2-16-13
A couple of posts back (mid December), I shared some of the memories of Typhoon Cobra that were recounted to me by the four sailors who participated in Volume 2 of Baked Beans: George Pitts, Bob Knight, Pat Fedele and Julian Goldstein. A few weeks back, I heard from Diane Balsam, daughter of CA-69 Plankowner Joseph Pulaski.
Here’s the email she sent:
I talked to my dad last week about his recollections of Halsey’s Typhoon while he was on the USS Boston. Dad is now 88 and lives in assisted living. Joseph S. Pulaski (DOB 11/20/24)
“I was alone on watch at night on Quad #7 standing on the back part of the after stack as protection from the 100 foot high waves and wind. I was above the water line at least 100 feet when I saw a destroyer off the port side in the distance. We made a maneuver and did a 40 plus degree roll. I fell face down and was holding onto the cat walk steel mesh and was actually able to see the water as we rolled. I started to pray that we would be safe. The ship rolled back to the starboard side and I called Fire Control and asked where the destroyer was. I was told “Joe, it sank.”
I thought we were done and our ship would be next as I continued to pray. The ship was water tight in integrity so all the hatches were closed. I was one of the few guys above deck. I continued my watch (four hours total). I remember some survivors were picked up by our ship.”
Thanks, Diane, for sharing that with our friends, the readers of this website.
Here’s a link that I hope you find interesting. Let me know what you think. http://www.dailynewstranscript.com/news/x65625533/Author-explores-Life-Aboard-the-U-S-S-Boston-CA-69#axzz2L0f8psNB Steve Kelly
Steve