Diary (1944-1946) including detail activities, description of radio broadcast, propaganda pertaining to American casualties, views of World War II.
Steacy D. Hicks was assigned to the destroyer USS CONWAY (DD-507) throughout his Navy service (October 1944-May 1946). During World War II, Hicks served as a signalman 3rd class and after the war was promoted to 2nd class status (January 1946). Hicks initially worked as a sightsetter, but was later assigned to the signal bridge.
The collection consists of a typescript diary, with additional observations, that detail activities on board the USS CONWAY (October 13, 1944-May 2, 1946). Throughout the diary, lists of American and British ships in the vicinity of the CONWAY are listed (October 1944-March 1946, pp. 1-23). Specific shore bombardments, aerial operations, and battles in and around the Philippines Islands are described including Leyte, Lingayen, Luzon, Corregidor, Parang, and Mindanao (November 25 1944-June 7, 1945, pp. 3-14); Japanese kamikaze attacks on American ships (November 26, December 13 and 15, 1944, January 8-9, 1945, pp. 3,5,7); military actions in Borneo (June 15-July 2, 1945, pp. 14-16); and damage suffered by the light cruisers USS BIRMINGHAM (CL-42) and USS ST. LOUIS (CL-49) are detailed (November 10 and 27, 1944, pp. 2-3).
Other topics mentioned include a description of a radio broadcast by Tokyo Rose and propaganda pertaining to American casualties (January 7, 1945, p. 7); use of peacetime honor rendering procedures by British ships in Hong Kong (October 10, 1945, p. 20); and etiquette to be followed while on liberty in Hong Kong (October 12, 1945, pp. 21-21). At the end of the typescript, Hicks includes a narrative concerning his feelings toward the CONWAY and life in the Navy during World War II.
Gift of Mr. Steacy D. Hicks
Processed by S. Woodley; A. Merriman, November 1999
Encoded by Apex Data Services
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