USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Wenham > Wenham in World War II : war service of Wenham men and women and civilian services of Wenham people > Part 12
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GEORGE WINFIELD MERRILL joined the U. S. Naval Re- serve on June 10, 1926 at the Naval Reserve Armory, Lynn, Mass. He was called to active duty on November 19, 1940 as Pharmacist's Mate 2/c and assigned to the USS Harry Lee (APA 10), a trans- port, stationed at Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York City and com- missioned December 17, 1940.
On October 24, 1942 he was transferred to the USS Calvert (APA 32). He made Chief Pharmacist's Mate in October 1942 and in November 1942 the Calvert took part in the invasion of Africa, landing men at Safi, French Morocco. The ship then re- turned to the States for amphibious training exercises with troops. In July 1943 she went into action again in the Sicilian occupation, landing troops at Scoglihi and carrying casualties back to Oran, Africa.
Merrill was assigned to shore duty on August 20, 1943, serving first at the U. S. Naval Hospital at Annapolis, Md. and then at the U. S. Naval Hospital at Chelsea, Mass. In both these hospitals his duty was Assistant to the First Lieutenant and he was in charge of fire fighting and fire prevention.
In February 1945 he was ordered to the precommissioning detail of the USS Skagit (AKA) at Brooklyn, N. Y. He made Warrant Pharmacist on the Skagit and was sent to Lido Beach, Long Island for training for Pacific island duty and to San Bruno, Calif. ad- vanced training base. He shipped from San Bruno in June 1945 for Subic Bay, P. I. where he was assigned to duty at the Naval Base.
George Merrill was released to inactive duty on November 27, 1945 at Boston and is now attached to Division 1-20 of the Org- anized Naval Reserve stationed at Lynn, Mass. He has had con- tinuous Navy service since June 10, 1926.
Good Conduct Medal
Naval Reserve Good Conduct Medal with star for 20 years' service.
American Defense Medal with bronze A.
American Campaign Medal
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with stars for African and Sicilian Operations.
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Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal Philippine Liberation Campaign Medal World War II Victory Medal
JOHN GARDNER MERRILL entered on active duty as a Pri- vate in the Army of the United States on March 1, 1945. He was assigned to the Infantry, sent to Camp Croft, S. C. for basic train- ing and to Camp Rucker, Ala. and Ft. Ord, Calif. for advanced infantry training.
In October 1945 he was sent overseas to Yokohama, Japan and was assigned to the 244th Port Company, 495 Port Battalion, Berth #5.
The unit handling Berth #5 consisted of a lieutenant, Merrill who had attained the rank of T/4 (Technician 4th Grade), 22 G.I.'s and about 200 Japanese laborers. The lieutenant was on board the ship and kept unloading operations running smoothly. Merrill was in charge of the warehouse, the rail-line connecting the ware- house with the main line (under the supervision of the 3rd Military R. R. Service). He also supervised the men and says, "It was a job in itself to watch the Japanese and see that they did not break into food and clothing. They were more interested in food than anything else. As for the G.I. work crews, we always got along smoothly, which always makes it easier for all.
"Cargo ships came from all points in the Pacific. Food usually came from the United States. My job was to receive, check, store, distribute and recheck every item of 9,000 tons of cargo per ship- anything from a can of peanuts to a rock crusher.
"There was often trouble. If one of the men made a small mis- take in his tally or record sheet and a boxcar or 32,000 lbs. of flour got lost between Yokohama and Tokyo, or even a carton of cigar- ettes (which brought $20 to $30) disappeared, there were head- aches and lots of questioning for every American on the job unless it could be proved that the theft took place outside of the port.
"Sometimes there was a theft of 'security cargo.' These consisted of medical instruments, guns, narcotics, radios, watches, cameras, etc. and were stored below decks and boarded up. It could not be opened except in the presence of a security officer. Stolen articles were sold in the black market, which was thriving. A couple of 7- inch bottles of morphine could with certain 'contacts,' bring as much as $20,000 in American currency. Sometimes the cargo was stolen at the Port of Embarkation in the United States; sometimes while
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en route; sometimes in Japan. It was rumored finally that the Federal Government men were working on the problem at both ends and in the middle."
Later Merrill was transferred to the 347th Harbor Craft Com- pany which worked floating cranes, barges, tugs, oilers, crash boats and all types of landing craft which were used to carry freight in- stead of troops.
"A T/4 rated as Coxswain so I started learning to operate the LCM and the LOVP. I seemed to be doing pretty well but a lot of men were being sent home leaving positions to be filled and I was transferred to a crane known as the BD #240. The crew con- sisted of an operator and relief operator; a foreman in charge of five Japanese who did the coupling and lashing of the cargo. These cranes were used for heavy lifts from the ships. As engineer, I checked gear and cables for breaks and flaws for the safety of the crew; Diesel fuel below deck and grease and oil on moving parts of the crane itself."
John Merrill returned to the States and was honorably discharged on November 23, 1946.
Meritorious Service Unit Plaque
Expert Infantry Badge
Good Conduct Medal
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal
World War II Victory Medal
Army of Occupation Medal
CECIL LIONEL MHOON entered on active duty as First Lieu- tenant in the Army of the U. S. on May 18, 1942. He was sent to the 1st Battalion, 302nd Ordnance Regiment at Camp Monroe, N. C. for basic training and then assigned to Ordnance School, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md. for a two months' course in Tank and Automotive School. He was assigned to Detached Service at the Desert Training Center, Mojave Desert, Indio, Calif. and then rejoined his regiment which had been re-designated as the 604th Ordnance Base Armament Battalion. He aided in staging the 7th Division prior to the invasion of Attu and Kiska in the Aleutian Islands, Alaska.
In February 1943 he was dispatched on a special mission to Alaska and the Aleutians on orders from Fourth Army and Western Defense Command to organize provisional tank companies, instruct in operation and maintenance of tanks in the Aleutian Campaign.
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He returned to the States in July 1943, and in January 1944 he left for England where he was assigned in addition to his duties with the 604th Battalion, as Maintenance Officer, Depot "G" 65, Hilsie Barracks, Portsmouth. "On the morning of July 11, 1944, our battalion boarded an LST in Weymouth, England-destination, France. The weather was typical of England-a heavy pea-soup fog. Midway across the English Channel the ship was halted be- cause of visibility. Fog had closed in to a point where visibility was zero.
"At noon we were sitting at lunch when the ship took a terrific lurch, throwing everyone to the floor. An order came over the loud speaker to prepare to take stations, and subsequently abandon ship. During all the confusion of getting to the stations, it was believed by all that we had been torpedoed or had struck a land mine.
"My station was up near the bow of the ship. When I finally arrived there, I observed the bow of another large ship imbedded about 25 feet back from the bow midway in our ship. Our fears were quickly dispelled. Fortunately, it was one of our own ships which was moving silently in the fog and did not or could not see us, and of course rammed us. Fortunately, no one was seriously in- jured, and our ship was still able to move under its own power; however, there was considerable damage."
Mhoon landed on Utah Beach, Normandy, July 14, 1944 where he was temporarily assigned as Maintenance Officer of Depot "G" 65, Normandy Base Section, Cherbourg, France. On August 26 he was relieved of this temporary assignment, and joined its parent organization in Paris and was assigned, in addition to his battalion duties, as Maintenance Officer, Depot 0644, Bois de Vincennes, Paris. This was the largest ordnance depot in the ETO.
In January 1945 he was assigned to the Office, Chief of Ordnance, ETO, Industrial Division, in charge of Tank Engine Overhaul, utilizing the whole of the French automotive and airplane industry for this activity. This group was later transferred to Frankfort, Germany, as part of the Occupation Forces of Germany.
On November 8, 1945 he returned to the States and was ordered to Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md. as Military Chief of Operations, Engineering and Maintenance Branch, Automotive Division of the Development Proof Service.
Major Cecil Mhoon has remained in the Army. His present assignment is Executive Officer to the Chief of Base Shop Division, Red River Arsenal, Texarkana, Tex.
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Personal Records of Those in the Armed Forces
Commendation from Lt. Gen. DeWitt, Fourth Army, 15 July 1943, for outstanding accomplishment of special mission to Alaska and activity of provisional tank companies, and in- structing the operation and maintenance of light tanks.
Commendation from Lt. Gen. O. N. Bradley, 2 June 1944 for "outstanding accomplishment in designing, construction and equipping mobile command post caravans."
Commendation from Col. H. G. Davisson, 12 December 1944 for designing and manufacturing special wrenches for removal of fuses from 75 mm. and 105 mm. shells.
Commendation from Col. W. E. Becker, 10 October 1944 for work at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md.
American Campaign Medal
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with one battle star for Aleutian Campaign.
European-African-Middle Eastern Medal with one battle star, Northern France.
Unit Citation Award, Meritorious Plaque with star for outstand-
ing performance of the 604th OBAM Battalion from January 19, 1944 through February 1945.
World War II Victory Medal
Army of Occupation Medal
GARDINER AMES MORGAN entered on active duty as a Pri- vate in the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve on January 4, 1946. He was sent for boot training to Parris Island, S. C.
After his training was over, he was assigned to Headquarters U. S. Marine Corps in Washington, D. C. where he worked in the office operating International Business Machines, which recorded the private records of all enlisted men in the Marine Corps. He was also in charge of inactive files, worked in the Muster Roll Section, etc
He made Private First Class on July 4, 1946 and was honorably discharged on April 23, 1947 at Washington, D. C.
American Campaign Medal
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal
World War II Victory Medal
JAMES HAROLD MORGAN, JR. entered on active duty in the U. S. Naval Reserve as an Apprentice Seaman on November 11, 1942, and went through boot school in Co. 358 at USNTS (Naval
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Training School), Newport, R. I., and then to Cooks and Bakers School (January 7, 1943 to May 8, 1943), also at Newport.
On May 18, 1943, he reported aboard the USS Core (CVE 13), an escort carrier which operated with a division of old destroyers as Task Group 21.12, engaged in anti-submarine warfare in the Middle and South Atlantic. Operating sometimes with a convoy and some- times alone, putting in at Norfolk, Casablanca, or Recife for fuel and supplies, the Core's planes hunted down and sank nine submar- ines during the eight months James Morgan was aboard. During this period he was advanced to Seaman 2/c and Seaman 1/c, and finally to Ship's Cook 3/c.
He next received orders for Newport again, where he joined the Ticonderoga precommissioning detail on February 27, 1944. The "Big T" put to sea on May 7 for a shakedown cruise in Trinidad waters, followed by an availability at Norfolk Navy Yard for last- minute correction of the defects discovered in shakedown. She left Norfolk on August 25, 1944, for Panama, the Pacific, and Task Forces 38 and 58. The "Big T" supported several parts of the Philippine invasions, raided Formosa, and bombed Iwo Jima.
The Commissary Division's task of feeding over 3,000 men three times a day was often interrupted by "General Quarters," when K- rations were given out on stations. James Morgan's battle station was one of the 40-mm. quadruple-mount A/A guns in the gun gallery at the edge of the flight deck. On January 21, 1945, a bomb and two suicide planes hit the "Big T" in quick succession, with shrapnel barely missing Morgan.
Morgan made SC 2/c on May 1, 1945, and a few months later the "Big T" flew off her last hostile missions, to provide cover, and close support if needed, for the landings of the occupation troops in Tokyo Bay. She then made a number of "Magic Carpet" trips, bringing dischargees back from Japan, Okinawa and Hawaii. He made SC 1/c on March 1, 1946; two months later he left the Ticonderoga and went to Seattle, where he was in the de-commis- sioning details of the Bunker Hill (CV 17) and the Quincy (CA 71). His last ship was the USS Greyhound (IX 106), a converted ferry used as flagship and headquarters for the Bremerton Group of the 19th (inactive) Fleet.
James Morgan was honorably discharged on September 15, 1946 at Seattle, Wash.
Good Conduct Medal
American Theater
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Personal Records of Those in the Armed Forces
European Theater with star for T. G. 21.12 Operation.
Pacific Theater with stars for Philippine Islands, Formosa, Iwo Jima and Japan.
Philippine Liberation with stars for Luzon and Samar.
World War II Victory Medal
Expert Rifleman's Medal
EDITH ANNIE MORSON (Mrs. William P. Morris) entered on active duty as Apprentice Seaman in the WAVES, U. S. Naval Reserve, on August 26, 1943. She was sent for Recruit Training at USNTS (WR) Hunter College, Bronx, New York City and for further training at Classification Interviewers School, USNTS (WR) Bronx, New York City. Her rate was advanced to Sp (C) 3/c and she was assigned in September 1943 to USNTS (WR) Bronx, New York City, Selection and Classification Department as Classification Interviewer. Her work consisted of giving aptitude tests and lectures on available WAVE jobs to recruits and then, in a personal interview, assigning them to the type of work or school for which they were best qualified. In February 1944 she made Sp .(C) 2/c and on October 26, 1944 entered Midshipman's School at Smith College. She received her commission as Ensign USNR on December 21, 1944.
As an officer she was stationed at Headquarters 3rd Naval District, New York City, as Assistant Hydrographic Officer (January 1- April 15, 1945) and then transferred to the Bureau of Naval Per- sonnel, Washington, D. C. as Classification Analyst and Assistant in Officer Release Section until March 28, 1946 when she was re- leased to inactive duty.
American Campaign Medal
World War II Victory Medal
EDWARD PREBLE MOTLEY entered on active duty as a Pri- vate in the Army of the U. S. on July 17, 1942 and was assigned to the Field Artillery. He was sent to the 88th Division at Camp Gruber, Okla. for basic training. He was promoted to Corporal in October 1942 and was sent to OCS (Officer Candidate School) in November 1942, being graduated as 2d Lieutenant in February 1943. He was assigned to 605th Field Artillery Battalion of the 10th Mountain Division and trained with them as Forward Ob- server and Reconnaissance Officer at Camp Carson, Camp Hale,
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Colo., and Camp Swift, Tex. where he was promoted to 1st Lieu- tenant.
In January 1945 the 605th was sent to Italy. They landed at Naples and were transported by LCI's to a staging area near Pisa where they were equipped for the front which was then the winter- bound Gothic line extending across the peninsula about 20 miles south of the Po Valley. After a 3-week period of reconnaissance and patrol work they pushed off with the division in the campaign that broke through the Gothic line, completed the Rome-Arno battle, and did not cease until the Fifth Army had cut off the German re- treat to the Alps.
Preble Motley served as Forward Observer in "B" Battery of the 605th from January until he was wounded March 3, 1945 at Mount Della Torrachia while his division was jumping off on a limited offensive in order to establish a suitable line of departure for the spring push north to the Po. He was caught in a mortar barrage as he accompanied an infantry company attacking down the mountain.
After two and one-half months in hospital at Leghorn and Naples he rejoined his unit at Lake Garda a few days after the German surrender in Italy.
The following is taken from his citation because it gives a picture of the kind of fighting done by the Mountain Infantry and also of the work performed by an Artillery Observer.
"On 20 February 1945, near Riva Ridge, Preble Motley acted as a forward artillery observer in taking an enemy-held ridge in extremely mountainous terrain. Accompanying forward units in the first attack, he directed artillery fire on the enemy until a strong counterattack forced the assault to withdraw under covering fire which he called for and adjusted. Later in. the day another assault on the ridge, this time successful. Again he set up his observation post in a forward position from which he went farther to the front to observe the results of his artillery fire. When the enemy counter- attacked he was able to direct such offensive fire on them that they were forced to withdraw with more than half their numbers casual- ties. In their retreat, he called for fire on their escape routes, in- flicting many more casaulties on the enemy."
He says, "The most amusing incidents of combat are the ones which you remember best, thank God. I put three days' work in setting up an observation post in a church belfry during the winter stalemate on the Gothic Line. It was completed successfully under the eyes of Jerry who held the heights above us. I was pretty
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Personal Records of Those in the Armed Forces
pleased with myself so I invited the Infantry Captain to climb up and observe my work. However, we made the mistake of protect- ing ourselves from the cold with a little 'vino,' so I neglected to warn him about the bell. It was at night, so he smashed his helmet against the bell with such force that our gun positions two miles back heard the gong. We forgot all security measures and broke into loud laughter. I regret to report that my relief had to make a hasty exit from this vantage point when Jerry gave it a thorough shelling the next day."
Due to a climbing injury received near the Austro-Italian-Yugo- slav border, where they were sent to keep an eye on Tito, Motley returned to the States in a hospital ship. He was released to in- active duty March 28, 1946.
Bronze Star Medal awarded by Headquarters 10th Mountain Di- vision for "heroic achievement in action on 20 February, 1945 near Riva Ridge." Purple Heart
American Defense Service Medal
American Campaign Medal
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with stars for Rome-Arno and Po Valley.
World War II Victory Medal
MARSHALL RALPH NIELSEN entered on active duty as an Apprentice Seaman in the U. S. Naval Reserve November 17, 1943. He was sent to Dartmouth College under the Naval College Train- ing Program (V-12). May 23, 1944 he went for recruit training to Bainbridge, Md. where he made Seaman 2/c and next to Para- chute Riggers School at Lakehurst, N. J., September 1, 1944, leav- ing there with the rate of S 1/c.
He was then permanently assigned to NAS (Naval Air Station) Pensacola, Fla. as Parachute Rigger for dive bomber and patrol bomber squadrons (December 5, 1944) with the rate of PR 2/c.
Speaking of parachutes he says: "This life saving device is com- posed of five major parts :
1. Pilot Chute : A small parachute three feet in diameter which assists the opening of the main canopy. 2. Canopy : The main part of a parachute, twenty-four feet in diameter, made up of ninety-six panels containing approximately sixty-five square yards of silk.
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3. Shroud Lines : 24 lines which connect the harness to the canopy.
4. Harness : Composed of very strong herring-bone web. Designed for strength and comfort of the wearer.
5. Container : That part of the parachute which houses canopy and shroud lines.
"Parachutes are made from the finest grade of silk and nylon. Cargo chutes used for dropping supplies, are sometimes made from rayon, cotton, and occasionally paper. They are extremely strong, capable of withstanding strain up to five thousand pounds.
"These parachutes must be aired and repacked every thirty days by a qualified and licensed parachute rigger. They are packed on tables forty-feet long and three feet wide and must be aired for twenty-four hours previous to packing in order to prevent mildew which decays silk rapidly.
"While in training at Parachute School in Lakehurst, N. J. we were taught how to construct, repair, and pack every type of 'live jump' and cargo chute used by the armed forces. This training in- cluded the use of many different types of sewing machines.
"Before graduation, every rigger is thoroughly trained how to fall and tumble correctly while making a parachute descent. Each rigger must, before graduation, make a premeditated free fall para- chute jump, using a chute which he himself has packed. I made my graduation jump on November 14, 1944.
"We jumped from a Navy 'K' ship ('Blimp') from an altitude of approximately 2300 feet. Without a doubt I believe this is one thrill which no man would ever forget.
"During the last two years, I have taken part in a series of Air Sea Rescue Experiments conducted in the Gulf of Mexico and off the coast of New Jersey. These experiments consisted of over- water jumps, testing new types of life rafts, parachutes, and all types of flotation and rescue equipment."
Nielsen was honorably discharged at New Orleans, La., June 22, 1946.
American Campaign Medal
World War II Victory Medal
DANA J. NOYES entered on active duty as an Apprentice Seaman in the U. S. Naval Reserve on February 12, 1946. After eight weeks' preliminary training at Bainbridge, Md. he was sent to
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Personal Records of Those in the Armed Forces
Shoemaker, Calif. and left Treasure Island, Calif. on the USS Monrovia (APA 31) for China duty.
On arrival at Hong Kong he was transferred to the USS Frederick F. Berry (DD 858). The ship operated out of Tsingtao for two months and then left for Korea duty. "Our purpose was to inspect all merchant ships for opium and smuggling in general. This in- cluded ammo, guns and people trying to enter and leave Russia illegally. We returned to Tsingtao and were ordered to Hong Kong. We stopped at Amoy and Shanghai on the way down the coast. The least said about liberty in China, the better. The best port there is Hong Kong. The British keep it as clean and civilized as possi- ble but they can't work wonders."
Noyes made Seaman 1/c in December 1947. The Berry left China and returned to the States via Guam and Pearl Harbor for dry-dock at Bremerton, Wash. and Noyes was transferred to the USS Harwood (DD 861). He took a test for Coxswain, made 3.5 but couldn't get the rate because it was frozen. In November 1947 he was transferred to the USS Orlech (DD 886). After striking for Sonarman, he passed the test and is now Sonarman 3/c. "The machine operates through sound waves from the bottom of my ship and I can send the waves out in any direction I desire. The pur- pose is to find submerged submarines."
Noyes is on a two-year "hitch" and all two-year enlistment men are being discharged two months ahead of their discharge date at this time. He expects to be home for Christmas and out of the Navy in December 1947.
American Campaign Medal
World War II Victory Medal
GEORGE CHINN NOYES, JR. entered on active duty as a Pri- vate in the Army of the U. S. on December 18, 1942. He was sent to the 605th Coast Artillery (Anti-Aircraft) at East Boston Air Port, for basic training with a gun battery.
In February 1943 he was assigned to the 605th CAAA at Salis- bury Beach. He served as Ammunition Corporal and Gunner in Battery D which was a 90 mm. anti-aircraft battery, part of the coastal defense for the protection of Portsmouth.
George Noyes, Jr. was honorably discharged on June 21, 1943, after three months at the Ft. Devens New Station Hospital, where he was treated for a physical disability incurred in line of duty.
World War II Victory Medal
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EDWARD HOLYOKE OSGOOD, JR. was commissioned in the Army of the U. S. on June 21, 1938, and served a year at Ft. Ethan Allen under the Thomason Act as a 2d Lieutenant in the 7th Field Artillery Battalion. He was recalled to active duty De- cember 2, 1940 as 2d Lt., FA and assigned to the 32d Field Artil- lery Battalion, Ft. Ethan Allen, Vt. as a Battery Officer. He attend- ed Battery Officers' Course #6 at the FA School, Ft. Sill, Okla. from January 1941 to March 1941 and after returning to the 32d FA Bn. was sent again to the FA School as Gunnery Instructor where he remained until December 31, 1941. He was promoted to 1st Lieutenant on August 12, 1941 while on this duty.
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