The Battleship Stays Busy Protecting... 10/16/2011
We know that Helen spent Christmas at Willie's parent's house, but what's been going on with Willie? We pick up with the hometown sailor on November 25th where the Virginia was back in the Leyte Gulf on patrol and by the 27th they had downed several Japanese suiciders. Rear Admiral Ruddock came back on board the Wee Vee on November 30th and the ship paroled the Leyte Gulf until December 2nd then headed to Palaus to again become a flagship. They made it to Sulu Sea by the 13th and provided cover for transports. She covered the retirement of the transports on December 15th and by Christmas the West Virginia was refueling back in the Leyte Gulf. On Christmas back in Missouri...remember Helen was thinking about Willie while at Jane and Franks. And on this day...Willie was thinking of her, his family and the love he felt for all of them. He was also wishing he could be sharing the day with them instead of being on the Wee Vee looking across the way at other sailors. But, as the good Navy man he was, he would be and do what needed to be done in this crazy war in hopes that soon they would completely defeat these Japs! On New Years Day, The USS West Virginia continued toward the Phillipines as Rear Admiral Ingram C. Sowell relieved Rear Admiral Ruddock as Commander. Then by January 4th, Japanese attacks had intensified causing the Virginia to pick up survivors of a carrier from USS Ommaney Bay. They entered the South China Sea on the 5th defending carriers during the day and moved inshore and hammered Japanese with rifle fire. Japanese suiciders continued their attacks causing damage to the USS California and the USS Mexico. After taking on more survivors from the USS Hovey, they took up their assigned position ashore at San Fabian and by the 9th they transported all survivors off the ship. They remained in the area over a month to delay any Japanese attempt to send any fleets into the area. In February, the West Virginia left for a little rest, but found out they had another assignment...Iwo Jima! Commentscharlene pruett 10/21/2011 11:31am
Paula, my dad Otto Davis was at Leyte Island when McArthur came ashore! I find it fascinating that our dad's where both there during WW11! Love your stories! Your comment will be posted after it is approved. Leave a Reply |  Author
Paula Tollison Andrews Maupin I am married to Bobby and live in the Nashville, TN area, working as Executive Assistant to both the Director of Sales and General Manager of FOX17, MyTV30 & CW58 television I have 3 wonderful sons and daughters in
love (Brad & Holly Andrews, Bryan & Stacy Andrews and Brandon
& Ashley Andrews) from Tulsa, St. Louis & Springfield
respectively. They have given me 9 precious grandbabies. (Joseph,
Cooper, Margo, Sloan, Jonas, Nora, Everett, Lawson and Blythe & Gma
loves them so much) I also have 2 great stepsons and daughter in love
(Jonathan & Kathryn Maupin and William Maupin) from Lexington,
Kentucky.
As a lady who's lived through both good & bad circumstances in my life, I've learned and continue to learn a lot of "life lessons". Along the way I have been inspired to be a better me. God is faithful in ALL circumstances and His love covers all. My hope is that you will be inspired to be who you were meant to be. I have been writing this blog about my mom and dad since September of 2011. You can find their story from the beginning by going to the Stories link. Happy Reading!!!   ArchivesMarch 2012 |
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