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October 22, 1944 Zone time ( - ) 9 During
mid-watch, enemy aircraft contact reported bearing 205° T., distance 52 miles.
Aircraft remained on screen for 10 minutes, then opened October 23, 1944 Zone time(-) 9 At 0515, all
ships commenced making smoke. One hour before sun rise, this ship went to
general quarters and shortly thereafter, unidentified aircraft
were reported approaching from 230° T, distant 14 miles. About one-half hour
later, the U.S.S. HARADEN reported a near bomb miss from a single
engine aircraft; no damage done. AA fire was observed on various bearings until
shortly after sunrise, at which time, the area was declared clear
of enemy planes; secured from general quarters and stopped making smoke. No
planes were sighted by PICKING during this period. Early in the afternoon,
got underway and proceeded to the center of area “Howe”, the inner transport
area, where we anchored while CDS 49 went aboard October 24, 1944 . Zone time (- ) 9 About one hour
before sunrise, the first enemy planes were detected in the area, the ship went
to general quarters. SOPA ordered all ships to make smoke.
The planes remained in the area for about an hour but did not attack, nor were
they fired on, they then opened range and faded, all clear was reported, the
ship secured from general quarters and ceased making smoke. At 0800 several
unidentified aircraft were reported in area, ship went to general quarters for
air attack and all ships began making smoke in accordance with SOPA orders.
Shortly after alert, several enemy planes were sighted bearing 270° T, distance
8 miles, ships in that vicinity fired on the planes but did no damage. Twice,
during the next hour, groups of enemy planes were reported approaching from a
westerly direction, and were driven away. Several enemy planes and one friendly
fighter were reported destroyed. Several single plane raids closed over the
formation from all directions but attacks were broken up by AA fire. One plane,
later identified as friendly, was slightly damaged by AA fire. At 0900 ships
bearing 315° T, distance 6 miles reported they were under air attack by several
Japanese bombers, identified as Vals. Intense AA fire was observed in that
direction. Shortly hereafter, U.S.S. LEUTZE reported a near bomb miss
and being strafed during this attack and that there had been a few minor
casualties. Of the attacking group, one plane was reported probably shot down
and one damaged. By this time the transport area was covered with a dense smoke
screen which extended out about five miles. A breeze from seaward was slowly
carrying it inland. Shortly after the previous attack, PICKING weighed
anchor and steamed at various courses and speeds to remain in screening
station. Planes continued to attack, usually in groups of one or two. At 0905 LCI
105 reported a direct bomb hit and that she was sinking. Several of the
attacking planes were reported damaged by AA fire but none shot down. At 0918 a
group of enemy planes were reported approaching from 285° T., distance 47
miles. Fighters were vectored out, and intercepted the raid. The enemy retired
having several planes shot down by friendly fighters. SOPA ordered smoke to be
ceased. At 0930 all clear was reported, secured from general quarters and
anchored in screening station. About 1100 the harbor was clear of smoke except
for a short distance off the shore line. At 1105 got underway in accordance
with CIDS 49 verbal orders and began proceeding to area HOWE, where transports
were anchored. Shortly thereafter enemy aircraft were reported closing on
bearing 230° T., distance 30 miles. The raid was intercepted by friendly
fighters before it could attack and was driven away. About 15 minutes later
another raid was reported closing from the same direction, distance 80 miles.
This raid was also driven away by friendly fighters, each time several Japanese
planes were reported destroyed with out loss to our fighters. At 1140 U.S.S. ERBEN
reported that she was under attack by single enemy aircraft. The plane was
fired at by ships in that area but no damage was reported to ships or the plane.
Shortly after this an unidentified plane, believed to be enemy reconnaissance,
closed at a high altitude, circled the North end of the harbor and retired.
Single enemy aircraft continued to close the formation from all directions
until 1330. No planes attacked, all that closed within gun range were fired on,
but none were destroyed. Early afternoon formed sortie screen for Task Unit
79:14.8. Upon completion of sortie, formed special cruising disposition and
proceeded from |