AP-38 USS PRESIDENT ADAMS


Class: PRESIDENT
Commissioned 11/19/41
Length Overall 491' 10"
Extreme Beam: 69' 6"
Limiting Draft: 26' 6"
Trial Displacement tons: 11,760
Ships Company: Off.: 36;  Enl.: 477
Troop Capacity: Off.: 76;  Enl.: 1,258
Cargo Capacity: 3,600 tons
Armament: Primary: (4) 3"/50 cal.
Armament: Secondary:  (2) 40mm twin
(16) 20mm
Designed Speed: 17 knots
Designed Shaft Horse Power: 8,500
Screws: 1
Type: Geared turbine
Fuel (oil) tons 1,700



WAR DIARY of the USS PRESIDENT ADAMS Nov.1 to 30, 1942


Action Report on the Night of Nov. 11-12, 1942 of USS PRESIDENT ADAMS


WAR DIARY U.S.S. PRESIDENT ADAMS November 1, 1942 to November 30, 1942
November 1, 1942. (a) TASK ORGANIZATION: Task Force 62, Transdiv 2. (b) OPERATION ORDERS: Orders CTF 62. (c) CHANGES IN ORDERS: None. (d) POSITION: Moored at King's Wharf, Auckland, N.Z. (e) OPERATIONS: Loading ammunition and stores. (f) ORDERS RECEIVED: None. (g) ENGAGEMENTS: None. November 2, 1942. (a) TASK ORGANIZATION: Task Force 62, Transdiv 2. (b) OPERATION ORDERS: Orders CTF 62. (c) CHANGES IN ORDERS: None. (d) POSITION: Moored at King's Wharf, Auckland, N.Z. (e) OPERATIONS: Loading ammunition and rations. (f) ORDERS RECEIVED: None. (g) ENGAGEMENTS: None. November 3, 1942. (a) TASK ORGANIZATION: Task Force 62, Transdiv 2. (b) OPERATION ORDERS: Orders CTF 62. (c) CHANGES IN ORDERS: None. (d) POSITION: Moored at King's Wharf, Auckland, N.Z. (e) OPERATIONS: Loading ammunition and rations. (f) ORDERS RECEIVED: None. (g) ENGAGEMENTS: None. November 4, 1942. (a) TASK ORGANIZATION: Task Force 62, Transdiv 2. (b) OPERATION ORDERS: Orders CTF 62. (c) CHANGES IN ORDERS: None. (d) POSITION: 0606 LCT Left King's Wharf, Auckland, N.Z. 0711 LCT Arrived Degaussing Range Tiro Tiri 1005 LCT Completed ranging. (e) OPERATIONS: Left Auckland, New Zealand, and proceeded to Degaussing range Titi Tiri, where ranged ship. Completed ranging at 1005, and proceeded to Noumea via Cape Brett, passed abeam at 2.5 miles at 1623. Steaming on various courses and speeds. (f) ORDERS RECEIVED: None. (g) ENGAGEMENTS: None. November 5, 1942. (a) TASK ORGANIZATION: Task Force 62, Transdiv 2. (b) OPERATION ORDERS: Orders CTF 62. (c) CHANGES IN ORDERS: None. (d) POSITION: 0800 LCT Lat 31-41 S. Long 172-01 E. 1200 LCT Lat 30-48 S. Long 171-24 E. 2000 LCT Lat 29-23 S. Long 170-09 E. Distance run from Auckland 417 miles. Average Speed 15.5 knots. (e) OPERATIONS: Normal cruising en route Noumea, New Caledonia. (f) ORDERS RECEIVED: None. (g) ENGAGEMENTS: None. November 6, 1942. (a) TASK ORGANIZATION: Task Force 62, Transdiv 2. (b) OPERATION ORDERS: Orders CTF 62. (c) CHANGES IN ORDERS: None. (d) POSITION: 0800 LCT Lat 26-47 S. Long 168-29 E. 1200 LCT Lat 26-02 S. Long 168-06 E. 2000 LCT Lat 25-08 S. Long 166-58 E. Distance run from noon to noon 417 miles. Average Speed 13.4 knots. (e) OPERATIONS: Normal cruising en route Noumea, New Caledonia. 0535 friendly tanker, 1111 DD. (f) ORDERS RECEIVED: None. (g) ENGAGEMENTS: None. November 7, 1942. (a) TASK ORGANIZATION: Task Force 62, Transdiv 2. (b) OPERATION ORDERS: Orders CTF 62. (c) CHANGES IN ORDERS: None. (d) POSITION: At 0832 LCT anchored off Little Entrance, Noumea, New Caledonia, awaiting pilot. At 1131 moored alongside Grand Quay. Distance run Auckland, New Zealand, to Noumea, New Caledonia, 1007 miles. (e) OPERATIONS: At 0556 sighted ship bearing 060 true on horizon. At 0603 sighted land bearing 074 degrees true, distant 14 miles. At 0617 sighted lighthouse bearing 043 degrees True. At 0711, Tabu Rock light abeam to port. Passed through reef at this time. Amedee Island light bearing to port beam, distance 1600 yards at 0716. Entered port at 0737. At 0744 sighted Thisbe Shoal light abeam to starboard distance .69 miles. At 0832 pilot came aboard. At 1131moored to Grand Quay and began taking on ammunition, stores and taking on army personnel of 182d Infantry. (f) ORDERS RECEIVED: None. (g) ENGAGEMENTS: None. November 8, 1942. (a) TASK ORGANIZATION: TASK FORCE SIXTY SEVEN, under the command of Rear Admiral W.K. Turner in the McCawley. A. Task Group 67.1, Transport Group, under the command of Captain I.N. Kiland in the Jackson. USS PRESIDENT JACKSON, AP 37 USS PRESIDENT ADAMS, AP 38 USS MCCAWLEY, AP 10 (F) USS CRESCENT CITY AP 40 B. Task Group 67.2, Landing Group, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel F.J. McGowan, U.S.A. 182d Infantry, U.S.A. (less 3d Battalion) Fourth Marine Replacement Battalion Embarked Marine and Navy Casuals Embarked Naval Local Defense Personnel C. Task Group 67.3, Screening Group, Commander Wilkinson in USS O'Bannon commanding. USS O'BANNON (DD 450) USS BARTON (DD 599) Plus following after arrival Guadalcanal, command passing to Rear Admiral Scott in the USS Atlanta: USS ATLANTA (CL) USS AARON WARD (DD 483) USS FLETCHER (DD 445) USS LARDNER (DD 487) D. Task Group 67.4, Support Group, commanded by Rear Admiral Callaghan in the USS San Francisco: USS SAN FRANCISCO (CA) USS HELENA (CL) USS PORTLAND (CA 33) USS JUNEAU (CL 52) USS LAFFEY (DD 459) USS BUCIIANAN (DD 484) USS GWIN (DD 433) USS STERRET (DD 407) USS CUSHING (DD 376) USS PRESTON (DD 379) USS SHAW (DD 373) USS MONSSEN (DD 436) (b) OPERATION ORDERS: CTF 67, Operation Order 2-42, November 7, (c) CHANGES IN ORDERS: CTF 67, Secret Letter A16-3(8) serial 00388 of November 11 cancelled original course into Guadalcanal to be taken by transports to one passing south and west of San Cristobal Island and East and North of Guadalcanal through Lengo Channel. By visual signal from flag orders were altered to provide for designation of beach dumps by permanent beachmaster at Guadalcanal 090046. CTF 67 Mailgram 080120, November, provided for temporary screening group on departure White Poppy under command of Captain Dubose in USS Portland. (d) POSITION: Anchored as before, Noumea, New Caledonia, alongside USS Tryon, transferring stores to this ship. At 1321, underway from Noumea Grandy Quay for Anchorage. At 1636 underway from Noumea. At 1911 passed out of Bulari Passage for Guadalcanal. (e) OPERATIONS: Normal cruising with other ships of Task Force 67, proceeding on assigned mission to Guadalcanal. (f) ORDERS RECEIVED: See Paragraph (c) above. (g) ENGAGEMENTS: None. November 9, 1942. (a) TASK ORGANIZATION: Task Force 67 (Composition as per November 8th). (b) OPERATION ORDERS: ComTaskForce 67. 242. (c) CHANGES IN ORDERS: None. (d) POSITION: 0800 LCT Lat 21-05 S. Long 163-43 E. 1200 LCT Lat 20-24 S. Long 163-16 E. 2000 LCT Lat 18-57 S. Long 162-41 E. Distance run from noon to noon 245 miles. Distance run from Noumea 239 miles. Average Speed 13.4 knots. (e) OPERATIONS: Normal cruising en route Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands. At 0914 ships of disposition conducted test firing of 20mm and 50 cal machine guns. At 1500 this ship conducted abandon ship exercise. At 1701 sound contact of submarine reported by fleet guide. Ships executed emergency turn to starboard of 90 degrees. No further contact. (f) ORDERS RECEIVED: None. (g) ENGAGEMENTS: None. November 10, 1942. (a) TASK ORGANIZATION: Task Force 67 (Composition as per November 8th). (b) OPERATION ORDERS: ComTaskForce 67, Order No. 2-42. (c) CHANGES IN ORDERS: None. (d) POSITION: 0800 LCT Lat 16-27 S. Long 162-34 E. 1200 LCT Lat 15-42 S. Long 162-38 E. 2000 LCT Lat 14-04 S. Long 162-55 E. Distance run from noon to noon 290 miles. Average Speed 12 knots. Distance run from Noumea 529 miles. (e) OPERATIONS: Normal cruising en route Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands. At 1506 USS Shaw rendezvoused this force and joined up. (f) ORDERS RECEIVED: ComTaskFor 67 NPM 092015 instructed ships of force to practice recognition and emergency identification signals this day. This ship in carrying out the order replied correctly to challenges from the USS McCawley, USS Crescent City, and the USS Shaw. Challenge by this ship of USS Portland was not answered. Simultaneous display of current emergency identification lights at 1845 by all ships resulted in all ships with the exception of the USS President Jackson and the USS Crescent City displaying one red light. The latter two ships displayed one white light. No correction was made by the latter ships. (g) ENGAGEMENTS: None. November 11, 1942. (a) TASK ORGANIZATION: Task Force 67 (Composition as per November 8th). (b) OPERATION ORDERS: ComTaskForce 67, Order No. 2-42. (c) CHANGES IN ORDERS: ComamphibforSoPac Serial 00389 from Commander Task Force 67 to Task Group 67.1 modified the unloading plan for transports in consideration of expected heavy attacks by carrier- based and land-based enemy aircraft. Emphasis was transferred to getting troops, weapons, ammunition and food ashore at the earliest possible moment. (d) POSITION: 0800 LCT Lat 11-44 S. Long 162-54 E. 1200 LCT Lat 11-20 S. Long 162-18 E. 2000 LCT Lat 10-34 S. Long 161-07 E. Distance run from noon to noon 288 miles. Average Speed 12 knots. Distance run from Noumea 817 miles. Distance to Lunga, Guadalcanal 213 miles. (e) OPERATIONS: Normal cruising en route Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands. At 0132 fire alarm sounded to indicate fire in #3 hold. False alarm. At 0510 rendezvoused USS Helena, USS San Francisco and remaining destroyers of this task force. At 0906 sighted aircraft bearing 355 degrees True, distance about 14 miles. Craft circled wide around disposition and disappeared at about 120 degrees true. Unidentified, but appeared to be a friendly DC-3. At 1040 land sighted bearing 345 degrees True. At 1143 received report from USS Barton of radar contact with unidentified aircraft bearing 190 true, distant 19 miles. At 1146 one twin-engine float plane sighted approaching this disposition from 180 degrees true. Went to General Quarters. Plane resembled Japanese Navy Float Plane. Plane disappeared on bearing 170 degrees. At 1240 sighted four engine twin-tail plane bearing 320 true. At 1302 went to General Quarters. Plane unidentified. Appeared to be Japanese four-motored bomber. At 1345 soused contact with submarine. Ships executed emergency turn 60 degrees to left. Second emergency turn of 40 degrees to left. (f) ORDERS RECEIVED: None. (g) ENGAGEMENTS: None. November 12, 1942. (a) TASK ORGANIZATION: Task Force 67 (Composition as per November 8th). (b) OPERATION ORDERS: ComTaskForce 67, Order No. 2-42. (c) CHANGES IN ORDERS: None (d) POSITION: 0543 LCT Anchored in 35 fathoms of water off Kukum, discharging cargo for beach. 1330 Underway, air alert. 1415 Under air attack, making various deceptive courses and speeds. 1518 Anchored again off Kukum. 1834 Underway from Guadalcanal. (e) OPERATIONS: At 0115 LCT, while entering Lengo channel, USS CRESCENT CITY, which was next ahead of this ship in column, turned on its larger searchlight, concentrating it to starboard quarter at about 2,000 yards, and opened fire with its 3 inch AA battery at an unidentified surface target. Ship to general quarters. Destroyers of screen dropped many depth charges. No report made as to contact, presumably enemy submarine. At 0425 set Condition One Afirm, lowering away all boats and preparing to unload. At 0545 began unloading and disembarking troops. At 0550 destroyers of anti- submarine screen began dropping heavy depth charges. At 0640 friendly planes taking off from Henderson Field, Guadalcanal. At 0650 our planes began strafing of enemy positions west of Lunga Point. At 0655 heavy explosion heard to westward. Possibly depth charge. At 0715 USS HELENA and supporting destroyers began shelling enemy positions west of Lunga Point. At 1015 incoming group of friendly planes, including DC-3's with escort, were fired on by screen to the East. Two cruisers observed firing both machine gun and AA, as well as several destroyers. Firing was taken up by some of the ships of transport division, as planes came in from eastward right over the disposition, at an altitude of about 800 feet. This ship did not open fire on this group of planes at any time. The white star markings were plainly visible to the unaided eye at all times, from the time the planes passed over the screening ships to the eastward about 2,000 yards, until they turned into the interior of the island to the westward of the transport group, to avoid the fire. Several 3 inch bursts were close, but no AA or machine gun hits were observed. At 1315 a preliminary report from coast watcher Bougainville, reported 9 enemy bombers escorted by six Zero fighters headed for Guadalcanal area. At 1330 Radio Guadalcanal reported 30 enemy planes approaching from north northwest, due at Guadalcanal at about 1415. At 1323 went to general quarters and got under way with other ships of this Task Force to repel air attack, making standard speed of 14 knots and steaming on various courses as signaled by Commander Task Force. At 1351 steaming on course 070 degrees True. At 1359 turned left 90 degrees. At 1404 turned left 90 degrees. At 1408 turned right 90 degrees. At 1413 shore station signaled "Enemy planes overhead," and here they come. The attacking planes were twin-engine torpedo planes, resembling the Mitsubishi heavy bomber, the red ball markings being plainly visible from this ship before the planes had come within range of the next column of ships, 1000 yards to starboard. The attacking force was split into two groups, which approached this task force simultaneously from opposite bearings, one group approaching from the port quarter, the other from the starboard bow. Both groups were flying extremely low, at an estimated altitude of from 25-100 feet, and at comparatively slow speed. All ships opened fire, simultaneously with change of course 90 degrees to left, causing planes to turn to avoid being on parallel course. Those planes caught on parallel course flew extremely low, apparently with the purpose of causing adjacent columns of ships to fire on each other in attempting to hit the plane. Their maneuver was successful in at least two instances. This ship's #2 20mm machine gun, located port side amidships fired unavoidably on the deck of the USS CRESCENT CITY, on port beam in adjacent column. No casualties or damage to Crescent City reported. Torpedo bomber being fired at was hit repeatedly by this gun, and crashed in flames about 1000 yards on port bow. Of a total of 18 torpedo bombers actually counted by this ship, a minimum of 9 were shot down by anti-aircraft fire. This ship's battle observers reported a maximum of 13 shot down by AA fire from ships of this task force. An undetermined number of Zero fighter escorts were being engaged by U.S. aircraft overhead during the attack, at an estimated altitude of 20,000 feet. Two of our fighters were observed to be shot down. One of them, a Grumman F4F, made a crash landing in the water about 3,500 yards to the port quarter. Survivors were rescued by one of our destroyers. During the course of the attack, two torpedoes were seen dropped by battle observers of this ship. Neither was effective. All ships held their fire until the attacking planes were within extremely close range before opening up. First bursts were all short and low; once on, however fire was devastating, the majority of the planes hit disintegrating in mid-air from direct hits. USS SAN FRANCISCO suffered an explosion aft during the course of the attack. Later reported to have been hit by Jap torpedo bomber which crashed into it while being fired on/. This ship's five inch gun got one possible hit, as did Gun Baker, of the forward 3 inch AA battery. 20mm fire was responsible for bring down, either independently or assisted by 20mm fire from adjoining transports, at least one plane. Report of the Senior Aviator at Guadalcanal enumerated 31 planes as involved in the attack, 25 twin-engine torpedo bombers and 6 Zero fighters. Of these, our aircraft got one Zero and 16 bombers, and ship anti- aircraft fire accounted for the remaining nine of the torpedo planes. Fire ceased at 1417, and by 1449, anchored again off Kukum and completed unloading by 1800. At 1822 underway retiring from Guadalcanal.
ANTI-AIRCRAFT ACTION BY SURFACE SHIPS
LOCATION OF SHIP: Tulagi-Guadalcanal Area USS PRESIDENT ADAMS DATE November 12, 1942
NOTES: (a) REPEL ATTACK FIRST - Then collect 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 available data 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 of doubtful accuracy fill in with general terms. The obtaining or 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): Coast Watcher & Eye. (if by radar state type of set) - - - 3. RANGE PLANE WAS PICKED UP (50 miles, 30 miles, 10 miles, less 5 miles): - - -. 4. Number of planes: 17 5. Type of plane (fighter, Scout, dive-bomber): Torpedo bombers with fighters. Type of attack: Torpedo 6. Speed & Altitude (High and fast, intermediate and fast, low and fast, high and slow, intermediate and slow, low and slow): slow and low 7. Guns Firing: Main Batt., AA Machine Guns Size: 5", 3"/50 cal., 20mm, .50cal., 30cal. Number: 1, 4, 6, 5, and 3 Method of control: Master Sts. & Local. Method spotting: By Fire Control & Battery Officers. 8. Ammunition expended: 5°51 cal.-2 rds.; 3"50 cal.-67 rds; 20mm-345 rds.; .50 cal. Machine guns - ?; .30 cal. Machine gun - ?. 9. Percent service allowance expended: 5"/51 - 1%; 3:/50 AA - 8%; 20mm - 2%. 10. Approximate time tracking to first shot: 2½ min. 1410½-1413. 11. Approximate time of first hits: 1414 12. Approximate time first shot to last shot: 1413-1417 13. Approximate position angle open fire: 0 14. Approximate position cease fire: 0 15. Approximate bearing first shot: 090 rel. (f) ORDERS RECEIVED: None. (g) ENGAGEMENTS: See Paragraph (e) foregoing. November 13, 1942. (a) TASK ORGANIZATION: Task Force 67 (Composition as per November 8th). (b) OPERATION ORDERS: ComTaskForce 67, Order No. 2-42. (c) CHANGES IN ORDERS: None. (d) POSITION: 0800 LCT Lat 11-18 S. Long 162-07 E. 1200 LCT Lat 12-01 S. Long 162-37 E. 2000 LCT Lat 13-01 S. Long 163-44 E. Distance run from Guadalcanal 288 miles. Average Speed 13.5 knots. (e) OPERATIONS: Normal cruising retiring from Guadalcanal, destination Esipitu Santo, New Hebrides. At 0103 passed into a heavy rain squall, which lifted at 0106. At 0220 sighted two white lights horizontally separated about 500 yards, on bench bearing 065 degrees true. At 0617 aircraft sighted bearing 000 degrees true. Friendly planes. At 0828 received report radar contact with plane bearing 050 degrees true, distance 25 miles. At 1032 sighted friendly plane. At 1210 sighted unidentified plane bearing 005 degrees true, elevation 3 degrees. At 1230 passed into a rain squall, over at 1235. At 1300 half-masted colors following movements of USS PRESIDENT JACKSON, which held sea burial for six casualties from USS SAN FRANCISCO. At 1422 sighted PBY patrol bomber bearing 125 degrees true, elevation 5 degrees. At 1400 discovered a stowaway aboard, who gave his name as Raymond B. Barreras, Pfc, USMC, admitting desertion from his division at Guadalcanal. Strong resemblance to a Japanese was cause for intensive questioning of the culprit, who claimed he was of Mexican parentage, giving that unfortunate appearance as one of his reasons for having to depart Guadalcanal, where both the Japanese and his own brothers in arms who didn't trust his looks were opening up on him continuously. This person was confined in the brig for safe-keeping by order of the Commanding Officer. At 2025 sighted unidentified plane with running lights on, bearing 010 degrees true, elevation 7 degrees, distance about five miles, and on a parallel course with this disposition. Plane undertook to challenge this force, but did not complete its challenge. No further contact. (f) ORDERS RECEIVED: None. (g) ENGAGEMENTS: None. November 14, 1942. (a) TASK ORGANIZATION: Task Force 67 (Composition as per November 8th). (b) OPERATION ORDERS: ComTaskForce 67, Order No. 2-42. (c) CHANGES IN ORDERS: None. (d) POSITION: 0800 LCT Lat 14-11 S. Long 165-56 E. 1200 LCT Lat 14-20 S. Long 166-31 E. 2000 LCT Lat 14-37 S. Long 167-56 E. Distance run from noon to noon 275 miles. Average Speed " " " 11.5 knots. Distance from Guadalcanal 512 miles. Distance to Espiritu Santo 109 miles. (e) OPERATIONS: After 2000 cruising between Espiritu Santo and Aurora Island, waiting for daylight before entering channel Espiritu Santo. At 0758 sighted unidentified plane bearing 120 degrees true, elevation five degrees. At 0802 sighted two ships on horizon bearing 280 and 290 degrees true, respectively. At 0810 sighted five ships bearing 045 degrees true, distant about ten miles. Identified as friendly. At 0902 sighted land bearing 120 degrees true, distant about 40 miles. At 1133 sighted five friendly planes bearing 120 degrees true. At 1822 passed into heavy rain squall, which lasted until 1826. (f) ORDERS RECEIVED: None. (g) ENGAGEMENTS: None. November 15, 1942. (a) TASK ORGANIZATION: Task Force 67 (Composition as per November 8th). (b) OPERATION ORDERS: ComTaskForce 67, Order No. 2-42. (c) CHANGES IN ORDERS: None. (d) POSITION: At 0625 anchored in Espiritu Santo. Distance run from Guadalcanal 621 miles. (e) OPERATIONS: Commenced discharging cargo to other ships. Deserter who was found aboard November 12 was transferred to Rear Echelon 8th Marines, under guard. (f) ORDERS RECEIVED: None. (g) ENGAGEMENTS: None. November 16, 1942. (a) TASK ORGANIZATION: Task Force 67 (Composition as per November 8th). (b) OPERATION ORDERS: ComTaskForce 67, Order No. 2-42. (c) CHANGES IN ORDERS: Comtaskfor 67 dissolved task force, thereby reconstituting this ship a member of Task Force 62, Transdiv 2. (d) POSITION: Anchored as before, Espiritu Santo, New Hebrides. At 1826 shifted berth 20 yards to the eastward. Secured at 1830. (e) OPERATIONS: Continued discharging cargo to other ships as before. (f) ORDERS RECEIVED: None. (g) ENGAGEMENTS: None. November 17, 1942. (a) TASK ORGANIZATION: Task Force 62, Transdiv 2. (b) OPERATION ORDERS: Orders CTF 62. (c) CHANGES IN ORDERS: None. (d) POSITION: 0600 LCT Underway for Noumea, N.C. 1200 LCT Lat 20-48 S. Long 168-18 E. 2000 LCT Lat 22-20 S. Long 168-15 E. Distance run noon to noon 65 miles. Average Speed " " " 12 knots. (e) OPERATIONS: Normal cruising en route Noumea, New Caledonia. At 11825 sighted oil slick bearing 095 degrees true. (f) ORDERS RECEIVED: None. (g) ENGAGEMENTS: None. November 18, 1942. (a) TASK ORGANIZATION: Task Force 62, Transdiv 2. (b) OPERATION ORDERS: Orders CTF 62. (c) CHANGES IN ORDERS: None. (d) POSITION: 0800 LCT Lat 20-05 S. Long 168-05 E. 1200 LCT Lat 20-48 S. Long 168-18 E. 2000 LCT Lat 22-20 S. Long 168-15 E. Distance run noon to noon 287 miles. Average Speed " " " 12 knots. (e) OPERATIONS: Normal cruising en route Noumea, New Caledonia. At 1404 conducted test firing of 20mm and three inch AA guns. At 1431 conducted fire drill. At 1437 sighted Mare Island broad on starboard bow, distant 19 miles. At 1500 conducted Fire Rescue drill. At 1838 made emergency turn to starboard 45 degrees to course 250 degrees True. At 1840 made second emergency turn to starboard of 45 degrees to course 295 degrees true. At 1847 made two emergency turns to port of 45 degrees, putting ship back on course205 degrees. At 2312 sighted two vessels bearing 157 degrees true, on opposite parallel course, apparently a tanker and destroyer. No recognition signals exchanged. Unidentified. At 2341 sighted land bearing 309 degrees true, distant 4 miles. (f) ORDERS RECEIVED: None. (g) ENGAGEMENTS: None. November 19, 1942. (a) TASK ORGANIZATION: Task Force 62 (b) OPERATION ORDERS: Orders CTF 62. (c) CHANGES IN ORDERS: None. (d) POSITION: At 1036 anchored in Dumbea Bay, Noumea, New Caledonia. Distance run since previous noon 265 miles, 613 miles from Espiritu Santo. (e) OPERATIONS: Taking on stores and supplies from other ships. (f) ORDERS RECEIVED: None. (g) ENGAGEMENTS: None. November 20, 1942. (a) TASK ORGANIZATION: Task Force 62, Transdiv 2. (b) OPERATION ORDERS: Orders CTF 62. (c) CHANGES IN ORDERS: None. (d) POSITION: Anchored in Dumbea Bay, Noumea (e) OPERATIONS: Engaged in taking on stores and supplies from other ships, and supplying boats for other ships. Took on fuel. (f) ORDERS RECEIVED: None. (g) ENGAGEMENTS: None. November 21, 1942. (a) TASK ORGANIZATION: Task Force 62, Transdiv 2. (b) OPERATION ORDERS: Orders CTF 62. (c) CHANGES IN ORDERS: None. (d) POSITION: Anchored in Dumbea Bay, Noumea (e) OPERATIONS: Taking on stores and supplying boats and crews for assisting other ships unload, etc. (f) ORDERS RECEIVED: None. (g) ENGAGEMENTS: None. November 22, 1942. (a) TASK ORGANIZATION: Task Force 62, Transdiv 2. (b) OPERATION ORDERS: Orders CTF 62. (c) CHANGES IN ORDERS: None. (d) POSITION: At 0641 moved in and docked at Grand Quay, Noumea. (e) OPERATIONS: Began loading troops and equipment. (f) ORDERS RECEIVED: None. (g) ENGAGEMENTS: None. November 23, 1942. (a) TASK ORGANIZATION: Task Force 62, Transdiv 2. (b) OPERATION ORDERS: Orders CTF 62. (c) CHANGES IN ORDERS: None. (d) POSITION: Moored at Grand Quay, Noumea, N.C. (e) OPERATIONS: At 0615 moved away from dock, and passed out through net, to anchorage Dumbea Bay, New Caledonia. Anchored at 0706 and began loading stores and furnishing boats to various ships. (f) ORDERS RECEIVED: None. (g) ENGAGEMENTS: None. November 24, 1942. (a) TASK ORGANIZATION: Task Force 62, Transdiv 2. (b) OPERATION ORDERS: Orders CTF 62. (c) CHANGES IN ORDERS: None. (d) POSITION: Moored at Dumbea Bay, New Caledonia, as before. (e) OPERATIONS: Furnishing boats and crews to assist other ships in the harbor to unload. (f) ORDERS RECEIVED: None. (g) ENGAGEMENTS: None. November 25, 1942. (a) TASK ORGANIZATION: Task Force 62, Transdiv 2. (b) OPERATION ORDERS: Orders CTF 62. (c) CHANGES IN ORDERS: None. (d) POSITION: Anchored in Dumbea Bay, New Caledonia, as before. (e) OPERATIONS: Furnishing boats and crews to assist loading and unloading other ship. (f) ORDERS RECEIVED: None. (g) ENGAGEMENTS: None. November 26, 1942. (a) TASK ORGANIZATION: Task Force 62, Transdiv 2. (b) OPERATION ORDERS: Orders CTF 62. (c) CHANGES IN ORDERS: None. (d) POSITION: Anchored in assigned berth, Dumbea Bay, New Caledonia, as before. (e) OPERATIONS: Furnishing boats and crews to assist unloading and loading other boats and ships in harbor. (f) ORDERS RECEIVED: None. (g) ENGAGEMENTS: None. November 27, 1942. (a) TASK ORGANIZATION: Task Force 62, Transdiv 2. (b) OPERATION ORDERS: Orders CTF 62. (c) CHANGES IN ORDERS: None. (d) POSITION: Anchored in assigned berth, Dumbea Bay, New Caledonia, as before. (e) OPERATIONS: Furnishing boats and crews to assist loading and unloading other ships present. (f) ORDERS RECEIVED: None. (g) ENGAGEMENTS: None. November 28, 1942. (a) TASK ORGANIZATION: Task Force 62, Transdiv 2. (b) OPERATION ORDERS: Orders CTF 62. (c) CHANGES IN ORDERS: None. (d) POSITION: Anchored in assigned berth, Dumbea Bay, New Caledonia, as before. (e) OPERATIONS: Furnishing boats and crews to assist loading and unloading other ships present. (f) ORDERS RECEIVED: None. (g) ENGAGEMENTS: None. November 29, 1942. (a) TASK ORGANIZATION: Task Force 62, Transdiv 2. (b) OPERATION ORDERS: Orders CTF 62. (c) CHANGES IN ORDERS: None. (d) POSITION: Anchored in assigned berth, Dumbea Bay, New Caledonia, as before. (e) OPERATIONS: Furnishing boats and crews to assist loading and unloading other ships present. (f) ORDERS RECEIVED: None. (g) ENGAGEMENTS: None. November 30, 1942. (a) TASK ORGANIZATION: Task Force 62, Transdiv 2. (b) OPERATION ORDERS: Orders CTF 62. (c) CHANGES IN ORDERS: None. (d) POSITION: Anchored in assigned berth, Dumbea Bay, New Caledonia, as before. (e) OPERATIONS: Furnishing boats and crews to assist loading and unloading other ships present. (f) ORDERS RECEIVED: None. (g) ENGAGEMENTS: None.


ACTION REPORT
USS PRESIDENT ADAMS      AP-38
Serial SD/TS133                                                   14 November 1942

        Air attack off Guadalcanal, 12 November 19432
        Report of.


           Report of Cdr. F.H. Dean, covers action on the afternoon of 12
           November 1942, while operating in Task Group 67.1 (Capt. I.N.
           Kiland) Transport Group, participating in landings at Guadalcanal.
           Claim 2 enemy planes destroyed.

U.S.S. PRESIDENT ADAMS
AP38-A9 Serial 248 November 14, 1942. From: Commanding Officer. To: Commander-in-Chief, Pacific Fleet. Subject: Action Report. References: (a) Articles 712, 874(6), 948, 1022(12) and 2029, U.S. Navy Regulations, 1920. Enclosures: (A) Chronological listing of events. (B) Report from Executive Officer. (C) Four (4) Action Photos. 1. The following.is a summary of action is which the U.S.S. PRESIDENT ADAM was engaged off Guadalcanal Island on the afternoon of November 12, 1942. (A) Transports were maneuvered radically by 90° turns to bring two groups of attacking planes successively towards our stern. The original formation of enemy torpedo planes consisted of about twenty-three Mitsubishi twin-engined torpedo bombers, serial type MC-20. Approach was made from Florida Island where planes split up into two groups. The early group made its approach from the north and the later group approached from Lengo Channel. The time co-ordination of the two groups was poor. (B) The U.S.S. PRESIDENT ADAMS fired the following number of rounds of ammunition: 64 rounds of 3", 2 rounds of 5", 343 rounds of 20 m.m., 150 rounds of .30 cal., and 320 rounds of .50 cal. (fired by troops). Due to the fact that a hundred men of the crew were off the ship, in ship's boats, it was necessary to man the guns by various rates other than the seaman branch, as well as by troops who manned the weapons of their combat equipment which the ship was able to mount. I have also been informed that the boat guns were employed and one of my crew informed me that the fire from .30 cal. and .50 cal. guns in boats was considered responsible for bringing down one of the enemy planes. (C) During the action two under water shocks to the ship's hull were noticed. Apparently these were torpedoes exploding at the end of their run. Two torpedo drops were seen. The torpedoes skipped along on the surface for 75 - 100 yards before taking their depth. (D) Fire discipline was very good. The Captain personally noticed one 20 m.m. gunner stop his fire just short of the stern of another transport, sweep his gun up over this transport, and resume fire on the torpedo plane as it came out clear of the transport's bow. The fire of this particular machine gunner, LINDNER, William A., coxswain, USN, registered on the noses of two planes and started fires in the planes fuselages which soon enveloped the planes in flames and resulted in immediate crashing. 3"/50 guns "B" and "C" definitely made hits on planes. (E) The performance of our single 5"/51 cal. gun was unusual. This gun, with four of the regular General Quarters crew away in boats, fired two 5"/3g HE time fused projectiles at planes. It was impossible to train this gun fast enough to follow the targets, which for this ship were almost the full deflection variety. Anticipating this, the trainer, judging what the forward position of the plane would probably be, trained well ahead of the firing bearing in advance and waited for the plane to come on its line of fire. He was only able to get off but one round at each of the two groups of planes. Noting that the 1.2 second fuse setting was too long against the first plane, the gun captain, 'WALKER, Wesley W. , GM1c, USNR, quickly shifted to projectile with .8 second fuse for use against the second target. My Executive Officer, whose Battle Two station is aft and close to the 5" gun, has informed me that the second shot from the 5"/51 gun registered on an enemy plane. (F) In addition to the ship's regular batteries of 3 - .30 cal. Lewis Machine guns in a mount made by ship's force, 8 - 20 m.m., 4 - 3"/50 cal., and one 5"/51 cal. guns, the following guns from combat equipment of embarked army troops were mounted in the locations listed: (1) One twin .50 cal. on starboard side of forecastle deck. (2) One single .50 cal. on port side of forecastle deck. (3) One single .50 cal. on starboard side well deck. (4) One single .50 cal, on port side of well deck. All the .50 cal. guns were of the air cooled type, (G) The loader of No. 1, 3"/50 cal, gun, GRAY, Jesse C., GM3c, USN, produced a phenomenal performance in loading thirty-two rounds in very close to one minute of elapsed time. The barrel of this gun was almost smoking hot when firing ceased. (H) Immediately after both groups of planes had been fired upon, all loaded guns were cleared by firing, thus to avoid the chances of any prematures in the guns themselves, due to their very warm condition. (I) I firmly believe that the ship can claim the destruction of two enemy planes and a good share of effective hits on at least two others. (J) The ship received no damage and there were no gun casualties. (K) None of the attacking planes made its approach directly toward this ship. (L) Initial fuse settings in the 3"/50 batteries were those loaded for dive bombing attacks and consequently had too short a fuse setting. This fact was quickly brought to the attention of the Gunnery Officer by me, and a shift to longer fuse settings were promptly made. The guns were preloaded with short fuse settings for dive bomb attacks in view of the report received that the approaching formation of enemy energy planes contained about eight "Zeros". (M) The two 20 m.m. guns on the after end of the bridge deck were not able to fire a shot for fear of shooting into boat davits. This same blind arc for these guns was experienced on the 8th of August, 1942, during a similar torpedo plane attack. Repeated efforts to get these two mounts raised about eight feet have not been successful on account of non- availability of services or material. (N) Seven (7) enemy planes were seen to burn in the vicinity of transports. F.H. Dean Copies to: Comsopac. (with all encl.) Comtaskfor 67. (with all encl.) Comtaskgroup 67.1 (with encl. A & B).
Pac-90-wb A16-3/SOL Serial 03810 CONFIDENTIAL From: Commander in Chief U.S. Pacific Fleet. To: Commander in Chief U.S. Fleet. Subject: Action Report - USS PRESIDENT ADAMS. Enclosure: (A) USS PRESIDENT ADAMS AP/38/A9/(248) dated November 14, 1942. 1. Enclosure (A) is an additional report of the air attack on November 12, 1942, off Lunga Point. F. V. MERCER By direction.

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