I should like you to know in detail just where we have been and just how much we have accomplished in the last year and a half since our commissioning. For security reasons it is impossible for me to tell you this at the present time, but it is believed that in the near future a brief of our activities can be released for you information

In the meantime, however, I want you to know, in this homely way, that we feel we have the finest, most outstanding ship in the Fleet! With pride and a justified immodesty we can point to an enviable record of having served longer continuously in the combat area than any other combatant ship, and that during this period we have successfully engaged the enemy a greater number of times. We can proudly cite our unequalled 150,000 mile sof steaming without casuality and a record of having fired "in anger" more rounds per gun than any of the others.

Yes, we have engaged in ebery phase of naval warfare. We have continually sought out the enemy and successfully beaten him up, down, back, and under on each occasion. For cooperation, patriotism, and the will-to-win, the officers and men of the Buchanan have proven themselves without equal, and I am as proud of all my Command as you are individually for "your man".

I regret that it is impracticable to bring the ship home at this time so that we could celebrate Christmas with you in out traditional American manner. Rest assured, however, that thought of you continually ride with us, and that I will do my utmost to bring our present cruise to a continued successful and safe conclusion and a well deserved passage through the Golden Gate during the New Year!

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This has been sent in by Mikki Tocco, daughter of James Clarkson, MM3/c, USS Buchanan. Copyright 1999, Richard Angelini. This website is a service by the USS Mayo group. Please ask to use any information. Thank you.