Photo History 1950s
Korean War Battle Damage &
Casualties
| The USS Los Angeles was hit twice by enemy fire
during the Korean War. The first hit, which occurred on March 27,
1953, penetrated a Mark 35 radar compartment and did extensive damage to
the equipment and wiring. The second hit occurred on April 2, 1953.
This is the one that struck the mainmast and resulted in injuries to several
crewmen. The photos below provide additional information.
(Thanks to John Sommerfield for this data)
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Photos From John Sommerfield, ET2
(on LA '51-'53)
Click on pictures to view larger pictures.
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Cruiser Los Angeles' Mainmast Sports Dent
Chief Quartermaster Vincent J. Ritchie, nephew of Miss Natalie R. Talbot,
596 Fifth St., N.Y., points to dent gouged in armor steel mainmast of heavy
cruiser LOS ANGELES by enemy shell, believed to be a 105-millimeter, which
made a lucky hit during a gunstrike in North Korea's Wonsan harbor.
Explosion sent shrapnel hurtling into two open gun mounts nearby, slightly
wounding twelve men and causing abrasions to six others. Flak vests
such as one worn by Chief Ritchie prevented more serious toll.
(Official Navy Photo) |
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Purple Heart Recipients
The twelve men above were awarded Purple Hearts aboard the heavy cruiser
LOS ANGELES as a result of wounds received April second when an enemy shell
struck the ship's mainmast during a Wonsan gunstrike, splattering shrapnel
into two open gun mounts near the after superstructure. Captain Lawrence
R. Daspit, skipper of the LOS ANGELES, presented the decorations at ceremonies
on the cruiser's fantail 18 April. Left to right the men are: GM1
James M. Taylor, Rock Island, Ill; SN Allen E. Smith, Foreman, Ark; SN
David S. Kauffman, Salem, Ore; SN Wayne L. Mitchell, Langley, S.C.; RDSN
James D. Peacher, Clarksville, Tenn; BMSN Lewis R. Hitchner, Pennsgrove,
N.J.; SN Ben T. Huddleston, Amarillo, Texas; SN Clayton C. Chrisman, Nevada,
Mo; BMSN Joseph E. Johnston, Hopkinsville, Ky; SN Benjamin F. DeMoss Jr,
Indianapolis, Ind; SA Allen J. Mareno, Biloxi, Miss; and Henry H. Walker,
Carlsbad, N.M.
(Official Navy Photo)
A video of the Purple Heart award ceremony is here: Video of Award Ceremony
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Pictures Received
4 Sept 1999. Thanks John !
8-15-2000
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