Final Days of May (May 1945)

On Radar Picket Station #15 our Captain Harry McElwain was cool, calm, intelligent, capable and resolute under attack. We weren’t the first to see those characteristics or he wouldn’t be commanding a destroyer at barely 28-years old. We are, indeed, fortunate to have him as our skipper.

Word has reached us that yesterday the Japs made a Kamikaze attack on Yontan Air Field. They used twelve “Sally” bombers (Army twin-engine bomber with a crew of seven) that carried 136 Paratroopers. The troops bailed-out over Yontan and ran directly to the parked U. S. aircraft and ammunition dumps, hurling phosphorous bombs and hand grenades. We lost two men and another eighteen were wounded before the raiders were either killed, wounded or captured. The raid destroyed seven parked U.S. planes and seventy thousand gallons of aviation gasoline. Four of the planes carrying suicide raiders were shot down. The Japs had 112 men dead on the ground.

We went to G.Q. at 0330 on May 25th with 30 Bogies in the area, but secured from G.Q. at 0405 and got underway to take on fuel after daybreak. When fueling was completed we were directed to go alongside a munitions ship to replenish our ammunition. While we were taking on ammunition, G.Q. was sounded and the FOOTE immediately cast off and moved away .-..there was a large group of Bogies in the area at 0900. We did not fire. At 1040 the Bogies had cleared the area and we were back alongside the munitions ship to finish replenishment. All hands, regardless of rate, were working at a furious pace to get away from the ammunition ship - some of the crew had not worked so hard and fast in their life - we finished and cast off all lines at 1330. That was a long three hours. There have been over 300 Bogies in the area since midnight. Fifty-four Jap planes have been “splashed” since 0100 - business is definitely picking up and being tied up to a munitions ship is not the place to be.

The USS STORMES (DD-780) that relieved us yesterday on Radar Picket Station #15 was hit at 0905. A Kamikaze crashed into their torpedo mount and a bomb the plane was carrying exploded in the magazine under her No. 3 5-inch gun mount. The crew fought fire and flooding until noon before they were confident they could save the ship. Twenty-one members of the crew were killed and 20 injured. A bit earlier and that could have been the FOOTE. And, to think, the STORMES only arrived at Okinawa on May 23rd and was hit less than 48-hours after arriving from Pearl Harbor in company with the cruiser USS LOUISVILLE (CA-28).

During the STORMES saga Radar Picket Station #5 shot down a “ Betty” bomber carrying an OKA (Called “ Baka” by the U.S. Navy - that is Japanese for “stupid”) strapped under a two-engine bomber. The OKA (Baka) is a human piloted suicide bomb, rocket-propelled, launched from underneath a “Betty” bomber. They have a warhead with 1,190-lbs. of high explosive and a speed up to 600 MPH. Range is about 15-miles. Once it is released by the “Betty” it is hard to defend against, but they are not very accurate - may be having trouble getting good pilots.
This turns out to be one of the big efforts by Japan against the invading forces. May 24-25 recorded 492 Jap planes of all types attacked the forces around and at Okinawa.

This was one of Japan’s massive attacks they called “Floating Chrysanthemums”. The final score in ships for May 24-25 was USS BATES (APD-47) and LSM-135, sunk - the USS GUEST (DD-472), USS WILLIAM C. COLE (DE-641), USS BUTLER (DMS-29), USS SPECTACLE (AM-305), USS BARRY (APD-29), USS O’NEILL (DE-188), USS STORMES (DD-780), USS ROPER (APD-20), USS FORREST (DMS-24) and PC-1603 damaged by Kamikaze. The LSM-135 had picked up the survivors from BATES when she was sunk. Those stark statistics for two days are grim evidence of the savagery of the war being waged at Okinawa. The carnage goes on and at 1500 extremely heavy rains begin. I feel sorry for the “grunts” fighting in the mud on the island
The FOOTE reported to Commander Task Group 51.5 for duty in the transport anti-aircraft screen. We took station in the transport screen in company with USS WATTS (DD-567), USS PUTMAN (DD-757), USS WREN (DD-568) and USS DYSON (DD-572). There was a short G.Q. at 1905, and then---sleep.

We went to morning G.Q. on the 26th in the rain. It had rained all night - very hard - monsoon kind of weather. No Bogies in the area - no G.Q. all night - our sleep was only interrupted by the watch we stood. After some very valuable sleep, we get mail - called “sugar reports” by those with “candy legs”.. We got underway at 1549 to join the transport anti-aircraft screen again. The USS PUTMAN (DD-757) is O.T.C. (Officer in Tactical Command). We are in company USS PUTMAN (DD-757), USS WATTS (DD-567), USS DYSON (DD-572), USS MASSEY (DD-778), USS AULICK (DD-569) and USS BAUER (DM-26). At 2025 all the screening ships returned to Hagushi Anchorage and we dropped the hook in Berth H-119.

The Battleships and Cruisers continue their relentless shelling of the island. This has been going on for almost two months. In addition, when the weather permits, there is a steady low level bombing by our planes plus the battering by our artillery ashore. I don’t see how anyone could survive this pounding.

On the morning of the 27th we get underway at 0702 when enemy aircraft approach the anchorage. Our assignment has been changed to another anti-aircraft screening station about 30-miles south of “Point Bolo” (Point of reference on Okinawa. Everything is referred to “Bolo”). The O.T.C. is in USS FULLAM (DD-474).

As part of the ongoing general attack on Okinawa one hundred seventy-five planes took off from Japan on the 27th (Navy Day in Japan) and headed for the Radar Picket Stations. In an effort to cope more effectively with suicide attacks the Navy had established sixteen Radar Picket Stations, normally manned by three destroyers each, around Okinawa to cover the more probable approaches of Jap aircraft. Some of the best Fighter Directors were assigned to the R.P. Stations to control the C.A.P., directing them out to intercept incoming Bogies. As the suicide campaign developed in intensity, it was necessary to assign small craft to each location that steamed at a safe distance, to provide assistance when the destroyers were hit. The destroyer crews called them the “Little Boys” or “Pallbearers”. The destroyer pickets were stationed at distances up to about 75-miles from point “Bolo” on Okinawa. Pickets patrolled at 12-15 knots, reversing course ever 30-minutes and they maintained continuous radar, visual air and surface searches and were inclined to shoot at all unidentified aircraft that approached within 10,000-yards range. The picket stations were the first ships the Japs saw on their way to Okinawa and they usually attacked them with a fury.

The USS BRAINE (DD-630) (Little Beaver) and USS ANTHONY (DD-515), on R.P. Station #5, had fought off both suicide planes and OKA (Baka) successful on the 25th, when they came under concentrated attack. But, today, without C.A.P. cover, because of foul weather, the two gallant ships had to fight it out alone. They shot down two planes before a third crashed into the BRAINE, demolishing the Wardroom and seriously damaging the bridge. Immediately a fourth plane, which had been orbiting in front of the ANTHONY, dove on the crippled BRAINE and hit by gunfire, splashed fifty feet from the ship. The BRAINE was almost immediately hit by a second suicide plane that blew the No. 2 stack overboard and demolished the amidships superstructure. She was dead in the water and two LCSs (“Pallbearers”) moved in to give assistance. Another “Little Beaver” is out of action with 50 dead and 78 wounded.

“ACADEMY” began reporting Bogies in the area of Hagushi Anchorage and CTG-51.5 directed the FOOTE to proceed at full speed to reinforce the transport anti-aircraft screen there - so, we go directly to the Jig-line at Okinawa - arriving about dusk. We went to G.Q. at 1900 with a heavy overcast and occasional rain. At 2030 we leave the Jig-line and move in and anchor on the edge of the transport area. We set a modified condition watch at 2300 with one-half of all guns manned. Bogies are still in the area - looking and probing - then “ACADEMY” calls for smoke. It’s hard to say which is worse - being out in the clear where it’s possible to use the guns or in smoke where all you can do is strain your eyes and ears. Our radar is useless for anything close - too much geography and too many close ships. It is a peculiar feeling to hear an aircraft you know is enemy, but not be able to see it. Seventeen Jap planes were shot down today - nine by the C.A.P. and eight by ships. That does not include the planes the Japs lost by flying into ships.

At 0000 on May 28th all Fifth Fleet Task Forces are reassigned to the Third Fleet. The first second of this day the FOOTE becomes part of the Third Fleet - the Fifth Fleet no longer exists. The administrative commanders remain the same, but Admiral William F. Halsey, USN, is ComThrdFlt with USS MISSOURI (BB-63) as his flagship. The FOOTE is assigned to Task Force Thirty-one (CTF-31 is Vice Admiral H. A. Hill, USN) Task Group Thirty-one point Two Five (CTG-31.25 is Rear Admiral L. F. Reifsnider, USN) and Task Unit 31.25.3 (CTU 31.25.3 is Captain T. B. Dugan, USN, ComDesRon-23 with USS CHARLES AUSBURNE (DD-570) as his flagship).

We are still standing port and starboard watch in the transport anchorage screen. Radio traffic indicates Radar Picket Station #15 and #16 are catching hell. We went to G.Q. at 0455 with enemy planes approaching the transport area. One of the other destroyers shot down one Bogie at 0509. The FOOTE was ordered to get underway at 0636 and proceed to Nakagusuku Wan to rendezvous with the USS FORREST (DMS-24) that had been damaged by a suicide attack. We were to escort the FORREST to Kerama Retto (Wiseman’s Cove). We made rendezvous with the FORREST at 1245. It was reported that the FORREST was attacked by three Kamikaze - they shot down two, but the third crashed into her starboard side at the waterline. She was heavily damaged, but was able to make way. She had six dead and thirteen wounded. When we saw her, it was obvious that the war had ended for this gallant ship as it had for her sister, USS BUTLER (DMS-29), two days ago.

We arrived in Kerama Retto with the FORREST at 1810. The Keramas are a small group of islands located a few miles southwest of Hagushi Anchorage, near the southern end of Okinawa. These islands were taken from the Japs on March 27, 1945, a few days prior to the invasion of Okinawa. U.S. invading forces captured or destroyed over 300 Jap suicide boats when they captured the islands. Kerama Retto is uniquely positioned and an excellent natural harbor for auxiliary and fleet repair ships. There are ships of ever conceivable type in the protected inner harbor - repair ships, tenders, oilers, munition ships, transports, sea-plane tenders, and auxiliary vessels. But, most dramatic of all, it is a graveyard for fighting ships. As you enter the harbor there are ghostly hulks of ships with burnt, twisted, mangled steel remains - once proud destroyers, tied up in nest at tenders. Some were still floating that, logically, should have been at the bottom of the sea. This is the grim evidence of a nation that uses suicide as a national war policy.

As we escorted the FORREST into the inner harbor we ran into intermittent clouds of smoke, laid down to shield the anchored ships from suicide attack. We found our assigned anchorage at 1854 - in this sheltered place - in this place of sanctuary.

Word reaches us that the USS DREXLER (DD-741) on Radar Picket Station #15 has been sunk. She and the USS LOWRY (DD-770) were attacked by six “Frances II” (Twin engine bombers). Although they were able to shoot down four of the six - two crashed into the DREXLER. The first plane crashed into the after Fire Room at the waterline on the starboard side. They were dead in the water, with decks ablaze, when she was hit by a second bomber on the port side at the base of the number two stack. There was a tremendous explosion and the ship rolled over on her starboard side and sank, stern first - it had been 49-seconds since the second hit. Her station was marked by floating debris - cans, mattresses, life jackets, insulation, boxes, etc. - all covered in fuel oil. Two thirds of the crew was dead, missing or wounded.

We go to G.Q. at 2025 when the area is declared CONDITION RED . Due to vagaries of the wind, the smoke over Wiseman’s Cove leaves the FOOTE in a hole about 600-yards in diameter - just like a “bulls-eye”. One raid gets in as close as 2,000-yards. All ships in the anchorage are ordered not to fire - they will let the C.A.P. take care of the Bogies. Fifty-four Bogies have been splashed in the past 24-hours.

We enter the 29th anchored as before, but at 0912 we get orders from CTU-31.25.3 to weigh anchor and go alongside an oiler to take on fuel. All unit commanders try to keep their destroyers “topped off” with fuel so there will be no delay if a quick sortie is necessary. When fueling was complete at 1105 we anchored in Berth K-12 and spend most of the afternoon taking on stores from small boats alongside.

The rain started in mid-afternoon - no wind, just steady rain. It is decided Condition Affirm (Port & Starboard Watch) is no longer necessary and we go to Condition II, Mike. All ships go to G.Q. in the early evening when enemy aircraft approached the area - they were intercepted by the C.A.P. before they reached the anchorage.

On May 30th we weighed anchor and got underway at 0951 in company with USS CHARLES AUSBURNE (DD-570), USS EDMONDS (DE-406) and USS CONVERSE (DD-509) and made way to the Hagushi Anchorage, Okinawa Gunta. We anchored at 1205 in Berth H-168 among a lot of loaded LSTs, so it looks like some of the rumors about us taking part in another landing may be true. Rumor has it that we will invade a small island to establish some shore based radar to relieve the Picket Stations that have been taking such a beating offshore. I’ll vote for that. We went to G.Q. again at 1420 - and the rains came.

It’s official, at 1610 - in accordance with OpOrder (Operational Order) A408-45 Task Group 31.25 will support the landing and occupation of Iheya Retto and Aguni Shima. There are about 50 small craft LSTs (Landing Ship Tank), LCIs (Landing Craft Infantry), and LCM (Landing Craft Mechanized) in the invasion force - five Destroyers and four Destroyer Escorts will support the effort. They must not expect too much opposition.

We weigh anchor at 1242 on May 31st and get underway to, once again, top-off our fuel tanks, at sea, from the USS CACHE (AO-67). When we completed fueling we returned to Hagushi Anchorage and rejoined our invasion group at 1545. At 2340 we get underway in company with Task Group 31.25 - it is a pitch black night and so calm you have to look over the side at the phosphorescence to be sure we are moving. The sea was as smooth as glass. About three hours later we turn back because of heavy fog - visibility is almost zero - and at daybreak our little invasion force is back in Hagushi Anchorage. Just another night with no sleep.

It has been two months since “Love Day” - Easter Sunday - April Fools Day - invasion day at Okinawa. Rumor has it that things will be secure on the island in another two weeks. It seems strange sitting here with that bloody land battle only a matter of some hundreds of yards away - visible through the optics in the Main Battery Director - maybe tomorrow we go invading - who knows?
(USS FOOTE Deck Log, USS FOOTE War Diary, USS FOOTE General Action Report and Gene Schnaubelt)

Radar Picket Station #15

May 1945

The Japanese strategy at Okinawa was two-pronged. While the U.S. troops were stalemated on land, Japanese air attacks were to destroy the fleet offshore, wiping out their air support, eliminating their reinforcements and isolating the ground troops to die assaulting impossible fortifications on the island.

The Japanese air defense of Okinawa was designed around the concept that they introduced earlier at Leyte Gulf in the Philippines - the Kamikaze. Named for the “Divine Wind” typhoon that destroyed the 13th century fleet of Kubla Khan who failed in an invasion attempt of Japan.

The contemporary Kamikaze is any airplane used as a suicide weapon. They were manned by volunteers in the earlier days of Okinawa and partly by draftees now. Some of the pilots are given scant training and a few are little more than boys. All are honored before their mission with rituals praising them for embodying the superior Japanese spirit that their leaders tell them will bring victory over the material superiority of the United States. The planes they fly range from the twin-engine “ Betty” bomber to single engine trainers and includes everything in between. Most are packed with explosives.

On May 20th when we secured from sunrise G.Q. on Radar Picket Station #15 it was a beautiful cool morning with good visibility and no Bogies in our area. In destroyer life on a Radar Picket Station the percentages that normally apply to time spent in working, eating and sleeping suffers a considerable upset. Work is never ending - sleep is a luxury that you clutch at odd times and hours - food is a source of conjecture, reminiscence and planning for the future. You can loose weight on a R.P. Station.

Word from the Radio Shack reports big B-29 raids over Japan. We will probably catch hell tonight. Things are relatively uneventful on our “turn about” patrol for the afternoon, but Bogie raids began to show up on the radar screen at 1830 when the Captain told the O.D. (Officer of the Deck) to “Go to General Quarters!” At the sound of G.Q. Captain McElwain announced to the O.D., “I relieve you, sir. Left full rudder; all ahead full. Tell the Engine Room to light off the other two boilers and be ready for maximum speed. Tell all stations - all hands topside are aircraft lookouts. Be alert. Stand by for an air attack.” The usual reports came in very short and crisp - “Main Battery manned and ready - Secondary Battery manned and ready - Depth Charges set on safe”. But, none of the Bogies approached us close enough to open fire. By midnight there had been five different raids, but only a few Bogies crossed our area.

Messages coming into the Radio Shack report one DE (Destroyer Escort) shot down three Kamikazes. One destroyer reported a hit by a Baka Bomb (A flying rocket propelled manned explosive projectile with a 15-ft. wing span) launched from underneath a twin engine “Betty” bomber. Another destroyer had her SC Radar clipped off by a Kamikaze and not far from us on another Picket Station one of the “Little Beavers” is hit. The USS THATCHER (DD-514) is hit at 1923 by a Kamikaze, believed to be an “Oscar” (Dive Bomber). She was hit on the starboard side at the boat davits. Reports are all power and control is lost on the bridge. The C.I.C. (Combat Information Center) and the Radar Transmitter Rooms are demolished. Fire Control Plot and the Emergency Diesel Room are inoperative. The forward Fire Room is flooding. The full extent of the damage and casualties has not been determined. The USS BOYD (DD-544) and USS PAVLIC (APD-70) are alongside to assist in fire fighting and helping with casualties. Maybe the Radio Shack will have more information tomorrow.

We pass midnight without firing a shot. The C.A.P. (Combat Air Patrol) shot down six planes - picket ships got nine for a total of 15 planes shot down so far tonight. I wonder how many B-29’s we lost.

It is very cloudy this morning - feels like rain. May 21st is now 5-hours and 38-minutes old as we go to G.Q. If the next 24-hours goes the same as the last, the war will be one day nearer being over, the ship will be one day closer to home. Our fate is in the hands of the Gods and the Japanese Air Force. Let the day begin.

Everyone aboard is talking about our Squadron Mate, the THATCHER. By mid-morning the Radio Shack had some more information. She made it to Kerama Retto anchorage (Wiseman’s Cove) under her own power. She has 14 dead and 53 wounded.

The rain squalls begin showing up on Radar - maybe this will keep the Japs at home. At 1345 “ DELEGATION” (Radar Picket Control Ship) shifted R.P. Station #15 slightly, to another location - guess too many Kamikaze are missing our area. Our new location is on a bearing of Zero True Degrees from Misaki Point, Okinawa Gunto (Code Name is Point Bolo) - distance 40-miles. One of our support ships (Small Boys) the PGM was relieved by an LCS (Landing Craft Support). These small craft are so numerous in the Navy they are not graced by a proper name, but are going through the war in a welter of initials - PGM, LCS, LCI, LSMP, etc. The “Small Boys” have a very practical value on the Radar Picket Station. When a destroyer is hit and communication is knocked out, they are close enough to report to “DELIGATE” what happened. They are far enough away to keep out of the way if the Big Boys (Destroyers) mix it up with the Kamikaze, but close enough to pick up survivors if a destroyer goes down. In the darkness of night, besides the other picket destroyers, they are the only friendly blips on the SC Radar screen - in reality they are the “picker uppers”. Stick around “Small Boys” we may need you.

Raids start about 1700 and we go to G.Q. It’s pretty miserable topside with intermitting rain. The USS BRADFORD (DD-545) joined our formation at 1820 and will relieve the USS WADSWORTH (DD-516) tomorrow morning. We are certainly glad to have the extra ship on station with us. Another night passes on R.P. Station #15 without firing a shot.

On May 22 when dawn breaks the seas are very rough with light rain covering the entire area. The bad weather is a plus for us, but bad for the troops on Okinawa. We are north of Okinawa near Ieheya Shima and Amami Islands and most of the raids seem to be passing on the opposite side of the islands from our patrol station. Raids started at 2200 and approached into gun range of the MASSEY and BRADFORD up ahead and when they opened fire the one plane raid reversed its course and retired. Several planes come close to us, but the rain squalls seem to be protecting us. The rain has all exposed personnel shaking from the cold - especially when we turn into the wind.

We stay at G.Q. with Bogies in the area from 2200 until 0210. Everyone is very tired. Tokyo was hit by 550 B-29 Superforts today.

We enter May 23rd at G.Q. steaming as before in company with the MASSEY and BRADFORD with the “Small Boys” in the distance on the port quarter. Our three destroyers are steaming in column at 1200 yards distance with the FOOTE on Station #3. We are using courses 045 Degrees True and 225 Degrees True; reversing course ever half hour. Our “Small Boys” are four LCSs on station four miles to the southeast, generally using the same steaming pattern. It’s good to know they are there, but a bit disconcerting to realize it’s necessary to have them.. All boilers are on the line - there are Bogies in the vicinity, closing. The three destroyers increased their speed to 35-knots - Bogies approaching the formation from the port bow - MASSEY and BRADFORD open fire at 0017 - no observed hits - Bogies retire. At 0130 the SC Radar is clear, so we reduce speed to 12-knots, secure from G.Q., set Condition II Mike, material Condition Baker and notified the Boiler Rooms to let the fires die out under boilers #2 and #4.

We went to morning G.Q at 0508 - tough on the 12 to 4 watch - observed sunrise at 0538. It’s very bad weather today - cloudy, windy and cold with choppy seas. The crew was mustered on station - no absentees. Stood down from morning G.Q. at 0608. Gunners Mates made daily inspection of magazines and checked smokeless powder samples - conditions normal. Fire Controlmen checked all firing circuits - no faults.

Things are relatively quiet during daylight hours and the off watch crew members try to sleep. At 1705 the USS WATTS (DD-567) joined the formation and took station astern of the FOOTE - glad to have the extra guns. We went to evening G.Q. at 1855 - darken ship at 1915. The weather is so bad there are no friendly night fighters up. FLASH RED - CONTROL YELLOW - Bogies at 20-miles and we change course to unmask the main battery - Bogie coming in on the port quarter - WATTS opened fire and the plane veered off and dropped a bomb close aboard one of our “Little Boys”, LCS-121, opening a hole in her side killing two and wounding three, but they need no assistance and can maintain station.

About 2300 the weather began to clear with a nice high, bright moon, so business will probably pick up. Sure enough, several Bogies bearing 045 Degrees True, distance 45-miles. We increased speed to 34-knots and when they got into 5-inch gun range we opened fire - first to starboard and then to port. They seem to be coming at us from ever direction. A bomb was dropped off the port bow - no damage, but a second bomb hit close aboard the port quarter at 2349 seriously wounding two men on 40-MM gun No. 5 (Gene Schnaubelt’s gun).

Reports are the two men hit by shrapnel were Aurthur Botelho and Raymond Romano.
Doc Allen and John Ballard will take care of them until we clear the area. We pass mid-night with Bogies inbound at 5-miles on the starboard side. The Captain is maneuvering at high speed trying to keep all the 5-inch guns bearing on the greatest threat. We make it past midnight and then at 0041 the BRADFORD, MASSEY and FOOTE open fire to starboard on a closing Bogie - the plane goes down near MASSEY. We reduced speed momentarily - then back up to 35-knots at 0105 firing on a fast closing Bogie on the port side. The plane crashed in flames off the port bow about 500-yards. At 0208 we went to Condition I Easy for about 30-minutes so all hands could visit the head (If they hadn’t already soiled their dungarees). Radar Picket Station #15 had quieted down considerably after daybreak and we stood down after morning G.Q. All departments checked the ship very carefully and it was determined there were no material casualties, only two wounded men. All the 5-inch brass was gathered up and stowed - we fired 283 rounds of 5-inch during the night - I thought it was much more. The Combat Information Center (C.I.C.) reports that R.P Station #15 was attacked by 20 planes since yesterday evening’s G.Q. - six shot down - five by the destroyers and one by the “Little Boys”. Long night.

The Kamikazes surge down from Kyushu with no respite, sometimes with just enough attackers to keep the destroyer crews on their Battle Stations and out of their bunks. Sleep has become the most valued and desired commodity in life. The crew sleeps wherever and whenever they can, fully clothed with their life jacket and helmet close at hand. More times than not, on or near their battle stations.

The crew is smelling bad and looking worse - soiled and rumpled clothes, red eyes and unshaven. Some leave their battle stations only momentarily for calls of nature. These last days of May are taking its toll on the destroyer crews. In the last two days alone there has been 165 raids on the Radar Picket Stations. Admiral Turner, CTF-51, gave Radar Picket Station #15 a hearty “Well Done” for the night’s work. Two ships were hit and 18 planes were shot down - if we shot down a third of the Bogies, most must have passed near us on their way to or from Okinawa. At 0600 the WATTS formerly relieved the MASSEY.

We began pumping all ballast at 1208 preparatory to fueling. At 1505 we picked up surface targets at 13-miles on the S.G. Radar. The targets responded to a challenge and were identified as the USS AMMEN (DD-527), USS DREXLER (DD-741) and USS STORMES (DD-780) en route to this station as relief for the present Radar Pickets - OH! HAPPY DAY. Two of the ships are the new Sumner Class (2,200-Ton) Destroyers with three twin 5-inch gun mounts. Hope they know how to use them. This station was relieved at 1611 and all three ships are ordered to Kerama Retto (Wiseman’s Cove) for logistics.

We entered the anchorage at Kerama Retto at 1908 and anchored in 23 fathoms of water with 75 fathoms of chain to the port anchor in Berth K-17. The S.O.P.A. (Senior Officer Present Afloat) is CTG 51.15 in USS MOUNT MCKINLEY. The Engine Rooms are standing by on 15-minute notice. Art Botelho and Taymond Romano were transferred to the USS GOSPER (APA-170) for further medical treatment and transportation. They looked pretty bad to me. All hands went to G.Q. at 1922 - FLASH RED - CONTROL YELLOW - Bogies in the vicinity. There are heavy raids tonight - upward of 30 planes in some raids. The small craft commenced laying smoke over the anchorage at 2000 - I hate that - visibility zero. We secured from G.Q. at 2328 - just in time to relieve the mid-watch; no sleep this night.
(USS FOOTE Deck Log, USS FOOTE War Diary and Gene Schnaubelt)

Leyte Gulf to Kerama Retto

On the morning of May 14th when we went to morning G.Q. the weather was noticeably cooler with a slight wind from the northeast. We are still steaming in a circular formation at 16-knots. As we move into the upper latitudes we will be breaking out the foul-weather jackets and cutting the forced-draft blowers down to low speed. ComDesRon-23 (Commander Destroyer Squadron) issued orders for all ships to hold daily instructions and drills in aircraft recognition, hold damage control drills and have the gun watch on the alert to fire at an unannounced “star shell” thrown up by designated ships in the squadron. Any ship that can safely bear will see how quickly they can fire on the “star” with their 5-inch and 40-MM guns. All “look-outs” were told to be alert.

We expended 10 rounds of 5-inch AA Common ammunition at surprise “star shells” firings today.

Word from the Radio Shack is more than 500 B-29s hit Nagoya, Japan today and the Chinese Army enters the city of Foochow. According to the Quartermasters, we are about 700-miles from Okinawa.

We received CTF-51 (Commander Task Force) secret dispatch 140420 directing CDS-23 (Commander Destroyer Squadron) to proceed with all vessels to Hagushi Beach and report to CTG-51.5 (Commander Task Group) for duty. We went to evening G.Q. (We go to Battle Stations, G.Q., for about an hour at sunrise and sunset ever day) at 1940.

Dawn broke very gloomy on the morning of May 15th . There were rain squalls, thick haze with low clouds and it was very cold compared to the heat we have been experiencing in the Philippines. It will be very comfortable sleeping below for the first time in many months. At 1230 we met the old battleship USS TEXAS (BB-35) escorted by a new Sumner Class Destroyer, the USS COMPTON (DD-705) and the USS ABERCROMBIE (DE-343), on an opposite course to our group. They were escorting the old battleship south away from Okinawa, but we couldn’t see any battle damage. As they came abeam, to port, the ABERCROMBIE pealed off and joined our formation taking station in the center of our circular disposition. I’m sure they would have much preferred to stay with the TEXAS and put Okinawa far astern. In mid-afternoon we fired one round of 5-inch and 17-rounds of 40-MM ammunition at a surprise “star” shell thrown up by the AULICK.

The full squadron went to G.Q. at 1600 when an air target showed up on the radar with no IFF (Identification, Friendly or Foe) - he did respond to radio contact - it was a C.A.P. (Combat Air Patrol) who had not activated his IFF. He had better be alert - this group will shoot at him. We went to evening G.Q. at 1850. Darken ship at 1915. We secured from evening G.Q. at 1950. After evening G.Q. many of the crew could be seen standing on the deck or leaning on the lifelines looking across the dark seas ruffled by light winds - there was mostly silence about the decks with quite anticipation. Our ETA for Okinawa is 0700 tomorrow.

We sighted land at 0616 on the morning of May 16th, bearing 347 Degrees True, identified as Kerama Retto (Code Name - Wiseman’s Cove). The weather is overcast and very hazy - it is impossible to make out many details on the beach. At 0722 the Little Beavers formed a column, by division, with the ABERCROMBIE as guide, steering various courses and speeds proceeding to anchorage independently We dropped anchor at 0945 off Nagushi Beach in 50-fathoms of water with 75 fathoms of chain to the port anchor. We set a modified Condition I watch with one-half of all stations manned. At 1100 ComDesRon-23 reported to CTG-51.5 that DesRon-23 was ready for duty. The FOOTE is now a unit of Task Force-51 and CTF-51 is Vice Admiral R. K. Turner, USN, under direct control of CTG-51.5 commanded by Commodore Frederick Moosburgger, USN.

From our position, about 12,000-yards away is Okinawa. It is located almost exactly equidistant - 350 miles - from Japan, Formosa and the Chinese coast. Okinawa is the logical staging area for the invasion of Japan. It is sixty miles long, eight miles wide on the average and the island has protected harbors, fleet anchorages and four working airfields with room for many more.

On the 1st of April, two Marine and two Army divisions landed on a 6-mile stretch of beach near Hagushi on the island’s western shore. They found a sunny, almost Arcadian Easter morning. Resistance ashore was so light that by nightfall the beachhead was eight miles long and more than two miles deep and the troops had seized two vital airfields virtually undamaged. While the Marines turned northward encountering little resistance, the Army turned south to capture Naha Airfield and the valuable fleet anchorage in Nakagasuku Bay; but, quickly ran into a nightmare. It was called the Machinato Line, an island-spanning network of hollowed-out hills and fortified caves, some with several levels, connected by tunnels and providing intersecting fields of fire. The Army called on the Navy for help.

There were several Battleships, Cruisers and Destroyers offshore lobbing in a steady stream of shells (we heard one destroyer has fired over 14,000 rounds of 5-inch)..

We secured from Condition I Modified at 1640 and set Condition II Mike. Nothing much happens until after sundown. Darken ship at 1909. We went to G.Q. at 1957 - small craft commenced making smoke. No firing - secured from G.Q. at 2138. Back to G.Q. at 2445 for 30-minutes and again at 2248 when there was considerable AA-fire in the anchorage, but we did not fire. One Jap plane passed up our starboard side very close aboard at 2256, but with all the smoke we couldn’t see him and did not fire. The big concern is being hit by friendly fire. We heard that two Jap planes were shot down tonight - better than last night when there were more raids and 18 planes were shot down. And, so it goes, on our arrival day at Okinawa.

On the morning of May 17 the ship went to morning G.Q. with several Bogies (Unidentified Aircraft) on the radar. None closed our anchorage. We weighed anchor and got underway at 0755 and proceeded with DesDiv-46 to fuel from the tanker USS CIMARRON (AO-22) as she sails about 10-miles northwest of the Hagushi anchorage - this gives the ships taking part in the operation plenty maneuvering room in the event of an air attack during fueling. Port and starboard fueling procedure will be followed at a speed of 15-knots. CONVERSE and THATCHER fueled first - DYSON and FOOTE followed. The FOOTE was alongside to port and connected at 1020 - completed fueling and disconnected at 1112. It was a very smart operation. The FOOTE took screening station on the port bow of the tanker with CONVERSE on the starboard bow. DYSON and THATCHER were screening on the port and starboard quarter of the tanker as we returned to Hagushi Anchorage.

We were underway again at 1659 in accordance with orders from CTG-51.5 (Commander Task Group) to join the Anti-aircraft screen outside the transport area. We were on assigned station at 1741. The OTC (Officer in Tactical Command) is ComDesRon-56 (Commander Destroyer Squadron) in USS PUTMAN (DD-757). We are patrolling the inner Jig Line in company with USS PUTMAN (DD-757), USS BAUER (DD-738), USS LOWRY (DD-770), USS PRICHETT (DD-561), USS CLAXTON (DD-571), USS AULICK (DD-569), USS BRAINE (DD-630) and USS MASSEY (DD-778). Word from the Radio Shack is the USS FOX (DD-234) was hit by a Kamikaze this afternoon - she is still afloat, but no word on the casualties - she shot down one plane and rammed one. We were at G.Q. almost constantly until the group was ordered back to the transport area at 2340. Twelve raids so far tonight with eight planes shot down.

Dawn brings a beautiful bright day. The Battleships, Cruisers and Destroyers are still blasting the Japs on land. Rumor has it that they have already fired approximately 24,000-tons of shells since the invasion began. After four grueling days of fire support the USS LONGSHAW (DD-559) ran aground on a coral reef just south of Naha Airfield this morning. The Jap shore batteries had a sitting duck and concentrated their fire on the stationary target. The LONGSHAW tried to fight back, but her bow was completely blown off by a hit in the forward magazine. The Captain and eighty-six of her crew died with their ship. Later in the afternoon, LONGSHAW battered beyond salvaging, was destroyed by American gunfire and torpedoes. She was a gallant ship with nine battle stars.

This is the second destroyer to get it in 48-hours since our arrival which doesn’t help the appetite very much.

We got underway at 1715 as a unit of the Anti-aircraft screen outside the transport area. It appears they want as many destroyers between the anchorage and the planes coming down from Japan as they can have from late afternoon until around midnight. So, any destroyer anchored at Hagushi with no assignment can expect to be assigned to the Jig Line every afternoon (about 8-miles out). During this period we are at G.Q. almost continuously. We returned to Hagushi Anchorage and dropped the hook at 2350 in Berth #180. With about 15 raids reported tonight, there was a great deal of firing, but not in the area patrolled by the FOOTE C.A.P. (Combat Air Patrol) splashes five Jap planes and the destroyers down nine. I guess we are winning.

On May 19th the day dawned rainy and very gloomy, but the war goes on. Our ships continue to bombard the Japs 24-hours a day. LSTs are delivering munitions to ships while they are on the firing line - pretty good system. We receive secret message 190310 from CTG-51.5 directing the FOOTE to proceed immediately to Radar Picket Station #15 (Current hot spot) thirty-five miles northwest of Okinawa as an additional picket support for USS WADSWORTH (DD-516) and USS MASSEY (DD-778). We arrive on station at 1432 - the weather is very threatening with low hanging clouds and many dense rain squalls in the area. Bogies (Enemy aircraft) show up on the radar immediately and we go to G.Q. Three LCSs (Landing Craft Support) and one PGM (Motor Gunboat) are following the three destroyer picket group at a safe distance. Their sole purpose is to be in the Radar Picket Station’s area so they can pick up survivors. That’s good - or is it?? Our air-search radar goes A.W.O.L. at the worse possible time. We can only listen to the Fighter Director Team over the radio on the WADSWORTH to know where the Bogies are. At 1725 - like magic - seven F4Us (Corsairs) show up and start circling the area - it sure was good to see those guys.

Shortly after dark the C.A.P. (F4Us) head back to Okinawa and leave us unprotected. Our little group of ships goes rain-squall hopping to avoid the Bogies - once the WADSWORTH reported them in as close as 3,000-yards, but we were not able to see them and apparently they couldn’t see us - I’ll buy that. Our air search radar was back up and operating at 2210 - good work guys. A wet, cold and tired topside crew secured from G.Q. at 2130. The weather is great for sleeping below, but everyone will be wearing his clothes this night.
(USS FOOTE Deck Log, USS FOOTE War Diary, Gene Schnaubelt)