At Okinawa the crew of the USS Pickens had two duties -- to land its troops and to care for the wounded. Our job became greater, however, as we became lead ship of our column and we rescued some 735 survivors of the LST 884, LST 724, and the USS Hinsdale. We then retired for the night.
For several days we would return to the battle area in early morning and retire at night. I can't describe how we felt when we learned the Japanese, in desperation, was sending the Yamato, the world's largest and most powerful battleship, to Okinawa.
In an epic battle April 7 Marc Mitscher's task force sank the huge ship. A few days later we returned to Saipan. The costly battle for Okinawa would continue but we had contributed all we could.
For several days we would return to the battle area in early morning and retire at night. I can't describe how we felt when we learned the Japanese, in desperation, was sending the Yamato, the world's largest and most powerful battleship, to Okinawa.
In an epic battle April 7 Marc Mitscher's task force sank the huge ship. A few days later we returned to Saipan. The costly battle for Okinawa would continue but we had contributed all we could.
No comments:
Post a Comment