World War II Remembered

PEARL HARBOR: December 7,1941

The outbreak of war on 7 December 1941, found USS PHELPS moored to USS DOBBIN at Pearl Harbor, while undergoing a tender overhaul. She was receiving steam, electricity, and water from the DOBBIN as all her machinery had been opened for repairs. At 0758 on that fateful day, the gangway watch saw bombs being dropped from planes diving on Ford Island and on ships moored near USS UTAH. A plane banked over the PHELPS, a rising sun emblem on the wing and a Jap with his goggles pushed up, staring right at them.

Lieutenant Trippensee, USN, the engineering officer, was the senior officer on board with three newly arrived Ensigns: Bill Kenner, Bob Sweatt and Frank E. Bell. The Lt. wasted no time in assigning the Ensigns: Kenner to fill in as gunnery officer, Sweatt to the machine guns, and Bell to the bridge as his Communications Officer, sending all hands to their battle stations and preparing the ship for getting underway. Joe S. Harrison, EM, immediately shifted the electric load from DOBBIN to the emergency Diesel generators and EM Jack Kirbey cut the power supply cable; thereby adding greatly to the early fighting efficiency of the ship.

Gunners mates were busily engaged on deck. Her forward 1.1 gun mounts were the first in the nest to fire but the stem guns had been dismantled for overhaul. In spite of that fact, only four minutes after the attack began, the guns were sending tracers toward enemy planes. The forward guns scored a direct hit on one enemy torpedo plane as they watched, and it crashed out of sight behind the hills.

In the engine room, two chief water tenders, Fred (Shanghai)Hansen and Bert Ellstrom, were busily engaged in getting power. Number 3 and 4 boilers had been opened on the previous day for cleaning. Only a 'Cold Watch" was on duty. Under the supervision of the two Chiefs, the boilers were put back together, water was poured in and it was lit off before they had the correct/regulation amount of water, just so they could get steam right away. The ship got underway on two boilers by 0926, and by 1250 she was steaming on all four boilers.

Ens. Bell stopped in the Radio shack on his way to the bridge just as the famous message came in, "Air raid on Pearl Harbor - this is no drill." After reporting "readiness to sortie-, they received permission to get under way. Lt. Trippensee quickly ordered a special sea detail set. After the first attack word came down from the bridge, "Man stations to get underway, and take in all lines." EM Jack Kirbey cut the power supply cable; CBM French and BM Deaton released the after mooring wire from the buoy at the precise moment when the Lt. ordered, 'All engines back one-third" to break away from the nest. While passing the head line of McDONOUGH to the DEWEY, they heard the word "let go the Anchor." It sounded as though it came from the bridge, so French let it go. (It was found out later that word came from the McDONOUGH) He immediately let the bridge know the port anchor was down and holding. Lt. Trippensee asked if the chain could be broken. The answer was yes, by easing it out to 45 fathom shot. French asked SM Leo Brown to get the unshackling kit. He knocked off the pelican hook and the chain hit the deck twice going out.

An appalling sight was unfolding. ARIZONA's size 8 colors streamed aft in a gentle breeze, forward of their after turret was a billowing red mass of flames. OKLAHOMA, barely visible, was the object of a vicious torpedo attack, 5 of which later capsized her. RALEIGH was sinking upright to the bottom at her anchorage west of Ford Island. The entire battle line on Battleship row was aflame, being pounded into a flaming chaos.

After leaving the nest PHELPS proceeded NE around Ford Island and saw the fantastic destruction on Battleship Row. ARIZONA's magazines had exploded, literally destroying the ship. MARYLAND, WEST VIRGINIA, and CALIFORNIA were so moored as to be somewhat protected by the other BBs alongside them. They were burning fiercely and the OKLAHOMA had already capsized. NEVADA appeared ready to break away but they later learned that she had beached at Aiea in a sugar cane field to avoid sinking and blocking the entrance to Pearl.

Lt Cmdr E. L. Beck, who had relieved Cmdr Neiquist December 6th, was on the beach at the time of the attack. By the time he reached the sea-wall a heavy coat of oil covered the entire harbor. He found a boat and asked the COX to take him to the DOBBIN. No sooner had they shoved off when there was a tremendous explosion in the main dry-dock, where the PENNSYLVANIA, the CASSIN, and the DOWNES were in the way. The sight about the harbor was awesome. On reaching the DOBBIN, he found that Lt. Trippensee had already taken the PHELPS out and she was undamaged and no longer a sitting duck.

At 1030 PHELPS joined USS DETROIT, St. LOUIS, PHOENIX, BENHAM, BLUE, MONAGHAN and ENTERPRISE outside the harbor where Lt. Cmdr Beck joined them as they stood into Pearl Harbor. The following day the force returned to Pearl Harbor.

The conduct of all hands was exemplary and deserving of the highest praise. Their initiative, willingness and coolness under fire were remarkable. No important item was left undone and every evolution required of them was accomplished smartly and enthusiastically.

[To review 31 different Shipmates memories of December 7, 1941, check your December 1994 issue of the BULLHORN.]

The next 11 months were hard and trying for PHELPS. About 90% of the time was spent at sea, mostly with carrier task forces.

PHELPS operated out of Pearl Harbor on patrol and training duty until 31 January 1942, when she stood out with Task Force 11 built around USS LEXINGTON. The force sailed southwestward in an effort to stop the Japanese advance toward Australia.

To quote RADM E. L. Beck: 'During that period we steamed nearly 70,000 miles, almost 3 times around the world, Bougainville, Salamua, Lae, Coral Sea, Midway, Guadalcanal, and the Solomons. We experienced the 'agony and the ecstasy'. The agony such as delivering the 'coup de grace' to our beloved LEXINGTON. The ecstasy our triumphant return to Pearl, a month after the Battle of Midway; the bands playing, and the crews of the old battleships saluting as we stood-in. The men never quit or quibbled. Though the hardships were great, I always knew that when 'Commence Firing' was ordered, or 'Flank Speed' was rung-up, I'd always get 1 00% response." Unquote.

BOUGAINVILLE: February 1942

20 February 1942: During the Bougainville Raid while maneuvering to maintain station 2000 yards from carrier LEXINGTON, Radar reported "Bandit". The first attack came in at 1643. During this phase, fired 15 rounds 5"/38 (single purpose), 40 rounds 1.1 at a single glide bomber, and 50 rounds at bombers overhead, both from the forward mount. The last remaining plane tried to crash USS LEXINGTON. At 1705 eight more planes came winging in and two minutes later all ships opened fire. At 1710 a single bomber came in from astern obviously headed for the carrier. PHELPS opened fire on this plane; the plane crashed ahead of the carrier after dropping 4 or 5 bombs close under her stem. The days Task Force total was 16 enemy planes shot down by fighters and anti- aircraft fire. [The destroyer men saw one of the war's great aces in action - Lieutenant E.H. "Butch" O'Hare, who won immediate headlines by shooting down five "Kates".] The fire discipline and reaction of the PHELPS crew was considered very good. The 1.1 fire on the two single planes which succeeded in getting through was considered effective. No personnel or material damage was suffered. Cmdr Beck reported to Commander Task Force 11. There is a very definite need for 20 mm weapons on this vessel.

SALAMAUA AND LAE: March 1942

The task force remained in the area and on 10 March, after topping off the bunkers in destroyers from the carriers and cruisers, air attacks were sent against the enemy forces at Salamaua and Lae, New Guinea. Results at Lae: two transports sunk, one medium cruiser hit, afire, and stopped, two, destroyers and one medium auxiliary. At Salamaua: one cruiser afire, two destroyers stopped and hit, two transports at dock, one sank, one burning and listing heavily, one cruiser type seaplane shot down. COMTASKFORCE 11 TO TASKFORCE 11: I congratulate all hands on their excellent performance in our first brush with the enemy and particularly commend the fire discipline that avoided in general firing at our own planes. The force then began retirement and put in to Pearl Harbor on 26 March 1942 where PHELPS underwent repairs until 11 April.

On 15 April Task Force 11 again stood out for the South Pacific for operations against the enemy. 5 May, Task Force 11 joined Task Force 17. On 6 May PHELPS was assigned to an attack group consisting of two cruisers and three destroyers.

CORAL SEA: May-Aug 1942

On 7 May, PHELPS was to enter the hardest battle of her career, "The Battle of the Coral Sea". 8 May, PHELPS was stationed 3000 yards off LEXINGTON's starboard bow. At 0943 PHELPS crew went to their battle stations as LEXINGTON and YORKTOWN launched their striking group. The first planes sighted by PHELPS were at 1104, about 300 feet of altitude and making a long glide. Some of the enemy planes were being engaged by friendly fire. The enemy's main attack was centered upon LEXINGTON. YORKTOWN separated from the LEX during the initial phase of the attack. At about 1120 the LEX took a bomb hit, starting a fire on her forecastle; by 1130 she appeared to have extinguished the fire. A friendly plane crashed some 4000 yards from PHELPS and she went to the rescue; Lieutenant JG Richard G. Crommelin, USN, (fighter pilot YORKTOWN), rescued in good condition.

At 1741 PHELPS was ordered to assist in the rescue of LEXINGTON personnel who had been forced to abandon ship. Numerous men were in the water hanging to rafts or rubber boats - some few swimming alone. Very few were noted to be lowering themselves over the LEXINGTON's side; her superstructure, flight deck and planes were burning with intensity. There was a considerable amount of automatic weapon ammunition exploding continuously. At 1807 and 1812, violent explosions occurred in the carrier throwing much debris skyward.

PHELPS boat bearing Lt Cmdr J. C. Daniel, USN, Staff Commander Destroyer Squadron ONE and Ensign R.A. Sweatt, USNR, USS PHELPS, made a final sweep of the area to search for any remaining survivors. They proceeded close in, searching fore and aft abreast the carrier and well under her stem. No additional survivors were found. The Commanding Officer was satisfied that all survivors had been rescued.

Having previously been ordered to sink the LEXINGTON by torpedoes, PHELPS proceeded to a firing position and waited for other vessels to clear. PHELPS took station 1560 yards on carrier's port beam and fired three Torpedoes, depth setting 50 feet: 1st hit abreast of bridge structure and exploded, (LEXINGTON appeared to settle further by the head and increased her port list), 2nd aimed amidships but no explosion noted, (believe exploder mechanism failed to function), 3rd hit amidships, LEXINGTON appeared to take a considerably greater port list; port edge of flight deck then estimated to be about 10 feet from water.

From the reaction of the LEXINGTON to the number three torpedo hit, it appeared likely that the damage already inflicted was insufficient to sink her in a reasonably short time, if at all. In view of the time element and situation currently existing, the Squadron Commander ordered an additional torpedo to be fired into the carrier's starboard side. PHELPS took position 1200 yards with target angle approximately 60 degree and launched two additional torpedoes. It is uncertain whether the 4th torpedo hit and/or functioned. An explosion was observed at or about the end of the estimated time of run, but no reverberation was heard or felt. However, she appeared to be sinking quite rapidly at the time with a large portion of fire extinguished.

Shortly after the 5th torpedo was released, the LEXINGTON disappeared beneath the surface of the water and smoke cleared rapidly. It is believed she sank well down by the head and listed hard over to port. It is not known whether the fifth and last torpedo exploded or not. However, about two minutes after release, two extremely violent explosions were felt in rapid succession. At that time PHELPS was swinging to port making 10 knots. First reaction was that PHELPS had either been torpedoed or that depth charges had been dropped close aboard. Engines were stopped and as soon as reports had been received from all stations that no damage had been suffered, the ship proceeded on southerly course at 25 knots to rendezvous with Task Force. The shocks of the explosion had been felt by other vessels of the Task Force, then several miles distant. It was the Commanding Officer's opinion that the source of the explosions was in the LEXINGTON.

Though PHELPS did not receive any casualties from this battle, she witnessed one of the better known battles of World War II. It also served as a grim reminder to PHELPS' crew that a long, hard road to victory lay ahead.

A US Newspaper reported: It was in truth the greatest battle in the History of the US Pacific Fleet. It was fought below the equator in the Coral Sea off Australia's northeast coast. For five days, smudged with belching smoke screens and roaring with bomb bursts, A US naval force and Army bombers from land bases took turns tearing into a heavy Jap task force, invasion-bound.

For the Japs the going was too tough. His fleet was badly shot up, largely by one of the greatest concentrations of air power ever sent against a naval force. The straw that broke his back was the unhappy accident of piling into the main US naval force no more than 450 miles off the north-east Australian coast. Punished until he could stand no more, he turned tail, while 500 airplanes, US and Japanese, roared through the bright subtropical sun over his uneasy head. The US aircraft had the edge. They burst through the Jap fighters again and again, rained bombs and aerial torpedoes at the surface craft.

8 May the US Naval force made another attack and were again attacked by Japs; attack repelled; believe that we got all the Jap carriers.

MIDWAY: June 1942

On 1 June, Commander Task Force 16 sent word to all ships that an enemy task force was going to attack Midway Island. Task Forces 16 and 17 were dispatched to either side of the expected enemy approach in order to deliver a surprise flank attack on the marauders.

3 June: A large force of enemy ships was sighted 700 miles west of Midway and heading in. At 0900, HORNET and ENTERPRISE launched their attack groups. At 1027, the task force commander alerted all ships to prepare to repel an air attack. At 1124 the ships received word that Midway had been attacked by enemy planes and at 1341 PHELPS rescued personnel from a crashed ENTERPRISE plane. At 1415 YORKTOWN reported that her radar gear was out of commission. At 2214 a message from HORNET to ENTERPRISE; "Our planes attacked 1 BB (battleship) 1 CA (heavy cruiser). Estimate at least 4 direct hits. BB burning badly hit in stack and mainmast; CA also on fire. No air opposition encountered. All attack planes returned."

June 5: All radar scopes clear of enemy activity. 1650 PHELPS sighted aircraft life raft and proceeded to investigate. Occupants of the raft were later identified as Lt Penland and RM 2 / c Heard of USS ENTERPRISE whose plane had crashed during the battle of the preceding day.

6 June: ENTERPRISE launched a search group and got results when Commander Task Force 16 reported, "Enemy located, will proceed toward him at 25 knots to attack." The enemy force was identified as containing 1 cruiser and 5 destroyers. Homet launched an attack group of 34 planes and a pilot reported no aircraft carrier present but 1 battleship was among the group. At 1148 a Japanese broadcast was received which stated that the Second Japanese Fleet was being bombed.

Results of HORNET's attack group was broadcast to all ships. "One thousand pound hit between stack and side of large ship. One thousand pound hit center of ship near stem. One thousand pound hit on another large ship. VF attack; one hundred pound hit on destroyer. Opinion is that large ship hit, turned in uncontrolled circle to right.

ENTERPRISE report: "Many hits on battleship dead in water and burning. One cruiser burning but has way on. Attacks by ENTERPRISE, HORNET and YORKTOWN bombers on defeated and fleeing enemy completed an air action covering three full days. Estimate enemy losses as result of action by Task Forces 16 and 17:3 carriers sunk, one carrier on fire and badly damaged, one battleship or large armored ship and one cruiser damaged. Saturday our search picked up two small enemy forces bound for home. 1st force 2 cruisers and 2 destroyers; hits reported on both cruisers. 2nd force 2 cruisers and 3 destroyers (one cruiser was wrecked and abandoned) other smaller cruiser received bomb hit, one destroyer sunk, others strafed by fighter planes. Our carrier air groups have done a magnificent job which decided the fate of the Battle of Midway.

The Japs' state of morale at the end of the battle was indicated by abandoning the crew of the cruiser when the other ships of that group left without effecting rescue of personnel. The performance of our ships during this period leaves nothing to be desired.

R Adm Beck remembers the message that Adm Nagaino, the tactical command of the Japanese taskforce, sent to Adm Yamamoto back in Tokyo. It went something like: "Send help. Send fast. Lost face and losing Ass!"

12 June 1942: PHELPS with two other destroyers and two tankers arrived in Pearl Harbor without incident.

GUADALCANAL: August-September 1942

7 July: PHELPS got underway in company with Task Force 11 built around USS SARATOGA. The Air Support Force, built around aircraft carriers SARATOGA, ENTERPRISE, and WASP, screened by battleship NORTH CAROLINA and numerous cruisers and destroyers, was to dominate the sky. During the Guadalcanal-Tulagi Landings Phelps was not directly engaged by the enemy but rescued several pilots and crew members of the ENTERPRISE.

9 July: PHELPS set out with 2 Tankers, 1 carrier, 4 heavy cruisers, 6 destroyers, 2 destroyer- transports (APD) with Marines headed towards the Solomon Islands; some of which the Japs held.

24 July: PHELPS joined forces with Task Force 19, to meet more forces; looks like we are on the offensive now. Rendezvoused with battleships, cruisers, destroyers, carriers, transports, Anzac Fleet (Australian), etc. Now a large fleet including over 3 troop transports, USS NORTH CAROLINA, etc.

7 August: Task Force 11 arrived within striking distance of Guadalcanal and SARATOGA commenced launching planes to protect Tulagi. With the air support from SARATOGA in sight, the Jap bombers jettisoned their bombs and "high-tailed" it toward home even though they had fighter escorts.

8 August: Fighter planes were launched to support Tulagi and Guadalcanal. The approach was a complete surprise to the enemy and there was light opposition. The Guadalcanal-Tulagi area was occupied and light enemy resistance was still in progress on Tanambigo. No serious damage had been inflicted on the US Forces and 30 to 40 enemy planes had been downed.

13 August: Just north of New Caladonia, chow running low, starting to receive half rations.

14 August: Got word Japs are bombing Marines on Tulagi. Steamed all night and all day and we are about 400 miles from Tulagi.

21 August: We joined some "Limy" cruisers and tincans. Jap forces are believed to be there. A report was received that two enemy ships were attempting a landing at Guadalcanal. By 2155 the enemy force that had consisted of 700 troops had been destroyed.

EASTERN SOLOMONS: August 1942

24 August: PHELPS' crew was treated to a ringside seat; a dog-fight in which a Jap torpedo plane was shot down by friendly fire; a small Japanese carrier was hit and left smoking. The second attack brought one torpedo hit on a cruiser and a one thousand pound bomb hit on a battleship. USS ENTERPRISE was hit by three bombs causing several personnel losses and putting her forward elevator out of commission and causing the after spaces to flood.

6 September: The task force entered Tongatabu Harbor and anchored and got fresh supplies.

12 September: Task Force 11 stood out for Pearl Harbor and 25 September PHELPS joined Task Unit 1.1.2 and sailed for San Francisco. The group arrived on 5 October and remained there through November for repairs and supplies.

4 October: PHELPS arrived in San Francisco to receive a complete Navy Yard overhaul.

12 December: With a new Skipper (Lt Cmdr 1. E. Edwards) PHELPS sailed for San Diego and training exercises until 26 December when she sailed for Port Wilson, Washington. From there she escorted the USS IDAHO to Los Angeles Harbor, CA. A change of command took place in March 1943.

ALEUTIAN OPERATION: May-June 1943

7 April 1943: PHELPS under command of Lt Cmdr J. E. Edwards stood out of Los Angeles enroute to Adak, Alaska, arriving on the 16th. It is very cold in the Bering Sea, but it is also very beautiful. Sailed along the northern side of the Aleutians and past the Island of Atka and entered Kuluk Bay, Adak Island. All of the islands around are covered with snow. The crew is on alert at all times. The following day she stood out again enroute to Cold Bay where she arrived the 30th of April.

3 May: In company with Task Force 51 they were enroute to Attu. PHELPS was ordered to transport area 1 and on 11 May she proceeded in as control vessel leading 9 landing boats.

12 May: The battleships of the task force began their bombardment and PHELPS opened fire. Eleven minutes later friendly fighters obscured the target area in a bombing and strafing attack. One friendly P-39 crashed astern of PHELPS and the pilot was recovered. PHELPS got underway as screening for USS PENNSYLVANIA and at 1937 she made a sound contact. Two minutes later two depth charges were dropped after which the contact was lost.

13 May: Another sound contact was made and two depth charges were dropped. Although the submarine appeared to be using their zero speed during our approach, there was a sudden shift in bearing rate and a sudden change in relative speed perceptible during the last minute, as though the submarine might be attempting a last minute running escape, giving up hope of a "sitting" escape. At 1530 contact was regained and 5 six-hundred pound depth charges and 4 three-hundred pounders were dropped. USS PRUITT reported: "Relative to 'PHELPS Pinnacle' one metal drum brought to surface slight diesel oil slick. SMSD and fathometer confirm your hits". The shore fire control party then sent PHELPS an urgent call for fire support immediately after the second attack was made and the versatile destroyer raced back to assist. At Holtz Bay, out of about 4 broadside salvos three enemy gun emplacements were hit. PHELPS continued on her fire support missions until 22 May.

26 May: PHELPS got underway from Adak to Attu. Commenced patrolling Holtz Bay, Saranan Bay Area, Attu in company with the USS AYLWIN. Received orders from shore fire control party to bombard enemy installations in Chichagof Harbor. May 31 the American Flag is flying on hills of Attu. PHELPS continued patrol and bombardments until 1 June when word was received that US Army no longer required naval gun fire support.

18 June: While operating south of Carapan, PHELPS was taken under accurate fire and hit by a 6" or 8" enemy shore battery, at an estimated gun range of 6400 yards. PHELPS received one near miss causing shrapnel damage; one direct hit causing extensive but not serious damage in officer's quarters and wardroom; one direct hit at base of No. 2 stack destroying No. 3 forced draft blower and causing No. 2 fireroom to be secured and abandoned. There was moderate shrapnel damage on the topside; sixteen personnel casualties, five being serious, one whom later died. All damage control measures were prompt and effective, enabling the ship to remain in action without inter ruption of fire. Fires were quickly extinguished. Damage to No. 3 forced draft blowers and No. 3 boiler in No. 2 fireroom caused latter to fill with smoke and steam. Both boilers were properly secured, and the fireroom was then abandoned. Meanwhile the steam load was quickly shifted to No. 1 fireroom, and all bells were answered promptly. The wounded were collected amidships on the main deck and there treated since the forward battle dressing station (wardroom) had been considerably damaged. Adequate repairs were completed within 2 days, with the valuable assistance of PHAON (ARB-3).

PHELPS remained in the Aleutians without further incident until 2 August 1943, when she was as signed an anti-submarine screen for battleships and cruisers during the bombardment of Kiska with bombardment as secondary duty; PHELPS fired 26 salvos before she passed out of range. After completion of the bombardment, PHELPS returned to Sweepers Cove, Adak Island. 13 August Phelps returned to Kiska for a bombardment mission which went smoothly.

5 September: PHELPS sailed from the Aleutians enroute to the Hawaiian Islands where she arrived 15 September. 24 September PHELPS left dry-dock escorting a seaplane tender to Midway Island; arrived on the 27th and returned to Pearl Harbor. There she held training exercises until 10 November when she sailed with Task Force 52 for an attack and the capture of Makin Island.

GILBERT ISLANDS: November-December 1943

20 November: Left the formation to screen transports in transport area One. Transports began dis embarking boats; PHELPS patrolling in anti-submarine screen around the transports. Friendly carrier planes commenced bombing and strafing Japanese positions on Makin Island. PHELPS proceeded toward point of departure off Red Beach to act as control vessel for landing boats, following USS REVENGE with her paravanes streamed and sweeping ahead for mines. USS REVENGE commenced shore bombardment as many shells from other bombardment units landed nearby. Five minutes later PHELPS commenced firing at her assigned target areas. Many large fires were seen on the beach. Twenty-five minutes later PHELPS ceased firing as the first wave of landing boats landed at the beach inside the lagoon. 22 November: PHELPS was again ordered into the lagoon to give fire support if called for. Friendly tank units followed by infantry were seen advancing through a wooded area and across a tank trap. Snipers were mopped up in an enemy radar tower and other places of concealment. 23 November: USS LISCOMBE BAY was torpedoed and sunk; PHELPS was sent to transport area 2 for antisubmarine duty. Upon completion of the Makin Campaign PHELPS returned to Pearl Harbor, arriving 5 December 1943.

14 December: Lt Cmdr Martineau, USN, relieved Lt Cmdr- I.E. Edwards, USN, as commanding officer- of USS PHELPS.

15 December 1943: USS PHELPS stood out of Pearl Harbor enroute to San Francisco; she passed under the Golden Gate Bridge on 21 December and moored at Oakland. PHELPS underwent an overhaul before sailing for San Diego 29 December.

1 January 1944: Found PHELPS undergoing repairs at San Diego. With all training and emergency repairs completed she put in with the remainder of the Northern Support Group and sailed for Pearl Harbor where her officers attended their last conference prior to the Marshall Islands Operations.

MARSHALL ISLANDS OPERATIONS: January - March 1944

On board PHELPS for this operation was a British naval officer, Commander Anthony Kimmens, R.N. Commander Kimmens, having participated in numerous amphibious operations in the European 'Theater, was in a position to furnish us with the benefits of his experience. After his return to the US his comments were, 'No invasion was better planned or carried out than the Marshalls' assault. The whole operation had cost amazingly few lives, thanks to perfect organization, a bold stroke of planning, and brilliant execution'.

22 January: Task Force 53 sailed for the Marshall Islands. 31 January: PHELPS arrived some 3,000 yards from Ennuebing and Mellu Islands to render close fire support. At dawn general bombardment of the Islands was begun. PHELPS neutralized Ennuebing Island and made direct hits on enemy batteries on Roi. Landing waves had landed and firmly established themselves on Ennuebing and Mullu Islands, thus completing the first stage of D-Day for PHELPS. She then entered the lagoon as fire support ship for the mine sweepers. Ennumennet, Ennubirr, and Ennugarret Islands had been successfully assaulted and captured by US forces. Preparations proceeded for the main attach on Roi and Namur Islands the following day.

At daylight, PHELPS shifted anchorage to mark the lines of departure 4,000 yards from Roi and Namur. Targets of opportunity on Namur were taken under fire; attempted enemy counterattack from Namur was broken up and the area cleared.

1 February: Following the capture of the main islands, PHELPS stood out of the lagoon and established an anti-submarine patrol covering the Northwestern approaches to Kwajalein Atoll. 6 February: PHELPS escorted Task Group 53.5 to Majuro. 10 February: PHELPS steamed back to Kwajalein Island.

13 February: PHELPS was ordered to screen carrier division 24. That afternoon a small amount of US Mail was received aboard; the first in more than a month.

17 February: The Eniwetock expeditionary force arrived and PHELPS took a small freighter under fire after it had been beached. Other targets ashore were also taken under fire. PHELPS continued delivering call fire support until the atoll was declared secure.

3 March: PHELPS sailed for Majuro Atoll where she remained until 17 March undergoing repairs.

17 March: She got underway to screen a group of battleships and carriers in a strike on Milli Atoll. The strike was carried out on 19 March with considerable enemy fire falling near. While PHELPS was firing at very short range and sharp on the bow, an AA common projectile from Mount #1 hit the jack staff and detonated. The jackstaff and three forward life line stanchions were carried away, the bull nose and forward portion of the forecastle deck were pierced by fragments in several places.

Damage control was prompt and effective. The ship's force welded steel plates to cover the splits and hole in the forecastle deck, all steam, water and ventilation lines were repaired, hull leaks were temporarily checked; Navy yard assistance will be required to seal the leaks in the hull.

ASIATIC PACIFIC RAIDS: March-April 1944

The Support force and attack force returned to Majuro on 6 April. Thus with all Task Force 58 anchored, the bay held the most impressive fleet the world has ever known.

19 April: Navy Yard planners at Pearl Harbor began making repairs to boilers and necessary machinery.

29 May: PHELPS sailed for Kwajalein where she joined Task Force 52 for the assault on Saipan, Tinian, and Guam and they continued on for Eniwetock.

MARIANAS OPERATION: Tune 1944

14 June: Saipan was sighted and flashes could be seen in the vicinity of the Island.

16 June: While conducting anti-submarine duty, a lone Jap survivor was found swimming without the aid of a lifejacket; he was picked up and transferred to USS O'HARA.

17 June: Found PHELPS delivering in close fire support again; and received credit for wiping out 3 enemy gun emplacements.

18 June: At 0540, PHELPS was suddenly taken under accurate fire by an enemy shore battery. Two direct hits wounded 16 men and there were scattered fires in the wardroom and the #2 fireroom was knocked out; it was filled with smoke, flames, live steam and flying shrapnel. The prompt and efficient manner in which the engineering personnel secured the fireroom before they were forced to abandon it was accomplished with such expediency as to allow the engines to go from one-third to flank speed without delay and enabled PHELPS to continue in her assignment.

Particularly commendable was the action of Clarence Hency, WT 1/C, Thomas A. Willard WT 2/C, and Roy E. Thompson WT 3/C, in securing #2 fireroom promptly and efficiently without further damage to machinery or injury to personnel.

PHELPS then retired to the transport area where she moored to the stern of the USS PHAON (ARB-3) for repairs. By both ships dropping their anchors, PHELPS remained broadside to the beach and continued to give close fire support while being repaired; she proved her worth while being repaired.

A Fleet endorsement from Commander Amphibious Forces, US Pacific Fleet to USS PHELPS DD360 dated 24 June 1944 reads in part: "Of particular interest is the manner in which the PHELPS fired a total of 959 rounds on call fire missions while simultaneously undergoing repair of battle ... such ingenuity is a commendable example of the manner in which this ship acquired her enviable reputation for shore bombardment".

21 June: An enemy small craft closed PHELPS to 2,000 yards. Several 40 millimeter hits were scored by PHELPS on the enemy; a two gun salvo from PHELPS five-inch guns made a direct hit.

22 June: PHELPS was ordered to escort a group of transports to Pearl Harbor.

6 July: Phelps sailed for San Diego independently and on 8 July a dispatch was received directing her alteration and repairs to be made by the Charleston Navy Yard. 19 July PHELPS sailed for the Canal Zone; departing the canal 27 July she sailed for Charleston, SC.

26 August 1944: Lt Cmdr Robert B. Erly, USN, relieved Lt Cmdr Martineau, USN, as commanding officer of PHELPS.

PHELPS remained at Charleston undergoing overhaul and armament alterations and repairs. On 7 November the ship put into Norfolk, VA where commander Task Force 60 came aboard to make PHELPS his flagship.

CONVOY ESCORT DUTY. September 1944-September 1945

11 November: PHELPS stood out escorting convoy GUS 60 for Mediterranean ports. The voyage was uneventful except for an emergency appendectomy performed aboard PHELPS. The convoy arrived in Algeria 27 Nov. 1944. Convoy Gus 60 re-formed on 2 December and PHELPS stood out as screen command ship. The return voyage was uneventful and PHELPS put into the New York Navy Yard for voyage repairs 21 December 1944. Three more convoy escort voyages to Mediterranean ports followed in 1945.

PHELPS returned to New York on 10 June 1945 following the third voyage. The entire month of July was spent undergoing overhaul and armament alterations. August and September was spent in refresher training in the use of 5-inch, 39 caliber twin mount gun crews.

On 29 September 1945, PHELPS reported to Commander Third Naval District for disposal as directed by the Chief of Naval Operations.

On 6 November 1945, USS PHELPS was decommissioned.

USS PHELPS earned twelve Battle Stars on the Asiatic-Pacific Area Service Medal.

IN SUMMARY:

I find that the USS PHELPS DD360 (1936-1945) lived up to the charges given to the original Phelps crew by her first skipper, Commander Rooks, when he said "Make her a smart ship and a credit to the Navy of the Nation.

Prior to WWII she carried President Franklin D. Roosevelt to Buenos Aires, Argentina, to open the Inter-American Peace Conference in November 1936. On the 19th of December a letter was received from the president containing the following words: "A smart ship! To every man in your ship's company, 'Well done'."

In 1937 she again carried President Roosevelt, this time to Victoria, British Columbia on a goodwill tour.

December 7, 1941, this courageous lady, without . her skipper, and only a limited crew, escaped Pearl Harbor unscathed.

Throughout the war in the Pacific this gallant ship and her crew was assigned duties as Flagship for various Task Forces, she was a member of a guardian force providing submarine screening for the big ships, escort (mother hen) and guardian angel for landing forces; providing fire support for them through out their landing operations.

Their efficiency in action during the capture and occupation of Saipan which resulted in a fleet endorsement from Commander Amphibious Forces, US Pacific Fleet, personifies the words of Admiral Dewey when he said that it was his experience that the enlisted men of our Navy were of such a high caliber that they could be depended upon to fight the ship skillfully and effectively as long as a single gun remained in action, even if every officer on board was disabled.

From August through October 1944, Phelps went through a face-uplift and repair of the damage that had been done at Saipan. Now the Phelps was once again ready to take her place in the Fleet as a fighting ship. However, this was not to be.

In the fall of 1944, the Navy was charged with maintaining transportation lines to Europe, protecting shipping which carried essential war goods and American Troops overseas. On November 1, Phelps was assigned Flagship of Task Force 60 in charge of conveying merchant ships safely across the Atlantic into the Mediterranean. Station keeping was not easy on these trips as the Merchant ships had to be herded and goaded to maintain station. This was not the duty Phelps and her crew had expected but they carried on; this was the last active duty that the Phelps would see.

On November 6, 1945, this valiant ship was decommissioned and all that remains are the memories of the remaining proud crew members, PHELPS Shipmates forever.

This report was compiled from the following source data:
(1)Office of naval Records and History-Ship's Histories Section-Navy Department: HISTORY OF USS PHELPS (DD360)
(2)Declassified USS PHELPS DD360 Commanding Officer Action Reports
(3)HISTORY OF USS PHELPS DD360 1936-1945; Compiled and Edited by Lt. Roger E. Jones, USN, Deceased
(4)The Diary of Gilbert Allan, Yeoman 1/C- 17 December 1941 to 10 July 1944.


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