|
Destroyer Squadron 23 Combat Exploits of Arleigh Burke’s Gallant Force Ken Jones
Destroyer Squadron 23 Combat Exploits of Arleigh Burkes Gallant Force by Ken Jones
An Uncommon Valor reprint edition
Soft Cover
292 pages
Copyright 1959
CONTENTS
Forewordvii
Prefaceix
1. Night of the Long Lances3
2. The Commodore Comes Aboard 23
3. The Eagles Gather36
4. Requiem over Ironbottom Bay 61
5. "Across the Ocean Wild and Wide " 78
6. Commander Burke Goes to War 99
7. The Seasoning of 31-Knot-Burke 120
8. Mosaic in Fatigue and Frustration 140
9. Sortie Against the Enemy 163
10. Gunstrike at Skunk Hollow 187
11. The Battle of Empress Augusta Bay 212
12. Their Finest Hour 238
Postscript 267
Index 271
PREFACE
For an author, reaching the end of a book is like reaching the end of a journey. In the case of Destroyer Squadron 23 it has been a long journey and the most rewarding of my life. Many have accompanied me briefly along the wayCavenagh, Lampman, Reynolds . . . Others have peeped helpfully over my shoulderArmstrong, Gano, Ham-berger, Stout. All have given generously of their mellow wisdom and, more importantly, of the inspirational spirit of the Squadron which abides in them.
In all candor, Destroyer Squadron 23 is not a writing for those who would dwell overlong upon or cuddle the dolorous sentiment of John Donne". . . never send to see for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee"unless they are willing, also, to accept its rational corollary, which is that the bell can peal as well as it can toll, and that it peals for thee, too.
Many things are recorded of United States. Destroyer Squadron 23. The one thing never recorded of them is that they took counsel of their fears, for they did not. They were confident in competence, strong in faith, and for them the bell never tolled and it never will. It pealed a clear signal of their courage, their conviction, and their dedication even unto death. And in pealing for them it peals also for thee and for me.
A Word of Explanation and Appreciation
This chronicle has been taken from and faithfully reflects the official records of the United States Navy. In perhaps two or three instances which the reader will have no difficulty identifying, I have found it desirable to supply names for individuals whose participation in the events recorded seemed something less than champion. With these inconsequential exceptions, however, all persons are identified by their proper names. In the matter of dialogue the words spoken may be accepted as interpreting reliably the personality of the speaker and the sense of the situation portrayed. All TBS transmissions are recorded word for word as they appear in the official record compiled at the times the conversations took place. All other dialogue is substantially supported by log entries, by signed battle reports, by war diaries, or by official memoranda, or else reported orally or in writing to the author by the speakers. All times given are as they appear in the officially accepted record. Interpretation of senior Japanese officers is supported by post-war interrogations of enemy nationals, in many instances including the subjects themselves.
Together with all who write of this period of our naval history I must acknowledge my indebtedness for guidance to the impressive works of Samuel Eliot Morison, naval historian; and to Theodore Roscoe whose compilation of destroyer operations in World War II often saved me much time by indicating appropriate areas for intensive research. I should like, also, to acknowledge my debt to Colonel Allison Ind., Army of the United States, for the guidance derived from his study of the intelligence network of coast watchers and secret agents, of which he was a part, which functioned for the Allies throughout the campaign in the Solomons.
I am, of course, indebted to a great many individuals for their kind and unselfish assistance which has enabled me to present herein a study with more dimensions than a mere fiat projection of continuity in time. At the top of this list I must place Admiral Arleigh Burke, the Chief of Naval Operations, and Mrs. Burke. Both received me graciously, answered my many questions patiently, and supplied invaluable documentary material. Next I must express my deep appreciation to the following officers for sustained personal assistance:
Vice Admiral Bernard L. Austin, USN
Rear Admiral Robert Cavenagh, USN
Rear Admiral Roy Gano, USN
Rear Admiral Henry Jacques Armstrong, USN (Ret.)
Rear Admiral DeWitt Clinton Ellis Hamberger, USN (Ret.)
Rear Admiral Ralph Lampman, USN (Ret.)
Rear Admiral Luther Kendrick Reynolds, USN (Ret.)
Rear Admiral Herald Franklin Stout, USN (Ret.)
Commander John H. Davis, USN
Every one of these officers has contributed personally and importantly to this study of United States Destroyer Squadron 23. Indeed, their contributions have been so unique that without them the story could not have been written.
For official co-operation, great courtesy and patience and expressions of confidence, I wish to record my gratitude to Rear Admiral E. M. Eller, USN (Ret.), Director of Naval History; Captain F. Kent Loomis, USN (Ret.), Assistant Director of Naval History; Commander Herb Gimpel, USN, and Commander C. R. Wilhide, USN. Finally, for unfailing encouragement and many helpful suggestions, I wish to thank three very dear friends, Mr. Edmund L. Browning, Jr., attorney; Dr. Ivor Cornman, scientist; and Mr. Alex Jackinson, of New York City.
In conclusion, in Destroyer Squadron 23 I have made far less attempt to record deeds of heroism than I have to study and present clearly the origins of the compulsions which prompted such deeds. That, to me, is the greater challenge, and its accomplishment the more enduring achievement. It was denied me to be of their company. As second best I can only hope that in the telling I have been as faithful and as worthy as they were in the doing.
KEN JONES
All pictures are of the actual item. There may be reflection from the lights in some photos. We try to take photos of any damage. If this is a railroad item, this material is obsolete and no longer in use by the railroad. Please email with questions. Publishers of Train Shed Cyclopedias and Stephans Railroad Directories. Large inventory of railroad books and magazines. Thank you for buying from us.
Shipping charges
US Shipments: When you add multiple items to your cart, the reduced shipping charges will automatically be calculated. For direct postage rates to other countries, send me an email. Shipping varies by weight.
Terms and conditions
All sales are final. Returns accepted if item is not as described. Contact us before making a return. No warranty is stated or implied. Please e-mail us with any questions before bidding or buying.
Thanks for looking at our items.
| 
