Old Family Photos Tell Their Story #3 - The USS Mindanao

USS Mindanao 4 Nov 1944

USS Mt Hood Explosion 4 Nov 1944

During WWII - Byron's dad, Francis, served as Chief Baker aboard the support ship USS Mindanao (lft), part of the 7th Fleet of the South Pacific.On the morning of November 10, 1944, the fleet was in harbor at Manus Island, New Guinea. The USS Mt Hood was there, serving as a munitions depot with at least 3,800 tons of ammunition aboard. An explosion demolished the USS Mt Hood (rt) and all aboard perished. Surrounding ships were destroyed or severely damaged, including the USS Mindanao. Thousands lost their life in this tragedy.The above picture was taken later on that same afternoon. You can see the huge holes where shrapnel hit. Sailors are hanging out these holes, looking dazed and shocked. Byron wishes there was some way to get a closer look as he knows one of those men is his father.Francis was known as "The Old Man" because he was in his late twenties. The younger guys listened when "The Old Man" wouldn't allow them to go up top that morning. He was honored for saving several lives that day!The official Naval report issued at the time cited "mishandling of explosives" to be the cause for the explosion. Later reports listed a Japanese mini-sub in the harbor that eye witnesses say launched a torpedo. We remember and honor those who gave their lives in service to our country. And we're very thankful Francis survived! He came home to South Dakota and the family continued to grow and eventually include Byron. Another old family photo, telling its tale.

(c) CHRobinson Feb 2010 - originally published as "Note" on FB profile 12 Feb 2010