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USS Juneau War Diary I found this on a web site called "54 Years Ago". Its apparently not on the web any more but this information is incredible and wanted to share this. I lef tthe authors name and email address below if anyone should want to contact him. Sunk: Friday, 13 November 1942 (ten survivors)
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| FROM: The Commanding Officer TO: The Chief of Naval Operations. (Office of Naval Records and Library) Subject: War Diary.
Reference: (a) Opnav and Cominch joint ltr. FF1/A12-1(7) Serial 291 A12-1 (420222) of February 22, 1942.
Enclosure: (A) Copy of War Diary
1. As directed by reference (a) enclosure (A) is forwarded herewith.
L.K.SWENSON - Commanding Officer- USS Juneau
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Subject: War Diary - U.S.S. JUNEAU (CL-52)
JUNEAU's diary starts on Sunday March 22, 1942 and continues to 31 October, 1942. They were maintained aboard ship and were transmitted the following month of the report..so the November diary went down with the ship..
War Diary - U.S.S. JUNEAU (fitting out) 22 Mar 1942
Sunday March 22 - Departed Navy yard, N.Y at 1411 for Gravesend Bay anchorage for the purpose of receiving on board commissioning ammunition allowance. Anchored in above anchorage at 1517.
Monday March 23 - Received alongside two ammunition barges at 0800 from N.A.D. Iona Island, N.Y. and comenced taking on board allowance.
Tuesday March 24 - Continued taking on board ammunition and completed at 2145. Amount received on board entered in ship's log of this date. Exercised depth charge control and operation personnel in the conduct of D.C. attack at 1900. Conducted radar exercise.
Wednesday March 25 - Underway a 0748 for the purpose of conducting steering engine trials and engineering runs. Received air coverage from CommanderEastern Coastal Frontier. Operated off Pt. "X" in conducting above tests. Received satisfactory degaussing signatures from Swineburne Island Station. Anchored in Naval Anchorage off Tompkinsville, Staten Island, N.Y at 1354.
Thursday March 26 - At anchor Naval Anchorage, Tompkinsville, Staten Island, N.Y. Exercised General Quarters and conducted individual instruction of men in operation of radar and in underwater sound and depth charge attack procedure.
Friday, March 27 - At ancho Naval Anchorage, Tompkinsville, Staten Island, N.Y. Exercised at General Quarters. Continued instruction as on previous day.
This ends page one of War Diary - U.S.S. JUNEAU (CL-52) 1942
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Subject: War Diary - U.S.S. JUNEAU (CL-52) March 1942
From: "Jordan J. Gardner" <jgardn01@mail.orion.org>
Saturday, March 28 - At anchor Naval Anchorage, Tompkinsville, Staten Island,N.Y. At 0000 reported for duty to Commander-in-Chief U.S. Fleet and to Commander Destroyers, U.S. Atlantic Fleet (ComTask Group 27.1). At=
0715 underway for Base Hypo in accordance with ComTask Group ltr. A4-3(2)/A5-1(1)/FF13-6(0430) of March 14, 1942. Received air coverage from Commander Eastern Coastal Frontier of two seaplanes during run through New York swept channel and blimp to Delaware Capes. Entered Delaware Capes at 1700 where ship anchored overnight due to submarine menace. On entering Capes exercised both motor life boats in recovery of Franklin buoy accidentally dropped. Sea rough and wind about 40 knots. Anchored for night to northward of Harbor of Refuge.
Sunday, March 29 - At anchorge inside Delaware Capes and underway for Hampton Roads at 0730. Visibility poor on run to destination, averaging about 3000 yards with sea from the northeast veering to southwest through north, wind averaging about 40 knots. Underwater sound equipment made contact with an unknown object at 780 yards, bearing 110 degrees true at 1235. Launched an embarrassing depth charge attack consisting of three depth charges. Results of attack unknown. Concussion of depth charges opened circuit breakers on forward distribution board resulting in temporary loss of steering control and gyros. Casualty rectified by closing circuit breakers. Arrived off entrance to Chesapeake Bay at 1530 and received on board Pilot Peak, V.PA., for passage through mine field and to Hampton Roads. Anchored at 1800 in area "D" off Naval Operating Base. Hampton Roads, Va.
This ends page two (2) of War Diary- U.S.S. JUNEAU (CL-52) 1942
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Subject: War Diary- U.S.S. JUNEAU (CL-52) March 1942 Monday, March 30 - At anchor Base Hypo. Exercised at General Quarters and gun drills.
Tuesday, March 31 - Underway for Chesapeake Bay operating area at 0625. Anchored off Wolf Trap degaussing range prearatory to making runs while cables were inspected by range personnel. During course of afternoon ran the range. Informed that deperming was unnecessary. Completed several Tactical data runs (turns) prior to anchoring for the night vicinity U.S.S. SAN DIEGO.
This ends page three (3) of JUNEAU War Diary, 1942 ==============================
Subject: War Diary - U.S.S.JUNEAU (CL-52) April 1942 Operating under directive of ComTaskGroup 27.1, (ltr. A4-3(2)/A5-1(1)/FF13-6(0430) of March 14, 1942
Wednesday, April 1 - underway at 0715 and completed several tactical data runs (turns) prior to exercising at General Quarters. Calibrated R.D.F. on two frequencies (300 and 460 kcs.) assisted by NITRO. Swung magnetic compass without magnetics and then made preliminary compensation. Exercised at launching the paravanes. Anchored for night vicinity U.S.S. SAN DIEGO, in north portion of area "D".
Thusrday, April 2 - Underway at 0700 and completed deceleration tacticl data runs at 20, 15 and 10 knots to Stop, also from 20 knots ahead to back full. Prepared main and 1'1 batteries for structural test firings. Completed above test firings at 1330. During afternoon, swung magnetic compass for residuals with and without degaussing current on. Curve obtained unsatisfactory. Checked previously obtained R.D.F. curve on 460 kcs. Streamed starboard and port paravanes at 15 knots and steamed at 20 knots. Recovered at 15 knots. Anchored for night vicinity U.S.S.SAN DIEGO.
Friday, April 3 - Underway at 0700 and compensated magnetic compass. Exercised at General Quarters and held AA tracking drills with plane. Swung magnetic compass for residuals.During afternoon continued AA tracking drills but plane was forced to return to base because of engine trouble. Swung magnetic compass on cardinal and intercardinal points with degaussing current on. Satisfactory results. Returned to Base Hypo with camera party from USS SAN DIEGO and anchored in area "D" at 1940.
End of page one for April 1942
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Subject: War Diary - U.S.S. JUNEAU (CL-52) April 1942 Saturday, April 4 - At anchor off N.O.B. Hampton Roads, Va. Captain conducted material inspection of ship.
Sunday, April 5 - At anchor off N.O.B. Hampton Roads, Va.
Monday, April 6 - Underway at 0700 for gunnery training Chesapeake Bay vicinity SAN MARCOS wreck. Exercised at steering casualty drills and General Quarters. Conducted SRP "B" training runs on sled target towed by TUSCARORA. Conducted AA machine gun "G" and "H" training runs on plane. Instruction of watch officers in ship handling.
Tuesday, April 7 - Exercised at SRP training runs on sled target and conducted AA machine gun "G" and "H" training runs on airplane. Plane 4J25 operating with this ship effected forced landing due to broken lube oil line. Had plane moor to SAN MARCOS light buoy and boat stood by. TUSCARORA towed plane back to base during night. Conducted battery drill. Trained condition watches in Depth Charge attack procedure. Exercised at steering casualty drill. Instruction of watch officers in ship handling.
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Subject: War Diary - U.S.S. JUNEAU (CL-52) April 1942
Wednesday, April 8 - Fired AA machine gun training practices "G" and "H" on towed sleeve during forenoon. During afternoon fired SRP "B" completeing three of required five runs due to late arrival of photographic aircraft and lack of fuel. Exercised at steering casualty drill and watch officer instruction in anchoring. Anchored vicinity SAN MARCOS wreck.
(Source: U.S.S. JUNEAU (CL-52) War Diary, April 1942: File no. CL52/A12 serial 030, dated May 1, 1942)
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Subject: War Diary- U.S.S.JUNEAU (CL-52) April 1942
Thursday, April 9 - Underway at 0435 in answer to distress message received from S.S. "MIDDLESEX". Proceeded to vicinity Smith Point Light, Chesapeake Bay. Directed PADUCAH also proceed vicinity. Lieut. Comdr KNOWLTON WILLIAMS, USN boarded "MIDDLESEX'and learned that this vessel hadbeen in collision with Argentine freighter 'BRAZIL' and that the latter had been sunk. No loss of life and no medical attention required. "MIDDLESEX" received hole in starboard bow above water line and in no immediate danger. Despatch report made to Comd't, 5th Naval District. Wreck of "BRAZIL" lies 132 degrees true 3320 yards, in 67 feet of water, from SMITH POINT Light. No portion of wreck visible. Anchored vicinity until 0730 when underway for rendezvous with tug for completion of SRP "B". On completion this practice anchored vicinity Smith Point Light.
Friday, April 10 - Low cloud formation and intermittent mist and fog prevented scheduled A-A training runs. Underway 0900 to rendezvous with USS MATAGORDA to transfer photgraphic party for return to Base Hypo. Exercised at General Quarters. On completion transfer obtained tactical data. Captain held instruction of ship's officers on Depth Charge Attack Procedures. Held steering casualty drills. Enroute Annapolis during which time Engineering Department obtained steady run data at 12 and 15 knots. Anchored off entrance to Severn River channel.
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Subject: War Diary - U.S.S.JUNEAU (CL-52) April 1942
From: "Jordan J. Gardner" <jgardn01@mail.orion.org>
Saturday, April 11 - At anchor Annapolis Roads. Exercised each condition watch at Depth Charge Attack Procedure. Crew instructed by medical officer. Midshipmen visited ship. During evening set Alert 2 on main engines and anchor windlass due to high winds and secured at 2200.
Sunday, April 12 - At anchor Annapolis Roads. Exercised each condition watch at D.C. Attack Procedure. Continued instruction of crew by medical officer. Exercised main battery plotting room. Midshipmen visited ship.
Monday, April 13 - Underway at 0600 for Chesapeake Bay operating area. Conducted steady run data at 18 knots. Made training runs for L.C.B.P. and fired L.C.B.P. Spotting. Moored with stern anchor out for night to check holding ability for gear.
Tuesday, April 14 - Stern anchor dragged during night due to tides. Wind on beam about 10 knots. Fired L.C.B.P. Unable to train for and fire A.A.B.P. "B" due to ceiling. Anchored for night vicinity USS SAN JUAN and D.C. range.
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Subject: War Diary - U.S.S. JUNEAU (CL-52) April 1942 Wednesday, April 15 - Exercised main battery during forenoon at non-record AA "B" firing. Misalignment between main battery directors and rangefinders was so great as to prevent further AA firing. Exercised at Depth Charge Attack Procedure. During afternoon fired AAMG "A" and "B" for record. Made night training runs on anchored battle raft for NSP. Anchored vicinity Wolf Trap degaussing range.
Thursday, April 16 - Lieut. Robert F. WILSON, O-V(3), USNR, and two other representatives of Naval Gun factory reported on board to correct misalignment of directors and rangefinders in which effort they were successful. Adjusted magnetic compass underway for degaussing. Exercised at Night Spotting practice and anchored for night vicinity SAN MARCOS wreck.
Friday, April 17 - Conducted 5" AA training runs and obtained tactical data during forenoon. Proceeded to Base Hypo during afternoon exercising at D.C. Attack Procedure. Moored to Pier 5, Base Hypo for purpose of fueling and victualling.
Saturday, April 18 - Held inspection of personnel and living spaces. Received on board fuel and provisions.
Sunday, April 19 - Moored at Base Hypo.
Monday, April 20 - Proceeded to Chesapeake Bay operating area and anchored vicinity SAN MARCOS wreck. Overcast prevented 5" AA firing. Exercised at D.C. procedure drills.
Tuesday, April 21 - Exercised at 5" AA firing "B" at flares and instruction of Deck officers in seamanship in forenoon. During afternoon conducted same firing at sleeve. Fired night spotting practice and anchored vicinity SAN MARCOS wreck.
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Subject: War Diary -U.S.S. JUNEAU (CL-52) April 1942 Wednesday, April 22 - Observers from Navy Department came on board to witness and experimental "Drone" 5" firing wich was conducted without injury to the "Drone". About 1123 a J2F-5 #00661 seaplane, piloted by Lieut. J.B. BURKS carrying Comdr. P.E.McDOWELL of Headquarters of Cominch with S.L.MOREL, AMM1c on board, nosed over while making a landing one half mile off starboard quarter. Above personnel were recovered by MWB uninjured and plane towed to side of ship where it was hoisted clear of water with boatcrane. Conducted 5" AA "B" firing in afternoon by single mounts. Later in afternoon fired 5" AABP "B" with photo triangulation. Visiting personnel departed in two planes for their respective bases. Proceeded to Tail of Horseshoe with wrecked plane to delive to LAPWING. Anchored vicinity entrance Thimble Shoal Channel for night.
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Subject: War Diary - U.S.S. JUNEAU (CL-52) April 1942 Thursday, April 23 - Proceeded to Chesapeake Bay operating area "C" for AAMG training and firing but was unable to make runs due to fog. Exercised Depth Charge attack teams. Conducted instruction of line officers. Anchored vicinity SAN MARCOS wreck.
Friday, April 24 - Exercise at submarine contact drill and training runs for AABP "G" off entrance Potomac River during forenoon. Fired AABP "G" and MGAABP "G" during afternoonb and proceeded to Base Hypo to anchor overnight. While enroute lost pressure on #2 Boiler due to clogged suction line of fuel oil service pump.
Saturday, April 25 - Anchored of N.O.B., Base Hypo. Underway at 1127 for Base Sail in accordance with approved operating schedule. While proceeding to Point "XM", in low visability, experienced shock of two underwater explosions similar to depth charges and heard one round of gun fire to north eastward. Visibility prevented further contact. On clearing Point "XM", Norfolk Canyon at 1605, proceeded on course 057 degrees true, speed 25 knots and comenced zigzagging according to plan #7, G.T.I. course shaped for Hydrographer Canyon off Georges Bank.
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Subject: War Diary - U.S.S. JUNEAU (CL-52) April 1942 Sunday, April 26- Conducting steady run data at various speeds. Seacalm at morning twilight. 0600 changed mean course to north and continued zigzag Plan#7. sighted sea plane at 0630 (+4) and soon thereafter USS PHILADELPHIA on SW course. 0800 fix Lat. 40-34.5 N., Long. 69-15.0 W. Commenced working up to full power at 0800. Received radio of enemy submarine 15 miles to Westward of projected 1030 D.R. position. Changed mean course to 020 degrees. Commenced full power at 1030. Sea began to increase from northward. Changed mean course to 335 degrees at 1130. 1200 position Lat. 42-02 N, Long. 69-17.5 W. Obtained radio bearings during afternoon for navigational purposes. Completed full power at 1230 and commenced decreasing speed. Entered swept channel to Base Sail at 1550 and anchored there at 1648.
Monday, April 27 - At anchor. Detection officers and sound operators received instruction at "Attack Teacher" in Portland, Me.
Tuesday, April 28 - Underway in forenoon and exercised with NORTH CAROLINA in radar tracking exercise. During late afternoon and early afternoon exercised with USS S-20 in submerged submarine detection. Condition of water resulted in mediocre sound results. Returned to base for night.
Wednesday, April 29 - At anchor. Detection officers and sound operators received instruction at "Attack Teacher"
Thursday, April 30 - Underway in morning for operating area. Non arrival of towing plane prevented AAMG training and firing. Conducted Crash back from full power ahead. Dead in water 1'28".5; reach 475 yards. Conducted steering astern at 152 RPM. Crashed ahead from astern to ahead. Dead in water 17"; reach 75 yds. During afternoon fired AAMG "G" and "H". Returned to base and anchored.
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Subject: War Diary - U.S.S. JUNEAU (CL-52) May 1942 Operating under directive of ComTask Group 27.1 (Ltr. A4-3 (2)1A5-(1)/FF13-6(0430) of March 14, 1942).
Operating under ComCarib Sea Frontier and ComTask Unit 26.3.9, May 8 - May 14, 1942.
Friday, May 1 - Underway about 0830 for operating area off Base Sail. Sea calm, weather clear, light winds. Fired AABP "B" on sleeve during early afternoon. Succeeded in hitting one sleeve and bringing other sleeve down. Exercised main battery Condition watches at picking up targets quickly. Exercised Q.C and radar personnel. Returned to base and anchored overnight.
Saturday, May 2 - Underway at 0658 for Navy Yard, N.Y., via the Cape Cod Canal, as directed by ComTaskGroup 27.1 (ComDesLant) dispatch 011815 of May 1942. Cleared A/S net at 0712, and after passing through Point "X", commenced zigzagging on base course 201 degrees true working up to 27 knots. Changed base course to 180 degrees to avoid Portsmouth (N.H) submarine operating areas. Entered Cape Cod Bay at 1115 and approached canal entrance where pilot, Capt. Harlan Robinson, was received on board for canal transit which comenced at 1210. Cleared canal at 1327 and proceeded down Buzzards Bay. After clearing Pt Judith and when closing Race Point to enter Long Island Sound, received despatch from CincLant directing JUNEAU put into Base George (Newport R.I) for a brief visit. Ship reversed course and passed through A/S net to Base George at 1645 and anchored off Gull Rock, where CincLant Vice Admiral INGERSOL, U.S.N., and members of his staff visited the ship informally. Underway from Base George at 1740, and proceeded towards New York via Long Island Sound, on clearing Race Point during daylight noted a merchantman aground on Valiant Rock, with two tugs standing by. Weather clear, and sea calm. Anchored for night at 2332 in Hemstead Harbor. During run in Long Island Sound obtained steady steaming data at 20 knots. Received information that ship would have to proceed to Gravesend Bay to unload ammunition in preparation for certain welding necessary in connection with the installation of a de-gaussing "A" coil.
Sunday, May 3 - Thick fog prevented ship from getting underwayas scheduled to make the slack at Hell Gate at 0640. Navigator landed and effected telephone communications with Third Naval Sistrict, requesting that pilot board JUNEAU at anchorage, rather than off City Island. Pilot FORDHAM came on board during forenoon, and weather cleared sufficiently to get underway at 1506, and proceeded thru Hell Gate at 1700. Anchored in Gravesend Bay at 1854 and commenced preparations for unloading ammunition.
Monday, May 4 - Unloaded about 300 tons of ammunition into lighters when CincLant despatch 041817 of May 1942 was received about 1430 directing JUNEAU proceed at best speed toward San Juan, reporting to ComCarib Sea Frontier for duty. Commenced reloading ammunition and ordered various necessary stores. Recalled men from leave and made preparations to depart Gravesend Bay at noon, tomorrow, Tuesday.
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Subject: War Diary - U.S.S. JUNEAU May 1942 (continued)
Tuesday, May 5 - At anchor Gravesend Bay, N.Y. Receiving on board stores in preparation for departure in execution of C-in-C Atlantic Fleet despatch 041817 of May 1942. 1247 underway and standing down Ambrose swept channel. 1403 took departure on New York Harbor Fairway Lighted whistle buoy "A" on base course 163 degrees true, speed 30 knots, and commenced zigzag plan #9 from G.T.I., enroute San Juan, P.R. Sea calm, light winds from northeastward. Visibility 10 miles. Air coverage of one Army Lockheed Hudson bomber furnished by CESF. 2000 position by observation Lat.37-42.9 N, Long. 72-42.0 W.
Wednesday, May 6 - Enroute San Juan P.R. on base course 163 degrees at speed 30 knots, Z.Z., according to plan no. 9 of G.T.I Sea calm, light winds from S.E. At 0540 sighted a life raft in Lat. 33-34 N. bearing inscription "GOTEB_____" (remainder of name indistinct). Long. 71-03 W. Raft was empty. Returned to course and speed. 0800 position Lat. 32-34.5 N. Long. 70-36 W. Held General Quarters and exercised gun crews. Made battle disposition of ammunition. 1200 position Lat. 30-48.9 N., Long. 70-00 W. During afternoon, sky became overcast with occassional light rain squalls. Sea picked up to force 4. No evening observations. 2000 position by dead reckoning, Lat. 27-32.5 N., Long. 68-33.8 W.
Thursday, May 7 - Steaming with maximum boiler power available enroute San Juan, P.R., on base course 163 (t) at 30 knots, zigzagging according to plan #9, G.T.I. Good visibility; wind and sea from eastward, force 5. 0800 position Long. 66-38.8 W., Lat. 22-05.2 N. Exercised at General Quarters. 1200 position 20-11.2 N., Long. 66-15.8 W. Ay 1230 reduced speed to 27 knots and at 1500 changed base course to 179 degrees. Raised Puerto Rico bearing 170 degrees true at 1505, and changed speed to 24 knots. At 1547 changed base course to 200, and proceeded to San Juan harbor entrance, passing through nets at 1626. Ship moored east side of Pier 1 for fueling, Captain docking without tugs. Captain called on ComCarib Sea Frontier and was aquainted with the Martinique situation and status of French men of war therein. JUNEAU directed to clear harbor on completion of fueling and proceed to Eastward of Martinique - Guadeloupe. Information concerning mined areas, submarines, hydrographic information in Caribean obtained by Navigator at District Headquarters. Captain informed CINCINNATI, (off Martinique), of JUNEAU's prospective movements.
Friday, May 8 - Underway from Pier 1, San Juan at 0010 enroute to an area thiry miles to the eastward of Martinique-Guadeloupe in accordance with verbal orders of ComCarib Sea Frontier reporting to USS CINCINNATI, then in area. The object of this station being to prevent the escape by force of certain French (vichy) men-of-war contained at Fort de France and Pointe a Pietre. Shaped a course to pass 30 miles to northward and eastward of Leeward Islands, steamed at 30 knots and Z.Z. according to plan. 0800 position Lat. 18-41.9 N., Long. 63-05.2 W. Readied ship for action and made ammunition dispositions. 1200 position Lat. 18-02.2 N., Long. 61-26.3 W. At 1615 changed base course to 180 degrees. At 1815 changed base course to 090 degrees and reduced speed to 17 knots, and commenced patrolling station on an east and west line with the plan of reaching Longitude 61 degrees W at a point midway between Martinique and Guadeloupe at 2200, two hours after dark. At 1908 in Lat. 15-49.7N., Long. 60-21.0 W., while on course 270 degrees, speed 17 knots made and underwater sound contact with the Q.C. equipment at 2000 yards bearing 220 degrees (t) and attacked by releasing 3-600 lbs Depth charges and 6-300 lbs charges. Evaluation of contact subsequent to attack resulted in the opinion that the contact was made on the knuckle of the JUNEAU's wake and that no submarine was present; the JUNEAU had countermarched 14 minutes before. Patrolled to eastward during night and at moonrise zigzagged to right and left of true bearing of moon.
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Subject: War Diary - USS JUNEAU (CL-52) May 1942 (continued)
Saturday, May 9 - Patrolling off Martinique - Guadeloupe area. 0800 position Lat. 15-44.8N., Long. 58.59.7 W. 1110 sighted and closed merchant vessel in Lat. 15-41 N., Long. 58-13 W. Identified vessel as S.S. NISHMAHA, U.S. registry, Captain OBOE. Vessel answered correctly wartime challenge. 1200 position Lat. 15-43.1 N., Long. 58.27.9 W. Exercised crew at battle and anti-submarine stations. 2000 position Lat. 16-04.8 N., Long. 60-11.0 W.
Sunday, May 10 - Patrolled to eastward of Martinique - Guadeloupe during night on an eaterly course. Sighted a seaplane at 0530 which was identified as attached to U.S.S. CINCINNATI, a vessel of Task Unit 26.3.9. Sighted a merchant vessel at 0630, about 13 miles distant and proceeded to investigate her. Unable to identify vessel from call she hoisted in response to our challenge. Directed her to heave to in Lat. 15-13.3 N., Long. 58-40.9 W. Sent boarding officer, Lieut. W.H.FARMER, U.S.N., and party to board and investigate. Vessel listed in Lloyds registry as Elizabeth Van Belgie. A cargo of sugar from British Barbados to Halifax, N.S., Captain SANGLIER in command. Boarding party returned to ship and confirmed innocence of vessel, ie, that she was as listed and that she carried a cargo. She was allowed to proceed, though the correct use of the identification signal hoisted by VAN BELGIE did not follow current instructions due to incomplete information furnished captain by port authorities at Barbados. Proceeded and rendezvoused with Task Unit 26.3.9 at 0900 as previously directed. Unit consisted of SAVANNAH, Captain Bennett, S.O.P.A., CINCINNATI, DAVIS, LANSDALE and JUNEAU. Official mail passed to JUNEAU by LANSDALE. Noon position Lat. 15-16 N., Long. 58-23.2. Set clocks ahead to zone plus 2 1/2 at 1300. CINCINNATI left formation to proceed to Pointe a Pietre to back up two destroyers patrolling off entrance to deny sorti of EMIL BRETIN. 2000 position Lat. 15-28.2 N., Long. 57-48 W. Ceased zigzagging at 2105 and steamed during night on course 070 at 17 knots. *Informed of general plan of ComTask Unit 26.3.9 (SAVANNAH) that Task Unit would remain in Sector 065 degrees - 090 degrees from Martinique taking positions on a 300 mile radius at dawn of each day.
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Subject: War Diary - USS JUNEAU (CL-52) May 1942 (continued)
Monday, May 11 -Exercised at battle problem in afternoon conducting radar and range finder tracking with other vessels of Task Unit. Reformed in cruising disposition 9N at 115. 1200 position Lat. 16-05 N., Long. 55-49.2 W. Received word during afternoon that French ships would attempt to escape on expiration of time limit. No information on board as to actual diplomatic representations to Vichy Government. Raer Admiral HOOVER, U.S.N., ComCarib Sea Frontier, visited Fortde France. 2000 position Lat. 16-02.2 N., Long. 57-45 W. Steamed during night on course 245 at 17 knots.
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Subject: War Diary - USS JUNEAU (CL-52) May 1942 (continued)
Tuesday, May 12 - 0800 position Lat. 15-33 N., :png. 58-06.1 W. Continued patrolling area to eastward of Martinique-Guadeloupe about 300 miles. During afternoon exercised at Battle Problem in which destroyer SOMMERS simulated an escaping French cruiser. 1200 position Lat. 15-52.3 N., Long. 58.40 W. Received information that Rear Admiral HOOVER, U.S.N., was to spend the night at Fort de France, and that in all probability "EMIL BRETIN" and "JEAN d' ARC" would attempt escape. Press news reports stated that French Government considered U.S. demands to establish military garrisons onj the islands as well as to demilitarize warships therein to be an act of war. JUNEAU made preparations for action, U.S.S. LANSDOWNE left formation to join U.S.S. CINCINNATI for A/S duty off Guadeloupe. 2000 position Lat. 16-31 N., Long. 57.37.8 W. Steered at carious courses during the night within patrol area. JUNEAU taking station on starboard bow of SAVANNAH as A/S screen and SOMMERS on port bow.
Wednesday, May 13 - Patrolling Martinique - Guadeloupe area in company ComTask Unit 26.3.9, SAVANNAH O.T.C. 0800 position Lat. 15-40 N., Long. 56-59 W. 1200 position Lat. 15-41.5 N.,Long. 58.07.1 W. During afternoon received word there would be no trouble tonight. 2000 position Lat. 14-26 N., Long. 57-36.1 W.
Thursday, May 14 - On blockade off Martinique-Guadeloupe. 0800 position Lat. 16-00 N., Long. 57-07 W. Received information that French warships had been guaranteed not to move and to relax close blockade. 1200 position Lat. 15-59.7 N., Long. 58-04.6 W. ComCar Sea Frontier 141141 received directing that operations cease and Task Unit return to bases. Exercised at Battle problem with ships in company during afternoon. 2000 JUNEAU released from Task Unit by CoTask 26.3.9 and proceeded singly for San Juan, P.R. 2000 position Lat. 16-53.5 N., Long 59-19.5 W.
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Subject: War Diary - U.S.S. JUNEAU (CL-52) May 1942 (continued)
Friday, May 15 - Steaming singly enroute San Juan, P.R., for purpose of fueling. Course laid to north and eastward of Windward Islands. At 1400 received despatch from ComCar. Sea Fron., directing JUNEAU proceed St. Thomas for fuel instead of San Juan. Proceeded St. Thomas and moored to West India Oil Dock at 1526. Darkened ship during practice air raid alarm held in St. Thomas.
Saturday, May 16 - Moored at oil dock, St. Thomas. Vice Admiral JONAS INGRAM, U.S.N., ComTask Group 26, received aboard unofficially, and left after breakfast with Captain. Departed St. Thomas, 0930 and exercised with USS S-12 off entrance. Completed submarine tracking drills at 1430, and proceeded San Juan, P.R., arriving there at 1815 and moored to pier 1. JUNEAU waiting to rendezvous with CINCINNATI for return to New York.
Sunday, May 17 - At San Juan, P.R. Underway at noon to rendezvous with CINCINNATI about 32 miles north of harbor. Joined CINCINNATI at 1400, and shaped a base course of 345 degrees true, enroute New York, speed of advance 21 knots. 2000 position Lat. 20-51 N., Long. 66-29.9 W.
Monday, May 18 - In company CINCINNATI enroute New York, Z.Z. on base course 345 degrees, speed of advance 21 knots. 0800 position Lat. 24-57.3 N., Long. 67-45.9 W. sighted and investigated unnamed empty box raft. Exercised at range finder and radar tracking drill during afternoon. 1200 position Lat. 25-55 N., Long. 68-11 W. Held anti-submarine drills. 2000 position Lat. 2834.5 N., Long. 68-54 W.
Tuesday, May 19 - UIn company CINCINNATI enroute New York, N.Y. 0800 position Lat. 32-52 .9 N., Long. 70-16.9 W. 1200 position Lat. 34-08.2 N., Long. 70-44.5 W., 2000 position Lat. 36=41.1 N., Long. 71-36.9 W. Exercised at various drills during day.
Wednesday, May 20 - In company CINCINNATI enroute New York. Made landfall on Hudson Canyon with fathometer at 0530. Proceeded to entrance of NewYork swept channel through dense fog. Anchored Gravesend Bay 1335 and received alongside ammunition lighters for purpose of discharging ammunition prior to Navy Yard overhaul.
Thursday, May 21 - At anchor Gravesend Bay, N.Y. Underway for Brooklyn Navy Yard at 0756 and moored at yard at 0851. Commenced overhaul on completion of shake down cruise. Final acceptance trials not considered necessary due to satisfactory performance of engineering plant.
Friday, May 22 - At Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York.
(JUNEAU remained at Brooklyn Navy Yard until May 31, 1942)
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Subject: War Diary - USS JUNEAU (CL-52) June 1942
Operating under Commander Task Force 22 (CincLant despatch 261422 of May 1942)
Monday, June 1 - Departed Navy Yard at 0535 for Naval Base, Bayonne, N.J., for purpose of deperming and receiving degaussing calibration. Completed this work at 1700 and proceeded to Gravesend Bay anchorage to receive on board ammunition; anchoring there at 1805.
Tuesday, June 2 - At anchore Gravesend Bay N.Y. Loading ammunition delivered from Fort Lafayette.
Wednesday, June 3 - At anchor Gravesend Bay, N.Y. Loading ammunition and receiving on board various supplies. Completed loading.
Thursday, June 4 - At anchor Gravesend Bay, N.Y. Underway at 0630 for Base George as directed C.T.F. 22 despatch 301720 of May 1942. Proceeded via Hell Gate into Long Island Sound. Exercised at , and instructed crew in general quarter stations while enroute. Passed through A/S net into Naragausett Bay at 1625 and anchored off Newport, R.I. Captain called upon CincLant and arranged for exercises to be conducted while at Base George.
Friday, June 5 - At anchor Base George. Prior to getting underway at 0800 sent party of anti-aircraft machine gunners to Prices Neck for instructional firing. During fornoon calibrated radio direction finder on 310 KCS, in vicinity of Brenton Reef Lightship, light vessel transmitting. Swung ship for magnetic compass residuals with degaussing current turned on. Returned to Base George and moored to buoy, for exercise purposes at 1340.
Saturday, June 6 - At anchor , Base George. Received supplies during forenoon and shifted from buoy to anchorage. Anti-aircraft machine gunners received instructional firing at Prices Neck. Received information from New York Yard that F.D radar amplifiers were available for installation. Captain's telephonic request was approved for engineers and material to meet ship at New London, Conn., tomorrow Sunday evening. Request was also made of Submarine Base, New London, for services of submarine in Long Island Sound for R.D.F. calibration.
Sunday, June 7 - At anchor Base George. Underway for Base Queen at 0700 and R.D.F., calibration with U.S.S. O-10 off Race Point while enroute. Obtained calibration on 530, 730 and 900 kcs. Anchored Base Queen (entrance to Thames River) outside os A/S net at 1540. During darkness stationed an armed picket boat two miles to "seaward" of anchorage.
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Subject: War Diary - USS JUNEAU (CL-52), June 1942 (continued)
Monday, June 8 - At anchor Base Queen. Lieut. Comdr. E.W. Lovejoy, U.S.N.R., and civilian engineers came on board at 0935 to effect installation of F.D. Radar amplifiers and complete this work at 1700 and departed. Underway for Base Roger as directed by CTF 22 despatch 021602 of June, 1942. At 1704 took departure from Endeavor Shoals Can Buoy #3 (off Montauk Pt), shaped course 115 degrees true and commenced zigzagging, speed of advance 23 knots.
Tuesday, June 9 - Enroute Base Roger. 0800 position Lat. 40-26.3 N., Long. 66-38.8 W. 1200 position Lat. 41-11 N., Long. 64-54.2 W. 2000 position Lat. 42-54.8 N., Long. 61-51.2 W. Exercised at general quarters and other drills during day. Made a two hour engineering economy run at 120% boiler overload at 28 knots (two boilers). Approached and identified in Lat. 42-40 N., Long. 62-35 W., S.S. MOSEDALE of Norwegian registry at 1800. Sighted at 2124, white flashing light answering the characteristics of West point light of Sable Island about 65 miles away. Doubt was expressed as to the authenticity of the light because of the distance as well as its intermittent showing, but at 2200 received a confirming radio bearing. Made an unidentified radar contact at 2248, clocks had been previously advanced 1/2 hour to zone plus 3 and 1/2, and went to general quarters. Contact was most suspicious at first as relative bearing remained practically constant, though range decreased. The ship was maneuvered at various courses and speeds with a resultant constant bearing. It was reasoned a phenomenon existed resulting in a cloud contact and the ship secured from general quarters and proceeded on base course of 057 degrees true.
Wednesday, June 10 - Enroute Base Roger (Argentia, N.F.). 0800 position Lat. 44-58 N., Long. 57-05 W., 1200 position Lat. 46-10 N., Long. 55-41 W. At 1224 raised land broad on port bow distant 37 miles. Proceeded into Placentia Bay and passed through A/S net into Argentia Harbor at 1653. Moored alongside tanker WINOOSKI to fuel. Captain called upon Comanders Task Forces 24 (SOPA) and 22. Vessels of Task Force 22 under command of Rear Admiral ALEXANDER SHARP, U.S.N., present as follows AUGUSTA, flag, RANGER, RODMAN, CORRY and MACOMB.
Thursday, June 11 - At Base Roger. Exercised at general quarters. Vice Admiral R.M.BRAINARD, U.S.N. (ComTaskFor 24), and Rear Admiral ALEXANDER SHARP, U.S.N., (ComTaskFor 22), were received on board in the late afternoon and informally inspected the ship.
Friday, June 12 - At Base Roger. Exercised at general quarters. Material inspection of ship by heads of departments.
Saturday, June 13 - At Base Roger. Inspection of personnel and living spaces by Captain. Locker and bedding inspection.
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Subject: War Diary - USS JUNEAU (CL-52) June, 1942 (continued)
Sunday, June 14 - At Base Roger.
Monday, June 15 - At Base Roger. During forenoon commenced painting a new camoflage on superstructure consisting of alternating irregular patterns of haze grey and off white. Exercised during afternoon at general quarters, abandon ship, boarding and salvage party drills.
Tuesday, June 16 - At Base Roger. Continued camoflage painting in forenoon. Exercised at general quarters, battery drill and fire drill in afternoon.
Wednesday, June 17 - At base Roger. Prepared ship for Admiral's inspection to be held Saturday. Exercised at general quarters in afternoon.
Thursday, June 18 - Moored base Roger. Prepared for inspection by Commander Task Force 22.
Friday, June 19 - Moored base Roger. Prepared for inspaction by Commander Task Force 22.
Saturday, June 20 - Moored at base Roger. At 1935 received verbal orders from ComTaskFor 22 to be prepared to depart base for base George in company other units ComTaskFor 22 at about 2130. Underwayat 2218 with instructions to pick up stragglers and rejoin Task Force. Departed base Roger at 2350.
Sunday, June 21 - Enroute base George rejoining Task Force 22. 0800 position Lat. 45-11 N., Long. 57-10 W. 1200 position Lat. 43-59 N., Lat. 58-41 W. 2000 position Lat. 42-57 N., Long. 62-02 W. Rejoined Task Force 22 at 2005 and took station 800 yards astern of RANGER in Special Cruising Disposition ONE on course 247 degrees, steaming at 24 knots.
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Subject: War Diary - USS JUNEAU (CL-52) June, 1942 (continued)
Mondat, June 22 - Enroute base George in company Task Force 22. Heavy for. Maintained station on RANGER by radar. 0700 reduced formation speed to 22 knots. 0800 position (Lat.) 40-54 N., Long. 67-57 W. 1150 reduced formation speed to 19 knots. 1200 position Lat. 40-27 N., Long. 69-48 W., on course 277 degrees, steaming at 19 knots. At 1549 passed Brenton Reef Light vessel abeam to starboard and passed through A/S net to Narragausette Bay anchoring therein at 1646. The Captain visited ComTaskFor 22. Received instructions to prepare for an extended cruise.
Tuesday, June 23 - At anchor base George. Received fiel oil and various supplies.
Wednesday, June 24 - At anchor base George. Underway at 0825 for Navy Yard, Boston, having been granted limited availability to June 30 for installation of S.G. radar. Proceeded Boston via Cape Cod canal and transit was delayed an hour and a half due to slow and hesitant passage of large merchant convoy. Passed through Boston A/S net at 1608 and received pilot on board in President Roads. Obtained satisfactory degaussing signature over range. Moored to South Jetty, South Boston Navy Yard annex. Yard force came on board to install S.G radar.
Thursday, June 25 - At Navy Yard, Boston, Soth Boston annex. Yard force effecting various items of work in addition to S.G radar installation.
Friday, June 26 - At Navy Yard Boston, South Boston Annex. Exercised at aircraft alert received over "command circuit" during afternoon.
Saturday, June 27 - At Navy Yard Boston, South Boston Annex.
Sunday, June 28 - At Navy Yard Boston, South Boston Annex.
Monday, June 29 - At Navy Yard Boston, South Boston Annex. Detection officers received instructions in Attcak Teacher.
Tuesday, June 30 - At Navy Yard Boston, South Boston Annex.. Underway at 0700 for base George as directed by CTF despatch 282028 of June, 1942. Proceeded via Pillock Rip channel, Nantucket Sound and Vineyard Sound. This route was taken because of closure of Cape Cod canal due to wreckage of sunken merchantman. Passed through A/S net to Narragansett Bay at 1520 and anchored in berth 52.
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Subject: War Diary - USS JUNEAU (CL-52) July, 1944 Operating under Commander Task Force 22 (CincLant Despatch 261422 of May, 1942) until July 7, 1942.
Operating under Commander Task Force 23 (Com Task Force 22 Despatch 061418 of July, 1942 from July 7, 1942 to July 31, 1942.
(information note: for those that may be confused by the dispatch's..they indicate the day and time of the dispatch..ie 061418 of July, 1942 means that the despatch was sent on the 6th day of July at 1418 (2:18 PM))
Wednesday, July 1 - At anchor base George. Task Force 22 placed on two hour sailing notice in forenoon. ComTaskForce 22 Sortie Plan No. SI-22 of June 30, 1942, placed into effect and ZERO HOUR designated as 1500 this date. Formed cruising Disposition "IX" at Pt. Afirm and took departure for base Dog in company following vessels TaskFor 22: RANGER (ComTaskFor 22), AUGUSTA, ELLYSON, (ComDesRon 10), FORREST, FITCH, CORRY and HOBSON. 2000 position Lat. 40-07 N., Long. 70-40 W.
Thursday, July 2 - Enroute base Dog on base course 158 degrees, zigzagging at 19 knots in company Task Force 22, sea smooth, visibility excellent. 0800 position Lat. 37-14.6 N., Long. 69-14 W., 1200 position Lat. 36-08.6 N., Long. 68-30 W. At 1300 changed base course to 160 degrees. About 1400 sighted strange vessel and went to general quarters on signal. A second ship appeared over horizon and both identified as U.S. Naval vessels. 2000 position Lat. 34-01 N., Long. 67-28 W.
Friday, July 3 - Enroute base Dog in company Task Force 22. Sea calm, visibility good, wind from south. 0800 position Lat. 30-48 N., Long. 66-05 W. 1200 position Lat. 29-36 N., Long. 69-31 W. 2000 position Lat. 27-19 N., Long. 64-34.5 W. At about 2100 patrol plane on port bow, distant about 3000 yards was reported by HOBSON to have dropped a depth charge. HOBSON proceededt to develope contact without result. Remainder of disposition executed ships right 60 degrees and resumed base course of 160 degrees at 2115.
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Subject: War Diary - USS JUNEAU (CL-52) July, 1942 (continued) Saturday, July 4 - Enroute base Dog. 0800 position Lat. 23-46 N., Long. 63-10.5 W. At 1130 FORREST left formation and proceeded in general direction of San Juan, P.R. She had experienced engineering casualty during the night. 1200 position Lat. 22-49.3 N., Long. 62-45.3 W. The FITCH about 1330, sighted a life boat to westward of formation and rescued four survivors. No other details known. JUNEAU directed to join A/S and sound screen and assume charge, taking station on axis at 1430. 2000 position Lat. 20-41.8 N., Long. 61-48.2 W.
Sunday, July 5 - Enroute base Dog. Sea calm, wind from east, visibility good. Base course 156 degrees, speed 19 knots. 0800 position Lat. 17-17.5 N., Long. 60-15 W. Sighted and empty unidentified life raft at 1143 in Lat. 16-22 N., Long. 59-55 W. 1200 position Lat. 16-22 N., Long. 59-49 W. At 1327 sighted an object on starboard bow resembling a periscope. Disposition turned 60 degrees to port and object investigated by CORRY which reported a wooden spar resembling a periscope. Resumed base course 2000 position Lat. 14-12.2 N., Long. 58-50.2 W.
Mondfay, July 6 - Enroute base Dog. Changed base course to 233 degrees at 0020. Sea calm, intermittent rain squalls. 0800 position Lat. 11-34.4 N., Long.60-24.4 W. Changed base course to 240 degrees at 0946. Sighted Tobago Island on port bow, distant about 10 miles at 1041. Disposition at various courses approaching Boca de Navios to Gulf of Paria. Passed through point "X" at 1340 and entered swept channel through mine fields. Swet clocks back to zone + 4 and anchored south of Five Islands at 1400 (+4). ComTaskFor 22 despatch 061418 of July 1942 directing this vessel report to ComTaskFor 23 for duty was received.
Tuesday, July 7 - At anchor base Dog. Fueled ship and reported to ComTaskFor 23 for duty by despatch.
Wednesday, July 8 - At anchor base Dog. Exercised at general quarters in forenoon and afternoon.
Thursday, July 9 - At anchor base Dog, in Gulf of Paria. Underway at 0800 to calibrate RDF on frequencies 335, 535, and 835 assisted by U.S.S. R-15. During afternoon operated with submerged submarine in detection and instructed S.G radar operators, Q.C. operators and Lookouts. Returned and anchored base Dog.
Friday, July 10 - At anchor base Dog. Underway in Gulf of Paria at 0800 and swung ship for magnetic compass residuals. Geberal quarters in forenoon with simulated dive bombing, torpedo and high altitude bombing by U.S. Army Air Corps planes, obtained from Wheeler Field, Trinidad. Excellent training for ships as well as planes. Army officers were on board in observing capacity. Upon completion exercised with a passing squadron of Brithish M.T.B's in simulated attacks. Anchored base Dog in early afternoon.
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Subject: War Diary - USS JUNEAU, July 1942 (continued)
Saturday, July 11 - At anchor base Dog. Shifted anchorage in forenoon for purpose of range finder check. ComTaskGroup 23.3 in OMAHA stood into anchorage in forenoon. MILWAUKEE and DAVIS arrived at base in afternoon. On completion of range finder check returned to anchorage vicinity of base Dog.
Sunday, July 12 - At anchor base Dog. At 1953 a flying boat (PBY) crashed while attempting a landing about one mile from ship. Sent a rescue boat with medical officer and pharmacist mate together with light gear in charge of J.O.O.W. Other boats of ship present were also despatched. Two survivors badly injured, were taken to MILWAUKEE and then to N.O.B. The plane sank and no bodies were removed at this time. It is believed 10 men were lost.
Monday, July 13 - At anchor base Dog. Heavy rain prevented ship from operating with Air Corps planes and ship continued at anchor. Observers from Army, OMAHA and MILWAUKEE were on board.
Tuesday, July 14 - At anchor base Dog. Underway at 0800 with observers from Army, OMAHA and MILWAUKEE on board. Exercised with Army planes and on completion returned to base.
Wednesday, July 15 - Underway from baase Dog at 0800. checked RDF calibration while proceeding to rendezvous with Air Corps planes for exercise simulating various methods of plane attack. Army observers were on board. Returned to base and anchored in forenoon.
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Subject: WAR DIARY - USS JUNEAU(CL52)
Thursday July 16, 1942 - At anchor base Dog. Underway in forenoon to check RDF curve on 335kcs. Exercised with U.S.AirCorps planes in simulated dive bombing, high altitude bombing and torpedo attack. Returned to anchorage. Fueled ship in afternoon. Underway at 1900 in company ComTaksGroup 23.3 (OMAHA) and SOMMERS as noted in CTG 23.3 despatch 162122 of July 1942. Task Group enroute Point "C" to intercept and reinforce convoy AS-4 attacked by enemy SS (one ship damaged by torpedo) morning of July 16. Shaped course 030 degrees, speed 17 knots at Point "B" off Boca de Navios, Trinidad. Ships in column/.
Friday July 17 - Enroute Point "C" in company CTG 23.3 (OMAHA) and SOMMERS. Weather clear, sea calm, light northeast wind. Proceeding on course 030 degrees, 17 knots. At morning twilight (0500) JUNEAU took station in A/S screen on port bow of OMAHA (guide), 2000 yards. SOMMERS similar position to starboard. Commenced ZZ plan No.6 (GTI). OMAHA launched plane. 0800 position in Lat. 13-09.7 N., Long.60-25.5 W. When in Lat. 13-22 N., Long.60-17.5 W at 0916 made underwater sound contact and dropped depth charge pattern. Sound contact was not reestablished by this ship nor by SOMMERS which proceeded from right flank of formation to area. OMAHA planesearched with negative results. Original contact was made at distance of 760 yards bearing 357 degrees true with ship on zig zag heading of 050 degrees true. It is believed contact was had on a fish. No evidence of existance of enemy submarine was noted when area was searched after attack. 1200 position Lat. 13-58.2 N., Long. 59-59.5 W. Clocks set to Zone +3 at 1400. 2000 position Lat. 15-31.8 N., Long. 59-09 W. At 2030 ceased zig zag, formed column and changed course to 340 degrees at 2100.
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Subject: WAR DIARY - USS JUNEAU(CL52) July 1942 (continued)
Saturday July 18 - Enroute Pt "C" to rendezvous with Covoy AS-4. Light showers in early morning. Sea calm, light easterly winds. Steaming at 17 knots on base course 340 degrees, zig zagging. 0800 position in Lat. 18-37 N., Long. 60-05.8 W. At 1001 sighted convoy vicinity Pt "C", Lat 19-09 N., Long. 60-13 W. Task Group 23.5 joined up. Convoy consisted of following vessels disposed in three columns: SS EXHIBITOR (21) (Flag, Rear Adm. COOKE, Convoy Commander; ZAANDAM(22) (DUTCH); AMERICAN MANUFACTURER (23); HAWAIIAN SHIPPER (11); MORMACDALE (12); HMAS ORIOLE(31); VICE ADM. TARN(32)(NORWEGIAN); SANTA CRUZ (33); Numerals in parenthesis represent position in formation. Escort consisted of DD's: LIVERMORE (Comdr. Maderia, C.T.G.21.5.2); WILKES; GLEAVES; MAYO. JUNEAU directed to take charge of screen. Following dispositions according to Lant Flt 9A were effected: Sector A - JUNEAU; Sectors B,C - MAYO; Sectors D,E - GLEAVES; Sector F - SOMMERS; Sectors G,H - WILKES; Sectors I,J - LIVERMORE. OMAHA took station astern of convoy. Base course 155 degrees, speed 13 knots; speed of advance 12.3 kts; zig zag plan 11 in effect. On assuming command of screen following visual received from ComTaskUnit 21.5.2;
"LATE DUE TO RADICAL EVASIVE COURSES TAKEN TO SHAKE OFF SUBMARINES WHICH HAVE BEEN SHADOWING AND DOG FOXING US EVER SINCE FAIRPORT TORPEDOED AT POINT BAKER X BELEIVE POSSIBLE SUBMARINES HAVE TRACKED AND MAY BE WAITING AT TURNING POINTS X TO COMPENSATE BELIEVE WILKES SANK OR BADLY DAMAGED A SUBMARINE YESTERDAY X SUB BLOWN TO SURFACE AND OBSERVED TO ROLL OVER AND SINK X LARGE OIL PATCHES AND BIG AIR BUBBLES X TWO ATTACKS MADE ON SUB WHICH SANK FAIRPORT X UNABLE TO REGAIN CONTACT AFTER SECOND ATTACK X PICKED UP THIRTY-ONE SURVIVORS SANTA RITA YESTERDAY WHICH WILL DELIVER TO AMERICAN CONSUL AT DOG X FUEL LOW WILL HAVE TO LEAVE YOU POINT DOG X WHOM DO I CONTACT AT DOG TO REFUEL AND WHAT REPORT IS REQUIRED THAT WE ARE COMING IN X HAVEN'T LATEST QJ MESSAGS X CALLS FOR SHIPS AND CONVOY AS FOLLOWS: COMMODORE SIXTY SIX MINE SEVENTY FIVE LIVERMORE ONE MAYO THREE WILKES FOUR GLEAVES FIVE X HAVE YOU ANY MESSAGES FOR US."
1200 position in Lat. 18-55 N., Long. 59-58 W. 2000 position Lat. 17-19.5 N., Long. 59-20 W. At dark JUNEAU took station to interpose center of convoy in center of monn path and commenced S.G. radar search. Vessels of screen equalized sectors. At 2000 ceased zig zag. At 2050 made radar contact in direction of rear of left flank of convoy; directed WILKES to investigate and conned her on over TBS. On arrival of WILKES object disappeared. This contact was very good and target acted suspiciously like a submarine force down on approach of destroyer. Convoy executed an emergency turn to starboard. At midnight changed convoy course to evasive course 125.
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Subject: WAR DIARY - USS JUNEAU(CL52) July 1942 (continued)
Sunday July 19 - Escorting convoy AS-4. at 0100 set clocks ahead one hour to Zone -3. Sea calm, wind easterly and passed throught numberous rain squalls on morning watch. At 0615 changed base course to 160 degrees amd commenced zig zag plan 11. JUNEAU returned to daytime screening station. No morning stars. 0800 position Lat. 15-42.8 N., Long. 58-07.5 W. HMAS ORIOLE at 1120 left formation due to cargo of tanks becoming adrift because of deep roll. MAYO left convoy to screen ORIOLE. 1200 position Lat. 14-59.1 N., Long. 57-50.9 W. Sighted ORIOLE and MAYO at 1545 and vessels rejoined. During afternoon wind and sea veered to south. Passed through numerous rain saqualls. No evening observations. 2000 position Lat 13-38.8 N., Long. 57-53 W. and ceased zig zag. At dark JUNEAU took station 2000 yds on port beam of convoy and commenced S.G. radar search. At 2100 shaped on evasive course of 120 degrees and changed course again at 2300 to 148 degrees.
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Subject: WAR DIARY - USS JUNEAU(CL52)July 1942 (continued)
Monday July 20 - Steaming in company with convoy AS-4, course 148 degrees, speen 13 knots. Sea smooth, light easterly wind, night dark. At about 0425 picked up object with S.G. radar about 1000 yards on starboard beam of convoy and shortly thereafter, a second object close to the first. Directed MAYO reverse course and investigate. These objects would alternately disappear and reappear and on several occassions assumed a light intensity on disc similar to a ship. Upon approach of MAYO these objects disappeared completely and were not seen in this location again. MAYO was them directed to regain station. At about 0440 an object was sighted by radar off port quarter of convoy left flank. This object appeared and disappeared several times and WILKES was directed to investigate at best speed. At times the target bore every resemblance to a surface vessel and first appeared about 2000 yards from convoy gradually coming nearer. WILKES was conned on by TBS and upon her appreoach object disappeared for good. Convoy commander was notified and executed an emergency turn to starboard of 45 degrees. It is firmly believed enemy submarines were in vicinity of formation. Morning twilight at 0516. At 0600 returned to base course 148 degrees and commenced zig zag. OMAHA launched a plane. JUNEAU proceeded to daylight screening station, Sector "A". Sunrise 0632. 0800 position Lat. 11-37 N., Long. 56-21.8 W. Changed base course to 165 degrees. Sighted DAVIS (ComDesRon 9) at 0930 and she joined screening group, taking station in Sector "B". 1200 position in Lat. 11-00 N., Long. 56-19.5 W. Changed base course to 117 degrees. Experienced set of equatorial current of 310 degrees, drift 2 knots. During afternoon JUNEAU held a battle and damage control problem. At 1500 LIVERMORE, WILKES, MAYO and GLEAVES completed duty with this convoy and proceeded to Trinidad for fuel. Screen reoriented as follows, assuming stations of diagram: Lant Flt 9A: JUNEAU Sector "A", Circle 3: DAVIS Sector "C", Circle 4; SOMERS Sector "J", Circle 4. At dark JUNEAU took station 1500 yards on port beam of convoy interposing covoy between moon and JUNEAU. Commenced S.G. radar search. 2000 position Lat. 10-29.2 N ., Long.55-12.5 W. At 2330 sighted light on water which was investigated by JUNEAU and OMAHA. This light observed close aboard by JUNEAU and was seen to be a floating electric light. It was dropped from HAWAIIAN SHIPPED by someone unknown, apparently with treasonable intent. The master of that vessel was directed to investigate. Two nights previously that vessel had shown a light for no apparent reason.
Tuesdat July 21 - In company with convoy AS-4. Wind easterly, sea calm. Passed through rain squalls on morning watch. No observations. Base course 127 degrees. 0800 position Lat. 08-59.5 N., Long. 53-20 W. 1200 position Lat 8-35.8 N., Long. 52-42 W. Exercised at casualty drill during general quarters in afternoon. At dark took regular night station on dark side of convoy and commenced S.G. radar search. 2000 position Lat. 07-47.2 N., Long. 51-30.2 W. Changed to evasive courses of 0900 degrees at 2000 and to 121 degrees at 2230. Continued zig zag because of moonlight. At 2235 sighted ComTaskFor 23 in MEMPHIS accompanied by escort JOUETT, vessels joining disposition.
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Subject: WAR DIARY - USS JUNEAU(CL52) July 1942 (continued)
Wednesday July 22 - Enroute Recife, Brazil, with convoy AS-4. Discontinued zig zag after moonset at 0100. Convoy on course 121 degrees. Light winds from the eastward, sea calm. Directed JOUETT to patrol Sector "K", JUNEAU taking Sector "B" at twilight. MEMPHIS taking station on starboard beam of convoy. Zig zag plan 17 effective. 0800 position Lat. 6-53 N., Long. 49-24 W. Experienced a set of 005 degrees, drift .8 kts., which is contrary to pilot chart which show a set to northwestward. 1200 position Lat. 6-34.8 N., Long. 48-42.5 W. At 1800 CTF 23 in MEMPHIS escorted by JOUETT left disposition for Trinidad. 2000 position Lat. 5-50 N., Long. 47-12.6 W. Changed to evasive course of 150 degrees at 2000 and to 126 degrees at 2100.
Thursday July 23 - Enroute Recife as escort with convoy AS-4. Weather clear, sea moderate, wind SE by E. Ceased zig zag at moonset and steadied on course 126. JUNEAU conducting radar search on port beam of convoy. At morning twilight proceeded to regular screening station (Sector"A") and convoy commenced zig zag. Morning observations showed easterly set of Guinea current with drift of 1/2 knot. Ship 325 miles off mouth of Amazon and no discolored water noted. 0800 position Lat. 04-07 N., Long. 45-12 W. 1200 position in Lat. 03-48N., Long44-27 W. Sighted patrol plane at 1400 which is furnishing air coverage for convoy. Sound equipment inoperative due to short circuit with consequent cable fire. 2000 position in Lat. 2-49.5 N., Long. 43-05.5 W. Changed to evasive course of 155 degrees at 2015 and to 115 degrees at 2145. 2156 convoy speed slowed to 11.5 kts and ceased zig zag at 2345 due to 500 yard visibility.
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Subject: WAR DIARY - USS JUNEAU(CL52) July 1942 (continued)
Friday July 24 - Enroute base Fox (Recife) with convoy AS-4. Low visibility, sea calm, wind light from southeast. Passed through heavy rain squalls. Sky overcast. Convoy had difficulty in station keeping. Two vessels broke convoy formation easing off to eastward about two miles. Increased speed to 13 knots at 0800 continuing zig zag at twilight. 0800 position in Lat. 1-3.8 N., Long 41-04 W. Changed base course to 130 degrees at 0845. 1200 position in Lat. 1-53 N., Long. 40-45 W. At 1730 echo ranging equipment picked up initials "D.J." and shortly after Davy Jones was received on board. The crew of Pollywogs was mustered and subpeonas issued. Certain subacious landlubbers were summarily incarcerated as a Pollywog revolt was rumored due to the small shellback ration of 1 to 5. 2000 position in Lat. 1-03 N., Long. 40-03 W. Changed to evasive course of 155 degrees at 2030 and to 120 degrees at 2130. Night clear, bright moonlight. Ship in normal station to eastward 2000 yards of convoy to obtain full effect of moon path. S.G radar used for continuous search.
Saturday July 25 - Escorting convoy AS-4 to Base Fox (Recife). During mid watch wind and sea began to pick up from the south east. During day sea became moderate with a heavy swell. Wind reached a velocity of 30 knots. At 0747 crossed the equator at Longitude 38.31 W. 0800 position in Lat. 00-01 S., Long. 38-29.5 W. Received on board "King Neptune" and the Royal court. Hoisted the Jolly Roger. All Pollywogs were dealt with accordingly. The court left the ship at 1130. Changed base course to 137 degrees at 0800 and convoy speed was slowed to 9 knots because of the sea and cargo condition in one of the merchantmen. 1200 position in Lat. 00-26.5 S., Long. 38-08.2 W. Increased speed at 1530 to 10 knots and during afternoon ceased zig zag. Sea abated slightly. 2000 position in Lat.00-54.5 S., Long. 37.42.4 W. Changed to evasive course of 110 degrees at 2030 and to 140 degrees at 2130. Bright moonlight night. JUNEAU occupying station on dark side of convoy using S.G. radar.
Sunday July 26 - In company Convoy AS-4 on course 140 degrees steaming at 8 knots. Brilliant moonlight during night. Moderate sea, wind 25 knots from southeast. 0800 position in Lat. 2-01 S., Long. 36-49 W. Convoy increased speed to 11 knots at 1124 as wind and sea slackened and increased speed to 12.5 knots at 1309. 1200 position in Lat. 2-18 S., Long. 36-38 W. 2000 position in Lat.3-16 S., Long. 35-52 W. Wind and sea moderating. Brilliant full moon. Took station at twilight on dark side of convoy, 2000 yards. Commenced S.G radar search. Took evasive course of 115 degrees at 1945 and 148 degrees at 2115.
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Subject: WAR DIARY - USS JUNEAU(CL52) July 1942
Monday July 27 - In company Convoy AS-4. Brilliant moonlight during night. Slight sea, moderate southerly breeze. During morning twilight made excellent surface target contact on rain squall 3200 yards bearing north with S.G radar. Numerous rain squalls during forenoon with reduced visibility. Wind and sea freshened from south by east. 0800 position in Lat. 5-05.7 S., Long. 34-51 W. 1200 position in (***no information given***) at 0837 changed base course to 165 degrees. Convoy zig zagging. JUNEAU patrolling in Sector "A". 1200 position in Lat. 5-50 S., Long. 34-46 W, 2000 position in Lat. 6-58.2 S., Long. 34-18.7 W. Changed course as follows during night: 2000 to 135 degrees; 2100 to 190 degrees; 0300 to 230 degrees; 0320 to 270 degrees. Expect to arrive off Recife, Brazil at 0530. During night maintained station with center of convoy ib moon path, speed 12 knots and zig zagging.
Tuesday July 28 - Escorting Convoy AS-4. Approaching Recife on base course 270 degrees zig zagging. Weather clear with slight sea and moderate breeze from the southeast. Bright moonlight. Made land fall on Olinda Point Light at 0338 bearing 286 degrees distant 20 miles. Convoy, at about 0400 formed column in accordance with directives of C.T.G. 23.3 serial 062 for July 27. As a matter of interest it is noted that the above correspondence and other correspondence on previous occassions was dropped on board by an OMAHA plane. During entrance into harbor JUNEAU, SOMERS and DAVIS patrolled to seaward. Vessels of the convoy anchored off the reef and each waited her turn to be taken in and moored by local pilots. JUNEAU passed through breakwater about 1300 and was swung for heading out by two tugs in the turning basin. The ship was then towed stern first to Berth No. 8 where the starboard anchor (outboard) was let go and the ship beasted in. Shortly after arrival a conference was held in the S.S. EXHIBITOR by Rear Admiral COOKE, the convoy Commander. Present were the masters of the Convoy vessels and commanding officers of the OMAHA, escort commander in addition JUNEAU, DAVIS and SOMERS. The necessity of correct station keeping was particularly stressed by the Admiral and the great value of the convoywas emphasized among the items of military equipage being about 400 tanks. The shifting of the tank cargo by the ORIOLE, a few days before was due to carelessness on loading at the Army Base by the vehicles not being placed in gear. Thirteen were found in the condition and seals were broken. It was decided that Army Technicians at Recife would inspect the tanks and see them properly placed in gear. Planswere discussed for sorting tomorrow, as it was believed all vessels should be fueled and watered. The appearance and manners of various masters made a most favorable impression on the JUNEAU officers who attended the conference. Fueling progressed during the afternoon and night.
Wednesday July 29 - Moored to Berth 8, Recife. Departure impossible this afternoon as fueling would not be completed for all vessels. JUNEAU received on board various victuals. Ship did not commence fueling until about 2000 and completed about midnight. Shore leave and liberty expired at 1830 during visit.
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Subject: WAR DIARY - USS JUNEAU(CL52) July 1942 (continued) Thursday July 30 - At Recife, at 0435 sorti commenced. Escort vessels, in order named, preceded the convoy: DAVIS, SOMERS, OMAHA, JUNEAU. CTG 23.3 serial 063 of July 29 directed this operation. JUNEAU and destroyers patrolled to seaward; OMAHA anchored in the anchorage and each merchantman anchored in her normal steaming position on completing sorti. Convoy underway at 1038 on base course 090 degrees, speed 12 knots, zig zag plan 12 for MOMP, south and east of Ascention Island. At noon changed base course to 060. At about 1600 sighted merchantman on southwesterly course. Left screen and spoke vessel which proved to be RIO DULCE (Argentine) bound for Brazil. Warned vessel not to use radio for eight hours. Vessel did not appear suspicious and directed her proceed. 2000 position in Lat. 7-17.8 S., Long. 33-30.8 W., and changed to evasive course of 100 degrees. Moon rise at 2009 and assumed night screening station on dark side of convoy. S,G. radar search in operation. Night clear and bright.
Friday, July 31 - Escorting Convoy AS-4 to MOMP. Weather clear, sea calm, light breeze from southeast. 0800 position in Lat. 7-40 S., Long. 31-43 W. Convoy speed increased to 12 1/2 knots at 0852. 1200 position in Lat. 7-50 S., Long. 30-59 W. Took evasive course of 070 degrees at 1945. 2000 position in Lat. 8-06 S., Long. 29-35 W. Took station for night astern of center of convoy distance 2000 yards and maintained continuous radar search. At moonrise placed center of convoy in moon path. Received TBS report from DAVIS, patrolling on starboard bow of convoy that enemy radio signals were being intercepted on 10,510 kcs. Ship went to general quarters at 2040. Additional information from DAVIS stated that two enemy stations were transmitting and that one was close to the formation as key clicks were audible. Some of the signals used indicated procedure for shore R.D.F. determination. The two ship stations were working Lorient. The signals from the shore station faded at times. It is believed the convoy is being shadowed by one or two enemy vessels. Secured from general quarters at 2200 and set Condition 3, submarines. Changed to evasive course of 090 degrees at 2100. Night was very dark until moonrise at 2207.
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Subject: WAR DIARY - USS JUNEAU(CL52) November 1942
From: The Commanding Officer. To: The Chief of Naval Operations, (Office of Naval Records and Library)
Subject: War Diary - Transmittal of,
Enclosure: (A) War Diary for August 1942.
1. Enclosure (A) is forwarded herewith.
L. K. SWENSON RECEIVED S-C FILE ROOM 2055 Sep 23 1942 Route to 16-E-3 Op File No.(SC) A12-1/CL52 ? No. 61608 CONFIDENTIAL
WAR DIARY
From: August 1, 1942 To: August 31, 1942 Operating under Commander Task Force 23 (ComTaskFor 22 Despatch 061418 of July 1942) from August 1, 1942 to August 12, 1942.
Operating as directed by Cominch despatch 121820 of August, 1942 from August 12, 1942 until reporting to ComSoPac on August 20, 1942 for duty as a unit of Task Group 2.9.
Saturday, August 1 - Escort to Convoy AS-4 enroute MOMP. During night sea increased to moderate with heavy swell with southeast winds, force 6. Intermittent rain, poor visibility. Convoy commenced zig zag on base course 090 degrees at 0600. OMAHA left formation at 0745 to make an investigating sweep of area in view of intercepted radio signals of last night. JUNEAU directed take charge of convoy. OMAHA rejoined formation at 1700 and at dusk (1830) JUNEAU took station 2000 yards astern of convoy and commenced radar search. Shaped evasive course to 120 degrees at 1930; to 150 degrees at 1945; to 120 degrees at 2100 and to 090 degrees at 2115. During late afternoon wind and sea moderated. 0800 position in Lat.8-04 S., Long.27-24 W. 1200 position in Lat 8-02 S., Long. 26-47 W. 2000 position in Lat. 8-04 S., Long. 25-30 W.
Sunday, August 2 - Enroute MOMP with convoy AS-4, JUNEAU 2000 yards astern of convoy maintaining continuous sweep with S.G. radar. Ship No. 13, Vice Admiral TARN (Norwegian), showed a brilliant flame from her stack at 0250. JUNEAU closed the TARN and finding her stopped, directed SOMERS standby. TARN rejoined formation in early forenoon though experienced engineering trouble during the day. The MORMACDALE, No. 11, sheered out of column at 0500 and when spoken by JUNEAU informed JUNEAU she had experienced a casualty to No. 1 engine and would rejoin formation at sunrise, which she did. Took screening station in the van at 0630. Weather clear, sea moderate, moderate wind from southeast. Evasive course changes at 2015 to 120 degrees and to 097 degrees at 2200. At 0100 set clocks ahead thirty minutes to zone plus 1. 0800 position in Lat. 8-16 S., Long. 23-34 W. 1200 position in Lat. 8-15 S., Long. 22-45 W. 2000 position in Lat. 8-16 S., Long. 21-23 W. Made good 10 knots during day. Experienced a curreny set of 305 degrees, drift .4 knots.
Monday, August 3 - Escorting convoy AS-4. Night dark, overcast during late moonrise. Sea calm with heavy swell, which diminished during day. Moderate breeze from east south east. After morning twilight proceeded to day screening, station in van at 0610. At 0800 changed base course to 0900 degrees. Formation zig zagging since moonrise. Nothing of importance occured during the day. Shaped evasive course of 125 degrees at 2030 and 095 degrees at 2130. Took station at dusk (1900) in rear of convoy and maintained radar search. 0800 position in Lat. 8-28 S., Long. 19-23 W. 1200 position in Lat. 8-36 S., Long. 18-18 W. 2000 position in Lat. 8-38 S., Long 16-49 W. Experienced a current set of 075 degrees, drift 3/4 knot during day contrary to equitorial current.
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Subject: WAR DIARY - USS JUNEAU(CL52) August 1942 (continued)
Tuesday August 4 - Escorting convoy AS-4 as before. Expect to make contact with British Southbound convoy tomorrow at 0900 G.C.T., and be relieved by British war vessels. At 0100 set clocks ahead thirty minutes to Zone plus 1/2. At 0800 changed base courseto 118 degrees, shaped evasive course of 160 degrees at 1930; of 115 at 2145 and of 070 at 2155. 0800 position in Lat. 8-55 S., Long. 14-38 W. 1200 position in Lat. 9-14 S., Long. 13-59 W. 2000 position in Lat. 9-58 S., Long. 12-49 W.
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Subject: WAR DIARY - USS JUNEAU(CL52) AUGUST 1942 (continued)
Wednesday August 5 - Escorting convoy AS-4. Night overcast. Changed base course to 032 degrees at 0100. At moonrise commenced zig zag (0138). On signal by Commander Convoy, the convoy formed into two columns at 0620 in preparation to counter march on sighting Britich Convoy. The OMAHA at daylight proceeded ahead of convoy in direction of MOMP to make contact. Changed the base course to 012 degrees. At 0735 received searchlight signal from OMAHA, about fouerteen miles ahead, that she had sighted convoy and our convoy counter marched on signal. Sighted convoy in Lat 9-00 S., Long. 11-26 W, at 0800. Both convoys were maneuvered and were joined as one during late afternoon. British convoy (WS21P) commanded by Vice Admiral MARTIN, in EMPRESS OF JAPAN, consisted of four other large transports and was escorted by H.M.S. ORION and three British destroyers which formed a screen for the combined convoy. OMAHA,JUNEAU,SOMERS and DAVIS formed a scouting line, interval of 3 miles and scouted ahead on an easterly (101 degrees) course until 1600 (Lat. 9-24.9S., Long. 9-43,3W) at which time the vessels were released and executed previously issued orders by ComTaskFor 23. JUNEAU and SOMERS became Task Group 23.9. This group shaped a course of 330 degrees, speed 14 knots, on a sweep of the central Atlantic as directed by ComTaskFor 23 despatch 251215 of July 1942. This sweep is palnned to proceed toward the Cape Verde Islands and return Recife (Base Fox) by August 14 via St. Paul rock. 0800 position in Lat. 9-00S., Long. 11-26.3W. 1200 position in Lat. 8-13 S., Long. 10.41 W. 2000 position Lat. 8-37.7 S., Long. 10-10.7W.
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WAR DIARY - USS JUNEAU(CL-52) August 1942 (continued)
Thursday, August 6 - On sweep in company with SOMERS. Ships in line during night 2000 yards distance, SOMERS to starboard. Wind and sea (calm) from south east. Continuous sweep maintained on S.G. Radar by JUNEAU. Q.C. listening watch maintained by each ship; SOMERS 60 degrees on either side of base course, JUNEAU from head to 90 degrees on port bow. Secured S.G. radar at sunrise. JUNEAU and SOMERS commenced daylight sweep with S.C. radarand "began" pinging" on Q.C. During forenoon exercised at signal amd tactical drill with SOMERS and passed mail. Exercised at Battle and Damage Control drill and tactics in afternoon. Day cruising station SOMERS 30 degrees on starboard bow, distance 1000 yards. Received information that ComTaskFor 23 would transfer his flag to this vessel on August 15 at Recife. At dusk both ships opened range and tracked by radar. JUNEAU S.G. radar functioned at 20,000 yards. On closing range SOMERS sighted JUNEAU at 8000 yards while JUNEAU did not sight SOMERS until 4400 yards. Horizon slightly in favor of SOMERS; night dark and sky slightly overcast. 0800 position in Lat. 6-21 S., Long. 11-40 W. 1200 position in Lat. 5-40 S., Long. 12-04 W. 2000 position in Lat. 4-19 S., Long. 13-01 W. Base course during daylight 330 degrees. ZigZag plan 6 (G.T.I.) effective. No sails sighted
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Subject: WAR DIARY - USS JUNEAU (CL-52) August 1942 (continued)
Friday, August 7 - Steaming as before in Company with SOMERS on sweep. Course 330 degrees, speed 14 knots. Night overcast, wind and sea calm. About 0500 made doubtful Q.C. contact, bearing 195 degrees distant 2000 yards. Took evasive action and directed SOMERS by T.B.S. to investigate. SOMERS unable to locate contact. This contact was false and no other mention is made of it other than to state that it was an excellent drill, and brought to light the necessity of being able to accurately conn an investigating vessel on. Usual signal and tactical drills held during day, ie, at 0800, 1300 and 1600. Changed course to 335 degrees at 1630. Obtained a radar contact 2116. Went to general quarters and secured at 2216 after contact was found to be false. 0800 position in Lat. 2-05S, Long. 14-18W. 1200 position in Lat. 1-21 S., Long. 14-50 W. 2000 position in Lat. 0-10 N., Long. 15-32 W.
Saturday, August 8 - On sweep with SOMERS. Sea moderate. Reversed course to 155 degrees and slowed to 8 knots for purpose of fueling SOMERS to port. Delivered 42,063 gallons of fuel oil. Operation occupied two hours and seven minutes from time Afirm was two-blocked to casting off SOMERS at 0840. Returned to base course 335 degrees and speed 14 knots. Exercised at routine signal and actical drill. 0800 position in Lat. 2-10 N., Long. 16-32 W. 1200 position in Lat. 2-29 N., Long. 16-45 W. 2000 position in Lat. 4-03 N., Long. 17-31 W.
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Subject: WAR DIARY - USS JUNEAU(CL-52) August 1942 (continued)
Sunday, August 9 - On sweep with SOMERS, course 335 degrees, speed 15 knots. During morning watch opened distance on SOMERS to 20,000 yards and exercised at radar tracking and on closing SOMERS exercised at battle maneuvering. Excellemt results obtained with S.G. radar at 10 miles. At 0830 sighted vessel hull down bearing 020 degrees true. Went to general quarters, increased speed and shaped course to intercept vessel. Vessel was wearing Dutch colors, visible after closing. She hoisted her international and secret calls. Vessel registered as S.S. MENDENAU (DUTCH). Fell in astern, obtained course of 140 degrees, speed 11 knots and then went close alongside to leeward (starboard) and hailed MENDENAU with bullhorn in Latitude 05-45 N., Long. 18-55 W., at 0935. Interrogated Master and learned vessel was bound from Trinidad, B.W.I., to Capetown U. of S.A., having departed Port-of-Spain July 29. Vessel was listed in ship movements and noting nothing of a suspicious nature vessel was permitted to proceed. The Master informed JUNEAU he had sighted a suspicious vessel hove to on the horizon at 1500 yesterday, 170 miles astern (about 320 degrees). While proceeding toward MENDENAU sighted a second vessel at 0920, hull down, bearing 075 degrees true. Directed SOMERS intercept but SOMERS lost fuel oil suction shortly thereafter and after clearing MENDENAU, JUNEAU proceeded to intercept this second vessel. Closed second vessel in Latitude 5-57 N., Long. 18-51 W., which proved to be S.S. CALIFORNIA (U.S.A.) from international and secret calls. Went close alongside to leeward and hailed CALIFORNIA with bull horn. Course 086 degrees, speed 9 1/2 knots. Vessel enroute Capetown U of S.A. to Portland, Oregon, via Port-of-Spain, Trinidad. Cargo of manganese, Captain JOHNSON. Vessel permitted to proceed after noting no suspicious circumstances. Upon clearing this vessel SOMERS rejoined and proceeded on course 320 degrees, speed 15 knots at 1023, to area of suspicious vessel reported by MENDENAU. During afternoon fired 2 rounds of 5"/38 at a target representing a broached submarine after depth charge attack. Changed course to 318 degrees at 1500. JUNEAU and SOMERSconducted a radar search during night of area bounded by following dead reckoning points: (A) Lat 7-30 N., Long 20-44 W. (B) Lat 7-55 N., Long 20-03 W. (C) Lat 8-27 N., Long 20-41 W. (D) Lat 8-07 N., Long 21-16 W. This search was the result of the MENDENAU report of a suspicious vessel of buff superstructure and one stack. 0800 position in Lat. 5-36 N., Long 19-21 W. 1200 position in Lat 6-15 N., Long. 19-06 W. 2000 position in Lat. 7-28 N., Long. 20-12 W.
Monday, August 10 - On sweep with SOMERS. Night dark and clear. Light southerly winds. Sea calm,. Came to course 250 degrees upon completing radar sweep of area at 0700. Sighted vessel at 0830 bearing 230 degrees true distant 12 miles. Increased speed to intercept. Course determined to be 059 degrees, speed 10 knots. Identified tanker to be El Grillo (British) of 7000 tons from International and secret calls and from silhouette. Vessel had been released from convoy yesterday having left Trinidad, B.W.I., on July 28 for Freetown, B.W.A. Went close alongside tanker in Lat 7-44 N., Long 21-18 W., and spoke her withbull horn. She had no information to report and noting nothing of a suspicious nature, vessel was permitted to proceed. During afternoon conducted test firing on balloons of 20mm, and 1:1 machine gun battery. Changed course to 230 degrees at 1600 and set clocks back thirty minutes to Zone plus 1. When in Latitude 6-39 N., Lonitude 22-23 W., sighted a small, empty, dark grey merchant vessel type life boat. Rudder was unshipped and oars were neatly laid on thwarts. Boat had appearance of not having been occupied. A small amount of water was in bilges. Sea exceptionally calm in this area. 0800 position in Lat 7-54 N., Long. 21-10 W. 1200 position in Lat 7-05 N., Long 21-26 W. 2000 position in Lat. 6-16 N.,, Long. 22-57 W. Obtained first evening stars in many days.
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Subject: WAR DIARY - USS JUNEAU(CL-52) August 1942 (continued) Tuesday, August 11 - On sweep with SOMERS. Course 230 degrees speed 14 1/2 knots, for St. Paul Rocks to investigate area. Sea calm, gentle southerly winds from the southward. Nothing of special interest occured during the day. Set clocks back thirty minutes at 1630 to Zone plus 1 1/2. Steamed at 14 knots during the night. 0800 position in Lat. 4-16 N., Long 25-10 W. 1200 position in Lat. 3-41 N., Long 25-49 W. 2000 position in Lat 2-30.1 W., Long 27-22.6 W.
Wednesday, August 12 - On sweep with SOMERS approaching St. Paul Rocks for purpose of investigating locality as to possible presence of survivors and evidence of enemy activity. Raised Rocks at 0610. SOMERS directed to close rocks to about one mile, circle, examine and obtain hydrographic soundings. JUNEAU circled at about two miles and closed rocks from the north to about one mile and a quarter. Soundings were obtained. No evidence of human occupancy was noted and at 0800 shaped course of 210 degrees with SOMERS for Fernando Noronda. Crossed the equator into South Latitude at 1250. Set clocks back 30 minutes to Zone plus 2 at 1630. When in Lat 0-46 S., Long. 30-19 W., sighted strange vessel bearing 215 Degrees, distant 20000 yards at 1630 (Zone+2). Maneuvered to intercept and closed starboard side to, to hail with bull horn. She was indentified by secret call as S.S. PEEBLES (British) 9000 tons, with cargo of copper bound from Capetown, U. of S.A.., to Trinidad, B.W.I. Vessel permitted to proceed as no suspicious circumstance was noted. JUNEAU and SOMERS returned to base course. On receipt of Cominch 121820 despatch of August 1942 directing JUNEAU transit canal, and report ComSoPac. Changed course to 270 degrees and increased speed to 20 knots at 2240 shaping course for Trinidad to refuel. SOMERS was directed to leave formation and proceed Recife at 2248. JUNEAU shaped course 290 degrees and proceeded to Trinidad. The foregoing despatch was received unexpectedly as JUNEAU had anticipated arriving Recife daylight August 14. 0800 position - off St Paul Rocks. 1200 position Lat 0-09 N., Long 29-49 W. 2000 position in Lat 1-21 S., Long 30-59 W.
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Subject: WAR DIARY - USS JUNEAU(CL-52) August 1942 (continued)
Thursday, August 13 - Proceeding singly at 20 knots on course 290 degrees, enroute base Dog (Trinidad). When in Latitude 0-54 S., Long 34-12 W., sighted a strange vessel bearing 215 degrees distant 12 miles, on a westerly converging course at 0718, and shaped course to intercept vessel on course about 310 degrees, speed 12 knots. On closing the vessel, she changed course to the northward to head towards JUNEAU. The Swedish flag was observed. The ship was painted white and her stem painted painted with a blue and yellow verticle stripe. The Swedish flag was painted on her side and the words 'SUNNANLAND' and 'SVERIGE' were painted in black on her hull. Vessel stopped and JUNEAU ranged alongside close aboard to her port and spoke vessel with bull horn at 0750 in Lat 1-00 S., Long 34-17 W. She reported herself as the motorship SUNNANLAND out of Buenos Aires, Argentine, on August 5, 1942 bound for Goteborg, Sweden. She replied in the affirmative when asked if a control officer was on board. She was registered as of 3240 tons and noting no suspicious circumstances, and in view of the urgency of the JUNEAU's primary mission, she was permitted to proceed at 0800. JUNEAU returned to base course of 290 degrees. Set clocks back 30 minutes to Zone plus 2 1/2. 0800 position in Lat. 0-58 S., Long 34-18 W. 1200 position in Lat 00-35 S., Long 35-24 W. 2000 position in Lat 00-14 N., Long 37-50 W.
Friday, August 14 - Steaming singly enroute Base Dog on course 290 degrees, speed 19 1/2 knots. Sea calm and light winds from southeast. Made S.G. radar contact at 0335, object bearing 326 degrees, distant 10000 yards. Took evasive course change and dropped object on radar bearing 010 degrees distant 14000 yards. Changed course to 285 degrees at 2050. The day passed without incident. 0800 position in Lat 1-20 W., Long 31-34 W. 1200 position in Lat 1-48 N., Long 42-45 W. 2000 position in Lat 2-54 N., Long 45-05 W.
Saturday, August 15 - Enroute singly to Base Dog on course 285 degrees, 19 1/2 knots. Sighted a tanker at 0730, bearing 317 degrees, distant 11 miles. Shaped course to intercept. Vessel on course about 130 degrees, speed 9 knots. When within signal distance in Latitude 4-15 N., Longitude 48-43 W., identified vessel by secret call as U.S. Tanker VERMONT. Vessel permitted to proceed as no unusual circumstances existed. Changed base course to 305 degrees. Set clocks back 30 minutes to Zone plus 3 at 1630. Changed course to 282 degrees at 2000 to avoid known enemy submarine on patrol in area ahead. This course was selected to pass 20 miles to southward of the foregoing area. Intelligence reports had placed this submarine in a definite area. Two additional submarines were also located on a line to the northward. It is believed that by closing the South American coast (French Guina) and running inside the 100 fathom curve, less chance existed for submarine attack. 0800 position in Lat 4-06 N., Long 48-47 W, 1200 position in Lat 4-42 N., Long 49-54 W. 2000 position in Lat 6-12 N., Long 52-08 W.
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Subject: WAR DIARY - USS JUNEAU(CL-52) August 1942 (continued)
Sunday, August 16 - Increased speed to 25 knots at 0100. Changed course to 340 degrees at 0325 to regain original track and rendevous with expected air coverage at sunrise. During night made no visual or radar contact. High speed was used to clear enemy submarine in known area. Sighted coverage planes at 0800. Proceeding on base course of 295 degrees, speed 19 1/2 knots after regaining track. Day overcast. occassional sun and no stars. Nothing of particular interest occurred during the day. Changed course at 2000 to 313 degrees to round Tobago Island to northward instead of making a dark passage between that island and Trinidad due to lack of an evening navigational fix. 0800 position in Lat 8-22 N., Long 55-35 W. 1200 position in Lat 80-47 N., Long 56-28 W. 2000 position in Lat 9-49 N., Long 58-42 W.
Monday, August 17 - Made radar (F.D.) contact on northern most peak of Tobago Island at 0035, distant 46 miles bearing 301 degrees true. Rounded the island by radar ranges and bearings and shaped base course of 241 degrees at 0250, increasing speed to 27 knots at 0320 in order to arrive off mine fields to Gulf of Paria at daylight. Passed through Pt. "B" at 0658 and proceeded into Gulf. Received signal that ship would be boarded off Five Islands by pilot and ship would be berthed at Pier 1, N.O.B. Moored port side to peir at 0806 and shortly thereafter an oil barge moored alongside. The voyage just completed represented 18 days at sea since leaving Recife on July 30, and a cruise of 6345 miles in which the ship expended all but 8000 gallons of fuel oil. Upon completion of fueling (376,851 gallons) ship underway at 1620 for Cristobal, C.Z., as directed by Cominch 121820 despatch of August 1942. Cleared mine field (Pt. "B") at 1724, increased speed to 25 knots and shaped a base course of 312 degrees. At 2220 changed course to 277 degrees. 2000 position in Lat 11-23 N., Long 62-30 W.
Tuesday, August 18 - Enroute Port-of-Spain, Trinidad to Cristobal, C.Z. at 25 knots on course 277 degrees. Sighted Bonaire and Curacao Islands during afternoon. Sighted friendly convoy of five tankers escorted by one Dutch and U.S. destroyer on easterly course. Changed course to 265 degrees at 1440 and to 250 degrees at 1906. Sea calm during day, slightly overcast. 0800 position in Lat 12-37 N., Long 67-29 W. 1200 position in Lat 12-45 N., Long 69-00 W. 2000 position in Lat 12-29 N., Long 72-02 W.
Wednesday, August 19 - Enroute Cristobal, C.Z. Sky overcast, sea calm. At 1240 made landfall on mountain peak and changed course to left to close Panamanian coast. Entered swept channel to Cristobal at 1730. Pilot boarded on arrival Limon Bay and ship proceeded immediately with transit of canal. Set clocks to Zone plus 5 at 1830. Night transit of canal made under ideal conditions and a sight long to be remembered. Completed transit at 2315 and moored to Pier 8, Balboa at midnight. Time to transit canal was 5 1/2 hours. 0800 position in Lat 10-48 N., Long 76-44 W. 1200 position in Lat 10-15 N., Long 78-10 W.
Thursday, August 20 - At Balboa, C.Z. Received provisions and various stores on board. Awaiting authority from OpNav to dock ship for purpose of repairing leaky fuel oil tank,
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Subject: War Diary U.S.S.JUNEAU (CL-52) August 1942
Wednesday August 19 - enroute Cristobal, C.Z.. sky overcast, sea cal,. At 1240 made landfall on mountain peak and changed course to left to close Panamanian coast. Entered swept channel to Cristobal at 1730. Pilot boarded on arrival Limon Bay and ship proceded immediately with transit of canal. Set clocks to Zone plus 5 at 1830. Night transit of canalmade under ideal conditions and a sight long to be remembered. Completed transit at 2315 and moored to pier 8, Balboa at midnight. Time to transit canal was 5 1/2 hours. 0800 position Lat 10-48N., Long 76-44W. 1200 position Lat 10-15N., Long 78-10W.
Reference: War Diary From August 1, 1942 to August 31, 1942...Operating under Commander TaskForce 23 (ComTaskFor 22 Despatch 061418 of July, 1942) from August 1, 1942 to August 12, 1942
Operating as directed by ComInch despatch 121820 of August, 1942 from August 12, 1942, until reporting to ComSoPac on August 20, 1942 for duty as a unit of Task Group 2.9.
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Subject: War Diary..U.S.S. JUNEAU (CL-52) August 1942
Thursday August 20 - At Balboa, C.Z. Received provisions and various stores on board. Awaiting authority from Op Nav to dock ship for purpose of repairing leaky fuel oil tank.
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Subject: War Diary - U.S.S. JUNEAU (CL-52) August 1942
Firday August 21 - Moored to peir 8, Balboa, C.Z. Entered drydock at 0735 for purpose of repairing leaky fuel oil tank (C-414). While in dock scraped bottom and repainted. During the afternoon, the Commanding Officer boarded the SOUTH DAKOTA during canal transit at Miraflores locks to confer with COMTASKGROUP 2.9, Rear Admiral W.L. LEE, U.S.N., and was disembarked at Balboa. JUNEAU was redocked at 2230 and proceded to fuel dock. During visit at Balboa received provisions on board and disembarked excess paint in accoprdance with current instructions.
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Subject: War Diary - U.S.S.JUNEAU (CL-52) August 1942
Saturday, August 22 -- On completion of fueling from fuel dock, departed Balboa, C.Z. at 0140 in obedience to CINCPAC 130225 despatch of August 1942 for Tongatabu, Tonga Islands and verbal orders of COMTASKGROUP 2.9 to join SOUTH DAKOTA, DUNCAN, LARDNER, LANSDOWNE at sea. The above vessels having departed Balboa, Friday afternoon. Took departure at 0208 at entrance of Balboa, buoyed channel and proceeded through swept channel at 21 knots. Passed through Point Afirm (Lat. 7N.,Long. 80W) at 0730 and shaped course 253 degrees. Visibility poor off Cape Mala. No items of particular interest occurred this date. 0800 position, Lat. 7 degrees, 03 minutes North., Long., 80 degrees, 03 minutes West. 1200 position Lat. 6-38N., Long. 81-24 W. 2000 position Lat 5-46N., Long 84-06W.
The above as well as previous War Diary entry's classified CONFIDENTIAL..
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Subject: War Diary - U.S.S. JUNEAU (CL-52) - August 1942
Sunday August 23 - Enroute Tonga Islands on great circle course 253 degrees at 21 knots. Nothing of particular interest occurred this date. Set clocks to plus 6 Zone Time at 1630. 0800 position in Lat. 4-21 N., Long. 88-11 W., 1200 position Lat. 4-00 N., Long. 89-30 W., 2000 position in Lat 2-59 N., Long. 92-30 W.
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Subject: War Diary - U.S.S. JUNEAU (CL-52) August 1942
Monday August 24 - Enroute Tongatabu, Tonga Islands on graet circle course 251 degrees at speed 21 knots. Sea calm, sky overcast, no observations. Changed course to 236 degrees at 1300 to regain great circle track after obtaining noon latitude. Changed course to 249 and one half degrees at 1430 to make good the great circle track. Bright lookout maintained lookouts and radars for DOUTH DAKOTA group as these vessels expected to be sighted during the day. Set clocks to zone plus 7 at 1630. During the day passed through numerous fog banks. The day was chilly and uncomfortable. 0800 position Lat. 1-36 N., Long96-30W., 1200 position Lat. 1-10 N., Long. 98-28 W., 2000 position Lat. 00-03 S., Long 101-39 W.
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Subject: War Diary - U.S.S. JUNEAU (CL-52) August 1942
Sunday August 25 - Enroute Tongatabu steering course 249 and one half to make good great circle track of 251 degrees, speed 21 knots. Visibility good, sea calm, sky overcast. Obtained observations of stars on dark horizon. Changed course to 251 and one half degrees to regain track, having been set 5 and one half miles to the south and slowed to 17 knots. Ship now believed to be ahead of SOUTH DAKOTA. Slowed to 12 knots at 0810 and changed course to 278 degrees at 1100. Increasing speed to 21 knots in attempt to locate SOUTH DAKOTA. The decision here being the result of strong and consistent "flashes" received by S.C. radar from a northerly direction (020 degrees true) and the fact that the rhumb line (added..see dictionary) to destination passed about 40 miles to northward. These"flashes"could only emanate from another radar whose frequency was near JUNEAU's. Commenced returning to great circle track at 1530 by changing course to 226 degrees, arriving thereon at 1935, speed 19 knots. No contact made with SOUTH DAKOTA. Continuing on great circle course and set course to 251 degrees at 2000. 0800 position Lat. 1-29 S., Long. 105-47 W. 1200 position Lat 1-39 S., Long. 106-41 W. 2000 position Lat. 2-28 S., Long 109-03 W.
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Subject: War Diary - U.S.S. JUNEAU (CL-52) August 1942
Wednesday - August 26 - Enroute singly Tongatabu Island, steaming at 19 knots on course 251 degrees. Sky overcast in early morning, sea calm. Changed course to 250 degrees at 1318 to regain great circle track. Changed course to 252 and one half degrees at 1900 to follow rhumb between Longs. 119-45 W., and 125 W., and course 253 degrees at 2015 to regain great circle track. Nothing of particular interest occurred this date. 0800 position Lat. 3-11 S., Long. 112-56 W. 1200 position Lat 4-10 S., Long. 114-14 W. 2000 position Lat 5-06 S., Long. 116-47 W. Remaining distance to Tongatabu at 2000 is 3599 miles.
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Subject: War Diary - U.S.S. JUNEAU (CL-52) August 1942
Thursday August 27 - Night bright with full moon. Wind increased from southeast to force five in early forenoon and then decreased. On course 253 degrees and changed to 245 degrees to regain track at 0750. Changed course to 251 degrees at 1200. Set clocks to Zone plus 8 at 1630 and changed course to 256 degrees at 2000. Nothing of particular interest occurred this date. 0800 position Lat. 6-10 S., Long 120-51 W. 1200 position Lat. 6-38 S., Long.122-10 W. 2000 position Lat. 7-45 S., Long. 124-57 W.
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Subject: War Diary - U.S.S. JUNEAU (CL-52) August 1942
Friday August 28 - Night bright and sea calm. Sailing great circle course (253 degrees) at 19 knots to Tonga Islands. Changed the course to 255 and one half degrees at 1113. Current setting 256 degrees with a drift of about one and one quarter knots. 0800 position ib Lat. 8-44 S., Long. 128-56 W. 1200 position in Lat. 9-06 S., Long. 130-11 W. 2000 position in Lat. 9-47 S., Long. 132-49 W.
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Subject: War Diary - U.S.S. JUNEAU (CL-52) August 1942
Saturday August 29 - Enroute Tongatabu steaming at 19 knots on course 256 degrees. Sea calm, night bright, scattered cumulus clouds. Reduced speed at 0600 to 17 knots with intention of falling back on SOUTH DAKOTA unit. Reduced speed further during forenoon to 15 knots and changed course to 254 degrees. Intercepted a weal T.B.S. (* talk-between-ships) signal believed to be from unit. Sighted SOUTH DAKOTA and escorts DUNCAN, LARDNER, and LANSDOWNE at Lat. 11-02 S., Long. 137-37 W., bearing 055 degrees, distant 20 miles. Joined above unit and took station 1000 yards ahead of SOUTH DAKOTA on course 251 degrees, speed 19 knots. Set clocks to Zone plus 9 at 1445. Changed course on signal at 1900 to 261 and one half degrees when in vicinity point "B" of route; Lat. 11-45 S., Long. 140-00 W. 0800 position in Lat. 10-39 S., Long 136-16 W. 1200 position in Lat. 10-59 S., Long137-24 W. 2000 position in Lat. 11-49 S., Long. 140-11 W.
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Subject: War Diary - U.S.S. JUNEAU (CL-52) August 1942
Sunday August 30 - In company ComTaskGroup 2.9, Rear Admiral W.L.LEE, USN., in SOUTH DAKOTA and destroyer escorts of DUNCAN, LARDNER, and LANSDOWNE. Night bright with waning moon. Clocks set to Zone plus 10 at 0635. At morning twilight (0530) arrived on station 15000 yards on starboard beam of SOUTH DAKOTA for radar and surprise contact drill. Later during forenoon, opened range to 35000 yards and exercised with group at radar tracking. Closed at 25 knots. Fired single bursts of AA simulating aircraft contact thus exercising other vessels at alertness of lookouts of battery control. Made preparations during afternoon to fuel from SOUTH DAKOTA. 0800 position in Lat. 12-23 S., Long. 144-42 W. 1200 position in Lat. 12-41 S., Long. 146-06 W. 2000 position in Lat. 13-15 S., Long. 149-04 W.
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Subject: War Diary - U.S.S. JUNEAU (CL-52) August 1942
Monday August 31 - Enroute Tongatabu with C.T.G. 2.9 in SOUTH DAKOTA on great circle rhumb 261 and one half, speed 21 knots. Night bright and clear. Sea increased to force 4 from southeast with sunrise. JUNEAU fueled from SOUTH DAKOTA receiving a forward and after hose on port side. Ship began approach at 0750, being conned by Captain, and received first line at 0800. Fueling commenced at 0830 and was completed at 1046, having received 95,659 gallons. Ice cream, various papers, movies were also transferred to JUNEAU. Telephone communication was established between the two ships. The non-meeting of JUNEAU with remainder of T.G 2.9 on about August 25 was explained due to misreading of co-ordinates of point "A", point of departure, by C.T.G. 2.9 (SOUTH DAKOTA) resulting in a different great circle track for group at point "B". These co-ordinates were read in CINCPAC despatch as being Lat. 7 degrees N., Long. 85 W., instead of Lat. 7 degrees N., Long. 80 degrees W. 0800 position in Lat. 13-55 S., Long. 153-09 W. 1200 position in Lat. 14-04 S., Long. 152-43 W. 2000 position in Lat. 14-07 S., Long. 154-57W.
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Subject: War Diary - U.S.S. JUNEAU (CL-52) September 1942
Tuesday September 1 - Enroute Tongatabe with Task Group 2.9 on base course 248 degrees, speed 21 knots. Night bright, sea calm. 0600 set clocks to Zone plus 11. During morning watch maneuvered 5 to 10000 yards to starboard of DOUTH DAKOTA in execution of tracking exercise. SOUTH DAKOTA fired a main battery off-set practice on JUNEAU. With exception of one gun the pattern was very good and first salvo, at 10000 yards, was on in range landing about 600 yards astern. SOUTH DAKOTA reported over T.B.S. radar contact at 2143 on surface, target bearing 226 degrees (t) distance 16000 yards. JUNEAU picked up same target by S.G. radar at about 2145 in Lat. 17-05 S., Long. 163-32 W., bearing 221 degrees (t) distance 10000 yards. Ship went to general quarters. Vessell passed on opposite course to port at about 2800 yards. Estimated speed 10 knots, easterly course. Ship identified as U.S.Navy tanker PLATTE. C.T.G. 2.9 directed escort destroyer (LARDNER) to investigate vessel. Ship secured from general quarters at 2205. 0800 position in Lat. 15-18.8 S., Long. 159-07.8 W. 1200 position in Lat. 15-55 S., Long. 160-16 W. 2000 position in Lat. 16-52 S., Long. 162-56 W.
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Subject: War Diary - U.S.S.JUNEAU (CL-52) September 1942
Wednesday September 2 - Enroute Tongatabu in company C.T.G. 2.9. Weather clear, sea calm. During afternoon JUNEAU fired main battery off-set practice on SOUTH DAKOTA. All salvos with exception of two full broadsides were of two guns. Exercise fired between ranges of 17000 yards and 11000 yards. Results were highly gratifying. 0800 position in Lat. 18-35 S., Long. 167-06 W. 1200 position in Lat. 19-11 S., Long. 168-20 W. 2000 position in Lat. 19-58 S., Long. 171-09 W. Crossed international date line at midnight and dropped one calander day, September 3.
(Reference U.S.S.JUNEAU War Diary, file no. CL-52/A12-1/serial (050), dated 2 October 1942)
Jordan J. Gardner, son of JUNEAU survivor Henry J. Gardner, MM1c, U.S.N (RET) jgardn01@mail.orion.org
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Subject: War Diary - U.S.S.JUNEAU (CL-52) September 1942
(note: NO entry for September 3 because of "international date line"--J.J.Gardner)
Friday September 4 - Appoaching Tongatabe, Tonga Islands, on course 248 degrees, speed 21 knots. Picked up EUA Island on S.C. radar at 0542, bearing 258 degrees, distant 34 miles and sighted this island at 0620. Set clocks back to Zone minus 12 at 0630. Entered LAHI passage from northwestward at 1045 and received on board Ensign P.D.THOMAS, U.S.N.R in capacity of pilot at 1100, ship (1158) and Task Group anchored in assigned berths. Oiler RHEEM went alongside port side of SOUTH DAKOTA and JUNEAU moored to port side of RHEEm at 1320. Received 276,249 gallons of fuel oil and returned to assigned anchorage.
(Source: War Diary - U.S.S. JUNEAU (CL-52) September 1942)
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Subject: War Diary - U.S.S. JUNEAU (CL-52) September 1942
Saturday September 5 - At anchor Tongatabu, Tonga Islands. Ships present: SOUTH DAKOTA (SOPA), LANSDOWNE, LARDNER, DUNCAN, VESTAL, ARTIC, SEMINOLE, GWIN, RHEEM. During afternoon BARNETT, HAYWOOD, NEVILLE, HUNTER LIGGETT, AMERICAN LEGION and LAFAYETTE (transports) escorted by CUMMINGS and WILSON stood in and anchored. GWIN departed. Received various provisions and supplies from ARTIC and VESTAL.
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Subject: War Diary - U.S.S. JUNEAU (CL-52) September 1942
Sunday September 6 - At anchor Tongatabu. Ships present same as Saturday. In late afternoon T.F 16, SARATOGA, NEW ORLEANS, MINNEAPOLIS, ATLANTA, DEWEY, FARRAGUT, MCDONOUGH, WORDEN, PHELPS, FLUSSER, LAFFEY and TUG NAVAJO stood in and anchored. The SARATOGA had received one submarine torpedo hit a few days before and was enroute PEARL with escort. Officers and certain men from JUNEAU visited ATLANTA for information after lunch. SOUTH DAKOTA and DesDiv 24 underway at 1300 with JUNEAU being granted permission to delay while making boarding call on ATLANTA. SOUTH DAKOTA and escort returned to harbor as JUNEAU was getting underway. SOUTH DAKOTA reported she had struck an uncharted 30 foot pinnacle when on the LAHI passage range. Task Group 2.9 was directed to remain at anchor until further orders.
(Source: War Diary - U.S.S. JUNEAU (CL-52) SEPTEMBER 1942)
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Subject: War Diary - U.S.S. JUNEAU (CL-52) September 1942
Monday September 7 - At anchor Tonga Tabu. Directed by C.T.F 2.9 to proceed in accordance with ComSoPac despatch 050732 September, 1942 to rendezvous with T.G. 18 in Lat. 21-00S., Long. 170-00E. Underway from Tonga Tabu at 0745 in company C.D.D. 24 in LANSDOWNE, DUNCAN, LARDNER and LAFFEY. Shaped course of 263 degrees, speed 17 knots on clearing anchorage. Received ComSoPac despatch 070112 of September, 1942 about 1800 directing a change in rendezvous to Lat. 18-00S., Long. 167-15 E, to arrive 0800, September 10 Zone (-) 11. Changed course to 284 degrees at 1900 and reduced speed to 15 knots. In clearing Tuvana Itholo and Tuvana Ira (Fiji Group) about 1915 obtained soundings of 250 fathoms and changed course to 264 degrees and resumed track at 2130, steering course 285 degrees. 0800 position Tonga Tabu anchorage. 1200 position in Lat. 21-04 S., Long. 176-13 W. 2000 position in Lat. 21-22 S., Long. 178-51 W.
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Subject: War Diary - U.S.S. JUNEAU (CL-52) September 1942 (continued)
September 8 - Enroute rendezvous with T.F. 18 with CDD 24 in LANSDOWNE, DUNCAN, LARDNER, and LAFFEY. Sea moderate from Southeast, night clear. Course 285 degrees, speed 15 knots. Crossed into east logditude at 0030. Sighted at 0930 a vessel hull down when in Lat. 20-40 S., Long. 177-30 E., on southeasterly course steaming at about 15 knots. Directed LANSDOWNE to proceed and investigate. Formation rotated 70 degrees to left to approach vessel and then returned to base course when LANSDOWNE reported that vessel was H.M.S. MATAI enroute Suva, (Fiji) to Auckland, New Zealand. No other incidents occurred during this date. 0800 position in Lat. 20-38 S., Long. 178-03 E. 1200 position in Lat. 20-24 S., Long. 177-07 E. 2000 position in Lat 19-50 S., Long. 175-00 E.
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Subject: War Diary - USS JUNEAU (CL-52) September 1942
Wednesday, September 9 - Enroute rendezvous with T.F. 18. Proceeding on course 290 degrees at 0800. Set clocks to zone (-)11 at 1630. Rasdar contact on aircraft at 0905 bearing 145 degrees true, distant 20 miles. Went to general quarters and secured when aircraft were recognized as friendly. Changed course to 273 degrees at 2150 on radar ranges and bearings in rounding Eromanga Island. 0800 position in Lat.19-13 S., Long. 172-01 E. 1200 position in Lat. 18-55S., Long. 171-13 E. 2000 position in Lat. 18-20 S., Long. 169-24 E.
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Subject: War Diary - USS JUNEAU (CL-52) September, 1942 (continued)
Thursday, September 10 - Enroute rendezvous with T.F. 18 in Lat. 18-00 S., Long. 167-15 E, (southeast of Efate Island, New Hebrides) on course 273 degrees, speed 11 knots. Sea calm, weather clear. Obtained star fix at 0530, which proved radar fixes obtained last night on north peak of Eromanga Island to be correct. Made S.C. radar contact at 0550 on aircraft bearing 221 degrees, distand 31 miles. Tracked planes (2) in towards formation and on being sighted on starboard bow were recognized as friendly. One plane dropped a message on board stating that T.F. 18 was bearing 270 degrees, distant 30 miles. Changed course to 270 degrees at 0615. Sighted T.F. 18 at 0650 ahead, distant 15 miles. Joined formation at 0800 in cruising disposition 1, axis 350 degrees, circle spacing 1000 yards, course 090 degrees, speed 12 knots. Guide in GUADELUPE (tanker). JUNEAU station 2.5-000 degrees. T.F. 18 consists of following vessels: WASP (Rear Adm. NOYES, C.T.F. 18), SAN FRANCISCO (Rear Adm. SCOTT), SALT LAKE CITY, GUADALUPE, AARON WARD, FARENHOLT, BUCHANAN, LANSDOWNE, DUNCAN, LARDNER and LAFFEY. T.F. 18 proceded on easterly course, WASP launching and recovering planes during day and at 1715 changed base course to 015 degrees to head for rendezvous tomorrrow morning with T.F 17 in Lat. 15-00 S., Long. 170-00 E. Set clocks ahead one hour to zone (-) 12 at 1800. 0800 position in Lat. 18-03S., Long. 167-18 E. 1200 position in Lat.18-09 S., Long. 168-09 E. 2000 position in Lat, 17-28 S., Long. 169-22 E.
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Subject: War Diary - USS JUNEAU (CL-52), September, 1942 (continued)
Friday, September 11 - In company with T.F 18 on course 015 degrees true, speed 15 knots steaming to eastward of New Hebrides Islands to effect junction T.F. 17. Sea calm, light wind from southeast which increased to force 6 by midday then decreased. Made S.G. radar contact with T.G. 17 at 0612 bearing 085 degrees true, distance 19000 yards. Sighted this force after daylight. Force consisted of HORNET, NORTH CAROLINA, PENSACOLA, NORTHHAMPTON, SAN DIEGO, MORRIS, DALE, ANDERSON, MUSTIN. Task Forces 17 and 18 on joining up became Task Force 61 in accordance with ComSoPac despatch 091016 of September. T.F. 61 known as striking force. T.F.17 tookstation about 5 miles to eastward in a cruising disposition. T.F.18 fueled during day from tanker GUADELUPE and JUNEAU received on board 71,442 gallons. Upon completion of fueling and routine aircraft landing and take off operations, T.F.61 shaped course 340 degrees, speed 15 knots for the night. Radio intelligence received that concentration at Faisi of enemy transports, destroyers and cruisers had departed that area for an unknown destination. Possibility exists enemy may attempt offensive Guadalcanal or Santa Cruz Islands. 0800 position in Lat. 15-03 S., Long. 170-07 E. 1200 position in Lat. 15-34 S., Long. 170-10 E. 2000 position in Lat. 16-13 S., and Long. 170-01 E.
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Subject: War Diary - USS JUNEAU (CL-52), September 1942 (continued) (Note: I will be giving you all a break on this...I will be gone to Salt Lake for a week..so will send what I can (up to September 19) before I leave tomorrow..I imagine some of youare getting bored with it..thanks for letting me share this piece of Naval history)
Saturday, September 12 - In company TF61 (TF17 and 18) on patrol to eastward New Hebrides Islands. Course 340 degrees, speed 15 knots. TF17 to eastward of TF18. Intelligence report received in afternoon, one enemy carrier about 500 miles to northward, placing this vessel and its accompanying cruiser 50 miles to northward of Santa Cruz Islands. Two flights of B-17 bombers took off to search this area. TF61 proceeding toward San Cristobal Island in Solomon group to arrive 100 miles off island in morning in order to fly about 20 marine fighters to Guadalcanal Island to assist forces of occupation. During night possibility of enemy contact existed. Orange vessels formerly located at Faisi had not been accounted for. 0800 position in Lat. 13-34 S.,Long. 168-46 E. 1200 position in Lat. 13-15 S., Long. 168-20 E. 2000 position in Lat. 12-44 S., Long. 166-58 E.
Sunday, September 13 - In company TF61 composed of TF's 18 and 19 (TF19 to eastward). Steaming at 17 knots on course 295 degrees in cruising disposition one. Sea calm and wind from southeast 17 knots. Routine carrier operations during day. Received intelligence that enemy vessels formerly concentrated at Faisi had returned. Speed and course changed to 15 knots and 115 degrees at 0715; course to 085 degrees at 1450 and to 135 degrees at 2000. 0800 position in Lat. 11-29 S., Long. 164-22 E. 1200 position in Lat. 11-55 S., Long. 165-13 E. 2000 position in Lat. 12-07 S., Long. 167-10 E.
Monday, September 14 - In company TF18 on course 135 degrees, speed 16 knots. Cruising disposition 1, axis 000 degrees. JUNEAU station 2500 yards with guide (WASP) bearing 135 degrees. Sea calm and wind from southeast during early morning increasing to force 5 by afternoon, and then becoming calm at nightfall. TF17 to eastward. Changed course to 045 degrees at 0200; to 315 degrees at 0330; to 270 degrees at 0635. Normal carrier operations during forenoon, and until time of enemy contact in afternoon. Received enemy contact report at 1208 of 4 BB and 7 CV on course 140 degrees, speed 17 knots, in Lat. 07-50 S.,Long. 164-00 E. This report later corrected to include 3 BB and 4 CA or CL, 4 DD and 1 transport. This palced enemy 325 miles bearing 330 degrees from TF18. Force increased speed to 23 knots on course 330 degrees. Received at 1350 major vessel contact report of enemy CV and 2 Ca's bearing 008 degrees, distant 305 miles. This force being about 200 miles to the eastward of the first contact. Two enemy seaplane reports also were received about this time which placed planes just to northward of Santa Cruz Islands. Ship went to general quarters at 1348, Force being in Condition I anti-aircraft battery. At 1440 WASP launched an attack and search group of 26 planes to locate and attack enemy main body of battleships. HORNET (TF17) also launched planes at about this time. Changed course to 300 degrees, speed 20 knots at 1450. On signal at 1525 went into cruising disposition IV (Air attack immenent), axis 340 degrees. JUNEAU station 2000 yards with WASP bearing 115 degrees. No further information of enemy until 1650 when despatch was received that battleships had earlier in the afternoon turned to course 005 degrees, speed 20 knots, thus nullifying possibility of air or surface contact. Shortly after the WASP launched and recovered planes and at 1700 the course was shaped to 120 degrees and speed reduced to 15 knots. 0800 position in Lat. 12-32 S., Long. 127-30 E. 1200 position in Lat. 12-39 S., Long.166043 E. 2000 position in Lat. 12-06 S., Long.166-31 E.
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Subject: War Diary - USS JUNEAU (CL-52) September 1942 (continued)
Tuesday, September 15 - In company TF61 composed of TF17 to eastward and TF18. Force on base course 210 degrees, speed 16 knots. TF18 in cruising dispositin 1, axis 340 degrees, circle spacing 1000 yards, guide at center ib WASP;JUNEAU station 2.5 - 345 degrees. Cjanged course to 280 degrees at 0100. Sea calm, night dark, wind from southeast, force 2. During early morning and forenoon, conducted carrier operations. At 1220 sighted a bright flash and heavy column of smoke on horizon bearing 010 degrees true. Received word shortly after that a WASP plane had shot down a Japanese scout bomber. Maneuvered at 1225 to carrier launching and recovery course of 110 degrees returning to base course (280 degrees) at 1240. At 1417 conducted similar exercise to course 125 degrees. Upon completion at about 1442, TF18 began a ship's simultaneous turn to the right to the base course (280 degrees) and at 1444 the flash and concussion of two explosions about two seconds apart were noticed at the starboard side amidships of the WASP. The below report of the destruction of the WASP by the Commanding Officer, JUNEAU, addressed to the Commander Crusiers, Task Force 18 (file A16-3/L11-1, serial 001, of September 15, 1942) is quoted herewith:
"1. At 1444(M) on September 15, 1942, in Latitude 12-27.5, Longitude 164-14.5, the WASP bore 115(T) from the JUNEAU, distant 2500 yards and had completed approximately 90 degrees of a right had turn out of the wind after launching planes. She was on a course estimated to be 220 degrees when two (2) apparently shallow running, closely bunched, torpedo hits were observed on her starboard side amidships. She continued to swing slightly more to the right and then apparently put on left rudder and hauled away to the southeat, or southeastward, burning violently amidships. The wind was from direction 125 degrees true blowing smoke in heavy clouds to the northwest. JUNEAU continued to turn in direction of WASP. At 1458 JUNEAU received an order from Commander Cruisers to circle WASP. The Commanding Officer interpetted this order to mean that his assignment was to protect the carrier, who at that time, appeared to be hauling away from the scene of the attack and to have a chance of getting damage under control. He therefore circled her counter-clockwise at approximately 2000 to 3000 yards. In the meantime he endeavored to orient himself as to the probable location of the attacking submarine. The JUNEAU, prior to the attack had been pinging with her sound gear through an arc of 100 degrees with offset 20 degrees towards the direction of the carrier. No submarine contacts had been made on the sound gear. Shortly after hits on WASP were seen what appeared to be a torpedo hit on the SAN FRANCISCO was observed. This observation was later to be false.From the meager and nebulous data at hand it was estimated that the submarine had attacked from the northward and the JUNEAU circled to make a sound search toward this area. In crossing the wake of the WASP the commanding officer was surprised to find numerous survivors already in the water on his track ahead. He therefore slowed to pick his way through, at the same time getting life nets and life rafts on the JUNEAU clear for launching. At this time a signal was received from Commander Cruisers indicating he did not understand JUNEAU's movements. This was interpreted to mean that he considered JUNEAU was unduly jeapordizing herself as a target. JUNEAU immediately speeded up and continued her search outboard of destroyers approaching to pick up survivors on the assumption that the submarine was still endeavoring to attack the carrier.
2. At 1535 a submarine contact was made to the eastward of the WASP which was confirmed by the LARDNER. The JUNEAU laid one pattern and hauled clear. No evidence of destruction observed. A TBS message was sent out from the JUNEAU at this time telling ships in company not to lay depth charges among survivors, which was corrected at the first opportunity in TBS traffic to "Do not lay depth charges among survivors unless contact is reasonably certain". This was sent out because there were several destroyers in the vicinity searching for the submarine and false contacts appeared likely. The area of this submarine contact was well covered by destroyers who reported torpedo wakes so JUNEAU hauled off to the southward to avoid jeopardizing herself unnecessarily. Previous to this time it had become evident that the WASP was not making progress through the water. Traffic channels were heavily loaded and only such information was available as to the conditions on the WASP as could be picked off the TBS circuit and the presumption from the fact that she was being abandoned.
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Subject: War Diary - USS JUNEAU (CL-52) September, 1942 (continued) Tueday, September 15 (continued) 3. The JUNEAU was prepared to send fire fighting equipment and services should the situation on the WASP have warrented this procedure. From then on until orders from Commander Cruisers were received to "clear the area unless..." at 1710, the JUNEAU remained in the vicinity of the WASP in case an enemy air attack should develop, steering such courses and maintaining such positions as to avoid unnecessarily jeopardizing herself from submarine attack and at the same time to be ready to close quickly should an attack of anykind develop.
4. At 1716 a Douglas torpedo bomber made three (3) trys to pass a hand message to the JUNEAU, all of which failed. On the last pass the JUNEAU headed into the wind in order to facilitate such passing. After departure of the plane she joined Commander Cruisers Task Force 18 at 1732."
A plot showing JUNEAU position at the time of the torpedoing together with a track chart of the ships movements between 1444 and 2000 is appended to this diary. At 2000 steaming in column in order named with SAN FRANCISCO, (ComCruT.F.18), SALT LAKE CITY, HELENA and JUNEAU on course 180 degrees, speed18 knots for eastern passage, Espiritu Santo to transfer wounded and survivors. The destroyers FARENHOLT, LAFFEY, DUNCAN, LANSDOWNE, LARDNER, BUCHANAN and AARON WARD joined up forming a screen. Several of the above vessels had on board approximately 1700 survivors of the WASP. 0800 position in Lat. 12-30 D., Long. 163-23 E. 1200 position in Lat. 12-25 S., Long. 164-34 E. 2000 position in Lat. 12-40 S., Long. 163-59 E.
Wednesday, September 16 - Enroute Espiritu Santo, New Hebrides in company TF18 at 18 knots with WASP survivors on board various destroyers. When off Eastern Passage to Button, LARDNER made a submarine contact and assisted by LANSDOWNE, attacked with unknown results. Entered Eastern Passage of Espiritu Santo at 1355 and proceeded to anchorage following column leader through mine field. Anchored in assigned berth at 1450 off Luganville. Seriously wounded were transferred from destroyers to hospital on shore, and remaining WASP survivors were placed on board SALT LAKE CITY and HELENA for transportation to Noumea, New Caledonia. SAN FRANCISCO, JUNEAU and destroyers standing by on four hours notice. During the evening received orders to get underway at 2200 which was subsequently changed to daylight in the morning due to the impracticably of clearing the harbor at night without navigational aids. 0800 position in Lat. 14-16 S., Long. 166-27 E.
Thursday, September 17 - Underway from Luganville anchorage in company with SAN FRANCISCO, LARDNER, LANSDOWNE, DUNCAN and FARENHOLT, at 0615 to effect rendezvous with TF17 to south westward of Efate Island, New Hebrides. At 1440 made a doubtful submarine contact by underwater sound vearing 095 degrees (t), distant 400 yards. Laid on embarrassing depth cahge pattern of 3 charges. Joined TF17 at 1645 in Lat. 17-44 S., Long. 167-48 E. TF18 now absorbed into TF17. Took station 2.5-270 degrees in cruising disposition 1A. Fleet axis 000 degrees, circle spacing 1000, HORNET guide in center, zigzagging by plan #8 on course 293 degrees at 17 1/2 knots. Following vessels composed TF17: HORNET(CV), Rear Admiral MURRAY, O.T.C. (CTF17); SAN FRANCISCO(CA), Rear Admiral SCOTT, (CTG17.2 and CTU 17.2.1), NORTHHAMPTON(CA), Rear Admiral GOOD, (CTU 17.2.2), PENSACOLA(CA), SAN DIEGO(AACL), JUNEAU(AACL), MORRIS(DD), captain HOOVER(CTG 17.4 and CTU 17.4.1), RUSSELL(DD), HUGHES(DD), MUSTIN(DD); FARENHOLT(DD), Captain TOBIN (CTU 17.4.2), AARON WARD(DD), DUNCAN(DD), LARDNER(DD);Air (HORNET) Captain MASON(TG17.5). CTF17 operation order 15.42 effective (CTF17 despatch 162304 of September, 1942). The disposition made the following course changes during the afternoon and night: At 1748 to 180 degrees; at 1843 to 270 degrees; at 1945 to 300 degrees. 0800 coasting on soundings. 1200 position in Lat. 16-41 S., Long. 167-58 E. 2000 position in Lat. 18-02 S., Long. 167-09 E.
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Subject: War Diary - USS JUNEAU (CL-52) September, 1942 (continued)
Friday, September 18 - On patrol in company TF17 south of New Hebrides. The force fuelled during day from tankers GUADELUPE and CIMARON. Fueling course 110 degrees, speed 8 knots. JUNEAU received 153,300 gallons of fuel in 44 minutes from portside of GUADELUPE, completing at 1042. WASHINGTON(BB) escorted by MEADE(DD) and BARTON(DD) joined the Task Force at 1430 and assumed stations in the disposition. Upon completion of all fueling at 1640 force reformed on base course 110 degrees and at 1900 changed course to 065 degrees, speed 16 knots. A periscope was sighted by several of JUNEAU crew bearing about 350 degrees (t), distant about 1000 yards in direction of starboard quarter of WASHINGTON. An embarrassing depth charge was fired from a port projector with a range of 120 yards. The following course change was made during the night. Course 020 degrees at 1945. 0800 position in Lat. 18-11 S., Long. 165-27 E. 1200 position in Lat. 18-15 S., Long. 165-53 E. 2000 position in Lat. 18-30 S., Long. 166-52 E.
Saturday, September 19 - Steaming in company with TF17 to north and eastward of New Caledonia Island on course 320 degrees at 17 knots. Moon up and zigzagging until moonset at 0200. Changed course to 230 degrees at 0545. Sea calm though increased to force 5 during day and flattened out during night. Wind from southeast. Routine carrier operations were conducted during day and planes recovered prior to dark. Force maneuvered on various courses to northward of New Caledonia. At 1245 made underwater sound contact on submarine. See attached report.
Information received that the HUGHES had picked up seven men in a rubber boat who had been adrift for seven days from a crashed Army B-17 bomber. Men were discovered by a cruiser plane of the inner anti-submarine patrol. 0800 position in Lat.17-06 S., Long. 165-05 E. 1200 position in Lat. 17-37 S., Long. 164-34 E. 2000 position in Lat.16-52 S., Long. 163-38 E.
==============================
Subject: War Diary - USS JUNEAU (CL52) September 1942
Sunday, September 20 - In company TF17 patrolling to northward of NewCaledonia Island. Force in circular cruising position 1A, axis 330 degrees, circle spacing 1000 yards, JUNEAU station 2.5-090 degrees. The force steamed on various dase and zigzag courses during the day at 17 knots. Normal weather conditions prevailed, wind from southeast, which came up and went down with the sun. Night bright due to moonlight.
Normal carrier operations of launching and recovery of planes during the day with final recovery just before dark.
During forenoon watch sighted an United States Task Force consisting of three cruisers, ten destroyers and eight cargo or transport vessels. This Task Force, name not known, stayed in vicinity of our force and during late afternoon hauled out of sight to the southward. 0800 position in Lat. 15-37 S., Long. 162-01 E. 1200 position in Lat. 16-40 S., Long. 161-58 E. 2000 position in Lat. 18-14 S., Long. 161-42 E.
Monday, September 21 - Normal carrier operations during the day. The force steamed to the eastward of the New Hebrides and in forenoon shaped a course to pass midway between Effate and Eromanga Islands to rendezvous with additional vessels of force the forenoon of Wednesday, September 23.
No incident of interest occured this date. 0800 position in Lat. 16-12 S., Long. 160-07 E. 1200 position in Lat. 16-10 S., Long. 161-01 E. 2000 position in Lat. 16-56 S., Long. 163-07 E.
Tuesday, September 22 - In company TF17 enroute rendezvous to eastward of New Hebrides. Normal carrier operations throughout the day.
Exdercises 13(a), (b) and (c) were conducted during the afternoonby vessels present. Those exercises consisted of firing star shells or bursts representing high level and dive bombing targets and torpedo plane target. Ships fired at own stars or bursts and received practice in spotting and quick solution of problem.
Weather clear with wind and sea from southeast. 0800 position in Lat. 17-58 S., Long. 166-00 E. 1200 position in Lat. 18-08 S., Long. 167-01 E. 2000 position in Lat. 17-59 S., Long. 169-04 E.
==============================
Subject: War Diary - USS JUNEAU (CL-52) September 1942 (continued)
Wednesday, September 23 - In company Task Force 17. On patrol to southeastward of New Hebrides Islands. During forenoon destroyers of force were fueled from SAN FRANCISCO, PENSACOLA and NORTHHAMPTON. At 1000 when in Lat. 17-45 S., Long. 172-10 W., SALT LAKE CITY (CA), HELENA (CL) and destroyers WALKE, BENHAM and LANSDOWNE joined up. During time of fueling JUNEAU patrolled in van of fuelin formation. Fueling operations were completed at 1800. SALT LAKE CITY, SAN FRANCISCO, HELENA with destroyers LANSDOWNE, DUNCAN, LARDNER and FARENHOLT left the force and departed to the westward. Commander Task Force 17 placed operation order 17-42 quoted below in effect by despatch: "Task Group 17.2 Cruisers Rear Adm. GOOD. Task Unit 17.2.1 Rear Adm. GOOD, NORTHHAMPTON, WASHINGTON, PENSACOLA. Task Unit 17.2.2 Capt. JENKINS, ATLANTA, SAN DIEGO, JUNEAU. Task Group 17.4 Destroyers, Comdr. TRUE, MORRIS, HUGHES, RUSSELL, WALKE,BENHAM, BARTON, MEADE. Task Group 17.5 Air Capt. MASON, HORNET"
"Daily Intelligence Submarines" "Plan-operate areas assigned ComSoPac awaiting developements. Be prepared for offensive operations. Destroy hostile forces encountered." "Logistics-as ordered" "Communications plan as for Opord 15-42. Use local Zone Time. ComTaskFor 17 in HORNET. This order effective on signal. G.D.MURRAY, Rear Admiral."
0800 position in Lat. 17-29 S., Long. 171-57 E. 1200 position in Lat. 17.56 S., Long. 172-32 E. 2000 position in Lat. 19-00 S., Long. 173-11 E.
Thursday, September 24 - On patrol in company Task Force 17 to south and eastward of New Hebrides Islands. During the morning watch, WASHINGTON (BB) accompanied by the ATLANTA(CLAA) and escorted by the destroyers WALKE and BENHAM left the formation on operations not known to this ship. Normal carrier operations were conducted throughout the day. Received a signal from CTF17 that TF17 would enter a port the forenoon of Saturday, the 26th. No incidents of particular interest occured this date. 0800 position in Lat. 18-23 S., Long. 170-30 E. 1200 position in Lat. 19-19 S., Long. 170-40 E. 2000 position in Lat. 21-08S., Long. 170-44 E.
==============================
Subject: War Diary - USS JUNEAU (CL-52) September 1942 (continued)
Friday, September 25 - Proceeding with TF17 towards New Caledonia. Courses shaped during thursday night suggest Noumea to be the port of call. Exercised during forenoon with planes in simulating high level and dive bombing attack. During the afternoon vessels of the formation fired at towed sleeves with machine gun batteries. Performance of JUNEAU 1.1 and 20mm. batteries was encouraging. Gun crews showed an improvement in fire discipline and a better understanding of pointing. Mess attendant 20mm. crew performed with satisfaction at first practice. A heavy swell set in from the southwest around noon and as the day progressed, wind and sea increased from that direction until it became quite uncomfortable. At 1900 set clocks back 30 minutes to Zone (-) 12. 0800 position in Lat. 23-30 S., Long. 169-33 E. 1200 position in Lat. 23-42 S., Long. 168-50 E. 2000 position in Lat. 24-02 S., Long. 167-05 E.
==============================
Subject: War Diary - USS JUNEAU (CL52) September 1942 (continued)
Saturday, September 26 - Proceeding to Noumea with TF17. Went into channel formation 1 at sunrise after HORNET launched planes. Passed through barrier reef via Bulari Passage at 1030 and proceeded to anchorage #43 in Dumbea Bay, anchoring therein at 1230. Vice Admiral GHORMLEY, Commander South Pacific, S.O.P.A., in ARGONNE. The following combattant vessels present: HORNET(CV), NORTHHAMPTON(CA), PENSACOLA(CA), CHESTER(CA), SAN DIEGO(CLAA), LAFFEY(459), HULL(350), LAND(399), LARDNER(487), CUNNINGHAM(371), O'BRIEN(415), HOPKINS(M93), HOVEY(M91), HUGHES(410), MUSTIN(413), RUSSELL(414), MORRIS(417), MEADE(602), BARTON(599), and various auxillary vessels.
Sunday, September 27 - At anchor in berth #43, Dumbea Bay. Task Force 17 placed on 48 hours sailing notice. Received 166,140 gallons of fuel oil from tanker H.M.STOREY.
Monday, September 28 - At anchor Dumbea Bay. Received on board various supplies and provisions.
Tuesday, September 29 - At anchor Dumbea Bay. Task Force 17, less MEADE, placed on 24 hours sailing notice.
Wednesday, September 30 - At anchor Dumbea Bay. Task Force 17, less MEADE, placed on 12 hours sailing notice.
============================== s/L.K.SWENSON
WAR DIARY
fROM: oCTOBER 1, 1942 = TO: October 31, 1942 . Operating under Commander Task Force 17. Thursday, October 1 - At anchor Dumbea Bay, Noumea, New Caledonia. In company Task Force 17. Rear Admiral MURRAY in HORNET, Commander Task Force 17.
Friday, October 2 - Underway at 1145 from Dumbea Bay for sea as directed by Commander Task Force 17 Sorti Plan (despatch 301321 of September 1942). Passed through Point "A" at 1210 on schedule. HORNET received planes in vicinity Pt "O" (10 miles, 230 degrees from Amadee Light) during afternoon. 1610 formed cruising disposition 1, axis 090 degrees, JUNEAU station 2.0-225 degrees, HORNET guide, speed 15 knots, zigzagging on base course 270 degrees, ships present of T.F. 17: HORNET 9CTF170, NORTHHAMPTON, Rear Admiral SCOTT 9CTG 17.2), PENSACOLA, SAN DIEGO, JUNEAU, MORRIS, Captain HOOVER (CTG17.4), HUGHES, RUSSELL, MUSTIN and BARTON. Received a visual despatch that this task force was to raid enemy vessels in the Buin-Faisi (Solomons) area at daylight October 5th. Shaped northwesterly courses during the night to pass to the westward of New Caledonia. 2000 position in Lat. 22-22 S., Long. 165-24 E.
==============================
Subject: WAR DIARY - USS JUNEAU (CL-52) October, 1942 (continued)
Saturday, October 3 - In company T>F 17, enroute Solomon Sea to execute operations against enemy vessels Buin-Faisi area. Normal carrier operations during the day. Fired 20mm and 1.1 machine guns at towed target during afternoon. Changed fleet axis to 120 degrees at 0950 and to 145 degrees at 1210. Received the below quoted operation order by visual signal from C.T.F. 17 during the afternoon: (C.T.F. 17 despatch 030412 of October 1942)
'OPORD EIGHTEEN DASH FORTY TWO X INFO X CONCENTRATION ENEMY VESSELS IN BUIN FAISI TONALEI AREA THREATEN SECURITY CACTUS FORCES X DOG DAY FOR CARRIER AIR GROUP ATTACK ON ENEMY OBJECTIVES FIVE OCTOBER X DAILY INFORMATION REPORTS X SOWESPAC MAKING RECONNAISSANCE TARGET AREA IN NORTHERN APPROACHES DOG MINUS TWO AND MINUS ONE DAYS X SOWESPAC AIR STRIKING FORCE ATTACKS AIRDROMES RABAUL DOG DAY X AIRSOPAC BAKER SEVENTEENS HIT BUKA KIETA AREA SUNRISE DOG DAY THEN PROCEED VICINITY CARRIER FURNISH AIR COVERAGE EIGHT TO TWELVE HOURS X CARRIER AIRGROUP WILL AT SUNRISE DOG DAY ATTACK ENEMY VESSELS BUIN-FAISI AREA X PRIORITY OF TARGETS LARGE OR MEDIUM CARRIERS TRANSPORTS TANKERS SEAPLANE CARRIERS OTHER COMBATTANT TYPES X UPON RECOVERING AIRGROUP THIS FORCE WILL RETIRE TOWARD WHITE POPPY AT HIGH SPEED X TF PASS THROUGH INITIAL POINT LAT FIFTEEN LONG ONE SIXTY AT TEN HOURS DOG MINUS ONE DAY X THEREAFTER SEVENTEEN POINT TWO AND SEVENTEEN POINT FIVE PROCEED AT TWENTY EIGHT KNOTS TO LAUNCHING POSITION ON ONE TWO FIVE MILE RADIUS FROM BUIN X SUBSEQUENT COURSES AND SPEEDS WILL BE SIGNALLED X SEVENTEEN POINT FOUR CONTINUE AT NINETEEN KNOTS AND REJOIN DURING RETIREMENT ON DOG DAY X RENDEZVOUS RETIREMENT COURSE AND SPEED WILL BE SIGNALLED X PARA X FUEL BUTTON WHITE POPPY X TANKER MAY JOIN DURING RETIREMENT TOWARDS WHITE POPPY X PARA X USE ZERO MINUS ELEVEN TIME RETIREMENT TOWARD WHITE POPPY X RENDEZVOUS DAMAGED SHIPS WHITE POPPY X COMMUNICATIONS ACCORDANCE CURRENT PLAN X SET RADAR CONDITION THREE AT TEN HOURS DOG MINUS ONE DAY X SUBSEQUENT CONDITION AS SIGNALLED X INTERCEPT WATCH ON FOUR FOUR THRE FIVE ARMY RECONNAISANCE CIRCUIT OPTIONAL X COMTASKFOR SEVENTEEN IN CARRIER X G D MURRAY "
0800 position in Lat. 20-21 S., Long. 163-17 E. 1200 position in Lat. 19-58 s., Long. 162-54 E. 2000 position in Lat. 18-39 S., Long. 162-04 E.
==============================
Subject: War Diary - USS JUNEAU (CL-52) OCTOBER, 1942 (continued)
Sunday, October 4 - In company T.F. 17. At 1000 T.G 17.2 (cruisers) and T.G. 17.5 (HORNET) increased speed to 28 knots (course 325 degrees) as directed by operation order 18-42. T.G. 17.4 (destroyers) proceeding at 19 knots. HORNET launched and recovered aircraft during the day. Formed column open order, distance 1500 yards at 1725 in following order from the van: JUNEAU (guide), SAN DIEGO, HORNET, PENSACOLA, NORTHHAMPTON. JUNEAU placed in the lead because of her installation of the S.G. radar. Changed course to 318 degrees at 2000. Went to general quarters at 1900 and so remained during the night. In the event of a night surface attack C.T. 17 had signalled that the carrier would turn away and that Battle Plan 2 would become effective. This plan called for the JUNEAU and SAN DIEGO (CLAA's) to remain with the carrier and the NORTHHAMPTON and PENSACOLA (cruisers) to interpose between the carrier and the enemy. 0800 position in Lat. 15-34 S., Long. 159-59 E. 1200 position in Lat. 14-20 S., Long. 159-19 E. 2000 position in Lat. 11-20 S.,Long. 157-03 E.
Monday, October 5 - Proceeding to launching station on radius of 125 mile from Buin. No contacts during the night. Night clear, sea calm. The moon rose at 0225. At 0340 the force slowed to 20 knots and began forming Cruising Disposition 1 at 0350 on base course 080 degrees, axis 120 degrees. The HORNET commenced launching the first flight at 0430, wind from 145 degrees. Sunrise was observed at 0623. At about 0620 HORNET planes commenced returning from their respective missions. The force at this time was retiring at 25 knots on a southeasterly course. Planes were launched and landed by the HORNET throughout the day. T.G. 17.4 (destroyers) was sighted at 0815 on the starboard bow and upon joining uo and occupying screening stations in Disposition IV, the retirement course was shaped to 160 degrees and changed to 180 degrees at 1600. At 0830 HORNET signalled that squadrons had returned with the exception of one plane. This latter plane appeared at 0840 and landed on the carrier. At 1315 received a signal that an enemy bomber had been shot down by a combat patrol 35 miles to the westward. A second bomber was reported as shot down at 1615 in the same relative location as the first. The following visual despatch, as to the results of the operation, from C.T. 17 is quoted below:
"PRELIMINARY SUMMARY ATTACK X ONE HIT ON TANKER TWO HITS ON LIGHT CRUISER X HIT EACH ON TWO CARGO SHIPS X SHOT DOWN SEVERAL FLOAT SEAPLANES X STRAFED PATROL PLANES ON WATER AT FAISI X BOMBER KIKILI FIELD X WEATHER 300 TO 700 FEET WITH RAIN X UNFAVORABLE FOR DIVE BOMBING X APPROXIMATELY TEN FOUR ENGINE PATROL PLANES MOORED FAISI X SIX TO EIGHT LAND PLANES SIGHTED KIKILI X WE MUST BE PREPARED FOR AIRCRAFT ATTACK DURING DAY X ALL AIRCRAFT RECOVERED "
During the course of this operation no enemy was sighted by this ship. The force secured from general quarters at sunset and the Admiral suggested that all hands be given sleeping periods tomorrow. 0800 position in Lat. 09-17 S., Long. 155-55 E. 1200 position in Lat. 10-29 S., Long. 156-51 E. 2000 position in Lat. 13-12 S., Long. 157-37 E.
Tuesday, October 6 - Retireing in company T.F. 17 on southerly course at 15 knots from operation in Solomon Sea. HORNET launched and recovered planes during the day. Intelligence received placed strong enemy activity to the northeastward of Bouganville strait. Two covering forces containing 2 BB each are operating in that area. Numerous cargo and transport vessels have been observed Solomon Island area indicating that offensive operations in force may be expected against Guadalcanal. 0800 position in Lat. 15-21 S., Long. 159-21 E. 1200 position in Lat. 16-10 S., Long. 159-51 E. 2000 position in Lat. 16-00 S., Long. 159-48 E.
==============================
Subject: WAR DIARY - USS JUNEAU(CL52) October, 1942 (continued)
Wednesday, October 7 - Operating to area to northwestward of New Caledonia with T.F. 17. Sighted tanker GUADALUPE and escoprt to eastward at 0735 and T.F. 17 commenced fuelling operations. BARTON (to the westward) at 1236 signalled she had a submarine contact and was joined by LARDNER to assist in the search. Patterns were laid with results unknown to this ship. Fuelling group changed course to the eastward. JUNEAU received 188,370 gallons of fuel; commencing approach at 1431 and casting off at 1608. Fueling course 045 degrees, speed 12 knots. HORNET received 15 planes on board from Tontua. Normal carrier operations during day. Vessels not engaged in fueling patrolled specified sectors. HORNET, last to fuel, completed after nightfall. GUADALUPE left formation at 2018. 0800 position in Lat. 20-05 S., Long. 161-06 E. 1200 position in Lat. 19-59 S., Long. 162-01 E. 2000 position in Lat. 19-21 S., Long. 162-26 E.
Thursday, October 8 - Patrolling area in Coral Sea to northwestward of New Caledonia with T.F. 17. Set clocks ahead one (1) hour to Zone minus 12. Normal carrier operations during the day. Fired 1.1 and 20mm machine guns at a towed sleeve during the afternoon. 0800 position in Lat. 17-37 S., Long. 161-18 E. 1200 position in Lat. 18-11 S., Long. 161-35 E. 2000 position in Lat. 19-28 S., Long. 161-18E.
Friday, October 9 - Operating to north-northwestward of New Caledonia in company T.F. 17. During forenoon HORNET planes on return from scheduled search simulated torpedo plane attack on formation. The Force maneuvered to avoid and obtained excellent training in ship handling and gunnery pointing. In the afternoon fired at bursts with main battery. Weather clear during the day with prevailing winds from southeast. Received mail from ANDERSON. 0800 position in Lat. 17-46 S., Long. 159-21 E. 1200 position in Lat. 17-11 S., Long. 159-56 E. 2000 position in Lat. 16-12 S., Long. 160-55 E.
==============================
Subject: WAR DIARY - USS JUNEAU(CL52), October, 1942 (continued)
Saturday, October 10 - Covering Coral Sea area with T.F.17 to north-northwestward of New Caledonia. At 0615 when in Lat. 15-33 S., Long. 158-34 E., made S.G. radar contact bearing 290 degrees (t) distance 12000 yards. An emergancy contact report was made to OTC (HORNET) over T.B.S. and BARTON (DD) was directed to investigate. The force changed course to the southeastward and increased speed to wade. Radar contact was lost at 0634. The target was believed to have been an enemy submarine which had surfaced to observe our movements. Morning twilight was just beginning at this time. The sea was smooth, the wind from the southeast at 18 knots. During the early afternoon vessels of the force fired anti-aircraft machine guns at a towed sleeve. Carrier operations were conducted throughout the day. Current determined to set 275 degrees, drift 1/2 knot at 0800. 0800 position in Lat. 15-48 S., Long. 158-17 E. 1200 position in Lat. 15-27 S., Long. 158-11 E. 2000 position in Lat. 15-05 S., Long. 159-45 E.
==============================
Subject: WAR DIARY - USS JUNEAU(CL52), October, 1942 (continued)
Sunday, October 11
Steaming with T.F.17 to nnw of New Czledonia. Sea calm, light winds from southeast. The PENSACOLA reported sighting a periscope 2000 yards to starboard and the force changed course 90 degrees to port to clear area; then resumed base course. No further evidence of submarine. During the forenoon transferred one (1) 1.1" barrel and slide via HUGHES(DD) to PENSACOLA(CA). The below quoted visual despatch (102350 of October 1942) was received from C.T.F. 17 during the afternoon:
OPORD 19 DASH 42 X TASK GROUP 62.6 MCCAWLEY, ZEILIN AND ESCORT TRANSPORTATION GROUPS WHITE POPPY TO CACTUS X POSIT 16 DASH 25 162 DASH 30 AT 0800 LOVE 11 BASE COURSE 005 SPEED OF ADVANCE 12 X ROUTE NORTH SAN CRISTOBAL EAST AND NORTH CACTUS X DUE TO ARRIVE DAYLIGHT 13 DEPART SAME DAY TASK GROUP 17.8 WASHINGTON ATLANTA PLUS DDS OPERATING SOUTH CACTUS X PARA X THIS TASK FORCE BE PREPARED TO STRIKE PROFITABLE TARGET THAT MAY DEVELOPE X WILL OPERATE GENERALLY TO WEST OF 62.6 X FUEL AS LATER DIRECTED X COMMUNICATIONS ZONE TIME NORMAL."
Carrier operations were conducted during the day. At 2302 when in Lat 13-53 S., Long. 160-06 E., made S>G> radar contact bearing 227 degrees (t), 9600 yards. Emergency contatct report was made and force turned away to evade. Contact was lost at about 2308 bearing 212 degrees, distance 9400 yards. The HUGHES(DD) investigated. The contact was believed to have been a surfaced enemy submarine. No known friendly submarines were in this area. Current at 0800 was 300 degrees, drift 3/4 knot. 08000 position in Lat. 16-50 S., Long. 161-33 E. 1200 position in Lat. 16-00 S., Long. 161-12 E. 2000 position in Lat. 14-29 S., Long. 160-42 E.
Monday, October 12 - Conducting operations in accordance C.T.F. 17 operation order 19-42. During the night T.F. 17 approached south-westward of Guadalcanal Island, reaching Lat. 12-30 S., Long. 158-40 E., at 0600 which is about 205 miles from Lunga Point. An operational flight was launched by HORNET and force retired to the southeastward. Information was received on mid-watch that T.G 64.2 (see OpOrd 19-42) had engaged at about midnight to the westward of SAVO Island and enemy force of 2CA and 6DD. During the day numerous radar contacts were had on unidentified aircraft resulting in the destruction at 1007 of a Jap four motor flying boat by a HORNET fighter in Lat. 12-00 S., Long. 158-18 E. The destruction being visible from the ship. Again at 1230 a Jap two motor bomber was shot down in Lat. 12-20 S., Long. 158-00 E., by a plane of the combat patrol vectored onto the target. The explosion and smoke also being visible from the ship. Numerous operational flights were launched by the HORNET during the day. 0800 position in Lat. 12-27 S., Long. 158-16 E. 1200position in Lat. 12-27 S., Long. 157-44 E. 2000 position in Lat. 13-53 S., Long. 158-31 E.
A westerly set was experienced during the day with a drift of 3/4 knot. The sea was calm, and surface visibility unlimited. Occasional cumulus was overhead.
==============================
Subject: WAR DIARY - USS JUNEAU (CL52), October, 1942 (continued)
Tuesday, October 13 - Operation being conducted in continuum OpOrd 19-42. At 0630 force reached to about 150 miles (Lat. 11-03S., Long. 157-54E.) LUNGA PT. HORNET launched an operational flight and force retired to southeastward at 21 knots. Various operational flights were launched by HORNET during the day. At 1220 a Jap 2 motor bomber was shot down in Lat. 12-00 S., Long. 159-12 E., by a fighter of the combat patrol after having been vectored by the HORNET. The destruction of this plane was visible from the ship. During the afternoon three underwater sound contacts were made by various vessels of the screen. The authenticity of the contacts are unknown and no depth charge barrages were laid. Two destroyers of the formation received fuel from the PENSACOLA and NORTHHAMPTON. 0800 position in Lat. 11-16 S., Long. 158-18 E. 1200 position in Lat. 12-12 S., Long. 158-56 E. 2000 position in Lat. 13-35 S., Long. 157-52 E. The sea was calm throughout the day with little breeze.
==============================
Subject: WAR DIARY - USS JUNEAU(CL52), october, 1942 (continued)
Wednesday, October 14 - Proceeding to area to northwestward of New Caledonia with T.F. 17 to rendezvous with tanker GUADELUPE and escort MEADE. Sea flat, slight breeze from the southeast. Tanker was sighted at 1400 and formation occupied designated patrol stations for fueling. Normal carrier operations were conducted during daylight hours by the HORNET. The BARTON, on right flank of formation, reported at 0915 a submarine contact. The RUSSELL joined BARTON and both destroyers searched and attacked several times. These vessels rejoined formation at about 1630 receiving a "well done" from CTF17 which implied a successful attack though no official word was received by this ship. The JUNEAU proceeded to go alongside port side of tanker at 2355. Fueling course 040 degrees, speed 12 knots, sea calm with light wind from eastsoutheast, night dark. 0800 position in Lat. 17-04 S., Long. 158-36 E. 1200 position in Lat. 17-58 S., Long. 159-32 E. 2000 position in Lat. 18-45 S., Long. 160-46 E.
Thursday, October 15 - Fueling from alongside tanker GUADALUPE and casting off at 0240. Ship received 195, 331 gallons of fuel as well as 84 bags of U.S. mail. The mail received being the first consignment in 3 and 1/2 months. T.F.17 on completeion of fueling at 0540 proceeded to northward toward Solomon Islands for offensive operations. The following operation order (CTF.17 despatch 150215 of October) was received visually during the afternoon:
"OPORD TWENTY DASH FOUR TWO X TASK ORGANIZATION STANDARD X INFO X TASK GROUP 62.6 MCCAWLEY ZEILIN AND ESCORT RETIRING CACTUS TO BUTTON X TASK GROUP 17.8 WASHINGTON ATLANTA PLUS TWO DDS PROCEEDING BUTTON FOR FUEL X TASK FORCE 64 SAN FRANCISCO SALT LAKE CITY HELENA PLUS SIX DESTROYERS DEPARTED BUTTON DAYBREAK FIFTEENTH FOR CACTUS AREA X OTHER INFO CURRENT DESPATCHES X PARA X THIS FORCE WILL PROCEED NORTH CACTUS AREA TO STRIKE ENEMY FORCES IN ORDER RELEIVE PRESSURE THERE X PARA X HORNET AIR GROUP CONDUCT ATTACK WHEN ORDERED X SET BOILER CONDITION ONE AT SUNSET PLUS THIRY MINUTES FIFTEENTH AND RADAR CONDITION ONE AT SUNRISE MINUS ONE HOUR SIXTEENTH X SET CONDITION OF READINESS FOR ACTION ONE AND MATERIAL CONDITION AFIRM WITH MINIMUM MODIFICATIONS AT SUNSET FIFTEENTH RESTING PERSONNEL AT STATIONS AS PRACTICABLE X PARA X FUEL AS ORDERED X PARA X COMMUNICATIONS NORMAL X WARNING NET THREE TWO SIX FIVE PRIMARY THIRTY THREE EIGHTY FIVE SECONDARY X SEARCH AND ATTACK SIX EIGHT THREE FIVE PRIMARY SIX TWO NINE ZERO SECONDARY X COMBAT AIR PATROL SIX FIVE FOUR ZERO PRIMARY SEVEN TWO ZERO ZERO SECONDARYX USE LOCAL ZONE TIME X RENDEZVOUS DAMAGED SHIPS BUTTON OR WHITE POPPY X CTF 17 IN HORNET X G.D.MURRAY."
0800 position in Lat. 16-36 S., Long. 162-27 E. 1200 position in Lat. 15-23 S., Long. 162-19 E. 2000 position in Lat. 12-53 S., Long. 163-14 E.
==============================
Subject: WAR DIARY - USS JUNEAU (CL52), October, 1942 (continued) Friday, October 16 - T.F. 17 proceeded to area south of Solomon Islands to launch carrier attack groups for operations in support of the Marine garrison of Guadalcanal. Just prior yo sunrise (0634) HORNET commenced launching operations in Lat. 11-14 S., Long. 160-57 E. An approximate total of about 70 planes were put in the air consisting of dive bomber, torpedo plane and fighter groups. The force during the day proceeded on a generally westerly course at 24 knots, and from time to time maneuvered with the carrier while planes were launched and received on board. The force operated in an area about 50 miles to the south and westward of Guadalcanal Island. At 0945 in Lat. 11-15 S., Long. 160-10E., a Jap four engine patrol bomber was shot down by the combat patrol about 15 miles, 225 degrees (t) from JUNEAU. This plane was the only contact with the enemy by the formation though several unidentified radar contacts had been made. At about 1000 a HORNET fighter crashed astern of the carrier and a rescue attempt was made by a plane guard destroyer with unknown results. The plane, just before crashing, flew just off the water and it is not known whether the pilot had been wounded or the plane damaged. Upon completion of final recovery of planes at about 1900 the base course was shaped to 100 degrees and to 110 degrees at 2015 when speed was reduced to 21 knots. At sunset, 1912, the NORTHHAMPTON made an unidentified aircraft radar contact. No information has as yet been received as to the results of the carrier air group attacks. Intelligence placed an enemy carrier and escort to eastward of Bouganville Island. 0800 position in Lat. 11-08 S., Long. 160-47 E. 1200 position in Lat. 10-47 S., Long. 160-39 E. 2000 position in Lat. 11-02 S., Long. 161-25 E.
==============================
Subject: WAR DIARY - USS JUNEAU(CL52). October, 1942 (continued)
Saturday, October 17 - Retiring with T.F. 17 to southeastward from Guadalcanal operational area. At 0030 made S.G (surface) radar contact of unknown object bearing 120 degrees, distance 14000 yards. The HUGHES was directed over voice radio to investigate. Radar tracking placed the contact on a northerly course at 5 knots. The HORNET later picked up this target by radar and confirmed the JUNEAU's contact. Subsequent report by HUGHES stated in substance that the object disappeared as the HUGHESclosed to about 2000 yards confirming the belief that a submarine was in the vicinity. No offensive action was taken by the HUGHES. Evasive tactics were carried out by the force, and a course South was shaped. The HORNET launched and recovered planes throughout the day. The following visual despatch (170410) was received from C.T.F.17 and is quoted herein as of being of interest:
"RESULTS YESTERDAYS OPERATIONS X JAP AIR BASE REKATA BAY TWELVE FLOATS SEAPLANES STRAFED AND BURNED X FUEL DUMP AND AA POSITIONS HIT DESTROYED X AT CACTUS X FOUND TWO TRANSPORTS BEACHED MADE FOUR DIRECT HITS ON THEM BROKE BACKS SET FIRE SUPPLIES X STRAFED SILENCED AA POSITIONS FIRED LANDING BARGES KOKAMUBRUA ESPERENCE X BOMBED ENEMY TENTS SUPPLIES WITH 500AND 1000 POUND BOMBS X SEARCHED ENTIRE AREA NIL ENEMY SHIPPING X SECOND ATTACK GROUP WITH TORPEDOES NIL SIGHTING ENEMY SHIPS ENTIRE AREA PAR UNFORTUNATELY NO GOOD TARGETS AVAILABLE."
Forthcoming operations quoted below from C.T.F.17 visual despatch 170406:
"PROSPECTIVE OPERATIONS REQUIRE PROCEEDING TO AREA ROSES APRICOTS LINE TO STRIKE ENEMY CARRIERS REPORTED OPERATING NORTHEAST APRICOTS X PARA HAVE REQUESTED TANKERS FOR MONDAY."
At 1900 set clocks ahead thirty minutes to Zone (-) 12 1/2. 0800 position in Lat. 14-20 S., Long. 162-44 E. 1200 position in Lat. 15-28 S., Long. 163-17 E. 2000 position in Lat 17-27 S., Long. 164-46 E.
==============================
Subject: WAR DIARY - USS JUNEAU (CL52), October 1942 (continued)
Sunday, October 18 - T.F. 17 to southward Efete Island proceeding to area to eastward of Hebrides for purpose of fueling from tanker prior to execution of operations against the enemy. Normal carrier flight operations were conducted during the day. A destroyer on the right flank at 1225 made an emergancy submarine contact signal, and force took evasive action by turning to port. No further information is at hand concerning this contact. 0800 position in Lat. 18-33 S., Long. 168-03 E. 1200 position in Lat. 17-52 S., Long. 169-08 E. 2000 position in Lat. 16-41 S., Long. 171-03 E. Uncomfortable cross sea running from SE and NE during the afternoon and subsiding about midnight. Weather clear and visibility excellent.
Monday, October 19 - T.F.17 on southeasterly course during the night to the Eastward of the New Hebrides Islands. Information was received that tanker would not join force until morning of October 21. At 0100 clocks were set ahead thirty minutes to Zone (-)13. Normal carrier flight operations were conducted during the day. A visual despatch (190030) was received from C.T.F.17 and is quoted herewith:
"I AM PLEASED TO PASS FOLLOWING MESSAGE FROM CINCPAC QUOTE FOR SUPERLATIVE PERFORMANCE ON SIXTEETH YOUR TASKFORCE AND HORNET AIR GROUP COMMA WELL DONE UNQUOTE."
0800 position in Lat. 19-16 S., Long. 172-52 E. 1200 position in Lat. 19-05 S., Long. 172-07 E. 2000 position in Lat. 18-36 S., Long. 172-40 E.
==============================
Subject: WAR DIARY - USS JUNEAU (CL52), October 1942 (continued)
Tuesday, October 20 - T.F.17 operating to the eastward of the New Hebrides Islands. Force waiting to rendezvous with tanker early tomorrow morning. At 1150 HORNET made radar contact with unidentified aircraft bearing 120 degrees (t), distance 30 miles, and directed force to go to general quarters. Vessels proceeded to form anti-aircraft screen about carrier. Station of JUNEAU remained the same as in cruising Disposition I. Above contact was identified as two friendly planes on patrol and vessels secured from general quarters at 1210. Aircraft operations were conducted by HORNET throughout the day. During afternoon exercised 5" battery in firing at bursts representing high level, dive bombing and torpedo plane targets. 0800 position in Lat. 16-17 S., Long. 17-45 E. 1200 position in Lat. 15-37 S., Long. 170-08 E. 2000 position in Lat. 14-45 S., Long. 171-15 E.
==============================
Subject: WAR DIARY - USS JUNEAU (CL52) October, 1942 (continued)
(If readers are curious as to why I am continuing the "War Diary" instead of doing a page a day..it's because I will be gone from the 19th of October until the 4th of November....just thought I'd let you know)
Wednesday, October 21 - Cruising to Eastward of New Hebrides group to join GUADALUPE fuel fueling. 0740 T.F.17 commenced fueling from tanker on base course 140 degrees (t) at 12 knots. Wind from 120 degrees (t) 20 knots. JUBEAU commenced fueling operations at 1718 and cleared GUADALUPE at 1828 having received 227,304 gallons. Also received four bags of U.S.Mail. Fueling course 125 degrees (t), speed 11 knots. Fueling was conducted by the force during the night. The moon was bright and wind and sea went down with the sun. 0800 position in Lat. 17-54 S., Long. 171-17 E. 1200 position in Lat. 18-20 S., Long. 171-50 E. 2000 position in Lat. 19-06 S., Long. 172-54 E.
Thursday, October 22 - T.F.17 in cruising Disposition 1 while HORNET conducted night fueling operations from GUADALUPE. Course 125 degrees, speed 10 knots. At 0330 completed fueling operations and force shaped a northerly course, the tanker leaving the formation. Area of operations to eastward of New Hebrides. Normal aircraft operations were conducted by the HORNET during the day. The force during the afternoon exercised AA batteries at surprise bursts fired by HORNET. Excellent training was here obtained in bringing the directors and turrets on and obtaining an accurate fire. During the evening and night the force retired to the south and westward. 0800 position in Lat. 18-38 S., Long. 163-44 E. 1200 position in Lat. 17-54 S., Long. 173-17 E. 2000 position in Lat. 12-23 S., Long. 172-10 E. The wind and sea were moderate during the day from the southeast, visibility and ceiling high. A westerly current of 3/4 knots was experienced. Zone (-)13 time.
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Subject: WAR DIARY - USS JUNEAU(CL52) October 1942 (continued)
Friday, October 23 - T.F.17 operating to eastward of New Hebrides. During the day proceeded on northerly course and during the night proceeded to the westward. Normal carrier operations of search were conducted during the day. Exercised at simulated torpedoe plane attacks on formation during the afternoon. The formation axis was changed from 125 degrees to 90 degrees in keeping with the policy of the axis being dirceted toward the general direction of the true wind. The following visual despatch (222203) from C.T.F.17 concerning operations was received and is quoted below:
"IT IS MY PRESENT INTENTION RENDEZVOUS WITH TF SIXTEEN IN LAT 1345 LONG 17130 AT SIXTEEN HOURSMINUS THIRTEEN OCTOBER 24 X UPON JOINING COMMA TF 16 AND 17 DESIGNATED TF SIXTY ONE X O.T.C IN ENTERPRISE X TF 61 WILL MAKE SWEEP TO NORTHWARD NDENI THEN SOUTHWESTWARD TOWARD EAST SAN CRISTOBAL THEN TO AREA GUADALCANAL X PARA DDS WILL BE TOPPED OFF FROM NORTHHAMPTON PENSACOLA TOMORROW MORNING X MORRIS EXPECTED REJOIN ABOUT 1100 TOMORROW AND WILL BE REFUELED BY HORNET X PARA BE ESPECIALLY ALERT TO DETECT PRESENCE ENEMY SUBMARINES DURING ENSUING OPERATIONS."
Intelligence received during the afternoon placed an enemy Task Force 650 miles to the northward. Some confusion exists as to the composition of this force, but it is believed to contain an aircraft carrier. Enemy preparations indicate an intensification of the offensive against the Marine and Army garrison of Guadalcanal Island. 0800 position in Lat. 16-31 S., Long. 170-07 E. 1200 position in Lat. 15-41 S., Long. 170-17 E. 2000 position in Lat. 15-00 S., Long. 171-49 E.
Saturday, October 24 - T.F.17 operating to eastward of New Hebrides, proceeding to the northwestward and to the northward during the early hours. Bright moonlight and full moon. Sea calm and light winds from the southeast. The MUSTIN, at 0300, on the left flank of the disposition made an underwater sound submarine contact and force took evasive action by turning away. This contact was later reported to be false. The HORNET carried out routine flight operations during the day. Destroyers were topped off from the tanker SABINE during the early afternoon. T.F.17 joined up with T.F.16 at 1500 in Lat. 15-35 S., Long. 170-41 E., T.F.17 taking station about 5 miles to southeast of T.F.16. The combined task force becoming T.F.61, the officer in Tactical Command being C.T.F.16. The following is the composition of T.F.61:
TASK FORCE 16 TASK FORCE 17
ENTERPRISE HORNET SOUTH DAKOTA NORTHHAMPTON PORTLAND PENSACOLA SAN JUAN SAN DIEGO PORTER D356 JUNEAU MAHAN D364 HUGHES D410 LAMSON D367 ANDERSON D411 CONYGHAM D371 MUSTIN D413 SHAW D373 RUSSELL D414 CUSHING D376 MORRIS D417 SMITH D378 BARTON D599 PRESTON D379 MAURY D401
The following allocation of forces is quoted from C.T.F.61 visual despatch (240300):
'SURFACE ATTACK GROUP DESIGNATED TASK GROUP 17.3 RADM GOOD X COMMON TASK GROUP FREQUENCY 2830 EFFECTIVE WHEN ORDERED X TASK UNIT 17.3.1 NORTHHAMPTON PENSACOLA X TASK UNIT 17.3.2 COMDR TRUE COMPOSED OF SUCH DDS AS DESIGNATED BY COMTASK GROUP 17.4 X CLAAS AND THREE DDS REMAIN WITH CV IN EVENT OF SURFACE CONTACT X IF TANKER AND ESCORTING DDS ARE PRESENT THEY REMAIN WITH CV ALSO X IMPROMTU CALLS COMTASKGROUP 17.3 ZEKE TASKGROUP 17.3 SHADRACH."
Set clocks to (-) Zone time at 1900. During the night T.F.61 passed between Fataka Island and Pandora Bank. 0800 position in Lat. 13-56 S., Long. 169-59 E. 1200 position in Lat. 13-54 S., Long. 170-57 E. 2000 position in Lat. 13-14 S., Long. 171-19 E.
==============================
Subject: WAR DIARY - USS JUNEAU(CL52) October 1942 (continued)
Sunday, October 25 - T.F.17 in Cruising Disposition 1 about 5 miles to southwest of T>F>16. Bright moonlight night, sea calm and gentle wind from the southeast. Steaming at 23 knots on a northwesterly course. Aircraft operations were conducted by HORNET during the day. Intelligence report was received about 1300, when in Lat. 10-03 S., Long. 170-18 E., that and enemy force consisting of 2CV, 2BB, 2CA and 2CL were in Lat. 8-05 S., Long. 164-30 E., on course 145 degrees (t), speed 25 knots. The bearing of the enemy at this time was 290 degrees (t), 265 miles. At 1333 Boiler condition 1 was set and speed increased to 27 knots on signal at 1345. T.F.61 (T.F.16 and T.F.17) proceeding to intercept enemy on course 285 degrees (t). At about this time a despatch from ComSoPac was intercepted which directed T.F.61 to strike. At 1556 speed was reduced on signal to 21 knots and the base course changed to 275 degrees at 1700. Sunset was observed at 1842. HORNET received instructions from ENTERPRISE to receive a flight of the latter's planes which was accomplished after nightfall. Numerous planes landed in the water and destroyers rescued personnel though it is believed all were not rescued. Each vessel of T.F.17 was directed to turn on an all around range light and similar lights were observed in T.F.16. At 2148 when in position Lat. 10-13 S., Long. 169-08 E., the SOUTH DAKOTA reported over TBS a submarine on the surface bearing 135 degrees (t0., distant 12-14000 yards. It is not known whether this contact was visual or by radar. The position of this submarine was plotted as Lat. 10-13 S., Long. 169-19 E. The destroyer MAHAN was directed to investigate and reported no contact. It is presumed the submarine reported our course and speed by radio before submerging. 0800 position in Lat. 10-25 S., Long. 171-07 E. 1200 position in Lat. 10-04 S., Long. 170-14 E. 2000 position in Lat.10-11 S., Long. 169-16 E.
==============================
Subject: WAR DIARY - USS JUNEAU(CL52) october 1942, (continued)
(***This is a LONG one 13 pages for the day...last page is drawing of "track" done during the day, which I will not be able to provide to "list"..sorry)
Monday October 26 - During the night and early morning T.F.17 steamed on course 305 degrees (t) at 22 knots. The night was bright and the moon did not set until after sunrise at 0627. Contact with an enemy Task Force, reported yesterday afternoon was expected. Throughout the day and during the ensuing action the sea was calm with light winds from the southeast. A copy of the Action Report, including a track chart, required by Arts. 712 and 874(6), U.S.N.R.,addressed to the Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet (JUNEAU file A16-3 serial 059 of October 30, 1942) follows. The superscription of this report is omitted for brevity.
1. Comments on and summary of Outstanding Events.
(a) The enemy air attack on HORNET, commencing with the dive bombing attack at 1010, appeared to be well coordinated. The dive bombing attack was pressed well home and was immediately followed by the torpedo plane attack. Part of this attack was pressed home and part was not.
(b) It is estimated from JUNEAU's observation point that sixteen (16) Aichi 99 dive bombers and nine (9) Mitsubishi 97 Mod 2, or later torpedo planes participated. Five (5) of above types of planes were seen to escape after attacks.
(c) Dive bombers attacked at an angle of 70 to 80 degrees and in the case of several planes were unable to pull out after release. The estimated release point of the attack ws about 800 feet. The torpedo planes approached at a low altitude from long range. All observed attacks were launched from abaft HORNET's beam. One sneak attack had been completed. Some torpedoes were dropped at about 1000 to 1200 yards and one was seen to be launched at about 4,000 yards from carrier. Torpedo planes attacked in two (2) separated groups of three (3) each in a loose formation. The torpedoes observed were seen to pass astern of HORNET.
(d) The torpedo officer reported that he observed two suicidal crashes on carrier but there is no confirmation by other observers.
(e) A TBF pilot, rescued later in the day said he observed ten (10) fighters accompanying the attack group of eighteen (18) bombers. Our fighters shot down five (5) of these though this vessel observed no fighters.
2. Preliminary Operations.
(a) At about 0720, October 26, when in position Latitude 8-39 S., Longitude 166-53 E., decoded ComAirSoPac dispatch 271755 which in substance reported an enemy force of one (1) carrier and about six (6) other vessels in Latitude 7-55 S., Longitude 164-15 E., at 0310(local) on a southerly course at 10 knots. Assuming this force to continue the reported course and speed, the enemy was located about 160 miles to the northwestward of the JUNEAU's 0720 position. The composition of this enemy force was not determined.
(b) In view of the foregoing information the crew's breakfast was advanced as much as possible and the ship went to general quarters at 0756. T.F.17 at this time was in Cruising Disposition 1, axis 120 degrees, circle spacing 1000 yards. JUNEAU's station was 2225 with guide, in HORNET, at center bearing 165 degrees T. Operations conducted by this vessel are shown in the chronological log included herein.
(c) The wind prevailed from the southeast throughout the day at about 12 knots. The sea was smooth with a slight movement from the southeast. Surface visibility, in general, was excellent throughout the day. A rain squall was noted on the horizon to the southeastward about noon. Scattered clouds with ceiling 5,000 feet to unlimited.
3. Chronological log of Battle. (Kept by quartermasters specially detailed for this duty. Times are believed to be exact to the nearest minute).
TIME - (-12)
0756 - Ship went to general quarters
0800 - Ship's position Lat. 8-37 S., Long. 166-40 E. Base course 270 degrees, speed 23 knots.
0810 - NORTHHAMPTON radar contact reported bogey aircraft bearing 200 degrees (T), 28 miles.
0812 - Changed base course on signal to 330 degrees (T), speed 27 knots.
==============================
Subject: WAR DIARY - USS JUNEAU(CL52)October, 1942 (continued)
Monday, October 26 - (continued)
0831 - HORNET launched planes. Course approximately 120 degrees. to Maneuvered to maintain station. Resumed base course 330 0845 degrees (T).
0857 - HORNET launched planes. Maneuvered to maintain station, to resumed base course 330 degrees (T). Received signal to 0929 "Go to General Quarters" from C.T.F.17.
0942 - Planes report enemy dive bombers to port of ENTERPRISE. Intercepted message from ENTERPRISE to HORNET over Combat Air Patrol voice circuit for HORNET to launch all aircraft.
0943 - HORNET launched planes. Increased speed to 30 knots. Resumed to base course of 330 degrees (T). HORNET directs lookout for 0948 Hawks and Zeros. NORTHHAMPTON reports radar contact of bogey aircraft bearing 270 degrees (T), 35 miles.
0956 - Sighted smoke on water on port beam. Plane evidently shot down= .
0958 - HORNET reports radar contact on bogey aircraft bearing 270 degrees (T), 25 miles.
1000 - Ships position in Lat. 8-31 S., Long. 168-45 E. Ship's head 110 degrees (T), speed 29 knots. Search planes report 9 enemy dive bombers on course southeast.
1001 - Changed course to 080 degrees (T).
1004 - Our Combat Patrol reported enemy dive bombers at 17,000 feet.
1005 - Fighters report contacting enemy dive bombers.
1006 - A destroyer reports planes coming in high.
1009 - Sighted smoke on water bearing 225 degrees (T). NORTHHAMPTON reports planes bearing 200 degrees (T), 28 miles.
1010 - Dive bombers attack developes with HORNET as target. Close miss on carrier. JUNEAU opens fire with 5" and machine gun batteries. Ship's head 065 degrees (T). Bearing of HORNET about 265 degrees (T), 2000 yards. Plane shot down. Dive bombers at 7,000 feet.
1011 - Dive bombing attack continuing on carrier. Plane shot down ahead of carrier.
1012 - HORNET hit by bomb aft. Heavy sheet of flame visible. HORNET on starboard quarter of JUNEAU.
1013 - Plane shot down.
1014 - Two (2) planes shot down.
1015 - Two (2) planes shot down. One crashing off JUNEAU starboard bow about 200 yards. Torpedo plane attack developed. Three (3) torpedo planes launched torpedos off JUNEAU starboard bow. HORNET on fire.
1016 - Bomb hit and plane crashed on board HORNET.
1017 - Three (3) planes shot down. One crashed close aboard NORTHHAMPTON.
1018 - Three (3) torpedo planes launched torpedoes off starboard bow.
1019 - Near miss on PENSACOLA. Plane shot down and crashed 200 yards off port quarter of JUNEAU.
1020 - HORNET smoking badly. Nearly dead in water. Ship's head 180 degrees (T). Torpedo sighted bearing 000 degrees (T).
1021 - Plane attacking on starboard quarter and was shot down.
1022 - One (1) plane attacking from starboard beam and one (1) from dead ahead.
1023 - Three (3) enemy planes on port beam, distant 6 miles. Planes withdrawing.
1024 - Smoke on horizon bearing 055 degrees (T). Appeared to be crashed plane.
1025 - Plane ahead circling. HORNET smoking badly listing abou 10 degrees to starboard.
1027 - Plane sighted bearing 045 degrees relative.
1030 - ship's position in Lat. 8-32 S., Long. 168-47 E. Ship's head 155 degrees (T).
==============================
Subject: WAR DIARY - USS JUNEAU(CL52) October 1942 (continued)
..Action Log of Monday, October 26 1942 - continued
1032 - Friendly planes sighted bearing north, distant 7 miles.
1035 - HORNET smoking badly, ship dead in the water and fire appears to have increased. Cruisers and destroyers begin to circle carrier counter-clockwise.
1038 - Bogey aircraft reported by NORTHHAMPTON bearing 290 degrees, 30 miles.
1039 - T.F.16 bears 030 degrees (T), distant about 24 miles.
1040 - Bogey aircraft bearing 210 degrees, 12 miles.
1044 - Destroyer makes starboard side of carrier to assist with fire hoses. Fire on HORNET appears under control. Noticed HORNET crew formed bucket brigade.
1047 - Destroyer alongside port side of carrier. Our planes returning.
1055 - Ships circling HORNET at 17 knots (speed signalled by NORTHHAMPTON), Distance 2000 yards. JUNEAU started Q.C. search.
1058 - ENTERPRISE reports (over TBS) planes bearing 190 degrees relative, 40 miles.
1108 - Single dive bomber attacks HORNET. Near miss to starboard JUNEAU opens fire with 5" and machine gun batteries. All planes appeared to fire on this plane but plane escaped.
1111 - Ceased firing on plane.
1115 - Heavy AA fire on horizon, bearing 100 degrees (T). T.F.16 under attack.
1120 - NORTHHAMPTON reports enemy aircraft bearing 100 degrees(T).
1122 - Smoke of heavy explosion on horizon bearing 090 degrees(T).
1129 - Two (2) planes approaching low bearing 326 degrees(T). Opened fire with 5" battery and plane turned away.
1120 - Fire appears to be out on HORNET. NORTHHAMPTON closing to pass tow to carrier.
1135 - NORTHHAMPTON reports radar contact bearing 015 degrees(T), 18 miles .
1143 - NORTHHAMPTON passes tow line to HORNET.
1146 - Six (6) friendly torpedo planes approaching on starboard beam.
1147 - ENTERPRISE reports torpedo plane attack. Heavy AA fire on horizon bearing 110 degrees (T).
1158 - Received following signal by flashing light from ComCruTaskFor 17 "GO TO ENTERPRISE" Proceeded. On joining CTF 17 on the following day discovered signal had not been intended for JUNEAU. Signal officer, leading signalman on flying bridge lower bridge signalman and striker all state signal addressed to JUNEAU by call and by procedure followed thereafter. Transmitting ship says not.
1200 - Ships position in Lat. 8-32 S., Long. 166-52 E.
==============================
Subject: WAR DIARY - USS JUNEAU(CL52), October 1942 (continued)
Action Log of Monday, October 26, 1942 (continues)
1201 - ENTERPRISE reports enemy planes bearing 240 degrees(T), 10 miles.
1207 - Smoke on water bearing 289 degrees(T). Appears to be shot down plane.
1210 - Heavy AA fire over T.F>16 bearing 090 degrees(T). Changed course to 085 degrees(T) to intercept.
1212 - Friendly SBD3 plane, No. B-8 of BomRon 8, landed in water 1000 yards on starboard bow.
1216 - Picked up crew of 2 men of above plane with ship. Men wounded and sent to sick bay.
1217 - Resumed course 085 degrees(T), speed 30 knots to join T.F.16.
1221 - Sighted enemy plane ahead.
1228 - Enemy Zero shot down by fighter, bearing 118 degrees(T), 2000 yards.
1230 - Opened fire on plane on port beam. Plane turned away, wittnessed two (2) seperate dog fights to starboard. Results unknown.
1231 - ENTERPRISE appears to have a list.
1232 - Near miss or hit on SOUTH DAKOTA.
1233 - Enemy plane approaching. Commenced firing.
1235 - SAN JUAN appears to be out of control, heading on reverse course of ENTERPRISE.
1240 - Planes being recovered by ENTERPRISE.
1247 - Smoke on horizon in direction of T.F.17.
1314 - JUNEAU reported to C.T.F. 16 for duty by TBS.
1326 - Joining up with T.F.16. Base course 130 degrees(T), speed 27 knots. Sighted PBY bearing 133 degrees(T). Sighted smoke on water bearing 070 degrees(T), vicinity of horizon Appeared to be crashed plane.
1338 - Planes from HORNET begin landing in water as ENTERPRISE appears unable to accomodate more planes.
1339 - SBD lands in water astern of destroyer. DD goes to rescue.
1341 - TBF lands in water bearing 102 degrees(T). DD goes to rescue.
1342 - TBF lands in water bearing north, DD goes to rescue.
1352 - TBF lands in water bearing 300 degrees(T), DD goes to rescue.
1356 - TBF lands in water on port beam, DD goes to rescue.
1358 - ENTERPRISE launches planes.
1408 - Received dispatch from C.T.G 16.2 'AXIS 110 DEGREES, YOUR STATION 4000.'
1410 - TBF lands in water astern, DD goes to rescue.
1411 - ENTERPRISE receives planes on board.
1415 - Plane (type not known) lands in water, bearing 134(T), DD goes to rescue.
1420 - TBF lands in water bearing 160(T), about 1000 yards. Ship proceeds towards plane.
1422 - TBF lands in water broad on starboard bow, DD goes to rescue.
1425 - Signal executed by C.T.F.16 "SPEED 23 KNOTS"
1427 - Resumed speed of 30 knots on course 120 (T) after rescuing 3 men, unharmed, from TBF1, which landed in water out of fuel at 1420.
1503 - Plane (type unknown) landed in water astern, DD goes to rescue.
1507 - ENTERPRISE reports our fighters have contacted enemy bearing 190(T).
1515 - ENTERPRISE launches planes.
1525 - JUNEAU arrives on station with ENTERPRISE bearing 290(T) distant 4000 yards.
1540 - Commenced zig-zag by plan #8. Normal cruising operations with T.F.16 were conducted after this time.
1709 - A destroyer on left flank of formation reports submarine contact. Disposition executes an emergency 90 degree turn to right. Destroyer with contact drops depth charges and then reports submarine was a porpoise.
NOTE: - Photographs were taken. Any good or pertinent ones will be forwarded when developed.
4. Special comments on Enemy Forces.
No comment of enemy forces other than report concerning aircraft attacks.
5. Special comments on Own Forces.
(a)(1) Material and Training Deficiencies 5"/38 Battery:
665 rounds of 5"/38 AA common were fired without a single misfire. In general material and personnel performance was excellent.
Need is felt for training in shifting from one kind of fire (such as dive bombing defense barrage) to a fast multi- ple plane torpedo attack or horizontal bomber attack while own ship is maneuvering radically with full rudder. With ship maneuvering radically under an attack on quarter with other ships coming into line of fire at short range it was necessary to cease fire numerous times and also to shift to different targets. Under these conditions guns with improper fuse settingshad to be unloaded through the muzzle and several instances occurred where shellmen had removed the next projectile from the hoist. The latter proj- ectiles had to be reset on safe and sent below. Some erratic bursts were noted which were probably due to guns not being unloaded previously or shellmen holding one in his hand too long.
Machine Gun Battery
(a) The firing gear on gun #2 of 1:1 machine gun mount "D" broke after firing six rounds. This caused the breech mech- anism to jam in the half-closed position and gun was out of commisiion during remainder of action. There were no other material casualties on 1:1 machine guns.
(b) There were three 20 mm machine gun stoppages:
(1) Gun #3 - A cartridge was cut in two while loading. The projectile dropped into the empty case bag, while the powder burned having been ignited by the hot gun. The gun was recocked and resumed fire.
(2) Gun #5 - a misfire occurred due, it is believed, to faulty ammunition. The shell was too firmly seated in the chamber to be easily removed. Gun barrel was shifted and fire resumed.
(3) Gun #6 - hammer broke preventing fire pin from operating properly. A spare hammer was installed but engagement was over before gun was ready to open fire.
(b) There were no training deficiencies noted. The gun crews and ammunition parties performed their duties calmly and in the manner that they normally carry them out at drills. There were no loading casualties and it is believed that the loaders performed their duties instinctively due to the great amount of drill they have received.
(2) Fire Discipline and Gunnery Communications
Gunnery Communications. General.
Much effeort was spent on decentralization of gun control.
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Subject: WAR DIARY - USS JUNEAU(CL52) October 1942 (continued)
Action Log of Monday, October 26 1942 (continues)
(Subparagraph 5(2) -
(2) Fire Discipline and Gunnery Communications
Gunnery Communications. General.
Much effort was spent on decentralization of gun control This paid dividends in that action was taken promptly. Very few orders were needed. Communication lines were clear for trans- mitting information. Enclosure (E) is a memorandum covering points which are reviewed whenever a major engagement appears imminent.
5" Battery
In general fire discipline and gunnery communications were very good.
Machine Gun Battery
(a) The machine gun battery fire discipline was excellent. All targets in machine gun range were fired on. Only one instance of a gun not getting on a target promptly was noted. There were no cases of opening fire outside machine gun range. The ship's machine gun Doctrine was strictly followed. Except in the one instance when a gun was slow in getting on a target, no orders were given by Control. Guns ceased fire as necessary in order to avoid hitting other ships.
(b) A system of "Alert Bells" is used in addition to tele- phone when it is desired to get a gun on a certain target. A button is pressed at Sky Control Forward or Sky Control Aft sounding a bell at the gun. The lookout then looks up to control to see what target is being pointed to. This method of design- ating targets saves time and good results have been attained by this ship with it.
(c) No difficulty was experienced with machine gun tele- phone communications during battle.
(d) Machine guns opened fire at any target within range regardless of sector. The lookout at the gun is responsible for keeping the gun firing at the most dangerous target and for guarding his guns sector at all times.
Radar
Fire control radar was not used at any time because of multiplicity of targets, and the short ranges fire at, which prevented much normal tracking, and necessitated the use of barrage fire throughout most of the attack. It is thought that the use of the search radar to pick up torpedo plans while still at long ranges might have resulted in a little earlier warning of their approach and earlier opening of fire.
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Subject: WAR DIARY - USS JUNEAU(CL52) October 1942 (continued)
Action Log for Monday, October 26, 1942 - (continues)
(Subparagraph 5(2) (continued) -
Fire Control Methods
5" Battery
See enclosures (B) and (C). Planned barrage and track- ing methods were followed and are concidered sound. The primary difficulties encountered were caused by radical maneuvers of own ship and fouling of range by other ships in own formation.
Machine Gun Battery
(a) Two of the ship's 1:1 machine gun mounts have Mark 44 directors. The other two use local control. It is thought that the mounts without Mark 44 directors did better than those with Mark 44 directors. In many cases it is impossible to see the tracer stream in the director spotting glass due to opening fire too far ahead or behind the target. In addition the after director (mount "D") vibrates at battle speeds too much to per- mit satisfactory operation.
(b) At close ranges with high speed targets it was found impracticable to set sights on 1:1 machine guns without direct- ors. Best reults are obtained by using tracer method of contact with sight knobs on zero. Pointer and trainer then lead target and bring tracer stream on by individual tracer control.
(c) 20 mm machine guns used individual tracer control without ring sights. Results considered very good.
5(b) Ammunition Expended.
Type Amount Percentage of Allowance 5"/38 665 27.7 1:1 1654 4.3 20 mm 1500 .36
Above percentages are base on allowances as follows:
5"/38 AA - 2400 1:1 - 38,400 (9600 per quad) 20 mm - 48,000 (6000 per gun)
Actual amounts on hand were:
5"/38 AA - 5400 1:1 - 63,000 20 mm - 56,000
5(c) It is believed that a radar search, by sectors, by all equipped with search radars would be valuable as a supplement to the all around search by the ships so detailed. It would also, in some cases, be an asset to tracking in a high level attack. Inter- ference is negligible. Fighter direction - no comment.
(d) More detailed comments on carrier aircraft - no comment.
(e) No engineering casualties were suffered and ship steamed at maximum speed of 30 knots without effort. No pertinent comment concerning medical department or supply department.
(f) The ship suffered no material damage.
(g) No casualties occurred except minor injuries to three men by small caliber splinters and gun blast and flash burns from own guns to machine gun battery personnel.
6. Commendations where merited
The Commanding officer concurs in the statements contained in enclosure (A) regarding the conduct of the crew.
7. Lessons Learned and Recommendations
5" Battery
The well coordinated attack appeared to be of the type believed to be followed by our own planes rather than those previously attributed to the Japanese, in that all planes dived steeply (70 to 80 degrees) and torpedo planes were close to the water all the way in. It is believed that every carrier formation should train on at least one similar attack by large numbers of own planes. Practice with one or two planes, representing squadrons is not considered sufficient.
Machine Gun Battery
(1) Alert Bells (see paragraph 5(a)(2) above) are most successful and it is recommended that other ships install them for trial.
(2) 1:1 machine guns without Mark 44 directors should use individual tracer control at near targets without setting sights.
(3) Further indoctrination of lookouts at guns is necessary to insure proper targets under fire. It is considered that the lookouts at machine guns, with one exception, performed well and have gained valuable experience in this engagement. However, the ship itself was not the major target and it is felt that if it had been, the difficulty of designation of targets would have been greatly increased.
(4) It is recommended that voice tubing be installed between the pointers and trainers seats on each 1:1 machine gun mount to facilitate voice communications. At present it is diffi- cult to get pointer and trainer on same target.
The Commanding officer is of the opinion that the stationing of the screen 2000 to 2500 yards from the carrier precludes full use of the 5" Battery. Rapid maneuver was necessary in order to maintain station during evolutions of HORNET. An increase of the screening distance to at least 3000 yards would not only facilitate handling of the 5" Battery, but would also give unrestricted searoom for the carrier to maneuver. This would greatly eliminate the necessity of the screening ship having to perform rapid maneuvers and would thereby increase the effectiveness of the A.A. fire.
L.K.SWENSON
Copy for: ComTaskGroup 17.2 ComTaskFor 17
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
From: Executive Officer. TO : Commanding Officer.
Subject: Conduct of Crew During Enemy Action 26 October
Reference: (a) Art. 948, U.S.Navy Regulations.
1. I have to report that during the action of 26 October the conduct of the entire crew was, without exception, praiseworthy. The personnel of all stations performed their assigned duties in a cool and collected manner. In particular, the after machine gun crews and depth charge personnel, plus the crews of the forward port 20 mm guns carried on their duties while being subjected to severe gun blast from the 5" battery which fired low over their heads at torpedo planes. The following planes were shot down by JUNEAU fire unaided by other ships: One torpedo plane by the starboard machine gun battery, one torpedo plane by the port machine gun battery, and two dive bombers by the 5" battery. In addition, her battery fired on two torpedo planes and two dive-bombers which were unsder fire by other ships and which were seen to crash.
2. While the general performance was excellent, no incident occurred which was sufficiently outstanding or remarkable to warrant particular commendation.
W.E.MOORE.
==============================
Subject: WAR DIARY - USS JUNEAU(CL52) October 1942 - (continued)
Tuesday, October 27 - Steaming in company T.F.16 in Cruising Disposition 1, Axis 140 degrees, JUNEAU station 4000 on easterly course at 20 knots. Changed course to 210 degrees(T) at 0345.
ENTERPRISE conducted air operations during the day.
Received the below quoted visual dispatch (261956) from C.T.F.61:
"PRELIMINARY INFORMATION X YESTERDAY OUR PLANES DAMAGED TWO ENEMY CV X AT LEAST THREE ONE THOUSAND POUND BOMBS HITS ON ONE AND TWO ONE HUNDRED POUND BOMB HITS ON ANOTHER X ONE MOGOMI CA ONE BB BADLY DAMAGED X BAKER SEVENTEEN ALSO ATTACKED LATTER CV X BELEIVE THIRD ENEMY CV STILL OPERATING X ESTIMATE EIGHTY PLANES ATTACKED TF 16 OF WHICH OUR FIGHTERS GOT TWENTY FIVE AA FIRE ESTIMATED FORTY SHOT DOWN X SIMILAR INFO ON ATTACK ON HORNET NOT AVAILABLE NOW X WE ARE SEARCHING FOR ENEMY FORCES TODAY".
Sighted T.F.17 to northeastward at 1225. JUNEAU was directed by C.T.F.61 (CTF 16) at 1438 to rejoin TF17. Assumed station screening PENSACOLA and NORTHHAMPTON. Colors were half-masted between 1608 and 1649 as burial services were conducted by other vessels of T.F.17. During the latter part of the afternoon PENSACOLA and NORTHHAMPTON fueled destroyers from alongside. Upon joining up, T.F.17 consisted of the following vessels: PENSACOLA with RAdm MURRAY CTF17 on board; NORTHHAMPTON with RAdm GOOD T.U.17.2 on board; SAN DIEGO, RUSSELL, BARTON, HUGHES and MORRIS. Formed column natural order, JUBEAU last ship, at dark with destroyer screen and steamed to the eastward and southwestward during the night. 0800 position in Lat. 12-14 S., Long. 170-57 E. 1200 position in Lat. 13-10 S., Long. 170-30 E. 2000 position in Lat. 14-21 S., Long. 171-05 E. A westerly set of 1/2 knot was experienced during the day. Sea moderate and wind from the southeast.
Wednesday, October 28 - In company T.F.17. Cruisers in column natural order; PENSACOLA, NORTHHAMPTON, SAN DIEGO and JUNEAU. Distance 1000 yards. Destroyers; MORRIS, MUSTIN, HUGHES, RUSSELL and ANDERSON screening ahead. During night operated to eastward and southward of New Hebrides Group. At 0842 raised T.F.16 to the westward up, joined up and vessels of this force screened SABINE, tanker, during fueling operations of T.F.17. By direction of C.T.F61(16) RUSSELL came alongside to starboard and 17 officers and 197 men, survivors of HORNET, were transferred to this ship by four (4) boatswain chairs. No casualties were suffered during this operation. The sea was moderate from the southeast. RUSSELL received a tow line and distance line from JUNEAUfor the maneuver whcih was completed at 1245, having taken one hour and twenty minutes.
The following HORNET survivors, officers and enlisted personnel, transfered aboard (JUNEAU) from U.S.S. RUSSELL on October 28th for transportation to Noumea, New Caledonia:
FIGHTING SQUADRON 72 Lieut. M.S.Blake, A-V(S), USNR. Lieut. J.F.Robbins, A-V(S), USNR Lieut. A.H.Savage, A-V(S), USNR Lieut. (jg) A.J.Downes, III, A-V(N), USNR Lieut. (jg) G. Formanek, A-V(N), USNR Lieut. (jg) F.W.Luebke, A-V(N), USNR Lieut. (jg) E.J.McClintock, A-V(N), USNR Lieut. (jg) B. Montgomery, A-V(N), USNR Lieut. (jg) W.J.Moran, A-V(N), USNR Lieut. (jg) V.H.Morris, A-V(N), USNR Electrician (T) Lester A. Van Rooy, USN Gunner (T) Clyde Christie, USN Gunner (T) Milton R. Warburton, USN Machinist (T) Stephenson B. Swindeck, USN Machinist (T) Nolan G. Weatherman, USN
ADAMS, Guy S., 266 07 73, AMM1c, USN ANFANG, Raymond L., 283 54 95, Sea1c, USN BANCROFT, Keith M., 660 33 01, AMM3c V-6, USNR BAKER, Arnold Jr., 295 97 47 Sea1c, USN BARNES, John F., 272 43 15, Sea1c, USN BAZZLE, Carl., 265 81 15, AMM2c, USN BECK, Charles M., 272 57 17, AMM3c, USN BETTS, Eugene N. 414 69 79, Y3c V-6 USNR BLACKMER, Eugen E. 385 87 72, AMM3c, USN BOWERS, L.E. EM3c BRAY, Douglas O. 382 14 90, AOM3c, USN BRUMFIELD, James A. 356 57 84, AMM3c, USN BURNS, "H". "J". 356 57 95, AMM3c, USN BUCK, Donnie J. 262 87 14 Sea1c, USN BUCKO, Henry Z. 212 70 77, AMM3c, USN CALLIA, Willie M. 274 10 08, ACMM(AA), USN CASSIN, Robert P. 224 30 90, AMM3c, USN CENTER, Jack 346 75 57, Ptr2c, USN CHRISTENSEN, Thomas S., Jr. 201 96 68, AMM3c, USN CLEAVELAND, John H 414 71 35, AMM3c 0-1, USNR COFFEY, John W. 266 08 36, AMM2c, USN CONATSER, Jesse H. 296 02 69, Sea1c, USN COOKE, James L. 262 35 86, AMM2c, USN COON, Clyde Cecil. 283 32 14, AMM3c, USN COULTER, Eldridge C. 268 88 95, Sea1c, USN CROCKET, Alvin B. 266 38 42, AMM3c, USN CRUEA, Robert L. 279 59 56, AMM2c, USN DARNOLD, Wesley T. 268 81 30, Sea1c, USN DRAKE, Clarence W. Jr, 658 24 09, EM3c V-6, USNR DURHAM, Jack J. 356 12 00, RM2c, USN
==============================
Subject: WAR DIARY - USS JUNEAU(CL52) October 1942 (continued) Wednesday, October 28 - (continues)..."HORNET survivors, transfered to JUNEAU from RUSSELL".....(continues)
EDMONSON, John R. 268 89 10 Sea1c, USN ETTER, Ralph L. 257 96 47, AMM1c, USN EVANS, Paul M., 411 25 48, AOM3c 0-1, USNR EVERETTE, Frank H. 268 65 15, Sea1c, USN FLOYD, Kenneth H. 268 77 72, Sea1c, USN FUSSEL, Fred 272 42 72, AMM3c, USN FLYNN, Leo J. 291 58 85, AMM2c, USN FUCHS, George M 223 13 70, AMM1c, USN GARDNER, Grady B. 295 64 48, AMM2c, USN GARDNER, James J. 266 07 58, AMM2c, USN GERVICKAS, Alex 212 66 60 RM3c, USN GERVICKAS, Victor 212 27 23, AOMM(AA), USN GOODENOUGH, Roscoe D. 375 26 74. Y1c, USN GRIFFIN, Howard 262 86 96, Sea1c, USN GRIMES, Robert A. 250 52 30, AMM2c, USN HALL, William E. 201 71 92, Y2c, USN HAMILTON, John D. Jr 268 75 06, AMM3c, USN HARRELL, John W, 268 81 39, Sea1c, USN HECKMAN, Vernon R 243 86 00, AOM2c, USN HIOTT, Silas N. 268 70 96, AOM3c, USN HOLMES, George H. 212 70 58, AMM3c, USN HOOVER, Leo L. 243 69 88, AOM2c, USN HOPKINS, Edward B. 650 01 24, Sea1c V-6, USNR HUTCHINSON, Raloh E. 268 74 97, RM3c, USN JACOBS, Harry J. 644 01 63, AMM3c V-2, USNR JAGGARD, Joseph F. 243 91 15, AM3c, USN JAMES, W. L. WAtt1c HUNTER, Jerry J. 262 84 98, Sea1c, USN JENSEN, James Hanson 243 07 13, CBM(AA), USN JENNINGS, Harry 268 45 06, AOM2c, USN JOHNSON, Athur L. 321 38 37, AMM1c, USN JOHNSON, Carlos 272 36 26, Sea1c, USN JOHNSON, Donald M. 375 81 64, AMM1c, USN JOHNSON, Kenneth 207 30 37, AM2c, USN JOHNSON, Richard H. 663 01 18, AMM3c V-6, USNR JONES, Warren H. 266 32 47, AMM3c, USN KEISLING, Charles R. 296 01 06, Sea1c, USN KENT, Alvin D. 656 02 18, AMM3c, USN KEMBRO, Malery Decase 268 14 82, ACOM(AA), USN KNICKERBOCKER, Edward E. 223 88 77, AMM2c, USN KREAGER, Kenneth K. Jr. 279 62 81 SC2c, USN LACKEY, J.K. EM3c LANGSTON, Carlton A. 268 89 01, AOM3c, USN LARSH, George H. 300 06 92, AMM2c, USN LINDO, William P. 272 32 38, OS3c, USN LOCKWOOD, Lawrence S. 341 97 14, AMM1c, USN LOWE, Nathaniel M 262 85 96, AMM3c, USN LYONE, Willard C. 268 72 37, AMM3c, USN MARSH, Clyde M. 266 45 74, Sea2c, USN MARTZ, George J. 311 59 58, AMM2c, USN
==============================
Subject: WAR DIARY - USS JUNEAU(CL52) October 1942 - (continued) Wednesday, October 28 - HORNET survivors transfered to JUNEAU by RUSSELL (continues)
MASON, Charles E. Jr 272 50 43, AOM2c, USN MASON, Jack P. 272 25 80, AOM2c, USN MATHENY, Jackie V. 300 54 27, Sea2c, USN MAYNOR, George H. 268 75 03, AMM3c, USN MC COY, William E. Jr. 336 69 31, AGMM(AA), USN MC GHIN, Grady E. 268 72 96, AMM3c, USN MC KAIG, Frederick C. Jr. 223 48 94, AMM2c, USN MC KINNEY, Cecil G. 268 74 98, AMM3c, USN MC MICKLE, Hugh D. 272 63 83, AMM3c, USN MERCHANT, Lloyd K. 268 72 97, AMM3c, USN MEYER, Clifford H. 279 59 90, AMM1c, USN MILLER, Samuel T. 295 57 22, MAtt1c, USN MOTON, Lonnie 272 77 54, MAtt1c, USN MORGAN, James W. 272 63 99, Sea1c, USN MORGAN, John K. 380 91 66, AMM1c, USN MORRIS, Herbert 360 12 54, AOM2c, USN MORROW, Robert L. 283 50 19, AMM3c, USN MYERS, Alfred S. 311 60 84, AMM2c, USN MERRIKEN, R. E. Sea1c NEAL, Benjamin E. 311 60 96, AMM2c, USN NELSEN, Rex E. 401 46 81, Sea1c V-6, USNR NEUMAN, William F. 266 47 57, Sea1c, USN NEWKIRK, John E. 279 81 77, Sea1c, USN NORRIS, Joel S. 360 41 38, Sea1c, USN PANASIK, John P. 311 62 69, AMM3c, USN PENROSE, Robert W. 283 34 85. Ptr3c, USN POTTER, Carl H. 336 09 36, ACM(AA), USN POWELL, Robert W. 274 25 10, AOM1c, USN QUINTON, John C. 295 57 52, AMM2c, USN RAY, George G. 243 92 08, AOM3c, USN REED, James T. 274 42 77, AMM2c, USN REYNOLDS, Lewis A. 411 26 81, AMM3c V-6, USNR ROBERTS, John M. Jr. 243 84 88, AMM3c, USN RIGGS, Carroll C. 311 61 58, AOM2c, USN ROCK, Pasquale B. 274 37 24, AM1c, USN ROUX, Lorne E. 201 56 71, AMM1c, USN ROLES, Gene 266 40 59, Sea1c, USN SCHAGLE, Frederick W. 223 41 67, AMM3c, USN SCHUG, Valentine J. 402 80 61, Sea1c V-6, USNR SCHIBEL, R.L. Sea1c SCHULTZ, Douglas J. 266 27 41, AMM3c, USN SCHUMAKER, Howard 402 96 72, AMM2c, USN SCHUMAN, John J. 268 75 21, Sea1c, USN SELLERS, Charles E. 262 86 02, Sea2c, USN SETTLE, Robert D. 262 34 68, AMM2c, USN SIMPSON, Euthan A. 268 34 66, AOM1c, USN SILVERS, Edward N. 287 03 38, AMM1c, USN SPRINGER, Coleman J. Jr. 272 63 93, Sea1c, USN STEVENS, Robert M. 234 23 80, AMM3c, USN STROH, Eugene R. 382 40 94, AOM3c, USN
==============================
Subject: WAR DIARY - USS JUNEAU(CL52) October 1942 (continued) Wednesday, October 28 - HORNET survivors transfered to JUNEAU from RUSSELL FIGHTING SQUADRON 72 (continued) SUTHERLAND, Howard C. 272 63 85, AMM3c, USN SWEARINGEN, Howard W. 360 02 71, AOM1c, USN SWITZER, Myrrel L. 320 58 28, AMM1c, USN TAYLOR, Robert H. 268 34 58, AOM1c, USN TERWILLIGER, Leverette G. 266 35 98, EM3c, USN TESKE, Herman A. 403 53 48, AMM3c 0-1, USNR THOMAS, Bryee A. 212 67 84, AOM3c, USNR THOMPSON, Fred 346 64 94, SC1c, USN TOLIN, Frank D. 337 23 38, AMM3c, USN TOMLINSON, Daniel P. 658 00 64, Sea2c V-6, USNR TRUSCOTT, Glenn E. 368 48 79, AMM2c, USN TURNER, Edward P. 201 91 52, AOM3c, USN VALENTINE, McConald 295 43 19, AMM2c, USN VEZETINSKI, Anthony J. 223 27 30, PhM1c, USN WASHINGTON, James F 407 40 85, MAtt2c V-6, USNR WELLS, Albert C. 272 63 90, AMM3c, USN WETHERINGTON, William B. 262 48 29, AMM2c, USN WHARTON, Heyward M. 404 98 59, Sea2c V-6, USNR WHEELER, Donald B. 212 58 66, AMM3c, USN WHITE, Wilmot E. 381 08 53, ACMM(AA), USN WOLFINGER, Wayne "J" 622 06 37, AMM3c V-6, USNR ZITELLA, Joseph W. 257 89 82, ACMM(AA), USN YADLOWSKI, Frank 238 69 01, AMM3c, USN WHEELER, Robert N. 279 59 84, AMM1c, USN
SHIPS COMPANY, USS HORNET
O'DONNELL, J.J. CTM, USN GIBSON, R.J. TM2C, USN JARRED, C. TM3C, USN WEYBRIGHT, S.V. TM3C, USNR WOODS, W. F. SEA2C, USNR MURPHY, P.W. SEA1C, USNR WALL, C. H. GM3C, USN HORN, S.J. SEA2C, USN CULLEN, C.A.J. GM3C, USN NOVOTNY, L.W. TM3C, USN JAMES, E.D. SEA1C, USNR BALSHUESEMAN, H.W. SEA2C, USN
SCOUTING SQUADRON EIGHT
GORDAN, W.T. AMM3C, USN THOMAS, R. MAtt2c, USN BROOKS, W.M. OS2c, USN BUCKNER, A. MAtt1c, USN VAN MANEREN, A.W. AMM3c, USNR WILSON, W.L. SC3c, USN GRANT, J.W. AMM3c, USN
==============================
Subject: WAR DIARY - USS JUNEAU(CL52) October 1942 (continued)
Wednesday, October 28 - HORNET survivors transfered to JUNEAU from RUSSELL (continues)
SCOUTING SQUADRON EIGHT (continued)
JENKINS, H.E. Sea1c, USN SOUTHARD, J.L. AMM3c, USN CURREY, H. RM3c, USN BUCKLAN, S.R. AOM2c, USN
TORPEDO SQUADRON SIX
Lieut. David Berger, A-V(S), USNR Lieut. William P, Hart, A-V(S), USNR
BLANKENSHIP, Thomas L. AMM1c BUSEY, John H. Jr. AMM2c BRAGON, Frank D. RM2c EBERLE, John J. AMM1c FASANI, Carl L. AMM3c HAGER, Verne D. SC2c HAY, Claudius E. ACM HEMMINGWAY, Frank G. Jr. AMM2c HENDRICKSON, Carl A. AMM3c HUDSON, Grady E. Sea2c HUMMEL, Charles R. Jr. AMM2c HODGE, W. CEM KOESTER, William G. Sea1c LUTHER, Kenneth B. AMM2c PAYNE, Kenneth W. AMM3c RICHTER, John H. AMM1c ROBERTS, Louis F. AMM2c SIMS, Robert L. AOM3c WALL, Edward N. AMM1c WARD, George T. AMM1c
The following HORNET officers and enlisted personnel rescued by JUNEAU on October 26, 1942:
Lieut. (jg) F.A.Elam, A-V(N), USNR Lieut. (jg) C. E. Fisher, A-V(N), USNR
FERGUSON, G. E. ARM3c, USNR DESJARDIN, Howard K. AMM2c, USN WOODMAN, Richard C. ARM3c, USNR
The following visual despatch, C.T.F.17 (280215), was received and is quoted below:
'FOLLOWING IS TENTATIVE ESTIMATE RESULT OF TASKFORCE 61 ACTION OF 26 OCTOBER X 3 DASH 1000 POUND BOMB HITS ON LARGE JAP CARRIER X 2 DASH 500 POUND BOMB HITS ON SECOND CARRIER X THOUSAND POUND BOMB HITS ON A MOGAMI CLASS HEAVY CRUISER AND A JAP BATTLESHIP TWO TORPEDO HITS IN NACHI CLASS HEAVY CRUISER X MANY AIRCRAFT OF ENEMY AIR GROUP DESTROYED ESTIMATE 50 DASH 100 X OTHER ACTIONS THE SAME DAY WERE TORPEDOING OF JAP CARRIER AT NIGHT BY PBYS DAMAGE UNKNOWN X BOMB HITS ON ENEMY HEAVY CRUISER X MARINE DIVE BOMBERS SANK TWO JAP DESTROYERS AND BADLY DAMAGED ONE HEAVY AND ONE LIGHT CRUISER X THE MAJOR OBJECTIVE OF OUR ACTION WAS ACCOMPLISHED X IT IS OF GREAT MILITARY IMPORTANCE THAT OUR DAMAGES OR LOSSES NOT BE REVEALED UNTIL RELEASED BY PROPER AUTHORITY X THIS MUST BE IMPRESSED STRONGLY ON ALL HANDS".
During afternoon received U.S.Mail from RUSSELL. Column natural order was formed by T.F.17 at sunset and a southerly course shaped. Departed from the immediate vicinity of T.F.16. 0800 position in Lat. 15-56 S., Long. 170-43 E. 1200 position in Lat. 16-08 S., Long. 170-36 E. 2000 position in Lat. 17-04 S., Long. 171-28 E.
Thursday, October 29 - Maneuvered throughout the day with T.F.17 with T.F.16 to the northward. CTF61 (CTF16) in ENTERPRISE. Proceeding Noumea, New Caledonia. At 1728 an afterlookout reported a periscope off port quarter. A signal was made and an emergency turn to starboard of 90 degrees was executed by C.T.F.17. Sea moderate from the southeast with wind of about 20 knots throughout the day. A set of 300 degrees (T), drift .3 knot, was experienced. 080 position in Lat. 20-26 S., Long. 170-55 E. 1200 position in Lat. 170-47 E. 2000 position in Lat. 23-03 S., Long. 169-32 E.
Friday October 30 - In company T.F.17 composed of vessels noted under date of October 28th. Enroute Noumea, New Caledonia. At about 0815 ANDERSON was directed to leave this force and escort MAHAN, (of TF16) into harbor, the latter vessel having been in collision. During the forenoon the force screened the entrance of TF16 through Bulari Passage. JUNEAU enetered Bulari Passage, North Passage, at 1215. Set clocks back one hour to Zone (-)11. Anchored in Dumbea Bay in berth 22 at 1523. 0800 position in Lat. 23-24S., Long. 166-28 E. 1200 position off Bulari Passage.
Saturday October 31 - At anchor Dumbea Bay. Received stores throughtout the day.
+++++++++++++THIS ENDS THE "WAR DIARY" OF U.S.S. JUNEAU(CL52)++++++++++++ I have tried to copy the information as it was in the 'DIARY' without making changes, except for the word "degrees".
Other matters pertaining to JUNEAU consists of reorts by other ships on "Loss of JUNEAU"...other ships being SAN FRANCISCO, and HELENA...the submitted "WAR DIARY" is available through the Naval Historical Center, Washington Navy Yard on Microfilm H-108-AR-39-76 (dated 8-14-74) and Microfilm F-108-AR-27-74 (dated 8-23-73)
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