One of the most interesting parts of this project is that every once and a while, some very special images or, as in this case, a rich collection of images and documents is shared with us.

Donald Schroeder served aboard USS Sangamon as a Quatermaster during World War 2. He was in the Navigation Department so most of his time was spent on the bridge, where he became familiar with many of the messages and documents shown on these pages. Most photos were in the personal collection of a friend of Don, Lt. Kramer, Asst. Navigator, whose roommate (Lt. Chick) was the photo officer; after Lt. Kramer's death, his daughter sent most of his photos to Don. Other photographs have been sent to Don by former shipmates for safe keeping, as he is now the Sangamon Group Historian.

I wish to thank Don for sharing his memories, photographs and documents with us. When I was a young boy who had just discovered the fascinating world of Naval History, I read about the Sangamon and the kamikaze which hit her on May 4, 1945. At the time I could not imagine that, one day, I would have the privilege of being one of Don's friends. Thank you very much, Don.

Donald T. Schroeder passed away on June 25, 2020. Fair winds & following seas, Don.