AP-38 U.S.S. PRESIDENT
ADAMS
War Diary and Action Reports November 1942,
WAR DIARY U.S.S. PRESIDENT ADAMS November 1, 1942
to November 30, 1942
November 1, 1942.
(a) TASK ORGANIZATION: Task Force 62, Transdiv 2.
(b) OPERATION ORDERS: Orders CTF 62.
(c) CHANGES IN ORDERS: None.
(d) POSITION: Moored at King's Wharf, Auckland, N.Z.
(e) OPERATIONS: Loading ammunition and stores.
(f) ORDERS RECEIVED: None.
(g) ENGAGEMENTS: None.
November 2, 1942.
(a) TASK ORGANIZATION: Task Force 62, Transdiv 2.
(b) OPERATION ORDERS: Orders CTF 62.
(c) CHANGES IN ORDERS: None.
(d) POSITION: Moored at King's Wharf, Auckland, N.Z.
(e) OPERATIONS: Loading ammunition and rations.
(f) ORDERS RECEIVED: None.
(g) ENGAGEMENTS: None.
November 3, 1942.
(a) TASK ORGANIZATION: Task Force 62, Transdiv 2.
(b) OPERATION ORDERS: Orders CTF 62.
(c) CHANGES IN ORDERS: None.
(d) POSITION: Moored at King's Wharf, Auckland, N.Z.
(e) OPERATIONS: Loading ammunition and rations.
(f) ORDERS RECEIVED: None.
(g) ENGAGEMENTS: None.
November 4, 1942.
(a) TASK ORGANIZATION: Task Force 62, Transdiv 2.
(b) OPERATION ORDERS: Orders CTF 62.
(c) CHANGES IN ORDERS: None.
(d) POSITION: 0606 LCT Left King's Wharf, Auckland, N.Z.
0711 LCT Arrived Degaussing Range Tiro Tiri
1005 LCT Completed ranging.
(e) OPERATIONS: Left Auckland, New Zealand, and proceeded to
Degaussing range Titi Tiri, where ranged ship. Completed ranging at
1005, and proceeded to Noumea via Cape Brett, passed abeam at 2.5
miles at 1623. Steaming on various courses and speeds.
(f) ORDERS RECEIVED: None.
(g) ENGAGEMENTS: None.
November 5, 1942.
(a) TASK ORGANIZATION: Task Force 62, Transdiv 2.
(b) OPERATION ORDERS: Orders CTF 62.
(c) CHANGES IN ORDERS: None.
(d) POSITION: 0800 LCT Lat 31-41 S. Long 172-01 E.
1200 LCT Lat 30-48 S. Long 171-24 E.
2000 LCT Lat 29-23 S. Long 170-09 E.
Distance run from Auckland 417 miles.
Average Speed 15.5 knots.
(e) OPERATIONS: Normal cruising en route Noumea, New Caledonia.
(f) ORDERS RECEIVED: None.
(g) ENGAGEMENTS: None.
November 6, 1942.
(a) TASK ORGANIZATION: Task Force 62, Transdiv 2.
(b) OPERATION ORDERS: Orders CTF 62.
(c) CHANGES IN ORDERS: None.
(d) POSITION: 0800 LCT Lat 26-47 S. Long 168-29 E.
1200 LCT Lat 26-02 S. Long 168-06 E.
2000 LCT Lat 25-08 S. Long 166-58 E.
Distance run from noon to noon 417 miles.
Average Speed 13.4 knots.
(e) OPERATIONS: Normal cruising en route Noumea, New Caledonia.
0535 friendly tanker, 1111 DD.
(f) ORDERS RECEIVED: None.
(g) ENGAGEMENTS: None.
November 7, 1942.
(a) TASK ORGANIZATION: Task Force 62, Transdiv 2.
(b) OPERATION ORDERS: Orders CTF 62.
(c) CHANGES IN ORDERS: None.
(d) POSITION: At 0832 LCT anchored off Little Entrance,
Noumea, New Caledonia, awaiting pilot. At 1131
moored alongside Grand Quay. Distance run
Auckland, New Zealand, to Noumea, New Caledonia,
1007 miles.
(e) OPERATIONS: At 0556 sighted ship bearing 060 true on
horizon. At 0603 sighted land bearing 074 degrees true, distant 14
miles. At 0617 sighted lighthouse bearing 043 degrees True. At
0711, Tabu Rock light abeam to port. Passed through reef at this
time. Amedee Island light bearing to port beam, distance 1600 yards
at 0716. Entered port at 0737. At 0744 sighted Thisbe Shoal light
abeam to starboard distance .69 miles. At 0832 pilot came aboard.
At 1131moored to Grand Quay and began taking on ammunition, stores
and taking on army personnel of 182d Infantry.
(f) ORDERS RECEIVED: None.
(g) ENGAGEMENTS: None.
November 8, 1942.
(a) TASK ORGANIZATION: TASK FORCE SIXTY SEVEN, under the command of
Rear Admiral W.K. Turner in the McCawley.
A. Task Group 67.1, Transport Group, under the command of
Captain I.N. Kiland in the Jackson.
USS PRESIDENT JACKSON, AP 37
USS PRESIDENT ADAMS, AP 38
USS MCCAWLEY, AP 10 (F)
USS CRESCENT CITY AP 40
B. Task Group 67.2, Landing Group, under the command
of Lieutenant Colonel F.J. McGowan, U.S.A.
182d Infantry, U.S.A. (less 3d Battalion)
Fourth Marine Replacement Battalion
Embarked Marine and Navy Casuals
Embarked Naval Local Defense Personnel
C. Task Group 67.3, Screening Group, Commander
Wilkinson in USS O'Bannon commanding.
USS O'BANNON (DD 450)
USS BARTON (DD 599)
Plus following after arrival Guadalcanal, command
passing to Rear Admiral Scott in the USS Atlanta:
USS ATLANTA (CL)
USS AARON WARD (DD 483)
USS FLETCHER (DD 445)
USS LARDNER (DD 487)
D. Task Group 67.4, Support Group, commanded by
Rear Admiral Callaghan in the USS San Francisco:
USS SAN FRANCISCO (CA)
USS HELENA (CL)
USS PORTLAND (CA 33)
USS JUNEAU (CL 52)
USS LAFFEY (DD 459)
USS BUCIIANAN (DD 484)
USS GWIN (DD 433)
USS STERRET (DD 407)
USS CUSHING (DD 376)
USS PRESTON (DD 379)
USS SHAW (DD 373)
USS MONSSEN (DD 436)
(b) OPERATION ORDERS: CTF 67, Operation Order 2-42, November 7,
(c) CHANGES IN ORDERS: CTF 67, Secret Letter A16-3(8) serial 00388 of
November 11 cancelled original course into Guadalcanal to be taken by
transports to one passing south and west of San Cristobal Island
and East and North of Guadalcanal through Lengo Channel. By visual
signal from flag orders were altered to provide for designation of
beach dumps by permanent beachmaster at Guadalcanal 090046. CTF 67
Mailgram 080120, November, provided for temporary screening group on
departure White Poppy under command of Captain Dubose in USS
Portland.
(d) POSITION: Anchored as before, Noumea, New Caledonia,
alongside USS Tryon, transferring stores to this
ship. At 1321, underway from Noumea Grandy Quay
for Anchorage. At 1636 underway from Noumea.
At 1911 passed out of Bulari Passage for
Guadalcanal.
(e) OPERATIONS: Normal cruising with other ships of Task Force
67, proceeding on assigned mission to
Guadalcanal.
(f) ORDERS RECEIVED: See Paragraph (c) above.
(g) ENGAGEMENTS: None.
November 9, 1942.
(a) TASK ORGANIZATION: Task Force 67 (Composition as per November 8th).
(b) OPERATION ORDERS: ComTaskForce 67. 242.
(c) CHANGES IN ORDERS: None.
(d) POSITION: 0800 LCT Lat 21-05 S. Long 163-43 E.
1200 LCT Lat 20-24 S. Long 163-16 E.
2000 LCT Lat 18-57 S. Long 162-41 E.
Distance run from noon to noon 245 miles.
Distance run from Noumea 239 miles.
Average Speed 13.4 knots.
(e) OPERATIONS: Normal cruising en route Guadalcanal, Solomon
Islands. At 0914 ships of disposition conducted test firing of 20mm
and 50 cal machine guns. At 1500 this ship conducted abandon ship
exercise. At 1701 sound contact of submarine reported by fleet
guide. Ships executed emergency turn to starboard of 90 degrees. No
further contact.
(f) ORDERS RECEIVED: None.
(g) ENGAGEMENTS: None.
November 10, 1942.
(a) TASK ORGANIZATION: Task Force 67 (Composition as per November 8th).
(b) OPERATION ORDERS: ComTaskForce 67, Order No. 2-42.
(c) CHANGES IN ORDERS: None.
(d) POSITION: 0800 LCT Lat 16-27 S. Long 162-34 E.
1200 LCT Lat 15-42 S. Long 162-38 E.
2000 LCT Lat 14-04 S. Long 162-55 E.
Distance run from noon to noon 290 miles.
Average Speed 12 knots.
Distance run from Noumea 529 miles.
(e) OPERATIONS: Normal cruising en route Guadalcanal, Solomon
Islands. At 1506 USS Shaw rendezvoused this force and joined up.
(f) ORDERS RECEIVED: ComTaskFor 67 NPM 092015 instructed ships of
force to practice recognition and emergency identification signals
this day. This ship in carrying out the order replied correctly to
challenges from the USS McCawley, USS Crescent City, and the USS
Shaw. Challenge by this ship of USS Portland was not answered.
Simultaneous display of current emergency identification lights at
1845 by all ships resulted in all ships with the exception of the USS
President Jackson and the USS Crescent City displaying one red light.
The latter two ships displayed one white light. No correction was
made by the latter ships.
(g) ENGAGEMENTS: None.
November 11, 1942.
(a) TASK ORGANIZATION: Task Force 67 (Composition as per November 8th).
(b) OPERATION ORDERS: ComTaskForce 67, Order No. 2-42.
(c) CHANGES IN ORDERS: ComamphibforSoPac Serial 00389 from Commander
Task Force 67 to Task Group 67.1 modified the unloading plan for
transports in consideration of expected heavy attacks by carrier-
based and land-based enemy aircraft. Emphasis was transferred to
getting troops, weapons, ammunition and food ashore at the earliest
possible moment.
(d) POSITION: 0800 LCT Lat 11-44 S. Long 162-54 E.
1200 LCT Lat 11-20 S. Long 162-18 E.
2000 LCT Lat 10-34 S. Long 161-07 E.
Distance run from noon to noon 288 miles.
Average Speed 12 knots.
Distance run from Noumea 817 miles.
Distance to Lunga, Guadalcanal 213 miles.
(e) OPERATIONS: Normal cruising en route Guadalcanal,
Solomon Islands. At 0132 fire alarm sounded to indicate fire in #3
hold. False alarm. At 0510 rendezvoused USS Helena, USS San
Francisco and remaining destroyers of this task force. At 0906
sighted aircraft bearing 355 degrees True, distance about 14 miles.
Craft circled wide around disposition and disappeared at about 120
degrees true. Unidentified, but appeared to be a friendly DC-3. At
1040 land sighted bearing 345 degrees True. At 1143 received report
from USS Barton of radar contact with unidentified aircraft bearing
190 true, distant 19 miles. At 1146 one twin-engine float plane
sighted approaching this disposition from 180 degrees true. Went to
General Quarters. Plane resembled Japanese Navy Float Plane. Plane
disappeared on bearing 170 degrees. At 1240 sighted four engine
twin-tail plane bearing 320 true. At 1302 went to General Quarters.
Plane unidentified. Appeared to be Japanese four-motored bomber. At
1345 soused contact with submarine. Ships executed emergency turn 60
degrees to left. Second emergency turn of 40 degrees to left.
(f) ORDERS RECEIVED: None.
(g) ENGAGEMENTS: None.
November 12, 1942.
(a) TASK ORGANIZATION: Task Force 67 (Composition as per November 8th).
(b) OPERATION ORDERS: ComTaskForce 67, Order No. 2-42.
(c) CHANGES IN ORDERS: None
(d) POSITION: 0543 LCT Anchored in 35 fathoms of water off
Kukum, discharging cargo for beach.
1330 Underway, air alert.
1415 Under air attack, making various deceptive
courses and speeds.
1518 Anchored again off Kukum.
1834 Underway from Guadalcanal.
(e) OPERATIONS: At 0115 LCT, while entering Lengo channel, USS
CRESCENT CITY, which was next ahead of this ship in column, turned on
its larger searchlight, concentrating it to starboard quarter at
about 2,000 yards, and opened fire with its 3 inch AA battery at an
unidentified surface target. Ship to general quarters. Destroyers
of screen dropped many depth charges. No report made as to contact,
presumably enemy submarine. At 0425 set Condition One Afirm,
lowering away all boats and preparing to unload. At 0545 began
unloading and disembarking troops. At 0550 destroyers of anti-
submarine screen began dropping heavy depth charges. At 0640
friendly planes taking off from Henderson Field, Guadalcanal. At
0650 our planes began strafing of enemy positions west of Lunga
Point. At 0655 heavy explosion heard to westward. Possibly depth
charge. At 0715 USS HELENA and supporting destroyers began shelling
enemy positions west of Lunga Point. At 1015 incoming group of
friendly planes, including DC-3's with escort, were fired on by
screen to the East. Two cruisers observed firing both machine gun
and AA, as well as several destroyers. Firing was taken up by some
of the ships of transport division, as planes came in from eastward
right over the disposition, at an altitude of about 800 feet. This
ship did not open fire on this group of planes at any time. The
white star markings were plainly visible to the unaided eye at all
times, from the time the planes passed over the screening ships to
the eastward about 2,000 yards, until they turned into the interior
of the island to the westward of the transport group, to avoid the
fire. Several 3 inch bursts were close, but no AA or machine gun
hits were observed. At 1315 a preliminary report from coast watcher
Bougainville, reported 9 enemy bombers escorted by six Zero fighters
headed for Guadalcanal area. At 1330 Radio Guadalcanal reported 30
enemy planes approaching from north northwest, due at Guadalcanal at
about 1415. At 1323 went to general quarters and got under way with
other ships of this Task Force to repel air attack, making standard
speed of 14 knots and steaming on various courses as signaled by
Commander Task Force. At 1351 steaming on course 070 degrees True.
At 1359 turned left 90 degrees. At 1404 turned left 90 degrees. At
1408 turned right 90 degrees. At 1413 shore station signaled "Enemy
planes overhead," and here they come. The attacking planes were
twin-engine torpedo planes, resembling the Mitsubishi heavy bomber,
the red ball markings being plainly visible from this ship before the
planes had come within range of the next column of ships, 1000 yards
to starboard. The attacking force was split into two groups, which
approached this task force simultaneously from opposite bearings, one
group approaching from the port quarter, the other from the starboard
bow. Both groups were flying extremely low, at an estimated altitude
of from 25-100 feet, and at comparatively slow speed. All ships
opened fire, simultaneously with change of course 90 degrees to left,
causing planes to turn to avoid being on parallel course. Those
planes caught on parallel course flew extremely low, apparently with
the purpose of causing adjacent columns of ships to fire on each
other in attempting to hit the plane. Their maneuver was successful
in at least two instances. This ship's #2 20mm machine gun, located
port side amidships fired unavoidably on the deck of the USS CRESCENT
CITY, on port beam in adjacent column. No casualties or damage to
Crescent City reported. Torpedo bomber being fired at was hit
repeatedly by this gun, and crashed in flames about 1000 yards on
port bow. Of a total of 18 torpedo bombers actually counted by this
ship, a minimum of 9 were shot down by anti-aircraft fire. This
ship's battle observers reported a maximum of 13 shot down by AA fire
from ships of this task force. An undetermined number of Zero
fighter escorts were being engaged by U.S. aircraft overhead during
the attack, at an estimated altitude of 20,000 feet. Two of our
fighters were observed to be shot down. One of them, a Grumman F4F,
made a crash landing in the water about 3,500 yards to the port
quarter. Survivors were rescued by one of our destroyers. During
the course of the attack, two torpedoes were seen dropped by battle
observers of this ship. Neither was effective. All ships held their
fire until the attacking planes were within extremely close range
before opening up. First bursts were all short and low; once on,
however fire was devastating, the majority of the planes hit
disintegrating in mid-air from direct hits. USS SAN FRANCISCO
suffered an explosion aft during the course of the attack. Later
reported to have been hit by Jap torpedo bomber which crashed into it
while being fired on/. This ship's five inch gun got one possible
hit, as did Gun Baker, of the forward 3 inch AA battery. 20mm fire
was responsible for bring down, either independently or assisted by
20mm fire from adjoining transports, at least one plane. Report of
the Senior Aviator at Guadalcanal enumerated 31 planes as involved in
the attack, 25 twin-engine torpedo bombers and 6 Zero fighters. Of
these, our aircraft got one Zero and 16 bombers, and ship anti-
aircraft fire accounted for the remaining nine of the torpedo planes.
Fire ceased at 1417, and by 1449, anchored again off Kukum and
completed unloading by 1800. At 1822 underway retiring from
Guadalcanal.
ANTI-AIRCRAFT ACTION BY SURFACE SHIPS
LOCATION OF SHIP: Tulagi-Guadalcanal Area USS PRESIDENT ADAMS
DATE November 12, 1942
NOTES:
(a) REPEL ATTACK FIRST - Then collect data for this report.
(b) Do not "Gun Deck" this report - if data cannot be estimated with
reasonable accuracy enter dash in space for which no data is available.
(c) These sheets are to be filled out immediately after action is completed
with available data from ship's log, memory, and consultation with
ship's officers. Information is essential in order that the
effectiveness of our equipment can be determined. Where data is of
doubtful accuracy fill in with general terms. The obtaining or this
information must not be allowed in any way to adversely affect the
handling of equipment during action.
1. SURPRISE ATTACK (Yes or No): No
2. METHOD PICKING PLANE UP (Radar, binoculars, naked eye): Coast Watcher &
Eye. (if by radar state type of set) - - -
3. RANGE PLANE WAS PICKED UP (50 miles, 30 miles, 10 miles, less 5 miles):
- - -.
4. Number of planes: 17
5. Type of plane (fighter, Scout, dive-bomber): Torpedo bombers with
fighters.
Type of attack: Torpedo
6. Speed & Altitude (High and fast, intermediate and fast, low and fast,
high and slow, intermediate and slow, low and slow): slow and low
7. Guns Firing: Main Batt., AA Machine Guns Size: 5", 3"/50 cal., 20mm,
.50cal., 30cal. Number: 1, 4, 6, 5, and 3
Method of control: Master Sts. & Local. Method spotting: By Fire
Control & Battery Officers.
8. Ammunition expended: 5°51 cal.-2 rds.; 3"50 cal.-67 rds; 20mm-345 rds.;
.50 cal. Machine guns - ?; .30 cal. Machine gun - ?.
9. Percent service allowance expended: 5"/51 - 1%; 3:/50 AA - 8%; 20mm -
2%.
10. Approximate time tracking to first shot: 2½ min. 1410½-1413.
11. Approximate time of first hits: 1414
12. Approximate time first shot to last shot: 1413-1417
13. Approximate position angle open fire: 0
14. Approximate position cease fire: 0
15. Approximate bearing first shot: 090 rel.
(f) ORDERS RECEIVED: None.
(g) ENGAGEMENTS: See Paragraph (e) foregoing.
November 13, 1942.
(a) TASK ORGANIZATION: Task Force 67 (Composition as per November 8th).
(b) OPERATION ORDERS: ComTaskForce 67, Order No. 2-42.
(c) CHANGES IN ORDERS: None.
(d) POSITION: 0800 LCT Lat 11-18 S. Long 162-07 E.
1200 LCT Lat 12-01 S. Long 162-37 E.
2000 LCT Lat 13-01 S. Long 163-44 E.
Distance run from Guadalcanal 288 miles.
Average Speed 13.5 knots.
(e) OPERATIONS: Normal cruising retiring from Guadalcanal,
destination Esipitu Santo, New Hebrides. At 0103 passed into a heavy
rain squall, which lifted at 0106. At 0220 sighted two white lights
horizontally separated about 500 yards, on bench bearing 065 degrees
true. At 0617 aircraft sighted bearing 000 degrees true. Friendly
planes. At 0828 received report radar contact with plane bearing 050
degrees true, distance 25 miles. At 1032 sighted friendly plane. At
1210 sighted unidentified plane bearing 005 degrees true, elevation 3
degrees. At 1230 passed into a rain squall, over at 1235. At 1300
half-masted colors following movements of USS PRESIDENT JACKSON,
which held sea burial for six casualties from USS SAN FRANCISCO. At
1422 sighted PBY patrol bomber bearing 125 degrees true, elevation 5
degrees. At 1400 discovered a stowaway aboard, who gave his name as
Raymond B. Barreras, Pfc, USMC, admitting desertion from his division
at Guadalcanal. Strong resemblance to a Japanese was cause for
intensive questioning of the culprit, who claimed he was of Mexican
parentage, giving that unfortunate appearance as one of his reasons
for having to depart Guadalcanal, where both the Japanese and his own
brothers in arms who didn't trust his looks were opening up on him
continuously. This person was confined in the brig for safe-keeping
by order of the Commanding Officer. At 2025 sighted unidentified
plane with running lights on, bearing 010 degrees true, elevation 7
degrees, distance about five miles, and on a parallel course with
this disposition. Plane undertook to challenge this force, but did
not complete its challenge. No further contact.
(f) ORDERS RECEIVED: None.
(g) ENGAGEMENTS: None.
November 14, 1942.
(a) TASK ORGANIZATION: Task Force 67 (Composition as per November 8th).
(b) OPERATION ORDERS: ComTaskForce 67, Order No. 2-42.
(c) CHANGES IN ORDERS: None.
(d) POSITION: 0800 LCT Lat 14-11 S. Long 165-56 E.
1200 LCT Lat 14-20 S. Long 166-31 E.
2000 LCT Lat 14-37 S. Long 167-56 E.
Distance run from noon to noon 275 miles.
Average Speed " " " 11.5 knots.
Distance from Guadalcanal 512 miles.
Distance to Espiritu Santo 109 miles.
(e) OPERATIONS: After 2000 cruising between Espiritu Santo and
Aurora Island, waiting for daylight before entering channel Espiritu
Santo. At 0758 sighted unidentified plane bearing 120 degrees true,
elevation five degrees. At 0802 sighted two ships on horizon bearing
280 and 290 degrees true, respectively. At 0810 sighted five ships
bearing 045 degrees true, distant about ten miles. Identified as
friendly. At 0902 sighted land bearing 120 degrees true, distant
about 40 miles. At 1133 sighted five friendly planes bearing 120
degrees true. At 1822 passed into heavy rain squall, which lasted
until 1826.
(f) ORDERS RECEIVED: None.
(g) ENGAGEMENTS: None.
November 15, 1942.
(a) TASK ORGANIZATION: Task Force 67 (Composition as per November 8th).
(b) OPERATION ORDERS: ComTaskForce 67, Order No. 2-42.
(c) CHANGES IN ORDERS: None.
(d) POSITION: At 0625 anchored in Espiritu Santo.
Distance run from Guadalcanal 621 miles.
(e) OPERATIONS: Commenced discharging cargo to other ships.
Deserter who was found aboard November 12 was transferred to Rear
Echelon 8th Marines, under guard.
(f) ORDERS RECEIVED: None.
(g) ENGAGEMENTS: None.
November 16, 1942.
(a) TASK ORGANIZATION: Task Force 67 (Composition as per November 8th).
(b) OPERATION ORDERS: ComTaskForce 67, Order No. 2-42.
(c) CHANGES IN ORDERS: Comtaskfor 67 dissolved task force, thereby
reconstituting this ship a member of Task Force 62, Transdiv 2.
(d) POSITION: Anchored as before, Espiritu Santo, New
Hebrides. At 1826 shifted berth 20 yards to the
eastward. Secured at 1830.
(e) OPERATIONS: Continued discharging cargo to other ships as
before.
(f) ORDERS RECEIVED: None.
(g) ENGAGEMENTS: None.
November 17, 1942.
(a) TASK ORGANIZATION: Task Force 62, Transdiv 2.
(b) OPERATION ORDERS: Orders CTF 62.
(c) CHANGES IN ORDERS: None.
(d) POSITION: 0600 LCT Underway for Noumea, N.C.
1200 LCT Lat 20-48 S. Long 168-18 E.
2000 LCT Lat 22-20 S. Long 168-15 E.
Distance run noon to noon 65 miles.
Average Speed " " " 12 knots.
(e) OPERATIONS: Normal cruising en route Noumea, New Caledonia.
At 11825 sighted oil slick bearing 095 degrees true.
(f) ORDERS RECEIVED: None.
(g) ENGAGEMENTS: None.
November 18, 1942.
(a) TASK ORGANIZATION: Task Force 62, Transdiv 2.
(b) OPERATION ORDERS: Orders CTF 62.
(c) CHANGES IN ORDERS: None.
(d) POSITION: 0800 LCT Lat 20-05 S. Long 168-05 E.
1200 LCT Lat 20-48 S. Long 168-18 E.
2000 LCT Lat 22-20 S. Long 168-15 E.
Distance run noon to noon 287 miles.
Average Speed " " " 12 knots.
(e) OPERATIONS: Normal cruising en route Noumea, New Caledonia.
At 1404 conducted test firing of 20mm and three inch AA guns. At
1431 conducted fire drill. At 1437 sighted Mare Island broad on
starboard bow, distant 19 miles. At 1500 conducted Fire Rescue
drill. At 1838 made emergency turn to starboard 45 degrees to course
250 degrees True. At 1840 made second emergency turn to starboard of
45 degrees to course 295 degrees true. At 1847 made two emergency
turns to port of 45 degrees, putting ship back on course205 degrees.
At 2312 sighted two vessels bearing 157 degrees true, on opposite
parallel course, apparently a tanker and destroyer. No recognition
signals exchanged. Unidentified. At 2341 sighted land bearing 309
degrees true, distant 4 miles.
(f) ORDERS RECEIVED: None.
(g) ENGAGEMENTS: None.
November 19, 1942.
(a) TASK ORGANIZATION: Task Force 62
(b) OPERATION ORDERS: Orders CTF 62.
(c) CHANGES IN ORDERS: None.
(d) POSITION: At 1036 anchored in Dumbea Bay, Noumea, New
Caledonia. Distance run since previous noon 265
miles, 613 miles from Espiritu Santo.
(e) OPERATIONS: Taking on stores and supplies from other ships.
(f) ORDERS RECEIVED: None.
(g) ENGAGEMENTS: None.
November 20, 1942.
(a) TASK ORGANIZATION: Task Force 62, Transdiv 2.
(b) OPERATION ORDERS: Orders CTF 62.
(c) CHANGES IN ORDERS: None.
(d) POSITION: Anchored in Dumbea Bay, Noumea
(e) OPERATIONS: Engaged in taking on stores and supplies from
other ships, and supplying boats for other ships. Took on fuel.
(f) ORDERS RECEIVED: None.
(g) ENGAGEMENTS: None.
November 21, 1942.
(a) TASK ORGANIZATION: Task Force 62, Transdiv 2.
(b) OPERATION ORDERS: Orders CTF 62.
(c) CHANGES IN ORDERS: None.
(d) POSITION: Anchored in Dumbea Bay, Noumea
(e) OPERATIONS: Taking on stores and supplying boats and crews
for assisting other ships unload, etc.
(f) ORDERS RECEIVED: None.
(g) ENGAGEMENTS: None.
November 22, 1942.
(a) TASK ORGANIZATION: Task Force 62, Transdiv 2.
(b) OPERATION ORDERS: Orders CTF 62.
(c) CHANGES IN ORDERS: None.
(d) POSITION: At 0641 moved in and docked at Grand Quay,
Noumea.
(e) OPERATIONS: Began loading troops and equipment.
(f) ORDERS RECEIVED: None.
(g) ENGAGEMENTS: None.
November 23, 1942.
(a) TASK ORGANIZATION: Task Force 62, Transdiv 2.
(b) OPERATION ORDERS: Orders CTF 62.
(c) CHANGES IN ORDERS: None.
(d) POSITION: Moored at Grand Quay, Noumea, N.C.
(e) OPERATIONS: At 0615 moved away from dock, and passed out
through net, to anchorage Dumbea Bay, New Caledonia. Anchored at
0706 and began loading stores and furnishing boats to various ships.
(f) ORDERS RECEIVED: None.
(g) ENGAGEMENTS: None.
November 24, 1942.
(a) TASK ORGANIZATION: Task Force 62, Transdiv 2.
(b) OPERATION ORDERS: Orders CTF 62.
(c) CHANGES IN ORDERS: None.
(d) POSITION: Moored at Dumbea Bay, New Caledonia, as before.
(e) OPERATIONS: Furnishing boats and crews to assist other
ships in the harbor to unload.
(f) ORDERS RECEIVED: None.
(g) ENGAGEMENTS: None.
November 25, 1942.
(a) TASK ORGANIZATION: Task Force 62, Transdiv 2.
(b) OPERATION ORDERS: Orders CTF 62.
(c) CHANGES IN ORDERS: None.
(d) POSITION: Anchored in Dumbea Bay, New Caledonia, as
before.
(e) OPERATIONS: Furnishing boats and crews to assist loading and
unloading other ship.
(f) ORDERS RECEIVED: None.
(g) ENGAGEMENTS: None.
November 26, 1942.
(a) TASK ORGANIZATION: Task Force 62, Transdiv 2.
(b) OPERATION ORDERS: Orders CTF 62.
(c) CHANGES IN ORDERS: None.
(d) POSITION: Anchored in assigned berth, Dumbea Bay, New
Caledonia, as before.
(e) OPERATIONS: Furnishing boats and crews to assist unloading
and loading other boats and ships in harbor.
(f) ORDERS RECEIVED: None.
(g) ENGAGEMENTS: None.
November 27, 1942.
(a) TASK ORGANIZATION: Task Force 62, Transdiv 2.
(b) OPERATION ORDERS: Orders CTF 62.
(c) CHANGES IN ORDERS: None.
(d) POSITION: Anchored in assigned berth, Dumbea Bay, New
Caledonia, as before.
(e) OPERATIONS: Furnishing boats and crews to assist loading
and unloading other ships present.
(f) ORDERS RECEIVED: None.
(g) ENGAGEMENTS: None.
November 28, 1942.
(a) TASK ORGANIZATION: Task Force 62, Transdiv 2.
(b) OPERATION ORDERS: Orders CTF 62.
(c) CHANGES IN ORDERS: None.
(d) POSITION: Anchored in assigned berth, Dumbea Bay, New
Caledonia, as before.
(e) OPERATIONS: Furnishing boats and crews to assist loading
and unloading other ships present.
(f) ORDERS RECEIVED: None.
(g) ENGAGEMENTS: None.
November 29, 1942.
(a) TASK ORGANIZATION: Task Force 62, Transdiv 2.
(b) OPERATION ORDERS: Orders CTF 62.
(c) CHANGES IN ORDERS: None.
(d) POSITION: Anchored in assigned berth, Dumbea Bay, New
Caledonia, as before.
(e) OPERATIONS: Furnishing boats and crews to assist loading
and unloading other ships present.
(f) ORDERS RECEIVED: None.
(g) ENGAGEMENTS: None.
November 30, 1942.
(a) TASK ORGANIZATION: Task Force 62, Transdiv 2.
(b) OPERATION ORDERS: Orders CTF 62.
(c) CHANGES IN ORDERS: None.
(d) POSITION: Anchored in assigned berth, Dumbea Bay, New
Caledonia, as before.
(e) OPERATIONS: Furnishing boats and crews to assist loading
and unloading other ships present.
(f) ORDERS RECEIVED: None.
(g) ENGAGEMENTS: None.
ACTION REPORT
USS PRESIDENT ADAMS AP-38
Serial 248 14 November 1942
Air attack off Guadalcanal, 12 November 19432
Report of.
Report of Cdr. F.H. Dean, covers action on the afternoon of 12
November 1942, while operating in Task Group 67.1 (Capt. I.N.
Kiland) Transport Group, participating in landings at Guadalcanal.
Claim 2 enemy planes destroyed.
U.S.S. PRESIDENT ADAMS
AP38-A9
Serial 248
November 14, 1942.
From: Commanding Officer.
To: Commander-in-Chief, Pacific Fleet.
Subject: Action Report.
References: (a) Articles 712, 874(6), 948, 1022(12) and
2029, U.S. Navy Regulations, 1920.
Enclosures: (A) Chronological listing of events.
(B) Report from Executive Officer.
(C) Four (4) Action Photos.
1. The following.is a summary of action is which the U.S.S. PRESIDENT
ADAM was engaged off Guadalcanal Island on the afternoon of
November 12, 1942.
(A) Transports were maneuvered radically by 90° turns to bring two
groups of attacking planes successively towards our stern.
The original formation of enemy torpedo planes consisted of
about twenty-three Mitsubishi twin-engined torpedo bombers,
serial type MC-20. Approach was made from Florida Island
where planes split up into two groups. The early group made
its approach from the north and the later group approached
from Lengo Channel. The time co-ordination of the two groups
was poor.
(B) The U.S.S. PRESIDENT ADAMS fired the following number of
rounds of ammunition:
64 rounds of 3",
2 rounds of 5",
343 rounds of 20 m.m.,
150 rounds of .30 cal., and
320 rounds of .50 cal. (fired by troops).
Due to the fact that a hundred men of the crew were off the
ship, in ship's boats, it was necessary to man the guns by
various rates other than the seaman branch, as well as by
troops who manned the weapons of their combat equipment which
the ship was able to mount. I have also been informed that
the boat guns were employed and one of my crew informed me
that the fire from .30 cal. and .50 cal. guns in boats was
considered responsible for bringing down one of the enemy
planes.
(C) During the action two under water shocks to the ship's hull
were noticed. Apparently these were torpedoes exploding at
the end of their run. Two torpedo drops were seen. The
torpedoes skipped along on the surface for 75 - 100 yards
before taking their depth.
(D) Fire discipline was very good. The Captain personally
noticed one 20 m.m. gunner stop his fire just short of the
stern of another transport, sweep his gun up over this
transport, and resume fire on the torpedo plane as it came
out clear of the transport's bow. The fire of this
particular machine gunner, LINDNER, William A., coxswain,
USN, registered on the noses of two planes and started fires
in the planes fuselages which soon enveloped the planes in
flames and resulted in immediate crashing. 3"/50 guns "B"
and "C" definitely made hits on planes.
(E) The performance of our single 5"/51 cal. gun was unusual.
This gun, with four of the regular General Quarters crew away
in boats, fired two 5"/3g HE time fused projectiles at
planes. It was impossible to train this gun fast enough to
follow the targets, which for this ship were almost the full
deflection variety. Anticipating this, the trainer, judging
what the forward position of the plane would probably be,
trained well ahead of the firing bearing in advance and
waited for the plane to come on its line of fire. He was
only able to get off but one round at each of the two groups
of planes. Noting that the 1.2 second fuse setting was too
long against the first plane, the gun captain, 'WALKER,
Wesley W. , GM1c, USNR, quickly shifted to projectile with .8
second fuse for use against the second target. My Executive
Officer, whose Battle Two station is aft and close to the 5"
gun, has informed me that the second shot from the 5"/51 gun
registered on an enemy plane.
(F) In addition to the ship's regular batteries of 3 - .30 cal.
Lewis Machine guns in a mount made by ship's force, 8 - 20
m.m., 4 - 3"/50 cal., and one 5"/51 cal. guns, the following
guns from combat equipment of embarked army troops were
mounted in the locations listed:
(1) One twin .50 cal. on starboard side of forecastle deck.
(2) One single .50 cal. on port side of forecastle deck.
(3) One single .50 cal. on starboard side well deck.
(4) One single .50 cal, on port side of well deck.
All the .50 cal. guns were of the air cooled type,
(G) The loader of No. 1, 3"/50 cal, gun, GRAY, Jesse C., GM3c,
USN, produced a phenomenal performance in loading thirty-two
rounds in very close to one minute of elapsed time. The
barrel of this gun was almost smoking hot when firing ceased.
(H) Immediately after both groups of planes had been fired upon,
all loaded guns were cleared by firing, thus to avoid the
chances of any prematures in the guns themselves, due to
their very warm condition.
(I) I firmly believe that the ship can claim the destruction of
two enemy planes and a good share of effective hits on at
least two others.
(J) The ship received no damage and there were no gun casualties.
(K) None of the attacking planes made its approach directly
toward this ship.
(L) Initial fuse settings in the 3"/50 batteries were those
loaded for dive bombing attacks and consequently had too
short a fuse setting. This fact was quickly brought to the
attention of the Gunnery Officer by me, and a shift to longer
fuse settings were promptly made. The guns were preloaded
with short fuse settings for dive bomb attacks in view of the
report received that the approaching formation of enemy
energy planes contained about eight "Zeros".
(M) The two 20 m.m. guns on the after end of the bridge deck were
not able to fire a shot for fear of shooting into boat
davits. This same blind arc for these guns was experienced
on the 8th of August, 1942, during a similar torpedo plane
attack. Repeated efforts to get these two mounts raised
about eight feet have not been successful on account of non-
availability of services or material.
(N) Seven (7) enemy planes were seen to burn in the vicinity of
transports.
F.H. Dean
Copies to:
Comsopac. (with all encl.)
Comtaskfor 67. (with all encl.)
Comtaskgroup 67.1 (with encl. A & B).
Pac-90-wb
A16-3/SOL
Serial 03810
CONFIDENTIAL
From: Commander in Chief U.S. Pacific Fleet.
To: Commander in Chief U.S. Fleet.
Subject: Action Report - USS PRESIDENT ADAMS.
Enclosure: (A) USS PRESIDENT ADAMS AP/38/A9/(248) dated
November 14, 1942.
1. Enclosure (A) is an additional report of the air
attack on November 12, 1942, off Lunga Point.
F. V. MERCER
By direction.
History of the U.S.S. PRESIDENT ADAMS AP-38
Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships
President Adams AP-38
President Adams (AP-38), built under Maritime Commission contract, was laid
down as MC hull 57 by the Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Co., Newport
News, Va. 6 June 1940, Launched 31 January 1941, sponsored by Mrs. Robert R.
Jackson, delivered to the Navy 5 June 1941, converted by the Norfolk Navy
Yard; and commissioned 19 November 1941, Comdr. C. W. Brewington in command.
Stripped for war service with the entry of the United States into World War
II, 7 December 1941, President Adams fired her guns against the enemy, a U-
boat, for the first time on Christmas Day. Following the encounter, she
continued her shakedown exercises, then, steamed to the Pacific and trained
troops off California as she readied for her first amphibious operation. In
June, 1942, she embarked the 3rd Battalion 2nd Marines, and got underway 1
July for the south Pacific. Between 7 and 9 August, as the United States
launched the first step on the island paved path to victory in the Pacific
her LCMs and LCVPs landed the marines in the Guadalcanal-Tulagi area.
Retiring from the area, the converted liner carried casualties to Samoa,
whence she began bringing in reinforcements. For six months she transported
fresh troops and equipment to, and brought out wounded from, Guadalcanal.
Organized resistance on that island ceased 9 February 1943 but the campaign
for the Solomons was not over. President Adams, redesignated APA-19
(effective 1 February) continued to carry men and equipment to and from
embattled islands of the south Pacific, escaping serious damage from numerous
Japanese air attacks. During March and April, she trained assault troops in
New Zealand, then transported men and materiel from there, and from
Australia, to Guadalcanal, whence she steamed with Army forces for Rendova.
Landing those troops 30 June, she took on survivors from McCawley 1 July, and
sailed to Noumea.
From New Caledonia, President Adams returned to New Zealand, underwent an
abbreviated overhaul, then resumed transporting men and equipment to the
Solomons and training assault troops for amphibious operations, this time for
Bougainville. On 1 November, after bombarding the beaches at Torokina Point,
she landed the 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines, at Empress Augusta Bay.
During the next six months, President Adams thrice returned to Bougainville
with reinforcements; carried Army Engineers to Emirau; transported two groups
of Army reinforcements to Cape Gloucester on New Britain and, then, prepared
for action in the Marianas. In June, 194i, she steamed to Kwajalein, thence
to Saipan, where, as a floating reserve, she stood by to the east of the
island as the Battle of the Philippine Sea raged to the west. With the
postponement of the assault on Guam and her troops not needed on Saipan, she
steamed to Eniwetok where she remained until 17 July. On the 21st, she stood
off Guam as that operation got underway and during the next five days,
unloaded men and equipment sent supplies and provisions, including hot food,
to the beaches and took on casualties for evacuation to Pearl Harbor and the
west coast.
By 16 October, having undergone overhaul, President Adams embarked
construction equipment at Port Hueneme and Sea Bee personnel at San Francisco
and sailed for Manus. Thence she returned to New Caledonia where she took on
Army infantrymen for transportation west, to the assault beaches on Lingayen
Gulf, Luzon.
President Adams landed "passengers" and cargo 11-12 January 1945 then retired
to Leyte, discharging casualties from Lingayen, then she sailed back to Guam,
whence she carried Marine Corps units to Iwo Jima, landing them 19 February.
During the next ten days she stood off the beaches, unloading cargo,
receiving casualties, provisioning and repairing small boats.
After retiring to Saipan, President Adams continued on to Noumea, whence she
carried Army personnel to Leyte, and then, for the next two months, she
ferried troops from New Guinea to the Philippines. On 17 July she got
underway for the United States.
Emerging from overhaul at Portland, Ore., after the cessation of hostilities,
President Adams commenced moving occupation troops to the Far East and
returning veterans to the United States. After the initial post-war transport
assignments, she carried dependents to occupied zones and transported
military personnel and equipment to ports in Japan China and the Philippines.
On 7 March 1947, she departed the west coast for Norfolk. Arriving on the
24th, she commenced cargo and passenger runs between the east coast and the
Caribbean. Designated for inactivation in October, 1949, she completed her
last Caribbean run, to Port au Prince, Trinidad, and Coco Solo, 19 January-2
February 1950, and on the 8th departed Norfolk for the west coast. On 2 March
she arrived at San Francisco, where she decommissioned 14 June 1950 and
joined the Pacific Reserve Fleet. She remained berthed at San Francisco until
struck from the Navy List, 1 October 1958, and transferred to the Maritime
Administration's National Defense Reserve Fleet, and was berthed at Suisun
Bay, Calif. into 1970.
President Adams earned 9 battle stars during World War II.
PRESIDENT JACKSON Class
Completed - 1940 -42
AP-37 President Jackson (APA-18)
AP-38 President Adams (APA-19)
AP-39 President Hayes (APA-20)
AP-60 President Jefferson (APA-21)
Dimensions
Displacement(tons):
16,700 (Full load)
Length: 492' (oa)
Beam: 69' 6"
Draft: 27' 6" (max)
Armament
4 3"/50 DP
2 40mm AA twins
14 20mm AA
Carrying capacity
31-32 LCVP
2 LCM
1,550 TROOPS
Propulsion
Speed: 17 knots (max)
10 knots (econ)
Horsepower: 8,500 (shaft)
Drive: Geared turbine
1 screws;
Fuel: 1,700 tons oil (max)
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