Archive for March 2024
March 25th Is National Medal of Honor Day
As I learn more about the stories of the crews of USS Franklin and the ships that came to her aid on 19 March 1945, I am confronted with truly awe-inspiring acts of bravery and sacrifice. Lt. Commander Joseph O’Callahan, the first priest or chaplain to receive the Medal of Honor, and Lt. (j.g) Donald Gary, a Mustang who rose through the ranks, would each be presented with the Medal of Honor. We can learn a great deal about courage and leadership from their actions.
Read MoreUSS Franklin Deck Log 24 March 1945-Return to Ulithi
Formed in column as follows: WASP, ENTERPRISE, FRANKLIN, AND SANTA FE, distance 1500 yards. Destroyers formed flank screen.
Read MoreUSS Franklin Deck Log 23 March 1945-Repairs Continue
1500 salvaged Sugar George radar antenna placed on port side of stack and put in commission along with P. P. I. on bridge
Read MoreUSS Franklin Deck Log 22 March 1945-Making Franklin As Shipshape As Possible
Steaming as before. 1215 USS Potter (DD 538 ) came alongside starboard to transfer coffee and registered mail.
Read MoreUSS Franklin Deck Log 21 March 1945-Steaming As Before
Steaming as before. 1201 unidentified air radar contact bearing on port quarter, distant 20 miles. 1202 changed speed to 20 knots.
Read MoreUSS Franklin Deck Log 20 March 1945-With A Little Help From Her Friends
1507 ship under attack by single-engine Japanese fighter plane (ZEKE).
Read MoreUSS Franklin 19 March 1945 Deck Log-“…Took Two Bomb Hits…”
0708 Ship Under Attack By Enemy Aircraft. Took two bomb hits, first bomb hit flight deck frame 68, exploded hangar deck frame 82; second bomb hit flight deck frame 133, exploded frame 142. 0709 general quarters. 0712 set condition ZEBRA.
Read MoreUSS Franklin Deck Log 18 March 1945-The Battle Begins
The mission for Task Group 58.2 on 18 March was to attack aircraft, airfields, and aircraft installations at KOGOSHIMA, IZUNI, MIYAKONOJO and other locations in the area specified for this group by Commander Task Force 58 in his operation order 2-45. 18 March Deck Log The Mid Watch 0400-0800 The Japanese made the first probing…
Read MoreUSS FRANKLIN Deck Log 17 March 1945-Calm Before The Storm
17 March 1945 Deck Log of USS Franklin. The carrier was two days away from becoming a legend.
Read MoreUSS Franklin Deck Log 16 March 1945-Moving Toward Japan
USS FRANKLIN spent most of 16 March 1945 engaging in underway replenishment and in air operations.
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