USS Comfort (AH-6)

The second USS "Comfort" (AH-6) was launched 18 March 1943 by Consolidated Steel Corporation, Wilmington, California, under a Maritime Commission contract; sponsored by First Lieutenant E. Hatchitt, USAMC; transferred to the Navy the same day; converted to a hospital ship by Bethlehem Steel Co., San Pedro, Calif.; and commissioned 5 May 1944 with Commander H. F. Fultz in command.

History

"Comfort" operated throughout World War II with a Navy crew and Army medical personnel. She sailed from San Pedro, 21 June 1944 for Brisbane, Australia, and Hollandia, New Guinea. Operating from Hollandia the hospital ship evacuated wounded from Leyte, Philippine Islands on two voyages in October and November and then brought patients back to San Pedro, Calif., in December. Returning by way of Leyte, "Comfort" reached Hollandia 6 February 1945. Following a voyage to Subic Bay and Lingayen Gulf, Luzon, for evacuees in March, the hospital ship stood by off Okinawa from 2 to 9 April, receiving wounded for evacuation to Guam. Returning to Okinawa 23 April, 6 days later she was struck by a Japanese suicide plane which killed 28 persons (including six nurses), and wounded 48 others, and caused considerable damage. After temporary repairs at Guam "Comfort" sailed for Los Angeles, Calif., arriving 28 May.

"Comfort" arrived in Subic Bay 5 September 1945 and until 11 October served as station hospital ship. Following a voyage to Okinawa she sailed for home by way of Yokohama, Japan, and Guam, reaching San Pedro, Calif., 11 December. She made another voyage to Manila, Yokohama, Inchon, Korea, and Okinawa between 1 January and 4 March 1946 before being decommissioned at San Francisco 19 April 1946. She was transferred to the Army the same day.

"Comfort" received two battle stars for World War II service.

In pop culture

The ship was mentioned in the "JAG" episode "Each of Us Angels" (episode 8.14) which aired February 4, 2003. This focused on the United States Navy Nurse Corps in World War II during the Battle of Iwo Jima.

References

*DANFS|http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/c11/comfort-ii.htm

External links

* [http://wgordon.web.wesleyan.edu/kamikaze/books/ships/comfort/index.htm "Too Close for Comfort"] - review of book about USS "Comfort"