Political Quotes

“I submit these remarks today to honor the achievements of the USS John Rodgers, DD-574, a Fletcher-class destroyer of the United States Navy. The USS John Rodgers was commissioned on February 9, 1943, with Commander H.O. Parish, USN, commanding. The USS John Rodgers joined the Pacific Fleet upon arrival in Pearl Harbor in June 1943. During her 2 years of almost constant service in the forward area, the USS John Rodgers was under frequent air attacks, yet still assisted other ships and planes in destroying innumerable enemy aircraft. The courageous crew of the USS John Rodgers sank an enemy patrol craft, destroyed six mines, rescued twenty-five downed airmen, to include three British personnel, and engaged in eight bombardments of Japanese held territory in support of various amphibious operations. The sailors of USS John Rodgers bravely executed an anti-shipping sweep 30 miles into Suruga Qan, the deepest penetration of Japanese homewaters made by surface vessels during the war. The crew was recognized by the commanding general, Third Marine Division, for outstanding performance while in contact with the enemy. The commanding officers and squadron commanders who embarked in this vessel and honorably served the USS John Rodgers: Captain E.M. Thompson, Captain Henry Crommelin, and Captain Joseph W. Ludewig, Commander H.O. Parish, and Commander J.G. Franklin.…”