FIRST ENDORSEMENT to ltr of Ens. N.F. Asher, USN, to Cincpac, dated Dec. 11, 1941. | ||
DD387/A16 Serial 062 |
U.S.S. Blue (DD387) Pearl Harbor, T.H. December 12, 1941 |
From: | Commanding Officer. | |
To: | Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet. | |
Subject: | U.S.S. Blue Action during December 7 Air Raid, Report of. | |
Reference: | (a) Cincpac despatch 102102 of Dec., 1941. |
[signed]
H.N. WILLIAMS
Copy to:
Combatfor
Comdesbatfor
DD387/ Serial |
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U.S.S. Blue DD 387 Pearl Harbor, T.H. December 11, 1941 |
From: | N.F. ASHER, Ensign, U.S. Navy. | |
To: | Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet. | |
Via: | Commanding Officer | |
Subject: | Air Raid on Pearl Harbor, T.H. December 7, 1941 report of action by U.S.S. Blue (DD387) |
0800 |
U.S.S. Utah torpedoed. Ensign ASHER -- on the bridge -- in command. |
0805 | Opened fire with 50 cal. machine guns on Japanese planes diving on ships in harbor. |
0807 | Opened fire with 5"/38 cal. guns on Japanese planes. The engine room was ordered immediately to light off No. 2 boiler (No. 1 already steaming), and made all preparations for getting underway. Repair party cleared the ship for action, and made all preparations for slipping quickly from the mooring. |
0847 |
Underway upon execution of signal to get underway from Berth X-7, Ensign N.F. ASHER, Commanding. Maintained fire on enemy planes with main battery and machine guns while steaming out of harbor. Four planes fired on with main battery were later seen to go down in smoke. It is claimed that two of these planes were definitely shot down by this vessel. one was seen to crash in field on Waipio Pena., and the second crashed into crane on stern of U.S.S. Curtiss. Two planes that dove over the ship were fired on by the 50 cal. machine guns. It is claimed that one of these planes, seen to crash near Pan American Airways Landing at Pearl City, was shot down by this vessel. When abeam of Weaver Field landing, went to twenty five knots, and maintained this speed while steaming out of the channel. |
0910 | Passed channel entrance buoys, and set course 120 true. Proceeded to sector three to patrol station. Upon reaching station commenced patrolling at speed 10 knots. |
0950 |
Good sound contact on submarine. Maneuvered to attack and dropped four depth charges. Regained sound contact on same submarine. Dropped two depth charges. investigated spot where the second attack was made, and observed a large oil slick on the water, and air bubbles rising to the surface, over a length of about 200 feet. it was first believed that the submarine was surfacing, due to the appearance of the air bubbles, and all guns were ordered to train out to starboard, so as to be ready to open fire. It is felt that this submarine was definitely sunk. Approximate location: 21°-11'-30" N and 157°-49'-45" W. Obtained a third sound contack on a submarine that was apparently heading for the U.S.S. St. Louis, which was at the time steaming at high speeds on a course of approximately 150 true. Signal "EMERG. UNIT 210" was hoisted, and attack on submarine made. Two depth charges were dropped. Upon a return to the spot where the attack was made, a large oil slick was noticed on the surface of the water. All contacks were made at about 1400 yards, and the submarine tracked before the charges were dropped. It is claimed that one submarine, and possibly two were sunk. |
1030 | Upon completion of the attacks, the Blue screened the St. Louis upon orders from that vessel. |
1055 | All four boilers on the main steam line. |
5"/38 caliber | 507 | rounds. |
50 cal. (machine guns) | 4000 | rounds. |
Depth charges | 8 |
There were no material or personnel casualties.
Ensign J.P. WOLFE, U.S.N.R., is responsible for the excellent shooting of the Blue during the conduct of the battle. Ensign WOLFE's duties as control and gunnery officer were performed to perfection. Ensign WOLFE also acted as assistant communication officer.
Ensign R.S. SCOTT, U.S.N.R., did an excellent job as damage control officer. Ensign SCOTT was detailed to maintain the spirit of the men on battle stations, and to look after things about the ship while the other officers remained at their battle stations from the time that the Blue got underway, till she returned to port.
HAMMOND, J.P., 233-63-83, CQM, USN, provided valuable assistance to me, and loyally remained on the bridge till the Blue returned to port. I give HAMMOND great credit in aiding me considerably in the swift and safe manner in which the Blue proceeded out of Pearl Harbor.
KITZER, H.M., 102-87-19, CMM, USN, did an excellent job as acting engineer officer of the Blue, for the two days that we were out to sea. KITZER is greatly responsible for the excellent performance of the engineering department.
KETCHUM, F., 102-39-98, CBM, USN, performed in an excellent manner with the repair party, and proved invaluable by assisting in general tasks throughout the ship.
MILLARD, M.L., 355-54-90, CGM, USN, performed in an excellent manner throughout the conduct of the battle, and whom I give great credit for the fine performance of the firing. He cleared a loading casualty at Gun 2 at great danger to himself, after sending all men from the gun and handling room.
SHAW, C.H., 200-79-90, CTM, USN, performed outstandingly both in refilling depth charge racks, and preparing torpedoes for firing while the ship was proceeding in heavy seas at high speeds. During a casualty in which a fired torpedo remained in the tube, and a live warhead fell on the deck, his quick action at personal risk to himself prevented any serious damage to material and personnel.
MATTHEWS, W.J., 273-82-86, CRM(PA), USN, who remained on watch continuously manning sound gear and radio equipment. While manning the sound gear, he picked up two submarines, and gave the information leading to the successful submarine attacks. His work on radio equipment as well as on sound gear was extremely well done.
[signed] N.F. ASHER