Saturday, June 11, 2011

USS SALUTE (AM-294)-- Part 2: Battle of Samar

I had never heard of the Battle of Samar, so had to do some research on that as well. Thanks Wikipedia.


THE BATTLE OF SAMAR

The Battle of Samar took place October 25, 1944, and was a surprise attack on the American fleet which caused Admiral William Halsey some flack as he allowed his fleet to be drawn away from its job of covering the landings.

US losses was a destroyer escort sunk, 23 aircraft, 913 wounded and 1,583 killed or missing (which was why the Salute was patrolling). Japanese losses were 3 heavy cruisers sunk and three damaged, one destroyer escort damaged and an unknown number of casualties.

The battle again proved the effectiveness of air attack and destroyer torpedoes against larger vessels.


MORE PATROLS

In November, the Salute carried out patrols and sweeps in the Leyte area before participating in most of the subsequent landings in the Philippines doing pre-invasion sweeps and providing anti-aircraft and anti-submarine protection for the troops on the beaches and their transports.

They encountered few mines, but had serious problems with kamikazes.

From Feb. 13-14, the Salute did pre-invasion sweeps of Manila Bay where the ship and others came under Japanese fire.

More to Come. --DaCoot

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