Through My Father's Eyes: Aboard the U.S.S. Madison January 15, 1944-December 11, 1945

About the Book

August 23, 1944…2145 hours, somewhere off the coast of France. Twenty-two-year-old Electrician 1st Class Henry Shemmer, hears the call to general quarters while writing an entry in his diary for another day. Another day when thousands of miles and an ocean still separate him from his loved ones, another day that has exploded in death and destruction, another day that might very well be his last.

Aboard the U.S.S. Madison on active duty in the Mediterranean during WWII, Henry is a hero, just like the millions of ordinary men and women who became heroes by answering their nation’s call to arms. His contribution to the outcome of the war and the collective survival of 275 others on board depends on his selfless commitment to fight for the common cause and to be there for his buddies.

August 23, 1944
Underway all night with the Nevada. Arrived in France at 0530, G.Q. at 0545, and secured at 0715. Picked up submarine contact at 0630, tracked it for about ½ hour. Wasn’t sure whether it was fish or a sub, so we just dropped 2 charges. We had a pretty interesting morning. At 0930 I came closer to meeting my maker than I ever did so far this war. The Nevada was bombarding Toulon and they started firing back at her getting pretty close. We immediately started laying a smoke screen to protect her. They damn near got our range because they straddled us almost perfect with a salvo of 3-14 inches. One landed about 35 yards on the port beam, 1 about the same off the fantail, and 1 went over us about the same distance to starboard. The ship just shook and vibrated from bow to stern. The water and smoke from the exploding shells went all over us. If they would have hit, we’d have been blown clear out of the water. I hope that’s all the closer they ever get. Nevada ordered us out of range, so we poured on the speed and really got out of there. At 1030 a “Limie” destroyer was hit but not too badly. We started out toward her to render assistance, but she said she could proceed under her own power so we turned back. We were detached from the Nevada at 1100 and was assigned to the French battleship, Lorraine. She is going in close to the beach and fire this afternoon. Closest we’ve been to Toulon so far. They are having a terrific battle in there at the present writing. The concussions from the artillery and bombs keeps the whole ship shuddering. You can tell I’m a little nervous myself by all the mistakes I’m making writing this. We are now behind the German lines about ¾ of a mile from the beach. The Lorraine started blasting away as soon as we 3 cans laid a smoke screen for her. We were close enough to see German trucks and light tanks in the valley. Our job was to knock out kerosene and ammunition dumps. We knocked out 1 fuel dump and 1 ammunition dump when the Captain received orders from our Squadron Commander on the Juette, Captain Clay, to return to our original task force. Our Captain asked for permission to stay, but they wouldn’t give it to us. Boy this crew was really burned up! It was the first chance we had to do something and we had to leave. It was dangerous as hell in there, but plenty exciting. The return fire was light and it felt good to throw it right back at them.

We left the Lorraine and returned to the Juette for orders. She wanted us in here to jam bombs off the beachhead tonight. We patrolled in and out of the harbor all night; no air raids. We could have stayed with the Lorraine very easily. This old fogey on the Juette is all screwed up. G.Q. at 2030 and secured at 2145.

August 24, 1944
Patrolled around harbor all night. G.Q. at 0545 and secured at 0645. Slept all morning for a change. At 1300 we entered Saint Tropez, site of the first invasion on “D” day, and tied port side to tanker and took on 25,000 gallons of fuel. Just received word that Marseille was captured and Romania joined the Allies. Good news!! Left tanker and Saint Tropez and went alongsi

About the Author

Henry F. Shemmer December 24, 1921- May 27, 1974 Proud seaman of the U.S.S. Madison, husband and father Henry Ferdinand Shemmer was born December 24, 1921 to Frank Schemmer and Hattie Rosner Schemmer in Coraopolis, Pennsylvania. One of 10 children, Henry entered the Navy July, 6, 1942. He served in the Navy for three years, five months and six days. After Electricians Mate School he served his entire military career aboard the U.S.S. Madison destroyer. During his service he earned the Victory medal, American Campaign medal, European African Middle Eastern 5 Stars, Asiatic Pacific medal and a good conduct ribbon. He was honorably discharged from the Navy on December 11, 1945 as an Electrician’s Mate First Class.