Nothing but do a little screening for the past few days. Still fighting like hell on the island. Got a commendation from the Sec. of the Navy today. Really getting up in the world.
Photo: Estate of Victor Taraborelli
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Navy Commendation
February 25, 1945
Nothing but do a little screening for the past few days. Still fighting like hell on the island. Got a commendation from the Sec. of the Navy today. Really getting up in the world.
Photo: Estate of Victor Taraborelli
Nothing but do a little screening for the past few days. Still fighting like hell on the island. Got a commendation from the Sec. of the Navy today. Really getting up in the world.
Photo: Estate of Victor Taraborelli
Thursday, February 22, 2007
I Touch the Beach of Iwo Jima Today
February 22, 1945
Didn't get ashore yesterday. Got screwed with mess cooking. Fellas brought back all sorts of souvenirs. Jap cigarettes, post cards and a lot of other stuff.
I got ashore myself today and I've seen all I want to. There has been no time to bury the dead and the smell is terrible. Can't seem to get the smell out of my clothes. I picked up a carbine and a bayonet, Acquired a Jap "weed" too. Had a mortar attack while we were on the beach and "shagged as" down the beach. Laided beside an LVT, saw a dead Marine laying about 20' away, while a body floated past in the surf. Poor bastards. Not particularly anxious to get back to that island.
Photo: Estate of Victor Taraborelli
Didn't get ashore yesterday. Got screwed with mess cooking. Fellas brought back all sorts of souvenirs. Jap cigarettes, post cards and a lot of other stuff.
I got ashore myself today and I've seen all I want to. There has been no time to bury the dead and the smell is terrible. Can't seem to get the smell out of my clothes. I picked up a carbine and a bayonet, Acquired a Jap "weed" too. Had a mortar attack while we were on the beach and "shagged as" down the beach. Laided beside an LVT, saw a dead Marine laying about 20' away, while a body floated past in the surf. Poor bastards. Not particularly anxious to get back to that island.
Photo: Estate of Victor Taraborelli
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
More Air Alerts
February 20, 1945
Had another air alert last night. Nothing happened. Got a commendation from the Admiral.
"C.T.F. five one sends x...the meritorious conduct and intrepedity of the Uncle Dog Taras in the accomplishment of their tasks can be described only in the highest terms. The information provided by their reconnaissance has been of greatest assistance and contributed greatly to the success of the landings. Well done."
All felt pretty good after hearing that. Left the ship for the beach today but instead just layed around for 9 hours. Did nothing but get cold, tired and hungry, Along with a grandstand view of the war. Marines started their final drive on Mt. Suribachi. Still taking a beating though. Two miles offshore we don't know there's a war on except for the smoke.
Had another air alert last night. Nothing happened. Got a commendation from the Admiral.
"C.T.F. five one sends x...the meritorious conduct and intrepedity of the Uncle Dog Taras in the accomplishment of their tasks can be described only in the highest terms. The information provided by their reconnaissance has been of greatest assistance and contributed greatly to the success of the landings. Well done."
All felt pretty good after hearing that. Left the ship for the beach today but instead just layed around for 9 hours. Did nothing but get cold, tired and hungry, Along with a grandstand view of the war. Marines started their final drive on Mt. Suribachi. Still taking a beating though. Two miles offshore we don't know there's a war on except for the smoke.
Monday, February 19, 2007
D-Day Marine Landing on Iwo Jima
February 19, 1945
Awoke this morning to find ships all over the place. A pretty sight. Don't feel so alone now. Marines hit the island at 0900 and they have been taking a beating all day. No work for us.
Planes came over last night and hit 15's ship and a couple of others. Plane passed at about 200 yards. Supposed to go in tomorrow. Think it's all a load of "bullshit".
Photo: Estate of Victor Taraborelli
Awoke this morning to find ships all over the place. A pretty sight. Don't feel so alone now. Marines hit the island at 0900 and they have been taking a beating all day. No work for us.
Planes came over last night and hit 15's ship and a couple of others. Plane passed at about 200 yards. Supposed to go in tomorrow. Think it's all a load of "bullshit".
Photo: Estate of Victor Taraborelli
Sunday, February 18, 2007
The Iwo Jima Shelling Continues
February 18, 1945
Shelling continued all day today. They are taking a helluva beating in there. Had nothing to do so we had a pretty soft day, Fellas went back to the rock today 'cause the light went out. Fired 50's at the beach and got some return fire. Wasn't bad at all.
Tokyo's broadcasts are funny as hell. They reported 3 landings repulsed already. The first day on the rock and our Iwo recons. Announcer was good too. Spoke with an "Oxford" accent. Comical as hell. Tomorrow is "D" day. We have nothing to do so we'll just lay off the island and watch things happen.
Shelling continued all day today. They are taking a helluva beating in there. Had nothing to do so we had a pretty soft day, Fellas went back to the rock today 'cause the light went out. Fired 50's at the beach and got some return fire. Wasn't bad at all.
Tokyo's broadcasts are funny as hell. They reported 3 landings repulsed already. The first day on the rock and our Iwo recons. Announcer was good too. Spoke with an "Oxford" accent. Comical as hell. Tomorrow is "D" day. We have nothing to do so we'll just lay off the island and watch things happen.
Saturday, February 17, 2007
I'm Swimming Towards Iwo Jima Today
February 17, 1945
This is the day for me. I'll dive out out of the boat at about 1110. I'll be enjoying a swim while the rest are all shooting like hell.
Night of February 17, 1945
Didn't enjoy that swim after all. Our gun boat was sunk before I left the boat. D.D. finished the support job. Shells were flying in every direction and truthfully, I was scared "shitless". At first I thought it was falling schrapnel falling around me, but it turned out to be a sniper.
Got about 30 yards from shore and couldn't get no closer. Things got too hot for me! Bullets and shells falling all over the place. Some of those 5'ers landed right in front of me. Snipers kept shooting until I was about 300 yards out.
The boat picked me up about 600 or 700 yards from shore and boy, did those plywood bulkheads seem good.
--- Gunboats - rockets by the 100's
--- Planes - rockets and bombs
--- Ships fire (power)
--- Fellas on rock yesterday - damn lucky
Don't believe there's going to be any demolition so maybe I'll sleep tonight. Nothing left to do but wait for the Marines to arrive. Should be rugged.
This is the day for me. I'll dive out out of the boat at about 1110. I'll be enjoying a swim while the rest are all shooting like hell.
Night of February 17, 1945
Didn't enjoy that swim after all. Our gun boat was sunk before I left the boat. D.D. finished the support job. Shells were flying in every direction and truthfully, I was scared "shitless". At first I thought it was falling schrapnel falling around me, but it turned out to be a sniper.
Got about 30 yards from shore and couldn't get no closer. Things got too hot for me! Bullets and shells falling all over the place. Some of those 5'ers landed right in front of me. Snipers kept shooting until I was about 300 yards out.
The boat picked me up about 600 or 700 yards from shore and boy, did those plywood bulkheads seem good.
--- Gunboats - rockets by the 100's
--- Planes - rockets and bombs
--- Ships fire (power)
--- Fellas on rock yesterday - damn lucky
Don't believe there's going to be any demolition so maybe I'll sleep tonight. Nothing left to do but wait for the Marines to arrive. Should be rugged.
Friday, February 16, 2007
I Can See Iwo Jima Island
February 16, 1945
The island's in sight on the horizon. Everyone's jumpy as hell. Guess the airfields have been bombed to hell. No planes in sight except our own. There's supposed to be about 15,000 Jap's on the island, but we've got over three times that many.
Photo: Estate of Victor Taraborelli
The island's in sight on the horizon. Everyone's jumpy as hell. Guess the airfields have been bombed to hell. No planes in sight except our own. There's supposed to be about 15,000 Jap's on the island, but we've got over three times that many.
Photo: Estate of Victor Taraborelli
Thursday, February 15, 2007
The Waiting Game
February 15, 1945
Slept none too good last night. Seemed too hot for me. Walked around the deck until about one this morning. I'm feeling kind of uneasy. Same kind of feeling I used to get just before a ball game. All fluttery inside. Not afraid though.
Slept none too good last night. Seemed too hot for me. Walked around the deck until about one this morning. I'm feeling kind of uneasy. Same kind of feeling I used to get just before a ball game. All fluttery inside. Not afraid though.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Set Sail For Iwo Jima
February 14, 1945
Set sail for Iwo Jima. Can't say that I feel too good. Must be the salt air. Seems that every five minutes we get briefed on our operation. My buddy and I have the toughest section of the beach to cover. At least it has the most guns. Big ones too!
Set sail for Iwo Jima. Can't say that I feel too good. Must be the salt air. Seems that every five minutes we get briefed on our operation. My buddy and I have the toughest section of the beach to cover. At least it has the most guns. Big ones too!
Monday, February 12, 2007
Beach Report - Iwo Jima
(Instructional recon text given to U.S. Navy frogmen to gather beach intelligence)
1. Man made obstacles; give types, location (grid coordinates), number of rows, interval between rows and spacing. A. anti-boat obstacles including fuel drums. B. anti-tank and personal obstacles.
2. Mines - same information as to obstacles including aircraft bombs.
3. Natural obstacles to landing craft. Location and extent.
4. Estimate of time and ability to remove obstacles.
5. Offshore beach conditions: A. Material and condition of bottom from 3 fathom line to high water mark, with attention to area near reef line. B. Location of one fathom line plotted on chart. C. Beach gradient. Right flank, left and center. Distance from reef line at 3, 2, 1 and 1/2 fathom depth.
6. Onshore beach conditions: A. Condition of beach on, or near reef line. Include terraces near water, giving height and distance inland. B. Material of beach. What type vehicle will it support. C. Beach gradient inland, including terraces and exits for vehicles.
7. Location of enemy fortifications and strong points, including beached or partially sunk vessels.
8. Estimated velocity of current.
9. Surf conditions: A.Distance of outermost breakers from reef line, depth of water in feet. B. Number of lines of breakers. C. Number of breakers per minute. D. Average height of breakers in feet. E. If waves come in cycles, get height and number of waves in cycle.
10. All information in areas where gas bubbles are sighted in water.
11. Estimate on localities suitable for placing pontoon causeways.
12. Plot graphs.
13. Other information.
14. Check cable or pipe line at our end of beach,
15. Do terraces continue into water.
16. Guns on volcano?
17. Effect of naval gunfire on terraces and beach.
18. Can LVT's be driven on terraces and beach.
19. Can weapons in volcano fire on beach.
Underwater Demolition Team 13
Photo: Estate of Victor Taraborelli
1. Man made obstacles; give types, location (grid coordinates), number of rows, interval between rows and spacing. A. anti-boat obstacles including fuel drums. B. anti-tank and personal obstacles.
2. Mines - same information as to obstacles including aircraft bombs.
3. Natural obstacles to landing craft. Location and extent.
4. Estimate of time and ability to remove obstacles.
5. Offshore beach conditions: A. Material and condition of bottom from 3 fathom line to high water mark, with attention to area near reef line. B. Location of one fathom line plotted on chart. C. Beach gradient. Right flank, left and center. Distance from reef line at 3, 2, 1 and 1/2 fathom depth.
6. Onshore beach conditions: A. Condition of beach on, or near reef line. Include terraces near water, giving height and distance inland. B. Material of beach. What type vehicle will it support. C. Beach gradient inland, including terraces and exits for vehicles.
7. Location of enemy fortifications and strong points, including beached or partially sunk vessels.
8. Estimated velocity of current.
9. Surf conditions: A.Distance of outermost breakers from reef line, depth of water in feet. B. Number of lines of breakers. C. Number of breakers per minute. D. Average height of breakers in feet. E. If waves come in cycles, get height and number of waves in cycle.
10. All information in areas where gas bubbles are sighted in water.
11. Estimate on localities suitable for placing pontoon causeways.
12. Plot graphs.
13. Other information.
14. Check cable or pipe line at our end of beach,
15. Do terraces continue into water.
16. Guns on volcano?
17. Effect of naval gunfire on terraces and beach.
18. Can LVT's be driven on terraces and beach.
19. Can weapons in volcano fire on beach.
Underwater Demolition Team 13
Photo: Estate of Victor Taraborelli
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