8 JAN 44
“At 1115 sighted the island of Oahu, T.H., bearing 215˚, distance about 55 miles.” … “At 1200 sighted ship on the horizon, bearing 180˚, distant 11 miles, identified as the U.S.S. HOEL, assigned by CincPac as screening vessel to accompany this vessel to Pearl Harbor." … "At 1222 U.S.S. HOEL joined this vessel and took station 2500 yards ahead." … "Began sighting various units of the U.S. Fleet and merchant ships in the vicinity of the Hawaiian Islands." … "Received Navy Yard Pilot aboard and maneuvered conforming to channel to berth assigned, Berth “H-3”, New Fuel Oil Dock, Pearl Harbor, T.H.”
As a big fan of “then and now” history, I find it extremely cool that I have been pier side at Pearl Harbor in both USS Constellation and USS Independence on several occasions at docks K3 and K5 (yellow oval), within a couple well-hit tee shots of Berth H-3 (red circle).
It should be noted that just less than 9 months later the Captain and crew of Fletcher-class Destroyer USS Hoel, again coming to the aid of larger “capital” ships, would cover themselves in perpetual glory for their actions as part Task Unit 77.4.3, known to history by its radio call sign “Taffy 3.” Led by their Skipper, Commander Leon Kintberger, Hoel would join her sister Destroyers USS Samuel B. Roberts and USS Johnston and, in David versus Goliath fashion, engage a far superior Japanese Task Force while protecting multiple outgunned and inadequately armored American Escort Carriers (CVEs).
Each now rest 4 miles below the surface of the Philippine Sea where they sacrificed themselves in the Battle of Samar.
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