[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 133 (Tuesday, September 24, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1677]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            TRIBUTE TO THE CREW OF THE ``U.S.S. PITTSBURGH''

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. WILLIAM F. CLINGER, JR.

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 24, 1996

  Mr. CLINGER. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise today to share with you the 
story of the U.S.S. Pittsburgh as I introduce a House resolution to 
commemorate the heroic acts of its crew.
  In March 1945, the United States--well engaged in World War II--was 
preparing for an air attack on Okinawa. On the morning of March 19, 
Task Force 58 launched an offensive attack against Japanese ships in 
the Inland Sea and at Kure and Kobe.
  Later that morning the U.S.S. Franklin became the target of an enemy 
plane that dropped two bombs--striking the Franklin and setting it 
ablaze. The carrier suffered extensive damage as the hanger and flight 
decks were struck spreading fire to the parked and armed planes on 
board.
  With the entire ship engulfed in flames crew members were forced 
overboard. Subsequently, the U.S.S. Santa Fe and the U.S.S. Pittsburgh 
were dispatched to render aid and assistance to the impaired cruiser 
and its crew.
  In addition to rescuing members abandoned in the water, the U.S.S. 
Santa Fe helped to fend off subsequent air attacks as the U.S.S. 
Pittsburgh approached the flaming cruiser to attach a towline. With the 
towline in place, and the Franklin dead in the water, the Pittsburgh 
engaged in towing the Franklin working against an easterly, blowing 
wind. As the cruiser picked up speed to 6 knots, enemy attacks were 
still looming.
  Nearly 24 hours later, the Franklin was able to regain steering 
control and gradually build up speed to clear the Pittsburgh to 
operate, albeit slowly, on its own accord.
  Mr. Speaker, this thumbnail sketch offers a mere glimpse of the 
tragedy and suffering that occurred as a result of the attack on the 
morning of March 19, 1945. The outstanding performance and the 
remarkable and concerted efforts of the three crews saved and the 
capital ship of the task force--which later earned the distinction of 
being the only capital ship in naval history that was towed to safety 
after being disabled in battle.
  While the Franklin tragically suffered 724 casualties and 265 
injuries, the heroic acts of crew members prevented another 300 deaths 
aboard the Franklin. As history unfolded, the U.S.S. Franklin has 
become one of the most decorated crews in U.S. naval history. And 
deservingly, the U.S.S. Santa Fe received a Navy unit commendation for 
its part in assisting the failing cruiser.
  So today, Mr. Speaker, I will introduce a resolution in the House of 
Representatives to recognize and commemorate the outstanding feast of 
seamanship performed by the crew of the U.S.S. Pittsburgh who--to 
date--has never been collectively honored for their role in the rescue 
effort.
  Having served in the U.S. Navy, I can attest to the fact that one 
does not make the commitment to defend this great Nation for the 
prospects of fame or glory. The consequences of engaging in battle, as 
the crew members of Task Force 58 learned, are dire and real.
  Mr. Speaker, I believe it's only fitting that we take this 
opportunity, some 51 years later, to solemnly recall the tragic events 
off the coast of Japan and to recognize the crew of the U.S.S. 
Pittsburgh for their contribution in assisting the U.S.S. Franklin, and 
to U.S. naval history.

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