| Class: | President |
|---|---|
| Commissioned | January 16, 1942 |
| Length Overall | 491' 10" |
| Extreme Beam: | 69' 6" |
| Limiting Draft: | 26' 6" |
| Trial Displacement tons: | 11,060 |
| Ships Company: | Off. 35; Enl.: 477 |
| Troop Capacity: | Off.: 70; Enl.: 1,312 |
| Cargo Capacity: | 3,500 tons |
| Armament: | Primary: 5"/38 caliber |
| Armament: | Secondary: 3"/50 DP 6 40mm twin 14 20mm |
| Designed Speed: | 17.5 knots |
| Designed Shaft Horse Power: | 8,500 |
| Screws: | 1 |
| Type: | geared turbines. |
| Fuel (oil) tons | 1,700 |
WAR DIARY November 11 - 16, 1942 U.S.S. PRESIDENT JACKSON AP-37 REPORT FOR COMMANDER COMBAT TROOP TRANSPORT AP37. Operating under Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet. TASK ORGANIZATION: Task Force 67. Task Group 67.1 (U.S.S McCAWLEY, CRESCENT CITY, PRESIDENT JACKSON, PRESIDENT ADAMS) Changes: November 11, 1942. G.C.T. L.W.T/(LTC) 1300 0000 Steaming with Task Unit 67.1 enroute Noumea, New Caledonia to Guadalcanal. 1800 0500 General Quarters. 1855 0555 Secured from General Quarters, Set Condition II. 2100 0800 Position 11°42' South, 162°53' East. 0000 1100 Captain's Mast. 0049 1149 Strange aircraft reported, identified as enemy, Type Aichi Ai, 04 Reconnaissance. 0100 1200 Position 11°16' South, 162°16' East. 0246 1346 Series of emergency turns on order of OTC. 0318 1418 Destroyer escort dropping depth charges. 0732 1832 Assumed approach disposition for approach to Guadalcanal. 0900 2000 Position 10°27' South, 161°07' East. 1300 2400 Wind E, Force 3, Weather cloudy, Visibility good, Course made good 355°, Average Speed 12.29 knots. REPORT FOR COMMANDER COMBAT TROOP TRANSPORT AP37. Operating under Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet. TASK ORGANIZATION: Task Force 67. Task Group 67.1 (U.S.S McCAWLEY, CRESCENT CITY, PRESIDENT JACKSON, PRESIDENT ADAMS) Changes: November 12, 1942. G.C.T. L.W.T/(LTC) 1300 0000 Steaming with Task Unit 67.1 enroute Noumea, New Caledonia to Guadalcanal. 1413 0113 Executed emergency turn left 45° when destroyer screen detected enemy submarine and opened fire on it. Destroyer continued to press this attack. 1600 0300 General Quarters. 1643 0343 Entered Lengo Channel. 1745 0445 Set Condition I-A, prepared all boats for lowering. 1845 0545 Anchored 600 yards off Lunga Point, Guadalcanal. 1849 0549 Support and screening vessels dropping depth charges about 4 miles distance. 1850 0550 Lowered all boats, disembarked beach party, and 4th Replacement Battalion, U.S.M.C., Which shoved off for beach. 1901 0601 First wave of 182nd Infantry, U.S. Army, disembarked and shoved off for beach. 1910 0610 Second wave of Army personnel disembarked and shoved off for beach. 1917 0617 Third wave Army personnel disembarked and shoved off for beach. 1930 0630 All troops off ship, including 4th Replacement Battalion, U.S.M.C., THE 1ST Battalion, 182nd Infantry, 245th Field Artillery Battalion and 101st Medical Regiment, U.S. Army. Commenced unloading equipment belonging to these troops. 1943 0643 Large caliber shell fired by Japanese shore battery at Kokumbona Point exploded about 100 yards off the port bow of U.S.S. McCAWLEY, anchored about 2000 yards from us. 2022 0722 Kokumbona shore battery fired another shot, explosion of which was not seen from this ship. The battery was located by our planes. 2028 0728 Friendly cruiser opened fire on shore battery. 2048 0748 Destroyers and cruisers firing on shore battery. Planes spotting. 2105 0805 Friendly plane engaged in spotting burst into flames and plunged into jungle. 2308 1008 Destroyers opened fire on aircraft on port bow. Sounded general alarm, commenced heaving up anchor. Opened fire on planes. 2310 1010 Planes identified as friendly, ceased firing and heaving around on anchor; resumed unloading. 0120 1220 Four friendly destroyers commenced shelling beach at Tassaforonga Point, firing on beached Japanese landing boats, several fires started. 0220 1320 Received signal by flag hoist to prepare to repel air attack; ceased unloading, sounded general quarters, commenced heaving around on anchor, shoved all boats off for beach. 0232 1332 Underway taking position 1000 yards on port beam of U.S.S. CRESCENT CITY. 0238 1338 Took position 1000 on the port beam of U.S.S. McCAWLEY. Support and screening vessels took Stations surrounding transports. 0251 1351 Received word that 30 enemy planes were due to arrive about 1430. 0311 1411 Sighted about 18 enemy torpedo bombers, thought to be Mitsubishi Type 96. They came in from the northeast at low altitudes, in several separate formations. On approaching, the formations split up to attack separate ships. 0312 1412 This ship opened fire with all guns that would bear. Practically all of the enemy planes were destroyed. It is believed that the gun fire from this ship brought down two planes. A burning plane crashed on after part of U.S.S. SAN FRANCISCO and then bounced off into water. Action lasted till 1417. 0357 1457 "All Clear" signal received from shore station. 0426 1526 Anchored off Lunga Point and resumed unloading. 0630 1730 Received 28 "burn casualties" from U.S.S. SAN FRANCISCO, many of them in critical condition. 0700 1800 Ceased unloading, having unloaded all cargo except six Bren-Gun carriers. 0740 1840 Underway with Task Unit 67.1 enroute from Guadalcanal. U.S.S. BETELGEUSE and U.S.S. LIBRA Joined formation. 1300 2400 Wind E, Force2, Weather cloudy, Visibility good. REPORT FOR COMMANDER COMBAT TROOP TRANSPORT AP37. Operating under Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet. TASK ORGANIZATION: Task Force 67. Task Group 67.1 (U.S.S McCAWLEY, CRESCENT CITY, PRESIDENT JACKSON, PRESIDENT ADAMS) Changes: November 13, 1942. G.C.T. L.W.T/(LTC) 1300 0000 Steaming with Task Unit 67.1, plus U.S.S. LIBRA and U.S.S. BETELGEUSE enroute from Guadalcanal. 1740 0440 General Quarters. 1840 0540 Secured from General Quarters. 2100 0800 Position 11°26' South, 162°01' East. 0100 1200 Position 11°58' South, 162°34' East. 0200 1300 Funeral services held on fan tail for six men who died after being taken on board from U.S.S. SAN FRANCISCO. Full Military honors rendered. 0900 2000 Position 13°02' South, 163°43' East. 1230 2330 Forward lookouts reported submarine 300 yards to port. Report could not be verified because of heavy rain squall which set in. 1300 2400 Wind ESE, Force 3, Weather cloudy, Visibility poor, Course made good 134°, Average Speed 13.28 knots. REPORT FOR COMMANDER COMBAT TROOP TRANSPORT AP37. Operating under Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet. TASK ORGANIZATION: Task Force 67. Task Group 67.1 (U.S.S McCAWLEY, CRESCENT CITY, PRESIDENT JACKSON, PRESIDENT ADAMS) Changes: November 14, 1942. G.C.T. L.W.T/(LTC) 1300 0000 Steaming with Task Unit 67.1 enroute Guadalcanal to Espiritu Santo. 1730 0430 General Quarters. 1816 0516 Secured from General Quarters. 2100 0800 Position 14°17' South, 165°52' East. 0100 1200 Position 14°16' South, 166°32' East. 0330 1430 Funeral services conducted for a seaman who died aboard this vessel as a result of burns sustained while on the U.S.S. SAN FRANCISCO. 0900 2000 Position 14°35' South, 167°57' East. 1300 2400 Wind ESE, Force 4, Weather rainy, Visibility poor, course made good 118°, Average speed 11.92 knots. REPORT FOR COMMANDER COMBAT TROOP TRANSPORT AP37. Operating under Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet. TASK ORGANIZATION: Task Force 67. Task Group 67.1 (U.S.S McCAWLEY, CRESCENT CITY, PRESIDENT JACKSON, PRESIDENT ADAMS) Changes: November 15, 1942. G.C.T. L.W.T/(LTC) 1300 0000 Steaming with Task Unit 67.1 enroute Guadalcanal to Espiritu Santo. 1730 0430 General Quarters. 1809 0509 Secured from General Quarters. 1928 0628 Anchored in Pekoa Channel, Espiritu Santo. 1300 2400 Wind ESE, Force 2, Weather cloudy, Visibility good, course made good 158°, Average speed 11.99 knots. REPORT FOR COMMANDER COMBAT TROOP TRANSPORT AP37. Operating under Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet. TASK ORGANIZATION: Task Force 67. Task Group 67.1 (U.S.S McCAWLEY, CRESCENT CITY, PRESIDENT JACKSON, PRESIDENT ADAMS) Changes: November 16, 1942. G.C.T. L.W.T/(LTC) 1300 0000 Anchored in Pekoa Channel, Espiritu Santo. 1840 0540 Underway to go alongside tanker. 2018 0718 Moored port side to U.S.S. GUADALUPE, Oil Tanker. 2044 0744 Commenced receiving fuel from tanker. 2135 0835 Ceased receiving fuel. 2158 0858 Underway from alongside tanker. 2210 0910 Anchored in new berth, Pekoa Channel. 1300 2400 Wind ESE, Force 2, weather clear, Visibility very good.
ACTION REPORT USS PRESIDENT JACKSON AP-37 SERIAL 074 14 November 1942 Air attack off Guadalcanal, Solomon Island, 12 November 1942, Report of. Report of Cdr. C.W. Weitzel covers Air Attack at 1412 while unloading troops off Lunga Ppoint, Guadalcanal, operating in Task Force 67 as Flagship of Task Group 67.1 (Commander Transport Division 2, Capt. I.N. Kiland). AP37/A16-3 10/Bs Serial ( SD/TS133 ) U.S.S. PRESIDENT JACKSON Nov. 14, 1942 From: The Commanding Officer. To : The Commander-in-Chief, Pacific Fleet. Via : (1) The Commander Task Force 67. (2) The Commander, South Pacific Force. Subject: Report of action off Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands November l2, 1942. Reference: (a) ComTaskFor 67-OP-Plan A23-42. Enclosure: (A) Report for Anti-aircraft action by surface ships. (B) Action Report with enclosures (A) and (B), prepared by Comdr. E.P. Abernethy, USN (Exec.Off). 1. This ship, together with other units of Task Force 67, arrived in the Transport Area off Lunga Point, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands at 0530, 12 November, 1942. The PRESIDENT JACKSON was flagship of Commander Task Group 67,1 (Commander Transport Division Two) with Captain I.N. KILAND USN. embarked. Other units of this group were USS Mc CAWLEY, USS CRESCENT CITY, PRESIDENT ADAMS, ComTaskFor 67 in Mc CAWLEY. 2. Immediately upon arrival, troop units consisting of the 1st Battalion 182nd Infantry, 245th Field Artillery Battalion, and the 101st Medical Regiment, all U.S. Army, and about 275 Marine Corps replacement troops were landed, with the exception of unloading detail. 3. During this operation we were anchored with short scope of chain in readiness to get underway immediately, about 600 yards off shore. The transports were screened by cruisers and destroyers of Support Group 67.4 and Anti-submarine Screening Group 67.3. The BETELGEUSE and LIBRA, were discharging cargo about one mile to the eastward. 4. At 1318 (Mike) ComTaskFor 67 ordered all ships to get underway and prepare to repel air attack. This was carried out. 5. In accordance with previous instructions AP's and AK's formed division columns as follows: left column, Mc CAWLEY, CIIESCENT CITY and LIBRA; right column, PRESIDENT JACKSON, PRESIDENT ADAMS and BETELGEUSE. Course and axis 340°, standard speed 14 knots, interval 1000 yards, distance 600 yards. Support and screening vessels took station surrounding transports and cargo vessels. The formation was maneuvered by 90° turn signals by ComTaskFor 67. The ship was in Condition 1-A. All guns, consisting of 1-5"/51 cal., 4-3"/50 cal., 8-20 m.m. machine guns, and 8-.50 cal. Machine guns, were manned. The ship was as fully ready to repel attack as possible, considering that approximately 125 men, including Beach Party and boat crews, were not on board and that cargo hatches #1,2,3,4, and 5 were open. 6. At 1411 sighted approximately 18 enemy torpedo bombers, believed to be Mitsubishi, Type 96. They were coming in low from the northeast in several separate formations. As the planes approached, these formations separated further to attack separate units of our formation. Our formation was turned away from the general direction of the attack with a "nine turn" signal. 7. At 1412 this ship opened fire with all guns that would bear. It was noted that some of our machine guns opened fire when planes were still out of range. This was corrected insofar as possible. Due to the divergence of targets and our lack of fire control equipment, control was local at each gun, generally supervised by the Gunnery Officer in Control. 8. The accuracy and volume of fire appeared excellent. I was especially pleased with the effectiveness and smoothness of our fire, considering that the regular battery of 20 m.m. guns were manned by Condition 1-A guns, many of the regular crews being off the ship. I believe we brought down two planes. 9. This attack was beautifully frustrated. Practically all attacking planes were destroyed. One plane was observed to break into flames, and crash into the main mast of the SAN FRANCISCO causing an intense fire which was either extinguished or burned itself out quickly. No other damage was noted. 10. The action itself lasted about 5 minutes, from about 1412 to 1417. Ammunition was expended as follows: 5"/51 Cal. Main Battery: - - - - - - - - 3 rounds. 3"/50 Cal. A.A. Battery: Gun #1 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 10 rounds. Gun #2 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 7 rounds. Gun #3 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4 rounds. Gun #4 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 14 rounds. Total 35 rounds. 20 m.m. Battery: Gun #1 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 150 rounds. Gun #2 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 30 rounds. Gun #3 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 112 rounds. Gun #4 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 45 rounds. Gun #5 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 0 rounds. Gun #6 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5 rounds. Gun #7 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 100 rounds. Gun #8 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 86 rounds. Total 528 rounds. .50 Cal. Machine Gun Battery: Gun #1 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 25 rounds. Gun #2 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 20 rounds. Gun #3 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 330 rounds. Gun #4 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 0 rounds. Gun #5 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 0 rounds. Gun #6 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5 rounds. Gun #7 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 0 rounds. Gun #8 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 0 rounds. Total 375 rounds. 11. There were no gun casualties, personnel casualties or damage to the ship. 12. At 1515 anchored in Transport area and continued unloading cargo. 13. Prior to departure from the area at 1830 (Mike) this ship received 28 seriously burned officers and men from the SAN FRANCISCO. Six of these men died that night and one died the following day. All were buried at sea. 14. The conduct of all officers and men under my command was excellent throughout and I have nothing but praise to offer for their coolness and efficiency under stress of this attack. C.W. WEITZEL.
U.S.S. PRESIDENT JACKSON ANTI-AIRCRAFT ACTION BY SURFACE SHIPS LOCATION OF SHIP: Off Guadalcanal, Solomon Island U.S.S. PRESIDENT JACKSON Date Nov. 12, 1942 (a) REPEL ATTACK FIRST - THEN COLLOECT DATA FOR THIS REPORT! (b) DO NOT "GUN DECK" THIS REPORT - IF DATA CANNOT BE ESTIMATED WITH REASONABLE ACCURACY ENTER DASH IN SPACE FOR WHICH NO DATA IS AVAILABLE. (c) THESE SHEETS ARE TO BE FILLED OUT IMMEDIATELY AFTER ACTION IS COMPLETED WITH DATA AVAILABLE FROM SHIP'S LOG, MEMORY, AND CONSULTATION WITH SHIP'S OFFICERS. INFORMATION IS ESSENTIAL IN ORDER THAT THE EFFECTIVENESS OF OUR EQUIPMENT CAN BE DETERMINED. WHERE DATA IS DOUBTFUL ACCURACY FILL IN WITH GENERAL TERMS. THE OBTAINING OF THIS INFORMATION MUST NOT BE ALLOWED IN ANY WAY TO ADVERSELY AFFECT THE HANDLING OF EQUIPMENT DURING ACTION. 1. SURPRISE ATTACK (yes or no): No 2. METHOD PICKING PLANE UP (radar, binoculars, naked eye): (If by Radar state type of set) Flag hoists, Radio Warning Received; Later planes sighted by naked eye. 3. RANGE PLANE WAS PICKED UP (50 miles, 30 miles, 10 miles, less 5 miles): 5 miles 4. NUMBER OF PLANES: 18 5. TYPE OF PLANE (Fighter, scout, dive-bomber): Torpedo Bombers TYPE OF ATTACK: Torpedo 6. SPEED AND ALTITUDE (high and fast, intermediate and fast, low and fast, high and slow, intermediate and slow, low and slow): low and fast 7. GUNS FIRING: All SIZE: 5"/51, 3"/50, 20MM and 50 Cal. Method of control: Local Number: 1-5"51; 4-3"50; 8-20MM; 8-50 Cal. Method Spotting: Local 8. AMMUNITION EXPENDED: 5"/51-3; 3"/50-35; 20MM-528; 50 Cal.-375 9. PERCENT SERVICE ALLOWANCE EXPENDED: 5"/51-.009%; 3"/50-.03% 20MM-.01%; 50 Cal.-.004% 10. APPROXIMATE TIME TRACKING TO FIRST SHOT: 1412 11. APPROXIMATE TIME OF FIRST HITS: 1414 12. APPROXIMATE TIME FIRST SHOT TO LAST SHOT: 1412-1417 13. APPROXIMATE POSITION ANGLE OPEN FIRE: 0°-10° 14. APPROXIMATE POSITION CEASE FIRE: 0°-10° 15. APPROXIMATE BEARING FIRST SHOT: 60°-90° 16. APPROXIMATE BEARING LAST SHOT: 0° 17. APPROXIMATE RANGE FIRST SHOT: 1500 yards 18. APPROXIMATE RANGE LAST SHOT: 1500 yards 19. APPROXIMATE ALTITUDE OF BOMB RELEASE: --- TYPE BOMB: --- 20. APPROXIMATE RANGE TORPEDO RELEASE: No torpedoes observed SIZE OF TORPEDO: ---- 21. HITS ON SHIP: None WAS SHIP STRAFED: No SIZE GUN: -- 22. NUMBER NEAR BOMB MISSES: none CASUALTIES FROM NEAR MISSES: none 23. PLANES SHOT DOWN: - Sure: -- POSSIBLE: 2 BAMAGED: 1(already hit) By what size gun: 20mm 24. DETAILS OF DAMAGE TO TARGET BY GUNFIRE IF AVAILABLE: Burst into flame and came down 25. PERFORMANCE OF AMMUNITION (Excellent, good, bad, poor): Excellent 26. PATTERN SIZES (Large, small excessive): LargeSKETCH (a) INDICATE DIRECTION OF ATTACK RELATIVE SHIP'S HEAD. (b) SHOW RELATIVE POSITION OF SUN. (c) INDICATE OWN MANEUVERS. SHIP'S REPORT OF AIR ATTACK U.S.S. PRESIDENT JACKSON DATE Nov. 12, 1942 POSITION Guadalcanal COURSE 340 SPEED 14 TIME 1411 Solomon Island WEATHER DATA 1. SURFACE VISIBILITY (Miles) 7 2. ATMOSPHERE -Clear 3. SUN -Bright X-Hazy X-Obscured -Rain -High Glare -Fog -Low Glare 4. CLOUDS (Level) 5. CLOUDS FORMS -Solid 6. CLOUD TYPE Stratus Cumulus 3000 Feet -Broken X-Scattered 7. ATTACK (A) TYPE (Torp)(Dive Bomb)(Glide Bomb)(Horizontal)(Chem)(Smoke) Torp. (B) FORM (Mass)(Divided)(Dispersed)(Individual)(Coordinated) Divided. (C) APPROACH - Rel. Bearing By Radar Sighted 300° Sun Rel. Bearing 1411 Time No Surprise (yes or no) 90° Relative Bearing 0-10° Position Angle 1000 yds Slant Range 100 ft Altitude (D) ATTACK No. Planes 18 Type Torpedo Bombers Time Identified 1412 Pressed Home (yes or no) yes Altitude of Rel. or did not see Range Torpedo drop any dropped (E) DEFENSE Time of No. Gun Firing Controlled or Barrage Fire open fire No. Rds. Fired Local control 5"/3"/20mm/50 cal. 1412 3 1412 35 1413 528 1413 375 (F) RESULTS Effect Maneuvers on Gunfire none Hits Received none Effective Near Misses none Planes Shot Down 2 possible (G) MISC. Formation was maneuvered by right and left 90° turn signals with the evident objective of keeping the attack on the quarter and to make any planned approach difficult to execute. During the major attack the bearing of enemy planes changed rapidly but was usually abaft the beam.
AP37/ A16-3U.S.S. PRESIDENT JACKSON CONFIDENTIAL November 15, 1942 From: The Executive Officer. To : The Commanding Officer. Subject: Action Report U.S,S. PRESIDENT JACKSON off Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, November 12, 1942. Reference: (a) Article 712 (1) U.S. Navy Regulations. (b) Article 948, U.S. Navy Regulations. Enclosure: (A) Report of deaths that occurred on board as a result of action with the enemy. (B) List of casuals of various units on board on leaving Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands. 1. In compliance with references (a) and (b) enclosures (A) and (B), and the following report are submitted. 2. Except for periods when the ship was repelling the air attack I was on the bridge with the Captain during all important activities. I concur with the battle report as submitted by the Commanding Officer. 3. At about 0643 I saw a shell explode in the water near the port side of the U.S.S. McCAWLEY and at 0722 saw another fall into the water at some distance from the transports. These shells apparently were fired by a Japanese battery in the vicinity of Kokumbona Point. 4. When Japanese torpedo bombers attacked the formation about 1411 I took charge of the after ships battery and directed their fire at the enemy planes as they came into range. The firing from the after battery was executed in a calm and deliberate manner by all personnel. Our fire appeared to be accurate and helped to destroy a number of enemy panes. 5. The ship unloaded all troops on board and all cargo except six Bren Gun Carriers between 0600 and 1745. About two hours were lost during the air raid. The following summary is submitted: Troops unloaded Officers: Navy - 4 Marines - 3 Army - 66 Total 73 Enlisted: Marines - 280 Army - 1091 Total 1371 Grand Total - 1444 Cargo unloaded Number of hoists 547 Number of boats loads 419 General cargo 40,614 cu.ft. 76Vehicles 8,789 sq.ft. 5. All members of the crew worked diligently to accomplish our mission of unloading the ship. The guns crews were perfectly disciplined during the firing. The conduct of all hands was exemplary throughout the day. I have no criticism to offer against any officer or man. E.P. ABERNETHY
REPORT OF DEATH THAT OCCURRED ON BOARD AS A RESULT OF ACTION WITH THE ENEMY From the U.S.S. SAN FRANCISCO NAME RATE SERVICE NO. BRAKEL, Burgess Vance Sea2c 654 24 14 FLISAK, Stanley Anthony Y2c 243 65 98 HUEBSCH, Joe Henry AMM3c 393 39 72 MIDYETTE, Lewis Bracy FC2c(M) 262 49 44 MYLAN, Robert Vincent FC3c(M) 660 04 00 TERLIZZI, Angelo Sea1c 207 48 79 WALLACE, John Arnold FC3c(M) 337 48 79LIST OF CASUALS OF VARIOUS UNITS ON BOARD ON LEAVING GUADALCANAL, SOLOMON ISLANDS FROM U.S.S. SAN FRANCISCO OFFICERS CHOUTEAU, Walter C. Lieutenant (jg) DVG, USNR L0MBARD, John A. Lieutenant (jg) DVG, USNR WALLACE, John George Lieutenant (jg) USN WEEMS, Jeptha Clark Ship's Clerk USN ENLISTED NAME RATE SERVICE NO. BARTA, Vit John FC2c(M) 360 18 20 BRAKEL, Burgess Vance Sea2c 654 24 14 BRANDON, Glen Harvey Sea2c 616 59 26 BRIGHAM, Donald Carlisle QM1c 234 17 94 CLARK, Acy Francis Sea2c 624 23 98 COVERT, Albert Donald Sea1c 279 75 59 DAVIS, Scott Sea1c 120 74 10 FELIX, Len Wilbur Sea1c 670 13 97 FINFROCK, Harry Lee Y2c 300 15 44 FLISAK, Stanley Anthony Y2c 243 65 98 HUEBSCH, Joe Henry AMM3c 393 39 72 KRUSE, William Eugene Y3c 321 46 61 MC DERMOTT, Joseph Alexander Jr. Y2c 258 14 58 MIDYETTE, Lewis Bracy FC2c(M) 262 49 44 MYLAN, Robert Vincent FC3c(M) 660 04 00 NASH, James Robert Sea2c 640 23 99 NICHOLS, Harold Wright FC3c(M) 287 41 45 PERRINE, Sheldon Ross Sea2c 614 09 00 SEXTON, Jefferson David Sea1c 382 23 29 SOLANO, Ralph Joseph Jr. Y2c 372 15 53 STARK, Joseph Paul Sea2c 382 57 17 TARPLEY, Lewis GM2c 268 50 09 TERLIZZI, Angelo Sea1c 207 28 47 VIANELLO, Charles Pratt RM2c 376 01 98 WALLACE, John Arnold FC3c(M) 337 48 79FROM CACTUS MARINES ENLISTED NAME RATE NUMBER ORGANIZATION AHERN, Robert John Pfc 337069 Co.A. 1st Bn, 7th Marines BISHOP, Everett M. Jr. Pfc 339306 Co.F. 2nd Bn, 7th Marines DEVINE, Renald Gean Pvt 332459 Co.G. 2nd Bn, 7th Marines GRIFFITH, Harold John *Pvt 333626 Co.B. 1st Pioneer Bn. MANSUETI, Albert Eugene Pfc 333291 Co.K. 1st Bn, 1st Marines McWHORTER, William B. *Pvt 390047 Co.I. 3rd Bn, 8th Marines MILLER, Robert Louis *Pfc 319302 Co.K. 3rd Bn, 8th Marines PATTERSON, Earl Hewitt *Pvt Co.D. 1st Bn, 2nd Marines PAYNE, John Robert Pvt Co.L. 3rd Bn, 5th Marines PETTY, Paul *Pvt 330155 Co.A. 1st Bn, 2nd Marines SILVERNAIL, Kasper Paul Cpl 285455 Co.I. 3rd Bn, 1st Marines SIMPSON, Roy Earnest Pvt Co.A. 1st Bn, 2nd Marines STEVENS, Orville Halley Pfc 337824 Co.A. 1st Bn, 2nd Marines STUTESMAN, Carl James Pfc 311341 Co.L. 3rd Bn, 8th Marines SULLIVAN, James Walter *Pvt 353447 Co.K. 3rd Bn, 8th Marines TANNER, George Henry *Pfc 297628 Co.H. 2nd Bn, 7th Marines TYRRELL, Elwood Lee *Pvt 340015 Co.F. 2nd Bn, 2nd Marines *Denotes Marine Corps Reserve U.S. ARMY ENLISTED ACOSTA, Jose Apel Pvt USA 39232941 LAAKE, Leon Roland Pfc USA 6290198 McKELLOW, Richard Brock Pvt USA 39075329REMAINING ON BOARD FROM TROOPS DISEMBARKED (Sick) U.S. MARINES ENLISTED HAWTHORN, Horson Dewey Pfc 282673 4th Rep.Bn, FMF.U.S. ARMY ENLISTED CARLISLE, John Theodore Cpl USA 34034531 DOUGETTE, Hubert Joseph Pvt USA 20105353
File No.A16-3(3) FE25/AMPHIBIOUS FORCE SOUTH PACIFIC FORCE Office of the Commander U.S.S. McCAWLEY, Flagship, November 17, 1942. FIRST ENDORSEMENT to CO PRES JACKSON Ltr. AP37/A16-3/(074) of November 14, 1942. From: Commander Task Force SIXTY SEVEN. To : Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet. Via : Commander South Pacific Force. Subject: Report of action off Guadalcanal, Solomon, Island, November 12, 1942. 1. Forwarded. R.K. TURNER.
COMSOPAC FILE SOUTH PACIFIC FORCE OF THE UNITED STATES PACIFIC FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER A16-3/(90) Serial 0275a CONFIDENTIAL SECOND ENDORSEMENT to CO PRES JACKSON Ltr. AP37/A16-3(074) of November 14, 1942 From: The Commander South Pacific Area and South Pacific Force. To : The Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet. Subject: Report of action off Guadalcanal, Solomon Island, November 12, 1942. 1. Forwarded. W.F. HALSEY Copy to: CTF 67 CO PRES JACKSON
USS PRESIDENT JACKSON AP-37 SERIAL 523 12 NOVEMBER 1942 FIRING ON FRIENDLY PLANES REPORT OF FIRING ON FRIENDLY PLANES APPROACHING GUADALCANAL. AP37/ A16-3 10/Bs Serial (523) U.S.S. PRESIDENT JACKSON R-E-S-T-R-I-C-T-E-D November 12, 1942 From: The Commanding Officer To : The Commander Task Force 67. Via : The commander Transport Division TWO. Subject: Firing at Friendly planes, about 1005, 12 November, 1942. Reference: (a) CTF 67 despatch 112330 of November 1942. 1. About 1005 this date a squadron of planes in formation were seen approaching directly for the transport formation from about 030° True. 2. These planes were not spotted or at least were not reported to control or bridge until one or more combatant ships in the direction from which the planes were approaching had them under fire. 3. As these planes approached closer, the PRESIDENT JACKSON took up the fire. From the formation and approach directly at our ships, and also because there was firing from our screen, I was convinced they were enemy planes, although no warning had been received from higher authority. 4. When possibly a thousand yards on the far side of the ADAMS the formation swerved left toward the landing beach. Shortly after this cease firing was ordered by me. The same order was also received by flag hoist at about the same time. 5. The light conditions were very difficult; planes approached from the general direction of the sun. They approached head on, some with wheels down. No insignia was visible. We have no modern combat planes to our knowledge with fixed landing gear. The Japanese have several of this type. This fact alone convinced one of our lookouts, Pfc Robert B. Aldrich, U.S.A., recognized in his regiment as an expert, that these planes were enemy. It is extremely difficult to identify planes when approaching head on. 6. I believe the circumstances of an expected raid, or at least the strong probability of some type of enemy action which has naturally been emphasized this trip was partly responsible. It was also about the time of day when such raid might be expected. 7. In my opinion some warning should be given when friendly planes are expected to approach in formation. 8. It is also my belief that in this instance, these planes approached in the most suspicious manner possible and that considering all circumstances combined we were justified in opening fire. 9. I accept full personal responsibility for this firing. C.W. WIETZEL
FROM: CTF 65 TO: TF65 Z OK5 180120 K5 GR 22 BT ALL VESSELS WHICH FIRED ON THE PLANE AT 1200 WHICH WAS OBVIOUSLY FRIENDLY SUBMIT IMMEDIATELY WRITTEN EXPLANATIONS WITH STATEMENT FROM THOSE RESPONSIBLE. FROM: CTF 65 TO: PRESIDENT HAYES 0145 BT WAS YOUR SHIP FRIST TO FIRE ON THAT FRIENDLY PLANE. FROM: PRESIDENT HAYES TO: CTF 65 0155 BT YOUR 0145 DO NOT KNOW WAS WATCHING PLANE X CAME ABOUT MASTHEAD HEIGHT DIRECT FOR MY PORT BEAM X HIS TACTICS EXACT REPPPRODUCTION OF TORPEDO PLANE ATTACK AND ENTIRELY UNLIKE OTHER PLANES APPROACH ON LOCAL FGIELD X AS SOON AS HE BANKED I ORDERED CEASE FIRING TWELVE TWENTY MM AND EIGHT ROUNDS FIFTY CAL HAVING BEEN FIRED. FROM: CTF 65 TO : PRESIDENT HAYES 0240 BT YOUR 0145 WHO ISSUED ORDERS TO OPEN FIRE. FROM: PRESIDENT HAYES TO: CTF 65 0253 BT YOUR 0240 X COMMANDING OFFICER FMD V BTZ / U9L / 1149 RRR
File No. A16-3 Serial 12SOUTH PACIFIC FORCE AMPHIBIOUS FORCE COMMANDER TRANSPORT DIVISION TWO R-E-S-T-R-I-C-T-E-D November 12, 1942 1st Endorsement to CO PRES JACKSON Rest. Ltr. AP37/A16-3 Serial 523 of November 12, 1942 From: Commander Transports Division Two. To : Commander Task Force 67. Subject: Firing at friendly planes, about 1005, 12 November, 1942. 1. Forwarded. 2. It is urgently recommended that in combat areas such as Cactus formations of our own planes take definite steps to establish friendly character, such as circling transports before assuming an approach formation which can be so easily misinterpreted as an enemy attack, as was in this regrettable case. I.N. KILAND. Cc: CO PRES JACKSON
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