It is
fitting that this Thanksgiving Day should come at the
conclusion of a series of hard fought naval engagements
and a victorious return to port. To every officer and man
on the Augusta this holiday means more than
"goodchow" and a day off.
In its
five engagements, one against a shore battery and four
against enemy naval forces, the ship rendered a good
account of itself and contributed in a large degree to
the final defeat of the opposing forces and the
establishing of a second front, in North Africa.
In the
course of each engagement the ship was subjected to
accurate and heavy fire by the opposing forces. And yet,
although bracketed many times by the projectiles of the
enemy, the ship miraculously escaped without damage to
herself or injury to the crew. It should be apparent to
all that consistent escape from harm was due not alone to
skill, or to good luck, but unquestionably to the
intervention of divine providence.
Therefore
it is with especial gratitude this Thanksgiving Day that
the officers and crew of the Augusta join in this
traditional celebration.
