Reveille at 0530 chow at 0615 and started to take our physical at 9 AM. Fitted out and received our uniforms at 1100 completed our fitting out at 2:30 PM and were marched off to the barracks area where I was assigned a cot in Igloo 203. Had evening chow and turned in.

Reveille 0545 had our morning exercises and went to chow and then to church. We returned from church and immediately began to stencil our gear, completed this at 4:30 PM and had the evening free.

Reveille 0530 had our morning exercises and went to chow changing Igloos when I returned so we would be in alphabetical order to stand our coming watches. Turned out at 0800 going over to the main island for X-ray and Wasserman test. Returned to our own area and went to chow then fell out for lectures on personal cleanliness and hygiene, followed by a Happy Hour from 3:30 to 4:30 PM.

Reveille 0530 had our morning exercises and went to chow cleaned up the Igloo when we returned. Had Judo lesson and swimming in morning. Noon chow and fell out at 1 PM and spent the afternoon taking I.Q. and adaptability exams until Happy Hour 3:30 to 4:30. Rest of the day was free so I spent this washing my clothes.

Reveille 0530 had our morning exercises, went to chow coming back immediately to scrub the Igloo. Fell out at 0800 for lectures on obedience of orders and punishments for having someone else's clothing in your possession. Had an insurance lecture in the afternoon followed by Happy Hour from 3:30 to 4:30 PM.

Reveille 0530 had our morning exercises, went to chow coming back to scrub the Igloo again. Fell out at 0800 for lectures on our leave, attending schools and how we could advance in the Navy. Fell out after noon chow for shots and a vaccination with the remainder of the day off. Washed more clothes after supper.

Reveille 0530 and were forced to run 'til we were exhausted as we were late in falling out for exercises. As today was Friday we had to hold a field day in the Igloos for Inspection. Ate noon chow and fell out at 1 PM for a lecture on knots and splices, went to drill field and practiced our mass exercises and precision drill for the Saturday morning Captain's inspection. Washed our white uniforms for the inspection.

Reveille 0530 had our morning exercises and then to chow. Fell out at 0745 and marched to the main island for Captain's inspection. Was really a beating for us and I imagine it was quite a sight for the civilians that were admitted for the show. Came back at 1130 and were complimented on our performance. Ate noon chow and fell out at 1 PM to drill for an hour and half followed by a Happy Hour. Ate evening chow and washed some more clothes.

Reveille 0600 no exercises, came back from chow and went to church. Returned from church at 1000 and laid around until 1 PM when they came around and told us we needed some exercises so they arranged a Happy Hour for us. We went out on the drill field and did arm and body exercises for the visitors until we couldn't hold our arms out any more. Came back to the Igloo and fell out for a show at the drill hall. Had the rest of the day off so we washed clothes for awhile. Chipped in and bought a radio for the Igloo.

Reveille 0530 had our morning exercises and went to chow, came back and scrubbed the Igloo. Fell out at 0800 and had a lecture on how to shoot, load and care for rifles and pistols, this was followed by a lecture on gas warfare which included tear gas, mustard gas, etc. Ate noon chow and fell out at 1 PM for a second lecture on knots and splices. We were then taken to a movie which was followed by drill in precision exercises and semaphore drill and our Happy Hour from 3:30 to 4:30 PM. Ate early evening chow and had the security watch from 6 to 8 PM, so it rained for my first watch.

Reveille 0530 had our morning exercises even though it had been cold all night and the fog was rolling in from sea. We ran in our bathing trunks and sneakers. Came back from chow and scrubbed the Igloo. Turned out in ponchos and rubbers at 0800 went over to the main island and practiced rowing boats that were tied to the piers at both ends, some fun and plenty of unneeded exercises for us. Ate noon chow and fell out at 1 PM returning to the main island for life boat drills. We were instructed in launching and retrieving boats aboard. Came back to the Igloo and drew a special detail of carrying uniforms over to the island to the tailors for altering. Ate evening chow and had the evening off so I washed some more of my clothes.

Reveille 0530 had our morning exercises and went to chow returning to clean and scrub the Igloo, followed by an inspection by the battalion commander. Had two lectures and a drill in the morning. Waited in line over an hour for

noon chow, my first long chow line. Fell out at 1:20 PM and had a lecture on the Acts Governing the Navy (ROCKS AND SHOALS) which was to be read to us once a month for the rest of our Navy career. This lecture was followed by a drill and then to evening chow and some clothes washed.

Reveille 0530 and our morning exercises and went to chow returning to scrub the Igloo again. Fell out at 0800 and had a lecture on ground tackle (anchors) by an Ensign Brown, followed by more drills. We fell out at 10:30 for our second haircut. Ate chow and fell out at 1 PM for two more shots, one in each arm this time. We returned to the Igloo and spread out all our gear for inspection. Ate evening chow and washed some uniforms.

Reveille 0530 had our morning exercises and went to chow, returning to clean the Igloo, field day again. Fell out for a trip to the tear gas chamber to show us how it felt to be gassed. Ate noon chow and had a lecture on ships and then drilled again. Returned in time for Happy Hour from 3:30 to 4:30 PM. Today I received a letter from the Aviation Cadet selection board in New York saying that they wanted to see me.

We had an air raid alarm at 8:50 PM last night. It lasted all night, patrols were doubled. Reveille was at 0500 but we had to stay in the Igloos as the air raid was still on. Others went to dentist all day. I went to the rifle range and shot a score of 89 out of a possible 100. Battalion commander said I might get an early leave to look into the request of the Aviation Cadet Selection board. Had rest of the morning off. Ate chow and fell out at 1 PM, went to knots and splices and had Happy Hour from 3:30 to 4:30 PM. Had the evening off so I went for a swim in the pool.

Reveille 0530 had our morning exercises went to chow and cleaned the Igloo. Had lectures on blocks and tackles, semaphors and precision drills. Ate noon chow and went to the rifle range again. this time it was 81 out of 100. Had a Happy Hour and played some football after supper, hurt my foot playing.

Reveille 0530, my foot is really sore and stiff this morning. Went to church and washed uniforms. Happy Hour from 1:30 to 4:15 PM.

Reveille 0530, my foot is still sore. Had morning exercises, chow and returned to clean the Igloo. Lectures on knot tying, how to sling hammocks, rules of road and a two hour watch. Went swimming.

Reveille 0530 had our morning exercises went to chow and returned to clean the Igloo. Went over to the island and had a lecture on 5" gun loading followed

by a lecture on Judo. Ate chow and had infantry drill, Happy Hour and Air Raid drill. Ate evening chow and washed some uniforms.

Reveille 0530 had our morning exercises and went to chow, returned and cleaned the Igloo. Lecture on rules and regulations. Ate noon chow and had lectures on rules, bag inspection, and two more shots followed by a fire drill. No Happy Hour.

Reveille 0530 and no morning exercises. Instead we went swimming at 0545. Came back for chow and fell in for a lecture at 0800 getting hell for making noise in formation, and having our leave threatened. We fell in again and went for a swim then had a field day until noon. Ate noon chow and fell in at 1 PM and had a lecture on liberty in Newport also a lecture on big guns. Happy Hour from 3:30 to 4:30 and went to my first movie on the station, "Ride Em Cowboy" Abbott and Costello.

Reveille 0530 had our morning exercises went to chow and returned to scrub the Igloo, Captain's Inspection, Pay Day! Received $12.00 and had to give $2.00 to the tailor before getting out of the building. Had a Happy Hour and a two-hour watch and washed clothes and hit the sack.

Reveille 0530 got my uniform and cleaned the Igloo. Went into Newport on my first liberty at 1100. It rained like mad all day, the water was running in the streets like a river and my shoes were full of water. Returned on the 8 o'clock bus and turned in but Widmann, a fellow in the Igloo, returned drunk and we couldn't shut him up no-how.

Reveille 0530 had our morning exercises went to chow and cleaned the Igloo. Fell out at 0800 for lecture on Organization of the Navy, battalion drill, and flag signals on masts. Ate noon chow and fell out at 1 PM for gas chamber visit again but we marched instead from one end to the other end of the station. We had another lecture on what the Navy offers and then a tough Happy Hour. Ate chow and went to a stage show (Boys from Harlem) pretty good.

Reveille 0530 had our morning exercises and went to chow. Returned and cleaned the Igloo. Fell out at 0800 for lecture, then battalion drill and another lecture, first-aid this time. Early chow and had our third haircut, then got our dog tags. Happy Hour, chow and washed uniforms.

Reveille 0530 had our morning exercises went to chow and returned to scrub the Igloo. Fell out at 0800 for lectures all morning. Ate noon chow and then had to stencil our trousers again that had been returned from the cleaner. Had Happy Hour and went to the movie.

Reveille 0430 and sat around waiting to see if we had to wash our hammocks. It was raining like mad and I don't mean maybe! We turned out at 0500 and washed our hammocks in the rain. Came back and made complete change of clothes and went to chow. Returned to scrub the Igloo. Had a lecture and were assigned mess and guard details. Had two shots this afternoon, two hour watch and didn't eat chow, went to bed early.

Reveille 0530 and straightened up the Igloo as the rest of the boys were on mess detail. Drew working detail in Chief Petty Officer's and Battalion Commander's igloos. Had early chow all day and Happy Hour in the afternoon. Went to bed early again.

Reveille 0530 had early chow and scrubbed head, CPO's quarters and other odd details. Laid around 'til Happy Hour then chow and went to town. Good time and first drink in uniform.

Reveille 0530 and early chow. Scrubbed head and had four hour watch in 2nd regiment drill hall. Had afternoon off, scrubbed clothes and went to chow. Wrote letters and went to movie with Ackerley.

Reveille 0530 had early chow and scrubbed head and CPO rooms. Cleaned head again after chow because of heavy rain. Laid around rest of the day.

Reveille 0530 had early chow and scrubbed head and CPO rooms. Stood a security watch early chow and went to bed early.

Reveille 0430 and went on mess duty. Worked like mad today. Bag inspection and packed up for our leave, shower and to bed early.

Reveille 0400 rolled seabags and hammocks and ran around all morning leaving for New York on seven days leave at 12 noon. Arrived Grand Central 6:30 PM took train to Poughkeepsie at 7:40 PM arriving at Mollie's at 10:30 PM.

Up at 0915 went swimming and washed clothes. Took some pictures and went to Pine Plains and then went swimming again. Went to bed at 10 o'clock.

Up at 0500 caught New York train for home, roamed around all day and went to a movie in the evening.

Met Ackerley at Ruthie's house in the afternoon and went on a double date to New York to see "Holiday Inn" and the "Ink Spots." Very nice time.

Went riding around and in the evening went to the Log Cabin with Norm Ackerley on another date. Nice time again.

Went to Playland in the afternoon and in the evening went to see Bill and Betty in Jersey.

Went up to White Plains today to stay the rest of the leave with Ackerley at his house Went fishing in the afternoon and caught the first trout. Nice day and evening spent in New York, caught the 2 AM train for Newport having a tough train ride with Norm and the Bottle.

Rode all night on the train to Newport. Lost Ackerley when he went to sick bay and I moved on through the process of preparing to move out in the near future. I was given a physical and then looked for Ackerley all the rest of the day, never did find him.

Reveille 0430 and folded up our bags again and took them to the station and returned for chow. Boarded train at 1030 and arrived New York again at 3:30 PM reporting to the U.S. Navy Receiving ship, Pier 92 New York City waiting for an assignment to a ship.

Reveille 0500 and rolled up my bag again then waited around from 0700 to 7:00 PM and was finally assigned to the U.S.S. Benson, DD421. Was given a weekend leave so I went to Mt. Vernon and stayed with the Fausels.

Up at 0900 and went to see the Graingers and spent the rest of the day riding around. Saw Bill and Betty in the evening and hit the sack.

Up at 0500 caught the New York train and went back to Pier 92. We marched all day in the street and had liberty at 4:30 PM, went to a movie. Queen

Elizabeth left today for Ireland with a full load of troops on board, expected back in ten days.

Reveille 0500 drilled all day and hit the sack early.

Reveille 0500 went to Erie Basin to work on a troop transport, cleaning it up is our job. Returned and got paid $17.00 and went ashore, returned early and hit the sack.

Reveille 0500 went to the Erie Basin again and returned to go to bed early.

Reveille 0500 drilled all day and went ashore in the afternoon. Returned early and hit the sack.

Reveille 0500 saw Queen Mary leave for Ireland today loaded with troops. Have watch from 4 to 8 tonight and in the morning. Very little sleep tonight.

Reveille 0500 and was finally mustered and put on a draft and left Pier 92 at 4 PM for the Brooklyn Navy Yard and the U.S.S. Benson for sea duty. There were no bunks for us recruits so we slept on the table or on the deck, anywhere that were was room to lie down.

Reveille 0600 ate chow and mustered for colors at 0800. Loaded stores on ship all day, spuds, meat, fruit, and canned goods. Turned in at 2100.

Reveille 0600 Ate chow and mustered, loaded stores and spliced lines with the first division.

Reveille 0600. Made quarters for muster and was assigned to the second section of the first division for my liberty. Was assigned the chiefs quarters as a cleaning station.

Reveille 0600. Worked until 1600 and went to Dave's and borrowed the car from Elvira and went to see the Ackerleys. Returned to the ship at 0300.

INSERT SHIP'S PAGE

RE JRV'S ASSIGNMENT TO BENSON

Reveille 0600. Quarters for muster and made cargo nets, carried spuds. Went to see Bill and Betty. Returned aboard at 0300.

Reveille 0600. Went ashore at 1300 and went to Bill's wedding and had a date with Ruth in the evening. Turned in at Herb Fennell's house at 0300. This is a 48 hour pass for the weekend.

Up at 1100 and went to Norman Ackerley's house for dinner Took his sister Evelyn out and had a good time. Home at 2345.

Returned to the ship at 0600 and worked around the forecastle. Underway from the Brooklyn Navy Yard at 0900 and went to Fort Lafayette near Coney Island and loaded ammunition on board. U.S.S. Niblack tied up alongside of us.

Underway at 0000. Stood the 0400-0800 watch and turned to all day arriving in Norfolk, NOB at 2000. Had liberty in Norfolk, sure is dead town. Was sea sick on the trip down.

Reveille 0600. Turned to all day. Payday and no money for me.

Reveille 0600. Turned to all day. Stood gangway watch 2000-2400.

Reveille 0600. Turned to and scrubbed down the forecastle. Watch 0800-1200, underway 1030. Picked up convoy and went to sea. Watch 1600-1800 and hit the sack, no chow feeling slightly sea sick again.

Watch 0000-0400. Up at 0800 and cleaned the chief's quarters and went back on watch 1200-1600 slept for awhile and went back on watch 2000-2400. Dropped convoy off at New York at 0200 and dropped the hook at 0915 in New London, Conn. Very bad fog so the skipper didn't know for sure where we were until morning when we could see our anchorage.

Reveille 0600. Fixed up our abandon ship ration outfits so they were seaworthy. Chicken for chow so I had my first good chow since I left New York. Took it easy for the rest of the day and hit the sack.

Reveille 0530. Underway 0700. Practiced training exercises with submarine S68 outside New London area. Stood watch on flying bridge 1200-1600. Dropped the hook at 1900 off New London again and hit the sack early.

Reveille 0500. Underway 0700 and had sub training all day. Watch 0800-1200 and 1800-2000. Turned in at 2145 and up again at 2300, got underway at 2300 from New London, Conn. General Quarters 0045.

Watch 0400-0800 after returning to the sack from the G.Q. at 0045 around 0120. Arrived off Fort Lafayette and unloaded the ammunition, tied up in Brooklyn Navy Yard 1600, and I went on liberty to Mt. Vernon.

Returned aboard 0445 and hit the sack. Reveille 0600. Carried stores aboard and scrubbed bulkheads, a movie and hit the sack again.

Reveille 0600. Cleaned and scraped side of ship. Liberty 1300 went to White Plains. Liberty expired on board at 0000.

Underway 0330. At sea, watch 0400-0800, 1800-2000.

Watch 0400-0800 worked around ship and life rafts, watch 1800-2000.

Watch 0000-0400. Up at 0830 cleaned compartments, watch 1200-1600. Arrived Halifax, Nova Scotia 1500, tied up and fueled ship. Finished fueling and shoved off to anchor at 1800. Put the lines away and hit the sack after chow, was feeling very sick tonight.

Special Sea Detail 0500 weigh anchor at 0545. Convoy came out at 0600. Watch 0800-1200. Issued winter suits, watch 1800-2000 and hit the sack.

Watch 0400-0800 and scrubbed down the compartment. G.Q. and practice drills.

Slept until 1000, G.Q. 1200-1600 watch 2000-2400.

Reveille 0630, watch 0800-1200. Lookout instruction at 1400. Washed my dress blues and watch 1800-2000. Sacked out early.

Watch 0400-0800, cleaned compartment. G.Q. fired 5 rounds 20mm. Watch 1600-1800 saw some wreckage on the water and an empty lifeboat.

Watch 0000-0400 up at 1000 to the tune of G.Q. watch 1200-1600, 2000-2400. Subs are reported all around us, mostly to starboard side of convoy. One man on the H.P. Jones, DD427 was washed overboard, he was frozen when they recovered the body.

Reveille 0600 watch 0800-1200. G.Q. 1000. Turn to, watch 1800-2000 very large swells tonight and we had trouble sleeping.

Watch 0400-0800. Made landfall 0610 (England). Turn to 0830. We average 320 miles a day. Watch 1600-1800. Went down to Liverpool and dropped off the convoy.

Watch 0000-0400 up at 0600 turn to and clean the compartment. Docked and fueled ship at Londonderry, Ireland 1730. Saw movie and hit the sack as there was duty for the starboard section.

Security watch 0300-0600 turn to and paint the compartment all day. Liberty in Londonderry. Not so good. Returned to ship 0030.

Reveille 0600 and underway at 0900. Dropped the hook 1000 and worked all day. Underway 1800 as there is a very bad storm and the anchors are dragging and ships are close to collision in the stream.

Reveille 0600, watch 0800-1200 chow and lay around. Watch 1600-1800 (set the clock back one hour so it was only a three hour watch). Large swells and high wind as it is storming and very rough.

Watch 0400-0800 scrub compartment, sea stormy and rough, subs reported again. Watch 1600-2000.

Watch 0000-0400 hit the sack 0430. Up at 1030 for G.Q. Watch 1200-1600, 2000-2400. Sea rough and many rain squalls, wrote some letters.

Reveille 0630 chow and on watch 0800-1200. Washed dungarees. Watch 1800-2000 and hit the sack early. Rain and heavy seas so we can only make 10 knots.

Watch 0400-0800 ate chow and scrubbed the compartment. Slept during the afternoon, watch 1600-2000. Raining and heavy seas, can now make 14 knots. Three DD's left for Portland, Maine at 1800.

Watch 0000-0400 up at 0645 ate chow and scrubbed the Chief's quarters. Target practice, watch 1200-1600, 2000-2400. Picked up some important messages from battleship Arkansas and Squadron commander, Plunkett, DD431 and left the convoy for New York to arrive Monday morning.

Reveille 0630, watch 0800-1200. Hauled down a Portuguese fishing boat out of Lisbon since June. Boarding party said it was all right. USS Mayo accompanying us from convoy, kept on course. Watch 1800-2000.

Watch 0400-0800 cleaned compartment. G.Q fired five rounds of practice 20mm ammo. Watch 1600-1800.

Watch 0000-0400, up at 0730 and making preparations for hitting port. Watch 1200-1600 Ran into storm and heavy gale setting us back so we may enter port about 0900. Watch 2000-2400.

G.Q. 0330 and collision sounded immediately afterward. Radar picked up contact at 7000 yards, challenged target at 5000 yards. Challenge answered at 3500 yards. Ships on opposite courses when the destroyer Trippe DD403 swerved across our course and we hit them on the starboard side near their after deckhouse. All engines reversed full at 0313 and collision at 0314. The collision killed six men on the Trippe who were in the after-compartment sleeping. Watch 0800-1200 arrived Brooklyn Navy Yard 1510 tied up had to clean and paint a locker before we got liberty. Liberty at 1815, went to Fausel's and returned at 0615.

Quarters for muster and cleaned up paint locker and bosn's storeroom from damage in the collision. Took all ammo out of forward magazines and loaded it

onto barge from Fort Lafayette. The collision sheared our bow off to just about the water line so we took on water forward but not much. Had liberty, went to Mt. Vernon and saw Groves, Fausels, Fennels, Graingers, and Ruth.

Returned aboard 0700 and turn to on ship which was in drydock. Clean windlass room and squared the forecastle away, then brought some stores aboard. Fire watches 1800-2000, 0400-0800.

Fire watch 0400-0800 quarters for muster and turn to on forecastle. Payday and no pay. Scraped anchor chain on dock. Took all the rest of the ammo off the ship, liberty 1730 went to the rodeo with Kenny, Bill, Doris and Betty returning aboard at 0200.

Reveille 0600 quarters for muster and returned to scraping the anchor chain on the dock and later to scraping the Division Commander's cabin. Liberty 1615 went to Mt. Vernon and Larchmont.

Returned aboard 0430 and up at 0600 quarters for muster and turn to in the Division Commander's cabin again. Paint forecastle. Fire watch 1900-0130.

Reveille 0600 scraped lockers again and went on liberty at 1200. Stayed at Fennel's overnight. Saw Ray Lunstead and Freddy Schmidt in uniform for the first time, they left for California that night.

Up at 1100 ate and went out with Herb Fennell. Received a sweater, socks, hat and some gloves from a Mt. Vernon organization. Went to movie and out to Jersey to see Bill and Betty, stayed there for the night.

Returned to ship at 0700. Quarters for muster and turn to on scraping the anchor chain, carrying stores and gear aboard. Watch 2000-2400.

Reveille 0600. Watch 0800-1200. Liberty at 1300, went to White Plains, saw a movie and stayed at the Ackerley's.

Returned to ship 0730, turn to on anchor chain and clean the Chief's quarters. Fire watch 1200-1600 then on liberty to Mt. Vernon, stayed at Fennell's.

Returned to the ship at 0730 turn to scrub bulkheads and a working party on the lines of the USS Maddock (new DD). Watch 2000-2400.

Reveille 0630 and stood the 0800-1200 watch. Liberty 1300 went to Fennell's and saw movie in the evening.

Up at 0900 went bowling with the old gang and drove up to Mollie's with Dave's car. Went out with Herb Fennell that night.

Up at 0445 and returned aboard ship at 0700. Quarters for muster and turn to on anchor chain, carried stores aboard in the afternoon and in the evening.

Security watch 0000-0300. Reveille 0630, quarters and turn to. Cleared the forecastle and made ready for sea. Ate chow and scrubbed bulkheads until 1430 and underway at 1515. Dropped the hook off Fort Lafayette at 1615 and loaded ammo until 2345 then brought the whaleboat and Captain's gig on board finally hitting the sack at 0230.

Reveille and special sea detail at 0545 and underway 0700 for speed run. Turn to in chief's quarters, lamp locker, etc. Watch 1200-1600 ending speed run at 1215 as port engine broke down. Arrived Navy Yard 1615 and went on liberty to the Fausel's.

Up at 0430 arrived ship 0700 turn to scrape forecastle for painting. Underway 1320 up the East River through the Long Island Sound to New London, Conn., arrived 1930. Watch 1800-2000.

Watch 0300-0600, underway 0700, watch 0800-1200. Painted Bosun's storeroom in the afternoon and watch 1800-2000 and early to bed.

Watch 0400-0800 arrived New York 35th Street pier at 1100. Turn to painting Bosun's storeroom again had a good drunk on when I got finished with the painting (fumes from zinc-cromate). Dried up the peet tanks and turn to on the forecastle painting. No liberty as we don't know when we are getting underway again.

Reveille 0600 quarters for muster and clean dungarees as we have a new Executive Officer coming aboard. Uniform of the day is the order of the new exec so we don't like him to start with. Watch 1200-1600 on forecastle. Uniform of the day for chow and cleaned locker out. Liberty for certain men of the 1st section as it is only from 1500-2400.

Watch 0000-0400 turn to all day on the forecastle snaking. Liberty 1630-2400, returned to ship 2300.

Reveille 0600 and turn to on forecastle snaking all day. Field day. NO LIBERTY. Saw movie and hit the sack.

Reveille 0600 turn to on forecastle and eased over a few times for some chow on the beach. NO LIBERTY.

Reveille 0600 and scrub down the forecastle. Quarters and turn to painting the snaking on the forecastle with rags. (That is the regulation way of doing it.) Sure was a lousy job to do. Liberty 1630-2400.

Special sea detail 0500 and underway 0600. Watch 1200-1600. Set condition 2 mike sail watch 2000-2400, relieved at 2420 and to bed 0130.

Reveille 0600. There are 45 merchantmen and 6 destroyers in the convoy headed SE-E believed to be Africa this trip. Speed of convoy 9 knots, snow and windy with high seas. Watch 0800-1200. Loading drill in gun 3 at 1630. Watch 2000-2400.

Up at 0700 watch 0800-1200 lecture on planes 1315 watch 2000-2400. Speed of convoy 9 knots weather clear, windy and rough seas.

Up 0700 turn to in windlass room for field day. Weather warmer and sea almost calm. Watch 2000-2400.

Up 0700 watch 0800-1200 turn to scrape compartment watch 2000-2400. Weather warmer, sea calm speed of convoy 9 knots. Convoy carrying trucks planes and supplies.

Up 0700 watch 0800-1200 turn to scrape and paint the compartment. Washed whites and watch 2000-2400. Convoy the same. Contact with subs and searched from 2125 to 2315 and nothing found so it was abandoned.

The OOD got eight men up this morning at 0400 and we had to scrape painting the galley. We didn't scrape much paint, you can rely on that, we ate instead. Watch 0800-1200. GQ and sub alert at 1330 and secured at 1500. The destroyer Lavalette dropped two charges on contact that was all. Turn to scrape compartment. Watch 2000-2400, set clocks ahead 1/2 hour at 0100 tonight.

Set clocks ahead half hour. Watch 0800-1200. Fueled ship from the tanker Solomonie from 1130-1400, turn to. Watch 2000-2400. Raining and windy, set clocks ahead half hour again tonight.

Set clocks ahead half hour. Watch 0800-1200 and fired part of the main battery as practice. Loading drill in the afternoon. Dog the watch tonight, watch 1800-2000. Weather rainy so I got soaked a couple of times. Large swells and waves sweeping over the ship.

Watch 0400-0800. Bad storms. Highs swells breaking over the ship. Scrape the deck in the compartment. Watch 1600-2000.

Watch 0400-0800 turn to on compartment. No more chipping paint as it bothered the sound operators and they reported it to the skipper. Watch 1600-2000. Set clocks ahead half hour last night. Seas calmer and sun shining. Ship made 47 degree starboard list at 1650 quite a thrill.

Watch 0400-0800. Turn to field day in the compartment all day. Watch 1800-2000, set the clocks ahead half hour again last night. Sea calm.

Watch 0400-0800. Turn to in compartment and fueled ship from Navy tanker Solomonie, rough sea so it was a rough job. Watch 1600-2000.

Watch 0400-0800. Turn to scrub compartment after tearing up all the linoleum as it was declared a fire hazard. All hands were ordered to wear life belts -- Exec's orders. Watch 1600-2000. Weather warm, sun shining speed still 9 knots, no contacts. Saw deserted life raft late tonight. Set the clocks ahead a half hour tonight and last night.

Picked up some subs radio calls at 0100. Watch 0400-0800 turn to on forecastle and compartment. Changed the prisoner in the brig today he got five days on bread and water for not using the binoculars, by the exec. Watch 1600-2000. Convoy down to eight knots and sea calm.

Watch 0400-0800. Turn to in compartment and windlass room. Watch 1600-1800. Very black out tonight so we made an advance search out over the horizon contacting a Spanish ship and investigating it, found it to be all right. Convoy same and sea calm.

Watch 0000-0400 and up to the sack 0430. Up at 0700 for preparing to fuel again, Solomonie. Watch 1200-1600 and relieved the next watch for chow. Turned the clocks ahead an hour.

Watch 0000-0400. Up 0800 for meeting another convoy. Joined the old squadron for awhile and picked up their 17 empty transports and turned our convoy over to them and headed convoy of empties back to the states. Our convoy joined up with the British corvettes and some of our old squadron and went to Africa. We could see Africa in the distance. Watch 1200-1600 and relieved the next watch for chow. Now in convoy are 17 transports and battleship Arkansas and 9 destroyers. Had contact this afternoon and the Plunkett dropped some charges twice over the contact but no information came back to us.

Watch 0000-0400. Up at 1000 and back on watch 1200-1600 relieved the following watch for chow. This is the first day I have slept-in since I came aboard the ship. Washed my blues for New York in the near future, about the twelfth.

Watch 0000-0400 turned in at 0430 and up at 1000. The mid-watch finally rates sleeping-in if they care to. Convoy speed the same, sea calm, sun out. Watch 1200-1600, set the clocks back one hour at 2000. Relieved the next watch for chow.

Watch 0000-0400. Plunkett dropped two charges on contact and we sighted a lighted ship but did not investigate it. Up at 0900 and had life boat drills, fueled ship from tanker in the convoy. Watch 1200-1600, DD Taylor had a contact and dropped seven charges with no results. Relieved the following watch for chow.

Watch 0000-0400 turned to as a field day. Watch 1200-1600 relieved the following watch for chow. Subs reported the convoy at 0942. Had contacts and drills all day long. Convoy same speed (15) sea calm and sun is out. Sent two destroyers ahead on a high speed search tonight. Nothing around.

Watch 0000-0400 and hit the sack. Up at 1000 and had a lecture on life boats. Watch 1200-1600 and lost the bathythermograph at 1330 in heavy seas. Convoy reduced to ten knots, heavy seas and stormy. Watch 2000-2400, One ship dropped out with engine trouble.

Up at 0630 watch 0800-1200. Sighted a lifeboat and one ship used it for target practice. Lookout instruction in the afternoon. Watch 2000-2400, contact Panamanian ship Musa. Weather stormy and sea very rough.

Up 0630 watch 0800-1200. Exec put out an order no tailor mades and all regulation uniforms at all times. Very stormy and only made 50 miles in 8 hours using 10,000 gallons of fuel. Exec posted a notice of no 3 day leaves for any one brought before a Captain's Mast since January 1st. Watch 2000-2400.

Up at 0630 watch 0800-1200. Very rough sea and stormy. All hands ready for liberty. Watch 2000-2400 convoy speed 11 knots and about 950 miles to go at 2050.

Up at 0630 watch 0800-1200 clean up for locker inspection. Sighted an American ship loaded with planes headed for Liverpool, African Bay, speed 14 knots at this time. Watch 2000-2400. Gleaves, Plunkett and Benson are to go to Norfolk, Virginia with three ships of convoy.

Up at 0630 watch 0800-1200. Left the convoy with tanker Chicapee, transport Hermitage and three destroyers for Norfolk. Two Army bombers joined us at 1030. The exec read us Rocks and Shoals at 1300. Loading drill, watch 2000-2400. Convoy speed 16 knots and sea calm.

Up at 0630 watch 0800-1200 convoy speed 18 knots. Weather rainy, sea calm. Stationed special sea detail 1200 and arrived in Norfolk 1645. Received mail of August 26. No liberty and no watches.

Reveille 0645. Turn to in chief's quarters and special sea detail 1030 left Norfolk 1100 watch 1100-1200, 1600-2000. Three destroyers and cruiser Savannah for New York at speed 18 knots.

Watch 0400-0800 Plunkett dropped seven depth charges - non sub. Sighted New York sea buoy at 0900 and Ambrose lightship at 1100. Arrived New York 1315 and had to anchor out as there wasn't any room in the Navy yard. Tied up in the yard at 1630 and was paid off $146 at 1800. Went to see Bill and Betty stayed overnight.

Up at 0445 and arrived on board 0650. Quarters for muster and turn to chipping paint of forecastle all day. Moved from outboard ship to inboard ship in the morning. No liberty, watch 0300-0600.

Reveille 0630 turn to on linoleum in the chiefs quarters, chipping forecastle and carrying stores. Liberty and went to Mt. Vernon and saw Ed Fausel home on leave until the 27th.

Up at 0445 and arrived back at the ship 0715. Chipped forecastle all day. Very cold out. Went on liberty and picked up Ruthie at 87th Street and went to a show, returned at 0330.

Up at 0730 quarters for muster and turn to handling lines on the dock. Turn to all day watch 2000-2400 washed clothes.

Watch 0400-0800 and fire watch on forecastle 0800-1600 then liberty and went to Mt. Vernon and stayed at Fausel's.

Up at 0445 and arrived at ship 0700. Turn to all morning in paint locker and windlass room. Liberty 1300 and 3 day leave. Caught 1403 train to Poughkeepsie and Mollie's. Stayed overnight.

Slept until 0930 and caught 1532 train arriving in Mt. Vernon at 1815 going to Groves and saw Bill and Betty. Went to Graingers and borrowed the car and went up to see Ruthie.

Up at 1100 went to Dave's, bank, Buddy's, Formicola, Beechwood, Griffs, Groves and went bowling with the old gang in the evening having a swell time.

Up at 1100 and left for Bill and Betty's in Jersey on 1444 train. Went to see Ruthie at 87th Street when I came back from Jersey. Returned to ship at 0230 from 3 day pass.

Up at 0600. Destroyer Strong left for the Pacific at 0700. Last time we see her afloat. She was sunk shortly before reaching her destination. Painted and tied up to DD Stevens. Watch 2000-2400.

Reveille 0600 watch 0800-1200. Turn to paint superstructure in the afternoon. Liberty (Christmas Eve) 1730 to 1200 tomorrow. Went to Mt. Vernon and saw all my friends and stayed at Fennell's. Applied for transfer to the bridge gang and quartermaster striker.

Up at 0830 and talked to Fennell's for awhile and then back to the ship arriving at 1130. Turkey dinner was pretty good. Underway 1715 speed 23 knots sea calm destination unknown. Started quartermaster work on 2000-2400 watch.

Reveille 0600 watch 0800-1200. Special sea detail 1200-1445 and anchored off Virginia finally picked up battleship Alabama going to Portland, Maine, for target practice. Remained at the anchorage overnight. Watch 2000-2400.

Special sea detail 0500 underway 0530 for Casco Bay, Portland, Maine with the destroyers USS Mayo and Niblack for our squadron and the Alabama. Speed 18-25 knots to arrive tomorrow sometime. Watch 0800-1200, 2000-2400.

Reveille 0600 watch 0800-1200. Drill GQ fired pattern from practice drills on air attacks. Supposed to arrive Casco Bay 1730. Watch 1600-2000. Beans and bugs for supper tonight, unbelievable in the states but there sure were bugs in the beans!

Watch 0400-0800. Field day throughout the ship, turn to clean bridge and air bunting. Arrived in Casco Bay, Portland, Maine at 1530 and anchored in the bay. Also there were the following: 11 destroyers, 1 cruiser and 1 battleship and a plane tender.

Watch 0400-0800. Rain and sleet all night, half an inch of ice on the ship in the morning. Special sea detail 0630 supposed to go out on maneuvers but it was cancelled due to the rain, sleet and fog. Watch 1600-2000. Rainy but warmer than this morning.

Watch 0400-0800 underway 0800. Alabama fired, calibrated torpedo tubes radar and guns. Anchored 1530 and watch 1600-2000. I slept right through New Years Eve though it was quite a dull one for those up.

Watch 0400-0800 underway and maneuvered with the Mayo and Niblack. Left for New York 1430 and underway for the night. Watch 1600-2000.

Watch 0400-0800 arriving in New London, Conn., at 0530 and underway 0830 again but not for New York, subs trials and exercises for a few days. Anchored 1630 and watch 1600-2000.

Watch 0400-0800 and underway 0800. On bridge all day. Anchored 1330 and watch 1600-2000. HAPPY BIRTHDAY JIM?

Watch 0000-0400 underway 0800 watch 0800-1200 with training exercises all day. Watch 1600-2000.

Watch 0400-0800 underway 0800 fired anti-aircraft practice with plane towing sleeve. Watch 1600-2000 and on our way to New York.

Watch 0000-0400 arrived New York harbor 1000 watch 0800-1200. Pay day, liberty.

Reveille 0630 and turn to on bridge all day. Liberty 1300 and saw Bill and Betty returned to New York and picked up Ruth and went to a show.

Reveille 0600 and chipped paint on bridge. Duty day, shined brasswork all day and saw movie in the evening and hit the sack early.

Reveille 0600 and making my first morning colors alone. Liberty and went to Mt. Vernon on a forty-eight.

Stayed at Fausel's and up at 1000. Saw Lunsteads and went to a movie.

Up at 0430 and arrived aboard ship 0715. Turn to, duty day. chipped paint and saw a movie.

Still had duty. No liberty waited all day for the word.

Underway 0230 watch 0000-0400, 1200-1600. Don't know where we are bound for but we're going.

Watch 0000-0400 up at 0830 and turn to scrubbing bulkheads until 1100. Watch 1200-2000.

Watch 0400-0800 scrubbed blues for my next liberty where ever that will be. Watch 1600-2000 and early to bed. Set clocks ahead half hour.

Watch 0400-0800 turn to on paintwork all day. Watch 1600-1800 and scrub clothes. Plunkett had contact and dropped seven charges.

Watch 0000-0400 and turn to all day on the bridge. Moved to a locker in the Ordnance compartment in the evening. Set clocks ahead half hour, relieved the watch for chow at 1700.

Watch 0000-0400 GQ 1000 and I am now helmsman for GQ. Watch 1200-1600 relieved the watch for chow.

Watch 0000-0400 turn to shine brightwork in the morning and watch 1200-1600 relieved watch for chow. Early to bed and set the clocks ahead half hour.

Watch 0000-0400 turn to on bridge, nothing new. Watch 1200-1600 and relieved watch for chow.

Watch 0000-0400, slept; watch 1200-1600 and relieved the watch for chow.

Watch 0000-0400. Storming like mad here tonight. Two stragglers from convoy are in trouble with the subs that were closing in on us yesterday. We were ordered to proceed to their aid if they could be located in the storm. During this hunt, we were damaged by the sea when we took a roll to starboard of 78 degrees, this was at 0330 January 22.

Torn gunshield and torpedo impulse locker

Lost one Mark 7 depth charge and arbor overboard

Broken supports on #4 machine gun shield (20mm)

Bent shield on #5 machine gun (20mm)

Bent davit on #3 depth charge projector

Lost cease-firing horn on main battery gun 5

Lost 2 life rafts overboard

Lost port spray shield gate overboard at gangway

Motor whaleboat punctured on bottom

We were making 27 knots through the water and making a turn to starboard when we listed this 78 degrees while looking for stragglers from convoy UGS-4. Watch 1200-1600 relieved the watch for chow. Still chasing stragglers up into position and sea very rough. Two stragglers were torpedoed.

Watch 0000-0400 still in storm and sea rough yet. Turn to on bridge when we could. Watch 1200-1600 and dogged the watches, watch 2000-2400.

Watch 0800-1200 turn to scrub paintwork on bridge. Watch 2000-2400. Still in the storm and sea very rough.

Watch 0800-1200 and still storming so we had to postpone fueling ship till tomorrow. Watch 2000-2400.

Watch 0800-1200 and refueled ship from Navy tanker USS Housatonic. Shined brightwork and watch 2000-2400.

Watch 0800-1200 turn to scrub paint work, washed blues and went to signal and QM school. No more storms and sea calmer today. Watch 2000-2400. Lost two ships straggling from the convoy tonight. They were torpedoed about 100

miles astern of our position around 2145 heard SOS and was later confirmed by convoy commodores. Ships were

Charles C. Pinckney -- cargo of gas and ammo

City of Flint -- cargo of gas and army stores

Watch 0800-1200. GQ turn to had to chip paint in compartment. GQ at 1613 for plane approaching the convoy. Proved to be a friendly plane that had been searching for the convoy from Gibraltar. Still hear the submarine homing signals, guess they are waiting for more stragglers. Watch 2000-2400.

Watch 0800-1200 turn to scraping paintwork, washed blues. Watch 2000-2400. 40 out of 47 ships left in convoy UGS 4 GQ2000.

Watch 0800-1200 and had to stay on the bridge until 1100. Dogged the watches. GQ in the morning for drills and school in the afternoon.

Watch 0800-1200 turn to on bridge all morning. Watch 2000-2400.

Watch 0400-0800 and stayed on the bridge again until 1600 as we were forming the convoy again for entering port soon. Met British escorts and split the convoy with half going to Oran, Algeria. Other half of convoy was ten miles away when we saw them firing on a plane that was unidentified. From 100 to 150 miles to go to Casablanca, French Morocco, tomorrow about 0900 we hope to be there. Watch 1600-2000.

Watch 0400-0800 arriving swept channel 0730 and proceeded on in with the aid of a British patrol boat. Arrived Casablanca harbor 1030 and started the convoy entering the harbor in their right order. Still entering the harbor at 1830. We get paid in Francs by the tanker Housatonic and enter the harbor last. Report on ships sunk was today released to the public along with another name, Julia W. Howe.

Watch 0400-0800 turn to scrape paint on bridge all day. Watch 1600-2000. Fueled alongside the tanker Housatonic in outer harbor with the Plunkett tied up to our port side. Plunkett started to get underway while still tied up to the Benson and both ships were only 100 feet from the breakwater ahead. I was alone on the bridge when it happened and I called the engine room and tried to make the fellow there understand what I wanted him to do. He didn't know what I wanted done as he was new on the job and then the OOD was running all around me and getting in the way generally doing nothing to remedy the situation. I finally got an older man on the engine room phone and told him to put in the jacking gear and back the ship down as fast as possible as it was an

emergency; this he did and we stayed off the rocks though we did manage to touch a few rocks with our bow before backing down. The Plunkett cut her lines with a fire axe and left us going ahead but she did manage to hit the rocks harder than we did. We banged up the side of the ship somewhat and bent frame 18 and 19 on the starboard side of the ship. The skipper came up on the bridge mad as a wet hen and gave all hands on the bridge hell for not being on the ball and avoiding such a thing especially as the Plunkett is the squadron commander and it made the ship look bad to do such a thing, as if we had anything to do with the whole deal.

Watch 0400-0800 and returned to chipping the paint on the bridge. Liberty 1330 and Casablanca sure is a dirty hole. People don't know what water is no less soap. The streets are filthy and the kids are worse than the streets. Returned aboard at 1800 and our chow is bad and very scarce and all the men are grumbling about it. Very little for the air raid signals around here. The port is very busy day and night unloading ships so the Germans manage to come over and raise the devil with the work that is going on.

Watch 0400-0800 and less chow than we had yesterday. Beans and rice is getting to be all we know around here. Everything is rationed even to 1 slice of bread to a man. Turn to scrape paint. Quarters at 1300 and the exec. Lt. Comdr. Ronald J. Woodaman relieved Commander Clifford Fine as commanding officer with Fine to go to Oran as Port Commander for the allies. Second liberty party went ashore and we continued to chip paint. Saw a movie after 1600-2000 watch getting to my sack at 2330 and up again at 0330 for another watch.

Watch 0400-0800 turn to scrape paint on bridge in between inspections and musters. The new commanding officer held Captain's inspection of crew and ship at 1000. Really gave everyone hell and no exceptions even the officers got it. He is really going to be hard to get along with. Beans all day. 12 chickens, 2 turkeys, 200 lbs. of meat, 3 beef saddles and a few spuds for 320 men. The crew is talking of going over the hill in New York. I don't blame them at all. There is no liberty until the ship is entirely scraped so even the Ensigns scraped today. No chow, no liberty, plenty of work and watches every eight hours besides duty ship every third day and other ships have chow and liberty. Watch 1600-1800.

Watch 0000-0400 turn to and continue to scrape the paint and started to paint what we had scraped. Watch 1200-1600. We were to have a Spam sandwich and coffee for supper but the OOD made them break out some eggs and peaches so we had a little better chow tonight. Saw movie and had a haircut and hit the sack at 2230.

Watch 0000-0400. Small stores party left the ship at 0800 and the chief thought I had gone with them so I just turned in my sack for the morning and went on liberty at 1330 and had a better time than I had before. Got some stores aboard though there was very little chow in the deal.

Watch 0000-0400 up at 0800 and underway for compass compensating and RDF calibration. Watch 0800-1200 and am supposed to be secured for tonight's watches for a change. I doubt this. Fire and collision drill 1530, saw the movie and hit the sack with very little chow again.

Watch 0000-0400 up at 0730 and underway 0800 for more RDF calibration. Turn to scrape paint until 2100 and watch again tonight. Chow is now bean soup, coffee and 2 pieces of bread.

Watch 0000-0400 turn to and paint the bridge at 0800. Watch 1200-1600 and still painting 2000. Chow is beans and rice again.

Watch 0000-0400 and underway for sub trials at 0800, watch 1200-1600. Clean compartment for Commodore inspection. Saw a movie and hit the sack at 2230. Chow is beans, rice, 1 slice of bread and coffee.

Watch 0000-0400 Reveille 0500 (2 hours sleep last night). Turn to to finish cleaning paintwork in the compartment, bridge and shining brightwork. Inspection by the skipper at 0900. Chow was ham, cabbage, 1 slice of bread and coffee. Received some dry stores today. Watch 1200-1600 saw early movie watch 2000-2400 and to bed at last.

Reveille 0630 and watch 0800-1200. Turn to, rated liberty today so I stayed aboard and got some sleep. Watch 2000-2400, chow is improving.

Reveille 0600 watch 0800-1200 turn to scrape paint again. ICE CREAM for chow as the Plunkett made it for us and brought it over. Watch 2000-2400.

Reveille 0600 watch 0800-1200 and underway for Tarifa with and eight ship convoy. Watch 2000-2400, on bridge most of the day. Chow is rice and beans now with some cake for supper.

Watch 0800-1200 on bridge most of the day, watch 2000-2400. We arrived at Tarifa and saw the Rock of Gibraltar at 2200, very close to it at 2230. It looks like quite a place with all the lights all over it and the roads with cars moving on them, really looks like a honeycomb. Chow is the same again.

Watch 0800-1200 and returning to Casablanca, French Morocco, arrived there 1200 entered port and moored at 1400. Half holiday. Saw movie and watch 2000-2400. Surprise inspection by the Commodore in the morning. Chow is still pretty bad and we had to turn to all night in the compartment for that inspection.

Watch 0800-1200. Squadron commander came aboard for the inspection and as we had the ready duty there wasn't any liberty today. Saw the movie and watch 2000-2400. Troop convoy coming into the harbor all night. Chow is still bad.

Watch 0800-1200. More troop ships arriving and 7 destroyers, 1 cruiser and 1 battleship. DD's Buck 490, Earle 635, Mervine 489, Davison 618, Beatty 646, Emmons 547, Knight 633, CR Philadelphia 41 and BB Arkansas 33 came into harbor. We went aboard the cruiser Philadelphia and got some chow in the afternoon. Got back to the ship at 1920 and had chow, saw movie. Special meal for us as we missed chow so we had ham and egg sandwiches.

Watch 0400-0800 and turn to on bridge. Underway 1350 to operate outside the minefields. Plunkett, Gleaves, Mayo, Raven, Osprey, and Benson on Naval maneuvers. Firing AA and sub runs. Watch 1600-2000. Returning we met convoy and headed for the states. Chow is bad again.

Watch 0400-0800. Two GQ's last night for sub contacts but no subs to show for it. They called me twice this morning but I had turned in and didn't care to move out of my sack. School in the afternoon and GQ during the day. Watch 2000-2400 spent the afternoon on the fantail taking a sunbath for a change. Convoy speed 9 knots and sea calm. Chow is beans and more beans with rice.

Watch 0800-1200. Joined the Oran section of the convoy at 1100. Now the convoy stands as follows: Merchantmen 49, destroyers 11, sea calm and weather warm. Studied on the fantail while sun bathing this afternoon. Chow is beans again, pie at noon. GQ during the day and in the evening. Convoy speed 9 knots.

Watch 0800-1200. School 1330. Slept rest of day. Chow was fairly good today for a change. Made two sweeps today and met a Freetown, So. Africa bound convoy today, 20 ships and 4 escorts (British). Watch 2000-2400. Starboard screw has a hole in it from hitting the rocks in Casablanca while fueling so the ship is vibrating badly now. GQ today and set the clocks back half an hour.

Watch 0800-1200. Scrub paintwork on bridge and school. Watch 2000-2400. Chow tonight was one slice of bread, apple sauce and two boiled eggs. No more meat aboard. Sea rougher, speed 9 knots and GQ .

Up at 0700 watch 0800-1200 took on 40,000 gallons of fuel from tanker Housatonic. Made sweep over the horizon at dusk and returned to take position dog in convoy (astern of ships). Watch 2000-2400 set clocks back half hour, speed 9 knots, sea rough and chow bad again.

Up at 0700 watch 0800-1200, turn to on bridge and school in the afternoon. Had to change course because of the subs ahead of the convoy. Chow is running low and very bad, set clocks back half hour.

Watch 0400-0800, turn to on bridge, spun yarn Sunday. Watch 1600-2000 and had GQ at 2100, contact turned out to be a rain squall and I got soaked by a wave going up the main deck at GQ. Chow is bad again, set clocks back half hour.

Watch 0400-0800 missed out on morning chow and got read off from Ensign Belden. GQ this morning and turn to scraping paint this afternoon in the compartment. Hash for dinner today. Watch 1600-2000 and I missed out on chow tonight so I ate three slices of bread for supper. Turned in early. If I were on land tonight I would go over the hill and not think twice about doing it. Bad chow, what there is of it, and the officers are really pulling their rates these days. We are just southwest of the Azores tonight and the subs are like flies around sugar.

Watch 0400-0800 dawn GQ and turn to with school in the afternoon. Watch 1600-2000. Convoy is in the sub zone and we had to change course again to avoid the subs. Food is bad again, convoy speed 9 knots, sea is fair.

Watch 0400-0800 turn to and school. Had GQ also a GQ during the night though no contact. Food fair and sea calmer, speed 9 knots.

Watch 0400-0800. Figured to hit New York one week from today if the going is good. No word on leave yet. Rice is plentiful. We ran into a very bad wind storm today at 0400.

Watch 0400-0800, food has improved to hash. Convoy speed is now 10 knots and the sea is calmer. Watch 1600-2000 slight storm brewing.

Watch 0400-0800 storm clearing up though it is still slightly rough. Beans and rice again with two slices of bread this time. Watch 1600-1800, speed 9 knots, set clocks back half hour. 1125 miles to New York at 2000 position report.

Watch 0000-0400 storm clearing up though still slightly rough sea. Turn to scraping the decks in the pilot house. Watch 1200-1600. Drill GQ this morning and we ran the ship entirely from Gun 2 of the main battery. Simulated hits on the bridge, secondary conn, and director control. Storm blowing up again in the early evening. Convoy speed 9 knots, chow four kinds of beans and rice. 997 miles to NY at 2000.

Watch 0000-0400. Up at 0800 and turn to watch 1200-1600 and school. Set clocks back half hour. Ran into bad storm and barometer dropped sixty degrees in three hours. Chow is still bad and one slice of bread again, convoy speed 9 knots and 740 miles to NY at 2000.

Watch 0000-0400 and still in the storm. In the middle of the Gulf Stream and it is still cold so this storm is a good one. The First Lt. read us the ships orders in the mess hall today. Watch 1200-1600 turn to. Relieved the watch for chow. Storm still blowing pretty hard. 625 miles to NY at 1200 and we were notified of three days leave in New York.

Watch 0000-0400 up for chow at 0730 and had two pancakes. When a good chow does come along a buddy always calls the mid-watch so he can get some of it. Had a lecture on torpedo firing. Watch 1200-1600, chow is still bad. Found out today that we should be in New York by noon of the 12th. Now the bread is bad. Someone at sometime or other spilled fuel oil in the galley and it ran into the flour and no one did anything about it so today they made bread out of the flour and we ate it regardless of the taste. The skipper said feed it to them, they'll eat it. Sure am hungry tonight. Speed 8 knots and sea calmer.

Watch 0000-0400 turn to scrape paint on ship in preparation for entering the yard tomorrow. Watch 1200-1600 and still scraping the compartment. Sea calm and speed 6 knots due to fog that has closed in on us. The SS Norleys left the convoy at 2010 bound for the British West Indies proceeding independently.

Watch 0000-0400 and turn to scrape paint again. Entered swept channel at 1300. Convoy formed single line of ships with the Benson patrolling the flank. Watch 1200-1600 still proceeding up the channel at 10 knots, arrived off Fort Lafayette at 2000 and anchored to wait for the lighter and transfer of ammo. Took off 4100 rounds of ammo before entering the yard. Watch 2000-0100.

Arrived Brooklyn Navy Yard 0110 and it was two months to the hour that we left New York for the trip. Went ashore at 0200 and ate our fill of chow and then walked around New York until 0500 just to see the lights and people. Had duty from 1200-0000.

Had duty until 1200 and then I started my liberty at 1300. Went to see Ruth and stayed at the Fennell's.

Returned to the ship 0730 and scrape paint all morning and afternoon. Liberty at 1600, had a date with Ruth and returned to the ship at 0300.

Up at 0730 had chow and back to my sack again. Up at 1200 and chow and then on liberty, no steam, no lights, no hot water and no heat so we are in fine shape. Had to wait two hours before getting over the gangway as we were moving ship when liberty started. Started my 3 days leave today. Went to Poughkeepsie and stayed overnight.

Left Mollie's at 1200 and went to Mt. Vernon, got my gas rations and went to see Bill and Betty. Had Bill's car and a date with Ruth. Was supposed to see the Lunsteads on St. Patrick's Day as I told them I would be back from this trip about that time, sure timed it to the day, predicted this on January 10th.

Had Bill's car all day. Went out with Bill and Betty and Ruth. Drove Bill and Betty to 125th Street and took the car.

Packed up some things for Betty and took the car back to Bill's in Jersey. Returned to ship at 11:30 AM from three days leave and the gangway watch was all mine.

Watch 0000-0400 turn to and liberty at 1300 which was delayed until 1330 as all hands were called on stores. Went to Mt. Vernon for 48 hour weekend pass. Had Ruth to Bill and Betty's house for dinner.

Saw Ray Lunstead and Fred Schmidt, Mollie and Don and had a date with Ruth in the evening.

Returned to ship at 0700 and had the duty. Turn to on bridge all day scraping and painting with no watches for a change so I caught up on some of the sleep I have been missing.

Made morning colors and turn to to scrape bridge deck before liberty is granted. Finally got ashore at 1730 saw movie in New York and returned to ship at 0230.

Up at 0630 and turn to. New halyards on gaff, staff, and stern. Cleaned the steering engine room and liberty at 1800. Stayed aboard.

Up at 0630 and had quarters for muster and turn to painting decks of bridge. Had the duty so no liberty.

Up at 0630 and had quarters for muster and turn to on bridge. Liberty 1630 and stayed in New York again. Returned to ship at 0200. They restricted the division today until we had painted a passageway.

Up at 0630 and underway at 0830. Loaded ammo from Fort Lafayette and calibrated off New York harbor. Returned to port at 1845 and had liberty going to Mt. Vernon.

Up at 0500 and returned to the ship at 0700. Turn to to scrape and paint that passageway again. No orders, no liberty and ready to get underway.

Up at 0630 and underway 0800 and proceeded through Long Island Sound to Portland, Maine. Stopped at New London, Conn. and sent a man to the hospital with appendicitis. Watches 0800-1200 and 2000-2400.

Up at 0700 and watch 0800-1200. Turn to and GQ in the afternoon. Entered Portland Harbor, Maine at 1830 and had watch 2000-2400.

Up at 0600 and underway at 0800. Fired and calibrated with sub and stayed out part of the night seeing some battlewagons firing. It was quite a show, started at 2300. Watches 0800-1200 and 2000-2400.

Up at 0700 and watch 0800-1200 and calibrated again. Entered Portland harbor at 1800. Watch 2000-2400. Ships in harbor include the cruisers Tuscaloosa, Augusta, and light cruiser Santa Fe, and the battleships Iowa and South Dakota and 10 destroyers. Fog blacked out the harbor and on the 2000-2400 watch I rang the fog signals by ringing the ships bell for four hours at intervals of one minute. The ring for the Benson is ten fast for "danger" a ship is in that anchorage and that is followed by the ships number, 421.

Reveille 0600 and I got up at 0630 and underway 0800. This was cancelled due to the fog so we remained at anchor all day. Fog signals again on the 0800-1200 watch.

Up at 0700 and underway 0800 and just maneuvered off Portland all day. Left the area about noon and went south arriving at Boston and tying up there at 1600. We were paid and the crew had liberty. I had the duty. The crew took the town over as it was their home port two years before. They came back with Marine hats and even rode in S.P. wagons back to the ship as liberty was over at 0200.

Underway 0700 with convoy of two ships from Boston to Norfolk, Virginia. Passed through Cape Cod Canal from 1500-1600 and it was really a nice trip through the canal, off Block Island at 2000. Watches 0400-0800 and 1600-2000.

Watch 0400-0800. Picked up pilot after we had anchored at 0100 for three hours off City Island. Went on down through the East River and on out to sea picking up the Gleaves on the way out of New York. Watch 1600-2000 and had sound contact at 1530 and dropped 10 charges, 6 of the 300 pounders and 4 of the 600 pounders, first 600 pound charges dropped since I came aboard.

Watch 0400-0800 arrived Norfolk, Virginia swept channel 0300 and tied up at Naval Operating Base, Norfolk, Virginia at 0900. Turn to and quarters -- inspection. Have the duty again so I get no liberty.

Reveille 0630 and turn to after quarters. Liberty from 1600-0600 and saw a movie and returned to ship at 0200.

Reveille 0600 and underway 0800 and proceeded to upper Chesapeake Bay for maneuvers and gun training. Anchored up in Chesapeake Bay at 1800 and watches were 0800-1200 and 2000-2400.

Underway at 0900 and still foggy until 1000. Fired at sleeve in the afternoon. Bombarded an island all morning, Bloodsworth Island, Chesapeake Bay, Virginia. It is in preparation for landings. Returned to Naval Operating Base in Norfolk, Virginia at 2000 and had a liberty.

Up at 0600 and underway 0800 anchoring at 1030 in Hampton Roads, Norfolk Harbor, Virginia There are four carriers and 2 battleships in Chesapeake Bay this AM. Underway with destroyer Lamb and a brand new Destroyer Escort and one Naval Supply ship for Bermuda. Watches 0400-0800 and 1600-2000.

Reveille 0630 and watch 0800-1200 lecture in the afternoon and watch 2000-2400. 361 miles to go at 1200. Sea rough and speed 17 knots.

Up at 0630 and watch 0800-1200 arriving at Bermuda at 1100. The convoy was dropped off and turned back for Norfolk, Virginia. by ourselves. Watch 2000-2400. Sea getting rougher.

Up at 0630 and watch 0800-1200 storming badly and sea very rough and raining. Speed 16.5 knots watch 2000-2400. Very strong gale coming up.

Up at 0630 and watch 0800-1200 arriving NOB Norfolk, Virginia 1000. Liberty 1300 and had the duty. Washed all extra clothes in the seabag and moved from seabag to a locker completely. Saw movie and hit the sack. Watch 2000-2400.

Reveille 0600 and plans for leaving for New York were cancelled as we had to go to Yorktown, Virginia, changing two torpedoes and back to the NOB, Norfolk, Virginia

Up at 0600 and in port all day. Turn to and scrape and paint instruments on the bridge all day. Liberty, haircut and movie returning to the ship at 0030.

Reveille 0600 and field day. Inspection of ship and personnel by the skipper and then liberty at 300. Slept all afternoon saw a movie and hit the sack again.

Reveille 0600 and underway at 0800 to run the degaussing range at Wolf Trap in Chesapeake Bay, Virginia. Fired practice torpedoes and anchored off Wolf Trap in the evening. It seems as if we are practicing for some sort of an

invasion here. Transports and cargo ships with landing barges are all over the place: tankers, and six carriers, cans, battlewagons and 3 cruisers. The whole works. Everything on this coast not on immediate convoy is here it seems. Just as a guess I would say England or the Mediterranean Sea for an Invasion.

Reveille 0630 and underway 1030 fired two rounds and it was too foggy for shore bombardment as we couldn't see the target. Returned to the Army Base in Norfolk, Virginia and tied up to the pier. Watch 1600-2000 saw movie and hit the sack.

Reveille 0600 and turn to all day. Secure 1700 saw movie. In the painting today we blacked out the entire bridge and the instruments so it looks like the Black Maria now.

Reveille 0600 and preparing to get underway. Full speed trials in the afternoon, only 28 knots made, headed for New York at last. Watch 1200-1600 sea calm and at 1530 went to 33 knots and at 1900 hit 35 knots returned to channel and met the squadron coming out.

Watch 0000-0400 and arrived at 35th Street, Brooklyn, NY at 1100 with the Plunkett, Mayo, Gleaves, Niblack and Wilkes. 1200 waiting for liberty to start as we don't know who has the duty half today. Borrowed Dave's car and went to White Plains for a date.

Returned to the ship at 0630 and turned in at 0800, up and underway for Norfolk, Virginia at 1000 with convoy of six Navy tankers. Didn't get clear of the swept channel until 1600, watch 1200-1600 and relieved the watch for chow. Sound contacts twice and dropped charges once at 1825 and again at 1845 no results. Turned in at 1900.

Watch 0000-0400 and up at 0830 for special sea detail. Arrived NOB at 1030. Turn to scrape paintwork of bulkheads. Liberty at 1500 and had my first good time in Norfolk returning to the ship at 0300.

Easter Sunday

Reveille 0630 and turn to in the morning. Had the duty but went to the canteen in the afternoon and saw movie in the evening. Washed clothes and turned in.

Watch 0400-0800 and underway at 0800 for upper Chesapeake Bay and maneuvers. GQ from 0850-1030. Fired main battery in the afternoon along with the Plunkett, Gleaves, Mayo. Shot down the sleeve with the main battery and fired later with the 20mm machine guns. Watch 1600-2000. Anchored in Chesapeake Bay for the night.

Watch 0400-0800 and underway 0700 fired again at sleeve and hit it again cutting it down. Fired 20mm and had school in the afternoon. Watch 1600-2000 and fired some more and finally anchored out at 2200.

Watch 0400-0800 and underway 0600. Fired shore bombardment on Bloodsworth Island, Chesapeake Bay, VA and then practice fired two torpedoes at the Plunkett in the afternoon. Watch 1600-2000 and anchored out at 2300.

Watch 0400-0800 and underway at 0630 firing at sleeve again cutting it in half this time, and later brought it down. Went over to Yorktown and exchanged torpedoes and anchored at 1600. Underway again at 1830 for night shore bombardment of Bloodsworth Island, watch 1600-2000 and anchored at 0030.

Watch 0400-0800 and underway 0645 for more firing at sleeves, shot it down twice today, also fired 20mm. Watch 1600-2000 and anchored at 1530.

Watch 0400-0800 and underway at 0800. Fired at radio controlled plane with the main battery to see how close we could come without hitting it, which is the idea in the first place. Left for NOB, Norfolk at 1200 and arrived there at 1630 and had liberty.

Reveille 0600 and underway for Annapolis, Maryland. Anchored out off Annapolis. at 1300 and the Iowa came up and anchored alongside to port. Watch 0400-0800 and 1600-2000. Annapolis sure is a nice looking place and it sure looks military enough for anyone.

Watch 0400-0800 and underway at 0700 and out to the open spaces of Chesapeake Bay to practice fueling at sea with the Iowa for the first time. She sure is one swell piece of ship. Buzz Sirigos has a brother on her in the ship service department. Returned to NOB, Norfolk and tied up at 1630 and went on liberty until 0200.