We Are in a Convoy Headed for Okinawa

On this day 66 years ago, the USS Pickens was probably in a massive convoy of ships on the way to Okinawa to take part in the decisive battle of World War II.  Planned to be launched April l, some landings were made March 31, beginning what would be a fierce battle with huge casualties.

This day marks the 66th anniversary of the attack on "Big Ben," the name  the ship's crew gave the Ben Franklin..  The aircraft carrier, having already done heroic duty and been attacked three times, was 50 miles off the coast of Japan when it was hit by two 550 pound bombs, the first penetrating to the hangar deck and the second setting off fires and explosions, demolishing the Combat Information Center killing 45 radarmen. Total casualties amounted to 724 killed and 265 wounded.  How we got the news of the attack, I do not remember, but it affected us personally because some of us radarmen had been in radar school with some of the those on the Franklin.  The was saved and repaired but never fought again.