RECOLLECTION

Robert Miro 1989

“BOY AND THE SEA”

We were steaming in the western Pacific in the fall of 1944 and the relative calm waters of the Pacific in the fall of 1944 and the relative calm waters of the Pacific became fairly rough to a developing typhoon. The main deck was secured and all hands were instructed to use the weather deck when moving forward or aft.

I was in the forward mess hall and decided to catch a few winks before going on watch in the #2 gun (5”/38 cal.). We were in the destroyer screen escorting fast carriers with frequent changes of course. As I peered at the main deck on the starboard side the Swanson changed course to port and this elevated the starboard side and as a young indestructible sailor a foolish idea came to my mind. I decided that a dash on the main deck was possible. I made a run on the main deck for the after-deck house and I almost reached my objective, when the Swanson changed course to starboard. The deck was submerged by the sea rushing over the deck and it knocked me down. It felt like tons of water came pouring over me and I was swept towards the fan tail.

As I was sliding and flailing about trying to grab anything that would prevent me from being swept over the side. Fortunately my arms wrapped around the mooring bitt on deck that are used to tie the ship up when in port. As I was hanging on I prayed! Many thoughts came to my mind in a relatively short period of time as the Swanson change course back to port and the water receded from the main deck. I made a dash to the after deck passageway, where being too weak with fear over my experience I sat on the deck and thanks for my deliverance from the clutches of the deep !

R-31