1944 US Navy Signal Log Book

1944 United States Navy signalman's log book, kept by Johnny Foretich, from Gulfport, Mississippi, front cover has label with nautical flags and "SIGNALS" paper label. Approximately 70pp quarto, with many signal codes contained within as well as listing of various ships in his vicinity with commands and communications with British ships. Also instructions for ships to dim lights to avoid enemy planes, sailors dying at sea, and much more. Captain John McClelland Foretich (1923-2011) received his first U.S. Coast Guard license in 1940 at age seventeen. He joined the U.S. Navy soon after the attack on Pearl Harbor, where he became a signalman and gunner with the U.S.Armed Guard. The U.S. Navy Armed Guard was commissioned to protect the Merchant Ships crossing the Atlantic during World War II, and John served during seven successful convoy crossings of the North Atlantic. He also participated in the Invasion of Normandy, and Oran North Africa. He was also the recipient of the Purple Heart. After World War II, John returned home to become a charter boat captain.