PHOTO ALBUM FROM ESCORT CARRIER USS SANTEE WITH KAMIKAZE ATTACK

PHOTO ALBUM FROM ESCORT CARRIER USS SANTEE WITH KAMIKAZE ATTACK
Expansive 62-page photo album from a storekeeper aboard the U.S.S. SANTEE, JOSEPH KIST, including approx. 121 original and reprint photographs, many annotated on the back and many taken during naval combat. The most notable images include: a photograph of four dead crew members killed after a Kamikaze attack against the SANTEE on Oct 25, 1944 - the first kamikaze attack on the vessel, according to Kist's notes on the verso; an image of a battle-worn sailor carrying an injured crew member up a flight of stairs; an image of the SANTEE'S damaged flight deck following a kamikaze attack; numerous images of recently-attacked ships, many still smoking; nine images of war-torn buildings, likely in Japan; and more routine images of the crew. The album includes other notable documents and ephemera, including Kist's facsimile copy of the vessel's Presidential Unit Citation; his 'honorable discharge' certificate, dated Feb. 13, 1946, a certificate of appreciation issued to him by the State of New Jersey; an unofficial chart showing the course and military service of the USS SANTEE, marking the ship's movements, places of liberty, etc., more. Very good condition. The SANTEE and her attached air squadrons served in the New Guinea campaign, the invasion of Okinawa, Iwo Jima, and the Battle of Leyte Gulf, following which her crew was awarded a Presidential Unit Citation for continued operations and continuing anti-aircraft fire despite '...the shattering explosion of a suicide plane in her flight deck and a torpedo hit in her side...'