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USS BUSH (DD 529)

"Slow Tow to Mindoro"

December 27, 1944 to December 31, 1944

During the last days of 1944, the USS BUSH was one of several destroyers screening a convoy of landing craft, tenders, and cargo vessels in the Philippine Islands. This convoy formed in Leyte and was bound for Mindoro. Some of the supply ships were so slow, and the ocean currents so strong, that this group made little headway at times. Soon after getting underway, the convoy was the target of Japanese aircraft and suicide attacks. The slow speed and intense attacks were a dangerous combination for convoy personnel. Several ships were lost or seriously damaged, including some of the speedier destroyers screening the convoy. The BUSH also came under direct attack.
Excerpts from the USS BUSH deck logs follow:

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CONFIDENTIAL
DECK LOG-REMARKS SHEET (excerpts)
UNITIED STATES SHIP - BUSH(DD529)
Wednesday 27 December, 1944

Watch Remarks

12-16 1530-Task Unit 78.3.15 underway in accordance with Commander Task Unit 78.3.15's secret dispatch 241731. Task Unit 78.3.15 standing out of Dulag transport area on various courses at various speeds.
....E. E. Sechrist, Lt.(jg), USNR

16-18 1601-Maneuvering on various courses at various speeds to go close aboard various units of convoy to deliver instructions. 1656-Maneuvering on various courses at various speeds to rendezvous with convoy. 1745-Unidentified aircraft reported in area. Went to general quarters.
....H.N. West, Lieut., USNR

18-20 1802-Took Station #1 in special Victor convoy screen. USS STEVEN station #2, USS STERETT station #3, USS GANSEVOORT station #4, USS HAMILTON station #5, USS PHILLIP station #6, USS PRINGLE station #7, USS WILSON station #8. Convoy consists of 25 LST's, 7 LCI's, 6 FS, 30 MTB's, SS FRANCISCO MARAZON, SS JOHN BURKE, SS WILLIAM SHARON, USS HALF MOON, USS SAM PABLO, USS ORESTES, USS PORCUPINE, and one crash boat. 1810-Area reported clear of unidentified aircraft. Secured from general quarters. Set condition 1E.
....N. P. Foss, Lt.(jg), USN

Watch	Remarks
12-16	1530-Task Unit 78.3.15 underway in accordance with Commander Task Unit 78.3.15's secret dispatch 241731. Task Unit 78.3.15 standing out of Dulag transport area on various courses at various speeds. ....E. E. Sechrist, Lt.(jg), USNR
16-18	1601-Maneuvering on various courses at various speeds to go close aboard various units of convoy to deliver instructions. 1656-Maneuvering on various courses at various speeds to rendezvous with convoy. 1745-Unidentified aircraft reported in area. Went to general quarters. ....H.N. West, Lieut., USNR
18-20	1802-Took Station #1 in special Victor convoy screen. USS STEVEN station #2, USS STERETT station #3, USS GANSEVOORT station #4, USS HAMILTON station #5, USS PHILLIP station #6, USS PRINGLE station #7, USS WILSON station #8. Convoy consists of 25 LST's, 7 LCI's, 6 FS, 30 MTB's, SS FRANCISCO MARAZON, SS JOHN BURKE, SS WILLIAM SHARON, USS HALF MOON, USS SAM PABLO, USS ORESTES, USS PORCUPINE, and one crash boat. 1810-Area reported clear of unidentified aircraft. Secured from general quarters. Set condition 1E. ....N. P. Foss, Lt.(jg), USN

CONFIDENTIAL
DECK LOG-REMARKS SHEET (excerpts)
UNITIED STATES SHIP - BUSH(DD529)
Thursdav 28 December, 1944

Watch Remarks

0-4 0308-Unidentified aircraft reported bearing 120^oT, 11 miles. Went to general quarters. 0315 Port ships of screen commenced making smoke. 0317-Several unidentified planes reported bearing south and southeast. 0320-Unidentified ships in convoy opened fire. 0328-USS WILSON reported plane dropped depth charge nearby. 0345-Area all clear of unidentified aircraft. Secured from general quarters. Set condition 1E. 0359-Unidentified aircraft reported in area. Went to General Quarters.
....H. N. West, Lieut., USNR

4-8 0413-Area clear of Unidentified aircraft. Secured,from general quarters, set condition 1E. 0425-Unidentified surface contact reported by USS WILSON bearing 043^oT, distant 11.5 miles. 0535-Unidentified aircraft reported bearing 275^oT, distant 15 miles. Went to general quarters. 0556-Area reported clear of unidentified aircraft. Secured from general quarters, set condition 1E. 0604-Surface contact reported by USS WILSON identified as USS EDWARDS and 12 LCI's. 0610-Went to routine general quarters. 0728-USS EDWARDS and 12 LCI's joined the convoy. USS EDWARDS taking station #9. 0752-Secured from routine general quarters, set condition 1E.
...N. P. Foss, Lt.(jg), USN

8-12 0815-Unidentified plane reported in vicinity. Went to general quarters. 0816-Formation changed course course and axis to 232^oT., 222^o psc. Destroyer screen changed speed to 20 knots (203 rpm). Patrolling station. Friendly aircraft reported in vicinity. 0835-Unidentified aircraft reported bearing 310^oT. 0855-Area reported clear. Secured from general quarters. Changed speed to 10 knots (98 rpm). 1012-Unidentified aircraft bearing 030^oT, distance 20 miles. Went to general quarters. Destroyer screen changed speed to 20 knots(203 rpm). 1015-Two groups of enemy planes reported closing convoy. 1018-Seven or eight enemy planes commenced attacking convoy from astern. Convoy commenced firing at enemy planes. (To Photo of Suicide Plane's Near Miss of Transport) 1019-One enemy plane crashed in flames astern of convoy. Attempted suicide dive. 1020-Enemy planes attacking various units in rear portion of convoy. Two enemy planes crash dived on S.S. WILLIAM SHARON and S.S. JOHN BURKE liberty ships). 1020-Tremendous explosion in center of convoy followed by minor explosions as JOHN BURKE was blown clear of water leaving only small bits of debris. Huge column of smoke as aftermath obscured center of convoy. (To Photo of the BURKE explosion) IX126 was set on fire by enemy plane or explosion of JOHN BURKE at this time. Fire was quickly extinguished. 1021-Enemy planes withdrew and commenced orbiting nearby. Convoy ceased firing. 1033-USS WILSON stood in to render assistance to burning S.S. WILLIAM SHARON. 1045-Enemy planes withdrew from area. Changed speed to 15 knots (150 rpm). S.S. WILLIAM SHARON not under command falling astern of convoy with superstructure afire. 104l-Changed speed 10 knots(98 rpm). 1048-Unidentified aircraft reported closing formation bearing 350^oT. Changed speed to 15 Knots(150 rpm). 1049-Changed speed to 20 knots(203 rpm). 1053-Changed formation speed to 5 knots(53 rpm). 1057-Changed speed to 15 knots(150 rpm). 1058-Changed speed to 10 knots(98 rpm). 1100-USS HALF MOON stood by to render medical assistance to U.S. Army F.S. ship. 1103-Low flying plane sighted bearing 300^oT, distance 6 miles. Changed speed to 15 knots(150 rpm). 1104-Received visual message from LST 751 reporting that S.S. JOHN BURKE had blown up at 1020 when crash dived by enemy plane. 1116-Changed speed to 10 knots(98rpm). 1130-Changed speed to 7 knots(70 rpm). 1140-Changed formation speed to 8 1/2 knots(84 rpm). BUSH patrolling station at 10 knots(98 rpm). 1142-Unidentified plane reported bearing 345^oT, distance 8 miles. Changed speed to 15 knots(150 rpm). 1150-USS WILSON reported that survivors of the S.S. WILLIAM SHARON were on board. 1154-CAP reported on station. 1155-Changed speed to 10 knots(98 rpm). Made daily inspection of magazine temperatures and smokeless powder samples, condition normal.
....E.E. Sechrist, Lt.(jg), USNR

12-16 1213-Combat Air Patrol reported on station. 1217-Area clear of enemy aircraft. Secured from general quarters. Set condition 1E. 1254-Changed course and axis to 270^oT., 259^o psc. 1420-Unidentified aircraft reported bearing 320^o T, 8 miles. Went to general quarters. Changed speed to 15 knots(150 rpm). 1425-Unidentified aircraft identified as radar landfall. Changed speed to 10 knots(98 rpm). 1427-Changed course and axis to 277^oT., 266^o psc. 1430-USS WILSON reported all fires out on S.S. WILLIAM SHARON and all survivors aboard USS WILSON. SS WILLIAM SHARON abandoned awaiting salvage crew with her anchor veered out to prevent breaking. USS WILSON underway to rejoin convoy. 1434-Area clear of enemy aircraft. Changed speed to 10 knots(98 rpm). Secured from general quarters. Set condition 1E. 1515-Combat Air Patrol returned to base. 1517-Two PT's left formation to investigate friendly aircraft on Silino Island. 1555-Changed course axis to 251^o T., 237^o psc.
....H. N. West, Lieut., USNR

16-18 1645-Unidentified aircraft reported-bearing 220^o T, distance 14 miles. Went to general quarters. Changed patrol speed to 15 knots(150 rpm). 1657-USS EDWARDS reported an "Oscar" bearing 335^o T, range 15 miles. 1106-Changed speed to 10 knots(98 rpm). 1730-USS HALF MOON, LST 679, 750 and 753 held burial at sea services. All ships half masted colors. 1735-Unidentified aircraft reported bearing 020^o T, distant, 8 miles. Changed patrol speed to 15 knots (150 rpm). 1743-Changed patrol speed to 10 knots(98 rpm).
....N. P. Foss, Lt.(jg), USN.

18-20 1800-Hoisted colors on completion of burial at sea services. 1832-Group of unidentified aircraft reported bearing 055^o T, distance 31 miles. 1839-Changed speed to 20 knots (203 rpm). 1840-Enemy planes attacked from port quarter of convoy. 1842-Enemy planes closing convoy from port and starboard side. 1843-Commenced firing. 1845-Enemy planes withdrew from gun range. Two enemy planes reported shot down. Ceased firing. 1847-Enemy planes circling convoy. 1859-Changed speed to 15 knots(150 rpm). 1900-Enemy planes attacked convoy from 020^oT. 1901-One enemy plane shot down. 1903 Enemy planes withdrew to the to the south. Changed speed to 12 knots(118 rpm). 1907-Large group of enemy planes reported closing convoy from 060^o T. 1912-Enemy planes attack from 018^o T. 1913-Commenced firing. 1915-Enemy planes withdrew. Ceased firing. 1920-Changed formation course and axis to 286^o T., 275^o psc. 1934-Enemy planes attack convoy from 125^o T. 1938-Commenced firing. 1943-Enemy plane made run across bow from starboard to port. Plane withdrew to the west. Ceased firing. 1947-Various units of convoy commenced firing. Felt concussion of under water explosion nearby. 1950-Enemy planes attacked convoy 320^o T. 1955-Enemy plane closed BUSH from 315^o T. 1957-Commenced firing to starboard. 1958-swung ship. Fired to port. Enemy plane withdrew. Ceased firing.
....E. E. Sechrist, Lt.(jg), USNR

20-24 2001-Tremendous explosion believe caused by unidentified LST hitting mine rocked the ship. 2005-Changed course and axis to 321^o T., 304^o psc. 2006-Several underwater explosions reported by various units of convoy. No report of damage. 2007-Following ammunition expended: 18 rounds of 5"38 Mk.32, 13 rounds 5"38 AA common, 31 rounds of 5"38 flashless powder, 80 rounds 40MM and 257 rounds 20MM all of mixed lots and indices. 2010-USS LST 750 reported hit by torpedo in position latitude 09-47'N, longitude 122-44'30"E. Unidentified LCI taking off survivors. 2013-Enemy aircraft reported leaving area. 2016-Resumed normal patrol. 2034-Voice radio report received from Commanding Officer of USS LST 750 stating that ship was unsalvageable. CTU 78.3.15 ordered USS EDWARDS to sink USS LST 750 by gunfire. 2036-Area reported clear of enemy aircraft. Secured from general quarters. Set condition 1E. 2134-Unidentified aircraft reported bearing 135^o T, 25 miles. Went to general quarters. 2143-Enemy aircraft orbiting near convoy on various courses. 2204-Enemy aircraft left area on northerly course. 2206-Secured from general quarters. Set condition 1E. 2325-Unidentified aircraft reported bearing 150^o T, 16 miles. Went to general quarters. 2330-USS EDWARDS reported she had sunk USS LST 750 by gunfire and was maneuvering to rejoin convoy.
...H. N. West, Lieut., USNR

Watch	Remarks
0-4	0308-Unidentified aircraft reported bearing 120^oT, 11 miles. Went to general quarters. 0315 Port ships of screen commenced making smoke. 0317-Several unidentified planes reported bearing south and southeast. 0320-Unidentified ships in convoy opened fire. 0328-USS WILSON reported plane dropped depth charge nearby. 0345-Area all clear of unidentified aircraft. Secured from general quarters. Set condition 1E. 0359-Unidentified aircraft reported in area. Went to General Quarters. ....H. N. West, Lieut., USNR
4-8	0413-Area clear of Unidentified aircraft. Secured,from general quarters, set condition 1E. 0425-Unidentified surface contact reported by USS WILSON bearing 043^oT, distant 11.5 miles. 0535-Unidentified aircraft reported bearing 275^oT, distant 15 miles. Went to general quarters. 0556-Area reported clear of unidentified aircraft. Secured from general quarters, set condition 1E. 0604-Surface contact reported by USS WILSON identified as USS EDWARDS and 12 LCI's. 0610-Went to routine general quarters. 0728-USS EDWARDS and 12 LCI's joined the convoy. USS EDWARDS taking station #9. 0752-Secured from routine general quarters, set condition 1E. ...N. P. Foss, Lt.(jg), USN
8-12	0815-Unidentified plane reported in vicinity. Went to general quarters. 0816-Formation changed course course and axis to 232^oT., 222^o psc. Destroyer screen changed speed to 20 knots (203 rpm). Patrolling station. Friendly aircraft reported in vicinity. 0835-Unidentified aircraft reported bearing 310^oT. 0855-Area reported clear. Secured from general quarters. Changed speed to 10 knots (98 rpm). 1012-Unidentified aircraft bearing 030^oT, distance 20 miles. Went to general quarters. Destroyer screen changed speed to 20 knots(203 rpm). 1015-Two groups of enemy planes reported closing convoy. 1018-Seven or eight enemy planes commenced attacking convoy from astern. Convoy commenced firing at enemy planes. (To Photo of Suicide Plane's Near Miss of Transport) 1019-One enemy plane crashed in flames astern of convoy. Attempted suicide dive. 1020-Enemy planes attacking various units in rear portion of convoy. Two enemy planes crash dived on S.S. WILLIAM SHARON and S.S. JOHN BURKE liberty ships). 1020-Tremendous explosion in center of convoy followed by minor explosions as JOHN BURKE was blown clear of water leaving only small bits of debris. Huge column of smoke as aftermath obscured center of convoy. (To Photo of the BURKE explosion) IX126 was set on fire by enemy plane or explosion of JOHN BURKE at this time. Fire was quickly extinguished. 1021-Enemy planes withdrew and commenced orbiting nearby. Convoy ceased firing. 1033-USS WILSON stood in to render assistance to burning S.S. WILLIAM SHARON. 1045-Enemy planes withdrew from area. Changed speed to 15 knots (150 rpm). S.S. WILLIAM SHARON not under command falling astern of convoy with superstructure afire. 104l-Changed speed 10 knots(98 rpm). 1048-Unidentified aircraft reported closing formation bearing 350^oT. Changed speed to 15 Knots(150 rpm). 1049-Changed speed to 20 knots(203 rpm). 1053-Changed formation speed to 5 knots(53 rpm). 1057-Changed speed to 15 knots(150 rpm). 1058-Changed speed to 10 knots(98 rpm). 1100-USS HALF MOON stood by to render medical assistance to U.S. Army F.S. ship. 1103-Low flying plane sighted bearing 300^oT, distance 6 miles. Changed speed to 15 knots(150 rpm). 1104-Received visual message from LST 751 reporting that S.S. JOHN BURKE had blown up at 1020 when crash dived by enemy plane. 1116-Changed speed to 10 knots(98rpm). 1130-Changed speed to 7 knots(70 rpm). 1140-Changed formation speed to 8 1/2 knots(84 rpm). BUSH patrolling station at 10 knots(98 rpm). 1142-Unidentified plane reported bearing 345^oT, distance 8 miles. Changed speed to 15 knots(150 rpm). 1150-USS WILSON reported that survivors of the S.S. WILLIAM SHARON were on board. 1154-CAP reported on station. 1155-Changed speed to 10 knots(98 rpm). Made daily inspection of magazine temperatures and smokeless powder samples, condition normal. ....E.E. Sechrist, Lt.(jg), USNR
12-16	1213-Combat Air Patrol reported on station. 1217-Area clear of enemy aircraft. Secured from general quarters. Set condition 1E. 1254-Changed course and axis to 270^oT., 259^o psc. 1420-Unidentified aircraft reported bearing 320^o T, 8 miles. Went to general quarters. Changed speed to 15 knots(150 rpm). 1425-Unidentified aircraft identified as radar landfall. Changed speed to 10 knots(98 rpm). 1427-Changed course and axis to 277^oT., 266^o psc. 1430-USS WILSON reported all fires out on S.S. WILLIAM SHARON and all survivors aboard USS WILSON. SS WILLIAM SHARON abandoned awaiting salvage crew with her anchor veered out to prevent breaking. USS WILSON underway to rejoin convoy. 1434-Area clear of enemy aircraft. Changed speed to 10 knots(98 rpm). Secured from general quarters. Set condition 1E. 1515-Combat Air Patrol returned to base. 1517-Two PT's left formation to investigate friendly aircraft on Silino Island. 1555-Changed course axis to 251^o T., 237^o psc. ....H. N. West, Lieut., USNR
16-18	1645-Unidentified aircraft reported-bearing 220^o T, distance 14 miles. Went to general quarters. Changed patrol speed to 15 knots(150 rpm). 1657-USS EDWARDS reported an "Oscar" bearing 335^o T, range 15 miles. 1106-Changed speed to 10 knots(98 rpm). 1730-USS HALF MOON, LST 679, 750 and 753 held burial at sea services. All ships half masted colors. 1735-Unidentified aircraft reported bearing 020^o T, distant, 8 miles. Changed patrol speed to 15 knots (150 rpm). 1743-Changed patrol speed to 10 knots(98 rpm). ....N. P. Foss, Lt.(jg), USN.
18-20	1800-Hoisted colors on completion of burial at sea services. 1832-Group of unidentified aircraft reported bearing 055^o T, distance 31 miles. 1839-Changed speed to 20 knots (203 rpm). 1840-Enemy planes attacked from port quarter of convoy. 1842-Enemy planes closing convoy from port and starboard side. 1843-Commenced firing. 1845-Enemy planes withdrew from gun range. Two enemy planes reported shot down. Ceased firing. 1847-Enemy planes circling convoy. 1859-Changed speed to 15 knots(150 rpm). 1900-Enemy planes attacked convoy from 020^oT. 1901-One enemy plane shot down. 1903 Enemy planes withdrew to the to the south. Changed speed to 12 knots(118 rpm). 1907-Large group of enemy planes reported closing convoy from 060^o T. 1912-Enemy planes attack from 018^o T. 1913-Commenced firing. 1915-Enemy planes withdrew. Ceased firing. 1920-Changed formation course and axis to 286^o T., 275^o psc. 1934-Enemy planes attack convoy from 125^o T. 1938-Commenced firing. 1943-Enemy plane made run across bow from starboard to port. Plane withdrew to the west. Ceased firing. 1947-Various units of convoy commenced firing. Felt concussion of under water explosion nearby. 1950-Enemy planes attacked convoy 320^o T. 1955-Enemy plane closed BUSH from 315^o T. 1957-Commenced firing to starboard. 1958-swung ship. Fired to port. Enemy plane withdrew. Ceased firing. ....E. E. Sechrist, Lt.(jg), USNR
20-24	2001-Tremendous explosion believe caused by unidentified LST hitting mine rocked the ship. 2005-Changed course and axis to 321^o T., 304^o psc. 2006-Several underwater explosions reported by various units of convoy. No report of damage. 2007-Following ammunition expended: 18 rounds of 5"38 Mk.32, 13 rounds 5"38 AA common, 31 rounds of 5"38 flashless powder, 80 rounds 40MM and 257 rounds 20MM all of mixed lots and indices. 2010-USS LST 750 reported hit by torpedo in position latitude 09-47'N, longitude 122-44'30"E. Unidentified LCI taking off survivors. 2013-Enemy aircraft reported leaving area. 2016-Resumed normal patrol. 2034-Voice radio report received from Commanding Officer of USS LST 750 stating that ship was unsalvageable. CTU 78.3.15 ordered USS EDWARDS to sink USS LST 750 by gunfire. 2036-Area reported clear of enemy aircraft. Secured from general quarters. Set condition 1E. 2134-Unidentified aircraft reported bearing 135^o T, 25 miles. Went to general quarters. 2143-Enemy aircraft orbiting near convoy on various courses. 2204-Enemy aircraft left area on northerly course. 2206-Secured from general quarters. Set condition 1E. 2325-Unidentified aircraft reported bearing 150^o T, 16 miles. Went to general quarters. 2330-USS EDWARDS reported she had sunk USS LST 750 by gunfire and was maneuvering to rejoin convoy. ...H. N. West, Lieut., USNR

CONFIDENTIAL
DECK LOG-REMARKS SHEET (excerpts)
UNITIED STATES SHIP - BUSH(DD529)
Friday 29 December, 1944

Watch Remarks

4-8 .....0716-Unidentified aircraft bearing O24^o T, distance 21 miles. Went to general quarters. Destroyer screen commenced patrolling stations at 20 knots (203 rpm). 0717-Unidentified aircraft reported closing convoy. 0722-Enemy planes made run on starboard quarter of convoy. Convoy commenced firing. 0728-Rear portion of convoy under attack by several planes. One enemy plane shot down, others withdrew. 0732-CAP reported on station. Convoy ceased firing. 0738-Enemy planes reported as opening range. 0748-Changed speed to 15 knots (150 rpm). 0748-Changed speed to 10 knots(98 rpm). 0754-Unidentified planes reported being 180^o T, distance 30 miles. Changed speed to 15 knots(150 rpm). 0759-Lost all power to main battery director.
....E. E. Sechrist, Lt.(jg), USNR

8-12 .....0812-Zeke attacked starboard quarter of convoy. Dropped bomb and withdrew on course 020^o T. Several ships opened fire. USS BUSH did not fire. No hits observed. 08l3-Unidentified aircraft attacked convoy from 270^o T. Various ships commenced firing. 0814-Commenced firing all port machine guns. 0815-Enemy plane crashed flames between fourth and fifth columns of LST's. LST 205 reported near miss from bomb. No damage to convoy. 0815-Sky 90% overcast with stratus cumulus. Ceiling 3500 feet. Slight sea from northeast. 12 knots wind from northeast. Surface visibility good to 15 miles. 0845-Following ammunitions reported expended: 286 rounds of 20MM and 164 rounds of 40MM. 1000-Combat Air Patrol now consists of 28 P38's and 4 F4U's.
....H. N. West, Lieut., USNR

16-18 .....1703-CAP reported enemy planes closing convoy. Went to general quarters. 1704-Changed speed to 20 knots(203 rpm). Commenced firing at 2 enemy planes attacking convoy, identified as Zekes. Shot one down, other turned away toward the east as other ships opened fire. 1705-Enemy fighter plane crossed convoy center from 260^o T to 060^o T under heavy AA fire. 1707-Ceased firing, plane out of range. CAP commenced attack. 1716-Enemy plane attacked convoy from 055^o T. 1717-Enemy plane crashed very close astern of USS PHILLIP. 1725-Enemy Nell type bomber made run on convoy from port bow. Nell dropped bombs and withdrew on convoy's port quarter flying very low. 1739-Enemy plane believed to be an Oscar attacked from OOO^o T. Commenced firing. 1740-Oscar passed ahead of us with many ships firing. 1741-Plane crashed close aboard LST 205 on starboard quarter. Ceased firing having expended a grand total of: 34 rounds 5"38 AA common projectiles, 42 rounds 5"38 Mk. 32 projectiles, 76 rounds 5"38 smokeless powder cartridges, 285 rounds 40MM service projectiles of mixed lots and indices, and 505 rounds 20MM service projectiles of mixed lots and indices.
....E. E. Sechrist, Lt.(jg), USNR.

18-20 .....1826-Low flying enemy aircraft reported by Combat Air Patrol. Changed speed to 15 knots(150 rpm). 1827-Enemy aircraft sighted to south, range 8 miles, opening. 1835-Combat Air Patrol now consists of 2 P61's. 1905-Unidentified aircraft reported bearing 203^o T, 16 miles, closing. 1910-Enemy aircraft closed convoy from south and withdrew under attack of Combat Air Patrol and anti-aircraft from various ships of convoy. USS BUSH did not fire. 1911-Sky 70% overcast with stratus cumulus. 12 knots wind front northeast. Calm sea. Visibility closing, still fair to north, poor to south. Full moon. 1922-Enemy aircraft attacked starboard side of convoy. 1924-Plane crashed in flames under anti-aircraft fire of various ships of convoy. USS BUSH did not fire. 1925-Report of torpedo wake headed for convoy. 1948-6 unidentified aircraft reported bearing 316^o T, 31 miles, closing.
....H. N. West, Lieut., USNR.

20-24 .....2018-Five enemy-aircraft attacked ships at rear of convoy. AA fire observed. Results unknown. 2022-USS STERETT fired at enemy plane going away from convoy. 2030-USS STERETT and USS STEVENS fired at enemy plane bearing 290^o T, distant 4 miles. 2035-Enemy plane made run on convoy from 195^o T. 2036-Plane dropped flare over starboard side of convoy. 2040-FD radar out of commission. 2041-Enemy plane made run on convoy from 230^o T and was taken under fire. Plane passed over convoy. 2043-Commenced firing starboard battery. Plane turned to northeast clear of convoy. 2044-Ceased firing. 2046-AA fire observed along starboard quarter of convoy. 2110-FD radar back in commission. 2115-Several enemy planes circling convoy dropping "window" periodically. 2135-Changed base speed to 7 knots(70 rpm). 2150-Enemy planes closing in. 2159-Ships on port quarter commenced firing at enemy plane to the eastward. 2205-Enemy planes attacked rear of convoy. Several vessels opened fire. 2207-One enemy plane shot down in flames, crashed in water. 2210-The above attack reported to be made by two planes, one dropped torpedo, other a "Zeke" was the plane shot down. 2220-Changed base course to 344^oT., 333^o psc. 2224-Enemy plane passed over convoy, ships opened fire, plane dropped red flare and disappeared to the south. 2225-Enemy plane made run on convoy from 280^o T. 2226-Several vessels commenced firing on plane. 2229-Enemy plane shot down in flames, crashed in water. 2236-LST 570 and LST 395 reported hitting mines, damage undetermined. LST 751 reported sighting mine to port of center column. 2307-Changed base speed to 6 Knots(62 rpm). 2310-Several unidentified aircraft reported closing the convoy from several directions. 2312-Commenced firing starboard battery at 3 enemy planes which approached from 025^o T. 2313-Ceased firing having fired a total of 11 rounds of AA projectiles with Mk 32 fuses, 4 rounds of AA common projectiles,. 15 flashless powder cartridges of mixed lots and indices, 285 rounds of 40MM, and 505 rounds of 20MM of mixed lots. 2313-Sky now 90% overcast with thin cirrus clouds with some cumulus in the distance. Full moon making surface visibility about 3 miles. Moderate sea and 14 knot wind from northeast. 2343-Object believed to be floating mine reported to port of center column of convoy.
....N. P. Foss, Lt.(jg), USN.

Watch	Remarks
4-8	.....0716-Unidentified aircraft bearing O24^o T, distance 21 miles. Went to general quarters. Destroyer screen commenced patrolling stations at 20 knots (203 rpm). 0717-Unidentified aircraft reported closing convoy. 0722-Enemy planes made run on starboard quarter of convoy. Convoy commenced firing. 0728-Rear portion of convoy under attack by several planes. One enemy plane shot down, others withdrew. 0732-CAP reported on station. Convoy ceased firing. 0738-Enemy planes reported as opening range. 0748-Changed speed to 15 knots (150 rpm). 0748-Changed speed to 10 knots(98 rpm). 0754-Unidentified planes reported being 180^o T, distance 30 miles. Changed speed to 15 knots(150 rpm). 0759-Lost all power to main battery director. ....E. E. Sechrist, Lt.(jg), USNR
8-12	.....0812-Zeke attacked starboard quarter of convoy. Dropped bomb and withdrew on course 020^o T. Several ships opened fire. USS BUSH did not fire. No hits observed. 08l3-Unidentified aircraft attacked convoy from 270^o T. Various ships commenced firing. 0814-Commenced firing all port machine guns. 0815-Enemy plane crashed flames between fourth and fifth columns of LST's. LST 205 reported near miss from bomb. No damage to convoy. 0815-Sky 90% overcast with stratus cumulus. Ceiling 3500 feet. Slight sea from northeast. 12 knots wind from northeast. Surface visibility good to 15 miles. 0845-Following ammunitions reported expended: 286 rounds of 20MM and 164 rounds of 40MM. 1000-Combat Air Patrol now consists of 28 P38's and 4 F4U's. ....H. N. West, Lieut., USNR
16-18	.....1703-CAP reported enemy planes closing convoy. Went to general quarters. 1704-Changed speed to 20 knots(203 rpm). Commenced firing at 2 enemy planes attacking convoy, identified as Zekes. Shot one down, other turned away toward the east as other ships opened fire. 1705-Enemy fighter plane crossed convoy center from 260^o T to 060^o T under heavy AA fire. 1707-Ceased firing, plane out of range. CAP commenced attack. 1716-Enemy plane attacked convoy from 055^o T. 1717-Enemy plane crashed very close astern of USS PHILLIP. 1725-Enemy Nell type bomber made run on convoy from port bow. Nell dropped bombs and withdrew on convoy's port quarter flying very low. 1739-Enemy plane believed to be an Oscar attacked from OOO^o T. Commenced firing. 1740-Oscar passed ahead of us with many ships firing. 1741-Plane crashed close aboard LST 205 on starboard quarter. Ceased firing having expended a grand total of: 34 rounds 5"38 AA common projectiles, 42 rounds 5"38 Mk. 32 projectiles, 76 rounds 5"38 smokeless powder cartridges, 285 rounds 40MM service projectiles of mixed lots and indices, and 505 rounds 20MM service projectiles of mixed lots and indices. ....E. E. Sechrist, Lt.(jg), USNR.
18-20	.....1826-Low flying enemy aircraft reported by Combat Air Patrol. Changed speed to 15 knots(150 rpm). 1827-Enemy aircraft sighted to south, range 8 miles, opening. 1835-Combat Air Patrol now consists of 2 P61's. 1905-Unidentified aircraft reported bearing 203^o T, 16 miles, closing. 1910-Enemy aircraft closed convoy from south and withdrew under attack of Combat Air Patrol and anti-aircraft from various ships of convoy. USS BUSH did not fire. 1911-Sky 70% overcast with stratus cumulus. 12 knots wind front northeast. Calm sea. Visibility closing, still fair to north, poor to south. Full moon. 1922-Enemy aircraft attacked starboard side of convoy. 1924-Plane crashed in flames under anti-aircraft fire of various ships of convoy. USS BUSH did not fire. 1925-Report of torpedo wake headed for convoy. 1948-6 unidentified aircraft reported bearing 316^o T, 31 miles, closing. ....H. N. West, Lieut., USNR.
20-24	.....2018-Five enemy-aircraft attacked ships at rear of convoy. AA fire observed. Results unknown. 2022-USS STERETT fired at enemy plane going away from convoy. 2030-USS STERETT and USS STEVENS fired at enemy plane bearing 290^o T, distant 4 miles. 2035-Enemy plane made run on convoy from 195^o T. 2036-Plane dropped flare over starboard side of convoy. 2040-FD radar out of commission. 2041-Enemy plane made run on convoy from 230^o T and was taken under fire. Plane passed over convoy. 2043-Commenced firing starboard battery. Plane turned to northeast clear of convoy. 2044-Ceased firing. 2046-AA fire observed along starboard quarter of convoy. 2110-FD radar back in commission. 2115-Several enemy planes circling convoy dropping "window" periodically. 2135-Changed base speed to 7 knots(70 rpm). 2150-Enemy planes closing in. 2159-Ships on port quarter commenced firing at enemy plane to the eastward. 2205-Enemy planes attacked rear of convoy. Several vessels opened fire. 2207-One enemy plane shot down in flames, crashed in water. 2210-The above attack reported to be made by two planes, one dropped torpedo, other a "Zeke" was the plane shot down. 2220-Changed base course to 344^oT., 333^o psc. 2224-Enemy plane passed over convoy, ships opened fire, plane dropped red flare and disappeared to the south. 2225-Enemy plane made run on convoy from 280^o T. 2226-Several vessels commenced firing on plane. 2229-Enemy plane shot down in flames, crashed in water. 2236-LST 570 and LST 395 reported hitting mines, damage undetermined. LST 751 reported sighting mine to port of center column. 2307-Changed base speed to 6 Knots(62 rpm). 2310-Several unidentified aircraft reported closing the convoy from several directions. 2312-Commenced firing starboard battery at 3 enemy planes which approached from 025^o T. 2313-Ceased firing having fired a total of 11 rounds of AA projectiles with Mk 32 fuses, 4 rounds of AA common projectiles,. 15 flashless powder cartridges of mixed lots and indices, 285 rounds of 40MM, and 505 rounds of 20MM of mixed lots. 2313-Sky now 90% overcast with thin cirrus clouds with some cumulus in the distance. Full moon making surface visibility about 3 miles. Moderate sea and 14 knot wind from northeast. 2343-Object believed to be floating mine reported to port of center column of convoy. ....N. P. Foss, Lt.(jg), USN.

CONFIDENTIAL
DECK LOG-REMARKS SHEET (excerpts)
UNITIED STATES SHIP - BUSH(DD529)
Saturday 30 December, 1944

Watch Remarks

0-4 .....0051-Unidentified aircraft reported in vicinity. Went to general quarters. 0101-CAP consisting of 1 P61 arrived on station. 0118-Changed formation speed to 5 knots(53 rpm). 0123-Area clear. Secured from general quarters. Set Condition 1E. 0156-Unidentified aircraft reported bearing 110^o T, distance 15 miles. Went to general quarters. 0215-Unidentified plane closed convoy from 140^o T CAP close behind, passing over formation twice. 0225-CAP reported splashing one float. 0244-Area clear. Secured from general quarters. Set condition 1E.
....E. E. Sechrist, Lt.(jg), USNR.

4-8 .....0415-Unidentified enemy aircraft reported bearing 290^o T, 6-miles. Went to general quarters. 0417-Enemy aircraft approached from west knocked down by USS GANSEVOORT, only ship which fired. 0426-No combat air patrol on station. Available on request from Fighter Control Center, Mindoro. 0642-Enemy aircraft reported bearing 350^o T closing. 0648-Stopped. LST's and LCI's made preparations to proceed to beach. Destroyers commenced patrolling. 0653-Enemy aircraft made run over port column of convoy and withdrew to northeast under heavy anti-aircraft fire. USS BUSH did not fire. 0701-LST's underway to beach. 0702-Enemy aircraft attacked convoy from the north. 0703-Port side of convoy commenced firing. 0704-Enemy aircraft on fire circling. 0705-Enemy aircraft attempted to crash unidentified LST and missed. USS BUSH did not fire. 0718-Combat air patrol on station. Remaining units of convoy underway to beaches. Destroyers screening to seaward. 0744-Area reported clear of enemy aircraft. Secured from general quarters. Set condition 1E. 0752-PT boat came alongside. CNB Mindoro embarked.
....H. N. West, Lieut., USNR

8-12 .....08O6-CNB Mindoro left the ship. 0807-MTB 428 underway from starboard side. 0813-AA fire observed over the beach. Went to general quarters. 0815-Maneuvering on various courses at various speeds guiding convoy to San Jose beach area. Observed plane at which beach units were firing disappear to northwest. 0816-Secured from general quarters. Set condition 1E. 0830-Commenced patrollinq 1000 yards off beach at 5 knots(53 rpm).
....N. P. Foss, Lt.(jg), USN.

12-16 .....1540-Enemy planes believed to be Vals made attack off Ilin Island. USS PRINGLE and USS GANSEVOORT, destroyers observed as having been crashed dived. 1546-Enemy aircraft attacked at widely separated points shipping in the bay launching bombs. 1547-Two enemy planes closing BUSH. 1548-Commenced firing at two enemy planes. Commenced radical maneuvering at 25 knots(252 rpm). 1549-One enemy plane crash dived USS PORCUPINE(IX126). (To Photo of hit on the PORCUPINE) 1550-Ceased firing having expended a total of 11 rounds 5"38 AA common projectiles, 15 rounds 5"38 Mk. 32 projectiles, 26 rounds 5"38 smokeless powder cartridges of mixed lot and indices, 30 rounds 40MM service projectiles of mixed lots and indices, and 8 rounds 20MM service projectiles of mixed lots and indices. 1555-Destroyers closed beach for mutual support. 1558-Area clear.
... E.E. Sechrist, Lt.(jg), USNR.

16-18 .....1643-Fires on USS GANSEVOORTT reported under control. USS WILSON cleared side of USS GANSEVOORT. 1713-changed speed to 10 knots(98 rpm). 1718-Changed speed to 15 knots(150 rpm). 1719-4 Zekes reported at 040^o T, 10 miles. Combat air patrol reported attacking. Maneuvered on various courses at various speeds while returning convoy formed up. 1731-USS GANSEVOORT under tow to anchorage off beach by 2 LCM's.
... H. N. West, Lieut., USNR

18-20 .....1820-Convoy formed in 5 columns with LST 751 as guide. Screen formed as follows equally spaced 1000 yards from convoy. USS BUSH (OTC) station #1, USS STEVENS station #2, USS STERETT station #3, USS WILSON station #4, USS HAMILTON station #5, USS PHILLIP station #6, USS PRINGLE station #7, USS EDWARDS station #8, USS GANSEVOORT unable to proceed due to battle damage was left at San Jose to be towed into Mangarin Bay. Took base course......CAP of l P61 on station. 1830-USS PORCUPINE's fires observed to be bursting into flames. 1842-Took departure for Dulag, Leyte Island.
...N. P. Foss, Lt.(jg), USN

20-24 .....2139-Unidentified aircraft reported in vicinity. Went to general quarters. 2132-Enemy plane made run on convoy from 040^o T. 2133-Ships on port quarter of convoy opened fire on plane. 2134-Enemy plane crashed in flames. 2135-Second enemy plane withdrew to the north east orbiting. 2150-Area reported clear. Secured from general quarters. Set condition 1E.
... E. E. Sechrist, Lt.(jg), USNR

Watch	Remarks
0-4	.....0051-Unidentified aircraft reported in vicinity. Went to general quarters. 0101-CAP consisting of 1 P61 arrived on station. 0118-Changed formation speed to 5 knots(53 rpm). 0123-Area clear. Secured from general quarters. Set Condition 1E. 0156-Unidentified aircraft reported bearing 110^o T, distance 15 miles. Went to general quarters. 0215-Unidentified plane closed convoy from 140^o T CAP close behind, passing over formation twice. 0225-CAP reported splashing one float. 0244-Area clear. Secured from general quarters. Set condition 1E. ....E. E. Sechrist, Lt.(jg), USNR.
4-8	.....0415-Unidentified enemy aircraft reported bearing 290^o T, 6-miles. Went to general quarters. 0417-Enemy aircraft approached from west knocked down by USS GANSEVOORT, only ship which fired. 0426-No combat air patrol on station. Available on request from Fighter Control Center, Mindoro. 0642-Enemy aircraft reported bearing 350^o T closing. 0648-Stopped. LST's and LCI's made preparations to proceed to beach. Destroyers commenced patrolling. 0653-Enemy aircraft made run over port column of convoy and withdrew to northeast under heavy anti-aircraft fire. USS BUSH did not fire. 0701-LST's underway to beach. 0702-Enemy aircraft attacked convoy from the north. 0703-Port side of convoy commenced firing. 0704-Enemy aircraft on fire circling. 0705-Enemy aircraft attempted to crash unidentified LST and missed. USS BUSH did not fire. 0718-Combat air patrol on station. Remaining units of convoy underway to beaches. Destroyers screening to seaward. 0744-Area reported clear of enemy aircraft. Secured from general quarters. Set condition 1E. 0752-PT boat came alongside. CNB Mindoro embarked. ....H. N. West, Lieut., USNR
8-12	.....08O6-CNB Mindoro left the ship. 0807-MTB 428 underway from starboard side. 0813-AA fire observed over the beach. Went to general quarters. 0815-Maneuvering on various courses at various speeds guiding convoy to San Jose beach area. Observed plane at which beach units were firing disappear to northwest. 0816-Secured from general quarters. Set condition 1E. 0830-Commenced patrollinq 1000 yards off beach at 5 knots(53 rpm). ....N. P. Foss, Lt.(jg), USN.
12-16	.....1540-Enemy planes believed to be Vals made attack off Ilin Island. USS PRINGLE and USS GANSEVOORT, destroyers observed as having been crashed dived. 1546-Enemy aircraft attacked at widely separated points shipping in the bay launching bombs. 1547-Two enemy planes closing BUSH. 1548-Commenced firing at two enemy planes. Commenced radical maneuvering at 25 knots(252 rpm). 1549-One enemy plane crash dived USS PORCUPINE(IX126). (To Photo of hit on the PORCUPINE) 1550-Ceased firing having expended a total of 11 rounds 5"38 AA common projectiles, 15 rounds 5"38 Mk. 32 projectiles, 26 rounds 5"38 smokeless powder cartridges of mixed lot and indices, 30 rounds 40MM service projectiles of mixed lots and indices, and 8 rounds 20MM service projectiles of mixed lots and indices. 1555-Destroyers closed beach for mutual support. 1558-Area clear. ... E.E. Sechrist, Lt.(jg), USNR.
16-18	.....1643-Fires on USS GANSEVOORTT reported under control. USS WILSON cleared side of USS GANSEVOORT. 1713-changed speed to 10 knots(98 rpm). 1718-Changed speed to 15 knots(150 rpm). 1719-4 Zekes reported at 040^o T, 10 miles. Combat air patrol reported attacking. Maneuvered on various courses at various speeds while returning convoy formed up. 1731-USS GANSEVOORT under tow to anchorage off beach by 2 LCM's. ... H. N. West, Lieut., USNR
18-20	.....1820-Convoy formed in 5 columns with LST 751 as guide. Screen formed as follows equally spaced 1000 yards from convoy. USS BUSH (OTC) station #1, USS STEVENS station #2, USS STERETT station #3, USS WILSON station #4, USS HAMILTON station #5, USS PHILLIP station #6, USS PRINGLE station #7, USS EDWARDS station #8, USS GANSEVOORT unable to proceed due to battle damage was left at San Jose to be towed into Mangarin Bay. Took base course......CAP of l P61 on station. 1830-USS PORCUPINE's fires observed to be bursting into flames. 1842-Took departure for Dulag, Leyte Island. ...N. P. Foss, Lt.(jg), USN
20-24	.....2139-Unidentified aircraft reported in vicinity. Went to general quarters. 2132-Enemy plane made run on convoy from 040^o T. 2133-Ships on port quarter of convoy opened fire on plane. 2134-Enemy plane crashed in flames. 2135-Second enemy plane withdrew to the north east orbiting. 2150-Area reported clear. Secured from general quarters. Set condition 1E. ... E. E. Sechrist, Lt.(jg), USNR

CONFIDENTIAL
DECK LOG-REMARKS SHEET (excerpts)
UNITIED STATES SHIP - BUSH(DD529)
Sunday 31 December, 1944

Watch Remarks

8-12 .....0900-Half-masted colors for burial at services aboard LST 623 and USS PRINGLE. 0930-Unidentified aircraft bearing 035^o T, distance 45 miles. Went to general quarters. 0915-Unidentified aircraft identified as friendly. Secured from general quarters. Set condition 1E. 1000-Hoisted colors on completion of sea burial services.
... E. E. Sechrist, Lt.(jg), USNR.

Watch	Remarks
8-12	.....0900-Half-masted colors for burial at services aboard LST 623 and USS PRINGLE. 0930-Unidentified aircraft bearing 035^o T, distance 45 miles. Went to general quarters. 0915-Unidentified aircraft identified as friendly. Secured from general quarters. Set condition 1E. 1000-Hoisted colors on completion of sea burial services. ... E. E. Sechrist, Lt.(jg), USNR.

All USS BUSH deck logs for the above dates were examined by the ship's Navigator (Executive Officer), P. A. Lilly, jr., Lieut., USN and approved by Commanding Officer, R. E. Westholm, Cmdr., USN.

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