ENCLOSURE "A" (Continued)

PART VI (D) - Communications, (No enemy encountered)

            Communications as a whole worked effectively between 1 April and 20 April, with one exception. On 19 April in the demonstration attack: on Southeastern Okinawa, an order to fire was not received by this Command. This order was addressed from the headquarters ship to the Task Unit to which this Command was assigned and called for execution of prior written instructions which we held. A succeeding order addressed specifically to this Command enabled us to proceed with our mission. It was found that for attack missions a maneuvering voice frequency (SCE), and an NGF frequency (TCS) both voice, are sufficient with Fleet Common to supplement. During periods when the ships of this Command are acting as radar pickets a further long distance voice frequency is needed. The joint expeditionary call was intercepted throughout the period. Visual, both semaphore and flashing light worked properly.

PART VII - Personnel performance and casualties

            Personnel continued to turn in a exemplary performance as to courage and competence under fire. Between 1 April end 20 April, eight (8) enlisted men and one officer aboard ships of 'this Command incurred wounds. Awards are being proposed by this Command under separate cover.

PART VIII (a) - Conclusions and recommendations

    A. The following conclusions are set forth:
            1. The rocket fire performed by the LSM(R)'s during the attack on Ie Shima was successful. The rockets were observed to have landed directly into the target area with expected results.

            2. The harassing and patrolling performed by the LSM(R'S prior to the main attack on Ie Shima demonstrated clearly the usefulness of these ships for that purpose. In all respects, they seem very well adapted to neutralize a large area for considerable lengths of time with a minimum of ships and ammunition involved.             4. Ordnance material in general is highly satisfactory. The only exception involves the fragileness and absence of suitable repair facilities of Mark 14 sights and Mk 51 Mod 3 directors.

            5. Ordnance personnel are performing, in general, to the satisfaction of this Command.

            6. Against aircraft, the LSM(R) is well suited to _are for itself against occasional attack only. The fire control and amount and type of automatic weapons present is not satisfactory to counteract continued heavy air attack.

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