Kamikaze Attack at Lingayen Gulf
While on antisubmarine patrol near the western entrance to Lingayen Gulf, January 10 1945, LeRay Wilson experienced the full fury of the Japanese suicide attacks. Spotting an enemy two-engine bomber dead ahead about 25 feet off the water, the ship's gunners unflinchingly maintained continuous and deadly gunfire, diverting the aircraft enough to save the ship. ... As the suicide plane splashed, its starboard wing crashed the ship's port side, killing six gunners, seriously wounding seven more, and causing extensive damage. In his battle report, LCDR M. V. Carson, commanding officer, wrote of his gallant men:
I say that those men made naval tradition. May their gallant acts live always in the memory of a grateful nation. They were my shipmates and I am proud of them.
I say that those men made naval tradition. May their gallant acts live always in the memory of a grateful nation. They were my shipmates and I am proud of them.
