On June 4, 1944 the men of the escort aircraft carrier U.S.S. Guadalcanal and her escorts attacked, boarded and captured the German submarine U-505 off the west coast of Africa. The daring operation was one of the most remarkable acts of teamwork, courage, and seamanship in WWII. Explore this site and learn about the men whose bravery and sacrifice gave us the freedom we enjoy today.  
       
 
 
 
USS Pillsbury's motor whaleboat approaches the damaged, but still circling U-boat. The brave men aboard this small boat were the first to board U-505.  Together, they earned a Medal of Honor, two Navy Crosses and nine Silver Stars for their part in the capture of U-505.
       
 
       
 
The USS Guadalcanal Task Group 22.3 Association
  
       
 
U.S.S. GUADALCANAL CVE-60 (FLAGSHIP)
U.S.S. POPE DE-134
  
 
CAPTAIN DANIEL V. GALLERY, USN
LCDR. EDWIN H. HEADLAND, USN
  
 
 
 
AIR SQUADRON VC-8
U.S.S. FLAHERTY DE-135
  
 
LT. NORMAN D. HODSON, USN
LCDR. MEANS JOHNSTON JR., USN
  
 
 
 
ESCORT DESTROYER DIVISION 4
U.S.S. CHATELAIN DE-149
  
 
CDR. FREDERICK C. HALL, USN
LCDR. DUDLEY S. KNOX, USNR
  
 
 
 
U.S.S. PILLSBURY DE-133
U.S.S. JENKS DE-665
  
 
LCDR GEORGE W. CASSLEMANN, USN
LCDR. JULIUS F. WAY, USN
  
 
 
 
ASSOCIATE MEMBERS
  
 
U.S.S. ABNAKI ATF-96       U.S.S. HUMBOLT AVP 21      U.S.S. KENNEBEC AO-36      PCE 846
  
 
AIR GROUPS
  
 
VC-6     VC-42     VC-69     VF-80A     VF-933
  
 
 
 
     
          Most of the photographs and records shown on this website are from the U.S. National Archives. These photos portray the the operations of the USS Gualdalcanal and TG 22.3 but don't tell the human side of the story. Members and friends of the Association are encouraged to contribute photos that complete the story, especially photos that portray what life was like for Sailors aboard the USS Guadalcanal, the Destroyer Escorts and the other ships and squadrons of the Association.  
     
          To contribute photos, proceed to the "Contact Us" page and click on the icon there to send an e-mail or use the mailing address to make arrangements. You can contribute scanned images or mail us your photos and we will scan them and return them to you.