U.S.S. Fletcher DD-445
War Diary and Action Reports November 1942,
WAR DIARY
U.S.S. FLETCHER (445)
From: November 1, 1942. To: (and including) December 1, 1942.
November 1, 1942.
At Segond Channel, Espiritu Santo. 1440 underway with Task
Group 64.2 -ATLANTA (CTG), ARRON WARD, BENHAM, FLETCHER, LARDNER
enroute to Guadalcanal to support landing operations.
Positions Lat. Long.
2000 14-32 S 166-49 E
Course 317°, speed 21 knots.
November 2, 1942.
Proceeding with Task Group 64.2 as before. 1600 designation
changed to Task Group 65.3. Received orders to proceed through
Sealark Channel to engage enemy light forces reported enroute
Guadalcanal. 1900 received orders for all forces (Task Force
65) to retire to eastward in view of strong enemy force
reported. 1931 collision occurred between FULLER and CONYNGHAM
about 1000 yds. on port bow.
Positions Lat. Long.
0800 11-38-15 S 164-21-00 E
1200 10-33-30 S 163-00-15 E
2000 09-17-30 S 160-25-30 E
November 3, 1942.
Task Group 65.3 - ATLANTA (CTG), ARRON WARD (CDS12), FLETCHER,
BENHAM, LARDER - retiring to south of San Cristobal Island to
rendezvous with CTG 65.4 to form striking group to prepare for
attack on enemy force reported to northward. 0500 proceeding to
rendezvous with all groups of Task Force 65. 1420 joined up
with TF 65; constituted as follows:
TG 65.1 - HUNTER LIGGETT, BARNETT, PRES. HAYES.
TG 65.3 - ATLANTA (CTG), ARRON WARD, FLETCHER, BENHAM, LARDNER,
GWIN, WALKE, McCALLA.
TG 65.8 - 65.1 and 65.3 combined.
TG 65.4 - SAN FRANCISCO (CTF), HELENA, BUCHANAN, LAFFEY,
STERRETT.
TG 65.5 - MANLEY, McKEAN, NEVILLE, HEYWOOD, FOMALHAUT.
TG 65.7 - PENSACOLA (CTG), CUSHING, PRESTON, MUSTIN, ANDERSON.
TG 65.9 - 65.5 and 65.7 combined.
Operating plan - CTF 65 plan One. 1500 entire force proceeding
to Guadalcanal via Sealark Channel.
Positions Lat. Long.
0800 10-40-15 S 161-21-45 E
1200 11-04-30 S 162-29-30 E
2000 09-58-45 S 161-53-30 E
November 4, 1942.
Proceeding as before. 0130 TG 65.9 detached to proceed Aola
Bay. 0315 FLETCHER proceeding ahead of TG 65.8 through Sealark
Channel to scout (SG Radar), Guadalcanal - Tulagi area for enemy
forces; reported areas clear. 0500 rejoined Task Group off
Lunga Point, screening transports. 0721 spotted location of gun
(at Kokombuna) that was firing on transports and was directed to
engage it. 0730 opened fire at 15,000 yards; 0810 ceased
firing, having expended 134 rounds 5" and silenced Jap battery.
Resumed screening operations. 1110 maneuvered with transports
to defend them against expected air raid. 1300 transports
returned to Lunga Point and resumed unloading. 1800 TG
65.8 retiring through Sealark Channel for the night. ATLANTA
(CTG), ARRON WARD, FLETCHER, BENHAM & LARDNER proceeding to join
TG 65.4 to form striking group. 2300 joined up, steaming
various courses in Indispensable Strait.
Positions Lat. Long.
0800 9-21-00 S 159-59-00 E
1200 9-20-30 S 160-02-00 E
2000 9-17-45 S 160-32-30 E
November 5, 1942.
Proceeding as before with strike force composed of Task Groups
65.3 and 65.4. 0430 reassembled TG 65.8 and proceeded through
Sealark Channel. 0700 took screening station on transports unloading
at Lunga Point. 0930 received warning of 27 bombers and 24 fighters
enroute Guadalcanal. 1100 unloading completed, transports underway,
screened by TG 65.3 for air attack. Departed via Nggela Channel,
clearing at 1235. 1300 GWIN, BENHAM, WALKE detached. TG 65.8 now
composed of ATLANTA (CTG), ARRON WARD, FLETCHER, McCALLA, LARDNER,
HUNTER LIGGETT, PRES. HAYES, BARNETT, proceeding north of San
Cristobal enroute Espiritu Santo.
Positions Lat. Long.
0800 9-22-15 S 160-01-00 E
1200 9-12-00 S 160-13-45 E
2000 10-02-00 S 160-58-00 E
November 6, 1942.
Proceeding as before, enroute from Solomon Islands to Espiritu
Santo. Screening transports.
Positions Lat. Long.
0800 11-48-15 S 164-01-15 E
1200 12-23-30 S 164-46-15 E
2000 13-36-00 S 166-15-00 E
November 7, 1942.
Proceeding as before. 0750 entered Segond Channel. Fueled from
GUADALOUPE. Anchored in berth D-2. Provisioned ship and replenished
ammunition. Effected minor machinery repairs.
November 8, 1942.
Anchored in Segond Channel, Espiritu Santo, New Hebrides.
Continued machinery repairs.
November 9, 1942.
At anchor, Espiritu Santo. Formed Task Group 62.4 consisting of
ZEILIN, BETELGEUSE, LIBRA and escort vessels ATLANTA (CTG 62.4),
AARON WARD, FLETCHER, McCALLA and LARDNER. Operating under
Comamphorsopac (CTF 67) Oplan A 23-42 of 7 Nov. 1942. 0915 underway
with TG 62.4 enroute to Guadalcanal; screening transports.
Positions Lat. Long.
1200 15-18-00 S 13-50-45 E
2000 167-26-00 S 166-66-15 E
November 10, 1942.
Proceeding as before with Task Group 62.4 enroute Espiritu Santo
to Guadalcanal, Screening transports. 1010 in Lat. 11-18 S, Long.
163-36-30 E delivered depth charge attack on possible but not definite
submarine contact. 1125 enemy seaplane shadowing.
Positions Lat. Long.
0800 11-38-15 S 163-54-00 E
1200 11-04-00 S 163-09-00 E
2000 09-59-00 S 161-45-00 E
Course 296° T., speed 15 knots.
November 11, 1942.
Proceeding as before. 0315 proceeded ahead of Task Group
through Sealark Channel to search for enemy forces in Guadalcanal -
Savo Tulagi area; none encountered. 0615 rejoined Task Group
screening AP and AK's unloading west of Lunga Point. 0915 Task Group
underway. standing by for air attack. 0940 Japanese dive-bombers
attacked - dropped about 10 bombs around transports, no direct hits,
ZEILIN damaged by near miss. Fletcher shot down one dive-bomber with
20 & 40 MM fire. (Details in Action Report). 1000 resumed unloading
and screening. 1120 27 bombers 24 fighters approaching - Task Group
underway maneuvering. 1127 opened fire on bombers over air field,
altitude 20,000 ft., fire not effective, planes beyond range. 1200
resumed unloading operations. 1600 ZEILIN and LARDNER departed. 1815
Task Group retired eastward to Indispensable Strait. 2100 joined Task
Group 67.4 and formed a column as follows: BUCHANAN, STERRETT, LAFFEY,
CUSHING SAN FRANCISCO, (CTG 67), HELENA, ATLANTA, ARRON WARD, McCALLA,
FLETCHER. Proceeded through Sealark Channel to Guadalcanal - Savo -
Tulagi area to engage any enemy forces present.
Positions Lat. Long.
0800 09-21-30 S 160-02-00 E
1200 09-24-00 S 160-08-00 E
2000 09-16-30 S 160-25-15 E
November, 12, 1942.
Proceeding with striking force in Guadalcanal - Savo - Tulagi
area. Circling clockwise in bay at 18 knots. No enemy forces
encountered. 0520 Task Group 62.4 joined with and became Task Group
67.3 then comprised of ATLANTA (CTG 67.3), ARRON WARD, FLETCHER,
McCALLA, O'BANNON, BARTON. Joined with Task Group 67.4 -
SAN FREANCISCO (CTG 67.4), HELENA, PORTLAND, JUNEAU, LAFFEY, BUCHANAN,
STERRETT, CUSHING, SHAW, MONSSEN - and engaged in screening Task Group
67.1 - PRES. JACKSON (CTG), PRES. ADAMS, McCAWLEY (CTF 67), CRESCENT
CITY, LIBRA, BETELGEUSE - which were unloading east and west of Lunga
Point. 1350 Force underway in AA formation, FLETCHER astern of right
hand column, maneuvering. 1408 attacked by 21 Japanese torpedo
planes, this ship shot down 5. Details in Action Report. No torpedo
hits scored. No damage or casualties in FLETCHER. 1419 action
terminated, transports stood in to Lunga and resumed unloading,
combatant ships resumed screening. 1810 AP's and AK's underway and
stood out Lengo Channel. screened by BUCHANAN, McCALLA, SHAW,
SOUTHARD and HOVEY. Striking force formed column and stood out
Sealark Channel. Order of ships: CUSHING (CDS 10), LAFFEY, STERRETT,
O'BANNON, ATLANTA (CTG 67.3), SAN FRANCISCO (CTG 67.4), PORTLAND,
HELENA, JUNEAU, AARON WARD, BARTON, MONSSEN, FLETCHER. Maneuvered in
Indispensable Strait; 2330 set westward course through Lengo Channel.
Positions Lat. Long.
0800 09-23-00 S 160-07-00 E
1200 09-22-15 S 160-09-30 E
2000 09-21-20 S 160-17-00 E
November 13, 1942.
Proceeding in battle formation as before to engage enemy in
Guadalcanal - Savo - Florida area. 0148 to 0223 engaged Japanese
naval forces in battle; details set forth in enclosed Report of
Action. 0350 rejoined with HELENA (SOPA) and SAN FRANCISCO east of
Sealark Channel. 0500 JUNEAU joined up. 0730 STERRETT and O'BANNON
joined up; took cruising formation standing to southeastward at 17
knots. 1102 Lat. 10-33 S, Long. 161-03, JUNEAU was torpedoed by
submarine and blew up. 1130 course 135°, speed 20 knots, retiring to
Espiritu Santo.
Positions Lat. Long.
0800 09-50-00 S 161-06-00 E
1200 10-49-00 S 161-08-00 E
2000 12-27-00 S 163-00-15 E
November 14, 1942.
Proceeding with HELENA (SOPA), SAN FRANCISCO, STERRET, and
O'BANNON from Guadalcanal to Espiritu Santo, DD's screening cruisers.
1300 BUCHANAN joined. 1604 entered Segond Channel. 1703 moored to
GUADALUPE, fueled ship.
Positions Lat. Long.
0800 13-49-00 S 166-07-00 E
1200 14-43-30 S 167-00-15 E
Task Force 67 was disbanded.
November 15, 1942.
At Segond Channel, Espiritu Santo Island, New Hebrides.
Unmoored from Guadalupe and anchored. Provisioned ship.
November 16, 1942.
Anchored in Segond Channel, Espiritu Santo. Received
ammunition, effected machinery repairs.
November 17, 1942.
Anchored as before. Completed machinery repairs.
November 18, 1942.
Anchored as before. 1825 underway by order Comairsopac (SOPA)
to conduct A/S patrol off eastern entrances to channel, vicinity
Tutuba, Bogacio, and Malo Islands. Speed 15 knots.
November 19, 1942.
Conducting independent A/S patrol off eastern entrances to
Segond Channel, Espiritu Santo. Various courses at 15 knots, sound
searching and zig-zagging.
November 20, 1942.
Patrolling as before off Tutuba, Bogacio and Malo Islands.
November 21, 1942.
Patrolling as before.
November 22, 1942.
Patrolling as before.
November 23, 1942.
Patrolling as before. FLETCHER assigned to Task Group 67 in
Reorganization. Ref. Comsopac 230612 of Nov. 1942. Task Force
comprised of NORTHAMPTON, PENSACOLA, NEW ORLEANS, HONOLULU, HELENA,
LAMSON, NICHOLAS, O'BANNON, FLETCHER, GRAYSON, MAURY.
November 24, 1942.
Patrolling as before. 0840 relieved on patrol by MAURY. 0918
anchored in Segond Channel near eastern entrance on A/S listening
watch. Received 10 torpedoes from RIGEL.
November 25, 1942.
Anchored at eastern entrance to Segond Channel, Espiritu Santo,
conducting A/S listening. 0757 underway, fueled from SABINE and then
anchored in berth D-3.
November 26, 1942.
Anchored as before. Provisioned ship. 1737 underway by order
Comairsopac (SOPA) to conduct A/S patrol off eastern entrances, in the
vicinity of Tutuba, Bogacio, and Malo Island, relieving NICHOLAS.
November 27, 1942.
Conducting A/S patrol off eastern entrances to Segond Channel,
Espiritu Santo. Various courses at 15 knots, sound searching and zig-
zagging. 0810 GAMBLE took over patrol. Returned to port and anchored
in berth D-1, Segond Channel.
November 28, 1942.
Anchored as before. 0530 underway proceeding to west entrance
of Segond Channel, where anchored and took up submarine underwater
listening watch. 1632 underway, fueled from GUADALUPE, and then
moored alongside MUSTIN in berth D-3.
November 29, 1942.
Anchored as before. 2305 underway and stood to sea in
accordance with orders of CTF 67.
November 30,1942.
At 0000 CTF 67 Operation Plan 1-42 was placed in effect. Task
Force composed of MINNEAPOLIS (CTF 67), NEW ORLEANS, PENSACOLA,
HONOLULU (CTG 67.2.3), NORTHAMPTON, FLETCHER, MAURY, PERKINS, DRAYTON.
ask Force sortied from harbor and formed with cruisers in column in
above order and with DD's in A/S screening stations. Proceeded on
northerly and northwesterly courses at 27 knots enroute to Guadalcanal
to intercept and engage Japanese landing force.
Positions Lat. Long.
0800 13-03-30 S 165-20-00 E
1200 11-39-00 S 163-56-00 E
2000 09-31-00 S 160-57-00 E
At about 2000 DD's formed column 4000 yards ahead of guide in order:
FLETCHER, PERKINS, MAURY, DRAYTON. LAMSON and LARDNER joined and were
stationed as DD's rear. Task Force in battle formation stood in
through Lengo Channel. At 2308 first contact was made. At 2322
action was commenced by DD's van firing torpedoes at group of five
enemy ships. At 2323 all ships opened gunfire. At 2325 ceased fire;
DD's van retired around Savo Island. For details, including track,
times, ranges, bearings, see enclosed Action Report. No damage or
casualties in FLETCHER. Expended 10 torpedoes and 60 rounds 5"
ammunition.
December 1, 1942.
Proceeding in vicinity Savo Island, Solomon Island, retiring
from action with five Japanese ships. Task Force 67 composed of
MINNEAPOLIS (CTF 67), NEW ORLEANS, PENSACOLA, HONOLULU (CTG 67.2.3),
NORTHAMPTON, FLETCHER, MAURY, PERKINS, DRAYTON, LAMSON, LARDNER.
Proceeded, leading DD's van to rendezvous with our previously engaged
and now apparently damaged cruisers. About 0020 CTG 67.2.3 in
HONOLULU took tactical command. From 0213 to 0435 FLETCHER and
DRAYTON were engaged in rescuing NORTHAMPTON survivors. With DRAYTON
in company proceeded through Sealark Channel at 25 knots. Failing
rendezvous with OTC or other of own forces, proceeded to BUTTON. For
details of the foregoing see enclosed Action Report.
Positions Lat. Long.
0800 09-40-00 S 161-13-00 E
1200 10-21-00 S 162-31-00 E
2000 12-01-00 S 164-14-15 E
Speed 25 knots.
U.S.S. FLETCHER
% Postmaster
San Francisco,
California
DD445/A16-3
Serial No. (S)-1 November 15, 1942.
From: The Commanding Officer.
To: The Commander Task Force Sixty-Seven.
Via: Senior Officer Task Group Sixty-Seven point Four.
Subject: Report of Action.
Reference: (a) U.S. Navy Regulations.
Enclosure: (A) Executive Officer's Report.
1. This vessel engaged the enemy actively on four occasions during the
period from November 11 to November 13, 1942, in the area between
Guadalcanal, Florida, and Savo Islands. This activity took place
incident to the landing of reenforcements for our forces on
Guadalcanal.
2. On Wednesday November 11, 1942, there were two aircraft actions.
(a) At about 0925 took stations in close anti-aircraft screen
protecting transports and cargo vessels. At 0940 opened fire
with five-inch, 40mm and 20mm batteries. This vessel shot down
one Japanese dive-bomber with 40mm and 20mm fire. Noted eight or
ten other dive bombers shot down by vessels in screen, and
observed one of our F-4-F fighters shoot down four Japanese Zero
fighters in succession.
(b) At about 1127 opened fire on flight of 27 Japanese medium and
heavy bombers attacking our ground installations on Guadalcanal.
Fired at maximum fuse (range) setting but burst were apparently
short.
3. (a) On November 12, 1942, this vessel was operating in a screen
protecting transports and cargo vessels during unloading
operations at Guadalcanal. At about 1408 a Japanese aircraft
torpedo attack commenced. This vessel was stationed on the
starboard quarter of the formation with respect to the northerly
base course.
(b) Of a total of about 21 Japanese torpedo planes, a group of 10
approached from the starboard quarter of the formation, from
bearing about 120° (T). This group was taken under fire at 1412
by 5"/38 battery. One plane shot down before other ships opened
fire. FLETCHER's High 40mm and STERRETT and MONSSEN 5"/38 opened
fire and two more planes fell, one quite definitely hit in nose
by own 40mm, and second believed hit with own five inch. Group
split, four to starboard and three to port. The first plane to
pass up the starboard side was taken under fire by #3 and #5 20mm
and hit from tail to nose. This plane caught fire, dropped its
torpedo, was taken under by other ships as it reached the
formation and crashed. Definite the FLETCHER set fire to this
plane and inflicted fatal damage. Second plane taken under fire
by Low 40mm and all three starboard 20mm guns. Shot down and
burst into flames before releasing torpedoes. Third plane fired
on and hit but passed on far side of STERRETT, later crashed,
undoubtedly downed by other ships. Fourth plane on starboard
side passed beyond STERRETT, not taken under fire by FLETCHER.
Of the remaining three planes, the first crossed astern and was
taken under fire by #2,#4, and #6 20mm and High 40mm. It crashed
in flames. The second plane on the port side was hit by #4 and
#6 20mm, dropped its torpedo, apparently toward HELENA, and
finally flew off smoking to crash in flames on the beach. The
third plane was shot down, on FLETCHER's port quarter, either by
HOVEY or SOUTHARD. Total planes shot down by FLETCHER 5, planes
shot down by FLETCHER and other ships in immediate vicinity 3.
Ammunition expended: 5"/38 cal., 78 rounds; 40mm 175 rounds; 20mm
457 rounds. Action terminated at about 1419. No casualties in
this ship.
(c) Ships present: Comtaskfor 67 in McCAWLEY (R. Adm. Tunrer), PRES.
JACKSON, PRES. ADAMS, CRESCENT CITY, BETELGEUSE, LIBRA,
Comtaskgroup 67.4 in SAN FRANCISCO (RAdm. Callaghan), HELENA,
PORTLAND, JUNEAU, Comtaskfor 62.4 in ATLANTA (RAdm. Scott),
Comdesron 12 in ARRON WARD (Capt. Tobin), O'BANNON, BARTON, SHAW,
MONSSEN, Comindiv 5 in SOUTHARD, HOVEY.
4. (a) During the early morning of Friday, November 13, 1942, engaged
Japanese surface forces in the area Cape Esperance, Lunga Point
and Savo Island. Task Group 67.4 entered the bay through Lengo
Channel in column about midnight. This vessel was the thirteenth
and last ship in the formation. Destroyers van consited of
ComTask Group 62.4 in ATLANTA (RAdm. Scott), ComTask Group 67.4
in SAN FRANCISCO (RAdm. Callaghan), PORTLAND, HELENA, JUNEAU.
Destroyers rear were Comdesron 12 in ARRON WARD (Capt. Tobin),
BARTON, MONSSEN, and FLETCHER.
(b) At 0130 made radar contact with enemy forces in area southwest of
Savo Island. Our column had turned to north and enemy was ahead
of and to port of own forces. Radar screen showed disposition as
in Sketch I.
(c) Own course north, speed 18. Enemy forces were apparenly in three
groups, one of which had crossed ahead of our column from port to
starboard. The second was on the port bow of our column and the
third on the port beam. A target in the third, or southwesterly
enemy group was selected at the radar. There were apparently
three or four heavy ships in this group preceded by a destroyer
screen. Approxmiatly twenty enemy ships were visible on the
radar screen at this time. At 0149 an enemy ship on our port bow
illuminated our cruisers by searchlight and all our vessels
opened fire. Opening range of this ship was about 5500 yards.
FLETCHER's target turned out to be the ship which had
illuminated, and since it was under fire from other vessels, fire
was shifted to a cruiser astern of her. This vessel had three
stacks and two high masts and was possible of the TENRYU or
NATORI class. She burst into flames in many places. One
Japanese destroyer in her vicinity blew up and one or two were on
fire. At 0153 received order by voice radio from OTC to cease
fire. Complied with this order and selected a new target, a
cruiser astern of the original target. Opened fire on this thrid
target at 0155. By this time the TENRYU type cruiser was seen by
several observers to suffer several minor explosions and sink.
The radar screen during this first phase of gunfire appeared as
in Sketch II.
(d) At 0156 BARTON (second ship ahead) exploded and simply
disappeared in ftagments. The MONSSEN, low in the water, had by
this time dropped aft on FLETCHER's starboard beam and the ARRON
WARD pulled out on the port bow. At the same time (illuminated
by BARTON's flames) one torpedo was seen to broach and porpoise
about 50 yards ahead, two were seen to pass under the ship from
starboard to port and one passed astern making a surface run.
Medium caliber shells were splashing on both sides of us.
(e) The situation at this time became very confused. Our column had
disintegrated; the cruisers appeared to have turned left to
course 270° and were engaging heavy units ahead. The JUNEAU was
crossing our line of fire and necessitated shifted to a target
farther aft. Fire from both sides was still heavy and sustained.
At this stage the radar screen appeared approximately as shown in
Sketch III. Apparently the northerly group of enemy had turned
south down our starboard side and fired torpedoes at the
starboard side of the rear of our column. One of the destroyers
was observed to have a stack marking of white stripe over red
strips. Own five-inch guns continued to fire all during the
preceding events with unknown results. Two or three men are
reasonably sure they saw a medium sized ship catch fire in
several places, but, with all the chaos, there is no choerent
information.
(f) The FLETCHER was then turned hard left (backing port engine)
proceeded at maximum speed and threaded through the remainder of
enemy disposition, firing at random. Commenced making smoke and
retired to south-southwest about 6000 yards. Started turn to
right to return and deliver torpedo attack when a large ship was
seen emerging from the melee. She was northeast of FLETCHER at
this time and moving to the right on a southerly or southeasterly
course. About this time the general firing became sporadic,
seeming to consist of individual duels.
(g) At 0205 turned south at 35 knots to round up ahead of enemy. The
gun director matched with radar, found the target and plot
commenced to track. The enemy was then northeast on south or
southeasterly course at speed 20 knots. FLETCHER gradually drew
ahead to position about three miles on her starboard bow. At
0221 the target had slowed to 17 knots and was on course 070°.
FLETCHER came left to course 030 to reach firing position. Own
track and estimated enemy track during the foregoing period are
shown on the track chart. This enemy ship was at this time
firing major caliber guns with white tracers at a fairly high
range to northward. This was about the only gun action then
taking place. At 0222 slowed to 15 knots and when target was on
bearing 273 (T) distant 7300 yards fired a half salvo of five
torpedoes, previously set for a 36 knot run. At 0223 fired the
second half salvo of five torpedoes using new solution which was
almost identical with previous data. About six minutes later a
series of two or three low horizontal flashes were seen at the
target. A series of increasingly large explosions took place in
her, followed by continuous burning, and about twenty or thirty
minutes later she blew up and completely disintegrated. By means
of the gun flashes and occasional flares overhead the target was
at times quite well lighted. All witnesses agree that it was a
large cruiser or a battleship, that she had two forward and two
after turrets, and that her general outline was somewhat
comparable to our AUGUSTA class. Her identity cannot,
unfortunately, be stated with any certainty. She could have been
a "KONGO" battleship or a "MAYA" cruiser.
(h) After the action retired to eastward via Sealark Channel and fell
in with HELENA, SAN FRANCISCO, O'BANNON, STERRETT and JUNEAU.
Retired to southeast down Indispensible Strait.
(i) No personnel injuries in FLETCHER. No material damage inflicted
by enemy. The only casualties were those due to shock of own
gunfire. Many light bulkheads and fixtures have been torn loose
and a few doors are warped out of shape.
5. The conduct under fire of all officers and men was exemplary. There
was no internal confusion; each officer and man performed his duties
efficiently and effectively. All are deserving of the greatest
praise.
Especially worthy of mention was the performance of duty of the
Executive Officer, Lieutenant Commander J. C. WYLIE. From his station
at the SG Radar screen he kept the Commanding Officer continuously
advised of the tactical situation (which was often visually obscured),
selected targets, and directed gun and torpedo control. The
effectiveness of the FLETCHER's engagement was due principally to his
intelligent analysis and cool judgement.
W. M. COLE.
ENCLOSURE (A)
U.S.S. FLETCHER
% Postmaster
San Francisco,
California
DD445/A16-3
November 15, 1942.
From: The Executive Officer.
To: The Commanding Officer.
Subject: Report of Action.
Reference: (a) U.S. Navy Regulationsm, Art. 948.
1. This vessel actively engaged the enemy on four occasions during the
period November 11 November 13, 1942, off Guadalcanal.
2. During the dive bombing and torpedo planes attacks on November 11 and
12 the performance of the five inch, 40mm and 20mm batteries was
superb. The fact that six planes were shot down by this ship alone,
in addition to sharing with other ships the destruction of three more,
is the most adequate description of the performance of duty of the
entire ship's company. It is extremely difficult to designate
particular individuals whose conduct or action were outstanding.
DAHLKE, D.H., 654-19-31, Sea1c, U.S.N.R.-6 the gunner on #3 20mm gun,
literally cut pieces out of the nose and cockpit of one plane. HOGAN,
W.J., 382-73-55, TM3c, U.S.N., the gunner of #1 20mm was knocked flat
on his back three times by the blast from #2 5-inch gun and in each
instance was back on his gun, hitting the target, in three or four
seconds. WALKER, E.G. 368-48-66, Sea1c, U.S.N, gunner on #2 20mm,
opened up on the nose of a dive bomber and continues to until after
the plane crashed in the water. The High 40mm gun repeatedly hit and
downed a torpedo plane approaching the ship when the range was about
2000 yards. The five inch battery tracked these torpedo planes from
14,000 yards to 3,000 yards and shot down one of the two leading
planes with the first burst.
3. To cite individuals as having been responsible for the ship's success
would be unfair. Lieut. I.J. Davenport, U.S.N., the Gunnery Officer
and Ens. F.C. Gressard, U.S.N., the machine gun control officer, were
each in control of perfectly coordinated and effective batteries.
4. During the chaotic night surface action which took place about 0200
November 13 1942, the smooth unhurried coordination of the five inch
control party was, if any single incident can be mentioned, worthy of
particular praise. Just as during the air attacks, the complete
effective coordination of the entire ship's organization made possible
the sinking by gunfire of a Japanese cruiser and by torpedo fire of a
very heavy Japanese ship. SCOTT, R.W., 372-06-76, FC1c, U.S.N., in
charge of the plotting room was the outstanding figure in the plotting
room.
5. In as much as this vessel is equipped with a Type SG Radar with a PPI
screen, the internal organization of the ship was adjusted to make the
maximum use of its potential value. The detailed technical procedures
seem more properly the subject of a special report.
J.C. WYLIE
U.S.S. HELENA
FIRST ENDORSEMENT
CL50/A16-3(009)
November 21, 1942.
From: The Senior Officer, Task Group Sixty-Seven point Four.
To: The Commander Task Force Sixty-Two.
Subject: Report of Action, U.S.S. FLETCHER.
1. Forwarded.
/s/ GILBERT C. HOOVER.
AMPHIBIOUS FORCE
A16-3
Serial 00426
U.S.S. McCAWLEY, Flagship,
November 29, 1942.
SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
CO FLETCHER secret ltr.
DD445/A16-3 serial (S)-1
dated November 15, 1942.
From: Commander Task Force SIXTY-TWO.
To: Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.
Via: Commander South Pacific Force.
Subject: Report of Action, U.S.S. FLETCHER.
1. Forwarded.
2. Attention is invited to paragraph 5 of the basic report in
which the Commanding Officer commends Lieutenant Commander J.C.
WYLIE for his performance of duty; and to paragraphs 2,3, and
4, of the Executive Officer's report, in which the following
named officers and men are cited for outstanding conduct:
Lieutenant I.J. DAVENPORT, U.S.N.
Ensign F.C. GREESARD, U.S.N.
DAHLKE, D.H., 654-19-31, Sea1c, USNR-V6
SCOTT, R.W., 372-06-76, FC1c, USN.
HOGAN, W.J., 382-73-55, TM3c, USN.
WALKER, E.G., 368-48-66, Sea1c, USN.
/s/ R.K. TURNER.
Copy to:
SO TG 67.4 (HELENA)
CO FLETCHER
Comairsopac
SOUTH PACIFIC FORCE
OF THE UNITED STATES PACIFIC FLEET
HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER
A16-3/
Serial 00118c
THIRD ENDORSEMENT on
CO FLETCHER Secret Ltr.
DD445/A16-3 Serial (S)-1
of November 15, 1942.
From: The Commander South Pacific Area and
South Pacific Force.
To: The Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.
Subject: Report of Action, U.S.S. FLETCHER.
1. Forwarded.
2. The performance of the FLETCHER in the actions covered by this
report gives evidance of a high degree of organization and
training.
3. The deliberate, calculated attack on and probable sinking of a
large enemy ship described in paragraph 4(f) and 4(g) in the
face of constant danger of discovery and annihilation typifies
the offensive spirit so essential in present operations.
4. The inestimable value of the Sail George radar in a destroyer
action is again demonstrated.
Copies to:
CTF 62
CTG 67.4 (HELENA)
CO FLETCHER
Comairsopac
Information U.S.S. FLETCHER
DICTIONARY OF FIGHTING SHIPS
History of the U.S.S. FLETCHER DD-445
Fletcher DD-445
Fletcher (DD-445) was launched 3 May 1942 by Federal Shipbuilding and Drydock
Co. Kearny, N.J.; sponsored by Mrs. F. F. Fletcher, widow of Admiral
Fletcher; and commissioned 30 June 1942. Lieutenant Commander W. M. Cole in
command. She was reclassified DDE-446 on 26 March 1949.
Fletcher arrived at Noumea, New Caledonia, 5 October 1942 from the east
coast, and at once began escort and patrol duty in the Guadalcanal operation,
bombarding Lunga Point 30 October. Sailing from Espiritu Santo 9 November to
cover the landing of reinforcements on the embattled island, she joined in
driving off a heavy enemy air attack on the transports 12 November, splashing
several enemy aircraft. This was the opening phase of the Battle of
Guadalcanal a 3-day air and surface action in which American naval forces
fought so determinedly and tenaciously to hold control of the seas in the
Solomons that the Japanese never again sent large naval forces into the
waters around Guadalcanal. Fletcher played an important part in the surface
action off Guadalcanal 13 November, firing guns and torpedoes in the general
melee which sank two Japanese destroyers and damaged battleship Hiei, later
sent to the bottom by carrier and Marine aircraft.
Fletcher retired to replenish at Espiritu Santo arriving the day after the
battle, and after patrolling against submarines off Noumea, sortied 30
November 1942 with a force of cruisers and destroyers to intercept a force of
enemy transports and destroyers expected to attempt a reinforcement of
Guadalcanal that night. Fletcher led the force through Lengo Channel, and
made the first radar contact with the enemy off Tassafaronga Point just
before midnight. The resulting battle saw one Japanese destroyer sunk and
one slightly damaged and four American cruisers badly damaged, all but one of
which were saved by superb damage control measures. Fletcher rescued
survivors of Northampton (CA-26), ingeniously using cork floated cargo nets
to take great groups of them from the water.
The destroyer continued to operate in the Solomons patrolling, bombarding
shore targets, driving off Japanese air attacks, rescuing downed aviators,
destroying Japanese landing barges and covering new landings on the northern
coast of Guadalcanal. Out on patrol 11 February 1943, Fletcher was alerted
by a smoke float dropped by a plane from Helena (CL-50), and sped to attack
and sink Japanese submarine RO-102. She sailed in support of the landings on
the Russell Islands 21 February, bombarded Munda airfield on New Georgia
during the night of 5-6 March, and continued to guard the movement of
transports in the Solomons.
Between 23 April 1943 and 4 May, Fletcher was in Sydney, Australia, for a
well earned breather and a chance to put the ship in top condition for
another month of general duty in the Solomons. She left Espiritu Santo 19
June for a stateside overhaul, returning to Noumea 27 September to resume her
former activities until 31 October. Then she sortied with a carrier task
group to provide air support for the invasion of the Gilbert Islands,
fighting off a Japanese counter-attack from the air 26 November. Again
Fletcher fired on Japanese aircraft on 4 December when the task group came
under attack after it had made a strike on Kwajalein.
Fletcher returned to Pearl Harbor 9 December 1943 and after a brief overhaul
and training on the west coast, was ready for the attack on the Marshalls.
She screened a force of transports from San Diego to Lahaina Roads between 13
and 21 January 1944, then joined a bombardment group to fire on Wotje Atoll
30 January. Next day she rendezvoused with the main attack force for the
landings on Kwajalein, screening the transports and patrolling off the atoll
until 4 February. After escorting empty transports to Funafuti, Fletcher
reported at Majuro 15 February for duty screening battleships in bombardments
of Taroa and Wotje on 20 and 21 February, then patrolled off Eniwetok.
After joining in training exercises off Port Purvis, Fletcher arrived at Cape
Sudest, Netherlands New Guinea, 18 April 1944. This was her base during the
next month as she supported the Humboldt Bay landings with bombardment on
tiny Ali and Seleo Islands 23 April, and by covering reinforcement landings
on 30 April. After escorting a convoy to Noumea, out of which she patrolled
against submarines in late May, Fletcher arrived at Humboldt Bay 5 June. She
made one patrol against any attempt of the Japanese to reinforce their Biak
garrison, then covered and provided shore bombardment for the invasions of
Noemfoor, Sansapor, and Morotai, as well as patrolling and escorting
reinforcements for these various operations through the summer.
Fletcher reached Manus 9 October 1944 from Humboldt Bay to prepare for the
invasion of Leyte, for which she sortied 12 October screening transports. She
covered them while they sent their boats ashore in the initial landings 20
October, and next day departed for New Guinea, thus clearing Leyte Gulf
before the great battle for its control broke out. She returned to Leyte with
transports carrying reinforcements 23 November, and through the next month,
continued her support of the first phase of the Philippine Liberation,
escorting convoys, firing prelanding bombardments at Ormoc Bay and Mindoro,
and firing on Japanese aircraft in several attacks.
On 4 January 1945, Fletcher sortied from San Pedro Bay to provide close cover
for the Luzon Attack Force as it sailed toward its objective. She splashed at
least one of the many Japanese aircraft which attacked on 8 January, and
during the landings in Lingayen Gulf the next day, patrolled the Gulf. After
supporting the landings on San Antonio Beach, Luzon, 29 January she entered
Subic Bay to cover minesweeping, then on 31 January provided fire support to
the landings in Nasugbu Bay. Fletcher began 4 days of operations in the
occupation of Bataan and Corregidor 13 February, firing a preliminary
bombardment, giving fire support on call, and covering minesweepers opening
Manila Bay. On 14 February, while firing on Japanese batteries at Los
Cochinos Point, Fletcher took a hit which killed eight and wounded three of
her men. She continued to fire as she controlled damage, and a half-hour
later added rescue operations to her activities as she took the survivors off
YMS-48, also hit by Japanese fire. Fletcher's firing in Manila Bay continued
until the 17th.
Fletcher took part in the landings at Puerto Princesa, Palawan, and
Zamboanga, covered minesweeping and landings at Tarakan, and gave local
patrol and escort service in the Philippines until 13 May 1945, when she
sailed for a west coast overhaul. After exercises off San Diego and in the
Hawaiian Islands, she was immobilized at San Diego until placed in commission
in reserve 7 August 1946 and out of commission in reserve 15 January 1947.
Recommissioned 3 October 1949 as a specialist in antisubmarine warfare,
Fletcher sailed for San Diego 1 May 1950 for a tour of duty with the 7th
Fleet in the western Pacific. At the outbreak of the Korean Conflict, she lay
at Hong Kong with Valley Forge (CV-45), and on 3 July arrived off Korea with
the Valley Forge group, augmented by British carrier HMS Triumph, to begin
launching air strikes on North Korea. Through the summer, she sailed off
Korea on this duty, replenishing when necessary at Buckner Bay, Okinawa, or
Sasebo, Japan. She also participated in the invasion of Inchon from 13 to 17
September, and returned to Pearl Harbor, her homeport 11 November.
On 19 November 1951, Fletcher cleared Pearl Harbor for another tour of duty
screening the carriers of the 7th Fleet in Korean operations. She also fired
shore bombardment on two occasions, participated in antisubmarine training
off Okinawa, and patrolled in the Taiwan Straits. Returning to Pearl Harbor
20 June 1952, she was at sea again from 5 September to 24 November for atomic
tests in the Marshalls, then completed another tour of Far Eastern duty from
14 May 1953 to 30 November.
Annually from 1954 through 1962 Fletcher sailed to the Far East for duty with
the 7th Fleet, in 1955 providing antisubmarine screening for the evacuation
of the Tachen Islands. In both 1957 and 1958 she made her outward bound
passage by way of Samoa and Australia. Intensive antisubmarine training was
her major occupation during periods between deployment.
Fletcher received 15 battle stars for World War II service, and five for
Korean War service.
FLETCHER Class
Completed - 1939 - 40
Dimensions:
Displacement:
2,050 tons (stand)
2,700 tons (Mean War Service)
Length: 376' (oa)
Beam: 40'
Draft: 15' (max)
Armament:
5 5"/38 DP
4-5 40mm twins
6-11 20mm
2 DC tracks; 2 track extensions
4-6 DC projectors
2 21" TT (quads)
Propulsion:
Speed: 37 knots (max)
Max. Cruising radius:
2,500 miles @ 25 knots
4,400 miles @ 15 knots
Horsepower: 60,0000 (shaft)
Drive: 2 screws; geared turbine
Fuel: 556 tons oil (max)
In the FLETCHER Class, the U.S. Navy definitely
abandoned the medium-sized destroyer, and adopted
new standards for size sea-keeping ability and
sustained speed. A new basic destroyer design
was introduced, to which all succeeding classes
have been built. Salient features of this design
are: increased beam, reversion to the flush-deck
hull, but with a conventional destroyer stern, and
the retention of the BENSON's boiler and engine
room arrangement. The FLETCHER's have proven
themselves one of the most successful destroyer
classes ever built for the Navy.
War losses include: CHEVALIIER (DD 451), STRONG (DD 467),
DEHAVEN (DD 469), PRINGLE (DD 477), BROWNSON (DD 518),
ABNER READ (DD 526), BUSH (DD 529), HOEL (DD 533),
JOHNSTON (DD 557), HALLIGAN (DD 584), COLHOUN (DD 801),
and LITTLE (DD 803).
DD 445 - FLETCHER DD 446 - RADFORD
DD 447 - JENKINS DD 448 - LAVALLETTE
DD 449 - NICHOLAS DD 450 - O'BANNON
DD 452 - PERCIVAL DD 465 - SAUFLEY
DD 466 - WALKER DD 468 - TAYLOR
DD 470 - BACHE DD 471 - BEALE
DD 472 - GUSET DD 473 - BENNETT
DD 474 - FULLAM DD 475 - HUDSON
DD 476 - HUTCHINS DD 478 - STANLY
DD 479 - STEVENS DD 480 - HALFORD
DD 481 - LUEUTZE DD 482 - WATSON
DD 498 - PHILIP DD 499 - RENSHAW
DD 500 - RINGOLD DD 501 - SCHROEDER
DD 502 - SIGSBEE DD 507 - CONWAY
DD 508 - CONY DD 509 - CONVERSE
DD 510 - EATON DD 511 - FOOTE
DD 513 - TERRY DD 514 - THATCHER
DD 515 - ANTHONY DD 516 - WADSWORTH
DD 517 - WALKER DD 519 - DALY
DD 520 - ISHERWOOD DD 521 - KIMBERLY
DD 527 - AMMEN DD 528 - MULLANY
DD 530 - TRATHEN DD 531 - HAZELWOOD
DD 532 - HEERMANN DD 534 - McCORD
DD 535 - MILLER DD 536 - OWEN
DD 537 - THE SULLIVANS DD 538 - STEPHEN POTTER
DD 539 - TINGEY DD 540 - TWINING
DD 541 - YARNALL DD 544 - BOYD
DD 545 - BRADFORD DD 546 - BROWN
DD 547 - COWELL DD 550 - CAPPS
DD 551 - DAVID W. TAYLOR DD 552 - EVANS
DD 553 - JOHN D. HENLEY DD 554 - FRANKS
DD 555 - HAGGARD DD 556 - HAILEY
DD 558 - LAWS DD 561 - PRICHETT
DD 562 - ROBINSON DD 563 - ROSS
DD 564 - ROWE DD 565 - SMALLEY
DD 566 - STODDARD DD 567 - WATTS
DD 568 - WREN DD 569 - AULICK
DD 570 - CHARLES AUSBURNE DD 571 - CLAXTON
DD 572 - DYSON DD 573 - HARRISON
DD 574 - JOHN RODGERS DD 575 - McKEE
DD 576 - MURRAY DD 577 - SPROSTON
DD 578 - WICKES DD 580 - YOUNG
DD 581 - CHARRETTE DD 582 - CONNER
DD 583 - HALL DD 585 - HARDEN
DD 586 - NEWCOMB DD 587 - BELL
DD 588 - BURNS DD 589 - IZARD
DD 590 - PAUL HAMILTON DD 592 - HOWORTH
DD 593 - KILLENS DD 594 - HART
DD 595 - METCALF DD 596 - SHIELDS
DD 597 - WILEY DD 629 - ABBOT
DD 630 - BRAINE DD 631 - ERBEN
DD 642 - HALE DD 643 - SIGOURNEY
DD 644 - STEMBEL DD 649 - ALBERT W. GRANT
DD 650 - CAPERTON DD 651 - COGSWELL
DD 652 - INGERSOIL DD 653 - KNAPP
DD 654 - BREARS DD 655 - JOHN HOOD
DD 656 - VAN VALKENBURGH DD 657 - CHARLES J. BADGER
DD 658 - COLAHAN DD 659 - DASHIELL
DD 660 - BULLARD DD 661 - KIDD
DD 662 - BENNION DD 663 - HEYWOOD L EDWARDS
DD 664 - RICHARD P. LEARY DD 665 - BRYANT
DD 666 - BLACK DD 667 - CHAUNCEY
DD 668 - CLARENCE K. BRONSON DD 669 - COTTON
DD 670 - DORTCH DD 671 - GATLING
DD 672 - HEALY DD 673 - HICKOX
DD 674 - HUNT DD 675 - LEWIS HANCOCK
DD 676 - MARSHALL DD 677 - McDERMUT
DD 678 - McGOWAN DD 679 - McNAIR
DD 680 - MELVIN DD 681 - HOPEWELL
DD 682 - PORTERFIELD DD 683 - STOCKHAM
DD 684 - WEDDERBURN DD 685 - PICKING
DD 686 - HALSEY POWELL DD 687 - UHLMANN
DD 688 - REMEY DD 689 - WADLEIGH
DD 690 - NORMAN SCOTT DD 691 - MERTZ
DD 792 - CALLAGHAN DD 793 - CASSIN YOUNG
DD 794 - IRWIN DD 795 - PRESTON
DD 796 - BENHAM DD 797 - CUSHING
DD 798 - MONSSEN DD 799 - JARVIS
DD 800 - PORTER DD 802 - GREGORY
DD 804 - ROOKS
To learn more about the
Links to other web-sites with information on the
U.S.S. FLETCHER DD-445
U.S.S. FLETCHER visit their
Web-site
DD-445
(Battle of Guadalcanal) information. Provided from
"The Fighting FLETCHER DD/DDE445 DD992 History 1998 book"
NAVAL
HISTORICAL CENTER Has photos of DD-445
NavSource
Online Has photos of DD-445
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