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Cruise of
the 573
By: Dan McMeekin ex RM2/c
USS Harrison (DD-573)
USS Flint
USS Amsterdam
From
Orange, Texas January of '43
The USS Harrison first went to sea.
To Guantanamo Bay, Cuba for a shake down cruise,
Lots of drills and some Cuban booze.
In April came our first real chore
Escorting a convoy to North Africa's shore.
Then back to Charleston for a last check out
And on to the Pacific for the main bout.
Through the Panama Canal in July we stood
With the Lexington, Princeton and Belleau Wood.
We arrived in Pearl Harbor but not to stay
For soon we were headed Marcus Island way.
Early reveille was held for the Japs that day,
Then back to Pearl we made our way.
Though Tokyo Rose threatened, screamed and wailed
Safely back to our base we sailed.
Then we really got into a fight
At Empress Augustus Bay one November night.
30 Jap Bettys came loaded for bear
But 12, by our ships, were shot out of the air.
Next came Tarawa, Kwajalein and more
Seldom did our feet get to touch the shore.
Hollandia and Guam fell in mid-44
And then the Philippines were ours once more.
Shortly thereafter, great news for all
Back to Mare Island for an overhaul.
Lots of liberty, some leave, we were really alive,
Then back to the war, January '45.
We were at bloody Iwo and in raids on Japan,
Task Force 58 was the address for our "can."
Then came Okinawa and their "divine wind" planes,
Their last desperate effort to offset our gains.
April 6th, while on picket station, we'll never forget
When 3 suicide planes slipped through the CAP net.
Two came at our "Harry" with evil intent.
But our guns shot them down, we got hardly a scratch.
Then the enemy knew that all hope was gone.
When our "tin can", and others, shelled Suruga Wan
The A-bomb came next and they gave up the ghost.
And the Harrison headed back to the East coast.
She was a fine little ship, a speedy 'tin can"
Was in many a fight but never once ran.
We'll never forget her, nor out years at sea.
Here's to the USS Harrison, DD573.
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