Letters to the Family: A WWII Pacific Adventure

By R. David Carnes

On station off Okinawa, the crew of the destroyer USS KIDD braced for impact as the Japanese Zero hit and exploded its bomb. April 11, 1945, had suddenly become a very long day. This true story about a new Naval officer is told through his letters home to his wife, young son, and family. Historical facts and personal details are filled in by the author, his son. The officer's journey from induction and advanced training, through deployment to the Forward Area and the kamikaze attack, and finally to the retirement of the ship is detailed, revealing a true WWII Pacific adventure.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Covenant Books, Inc.
• Release date: Feb 25, 2019
• ISBN: 9781644711392

Book preview

Introduction

Introduction

This is a story about a young man who served his country in World War II by joining the Navy. The story is told through the sailor’s letters sent to his wife and family while in indoctrination training, advance training, and deployment to the Pacific Theater. The letters were discovered in an old trunk in the attic of the family home. Unfortunately, the sailor and his wife were deceased at the time of discovery. Reconstruction of the story of the kamikaze attack and the sailor’s actions are based on discussions with the sailor in 1959. The author was a senior in high school at the time. The sailor, as with many who have experienced war deaths, did not care to dwell on them.

Reconstruction of the events during March and April 1945 was obtained primarily through research of the history of the Navy destroyer USS KIDD (DD-661). The author integrates the ship’s events with the sailor’s letters to tell the story. While the ship was deployed in the war zone, all information relating to the ship’s movements and activities were censored. Consequently, the sailor was not able to write about actual ship locations or operational events. The author provides a running account of the battle actions that took place with the ship before, while, and after its deployment to Okinawa. A detailed account of actions on the fateful day of April 11, 1945, when the ship was hit by a Japanese kamikaze, is described.

During the research of enemy actions on the KIDD, there arose a question as to the size of the bomb used by the kamikaze A6M Model 52 Zero that hit the ship. Many accounts list it as a 500-pound bomb. Other accounts list it as a 500-kilogram bomb. The author has elected to use 500-kilogram bomb as the correct size. This size bomb was standard armament for the Zero during the majority of the kamikaze sorties. It is also the standard size listed in the majority of US Navy literature and after-action reports.

When reconstructing history, there is always a chance of error. With only my memory of the war story as told over fifty years ago, I, as the author, accept all responsibility for any errors.

Induction

Induction

The year is 1944, and we find Donald P. Carnes employed as a mining engineer with the US Bureau of Mines. The Bureau of Mines, as a federal agency, was engaged in the war effort, and all employees were exempted from military service. Donald was part of the bureau’s Tuscaloosa, Alabama, research center. The center’s focus was providing technical and policy support to various wartime efforts to ascertain the nation’s mineral resource position. Primary focus of this effort was directed at determining the United States resources of minerals deemed critical and strategic for the war effort. Donald’s project focus was expanding the inventory of mineral resources in the northern Georgia area. It is here in Gainesville, Georgia, that in early 1944 Donald and family are located. Most leads to mineral deposits came from locals who knew the government was interested in mineralized rocks. Consequently, there were many leads to investigate. If there was indication of mineralization of sufficient mineral content and tonnage, the Bureau of Mines team would further outline the deposit by detailed sampling and/or diamond-core drilling the area.

Donald’s college degree was in mining engineering, so he found this work professionally rewarding, but did not feel that he was contributing directly to the United States war effort. His brother, Robert, had joined the Navy and was in the SEABEES in the Pacific Theater. Donald’s brother-in-law, Eugene Tikalsky, was serving as a first lieutenant with the Army Signal Corps in the European Theater. Donald was dismayed by the large number of eligible males who were dodging military service. As a patriot, Donald felt that this was his war, and it was time to become involved. He wanted to be able to look his children and fellow countrymen and women in the eye and say that he had done his part to serve his country, to be able to say that he had served in the military during World War II. So, after long discussions with his wife, Fern, Donald headed to the local Navy recruitment office and let it be known that he would like to serve his country.

After he completed applications and underwent a physical, the recruitment staff informed him that he would be hearing from the Navy in the near future. Induction papers would come as Navy orders giving him details of when and where to report for basic training. There was no doubt with his education and civilian experience he would be accepted in the officer ranks.

Within several weeks, a formalized set of Navy orders arrived in Gainesville. It was now time to inform his immediate superior in the Bureau of Mines that he would be leaving the organization for service in the Navy. Disclosure of his enlistment was met by his boss with total dismay. He was immediately told, Mr. Carnes, you cannot join the Navy. You are already serving the government in your present capacity at the Bureau of Mines. Your position is exempt from any military service. Donald no doubt retorted by pointing out that his orders stated that he had been inducted into the Navy and failure to report at the prescribed duty induction station would result in legal action and the possibility of jail. What was the Bureau of Mines to do with this low-level employee under orders from the Navy? The bureau chief of the Tuscaloosa station did not know how to resolve the problem. His answer was to forward the problem to his superiors in Washington, DC. The Carnes problem was elevated to the bureau director, Dr. Royd R. Sayers. To resolve the problem, Director Sayers met with the assistant secretary of the Navy. Together, they resolved the dilemma that Carnes had created. Mr. Carnes would be released from his exempt government position with the Bureau of Mines. Director Sayers’s resolution agreement stated that if Mr. Carnes was so important to the US Navy and the war effort, he would not be allowed to serve in any administrative position stateside. His release was contingent upon Donald being assigned directly to service in the Forward Area. At this phase of the war, the Forward Area for the Navy was the Western Pacific. So, with the caveat of being assigned directly to the Forward Area, Donald was released from the Bureau of Mines and his civilian service. Because of his age (thirty-four) and past civilian experience, Donald was sworn into the Navy as an officer with the rank of lieutenant junior grade (JG). Initial rank of Navy officers is usually ensign. With commission in hand, Donald’s initial training sent him to Hollywood, Florida. It is here where the letters of his activities commence, beginning with family reactions to Donald’s enlistment.

Note: Throughout the rest of this book the author’s comments and notes will be seen in italics.

Family Reaction

Letter from Donald’s brother Robert (Bob) who was serving in the Navy SEEBEE’S

July 20, 1944

Dear Donald, Fern and R. David:

(Note how I am changing the order of things; just to keep from going jungle jolly.) I do vow ’tis hard to keep the heat from getting one down—

I was so glad to get today’s letter from you. I am happy & proud to know that you have finally sworn in, Don; and will be one of Chet’s right hand men. I now rest assured that the war will soon be over. Just as soon as I have time to have a little talk with Chet,* I’ll tell him you are on the way, Sir.

Too bad you couldn’t see fit to go home for a while, but can see where your judgment is sound. (Sweaty hand causes the ink to blur. ’Tis one of the stickiest nights I have ever encountered, and this is mid winter)

Your new address is very imposing Don. It sure sounds better than port so and so (or camp something or another). Also, it is a damn sight better than Island X. Hope with all my heart and soul you’ll never have to leave the States. Will surely be fine if you all three can be together while you are in training.

Glad you gave me the story on the National Geographic—Don’t bother to send one.

As to chess. Strange as it seems after a 12 hr. day, I still have my evenings and nights. I don’t write letters, I either read, play poker (at which I’m loser), or accommodate some of the chess friends as a partner. The story is, Don, that the guys I play with are Old European Child wonders. They have a myriad of moves that you never taught me. What I would like is some dope on a few trick moves that may baffle the old boys. I don’t care for a full book of the stuff.

Sis, it looks as though you will soon have some time on your hands. If you care to do some reading I suggest two books that I have read recently: A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith and The Robe by Lloyd C. Douglas. I think you will enjoy them.

I am enclosing this week’s Mountaineer. Sorry that between the reporter and myself there was a slip up. Via: Regular Navy—Otherwise ’tis o.k. I am anxious to hear from you again.

Love,

Bob

RW Carnes gm1/c USNR… CBMU 71 FPO San Francisco

*Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, Commander Pacific Fleet

Dr. T.P. Carnes

Salmon, Idaho

July 30, 1944

Dear Donnie,

Just a little note to you to-night. Just to tell you that your Mom and I are most happy to know that you are now in military training. And we are also most happy to know that Fern is in accord.

We are most anxious to know just what your boot training might be. Let us know just what it is all about. Mom and I speculate a lot as we sit at home evenings. Good luck and more power to you, feller.

Love, Dad

Dr. T.P. Carnes

Salmon, Idaho

Sunday 6th

August 6, 1944

Dear Don,

This will be just a short note to you tonight. Just to tell you that we are all right except that Mom has developed some pain in her head that I cannot quite localize. This has been going on for some little time. I did find one upper molar which showed infection. I removed the tooth and there was some temporary relief but it has started up again. There may be another to remove. I hesitate to be the deciding factor. Perhaps we might slip out to Butte or Missoula where I might get consultation with someone. It baffles me. But do not worry about it.

We had a nice letter from Fern yesterday. Evidently she and Davy are doing all right. We are both so glad that she takes your move, as we figure, so sensibly, which of course we knew all the time that she would do. Of course she and Dave are lonesome for you but I guess that it is just one of those things we have to take. (Your Mom and I are lonesome for all of you and we look forward to the time when we can all be together again.) We wish they were with us now.

Had a nice letter from Bob this week. Everything is O.K. with him.

Fern said that there were some photos for us in the mail. We can hardly wait until they arrive.

We are anxiously awaiting your letters telling of your boot training. I am anxious to know what the difference between yours and Bob’s was.

If and when you can, keep your letters coming. Your Mom and I keep looking forward to them.

Love to you, feller,

Mom and Dad

P.S. Am having sent to you an absentee ballot to your Florida address. You may exercise it yes or no. Just as you wish.

South Pacific

August 10, 1944

Dear Don:

I just received your letter of Aug 2nd. Glad to know you are settled, & on your way. Know from experience you will be pushed around more than you’re used to for a while—but also know you can take it. Any one who can take the first year in Ludley Hall can take what Uncle has to dish out.

No doubt, you officers will have plenty to do for 2 months—and I feel for you. But from what I know of it, it will not be nearly so rough as the training they pour on enlisted mutts like us, who are supposed to be trained to be tough.

Am sure glad you chose Navy & you’ll see, as time goes on, where an officer in the Navy has a much better break than Army or Marines. You can really live as an Officer and a Gentleman.

Am glad you are thrown in with such a good lot. I know, from what they put up to you as to requirements that you’re whole bunch are on the ball. Much more so than the type of men picked to run this outfit.

War news, such as we get, sounds more encouraging each day. My bet is that we will be shipped home about a year from the Fall. I’ve set my heart on that date any way.

Do you know yet when you will be able to have Fern and Dave with you? Did you leave them in Gainesville? I know it was tough for you to leave them. That is where I have the advantage (if you can call it that). Over 90% of this outfit has no wife or children. However, I’m damn soon going to acquire one as soon as this is over.

Had a letter from Bill Furchner today. He is now on Admiralty Island. Says they are well fixed there in that they get a sea breeze & there is very little mud.

I still haven’t heard from home. Am beginning to be a bit worried.

We had 2 cans of beer tonight. And also, there is to be a movie. Getting to be just like city folks here.

As Ever, Bob

R. W. Carnes CCM USNR

CBMU 571 Fleet P.O.

F.P.O. San Francisco

Dr. T.P. Carnes

Salmon, Idaho

August 29, 1944

Dear Don,

Your short note of inquiry of Mom’s condition received this afternoon. I had already written you that Mom was on the improve. Don’t worry boy, I am taking the best of care of your Mom. That is the best that the local M.D.’s can give me. Mom is much rested on account of her week’s vacation with the Jones’s on Panther Creek. And I am sure that she is going to come out of it all right. So don’t worry.

Mom just got off a letter to Fern yesterday. She sent Davy a birthday present. It was in the form of a bill and we hoped that Fern could find something suitable for the Admiral that we were unable to find here in Salmon. I salute him as the Admiral. Mom has your three pictures all in line on the book case. I salute the Navy every time I come in the door. (And it is a most solemn ritual.) I am proud that I have you two fellers in uniform.

Had a short letter from Bob today. Nothing new and he is batting his usual average.

Love to you feller and more power to you, and don’t worry about Mom and me.

Love,

Dad

Dr. T.P. Carnes

Salmon, Idaho

HANDWRITTEN

(Attached on back of Letter by Dr. T. P. Carnes of August 29, 1944)

Dearest,

Just a note to add to Dad’s letter. Don’t worry about me honey, we are doing all we can to take care of the silly situation. I had a week of rest with our friends on Panther Creek-nary a panther did I see. The most horrible creature was a chipmunk, dangerous animals, so I’m told. I’ll write you soon.

Love—Your Mom

Dr T.P. Carnes

Salmon, Idaho

September 13, 1944

Dear Don,

I hope that my letter from Butte has reached you before this one. I wrote it just as soon as I had Dr. Rodes’s word that there was nothing to worry about as to Mom’s condition other than that she was on the verge of a nervous breakdown due to over exertion and worry, and with the proper treatment and care she will come out of it all right.

I am going to leave it up to Mom to tell you the details of the experience. How I called Dr Rodes and made an appointment. How the trip was out through the Big Hole. How everything was ready when I pulled up in front of the Murray Hospital. What a sick gal she was. How the nurses had her clothes off in a jiffy. How she protested when they put on the hospital gown which left her practically naked. How the Dr. made his preliminary examination and got the history and then a quieting sedative. And about the intervenous nourishment, and all (I’ll leave it to her.) We came back yesterday evening, came back by Armstead. Mom is feeling much better and stronger today. We have a gal engaged to come after school and do the work at the apartment. In a few days I hope to have Mom going strong again.

There was a nice letter in the mail when we got in last night. And also the pictures Fern had sent. The pictures of Fern and Davy we think are grand. All of them. Mom has them placed with yours and Bob’s. When she went to bed tonight she kissed them all.

From your letter there is a bit of hope that your assignment might be on the west coast and we are hoping that Fern and Davy might be here with us. We would love that.

Love to you boy,

Dad

Indoctrination: Basic Training

July 30, 1944

Jacksonville

Sunday Morning

Dearest:

The reservation to Hollywood didn’t work out. I wound up staying here last night after arriving about midnight. Met up with a flock of young sprouts all headed for the school at Hollywood. Stayed in a hotel room with two of them last night and a good bunch of fellows they are.

My trunk must be miles behind. I haven’t seen it yet.

Please mail my old pair of rubbers. They are the only thing I seem to have forgotten.

We leave in a few minutes for Hollywood. Should get there late tonight.

I was a little glad I had to hurry and catch the train yesterday. Otherwise I might have bawled.

I’ll try and drop you a card tonight.

Love,

Don

July 31, 1944

Dearest Fern (& Deede):

I can see that there is going to be no quitting time on this job when I can go home and relax and be comforted (and pestered). Right now I wish that there was and that I was just now starting for home and comfort. I’m really not too bad off, but I am a little low right now and in the need of a little of my helpmate’s treatment.

It isn’t late yet and I got along fairly well with my day’s schedule of red tape, but I am weary. Mostly we stood in line today. Reporting in is a job in itself. My old dogs are aching. Right now I am bad sore. My trunk hasn’t arrived and I need it sorely. Many trains have come in and as far as I know still no trunk. The few hours remaining this afternoon are, according to instructions, to be spent in unpacking and stowing our uniforms and equipment exactly according to regulations in this and that drawer and on such and certain hooks and then the luggage is to go back to the luggage room. How I am going to make out on this deal I don’t know considering all of the uniforms and equipment that I packed in my trunk. They say that we won’t have a minute tomorrow to work on our baggage. I’m disgusted.

Furthermore, we have no mail and I doubt if we get any for a couple of days. I don’t know how many of us there are here, but I estimate 1000 at least and the mail is all piled up in a pile until they get around to sorting it out. Gives me a big pain. With this kind of service in mind I think that I should be wise to send my laundry out here. They say it takes about a week and have regular prescribed times for us to send it out.

There are so many rules and regulations being shoved at us today and so many things to remember that we are all about dizzy. I suppose that it will be this way from now on although surely things will be a little better regulated after we get into a routine. The old timers here laugh at us for being so green and they all seem to be envious because they don’t have to go through with it all again. I guess that they really shove it at us.