My Dad and his twin Brother (Uncle Bill) joined the US Navy shortly after Pearl Harbor. They were Seniors in High School but left early (as many young men did) to fight in WW2. Both were sent to "A" Schools and upon completion were sent to the fleet.

After Uncle Bill completed Radio school he was assigned to a TBM squadron aboard the USS Salamaua CVE 96. The TBMs were torpedo bombers. Uncle Bill was a radio operator and rear gunner.

On January 13, 1945 the Salamaua was operating in the Lingayen (sp) Gulf. A Kamikaze with 2-250 Kg bombs attacked and crashed into the deck of the Salamaua killing 15 and injuring over 80 men. This action  ignited a major fire not only on the flight deck but also the hanger deck. One of the 550 lb bombs didn't explode, but punched a hold in the side of the ship at the waterline. Fire crews and Damage control crews were able to put out the fires and stop the flooding.

 Uncle Bill was one of the many injured. He was burned over about 25% of his body. (back)  Upon the Salamaua's return to the US, Uncle Bill was moved to a medical facility and after recovering from his injuries was assigned to NAS Nashville to teach radio to officer canidates.

Like many war vets Uncle BIll never told me this story. It was related to me, as a youngster, by my Dad after I saw Uncle Bill back with the scars.