The following information comes from the USS Henrico APA-45’s Reunion Association.
USS HENRICO (APA-45) / Attack Transport 45
From March 21st until the evening of April 2, 1945 HENRICO participated in the invasion of Okinawa.
“On the evening of April 2, 1945, this vessel was conducting night retirement from Kerama Retto as a component of Task Group 53.4. At 1828 Zone Time in approximate position 25 degrees 59′N and 127 degrees 15′E, course 135 degrees true, speed 8 knots (38RPM) an enemy twin-enging bomber ‘FRANCES’ approached from out of a cloud cover and made a suicide crash on the ship, striking the starboard side of the bridge deck at frame 96.”
While proceeding to night retirement about four miles from Kerama Retto Harbor, Okinawa, the ship was hit by a “Frances” twin engine kamikaze bomber. The kamikaze with his bombs struck the starboard side of the Navigation Bridge causing extensive damage. Two 250 pound bombs penetrated two deck levels and exploded on the main deck, resulting in fires and flooding that were not brought under control until 2100.
“On board [were] four doctors, one dentist, one hospital corps officer, 626 hospital corpsmen. The medical supplies and personnel were well dispersed throughout the ship. One Army Medical Officer 6 16 Medical Aidmen were on board as passengers 6 assisted the Medical Department. Most of the casualties were located in the superstructure and amid-ships. Transportation of the wounded was extremely difficult because of smoke, water, debris, and blocked passageways. The lights were out throughout the ship and small battle lamps and flash-lights were used by all doctors and corpsmen.”
“As a result of the attack, 37 Navy and fourteen Army personnel were killed including the Transport Division Commander, the Commanding Officer and the Troop Commander.”
OFFICERS KILLED:
- Temporary Cornn. Officer, Captain W.C. France USN
- Comm Transport Div 50, Capt E. KIEHL, USN
- Comm. Off. of the 305th Reg, 77th Div. Col. V.J. TANZOLA, US. ARMY
- Lieutenant Colonel LYMAN O. WILLIAMS US ARMY (reginal executive officer of 305 th Reg)
- Major ROBERT J. BRINK US. ARMY
- Captain E. H.RENNICK US. ARMY
OFFICERS WOUNDED:
- Major WINTHROP ROCKEFELLER US. ARMY
- Captain HUGH S. RENNICK US. ARMY
“The Executive Officer, 77th Div, Col. V. LT. W. D. CRAIG (D.M) USNR, of this vessel survived and assumed command. The plane crash caused extensive damage to the bridge, comm. & captains cabins, and surrounding area.”
USS NAVY MISSING :
- Lt. (jg) Samuel F. POSEY
- Ensign David LORING
- Slc John D. CORDELL
- HA2c Robert L. CULLUM
- Y2c Sylvester D. FREEMAN
- RM2c Cabble L.
- S1c John R. GIALLORENZO
- StMlc John JOSEPH
- RM2c Cabble L. MC BRIDE
- QMlc Marion R. MYERS
- RM3c Lawrence W. NANNERY
- QM3c Calvin B. SMITH
- Cox Raymond E. SMITZE
“All seriously injured were transferred to the USS SOLACE for treatment and the dead to Zamami Jima (sic) for burial.”
Two hours later the ship was taken in tow by the USS SUFFOLK (AKA-69) to Kerama Retto Harbor.
On April 14, 1945, after completing temporary repairs, HENRICO got underway for the United States. Upon arrival at San Francisco on May 13, 1945, the ship entered the Bethlehem Shipyard for extensive repairs of her battle damage.
Reports issued by: K. J. PALMBERT and W. D. CRAIG
NATIONAL MEMORIAL CEMETERY OF THE PACIFIC:
- Name: Marion R. Myers
- Service Info: QM1C US NAVY
- Birth Date: 17 May 1911
- Death Date: 2 Apr 1945
- Interment Date: 2 Mar 1949
- Cemetery: National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific
- Cemetery Address: 2177 Puowaina Drive Honolulu, HI 96813
- Buried At: Section N Site 1103
Filed under: Myers, World War 2
I have visited Marion Renwick Myers’ grave at the Cemetery of the Pacific. The cemetery is gorgeous and is in a crater in the mountains above Honolulu. It is a very peaceful and spiritual place. Marion Renwick Myers is my father’s brother. I never met him. I have visited his grave several times including once with my father Vernon W. Myers and my mother Elizabeth P.Buchheit Myers. We have taken a photograph of the grave site, and one of Marion’s brother, Vernon there.
I was aboard Henrico that day as a JA Talker with Lt Stanley Wienberg watch officer
One deck above the bridge
I Still have pretty good memories of that day.
I Got a instant sunburn but surived and remained on duty ., I was a seaman then and i
remained in the navy and retired in 1962.
All The Best
Glenn Grant MMC usn ret.
My Father was onboard that day, when I was young he showed me a certificate regarding duty during the Attack. His name was Charles W. Miller. I later joined the Navy.