C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

From: The Commanding Officer.
To : The Secretary of the Navy.

Subject: War Record - Submission of.

Reference: (a) CinCPac-CinCPoa Dispatch 142240 of September 1945 (AlPac #202-45).

Enclosure: (A) C.O. USS TAYLOR let. DD468/A12, Serial 040 dated 26 April 1945.
(B) List of Ship’s Activities 1 March to 2 September 1945.

   1.   Enclosure (A) represented a detailed account of the history of this vessel during the period 28 August 1942 to 1 March 1945.

   2.   Enclosure (B) supplements Enclosure (A) and contains a revised list of engagement stars earned by virtue of actions against the enemy, total personnel rescued and ammunition expended by the U.S.S. TAYLOR (DD468), during World War II.

H. H. deLAUREAL

Copy to:
  CinCPac
  ComDesPac
  ComDesRon 21

C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

From: The Commanding Officer.
To : Commander Destroyers, U.S. PACIFIC FLEET.

Subject: War Record - Submission of.

Reference: (a) ComDesPac let. A12, Serial 3107 of 19 February 1945.

Enclosure: (A) List of Ship’s Achievements.
(B) Ship’s Activities - 28 August 1942 tp 1 March 1945.
(C) List of Area Ribbons and Engagement Stars Earned.

   1.   Enclosured ennumerated above are submitted in reply to Reference (a).

H. H. deLAUREAL

Copy to:
  ComDesRon 21
  Com6thFlt

Enclosure (A) to TAYLOR Conf.
Serial 074 of 9/26/45

LIST OF SHIP’S ACHIEVEMENTS

1. Date of Commissioning - 28 August 1942

2. Number of “star” operations participated in - 9.

3. Number of enemy surface units sunk or accredited assistance given in the sinking of enemy surface units:

4. Number of enemy aircraft destroyed or accredited assistance given in the destruction of enemy aircraft:

5. Anti-submarine actions participated in which resulted in “A” or “B” assessments - 2.

6. utstanding performances participated in by the ship while in actual contact with the enemy:

Rescue of survivors from U.S.S. SELFRIDGE (DD357) and USS HELENA (CL50).

7. Outstanding performances participated in by the ship while not in actual contact with the enemy:

None

8. Awards:

* Recommended.

9. A brief summary of personnel casualties and damage to the ship incurred in action by the enemy:

(a) No personnel casualties were suatained.

(b) Damaged sonar dome in anti-submarine action 5 January 1945.

SHIP’S ACTIVITIES

   The U.S.S. TAYLOR (DD468) was placed in commission on 28 August 1942 at Charlestown Navy Yard, Boston, Massachusetts, with Lieutenant Commander Benjamin Katz, U.S. Navy, assuming command. The ship operated under Commander Destroyers ATLANTIC FLEET in Destroyer Squadron TWENTY during training period at Casco Bay, Portland, Maine and subsequent shakedown cruises in the North Atlantic, which consisted of coastwise convoy escort duty. Commander Destroyer Squadron TWENTY and Staff transferred to TAYLOR on 28 September 1942.

   On 13 November 1942, in company with Task Force 37, escorted the convoy Uncle George Sugar 2 to a point near Casablanca, French Morocco, Africa. At Latitude 31° 06' 30" North, Longitude 13° 17' 00" West, on 29 November, the S.S. DARRO (Spanish Merchantman) was intercepted by TAYLOR and a boarding party was placed aboard. After investigation the Escort Commander ordered the DARRO into Gibraltar with the boarding party, Lieut. (jg) Warren Winslow, U.S.N.R. in charge, to prevent the ship from transmitting information concerning the convoy. Return trip to the United States was without incident. On 11 December Commander Destroyer Squadron TWENTY (provisional) became Commander Destroyer Squadron THIRTY and with Staff transferred from TAYLOR the following day.

   The TAYLOR departed Norfolk, Virginia for the South Pacific Area via the Panama Canal, in company with Task Force 13 on 17 December 1942. While enroute, the TAYLOR escorted the HENRY T. ALLEN to Tutuila, American Samoa and from there to Nouméa, New Caledonia, arriving on 20 January 1943.

   From Nouméa, the ship proceeded to Havannah, Éfaté and joined other ships of Destroyer Squadron TWENTY ONE operating with Task Force 18 on 26 January. On 27 January the Task Force proceeded toward Guadalcanal to assist in covering a troop transport convoy. On the evening of 29 January, the Task Force was attacked by Japanese torpedo planes during which the CHICAGO was torpedoed. The ship assisted in the screening of the CHICAGO until the next day, when the heavy cruisers of the Task Force, escorted by destroyers, including the TAYLOR, left the area for Havannah Harbor. The task force again departed from Havannah Harbor for sea on 1 February. On 4 February, Destroyer Squadron TWENTY ONE, which included the TAYLOR remained until after the Battle of Kolombangara on 12-13 July. The original Task Force 18 was redesignated as Task Force 19.

   Task Force 18 (old 67) in February and March, operated generally at sea in the area between Espiritu and the Guadalcanal Area. On the night of 15 March the NICHOLAS, RADFORD, STRONG and TAYLOR proceeded into Kula Gulf and bombarded the enemy installations during the fourth bombardment at Vila-Stanmore Plantation, Kolombangara Island, after which these ships joined the Task Force at sea.

   On 26 March, the TAYLOR was designated to escort the KANAWHA, the Net Tender ALOE, and six APC’s from Espiritu Santo to the Guadalcanal area, where the Task Unit arrived on 29 March. While waiting at Tulagi for the KANAWHA to discharge her cargo, and to escort her back to Espiritu, the TAYLOR accompanied Task Force 18 on sweeps up the slot for enemy surface forces on the nights of 4, 5, and 6 April. On 7 April, the Task Force Commander directed the TAYLOR to return to Tulagi and escort the KANAWHA out of Guadalcanal area; while proceeding to Tulagi, a very heavy enemy air raid (at least 100 planes) against shipping began, and the KANAWHA was hit almost immediately as she was leaving Tulagi Harbor. When it was evident that no assistance could be furnished the KANAWHA, the TAYLOR increased speed to 30 knots and departed from that area via Sealark Channel. During this raid the TAYLOR destroyed three enemy planes and probably destroyed two more. After having transited Sealark Channel, the ship was directed by Commander Task Force 18 to join a convoy of cargo ships as additional escort. The TAYLOR continued on escort duty until 20 April when she rejoined Task Force 18.

   After a short tender overhaul the TAYLOR accompanied Task Force 18 to sea on 5 May, up the slot into Vella Gulf, to act as covering force for a group of minelayers which was to lay a minefield to the westward of Vila, Kolombangara Island. This operation was completed without incident and the Task Force returned to Espiritu on 8 May. The minefield was reported successful in that three enemy destroyers and several non-combatant ships exploded and sank within 48 hours. About a week later, on 11 May, the Task Force again proceeded up the slot on a similar mission, but in addition a heavy bombardment of Vila, Bairoko Harbor and Enogai Inlet took place simultaneously with the laying of another minefield on the eastern side of Kolombangara by the same group of minelayers. Both tasks were again accomplished without incident and the Task Force returned to Espiritu on 14 May.

   On 25 May, the TAYLOR escorted the MUNARGO to the 180th Meridian and returned to Espiritu on 30 May. Next followed another escort assignment with a troop transport convoy to Guadalcanal and return. During the night of 10 June the ship participated in the interception and repelling of an enemy night bombing attack on this convoy south of San Cristobal. Upon completion of this escort assignment, the ship returned to Espiritu on 15 June, and had another short tender overhaul. Following this overhaul the ship was assigned as part of an anti-submarine screen for the SANGAMON which was furnishing air coverage for convoys enroute to and from the Guadalcanal area. The ship remained with the SANGAMON until 6 July when she proceeded to Tulagi and reported to Commander Task Force 31 for duty.

   During July the TAYLOR participated generally in the New Georgia Occupation, and specifically in the following operations:

(a) Landing supplies and marine forces, and evacuation of wounded personnel at Rice Anchorage, Kula Gulf, 11-12 July.

(b) Possible destruction of an RO57-59 Class Japanese submarine in Kula Gulf, morning of 12 July.

(c) Rescue of U.S.S. HELENA survivors from two places on Vella LaVella Island, night of 15-16 July.

(d) Landing of supplies for marine forces and evacuation of wounded personnel at Enogai Inlet, Kula Gulf, and the bombardment of Bairoko Harbor, Kula Gulf, night of 22-23 July.

(f) Bombardment of Munda, morning of 25 July.

   The TAYLOR temporarily rejoined Task Force 18 on the afternoon of 12 July, and proceeded up the slot with the Task Force to intercept Japanese surface forces. A surface engagement, the Battle of Kolombangara, took place that evening 12-13 July, during which engagement the TAYLOR, in coordination with other destroyers in the van, made a torpedo attack and engaged the enemy with guns. One light cruiser and one destroyer were sunk, two destroyers possibly sunk and one destroyer damaged.

   On 30 July, the ship departed from the Guadalcanal area as one of the escorts for a troop transport convoy proceeding to Nouméa. While enroute, the TAYLOR was directed to enter Havannah Harbor and to report to Commander Task Force 37 for duty. Other vessels of Destroyer Squadron 21 also assembled in Havannah for duty with this task force.

   On 11 August, Destroyer Division consisting of the NICHOLAS, O’BANNON, TAYLOR and CHEVALIER was directed to return to Guadalcanal and report to Commander Task Force 31 for duty. The division operated generally with Task Force 31 and took part in the following specific operations:

(a) Occupation of Barakoma, Vella LaVella Island, 15 August.

(b) Interception and routing of enemy surface forces and barges east of Vella LaVella Island on the night of 17 August, resulting in the destruction of at least two enemy destroyers, damage to a third enemy destroyer, and the destruction of four large barges and an undetermined number of smaller ones.

(c) Search for possible enemy surface units and barges on the night of 19 August on the West and North Coasts of Vella LaVella Island and the west coast of Kolombangara Island. The division underwent heavy bombing attacks from enemy planes throughout the entire evening.

(d) Acted as covering group for minelayers which laid a minefield on the west coast of Kolombangara Island.

(e) During the period from 15-28 August, Destroyer Division 41 made ten night trips up the slot.

   On 28 August the TAYLOR was detached from Task Force 31 and escorted the TITANIA from Guadalcanal to Nouméa. While enroute, the ship obtained a radar contact on an unidentified object, and closed to develop it. The object disappeared from the radar screen and a pattern of five depth charges was dropped on a good sonar contact. The contact was lost and was not regained.

   The ship had a ten day tender overhaul, followed by a recreation period in Sydney, and on 26 September departed from Nouméa for Guadalcanal as one of the escorts for a troop transport convoy. From 30 September until 17 October the TAYLOR again operated generally with Task Force 31 out of Purvis Bay and Tulagi, in the supplying of our forces on Vella LaVella Island and specifically in the following operations:

(a) On 2 October the TAYLOR in company with RALPH TALBOT and TERRY proceeded up the slot to destroy enemy forces attempting to evacuate from Vella LaVella and Kolombangara Islands. On the night of 2-3 October the ship participated in the engagement with enemy forces and barges between Kolombangara and Choiseul Islands, resulting in the destruction of at least one enemy ship and numerous enemy barges.

(b) On 6 October, the RALPH TALBOT, TAYLOR and LAVALLETTE, while screening an echelon enroute to Vella LaVella, were directed to join the O’BANNON, CHEVALIER and SELFRIDGE west of Vella LaVella and to destroy enemy forces encountered. These last three ships had already engaged the enemy and the action was over prior to the arrival of this vessel on the scene. The SELFRIDGE had been torpedoed and the TAYLOR went alongside to take off wounded personnel and other personnel not needed in the operation of that ship. The TAYLOR assisted in escorting the SELFRIDGE to port.

   On 17 October Destroyer Division 41 departed from the Guadalcanal area and escorted a troop transport convoy to Éfaté and reported to Commander Task Force 37 for duty. On 23 October the TAYLOR escorted the LASSEN to Nouméa and the LASSEN and the ALDEBARAN from Nouméa and to Éfaté, on 26 October.

   On 31 October Destroyer Squadron 21 was detached from duty in the South Pacific Force and reported for duty with Commander Task Force 50 of the Central Pacific Force. While on duty with the latter force the ship took part in the occupation of the Gilbert Islands during 19-24 November as a unit of Task Group 50.1 (Interceptor Carrier Group) and the raid on the Marshall Islands on 4 December. One enemy aircraft was possibly destroyed during a night attack on the Task Group, 4-5 December.

   The squadron was granted navy yard availability after completion of the above operations and the TAYLOR returned to the United States on 16 December 1943.

   On 16 January 1944, Commander N.J. Frank, Jr., U.S. Navy assumed command of the TAYLOR, relieving Commander Benjamin Katz, U.S. Navy. The ship completed overhaul and returned to sea on 1 February 1944, proceeding to Pearl Harbor.

   After a short training period the TAYLOR was assigned various escort duties in the Marshall Island area, participating in the Eniwetok Island campaign. On 29 February, while in company with Task Unit 55.1.2 the ship made a depth charge attack on a possible submarine, expending 28 depth charges. Due to insufficient evidence of a submarine no credit was given on the attack.

   A short period for training and routine repair work at Pearl Harbor during the first two weeks of March preceded the TAYLOR’s return to the South Pacific area. On 25 March, while enroute to a fueling rendezvous in company with Task Group 58.7 the ship attacked and possibly damaged an enemy submarine, expending 56 depth charges. The TAYLOR proceeded to Purvis Bay the following day and reported to Commander Third Fleet for duty, joining the other ships of Destroyer Squadron 21.

   On 5 April, in company with Destroyer Squadron 21, proceeded to Milne Bay, New Guinea, to report to Commander Seventh Fleet for temporary duty. While so attached to the Seventh Fleet the TAYLOR participated in the initial landing and occupation of the Humboldt Bay Area, Hollandia, New Guinea as fighter director and later as anti-submarine escort to and from the Hollandia beachheads.

   Upon completion of the temporary duty the TAYLOR returned to South Pacific area to continue duty with the Third Fleet. In company with Destroyer Division 41, bombarded Medina Plantation, New Ireland on 29 May primarily to destroy mobile coastal guns. Blanche Harbor, Treasury Islands was then established as a base for Destroyer Division 41 which became the support force for the North Solomons Area.

   From 3 June to 14 June the ship operated with Task Group 30.4 (Special Hunter-Killer Group) in the area north of the Admiralty Islands. During this period, on 10 June, the TAYLOR successfully depth-charged an enemy submarine (I-Class) blowing it to the surface, where 5” and 40 MM guns heavily damaged it. Two more depth charge runs resulted in the probable sinking of the submarine (“B” Assessment). The TAYLOR returned to base in Blanche Harbor on 15 June and remained in that vicinity without incident until 5 August when Destroyer Division 41 transferred to the Seventh Fleet for duty.

   A practice bombardment of the Aitape, New Guinea Area from 21 to 25 August and the practice of landing at Maffin Bay, New Guinea on 6 September led to the ship’s participation in the Morotai Operation. From 15 September to 30 September, the TAYLOR acted as fighter director ship, as a unit of the intercept force, and as escort for various echelons of the landing force. While enroute to Humboldt Bay on 3 October the ship towed a disabled PBY into Woendi Lagoon.

   As escort for the Second Reinforcement Echelon for the landings on Leyte Island, Philippine Islands, from 18 October to 24 October, the TAYLOR sank one floating mine and assisted in laying a smoke screen in San Pedro Bay during the air attacks on the 24th. This echelon entered the Philippine Campaign Area on 22 October. On the night of the Battle of Surigao Straits, Destroyer Division 41 was anchored at the entrance to San Pedro Bay and joined the Support Force in the morning. Patrol as Torpedo Attack Force in the vicinity of Dinagat Island followed, during which time the ship exploded a mine by gunfire. During 27-28 October the TAYLOR operated in screen of escort carriers (Task Group 77.4) and rescued a lost fighter pilot from the ENTERPRISE and a seaman overboard from the PETROF BAY. Air attacks were experienced daily in the Leyte Gulf area but no damage to enemy aircraft was claimed by the ship.

   In company with Task Group 77.2, TAYLOR retired from the Leyte Area on 29 October, spent some time in Seeadler Harbor, Ulithi Lagoon and Kossol Roads and returned to Leyte Gulf on 16 November. During the period 16 November to 29 November the ship screened Task Group 77.2 on station in Leyte Gulf as Support Force and patrolled at the eastern entrance to Surigao Straits. Many air attacks were experienced, climaxed by the large raid of suicide and dive bombers on 29 November. The TAYLOR destroyed one enemy plane and assisted in shooting down two more during this period. The task group then retired to Seeadler Harbor, and returned to Leyte Gulf via Kossol Roads on 28 December.

   Destroyer Division 41, screening for the Cruiser Covering Force (Task Group 77.3) departed from Leyte Gulf on the Lingayen Operation on 4 January 1945. The next day the TAYLOR sank a midget submarine by ramming and dropping depth charges. During the few days preceding and following the initial landings at Lingayen the enemy made many air attacks on the Covering Force and the ship assisted in shooting down two of the attacking aircraft. Task Group 77.3 joined forces with the CVE Task Group (77.4) and remained on patrol to westward of Luzon until 29 January. Three men in a life raft from a crashed TBF were rescued by the ship on 17 January.

   Lieutenant Commander H. H. deLAUREAL, U.S. Navy, assumed command of the TAYLOR on 6 February 1945, relieving Commander N.J. Frank, Jr., U.S. Navy.

   Remaining with the Light Covering Force, while based at Subic Bay, Luzon Island, Philippine Islands, the ship participated in the expensive bombardment of Corregidor Island and the Mariveles Bay area from 13-18 February in direct support of the minesweeping units and the amphibious and paratroop assault. During this period a pilot and gunner from a downed A-20 were rescued by the ship.

   Twenty-one officers and men from crashed aircraft have been rescued by the TAYLOR.

   At total of 12,025 rounds of 5”/38 Cal. Ammunition, twenty torpedoes, and 173 depth charges have been expended by the ship in Pacific waters.

LIST OF AREA RIBBONS AND ENGAGEMENT STARS EARNED

Reference: CominCh let. FF1/P15, Serial 13 of 1/2/45

Eurpoean-Africa-Middle Eastern Area Service Ribbon.

American Area Service Ribbon.

Asiatic-Pacific Service Area Ribbon.

Capture and Defense of Guadalcanal (10 August 1942 - 8 February 1943.
Auth: Night torpedo plane attack southwest of Guadalcanal 1/29-30/43.

Rennell Island (29-30 Jan 1943)
Auth: Night torpedo plane attack southwest of Guadalcanal 1/29-30/43.

Consolidation of Central Solomons (8 Feb - 20 Jun 1943).
Auth: Bombardment Vila-Stanmore, Kolombangara 15-16 Mar, 12-13 May. Air attack Guadalcanal-Tulagi - 7 Apr 1943.

New Georgia Operation (20 Jun - 16 Oct 1943).
Auth: Landings on New Georgia, Kolombangara Action, Vella LaVella Occupation.

New Guinea Operation (4 Sept 1943 - Date to be announced).
Auth: Occupation of Hollandia-Aitape Area, New Guinea.

Gilbert Islands Operation (13 Nov to 8 Dec 1943)
Auth: Operations with Task Group 50.1 (Carrier Intercept Group).

Marshall Islands Operation (26 Nov 1943 to 2 Mar 1944)
Auth: Convoy of troops and supplies to Eniwetok Atoll.

Submarine attack 10 June 1944 (“B” Assessment).

Submarine attack 5 January 1945 (“B” Assessment).

Philippine Liberation Ribbon.

Auth: Operated for thirty days in Philippine Waters.
Engagement with enemy aircraft and submarine action 1/5/45.

Enclosure (B) to TAYLOR Conf.
Serial 040 of 36 April 1945

SHIP’S ACTIVITIES

1 March - 2 September 1945

   Operating in Destroyer Squadron 21 as part of Task Group 74.3, Light Covering Force, TAYLOR took part in the amphibious assault against ZAMBOANGA, MINDINAO ISLAND, P.I., from 8-12 March. The ship engaged in considerable bombardment of shore installations, in close support of the minesweepers and carried out a heavy fire schedule just prior to the landing assault. Thereafter much call fire was delivered in close support of the troops with good results; this bombardment was highly successful. The Light Covering Force then returned to base at SUBIC BAY, P.I.

   On 15 March, TAYLOR conducted a single-ship close-support bombardment of mouths of caves on western cliffs of CORREGIDOR ISLAND.

   In company with Task Group 74.3, the ship proceeded to TALISAY, CEBU, P.I. and delivered a heavy pre-landing bombardment, returning immediately to SUBIC BAY. Shortly thereafter all ships of the Light Covering Force were given two days in MANILA BAY, permitting a sight-seeing tour of the devastated city.

   While enroute to TARAKAN, BORNEO with the Cruiser Covering Group (Task Group 74.3) TAYLOR captured five Japanese military personnel who were attempting to escape from TAWI TAWI by raft. These prisoners were placed aboard the BOISE for interrogation. The support of the landing operations at TARAKAN was similar to previous operations and lasted from 27 April to 3 May. Call fire was delivered by TAYLOR prior to an after the landing on 1 May with good results. After our return to SUBIC BAY, training exercises were conducted with the Task Group until 1 June, broken only by a four day recreation period in MANILA.

   The remaining units of Destroyer Squadron 21 in the forward area (NICHOLAS, O’BANNON and TAYLOR) joined the THIRD FLEET in LEYTE GULF and were attached to Task Unit 30.1.2. This Task Unit joined Task Unit 32.1.3 (Carrier Group) on 17 June and operated south of OKINAWA JIMA, conducting air strikes against the islands of the SAKISHIMA GROUP. During this period the TAYLOR rescued a downed F4F pilot. Destroyer Division 41 was detached from Task Unit 32.1.3 and returned to LEYTE GULF on 25 June 1945.

   The TAYLOR joined Task Unit 30.8.5 (Logistics Support Group), and left LEYTE GULF on 8 July. After joining Task Group 30.8 (Logistics Support Group for Task Force THIRTY EIGHT), operated off the east coast of HONSHU, JAPAN until 3 August at which time the ship was assigned to Task Group 38.4. Rejoined Task Group 30.8 from 8 to 13 August, then returned to duty with Task Group 38.4 which carried out the last carrier-borne air strikes of the war against JAPAN. Many enemy aircraft threatened the Task Group during this final phase, but none succeeded in reaching their destination.

   Task Force THIRTY EIGHT continued patrol off TOKYO BAY, after the acceptance of surrender terms by the Japanese, awaiting orders for entry into TOKYO BAY. Task Group 30.1, consisting of the MISSOURI, NICHOLAS, O’BANNON and TAYLOR, was formed on 23 August, steamed into SAGAMI WAN, JAPAN four days later as spearhead of the forces of occupation. This vessel was the first destroyer to anchor in Japanese waters since the outbreak of World War II. The Task Group anchored in Tokyo Bay on 29 August.

   On 2 September 1945 the formal ceremony for the Japanese surrender to the Allied Nations took place on board the MISSOURI in TOKYO BAY. The TAYLOR assisted in this final operation of the war by transporting all Allied War Correspondents to and from the ceremony.

   Twenty-two officers and men from crashed aircraft have been rescued by the TAYLOR.

   At total of 14,437 rounds of 5”/38 Cal. Ammunition, twenty torpedoes, and 174 depth charges were expended by the ship in Pacific waters during this war.

LIST OF AREA RIBBONS AND ENGAGEMENT STARS EARNED (Revised)

Reference: CominCh let. FF1/P15, Serial 5305 of 6/30/45

RIBBONS:

   AMERICAN AREA SERVICE RIBBON.
   PHILIPPINE LIBERATION RIBBON.
   ASIATIC-PACIFIC SERVICE AREA RIBBON.

ENGAGEMENT AND BATTLE STARS (Asiatic-Pacific Area Service Ribbon)

   Capture and Defense of Guadalcanal.
   Rennell Island.
   Consolidation of Central Solomons.
   New Georgia Operation.
   Gilbert Islands Operation.
   Marshall Islands Operation.
   Western New Guinea Operation.
   Leyte Operation.
   Luzon Operation.
   Okinawa Operation.

Enclosure (B) to TAYLOR Conf.
Serial 074 of 25 September 1945