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This poem is dedicated in memory of the late
Captain Robert H. Close, Commanding Officer in USS COLLETT (DD-730) during the
Korean War (1950-1953). Saluting the brave officers and crew of: destroyer
Squadron Nine, Know as the "Sitting Ducks".
USS DeHAVEN (DD-727)
USS MANSFIELD (DD-728)
USS SWENSON (DD-729)
USS COLLETT (DD-730)
USS GURKE (DD-783)
USS HENDERSON (DD-785)
The Journey
By: Joe Carrillo
USS COLLETT (DD-730) 1949-1952
The night had turned to light of day
As Des. Ron. Nine sped on its way
With all destroyers directly in line
Collett soon met the deadly mine
Collett was firing starboard side to
the mines exploded and shrapnel flew
the mines and treacherous narrow shoal
would not deter her from her goal
to meet the enemy close at hand
was an order from high command
rear admiral higgins soon gave his
orders
destroyers "Prepare to repel all boarders"
this order not given since the days of sail
was an omen of death soon to prevail
the order was clear, ahead lie the foe
all ready and waiting on "wolmi-do"
collett getting closer, five fathoms below
captain close ordered "all ahead slow"
enemy gunners looked on with rancor
collett closed in and dropped her anchor
the crew in destroyers of des. ron. nine
could see their lives were on the line
collett was now in bore sight range
the die was cast and would not change
the enemy fired, to their regret
at perfect targets they would not forget
collett was not hit and all out of luck
a new name was born, the "sitting duck"
collett now firing and listing to port
her duty was fighting and wouldn't abort
for almost an hour, no end was in sight
the enemy firing from left and to right
while dragging her anchor, withdrawing astern
collett kept on firing with greater concern
the battle was over for fighting collett
the counting of wounded, her only regret
the sound of battle i need not fear
for only the echo rings in my ear
wars will come and wars will go
we'll always remember "wolmi-do"
collett no longer on ocean patrol
the passage of time has taken its toll
the end was near, the sun had set
you served us well, uss collett
in parting salute to your watery grave
your ghost will crest the highest wave
Note: USS COLLETT was transferred to the
Argentine Navy in 1974 and renamed ARA PEIDRA BUENA "GOOD STONE". She was
decommissioned in 1988 after serving in the Falklands War and used as a naval
target, she was struck by gunfire and bombs and wouldn't sink, finally a direct
hit by a torpedo sent her to Davy Jones Locker.
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