🚀 go-pugleaf

Thanksgiving Day in 1942 was November 26. The USS Augusta (CA-31) had
just completed service as flagship of the Western Naval Task Force of
Operation Torch
(the invasion of North Africa). 

A message from the the Commanding Officer to the officers and crew for
that date reads as follows:

"It is fitting that this Thanksgiving Day should come at the conclusion
of a series of hard fought naval engagements and a victorious return to
port. To every officer and man on the Augusta this holiday means more
than "good chow" and a day off.

In its five engagements, one against a shore battery and four against
enemy naval forces, the ship rendered a good account of itself and
contributed in a large degree to the final defeat of the opposing forces
and the establishing of a second front, in North Africa.

In the course of each engagement the ship was subjected to accurate and
heavy fire by the opposing forces. And yet, although bracketed many
times by the projectiles of the enemy, the ship miraculously escaped
without damage to herself or injury to the crew. It should be apparent
to all that consistent escape from harm was due not alone to skill, or
to good luck, but unquestionably to the intervention of divine
providence.

Therefore it is with especial gratitude this Thanksgiving Day that the
officers and crew of the Augusta join in this traditional celebration."

*********************************

The menu for Thanksgiving Day 1942 for the Augusta contains entrees and
courses whose names relate to people and places of Operation Torch. The
menu may be found at:
http://www.internet-esq.com/ussaugusta/thanksgiving.htm#MENU

The meal was served up by the very able cooks and bakers for the ship. A
new photo has been added to our website showing the Augusta's chow line
on 11/30/42 following Operation Torch. It was provided to me by Robert
Forry (secretary of the USS Augusta Association) who is depicted in the
photo. It is posted at:
http://www.internet-esq.com/ussaugusta/photos/chow.jpg

For info about the Augusta during the invasion go to:
http://www.internet-esq.com/ussaugusta/torch/index.htm

The ship's War Diary for Operation Torch (11/7/42 - 11/11/42) can be
found at: http://www.internet-esq.com/ussaugusta/diary/1142.htm

Happy Thanksgiving to All,

Robert Swanson
webmaster - USS Augusta (CA-31) website
http://www.internet-esq.com/ussaugusta/

*********************

           "I have the greatest pride in commanding this fine ship and
her 100% loyal Brotherhood of the Sea."
                       - Captain Chester W. Nimitz, Commanding Officer
of USS Augusta (1933-35)