DD-414 U.S.S. RUSSELL
War Diary and Action Reports November 1942,
CONFIDENTIAL
WAR DIARY
U.S.S. RUSSELL (414)
From November 1, 1942 to November 30, 1942.
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of Commanding Officer U.S.S. RUSSELL (414) for November 1,
1942.
Task Force 17 Organization
Task Group 17.2 -Cruisers, Rear Admiral Good.
Task Unit 17.2.1 -Rear Admiral Good.
NOTHSMPTON, WASHINGTON, PENSACOLA.
Task Unit 17.2.2 -Captain Jenkins.
ATLANTA, SAN DIEGO, JUNEAU.
Task Unit 17.4
Task Unit 17.4.2 -HUGHES, MUSTIN, ANDERSON.
Task Unit 17.4.5 -MORRIS, BARTON, RUSSELL.
. . . . . . . . -BENHAM, WALKE.
Task Group 17.5 -Air, Captain Mason.
HORNET.
Note: ATLANTA, BENHAM, WALKE, MUSTIN, ANDERSON, PENSACOLA ON detached
1 November 1942 duty.
GCT LCT Remarks
1300 0000 Moored in nest alongside WHITNEY at Great Roads,
Noumea, New Caledonia.
Ships present: Task Force 17 less the ATLANTA, BENHAM
WALKE, MUSTIN, ANDERSON, PENSACOLA; ENTERPRISE, SOUTH
DAKOTA, SAN JUAN, SMITH, NICHOLAS, WHITNEY, SOLACE,
McCAWLEY, ARGONNE, ALDEBARAN, PORTLAND, CUSHING,
PRESTON, STACK, MAHAN, SABINE, LANSDOWNE, ZEILIN,
LASSEN, ALHENA, ANTARES, BETELGEUSE, MAURY, and
various merchantmen.
2045 0745 Remainder of HORNET survivors left the ship.
Note: Engaged in provisioning, ship's upkeep and repair.
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of Commanding Officer U.S.S. RUSSELL (414) for November 2,
1942.
Task Force Organization - No changes.
2 November 1942
GCT LCT Remarks
1300 0000 Moored in nest alongside WHITNEY at Great Roads,
Noumea, New Caledonia.
Ships present: Task Force 17 less the ATLANTA, WALKE,
BENHAM, MUSTIN, ANDERSON, PENSACOLA; ENTERPRISE,
SOUTH DAKOTA, PORTLAND, SAN JUAN, ARGONNE, WHITNEY,
SABINE, ANTARES, ALDEBARAN, LASSEN, McCAWLEY, PRESIDENT
JACKSON, ALHENA, BETELGEUSE, NICHOLAS, LANSDOWNE, SMITH,
MAHAN, MAURY, STACK, RENSHAW and various merchantmen.
Note: Engaged in provisioning, ship's upkeep and repair.
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of Commanding Officer U.S.S. RUSSELL (414) for November 3,
1942.
Task Force Organization - No changes.
3 November 1942
GCT LCT Remarks
1300 0000 Moored in nest alongside WHITNEY at Great Roads,
Noumea, New Caledonia.
Ships present: Task Force 17 less the ATLANTA, BENHAM,
WALKE, MUSTIN, ANDERSON, PENSACOLA; ENTERPRISE, SOUTH
DAKOTA, PORTLAND, SAN JUAN, ARGONNE, ALHENA, VESTAL,
ARD II, PROMETHEUS, WHITNEY, SABINE, ANTARES,
ALDEBARAN, BETELGEUSE, LASSEN, McCAWLEY, PRESIDENT
JACKSON, NICHOLAS, LAMSON, LANSDOWNE, PRESTON, SMITH,
MAHAN, MAURY, STACK.
Note: Engaged in provisioning, ship's upkeep and repair.
Liberty for 5% of the crew.
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of Commanding Officer U.S.S. RUSSELL (414) for November 4,
1942.
Task Force Organization - No changes.
4 November 1942
GCT LCT Remarks
1300 0000 Moored in nest alongside WHITNEY at Great Roads,
Noumea, New Caledonia.
Ships present: Task Force 17 less the ATLANTA, BENHAM,
WALKE, MUSTIN, ANDERSON, PENSACOLA; ENTERPRISE,
SOUTH DAKOTA, PORTLAND, NICHOLAS, LANSDOWNE, PRESTON,
SMITH, MAHAN, STACK, ELLET, HOVEY, ARGONNE, ALHENA,
VESTAL, ARD II, PROMETHEUS, WHITNEY, SABINE, ANTARES,
ALDEBARAN, BETELGEUSE, SONOMA, LASSEN, AVP13.
2000 0700 Over the Port Director circuit, received "Alert -
Prepare for emergency sortie."
"Enemy carrier reported by Army interceptor command
off Loyalty Island. Report being investigated."
Called all hands to General Quarters.
2220 0920 Secured from General Quarters.
Note: Received the following message from CTF17 (040027):
"UPON THE EVE OF MY DEPARTURE FROM TASKFORCE 17 I WISH TO
EXPRESS APPRECIATION TO THE TASKFORCE FOR THE FIGHTING
SPIRIT IT HAS ALWAYS DISPLAYED X WE WILL CONTINUE WITH THE
SAME SPIRIT UNTIL OUR FINAL PURPOSE IS ACHIEVED NAMELY THE
ANNIALATION OF THE ENEMY X MANY OF OUR SHIPMATES HAVE MADE
THE SUPREME SACRIFICE X IN YOUR NAME AND IN MY OWN NAME
AS YOUR TASK FORCE COMMANDER I OFFER PRAYER THAT THEIR
LIVES SHALL NOT HAVE BEEN GIVEN IN VAIN X I AM CONFIDENT
THAT FURTHER ACTIONS WILL BE CHARACTERIZED BY THE SAME
EXAMPLE OF DEVOTION TO DUTY AND OF HEROIC CONDUCT THAT HAS
DISTINGUISHED THE RECORD OF TASKFORCE 17 TO DATE X GOD
BLESS ALL OF YOU"
Engaged in provisioning, ship's upkeep and repair.
Captain W.A. KITTS in NORTHAMPTON relieved Rear Admiral
G.D. MURRAY in temporary command Taskforce 17 this date.
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of Commanding Officer U.S.S. RUSSELL (414) for November 5,
1942.
Task Force Organization - No changes.
5 November 1942
GCT LCT Remarks
1300 0000 Moored in nest alongside WHITNEY at Great Roads,
Noumea, New Caledonia.
Ships present: Task Force 17 less the ATLANTA,
BENHAM, WALKE, MUSTIN, ANDERSON, PENSACOLA;
ENTERPRISE, SOUTH DAKOTA, PORTLAND, LANSDOWNE,
PRESTON, SMITH, MAHAN, STACK, ELLET, ZANE, MAURY,
ARGONNE, ALHENA, VESTAL, ARD2, PROMETHEEUS WHITNEY,
SABINE, ANTARES, BETELGEUSE, SONOMA, LASSEN,
MACKINAC, McCAWLEY and various merchant ships.
Note: Engaged in ship's upkeep and repair.
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of Commanding Officer U.S.S. RUSSELL (414) for November 6,
1942.
Task Force Organization - No changes.
6 November 1942
GCT LCT Remarks
1300 0000 Moored in nest alongside WHITNEY at Great Roads,
Noumea, New Caledonia.
Ships present: Task Force 17 less the ATLANTA,
BENHAM, WALKE, MUSTIN, ANDERSON, PENSACOLA;
ENTERPRISE, SOUTH DAKOTA, PORTLAND, MAURY, LANSDOWNE,
PRESTON, SMITH, MAHAN, STACK, ELLET, ARGONNE, ALHENA,
VESTAL, ARD2, PROMETHEEUS WHITNEY, SABINE, ANTARES,
BETELGEUSE, SONOMA, LASSEN, MACKINAC, McCAWLEY
and various merchant ships.
2318 1018 Underway to patrol entrance off Bulari Passage.
0035 1135 Called all hands to General Quarters in preparation
for clearing harbor entrance.
0110 1210 Secured from General Quarters.
Relieved BARTON and assumed A.S. patrol off Bulari
Passage.
0900 2000 Position this ship: 22°-34'S, 166°-32'E.
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of Commanding Officer U.S.S. RUSSELL (414) for November 7,
1942.
Task Force 16 Organization
ENTERPRISE - Rear Admiral Kinkaid Task Force Commander.
Batdiv 6 - WASHINGTON, SOUTH DAKOTA
Rear Admiral Lee.
NORTHAMPTON, SAN DIEGO
Desron 2 - CLARK, MORRIS, HUGHES, ANDERSON, RUSSELL, MUSTIN,
BENHAM, ELLET, WALKE.
7 November 1942
GCT LCT Remarks
1300 0000 Maintaining A.S. patrol off Bulari Passage, Noumea,
New Caledonia.
2100 0800 Position this ship: 22°-37'S, 166°-30'E. East
southeast wind, force 4. Calm sea.
0000 1100 Received the above organization from Comsopac to
TF16 and TF17. Effective as of this time TF61 and
TF17 previously organized are abolished.
0100 1200 Position this ship: 22°-29'S, 166°-32'E. HUGHES
relieved RUSSELL on patrol. Proceeded to enter port.
0230 1330 Alongside tanker J.C. Donnell in berth 24. Commenced
taking on fuel and lubricating oil.
0331 1431 Cleared side of tanker having received 24,696 gallons of
fuel oil.
0403 1503 Moored in nest alongside WHITNEY at Great Roads, Noumea,
New Caledonia.
0700 1800 Comdesron 5 arrived aboard and hoisted his pennant.
His staff includes three officers and thirteen enlisted
men.
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of Commanding Officer U.S.S. RUSSELL (414) for November 8,
1942.
Task Force 16 Organization - No changes.
8 November 1942
GCT LCT Remarks
1300 0000 Moored in nest alongside WHITNEY at Great Roads, Noumea,
New Caledonia.
Ships present: Task Force 16 less the CLARK, BENHAM;
McCAWLEY, TREVER, WHITNEY, ZANE, JUNEAU, BARTON, MAHAN,
MAURY, LAMSON, O'BANNON, STACK, MONSSEN, GRAYSON, SPERRY,
ARGONNE, BELLATRIX, NASSAU, VESTAL, LASSEN, ANTARES,
SABINE, PROMETHEUS, ALHENA, ARD2, SONOMA, and various
merchantmen.
2355 1055 Underway to shift berths.
0011 1111 Anchored in berth All, Great Roads.
0030 1130 BARTON moored alongside.
0427 1527 BARTON underway from alongside.
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of Commanding Officer U.S.S. RUSSELL (414) for November 9,
1942.
Task Force 16 Organization - No changes.
9 November 1942
GCT LCT Remarks
1300 0000 Moored in berth All, Great Roads, Noumea, New
Caledonia.
Ships present: Task Force 16 less the WLKE,
MUSTIN, ANDERSON, CLARK; PORTLAND, JUNEAU, TREVER,
WHITNEY, ZANE, ARGONNE, MAHAN, VESTAL, MAURY,
LAMSON, SPERRY, LASSEN, ANTARES, SABINE,
PROMETHEUS, ALHENA, ARD2.
2031 0731 Underway to shift berths.
2049 0749 Anchored near former berth on bearings assigned
by Port Director.
2200 0900 Comdesron 5 transferred his flag from this ship.
2256 0956 Underway to patrol off Bulari Passage.
2315 1015 Received the following visual from Port Director:
via WHITNEY (082308):
"Ship torpedoed six seven miles from Amedee Light
bearing 166 from light."
2320 1020 Sent following to Port Director:(radio voice).
"Fourteen is standing out to relieve 98 at noon.
Do you wish us to take any action on your
082308?"
From Port Director:
"We have no jurisdiction over your movements.
Suggest you contact your unit commander."
From this ship:
"We are out of contact with Unit Commander.
Request you do so for us."
From Port Director:
"We suggest you go to the area as soon as possible
then."
2335 1035 Sent the following to Comdesron 2.
"RUSSELL has been directed by Port Director to
proceed vicinity torpedoed ship. Will instruct
ELLET to remain at Bulari Passage."
0000 1100 Comsopac's NPM 793 received (082252) to CFT 16
info ELLET, RUSSELL, HUGHES as follows:
"Send all available destroyers Task Forces SIXTEEN
soonest possible to vicinity torpedoed ship
sixty seven miles bearing one six six degrees from
Amedee Light. Maintain entrance patrol of one
destroyer."
0005 1105 Sent the following to the ELLET:
"Have been directed to proceed to torpedoed ship.
Have told CDS2 that you will patrol. See NPM
793.
0054 1154 Called all hands to General Quarters in preparation
for clearing harbor entrance.
0102 1202 Passed through Bulari Passage. Increased speed
to 27 knots.
0109 1209 Secured from General Quarters.
0115 1215 Sighted three friendly merchant ships.
0140 1240 Sighted smoke bearing 150 distance 22 miles.
(Later identified as that from HMS MATAI, likewise
proceeding to assist).
0147 1247 Sighted ship bearing 165, distance 16 miles.
(Later identified as HMS KIVI (T102) proceeding
to recue in company with MATAI.)
0150 1250 Three Lockheed Hudson circling ships.
0200 1300 Sent following to MATAI:
"Can you tow?"
Reply from MATAI.
"Yes but we are better anti-submarine ship."
From this ship:
"How about the T102?"
Reply:
"The T102 is no use for towing."
0300 1400 Sighted merchant ship bearing 212, 15 miles distant.
0320 1420 Called all hands to General Quarters.
0339 1439 Sighted torpedoed ship bearing 150, distance
15 miles. At 1450 sighted two boats 4000 yards
north and two life rafts 4 miles east of the ship.
Ship was S.S. Edgar Allen Poe.
On closer approach torpedo hit could be clearly
seen amidships on the port side but there was no
list and damage was found to be minor except
that engineering spaces were flooded. Shell fire
had destroyed radio. A message was then sent to
the Port Director for transmittal to Unit Commander
that "a towing operation was definitely in order".
0404 1504 Slowed to 15 knots and conducted sound search of
area around boats and rafts.
Sent following to Port Director via "Moore":
"V14 - To be relayed to Port Director and my
Unit Commander. Ship is apparently abandoned.
Will pick up survivors after making sound search."
0429 1529 Picked up survivors from life boats.
0547 1557 Picked up survivors from life floats.
0500 1600 Resumed sound search of area preliminary to transfer
of skeleton crew and to commencing towing operation.
MATAI arrived and assisted. T102 did likewise.
Decided to have MATAI tow because other DDs had
not yet arrived and RUSSELL was better fitted to
screen. Also Commanding Officer of MATAI seemed
extremely willing and desirous of rendering all
assistance within his capacity.
0515 1615 Captained of Edgar Allen Poe reported all men
accounted for. A total of 72 survivors were
taken aboard. Two men killed by blast were left
aboard. Three stretcher and six ambulatory cases
treated by Doctor.
0607 1707 Merchant skipper, Jack Edgerton with 29 hands
were transferred to Poe via motorwhale boat
to prepare for towing operation. Told MATAI that
this crew would pass them a tow line.
0629 1729 Secured from General Quarters.
0700 1800 HUGHES joined screen and took charge of
operations.
0730 1830 MATAI commenced towing operations. HUGHES,
this ship, and the T102 maintained sound screen.
0854 1954 Established radar contact bearing 165, distance 2000
yards.
Called all hands to General Quarters.
0920 2020 Contact determined as false.
Secured from General Quarters.
1000 2100 CDS2 in MORRIS joined formation and assumed
command.
1045 2145 Destroyers and KIWI took stations in screening
formation. Patrolled stations at 10 knots.
Tow is making about 2 knots on course 350°T.
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of Commanding Officer U.S.S. RUSSELL for November 10, 1942.
Task Force 16 Organization - No changes.
Operating under Comsopac's NPM 793 of 082252.
10 November 1942
GCT LCT Remarks
1300 0000 Steaming in company with MORRIS, HUGHES, HMS MATAI,
HMS KIWI (T102). MATAI has the EDGAR ALLEN POE
in tow.
Ships are engaged in screening the tow. Patrolling
station at 10 knots. Towing course 350, speed about
2 knots.
1745 0445 Sent the following to Comdesron 2 in the MORRIS:
"NOW HAVE 42 SURVIVORS ON BOARD X THREE STRETCHER
CASES X PUT CAPTAIN AND 32 BACK ON POE X HAD
MATAI TOW BECAUSE AFFIRM THOUGHT RUSSELL BETTER
IN SCREEN BAKER HE SEEMED TO PREFER IT CAST DID
NOT DESIRE TO ARRIVE BEFORE DAWN BUT ANTICIPATED
HIGHER SPEED THAN THIS X AM READY TO TOW AND
ESTIMATE FIFTEEN MINUTES FOR SHIFT IF YOU DESIRE
MORE SPEED"
1830 0530 Sent following to Comdesron 2:
"AT ABOUT 1945 NIGHT BEFORE LAST POE WAS TORPEDOED
THEN SHELLED AND REPLIED WITH OWN GUNS X SUB DOVE
ABOUT 150 YARDS AWAY AND NOT SEEN AGAIN X SHIP
ABANDONED BECAUSE FURTHER ATTACK EXPECTED X
TORPEDO FLOODED ENGINEERING SPACES X RUSSELL
SOUND SEARCHED AROUND 2 RAFTS AND 2 BOATS THEN
WAS COVERED BY THREE BRITISH PLANES WHILE
RECOVERING X THEN AT 160 MATAI AND T102 ARRIVED
AND PLANES LEFT AND ALL SOUND SEARCHED AROUND POE
BEFORE COMMENDING TOWING OPERATIONS X CAPTAIN
STATED PLANES DIRECTED THEM TO STAY CLEAR OF
WRECK X CARGO OF TORPEDOES BOMBS GASOLINE AND GEAR
FOR ROSES AND BUTTIN UNDALAGED"
2043 0743 Changed patrolling speed to 16 knots.
2100 0800 Position this ship: 23°-07'S, 166°-35'E. East
wind, force 3. Calm sea.
0100 1200 Position this ship: 22°-48'S, 166°-29'E.
0405 1505 Two patrol vessels alongside POE to assist her in
steering through Bulari Passage.
0650 1750 This ship passed through Bulari Passage.
0700 1800 Received from MATAI:
"Intend to anchor until daybreak. KIWI and UMS
can maintained AS stationary patrol."
0700 1800 Comdesron 2 sent the following to CTF16:
"HAVE ASSIGNED ELLET ESCORT FOR SPERRY X HUGHES ON
PATROL OFF ENTRANCE X RUSSELL DIRECTED PROCEED TO
ANCHORAGE X MORRIS REMAINING WITH TOW INSIDE REEF
X WILL PROCEED UP CHANNEL AT DAYKIGHT TOMORROW
WEDNESDAY X UNABLE TO GET TOW AROUND TURN ON FIRST
TRY X WILL MAKE IT ALL RIGHT TOMORROW"
0755 1855 Anchored in Dumbea Bay, New Caledonia.
0810 1910 From CTF16 to RUSSELL, MORRIS info Comseronsopac:
"ARRANGE TO FUEL TONIGHT"
1015 2115 Underway to go alongside SABINE in berth 29
1051 2151 Commenced fueling from SABINE.
1130 2230 Completed fueling ship, having received 24,066
gallons fuel oil.
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of Commanding Officer U.S.S. RUSSELL for November 11, 1942.
Task Force 16 Organization - No changes.
11 November 1942
GCT LCT Remarks
1300 0000 Moored alongside SABINE in berth 29 Dumbea Bay,
Noumea, New Caledonia.
2040 0740 Transferred 3 stretcher and 7 ambulatory cases to
the WHITNEY via motor launch.
2135 0835 Transferred remaining 28 survivors to the SABINE.
2201 0901 Underway to relieve HUGHES on entrance patrol off
Bulari Passage.
2213 0913 Passed EDGAR ALLEN POE entering harbor in tow by
HMS MATAI.
2330 1030 Relieved HUGHES and commenced patrol off Bulari
Passage.
0146 1246 TF16 DD's standing out of channel.
0205 1305 Joined destroyer screen in conformance with sortie
plan.
0207 1307 Called all hands to General Quarters.
0240 1340 Heavy ships TF16 stood out of entrance channel.
0305 1405 Took screening station in TF cruising disposition.
0323 1423 Secured from General Quarters.
0455 1555 Received CTF16's 110355 to TF16 as follow:
"THIS FORCE IS PROCEEDING WEST OF POPPY TO LAT.
14-00, LONG. 161-30 TO ARRIVE 0800 FRIDAY TO BE
IN POSITION TO STRIKE ENEMY FORCES IN GUADALCANAL
AREA"
0800 2000 Position this ship: 22°-30'S, 165°-49E.
1129 2329 Executed emergency course change on TBS signal
from CTF16.
1140 2340 Resume base course.
Note: ELLET is on detached duty.
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of Commanding Officer U.S.S. RUSSELL for November 12, 1942.
Task Force 16 Organization - No changes.
Organized as follows by CTF16's 110240 of November 1942.
Surface Attack Group
16.3 - Rear Admiral Lee.
16.3.1 - WASHINGTON, SOUTH DAKOTA, NORTHAMPTON
16.3.2 - Commander Holcomb (DD's as designation by CTG16.4)
(SAN DIEGO and 3 DD's remain with CV)
Note: ELLET is on detached duty.
12 November 1942
GCT LCT Remarks
1200 0000 Steaming in company with TF16 less the ELLET on
detached duty.
1221 0021 Executed emergency turn on signal from CTF16 (TBS).
1229 0029 Resumed base course.
2000 0800 Position this ship: 20°-25'S, 163°-03'E. Southeast
wind, force 3. Calm sea.
2300 1100 Fired scheduled 20 mm exercise at tow sleeve.
2400 1200 Position this ship: 19°-46'S, 167°*40'E. Made good
since noon yesterday: course 314, distance 370 miles.
0143 1343 Formed close AA screen for drill purposes.
0214 1414 Resumed station in cruising disposition.
0800 2000 Position this ship: 17°-53'S, 161°-54'E.
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of Commanding Officer U.S.S. RUSSELL for November 13, 1942.
Operating under Commander Task Force 16's 110355 of November 1942.
Task Force 16 Organization
PENSACOLA, PRESTION, GWIN are now operating with this Task Force
which has been organized as follows by CTF16's 112115:
Task Group 16.3 - Rear Admiral Lee
Task Unit 16.3.1 - WASHINGTON, SOUTH DAKOTA, NORTHAMPTON,
PENSACOLA.
Task Unit 16.3.2 - Commander Holcomb.
(Four DDs and SAN DIEGO remain with
CV - other DDs assigned Task Unit
16.3.2)
16.4 - Destroyers.
Note: ELLET is on detached duty.
13 November 1942
GCT LCT Remarks
1200 0000 Steaming in company with Task Force 16 less the
ELLET on detached duty.
2000 0800 Position this ship: 14°-22'S, 161°-20'E. East
southeast wind, force 3. Calm sea.
2200 1000 PENSACOLA, PRESTON and GWIN joined Task Force.
2247 1047 SOUTH DAKOTA reported sighting torpedo on her
starboard side. Called all hands to General
Quarters. Executed emergency turn. BENHAM proceeded
to search for submarine.
2315 1115 Secured from General Quarters.
2400 1200 Position this ship: 13°-58'S, 161°-40'E. Made good
since noon yesterday: course 359, distance 350 miles.
0105 1305 GWIN established sound contact on bearing 175, distance
700 yards. Executed emergency turn.
0456 1656 Received a visual message from CTF16 as follows:
"WE WERE SIGHTED AND REPORTED BY JAP SEAPLANE WHICH
OUR VF SHOT DOWN ABOUT NOON X WE ARE PROCEEDING TO
COVER OUR FORCES RETIRING FROM CACTUS"
0800 2000 Position this ship: 14°-43'S, 161°-54'E.
1107 2307 Changed speed to 25 knots on course 300. Cut in all
boilers on the main line.
Note: About sunset the WASHINGTON, SOUTH DAKOTA, WALKE, GWIN, PRESTON
and BENHAM left the formation on detached duty. CLARK took a
roving commission. MUSTIN was sent on a special mission.
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of Commanding Officer U.S.S. RUSSELL for November 14, 1942.
Operating under Commander Task Force 16's 110355.
Task Force 16 Organization - No changes.
The following ships on detached duty:
WASHINGTON, SOUTH DAKOTA, WALKE, GWIN, PRESTON, BENHAM,
MUSTIN, ELLET.
14 November 1942
GCT LCT Remarks
1200 0000 Steaming in company with Task Force 16 less those
units on detached duty.
1236 0036 Executed emergency turn.
1242 0042 Resumed base course.
2000 0800 Position this ship: 12°-49'S, 159°-01'E. East
southeast wind, force 3. Sky mostly cloudy. Calm
sea.
2020 0820 CFT 16 announced over TBS 10 unidentified planes
headed this way from north at elevation 2500 feet.
Called all hands top General Quarters. Took station
in close AA screen.
2152 0952 Over the fighter director one four engine Jap
patrol bomber was reported shot down by our VF,
bearing 040 distance 32 miles. Sighted smoke on
this bearing.
2223 1023 Sighted Flying Fortress.
2400 1200 Position this ship: 12°-40'S, 159°-10'E. Made good
since noon yesterday: course 300, distance 160 miles.
Changed course to 180. Carrier engaged in flight
operations throughout the morning. Several "bogeys"
reported during the morning.
0050 1250 Sighted PBY.
0121 1321 Secured from General Quarters. Took station in
cruising disposition.
0230 1430 Received CTF16's 140230 as follows:
"JAP CONVOY WAS ATTACKED BY 7 TBF, 8 VF, 12 SBD X OUR
ATTACK GROUP GOING IN NOW IS 12 VF 8 SBD X THIS
MORNING WE SENT 18 SBD 8 VF X VF RETURNED SBD WENT
TO GUADALCANAL X WE ARE RETURNING NOW TO FUEL DD's
FROM CRUISERS AND AWAIT FURTHER ORDERS X 18 VF ARE
AVAILABLE OF WHICH 8 ARE ON CONSTANT CAP"
0800 2000 Position this ship: 14°-38'S, 158°-57'E. Steaming
on southerly course at 18 knots.
1039 2239 NORTHAMPTON announced over TBS a surface radar contact
bearing 220, distance 6000 yards.
Executed emergency turn.
1057 2257 Resumed base course.
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of Commanding Officer U.S.S. RUSSELL for November 15, 1942.
Task Force 16 Organization - No changes.
WASHINGTON, SOUTH DAKOTA, WALKE, GWIN, PRESTON, BENHAM,
are operating together on detached duty. MUSTIN and ELLET
are likewise on detached duty.
15 November 1942
GCT LCT Remarks
1200 0000 Steaming in company with Task Force 16 less those
units on detached duty.
1920 0720 Fueling cancelled.
2000 0800 Position this ship: 17°-15'S, 159°-12'E. East
southeast wind, \force 5. Moderate to heavy swell.
2113 0913 PENSACOLA reported large group of planes bearing
280, distance 29 miles apparently friendly.
Called all hands to General Quarters.
2134 0934 Secured from General Quarters.
2400 1200 Position this ship: 18°-34'S, 160°-02'E. Made
good since noon yesterday: course 117, distance
340 miles.
0034 1234 Received CTF16'S 142352:
"INFO RECEIVED INDICATES FOUR JAP TRANSPORTS GOT
THROUGH TO GUADALCANAL AND STARTED UNLOADING X
THEY ARE ALL BURNING NOW THOUGH"
0402 1602 CTF16 Ordered COMCRU TF16 to proceed on duty
assigned with three destroyers to be designated
by COMDES TF16. At 1615, the PENSACOLA, NORTHAMPTON,
MORRIS, RUSSELL and ANDERSON departed on detached
duty. (Designated as TG16.2)
0425 1625 Set course 065°.
0630 1830 Established sound contact. Hoisted Emerg U 205.
Other ships executed emergency turn. Called all
hands to General Quarters.
0645 1845 Lost contact. Secured from General Quarters and
rejoined formation.
0800 2000 Position this ship: 17°-56'S, 161°-58'E.
Note: Received CTF16's 142100 as follows:
"YESTERDAY AFTERNOON OUR SECOND ATTACK GROUP HIT THE ENEMY
TRANSPORTS NEAR NEW GEORGIA AND LANDED GUADALCANAL X THEY
ARE OPERATING FROM THERE TODAY"
CTF16's 150220 FOLLOWS:
"SUMMARY OF YESTERDAY AIR OPERATION X AT DAWN LAUNCHED SEARCH
200 TO 250 MILES SECTOR 285 TO 015 X A SEARCH PLANE REPORTED
10 UNIDENTIFIED PLANES AT 140 MILES HEADED FOR US X IT
BEING APPARENT ENEMY KNEW OUR POSITION ATTACK GROUP 17 VSB
and 10 VF WAS LAUNCHED FOR SAVO AREA X PLANES OF SEARCH
GROUP HIT 2 CA WITH 500 POUND BOMBS X BOTH BURNING HEAVILY
X ALSO PUT TWO BOMBS ON AP's RESULTS UNOBSERVED X ATTACK
GROUP MADE AT LEAST 3 ONE THOUSAND POUND BOMB HITS ON BB
DASH CA FORCE PLUS NUMEROUS MISSES X MANY BOGEYS AND
REPORTED CV INDICATED ADVISABILITY OF RETIRING X ATTACK
GROUP DIRECTED LAND CACTUS X SOME OF OUR SEARCH PLANES
INTERCEPTED MESSAGE AND ALSO LANDED CACTUS X AT 1400
LAUNCHED VSB 12 VF TO STRIKE AP FORCE AND LAND CACTUS X
RESULTS OF STRIKE WITH 1000 POUND BOMB AND VF STRAFE NOT
REPORTED X OUR PLANES NOW OPERATING OUT OF CACTUS X SLANT
EYES STILL LOOKING FOR BLUE CV".
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of Commanding Officer U.S.S. RUSSELL for November 16, 1942.
Task Force 16 Organization - No changes.
16 November 1942
GCT LCT Remarks
1200 0000 Steaming on detached duty in company with TG 16.2
consisting of the PENSACOLA, NORTHAMPTON, MORRIS,
ANDERSON (and this ship.)
2000 0800 Position this ship: 16°-20'S, 165°-19'E. East
southeast wind, force 5. Moderate swell.
2400 1200 Position this ship: 15°-52'S, 166°33'E. Made good
since noon yesterday: course 070, distance 417
miles.
0345 1445 Cruisers entered channel and proceeded to anchorage
at Espiritu Santo.
0350 1450 This ship entered channel.
0530 1630 Commenced taking on fuel oil from the GUADALUPE.
Completed fueling at 1920, having received
103,701 gallons of fuel oil and 10,700 gallons diesel
oil.
Note: A colored Army band from Espiritu Santo gave a concert
aboard this ship in the evening.
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of Commanding Officer U.S.S. RUSSELL for November 17, 1942.
Task Force 16 Organization - No changes.
17 November 1942
GCT LCT Remarks
1300 0000 Moored alongside MORRIS and GUADALUPE in anchorage
at Espiritu Santo Island.
Ships present: PENSACOLA, NORTHAMPTON, MORRIS,
RUSSELL, ANDERSON, MUSTIN, SAN FRANCISCO, HELENA,
NASSAU, BUCHANNAN, FLETCHER, STERRETT, AYLWIN, ELLET,
McCALLA, SHAW, NICHOLAS, GWIN SOUTHARD, HOVEY,
PC476, SABINE, GUADALUPE, VESTAL, BETELGUSES,
CURTIS, TANGIER, FORMALHAUT, HEYWOOD, NAVAJO,
TAPPAHANNOCK, ALCOA, PENNANT, ZEILIN, PRESIDENT
JACKSON, PRRSIDENT ADAMS, McCAWLEY, LIBRA.
2034 0734 Underway to change berths. At 0756, moored alongside
ANDERSON in berth Dog minus 2.
Note: Engaged in provisioning and ship's upkeep.
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of Commanding Officer U.S.S. RUSSELL for November 18, 1942.
Task Force 16 Organization - No changes.
18 November 1942
GCT LCT Remarks
1300 0000 Moored alongside ANDERSON in Berth Dog Minus 2
Espiritu Santo Island.
Ships present: PENSACOLA, NORTHAMPTON, MORRIS,
RUSSELL, ANDERSON, SAN FRANCISCO, HELENA,
NASSAU, BUCHANNAN, FLETCHER, STERRETT, ALYWIN,
ELLET, SHAW, NICHOLAS, GWIN, SOUTHARD, HOVEY,
PC476, SABINE, GUADALUPE, VESTAL, CURTIS,
TANGIER, FORMALHAUT, HEYWOOD, NAVAJO, TAPPAHANNOCK,
ALCOA, PENNANT, ZEILIN, McCAWLEY, PRESIDENT
HAYES, ZANE, TREVER.
0447 1547 CURTISS reported periscope sighted at the west
entrance of Segund Channel. Ships present
hoisted Emerg Sail 270.
0654 1754 Underway with MORRIS in compliance with
Comairsopac's 180623 and 180816 which directed
this ship and the MORRIS to conduct a submarine
hunt off the east entrance north of Tutuba
Island.
0715 1815 Called all hands to General Quarters in
preparation for clearing channel entrance.
0737 1837 Secured from General Quarters.
0810 1910 Commenced AS patrol about five miles off
Tutuba Island.
Note: Other patrol craft and destroyers are also engaged in
the hunt for the submarine believed to have been sighted.
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of Commanding Officer U.S.S. RUSSELL for November 19, 1942.
Operating under Comarsopac's 180623 and 180816.
19 November 1942
GCT LCT Remarks
1300 0000 Engaged in AS patrol off Tutuba Island in
company with MORRIS.
2000 0700 Departed for "White Poppy" on temporary duty
in company with NASSAU and ALYWIN as directed
by Comsopac's 180522.
2100 0800 Position this ship: 15°-58'S, 167°-47'E. Westerly
wind, force 2. Calm sea. No swell.
0100 1200 Position this ship: 16°-31'S, 167°-58'E.
0430 1530 Fired 20 mm and 5" burst practice.
0900 2000 Position this ship: 17°-50'S, 167°-29'E.
Note: During the run to "White Poppy", the NASSAU is to engage
in air group operations.
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of Commanding Officer U.S.S. RUSSELL for November 20, 1942.
Operating under Comsopac's 180522.
20 November 1942
GCT LCT Remarks
1300 0000 Steaming in company with NASSAU and AYLWIN.
2100 0800 Position this ship: 20°-37'S, 168°-39'E. South
southeast wind, force 4. Calm sea. Slight swell.
2205 0905 Sighted ANEITYUN Island bearing 060, distance 51
miles.
2219 0919 Fired 20 mm at towed sleeve.
0100 1200 Position this ship: 20°-54'S, 169°-42'E. Made
good since noon yesterday: course 158, distance 274
miles.
0900 2000 Position this ship: 21°-14'S, 170°-56'E.
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of Commanding Officer U.S.S. RUSSELL for November 21, 1942.
Operating under Comsopac's 180522.
21 November 1942
GCT LCT Remarks
1300 0000 Steaming in company with NASSAU and AYLWIN
enroute "White Poppy".
2100 0800 Position this ship: 23°-58'S, 169°-45'E. South
southwest wind, force 4. Calm sea.
2345 1045 Fired 5" burst practice.
0042 1142 Conformed to movements of carrier during
simulated attack by her torpedo planes.
0100 1200 Position this ship: 25°-06'S, 169°-18'E. Made
good since noon yesterday: course 184, distance
257 miles.
0420 1520 Fired 20 mm guns at towed sleeve. Secured from
exercise at 1551.
0900 2000 Position this ship: 25°-04'S, 167°-14'E.
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of Commanding Officer U.S.S. RUSSELL for November 22, 1942.
Operating under Comsopac's 180522.
22 November 1942
GCT LCT Remarks
1300 0000 Steaming enroute "White Poppy" in company with
Nassau and Aylwin.
2100 0800 Position this ship: 24°-30'S, 164°-25'E. South-
west wind, force 3. Calm sea. Slight swell.
2230 0930 Carrier torpedo planes simulated attack on for-
mation.
0100 1200 Position this ship: 24°-10'S, 165°-00'E. Made
good since noon yesterday: course 280, distance
240 miles.
0900 2000 Position this ship: 22°-38'S, 163°-40'E.
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of Commanding Officer U.S.S. RUSSELL for November 23, 1942.
Operating under Comsopac's 180522.
23 November 1942
GCT LCT Remarks
1300 0000 Steaming enroute "White Poppy" in company with
NASSAU and AYLWIN.
2038 0738 Proceeded through Bulari Passage, Noumea, New
Caledonia in company with other ships.
2200 0900 Alongside J.C. Donnell in Dumbea Bay. Commenced
fueling. Completed fueling at 1125, having
received 70,858 gallons fuel oil.
0103 1203 Underway t shift berths. At 1244 anchored in
assigned anchorage at Great Roads, Noumea,
New Caledonia.
Note: Commenced provisioning ship.
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of Commanding Officer U.S.S. RUSSELL for November 24, 1942.
Task Force 16 Organization
Commander TF16 - Rear Admiral Sherman
ENTERPRISE
SAN DIEGO
DESRON 2 - CLARK
ELLET
MORRIS
ANDERSON
HUGHES
MUSTIN
RUSSELL
Above organization effective 0000 GCT 24 November.
24 November 1942
GCT LCT Remarks
1300 0000 Anchored in Great Roads, Noumea, New Caledonia.
Ships present: SOUTH DAKOTA, WASHINGTON, SAN
FRANCISCO, HELENA, HONOLULU, SAN DIEGO, NASSAU,
ENTERPRISE, O'BANNON, STERETT, CLARK, MC DONOUGH,
STACK, GWIN, AYLWIN, BUCHANAN, DALE, SOUTHARD,
MAHAN, CONYNGHAM, PLATTE, ARGONNE, WHITNEY,
ANTARES, VIRGEO, NECHES, ARD 2, PROMETHEUS,
MC CAWELY, KENMORE, STRATFORD, HUNTER LIGGETT,
PRESIDENT ADAMS, PRESIDENT JACKSON, MERCURY,
CRESCENT CITY, LACKAWANNA, SUAMICO. and
various merchantmen and small craft.
Note: Engaged in provisioning and ship's upkeep.
Comdesron 2 has been directed to establish a patrol off
the harbor entrance.
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of Commanding Officer U.S.S. RUSSELL for November 25, 1942.
Task Force 16 Organization - No changes.
25 November 1942
GCT LCT Remarks
1300 0000 Anchored in Great Roads, Noumea, New Caledonia.
Ships present: SOUTH DAKOTA, WASHINGTON, SAN
FRANCISCO, HELENA, HONOLULU, SAN DIEGO, NASSAU,
ENTERPRISE, O'BANNON, STERETT, MC DONOUGH,
STACK, GWIN, AYLWIN, BUCHANNAN, DALE, SOUTHARD,
CONYNGHAM, PLATTE, ARGONNE, WHITNEY, ANTARES,
VIRGO, NECHES, ARD 2, PROMETHEUS, MC CAWLEY,
KENMORE, STRATFORD, HUNTER LIGGETT, PRESIDENT
ADAMS, PRESIDENT JACKSON, MERCURY, CRESCENT
CITY, LACKAWANNA, SUAMICO. and various
merchantmen and small craft.
2306 1006 Underway to patrol off Bulari Passage in compliance
with orders from CDS 2.
0015 1115 Called all hands to General Quarters.
0025 1125 Passed through Bulari Passage.
0029 1129 Secured from General Quarters.
0038 1138 Relieved CLARK on station. Commenced AS patrol
off Bulari Passage.
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of Commanding Officer U.S.S. RUSSELL for November 26, 1942.
Task Force 16 Organization - No changes.
26 November 1942
GCT LCT Remarks
1300 0000 Conducting AS patrol off Bulari Passage, Noumea,
New Caledonia. Good visibility, calm sea.
0030 1130 ANDERSON relieved this ship of patrol duty.
Proceeded to enter port.
0048 1148 Passed through Bulari Passage.
0150 1250 Alongside tanker J.C. Donnell. Completed fueling
ship at 1357, having received 17,616 gallons fuel
oil.
0300 1400 Proceeded to go alongside CLARK.
0347 1447 Moored alongside CLARK in Great Roads, Noumea,
New Caledonia.
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of Commanding Officer U.S.S. RUSSELL for November 27, 1942.
Task Force 16 Organization - No changes.
27 November 1942
GCT LCT Remarks
1300 0000 Moored alongside CLARK in Great Roads, Noumea,
New Caledonia. Ship's present: WASHINGTON,
ENTERPRISE, SAN DIEGO, HELENA, NASSAU, CLARK,
MORRIS, BUCHANNAN, GWIN, HOVEY, WHITNEY, ANTARES,
ARGONNE, PLATTE, NECHES, GUAMICO, PROMETHEUS,
LACKAWANNA, ARD 2, VIREO, KENNMORE, STRATFORD,
PRESIDENT ADAMS, PRESIDENT JACKSON. and various
merchantmen and small craft.
Note: Engaged in ship's upkeep.
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of Commanding Officer U.S.S. RUSSELL for November 28, 1942.
Task Force 16 Organization - No changes.
28 November 1942
GCT LCT Remarks
1300 0000 Moored alongside CLARK in Great Roads, Noumea,
New Caledonia. Ships present: WASHINGTON,
ENTERPRISE, SAN DIEGO, HELENA, NASSAU, CLARK,
MORRIS, BUCHANNAN, GWIN, HOVEY, WHITNEY, ANTARES,
ARGONNE, PLATTE, NECHES, GUAMICO, PROMETHEUS,
LACKAWANNA, ARD 2, VIREO, KENMORE, STRATFORD,
PRESIDENT ADAMS, PRESIDENT JACKSON. and various
merchantmen and small craft.
2312 1012 Underway to patrol off Bulari Passage in compliance
with orders from CDS 2.
0014 1114 Called all hands to General Quarters.
0030 1130 Secured from General Quarters. Relieved ANDERSON
on AS patrol.
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of Commanding Officer U.S.S. RUSSELL for November 29, 1942.
Task Force 16 Organization - No changes.
29 November 1942
GCT LCT Remarks
1300 0000 Conducting AS patrol off Bulari Passage, Noumea,
New Caledonia.
0035 1135 Passed through Bulari Passage.
0039 1139 Comdesron 2 shifted his pennant to this ship from
the CLARK. The CLARK relieved this ship on AS
patrol.
0210 1310 Alongside PLATTE to fuel. (Berth 28) Completed
fueling at 1340, having received 16,816 gallons
fuel oil.
0246 1346 Underway to shift berths.
0335 1435 Moored alongside ANDERSON in Great Roads, Noumea,
New Caledonia.
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of Commanding Officer U.S.S. RUSSELL for November 30, 1942.
Task Force 16 Organization - No changes.
30 November 1942
GCT LCT Remarks
1300 0000 Moored alongside ANDERSON in Great Roads, Noumea,
New Caledonia. Ships Present: WASHINGTON,
ENTERPRISE, NASSAU, ALTAMAHA, HELENA, MORRIS,
ANDERSON, FARRAGUT, GWIN, BUCHANNAN, DIXIE, ANTARES,
WHITNEY, ARGONNE, PROMETHEUS, PLATTE, GUAMICO,
LASSIN, CRESCENT CITY, PRESIDENT JACKSON, PRESIDENT
ADAMS, WOODWORTH, STRATFORD, AMERICAN LEGION, ARD 2,
VIREO, PT Squadron 6. and various merchantmen
and small craft.
2309 1009 Underway to patrol off Bulari Passage in compliance
with orders from CDS 2.
2338 1038 Comdesron 2 shifted his pennant to the CLARK.
2351 1051 Plane guarded for NASSAU inside Dumbea Bay off
Ile Nou.
0449 1549 Flight operations completed. Proceeded to patrol
area off Bulari Passage.
0536 1636 Called all hands to General Quarters.
0553 1653 Secured from General Quarters. Commenced patrolling
off Bulari Passage.
G.R. HARTWIG.
Commander, U.S. Navy,
Commanding.
Information on the RUSSELL
DICTIONARY OF FIGHTING SHIPS
History of the U.S.S. RUSSELL DD 414
Russell (DD-414) was laid down 20 December 1937 by the Newport News
Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Co., Newport News, Va., launched 8 December 1938,
sponsored by Mrs. Charles H. Marshall, granddaughter of Rear
Admiral Russell and commissioned 3 November 1939, Lt. Comdr. J. C.
Pollock in command.
Commissioned 2 months after the outbreak of World War II in Europe,
Russell cruised in the western Atlantic and in the Caribbean on
Neutrality Patrol until the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Then ordered to
the Pacific, she transited the Panama Canal and proceeded to San
Diego, whence, on 6 January 1942, she sailed west, screening
reinforcements to Samoa. By the time of her arrival, 20 January, the
Japanese had moved into Malaya, Borneo, the Celebes, the Gilberts, and
the Bismarck Archipelago. Within the week, Rabaul fell and the
Japanese continued on to New Ireland and the Solomons while further
west they extended their occupation of the Netherlands East Indies.
On the 25th, Russell sailed north with TF 17, screened Yorktown (CV-5)
as her planes raided Makin, Mili, and Jaluit on 1 February, then set a
course for Pearl Harbor. In midmonth, the force sailed again. Diverted
from its original destination, Wake, it covered forces establishing an
airbase on Canton Island, important on the Hawaii-Samoa-Fiji route to
Australia and less than 1,000 miles from Makin. Raids on Rabaul and
Gasmata were next ordered to cover a movement of troops to New
Caledonia, but on 8 March the Japanese landed at Salamaua and Lae in
New Guinea and Port Moresby was threatened. The force, again joined by
the Lexington force as in the Gilberts' raid, steamed into the Gulf of
Papua, whence, on the 10th, planes were sent over the Owen Stanley
Range to bomb the newly-established Japanese bases on the Huon Gulf.
Through April, Russell continued to screen the Yorktown force,
operating primarily in the ANZAC area. Detached on 3 May to screen
Neosho during fueling operations with TF 11 she rejoined TF 17 early
on the 5th and resumed screening duties for the force's heavier units.
On the 7th, in the Coral Sea, she engaged enemy planes closing the
formation to threaten Yorktown and Lexington (CV-2) and to support
Japanese forces in an assault on Port Moresby. Lexington hit and
heavily damaged, but still in action, continued to recover and launch
planes. Three hours later, however, she reported a serious explosion.
A second followed. Her fires were no longer under control. She soon
commenced abandoning ship. Russell joined her screen; circled the
crippled ship as rescue ships evacuated personnel, and, with the
completion of that work, departed the scene of the Battle of the Coral
Sea.
Retiring to Tonga, Russell debarked 170 survivors from Lexington and
sailed for Pearl Harbor. Arriving on the 27th she headed out again on
the 30th, this time toward Midway. On 4 June, Task Forces 16 and 17
again met the enemy in an air duel, through which Russell steamed in
the screen of Yorktown. In the afternoon, enemy torpedo planes broke
through the screen and scored successfully on the carrier. The
patched-up survivor of the Coral Sea was abandoned. Russell took on
492 of her crew and aviation personnel. The next day she transferred
27 to Astoria (CA-34) to assist in salvage operations on the carrier,
but the Japanese torpedoes negated the effort and Yorktown and Hammann
(DD-412) were lost. On the 10th, Russell covered the transferal of
replacements from Saratoga (CV-3) to Hornet (CV-8) and Enterprise
(CV-6); and, on the 13th, she returned to Pearl Harbor.
Engaged in training exercises for the next 2 months, Russell again
sortied with TF 17 on 17 August, took station screening Hornet; and
headed southwest. On the 29th, TF 17 joined TF 61, becoming TG 61.2.
On the 31st Saratoga took a torpedo and Russell conducted an
unsuccessful submarine hunt, the first of many in the long and costly
campaign for Guadalcanal. On 6 September, one of Hornet's planes
dropped an explosive off Russell's starboard quarter to detonate a
torpedo. Another submarine search commenced at 1452 she established
contact and dropped six 600-pound depth charges. At 1513, she sighted
an oil slick 1 mile by one-half mile, but contact was lost at 700
yards and never regained.
Through the remainder of the year, and into the new, Russell continued
to operate in support of the Guadalcanal campaign. On 25 and 26
October, she participated in the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands,
during which she again joined in rescue operations for a sinking
carrier, this time Hornet, from which she transferred the commander of
Task Force 17, Rear Adm. George D. Murray and his staff to Pensacola
(CA-24), seriously wounded personnel to Northampton (CA-26), and other
survivors to Noumea where Russell's superstructure damaged during
rescue work was repaired. During December and into January 1943, she
screened convoys to Guadalcanal and Tulagi, then to Rennel. In
February, she screened Enterprise; then, in March, resumed convoy
escort work, making one run to Australia and back by mid-April.
On 1 May the destroyer set a course for the west coast. At the end of
July, after overhaul at Mare Island, she steamed north to join forces
staging for the "invasion" of Kiska. Aleutian patrol duty followed,
and, with the arrival of autumn, she turned south to escort landing
craft to Hawaii. In October, she continued on to Wellington, New
Zealand and, in early November, she escorted transports to the New
Hebrides where she joined TF 53, then preparing to push into the
Gilberts. Underway on the 13th with the Task Force, she arrived with
the troop transports off Betio, Tarawa, on the 20th, then screened
heavier units as they shelled the shore. Remaining in the area until
the 25th, she provided gunfire support and screened the transports as
they filled with Marine casualties. On the 27th, she joined TG 50.:3
and, with TG 50.1, sailed for the Marshalls. On 4 December, carrier
planes raided Kwajalein and Wotje, and, on the 9th, the force returned
to Pearl Harbor, whence Russell continued on to the west coast.
On 13 January 1944, Russell, screening TG 53.5, departed the
California coast. Training in the Hawaiian Islands followed. On the
22d the force headed west. On the 30th, Russell joined other
destroyers and heavier units in shelling Wotje. On the 31st, she
rejoined the main force off Kwajalein and after initial screening
duties, added her guns to the naval gunfire support line. On 2
February, she screened CarDiv 22 and on the 3d, entered Kwajalein
lagoon. Standing out 5 days later, she arrived at Pearl Harbor on the
15th and was directed on to Puget Sound for repairs.
Repairs completed in March; Russell returned to Hawaii in early April;
then escorted U.S. Army tug, Willard Holbrook to New Guinea where she
rejoined her squadron, DesRon 2. Arriving at Finsehafen 4 May, she
reported to the commander of TF 76 at Sudest on the 6th and commenced
5 months of intensive and navigationally difficult escort work along
the New Guinea coast. Assigned initially to escort LST's resupplying
Hollandia and Aitape, she joined TF 77 on the 16th and covered LCI's
and AT's to the Wakde-Sarmi area. From the 17th to the 20th, she stood
off Wakde, marking the approach channel on the first day of the
campaigns there and providing fire support and screening services on
the others. On the 20th, she returned to Humboldt Bay and 5 days later
sailed with LST's for Biak to commence Operation "Horliek." On the
27th, she shelled Padiator Island, patrolled between Pai and
Pandiadori Islands, blasted targets on Biak, and then got underway to
return to Humboldt Bay. Into June, she continued to escort convoys to
and provide cover for operations at Biak and Wakde. In mid-June, she
participated in a bombardment of the Toem area, then resumed escort
runs along the coast. In early July, Noemfoor, with its two Japanese
airfields, became the target. At midmonth Russell gained a brief respite
at Manus, then at the end of the month commenced Operation
"Globetrotter," the capture of Sansapor. Through August, she continued
operations in support of the campaign and, in mid-September, moved
forward to the Sloluccas to cover the occupation of Morotai, the last
stepping stone on the southern route to the Philippines and on the
eastern route to Borneo and the Netherlands East Indies.
On 13 October Russell sailed with TF 78 for the Philippines and on the
20th, as the troops of the Northern Attack Force landed south of
Tacloban, patrolled off Alabat Point. 0n the 21st she took up fire
support duties to the north of the unloading area. Through the 24th
she remained in San Pedro Bay; resumed patrol in Leyte Gulf on the
25th; and, on the 26th, got underway for New Guinea, whence during
November and December, she escorted reinforcements to Leyte.
On 28 December Russell departed Aitape for her next amphibious
operation the invasion of Luzon and steamed into the Mindoro Sea on 5
January 1945. Two days later, she joined three other destroyers in
forming an interceptor force 5 miles on the starboard of the San
Fabian Attack Force to destroy any enemy ships attempting a sortie
from Manila Bay against the convoy. At 2230 an enemy destroyer Hinoki
was detected and fired on. The shells found their mark, Hinoki
exploded and sank within 20 minutes.
On the 9th, the force, having survived harassing attacks by planes,
boats, and ships, arrived in Lingayen Gulf and Russell assumed
screening duties off the transport area. For 9 days she patrolled,
illuminated, bombarded, and fought off kamikazes. From the 18th to the
23d, she escorted damaged ships back to Leyte and, on the 27th, sailed
north again. On the 31st, she arrived off Nasugbu Bay, covered YMS's
as they cleared approach channels, then fired on enemy emplacements on
Nasugbu Point. Relieved in late afternoon she returned to Lingayen
Gulf, thence, on 2 February, to Leyte, New Guinea, and the Solomons.
Russell arrived at Guadalcanal 15 February rejoined the 5th Fleet and
prepared for Operation "Iceberg"; the Okinawa offensive. On 1 April,
she arrived off the assault beaches and commenced screening the
Northern Transport area. From the 3d to the 5th, she patrolled north
of Ie Shima, then returned to the transport area to escort a convoy to
Ulithi. Returning to the Hagushi beaches with reinforcements on the
21st, she shifted to Kerama Retto, whence she patrolled in carrier
operating area "Rapier," south of Okinawa, into May. Detached from
carrier screening duty on the 27th, she proceeded to the Hagushi
anchorage and got underway the following day for the United States and
a yard overhaul.
Still undergoing overhaul at Seattle when the war ended RusselI was
prepared for inactivation during September; and, on 15 November, she
was decommissioned. Thirteen days later she was struck from the Navy
list and, in September 1947, she was sold for scrap to the National
Metal & Steel Corp., Terminal Island, Calif.
Russell earned 16 battle stars during World War II.
Sims Class
Completed - 1939 - 40
DD 409 SIMS
DD 410 HUGHES
DD 411 ANDERSON
DD 412 HAMMAN
DD 413 MUSTIN
DD 414 RUSSELL
DD 415 O'BRIEN
DD 416 WALKE
DD 417 MORRIS
DD 418 ROE
DD 419 WAINWRIGHT
DD 420 BUCK
Dimensions
Displacement:
1,570 tons (stand)
2,300 tons (Mean War Service)
Length: 348' (oa)
Beam: 36
Draft: 18' (max)
Armament
4 5"/ 38 DP
3 40mm singles
2 40mm twins
4 20mm
2 DC tracks
4 DC projectors
2 21" TT (quads)
Propulsion
Speed: 35 knots (max)
Max. Cruising radius:
2,200 miles @ 25 knots
4,700 miles @15 knots
Horsepower: 50,0000 (shaft)
Drive: 2 screws; geared turbine
Fuel: 489 tons oil (max)
Remarks
Slightly longer and wider than the ELLET's, the SIMS Class are otherwise
very similar.
They were lengthened to accommodate a fifth 5"-gun which was subsequently
replaced by additional light AA batteries. The torpedo tubes are given high,
center-line mounts. As the last American one-stack destroyers, they mark a
transitional stage in development between the basic CUMMINGS-GRIDLEY design
and the BENSON-FLETCHER group that followed.
War losses include:
SIMS (DD409)
HAMMAN (DD412)
O'BREIN (DD415
WALKE (DD416)
BUCK (DD420)
Links to other web-sites with information on the
U.S.S. RUSSELL
To learn more about the U.S.S. RUSSELL Please visit these
Web-site
Destroyer
History Foundation
NavSource
Online Has photos of DD-414
Home
Mail any comments or questions to Scott Davis All right reserved
©
Copyright 1997 - 2022