Restoration Underway at USS Biloxi Site

Comments: I found the following article about the restoration of the USS Biloxi mast reconstruction:

http://www.gulfcoastnews.com/GCNnewsUSSBiloxiMemorialRestoration060810.htm

From: City of Biloxi Vincent Creel Filed 6/8/10 GCN - GulfCoastNews.com

City contractors today began a 120-day, $187,000 project that will see the restoration of Guice Park, the site of the USS Biloxi mast and other war-related markers on U.S. 90 at the Biloxi Small Craft Harbor.

Chuck Collins of J.O. Collins Contracting  the Biloxi firm that has restored the Biloxi Lighthouse and White House fountain and is wrapping up restoration of Biloxi City Hall  said the park project will involve erecting a huge tarp over the 35- to 40-foot tall USS Biloxi mast to allow workers to remove paint.

Well also be replacing the flagpoles and cleaning the markers at the adjacent Purple Heart memorial, doing some minor concrete work, replacing the lighting at the site, Collins said.

The work, which is being funded by FEMA, is expected to be completed by Oct. 5, 2010.

The USS Biloxi: A distinguished record of service

The USS Biloxi was a light cruiser that distinguished itself in World War II.

The 608-foot, 10,000-ton vessel, known by her 1,200 officers and crew as The Busy Bee, earned nine battle stars during her service from January 1944 to May 1945. It was during that period that the Biloxi completed one of the longest continuous tours of combat duty by any U.S. warship, never missing a major operation in the Pacific.

Operating in support of carriers making air strikes against the very heart of the enemy homeland, Tokyo itself, the Biloxi saw action in battles at Okinawa, Iwo Jima, Formosa, Leyte Gulf, Saipan, the Philippines, and was one of the first ships to evacuate allied prisoners of war from Nagasaki, Japan shortly after the atomic bomb was dropped.

On March 27, 1945, during the assault on Okinawa, the Biloxi was attacked by four Japanese kamikaze planes. Three were shot down, but a fourth, riddled with bullets, crashed into the Biloxi, and a 1,100-pound bomb was later found unexploded below the ships hangar deck.

The ship was decommissioned on Oct. 29, 1946, and broken up for scrap. The ships superstructure, however, was saved and erected in Guice Park near the Biloxi Small Craft Harbor.

Online resources: Photos and history

---To see a compilation of World War II press releases about the wartime exploits and achievements of the Biloxi, copy and paste the following link:

http://biloxi.ms.us/PDF/ussbiloxihistory.pdf

---To See a series of WWII Photos of the USS Biloxi, copy and paste the following link:

http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/sh-usn/usnsh-b/cl80.htm

---The Purple Heart markers have been uprighted since Hurricane Katrina, but to see before-and-after photographs of the USS Biloxi superstructure at the small craft harbor, as shown on a page from Katrina & Biloxi, copy and paste the following link:

http://biloxi.ms.us/PDF/ussbiloxi.pdf

Keywords: Restoration Underway, USS Biloxi, Guice Park, Biloxi Small Craft Harbor

Lemond A. McLelland, Machinist Mate

Comments: I am a firefighter working at the Seabee Base in Gulfport, Mississippi. My Father, Lemond A. McLelland served as a Machinist Mate aboard the USS Biloxi. He died in March of 1985. My Brother was also a Machinist Mate in the Navy and was sworn in under the mast of the USS Biloxi.

The ship made it through WWII just fine. And although she was struck by a Japanese Kamikaze, she refused to go down. The ship was sold for scrap in March, 1962 but her superstructure was set aside and erected in Guice Park near the Biloxi Small Craft Harbor, where it still stands today (along with a replica of the unexploded bomb).

Hurricane's Camile and Katrina tried to lay her to waste but her mast still stands tall. I visit there often and always think of Dad when I pass by the memorial on Highway 90 on the beach. It is a very lovely place. The Mississippi Gulf Coast is back in full swing. Now, if we can just overcome the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

I was wondering if there was any other ships crew or family members who settled here in South Mississippi. If so please get in touch. I have an old cedar chest with memorabilia from my Dad's Navy days. I welcome any and all email. God bless our Veterans!

Keywords: USS Biloxi, Mississippi, Gulf Coast, South

POW shipped on the Biloxy in Nagasaki

Comments: My grandfather, Joop Zomer just past away age 94. In 1945 he shipped in on the Biloxy at Nagasaki as a POW saved from the japs three days after the Nagasaki a.bomb. His runnig mate was Johnson. As my grandfather told me about the Biloxy and the escape from the kamikazabomb I dit not believe him. On the Internet I read about it and now I know he was right. From Nagasaki he went to Australia and in 47 back to indonesia (Dutch colony). I only can say now, Thank you all for bringing my grandfather to a safe Australia. Thank God!

Keywords: POI, Biloxy 1945

a. z. McCullough

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Keywords: My Dad was a crew member he was a water tender abroad, does anyone recall him and maybe pictures. Will pay for copies to be made.

Saving the U.S.S. Biloxi guns

Comments: My Dad is a Vietnam veteran and currently belongs to the V.F.W. post 2434 in Biloxi Ms. As some might not know the Post was destroyed during hurricane Katrina. The only thing that remains in the grounds is one of the guns from the U.S.S. Biloxi. My dad is trying to save the gun by having it restored and put into museum. The post commander wants it removed from the premises at any cost! Please, if any onyone has any ideas on how to save a piece of our history, let me know. My dad and I are just looking for an idea where to start. As a child I grew up in post 2434, My siblings,cousins,and friends from other veterans played on the gun as children, it's almost like an old playground for us. I'm a veteran myself I know the importance of American History!!! Thanks to all who have served!!

Keywords: U.S.S. Biloxi

Reunion 1988 stein

Comments: I have a decorative stein engraved, "U.S.S. Biloxi (CL-80) Reunion Nashville, TN 1988. I'm not sure how it came to be in my possession - is anyone interested in having it? Please respond to lindaluhoo@aol.com. Thank you, and thank you to all of our Veterans.

Keywords: Reunion

Daniel Allan Little

Comments: any one out there remembers a Daniel Allan Little my Dad said he was washed over board the 17 Jan 1945 in the China Sea but the USS Biloxi reports no one was ever loss in the history of the ship. my Dad got the run a round and in the 1990s Daniel Allan Little death is still classified..I need help

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ussbiloxi survivors

Comments: my father is Ernest self, he is 84 years old and served on the U.S.S. Biloxi. he is still alive and we are trying to find other survivors. we has a picture of the crew on the U.S.S Biloxi with a plaque with their names on it. His doctor at the VA hospital in Jackson, MS keeps this picture in his office. We would like to know who survived & what states they live in. He has spoken of a torpedo or some sort of bomb hitting the ship & that they were lucky that it didn't explode. If anyone knows anything, please write me back.

Keywords: uss biloxi survivors

USS Biloxi CL-80 reunion 1988

Comments: I have what appears to be a pewter stein with lid that is engraved "U.S.S. Biloxi (CL-80) Reunion Nashville, TN 1988. Would this be of interest to anyone out there? I'll be happy to send a picture.

Keywords: 1988 reunion stein

Seeking Information on Victor Watson

Comments: Looking for information in general USS Biloxi during WW2 (CL-80)and any crew that might have information on a crewman by the name of Victor Watson. I believe Mr. Watson would have served as a machinist but not %100 certain. I recall a story to the effect that he was aboard the Biloxi either 3 days out of Pearl Harbor or 3 days after Pearl Harbor was attacked when their ship was attacked by the Japanese. I seem to recall him saying he had something to do with shooting down a plane or a bomb and his name appeared on plaque or memorial to that effect. He was wounded in that attack and still bore shrapnel. In the past 20 year period, Mr. Watson lived in Missouri and Florida with his family. I've since lost contact. I'd appreciate any info on the ship, the battle and anyone that may have served during that time period and whether or not anyone knows the whereabouts of Mr. Watson, livng or deceased. Thanks.

Keywords: USS Biloxi (CL-80)Victor Watson

Member of the Biloxi crew

Comments: I served on the USS Biloxi during WW II and just wanted to add my name to the list. Thanks,

Kenneth Crabtree

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Biloxi History Book in National Archives

Comments: My Dad was a Radioman third Class on the Biloxi in WW2. In 2002 he wrote a book about his experiences. The book has never been published but is available through the National Archives. ISBN 0-9723828-0-1 It is a history of his ship, U.S.S. Biloxi CL-80 during WW2. Very interesting stories- this ship went through just about every major battle in the Pacific. The Kamikaze referred to in the below post was actually a Japanese VAL dive bomber that had been shot down and was looking for a place to crash into. The pilot was familiar with other Cleavland class cruisers and was aiming to hit midships. He hit aft by mistake because the Biloxi, unlike other Cleavland class cruisers, had the "bedspring" air search antenna mounted on the aft mast instead of the forward mast.

The VAL did crash into the ship and the Biloxi crew promptly pushed it overboard. The real damage came from the 500kg bomb that the dive bomber dropped into the ship just before crashing. Luckily the bomb never went off due to a bad fuse but it did strike just above the armored plating at the water line. Flooding was severe but, luckily, being so far aft, the engineers were able to quickly do damage control. Several compartments did flood, thereby spoiling the food stores (including coffee.) The damage control was successful though, they flooded some compartments on the other side to put the ship right as best they could. Resulting in a 15 degree list. This severely reduced the speed that Lucky B could move at. It also made them a real target for the Japs and so they were relentlessly attacked after that. The rest of the group did screen them though and in the process really beat the hell out of every Jap plane and sub that went after the B, and there were plenty. The B continued fighting that day, though only able to use the foward gunmounts. That night they covered themselves with smoke and moved to a safer part of the island area where they could do more extensive repairs. That done, they resumed fighting though they still had the 15 degree list, which made life even more dangerous- one crewman was struck with a table while dining on the mess decks because the seas were not calm then.

Plenty of other good stories in the book as well. All true, all from the U.S.S. Biloxi, CL-80

Keywords: Navy Veteran, U.S.S. Biloxi CL-80 U.S.S. Detroit AOE-4 Pacific World War Two

USS Biloxi Book (Dark Blue, 1945)

Comments: Piecing together information from the book and things that my father told me:

My dad was known as Stars and Bars Hooper (or the old man) because he joined the Marine Corps anticipating US involvement in WW II, so was highly experienced. He served as Judo instructor's instructor at the Marine Corps Institute in Washington, DC, among other things, teaching them how to hold heads up during practice to avoid injuring those whom they instruct.

He believed that the whole ship would be lost if someone didn't bravely man the guns. That is what kept him at his post during severe assaults, and he urged others to follow his lead.

Luckily he only sustained a splinter of aluminum in his thumb as a Kamikaze hit the ship deck. Regulations forbade him from taking a piece of it. At the end of the war, he had many ribbons and medals and many who served with him came up to congratulate his wife for his courage and commitment. Like most soldiers and sailors, he spoke little of the war.

December, 1944, three US destroyers were capsized by a typhoon, but the Biloxi survived. My dad was nominated for a Silver Star for securing a large gun which was almost swept off the ship by 100 foot waves. . . he timed his dash. He was only awarded the Bronze Star for that.

http://www.antiqbook.com/boox/ver/030161.shtml

The website above shows the dark blue USS Biloxi book ( circa 1946)for sale for $85. Though the ship was a very small part of history, it is part of my family history, and I would not part with the book that was presumably handed out to each crew member at the end of the war.

Pronounced Bee-lux'-ee, (named for the Mississippi city) it was built by the Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock company and commissioned in Portsmouth, Virginia, August 31, 1943. It's delayed entry into the war is deceiving, since it earned the name "Busy Bee" by being so active.

The first battle of the Biloxi was at Japanese held Wotje Island, January 30, 1944. A 5 inch (diameter) shell struck the communications tower. The Department of the Navy had selected the Biloxi for pictures of ship life, so it recorded the battle on film.

The ship then became a member of Task Force 58 in the spring of 1944.

The ship was not supposed to travel in a "predictable" straight path, so it zigzagged. At the Admiralty Islands this zigzag caused them to cross the equator 14 times. There is a ceremony for those who cross the equator (men dress up as women--see book for picture). (I have some unpublished pictures of that at home, too).

The crew were largely young men on their own for the first time, and they partied hard when they could. All around them, there were temptations. The island of Chichi Jima was double hills (Chichi means breasts).

The Biloxi shot a submarine just before it was able to sink another light cruiser (they were cited for saving it).

February 16, 1945, the Biloxi attacked Tokyo, Japan. Then, on February 19 through February 22, 1945, it fired on Iwo Jima. My father was a Gunnery Sergeant, manning one of the 5 inch guns, so he had to keep his eyes on the island. He saw the first US flag go up, then he saw the 2nd flag (publicity pose) go up.

Rear Admiral Morton L. Deyo, said that it was "the crew with the most spip's spirit I've ever seen."

It was called the "Mighty B" in a poem by Sebastian Skaboodle.

During WW II, the Biloxi sunk 3 ships and 8 planes. It was struck by a suicide bomber with a 1200 pound bomb, and struck another time, as well (hence, the name, "Double Lucky)."

The Biloxi was scrapped for metal off of the coast of Medford, Oregon after serving in WW II and the Korean War. A piece of it was taken to the National Archives where it remained until North Carolina's Senator Byrd melted it down with several scraps from very famous battleships to form the "Statue of the Lone Soldier." The Biloxi, though a mere light cruiser, was chosen for this distinguished recent honor because of it's outstanding and distinguished service. I suspect that the crew was originally picked to be the very best (for the camera crew that was to film it).

Keywords: Nyle Hooper, USS Biloxi, 1943 to 1945, Iwo Jima, Japan, Marshall Island (Wotje), Truk Island II, Marianas, Admiralty Islands, Saipan II, Philippines (Philippine Sea II), Chichi Jima, Formosa, Surigao Straits, China Sea, Tokyo, Iwo Jima II, Okinawa I and II (Okinawa was called "Indian Country"), Roi-Namur, Emirau, Palau II, Yap III, Woleai, Wadke (Wake?), Sawar, Hollandia, Ponape, Tinian, Guam, Bonins II, Indo China. Busy Bee, Double Lucky, mighty b, torpedo, kamikaze. WW II, Korean War. Stars and bars.

USS Biloxi-Charles (Chuck)Campbell

Comments: Charles (Chuck) Campbell was my grandfather who served on the USS Biloxi during WWII. I never met him as he passed away prior to my birth. I know it's a long shot but I was wondering if any Biloxi vets remembered him and would be willing to share with me what they recall of him?

Keywords: USS Biloxi-Charles (Chuck) Campbell

Searching for Information

Comments: Hello. I am in search of information of the happenings aboard the USS Biloxi during the Korean War and World War II era. My father did not speak much of this time period. I found out that he served aboard the USS Biloxi from his enlistment papers. I overheard him tell my brother that he also served on a submarine. My fathers name was Willis Gene Tillman. Any information, friends of my dad or pictures you can share with me would be most grealy appreciated. Thank you

Keywords: Aboard the USS Biloxi During the Korean and World War II

James E. King

Comments: I served on the USS Biloxi from 1943-1945. I was in the F division and worked on the catapults. I would like to hear from any former shipmates, especially anyone with information about my best wartime friend James (Jake) Clinton Ingram.

Keywords: James (Jake) Clinton Ingram

USS BILOXI

Comments: My Grandfather passed away before I was born and all I have of him is a paper stating that he crossed the equator on 3/8/44. If anyone remembers a Herman Nathan Scearce from Danville,VA please e-mail ctb74@aol.com. Thanks!

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Looking for Shipmates of Biloxi

Comments: My brother, Joseph A Jabon, served on the Biloxi all during the Pacific campaigns. He recently passed away without leaving a record of his service experience. As a tribute to Joe, I am assembling a detailed record of the expriences of Joe and his crewmates of the USS Biloxi. Joe's rating was ARM2C and he flew the back seat on the scout plane. Please contact me.

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USS Biloxi

Comments: My father served on the U.S.S. Biloxi during the second world war. I am interested in finding other members of the crew who might remember him, James Richard Houseman. He was a gunner on the ship. He has passed on, but I would love to hear from those who knew him.

Thanks very much

Keywords: USS Biloxi, gunner's mate

John Arth - USS Biloxi

Comments: My Great Uncle served on the USS Biloxi during WWII. His name was John Arth. I'm in the process of planning his Christmas gift (early!) because I want to make it something really special for him, as it will, sadly, probably be his last Christmas with us. Do any of you veterans have any ideas on what I could do for him that has to do with the Biloxi? What would be something special for you? Thanks for all your help, in advance! Angela

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B DIV USS BILOXI 1944-1945

Comments: My uncle, Julius Taylor, was Fireman 1st Class in B Div. He served 1944- 1945. He lives now in NC. He would like some emails from former shipmates. I will deliver them. mfulcher@mail.clis.com

Keywords: Uss Biloxi CL-80

my father served on the biloxi

Comments: my father served on the biloxi from 43 to 46 . he was a water tender 3rd class . if anybody served with him i would like to found out more about the ship and who he worked with. thanks

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My father (Nyle Henderson Hooper) served on the USS Biloxi in WW II

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Keywords: Nyle Henderson Hooper, USS Biloxi, WW II

My father served on USS BILOXI

Comments: My father Walter Bloedel served on USS BILOXI and USS Bunker Hill in 1944 and 1945. Looking for anyone who may have served with him.

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