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NavSource Online: Amphibious Photo Archive
USS LCI(L)-737
A Personnel history and Photos of LT. Harold E. Yahnke, USNR USS LCI(L)-737
Contributed by Jim Yahnke, son of Harold E. Yahnke
Nov. 1944 |
Jan. 1945 |
Jan. 1945 |
early 1946 |
From an Oral History by LT. Harold E. Yahnke USNR USS LCI(L)-737
written by his son Jim Yahnke
Harold E. Yahnke, was from Milwaukee Wisconsin. Some information regarding his service and dates of the LCI (L) 737:
9-30-43 - attended Midshipmen’s School at the University of Notre Dame. He was appointed an Ensign.
1-31-44 - arrived in Portland, Oregon.
2-28-44 - reported aboard USS LCI (L) 737. LTjg. Donald Charles Brockway, in command. Ensign Yahnkeinitially served as Communications Officer; his Battle Station was on 20 mm guns.
USS LCI(L)-737 departed San Diego, for the Hawaiian Islands, Guadalcanal, the Florida Islands and the Russell Islands.
9-14-44 through 11-27-44 – LCI (L) 737 participated in the battle of Peleliu.
9-17-44 through 9-30 -44 – LCI (L) 737 participated in the battle of Anguar. During the campaign an ammunition dump caught fire on the island. LCI (L) 737 was called upon to beach its craft and send its hoses over the side to Army personnel . The fire appeared under control and approximately 10 men entered the ammunition dump. The dump exploded and the only thing left were the remnants of the fire hoses flopping on the beach.
11 – 44 through 8-29-45 – LCI (L) 737 continues to patrol the Palau Islands.
4-13-45 - ENS. Harold E. Yahnke is appointed Executive Officer of LCI(L)-737.
6-1-45 - Harold E. Yahnke is appointed to the rank of Lieutenant, Junior Grade (Temporary).
8-29-45 - a surrender letter from General Sadae Inoue is delivered to the LCI(L)-737.
At approximately 2:00 a.m., a small Japanese “personnel boat” (my LTjg. Yahnke's words) came out to the ship in the waters of the Palau Islands. A Japanese colonel presented the letter that said:
"From: Sadae Inoue, Commanding General Japanese Forces
To: F.O. Rogers, Commanding General American Forces
1) I am going to send my representative off the coast of Airai intending to confer with your Forces at 1300 (Tokyo Time) tomorrow (30 August)
2) This military messenger shall wait for your answer aboard your ship which this message is send" (sic).
/s/ Sadae Inoue Commanding General Japanese Forces
9-2-45 - Sadae Inoue surrenders the Palau Japanese Forces aboard the USS Amick (DE-168), the same day as the Japanese Instrument of Surrender was signed on USS Missouri (BB-63) before Douglas MacArthur.
10-7-45 -Harold E. Yahnke assumes command USS LCI(L)-737, relieving Donald C. Brockway.
In October LCI-(L)-737 sails to Tianjin and Shanghai, China.
In February 1946 LCI(L)-(737) arrived in San Pedro/Los Angeles, CA.
5-14-46 - Harold E. Yahnke relieved of Command of LCI(L)-737 by R. E. Dorval
6-28-46 - Harold E. Yahnke released from active duty and returned to Milwaukee Wisconsin. He received the following Medals and Awards:
China Service Medal
American Campaign Medal
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal (1 star)
World War II Victory
It was noted that he also served as a
Qualified Deck Officer
Navigation Officer
Gunnery Officer and
Executive Officer, as well as Commanding Officer
6-26-50 - LTjg Yahnke received a letter promoting Line Officers of the Naval Reserve to the permanent rank of Lieutenant.
7-15-54 - Lt. Yahnke received a letter indicated that he and thousands others were being Honorably Discharged from the US Naval Reserve, effective 10-15-54.
This page is created by David W. Almond and maintained by Gary P. Priolo
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