Mon. 4-9-45: Rained all day- pay day-collected $30 – pay went
to Honolulu. Drank innumerable beers, not a damn bit of hard stuff – Town Tavern
and Davis - Just beer [with] Chief Chas. Lang, Chas. Atkins and myself. Got back 6:30 and Vincent PM 1/c treated me
to an alky + water – OK!
Tues. 4-10-45: What a ____! I recovered enough to go after mail at noon
and got no mail for myself but managed to drink 10 bottles of Schlitz. It was hot and with a squash it went very
good. While in the beer line a voice
called to me – “Where you from?” “I’m
from Lynn!” It was Norm Arthur – a guy I
used to sell suit clubs for – he’s in the Marines – all he did was rave about Joe
Scotti – the ex-alderman from Beverly.
Boy was he burned about him! Called
him a shit-turd, ear banger, etc. – claims he bought his rate and had his car
down there and let officers use it, etc.
What a beaut Scotti is! Got back
aboard at 4 P.M. Had a movie at the main
deck, “The Panthers Claw.”
Wed. 4-11-45: The movie wasn’t too bad but the mosquitos on
deck were fierce! Today we loaded ammo, mostly
40mm in P.M. I went after mail and went
for a swim at the Richardson Recreation Center on the base. Had a few beers – got the mail – I got one
from Ethel – a screwy one – she meant well though. It got returned for additional postage, too. War with Germany looks like it’s nearing an
end – our troops are only 90 miles from Berlin and the Russians are in
Vienna. Over here we’re nearest Iwo Jima
and nearly Okinawa – we’re still sitting it out here at Pearl Harbor. Must be 50 LST’s and innumerable other
amphibs here - Also, hundreds of APA’s, CVE’s, all kinds. Movie tonight “Orchestra Wives” – I saw it at
home several years ago.
Thurs 4-13-45: The picture was good, Glenn Miller’s
band. I remembered it. Only trouble, it rained intermittently. Today started off with a bang – Reveille and Special
Sea Detail at 6 AM. We proceeded to get
our stern cable caught in the screws and took us till 11:30 to clear it – a
hell of a job and ruined the cable. She
also parted the 7” up on the beam. Moved
over to another section of the harbor and now we are being readied for another
cruise, this one with Seabees to experiment with a new type landing barge to
see how fast they can launch them and pontoons – our 20mm mid ship guns are
being moved onto the fantail and everything is being changed. We worked like hell all day and I’m
pooped. Went after mail but I got none
for myself – small amount for the crew.
President Roosevelt died today!
Friday 4-13-45: All flags on all ships at half-mast for
President Roosevelt. It’s a hard blow
for this country now and his vice president Truman! God Help us!
Workers have been rigging pontoons and other gear all over the
ship. Got no mail today but wrote to
Ethel as usual. Saw a bunch of Marines
who’d just returned from Iwo Jima – boy were they a tough bunch of boys! Had Jap flags all bloodied and various souvenirs. They were all young boys. Something about them was grim. Iwo Jima was no picnic and casualties were
wicked.
Sun 4-15-45: My ass is dragging! A hot, clear, calm day and we worked like
hell all day from pre-dawn to 5 P.M. We
assisted the Seabees aboard in launching 4- 80 ton pontoons in 9 new method of
launching – 4 subbing rollers were welded on deck and 7” lines run around them,
then the pontoon was eased out aways before dropping into the water. Previously they were cut loose ad dropped all
the way and broke the engines on the pontoons – this way allows then to drop
only about half as far – but they still land with a hell of a crash and
splash! We had to re-rig all our
lifelines and clean up one hell of a mess.
The last pontoon was launched at 3 P.M.
We finally got the deck and lines all squared away at 4:30 and had a
swim off the bow doors. Underway now
8:30 P.M. for P.H. again.
Mon. 4-16-45: Pouring like hell all day. Came back to Pearl at 9 A.M. Tied up at tare #7 West Lock and immediately
went after mail. I got none for
myself. Slid up to Rec. Center and had 3
hamburgers and 2 beers for dinner and back at ship at 3:30 P.M. Washed some clothes took a shower, wrote my
honey, looked at her picture and hit the sack.
Don’t know how long we’ll be here this time. Pay day – collected $60, mail + $30 reg pay.
Tues 4-17-45: Same thing.
Painted part of fantail on AM and went after mail in PM. Got 3 Times – Mar 12-13-15 and a copy of “The
Ice Follies of 1945” sent by Ethel along with the Readers Digest of Feb and a
couple “Reads” – no letter. It’s tough
to sort all that mail and not get any myself.
Had a swim at Richardson Center pool and two beers. Got a haircut aboard ship and hit the
sack. Got a note from Sergt. Ed Surels
of 389th infantry, cannon co.
May meet him in Honolulu tomorrow if I get liberty.
NOTE: There is an Edward Surels who is listed in
the Beverly City Directory of 1912.
Wed. 4-18-45: Had liberty today. First went to The Breakers, a Navy recreation
Center in Waikiki and drank beer. Had a
few pictures taken with Willie Williamson, Ala., Stan Wiezenak, N.Y., Woody
Behney, Penna. Back at ship by
6:30. Had a letter from Ethel. She got my pkg I sent two weeks ago but she
was very vague about it – wish she’d be more explicit and tell me all.
Thurs. 4-19-45: Still in West Lock. Moved to Tare #17 from #7 at 10 AM. Went after mail. Got 1 letter from Ethel written just a week
ago. Nothing special but good to hear
from her. Drank 10 beers with Bean from
N.Y.
Fri. 4-20-45, Sat 4-21-45: Routine days – painting, mail call, etc. Got no mail from Ethel or anyone – sure wish
she’d write.
NOTE: [Missing page(s). His father, Andrew McClary Steele died April
17th of that year. I remember
my mother describing my father as having written in the diary daily, except for
the six week period after his father died.
It appears that he may have written during that time and then decide to
remove the pages for some reason, as his entries pick up in the middle of a
day’s story.]
Still making flank speed in a
moderate sea and are about half was between Pearl Harbor and San
Francisco. The Capt. Made the deck gang
painted immediately after dinner – no rest.
What a slave ship. I got a
picture of him lying on the cargo hatch taking a sun bath while his slaves are
working around him!
Mon. June 4, 1945: A little rougher and raining. Had men lashing up all new hammocks. Looks like we’ll take on troops at
Frisco. Boys also cleared compartments,
painted truck ramp and cargo straps in P.M.
I developed more pictures. Have
made over $30 so far this cruise. Much
colder – have to wear foul weather clothes all the time now. Water temp is down to 65 from 84 and air
correspondingly colder.
Tues. June 5th,
1945: Cloudy, fairly windy and rough but
so far has been a damn good trip for weather.
This AM the Capt. had me rig barrel hitches around 10-55 gal barrels of
“fog oil”, hoist em out of tank deck onto main deck and then over the side
- $500 worth of oil! He couldn’t wait
and gave em to someone in Frisco. 12-4
watch in P.M. Developed more pictures –
some OK. Will make up a bunch to send
home to Ethel. I only hope we have
time. Looks like no liberty.
Wed. June 6, 45: Still underway at flank speed. Expect to make Frisco tomorrow night. We had “holiday routine” today. I washed my blues and ironed them this
P.M. Had 8-12 and 4-6 and have 4-8 AM
watch tomorrow. Moderate sea.
Thursday June 7th,
1945: At 3 A.M. we were hauled out of
our sacks. We had turned around and gone
from 128° west long. To 130° west long. and 37° north lat. to 35° n. lat. to
pick up an injured man. We lowered the
starboard LCVP in a rolling sea and went over and got him from YCP “all station
weather ship.” The man was badly burned. We got him aboard at 3:45. Tore the machine gun mount out of the small
boat caused by the heavy sea. Went 120
miles back. Will delay our arrival by
about 20 hours in Frisco. Had holiday
routine again. Tried some poker for the
1st time on this ship – up till now – 6 PM. I made $9.00.
I’ll give it a whirl tonight – probably be sorry. We got word we will be in Frisco 7 days then
going to Seattle, Wash.- rumor though.
Cool and cloudy. Expect to get in
about 7 P.M. tomorrow.
Friday, June 8th,
1945: Passed under the Golden Gate
bridge at 5 P.M., under the Oakland Bay bridge at 5:30 and anchored in the
bay. Had liberty from 7 PM till 7:30
AM. Went ashore immediately called Swannie. Went to “Y”, had a shower, read my mail –
received 1 letter from June P. [Pickering], 1 from Ma, 1 from Judy, 1 from E. Cressy
and 5 from Ethel. Read then at the
“Y.” Went our to Swannie’s via trolley
(J car), up Market St. (main drag) to 20th St. Had a couple of drinks, chewed the rag and
the last of all had a swell connection with Ethel at home! She sounded awful
good to me – best long distance all we’d had.
I’ve called her from Norfolk, Pittsburgh, New Orleans, Los Angeles and
San Francisco, so far. Called Dr.
Haywood via trans-Pacific phone from Honolulu.
Got back to ship at 8 AM.
Sat. June 9, 1945: Went after mail at 1 o’clock. What a madhouse – 651 Brannan St. Lugged mail sack in Trolley cars all over
hell. Went out to Federal Building with
special mail, right next to where the United Nations Conference is being held. Saw the building and the flags. Got some cards from Ethel. Got back to ship at 4 P.M. Sacked in early. Last night I slept on a divan at Swannie’s
apt. – I’ll still take my sack.
Sun. June 10, 1945 – Visited
Swannie at her apartment – Henry and his wife came up. They took me to the Rooftop of the Mark
Hopkins Hotel. It’s up on a hill overlooking
the entire city and bay. All glassed
in. Beautiful view. I went with then to Oakland and stayed at
their apartment all night and came back on the train over the Oakland Bay
Bridge.
Monday, June 11th,
1945: Deck work in A.M. Went after mail in P.M. Finally called Bud Rengman and am going to
see him tomorrow.
Tues, June 12th: Had liberty.
Made a record and sent it to Ethel.
Sent kids 9 Silver Dollars apiece, more cards and stuff. Met Bud at 4 o’clock at the Standard Oil of
Calif. bldg. and we went by train to San Leandro where he lives. We had a swell supper, drank a few and talked
until 12:30. He drove me back in his car
in the AM.
Wed, June 13th: Went after mail, got a letter from Ethel,
June 8th. Worked around ship
in the AM; hot and clear. Rode street
car up Mission St, to 4th, then one to Brannan St. and walked two
blocks.
Thurs., June 14th: Had liberty.
Worked topside in AM. Saw
Bud. Had meal atop the Standard Oil Bld.
with him. Also had gen. photographer
took our picture on roof. Went to
Swannie’s at 5, had supper and she, Henry and wife went to Circus Room in Hotel
Sir Francis Drake. We had a couple
drinks then went to Andy Wongs in Chinatown.
Saw floor show and had some more.
Swannie got tight. Henry’s wife
is a pain in the ass. Back to ship at 1
o’clock. Not a particularly good
evening.
Friday, June 15 – Yesterday I got
a letter from Ethel written last Sunday, June 10th. Seems queer she didn’t write Sat. knowing I
was here. I miss that girl. God, I wish she was here. Went after mail at 1 o’clock.
Sat 16th: Had liberty.
Met Bud at Stan. Oil Bldg. We
drove to Fisherman’s Wharf and a beer and sent the kids two turtles. Went out to his house and had a few. Good day.
Sun 17th: Went back out to Bud’s. He had “Open House” and a lot of people came
in. Paul Scanlon from Beverly showed
up. He’s at Oakland Naval Hospital. Had a few drinks and met a lot of
people. Back at ship at 7:30 AM. No mail from Ethel.
Mon. 6-18-45: Another dull day. Had liberty and at first didn’t want it
especially, but anything to get off the darn ship. So, went to the “Y” and called Bud and went
out to San Leandro again with him – took the bus back at 10 o’clock and that’s
that. Bud’s wife is nice and they’re a
swell couple. No mail from Ethel again.
Tues, 6-19-45: Ships work in AM. Boy, what ships in this bay – 100’s of PA’s –
everything more than Pearl. And 50 PA’s
left for Europe to pick up troops. We’re
still anchored just below the big Bay Bridge.
I had a nice birthday card from Ma.
Wed 6-20-45: Yesterday the weather suddenly cooled off and
a heavy fog rolled in. Quite a sight,
but it’s very cool – about 55°. I went out
to Bud’s again just for lack of anything to do.
Hung around till 10 and took a bus back.
I’m fed up – wish we’d get moving.
No word from Ethel or anyone today except a nice birthday card from
June.
Thurs 6-22-45: Went after mail in the morning. Got one from Earle Cressy and one from
Ethel. She’s kind of blue, I guess. Worked with my deck force painting the ship’s
side. High wind, cold and damp. A strong current runs here all the time, too
– a dangerous fate – got it finished at 4:30.
Now to write Ethel. How I wish
she were here.
Fri 6-22-45: Went after mail in A.M. None from anyone. Had liberty and went out to Bud’s. Played golf at the Lake Chabot Golf Club in
Oakland – played pretty good. Hilly
course, swell day. Had a good meal at
his house and came home. He says he can
give me a job with Standard Oil after the war working on a re-fueling barge,
work a week on and a week off for $175.00 a month. I wonder how Ethel would like to come out
here? I’ll tell her about it. It’s cold and damp in Frisco but clearer
inland. President Truman due heare
Monday to wind up the United Nations Peace Conference.
Sat. 6-23-45: Went after mail in AM. No main again; must be screwed up, although I
hope she’s not writing daily for some reason.
Ship’s work in the P.M. Cold here
out on the Bay. I’m going to develop a
roll of film tonight. Liberty again
tomorrow,
Sun. 6-24-45: Had liberty – still no mail from Ethel. A friend of Bud’s drove me all through Golden
Gate Park, Cliff House, Fleishacker pool, Seal Rocks, Kezar Stadium. Had a couple beers. Good day – cold
though. Back early.
Mon. 6-25-45: Went after mail in AM Got 2 from Ethel, 1 from Judy, cute too! And got 1 from George Chase. Ethel is OK.
Nice letters. Worked on ship in
P.M. Got word we are going to Mare
Island tomorrow to load up, then off to Seattle, Wash. For ? Be there till the 10th of July or
longer. Can’t figure out the g.d. Navy!
Tues. 6-26-45: Weighed anchor at 8 AM. Went up the Bay to Mare Island, a big Naval
repair base and picked up 2 – 20 ton screws for a cruiser. We are going to take them to Seattle, Wash. They are on the main deck and didn’t bend
under the weight! Returned to anchorage
at 4 P.M. and went for mail. Got one
from Ethel written last Sat. Poor girl
is having more than her share of trouble.
It isn’t fair her father is sick in the hospital. (I wonder if it might be ulcers.) Judy has the chicken pox. Damn!
If I could only help her somehow. Makes me feel lousy to be so helpless.
Wed. June 27, 1945: Happy Birthday – 32 today. Celebrated by riding one hell of a rough cold
sea. Underway at dawn and will go for 3
days. It sure is rough. Keep thinking of Ethel. Hope Charlie is OK.
Thurs, June 28, 1945 – Last night
the boys gave me a little birthday party.
Someone broke out a quart and 16 bottles of beer. We went down in the Bos’n locker and cooked
bacon and eggs on a grill. All got a
buzz on – Ski, Petree, Stash and Bean and a couple of others. It worked up by plastering me with eggs,
flour, mustard and putting me in the shower with all my clothes on. Then they broke out a swell big cake with
Happy Birthday on it and gave me a card.
It was a swell time and good to feel the guys like me. Today we’ve been underway in the same rough
sea. Ski and I had to go up in the
middle of the night and tighten up the mast stays. Damn near fell over. We’ve made only 44 miles in 24 hours! It’s going to be a long rough trip. Ship is soaked with spray.
Fri June 29: Underway. Still too rough to work
topside. I rigged up a pigeon-hole box
for mail in my P.O. in crew’s quarters.
Laid around all P.M. Went to
flank speed at noon. Spray coming over
steadily. May make it by Monday. Wonder how Ethel is getting along.
Sat, June 30, 1945: Underway as before. We picked up some lost time and now expect to
get into Seattle between 4-6P.M. tomorrow.
Sea has eased off a lot and weather remains clear but very cold – 50°
and windy. Rigged new sea painter in AM
and painted starboard compartments in P.M.
Developed some pictures in ship-fitters shop in evening. Wonder how Ethel’s father is and how she is.
Crew mentioned in this post:
Charles Henry Atkins, Yeoman, 2nd Class
Norman Nelson Bean, Seaman, 2nd Class
Woodrow Wilson Behney, Seaman, 1st Class
Joseph John Dembkowski, Coxswain
Henry Cleveland Petree, Jr., Gunners Mate , 2nd Class
Jack Norris Vincent, Pharmacists Mate, 3rd Class
Stanley Albert Wiecenak, Ships Cook, 3rd Class
Eugene Paul Williamson, Shipfitter, 2nd Class
"Stash", full name unknown.
