With the exception of huge convoys and other radar targets, the trip was without incident, and at 0115 on the morning of August 15 the surface radar reported land thirty-seven miles away, believed to be Cape Camerat, Gulf of St. Tropez, France. Ahead lay the final test.
Minesweepers led the way in, followed by the destroyers Macomb, Emmons, Hambleton, and Rodman. The larger units consisted of the U.S. cruiser Philadelphia and the French cruisers George Leygues and Montcalm. Some distance behind these the veteran battlewagons Nevada and Texas prepared to add their voices to the din which was drummed into the ear of the Hun. Thus the ships assigned to this sector closed in for the kill.
At 0500 the Macomb went to General Quarters, and as the ship drew nearer to the coast of France, nerves grew tense and months grew dry with the apprehension of what would happen in the next few hours. As the ship approached the assigned targets, Cape Camerat dropped abaft our port beam leaving us almost completely surrounded by land.
As the ship slowly drifted into the small bay, a deep silence settled over the vessel, broken only by the throbbing of the engines and the pounding of our hearts as we waited for the 18” shore batteries to open up with their crossfire, but still nothing happened. Then the beach became visible through the heavy haze, and at 0651 the main battery commenced firing the shore bombardment on a prearranged sector of beach line of Boil De Bougnon.
As we moved in closer, the 40mm Bofors opened fire on the close beach and wooded sector. The main battery continued a pounding roar as the first wave of landing craft set out for land. Shore bombardment reached a terrific height as landing craft opened up with a spectacular rocket barrage, ceasing fire momentarily while troops landed on schedule at 0800 H-Hour. The Macomb stood by to fire on any and all visible opposition.
In the distance high-flying B-24s demonstrated the power of the air force as the concussion of their softening up process was felt by the ships off shore.
Thus the main ordeal was over, and everyone momentarily relaxed with smokes and exclamations of relief. Then suddenly in the midst of our jubilation, a salvo from a German 88 straddled the can. Retaliating with the main battery, the Macomb quickly eliminated the upstart in one minute flat. Thus the Mighty Mac came through her second invasion battle-weary but unscathed.
