Joseph J. Stuer: BTG2

My General Quarters station was midship repair. I was the oil king and my job was the fuel oil tanks. After each hit, I was kept busy checking for water in the oil. My primary concern was the main service tanks located in the after chief's quarters.

While at midships, Mr. Sheets from the aft repair party came to talk to Mr. Fravel. I was about to go aft through the passageway when Lt. Sheets asked me where I was going. I told him I was going aft to check for damage in and around the service tanks.

He said, "Never mind. I'm going back, and I'll check for you. I'll let you know by phone if all is well."

That was the last time I saw him. When he got aft, a Japanese plane hit and he was killed. I was the last man to speak to him. It was very possible he saved my life. Lt. Fravel also did not survive.

As luck would have it, none of the major tanks were punctured during the battle.