AP-37 U.S.S. PRESIDENT JACKSON
War Diary and Action Reports November 1942,
SECRET
WAR DIARY
U.S.S. PRESIDENT JACKSON
(UNIT)
FROM C. W. WEITZEL TO Chief of Naval Operations
Commander, U.S.N., Condg. (Office of Naval Records
And Library)
REPORT FOR COMMANDER COMBAT TROOP TRANSPORT AP37.
Operating under Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.
TASK ORGANIZATION:
Task Force 62, Transdiv 2.
Changes:
November 1, 1942.
G.C.T. L.W.T/(LTC)
1200 0000 Steaming singly enroute Tongatabu to Noumea,
New Caledonia.
1708 0508 General Quarters.
1800 0600 Secured from General Quarters.
1850 0650 Set special sea detail, standing into Noumea
Harbor
1915 0905 Retarded clocks one hour to zone minus eleven time.
2205 0905 Anchored in berth # 39, Noumea Harbor.
0008 1108 Underway to shift berths.
0059 1159 Moored to Grand Quay.
0410 1510 Commenced unloading 68th Fighter Squadron, U.S.
Army Air Corps, and equipment.
1140 2240 Completed unloading.
1300 2400 Wind NE, force 3, Weather rainy, visibility poor.
REPORT FOR COMMANDER COMBAT TROOP TRANSPORT AP37.
Operating under Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.
TASK ORGANIZATION:
Task Force 62, Transdiv 2.
Changes:
November 2, 1942.
G.C.T. L.W.T/(LTC)
1300 0000 Moored starboard side to Grand Quay, Noumea,
New Caledonia.
1720 0420 Officers and men of 68th Pursuit Squadron, U.S.
Army left ship.
2000 0700 Commenced taking aboard 1st Battalion, 182nd
Infantry, the 245th Field Artillery, 101st
Medical Regiment, all U.S. Army, and loading
Their supplies and equipment.
1300 2400 Continuing loading operations. Wind NE, Force
1, Weather clear, visibility good.
REPORT FOR COMMANDER COMBAT TROOP TRANSPORT AP37.
Operating under Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.
TASK ORGANIZATION:
Task Force 62, Transdiv 2.
Changes:
November 3, 1942.
G.C.T. L.W.T/(LTC)
1100 0000 Moored starboard side to Grand Quay, Noumea,
New Caledonia. Loading operations in progress,
taking aboard equipment of 1st Battalion, 182nd
Infantry, 245th Field Artillery and 101st Medical
Regiment, all U.S. Army.
1330 0220 Completed loading operations.
1839 0739 Underway to shift berths.
2005 0905 Anchored in berth # 50, Noumea Harbor, New
Caledonia.
02296 1329 Underway to shift berths.
0310 1410 Moored starboard side to U.S.S. Sabine, to
receive fuel.
0352 1452 Commenced fueling.
0505 1605 Completed fueling.
0535 1635 Underway to shift berths.
0553 1653 Anchored in berth # 50, Noumea Harbor, New
Caledonia.
1300 2400 Wind ESE, Force 2, Weather cloudy, Visibility
good.
REPORT FOR COMMANDER COMBAT TROOP TRANSPORT AP37.
Operating under Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.
TASK ORGANIZATION:
Task Force 62, Transdiv 2.
Changes:
November 4, 1942.
G.C.T. L.W.T/(LTC)
1300 0000 Anchored in Noumea Harbor, New Caledonia.
2000 0700 Received message "Prepare for Emergency Sortie"
Made preparations to get underway in short notice.
Enemy carrier reported off Loyalty Islands.
2230 0930 Set Condition I-A to drill troops in debarkation.
2300 1000 Ship placed under 1 hour sailing notice.
2345 1045 Secured from 1 hour sailing notice to 12 hour
notice.
0120 1220 Captain I.N. Kiland, U.S.N. transferred his
flag as Commander Transport Davison Two to
this vessel from U.S.S. CRESENT CITY.
1300 2400 Wind E, Force 3, Weather clear, Visibility very
good.
REPORT FOR COMMANDER COMBAT TROOP TRANSPORT AP37.
Operating under Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.
TASK ORGANIZATION:
Task Force 62, Transdiv 2.
Changes:
November 5, 1942.
G.C.T. L.W.T/(LTC)
1300 0000 Anchored in Noumea Harbor, New Caledonia.
2100 0800 Set Condition I-A. Conducted troop
embarkation exercise. Seven enlisted men
reported aboard for duty with flag allowance
of Commander Transdiv 2.
1300 2400 Wind SE, force 4, weather rainy, visibility
fair.
REPORT FOR COMMANDER COMBAT TROOP TRANSPORT AP37.
Operating under Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.
TASK ORGANIZATION:
Task Force 62, Transdiv 2.
Changes:
November 6, 1942.
G.C.T. L.W.T/(LTC)
1300 0000 Anchored in Noumea Harbor, New Caledonia.
2200 0900 Set Condition I-A to drill troop in
debarkation.
1300 2400 Wind ESE, Force 3, Weather clear, Visibility
fair.
REPORT FOR COMMANDER COMBAT TROOP TRANSPORT AP37.
Operating under Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.
TASK ORGANIZATION:
Task Force 62, Transdiv 2.
Changes:
November 7, 1942.
G.C.T. L.W.T/(LTC)
1300 0000 Anchored in Noumea Harbor, New Caledonia.
0005 1105 Two officers reported aboard for duty with
flag allowance of Commander, Transdiv 2.
1300 2400 Wind E, Force 1, Weather cloudy, Visibility poor.
REPORT FOR COMMANDER COMBAT TROOP TRANSPORT AP37.
Operating under Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.
TASK ORGANIZATION:
Task Force 62, Transdiv 2.
Changes: Joined Task Force 67, Task Group 67.1 (U.S.S. McCAWLEY
CRESCENT CITY, PRESIDENT JACKSON, PRESIDENT ADAMS)
November 8, 1942.
G.C.T. L.W.T/(LTC)
1300 0000 Anchored in Noumea Harbor, New Caledonia.
2135 0835 Detachment of 3 officers, 280 men of 4th
Replacement Battalion, U.S.M.C. came aboard.
0502 1602 Underway enroute to Guadalcanal, Solomon Island,
to land Marine and Army troops on board.
1300 2400 Wind E, Force 1, 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 9, 1942.
G.C.T. L.W.T/(LTC)
1300 0000 Steaming with Task Unit 67.1 enroute Noumea,
New Caledonia to Guadalcanal.
1716 0416 General Quarters.
1817 0517 Secured from General Quarters.
2100 0800 Position 21°-02' South, 163°-45' East.
0100 1200 Position 20°-25' South, 163°-14' East.
0300 1400 Conducted exercises, training anti-aircraft
guns on Cruiser Planes which simulated bombing
attacks.
0900 2000 Position18°-55' South, 162°-39' East.
1300 2400 Wind E, Force 2, Weather cloudy, Visibility
excellent, Course made good 302°, Average
speed 12.69 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 10, 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.
1828 0528 Secured from General Quarters.
2100 0800 Position 16°27' South, 162°32' East.
0100 1200 Position 15°40' South, 162°37' East.
0210 1310 Exercised crew on battle problem.
0257 1357 Secured from battle problem.
0745 1845 Held Recognition Signal drill with ships of
Task Force 67.
0900 2000 Position 14°08' South, 162°-54' East.
1300 2400 Wind SE, Force 4, Weather cloudy, Visibility
good, Course made good 352°. Average Speed 12.33
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 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.
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: Detached from Task Force 67, Task Group 67.1, joined
Task Force 62, Task Unit 62.6 (U.S.S McCAWLEY, PRESIDENT
JACKSON, CRESCENT CITY, PRESIDENT ADAMS)
November 17, 1942.
G.C.T. L.W.T/(LTC)
1300 0000 Anchored in Pekoa Channel, Espiritu Santo.
1905 0605 Underway with Task Unit 62.6 enroute Espiritu
Santo to Noumea, New Caledonia.
1959 0659 General Quarters.
2013 0713 Secured from General Quarters.
0100 1200 Position 16°16' South, 167°51' East.
0200 1300 Exercised crew at Fire Quarters.
0900 2000 Position 17°42' South, 167°32' East.
1300 2400 Wind SE, Force 2, Weather cloudy, Visibility
good.
REPORT FOR COMMANDER COMBAT TROOP TRANSPORT AP37.
Operating under Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.
TASK ORGANIZATION:
Task Force 62.
Task Group 62.6 (U.S.S McCAWLEY, CRESCENT CITY, PRESIDENT JACKSON,
PRESIDENT ADAMS)
Changes:
November 18, 1942.
G.C.T. L.W.T/(LTC)
1300 0000 Steaming with Task Unit 62.6 enroute Espiritu
Santo to Noumea, New Caledonia.
1715 0415 General Quarters.
1815 0515 Secured from General Quarters.
2100 0800 Position 20°02' South, 167°07' East.
2200 0900 Conducted battle problem, with emphasis on
damage control.
2234 0934 Secured from Battle Problem.
0100 1200 Position 20°47' South, 168°18' East.
0252 1352 General Quarters for gunnery practice.
0305 1435 Secured from General Quarters and gunnery practice.
0900 2000 Position 22°22' South, 168°15' East.
1300 2400 Wind E, Force 3, Weather cloudy, Visibility
good, Course made good 175°, Average speed 12.17 knots
REPORT FOR COMMANDER COMBAT TROOP TRANSPORT AP37.
Operating under Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.
TASK ORGANIZATION:
Transdiv 2 (U.S.S PRESIDENT JACKSON, CRESCENT CITY,
PRESIDENT ADAMS)
Changes: Detached from Task Unit 62.6
November 19, 1942.
G.C.T. L.W.T/(LTC)
1300 0000 Steaming with Task Unit 62.6 enroute Espiritu
Santo to Noumea, New Caledonia.
1715 0415 General Quarters.
1757 0457 Secured from General Quarters.
2100 0800 Position 22°40' South, 166°26' East.
2339 1039 Anchored in Dumbea Bay, Noumea, New Caledonia.
0400 1500 Transferred 23 ambulatory patients to U.S. Naval
Dispensary, Noumea.
0441 1541 Underway to shift berths.
0500 1600 Anchored in new berth.
1300 2400 Wind SE, Force 1, Weather cloudy, Visibility
good, course made good 228°, Average Speed 12.56
knots.
REPORT FOR COMMANDER COMBAT TROOP TRANSPORT AP37.
Operating under Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.
TASK ORGANIZATION:
Transdiv 2 (U.S.S PRESIDENT JACKSON, CRESCENT CITY,
PRESIDENT ADAMS)
Changes:
November 20, 1942.
G.C.T. L.W.T/(LTC)
1300 0000 Anchored in Dumbea Bay, Noumea, New Caledonia.
2215 0915 Transferred 15 patients to U.S. Navel Dispensary,
Noumea.
1300 2400 Wind SSE, Force 2, Weather cloudy, Visibility good.
REPORT FOR COMMANDER COMBAT TROOP TRANSPORT AP37.
Operating under Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.
TASK ORGANIZATION:
Transdiv 2 (U.S.S PRESIDENT JACKSON, CRESCENT CITY,
PRESIDENT ADAMS)
Changes:
November 21, 1942.
G.C.T. L.W.T/(LTC)
1300 0000 Anchored in Dumbea Bay, Noumea, New Caledonia.
2100 0800 Regular port routine carried out.
1300 2400 Wind W, Force 2, Weather cloudy, Visibility
good.
REPORT FOR COMMANDER COMBAT TROOP TRANSPORT AP37.
Operating under Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.
TASK ORGANIZATION:
Transdiv 2
Changes:
November 22, 1942.
G.C.T. L.W.T/(LTC)
1300 0000 Anchored in Dumbea Bay, Noumea, New Caledonia.
2100 0800 Regular port routine carried out.
1300 2400 Wind SW, Force 2, Weather clear, Visibility
good.
REPORT FOR COMMANDER COMBAT TROOP TRANSPORT AP37.
Operating under Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.
TASK ORGANIZATION:
Transdiv 2
Changes:
November 23, 1942.
G.C.T. L.W.T/(LTC)
1300 0000 Anchored in Dumbea Bay, Noumea, New Caledonia.
0300 1400 Commenced receiving on board troops of the 132nd
Infantry. This continued until 1710.
1300 2400 Wind W, Force 1, Weather cloudy, Visibility good.
REPORT FOR COMMANDER COMBAT TROOP TRANSPORT AP37.
Operating under Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.
TASK ORGANIZATION:
Transdiv 2
Changes:
November 24, 1942.
G.C.T. L.W.T/(LTC)
1300 0000 Anchored in Dumbea Bay, Noumea, New Caledonia.
1841 0541 Underway enroute to Grand Quay, Noumea.
2010 0710 Moored starboard side to Grand Quay, Noumea.
2030 0730 Commenced receiving aboard troops of 132nd
Infantry and loading their equipment.
1155 2255 Completed loading of equipment.
1300 2400 Wind ENE, Force 1, Weather cloudy, Visibility
good.
REPORT FOR COMMANDER COMBAT TROOP TRANSPORT AP37.
Operating under Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.
TASK ORGANIZATION:
Transdiv 2
Changes:
November 25, 1942.
G.C.T. L.W.T/(LTC)
1300 0000 Moored starboard side to Grand Quay,
Noumea, New Caledonia.
1913 0613 Underway from Grand Quay.
2019 0719 Anchored in Dumbea Bay, Noumea, New Caledonia.
2300 1000 Conducted embarkation drill for troops.
1300 2400 No Wind, weather cloudy, Visibility poor.
REPORT FOR COMMANDER COMBAT TROOP TRANSPORT AP37.
Operating under Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.
TASK ORGANIZATION:
Transdiv 2
Changes:
November 26, 1942.
G.C.T. L.W.T/(LTC)
1300 0000 Anchored in Dumbea Bay, Noumea, New Caledonia.
1913 0613 Underway from Grand Quay.
2230 0930 Conducted embarkation drill for troops.
1300 2400 No Wind, weather cloudy, Visibility good.
REPORT FOR COMMANDER COMBAT TROOP TRANSPORT AP37.
Operating under Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.
TASK ORGANIZATION:
Transdiv 2
Changes:
November 27, 1942.
G.C.T. L.W.T/(LTC)
1300 0000 Anchored in Dumbea Bay, Noumea, New Caledonia.
2247 0947 Exercised crew at Abandon Ship Drill.
2300 1000 Exercised Ship's Rescue Party at drill.
1300 2400 Wind NE, Force 1, Weather clear, Visibility good.
REPORT FOR COMMANDER COMBAT TROOP TRANSPORT AP37.
Operating under Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.
TASK ORGANIZATION:
Task Force 62.
Task Group 62.4.8 (U.S.S PRESIDENT JACKSON, CRESCENT CITY,
PRESIDENT ADAMS)
Changes: Joined Task Force 62, Task Group 62.4.8 (U.S.S PRESIDENT
JACKSON, CRESCENT CITY, PRESIDENT ADAMS)
November 28, 1942.
G.C.T. L.W.T/(LTC)
1300 0000 Anchored in Dumbea Bay, Noumea, New Caledonia.
2203 0903 Exercised crew at Abandon Ship Drill and exercised
Ship's Rescue Party at drill.
1300 2400 Wind NNE, Force 1, Weather clear, Visibility
good.
REPORT FOR COMMANDER COMBAT TROOP TRANSPORT AP37.
Operating under Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.
TASK ORGANIZATION:
Task Force 62.
Task Group 62.4.8 (U.S.S PRESIDENT JACKSON, CRESCENT CITY,
PRESIDENT ADAMS)
Changes:
November 29, 1942.
G.C.T. L.W.T/(LTC)
1300 0000 Anchored in Dumbea Bay, Noumea, New Caledonia.
2100 0800 Regular port routine carried out.
1300 2400 Wind E, Force 1, Weather clear, Visibility good.
REPORT FOR COMMANDER COMBAT TROOP TRANSPORT AP37.
Operating under Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.
TASK ORGANIZATION:
Task Force 62.
Task Group 62.4.8 (U.S.S PRESIDENT JACKSON, CRESCENT CITY,
PRESIDENT ADAMS)
Changes:
November 30, 1942.
G.C.T. L.W.T/(LTC)
1300 0000 Anchored in Dumbea Bay, Noumea, New Caledonia.
2200 0900 Exercised crew at Fire Quarter, simulated fire
in starboard side of mess hall.
1300 2400 Wind E, Force 3, Weather clear, Visibility 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/SD/TS-133 10/Bs
Serial ( 74 ) 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): Large
SKETCH
(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/ A16-3
U.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 79
LIST 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 79
FROM 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 39075329
REMAINING 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 12
SOUTH 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
Information U.S.S. PRESIDENT JACKSON
Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships
President Jackson AP-37
President Jackson was laid down as MC hull 53 by the Newport
News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Co., Newport News, Va. 2 October
1939, launched 7 June 1940, sponsored by Mrs. William G. McAdoo;
and delivered to the American President Lines 25 October 1940.
After two round-the-world trips from New York, President Jackson
was acquired by the Navy 30 June 1941, and commissioned 16
January 1942, Comdr. C. W. Weitzel in command.
Following shakedown and practice amphibious assault training on
the West Coast, President Jackson sailed for the South Pacific 1
July 1942, as a unit of Transport Division 2. She landed the 1st
Battalion, 2nd Marines, on Florida Island Solomons, 7 August
1942. At mid-month she evacuated 500 survivors of the "First
Battle of Savo Island" to Noumea, then began bringing in
reinforcements and evacuating casualties of land and sea
actions.
Redesignated APA-18 on 1 February 1943, President Jackson
continued to transport reinforcement troops and cargo in support
of the consolidation of the southern Solomons. On 30 June, she
landed the 172nd U.S. Army Combat Team and two construction
battalion companies on Rendova, then transported survivors of
McCawley, torpedoed by a submarine, to Noumea.
Operating with other vessels of TF 31, President Jackson landed
elements of the 3rd Marine Division at Empress Augusta Bay,
Bougainville, 1 November. Seven days later while enroute back to
that island with reinforcements, she was hit by a 550 pound bomb
which fortunately did not explode.
On 25 March 1944 President Jackson landed Army, Navy, and
Construction Battalion units on Emirau Island and in April, with
Transport Division Two, she carried the 40th Division, U.S.A.,
to New Britain, and returned the 1st Marine Division to Russell
Island in the Solomons. With TF 53, in July, she landed elements
of the 3rd Marine Division on Guam 21 July, then evacuated
casualties to Pearl Harbor and the United States. On 23 October
the ship returned to duty with Transport Division 32 in the
south and southwest Pacific areas.
While operating with TF 77, President Jackson landed elements of
the 25th Infantry Division, U.S. Army, in the reinforcement
landing at Lingayen Gulf 11 January 1945. On 21 February, while
operating with TF 51, she landed elements of the 3rd Marine
Division on Iwo Jima. Exposed to enemy counter-battery fire she
was hit once in a barrage of 37mm fire with minor damage and
casualties. On 6 March she departed Iwo Jima with 515 casualties
for Saipan and Noumea.
With Army and Navy casualties and miscellaneous passengers
aboard, the transport sailed for the United States 7 May 1945.
She got underway from San Francisco 14 June and completed two
round-trips to Manila before the cessation of hostilities which
found her in drydock at Seattle. She then entered upon "Magic
Carpet" duty. She continued to operate with the Pacific Fleet
until 1949, seeing service in both Japan and China. She was
assigned to the Military Sea Transportation Service with her
designation changed to T-AP-18, 22 October 1949.
On 7 February 1950 President Jackson, with cabin and troop
passengers on board, got underway from San Francisco for
Norfolk, arriving 23 February. She returned to San Francisco 25
March, subsequently making round trips to Manila and Pearl
Harbor.
With the outbreak of the Korean Conflict President Jackson
reported to the Commander, Amphibious Force, Pacific Fleet for
operational control. Loading troops and equipment of the 2nd
Battalion, 1st Marine Division at San Diego, she sailed 14
August for Japan, arriving Kobe 29 August to prepare for the
invasion at Inchon. Departing Kobe 11 September with vessels of
TG 90.2, she unloaded on the assault beaches of Inchon, served
as a casualty receiving ship, then evacuated the casualties to
Yokohama and San Francisco.
On 12 October President Jackson sailed from San Diego carrying
miscellaneous cargo for Japan. Returning to San Francisco, she
subsequently called at Seattle, Alaska, Japan and Korea. After
another run to Alaska in April 1952, President Jackson departed
San Francisco for Pago Pago to transport dependents from Pago
Pago to Pearl Harbor, returning to San Francisco in August.
During 1953 she operated between San Francisco, Alaska, and
Pearl Harbor.
Carrying a full load of passengers and cargo for Yokohama Japan,
President Jackson got underway from San Francisco 25 January
1954, returning 23 February. After two roundtrips to Pearl
Harbor, she departed for Alaska again 20 April with various
units of the 30th Engineers Base Topographic Battalion,
returning to San Francisco 14 May before making a second voyage
to Alaska ending at San Francisco 5 June.
On 11 June President Jackson got underway for Yokohama carrying
a full load of dependents and a small number of troop
passengers, returning to San Francisco 8 July with passengers
and cargo. On 28 December she shifted to Todd Shipyard, Alameda,
Calif. for phase one of inactivation. She was placed out of
commission, in reserve, berthed at San Francisco, 6 July 1955.
She was struck from the Navy List and transferred to the
Maritime Commission 1 October 1958.
President Jackson earned 8 battle stars for World War II service
and 3 battle stars for Korean War service.
PRESIDENT JACKSON Class
Completed - 1940 -42
AP-37 President Jackson (APA-18)
AP-38 President Adams (APA-19)
AP-39 President Hayes (APA-20)
AP-60 President Jefferson (APA-21)
Dimensions
Displacement(tons):
16,700 (Full load)
Length: 492' (oa)
Beam: 69' 6"
Draft: 27' 6" (max)
Armament
4 3"/50 DP
2 40mm AA twins
14 20mm AA
Carrying capacity
31-32 LCVP
2 LCM
1,550 TROOPS
Propulsion
Speed: 17 knots (max)
10 knots (econ)
Horsepower: 8,500 (shaft)
Drive: Geared turbine
1 screws;
Fuel: 1,700 tons oil (max)
Links to other web-sites with information on the
U.S.S. PRESIDENT JACKSON
NavSource
Online Has photos of AP-37
Naval Historical Center Has info. and photos of
the U.S.S. PRESIDENT JACKSON
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