U.S.S. Allen M. Sumner DD-692
Captain Sampson's Victory Speech

    "We have received orders to cease offensive action against the Japanese. We have also received orders to remain fully ready against possible acts of treachery and deceit. We must therefore remain in a full state of readiness for war. It is much better to adopt this policy and attitude, than to relax our standards, and risk loosing everything we have fought for, for so long. Alertness must continue to be our watchword and creed, until Japan and the Japanese have been thoroughly stripped of their war material and their Kamikazi madness.
    The thought uppermost in most of our minds is "When can I expect to go home?" This question I cannot answer. The destination of the ship and the task or tasks we may be called upon to perform, are not known at the present time.
    Nineteen months ago we had a new ship and a green crew. Hard work and determination has changed that condition and at the present time we can be proud of being a vital part of the U. S. Navy and of having contributed our small share, toward defeating the Japanese and their wild scheme of enslaving the world and its people. Your hard work and efforts have made this victory possible. Each man must judge himself, in order to determine his individual contribution to this success. Multiply this assessment by the total number of men in our crew, backed up by the finest equipment on earth and the result is a potent unit of fighting power which we have effectively used against the Japanese.
    If hostilities have ceased and the shooting is over, there still remains a great deal of work to be done. As you all know a seaman's life is a continual struggle against the weather. Constant, careful upkeep is necessary in order to preserve ourselves and our ship for future requirements. A clean, happy ship depends entirely on every officer and man on board. Each man has been assigned a definite portion of the ship for upkeep. It should be a matter of pride to have your station cleaner and brighter than any other station. In this way, your ship and your home will be the finest in the United States navy.
    Before many years have passed, you will some day have happy memories of your life and experiences in the Navy. In relating these experiences, your pride will be well founded, for you are the ones who did the job and did it well !"
    (The Captain then offered this prayer)
    "Almighty God, we thank you for the privilege of being alive. With your most gracious help and wisdom we have defeated those who attempted to destroy the world. Cheer with hope, all discouraged and uphappy people and by your heavenly grace save them from despair. We humbly beseech thee to take from us and all who administer the national resources, the spirit of gain and covetousness; give us the spirit of service so that none may want. Guard and protect our loved ones at home. Grant us a happy reunion here on earth. Protect all prisoners of war and aid and guide them in their return to their loved ones. Strengthen and guide our nation and our allies with valor, for the establishment of law and order, love, and freedom and crown your endeavors with lasting peace, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."