U-505 page 34

 U-505 page 34 by ric gustafson

Commander Earl Trosino and his boarding party approached U-505. All of a sudden, a swell lifted the whaleboat out of the ocean. The whaleboat crashed on top of the U-505. Washing overboard was the portable pump Trosino was going to use to drain the flooded sub. Also lost in the ocean were asbestos gloves, two sledgehammers, two fire axes, two hand saws, nails, two monkey wrenches  and two screwdrivers. Luckily, Chief Petty Officer Raymond Jackson had the first aid kit over his shoulder. Also, Photographer's Mate Clifford Whirler was able to save the camera gear.

Now Commander Trosino noticed it was all water all the way to the conning tower. How is he going to get across?. Quickly He notices a guy wire stretched from the bow to the conning tower. Trosino grabs the guy wire and without gloves begins to cross the U-505 hand over hand. Finally, he reaches Signalman Hohne. Hohne is perched on the conning tower.

" I'm Commander Trosino from the Guadalcanal". He was too tired to smile. " I was sent to take charge of all salvage operations".

Hohne nodded.

" Who is in charge?".

Lieutenant David stuck his head out of the U-505's hatch. " I am".

research help: ' U-505' by James E Wise Jr

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric