MBS Capt William Graves On The Battle Of Midw

Only a few short hours ago that we docked our battered ship at the Philadelphia Navy Yard, and we're honored by a visit from Admiral King. I'm still trying to get myself adjusted to the unaccustomed feeling of peace and security which comes after such a battle.

We lick the japs in a major slugging match between surface ships, and though it would be almost impossible for me to give a complete description of the battle, these are a few of the impressions which I'll never forget.

I remember the Tencent's proceeding action, waiting for the range to close, the captain huddle with other officers, and then saying, ready Bill, ready John, let her go. I remember the sheets of flame which came up and almost blinded us from our guns, filled the sky before our eyes, and then the shells as they started on their way.

Fire works more spectacular than any 4th of July. Pinpoints of red winging their way toward the target and a cluster then debursed on the target in geysers of flame and smoke. The first target left a distinct impression.

As the salvo hit the cruise, I actually She seemed to disintegrate on the spot in a sheet of flame and go down by the bow with her screws still turning. There was only a pall of smoke where she had been before.

The other targets went almost the same. In those crowded minutes we shifted fire rapidly from one target to another with hardly a pause between salvoids. I can remember the captain standing there in that indescribable noise and confusion.

Always the complete master of the situation, coolly shifting fire to engage each target as it appeared. The first touch of realism from myself occurred when, directed on the captain's cabin below a son of a sheet of flame before my eyes.