(This sent to me by Tom McDaniel, son of James Doyle (JD)
McDaniel who passed away August 31, 2000)
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Here are some names for the Battle Record picture (#3 above) from John MacDonald.
From: John MacDonald
To: Tom McDaniel
Sent: Saturday, March 24, 2001 8:36 PM
Subject: Re: Battle Record Picture...
Tom: This photo was taken on the starboard side of the flying bridge. This particular
location was a favorite place for a momento type picture because it in effect was a
sharing of our combat record represented by the painted scoreboard. It had to be taken
subsequent to October 30th, 1944 because the battleship was painted on the scoreboard
following the battle of Suragaio Straits, October 24th. That battleship was the Yamashiro,
the 3rd largest in the IJN. While our steaming records record the time of and number of
torpedos the Halford launched and that we were able to discern hits, the Halford was
never given actual credit.
Capital ships, battle, cruiser and carrier were generally mentioned by name but Tin Cans,
the little guys, were expendable and usually unmentioned as to participation, in spite
of their contributions in combat. The fact is the Yamashiro had been under air attack by
our planes for a day or so prior to Oct' 24. There were 3 sections of Cans that made
torpedo runs with out hits with the exception of the Halford. In the mean time the
Yama' had taken hits from our battleship and Cruiser line. It was a joint effort but I
will always believe we gave her the coup d' grace.
The photo shows 14 men. I can remember the faces but only 6 names. From the right
your Father (James D. McDaniel)is # 2 (that's the polaris in front of him) # 5 is Jack
Shapiro; # 7, John Salisbury; #8, Allen McDonough; # 9, Bill Sylvia and #10, Carl Hilke.
My duty and watch station was on the bridge and generally, only crew with such duty had
access. This picture is quite eclectic in that you see various rates, a torpedo man,
radar, radio, gunner's mate a deck division guy (deck ape) and below deck rates (snipes).
The latter were really persona non grata on the bridge. I never once went into an engine
room.and never wanted to...that was the domain of those that had to work there, plus it
was hot, smelly and greasy. Opposed to below decks my bridge had fresh air all the time
even if it was tropical.
I know how your father must have been about his Navy days. I think almost all of us
felt the same way. Talk to any of us left and we'd all tell you we would go back to
those days, anytime..all though most bitched and moaned about it at the time. Accept
my belated condolences to you on the passing of your father. WWII vets are leaving at
the rate of about a 1000 a day. Our time is limited and first hand memory of the Halford
will be gone for ever. That or progeny have an interest in what we did can be passed on
though. If you were to attend the reunion, May 3/6 this year I'm sure you will meet some
of us who knew and remember your Dad. If I can find the Kodiak Bar photo I'll send you a
copy. I didn't mean to mislead you but on remembering, the gunner's mate in it is a
Daniel McNamara..who was a very good friend of your father. If you have any pictures
from you dad's collection you might well recognze McNamara. Stay in touch and consider
attenting our 11th and possibly final reunion.
Regards, John MacDonald
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