Memories of the Monssen DD436
As told by Steve Miller for father, Raymond P. Miller soundman 3.
Oct 1941,Monssen DD436 was in port Iceland, one of the 2 fire rooms was torn down for repairs when they learned of the Kearney being torpedoed. My father remembered that the Admiral ordered the Monssen out to assist Kearney to Iceland. They found Kearney listing, but underway on its own and escorted it in. He remembers Kearney crewmen claiming they took 3 fish. Dec 7, 1941 Monssen was in Argentia, New Foundland, my father was reading that afternoon when all divisions were called to stations, the captain made an announcement about what they were about to here and in silence listened to the commercial radio news over the sound system. As for Friday the thirteenths, While on speed trials on Puget Sound the Monssen ran aground on sand bar and sat until high tide allowed them to reverse off.(of coarse Friday the 13th). Nov 13, 1942, reports of a Japanese task force coming down to prepare Guadalcanal for a troop landing. A much needed supply convoy had just started off loading, either withdraw the convoy or oppose it with a slim force of cruisers and destroyers. The delaying action impressed the Japanese causing them to cancel the follow on assault, but left the Monssen a burning hulk. She sank late that afternoon. Transcribed for Raymond P. Miller soundman 3
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