Thanksgiving
In November 1942 the USS San Francisco was part of an American fleet engaged in one of several bitterly fought night actions in the waters off Guadalcanal. Lt. Cdr. Herbert Schonland was performing his duties as Damage Control Officer at his battle station below decks when the ship received a series of devastating hits. Holes were ripped in the hull causing flooding and fires in the boiler and engine rooms. One shell demolished the bridge, killing the admiral, captain, executive officer, and many others.
Schonland was soon informed that he was senior officer aboard and in command of the ship. Deciding that his most important duty was keeping the ship afloat, he remained below decks, systematically making repairs and extinguishing fires. Communicating with the bridge by messenger, he steered the ship and operated the engines from below. His nightlong struggle succeeded in saving the San Francisco and her crew. For his “ extreme heroism and courage above and beyond the call of duty ” he was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor by President Roosevelt.195
Commander Schonland later wrote a prayer for the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Prayer Book, which he described in this way: “ I addressed the crew after engaging superior enemy Japanese forces on November 1213, 1942, and I consider this a prayer of thanksgiving for all of us who came through ”:
Most merciful Father, our humble and gracious thanks for the safe deliverance through the raging inferno of battle when mere boys turned veterans, hard and sturdy, in brief moments. Our hearts are heavy with grief for those who have fallen during the “Call of Duty;” shipmates and friends whose loss can never be replaced. Our sympathy is extended to the loved ones whose suffering can only be relieved with the thought that: “He could do no more than give his life for his country in a cause that is just.” They, forever, shall be an inspiration to all fighting men and their spirit and deeds shall never die. We who have come through can say: Thank God for the U.S.S. San Francisco and the crew that made her great. Amen.196
Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High: And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.
—Psalm 50:14–15 (KJV)