Remembering Oct. 25, 1944 Battle for Leyte Gulf

[tigerfan]

Being that today is October 25th, I thought it would be fitting to show this USN silver star again. It was awarded to LtJG Richard C. Scobell for his part in the Battle for Leyte Gulf. I won't go in to details and will let the photos do the talking. Sadly, LtJG Scobell lost his life on Jan. 16, 1945 in a battle over Hong Kong Harbor.

 

[arclight]

Amazing citation, and the engraving is just marvelous! Rest in peace, Lt Scobell.

Magnificent medal, and poignant citation.

Thanks for sharing!

[dhcoleterracina]

great piece of history

[KASTAUFFER]

I never get tired of seeing that medal

 

Kurt

[BigJohn#3RD]

Great Tribute to a Hero of the Second World War Who Gave All For Our Freedoms

Strength and Honor

De Oppresso Liber

John

[Dave]

Since we're talking Leyte Gulf, here's my favorite group. RADM Robert W Copeland, the Commanding Officer, USS SAMUEL B ROBERTS during the battle off Samar. His quote from the official after action report (gives me chills every time I read it...)

 

“The performance of officers and enlisted personnel of this command was exemplary - in accordance with the very highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. To witness the conduct of the average enlisted man aboard this vessel, newly inducted, married, unaccustomed to Navy ways and with an average of less than one years service would make any man proud to be an average American. The crew were informed over the loud speaker system at the beginning of the action, of the Commanding Officers' estimate of the situation, that is, a fight against overwhelming odds from which survival could not be expected, during which time we would do what damage we could. In the face of this knowledge the men zealously manned their stations wherever they might be, and fought and worked with such calmness, courage and efficiency that no higher honor could be conceived than to command such a group of men.”

 

Below are his uniforms, from my collection.

[Adam R]

Group to a Chief Turret Captain on the Minneapolis during the battle. Citation for Commendation Medal below.

[Adam R]

Citation.

[Adam R]

And a WIA Bronze Star group to a man on the USS Gambier Bay. Citation below.

[Adam R]

Citation for above.

[tom2001]

And a Navy Cross group from the Battle Off Samar:

 

 

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to William Harold Keighley, Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Combat Plane in Composite Squadron THREE (VC-3), embarked from the U.S.S. KALININ BAY (CVE-68), and deployed over Samar in action against enemy Japanese forces during the Battle for Leyte Gulf in the Philippine Islands on 25 October 1944. When his task force was in imminent danger of being destroyed by heavy gunfire from an overwhelming force of hostile warships, Lieutenant Commander Keighley piloted one of the first planes launched, immediately maneuvering to attack the leading heavy cruiser. In bold defiance of the enemy's devastating antiaircraft fire, he scored three direct hits. Promptly joining a group of fighting planes when his bomb load was expended, Lieutenant Commander Keighley fought gallantly in the face of terrific opposition, making four determined strafing runs which resulted in considerable damage to the cruiser and effectively diverted hostile fire from our bombers and Torpedo Planes. Lieutenant Commander Keighley's outstanding courage, daring airmanship and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

 

 

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 341 (August 1945)

[tom2001]

And a few KIA Purple Hearts from the same action.

 

Two posthumous Purple Hearts from the USS Gambier Bay:

 

 

 

 

Two from the USS Hoel:

 

 

One from the USS Samuel B. Roberts:

 

 

And one from the USS St. Lo:

[Dave]

As long as we're posting medals, here are Admiral Copeland's medals...

[Brian Dentino]

Man, you all are KILLING me with all of these beauties! :thumbsup: Tigerfan, I must say that I like your original post the best of all of them though (sorry guys, yours are BEAUTIFUL TOO! ) but that SS engraving is one of the nicest that I have ever seen. Just classic, and the attention to detail on it is just out of this world....thanks for sharing. And for Tom, well your Hearts are super as always! And Dave, that uniform/medal grouping is great too......oh heck, I could go on and on, but suffice it to say that there are some really great items on this one thread! Thanks for posting them all. :salute:

[pchepurko]

The medals are amazing and beautifull. However what is more amazing is what these men accomplished, hold off the might of the Japanese navy with destrory escorts and baby carriers.

[KASTAUFFER]

Page from the log of ARM1c Scott McCartney . He server as a Radioman-Gunner on an Avenger with VT-15 (Torpedo Squadron 15) on the USS Essex .

 

During October 24 and 25 he participated in the Battle of Leyte Gulf. On October 24, he assisted in the sinking of a Japanese battleship, and on the 25th an aircraft carrier . His pilot earned the Navy Cross for their actions those 2 days . Mcartney earned a DFC .

 

 

[Garandomatic]

If I had a piece of this battle, I might not ever add another thing to my collection. How would I top it? Hornfischer's book is what made me collect Navy things. I think if I had read it when i was younger and not a family man, I may very well have been a Navy man. Thought about Samar all day yesterday.

[tigerfan]

I thought I would add one more thing to this. As you can see after reading the citation for LtJG Richard C. Scobells silver star he was shot down on this day Oct. 25, 1944. I have with his grouping a hand written "Forced landing and raft survival report" by LtJG Scobell. I will take some time here and type out what he has written. Some may find this interesting to read.

 

 

Torpedo Squadron #7, Plane #16; Bu No 45879

Pilot; Lt(jg) R.C. Scobell, AV(n) 250948

Turret gunner; C.D. Boyer AMM 1/c

Radio Man; -------- Barney ARM 3/c

 

"Take off from carrier 1245 Oct. 25 - 1944

 

Over taget 1610 to 1620 25 miles off NE coast Samar. Attacked formation of enemy war ships at 1620. After completing dive and drop on target the plane was hit several times by 20mm and at least once by 40mm. The starboard wing hit around wheel causing tire to blow out and tearing surface of wing panel and overlap fairing. Engine and accessory section hit several times by 20mm fire. Oil line hit causing plane to smoke and lose oil excessively along starboard side.

 

At 700 ft flew to join up area where an SB2C-3 and F6F-5 of air group 7 joined up. The fighter stayed well clear at all times but the bomber also flew over the top and asked to have his bombay checked and then wanted the course back to our task group. We flew for 5-7 minutes at 500ft and 150 knots on a course of 70-75 degrees. As the oil pressure dropped steadily and other instruments indicated normal operations. It was decided to keep the plane in the air as long as practicable to enable us to fly as far from the enemy force as possible. The crew members tossed out all loose and heavy gear (ammo etc). The bombay was checked to be sure it was empty and doors closed. The crew returned to their station and awaited the forced landing. The flaps were lowered and wheel checked in the up position. The landing was made with power into the wind as the oil pressure gauge indicated 5lbs pressure. The plane stayed afloat close to a minute. Pilot getting out of cockpit to the starboard side, pulled chute and seat type raft after him. Worked way back to plane raft compartment removing access door and pulling raft out with aid of a push by turret gunner from port side. Pilot held two rafts and chute until turret man climbed to the starboard side. Standing on the wing was not possible due to pitching of the plane and the waves washing over the wing. It was also hard to hold on to the plane which was covered with oil. The turret man opened the hatch to the second cockpit. The radio man did not come up in to the second cockpit. The plane was beginning to settle. The crew men held on to the rafts and the pilot tried to open the turret door but the plane sank nose first and the pilot pushed clear of the tail as the plane slid down. Worked the little raft out of its container and inflated it. The gunner climbed in and the loose gear taken aboard. The big raft was then worked on and inflated turned over and the pilot climbed in. The gunner then transferred to the large raft. About this time the fighter plane made a pass close by and we waved from the raft.

 

The first night was spent in 2 hour watches. The warm air would keep the raft as dry as possible and nosed in to the wind. The small drag from the raft was put out to help in holding position and the 1 man raft was playend out on its bow line. The small sail cloths were used to cover the occupants and to help keep the water out that would lap in to the boat. One plane was heard to pass over neaby but not running with any lights. No attempt was made at signaling with flares or other means because the plane could not be identified (rain). As the sun came up we buried our selves about the raft getting the gear in order and taking a close check on what we had. We agreed to hold our position as best we could the rest of the day putting out the pilot chute from the parachute as ???? sea anchor. The sail cloths were used to keep the sun off but were rigged so as to let air slip under. As the day passed on we took our shoes and stocking off in order to dry our feet and to give the clothes a chance to drey. Several planes were seen and heard throughout the day. Attempts were made with the signal mirror, floating dye marker and the smoke flare was broken out but could not be fitted to the clamp and oar handle in time to be used. There after the smoke flare was left on the oar for instant use. With just 2 people in the raft all the various devices could not be used on just one plane. The pilot used the mirror and the smoke flare and the gunner used the dye marker and vary shell at dusk and early morning when they might be most easily seen, and since only 2 smoke flares were furnished it was felt we should not waste them on planes that might be too far away or to high.

 

The second night we rigged a sail out the 2 sail cloths and using an oar for a rudder sailed with the wind all night. The small raft was taken in to the large raft, some of the air released and used as a chushion to lay on. As several rain squalls came up through the night the small raft was used to cover over the boat and since the sea was fairly calm little water was taken aboard. The same 2 hour watches were maintained and the raft held on its course. This night I believe we each picked up some sleep.

 

As the sky began to lighten up a new sail was made out of a part of the parachute. The raft straightened about and the gear checked. The new sail worked well and now the smaller sail cloth could be used to keep the sun off. As the morning wore on several groups of friendly planes were seen at a distance and low search planes flying their secotrs could be seen. In the early afternoon a TBF and PBM both on searches were spotted. The smoke can was released and dye marker put out. The PBM spotted us first and made a wide circle and then flew back 180' from its course. The TBF stayed with us and about 10 or 15 minutes later another TBF came over to take a look around. A destroyer was then seen coming up and the TBF helped in directing the DD to us. We put up another smoke can and soon the DD was along side. We climbed aboard with eager hands helping us and were treated like kings aboard destroyer 795 the USS Preston."

 

-------------

 

After reading this you see that he lost his radio man in this action. The radio mans name was Wallace A. Barney from Utah.

 

On another note, LtJG Scobell had only been with VT-7 eight days before his action at Leyte Gulf.

[PaulR]

My grandfather was on LST 456 as a Pharmacist Mate during that battle. There are a lot of news paper clippings and etc here:

 

http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/ind...mp;hl=Ambulance

 

He won his Commendation Ribbon during that battle.

 

You guys have some amazing stuff!

[KASTAUFFER]

Back up to the top!

[SA1794]

GEORGE T. LEWIS, III – HOME TOWN: ATLANTA, GA. ENLISTED IN THE NAVY IN -1939. HE SERVED ABOARD THE USS LASSEN FROM 1939-1943. TRANSFERRED TO THE USS JOHNSTON (DD557) IN SEPTEMBER 1943. KILLED IN ACTION DURING THE BATTLE OFF SAMAR ON OCTOBER 25, 1944.

[Jack's Son]

I know you have others like this one....Real Beauties.

[Tom Nier]

This four bar Navy Good Conduct medal appears unconnected to the 10-25-1944 desparate battle of Samar. One would expect that Francis Everett Davis remained in submarine service through WW2. But patient research proved otherwise. He served as Chief Radioman (PA) aboard the USS Kalinin Bay, CVE 68, from November 1943 to April 1946. He survived the Samar battle, receiving the Navy PUC issued for all the ships in that action. He also received a Purple Heart medal, presumably for Samar (location unnown).

 

A "bland" Navy Good Conduct medal can often turn out to have a fascinating biography. I recall one posthumous (undated) NGC medal that was later found to have been sent to the NOK of an enlisted aviator lost with the famous Torpedo 8 squadron at Midway.

[KASTAUFFER]

This four bar Navy Good Conduct medal appears unconnected to the 10-25-1944 desparate battle of Samar. One would expect that Francis Everett Davis remained in submarine service through WW2. But patient research proved otherwise. He served as Chief Radioman (PA) aboard the USS Kalinin Bay, CVE 68, from November 1943 to April 1946. He survived the Samar battle, receiving the Navy PUC issued for all the ships in that action. He also received a Purple Heart medal, presumably for Samar (location unnown).

 

A "bland" Navy Good Conduct medal can often turn out to have a fascinating biography. I recall one posthumous (undated) NGC medal that was later found to have been sent to the NOK of an enlisted aviator lost with the famous Torpedo 8 squadron at Midway.

 

Thanks for posting this Tom... great piece.

 

I think the GCM you are recalling was Woodson's?

 

Kurt

[Medalman90]

this is such an amazing thread!!!!