Commendatory Dispatches received by
USS CLAXTON and DESRON 23
The following messages are from copies of the actual dispatches as received at the time. These copies are in the files of Tom Clyce.
From - Commander Task Force 39
To - Task Force 39
THE FOLLOWING HAS BEEN RECEIVED FROM GENERAL MacARTHUR X PLEASE EXPRESS TO ADMIRALS SHERMAN AND MERRILL THE SINCERE CONGRATULATIONS OF EVERY ONE HERE FOR THE SPLENDID ACCOMPLISHMENT OF THEIR RESPECTIVE TASK FORCES X EVERY OFFICER AND MAN ENGAGED DESERVES COMMENDATION BT
(After the battle of Empress Augusta Bay, Nov. 1, 1943)
From - Commander Desron 23
To - Desron 23
YOU BOYS ARE GOOD X YOU PUT OUT A MIGHTY GOOD PERFORMANCE TONITE X YOU KNOCKED THEM UNDER THE SEA OUT OF THE AIR INTO THE GROUND X ITS MIGHTY PROUD OF YOU I AM BT
(After the battle of Empress Augusta Bay, Nov. 1, 1943 with reference also to the previous shore bombardment and following air attack)
From - Commander Carrier Div. 1
To - Commander Destroyer Squadron 23
HEARTIEST CONGRATULATIONS TO THIRTY ONE KNOT BURKE AND HIS BOYS X THE NIGHT OF NOVEMBER 24-25 WAS A NIGHTMARE FOR TOJO DUE TO YOUR MAGNIFICENT TEAMWORK X WE ARE PROUD OF OUR FORMER TEAMMATES ..
(After the battle of Cape St. George Nov. 24-25, 1943)
From - USS COLUMBIA
To - Commander Destroyer Squadron 23
TO YOU YOUR OFFICERS AND MEN THE COLUMBIA GIVES THEIR CHEERS FOR A JOB BEAUTIFULLY DONE X EIGHT THREE PERCENT LEADS THE LEAGUE AS A BATTING AVERAGE BT
(After the battle of Cape St. George Nov. 24-25, 1943)
From - Commander Task Force 39
To - Destroyser Squadron 23
YOUR LAST VICTORY OVER THE YELLOW BELLIES FILLS OUR HEARTS WITH PRIDE X ONCE AGAIN THE JAP IS SET BACK ON HIS HEELS THANKS TO THE RELENTLESS DRIVING ATTACKS OF OUR SUPERLATIVE RUNNERS X THE REST OF TF 39 LIFT THEIR HATS TO OFFICERS AND MEN OF DESRON TWENTY THREE
(After the battle of Cape St. George Nov. 24-25, 1943)
To - Destroyer Squadron 23
From - Commander Destroyer Squadron 23
NO SQUADRON IN ANY NAVY HAS WON MORE BATTLE HONORS IN LESS TIME THAN THE FIGHTING CHASING TWENTY THIRD X THERE ARE NO SHIPS WHICH HAVE DELIVERED MORE DEVASTATING BLOWS TO THE ENEMY THAN THOSE OF THIS SQUADRON X YOUR HEROIC CONDUCT AND MAGNIFICENT ABILITY WILL MAKE YOUR FAMILIES AND YOUR COUNTRY PRETTY PROUD OF YOU X MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS YOU BT
(After the battle of Cape St. George Nov. 24-25, 1943)
The following copied from other sources.
From - Commander Third Fleet
To - Commader Destroyer Squadron 23
TO COMDERSRON 23 AND ALL HANDS IN YOUR FINE SHIPS X I ADMIRE YOUR FIGHTING ABILITY AND ENVY EVERY ONE OF YOU FOR YOUR OPPORTUNITY IN COMING TO CLOSE GRIPS WITH THE ENEMY X THE SOUTH PACIFIC FORCE IS PROUD OF YOUR CLEAN CUT AND CRUSHING VICTORY X TO COMMANDER AIR SOLOMONS AND HIS FLYING TEAM A SALUTE FOR PROMPT AND COMFORTING ASSISTANCE X GOD BLESS YOU ALL /S/ HALSEY
(After the battle of Cape St. George Nov. 24-25, 1943)