Typhoon Cobra, also known as the Typhoon of 1944 or Halsey’s Typhoon, struck Task Force-38 on December 18, 1944, causing widespread damage and the loss of three destroyers.  USS SPENCE (DD-512) was one of the ship’s lost and Lieutenant Alphonso S. Krauchunas, the ship’s Supply Officer, was one of only 24 crewmembers, and the senior officer to survived.  He and several survivors were rescued by the destroyer USS DYSON (DD-572).  The following are excerpts from a letter of gratitude LT Krauchunas later addressed to the officers and men of the USS DYSON.

“On the morning of 18 December 1944, the SPENCE had been rolling violently due to the low fuel and ballast until at approximately 1105 the water, seeping through the vents into the engine and firerooms, caused all power to go out.  All electrical equipment and lights were immediately powerless and the ship, no longer able to maintain headway, was caught in the trough of the huge swells.  She took a 70-degree roll and recovered but the next huge wave roller her on her side.  Men were trapped in their compartments.  All men in the engine room, firerooms, and midship passageway were likewise hopelessly trapped.  The ship continued until it had turned completely over.  All happened within two to three minutes.  Men were paralyzed where they stood.  Only those who were topside managed to slide into the water, dazed, shocked, not believing that this could happen.  Many of the men were unable to come out of this shock and drowned within sight of the ship.  They clutched at any object that floated by and were furiously battling to gain a hold.”

“Eight hours later there were only four groups of men floating quietly and easily under the rapidly darkening sky out of sight of each other and with no idea when they were to be rescued.  During 19 December 1944, men became delirious from the terrific pounding they had taken from the wind and waves.  The heroism and strength displayed by one or two individuals of each group were great and they have been recommended for citations.  The groups were picked up after 38, 40, 41, and 52 hours respectively in the water after having drifted over 75 miles.  There was no food, water, or flares, all of which were broken off in the typhoon.”

“The 24 survivors from 341 men and officers are grateful today to be alive, but each of us will not forget those who were less fortunate.  Others shall not forget them also, as was shown by the USS DYSON in offering of services in memory of those men whom she had known for so long through many hectic encounters against the enemy so brutal and unprincipled.  This kind gesture shows a friendship and understanding molded together so deeply by crucial moments of battles when the ships were giving all for the same cause, destroy the enemy or be destroyed.  As representatives of the USS SPENCE, we shall never forget your kind deed and gesture which will always remain in our hearts and in the souls of those who are gone.  To you, the officers and men of the USS DYSON, may your journeys be safe and your return be full of glory.”

          /s/ A. S. Krauchunas, LTJG, SC, USNR

Submitted by CDR Roy A. Mosteller, USNR (Ret)