Chapter 7: July-November 1944, Life aboard the USS PC -1187

They went aboard the sleek new submarine chaser at Jacksonville, Florida in July. She was just a few inches shy of one hundred and seventy-four feet long and sported two high-powered diesel engines. She could do about twenty knots on the open ocean, and her crew of sixty-five men were proud of her.

2 Seaman Second Class Luke Miller was no exception. He was what the Navy referred to as a radarman. And, as the moniker implied, Luke was responsible for the maintenance and operation of the vessel’s radar equipment. This was an important function in a ship which was designed to detect and give chase to vessels which spent most of their time at sea submerged and invisible to the naked eye.

3 “Let us know if you spot one of those Nazi fuckers’ or little urine-colored bastard’s subs!” Reynaldo grinned. “Yeah, after all, that’s what these depth charges are for!” Clarke agreed. “It’d be fine with me if we don’t see too many of those blips on the screen, boys,” Luke laughed. “You got that right!” Bonuccelli agreed.

4 “Beauregard, is that a speck of fly shit I see on my deck?” one of the officers interrupted. “No, sir!” the seaman shouted with indignation. “More likely, it’s gull shit,” Reynaldo whispered under his breath.

5 “What was that sailor?” the officer demanded. “Nothing, Sir,” Reynaldo quickly replied. “I didn’t think so,” the officer smirked as he turned and walked away.

6 “He’s such a prick!” Daniel said as they all watched the man walk away. “He’s a real party alright,” Luke agreed.

7 Over the months that followed, they participated in several convoys, but they didn’t see many Japanese subs during that time. Even so, the crew became even more proficient in their duties and most of them had become close friends by the end of September.

8 “The captain just ordered all hands on deck,” Orlin announced in his slow Southern drawl. “Wonder what’s up?” Bonuccelli asked. “Well, we’re never gonna find out hangin round here!” Reynaldo shouted.

9 When they were all finally assembled on the deck and were standing in formation, the captain stepped forward. “On this first day of October 1944, the United States Navy has issued orders promoting Luther P. Miller to Seaman First Class,” he announced.

10 “Congratulations, sailor,” the captain smiled as he shook Luke’s hand. “Thank you, sir, thank you very much,” Luke grinned.

11 The following month, however, everyone began to receive orders for different assignments. Thus, Luke’s time aboard the submarine chaser was about to come to an end.

12 “I can’t say that I’m disappointed,” Luke confided to his buddy. In the meantime, the entire military might of the United States was being marshalled for one final push against her enemies.