50 Years Ago Today – Mullinnix Arrives In Naples, Italy
Excerpt from “The Last Gun Ship - History of USS Mullinnix DD-944” - A Historical Novel By Frank A. Wood
Upon receiving 52, 462 gallons NSFO from USS Severn on 23 February, Mullinnix steamed towards Naples, Italy arriving at 0920 being Mediterranean moored at berth 72, Molo Angioino, Naples.
Much has been said about the hurricane bow of the Forrest Sherman Class. Many Tin Can Sailors stationed on older ships noticed as well. Sonny Walker, VP, Laffey Association (USS Laffey DD-724), recalls the 1961 Med Cruise, stated, “We were in DESRON 32 and the Mullinnix was our flag ship. We envied that high bow when the weather got rough.”
USS Laffey is significant because of her action on 16 April 1945, when she fought one of the most famous destroyer-kamikaze duels of the Pacific War. She was attacked by 22 Japanese kamikazes and bombers in the span of ninety minutes. She managed to shoot down 11 of the attacking planes while being hit by five kamikazes and two bombs killing 32 and wounding 71 of her crew. For this action she was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation
To be continued...
Cheers,
Woody
Upon receiving 52, 462 gallons NSFO from USS Severn on 23 February, Mullinnix steamed towards Naples, Italy arriving at 0920 being Mediterranean moored at berth 72, Molo Angioino, Naples.
Much has been said about the hurricane bow of the Forrest Sherman Class. Many Tin Can Sailors stationed on older ships noticed as well. Sonny Walker, VP, Laffey Association (USS Laffey DD-724), recalls the 1961 Med Cruise, stated, “We were in DESRON 32 and the Mullinnix was our flag ship. We envied that high bow when the weather got rough.”
USS Laffey is significant because of her action on 16 April 1945, when she fought one of the most famous destroyer-kamikaze duels of the Pacific War. She was attacked by 22 Japanese kamikazes and bombers in the span of ninety minutes. She managed to shoot down 11 of the attacking planes while being hit by five kamikazes and two bombs killing 32 and wounding 71 of her crew. For this action she was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation
To be continued...
Cheers,
Woody
posted by Frank A. Wood at 17:19
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