This article appeared in a military magazine during WW2. The exact date or the name of the publication wasn't readily available. Mr. Joe Neely, who saw the web site for the USS Atlanta was kind enough to send this information. Also included was a letter from Mr. Neely to Captain Jenkins, Commanding officer of the USS Atlanta.

PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION

Military Magazine Article

It is with deep respect and pride that we bring you one of our most colorful and picturesque figures. Born in Texas four 23 years heart and soul with the United States Navy. Reared in Georgia. Last at sea on his beloved and appropriate USS ATLANTA. While deserving many extra considerations, the "Gunner" expects none, gets the most out of his men and his job. Cherubic looking and cheerfu! l, the station's "Gunner" Neely brings a warm and friendly personality to officers and men alike.

From 1920-1929 he served on the Buffalo, Buchanan, Chase, Edsall and Colorado. From 1921-1924 he covered the entire European theater, assisting in the evacuation of 250,000 refugees from Smyrna when the Turks took over in 1923. The USS COLORADO then carried him to Australian waters. After recruiting duty ashore in Springfield and Worcester, Mass., he again packed up his sea-bags for duty in the Canal Zone on the USS MEMPHIS attached to the Special Service Squadron. (An "uprising" in Nicaragua had lasted two years and required the services of a few Marines.) From Singapore and Manila, through South America, to Kodiak and Sitka-thus, the "Gunner's" global grin has been seen in nearly every cross-roads and corner of the earth.

At New York Navy Yard he helped fit out USS ATLANTA commissioned December 24, 1941. Then" remembering" they proceeded to Pearl Harbor, thence in many air and surface engagements during the early hectic months of the war. With the ATLANTA throughout her gallant career, including the great battle of Midway, "Gunner" Neely was with her when she went down off Guadalcanal on 13 November 1942.

In a letter to her skipper, Captain Samuel P. Jenkins, USN, the "Gunner" vividly recalls USS Atlanta's last heroic hours:

".......I was on Number Three 1.10 mount when the torpedo hit. We were given a good hot shower, after which things really started to happen. One shell took the after part of the mount away. Another hit below on the five inch loading machine, starting a fire in the life jackets and gun covers stowed under the platform and outside the clipping room. We were able to get that fire out with a CO2 extinguisher. Number Four and Five turrets were hit and started another fire outside the clipping room period. Since the CO2 was gone we threw the burning jackets onto the deck below and bailing water from over the side, put the fire out.

I knew that one of my men was dying because the lower part of his body was torn open. I gave him a hypo. But a short time later he was dead. The smoke was so bad we cold hardly breathe. Some of the men put on their gas masks. Others put wet cloths over nose and mouth.

Two of the men were badly hurt so we lowered them to the lower deck. All ladders were gone. I have no idea how I got down.

After helping drop the depth charges I helped break out a line from the repair aft to make a life raft out of the empty tanks. Then I assisted in firing the torpedoes out of the port tubes. I was so sick I could hardly stand. However, I helped carry the injured men back on board who were on the rafts. I saw Stice, GM 2/c, seriously wounded, go into turret No. 5 and put out a very bad fire that was burning around the powder tank. He did a swell job until he grew so weak he had to give up.

When they arrived, I started helping get the more seriously hurt men into the Higgins boats. Obenchain and I were on the gunwale of the boats receiving the men as they were passed down. The doctor in the second boat told us to stay and give him a hand. I helped him give a transfusion. Two of the men died on the way in. When we landed we carried the men to trucks waiting to take them to the dressing station. The officers on the landing wound not let me return to the ship and sent me back with the wounded. I collapsed at about 1000 while I was carrying a stretcher. When I came to, the doctor wouldn't let me get up. I stayed by Mr._________ until he died. They did their best to save him but his lungs were punctured. They had to sit by him and hold his mouth open so he could breathe. I was sent out on a plane to the hospital ship.....

I have a good job here and I like it fine. I lost some of my very dear shipmates. Cleveland and I were great pals and I surely do miss him. I will always be proud to say I was on the Atlanta. I thank God that I am alive. you are the finest Captain That ever had command of a ship period. I hope I never have to go out again. But if I do, I would want to be under your command. My hope is that you are the best of health and I wish you the best of luck.

The "Gunner", married 17 years, says it's the only other service that shares his heart with the Navy. (ED.--It took some high cajoling to get excerpts of the above letter out of the "Gunner". Naturally shy and careful of his duty's confidence, he was hesitant in releasing any part for publication. He finally broke down when convinced that the dramatic episodes presented herewith, may be an inspiration to loyal Americans anywhere. So we salute him in his hatred for the Jape, his love for America, its Navy and its ideals, preserving with him a sense of humor which will carry us though this war's horrors to a lasting peace.