Log of the USS BLESSMAN 28 July 1944

LOG:
On 28 July 1944, the BLESSMAN entered the Sullivan Drydock Repair Corporporation Yard, Brooklyn, New York, where work was commenced on the conversion job. No longer was the BLESSMAN'S mission to be an anti-submarine escort. She was to transport small groups of assault specialists to enemy beaches. For this she was equipped with four landing boats, her armament was increased, and her living compartments enlarged.

My comments:

At this time I had been writing letters and talking to Ronnie over the phone, and because my ship would be getting an overhaul, we decided that , if I could get leave, I would come home and we would get married. I requested and was given a ten day leave. I boarded a train at Grand Central Station and Ronnie and her family began preparing for the wedding. They talked to the priest at our parish, St.Ignatious church. We didn't plan on a large reception because of the shortage of time and because most of my brothers were in uniform stationed all over the world. Ronnie's sister, Helen was bridesmaid and Tommy Mitch, a friend of mine from civilian Days, was best man. The reception was small at Ronnie's parents house. Ronnie and I did go to a downtown hotel and went to a live play at a down town live play and had drinks afterwords. The ten days went quickly and I was soon back on duty in New York.

BACK TO THE LOG.

On 6 August 1944, while this work was in progress, Lieut. Philip LeBoutrillier, Junior., USNR, the ship's executive officer, relieved Lieut. Cammander Gillis, USN, as Commanding Officer. At the same time, Lieut. Thomas H. McCutcheon, USNR., became the Executive Officer.

On 25 October 1944, with the conversion job completed, the BLESSMAN departed New York and headed for the war in the Pacific. After a brief shakedown in Norfolk, she passed through the Panama Canal, stocked in San Diego, and San Francisco, and reported at Pearl Harbor for duty with the Pacific Fleet and 27 November 1944.