0948-- While in company with Task Group TG 77.1 in Leyte Gulf, Phillippine
Islands, the USS Claxton took under fire a "Val" apparently dive-bombing the
Australian cruiser SHROPSHIRE. The "Val" broke off the attack and dove into a
low hanging cloud on our port bow. It was expected the plane would re-attack that cruiser
and the lookouts were concen- trating in that area, but instead the dive was made on this
ship obviously to be of the suicidal type and headed for the amidships section. The 40mm's
immediately opened fire and commenced hitting. The hits caused the plane to swerve to its
right; but it hit the water close aboard to starboard opposite frame 175, the plane and
bombs exploding. As a result of this explosion, damage as noted in reference C was
sustained. The immediate effect was to lose steering control, but the ship answered
readily to the engines. The after 5 inch and 40mm mounts lost power, but were operated in
manual. As the compartments filled, the ship took an 8 degree list to starboard; but
position in formation was roughly maintained for sometime. When it was found that flooding
could not be controlled at 10 knots the ship dropped out of formation, and a collision mat
made of mattresses was secured in place. The list was removed by pumping oil and water
from the starboard tanks, some to port tanks, some overboard. The starboard shaft showed
abnormal in tests indicating possible misalignment. At 1200 the ship was ready to proceed
at 13 knots. The USS ABNER REID DD 526 had been standing by the CLAXTON and had
transferred oxygen and her medical officer to assist in caring for the casualties listed
in reference D. At 1337 two "Vals" appeared and one dove for the ABNER REID
being immediately taken under fire. Although a mass of flames 50 yards from the ship, the
plane crashed into the admidships section of the ABNER REID starting an uncontrollable
fire which resulted in the loss of that ship. The second "Val" took position
ahead and made a strafing run on the ship, causing no damage. Counter fire caused no
damage to plane. The CLAXTON then closed in on the ABNER REID to bring extra fire hoses to
her assistance. Her exploding magazines made it necessary to get clear after which 187
enlisted men and 7 officers, as survivors, were brought aboard. During this operation
another "Val" attempted a suicide on the R.P. LEARY DD664. The "Val"
attempted to approach down the smoke column of the ABNER REID. On leaving the smoke it was
taken under fire by both the CLAXTON and LEARY. The LEARY literally tearing it to pieces,
it crashed clear of that ship. When the survivors had all been taken aboard, the CLAXTON
proceeded to anchorage at Tacloban for examination by salvage officials and transfer of
survivors and wounded. The Commanding Officer is without words to adequately describe the
behaviour of the crew. There was at no time the slightest evidence of hysterics of the
officers and men. They performed their heroic tasks quickly, quietly and efficiently. With
salt water in the ships circuits constantly grounding them only to be restored, a sonar
search of the area was maintained except for a five minute period during the encounter.
All batteries were kept in continued firing condition and also at the same time the
difficult hole closing and flooding control jobs were in full progress. The Doctor, the
ABNER REID'S Doctor, and the Pharmacists mates with some volunteers handled the casualties
of both ships with superb efficiency and with inadequate facilities. Each individual
performance that came to my attention was worthy of a citation, but of course it is
impossible to honor each man no matter how deserving he may be. The few examples covered
in separate correspondence are believed to represent, but those cited should read
"John Doe" as a representative of the CLAXTON. The performance of Officers and
Men under my command made this sad day a proud one for me...........
Page updated Nov 6, 2004