Diary of “Harold E. Hensley” United States Marine Corps, from April 29, 1945

Harold Hensley was my grandfather on my mom’s side.  We called him “Papa”.  He was born November 27, 1927 and lived a full life.  He passed away on September 6, 1999 due to cancer.

My Papa was one of the coolest men anyone could have ever known.  He was a kind, gentle man who would give you his last dime (or $2 bill!) even if he was starving. I only wish my husband could have met him and my kids would have had the chance to know him.  He was a fantastic, loving grandfather. I will forever miss him.

He didn’t keep the most eventful diary out there, but I will cherish it always!

Left U.S. April 29, 1945 at 1400. on U.S.S. Louisville.

On May 6, 1945 we tied up at Pearl Harbor, but no liberty.  On May 8, left Pearl.

May 12, anchored at Guam for one day to finish loading what supplies we needed, then got underway to “Okinawa”.

May 23, 1945 we arrived at Okinawa.

May 24, we started our sessions of bombardment on the Island.  There were Jap planes everyplace.  The afternoon of the 25th we tied up to an ammo. ship for ammunition.

On June 5, 1945 around 2030 two Jap planes got past our picket lines.  One plane hit the “Mississippi”.  The other hit us on the forward stack.  We lost 13 men all toll. Shrapnel was flying all over the ship.  Sounded like a hive of bees had broken loose.  The whole sky was red and full of smoke.  You could hear the boys scream and yell for the others to take cover.  You would look up and see part of the ship or plane coming over or down.  You can say what you like, but I don’t believe there was a man aboard who wasn’t scared.

On June 10, the “Lou” got permission from the command ship to go back (illegible) for repairs.

July 1,  “The Lou” pulled into Pearl Harbor for all necessary repairs.  For the remainder of the day, we unloaded all the ammunition till up into the morning of the second.

July 3, the crew started getting liberty every other day for the remainder of the stay in P.H.

Harold E. Hensley 11/27/27 – 09/06/1999

August 11, the “Lou” had finished her yard period for repairs and reloaded all ammunition.

August 12, the “Lou” went on a four day shake down cruise.

August 16, we entered P.H. for minor adjustments.

August 18, started on another short cruise but didn’t finish trip.

On August 20, were called back to P.H. for orders.

On August 21, we got orders to go to Guam to pick up R. Adm. Settle and Staff.

August 25, arrived at Guam and picked up Adm. Settle.

August 27, left Guam for Okinawa.

Sept 1, arrived at Okinawa too on fuel and supplies.

Sept 2, had to pull out to see to ride out the storm.

Sept 4, anchored again at Okinawa.

Sept 7, left Okinawa, destination unknown.

I’ll stop here and leave more for another post.  I know the next destination.  See if you can research to see where the U.S.S. Louisville anchored on Sept. 10!  Do you know?

His diary goes on until December 25, 1946.

Thank you for reading along.