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USS Wiseman DE 667 - 1943-1949 Crew List |
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For 1950 Crew and Ship go to 1951-1955
Frank J. Roberts QM3/c George Dawson Wellsville, Ohio 1943-1946
? Harry Elert F.M. Dilley
Lt. L.C. Leavitt
Frank (Frizie) Frazitta EM2
Dick Ryan-Harold Roberts-Frank Roberts Aboard The USS Wiseman 1945 in Manila
Esper "Izzy" Isbir Machinist Mate Esper “Izzy” Isbir. Izzy served in the
Navy on the Destroyer Escort, DE-667 as a Machinist Mate. The
USS Wiseman had the distinction of serving in both the Atlantic and Pacific
Theaters of Operation. Izzy died in 1995.His brother Amin Isbir was
killed in action on June 6th 1944 at Omaha Beach The Diary of Frank (Frizie) Frazitta1943-1945 USS Wiseman DE 667 May 6,1943 Got my classification card, I am 1A. Received a letter from Ernie Campagna, a friend who worked with me at a grocery store some time ago. He was drafted and will go to Ft. Stevens May 7. He says stay out of the Army. May 7, 1943 Nothing much to say, except I expect my induction papers in a month or so. May 8,1943 Tony, my brother woke me up and told me I got my induction papers . Im awfully surprised and Mom is upset. I hope I pass. May 9,1943 Am a little nervous - I don't know what to tell my boss or how. For I might get rejected and be in a fix. Me and my two cousins ( Andy and Frank) decide to get a sun tan on their roof. May 10, 1943 I told my boss I was entering the Navy, he doesn't know what to do. I can see he really needs me. Went to the doctor tonight , he said I had a slight heart murmur on my last test, but I feel better lot now. May 11,1943 Had a bad day at work. Tried to break in a new boy today, but he certainly is dumb. Am in a bad mood all day. May 12,1943 Still trying to put some sense into the new ( waste material) boy's head. Many of the people at the mill hope I get rejected, because they hate to see us young boys go. May 13, 1943 Still trying to drive some sense into the new boy. Boy he is driving me nuts. A girl on the afternoon shift heard a rumor that I had join the Marines. May 14,1943 Received a collection from the spoolers and a small private collection from Frank Ward (my boss) before I go to Springfield, Mass. for induction. Had a lump in my throat. (I got it to pass now) May 15,1943 Nothing new today. Many boys I know passed. Some rejected from the Army passed into the Navy. Tony Valentino wished me luck. He passed already. May 16,1943 Am getting nervous , can hardly eat. Mom is getting nervous too. My aunt and uncle think I m to small and won't pass. May 17,1943 Passed induction examination in Springfield, Mass. I took the Navy and am now a US sailor with a pay of $50 per month as an apprentice seaman. From Springfield, Mass, I went to Boston, Mass. to visit my Uncle Bill. May 18,1943 Uncle Bill and I stood up all morning from the time he got home from work at 1:30 am to 6:00 am talking and having a friendly argumentation and enjoying ourselves. After he went to work , I went to a stage show (my first burlesque) and then visited a few places. May 19, 1946 Had to wait 4 hours before I could get a train from Boston to Pittsfield, Mass. and boy was it lousy. Mom says that Pop is sore that I took the Navy. I lost all bets on that. May 20,1943 Phoned Joan and ask her for a date, but she gave me an excuse and said she had to help her Mother. No doubt she really doesn't want a date. May 21, 1943 Took it easy all day today. Went to the mill and said goodbye to the gang. Received $15 from the gang upstairs. REPORTED ABOARD THE USNTS (BOOT CAMP TRAINING) AT SAMPSON, NEW YORK AS F3c ON MAY 25, 1943 Aug.4,1943 Transferred From Boot Camp, Sampson, N.Y. To The NF Sch. Detroit Armory, Detroit,Mich. For Course of Instructions in Electrician Mate School. Mon. Mar.27,1944 Assigned to the USS Wiseman DE 667. Packed up and left on a troop Pullman train. Tues. Still traveling on the train. Passed though N. Carolina, S, Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and into New Orleans. Saw such poor country and houses not fit for some cows to live in. Mar. 29 to April 1, 1944 Move into barracks in Algiers , La. Visited new Orleans a few times. Its streets if studied carefully can be detected to be old fashioned, but of an accent so people say. Mostly Georgia, KY, N. Carolina, S, Carolina And Missouri and a few other states seem to have more of an accent. After being in Algiers for about a week, we moved on board the ship. DE 667 USS Wiseman, where they had woman as well as men working on her. Tues. April 4,1944 The USS Wiseman DE 667 Was Commissioned For about a week we took trial runs up the Mississippi River. About a week later we started for Bermuda. It certainly was a trip! The water wasn't to rough, but plenty of them, including myself , were sea sick. Now when ever the water was rough, I get headaches and upset and a spinning stomach. We have 4 hours on and 8 hours off watches and in between time we clean up and check over electrical equipment. Finally we reached Bermuda. It really was beautiful scenery, but none of us has had liberty here since we arrived 4 days ago. We just rested up a day or so and now commencing on breaking in the ship. Just got a 5 hour pass into Bermuda . Really is beautiful scenery (house , flowers, trees and etc.). Just the place I would like to live the rest of my life in. Went to the aquarium there and saw all sorts of fishes. Am still on maneuvers and all. These depth charges and guns certainly shake the place I am quartered in. Am still allergic to sea sickness, but am using all my will power to combat it. Lost quite a bit of weight and look 10 years older. They seem to feed use the same old lousy food every week. The meat is certainly getting tough. Many of the crew are getting sick of the officers. It seems like they are making this a boot ship. Many of us seem to want to transfer if this keeps up. Rumors of invasion soon is in the air. Many of us can't wait till it starts so he war will be over with and we can go home to the ones and things we love. Heard from brother Mario in Italy. He is still alive and well (so he says) so far. I certainly hope he gets the so called overseas furlough. He's been in combat duty 2 years already The salty air and lousy water certainly makes me thirsty. Sat. May 13,1944 Had our final examination by Bermuda officials. Right after inspection we put underway for Boston, Mass. Sun. May14,1944 Got a little over seasickness and so did a few others. Mon. May 15,1944 This morning we sighted land. It was good old Boston. There were smiles on every ones faces. In fact I'm all smiles. The seaman are having liberty today-2 out of 3 sections. Our engineering is different he wants 1 out of 3, but our skipper overruled him. The yard workers are certainly not wasting time. The torpedo tubes are off already and many things are in progress all night. Even the chippers and welders work right in our compartments while we are a sleep. In my first liberty night in Boston, Ernest Starsiak and I went to see my sister and brother in law, Emily and Fred. It certainly was swell to see them and also to set foot on ground once more. One never realizes the small things in life witch really means a lot. At Emily's house we had regular spaghetti. Ernie and I really dove into it and ate it all. We really enjoyed the 4 short hours there as they meant a lot to both of us. Finally got a 48 hour pass and go home to see the folks. They certainly were glad to see me. The last night there, I met Dante Zaccari, who joined the Navy. He just finished boot camp. We went to the Sons of Italy dance. Went back to Boston and saw Uncle Bill who is the matre de in the Italian restaurant. He hardly recognized me. He certainly was surprised to see me. Tues. May23, 1944 Exactly 1 year of my Navy service. The following day, May 24th, we loaded ammunition and refueled till 3:30 AM and shoved off. A few days later we learned that we were going to meet a convoy and go to Africa. May 29,1944 We had our first General Quarters. The real thing ! A sub was detected under water . We lost it though. Everything is normal now. The way most of us act at times, you wouldn’t even thing we were in enemy waters. June 7,1944Saw land this morning. There are eager face on everyone We are now passing the straits which will lead into the Mediterranean Sea. The land on the left of us is Spain and on the right is Africa. Beautiful mountains are in view now. June 8, 1944 Saw the Rock of Gibraltar which is owned by the British, it was at a distance, but it certainly looked nice. We are now entering the actual part of the Mediterranean Sea . We are hugging the coast line of Africa in case of attack. June 11,1944 Arrived at our destination. Every one is happy and relieved. Not one ship lost in our convoy, nor no direct attack made on us. We docked right next to a small side of a hill next to another ship, the De 702, witch Richter, Rever, and Gigney were on. June 12, 1944 Liberty on shore for me. I just found out we were in Karouba. Bizerte is 8 miles away. It's just a mass off ruins. The Red Cross building is the only building of operations. We got a cup of coffee and a donut for 5 francs (10 Cents) We were surprised to pay, as it wasn't the price, but here in the middle of Africa, and a Red Cross charging money to us servicemen what gives. (Although the Italicized words weren';t in my diary, there were my actual thoughts at that time. Almost every thing is rationed here and money doesn't mean much. From Bizerte we hitch hiked to Ferryville about 23 miles from Karouba. There a few places are opened and a few buildings fixed up. There is a small living population living there. Most of the people living there are poor and money doesn't mean much to them. They would rather trade for cigarettes, mattress covers, combs, etc. The prices are real high. I got two rings as souvenirs there, but not German one's. June 13-15,1944 The other sections went out on a longer liberty time. Most of them went to Tunis, about 60 miles from Karouba, a population of 22,00 or so. They say it is a little better, but it is still a ragged town. Tomorrow is my liberty day. I plan to see Tunis myself. June 16,1944 Visited Tunis today. The place is a strange worn torn city. It’s like a city in the U.S. way back in the 1800's. It’s really a filthy place to live in. Kids are running around and in rags. Much black margrt flourishes there. For instance I sold a pack of cigarettes for 40 francs (80cents) and he in turn sold it to a regular native for more. Out in Tunis about the only place of interest was the Red Cross station. That's about the only place to read and eat anything decent, which wasn t much. Hitch hiked, but couldn t get a ride back to Bizerte for almost 4 hours. Finally Got one and was a hour late. Nothing was said about it though. It was the first time I was late since I entered the Navy. In Tunis I also got a buggy ride. I ll always remember the buggy seat , the Casba and the strange worn torn city. The next two or three days were spent for me on the ship. June 20,1944 Shipped out of Bizerte, Africa. Scuttlebutt is we are going to New York. I hope so.
June 29,1944 Received notice that I was entitled to the America Area and European - African-Middle Eastern Area Campaign Medals. Underway for a few days now. Took a test for 3/c Electrician. Almost or in fact all of us got a little help by vest, Beale, or Barrett. We all passed it. I got 3:40 on my test. July 1,1944 Received word I made 3/c. July 6, 1944 Saw my name posted up as one of the rated men. Only all our rates are temporary till the war ends. July 8, 1944 Convoy split up. We take our half to the channel in Norfolk and then proceed to New York. Rumors are we may get a 72 hr passes. July 10,1944 Sighted land, it s New York. It certainly good to see the states again. Anchored out on the Bay and unloaded ammunition. Didn t get much sleep. July 11, 1944 Went to the Brooklyn Navy yard for repairs and stores and etc. First section got 72 hour passes Mine comes up Friday. Received quite lot of letters. It certainly was nice to eat US stuff and drink their water, Have a watch tonight. Liberty tomorrow. July 12,1944 Had liberty. When to see my uncle Jerry in Brooklyn. They all were surprised to see me and didn t know who I was at first till I introduced myself. My aunt made spaghetti right away. We had wine, liquor, ice cream, cake and beer. What a combination They really act like acted like nice people. Jerry, my uncle sounded a lot better than his brother my Pop. He even offered to go and take me all the way back to the base until I insisted I knew the way. July 13,1944 Duty tonight. Sewed on my new rating earlier. Expect a 72 hr. pass tomorrow. July 14,1944 Started on my 72 hr pass for home at 12:00. Arrived home (Pittsfield, Mass.) around 7:30 p.m. Mom was certainly surprised and happy to have me home. July15,1944 Met Sam De Filipo, who had a weekend pass from the Army in NJ. Both of us went to the Sons of Italy dance which was kind of dull. Almost every time I go home, more and more off my friends are gone. We later went over the mountain ( New York State line) to Earles (a Nite Club) which also was pretty dull and dead July 16,1944 Visited a few relatives and went swimming awhile. At night, met Andy Scaduto (my cousin) who was a swimming instructor and just came from Camp Russell (a Boys Club Camp) July 18,1944 Liberty for me. Lelievre and I went to Times Square Broadway. Then went to Coney island. Lelievre met a red headed swimmer and took her out. She swam at Coney Island Aqua-Girls July 19,1944 Getting Prepared to shove off tomorrow July 21,1944 Shoved off to Casco Bat, Maine July 23,1944 Arrived in Maine. Beautiful country and fresh air here. July 24,1944 Out on a few maneuvers here. July 25,1944 Had gunfire practice and a little refueling at sea practice. July 26, 1944 Liberty for starboard side. Many fellows are fishing off the dock and catching fish galore July 27 to July 29,1944 Had liberty in Portland, Maine. The town is certainly a wild one. The liquor is really expensive there, but everyone still drinks. July 30,1944 Left Portland, Maine July 31,1944 Arrived in Norfolk and had liberty there. reminds me of the old times there. There I met Hallack ( a fellow I studied with at the Naval Electrical school in Detroit, Mich.) His ship is going with are convoy. August 2,1944 Left Norfolk am on the way to another convoy. August 9,1944 Still don t know where we are going. August 10,1944 Still under way. Had general quarters(GQ) in the middle of the night. Had contact with a sub. Had orders to fire the k-guns while making a sharp right angle. If we had fire them , there would be one less ship sailing and I wouldnt be writing this , for we would have been blown sky high. Fortunately our officers and the man in charge of the depth charges failed to hear the order. Two days later we had a GQ drill and right at that time we had contact. We fire quite a few depth charges, but we fail to make a score. It certainly was rough for us at my GQ station- After steering section and the last part of the ship and under where the depth charges are rolled off. Aug. 19,1944 Finally sighted land, but the US looks a lot better. Aug. 22,1944 Landed in Bizerte, Africa,. Most of the sailors who used to be here are gone to either Italy or in the invasion of Southern France which started Aug.15 or 16. Most of the controlled land was given to the French. Had first liberty in on the Karouba base. They gave free beer away to every one there. Had to fall in line for about an hour, but it was worth it. A few days later ,had a happy hour on the base next to the ships that had some beer there which they had taken on board from the states. It made us feel like at home. Had liberty the next day, but didnt take it. It really wasnt worth going to Bizerte. There isn’t nothing worth going there for. Although Bizerte really has been built up and populated since the last time there, it still needs plenty of building up It seems like the US has let the French take over almost every base except Karouba now. Most of the soldiers and sailors who were stationed here have gone to Southern France or Rome. The French people were really happy when news came that Paris was liberated. Preparing to get under way tomorrow. Underway and heading for the states, alas one more week to go. Was reported a ship was sunk off the coast of Carolina by a sub . Have been having sub contacts lately, but nothing serious. News of a hurricane slashing up the east coast. Our convoy is still trying to avoid it, but at the last minute prepared to go right though it. A few more days to go. The hurricane moved up the coast faster than our ships and we just missed it. Sept.19,1944 Entered Boston. Had liberty that night. Called up my sister, Emily and told her to have those pies ready for I m coming to her house Thursday. She was certainly surprised to hear that I was in Boston. It certainly is swell to get back to the states and to smell the trees, food, flowers, and above all the USA. It certainly made me feel good to hear Emily s voice and Fred s. No one realizes how good the U.S. is until they leave it. Sept. 20,1944 Had the duty. Thursday Sept. 21,1944 Visited Emily(my sister) and Fred(my brother in-law) and nieces. Certainly was happy to see them and vise versa. Had supper there and slept over night. Janet and Carol certainly grew. Carol is as bright as ever. Fred seems changed a lot. Seems older, tired, and sicker. Sept.22,1944 Had liberty and went to a movie and then bought a set of tailor made blues. Sept. 23,1944 Duty, yard workers still fixing ship. Sept. 24,1944 Liberty tonight. Met a girl name Ida Darch, about 18 years old. Very pretty though. Dirty blond hair and brown eyes and a pretty face. Took her to a show and saw Lena Horne in person. Then took her home to Watertown, Mass. Sept. 25,1944 Started my 72 hour pass today. Arrived home 7:30 PM Mom was certainly glad to see me. It was certainly swell to see the folks and Pittsfield. Sept.26,1944 Visited the woolen mill where I used to work. A lot of changes and new faces there. Mike, Red, and Maria were glad to see me. Sept.27,1944 Just looked over the city. Called up Joan to ask her about Bob, her brother who had malaria and is now in Philadelphia, but all of the luck she was out, but I talked to her mother awhile. Sept. 28,1944 Told mom and Virginia to the show and after that to the Brass Rail for a few Tom Collins. Left for Boston..,Arrived in Boston and had my tailor made blues altered to fit better, then reported back to the ship. Sept.29,1944 Had liberty with Ernie Starsiak. Sept. 30,1944 Had liberty with Loren Cotta, Picked up two girls and took them to Brookline, Mass. where they lived. The one that Cotta had wouldnt neck. So the one I had followed suit. Both of us were disgusted with them. Sept.31,1944 Liberty, went with Cotta and Gordon Landphier (TM2) to the Silver Dollar. Left about 9:30 and Cotta and I met two girls and went with them. Landphier went to south station to meet his girl. Cotta and I took the two girls to Milton where one of them lived. We really had a good time with them.(not what you might think) Oct.3,1944 Duty Oct.4,1944 Stood in and had duty.. about17 fellows sneaked out on liberty. Most of them got caught and now the whole ship will be restricted without liberty when we get to Portland, Maine and probably Norfolk also. Oct.5,1944 Left Boston and arrived in Portland, Me. the same day. No liberty, everyone is restricted. Oct,6,1944 Sub maneuvers Oct.7,1944 Sub maneuvers and tracking them down(practice) Liberty for Chiefs only. Oct.8,1944 Left Portland, Me. For Norfolk, Va. No date recorded Arrived in Norfolk, Va. Had one night liberty and went to meet French and Charles Mahl MM3 and went to the 30th division club where they hold dances. Had a fairly good time there. Next day went out to the bay and waited for our convoy. Oct. 12,1944 .Went out at sea convoying. So far we all think its Bizerte again. There are rumors of when are ship arrives back it ll be converted to an Attack Personal Destroyer (APD). Getting a little sea sick, but not vomiting yet. Ran into a small storm. Its getting a little smoother after 2 days. Nov.2,1944 Arrived in Bizerte, Africa again. Stood over the night. Next day started out for Palermo, Italy Took about 7 hours. Saw the Island of Maita, and a few small islands. Arrived in Palermo, Sicily. It really has beautiful scenery, but many bombed houses and buildings. Tried to get a overnight liberty to go to Castellammare del Guifo where Mom and Dad were born, but was unable to because of no available transportation also couldn t go anyway because of the Commander in Ports orders against it , due to killing and robbing, etc. The place was really a bombed wreck, with boys peddling articles and trying to steal stuff from us. Stood in Palermo 3 days and then left for Bizerte to pick up a convoy. Next day picked up a convoy and started back to the states. Ran into very rough weather. Rescued a sea gull which was injured and tired from the storm. Kept him a week until it got strong and then he attempted to fly off the ship but failed and landed into the sea . That was the end of our little Elmer. Mon. Nov.20,1944 Today is my birthday, I am now 20 years old and spending it out at sea.It was really a disgusting day- rough and a little seasick was I. Spent Thanksgiving also out at sea. If it wasn t for the rough weather we d have in a few days sooner. Had canned turkey and a really good dinner, but I got sick a few hours before the meal. We happened to be going through Cape Hatteras at the time which is always rough. Dec.1,1944 Arrived in Carolina (Charleston) Found out we were to be converted into one of the first tryout Floating Power Plants. That means the Pacific for us. Everyone has long faces. We are though, getting 12 days leave, but that doesnt seem to much to any of us. Received letters, Xmas cards and 2 packages from sisters and home and friends. Dec, 2,1944 Getting prepared to go home tomorrow. Dec. 1944 Received a rating T1/c (EM) Am on my way home. Took 24 hours to go home. Mom and everyone happy to see me. Had news that John Trapant (my next door neighbor) lost his left foot in Italy while stepping on a land mine at night. When to Taunton, Mass. while on leave. Saw may sister Emily, brother in-law Fred and the kids. Were they ever growing up. Fred seems to be his old self again. Emily baked my favorite pies again. They really tasted swell. Left Emilys and went to Boston to see Uncle Bill. He also was surprise to see me. After work, we went to his house and spent most of the night and morning talking. Went back home to Pittsfield and met Aldo Manfredo (a school chum of mine) and is in the Air Corp. We went out in his car a few times and had a swell time. One night we went to the Masonic Temple dance given by the Elmvale Woolen Co. for the employees. Serviceman were invited. Met lots of pretty girls. The first time I saw so many girls in pretty Pittsfield. Next day took Ma and Pa to a show and then had a bite to eat and something to drink. Mon. Dec. 11,1944 Met Joan and her girl friend while going to see uncle Tony. She is getting prettier ever day. Every time I see her my heart seems to beat faster . Talked to her a few minutes and then had to catch the bus. Saw uncle Tony and every one, and then left. Prepared to leave Pittsfield Wed. morning Dec.13,1944 Went to Schenectady for a few hours and met Ernie Starsiaks family. His sister really is pretty nice looking, Met his girl friend Angie Parillo. She is even prettier than the pictures Ive seen before. Miss the bus and train to Albany and hitch hiked from Albany to Charleston , SC Didn’t meet any one I knew. Arrived in Charleston 2 hours late. Got a way with it. Made liberty in Charleston. Met a girl and had a fairly good time. Only she gave me a fake telephone number and name. Made another liberty and went to the policemans Ball. It was a swell dance, but not enough girls. Most of them really drank. The last liberty in Charleston, Dale Call TM3/c and I had liberty. Met him in restaurant where he was suppose to meet a girl. Later he and I and the waitress with Calls girls brother all went to his house. I ended up with the waitress. I had a really good time. Only Calls girls brother was a little drunk and almost started a few fights with us. We both arrived a ½ hour late, but were covered up. Jan.11,1945 Left Charleston, South Carolina and shoved off for Calif. Jan.12,1945 Passed Palm Springs and Miami, Florida Jan.13,1945 Passed Cuba Jan,14,1945 In Caribbean Sea Jan.16,1945 Arrived in Balboa, Panama and passed through the Panama Canal. One section had liberty. Not I thou. All the sailors said it was a wide open town. Jan.17,1945 Left Panama Jan.18,1945 Up the Pacific coast Passed the coast of Central America. Jan. 19,1945 Passed equator Jan,21,1945 Off the coast of Mexico Jan,25,1945 Arrived in San Diego, had liberty and went to Tijuana, Mexico. Had a swell time there. Brought a few souvenirs for the girls(my sisters ) and Mom. Had some Tequila, a Mexican cactus juice drink- it was the first time in my life I ever got drunk. Jan,27,1945 Left Diego Feb.2,1945 Arrived in Pearl Harbor. Feb,5,1945 Had liberty around Pearl Harbor. Walked around. Isn’t as good as expected it to be. Bought gifts for the family. Feb, 6-9,1945 Went out and fired at robot planes and sleeves. Had Go almost all the time. Feb. 10,1945 Liberty for 1st section Feb. 11-28,1945 Having practice with Subs and Aircraft Carrier. Mar.1,1945 While having practicing with carrier, are ship was suddenly called back to Pearl Harbor. Probably our orders arrived. Every one is in suspense. Mar,2,1945 Left Pearl Harbor for Eniwetok in the Marshall Is. Took 51/2 days smooth going all the way. Stood there 2 days. RECEIVED NOTICE THAT I WAS ENTITLED TO THE PACIFIC CAMPAIGN MEDAL AND RIBBON. Mar. 5,1945 Crossed the 180th Meridian at 1820 hours, and qualified as a Golden Dragon. Mar.7,1945 Arrived in Eniwetok Mar.10,1945 Left Eniwetok for Ulithie Isle in the Carolinas Islands. Am with small convoy. Smooth sailing so far. While underway passed Truk Island, still occupied by the Japanese. Nothing happened. Two days out, heard broadcast of Yao Island being bombed, which is just 120 miles from where we are going. Mar.10,1945 Arrived in Leyte, Philippines. No trouble on the way. Smooth sailing. Stood in Leyte about 4 days to a week. Many ships sunk and many fleet concentrations here. Left Leyte for Manila. Went south of Leyte north of Mindanao Island , up past Cebu, which is in enemy hands and which is a narrow strait to go through and either side is enemy territory. All night we were on the alert , for land just two miles on either side. We passed through safely. No trouble. We then went through the Subic Sea and into the South China sea. Had to pass Battan on one side and Corregidor on the other to get to Manila Bay. Took a few pictures of Eniwetok, Ulithie, Leyte, Battan, Corregidor, and Manila. While going between two historical Islands, a few Japanese attempted to escape from one island on to the other by swimming , but patrol boats machine gunned a few and captured 2 of them. A few more incidents like that happened. April,1945 Arrived in Manila Bay. Stood out in the narrow harbor. Saw many Japanese Ships sunk. Apr.6,1945 Arrived at the Pier 1 in Manila.
Apr. 13,1945 One week from arrival in Manila Bay, the USS Wiseman started supplying power to Manila. It was really a great day in our lives. We all practiced lighting off the generators, so most of us had something to do with it. A few days later I had liberty. Manila was in ruins. Worst than Bizerte, Tunis, Palermo, or any other place Ie been at. The dock we are tied to is in shambles. About two weeks before it , I and a few others went to some half sunken Japanese ship. There was nothing left of anything. Everything was burnt. In one ship, I saw ship I saw the first dead Japanese of this war. He was half burnt and the smell was nauseating. Also while on liberty , I saw a Japanese leg laying on the ground. The Filipinos are friendly to all of us and are willing and hard working men. All the people appreciate what the US has done. I took some pictures of the ruins, people, a Chinese home and cemetery also of the fellows on this ship. We had a pretty tough time laying the cable in the water with floats and lights. Many times I was in the dirty water helping out. They also so had a guard with a gun watching the cable leading to the pole. A few weeks later one soldier was killed and another wounded while trying to defuse to a land mine which was located near our ship. They also caught two Japanese working on power line, mingling with the Filipinos. A week later, in town where the receiving supply station is located for step down transformers ( where our power goes to ), the soldiers guarding it were force to kill 23 Japanese and managed to capture 4. All of them had grenades and attempted to destroy the station. Mc Arthurs headquarters is right near there and they also attempted to get him at the same time, but failed . Now our ship must be on the alert for the enemy, for if they know we are the source of the vital power to all key points, they will attempt to destroy our supply power ship and all of us. We have been fortunate so far. We also have been lucky , we get 2 cans of beer every other night just before the movies. In the town of Manila, it is a soldiers town. Many soldiers are just back from the front, (which is only 18 miles away) and streaming into town with rifles and machine guns. Little do we realize how near the war is to us. Out here I saw This is the Army Stage Show. The organized cast docked their ship right next to us. At the show, almost every man was a combat man with guns and camouflaged clothes and with them were many Filipino guerrillas. Many times at night we can hear the gun roar of cannons in the distant. So far, we had about 4 or 5 General alarms for battle stations for an air raid, but every time we were fortunate , the Japanese never got this far. Strung lights underneath all the docks surrounding us in order to have enough light to detect if any Japanese try to get though and plant or throw any explosives at our ship. Apr.29,1945 complete the Navy training course for EM2/c and passed effective 1 May 1945. News that Germany surrendered. Only a few hours later Pres. Truman said it was confirmed. May 8,1945 May 8,1945 Germany has really surrendered. At about 9:41AM , Philippine time President Truman and all the high officials had confirmed this report. Some soldiers in Europe will be able to go home now I hope Mutt (my brother) will now come home in a few months. With all the combined fighting forces over here we may be able to end the war over here. In Manila Joe Broich MM1/c, Wm. Griffen MM2, and I had a quiet celebration over a little brandy. Aug.17,1945 Received Notice That I Was Entitled To Wear The Philippine Liberation Ribbon.
August THE PACIFIC WAR IS OVER F. P. Buriak Dad grew up just accross the river from Dravo Corp. where the Wiseman was built. His sister worked on DEs there and probibly worked on the Wiseman. Little did he know that he would serve on a ship built a few hundred yards from his home in McKees Rocks Pa. F. Paul Buriak Jr.
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