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USS LONGSHAW DD-559 being blown up May 18, 1945 View from SLC 
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559 survivors from LONGSHAW rescued by SLC & Other US Ships Man with "white circle" is Martin Roppolo 
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| LONGSHAW Personnel on board SLC for treatment |
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| LONGSHAW burning |
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Source of Information...DANFS History
On the morning of 18 May 1945, following a grueling 4 day period of fire support, Longshaw, en route to her patrol area, ran aground on a coral reef just south of Naha airfield. Other attempts to free her failing, shortly before noon tug Jrikara (ATF-98) arrived, and was taking Longshaw in tow when Japanese shore batteries opened up. The stranded destroyer attempted to fight back as best she could; but, as she opened fire, her bow was completely blown off by a hit in the forward magazine. When efforts to save her appeared hopeless, Longshaw's skipper, Comdr. A. W. Becker, ordered "Abandon Ship." 86 of her crew, including the captain, died with their ship. Later in the afternoon, Longshaw, battered beyond salvaging, was destroyed by gunfire and torpedoes from U.S. ships. Longshaw received nine battle stars for World War II service. |
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Donald E. Wharff, PhM1c was part of the rescue party. He received the BRONZE STAR for his efforts. Frank M. "Pod" Podlinsek, MM2c
Marion Francis "Dick" Jordan, S1c
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The address to this page is uss_longshaw.htm
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