LIDDLE continues her long, interesting, and eventful career. To those who knew her before, remember that she was named in honor of the late William Porter Liddle, Jr., Pharmacists' Mate, Third Class, who was killed in action on 19 August 1942, while assigned to the First Marine Division, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands. He was posthumously awarded the Silver Star Medal for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity during action against enemy Japanese forces on Guadalcanal.
The LIDDLE was originally launched as the DE 206 on 9 August 1943. After completing three round trips across the North Atlantic in the spring and summer of 1944, she was ordered to Brooklyn where she was the first ship to be converted into a high speed transport. She saw action in the Pacific, losing the Captain, Executive Officer, and 36 others when a Zero crashed into the ship, driving through to two decks below and exploding, The LIDDLE, however, was not licked. Her First Lieutenant took command, shooting down two more Zeros before retiring. In a little more than three months after her return to the United States for repairs, the LIDDIE who was the first to be converted from a destroyer escort, as well as the first of these to see action, was back in the Pacific. She participated in four evasions in three months and then the news of Japanese surrender rang out.On l8 June 1946, she was placed out of commission, in reserve, at Green Cove Springs, Florida. With the outbreak of fighting in Korea four years later, the LIDDLE was recalled to active duty and recommissioned on November 27, 1950, seeing service in the Arctic, Caribbean, and Mediterranean Sea. In March 1955, she was assigned to the Eighth Naval District as a Reserve Training Ship, and until its decommissioning in 1958 was still serving in that assignment. During this latest period of mothballed status the LIDDLE was moored in Orange, Texas. It was recalled to active duty by President Kennedy as part of the Berlin buildup in August 1961 and recommissioned on 29 November 1961 at Jacksonville, Florida.
This decommissioning, recommissioning, plus twenty years of age add up to a tremendous amount of problems. However, through the efforts of your loved ones, and I say this in ale sincerity, the LIDDLE has come to life again. From a cold steel hulk, manned by an eager bunch of good navy men, we have surmounted the majority of our problems, and today, the "LIDDLE TEAM" can steam with the best of them. It never ceases to amaze me what a navy man can do.
We left Jacksonville in December, returning to Norfolk to continue our outfitting, prior to departing for Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, for our Shakedown training in early January, We had material casualties during this refresher training period which were to be expected after the ship had laid idle for four years. Although we did not pass our refresher training (62 is passing -we received a 60.59) in my eyes, your husbands and sons did an outstanding job. From a disorganized group we assumed the identity of a trained team in four weeks. We returned to Norfolk in February, participating in AOTU (Amphibious Operational Training Unit) training for two weeks receiving a mark of 79.50, which I believe is more indicative of what the LIDDLE can actually do.We departed for our Post Shakedown Availability at Charleston, S. C. in early March, returning 5 April 1962. We sailed again on 9 April for ONSLOW Beach where the LIDDLE controlled the landing at Blue Beach for the President receiving many kind messages of a job "WELL DONE". During this time we also participated in the Presidential Review on 14 April.
On the 27th of April we joined the Caribbean Ready Squadron and sailed for warmer waters. Since arriving in the Caribbean, we have visited San Juan, Santo Domingo, Ponce, Saint Martin, Saint Croix and Guantanamo Bay Cuba. During our visit to Saint Martin and Saint Croix, we were honored by having Captain Gardes, Commander Task Group 44.6 fly his flag on the LIDDLE. In all these ports your loved ones were a credit to their country, the U. S. Navy, and the LIDDLE. We have not had one incident ashore and that is something to be proud of.During our deployment, we have successfully participated in all sorts of exercises, receiving an outstanding for our 5 inch battery on a counter-battery firing exercise, and an "E" for our 40 MM battery, mount 42, on an Anti-aircraft towed sleeve firing exercise. The Engineers have kept the ship moving and at a fast clip; the Supply Department has fed us well and kept us in spare parts; the Deck Department has kept the ship in a fashion that any Skipper would be proud of; and the Operations Department has successfully executed every landing and inter-task force operation.
One point of contention however, is that the LIDDLE only stood 50.0% in the Amphibious Force in the number of persons advanced in rate. Although this is certainly not anything to be ashamed of, I think we could do a lot better. We are very anxious that everyone use their off duty hours as profitably as possible, both in advancing themselves and in wholesome recreation. If you would, please encourage your loved one to do so.It is very gratifying to me that the LIDDLE stood first in her type and seventh among all the ships in the Amphibious Force in the per capita contribution to the United Fund Campaign. This shows that the "LIDDLE TEAM" has the generosity to help his fellow man less fortunate than he.
And now a few words about what lies ahead. But before I go any further, I would like to caution all dependents and friends of the LIDDLE that the following information is for their use only. It is not to be disclosed to those who have not the "need to know" and certainly not discussed in public places or on the telephone, etc.It is now firm that the LIDDLE will arrive Little Creek on 1 July. As always, all families and friends are welcome to meet us, come aboard, and partake in refreshments. We will remain at Little Creek until the 27th of August, deploying at that time for the Caribbean. I know this constant separation is a problem for all of you, particularly the wives and children. I can only say that your contribution to the success of the Free World, your Country, your Navy, and the LIDDLE is a most important one, and one that words and money cannot repay. I know it is difficult but so is everything else worth while in life. We return again 4 November, and at this time it is expected that we will be in our home port for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and, New Years. The LIDDLE expects to deploy again in February to the Caribbean returning in early April and then to a Shipyard in Norfolk for our overhaul in May 1963 which will help make up for the long time away from home.
We will need your interest and support through all our endeavors. I will continue to keep you informed as the year goes by. Any thoughts that you may have as to how we can take better care of the "LIDDLE's Family" will be welcome, as will any other questions.