Information found in SLC Association Memorabilia:
Letter written by Marion J. Bill on Sept. 16th, 1979 to Ryland E. Brem, SLC Association Pres.

Dear Sir,
I'm hoping you may be of some help to me. I was aboard the USS SLC from 1944-1945 & in action at Iwo Jima, Leyte Gulf & Okinawa. I served in the Marine Detachment & manned the Port quad 40mm gun mount. I stood my lookout station there during 1945, sometime between Iwo Jima & Okinawa. As I was on lookout, wearing the phones, one ear lowered & one uncovered, word was passed that the ship would be firing at the Japanese Destroyer trying to get away behind some small islands off our port side. It said they were going to fire only after batteries armour piercing loads. As I was standing at lookout on gun shield, I didn't notice forward turrets turning & upon hearing them blow the barrels before firing, paid them no mind, as orders had been after batteries only. When the guns fired I was knocked down, my face flash burned & hair singed. I didn't go to first aid as I figured I wasn't hurt enough. Our Gunnery Sgt. was there & saw me, I don't recall his name, but believe he lived in Wyoming. He was a cowboy & rode broncos & handled cattle.

I saw the reunion notice in my Sept. issue of VFW & thought maybe you could put me in contact with someone who remembers something about this occurrence. I need some witness or verification of the fact I was under a lot of heavy concussion. I have been having near deafness for over 30 years & as not having had any damage to my ears since I left the service, I think the noise especially from the one incident, is what caused my trouble.

I need any help you can give me for a VA claim.

Thank you,
Marion J. Bill, Pfc.