“Prepare to Ram! by Frank Dragotta 1955 or 56
I served aboard the USS Walton from Sept. 1955 till August 1956 (not sure of dates). During that time we made a far east cruise, crossing the equator and international dateline.
While underway in the Formosan Straits we came upon an unidentified submarine. Our Captain was Cdr. A.T. Emerson, the Exec. was Lt. F.X. Kern, (two fine gentlemen and officers). I was a radioman. The Capt. entered the radio shack and ordered us to send “AA de NXXX (our call sign) identify yourself“. “AA” stood for unknown ship” The quartermasters were doing the same on the signal deck via flashing light. The sub did not identify itself. We sent the message repeatedly (my guess 4 or 5 times). The sub still did not identify itself. The Captain called General Quarters and announced “Prepare to ram“ . As I recall, we increased the speed and headed directly toward the sub (broadside). I believe we had gotten within 100 yards when the sub identified itself as a Russian submarine. The Captain changed course.
That is the way I remember it.
By the way, Ed, a few months ago I read somewhere, probably in the DE or DD newspaper, that retired military personnel could obtain copies of their service records. I sent for mine and received them yesterday. I was surprised of the contents. There were evaluations of me, both performance of duty and conduct which I don’t think I knew were being recorded. The dates of the equator crossing and much more were in it. If you need the address I’ll give it to you; you probably already know.
The website is excellent. Now that I have retired, at age 73, I have more time to look at these things. I might still take another job if the phone rings. I retired as a school administrator and have been in 9 school districts since then plus 6 years with the NJDOE as a County Superintendent…not bad for a white hat! Good health and happiness to you and your family.
By the way, the jeep is running just fine.