I witnessed what had to be the worst self-inflicted tragedy of World War II, if not of all time, during the typhoon that occurred during Admiral Halsey's command.
General MacArthur had sent troops up from Australia to make a landing on the Philippine Islands. The Pacific Fleet--dominated by Admiral Spruance and a few others--was given to Admiral Halsey who had not had experience in that particular area but had demonstrated his ability in the Solomon Islands. He was sent to defend MacArthur's army in the Philippines. At that time, a freak storm, now infamously known as Halsey's Typhoon hit the Pacific. Halsey contrived his command as such by sailing the fleet directly into the typhoon without hesitation.
As the typhoon hit, the captain of our ship, the USS Alabama stood on the bridge with the other officers and discussed what a grave error this decision looked like it could become. I had no battle station, so went up four flights and found a secure place on the deck from which to view the scene of the destroyers battle the storm. I could see the destroyers sail valiantly into the storm but it was clear that they were no match for the 50-foot high waves. My heart pounded as I saw my fellow sailors were engulfed by monstrous waves. I watched helplessly and in horror as three destroyers went down and 800 men were drowned.
After the tragedy, there was some talk of court martialing Halsey but he defended his decision by claiming that he had been under orders from MacArthur to defend the landing.
The book:
Great post, Gordon. I'll be looking for more.
ReplyDeleteMarie