Ralph's War Diary Excerpts

My dad kept a diary when he joined the Navy. It starts at the Philadelphi Receiving Station on July 21, 1943 and goes to November 22, 1944 on the way home via Pearl Harbor.

The way my mom tells the story, they had a big fight when he and his friend Charlie Khaneer (sp?) signed up, because he was 30 and didn't have to go. They were good friends with the Khaneers, and I think might even have been sharing an apartment at the time. We saw them when I was young, but not much as I grew older.

She labelled the photo below as dad and Charlie, but her memory wasn't so good when she did it.

Philadelphia

The first entry:

July 21, 1943

Reported at Phila Receiving Station at 2330. Assigned a sack and corked off. Hot as hell.

He starts missing Peg very early on in the adventure, here's some entries from the time at Philadelphia:

July 25 -- The longest Sunday I ever spent. Miss Peg very much today for some reason or other. Went for a walk and movies.

July 26 -- Went to N.Y. to visit Pet. Saw mother also. It sure was a lift seeing Peg. Dragged me out of the dumps.

July 28 -- Kidd left. All alone. Worked for a change to day. Went for a walk around the yard. Quite a place and very interesting. To bed early. No leave, request turned down.

New Orleans

He stopped the diary in late July and resumed again on Sept 13 when finally getting his orders. (There was a Campbell's Soup employee ID card dated from this gap, I wonder what he was doing for them while in the Navy?)

Sept 13-15 -- Enroute to New Orleans for assignment to AT-166, a sea going tug. Had private car and enjoyed the trip. Only dark blot on the picture was that I am going away from Peg and God knows when I will see her again.

AT-166 was an ocean going tug named the U.S.S. Chetco. AT is the class and means auxilliary tug. This links to a brief history of the Chetco. I couldn't find any pictures of the Chetco, but it was recommissioned as the Penguin, a submarine rescue ship, and this is a picture of the born again Chetco, named Penguin. It's 150 feet long.

Sept 16-23 -- Worked on the tug getting her in shape. Some job, especially when you know nothing about the work...

Fun in New Orleans?

Sept 24-28 -- More work on the tug with a few liberties in New Orleans, not much fun, broke, and the town stinks. Or perhaps maybe I did not see the better half.

Still thinking of Peg, my dad was a morning person, my mom a night one.

Call Peg a few times it sure was grand talking to her, got the poor girl up at ungodly hour of the morning due to conjestion of wires.

It seems the mission of the Chetco was hauling barges. My dad was a yeoman 2nd class, doing office work.

Sept 29 -- Put out to sea with three barges in tow. Headed into a storm. Did not feel sick except a bit uncomfortable working in the engine room (ship's office) as it was hot and stuffy.

Houston

On Oct 5 they made it to Texas coast after various adventures with barges in tow. He had this adventure with Harold Murphy shown in the picture, taken July 18, 1944.

Oct 5 -- Towed our barges to filling dock in morning. Worked in the afternoon on various reports to send to Washington to confuse the admirals. Went ashore with Murphy to Baytown. Mailed the official stuff and purchased a birthday card for Peg. The sales girl said she would hold off mailing it for a few days. Hope she won't forget. Had a bottle of beer in Baytown and Murphy and myself decided to hitch to Houston. Did not arrive until 2300 had a couple bottles of beer and missed the last bus back. Slept in the station until four and hitched back. A little worried for fear we would not make it but by a stroke of luck secured a ride right to the gate and got in at 0545.

On Oct 7 they headed for Panama.

Oct 8 -- See smooth. Still have not got used to working in the engine room. Makes me feel a little sick. Have to go above for fresh air. Had first drills today. My station is Capt. messenger. The sea is beautiful and you would hardly think a war was on. Had a pretty sunset. Wish Peg was along to enjoy it. Some members of the crew still are heaving over the sides. Food is excellent.

Oct 10,11 -- Sea has picked up a bit which makes it quite a problem to eat, what with the dishes sliding all over the place ... Sea still very rought and a lot of the men are pucking. Has not affected me yet. Only feel it when confined to the engine room.

Oct 13 -- ... Had quite an interesting experience today. We inflated in rubber life boat (it is quite large and holds 10 men) and atached the outboard motor to her. Five of us put it over the side and went on an inspection trip to see if the gear on the barges was intact. We greased the towing gear on the last barge. (Peg would be proud of me to see me dip my bare hands in the smelly dirty grease pot and smear it over the chains.) When riding in the rubber boat one sure felt all alone on the sea. The ship sure looked small though only 3,000 yards away. ...

All I'd heard of my dad's adventures at sea was that he won everyone's money at cards and lost it at dice. Here's the start of the cards.

Oct 13 -- ... Have started a hearts tournament. Last night I won. I am getting brown as a berry. Went through Yucatan Straits this evening. Could see the lights of some town.

There were German submarines patrolling in the Carribean late in the war.

Oct 14 -- Full moon, it is beautiful. Wish Peg were here to enjoy it. She would probably like this hot weather. We sure are easy bait for a sub on nights like this. It is bright enough to read.

Oct 16 -- Fired off a rifle today. At least if I did not hit the target I escaped without shooting myself. Had a general alarm at night. Sighted sub and my stomach flopped over a couple of times while caged in the damn engine room. Would not have much chance of getting out if a fish (torpedo) ever hit this rusty hulk.

Peg is always in his thoughts. This picture was in the diary and was probably taken with him on his tour. I don't know where it was taken.

Oct 15 -- Peg's Birthday. I wonder how she is and if she misses me as much as I miss her. I imagine she must be having a rather dull time. I hope not. This is her first birthday since we have been married that I have missed and it makes me kinda blue not to be present and wish her good cheer and to slap her rear end. I hope like hell that next year I will be home never to depart again. ...

Panama

They arrived in Panama on Oct 20.

Oct 20 -- ... Went through the breakwater at about 1700. Tied up at the docks at 2000 and was granted liberty until 2300. Never saw a liberty party get dressed so fast. Went ashore with Bales (the money man) Luker, Dottavio, Doc. Went direct to the first bar and proceeded to pour them in. What dives. Black girls smoochin with service men. Ugh! ...

My dad didn't seem to respect the rules as much as he might have...

Oct 21 -- Went ashore tonight, jumped ship. Had a few drinks and came back.

Oct 22 -- Restricted to ship for duraction of stay in C.Z. (Canal Zone) Had it coming. My only regret is that now I won't be able too buy Peg a present. Will send home $15.00. ...

Gangway watch from 2000 - 2400. Had rather a difficlt time with the drunks coming down the ladder. SPs escorted one man back to the ship for fighting. The captain was awakened by the noise and came down on the barge to see what the riot was about. All in all I had some fun. Every man returning to the ship wanted too fight. Sure was glad when 2400 rolled around and I had bedded down all the sots.

Oct 24 -- Awaken at 0400 to prepare to get under way. Went through the canal. It sure is a mighty engineering feat. The place is swarming with soldiers and fortifications...

Tied up at Balboa about 0600. Liberty party went ashore withut me. Rained all day going through the canal. Today for some reason I actually felt terribly home sick. While I miss Peg a hell of a lot never have I felt like today. Almost felt liking (as written, he was having trouble writing here) crying and weeping on some bodies shoulder. I sure wish I were home with the little stinker. Christmas is going to be hell without her.

He met with Andrew Bleakley and the Bleakley boys in Panama.

Oct 26 -- ... Restrictions lifted. Went ashore in the evening went to visit Andrew Bleakley. He promised to write to Peg for me. Had a few drinks in Coconut Grove with the Bleakley boys and returned to the ship to work.

First casualties? and loss of PC escort. PC class is a submarine chaser. There biggest danger was from submarines, and the PC 1133 was to be their escort. The submarine chasers were small fast maneuverable ships, fitted with submarine detection equipment, some guns and depth charges. This one is 175 feet (picture scaled to correct relative length with Chetco).

Oct 27 -- Under way for New Calendonia. Will be at least 65 days before we get there. No water to wash or shave. Ugh! Have in tow our three barges and PC 1133. One of the boys on the PC got hit on the head. Radioed for another ship to take him off. When help arrived they tried to put a doctor aboard, but due to heavy seas boat overturned, doctor and crew at this writing have not been retrieved. PC returned to Balboa and we expect her back this afternoon.

Michael explained that a ship's priorities for fresh water are: 1) the boiler, 2) the galley, and 3) the sailors.

Oct 28 -- No water to wash with. No drinking water after 1700. Greasy dishes. Days are hot and the nights cold. Painted compartment, quite an improvement.

Oct 31 -- Still no PC as an excort. We are all alone. Still rough with seas breaking over the bow. Played cards and read.

Nov 1 -- Learned how to clean and break down .45 cal pistol. No rain, consequently no bath. Have quite a beard, don't like it. I feel dirty as hell but pity the poor soldiers in the mud, at least we don't have that. Only about 60 more days to New Caledonia. Hope Peg is not too worried about not hearing from me. I did not realize that she won't here from me until Feb. or March of 1944 (underlined).

Nov 4 -- Sighted a large Patrol Airplane. A comforting sight. Circled around us a couple of times and departed. We are very much alone again. Seas calmed down a bit was able to do some work. Had General Quarters and abandon ship drill. Can't get used t obe locked up in Engine Room, even though only a drill. It sure would be curtains if a fish every hit the ship. Received a special radio message directed to this ship warning of Jap sub in waters around us. All hands bedded down with life jackets handy.

Nov 5 -- Seas rough again. Learning how to play Acey Ducey.

Nov 6 -- My beard is a sight to behold. This going without any fresh water is the shits.... If I fell this way now, 65 days from this date I will be a crumb.

Nov 8 -- Crossed the equator today. I suppose I now am an old salt. ... The days are pleasant but those midnight watches are as cold as hello. Last night wore a shirt, sweater and wind breaker, still cold. Had to drink coffee. Ugh! and put my ass against the stack to keep warm.

Nov 9 -- Sea smooth with just a little roll to the ship. Did quite a bit of work. Beautiful sunset followed by a beautiful full moon which you can read by. Good sub nights.

Nov 11 -- Up at 0400, going to refuel. Hauled in barges and fix Wire Cable Bridle, towed for about 15 minutes with first bare about 75 feet astern and the damn cable snapped like a piece of twine. Hauled in cable and used 12" line. Can't tow while refueling. It was quite a job. Men had to work in shifts tending lines lines letting them in and out. Oh! the benefits of being an P.O. I was in charge of five poor seamen on watch 2400 - 0400. Cold as hell.

Nov 14 -- Our 10th Wedding Ann. and separated. I wonder what Peg is doing tonight. I sure had a tough time ging asleep and then did not sleep long for thinking about her. I hope we get to New Caladonia before Christmas and get paid promptly so that I can send her some money. I am afraid that whe must run kinda short.

Nov 19 -- Will the seas ever clam down. Peaceful Pacific Bah!

Nov 20 -- Had new watch stations made up. Stood my first wheel watch. Quite a thrill steering the ship.

Nov 21 -- Forward fresh water tanks tested today and water found unfit for drinking. Now we don't even have 2/3 bucket of water a week to wash in. With careful conservation we will make it. ... Large schools of flying fish observed today. Quite a sight to see them skimming over the waves.

The main themes of the trip across the Pacific were missing Peg, not being able to use fresh water to wash, and having to keep repairing the cables that are used to tow the three barges.

Nov 23 -- Am getting used to workin in the engine room noise and heat do not bother me so much. Outside of seeing Peg I wish for the most a bath in fresth water. Seas have moderated a bit and it is a pleasure to eat once again without the fighting gear (knives and forks) and plates in your lap.

Dec 1 -- Seas smooth - Sighted Jap destroyer 2345.

Dec 2 -- ... Sighted Borabora this evening. ... It is good to see land even if you can't get on it after 36 days at sea.

Leaving Bora Bora the tow broke.

Dec 4,5 -- Tow broke at 1800 and then began the fun. I don't think I ever spent a more miserable night. It was cold, and of course it rained like hell. At 0100 still working to hook up and stream tow. Two men hurt by flying tow line. Seas rough. The blackestnight we have ever had. Men when being transferred from tug to barge had to be lowered over the side with a bowline around them.

I volunteered to go to the barge. It was quite an experience. First getting into the damn rubber boat with the ship up in the sky one moment and the boat down in hell, and kicking around like a steer. On the way to the barge in boad I was paddling in knee deep water. The wind was driving the rain and transforming them into steel pellets. Seas very choppy and dark and lonely as hell out in the ocean in that tiny boat. After much steaming of milk with the paddles we reached the barge and then the fun began.

I thought it was difficult transferring from ship to barge, but it was nothing compared to getting from boat to barge. Barge was quite high out of the water, due to the fuel oil we had taken from her. Hatch was the first man over and he made a grab, caught hold the edge of the barge, then the boat slid out from under. There he was hanging by his fingertips with the barge riding up and down and boat being blown away from the barge. After seconds which seemed like eternity, and some mighty hard paddling we got back under Hatch just in time to catch him.

The five men in the boat, with no little difficulty then all safely got on the barge. It was like a skating rink. All covered with marine growth. We heaved in the 6" we had towed across, made it fast and returned to tug. It rained, the wind howled, we had our lights on the fantail and the men working like demons. I bet our ship is the only crew in the South Pacific that went all night showing its lights. It was a good thing we had plenty of hard work to perform, otherwise we might have worried just a bit about the enemy. But as the captain said, "Let the little yellow bastards come".

At 0500 the tow was streamed and we got under way, don't think I have ever seen a more dedraggled and worn group of men in my life. Almost twelve hours of back breaking work, in a cold driving rain, decks slippery as ice, lights blazing on ship inviting attack and the knowledge that one careless mistake might cost the man his life. I must have drunk at least 10 cups of coffee. The steward mate tells me that he brought me at least that many.

I dried, had my head bandaged, and turned into my sack and dreamt of Peg and myself sitting under our Christmas tree.

American Military History Chapter 23, The War Against Japan - The Japanese had planned for a negotiated truce in the Pacific, giving them control over an expanded area of Southeast Asia, but the allies weren't interested. So the Japanese tried to break American supply lines from the North and South. The famous battle of Midway turned the tide in the North. In the South the Americans came up from Australia working their way along the Northern New Guinea coast, which the Japanese held as part of their perimeter.

The Chetco was first, part of the supply line, bringing stuff to Australia, and second, part of the supply line along New Guinea and also direct support for the campaign by hauling LSTs, marine landing craft, back off the beach. The battle for Biak Island, where the Chetco was on the front line, was long and hard fought because of the strategic value of putting an airfield there.

Map from American Military History: Milne Bay, a base of operations, is at bottom of map on the South East tip of New Guinea, Biak Island, where the Chetco reached the front lines, is at the mouth of the bay on North West New Guinea. Click on picture, and expand browser window to see a bigger version of the map with more readable names.

Dec 7 -- Rugged duty. Storm still howling, and I mean howling. It sings a wierd song through the stays and lines. Seas continually breaking over the fantail, with spray drenching the lookout on the flying bridge. It is awesome to see a huge wave approaching and feel it slap the ship, the old girl shudders and shakes and comes up for more. Fell on my ass on the gun deck today and almost went over the side.

Dec 9 -- ... Don't get much sleep because you roll from one side of your sack to the other and you stay constantly alert to keep from rolling out and hitting the deck. RPMs the last few days have been only 180. Just barely making headway. Compartment is getting crummy. What wit food on deck, no ventilation to speak of and no dry clothes. Doubt very much we will make Noumea (New Caledonia) by Christmas. Wonder if I will ever walk on an even keel again. ...

Dec 10 -- ...This sure is a rollin, pitching, tossing son of a bitch.

Dec 12 -- Had to slow down due to heavy seas. What I would give for a hot water bath.

Dec 14 -- Finally received consent to work in wardroom. Makes a big difference, quiet and not much vibration. Waves still high. Engines broke down for 1/2 hour.

Dec 15 -- Peaceful Pacific Bah! The waves are running from 20 to 25 feet high. Standing watch on the weather side is no fun. Spray keep breaking clean over the ship and drenching you. Not much sleep last evening. You just lay in your sack all tensed and braced to keep from pitching onto the deck. Still eating sitting on the deck.

It is not a very pleasant sight to see a huge mountain of water come rushing at you, you think the ship will never get over it. Our tow is still behind us but for how long nobody dares venture a guess because there is a terrific strain on the chain and 12" line. I sure hope the Captain lets us go ashore at Tongabata. To be able to walk on a level keel once more would be paradise.

Made an inspection down in the bowels of the ship and it made me very unhappy. You can peel the rust off in huge sheets. Wooden beams proping up the ice box. Water leaking into fresh water and fuel tanks. All in all the Navy sure took a fuckin when they purchased this tub. It is a wonder it floats and stands the continual pounding of the waves.

Dec 17 -- 0300 Tow parted. 0600 Breakfast. 0800 Tow parted once more, here we go again. 1600 Tow streamed and under way. What a day. Ah! yes! the life of a yeoman hauling on 12" line. At least I am learning how to handle lines.

Dec 19 -- Arrived at Tongatabu this morning. Almost hit a mine. Missed it by about 100 feet off starboard bow.

Dec 21 -- 1830 Tow adrift. 2100 Streaming tow. 2200 BG598 (one of the barges) being towed broadside. All hands to lower rubber boat. 2330 Streaming tow and to bed. Getting used to runing around ship with lights. The good Lord must be looking out for us or else Peg must be praying for me. Worked like hell hauling 12" line, it sure is heavy.

Dec 24 -- Christmas Eve and away from Peg...

Dec 25 -- Christmas Day. What a farce. Did not even have a good dinner. Running short of chow. No butter, eggs, potatoes, etc. Ship sprung a leak, not serious as yet. Still steaming at 180 RPM. Why the hell don't somebody end this war?

Dec 26 -- Glad Christmas is over. Now I just have to live through New Year's Eve. Slept topside and my cot slid all over the deack. I finally had to lash it down.

Dec 27 -- Chow is really getting low along with fresh drinking water.

Dec 29 -- Ran out of jam. (War is hell!) Eat hardtack dry. Ugh!

Dec 31 -- New Year's Eve. I wonder what Peg is doing and where she is. I hope she derive some enjoyment out of the holidays. God damn it, I miss her. I never realized how much and if within my powers after this war is over (and I return home in one piece) I certainly will take care of her. While I knew I possessed a wonderful woman, I never realized just what an exceptional woman Peg is to have put up with me for 10 long years.

Jan 1 -- Food is really getting low. We have just enough for a couple of more meals. I wonder what Peg is doing and if she has a hangover. By this time next year I will be sleeping along side of her recovering from a glorious drunk.

Novema

1944 Jan 4 -- Had liberty today from 1300 to 1700. The town stinks, lousy with soldiers and marines. Nothing to do. No bars you would dare go in for fear of catching some dreadful disease. Visited the church with Murphy, it was quite interesting. Had some ice cream, made a few purchases and back to the ship. Went aboard a DE and saw my first movies in many a moon. Enjoyed it. Bales and Lukes AWOL and returned stinko.

Jan 5 -- Worked all day like a bastard. Tug being fixed up. Hot as hell.

Jan 6 -- Still working hard. Reread the letters from Peg. Sure is a relief to know she is swell. I sure owe a lot to Jeff for brightening up her rather dull existence.

Jan 7 -- Went ashore for some small stores. Purchases a hot shower (50 cents) and was it good. My first in over 90 days. Feel like a new man.

Jan 8 -- Read some of Peg's leters over. Gives me some satisfaction just to handle the letters knowing she has handled them herself.

Jan 9 -- All set to leave for Australia tomorrow morning. ... Card games and crap games are really going. Sure is hard to stay out of them.

Dad and Harold Murphy below, Kenneth Livingston and Edward Allen standing. Taken July 18, 1944.

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The Chetco won three medals.

American Campaign Medal

Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal

WWII Victory Medal

Given it looks like these medals are on the uniform, this picture is probably from the end of the war.