The History of the USS Cabot

A History of the USS CABOT (CVL-28):
A Fast Carrier in World War II
by J. Ed Hudson

.
CHAPTER TEN

COVERING OF THE
OKINAWA INVASION
and THE SINKING OF THE YAMATO
April 1945

On the evening of 28 March, Japanese Fleet
units were reported rounding the southern tip of
Kyushu, so the Task Group steamed north to
intercept.
Strikes were launched the next morning, but
were unable to find any of the fleet, so an attack
was made on Kyushu. the strike was not wasted;
they destroyed eight medium-sized ships and 12
smaller vessels. They also bombed barracks,
radio stations, piers and hangars.
One torpedo plane did not return. While
making a torpedo run, it was seen going into a
steep dive and crashed on land. It is believed
that the plane was hit by AA fire. The pilot was
Lt. (jg) R. E. MAHONEY and crewmen J. E. KELLEY, AMM2c(T)
and N. S. URBANSKI, ARM3c(T).
Hellcat pilot Ens. D. KELLEHER was shot down over
the target, but was picked up by rescue planes.
The next afternoon, a bogey was reported
closing in on the disposition. The Cabot's aft
deck was spotted, with torpedo planes loaded
with bombs for a strike, being launched. An
enemy plane started a bombing run on the ship,
from starboard quarter in a long, shallow dive.
A 20mm started popping away, so the enemy
was close. The Task Group commander ordered
an emergency turn to the right and the Cabot
started into a tight turn.
The plane pulled out of the dive, dropping a
bomb that hit the water close aboard on the
port quarter. Water, seaweed and bomb
fragments dropped on the flight deck, but no
casualties were suffered.
At masthead height, the Japanese flew
through the formation. Few ships fired, and he
was finally splashed by the patrol 23 miles from
the formation. The plane was reported to be a
Judy by the fighter that shot it down.
1 April was to be landing day on Okinawa.
All carriers launched strikes to support ground
troops. Every plane from every carrier reported
to the air coordinator, who directed them to
bomb or strafe different targets.
The Army and Marines, pushing forward,
reported which positions were giving difficulty.
The air coordinator then directed aircraft to
remove the obstacles.

~ 83 ~

As one torpedo plane flew off the deck, the
ship rolled to port. The plane went off the deck
about 50 feet from the end of the runway, and
the pilot fought for control. The right wing rubbed
across the deck, and the left wing and
wheels were in the air. Everyone sweated it out
with him. and expected a crash, but Lt. Howard
SKIDMORE managed to keep airborne by;
skillful flying. Damaged, he landed aboard the
Essex soon afterwards and returned to the
Cabot the next day.
In the first support strike over Okinawa, one
torpedo plane was forced down on land. The
pilot, Ens. L. A. ZEMANEK, said his engine
was cutting out and he had to find a spot to
land. he landed wheels down in a rice paddy
about a mile and a half from the western coast.
He was unable to make it out to water, where he
would have been much safer.
A fighter division circled overhead in case
any Japanese came near. A Japanese farmer
saw, but he was not hostile; he was scared and
ran away. The downed fliers crossed the main
highway, walked into the water, inflated their
boat and paddled out to sea. A PBM rescue
plane picked them up.
The next day, 10 fighters from the Cabot
were joining up after hitting targets on Amami
Gunto when they encountered enemy planes.
Four of the Cabot planes were seriously damaged
and one was shot down. The pilot, Lt. (jg)
Melvin COZZENS, bailed out and spent the
night in a rubber boat. There, he counted 10
enemy fighters landing on Kikai Airfield. This
intelligence was used for later strikes on the
Airfield. COZZENS was rescued by a PBM and
later returned to ship.
On 5 April, Ens. David KELLEHER, shot
down over a target and rescued, was delivered
back to ship by USS Stembel (DD 644).
About noon on 6 April, two groups of bogies
were picked up on radar 80 miles off and closing
in from the north. Two divisions of Essex
fighters under Cabot control were sent out, and
soon afterward, another Essex division under
Essex control followed.
The target was a lone Zeke, and a division of
fighters stayed to work it over while the other
two continued to intercept the second group.
When the target was sighted, all three Essex
divisions were in on the kill. Three Judys and 10
Zekes were splashed by the divisions under
Cabot command.
A Judy, possibly part of those intercepted,
began a dive bombing run on the Cabot shortly
afterward. The Cabot took him under fire, and
on the way down, he dropped a bomb just short
of the starboard quarter. Instantly, the Judy
burst into flames and one wing came off. It
looked as if he might hit the deck, and the guns
pounded away. He came very close to the aft
starboard corner of the flight deck. Burning
fiercely, he stayed in the air and crashed off the
bow.
An hour later, radar spotted two aircraft
closing rapidly from 30 miles away. They both
came within sight, and the North Carolina shot
one down. The second plane flew over several
ships without receiving heavy fire, and banked
around into the sun.
The pilot selected the Cabot and pointed his
nose for the middle of the deck. Several ships
fired at him during the approach, and every gun
the Cabot had that could bear picked up the
target and started shooting.
The kamikaze's approach was long and shallow
and it looked certain the plane would hit the
deck, but gun crews fearlessly kept shooting.
The Zeke passed over the flight deck with a few
feet to spare. His wing hit the SK radar antennae
and he crashed into the water, very close to
the starboard side. The deck was showered with
shrapnel and pieces of metal from the plane.
The SG and SK radar were put out of commission.
Sgt. Virgil SHROPSHIRE, a Marine,
was in the gun tub between the stack and near
the SK radar, but the plane passed over him.
Slightly wounded in the action were:
E. H. FISHER, S2c; W. F. GERWIG, Slc;
C. GRIMES, Slc; L. E. HIBBARD, EM2c;
T. A. INTERLIGI, GM3c; C. B. WILSON, Cox.
In addition, the Hancock (CV 19) lost 72 men
while the Intrepid (CV 11) suffered 10 casualties
when hit by suiciders.
All needed repairs were finished by the ship's
force before 0900 hours the next morning.

~ 84 ~

The final tally was not complete, but the
numbers reported were 85 enemy planes
destroyed by the Task Group on 6 April. The
Cabot got her two the hard way by repelling
kamikaze attacks.
Search flights were sent out early on 7 April
to locate Japanese Fleet units reported
southeast of Kyushu. They were successful in
the search, reporting sightings of a Japanese
surface force including one BB, 2 CLs and 10 DDs.
The Task Group turned north to close the
target, and the group commander ordered all
torpedo planes be loaded as soon as possible.
Two hours after the report was received, the
strike from the Cabot joined with strikes from
the other carriers and went out to strike the
Japanese ships.
The secretly built Yamato-class battleships
were the biggest ever constructed by anyone,
and they had the thickest armor to repel
torpedoes and bombs. The Japanese built three
such ships: the Yamato, Musashi and Shinano.
The Shinano was converted to a carrier
before she was finished, but she was sunk by the
USS Archerfish (SS 311) while on a shakedown
cruise. The Yamato-class BBs were 68,000 tons
and had 18.1-inch guns, compared to our Iowa-
class ships at 45,000 tons with 16-inch rifles.
The Yamato could fire a shell over 22 miles, and
her speed was 27 knots.
The Japanese thought these superior battleships
could dominate the Pacific war theater,
but the vessels were made obsolete by the fast
carriers. Thus, the enemy would have been
wiser to have built carriers.
In late March, the Yamato left Kure Harbor
along with a cruiser and eight destroyers on a
kamikaze mission with no air cover to
Okinawa. They had enough fuel to go only one
way, and there were faint hopes of getting to the
destination to use their heavy guns on our
troops invading Okinawa.
The Cabot and other fast carriers under Admiral
Mitscher made sure the enemy did not
reach the island with repeated torpedo and
bomb attacks. The Cabot made five strikes
against the Yamato and was credited with three
torpedo hits by Lt. Jack ANDERSON and his Avengers.
The Yamato exploded and capsized. A total
of 2,740 men went down with this mighty warship
at 1423 hours, 7 April. A cloud of smoke
could be seen for miles. Yamato joined her
sister ship, the Musashi, at the bottom of the
sea thanks to the Cabot and the other American
fast carriers.
The light cruiser Yahagi was sunk also, and
three of the eight destroyers were scuttled. The
remaining ships turned back to Sasebo.
Lt. (jg) J. P. SPEIDEL, aboard the Cabot,
was worried about taking that trip to strike the
Yamato. He was anxiously awaiting news of the
birth of his first child.
Nevertheless, SPEIDEL's orders were to at-
tack the Yamato, and although he didn't relish
the idea, he made his approach directly on the
beam, relating that the Japanese were shooting
everything, including their main battery in a
futile death struggle. He said they also used
pyrotechnic displays and shot missiles resembling
roman candles. He flew through one of them and
felt nothing.
SPEIDEL squeezed the pickle and swerved as
the torpedo hit the Yamato directly under the
bridge, causing a terrific explosion.
When he returned to the ship, news arrived
that he was the father of a baby boy.
SPEIDEL's experience of the day was forgotten
temporarily; he received the news he had
wanted to hear.
NOTE: Plans to salvage the Yamato,
now 1,200 feet under the East China Sea,
were announced in June 1985. A group of
Japanese businessmen, journalists and
Yamato survivors - there were 276 - wish
to reclaim the remains of crewmen so they
may be properly laid to rest in Japan.
This planned operation came after the
wreck was discovered in 1982 by some
former Yamato crew members using a
special underwater camera.
At noon on 8 April, an unidentified aircraft
was reported closing in on the disposition, and a
short while later, a Zeke attacked the Hancock,
then on the Cabot's starboard bow. The Cabot

~ 85 ~

fired only a few bursts, and the Zeke crashed into
the forward part of the Hancock flight deck,
causing a big fire. Within a half hour, the fire
was under control, and the Hancock was later
able to recover her aircraft.
Two hours later, radar tracked another target
into the formation from 30 miles away. A Zeke
began a run on the Cabot, and she took it under
fire immediately. The plane swerved away from
the AA, trying to crash on the Essex. However,
the AA shots were very accurate5 the plane went
into a steep dive and crashed into the sea, well
clear of the Essex.
As the war in Europe was winding down,
Prime Minister Winston Churchill wanted his
fast carriers in on the defeat of the Japanese.
The U.S. Navy didn't want or need British help
because it would complicate logistics in the final
push to defeat Japan, but Churchill insisted,
and Roosevelt-then very ill-gave in.
The British carrier Task Force was assigned
to Admiral Spruance's 5th Fleet from 26 March
to 20 April and again from 4 - 24 May. Carriers
of their force were subjected to frequent attacks
by suicide planes, but with their armoured flight
decks, little damage was done.
An interesting story concerning the Cabot
and the British was told by Joe COLE,
MoMM2c of the "A" division. A British life
boat had run out of regular gas near where the
Cabot was anchored. The British asked Cabot's
officer of the deck, "Hi governor. Could we get
a bit of petrol? Our bloody tank has gone dry."
Since they were allies, permission was granted
to fill their 30 gallon tank. In the following
days, the life boat became a steady customer.
On one trip begging for fuel, the captain of the
Cabot witnessed the British approach.
"What do they want?" he asked.
"Fuel, sir...gas," replied a crewman.
"Has this happened before?"
"Many times, sir."
"Give them aviation gas," the captain
ordered.
"But sir," the crewman pointed out. "That's
too rich and powerful a fuel for their motor."
The captain just smiled.
The British boat came alongside and its tank
was filled with the high-octane aviation fuel. In
the past, it had taken at least seven turns to start
the motor, but when the aviation gas fumes filled
the cylinders, the engine started on the second
turn, and the motor came to life with a
forceful bang. The small craft picked up speed;
the carburetor was giving it too rich a mixture,
and smoke from the exhaust was filled with carbon
scale as the motor overheated.
At 150 yards, paint was burning off the
motor. All the boat crew were excited. They
I shook their fists at us and never returned. The
captain had taught the "Limeys" a lesson.

~ 86 ~

[ 11 small pictures ]

(Top left) Lt. Cmdr. Pittman, landing signal officer.
(Top right) Boxing match between Marines and sailors on forward elevator.
(Center left) F6F landing on board.
(Center) Cabot after overhaul with planes spotted aft.
(Center right) F6F JUSt landed.
(Lower left) Captain's inspection.
(Lower center) Landing at sunset with landing signal officer in background.
(Lower right) Hula girls in USO show, Pearl Harbor.

[picture]

This is a "still" located in the Chief's Head.
Drinking is Sgt. Major Demario and "Scotty" Garrett, Sc1c.
Scuttlebutt had as many as eight illegal distilleries in
operation at one time on the Cabot.

[picture]

A group picture of the Ordinance Dept. of the Y-2 Division.
Both these photos courtesy of George DeLange.
ACOM of V-2 Division.

~ 87 ~

[picture]

Bomb from a Judy near stern 29 March 45.

[picture]

Capt. Schoeffel and Davy Jones on "crossing the line".

[picture]

Dancing Mohawk and partial scoreboard early in the war.

[picture]

Avenger (TBM) pilot Howard Skidmore and the Purple Heart.

~ 88 ~

[picture]

Ernie Pyle in cold weather gear during strikes of Tokyo.

[picture]

Burying of the dead after Kamikaze attack.

[picture]

Golden Gate Bridge and the Cabot.

~ 89 ~

[picture]

Chief's Mess

[picture]

TBM (Avenger) about to crash in portside catwalk.

~ 90 ~

[picture]

This propaganda leaflet was dropped by the thousands
over Tokyo by Cabot and other planes. A liberal
translation is, "what follows war is illness."

[picture]

Landing Signal Officer brings in another of the Cabot's planes.

[picture]

Scoreboard of the "Iron Lady" as she heads home in April 1945.
Each Japanese flag represents a plane shot down
- each bomb a bombing mission - each torpedo a torpedo mission
- broken ship is an enemy ship sunk - smoke puffs represent a ship hit.
(not flag under VT29 which represents the only Japanese plane
shot down by a Torpedo plane. This was accomplished by
Ens. R. J. Maghan on 16 October 44.)

~ 91 ~

[page 92 is blank]

~ 92 ~

(end chapter 10)
=======================
.
CHAPTER ELEVEN

ARI GROUP 29
October 1944 -
April 1945

A Navy Flyer's Creed

I am a United States Navy flyer.
My countrymen built the best
airplane in the world and entrusted
it to me. They trained me to fly it. I
will use it to the absolute limit of
my power.
With my fellow pilots, air crews,
and deck crews, my plane and I
will do anything necessary to carry
out our tremendous respon-
sibilities. I will always remember
we are part of an unbeatable com-
bat team-The United States
Navy.
When the going is fast and
rough, I will not falter. I will be
uncompromising in every blow I
strike. I will be humble in victory.
I am a United States Navy flyer.
I have dedicated myself to my
country, with it many millions of
all races, colors, and creeds. They
and their way of life are worthy of
my greatest protective effort.
I ask the help of God in making
that effort great enough.

~ 93 ~

On S Oct. 1944, the Cabot's log records:
"2020 hours, pursuant to orders of the commanding
officer of the USS Barnes, the following
officers and enlisted men of Air Group 29
reported on board for duty. References: (a)
ComAir Center, Manus Island, dispatch dated
30 Sept. 1944, (b) CTF 38 dispatch dated 4 Oct. 1944:"

Lt. Willard E. EDER, USN Commanding Officer, AG29
Lt. Pleas E. GREENLEE Jr., USN - VPPilot
Lt. Guy H. BRANAMAN Jr., MC - Flight Surgeon
Lt. Harry E. LESLIE - VF Pilot
Lt. Jules E. McNAIR - VF29
Lt. Alfred J. FECKE - VF Pilot
Lt. Uncase L. FRETWELL - VF Pilot
Lt. John F. THOMPSON - VF Pilot
Lt. Bruce D. JAQUES - VF Pilot
Lt. Max G. BARNES - VF Pilot
Lt. Edward VAN VRANKEN - VF Pilot
Lt. Irvin H. McPHERSON - VT Pilot & CO VT-29
Lt. John W. WILLIAMS, USN - VT Pilot
Lt. William N. DULANEY
Lt. William H. ANDERSON Jr. - VT Pilot
Lt. John H. BALLANTINE Jr. VT Pilot
Lt. James "H" HARZ
Lt. (jg) Glenn E. ELLSTROM - VF Pilot
Lt. (jg) Joseph L. CHANDLER - VF Pilot
Lt. (jg) John R. HERB - VF Pilot
Lt. (jg) Benjamin J. HARRISON - VF Pilot
Lt. (jg) Hubert E. COPPER - VF-29
Lt. (jg) Walter D. BISHOP - VF Pilot
Lt. (jg) William M. GRESSARD - Recognition Officer
Lt. (jg) Howard H. SKIDMORE - VT Pilot
Lt. (jg) Charles F. NORTON - VT Pilot
Lt. (jg) Stanley D. TINSLEY - VT Pilot
Lt. (jg) John P. SPEIDEL - VT Pilot
Lt. (jg) Ralph A. MARSDEN - Air Combat Information
Ens. Irl V. SONNER, Jr. - VF Pilot
Ens. John P. NEWTON
Ens. Henry W. BALSIGER - VF29
Ens. Stanley DEATH - VF29
Ens. Edmond F. DeVINE-Air Combat Information
Ens. James B. VAN FLEET - VF Pilot
Ens. Robert E. MURRAY - VF Pilot
Ens. Robert L. BUCHANAN - VF Pilot
En,s. Francis L. COLLINS - VF Pilot
Ens. Franklin W. TROUP - VF Pilot
Ens. Robert B. WILLIAMS - VF Pilot
Ens. John F. CARNEY
Ens. Lyle E. EASTLING - VF Pilot
Ens. Franklin BERTELSON - VF Pilot
Ens. Frank A. WIER Jr. - VF Pilot
Ens. James J. GILZEAN - VF Pilot
Ens. Bernard DUNN - VF Pilot
Ens. Melvin COZZENS - VF Pilot
Ens. Robert JANDA - VF Pilot
Ens. Emeral B. COOK - VF Pilot
Ens. Bobby D. COMBS - VF Pilot
Ens. W. H. TURNER - VF29
Ens. Donald LAMPSON Jr. - VT Pilot
Ens. Henry L. HARKER - VT Pilot
Ens. Birton E. McMULLEN - VT Pilot
Ens. James A. VASHRO - VT Pilot
Ens. Robert J. MAGHAN - VT Pilot
Jason L. AUSTIN Jr., PhoM2c
John R. BARBER, AMM2c
Jasper C. BLEVINS, AEMlc
Alfred E. CARNEVALE, PRlc, USN
John H. COLBERT, AMM3c
Alva O. CULP, ACOM(AA), USN
Harold F. DAVIS, AMMlc, USN
Henry W. DeFOSSE, AMM2c
Ralph G. FLOWERS Ir., ARTlc
Ola H. FORREST, Ylc
Gentry S. FRY, ACMM(PA), USN
Robert C. HITCHCOCK, AMMlc
Robert A. OBORNE Jr., AOMlc
William T. SCHWABLAND, ARMlc(T)
Elmer B. WILSON, AM2C
Walter K. BIYE, AOM2c
James E. BOLAND, AOM2c
Raymond F. COX, Ylc
Joseph W. FITZGERALD, ARM3c, USN
James W. FLYNN, AMM2c
Albert A. GRANGER, AMMHlc, USN
William GROEPPER Jr., AOM2c(T)
Joseph P. HAGGERTY Jr., ARM2c
Donald T. HAMBIDGE, AMM2c
Richard L. HOLLOWAY, AOM2c(T)
Richard L. HANLON, AOM2c(T)

~ 94 ~

William J. HESSE, ARM3c
Harold E. JONES Jr., AMM3c
Alfred J. JULEWICZ, ARM3c
Alfred G. KERBY, ARM3c
Harry P. KIMBALL, AOMlc
George D. KRUS, ARTlc
Daniel J. McCARTHY, ARM2c
Roderique M. MICHAUD, AMM3c
Joseph P. NEVIN, ARM2c
William H. ODOM, ARM3c
Robert D. OLLOM, AOM3c
Herbert E. O'NEAL, ACOM(AA), USN
Alister R. PATON, AOM3c
Joseph W. PHILLIPS, ARM2c, USN
Winston M. PIERCE, AOMM(AA)T
Brealslaw L. RACZYNSKI, AEMlc
Alfred G. SALMEN, ARMlc, USN
Arthur H. SIDES Jr., AMMlc, USN
Robert F. SMITH, ACRM, USN
Lawrence M. SVIDEN, ARM2c
Elmer C. THOMAS, AMlc, USN
James J. WAGNER, PR2c
Donald C. WASHBURN, AMM3c

Fighting Squadron 29
This squadron was commissioned 21 Dec.
1942 at the Naval Air Station, Norfolk Va. The
men participated in the invasion of North
Africa from the deck of the USS Santee (CVE
29) in November 1942 and were then assigned to
antisubmarine warfare from Racife, Brazil in
the early months of 1943.
The squadron made three trips to Casablanca,
French Morocco in the latter half of 1943
and returned to the Naval Air Station, Atlantic
City, N.J. On 10 April 1944, Lt. Willard E.
EDER became commanding officer.
The squadron reported aboard the Cabot in
October 1944 at Ulithi Atoll.
The pilots shot down 112 enemy planes
between 12 Oct. 1944 and April 1945:

Name Score Type of Plane Remarks
------------------------------- ----- -------------- -------------
Lt. J. W. ADAMS ...................1 .....Jake............................
Ens. H. W. BALSIGER ...............5 .....Betty, Frances, Val, Zeke, Frank
Lt. M. G. BARNES ..................5 .....Betty, 2 Frances, Oscar, Frank
Ens. R. L. BERTELSON ..............6 .....Betty, Jill, Frank, 3 Zekes
Lt. (jg) W. D. BISHOP .............5 ...Betty, Frances, 2 Vals, Zeke ..Killed 14 Dec. 44
Ens. BROOME ......................1 ......Judy
Ens. R. L. BUCHANAN ...............5 .....2 Jills, 2 Frances, Zeke
Lt. tg) J. L. CHANDLER...........2 2/3 ...l/3 Jake, 1/3 Judy, 2 Judy
Ens. F. L. COLLINS ..............2 2/3 ...1/3 Jake, 1/3 Judy, Frances
Ens. B. D. COMBS ..................4 .....Jake, Jill, 2 Rufes
Ens. M. COZZENS ..................6 1/2 ..3 Zekes, 2 Tojos, I/2 Jill, Tony
Ens. S. DEATH .....................1 .....Kate ........Killed 29 Oct 44
Ens. B. DUNN .....................51/3....I/2 Hamp, 2 Zekes, 1/3 Val, I l/2 Jills,
Tojo
Ens. L. E. EASTLING ...............3 .....Frank, Tojo, Rufe
Lt. Cmdr. W. E. EDER ..............5 .....2 Judys, Tess, Tojo, Rufe
Lt. A. J. FECKE ...................7 .....5 Jills, 2 Frances
Lt. U. L. FRETWELL ..............1 1/3 ...Zeke, 1/3 Val
Ens. J. J. GILZEAN ................1 .....Jill
Lt. P. E. GREENLEE ................1 .....Jill
Lt. (jg) J. R. HERB ...............2 .....Frances, Frank
Ens. R. G. HINKLE .................2 ...Jake, Nate
Lt. B. D. JAQUES ................4 1/2 ...l l/2 Frances, Jill, Tojo, Betty
Lt. H. E. LESLIE ..................1 ...Betty .......Killed 29 Oct. 44

~ 95 ~

Lt. M V D MARTIN ............2 ...Tojo, Judy
Ens. H. P. MISHLER ..........1 ...Zeke
Ens. R. E. MURRAY .......101/3...1l/3 Betty, Frances, 2 Jills
3 Zekes, 2 Tojos, Tony
Ens. H. C. SKARBEK ..........1 ...Zeke
Lt. (jg) I. V. SONNER .......5 ...2 Frances, Zeke, 1 Jills .Killed 22 Mar 45
Lt. J. F. THOMPSON .........1/2..1/2 Hamp ...............Killed 14 Dec 44
Ens. F. W. TROUP ............7 ...Helen, Tojo, Frank, 2 Jacks,
Myrt, Jill
Ens. W. H. TURNER .........3 1/3..2 Zekes, Jill, 1/3 Val .Killed 25 Nov 44
Ens. J. B. VAN FLEET ........2 ...Val, Betty
Ens. F. A. WIER.............1/2..1/2 Frances ...........Killed 13 Mar 45
Lt. E. VAN VRANKEN ........1 2/3..1/3 Jake, 1l/3 Judys
Ens. R. B. WILLIAMS .........2 ...Zeke, Irving
NOTE: If two pilots shot down the same enemy plane each were
given l/2 credit, if three, then 1/3 credit.

History of
Fighting Squadron 29
5 October - 28 April 1945

Miscellaneous Statistics Combat Tour 5 Oct. 1944 to 9 April 1945.

1. Aircraft: Airborne Ground and water Total
Destroyed 112 48 160
Probably destroyed 7 3 10
Damaged 18 132 150
---- --- --- ---
Total 137 183 Grand Total 320

II. Ratio of losses:
Total enemy aircraft destroyed 160: Our losses 17: Ratio 9/1

III. Enemy Shipping:
23 Ships sunk totaling 25,600 tons
45 Ships damaged totaling 65,600 tons
-- ------------------------ ------
68 Ships for total of 91,200 tons
Small craft sunk 21; damaged 105

IV. Fleet Units:
1 Kongo class BB 2 - 1000-pound near misses - severely strafed
1 Ise-class BB Severely strafed
1 Hayataka CV Severely strafed
1 CL Strafed
1 DD 6 - 500-pound Near misses - severely strafed
1 DD 1 - 1000-pound bomb hit,
2 - 100-pound near misses and severely strafed
2 DD Severely strafed
1 Minelayer Severely strafed

~ 96 ~

v.
Total combat sorties (Engaged Enemy) 811
Total combat missions (Engaged Enemy) 112
Total hours flown 9,811.6
Total No. bombs dropped 457
Total tonnage of bombs 130
Total rounds fired .50 caliber 565,190
Total No. airfields attacked 44

Fighting Squadron 29 experienced the longest
continuous period of intensive combat in carrier
history-more than six months from 5 Oct.
1944 to 11 April 1945. Until that time, the
longest period of continuous combat by an air
group had been 41/2 months.
Action against the Philippines and the main
inner ring of Japanese defenses were being
accelerated as the squadron arrived and completed
six successful operations. The only time
out was for brief stays at Ulithi for fleet repairs
and supplies. The itinerary of the actions reads
like a Cook's tour of the Far East: visits to
Japanese military and naval installations from
Saigon, French Indo China (Vietnam), China,
the Philippines, Formosa, the Bonins, the
Nansei Shoto and Tokyo.
The squadron boasted an amazing number of
feats that cannot be duplicated due to several
factors, namely the extensive period of operations,
time of the operations and the fact that
the Japanese Fleet, for all practical considerations,
no longer exists. Among the firsts are:
-first carrier raids on the Ryukyus, Formosa,
French Indo China, China, and Honshu
and Kyushu, Japan;
-pre- and post-invasion support the Leyte,
Mindoro, Luzon, Iwo Jima and Okinawa landings;
-continuous support on and after "L" Day
during landings on Okinawa in the Nansei Shoto.
-four strikes on the Japanese Fleet in three
places: the Visayans, Kure Naval Base on Honshu,
and south of Kyushu, Japan.
While striking 44 enemy airfields, 10 harbors
and numerous cities, and military and industrial
installations, 315 enemy aircraft were
destroyed or damaged. Of these, 109 were shot
down in aerial combat to give the squadron 10
aces. In addition, 68 merchant ships were
destroyed and 105 damaged.
Bombing and strafing attacks were carried
out successfully, despite heavy and accurate
antiaircraft fire, on the four fleet attacks. Targets
included two battleships, one light cruiser, a
CV, four destroyers and a minelayer. Military,
industrial and transportation facilities were
frequently attacked, with some of the major
targets being an aluminum plant, a nickel
smelter, four power plants, radio stations,
factories including Tachikawa Engine Plant near
Tokyo, numerous barracks, buildings, hangars,
airfield shops and other facilities. All were
severely bombed and strafed.
Most of the action was carried out over the
heaviest AA-defended areas in the Pacific:
Manila, Clark Field, Takao, Kure, Kiirun,
Hong Kong, Okinawa and Tokyo. Except for
October, operations took place when the enemy
had discontinued large scale air attacks, which,
for our forces, often were like shooting sitting
ducks. In fact, many of our kills were the
kamikaze- type requiring prompt, skillful
interception. Weather, especially during early
1945, was not conducive to flight operations.
Typhoons, low ceiling and zero visibility at
times helped make the operations extremely difficult.
However, during this period, 112 combat
missions comprising 811 sorties were flown with
the original pilots averaging 300 combat hours.
In all, 457 bombs were dropped, totaling 130
tons, and more than 565,000 rounds of .50
caliber machine gun ammunition was expended.
Numerous torpedo and bombing missions
were escorted and protected, and during the
whole period, no plane escorted by Fighting
Squadron 29 ever sustained damage by enemy
interceptors. The leader of the 10 aces had 12
planes to his credit. The tally for planes
destroyed showed a very favorable ratio on our
side - 9 to 1.
Early on, 16 Oct. 1944 the squadron was to
escort two crippled cruisers to safety from a few
miles off the Formosa coast. Two of our divisions,
while on routine CAP, were directed to

~ 97 ~

intercept a large enemy force. About 40 miles
from the small squadron group, the eight
fighters soon found the enemy-more than 75
Japanese fighters, bombers and torpedo planes.
Diving to attack, the enemy forces scattered and
soon the sea was covered with wreckage of blazing
Japanese planes. Learning of the enemy
force, two more divisions were sent to help, but
most of the action was over when they arrived.
In all, the fighters knocked down 32 aircraft,
damaged four and possibly destroyed another.
The pilots and their kills were:
Lt. FECKE 5
Ens. BUCHANAN 5
Lt. (jg) SONNER 4
Lt. (jg) MURRAY 4
Lt. (jg) BISHOP 3
Ens. TURNER 2
Lt. (jg) BALSIGER 2
Lt. BARNES 2
Lt. FRETWELL 1
Lt. (jg) COZZENS 1
Lt. (jg) DUNN 1
Lt. (jg) WILLIAMS 1

American losses for the afternoon consisted
of one fighter forced to water land. The pilot
was soon picked up and returned by a scout
plane.
On 24 Oct., two strikes were sent against the
enemy fleet off the Visayans during the Battle
of Leyte Gulf. Extensive bombing and strafing
runs were made, and the squadron provided
escort for torpedo bombers during the action.
These two actions consisted of the major events
in the first operations.
Returning to Ulithi, the "29" scoreboard
registered 66 planes destroyed in the air, seven
probables and seven damaged; two planes
destroyed on the ground with nine "possibles"
damaged. In all, it was a very profitable -
"shakedown" cruise since the squadron had
never before operated from a carrier.
The second and third operations were in the
Philippine area. On the fourth operation,
installations on Formosa, Luzon, the Nansei
Shotos and French Indo China were visited.
The Cabot, with Air Group 29, was the first fast
carrier to enter the South China Sea for that
operation, and the last one out. Additionally,
unfavorable weather conditions hampered
flights made near Formosa.
The fifth tour opened with a raid against
Tokyo. fighting Squadron 29 took part in the
strike on Tachikawa Engine Plant which was
left badly damaged. During this raid, Ens.
BUCHANAN was forced down in the outer bay
of Tokyo Harbor. Several of our planes
immediately flew cover over him while a rescue
sub was being contacted. The planes were forced
to leave one by one as fuel ran low, and finally
only Lt. FECKE and Lt. (jg) BERNER remained.
It was a tricky job trying to guide a sub
in mined waters and with several enemy fighter
fields within sight. The sub did successfully
pick BUCHANAN up, and the two remaining
planes returned to the carrier hours overdue.
The sixth operation again found the
squadron striking Japan on the Island of
Kyushu. Also, a strike was sent against the
Japanese Fleet in the harbor near Kure Naval
Base. Then, the group left for pre-invasion support
and "softening" of Okinawa.
"L" or Landing Day saw numerous support
strikes carried out by the squadron. Later, a
search was sent to find remnants of the
Japanese Fleet, but nothing was found. Reports
were received of several downed planes in a harbor
on the southern tip of Kyushu, and two
OS2Us were sent to rescue the pilots with the
squadron providing a fighter escort.
While waiting for the Kingfishers to pick up
the survivors, one division investigated a
seaplane base on the coast and thoroughly strafed
it. Ens. KELLEHER was hit by AA fire and
just managed to get out and parachute into the
bay. He was promptly picked up by one of the
scout rescue planes he had been escorting, and
soon was aboard with the squadron.
Lt. Cmdr. Willard Ernest Eder, USN
Commanding Officer-Air Group 29
"Bill" Eder was born on a ranch near Buffalo,
Wyo., 27 Sept. 1916. He was graduated
with a B.A. degree from the University of
Wyoming in 1938.

~ 98 ~

Soon afterwards he entered naval flight training
and received his wings and commission at
Pensacola, 10 April 1940. Immediately upon
graduation, he was assigned to a fleet fighter
squadron and has remained in this type duty.
From May 1940 until January 1942 he was a
member of Fighting Squadron 3 on the
Saratoga and Enterprise. In January 1942 he
was assigned to Fighting Squadron 3 on board
the Lexington. While a member of this
squadron, he received the Distinguished Flying
Cross for his part in the battle of Bougainville.
Later he participated in strikes on Lae and
Salamaua.
During April and May of 1942 EDER was a
member of Fighting Squadron 2 and had a part
in one of the key engagements of the Pacific,
for his work in the Battle of the Coral Sea, he
received the Navy Cross.
In August 1942 he was transferred to Atlantic
duty with Fighting Squadron 29. During his
time in this squadron he has served in gunnery,
to operations as executive officer and on to
commanding officer and commander Air
Group 29. He accepted a commission in the
Regular Navy in April 1943.
During the squadrons Atlantic duty, he was
awarded the Silver Star for his part in the
squadron's support of the occupation of French
Morocco.
Bill EDER assumed command of the Air
Group in April 1944. To him belongs much of
the credit for directing the squadron's intensive
training which enabled it to achieve so much in
the Pacific Theatre.

Fighting Squadron 29
Citations and Awards
Aside from those already mentioned in the
history of the Cabot.
Lt. (jg) Walter D. BISHOP-Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal
Ens. Frank W. TROUP-Air Medal
Ens. William H. TURNER-Distinguished Flying Cross
Ens. James B. Van FLEET-Air Medal
Lt. Harry E. LESLIE-Air Medal, Gold star in lieu of second Air Medal
Lt. Edward Van VRANKEN-Gold star in lieu of second Air Medal
Ens. Melvin COZZENS-Gold star in lieu of second Air Medal
Ens. Robert B. WILLIAMS-Gold Star in lieu of second Air Medal, Purple Heart
Lt. John F. THOMPSON-Air Medal
Ens. Stanley (n) DEATH-Air Medal
Ens. James J. GILZEAN-Air Medal
Ralph G. FLOWERS, ARTlc-Purple Heart
William T. SCHWABLAND, ARMlc-Purple Heart
Ens. Bernard (n) DUNN-Air Medal
(n) means the person had no middle name or initial.

[picture skeleton flying in black circle]

TORPEDO SQUADRON
TWENTY-NINE

This squadron, called VGS-29, was officially
commissioned in July 1942. In October 1942 the
group was enroute to French Morocco for the
invasion of North Africa, and in the early part
of 1943 was based in Recife, Brazil searching
for German U-boats and blockade runners.
Later in the year they made three trips to
Casablanca on the USS Santee (CVE 19) escorting
convoys.
Training in torpedo tactics was held at Hyannis,
Mass. in early 1944, and the group went by
train to San Diego in July. The squadron left
San Diego for Pearl Harbor and continued
training on the island of Maui. From Hawaii
they visited the Admiralty Islands and went on
to Ulithi where they were assigned to the Cabot
in early October 1944. They replaced VT-31
with Lt. Cmdr. I. H. McPHERSON as commanding officer.
Torpedo-Squadron 29 engaged in some of the
heaviest fighting in the Pacific and took a major
part in the famous Battle of Leyte Gulf. For
their action, which spanned about seven months,
they were awarded along with the Fighter

~ 99 ~

Squadron the Presidential Unit Citation.
Following is a list of the actions and the men
who so bravely risked their lives in our battle
against the Japanese.
The pilot's name is listed first with the two
crew members of the Avengers listed next:

10 Oct. 1944 Attack on a Picket Boat
Williams, Boland and Raczynski
12 Oct. 1944 Attack on 7 Sea Trucks
Axlderson, Hanlon and Haggerty
12 Oct. 1944 Attack on a Betty
Ballantine, Hesse and Biye
12 Oct. 1944 Attack on 2 Bettys
McPherson, Kimball and Krus
13 Oct. 1944 Attack on 2 Sea Trucks
Anderson, Hanlon and Haggerty
16 Oct. 1944 Attack on a Kate
Norton, Paton and Sviben
16 Oct. 1944 Shot down a Tojo
Maghan, Michaud and Julewicz
21 Oct. 1944 Attack on a Betty
Williams, Boland and Raczynski
22 Oct. 1944 A Betty shot down
J. W. Williams, Boland and Raczynski
22 Oct. 1944 A Betty shot down
Ballantine, Biye and Hesse

24 Oct. 1944 Torpedo Attack on Jap Fleet
A.M. Tablas Straight, P.I.
McPherson, Kimball and Krus
Ballantine, Biye and Hesse
Skidmore, McCarthy and Hambidge
Anderson, Hanlon and Haggerty
Williams, Boland, and Raczynski
P.M.
McPherson, Kimball and Krus
Tinsley, Flynn and Nevin
Lampson, Odom and Granger

26 Oct. 1944 Torpedo Attack on Jap Fleet Sibuyan Sea
Ballantine, Biye and Hesse
Speidel, Groepper and Kerby
Norton, Paton and Sviben

29 Oct. 1944 Bombing Attack, Clark Field, P.I.
McPherson, Krus and Kimball
Anderson, Haggerty and Hanlon
Tinsley, Nevin and Flynn
Skidmore, McCarthy and Hambidge
Speidel, Kerby and Groepper
Harker, Phillips and Holloway
Vashro, Salmen and Washburn
McMullen, Fitzegerald and Ollom
Maghan, Julewicz and Michaud

19 Nov. 1944 Bombing Attack on W. Lipa Airfield
Anderson, Hanlon and Haggerty
Maghan, Julewicz and Michaud
Ballantine, Hesse and Biye
Vashro, Washburn and Salmen
Tinsley, Flynn and Nevin
McMullen, Fitzgerald and Ollom
Speidel, Kerby and Groepper
Harker, Phillips and Holloway
Skikdmore, McCarthy and Hambridge

25 Nov. 1944 Strike, W. Lipa and Bstangas
A.M. Airfields
Anderson, Hanlon and Haggerty
Skidmore, McCarthy and Hambidge
Tinsley, Nevin and Flynn
Maghan, Julewicz and Michaud
McMullen, Fitzgerald and Ollom
Harker, Phillips and Holloway
Vashro, Washburn and Salmen
Barnes, Foulkes and Sides
Fisher, Gotthart and Jones
P.M. Grace Park Airfield, Luzon, P.I.
Anderson, Hanlon and Haggerty
Speidel, Kerby and Groepper
Tinsley, Nevin and Flynn
Maghan, Julewicz and Michaud
McMullen, Fitzgerald and Ollom
Harker, Phillips and Holloway
Walker, Compton and Holt
Vashro, Washburn and Salmen

4 Jan. 1945 Karenko Harbor, Formosa
McPherson, Krus and Kimball
Harker, Phillips and Holloway
Speidel, Kerby and Groepper
Fisher, Gotthardt and Jones
Norton, Paton and Walker
Vashro, Salmen and Washburn
Tinsley, Nevin and Flynn

6 Jan. 1945 Grace Park Airfield,
A.M. Luzon, P.I.
Anderson, Hanlon and Haggerty
Fisher, Gotthardt and Jones

~ 100 ~

Norton, Paton and Walker
P.M. Neilson Airfield, Luzon, P.I.
McPherson, Kimball and Krus
Vashro, Salmen and Washburn
Speidel, Kerby and Groepper
Barnes, Foulkes and Sides

7 Jan. 1945 Clark Field, Luzon, P.I. I
Anderson, Haggerty and Wagner
Harker, Holloway and Phillips
Norton, Walker and Paton
Barnes, Foulkes and Sides

9 Jan. 1945 Suo Harbor, Formosa
McPherson, Krus and Kimball
Vashro, Washburn and Salmen
Fisher, Gotthardt and Jones
Skidmore, Hambidge and McCarthy
Tinsley, Nevin and Flynn
McMullen, Fitzgerald and Ollom
Norton, Walker, Paton and Marsden
Speidel, Kerby and Groepper
Maghan, Bishop and Julewicz

12 Jan. 1945 Searches, South China Sea
McPherson, Kimball and Krus-No action
Tinsley, Nevin and Flynn-Attack on AK
Harker, Phillips and Holloway-Attack on AK
Walker, Holt and Compton-Attack on Ak
(hit and spun it)

15 Jan. 1945 Takao Harbor, Formosa
McPherson, Krus and Kimball
Vashro, Salmen and Washburn
McMullen, Fitzgerald and Ollom
Anderson, Hanlon and Haggerty
Harker, Phillips and Holloway
Tinsley, Nevin and Flynn
Maghan, Julewicz and Michaud

16 Jan. 1945 Hong Kong Harbor, China
McPherson, Kimball and Krus
McMullen, Fitzgerald and Ollom
Norton, Walker and Paton
Fisher, Gotthardt and Jones
Speidel, Kerby and Groepper

21 Jan. 1945 Takao Harbor, Formosa
A.M.
Anderson, Hanlon and Haggerty
Maghan, Julewicz and Michaud
Harker, Phillips and Holloway
Vashro, Washburn and Salmen
Skidmore, McCarthy and Hambidge
Tinsley, Nevin and Flynn
Fisher, Gotthardt and Jones
P.M. Kiirun Harbor, Formosa
McPherson, Krus and Kimball
Norton, Walker and Paton
Barnes, Foulkes and Sides
Skidmore, McCarthy and Hambridge
McMullen, Fitzgerald and Ollom
Speidel, Sokolow and Groepper

17 Feb. 1945 Tachakawa Aircraft Engine Plant
Tokyo, Japan
McPherson, Kimball and Hume
Moran, Smith and Round
Skidmore, McCarthy and Hambidge
Tinsley, Nevin and Flynn
McMullen, Fitzgerald and Ollom
Zemanek, Thompson and Plotczyk
Gidney, Sokolow and Bond
18 Feb. 1945 Chichi Jima, Bonin Islands
Anderson, Hanlon, Haggerty and Marsden
Speidel, Kerby and Groepper
Harker, Holloway and Phillips
Mahorley, Urbanski and Kelley
Vashro, Washburn and Salmen
Norton, Walker and Paton
Barnes, Foulkes and Sides
Maghan, Julewicz and Michaud

18 March 1945 Miyazaki Airfield,
A.M. Kyushu, Japan
McPherson, Hume and Kimball
Vashro, Washburn and Salmen
Maghan, Julewicz and Michaud
Skidmore, McCarthy and Hambidge
McMullen, Fitzegerald and Ollom
Moran, Smith and Round
Mahoney, Urbanski and Kelley
Zemanek, Thompson and Plotczyk
Gidney, Sokolow and Bond
P.M. Omura Airfield, Kyushu, Japan
Anderson, Hanlon and Haggerty
Speidel, Bishop and Groepper
Harker, Phillips and Holloway
Norton, Walker and Paton
Tinsley, Nevin and Flynn
Barnes, Foulkes and Sides
Mahoney, Urbanski and Kelley
Fisher, Gotthardt and Jones

~ 101 ~

19 March 1945 Kure Naval Base,
Honshu, Japan
Anderson, Hanlon and Haggerty
Speidel, Kerby and Groepper
Harker, Wagner and Phillips
Tinsley, Nevin and Flynn
Vashro, Washburn and Salmen
Maghan, Julewicz and Michaud
Zemanek, Thompson and Plotczyk

23 March 1945 Okinawa Island
A.M.
McPherson, Hume and Kimball
Moran, Smith and Round
Skidmore, McCarthy and Hambidge
Mahoney, Urbanski and Kelley
Barnes, Foulkes and Sides
Fisher, Gotthardt and Jones
P.M.
Anderson, Hanlon and Haggerty
Harker, Phillips and Holloway
Vashro, Salmen and Washburn
Tinsley, Nevin and Flynn
Maghan, Julewicz and Michaud
Zemanek, Plotczyk and Thompson
Speidel, Kerby and Groepper

24 March 1945 Okinawa Island
A.M.
Anderson, Hanlon, Haggerty and Marsden
Speidel, Kerby and Wagner
Harker, Phillips and Holloway
Zemanek, Thompson and Plotczyk
Norton, Walker and Paton
Maghan, Julewicz and Michaud
Tinsley, Nevin and Flynn
Moran, Smith and Round
P.M.
McPherson, Kimball and Hume
Vashro, Washburn and Salmen
Norton, Walker and Paton
McMullen, Fitzgerald and Ollom
Skidmore, McCarthy and Hambidge
Barnes, Foulkes and Sides
Mahoney, Urbanski and Kelley
Fisher, Bishop and Jones

26 March 1945 Okinawa Island
A.M.
McPherson, Hume and Kimbell
Gidney, Sokolow and Bond
Moran, Smith and Round
Skidmore, McCarthy and Hambidge
Tinsley, Nevin and Flynn
McMullen, Fitzgerald and Ollom
Mahoney, Urbanski and Kelley
Barnes, Foulkes and Sides
Fisher, Gotthardt and Jones
P.M.
McPherson, Kimball and Hume
Maghan, Julewicz and Michaud
Zemanek, Thompson and Plotczyk
Anderson, Hanlon and Haggerty
Vashro, Washburn and Salmen
Speidel, Kerby and Groepper
Fisher, Bishop and Jones
Gidney, Sokolow and Bond

27 March 1945 Okinawa Island
A.M.
Anderson, Hanlon and Haggerty
Harker, Phillips and Holloway
Speidel, Kerby and Groepper
Maghan, Julewicz and Michaud
Skidmore, McCarthy and Hambidge
McMullen, Fitzgerald and Ollom
Tensley, Nevin and Flynn
Vashro, Washburn and Salmen
P.M.
Anderson, Haggerty and Hanlon
Gidney, Sokolow and Bond
Skidmore, McCarthy and Hambidge
McMullen, Fitzgerald and Ollom
Zemanek, Thompson and Plotczyk
Mehoney, Urbanski and Kelley
Fisher, Bishop and Jones
Barnes, Foulkes, Sides and Marsden

28 March 1945 Manami Daito Island
Harker, Walker and Holloway
Gidney, Sokolow and Bond
Tinsley, Nevin and Flynn
Maghan, Julewicz and Michaud
Barnes, Foulkes (only)
Speidel, Kerby and Bishop
Vashro, Salmen and Wagner
Zemanek, Thompson and Plotczyk

29 March 1945 Torpedo strike - Yamakawako
Kyushu, Japan
McPherson, Hume and Kimball
Gidney, Dokolow and Bond

~ 102 ~

Vashro, Washburn and Salmen
Mahoney, Urbanski and Kelley
Zemanek, Thompson and Plotczyk
McMullen, Fitzgerald and Ollom
Harker, Phillips and Holloway
Barnes, Foulkes and Sides
Fisher, Bishop and Jones

30 March 1945 Okinawa Island
A.M.
Anderson, Hanlon and Haggerty
Zemanek, Thompson and Plotczyk
Speidel, Kerby and Groepper
Barnes, Foulkes and Sides
Skidmore, McCarthy and Hambidge
Moran, Smith and Round
McMullen, Fitzgerald and Ollom
Fisher, Gotthardt and Jones
P.M.
McPherson, Hume and Kimball
Zemanek, Thompson and Plotczyk
Harker, Phillips and Holloway
Vashro, Washburn and Salmen
Tinsley, Nevin and Flynn
Moran, Smith and Round
Maghan, Julewicz and Michaud
Gidney, Walker and Paton

31 March 1945 Okinawa Island
A.M.
McPherson, Hume and Kimball
Gidney, Sokolow and Bond
Vashro, Washburn and Salmen
Harker, Phillips and Holloway
Skidmore, Hambidge and McCarthy
Barnes, Foulkes and Sides
Tinsley, Nevin and Flynn
Maghen, Michaud and Bishop
P.M.
Anderson, Hanlon and Haggerty
Barnes, Wagner and Sides
Moran, Smith and Round
Zemanek, Thompson and Plotczyk
Speidel, Kerby and Groepper
Maghan, Paton and Julewicz
McMullen, Fitzgerald and Ollom
Fisher, Walker and Jones

1 April 1945 Okinawa Island
A.M.
Anderson, Hanlon, Haggerty and Marsden
Gidney, Sokolow and Bond
Speidel, Kerby and Groepper
Fisher, Gotthardt and Jones
Zemanek, Thompson and Plotczyk
McMullen, Fitzgerald and Ollom
Moran, Smith and Round
P.M.
McPherson, Hume and Kimball
Barnes, Foulkes and Sides
Vashro, Washburn and Salmen
Maghan, Julewicz and Michaud

3 April 1945 Okinawa Island
McPherson, Hume, Kimball and Marsden
Harker, Phillips and Holloway
Moran, Smith and Round
Tinsley, Nevin and Flynn
Gidney, Sokolow and Bond
Fisher, Walker and Jones

4 April 1945 Okinawa Island
Anderson, Hanlon and Haggerty
Barnes, Foulkes and Sides
Skidmore, McCarthy and Hambidge
McMullen, Fitzgerald and Ollom
Speidel, Kerby and Groepper
Maghan, Julewicz and Michaud

6 April 1945 Kikai Shima Airfield
McPherson, Kimball and Hume
Harker, Phillips and Holloway
Vashro, Washburn and Salmen
Skidmore, Hambidge and McCarthy
Gidney, Sokolow and Bond
Zemenek, Thompson and Plotczyk
Tinsley, Nevin and Flynn
Moran, Smith and Round
Fisher, Bishop and Jones

7 April 1945 Torpedo strike against Jap Fleet
S.W. of Kyushu, Japan
Anderson, Hanlon and Haggerty
Speidel, Kerby and Groepper
Barnes, Foulkes and Sides
Skidmore, Hambidge and McCarthy
McMullen, Fitzgerald and Ollom
Moran, Smith and Round
Norton, Walker and Paton
Maghan, Julewicz and Michaud
Fisher, Bishop and Jones

NOTE: For list of casualties of AG 29 turn to

~ 103 ~

Appendix.
For list of VF 29 "Aces" turn to Appendix.

As the Cabot was limited to nine torpedo
planes, they were kept very busy. The
TBM/TBF replaced the Devastator (TBD) used
earlier in the war. It was called other names
such as "turkey" and "torpecker" but
whatever it was called it meant destruction to
the Japanese. Lt. Howard SKIDMORE was one
of the outstanding pilots who flew this plane on
over nineteen missions. Only a small percentage
of the officers and men stayed in the military
after the war but SKIDMORE remained and
rose to the rank of Captain with an outstanding
record after the war.

Capt. Howard H. Skidmore

Howard Homer SKIDMORE was born 25
April 1920 in Villa Grove, Ill. Before entering
the Navy, he attended Eastern Illinois University
at Charleston, where he was a member of the
basketball team three years.
SKIDMORE's hobbies were photography
and softball having participated in the Illinois
State Softball Tournament with an Army Air
Corps team. Later in 1947-48, he was a member
of the All Navy Softball Team.
SKIDMORE was commissioned an ensign,
and on 27 Nov. 1942 was designated a naval
aviator. His flight training included stops at
Naval Air Stations in St. Louis, Corpus Christi,
Miami, Jacksonville and Norfolk.
In April 1943 he flew the SB2U aboard the
USS Charger (CVE-30) on his first carrier
checkout. He joined VGS 29 in Norfolk and
flew the SBD and TBF making three cruises to
Africa on the USS Santee (CVE 29), and participated
in antisubmarine duty in the North Atlantic.
SKIDMORE reported aboard the Cabot in
October 1944 with VT 29 and flew combat missions
over the Philippines, Formosa, Iwo Jima,
Japan and Okinawa as well as against the
Japanese Fleet. Air Group 29 returned to the
United States with the Cabot in May 1945 with
an outstanding record that won them the
Presidential Unit Citation.
SKIDMORE's naval career continued after
the war with stops at the Naval Air Stations in
New Orleans, Glenview, Key West, Corpus
Christi and aboard the USS Antietam (CV 36)
in 1949. He attended General Line School,
Photographic Interpretation School and Armed
Forces Staff College.
SKIDMORE was executive officer of
Photographic Squadron VFP 62 and was later
skipper of VF 41 and then VF 11, the "Red Rippers".
While with the Rippers, the squadron
was aboard the USS Independence (CV 62) flying
the F8U Crusader. Earlier, SKIDMORE
was "Air Boss" on the USS Lake Champlain
(CV 39), which recovered America's first
astronaut, Alan Shepard.
From 1961-65, SKIDMORE was in charge of
special projects in the Office of Naval
Intelligence, and from July 1965 to August 1968,
was defense and naval attache in Copenhagen.
That year, was named assistant for administration
and services at Naval Intelligence Command, Washington.
SKIDMORE was promoted to captain on 1
July 1963 and retired in May 1972. His
decorations and campaign medals include:
Distinguished Flying Cross with two stars
Air Medal with three stars
Navy Commendation Medal
Purple Heart
Presidential Unit Citation with two stars
American Area Campaign Service Medal
European/African/Middle Eastern Theater with one star
Asiatic Pacific Area Campaign Service Medal with five stars
World War II Victory Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Kommandor of the Danneborg (Danish)
Philippine Presidential Unit Citation
Philippine Liberation Campaign Ribbon with two stars

SKIDMORE married Lois A. Waage of
Pompano Beach, Fla. in 1946. Their only
daughter, Diana, was born in 1950.

~ l04 ~

[picture group in front of airplane - on shore]

VF-29 |

Top row includes: Ens. Frank Wier*, Ens. Stan Death*, Ens. James Gilzeen,
Ens. Bernard Dunn, Ens. Jim VanFleet, Lt. John Thompson*,
Lt. Bruce Jaques, Lt. (jg) Ben Harrison. 11 3

Second row: Lt. Uncase Fretwell, Ens. Robert Janda, Lt. Ed Van Vranken,
Lt. (jg) Walter Bishop*, Lt. (jg) Hubert Copper,
Lt. John Fecke, Ens. Melvin Cozzens, Lt. (jg) John Herb,
Ens. Bob Combs, Ens. John Carney, Lt. Jules McNair, and
Ens. Bob Murray. |

Front row: Ens. Irv Sonner*, Lt. Harry Leslie*, Ens. W. H. Turner*,
Lt. Bud Greenlee, Ens. Robert Williams, Ens. Emeral Cook*,
Commanding Officer, Lt. Bill Eder. I a

(NOTE: Some names are unknown) * Killed in the Pacific Area

~ 105 ~

[picture]

V.T. 29 Groton, Conn June 44
I
First row left to right: Ens. Charles F. Norton, Ens. John Mills*,
Lt. (jg) Howard H. Skidmore, Lt. (jg) James H. Harz,
Lt. William N. Dulaney, Lt. John W. Williams (xo),
Lt. H. McPherson (co), Lt. "Tony" Schulties*,
Lt. (jg) William H. Anderson,
Lt. (jg) John H. Bailantine, Jr., Lt. (jg) John Padberg*,
Ens. Birton E. McMullen, Ens. Phiiiip Trabing*,
Ens. Robert J. Maghan.

Second row left to right: Walter K. Boye AOM2c, Donald C. Washburn AMM2c,
Harold E. Jones ARM3c, Rodergue M. Michard AMM2c,
Joseph P. Haggerty ARM2c, Donald T. Hambidge AMMlc,
Robert F. Smith ACRM, Ens. Stanley D. Tinsley,
Ens. James A. Vashro, Ens. John P. Speidel,
Ens. Donald Lampson, Herbert E. O'Neal ACOM,
Richard Hergert, Armic, Joseph P. Nevin ARM2c,
B. L. Raczynsiz

Third row left to right: J. E. Boland, Joseph W. Fitzgerald AOM2c,
T. J. McHugh, Robert D. Ollom AOM2c, A. J. Julewicz ARM,
J. J. Wagner, R. L. Holloway AOM, William Groepper AOM2c,
Ralph W. Hanlon AOM1c, E. C. Thomas, Larry Surben,
A. R. Paton AOM, Harry P. Kimbail AOMlc,
Danny J. McCarthy ARM1c, Raymond F. Cox Y1c,
George D. Krus ART1c, Winston M. Pierce AMM1c.

* Detached prior to departing NAAF Groton, CT for the West Coast.

[picture]

Eleven Pilots in front of a TBF at NAAF Groton, CT. in June 1944.

Front row left to right:
1. Lt(jg) William H. Anderson
2. Ens. Stanley D. Tinsley
3. Commanding Officer Lieut. Irvin H. McPherson
4. Executive Officer Lieut. John W. Williams
5. Ens. Birton E. McMullen
6. Ens. Charles F. Norton.

Second row left to right:
1. Lt(jg) Howard H. Skidmore
2. Lt(jg) John H. Ballantine, Jr.
3. Ens. Robert J. Maghan
4. Ens. James A. Vashro
5. Ens. Donald Lampson.

~ 106 ~

[ 7 pictures]

Unheard of successful Cat Walk take-off 1 April 1945
Easter Sunday.
Invasion of Okinawa Island.
Pilot Lt. (jg) H.H. Skidmore, crew; D.T. Hambidge, AMM1c;
D.J. McCarthy, ARM1c.

~ 107 ~

[ 2 pictures]

L to R:
Hambige, Donald T., AMM1c, USNR; Skidmore, Howard H. Lt (jg), USNR;
McCarthy, Daniel J. ARM1c, USNR;
(photos in blues taken at NAAF Groton, CT and
in flight gear aboard the Cabot.)

[picture]

Grace Park A/F, Luzon, P.I.

[picture]

TBF after "Cut" "Safe Return"

~ 108 ~

[picture]

Attack on Jap Fleet 29 Mar 45 Kure "Island Sea" Kyushu, Japan.

[picture]

Tachakawa aircraft engine plant southwest of Tokyo, Japan
19 Feb. '45. 1st U.S. Navy strikes on Tokyo.

~ 109 ~

[picture]

(on left) Kimball, McPherson, Hume (on right) Lt. Cdr. McPherson

Skipper VT-29

Lt Cmdr. Irvin H. McPherson, USNR; Kimball, Harry P., AOM1c USNR;
Hume, Robert E. ARM3c, USNR

~ 110 ~

(end chapter 11)
======================
.
CHAPTER TWELVE

HOMWARD BOUND
FOR AN OVERHAUL
April - June 1945

The Cabot was going home now, and all ships
put in bids like an auction for gear the Cabot
would not need for the trip. One of the
destroyers had a four-man band sitting on
5-inch gun turret pouring forth renditions of
"Aloha", "California Here We Come" and
other appropriate tunes. She also had a sign
painted on the bridge, reading something to the
effect, "See us for quick delivery service. We
guarantee speedy delivery of everything from
nuts and bolts to dunked aviators. " (Destroyers
deliver all sorts of gear and personnel to larger
ships.)
The Cabot was detached from Task Group
58.3 and joined Task Unit 58.3.10 under command
of Capt. W. W. SMITH aboard the
Cabot. The Task Unit also included the Hancock,
Haynsworth and Stembel.
The Task Unit steamed to Ulithi Atoll and
was dissolved upon arrival on 11 April. The
Cabot remained at anchor for two days to
replenish food and fuel, and on the 13th, under
control of Commander in Chief, Pacific Fleet
departed for Pearl Harbor with the Hancock
and Franks.
The Cabot was returning to the States for a
much-needed overhaul, but the next day-14
April-the colors were halfmasted in mourning
for President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The Navy
had lost not only their commander in chief, but
also a dear friend since the days he had served
as assistant Secretary of the Navy from 1913 to
1920.
FDR had believed in a strong Navy that could
protect our interests in world affairs. Unfortunately
our country did not share his views
before World War II, and the result was a weak
Navy the Japanese took advantage of at Pearl
Harbor. Upon Roosevelt's death, the Secretary
of the Navy James Forrestal issued this
announcement:
"I have the sad duty of announcing to
the naval service the death of Franklin
Delano Roosevelt, the President of the
United States, which occurred on 12 April.
The world has lost a champion of
democracy who can ill be spared by our
country and the allied cause. The Navy

~ 111 ~

which he so dearly loved can pay no better
tribute to his memory than to carry on in
the tradition of which he was so proud."
"Colors shall be displayed at half mast
for 30 days beginning 0801, 13 April West
longitude date insofar as war operations
permit. Memorial services shall be held on
the day of the funeral to be announced
later at all yards and stations and on board
all vessels of the Navy, war operations
permitting. Wearing of mourning badges and
firing of salvos will be dispensed with, in
view of war conditions."
Divine services were held on the USS Cabot
on Sunday, 15 April 1945 in tribute to
Roosevelt, with Capt. Walton W. SMITH,
Cmdr., David J. WELSH and Lt. Harry A.
FIFIELD, Chaplain presiding.
On 21 April, the Cabot arrived at Pearl Harbor
and moored at Ford Island. CinCPac sent
the following message to her as she came up the
channel, "Welcome to Pearl. Congratulations
upon the completion of a long and arduous tour
of combat duty. Officers and men of the Cabot
may be well proud of their part in pressing the
attack on the enemy."
Lt. Reginald WERRENRATH Jr., USNR,
the Cabot's superb fighter director, was
detached to the Pacific Fleet Radar Center.
In addition that day, the following awards were
presented:
Lt. Cmdr. I. H. McPHERSON, Distinguished Flying Cross
Ens. Franklin BERTELSON, Gold Star in lieu of 2nd Air Medal
Ens. B. D. COMBS, Gold Star in lieu of 2nd Air Medal
Ens. B. DUNN, Gold Star in lieu of 2nd Air Medal
Ens. R. E. MURRAY, Air Medal

The Cabot got underway from Pearl Harbor
on 23 April and set course for San Francisco. At
1100 hours she passed under the Golden Gate
Bridge, and upon arrival at the Naval Air station,
at Alameda. Calif. and was serenaded by
a Navy Band. Her former skipper Commodore
S. J. MICHAEL, now commandant of the air
station was on the dock to meet and welcome
her home.
Air Group 29 disembarked with a record
equal to the famous Air Group 31, and later
was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation
along with the ship.
Half of the ship's company were granted a
much-deserved leave of 20 days, and when they
returned, the other half departed on theirs.
Due to their experience, hundreds of the now -
expert battle - trained crew were transferred to
other billets to lend their expertise to new ships.
To fill the void, hundreds of new men - mostly
untested in battle - were ordered to the Cabot
from the giant U.S. Naval Training and
Distribution Center at Shoemaker, Calif.
Among the hundreds reporting on board in
May were W. J. TOBORG, S2c(RdM), D. C.
DeDECKER, F2c and J. E. HUDSON, S2c(Y)
going to sea for the first time. Cmdr. Albert O.
VORSE Jr. reported aboard as air officer.
A few of the old salts transferred off were: R.
A. ALBRECHT, GM3c; Bruce W. ARLISS,
Slc; C. L. MACKARAVITZ, Slc; K. M.
DeFERRAI, RdMlc; R. E. MERRICK,
AMM3c; E. S. LOBODA, AMM3c; J. GODFREY, ACMM;
R. CESINO, AOM3c; F. E. DUDLEY, AOMlc and
T. W. D'ANGELO, AOM3c.
Lt. R. A. NEWCOMB was detached to
report to the USS Tuscaloosa (CA 37), and Lt.
P. J. MUELLER and Lt. J. M. WOSIK were
detached for assignment by the Bureau of Naval
Personnel.
The carrier underwent a Navy yard overhaul
at the U.S. naval drydocks at Hunters Point,
Calif. from 30 April to 20 June. Navy yard
workmen labored 'round the clock with as
many as 900 civilian employees aboard at one
time. The Cabot was needed quickly for the
invasion of Japan as soon as Okinawa could be
secured, so time was of short essence.
In the overhaul, the ship received a second
catapult and the radar was changed from SK to
SK-2. Meanwhile, dozens of schools were attended
by the crew such as fire fighters,
photography, rockets, gunnery with emphasis
on 20mm and 40mm, gun direction, oxygen
transfer equipment, and others. From the lowly

~ 112 ~

seaman to the experienced officers, schools like
these made us far better trained than our enemy
in all phases of carrier warfare.
The Cabot was a good ship, but after being at
sea for so many months, it was time for the men
to let loose. Admiral Halsey once said, "I don't
trust a sailor who doesn't smoke or drink."
Certainly, Halsey could have trusted these boys
in San Francisco, as many were returned to ship
as drunk and disorderly, possession of liquor,
AWOL from a few minutes to a few days, and
so on.
It was tough, though, for crewmen under 21,
the legal drinking age in California. Many
sailors were in their teens, so date of birth on ID
cards were altered. A good alteration job
bought a drink, but a bad one brought you back
by the Shore Patrol.
Ray E. BROWNLEE, PRlc of Air Group 31,
managed to save a memo passed to all hands on
20 June. It read:
"1. On Sunday, 24 June 1945, the S. S.
Ernie Pyle will be christened in honor of
our late shipmate. A plaque will be
presented to the new ship by a represen-
tative group from the Cabot, honoring Ernie
who referred to the Cabot as 'My
carrier.'
"2. Members of the crew have recommended
that a collection be taken up from
the crew at the pay line today and from the
officers in the wardroom fro the purchase
of a present to be selected by a committee
and presented to the crew of the Ernie Pyle
from officers and crew of the Cabot, in
honor of our late good friend.
"3. Indications are that the battle record
of the Cabot will be officially released in
order to give nationwide publicity to this
event.
"4. The collection will be strictly on a
voluntary basis."
D. J. WELSH, Cmdr. USN
Executive Officer

~ 113 ~

(end of chapter 12)
==============================
.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN

BACK IN ACTION
AND THE YELLOW
SEA OPERATION

On 21 June, the Cabot got underway for post
repair Trials off San Francisco, returning to port
at the Alameda Air Station the 22nd. She remained
at Alameda until 27 June. The next day,
passengers and aircraft were loaded and the carrier
was underway for Pearl Harbor under
orders of the Commander, Western Sea Frontier.
On 28 June, we passed into international
waters al 1450 hours.
The ship entered Pearl Harbor on 4 July and
reported to ComAirPac, but a decision was
made to drydock the ship. A leak in one of the
compartments was detected, and to make
repairs, all passengers disembarked and the
aircraft unloaded.
On 11 July, Air Group 32 reported aboard
for duty, and the next day, the Cabot joined
Task Group 19.5 for training off Hawaii.
Exercises were completed on 13 July, and the Cabot
returned to Pearl Harbor and remained there
until the 23rd.
Cabot joined Task Group 12.3 under command
of Capt. W. L. MOSES, and she got
underway to proceed to Eniwetok Atoll, Marshall
Islands. AA practice, radar calibration
exercises and flight operations were conducted on
the trip.
Leaving Pearl Harbor on 24 July to invade
Japan, we all felt many of us would never
return home. We realized the Japanese had
thousands of kamikaze planes reserved to defend
their homeland, and as a fast carrier,
Cabot was a prime target.
We left with the USS Pennsylvania (BB 38)
heading west. Our companion ship was to be
the last major vessel to receive extensive damage
in the war. Pennsylvania was hit by a torpedo
killing 20 men and wounding the admiral on 12
Aug. in Buckner Bay. (It was named for Gen.
Simon B. Buckner, who was killed by an enemy
shell on Okinawa.)
We were enroute to Eniwetok when VF 11
crashed 26 July into the water. However, pilot
R. T. BARBOR was rescued. At 0614 hours 28
July, the Cabot crossed the International Date
Line at Latitude 19� 19.3' northwestward
bound. We newcomers were now entitled to the
unofficial certificate, "Domain of the Golden

~ 115 ~

Dragon".
On 1 Aug., Air Group 32 hit Wake Island.
This would be the last action by the Cabot
against the enemy. We were promised a battle
star for this action, but none was forthcoming
and none was deserved.
After America lost Wake early in the war, we
never tried to retake it. The island had become a
favorite target for every ship returning from
Pearl Harbor back to the war zone, and it is
believed that's why we did not retake Wake.
Even so, forces on the island could fight back,
as the USS Cowpens lost a pilot in an attack
there a few months before we passed by.
At about this time, the Zippo Lighter Company
sent the Cabot's crew hundreds of their
famous lighters inscribed, "In memory Ernie
Pyle 1945". These became keepsakes for the
men receiving them.
It seems the owner of the Zippo company had
become a good friend of PYLE through correspondence
because Ernie spoke so highly of
the lighter that "would not go out in the wind."
Zippo periodically sent lighters to soldiers in
Europe per Ernie's request, and perhaps PYLE
asked for these lighters to be sent to the Cabot
since he had a great fondness for the ship.
After leaving the States, the following personnel
changes were made as the ship's log
records:
"18 June-C. A. RUSSELL, CPhM, USN
was transferred to receiving ship, San Francisco.
"25 June-Cmdr. H. W. DUSINBERRE
relieved Cmdr. D. B. CANDLER as navigation officer.
"10 July-D. L. CAMPMAN, CY(T) USN reported on board.
"21 July-J. W. ADAMSON, ACMM reported on board.
Ens. A. G. MAYER reported aboard as relief for
Ens. R. D. EDWARDS.
"23 July-Frank MILANE, Ylc, USN
reported aboard for duty. James BAGLANIS,
GMlc reported on board for duty."

At 1415 hours, 15 Aug. 1945, the Cabot
received a dispatch from the Commander in
Chief, Pacific Fleet, Admiral Chester Nimitz to
cease offensive operations against Japan. The
War Was Over! ! The news was joyfully received
by everyone. Those who had seen battle had no
desire to see more, and those who had not seen
action had heard enough to make them content
not to see any.
Said Fleet Admiral Ernest J. King of the surrender:
"Never before in the history of war had there
been a more convincing example of the effectiveness
of sea power than when a well-armed,
highly efficient and undefeated army of over a
million men surrendered their homeland
unconditionally to the invader without even token
resistance."

THE WAR WAS OVER!!

In a Pacific Fleet communique #252109 dated
25 Aug:
"Powerful forces of the U.S. Pacific
Fleet have been assembling in waters off
the coast of Japan for operation in connection
with the forthcoming occupation of Japan.
The naval forces scheduled to enter
Japanese waters in the first stage of
the naval occupation of the Tokyo area of
the enemy home islands are under the
operational control of Admiral William F.
Halsey, Commander U.S. 3rd Fleet in his
flagship, the USS Missouri (BB 63). These
forces and those in immediate support include
the following ships: 12 battleships, 16 fast
carriers (including the USS Cabot); 16 escort
carriers, 20 cruisers, 91 destroyers, 24 destroyer
escorts, 35 tankers, 10 fast transports, four
transports, three cargo ships, eight ammunition
ships, seven fast minesweepers, five seaplane
tenders, six minesweepers, three hospital ships
and other auxiliary ships."
However, the problems in North China
prevented the Cabot from participating in the
surrender ceremony. It was held on 2 Sept.
while the Cabot was steaming for the Yellow
Sea. Even before World War II broke out, there
had been a civil war in China between the Nationalists
led by Chaing Kai-Shek and Communists under
Mao Tse-tung. But when the Japanese invaded China,
the two factions had a

~ 117 ~

common enemy [o fight.
As the Emperor of Japan commanded his
troops to surrender, the Communists wanted to
accept it since they were nearer the Japanese;
troops. Gen. MacArthur gave the order that the
enemy troops were to surrender to officials of
Chaing Kai-shek, however. But, representatives
of Chaing, who were in southern China, needed
time to reach the north. Meanwhile, unrest
among the Red troops resulted.
U. S. Marines and a task force of carriers
were ordered to keep the peace until MacArthur's
orders could be carried out. The Marines
landed, and the Cabot provided air cover until
the situation was under control.
The morning of 16 Sept., all ships in Buckner
Bay steamed out to sea to avoid a typhoon
approaching the island. The Cabot was buttoned
up tightly, and everything movable was firmly
secured to the deck. The carrier began to roll
heavily. Several times she rolled to 38 degrees,
and everyone aboard worried for the safety of
the ship and themselves. She was caught in a
heavy swell, rolling to 38 degrees when the sea
filled gun sponsons on the starboard side and;
white smoke poured from the stacks.
T. H. HANNA, Slc, was on watch on the
lower signal platform when the water washed
him into the sea. Smoke floats and life rings
were dropped over the side immediately, and a
voice radio message was sent to the group
commander about the man overboard. The Cabot
also asked for a course change since she was
rolling more dangerously each time.
(The author was in CIC when news broke
that a man was overboard. The scuttlebutt was
that HANNA could not swim.)
A half an hour later, the USS Ordronaux
(DD 617) sighted a man in the water and shortly
afterward, retrieved him. By voice radio, she
informed the Cabot that the man was HANNA.
Returning to ship, HANNA told his story.
He was unaware that he was overboard until he
had been in the water a few minutes, because he
was tossed around by the ocean and was a little
dazed. He removed his clothing to better stay
afloat, and not being a swimmer at all, he
quickly learned how to tread water.
A life ring close by gave him something to
hold onto. Tearing open the package of dye
which makes the sea around yellowish, HANNA
waited and said all the prayers he had ever
learned. The first thing he knew, he had his feet
on a deck again. If there are miracles in this age,
this was surely one, for the sea was violent and
visibility very poor.
Much to the relief of everyone, the wind and
waves abated on the second day, and the Cabot
returned to Buckner Bay.
Departing from Okinawa on 27 Sept., Task
Force 72 steamed back into the Yellow Sea to
support further landings in the area. A show of
force was made over Shanghai the 28th and
over Tsingtao the 29th.
Proceeding into the Gulf of Pohai, the Task
Force gave air cover for occupation forces going
inland from Taku to Tientsin and Peiping
on 30 Sept. and 1 Oct. Flights were made between
Ching Wan Tao and Tang Shan, where
trouble had arisen with Chinese Communists
and where a great number of Japanese troops
were assembled.
The Task Group anchored in the Gulf from S
to 8 Oct., and sent flights over Tsingtao the next
day in preparations for landings set there. Landings
were delayed one day, however, due to an
approaching typhoon. News was also received
that considerable damage was done on Okinawa
by the weather.
The Cabot's aircraft covered the area from
Tsingtao to Chefoo through 15 Oct., being
prepared to take any action necessary to protect
the Marine landings.
The Yellow Sea operations had no enemy opposition,
but the sea was full of floating mines,
presumably broken loose in the bad weather.
Task Force 72 encountered mines daily, and on
one day alone, 34 were destroyed by gunfire
from screening destroyers.
Right after the Japanese surrender, dozens of
minesweepers went to work in all the bays and
harbors around Japan. Apparently hundreds
had been cut loose and floated into the Yellow Sea.
Bill MEIER, Slc was on lookout one day
when the sea was up, and he saw a mine on top

~ 117 ~

of a wave ready to crash into the Cabot. By
some stroke of luck, it missed, and the
destroyers were dispatched to blow it up.
Joining Task Group 72. 1, the Cabot set
course for Guam. She had been ordered to
report to Commander, Marianas Islands upon
arrival and receive passengers for the East
Coast. That news was happily received; to be
going home was truly something to celebrate.
Cabot arrived in Guam on 21 Oct., was
detached from Task Group 72.1, and reported
to "ComMarianas".
Liberty was granted various sections of the
crew at the recreation area of Gab Gab, Guam's
answer to Mog Mog, where enlisted men got
two hot beers and officers had a choice of
scotch or bourbon. Hundreds of men who had
their points were transported back to the US via
the Cabot or "Magic Carpet" as it was called.
The carrier steamed out of Apra Harbor,
Guam on 24 Oct. enroute to Pearl Harbor and
moored there on 1 Nov. She was out again on 3
Nov. for San Diego, where she arrived the 9th.
All passengers were transferred off and the
carrier got underway the 1 5th for Balboa, Canal
Zone and moored 23 Nov. A short leave was
granted the crew at Balboa, which catered to the
pleasures of sea-faring men. There were many
bars and a red-light district. Some visited the
famous Villa Amour (House of Love) while
others went to a section called Coconut Grove.
The men reported back on board with a few
more tatoos and the Cabot passed the six locks
in seven hours enroute to Philadelphia.
On 26 Nov., Haiti was sighted, then San
Salvador Islands on the 27th. A full power run
was made the 29th-31.6 knots (about 36 m.p.h.),
which is the fastest speed recorded for a CVL.
The carrier anchored in Delaware Bay and
moored in the Navy Yard on 3 Dec. Hundreds
of crewmen had their "points" for discharge
and were sent to separation centers.
Here, dozens of ships were placed in
mothballs, a naval term for preserving them until
needed. The Cabot's preservation was completed
in April 1946 and she was placed "In
commission, in reserve, Philadelphia Group,
16th Fleet." She was part of the "zipperfleet"
for two years and six months, and then she was
recalled for active service.
The Cabot was unzipped and recommissioned
on Navy Day, 27 Oct. 1948 with a
formal ceremony. Two of her former captains
were guests at the occasion - Rear Admiral
Malcolm F. SCHOEFFEL and Rear Admiral
Walton W. SMITH, with the new Commanding
Officer, Capt. John W. KING.
Thus, the Cabot was the first fast carrier to
be mothballed and the first unzipped. Like all
else concerning the famous ship, the preservation
was a success as she was able to continue
her career as a member of the world's greatest Navy.
Preserving a ship such as the Cabot had taken
several steps. Those unfamiliar with such vessels
don't realize that most of her vital organs are
below water level, so the basic task is to keep
damp, salt air out of these labyrinths and out of
all but the open topside decks. The goal is to
cork the ship airtight, and then circulate
comparatively dry air through the ship.
Like the circulatory system of the human
body, ships such as the Cabot have fire - fighting
water mains threading throughout. Water is
removed from these mains, outlets and intake
vents are cut in, air conditioning plants hooked
up, and the ship is allowed to "breathe" dry
and safe.
This is only the beginning, though. Every
piece of machinery must be coated with preservative,
each lead in the electrical system decommissioned
and tagged with instructions for
quick restoration, every exposed deck gun sealed
in an moistureproof igloo, and so on.

~ 118 ~
[map]

Map of China and Yellow Sea.
Operating Area of he Cabot in
September 1945.

[picture]

While deployed in the Yellow Sea in October and November 1945,
these shots were taken from Cabot's Planes.
Above: The Great Wall of China.

~ 119 ~

[picture]

Aerial photos of Shanghai (top) and Peiking (bottom)
taken by Cabot's Photo plane in 1945.

[picture]

~ 120 ~

(end of chapter 13)