In this letter, Chuck is still waiting to hear when and where he’ll be going. However, he has been getting exposure to the ship and practicing his shooting.
He mentions being in charge of a “kay gun”. A K-gun is not really a gun at all, but a depth charge launcher. The model on this ship would likely have been a Mark 6, introduced in 1941 and used through the end of the war. The K-gun projector would launch an underwater charge with a distance of 60 to 150 yards with impact in less than 5 seconds. Depth charges were used on as anti-submarine warfare. They were not required to come into contact with the submarine, as the shock of the explosion under water was usually enough to put them out of commission.
On Wikipedia: Depth Charge
Letter home, envelope (front); August 18, 1944
C. D. Paul. MoMM 3/c
USS Signet 2nd. Dis.
c/o Fleet Post Office
San Fransisco, Cal.Mr. & Mrs. Frank O. Paul
Downey, IdahoLong Beach 2 CALIF.
AUG 19
8:30 AM
1944
Letter home, envelope (back); August 18, 1944
AUG 20
1 PM
1944
UTAH
Letter home, page 1; August 18, 1944
Letter home, page 2; August 18, 1944
Aug. 18-1944
Dear Folks,
We just got back to the States. I had several letters waiting for me. It seems good to be back, even if we were gone just a little while, as a few weeks.We have been to two islands, of some funny name. The main purpose of our cruise was for practice. We had gun practice until I thought my ear would pop. I am a gun captain, and in charge of a K-gun also. Between the two, during fire it keeps me busy. The two guns, each have a crew of four men. At first I never knew anything about the guns at all, but now tear either one clean down, and fix anything.
When firing lasts for several hours, it makes you dizzy, and a real headache. I am getting used to it now though. It’s fun to shoot at planes, more than anything else.
We got liberty today. We have been to the beach getting a little sun. Outside of my shoulder being a little sore, I am alright.
Things are so crowded around here a fellow can’t have a very good time on liberty. You either have to get drunk or make a fool of yourself to get along, so I don’t have much fun.
Has the Navy only sent one bond to you? I have been buying them since the first of the year. I guess it takes a long time to receive them. I figured on buying more when we ship out.
I have spent all my spare time, what little time you get studying. I have taken twenty tests for second class, and passed them all. I think I will make it the first of the month. Of course anything can happen in the Navy.
I hope everything is alright home.
p.s., Could I get a picture, a good one of ou there before I leave? I would like to have one with me.
Love, Chuck.