USS Philadelphia Tribute

In October 1945 the USS Philadelphia came home from WWII.
In October 2007 the ship came home to me
in the form of my father's album and diary.
While I remember seeing the album as a little girl,
I never knew the diary existed.
Frank Paukstis served on this ship 1943-1945.
I've created this website in his memory and as a tribute to all those who served on the "Galloping Ghost"

Eileen Paukstis Backofen

Postcards from Shore Leave
Africa French Fleet Antwerp & Brussels Plymouth Monreale Pompeii
Toulon Naples Capri Malta Taranto Palermo: City Catacombs Church

Webmaster: backofene@hotmail.com

Contact me if you have information you would like included here.
I welcome comments and suggestions.
I will continue to add material as provided by crew and their families..

Before Enlistment
Browndale, PA & NYA Camp (1938-1939) New York City (1940)
Hauck Mfg. Co (1940 - 1943)
After the war: Dad and Me

Memories of Shipmates
(From Reunion Brochures of Dan O'Conner)

"Beachhead Roundup - How an Aviator Captured 150 Italian Soldiers"
(by George Brucia)

"And We Were There" - Escorting President Truman to Potsdam
and the Atomic Bomb Announcement (by Russell Simpson)

"As I Remember" - The Early Years of the Philly 1938-1941
(by Ralph Winant)

The Philly & The Brooklyn - "Don't Get Mad, Get Even"
(by George Brucia)

Ship's Logs (+photos, docs, postcards)
donated by
Shipmate Ira Leon 'Lee' Gardner

Shipmates
George Anderson Sparks
Melvin E. Taylor
Clarence Bedillion

Decking From
USS PHILADELPHIA CL41
Donated to
US CREW MEMBERS
By The
BRAZILIAN NAVY
Through the efforts of
SHIPMATE FRANK AMOROSON

In the post war years I am sure that every one of you will point with pride to the war record of this vessel and say, " I served in the PHILADELPHIA in the last war", and I sincerely trust that it will be the last war.
R. L. Boller, Commandng Officer
11 August 1945 (full text)

"No other Navy at any time has done so much. For your part in these achievements you deserve to be proud as long as you live. The nation which you served at a time of crisis will remember you with gratitude." James Forrestal, Secretary of the Navy
full text

Updated: November 14, 2012

News Articles:

Sicily & Salerno
by Capt. Paul Hendren

Back Home After Five Years
Veteran of Five Invasions
A Troublesome Spirit
Galloping Ghost is Home
News Photos
Gallant Cruiser
Home Again
Silver Service
Misc. Articles