Korean War Project

Note: Original postings on the Korean War Project from 1995 to about 1999.

Background

Feb 01, 2002
Updated: Jan 31, 2005
From: Rodger Dana Email address

The Chowanoc operated in Korean waters as follows:
May 12, 1953, arrived on station off Wonson Korea and began operations
which included the blockade of the harbor and protection of the marines
(100) who manned spotting stations on Yodo Island in the harbor. 

The island sat about 2 mi. out from the mainland. I do not have any 
information on the task force, which was comprised of the battleship 
MO, 4 cruisers, and 3 carriers, one was the Kearsarge.

There were also about 10 Destroyers in the group. We would go in to the
island at night to bring in supplies and mail and replacements. 
Typically all between 2100 and 0330.

On May 16 we took fire from the mainland, and they fell short. 
The cruiser Manchester and 3 destroyers went in the next day and pounded
the mainland, in retaliation. There was also a lot of bombing, and 
strafing of the rail line which ran along the shore. We observed that 
while on night station. May 24, the cruisers Bremerton and Manchester 
with 5  Destroyers went in and bombarded gun positions. 

Lots of aerial attacks that night. We also de-armed floating mines along
with other mine sweeping duties This went on until June 6, when we were
relieved by the Current ARS 22, and left for Moji, Japan.

June 8, left Moji for Pusan, June 16 left Pusan for Inchon, June 20 
returned to Saebo, Japan, July 11 returned to Pusan to help salvage 
operations on the Cornhusker Mariner., July 23 returned to Sasebo.

July 28 went to Koji-do Korea (prison island where N. Korean prisoners 
were held. Aug. 20 relieved by the Chickasaw ATF 83 and enroute to 
Sasebo. Oct. 8 left for Pearl and home. 

John Faynor  Email address