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U.S.S. GAMBIER BAY (CVE 73)

NOTICE

21 June 1944.                                          

1. It is a pleasure to quote the following message:

"FOLLOWING MESSAGE FROM CTG 52 POINT 2 TO CTG 52 POINT 11 IS RELAYED TO ALL SHIPS AND AIRCRAFT SQUADRONS OF TG 52 POINT 11 TO WHOM THE CREDIT BELONGS QUOTE THE AIR SUPPORT YOU HAVE GIVEN US IN THE PAST FEW DAYS HAS BEEN OF THE HIGHEST CALIBER AND HAS GIVEN US A FEELING OF GREAT SECURITY IN OUR UNLOADING JOB X WELL DONE".

2. This "'Well Done" from Commander Western Landing Group is evidence that our mission supporting the expeditionary force has been highly successful. This mission has involved strike sorties against enemy shore objectives, air and anti-submarine patrols, reconnaissance and photographic missions.

3. In addition we have done an excellent job in protecting ourselves and inflicting damage on enemy aircraft. We have weathered three air attack and have seen Japanese aircraft flaming in the air and on the water -- we have had bombs land close aboard -- and we have launched fighters in the midst of an attack while both our anti-aircraft batteries were blazing,. Throughout these actions, your coolness, efficiency, and fighting spirit have been in accord with the highest traditions of the Naval Service. To the commendation of our superiors,I humbly and proudly add:

"WELL DONE TO THE PERSONNEL OF THE SHIP AND EMBARDED SQUADRON".

 /s/ Hugh H. Goodwin                                                
Captain, U.S. Navy                                                
Commanding                                                

(Date: unknown)

MESSAGE FROM THE CAPTAIN:

We are working hard, and we are making progress. That is evident from increased efficiency of lookouts reduced time for manning General Quarters Stations, more accurate shooting, fewer engine casualties while steaming and a hundred other small items. I am pleased with the wholehearted cooperation of the officers and crew, but---

I AM NOT SATISFIED!!!!

By that statement I mean that I shall not be satisfied until this ship is ready for battle in every respect -- that even the best efforts of every man are not enough until each of us can say "yes" to these two questions--

(1) Am I ready for battle?

(2)Is the GAMBIER BAY ready for battle?

When that day comes we can consider our immediate task accomplished-- until it comes I shall drive relentlessly toward our goal, and I know that I can count on each and every one of you.

Remember that it is not enough to do what you are told -- you must use all your ingenuity to explore and use all the potentialities of your particular assignment to the fullest advantage.

GOOD INTENTIONS EXCUSE ONLY CHILDREN AND FOOLS. WHEN THE CHIP'S ARE DOWN AND BATTLE IS JOINED -- IT IS THE RESULTS THAT COUNT!!!

(signed) HUGH H. GOODWIN                  
Captain, U. S. Navy                  
Commanding                  

Shown above is Captain Hugh Goodwin and Department heads.
Portrayed are four (4) "meatball" flags indicating that the Gambier Bay
gunners had knocked down four (4) attacking aircraft.

Chronology
Go to June 17, 1944
Go to June 18, 1944
Go to June 19, 1944