USS Atherton DE 169

DESTROYER ESCORT - CANNON CLASS

It was July, 1945, off of Saipan.

We were anchored off shore in what was called Saipan "Harbor".

There was no harbor at all - only ocean swells and God help us if we got athwart these swells!

I was busy in the Ship's Store, which you will remember was on the port side, when I heard the announcement - "MAN OVERBOARD". Swimming team muster on the quarterdeck. Those words are frightening words, to say the least.

The Swimming Team, if we had one!!, didn't "muster", so I volunteered to go to the rescue. I had done some swimming in my teens. But what I didn't know was there was a VERY strong current sweeping beside the ship. Chief Loesch said you will need this line attached to my middle. He was so right, for no sooner than I had hit the water, I was swept away by the strong current. Thank you Chief Loesch.

I had a line that I was supposed to give to the "Man Overboard" so that we could be hauled back aboard the Mighty A.

I managed to make contact with the "man", but unfortunately he had been killed in an accident on another Navy ship several days before. He was very DEAD and very SMELLY.

I finally got us back to the ship. The poor man was brought up to the fantail. Later, he was taken to the proper authorities.

Check out the pictures attached. Doc Vitsky was working over him on deck.

I had a shower and a shot courtesy of Dr. V - and it was not a shot with a needle!! Those were the days!!

Ross D. Stevens, Lt jg USNR