From the log of the U.S.S. PIONEER

 DECLASSIFIED

UNITED STATES SHIP _U.S.S. PIONEER (AM 105      Friday 26 November 1943

  16-29 Steaming as before. 1640 twenty four to thirty enemy planes attacked convoy. Manned battle stations and commenced firing.1647 three enemy bombs dropped close aboard. 1715 S.S. Rohna, third ship in second column of convoy, hit by bomb, disabled and set afire. 1745 On order of Escort Commander, stood by S.S. Rohna to rescue survivors while convoy continued on its course. 1800 ceased firing, ammunition expended. 59 rounds of 3”/50 AA, 221 rounds 40mm, 950 rounds of 20 mm, and 150 rounds of .30 caliber machine gun. Casualties to personnel: Croyle, Ernest Floyd … Shrapnel wound, left leg: Bauer, Martin Conrad . . . shrapnel wound, right foot: Peck, Harold . . .  Shrapnel wound left leg. Casualties to material: Barrel catch arm sheared off on port (?) 40 mm gun after firing 8 rounds. . . . . .

Signed _______

And later that day another entry in OPERATIONAL REMARKS     (WAR DIARY)

20-24 Continuing rescue of survivors of S.S. Rohna on various courses and at various speeds. Rescued 606 persons, most of whom were U.S. Army personnel and a few of whom were members of the S.S. Rohna’s crew. Senior officer among U.S. Army personnel rescued was Lt. Col > A.J. Frolick, their commanding Officer.

Signed ______