I'm a little tired and I've still got some other stuff to do tonight so I'll go ahead and post what I have so far
War Diary #2
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June 13th 1942
It's different....being out on a real patrol. It's different than training. The flatness and isolation of the ocean just hit me like a ton of bricks when I was looking through the TBT today...
The dives seem more real and that every one could bring us closer to death. This boat is old, but I think she'll hold.
I've been running the crew all around. They're eager...but still green. I haven't quite learned everybody's name yet. I haven't been around to all the compartments and gotten to know them yet. For most, this is also their first patrol. I've met my Officers but I don't really know them yet.
Today I was reading the charts over the shoulder of the man who was working with it and this ol' Pigboat is slower than I anticipated. I just want to get there and do my job. I'm not a big fan of all this waiting around. I don't have much choice though. It's my job, and I volunteered for this. I have to lead these men whether they (or I) like it or not.
I just feel too rushed. I've been awake most of the time because the anticipation keeps me up. I can't sleep because I fear something bad will happen.
June 14th 1942
I couldn't sleep last night....I really should get some sleep. After I went through and checked the readiness of the compartments (again...), I spent some time with an enlisted man I became friends with on deck. This is his first patrol too. He's scared too. I didn't let on that I was because obviously...the Captain can't be scared. He's not allowed to be scared. I had to lean on the rail because I started to get sleepy. Honestly, I don't remember much of that conversation. After a while, I decided it was time to sleep. I had to. I couldn't keep going on like this. I have to stay effective or why are we out here?
June 14th 1942
I ended up sleeping for a few hours more than I planned...but I feel better. I didn't say much with anybody on this watch since I don't know anybody other than the Officers. I can tell they want to get into the action soon.
Went up on deck...at night. I like standing up here at night. It's peaceful and calming. I stand up here and think of home... I'm not married and none of the girls back home ever showed me any attention. I never knew why...but it seems like they just didn't want me around. They went after the cooler, tougher guys. I have a dog though. A nice Beagle....I love that dog to death. I'd have taken him with me if they allowed dogs here. Good ol' Sam...best dog i'll ever have.
I like coming up here and thinking of home. I don't see the harm in it if I check down below every once in a while. There are ways of easily contacting me but I don't think anything major will happen externally without me knowing.
I'm from Jackson, Mississippi originally but my family moved to Missouri (*Author's Note: Had to throw that in there) when I was 10. We had some old family and friends up in the Ozarks that told us about some work that became available. So me, Dad, Mom, and my sister Jennifer moved up there. I got Sam while living up there. Some neighbors a few miles down the road had puppies and were giving them away. Dad always said a boy needs a good dog.
June 15th 1942
Decided to take the crew through some drills today...Sent them to battlestations and performed a Crash Dive.... It wasn't perfect but we got the job done in a passable time. I'm actually surprised that this crew performed this well. It gave me a good boost of confidence. I think we'll do alright if we keep improving like this.
The actual dive made me a bit nervous...but once again, the ol' pig held together. I'm starting to get into the swing of things around here, as are some of the crew. I spoke with my friend up on watch again today. I know there's always been that talk about how Officers are superior to Enlisted men. I believe that's the way the customs and courtesies should be, but when we're out here doing our jobs....I consider everybody equal. I want the men to know that they have my ear when they have something they believe is important. However, that doesn't mean they can come complain because the Chief yells too much or that the food isn't good enough. I'll listen to them...but within reason.
Anyway...the rest of the practice dive went well. Surfacing is always fun. So I got to enjoy that once again.
The S-47 surfaces after the Practice Dive
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