REMEMBRANCES

Of Thunder and Gunpowder

The year was 1967 and we were about to go to our Combat GQ stations off the NVN coast. As Second Division Officer, I had some influence as to my pick of the Spot Directors and was able to convince the Gun Boss to permanently designate me the Spot One Combat GQ Director Officer. The GQ alarm sounded, and we proceeded to our stations. I manned Spot One with my Pointer and Trainer. I do not recall their names, but I do know they were two of the best Fox Division guys on board. This particular mission was accomplished during daylight hours. We proceeded "close in", fired our mission (successfully hit every available target on the beach and a bit inland), and were heading out to open waters at flank speed. Capt. McCarty and the crew knew that the enemy sometimes opened up after we completed our mission so they could fire "at our backs". We were just trying to "get out of there". For a few moments, it looked as if we were out of harms way. However, on this day, the NVN gunners had plans for the Aussie Destroyer, Perth (a fine ship and crew) as well as the NN.

I suppose, from my exposed position in Spot One, I probably had the most open view on board. Anyway, the 155-MM enemy rounds were splashing all around us but seemed to be especially concentrated at Perth. I glanced to port and watched the effects of one of their batteries whose Russian-made radar had obviously "locked on" to Perth. I remember having a sinking feeling as I watched the falling rounds "walk" right up the Perth's wake until one (or more) hit and penetrated the fantail deck and exploded. I believe the blast destroyed their Secret Pubs stowage space and several sailors were badly injured. They later were transported to the Grey Ghost* for treatment. To this day, I believe that if the enemy shore batteries had been able to stop Perth dead in the water, we would, of course, have gone to their assistance. At that point, we would have been one big "sitting duck" target for their 155's. Disaster was averted, but this was a close call.

Fortunately, both ships escaped and we continued our daily bombardment and counter battery missions. I remember discussing the Perth incident with Lt. jg Hap Woodsen (Hap, please contact me) down below after we secured from GQ. As the Spot Two Director Officer, I believe he also witnessed the Perth incident. It was one of those experiences that will be indelibly imprinted in our minds forever.

All the best,

LT. Charlie Hurd, USNR (Ret.)

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