THE FOLLOWING IS A HISTORICAL ACCOUNT OF THE PATTERSON FROM THE BOMBING OF PEARL HARBOR
TO 11 OCTOBER 1945. THE ACCOUNT IS WORD FOR WORD FROM DOCUMENTS FROM MY DAD’S
SCRAPBOOK
U.S.S. PATTERSON (DD392)
11 OCTOBER 1945
In as much as ship’s records prior to 7 December 1941 are completely missing and
those records from the Pearl Harbor raid up to mid 1943 are incomplete it is impossible to
write a thoroughly complete history of the PATTERSON.
The PATTERSON joined the United States Navy on 22 September 1937 at the Puget Sound
Navy Yard. In command was Commander F. T. Snellman, USN. Although substantiating records
are lacking, it is assumed that the ship took its place in the Destroyer Battle Force of
the Pacific Fleet. During the years preceding the war the PATTERSON was commanded by
Commanders J. E. Hurff and later, M. H. Hubbard taking part in the peacetime routine of
battle problems, gunnery exercises, leave, and liberty.
7 December 1941 found the PATTERSON (Lt. Comdr. Frank R. Walker, U.S.N., Commanding)
moored in berth X-11, Pearl Harbor in nest with HENLEY and RALPH TALBOT. When the Japanese
struck, the enemy planes were taken under fire immediately and preparations were made to
get underway. As a result of our AA firing a plane pressing home an attack on the CURTISS
was destroyed. By 0900 the ship was underway, cleared the harbor, and commenced patrolling
of the entrance. At 1200 joined with ComDesBatFor in DETROIT off Barbers Point and
proceeded westward in company with the DETROIT , PHOENIX, ST. LOUIS, and various ships of
DesRon4 in an effort to make contact with the enemy surface forces. The search continued
until the 10th of December with negative results, and the ships returned to
Pearl Harbor. 11 and 12 December were spent at anchor, but on the 13th the ship
got underway to make an A/S search in the Pearl Harbor area. Results were negative. Later
the same day cleared Pearl Harbor with DesDiv 8 less MUGFORD and spent the next two days
patrolling off Pearl Harbor. On the morning of the 14th the PATTERSON dropped
charges on a possible submarine contact with unknown results. The ship returned to port
early the morning of the 15th and anchored for the day and night.
The following morning in company with CruDiv 6 less NEW ORLEANS and DesDiv 8 less
JARVIS plus SELFRIDGE departed Pearl Harbor to make a search to the west which lasted
until the 29th of December. On the 17th the SARATOGA and DesDiv 7
joined the formation, now known as Task Force 17. Available information indicates that the
cruise was uneventful but for one incident. At 1055 on 28 December at 1.21-06N and 161-55W
the Patterson rescued 19 survivors, including the Master of the S.S. MARIMI. The
merchantman, according to the survivors report, had been torpedoed by an enemy submarine
and the survivors had been adrift in the life raft for several days. The next day the ship
entered Pearl Harbor where she rode at anchor for the next two days. The last day of 1941
found the PATTERSON sortieing from Pearl Harbor in company with Task Force 14 to take part
in another search sweep to the west. This cruise lasted until 13 January 1942 and was
uneventful except for negative A/S actions on the 12th and 13th of
January. The night of January 13-14 was spent at anchor in Pearl Harbor. On the morning of
14 January departed Pearl Harbor in company with the HENLEY enroute to Canton Island
conveying personnel and freight. Arrived at Canton Island on the 19th, spent
the next day transferring the personnel and unloading freight, and then patrolled off
Canton Island until the 25th when the track from Hawaii was retraced. There,
until the 5th of February, the ship was alongside the WHITNEY for routine
overhaul.
In company with DesDiv 8 less RALPH TALBOT plus BAGLEY and PENSACOLA, the PATTERSON
departed Pearl Harbor the morning of 5 February 1942 and headed for Samoa, arriving at
Pago Pago the morning of February 13th, departing the afternoon. Heading
southwest the ships rendezvoused with Task Force 11 on 17 February 1942. In company with
this Task Force the PATTERSON played a part in the action off Bougainville of 20 February
1942. That day the ship’s activities consisted of firing at enemy planes and rescuing
a LEXINGTON pilot from the water. There is little information now on board as to the
detailed activities of the ship from 21 February to 26 March 1942. During this time the
PATTERSON was a part of Task Force 11 which teamed with Task Force 17 to strike Lae and
Salamaua on 10 March. Other than an engineering casualty (overheated spring bearings on
propeller shaft), which was repaired the night of March 7-8 by the ship’s force, the
affair was uneventful. Because of the engineering casualty the ship was left behind by the
Task Force and steamed independently while repairs were effected and she was able to catch
up. On 11 March rendezvoused with the PORTLAND, LAWSON, and NEOSHO, and on 14 March
rejoined Task Force 11. After the scheduled strikes, the Task Forces headed north-eastward
enroute to Pearl Harbor, arriving there the morning of 26 March. The ship remained at
Pearl Harbor until 7 April when she departed with JARVIS and KITTYHAWK in Convoy #4090
enroute to San Francisco. On April 14th the PATTERSON entered the Navy Yard,
Mare Island for an overhaul which was completed on 8 May 1942.
In company with Convoy #2074 departed San Francisco 9 May 1942 enroute to Pearl Harbor.
The trip passed without incident and the convoy arrived on the 17th of May.
Remained in Pearl until the 22nd of May during which period Comdr. Frank R.
Walker, USN, relieved Capt. Samuel B. Brewer, USN, as ComDesDiv 8, retaining as additional
duty, command of the PATTERSON. On the afternoon of 22 May 1942 departed Pearl Harbor in
company with MORMAC-STAR, PROCYON, and JARVIS enroute to the Fiji Islands. Arrived at
destination without incident late the afternoon of 31 May. Spent the period from 31 May to
9 June in and about the Fiji Islands, departing in company with PROCYON for Noumea, New
Caledonia. Again the voyage was without incident, and the ships arrived at their
destination 12 June 1942. For two days the PATTERSON stayed in port, and then, on the 14th
set course for Sidney, Australia in company with the JARVIS, arriving after an uneventful
voyage on 17 June. Remained in Sidney until the 19th when the ship departed
escorting the British Tanker LEKAY to Brisbane, arriving at the destination 21 June.
Underway in company with Task Force 44 to make a sweep of the Coral Sea area which ended
28 June when the Task Force reached Noumea. The force left Noumea the next day and headed
for Brisbane arriving without incident 1 July. The period of 1 July to 14 July was spent
in and around Brisbane taking part in fleet exercises, on A/S patrol, and receiving
routine tender upkeep.
On the 14th of July Task Force 44 departed Brisbane and set course for
Wellington, N. Z. , arriving 19 July to be incorporated in Task Force 62 under Rear
Admiral R. K. Turner. On 22 July the Task Force left Wellington and proceeded to the Fiji
Islands where rehearsals for the forthcoming Guadalcanal operations were held until the
end of the month. On July 31st Task Force 62 headed for the Solomon Islands.
The Task Force proceeded toward the objective area without mishap during the first six
days of August. Late in the morning of the 6th all ships were ordered to
general quarters, and in the afternoon the approach disposition was formed. The next day
scheduled landings took place with little interference from the enemy. The first hostile
reaction was a horizontal bombing attack that took place early in the afternoon. No damage
was suffered by ships in the area near PATTERSON whose assignment was to screen Transport
Group "Xray". At 1459 that same day six enemy dive bombers attacked, and at 1500
the MUGFORD was hit. During the night the PATTERSON, BAGLEY, AUSTRALIA, CANBERRA, and
CHICAGO took station near Savo Island screening the western approaches to Guadalcanal and
Tulagi. At 0530 8 August the ship rejoined the protective screen supporting Transport
Group "Xray". At 1036 it was reported that forty enemy bombers were coming in
from the northwest. All ships were ordered to get underway as soon as possible, and all
destroyers and cruisers were ordered to form an AA screen around the transports. At 1200 a
torpedo attack was pressed home by the enemy. In the ensuing fight the PATTERSON saw
twelve enemy planes go down and two damaged. Of the bag she claimed four kills and one
hit. The rest of the day was quiet, and the night was spent on patrol between Savo and
Care Esperance. At 0146 the morning of 9 August the PATTERSON notified the CANBERRA and
CHICAGO of enemy ships approaching. 0147 changed course to left to bring guns and
torpedoes to bear. 0148 illuminated with star shells three enemy cruisers and engaged
them. 0149 PATTERSON illuminated by searchlight and under heavy fire. 0151 one
unidentified ship hit and burning. Four minutes later an enemy shell struck the PATTERSON
in the vicinity of Gun 4 shelter killing three men and wounding eight, seven more were
listed as missing. By the time the ship had recovered the enemy forces were retiring
between Savo Island and Tulagi Island. The action with the enemy lasted but a few minutes;
the major piece of work done by the ship occurred around 0400 that morning. The CANBERRA
had been heavily hit, was burning fiercely, and desperately needed assistance. At 0410 the
PATTERSON moored alongside the CANBERRA and helped her fight fires, pump out flooded
compartments, and care for the wounded. There was an interruption to the rescue and
salvage work when an unidentified ship was picked up by radar at 0515. Casting off, the
potential threat was challenged four times without answer. Illuminated with searchlight
and opened fire. After an exchange of three salvos emergency recognition measures were
taken. The ship turned out to be the CHICAGO. Firing was stopped instantly with no damage
to either ship. Again at 0610 went alongside the CANBERRA and finished taking off
survivors when it was ascertained that there was no hope of saving the ship. By 0645 the
job was completed, and, with 400 survivors of the CANBERRA aboard, the ship proceeded to
area "Xray" where the survivors were transferred to the BARNETT. Except for an
air alert the morning of the 9th nothing of importance took place. The air
attack did not materialize. At 1520 the PATTERSON was ordered to join a Transport
Division, CHICAGO, MUGFORD, and DEWEY proceeding to Noumea. The trip to Noumea was
uneventful, and the ships anchored in Great Roads at 1024 August 14th. Until 19
August the ship remained in and around Noumea having emergency repairs effected to the
battle damage received in the First Battle of Savo Island.
On 19 August the PATTERSON in company with the AUSTRALIA, HOBART, SELFRIDGE, and BAGLEY
were ordered to proceed north to join Task Force 61. At 1135 21 August the rendezvous was
made. The AUSTRALIA, HOBART, PATTERSON, and BAGLEY reported to the SARATOGA Group (TF11);
the SELFRIDGE reported to the WASP Group (TF18). While operating with these forces trouble
was encountered the afternoon of the 24th; enemy planes attacked the ENTERPRISE
(operating with another force in the vicinity) and hit her with bombs. Though Task Force
11 was alerted several times during the day, there was no action. The following day the
GRAYSON made sonar contact, and the PATTERSON was dispatched to assist her. Several
attacks were made, and the submarine believed sunk. The GRAYSON got credit for the kill.
The forces operated in the general area west of the southern Solomon's with little
excitement until the morning of August 31 when the SARATOGA was torpedoed by a submarine.
That evening the PATTERSON, PHOENIX, and BAGLEY were detached from Task Force 11 and
proceeded south to rejoin Task Force 44.
On 2 September rendezvous was made with Task Force 44 and course set for Australia.
Then began a period of duty in the Australian area which lasted until May 1943. For that
period the only sources of information now available are Captain’s Fight Order Books,
administrative remarks in the logs, and incomplete quartermaster’s notes. According
to these sources of information the period was not at all eventful, Most of the operating
consisted of patrols in and around the Great Barrier Reef, coastal convoys, and training
exercises. Liberty and recreation facilities of the Australian area were well used.
On 13 September 1942 Commander F. R. Walker, USN was relieved as Commanding Officer by
Lt. Comdr. W. C. Schultz, USN. On May 29 1943, Commander Schultz was relieved as
Commanding Officer by Lt. Comdr. A. F. White, USN. The ship was in Noumea again and under
the control of ComSoPac. Routine convoy work between Noumea and Guadalcanal occupied the
days until the afternoon of June 24th when a report was received that a
"Tokyo Express" was heading for New Georgia. The PATTERSON joined with four
other destroyers (OTC was in GWIN), and the group headed up "the slot" at 25
knots. Until well into the morning the ships patrolled off New Georgia, but when contact
was not made by 0400 they headed back for Guadalcanal. On June 27th the ship
left the Guadalcanal area to escort two ships to Aukland, New Zealand arriving on 1 July.
On Independence Day she was proceeding north again escorting a fast evacuation ship
(RIXEY) to Guadalcanal. On the 9th the ship was again patrolling off
Guadalcanal and continued the patrol for the next two days while the RIXEY took on
passengers. Upon the completion of embarkation on the 11th the PATTERSON
escorted the RIXEY to a point reasonably close to New Caledonia and then, on orders from
ComSoPac, headed back to Guadalcanal. On July 13 the ship was anchored in Tulagi Harbor,
next day transferred torpedoes to ships of DesRon 21 and then departed the Guadalcanal
area to rendezvous with the group escorting the HONOLULU and ST. LOUIS to Espiritu Santo.
On the 16th the PATTERSON was at anchor in Espiritu Santo. The following day
the ship started the return trip to Tulagi in company with the RALPH TALBOT. On the 18th
the PATTERSON anchored in Purvis Bay, Florida Islands.
Until the night of July 23-24 activities were confined to escorting ships in the
southern Solomon's area and escorting resupply echelons to Rendova. While returning from
Rendova enroute to Purvis Bay on July 23rd , the PATTERSON was ordered to join
up with the CONWAY, TAYLOR, ELLET, KILTY, TALBOT, CROSBY and WATERS. The group under
command of Commander A. A. Burke, USN, was headed for Rice Anchorage in Kula Gulf to
reinforce the Marine elements which had bee landed. While the APD’s were unloading
the TAYLOR and ELLET were to go farther into the Gulf and bombard Baireko Harbor. The
operation was carried out according to plan, the only dissenting voice being a shore
battery from Kolombangara which was summarily silenced by the CONWAY and the PATTERSON. By
0400 the morning of July 24th the entire group was clear of Kula Gulf and
making the best possible speed for Tulagi Harbor.
In the afternoon Tulagi was reached, the ship refueled, replenished ammunition, and
stood out with the CONWAY, TAYLOR, WILSON, ELLET, MAURY, and GRIDLEY. The objective was
New Georgia, the target Lambeti Plantation near the Munda air strip. At approximately 0630
the morning of July 25th the group had reached the area and preparations were
completed to commence a scheduled bombardment. From 0627 to 0644 the ship expended
approximately 450 5" projectiles, during the bombardment run. By 0700 the formation
was headed out of Blanche Channel for Purvis Bay. Until the end of July the major activity
of the PATTERSON consisted of running between Guadalcanal and Purvis Bay and patrolling
off the unloading beaches at Guadalcanal.
On July 30th departed the Solomon's area in company with a convoy for New
Caledonia arriving at Noumea on August 6th. 9 August the ship was underway
again, steaming independently to Espiritu Santo. Late the morning of 11 August the ship
anchored in Segond Channel. That evening a report came in to the effect that a merchantman
had been torpedoed just north of Espiritu, and SC A (CTF37 in MARYLAND) ordered the
PATTERSON to get underway and assist as necessary. The ship was on six hours notice at the
time but got underway within one hour and a half after receiving orders. In the early
evening contact was made on a group of ships including the one damaged by the torpedo.
With PATTERSON augmenting the A/S screen, the convoy made its way to Espiritu Santo
arriving the morning of the 12th. The next twelve days were spent in and around
Espiritu Santo taking part in battle practices with units of Task Force 37.
On 24 August the ship departed Espiritu Santo with a convoy bound for Guadalcanal.
While on screening station astern of the convoy the evening of August 25 the PATTERSON
made sonar contact on an enemy submarine. In a two hour period the ship made five depth
charges runs on the contact, and after the last attack a tremendous underwater explosion
was heard contact was not again regained, and a retiring search was instituted. The search
was maintained until the next morning when the ship was ordered to return to Espiritu. The
only evidence of a submarine action was a huge oil slick in the vicinity of the attacks.
The reported results were evaluated as possible slight damage to the submarine. A rivet
blown out of the skin of the ship by the depth charges force the securing of the starboard
engine. Early the morning of 27th August the PATTERSON limped into Espiritu
Santo. Because there were no dry-docks available at the time in Espiritu the ship was sent
to Noumea to be docked.
By 4 September necessary hull repairs had been completed and the PATTERSON joined a
convoy of transports enroute form Noumea to Havannah Harbor, Efate Islands. The trip was
uneventful, and the convoy arrived the morning of September 8th. While in
Havannah Harbor the ship was granted an alongside availability period for necessary
repairs and some alterations. It was during this period of availability that the
PATTERSON’s chart house was given its first modification toward what was to be a
Combat Information Center. By 15 September the availability period was completed and the
PATTERSON in company with the SELFRIDGE, RALPH TALBOT, and WADSWORTH departed Efate
enroute to Noumea where the ships joined a Transport Group which was going to Guadalcanal.
On 21 September they arrived at Guadalcanal, and the ship joined the A/S screen patrolling
off the beaches. After refueling in Purvis Bay the PATTERSON with the SELFRIDGE (CTG
31.2), McCALLA, RALPH TALBOT, RADFORD, JENKINS, and CONVERSE proceeded up "The
Slot" 23 September on a hunt for barges the enemy was reported using to evacuate
troops from Kolambangara Island. The results of the night hunt were negative, and the next
morning the group retired to augment the screen of LST’s and APD’s carrying
troops and supplies to Vella Lavella. The convoy arrived safely the morning of September
25th. After the APD’s had completed unloading the screening destroyers
joined with them and steamed out of Vella Gulf for Rendova Island. While enroute the
formation was alerted to repel air attacks. Although no enemy planes got through to the
formation word was received that the LST’s beached at Vella Lavella were under dive
bombing attack. In order to provide AA assistance the destroyers in the formation were
ordered to reverse course and make for Vella Gulf at best possible speed. Arriving well
ahead of the other ships the PATTERSON found the attack was over and two LST’s were
burning. Closing the beached, damaged ships, the whale boat was lowered, and a medical and
fire fighting party was sent to the island to help as much as practicable. Prior to dusk
the party returned to the ship, the boat was hoisted, and the PATTERSON proceeded to
rejoin the original formation at Rendova. There a group of LST’s returning to
Guadalcanal was picked up, and the SELFRIDGE, PATTERSON, McCALLA, RALPH TALBOT, and
CONVERSE formed the A/S screen. Late in the afternoon of September 26 the destroyers
moored in Tulagi Harbor. The next day the ship moved to Purvis Bay where it remained until
the 29th. The period was uneventful except for a few air alerts, all of which
proved false.
Late the morning of September 29th, the PATTERSON (ComDesRon 4 embarked and
OTC) in company with the McCALLA, FOOTE, and RALPH TALBOT sortied from Purvis Bay and
proceeded up "The Slot" on a barge hunt. The area to be patrolled and searched
was reached late in the afternoon. At 1730 the formation went to general quarters. The
search had begun. Around 2200 radar contact was made on several groups of ships or barges.
The McCALLA was ordered to investigate one group in particular. Before long she reported
that she had opened fire and that she was receiving return fire. The OTC ordered her to
rejoin. Meanwhile the three remaining ships had opened fire at possible barge contacts on
the side away from the McCALLA. All ships were steaming at flank speed and just as the
McCALLA was rejoining she lost steering control, and an unavoidable collision took place
between that ship and the PATTERSON. The McCALLA’s bow was ripped off clean just
forward of C. P. O. country. The PATTERSON’S bow was bent around to starboard just
forward of Gun # 1 and was eventually broken off by maneuvering the ship. The only
fatalities in the tragedy were three men who were trapped in the lower handling room of
Gun # 1. In addition there were numerous men slightly injured. Both ships were able to
proceed under their own power after the ruptured bulkheads were adequately shored.
Throughout the night the formation was heckled by enemy aircraft, but no further damage
was done to any of the ships. At dawn the PAWNEE, which had been in the area, came
alongside and took off ComDesRon 4 and his staff for further transfer to the FOOTE. Slowly
the group headed down "The Slot". At 0840 the PATTERSON secured from general
quarters, but three hours later a potential air attack sent the ship to battles stations
again. Fortunately the CAP provided by Munda Airfield beat back the threat before any
damage could be done. Early the morning of 1 October the ship reached Purvis Bay, and the
PATTERSON and the McCALLA went alongside the ARGONNE for temporary repairs.
The ship remained in Purvis Bay until October 16th when the bow was faired
somewhat, and the ship was made more seaworthy. On the 16th she proceeded in
company with the O’BANNON. CROUIER, and a merchantman enroute to Espinitu, arriving
the morning of 19 October after an uneventful voyage.
At Espiritu Santo the PATTERSON was dry-docked, a false bow put on, and, in general,
made ready for return to the Mare Island Navy Yard. By 3 December the PATTERSON was ready
for the trip home. Steaming independently she left Espiritu Santo and proceeded to Pearl
Harbor via Samoa. At Pearl Harbor the bow was strengthened, and the ship was sent to San
Francisco escorted by the DALE. On December 22nd the PATTERSON was in Mare
Island Navy Yard for an overhaul the was completed the first week in March 1944.
On 8 March , after routine post repair trials, the ship put out of San Francisco Bay
manned by a crew, 75% of whom had never been to sea before. Proceeding to Hawaii as part
of Task Unit 16.1.8 an uneventful voyage transpired, and the group arrived on the 15th.
Upon arrival at Pearl Harbor the PATTERSON came under the operational control of ComDesPac
for training. Until 3 May 1944 the ship remained in the Pearl Harbor area undergoing an
intensive period of combat training. On the morning of the 3rd she departed
Pearl Harbor in company with Task Group 12.1 and proceeded to Majuro Atoll in the Marshall
Islands. After five days the ships entered the fleet anchorage at Majuro, and the
PATTERSON reported for duty with Task Force 58.
Until May 23rd the ship took part in the exercises being conducted by
elements of Task Force 58 in and about Majuro, but on the 23rd operational
control passed to C.T.F. 57 for escort duty. The next morning the ship departed Majuro to
escort the S. S. ANTIQUA to the 180th Meridian, returning the morning of May 27th.
Similar chores were done in the succeeding days until, finally, on 6 June 1944 the
PATTERSON sortied from Majuro in company with Task Group 58.7. Destination was the
Marianas Islands. On June 8th Task Group 58.7 was dissolved, and the ship
joined Task Group 58.2.
The Marianas campaign proved to be a long one for the PATTERSON. Until the 13th
of June the ship operated with a fast carrier group making air strikes on Saipan and
Tinian. On that day a bombardment group was sent in to the islands. During the daylight
hours the fast battleships did the work, but through the night the destroyers carried out
harassing fire missions. The PATTERSON took over and are on the west side of Saipan.
Eighteen firing runs were made throughout the night, no enemy return fire was observed,
and the only visible results of our fire we small fires on the beach. Upon completion of
the fire missions the ship was sent to Task Force 52 for screening duties with various
bombardment and transport units.
Outside of firing on "Fred", early evening on the 15th, nothing
out of the ordinary occurred. However, on June 17th, the PATTERSON was ordered
to join Task Group 58.7, as the Fifth Fleet made preparations to meet the Japanese Fleet
sighted in the Philippine sea making for the Marianas. Heading westward the Task Group
made all possible speed to engage the enemy, but the hoped for meeting of the two battle
lines never occurred. On the 19th the group ran into some light air attacks all
of which were successfully beaten off with slight damage to our units. The next two days
witnessed the carrier strikes against the Japanese fleet. Late the evening of 21 June the
chase was broken off, and the group of Task Force 58 set course for Saipan. Reporting
again to C.T.F. 52 the PATTERSON resumed her duties which included at various times, radar
picket, screening transports and bombardment ships, executing fire support missions, and
escorting convoys. The night of June 27-28 joined the SAUFFLEY on a fire support mission
against the southwestern area of Tinian. Again there was no enemy return fire, and the
results were unobserved. On the 29th of July the PATTERSON departed the Saipan
area and proceeded to Guam on an escort mission, returning to Saipan the next day. The
night of July 30-31 was spent on another harassing mission against Tinian. Results were no
different from other such missions.
On August 9th in company with the HALSEY, POWELL, STOCKHAM, YARNALL,
MUGFORD, and PRICHETT, the PATTERSON left the Saipan-Tinian area and proceeded to Guam
arriving the next morning and reporting to C.T.F. 53 for duty. Duty in the Guam area
consisted of screening and escorting incoming convoys.
On August 16th the PATTERSON was assigned to the screen of a convoy bound
for Eniwetok, arriving there after and uneventful trip on August 20. The ship remained at
anchor until the 28th of August. Emergency repairs were accomplished by the
ship’s force, provisions, supplies, and ammunition were taken on board, and on 22
August Lt. Comdr. A. F. White, USN was relieved by Lt. Comdr. W. A. Hering, USN, as
Commanding Officer.
Reporting to the Third Fleet for duty the PATTERSON was assigned to Task Group 38.4
which departed Eniwetok the morning of August 28th to make a strike against air
and shipping facilities in the islands of the Bonin group. The operation was accomplished
according to plan with no enemy opposition to the naval units involved, and on September 4th
the Task Group fueled in the vicinity of Saipan. The next day the group set course for Yap
Islands where air strikes and naval bombardment operations were carried out on the 6th,
7th, and 8th of September. On the 8th the PATTERSON took
part in the bombardment. There was no enemy fire observed, and the spotting plane reported
the assigned target was well covered.
Until the 18th of September the Task Group operated in the vicinity of Palau
Islands providing direct air support to the amphibious operations in progress. The next
day the formation steamed toward Manus Island in the Admiralty group for a period of
replenishment. From 21 September to 24th September the Task Group was anchored
in Seaddler Harbor, Manus Island and then got underway to return to the area around Palau
to continue air support operations. Except for a heavy storm on the 3rd and 4th
of October the period up to October 9th was spent uneventfully.
Rendezvousing with the other groups of Task Force 38, a high speed run was made the
night of October 9-10 to gain by morning launching position for air strikes against
Okinawa Jima. There were no enemy attacks made against the force during the day, but the
night of October 10-11, while on picket station the PATTERSON took under fire a heckler
with unobserved results. On the 14th the Task Force fueled and carried out
successful fighter sweeps against the enemy air installations in Northern Luzon, and then
proceeded to an area southeast of Formosa in preparation for a sustained attack against
that island. Strikes were launched on the 12th, and enemy air opposition was
immediate. That evening a series of raids began which heckled the Task Force all night. A
total of fifty one raids were reported and several burning planes were seen to crash into
the sea throughout the night. The PATTERSON took under fire several bogies while on picket
station, but results were unobserved. Air strikes were continued on the 13th.
At dusk that day the force was attacked by a large number of twin engine torpedo planes.
At least six planes were shot down by AA fire from ships of Task Group 38.4. No damage was
incurred by ships of that group except to the PATTERSON. Machine gun fire from other ships
firing at an enemy plane making a torpedo run on the carriers in the formation killed two
men and wounded eight. Shrapnel cut into the T. B. S. antenna and steering control was
lost. Instantaneous action by Combat requesting maneuvering signals on VHF and regaining
of steering control by the bridge averted further trouble. It should be noted that in all
the air actions around Formosa the Task Group operated at high speed in heavy seas using
violent evasive maneuvers. At 2200 that night flooding of the starboard shaft alley forced
the PATTERSON to drop out of the formation when it became necessary to secure the
starboard engine. Repairs were effected within the hour, and the ship rejoined. The 14th
of October was comparatively quiet with but few alerts and no enemy planes getting in at
the formation.
Early the morning of October 15 Task Group 38.4 was detached from Task Force 38 and
proceeded at high speed to an area east of Luzon where heavy strikes against the Manila
area were to be launched. During the day the heavy ships fueled the destroyers. While
fueling alongside the ENTERPRISE enemy dive bombers got through to the formation. The
fueling operation was immediately discontinued, and the AA fire from the ships drove off
the attackers with superficial damage being caused to the FRANKLIN by a near bomb miss.
The next day the group fueled from tankers and then returned to the area off Luzon. There
was but little enemy opposition to the strikes carried out the next three days and on
October 20th Task Group 38.1 and Task Group 38.4 took station to the east of
the central Philippines in order to provide air support for the amphibious operations in
the Leyte- Samar area. Until the night of October 24-25 everything went according to plan.
Then, in preparation to meet the Japanese forces sighted transiting San Bernardino Straits
Task Force 34 was formed, and the PATTERSON was included in that battle force. Another
enemy force was located east of Luzon headed south. Task Force 34 steamed north to meet
the new threat. Air strikes were launched against the northern enemy force with excellent
results. When word was received of the trouble being experienced by friendly units off
Leyte Gulf Task Force 34 reversed course to lend a hand. A light striking force consisting
of four cruisers and twelve destroyers (including the PATTERSON) kept proceeding north to
pick off crippled enemy ships reported by returning planes. That evening an enemy CVE was
sunk by cruiser fire, and that night an enemy CL was also sunk by cruiser fire. At 2100
the night of October 25, when no more enemy ships were contacted, the striking group
headed south to join Task Force 38.
The morning of 26 October found the PATTERSON again with Task Group 38.4. Routine air
support operations were carried out the next few days. No enemy air opposition was
encountered until the afternoon of October 30th when a Kamikaze group attacked
the formation. As a result of the attack the FRANKLIN and the BELLEAU WOOD were damaged.
After the attack ended the PATTERSON was ordered to search the area and pick up personnel.
Early that evening the ship returned to the formation having rescued numerous men from the
BELLEAU WOOD, two of whom died on board. The next day the Task Group rendezvoused with a
fueling group. The FRANKLIN and BELLEAU WOOD were detached and ordered to proceed to
Ulithi escorted by the MUGFORD, BAGLEY, GRIDLEY, and PATTERSON.
On 3 November the PATTERSON was alongside a tender in Ulithi for repairs, rearming, and
provisioning. The next day the ship was detached from the Third Fleet and reported to
ComCarDiv 29 in the Makin Island for duty in the Seventh Fleet. Alongside availability was
interrupted the afternoon of the 5th when the ship had to clear the tender
because of an impending typhoon. Throughout the month of November the ship operated with
CarDiv 29 providing air cover for the convoy routes to the Philippines. Events during this
period were of a routine nature, and on 27 November the ship was in Seaddler Harbor, Manus
Island. While there, alongside availability for five days was granted the ship for urgent
repairs.
On the 6th of December the PATTERSON proceeded independently to Kossol Roads
and reported to Task Group 77.12 for temporary duty. The mission of this group was to
provide heavy support and air cover for the amphibious forces during their approach to and
initial seizure of a beachhead on Mindrono Island in the Philippines. The force
(consisting of CVE’s, OBB’s CA’s, CL’s and DD’s ) departed Kossol
Passage on 10 December, made for Leyte Gulf, passed through Surigao Straits, Mindanao Sea,
and on into the Sulu Sea.
Though the period spent in the Sulu Sea took in only seven days those days were far
from uneventful. Air attacks against the formation were frequent. On the 13th
of December, in the late afternoon the enemy pressed home a suicide attack which put the
HARADEN out of the operation. Early the afternoon of the 14th enemy planes came
within gun range of the formation but were driven off and eventually shot down by the CAP
with no damage to friendly ships. The 15th was a day of continual enemy air
action starting at 0400. Firing on various air targets during the day the ship made one
kill late that morning. Although several suicide dives were made, only superficial damage
was done to one carrier. The 16th was comparatively quiet. One enemy float
plane was spotted by lookouts of the PATTERSON, the LCAB was vectored on to it, and the
snooper destroyed. There were numerous alerts by no enemy planes got through to the
formation.
On the 17th the Task Group departed the operating area and set course for
Kossol Passage in the Palau Islands, arriving without incident on the 19th of
December. From Kossol Passage the ships steamed to Manus for a short replenishment period,
remaining in Seaddler Harbor from December 23 to December 27. A return trip was then made
to Kossol Passage arriving December 30. There the support forces were gathering for the
forthcoming Luzon campaign. The PATTERSON was assigned as one of the escorts for the
CVE’s of Task Group 77.4.
On 1 January 1945 Task Group 77.4 in company with Task Group 77.2 (fire support ships)
sortied from Kossol Passage and made for the Philippines. Additional heavy units joined
the formation in Leyte Gulf on January 3rd. The available ships of the two Task
Groups were divided into two formations with an equal number of CVE’s, OBB’s
cruisers and escorts in each formation. The PATTERSON was with the rear group and assigned
a station in the inner screen between a battle ship and a cruiser. The trip through
Surigao Straits, Mindanao Sea, Sulu Sea, and on into the operating area in the South China
Sea began. Along the entire track to the operating area the two formations were under air
attack. Late the afternoon of January 4 the OMMANEY BAY, 1000 yards on the starboard beam
of this ship, was hit by a suicide plane which had penetrated the screen undetected. The
PATTERSON made every attempt to go alongside to fight the fires which were rapidly
consuming the stricken ship. The rapidity with which the fires spread and the resultant
heavy explosions made it obvious that the ship was beyond aid. Attention was then focused
on rescuing personnel who were in the water. As a result of the ship’s search for
survivors 110 men and 14 officers were rescued by the PATTERSON. That night the formation
stopped, and the ships with survivors went alongside heavy ships to make transfer of
personnel. The PATTERSON moored alongside the NEW MEXICO and discharged her human cargo.
January 5th began eventfully very early in the morning when a plane (presumably
enemy) crashed in flames off our port bow. There were many alerts during the day, and late
in the afternoon two raids got in on the rear group, The first raid consisted of two low
flying enemy planes which were shot down in the vicinity of the HELM and the MANILA BAY. A
short time later when the attention of most ships in the formation was attracted by a
"Val" flying just outside of AA range, a low flying formation of five
"Zekes" approached the formation. The PATTERSON opened fire at 10,000 yards with
the main batter and with the 40MM and 20MM batteries when the range had closed
sufficiently. One plane crashed the STAFFORD in the outer screen, another crashed the
flight deck of the MANILA BAY, another making a run on the MANILA BAY was shot down by MM
fire of the PATTERSON, the remaining two were seen to crash into the water close aboard
other carriers in the formation. This ship proceeded to close the MANILA BAY as fire broke
out. However, the fire was extinguished in short order, and the MANILA BAY reported only
superficial damage.
On January 6th there were frequent alerts, but no planes closed. The fire
support group departed to carry out their mission in Lingayen Gulf. The next day an enemy
plane was fired on by this ship with negative results. Until 13 January operations were
carried out according to schedule with no enemy air action directed at the carrier groups.
That day two planes were spotted by Control coming in on the far side of the formation.
One plane dived the SALAMAUA, scored a bomb hit, and crashed in the water close aboard.
The other plane began a run across the formation, and the PATTERSON took it under fire
when the firing bearing was clear. The plane crashed into the water several thousand yards
from another ship of the screen. The remainder of the operating period in the South China
Sea was uneventful, and on 17 January the Task Group of which the PATTERSON was a part
headed for Ulithi, arriving January 23rd after an uneventful trip.
The ship remained in Ulithi until 10 February receiving tender assistance for urgent
repairs, replenishing, and taking part in rehearsal exercises for the impending Iwo Jima
operation. Sortied form Ulithi on 10 February enroute to Iwo Jima via Saipan. Again the
PATTERSON was assigned to the CVE groups whose mission was to provide direct air support
for the amphibious forces enroute to Iwo, during the landing, and subsequent seizure of
the island. All went according to plan except during the evening of 21 February, when the
formation was attacked by a group of enemy torpedo planes that had been reported as planes
from the SARATOGA. As a result of this action the BISMARCK SEA was sunk. The PATTERSON
rescued 106 survivors, and with three other ships remained in the area until the next
morning to make a thorough search for any other survivors. The search was negative.
Throughout the succeeding days spent in the operating area off Iwo Jima there were
frequent air alerts, but no attacks got through to the support carrier groups. On 1 March
1945 the PATTERSON was still steaming in the Iwo Jima area with the support carrier group.
By March 10th the assault phase at Iwo had been successfully carried out and
the support carrier groups were released. As a result the Task Group of which the
PATTERSON was a unit proceeded to Ulithi arriving the morning of 15 March 1945. For a
period of approximately a week the ship sat at anchor making urgent repairs to machinery
and replenishing food stocks, ammunition, and necessary stores. During this period at
anchor, on 17 March, Lt. Commander W. A. Hering, USN, was relieved as commanding officer
by Lt. Commander A. H. Angelo, Jr., USNR.
At sunrise on 21 March the ship sortied from Ulithi as a part of Support Carrier Unit
One which, with Support Carrier Unit Two, accompanied Task Force 54 to Okinawa Jima, the
new objective. Enroute to Okinawa the two carrier units provided both day and night air
cover. The trip to the objective area was made without enemy interference. Operational
accidents during landings and launchings were the only incidents out of the ordinary
routine. Upon arrival of the force at the operating area about Okinawa, Support Unit One
took its position in an area approximately 60 miles south and east of the main island,
From this area the CVE’s carried out their mission of providing direct air support to
the assault forces on Okinawa and other islands plus neutralizing the Sakishima group from
time to time. In spite of the continuous and heavy air attacks pressed home by the enemy
on U. S. Naval Forces supporting the capture of Okinawa the support carrier units escaped
almost unscathed. Red alerts were frequent but usually the bogey turned out to be a
friendly not using identification signals properly. There were interesting moments,
however. On the 2nd of April the PATTERSON with the LUNGA POINT, OLIVER
MITCHELL and NAWMEN proceeded to Kerama Retto where the LUNGA POINT replenished munitions
and the PATTERSON had its sonar dome checked. (Divers informed the ship that the lower
part of the dome was missing and until the ship could be dry-docked the gear was
inoperative). That evening as the group departed Kerama Retto a raid which closed a
formation of transports nearby. At least three enemy planes, one identified as a Francis,
closed the LUNGA POINT and her group. After a brief skirmish in which all ships threw a
great amount of lead the planes were driven off without damage to any ships. In a message
to the PATTERSON the next day the LUNGA POINT credited the ship with one kill and one
probable. The remainder of the trip was made without incident and the parent formation was
rejoined early the morning of the 3rd. From that day until April 29, the
PATTERSON was more or less the handy man in the screen of Support Unit One making mail
deliveries, acting as plane guard during night flight operations, sinking mines, and so
on. On April 29, in company with MARCUS ISLAND, SAGINAW BAY, JEFFERS, and O’FLAHERTY
the PATTERSON proceeded to Guam to be dry-docked for repairs to the sonar gear.
The group arrived in Guam on 3 May and the PATTERSON reported to the Naval Operating
Base for repairs. On May 27 the ship was dry-docked, and the necessary repairs
accomplished by the 31st. The period prior docking was spent by the ship’s
force making repairs to equipment too long neglected because of operating conditions,
replenishing stores and ammunition, and making use of recreation facilities. By June 4 the
PATTERSON was at sea again, escorting the NEW MEXICO to Leyte, a trip which passed without
incident. Arriving at Leyte on June 7th the ship remained in port over night
and then joined a slow convoy headed for Kerama Retto. Again the trip was without
incident, and the objective was reached the morning of June 12th. On being
detached from the convoy and fueling the PATTERSON eventually made its way to the
operating area of Support Unit One where it rejoined its old group. Until 24 June the
formation carried out its mission and then was released from the Okinawa operation. June
27 found the ship at Leyte again, moored alongside the J. O. HENLEY in San Pedro Bay while
attempts were made by technicians to repair the ships stable element.
On 2 July the PATTERSON departed San Pedro Bay in company with BAGLEY and RALPH TALBOT
and steamed for Saipan. Upon arrival the three ships reported for duty in the
escort-patrol pool of the Marianas. Duties with this new group consisted of patrolling an
A. S. W. station near the Eniwetok-Guam shipping lanes and escorting ships or convoys to
Guam or Okinawa from Saipan. Until the 16 August the ship did such chores. The war’s
end was celebrated in Saipan Harbor. The next day (August 16) orders were received to
report immediately to ComFifthFleet in NEW JERSEY at Guam. The trip to Guam was made the
night of August16-17, and, there, the NEW JERSEY was met leaving Apra Harbor and escorted
during an uneventful trip to Manila Bay via San Bernardino Strait. The two ships arrived
in Manila Bay on 21 August and remained until the 28th of that month. It was
during the stay that the word was received that the PATTERSON was to be sent to the West
Coast for overhaul when a relief destroyer reported to ComFifthFleet. There was but one
more chore to do, escort the NEW JERSEY to Buckner Bay.
Arriving at Buckner Bay 30 August the ship remained at anchor until 8 September. On
that day the PATTERSON got underway for the United States via Saipan, Eniwetok, Pearl
Harbor. At Pearl Harbor it was learned there was to be no yard overhaul on the West Coast.
Instead the ship was routed to New York via San Diego and the Panama Canal Zone where it
reported on 11 October ComThirdNav Dist for disposition.
Attached to but not a part of this document is a list of operations which the PATTERSON
received stars for and is listed below.
Guinea Operation 17 Dec. 1943 -
24 July 1944
