DIARY
This Book Is The Personal Property
Of
Arnold Darrell Foster
U.S.S. Grady
DE – 445
From September 9, 1944
to
April 23, 1946
The outline of my duties and places I’ve been while serving aboard the U.S.S. Grady Destroyer Escort 445, while serving in the Pacific Ocean and World War II.
The Grady was named after a marine who gave his life in the South West Pacific.
Invasions I took part in.
- Luzon
- Iwo Jima
- Okinawa
- Philippines Liberation
The Year of 1944
September 9th:
The crew left Brooklyn receiving station in New York and went aboard the U.S.S. Grady which was tied up at Brooklyn Navy yard.
September 11:
The ship, U.S.S. Grady D.E. 445 went into commission at 1200 hrs. Had a very nice ceremony. Afterword’s the Captain Lt. Commander Francis R. King gave the whole crew liberty. Had a very nice time.
September 24th:
Left Brooklyn Navy Yard and moved to pier 42 in New York City.
September 28th:
Left pier 42 on a shake down in Bermuda. Had a very rough time going down.
October 1:
Arrived in Bermuda about 1000 hrs. Most of the crew got sea sick. What a mess.
October 14:
The Grady had its first taste of Action. We made contact with a German sub about 1000 hrs. Dropped depth charges and hedgehogs.
October 16th:
We secured from running the German Sub, we just ran out of depth charges and hedgehogs. Dropped 88 depth charges and 78 hedgehogs. Got a couple of fish thrown at us, they missed.
October 19th:
Made my first liberty out of the States. Had a nice time, but nothing much to do. Nothing like NYC.
November 1st:
The Grady left Bermuda for New York. We made the Pacific Fleet. We also won the honors of being the best ship that ever made a shakedown in Bermuda.
November 4th:
We pulled in at Brooklyn Navy Yard in New York about 2000 hrs. Sure does feel good to be back in the States. One third of the crew has gone on leave, I hope to go soon.
November 7th:
Today at 1100 hrs I ‘am leaving on a 5 day leave old Alabama is really going to look good.
November 12th
Just returned back to the Grady off a 5 day leave. Had a wonderful time while on leave, made it home in time to see Central H.S. beat Jordan 13 to 12. Hope to go home again soon.
November 12th:
Just received orders to go to Boston Mass. I think I’ am going to like this Grady. Really am seeing the places I have always wanted to see. Not Bad.
November 16th:
Left Boston with a convoy to Norfolk VA. Sure did hate to leave old Boston. Had a nice time while there. Old Norfolk will look good, I had 8 months duty there.
November 19th:
Just arrived here in Norfolk with our convoy. I’ am going on liberty. Hope to see Jeannie (the wave) At 2400 hrs just came off liberty. I saw Jeannie , lovely indeed.
November 20th:
Early we left Norfolk VA. and the West Coast, heading to San Diego Calif. We are going through the Panama Canal. I have always wanted to pass through the canal.
November 27th:
This morning we passed Cuba, could see it from a distance. Very nice island. Hope to visit Cuba someday.
November 28th:
Just landed at Colon Panama, just this side of the Canal, the town and country is really beautiful. Didn’t rate liberty.
November 29th:
Today we went through the great Panama Canal. It is the most beautiful place I have ever seen. My long desired dream has come true. Something I will never forget. We are now on our way to San Diego California. Now we are in the Pacific Ocean.
December 4th:
About 1000 hrs this morning we pulled in San Diego Calif. I rated liberty this afternoon and I went ashore. A nice town this Diego. I tried to find my Uncle C.D. Brooks, but I couldn’t. I walked around the city and went to a movie. Then returned to the ship.
December 6th:
Left San Diego Calif. now own our way to San Francisco. I wonder what this will be like. Just wait and see, Foster.
December 7th:
Early this morning we arrived in San Francisco Calif. Passed under the Golden Gate Bridge. Very Nice. I just got back from liberty and had a very nice time. I did all my Christmas shopping today. Also walked all over Frisco. Had a nice time, but little cold.
December 8th:
We pulled out of Frisco this afternoon and now headed for Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. Sure am going places in a big hurry. There must be a War on Hugh?. I guess we will be finding out pretty soon. We have a convoy of transports with us.
December 14th:
Just arrived in Pearl Harbor Hawaii Bay, the Navy is really here. I rate liberty today. I am expecting to have a wonderful time. The island is really beautiful. I wish everybody in the USA could see Hawaii.
December 20th:
We are out at sea with the great Saratoga. She has a new crew of fighter planes and they are getting use to launching on her. We are supposed to pick up the ones that miss or crash.
December 21st:
Today we picked up 2 flyers that crashed off her side, no one was hurt.
December 23rd:
Today a L.B.F. crashed and we got their 3 men. Now we have 6 pilots that had crashed.
December 24th:
Christmas Eve, we pulled back in Pearl Harbor, we returned the flyers and the Saratoga gave us 30 gallons of ice cream for saving their men. Nice Hugh.
December 25th:
Christmas day, went on liberty in Honolulu, no good everything is all closed. But anyway Merry Christmas, at 2400 hrs we were broke out of our racks to bring aboard stores, a hell of a way to spend Christmas.
December 26th:
We just pulled out of Pearl Harbor with a convoy of tankers headed for a destination unknown. This is our first trip that was a secret to us. Something tells me we are heading for trouble!
December 31st:
We are passing the international Date Line. So we are missing New Years Day. So it’s now January 2nd 1945. It’s a little confusing at first . But it’s all straight now.
The Year of 1945
January 4th:
About 1030 hrs this morning we arrived at our unknown destination. Eniwetok a small island in the Marshal Islands. At 1530 hrs we left this island for unknown destination. While at Eniwetok I had a tooth pulled.
January 9th:
We landed at Uilith a small island in the Caroline’s. I thought the Navy was at Pearl Harbor, but brother it is really here. I don’t know how long we will be here. But when we leave here we probably will see action.
January 11:
We left Uilith this morning with a convoy of tankers, we are on our way to Luzon in the Philippines. While going the nets, a Jap sub came in and sunk a tanker. I know a guy could get killed out here if he didn’t watch himself. We carried 10m oil tankers to refuel the Great 58 Last Force. They were softening up Luzon. We got our first Battle Star
January 25th:
Early in the morning we meet the Great 58, boy what a group fighting ships. We refueled and then we were assigned to a Killer Group which protected the area in which they were refueling. Early that night the Killer Group returned back to Ulithi, on our way back we patrolled around the island. Looking for subs.
January 31st:
Pulled in at Uilith for 10 days of repairs. We needed it badly, the ship was a mess fuel oil all over the side and we had a couple of guys get hurt while refueling at sea. More ships had come to Uilith, we could smell trouble. About 1800 hrs the Great 58 pulled in. Now I know there will be trouble, I’ am afraid we will be in it. Hope not.
February 10th:
Afternoon, we left Uilithi along with about 400 other ships. The Great 58 was heading for Tokyo, we were escorting 10 C.V.E. aircraft carriers to Iwo Jima. I wonder how tough it will be, we shall see.
February 12th:
Stopped in Saipan for shore bombardment practice, also refuel. Saipan is a nice looking island.
February 14th:
We left Saipan this evening. It won’t be long, I think we are ready to take anything the Japs has to offer. But I’ am a little nervous.
February 15th:
Just received a radio message that the Japs has spotted us. That’s bad, hope they don’t try and join us.
February 16th:
The Japs hasn’t joined us . Not far from Iwo.
February 17th:
Arrived early this morning. We have started bombing the island. It’s 3 days before we invade the island. No one up here but us and the aircraft carrier.
February 19th:
At 0900 hrs the first wave of Marines headed for the beach. No one made it. The second wave made it, things has started to pop.
February 20th:
We lost a carrier between 2000 and 2400 hrs, we were pulled from our group and assigned to the group that lost the carrier. The name of the carrier was USS Bismarck Sea. They lost over 300 men. 750 reported saved, thank God for that.
February 22nd:
We had air raids, the planes didn’t bother us. They were after the “Big Stuff”. We could see the battleships firing at the planes. Glad they didn’t bother us. Now we have 2 Battle Stars.
March 2:
Iwo Jima has been won, we came up in the harbor and did sub patrol duty while they carried supplies ashore. We were patrolling by Mount Suribachi. The American Flag were flying high. Late in the evening we left Iwo Jima for Saipan, we had it pretty easy up at Iwo.
March 6th:
Arrived in Saipan to refuel and pick up a P.A. next stop will be down south of the equator.
March 7th:
Late this evening we passed Guam. It was lit up like Coney Island. Very Pretty.
March 13th:
Tomorrow will be a big day for the shell backs. We will cross the equator then the shell backs dress us Pollywogs up in anything they have. I was dressed in Jockey Strap and a pair of shoes with wood nailed on them, a clock around my wrist and a thermometer around my neck. That’s all I had on, I had to walk around the ship 4 hours that way. Also had to sing and tap dance. You should have seen me. Did I look funny, really did have loads of fun.
March 14th:
Today we crossed the equator, boy did I get beat. Had loads of fun, we were beat, shocked, painted, greased, a strip of hair cut off down the middle of my head, salt water poured in my mouth then a salt water bath. Couldn’t hardly get the paint and grease off. Now I’ am a shellback, had lots of fun. That night I had my head shaved. I look like a pilled onion. Ha Ha.
March 16th:
We landed in Tulagi, an island in the Solomon’s. Nice country but rains all the time.
March 17th:
We left Tulagi and passed Guadalcanal, it’s really a very large island. We are on our way to Espiritu Santo. I wonder what’s it like, and what we are going to do after we leave there. Time will tell.
March 20th:
We arrived at Espiritu Santo, an island in the New Hebrides. We are going to get liberty while we are here. Hope it’s good.
March 25th:
We left Espiritu Santo with a convoy of 40 troop ships. They are filled with troops, I think we are heading for Okinawa. It will be invaded very soon, I think.
April 7th:
Just arrived at Okinawa, it has been invaded 6 days ago. Things are pretty hot, on the way in I saw 2 destroyers which had been hit by suicide planes. They are plentiful up here they say. Hope we don’t catch one. Now we have 3 Battle Stars.
April 8th:
Today we covered an invasion on a small island, we were fired at from the beach. We were almost hit a few times. We didn’t waste any time getting started.
April 10th:
Today we had a large air raid. They were all around. I saw 4 Jap planes go down. Things are getting HOT. I don’t like this place no-sir. Tonight we had another raid, saw a couple of ships hit and sunk.
April 11th:
We had a big air raid. No planes came close enough for us to fire at. But saw lots of planes go down, and ships hit.
April 12th, 13th 14th:
All these days we had continuous air raids. We finally got to fire during these raids.
April15th:
Today we had the largest air raid ever at Okinawa. We were on patrol off Ie Shima about 0900 hrs, a Jap sure did come at us at top speed. All guns started firing, and as the plane continued to come one of the guns hit it. Down it went. It was our first plane shot down. The Japs were all around, we fired at others. There were dog fights all in the sky. An A.P.D. was almost hit while firing off our port bow. Ships were knocking them down and getting hit all around us. We were very lucky we were not hit. Thank God for that.
April 16th:
The Japs were still coming at us, ships were getting hit every day. The Japs were losing lots of planes.
April17th:
We went into Bolo Harbor to refuel and lay smoke screens. Not so bad in harbor.
April 18th:
Tonight we had a raid. A liberty ship off our port side was hit and sunk. They were to close for comfort.
April 19:
More raids, ships getting hit and sinking.
April 20th:
Another raid.
April 21st thru. 29th:
The Japs are still coming and they came to KILL. Most of them get killed. So far we have been pretty damn lucky.
April 30th:
We left Okinawa for Saipan. We are supposed to pick up a convoy. It will be a nice rest for us, haven’t been getting much sleep lately. Tonight I slept with my clothes off, first time in a long time. Feels good take a bath without fear of not finishing it.
May 5th:
Arrived in Saipan, we have 10 days for repairs and get loaded with chow and ammo.
May 15th:
Just left Saipan for Okinawa, News just came in that the air attacks are worse than before. Hope we will still be as lucky as we have been. Here’s hoping.
May 19th:
We arrived at Okinawa this afternoon. So far we have had no raids. That’s good.
May 20th:
Tonight we had a big raid at 1830 hrs. The Japs are sending over their best planes now. I saw 4 ships hits, may have sunk, one was hit off our port bow. Most of the crew was killed on that one. Believe me it’s really bad to see someone Killed. I thank God that the Grady is still afloat. Hope we continue to do so, seen lot’s of planes go down.
May 21st:
Today, a ship alongside our port side pulled out a dead Jap’s body, the body had no head. It looks as if we play for keeps.
May 22nd:
Had a few raids tonight. Came close enough to fire.
May 23rd:
I was on watch about 0145 hrs and a Jap bomber flew across our fan tail. It was going about 300 mph, much too fast for us to fire on him. About 15 minutes later ships began to fire. We went to General Quarters, we had lots of reports on planes coming in but our C.A.P.’s got them before they got in close. Nice of those guys. 30 minutes later we secured from G.Q. About 2300 hrs we had our second raid. It lasted until 0130 hrs, they didn’t come close to us. Maybe they are scared or we are lucky.
May 24th:
At 2130 hrs the Japs came again, I saw 6 planes go down around us. We lost a couple of ships. The Japs are losing planes and we are losing ships. They just missed us. I am sure my mother’s and people back home prayer’s are being answered. The raid lasted until 2230 hrs.
May 25th:
We had another raid, I saw 3 more planes go down. One plane went down off our starboard side, we went over and picked 3 Japs. They were dead, the fourth one we missed. They were in bad shape. We went into Bolo Harbor with them and the A.P.D. that relieved us was hit and sank before we got in. God bless the Grady. At 0930 hrs we had 3 more raids, that makes two today. An A.P.D. was hit and sank, those Jap’s mean business. What’s next!!!!!.
May 26th:
There were no raids tonight. Thank God.
May 27th:
This morning we left Okinawa we D.E. 412 [USS Walter C. Wann] to meet a convoy 200 miles off the coast, at 1300 hrs we had contact with a Jap sub, at 1500 hrs we secured from contact, we missed him. At 1815 hrs we meet the convoy and started back to the “Great York” Okinawa.
May 28th:
We landed safely at Okinawa with the convoy, nice trip. At 1630 hrs we left Bolo Bay to go to Ie Shima to pick up a transport which had been hit. It was in bad shape. I can imagine how the Grady would look like if it was hit.
We returned to Bale Bay about 2000 hrs nice to be in port. It’s a little safer (I think).
May 29th:
At 1915 hrs air attack. The Jap’s were all around they are coming in larger groups now. They are making their last stand. The closet one came was with-in 2 miles. At 2100 hrs secured from G.Q.
May 30th:
At 0400 hrs we left Okinawa alone to meet a convoy about 200 miles away. At 1500 hrs just as the convoy was sighted we found a mine. Gun 51 fired a round and got it. Joined the convoy and returned to Okinawa.
May 31st:
At 1300 hrs arrived safely at Okinawa. We are anchored at Bolo Bay. Still as bad as ever. So far of today we have been in over 300 or more air attacks. That’s really a lot for one guy. We really have been lucky not to have been hit so far. We have one Jap plane and one Jap mine.
June 1st and 2nd:
We have had only a few planes to come in, no damage done, that’s good.
June 3rd:
At 1315 hrs air raid, there were 15 raids that came in. But all racked by C.A.P.’s before they got to us. Glad of that, at 1445 hrs secured from G.Q. No ships reported hit or sunk.
June 4th and 5th:
Light raids, no ships reported hit.
June 6th:
1600 hrs air raid, there were raids. A.D.M. passed us and about 2 miles away it was hit. They were all around us, a cruiser knocked one down just aft of us. At 2000 hrs another raid, they were around us all night. We secured from G.Q. at 2045 hrs. You know I think the Grady is the LUCKIEST SHIP EVER BUILT.
June 7th:
At 1915 hrs air raid, there were 8 raids. They came in within 5 miles, they were all knocked down before they got to us. The raids lasted until 0500 hrs next morning.
June 8th:
At 2000 hrs air raid, planes were coming in all around. 2 planes where heading straight for us, but to our luck they didn’t see us. I was so glad. I was afraid it would have been bad. Thank you God.
June 9th:
At 1945 hrs air raid, tonight I believe in prayers. A Jap suicide plane came in own our portside to make a kill. All guns on port begun to fire. Nothing happened to the plane. It kept coming, I know we couldn’t stop it, so I asked God in heaven if it was his will to turn that plane. I closed my eyes thinking I would never again open them. I did not hear a crash but I could hear guns and plane. I opened my eyes and the plane was banking off our port bow. I thanked God from the bottom of my heart for saving my life and 200 others. I know it was his will that the Grady should live. I could feel the prayers of every man aboard the ship praying to God. We really have something to be thankful for, who ever may read this can never feel the way I feel now. We are living on borrowed time. Gods time. The plane crashed about 13 miles away. We really must have hit it pretty bad. At 2030 hrs all raids were secured. Thank my heavenly father we are alive.
June 10th thru. 15th:
A few raids during these past 4 to 5 days. Nothing exciting has happened.
June 16th:
At 0430 hrs a Jap bomber came into the anchorage and dropped a bomb about 1000 yards off our starboard bow. It was the largest raid we have had in 6 days. The bomb hit a landing barge and killed 3 men. It knocked lots of the fellows out of their sacks. No damage.
June 21st:
At 1915 hrs air raid, first one in 5 days. The planes were all around us, there were 8 raids. They were all knocked down before they got in. That’s good. At 2000 hrs secured from G.Q. At 2315 hrs second raid, the raid lasted until 0400 hrs. D.E. 705 [USS Frybarger] was hit. It came up here with us, we are the only ship left that came in the convoy who hasn’t been hit or sunk. I guess we are LUCKY.
June 22nd:
At 0830 hrs air raid, it was the largest rid in weeks. There were over 200 Jap planes shot down during the raid. At 0915 hrs secured from G.Q. At 0930 hrs another raid, a plane came in at us. We fired and drove it off. It dove at A.D.D. and strafed it killing 3 men, it dove again but missed the ship and crashed. Later a L.S.T. was hit off our fantail no one was hurt. They were getting close to us, at 1800 hrs we left Okinawa to meet a convoy. Don’t [know] where or how large it will be, it will be a nice rest to get away from Okinawa.
June 23rd:
At 1200 hrs meet the convoy. Had a P.A. 221, A.D.D. 38, A.M.O. 131. The A.P.O. sunk a mine and the A.M. returned to Saipan. We are on our way back to the “Happy Hunting Ground”, that’s bad.
June 24th:
At 1130 hrs returned to Okinawa safely with the convoy. At 2400 hrs 2 Jap bombers came into the anchorage and tried to drop their load. But they were knocked down. I saw them go down. Sure did look nice.
June 28th:
At 1230 hrs we got orders to leave Okinawa. I am really happy we are leaving with P.A. 68 to Leyte in the Philippine Islands. No one will ever know what we have been through these last 3 months. God has saved our lives so many times. The Grady has really been lucky. It could never go through what has been through again without being hit. Hope we never see another Jap plane as long as I live, I guess I aged 2 or 3 years. I feel as though I have.
July 1st:
At 1400 hrs we pulled in at Leyte, this seems to be a nice place. But it’s really hot, rains quite often. I wonder how long we will be here? Who cares!.
July 15th:
We are still here in Leyte. Boy is it hot and it rains almost every day. I have made liberty 3 or 4 times, not bad. But nothing extra, we are patrolling with a sub. W go out in the morning and come in at night, not bad.
July 17th:
At 1030 hrs left Leyte with the sub, we are on our way to Subic Bay. That is the largest sub base in the Pacific . I hope it will be as good as Leyte, I guess I’ll wait and see.
July 19th:
Arrived with the Sub at Subic Bay. Lots of subs up here, the island is very beautiful.
July 20th:
Left Subic Bay with 2 D.D.’s and two D.E.’s and a convoy L.S.L.’s for Okinawa. “Here we go again”.
July 24th:
At 100 hrs arrived safely at Okinawa with the convoy. The U.S.S. Holt [DE-706] had contact with a sub on the way up. He missed. At 1945 hrs air raid, a few planes came over. They were knocked down, no damage secured from G.Q. at 2000 hrs.
July 25th:
At 1100 hrs left Okinawa with convoy headed for Leyte. My pal came back aboard today, he had little toe cut off. His name is Stockdale.
July 30th:
At 0730 hrs pulled in at Leyte with the convoy. I wonder how long we will stay this time.
August 1st:
Today is my birthday ” Happy Birthday Bubber” I am 20 years old today.
August 5th:
At 2330 hrs left Leyte to check on a sub contact, what will happen next.
August 6th:
At 1030 pulled back in harbor, no sub. That’s very good.
August 7th:
Left Leyte at 1845 hrs to go on patrol duty. We are patrolling about 150 miles from Leyte. At 2200 hrs went to G.Q. had sub contact, no sub. I am glad.
August 10th:
Oh happy day. NEWS Flash that Japan is willing to except our Peace Treaty. I was seeing a movie, it made us very happy. I guess it want be long.
August 11th:
At 1130 hrs NEWS FLASH THE USA WOULD EXCEPT THE PLEA FOR PEACE. I am very happy. Nothing more like Okinawa, that’s good.
August 15th:
At 0730 hrs pulled in at Leyte after 9 days of patrol duty. At 0805 hrs NEWS FLASH JAPAN HAS ACCEPTED OUR OFFER. Now I guess we want be fighting any more. I like that. I can see me now back home in OLD ALABAMA, sounds good to me Ha Ha.
August 18th:
At 1900 hrs left Leyte for patrol duty off coast of Mandlo [Mindana?] It’s a very beautiful island, made liberty.
August 21st:
At 1600 hrs left Patrol Duty to check on a sub off coast of Samar. Hope it’s no sub. At 2030 hrs arrived at Samar, no sub so far.
August 22nd:
Liberty party went ashore at Mandlo we were the first white people these natives have seen in over 3 years. They sure did treat us nice, they have a very beautiful mountain over 1000 feet high. Very lovely.
August 24th:
At 0900 made liberty on the island of Bairs very nice.
August 26th:
At 1400 hrs we were relieved by D.E. 304 [USS Rall]. This was the best patrol we have ever had, 7 days.
August 27th:
At 0800 hrs arrived at Leyte for further orders, hope to get mail (no mail).
September 1st:
Left Leyte with D.E. 509 [USS Formoe] to meet a convoy of L.S.L.’s that are on their way to Okinawa. Here we go again.
September 2nd:
PRESIDENT TRUMAN DECLARED THIS DAY AS V-J. DAY. THE WAR IS OFFICIALLY OVER. I hope we will be heading for home, one of these days soon. I have had enough of this WAR and PACIFIC OCEAN, let’s go home.!!!
September 4th:
Today the censoring of letters were lifted. I’m glad of that. I don’t like for other people to read my letters.
September 6th:
At 1030 hrs we arrived at Okinawa with our convoy, my my how it has changes!!. You couldn’t believe we once fought a war here. So peaceful and calm.
September 7th:
Left Bale Bay for Buckner Bay, the southern end of Okinawa. We have had trouble here once. Reached Buckner Bay at 0900 hrs, I saw Walter Stackberger today on the Tender Hamel. Glad to see him, we left Okinawa at 1230 hrs with K.A. 27 and D.E. 589 [USS Tinsman] for Leyte glad to leave here.
September 8th:
Radio report that a Typhoon is headed this way, the sea is getting rough. Boy do I hate Typhoons!
September 9th:
Late tonight we hit the Typhoon, we have made some 50 degree rolls. That’s too bad.
September 10th:
The Typhoon is dying down, the sea is much calmer today. I am glad. Haven’t eaten much.
September 11th:
Today is the Grady’s birthday, she is one year old. She has seen plenty of action and been a lots of places in her one year of sea duty. Glad to be aboard.
September 11th cont:
At 0900 hrs pulled in at Leyte, good to be back. Hope to get lots of mail, at 1800 hrs left Leyte to report to Manicani Harbor. Arrived 30 minutes later. Got mail, oh happy day.
September 15th:
At 0800 hrs went into dry dock to have sound gear fix. We are putting away 20 mm guns.
September 18th:
This afternoon I saw a man get killed. A hugh crane broke and fell on him, it broke his back and busted his skull. At 600 hrs pulled out of dry dock, everything is OK, what’s next.
September 19th:
Left Manicani Harbor for Leyte at 0945 hrs arrived at Leyte.
September 20th:
At 1500 hrs left Leyte for Gauain. The sound gear is still broken, arrived at 1700 hrs.
September 29th:
At 1100 hrs left Gauain for Manila. There should be good liberty up there. Maybe we will get orders to go home.
September 30th:
Tonight we had our first movie on the fantail while underway. The name of it was “The Great Moment”. It started raining at the end of the fourth reel. It’s ok it wasn’t any good.
October 1st:
At 1330 hrs pulled in Manila, it’s really a nice city. Now I know what happened to the Jap Navy, it’s in the bottom of Manila Bay.
October 2nd:
Made liberty in the city of Manila. It’s really nice, had to stay over all night. The harbor was so rough we couldn’t get a boat. Had a wonderful time, I visited the “400″ Club. They furnished you a girl if you wanted one. I walked all night, no place to sleep, the girl’s name I got at the “400″ Club was Delores Ravalo. Very pretty indeed, we got back to the ship at 0930 hrs.
October 3rd:
Hope to go back soon.
October 6th:
Made liberty again in Manila, had a nice time. Jimmie Horne and I made a couple of pictures. Very good too.
October 9th:
C.F. Fuller came over to see me, he is on D.E. 354 [USS Kenneth M. Willett] sure was glad to see him.
October 10th:
Today 11 new men came aboard, one was from Phenix City Alabama my home town. His name is Hood.
October 11th:
At 1700 hrs 4 Jap ships came in, they came to get their prisoners of war. The ships really do look bad.
October 19th:
At 1800 hrs left Manila to go on patrol duty off coast of Formosa. A bunch of planes going to Okinawa and we are to turn in weather reports. A typhoon is on its way, hope we miss it, I want to hurry back to Manila.
October 21st:
Arrived at our destination, we are 40 miles from Formosa and 400 miles from Bating Island.
October 23rd:
Received orders at 1600 hrs to go to Batten Island to assist an A.P.C. 27 who is taking water, hope we get there in time to save her. Reached her at 2300 hrs everything under control.
October 24th:
A liberty party went ashore on Bating, lots of fellows got Jap rifles. They say it’s nice over there.
October 25th:
The Captain made a trip around these islands so all the fellows could each get a souvenir . I got a Jap first aid kit, that’s all I wanted it’s nice. At 2000 hrs left Baten Island everyone enjoyed this little trip very much.
October 26th:
At 1700 hrs anchored at Luzon, the captain doesn’t want to get Manila until after “Navy Day”. So I guess we will stay overnight.
October 27th:
“Navy Day” this morning the ball team of the Grady went ashore at Luzon. We played an Army Team, it was Navy vs. Army. The team from the Grady won 4 to 2, it was really a good game. We scored the winning runs in the last inning. We were
October 27th cont:
lucky. At 1230 hrs the Grady left Luzon and on our way to Manila. We had better get some mail. It’s been a long time since we had gotten any.
October 28th:
1440 hrs arrived in Manila Bay, we are anchored next to a Jap cruiser. It’s really a nice looking ship. All hands of the Grady stood at quarter in undressed whites, really did look nice. The mail man has gone after mail, we haven’t gotten mail for 12 days. Hope we get some soon.
October 30th:
Last night we received official orders that the U.S.S. Grady has been ordered to return to San Diego California. We are to leave Manila before or by November 15th, I’m sure we’ll leave about November 5th. This is what I have been waiting for. Oh Happy Day.
November 1st:
1445 hrs Lt. Commander Francis R. King Captain of U.S.S. Grady received the Bronze Star Medal for distinguished service at Okinawa. I and 200 others men were there also.
November 5th:
At 0800 hrs the U.S.S. Grady hoisted it’s home coming flag. It’s red, and white with 9 stars in it. At 1300 hrs we leave for San Diego California, have been waiting for this day since we been out here. By By Pacific, at 1300 hrs hoisted anchor along with D.E. 508 [USS Gilligan]. We are now on our way to the United States Of America. A very happy day.
November 8th:
At 2400 hrs, ships clocks were set ahead one hour that means we are heading East. It won’t be to long before we will be at Pearl Harbor and San Diego. I’m waiting !!
November 10th:
Early this morning we passed Guam, came off shore about 90 miles. Getting cleaner every day. At 2400 hrs the ships clocks were set ahead one hour.
November 11th:
At 2400 hrs ships clocks set ahead one hour, today I have 14 months continuous sea duty. That’s too long for one guy to be at sea. Don’t you think.
November 12th:
At 0800 hrs we pulled in at Eniwetok for refueling and exchange movies. We have traveled about 30,000 miles in the last week. I don’t know how long we will stay . At 1700 hrs left Eniwetok for Pearl Harbor, also relieved from standing watch. At 1900 hrs we were called back to Eniwetok, I think we are to pick up some passengers. Hope we will leave this place soon, I want to go home!!
November 13th:
At 1300 hrs we finally left Eniwetok, I guess we are finally on our way.
November 15th:
At 0610 hrs we passed the international date line. The day was set back one whole day, example at 0609 hrs it was Friday at 0610 it was set back to Thursday. Thus making us 2 Thursdays in a row. Complicated isn’t it. At 2400 hrs the ships clocks were set ahead one hour, getting closer and closer to home every day.
November 18th:
At 1300 hrs we arrived at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. This place is really beautiful, I am fixing to go on liberty. Hope it’s good.
November 20th:
At 0700 hrs left Pearl Harbor with D.E. 442 [USS Ulvert M. Moore], 445, 508 [USS Gilligan] and 120. We are on our way to the U.S.A. we expect to be there in 5 or 6 days. This is the day I have been waiting for.
November 22:
Today the U.S.S. Grady celebrated Thanksgiving Day. The whole crew won’t be aboard on the 29th. So we had Thanksgiving today, we had a glorious dinner. Everyone enjoyed it very much. Next year I hope I will celebrate Thanksgiving at home.
November 25th:
This morning at 1020 hrs The U.S.S. Grady D.E. 508 [USS Gilligan]and D.E. 441 [USS William Seiverling] pulled in San Pedro California, oh what a happy day. Lot’s of the fellows wife’s were on the dock, everyone was happy. As soon as we tied up the Red Cross workers came aboard with milk (FRESH MILK) sure was good. Everyone had a grand time. At 1230 hrs liberty party went ashore, I was one of them. 1400 hrs we left Pedro and now anchored in Long Island. Feels good to be back, hope to go home soon.
November 29th:
Today at 1200 hrs 25% of the crew left for 30 days leave. I expect to leave soon, I hope so.
December 5th:
The U.S.S. Grady had their ships party, we had it at the Diamond Room in Wilmington, California. Everyone had a wonderful time, most of the crew came. Had plenty of drinks chow and things all sailors love “WEMAN”
December 6th:
At 1200 hrs I left Long Beach for San Diego, I had a 48 hour pass. I went to see my girl friend and Uncle Charlie, had a wonderful time. Hope to go again soon, I meet my Aunt Pitita for the first time. I came back at 0500 hrs December 10th.
December 10th:
At 1300 hrs all hands turned to and carried all the ammunition off the Grady, we are stripped clean now. Boy I hope they put this ship out of commission soon. I want to go home!!!!!!
December 15th:
At 1200 hrs left ship on a 48 hour pass, went to Chula Vista and San Diego to see my Uncle and girl friend.
December 17:
At 200 hrs returned to ship off a 48 hour pass, had a wonderful time.
December 20th:
At 0900 hrs left ship on a 40 day leave, sure will be grand to get home again.
December 24th:
At 0600 hrs arrived home safely and what a grand home coming they gave me. No one was aware I’ m so happy.
December 25th:
Spending a very Merry and Happy Christmas at home.
December 29th:
Left to go down to Montgomery to visit my Aunts and cousins.
December 30th:
We all went out to celebrate the New Year, we went to a club called “31″ had a wonderful time.
The Year of 1946
January 1st:
“Happy New Year” at 1400 hrs left my Aunts home to return to my home, got home in time for the Rose Bowl game Alabama 34 Southern California 14.
January 24th:
0645 hrs left home after spending 31 days leave, sure did have a wonderful time. Hope to be coming back soon to stay.
January 29th:
1200 hrs reported aboard the U.S.S. Grady from 40 day leave, the ship is still at Long Beach California.
February 16th:
Left on a 48 hour pass, went to San Diego to see my girl and Uncle.
February 19th:
0745 hrs returned to ship of 48 hour pass from Diego, had a nice time.
February 22nd:
At 1200 hrs left ship on a 72 hour pass, went down to Oceanside with my pal Ray Bernd. Had a nice time.
February 23rd:
Meet movie star Leo Carrillo at Beck Bad Hotel in Oceanside.
February 25th:
At 0100 hrs returned to the ship off 72 hour pass, really did enjoy myself.
March 2nd:
0900 hrs left ship on a 48 hour pass, went down to San Diego see Uncle Charlie and my girl friend Roberta. Had a nice time.
March 4th:
0530 hrs returned to ship from 48 hour pass, I saw Uncle Charlie and Roberta.
March 9th:
Left ship on 48 hour pass, my buddy Dick Dickinson and I went down to San Diego to visit my girl friend Roberta.
March 11th:
At 023 hrs reported aboard after spending a very nice weekend in San Diego, while in San Diego we visit the park of Old San Diego. Very nice.
March 16th:
100 hrs left ship on 48 hour pass to San Diego, Dick and I are going to spend the weekend with Uncle Charlie and Aunt Pitita.
March 18th:
0415 hrs reported aboard ship off a 48 hour pass. Dick and I had a wonderful time in San Diego, hope to go again real soon.
March 24th:
Today I was up in Hollywood and Beverly Hills. I was up to the 20th Century Fox Studios, went to N.C.B., C.B.S. Radio Stations. Visited Tom Brennemas Restaurant. Had a wonderful time, my pal Bob West went with me. Received a letter from my sister Margret telling me she had a baby on the 13th. Sure glad it was a boy, it weighed 7 pounds and 12 oz. Now I am an Uncle 3 times, doing pretty good don’t you think.
April 1st:
“April Fool’s Day” today I was rated Gunners Mate 3rd Class, I have been waiting 19 months for this sure am proud of it. At 1300 hrs 4 of my best Pals left port for their discharge, Blackie, Loeber, Tronvic and Barber they were all from the “O division”. Sure did hate to see them go, it won’t be long before I will be going home. I sure will be glad to get out.
April 8th:
1300 hrs transferred from the U.S.S. Grady, received 14 day leave and report to New Orleans for discharge after my leave. Sure hated to leave all my ship mates, but getting out I like That.
April 12th:
At 0500 hrs arrived home safely on my leave, sure does feel good to be home again.
April 13th:
Today I bought my first civilian out fit in 3 years. Sure are nice.
April 21st:
Left home to report for discharge in New Orleans La.
April 22nd:
0900 hrs arrived in New Orleans and 1107 hrs reported to U.S. Naval Air Station for discharge.
April 23rd:
At 1445 hrs I received my discharge (Honorable) from the US Navy. Sure am glad to get out. At 1935 hrs boarded bus to return home, feeling fine and happy.
April 24th:
At 1400 hrs arrived home as a civilian.
So ends my little career in the United States Navy, I have a million or more good times but I m glad it’s all over now. I do thank God for letting me be here now to finish this little book. I owe it all to him.
To everyone who reads this I hope you enjoy it. IT’S ALL TRUE.
Finished.
The rates I have had
Apprentice Seaman A.S. = Great Lakes, Ill.
Seaman Second Class. = December 16, 1944, Norfolk Va.
Seaman First Class = December 20, 1945, Honolulu Hawaii.
Gunners mate Third Class = April 1, 1946 San Pedro California.
Stations I Have served on
Naval Training Station = Great lakes, Ill
Naval Training Station = Norfolk Va.
Brooklyn Receiving Station = Brooklyn, New York.
Price’s Neck Firing Station = New Port, Rl.
U.S.S. Grady = D.E.-445
U.S. Naval Station = New Orleans La.
Comment
I have tried to write my father’s Diary as accurately as possible. I wrote exactly as my Father wrote it while he was at sea during World War 2. The grammar may not be correct but I wrote it the way my Father wrote it. My father names ships, locations and crew members in his Diary. A special thanks to Robert (ussgrady.com) for his help for correct spelling of islands and other advice. I hope all who reads this will enjoy it and remember the U.S.S. Grady as my Father called her the LUCKIEST SHIP IN THE NAVY and her brave crew.
James D. Foster son of Arnold D. Foster U.S.S. Grady
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