span></div>
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<span class="s2"><b>0340:-</b><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Up at 0215 -- breakfast -- sick call in Sick Bay, seven patients retained. Phillips brought <span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>down from the wardroom to take charge. Mostly gastro-enteritis with two cases of early <span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>pneumonia thrown in for good measure. Then down at the chiefs’ quarters to secure for <span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>G.Q. Unbearably hot down here during sunset G.Q. last night. Cooler this morning, but it <span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>won’t be when the sun rises and heats the ship. Casualties or no, we will keep busy with <span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>medical cases: dysentery, heat prostration, acute bronchitis, and early pneumonia, all of <span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>which have shown activity prior to this.</span></div>
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<span class="s2"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>We are now secure, waiting for activity. The general plan is much the same as Normandy. We <span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>serve a dual role:-- a subsidiary one of acting convoy protection for transports, and a primary <span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>function as a fire support vessel for the amphibious landing activity. As such we will <span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>commence firing on known targets about H070, knocking out all known targets that <span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>threaten the beachhead. Then we will shift to secondary targets somewhat inland which <span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>would serve as secondary threats for the landing operations. Our fire call employs main and <span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>secondary batteries rapid fire -- both vessel and plane spotted at first, with later control from <span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>the Shore Fire Control Party (SFCP). Mr. Earl from the Tusky is a member of our SFCP, -- a <span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>mighty hot job. We will leave the assault area every night, going out about 50 miles, and <span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>returning early the next morning until all beachheads are secure and the invasion has <span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>proceeded far enough inland to need fire support no longer. Good news from northern <span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>France -- allied advance moving rapidly. With any luck at all the end should be in sight -- but <span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>we will retain our attitude of healthy pessimism. Awaiting developments.</span></div>
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<span class="s2"><b>0415:-<span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span></b>The sweat pouring in large drops -- and the sun isn’t in sight yet.</span></div>
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<span class="s2"><b>0645:-<span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span></b>Our target is in sight and we will open fire with our secondary battery in a very few minutes.</span></div>
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<span class="s2"><b>0700:-</b><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Have opened fire with our secondary battery. Moderately rapid fire. No report of return fire <span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>as yet.</span></div>
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<span class="s2"><b>0745:-</b><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>H-15. Both main and secondary batteries firing moderately rapidly. No report of return fire <span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>as yet. Scattered comments on the progress of the firing over the short wave. “Delta two <span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>calling Yellow dog: Target 280 - fire when ready - over.” “Yellow dog to Delta two: Roger - <span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Salvo - Wilco - Out.” “Delta two and Yellow dog on target rapid fire - out.” -- and so it goes. <span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>The results of our firing are not known to us below decks, and probably won’t be until we <span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>secure from G.Q.</span></div>
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<span class="s2"><b>0800:-<span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span></b>There has been the usual pre-invasion softening of the beachhead by “hundreds” of heavy <span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>bombers. We have now completed our pre-invasion bombardment and will pick up some <span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>secondary target under SFCP direction if we can establish contact. The American assault <span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>forces will take over now -- and their progress will be noted as it is known. (Incidentally, this <span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>is the longest period of sustained rest I have had in over a week -- and welcome, too.)</span></div>
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<span class="s2"><b>0820:-</b><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>First Army assault wave has gone in -- as of 0800 with </span><span class="s1">no resistance</span><span class="s2"> as yet.</span></div>
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<span class="s2"><b>0908:-</b><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Six waves reported as landed on Green Beach without casualties. Also reported that Blue <span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Beach has been taken. (Blue and Green Beaches lie on each side of Yellow Beach -- a small <span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>harbor strongly fortified and filled with mines. We should be able to take this harbor from <span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>the sea now.)</span></div>
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<span class="s2"><b>1045:-<span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span></b>Topside for about 30 minutes. We have not fired since our pre-invasion bombardment. We <span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>have contacted our SFCP but there are no targets to shoot at. Latest information discloses <span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>that we have taken Red, Green, Yellow, and Blue Beaches. No reported casualties -- almost <span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>unbelievable! (And rightly so -- we never did take Red Beach on D-Day.) Great numbers of <span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>LST’s and LCVP’s shuttling back and forth between the transports and the beach. Eight <span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>mine sweeps just passed our stern bound for the beach. Air coverage is good, as usual, and <span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>there is no sign as yet of enemy aircraft. We just moved in an eastern direction and are in a <span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>position to fire at point blank range -- but have not fired as yet. This whole operation thus far <span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>has an aura of unreality, (Especially after our previous experience.) Knowing nothing, I retain <span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>the attitude of expecting anything. We -- in the words of the prophets -- shall see.</span></div>
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<span class="s2"><b>1300:-<span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span></b>About 1230 approximately 40 B-24 bombers made their runs on the Red Beach dropping <span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>strings upon strings of bombs. Went topside directly thereafter and saw the destruction done <span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>-- almost continuous rumble from the beach with some dive bombing activity and a good <span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>deal of shelling. Our main battery opened up just prior to 1300 and continues to send salvos <span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>toward the beach - caught without cotton and beat a hasty retreat through the hatch before <span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>my tympanic membranes were completely ruined.</span></div>
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<span class="s2"><b>1600:-</b><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Straight dope on Red Beach -- landing craft stood off while the above bombing and shelling <span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>was going on. It was decided not to land. This beach is actually a good sized town, St. <span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Raphael, and the enemy resistance was too severe at this time, considering that unopposed <span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>landings can be made on the Green, Yellow, and Blue Beaches. We will get the bastards <span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>tomorrow. The invasion is already being broadcast over the radio. They describe it as being <span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>even larger than Normandy. Parachutist and glider troops were particularly successful in <span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>establishing salients behind the beachheads with little or no casualties -- compared to the <span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span></span><span class="s1">66%</span><span class="s2"> at Normandy.</span></div>
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<span class="s2"><b>1800:-</b><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Secure from G.Q. Time for Sick Call, a quick shower and shave with a change of clothes <span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>before chow.</span></div>
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<span class="s2"><b>2030:-</b><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Went topside after chow for a little air. Standing on the port side of the gun deck watching <span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>ship movements. The greater part of the task force was withdrawing behind overlapping <span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>smoke screen which blocked all vision from the beach. There was a good ground haze, what <span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>with the smoke of battle etc., and many small low-lying clouds between us and the beach. <span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>We had just completed our formation for withdrawal when one of the Cans off the port side <span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>opened up on a plane overhead. I caught a glimpse of a single plane for the briefest part of a <span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>second before it went into a cloud. After that all hell broke loose with 18 to 20 ships opening <span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>up with 40 mm and 5” fire. Tracers were dancing all over the sky and the smoke and noise <span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>were something to hear. I ducked under cover in the hangar and then went below for my <span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>helmet. By the time I returned, the show was over, and we soon secured and turned in for a <span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>little sleep.</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3779115313964535657.post-87436911475415730612013-10-06T09:02:00.001-07:002013-10-06T09:02:44.964-07:0014 August 1944
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<span class="s1"><b>1030.</b><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Tomorrow at 0215 we go in against the Southern coast of France. We are proceeding north-west at the moment in the company of a good sized task force -- consisting of three battle wagons -- the now famous “old ladies” (NEVADA, ARKANSAS, TEXAS), four American heavy cruisers, three British light cruisers, two French light cruisers, and sixteen destroyers. H-Hour is at 0800 but we are prepared to begin firing any time after 0300. We will be employing both main and secondary batteries with anti-aircraft fire ad lib. We will work both with air-spots and with our shore fire control party. Our main objective is the GREEN BEACH in which we will support American assault forces. The enemy has considerable amount of shore-based artillery bearing upon us -- and eight known radar stations. Her air-power is of an unknown quantity -- although there are a reported 145 JU 88’s and Dourniers in the area. All preparations have been made for gas attack.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Had an organization meeting with the boys this morning and at 1200 today we will be ready. Medical cases will present a considerable problem -- especially this dysentery. Total of 12 patients in Sick Bay at the moment. More later from C.P.O. Quarters.</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3779115313964535657.post-89792987817993351132013-09-12T09:28:00.002-07:002013-09-12T09:28:52.035-07:0013 August 1944
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<span class="s1"><b>1600.<span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span></b>Here we are again -- briefed and sealed for another invasion. This time we will hit the coast of Southern France in the vicinity of Cannes -- just west of the French Riviera. Another large-scale operation for which we will supply the firepower. The TUSCALOOSA will find itself in a hot spot again -- promises to be a bit like Cherbourg (and that is none to our liking). D-Day apparently is Tuesday, 15 August. More dope as it is received. Have been working all day on directives for casualties, fatalities, decontamination, etc. Will have a meeting with the boys tonight. Have had one hemorrhoidal thrombactomy every day for the last four days -- quite an epidemic.</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3779115313964535657.post-50648975552417375002013-09-07T07:31:00.003-07:002013-09-07T07:31:28.527-07:0013 August 1944
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<span class="s1">Another hiatus in our narrative -- this time of considerable proportions. For one thing the medical department has been really busy these past few days -- although I must confess to a few liberties. (Swimming at Mondello). Hitting the high spots, we have:</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span><b>8/9 - </b>All hell broke loose in the sick bay this evening. Two enteritis cases with high temperatures, one boy with a red-hot belly and a low WBC (Brooking), two drunks, one with a lacerated wrist (belligerent) and the other with a rum-belly (hysterical). Finally turned in about 0100.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span><b>8/10<span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>-</b> Attended a medical conference today (1000-1200) aboard the BROOKLYN -- about 30 M.O.’s present, including Mike Dean (Tufts Med ’43, who is on the KENDRICK). I discoursed for a few moments on dysentery -- with that exception it was an excellent meeting. Met Mike at 1400 this afternoon -- went out to Mondello for a terrific game of touch football from which some crawled away -- a good swim, and an evening of rather sustained drinking. First time I had let down the bars since 3 July in Bangor. Had a hell of a good time all around.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span><b>8/11 -</b><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Routine day -- busy all day long (which makes the day somewhat more than routine.) Mike came over for dinner and the movie tonight. Turned in by 2400.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span><b>8/12<span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>- </b>Another busy day -- with a nightmare in the Sick Bay to finish off with. The usual two enteritis cases (most of which are Shigella dysentery, I think -- but as I have no cultures I can’t prove it.) with high temperatures requiring IV’s. About 2100 one of the marines returning from liberty fell off the prow onto the mole -- doing a one and a half -- landing squarely on his head. Rather a frisky evening patching him up -- X-rays, B.P., etc. A damn lucky and a damn tough marine. No fracture, rapid recovery. In bed by 0100.</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3779115313964535657.post-6010109440992870862013-09-06T13:00:00.001-07:002013-09-06T13:00:41.890-07:005 August 1944
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<span class="s1">1100. Routine AM with a large sick call. Voting instructions given this AM. Will be aboard today -- hope to write some letters this PM.</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3779115313964535657.post-87337901213735390142013-09-05T09:00:00.001-07:002013-09-05T09:00:15.896-07:002 August 1944
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<span class="s1">1110.<span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Battle problem this morning. Abandon ship drill planned for this PM. Will arrive in Palermo about 1600. Heard more talk ashore yesterday concerning invasion. Promises to be even more extensive than Normandy. No straight dope as yet -- but it will be reported as it comes in.</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3779115313964535657.post-90297470892545514522013-09-04T07:35:00.002-07:002013-09-04T07:35:55.440-07:001 August 1944
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<span class="s1">2200.<span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Arrived at Naples at around 0800 this AM -- in by the Isle of Capri into Naples harbor with the overshadowing Mt. Vesuvius. The volcano is not active at present, although one can see wisps of steam rising from the crater. This afternoon went ashore in search of some DDT powder and penicillin. Strangely enough, although Naples was the city where they did the phenomenal early anti-typhus work with DDT, there is none available in the city today. Did pick up six ampules of penicillin at the U.S.N. Dispensary. Spent about an hour wandering about the city and having a beer or two, then returned to the ship. Underway at 2000 -- bound for Palermo.</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3779115313964535657.post-84808481657112249492013-09-03T19:55:00.002-07:002013-09-03T19:55:57.885-07:0031 July 1944
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<span class="s1">2200.<span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Routine AM. Spent a very pleasant afternoon yesterday at Mondello beach -- swimming and sunning. Returned in time for chow and the movie. We have had the movie out on the quarterdeck these past few nights. Very beautiful out under the moon and stars, and such an improvement over the hades-like wardroom. Leaving for Naples late this evening to pick up the Admiral.</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3779115313964535657.post-25416882404452362522013-09-02T08:07:00.002-07:002013-09-02T08:07:54.609-07:0030 July 1944
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<span class="s1">1145.<span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Routine PM. Feel much better this AM. Left the trundle only once last night -- quite the normal chap once more. Jane’s pictures arrived last night -- now we are really getting somewhere. Quite good -- especially the half-profile -- but a long way from the real McCoy. Planning a swim and some sun this PM, - look like a death’s head at present. Lost about 14 pounds during my mortal illness -- skinny as a damn fence post. Hard to gain it back in this weather.</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3779115313964535657.post-2190230216623942942013-09-01T12:52:00.001-07:002013-09-01T12:52:46.652-07:0029 July 1944
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<span class="s1">Considerable of a hiatus in our story here. In the meantime Don and I paid one more visit to Mondello Beach (7/22) and visited again with the Brancaleone family. This time our conversation was a bit more adequate and we spent a very pleasant pair of hours in their garden. On Sunday, 7/23, we put out for drill, and Sunday PM I took to my bed with the creeping crud. Diarrhea and abdominal cramps with temp of 101-102° all day Monday. N and V with temp of 104° added Tuesday. Tuesday evening during a second IV I had a pyrogenic reaction with shaking chills, temp up to 108° axillary (109° p.o.) and coma. They brought me back with ice packs and ice enemas, but I was pretty woozy all the next day. Up and around yesterday and today -- still only about 50% present. Dysentery epidemic abating.</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3779115313964535657.post-10578088953939605782013-08-31T08:48:00.001-07:002013-08-31T08:48:35.893-07:0019 July 1944
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<span class="s1">Routine this AM -- with plenty to keep one busy. Knocked off about 1400 and caught a weapon carrier from the mole (breakwater), drove through town and out to the beach at Mondello. Wide expanses of pure white sand -- clear but rather too warm water -- and thousands of Italians. The Navy officers’ club is an old villa right down on the shore. Changed there and went down the line to the Red Cross Beach. Spent the afternoon swimming, bathing in the heat of the sun, sailing and exploring the native beaches with the Padre. Returned to the club for a few drinks, a steak dinner (other choice - lobster) served out in the gardens beneath the palms -- with the strains of an eight piece orchestra as accompliment. A young Italian lady (aged nine) spent the evening trying to teach us Italian -- and on her invitation we visited her family about 2100. (After sending some cigarettes for Pappa ahead of us.) The family were very gracious -- and we spent a pleasant -- if not conversant -- hour in their garden drinking vino -- and, truth to tell, dancing with Mamma, sister (age 15) and our hostess, Elda. Returned to the ship about 2230 and spent the rest of the evening until 2400 taking care of drunks, one case of total amnesia, and the injured. (What a life!)</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3779115313964535657.post-82114106865729668362013-08-27T16:10:00.002-07:002013-08-27T16:10:53.695-07:0018 July 1944
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<span class="s1"><b>1000:-</b> Moored at Palermo along the mole at 0800 this morning. Country is exceedingly hilly and rather barren. City itself is a mass of rubble from our bombing attacks before it was taken. More details later after we have a chance to visit the countryside. Planning to do a hemorrhoidectomy this PM -- and will finish the circumcision on Thompson in the near future.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span><b>2400:-</b><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Routine day. Served as Medical Guard tonight. Expected considerable activity but was pleasantly surprised. Whole sock full of drunks -- but no one requiring much medical attention. Post-operative hemorrhoidectomy having considerable pain -- to be expected. Removed three hemorrhoids.</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3779115313964535657.post-81349951634794052212013-08-24T09:39:00.001-07:002013-08-24T09:39:40.458-07:0017 July 1944
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<span class="s1">Routine day with drills, etc. Gave the entire crew their typhus shots today. (Last in a series of three -- shooting 1200 men in two hours flat.)</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3779115313964535657.post-33110293151985420532013-08-23T09:44:00.001-07:002013-08-23T09:44:22.376-07:0016 July 1944
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<span class="s1">Church this morning on the fantail. Sailed about 1130 bound for Palermo Sicily. Routine day otherwise except for two periods of 5” shore bombardment drill in the PM necessitating G.Q.</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3779115313964535657.post-48553108729180251132013-08-22T09:27:00.001-07:002013-08-22T09:27:26.844-07:0015 July 1944
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<span class="s1">Routine duties this AM. Both P.O. patients doing well. Off again at 1630 for the officers’ beach and a swim. Repetition of the joys of the 13th without quite so much sun. Quite a gang from the Tusky over today -- raising hell as usual. One would know this gang anywhere by the amount of commotion it makes.</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3779115313964535657.post-18905831968739454852013-08-21T07:36:00.003-07:002013-08-21T07:36:34.585-07:0014 July 1944
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<span class="s2">Routine day -- busy with alcoholics, sunburn, and routine. This French wine appears to be 50% chloral hydrate and we have had some very ripe alcoholics -- including one alcoholic hallucinosis. No swim today.</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3779115313964535657.post-44696858020182205832013-08-20T20:27:00.001-07:002013-08-21T07:36:42.684-07:0018/13 July 1944<br />
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<span class="s1">I pick up the thread of this little quasi-narrative after an absence of six days -- in another port of call, -- Palermo, Sicily. Before coming to that, and for the sake of completeness, it is best to return to Oran, on </span><span class="s2"><u>7/13/44</u></span><span class="s1">. After completing the routine duties of the day on that date the Chaplain and I pushed off for the beach. It is indeed unfortunate that my pen is not more gifted, for such days as this are worthy of the best, even in a sketchy narrative such as this. Once again we picked up a taxi at the VULCAN and drove in the open air M.E.K. (Mer el Kairn) taxi up by the old French fort (right out of Beau Geste) via hairpin curves up the sides of the cliffs -- then winding around the periphery with the Mediterranean far below to Ain el Turek, stopping at the Junior Officers’ club. Here we stopped a moment for an American beer, and then down through the patios to a pavilion on the beach (where beer and sandwiches were served), changed into our suits, and forthwith into the water. (Delicious stuff!) Spent most of the afternoon beneath the brine, stopping only for an occasional beer and sandwich and a walk up the beach. The beach is divided into sections -- native, French, Italian (the P.W.’s also serve as life guards) and American. A panorama of nations is ample reward for the walking done. Rode back to the ship in an army truck filled with giggling jeune filles, and so to bed -- rather on the red side.</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3779115313964535657.post-75424711184373768062013-08-19T07:41:00.003-07:002013-08-19T07:41:41.149-07:0012 July 1944
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<span class="s1"><u>D + 36</u></span></div>
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<span class="s1">Busy as fury all morning. Had a circumcision scheduled for 1100 -- postponed because of a pressing demand to treat a multitude of minor ills. Again scheduled the operation at 1400, only to have the captain desire my presence. He was concerned about the effects of this ZCL smoke on the assembled lungs of the task force. So off I trudged -- to the VULCAN and Dr. Leary -- to the senior port M.O. (via telephone), to the AUGUSTA, and the QUINCY. Returned at 1500 and finally finished the circumcision. My good boss was on shore so I didn’t get a hoped for swim today. Shall spend the evening catching up on personal correspondence.</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3779115313964535657.post-16617787571263634132013-08-18T10:28:00.003-07:002013-08-18T10:28:15.097-07:0011 July 1944
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<span class="s1">Oran, Algeria.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Busy as all get out this AM culminating in a dorsal slit on a poor unfortunate with a large indurated ulcer on the penis. (Inner prepucial surface). Left at 1300 for Oran -- being driven there by a Navy “taxi” (a truck with seats). We walked around for about an hour -- interesting to see the natives in t heir fantastic garb, but the overall impression was one of filth and squalor. The place had an unhealthy smell -- you felt that if you took a deep breath the resulting impression on the hippocampus gyrus would be most unpleasant. Returned in due course to the officers’ beach -- very beautiful -- water was wonderful, and the sun the same. Met Dr. McNamara (FITCH) in Oran -- and we ran into Ralph Myerson (Tufts Med, ’42) at the beach. After two or three dips we went up to the officers club -- Murphy’s, no less -- where we met about 14 officers from the CA-37. Had a couple of triple secs, and then returned to the ship for late chow and the movie - (“Cover Girl” -- rugged duty for a lonesome sailor.) The ship’s company got rather fouled up on liberty yesterday -- what with too much sun and too much beer, and we had plenty of business during the evening. Beginning at 2230 and ending at 0500 we had four calls to G.Q. -- the defense forces were igniting Z CL powder to form a smoke screen over us, and the HCL fumes plus the heat plus the lack of sleep made for a rather rugged night of it.</span></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3779115313964535657.post-51312256356729184492013-08-17T19:44:00.001-07:002013-08-17T19:44:49.415-07:0010 July 1944
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<span class="s1"><u>D + 34</u></span></div>
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<span class="s1">Passed through the Straits of Gibraltar this morning at 0300 into the Mediterranean. Just come below from topsides. Not a cloud in the sky -- far away on the starboard side nearly hidden in the mist is the coast of North Africa -- on the port side the coast of southern Spain. The water appears to be no bluer than we have been experiencing throughout the past few days. The temperature (at sea) is delightful -- reminiscent of a hot summer’s day on the Cape.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Spent the morning completing the typhus innoculations [sic], inspecting the living compartments, and holding sick call. Department is working with a good degree of efficiency and excellent spirit. We will lose one of our chiefs today (Kirk) when we anchor in Oran, Algeria, North Africa at or about 1830 tonight. Days like this are indeed some compensation for being away from home and medicine.</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3779115313964535657.post-56443150697438703452013-08-16T18:38:00.001-07:002013-08-16T18:38:27.571-07:009 July 1944
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<span class="s1"><u>D + 33</u></span></div>
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<span class="s1">Busy most of the day with typhus shots (2nd in a series of three) -- rather heavy sick call, and a couple of minor surgical procedures. Knocked off at 1600 and repaired to the Com deck for some sun (and wind -- mostly the latter). Everybody is beginning to take on a glow of health, the morale has improved -- and each of us feels a hell of a lot better “all over”. Turned in at 2230 for what is to be hoped will be a good night’s sleep.</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3779115313964535657.post-83654451189954788082013-08-15T08:00:00.002-07:002013-08-15T08:00:42.811-07:008 July 1944
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<span class="s1"><u>D + 32</u></span></div>
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<span class="s1">Some talk of renaming the U.S.S. TUSCALOOSA. After 1600 today around 1/3 of the officers were out on the Com deck basking in the sun, throwing around the medicine ball and boxing. I threw the medicine ball sufficiently to give myself a sore shoulder and took on the first blush of health. It is grand to get some sun after such a long time without it. Otherwise it was a fairly busy day. We found a hot-bed of scabies in the Charlie Div. Living compartment and spent most of the morning and 1800 sick call cleaning it out. The rest of the morning was devoted to catching hell for running a sloppy ship and afternoon in emergency drills etc. The weather is indescribably beautiful and the ship is as steady as a country lane beneath your feet. We turned due east at 1915 this evening and are due to pass the “rock” at about 0500 tomorrow night. From there up to Oran for a few days, perhaps, and then to Palermo, Sicily. Quite a cruise for a landlubber -- what with the invasion, Cherbourg, and all.</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3779115313964535657.post-65656713062678572882013-08-14T12:10:00.001-07:002013-08-14T12:10:54.488-07:007 July 1944
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<span class="s1"><u>D + 31</u></span></div>
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<span class="s1">Routine day -- sea calming -- sun out -- water of a beautiful deep blue.</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3779115313964535657.post-5468461854931966922013-08-13T20:24:00.001-07:002013-08-13T20:24:39.217-07:006 July 1944
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<span class="s1"><u>D + 30</u></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><b>2030:-</b><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Routine day. Progressing south at a sure course of 180°. Shipping with us now are the AUGUSTA and two other transports. We picked them up at about 1530. The ships are running a wet course today, rolling from side to side in a pretty hard sea. Wonder of wonders I have gained my sealegs -- early this time -- the second day of weather. The sea is a deep purple today, the sky more or less overcast. I have not seen any kind of marine life of note, although people all about me on the weather decks are alway seeing flying fish and things. We are off the Bay of Biscay at the present writing. Message from the ELLISON reports a case of acute appendicitis -- hope the doc can quiet him down with sulfa. It would be hell to transfer him in this kind of weather.</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0