A Geospatial Case Study of the USS Ransom, USS Rodman, and USS Emmons 1

USS RANSOM, USS EMMONS, AND USS RODMAN:

A GEOSPATIAL CASE STUDY OF EVENTS THAT

OCCURRED ON APRIL 6, 1945, DURING WORLD WAR II

Matti Ibrahim
Operation Iceberg, Course No. GEOG 4953-081
Dr. Joseph Swain
Arkansas Tech University
A Geospatial Case Study of the USS Ransom, USS Rodman, and USS Emmons 2

ABSTRACT

The present case study attempts to tell a story through the medium of maps by visualizing
details contained within original and archival naval documents, describing the events that took
place during World War II on April 6, 1945, at the Battle for Okinawa. Following the narrative
of deck logs, action reports, survivor reports, and war diaries, seven sequential maps were
created using ArcGIS software, that traced the routes of the USS Ransom, USS Rodman, and the
USS Emmons as the war progressed from 1941 until 1945. Historical facts surrounding these
narratives are supported by the published works of military historians Christopher Chant, Gordon
L. Rottman, Samuel Eliot Morison, Edward Baxter Billingsley, Rear Admiral (Ret.) USN, and E.
Andrew Wilde, Jr., Commander, (Ret.) USNR.

Key Words: USS Ransom, USS Rodman, USS Emmons, World War II, Battle for Okinawa,
HGIS, ArcGIS

INTRODUCTION

Maps have been utilized in the classroom to illustrate related text for many years, and
there is a large body of evidence relating to how maps enhance learners (or in this case, the
viewers) ability to recall and retain related text (Kulhavy et al. 1993, Crooks et al. 2008, Verdi
and Kulhavy 2002, Mayer and Anderson 1992). Because of todays ever increasing global
awareness, universities have re-incorporated geography in conjunction with geospatial
technologies in their curriculum to help students visualize and make sense of how the world is
interconnected (Tsou and Yanow 2010, Doering and Veletsianos 2008).

Recently, a new subfield of geography has emerged under the name of Historical
Geographic Information Systems (HGIS), or what some scholars have referred to as spatial
humanities or geo-humanities (Bol 2013). The ability of GIS technology to make quantitative
and geospatial analyses, in conjunction with precise cartographic representations, has not only
revitalized the discipline of geography in universities throughout the world but has attracted
scholars of many disciplines to engage in scholarly collaboration (Bol 2013, Wilson 2009,
Knowles 2005, Bodenhamer, Corrigan, and Harris 2010).

Attribute data (statistics), spatial data (geographic coordinates and distances), and
temporal data within GIS software offers historical geographers a new way to archive, evaluate,
and link historical documents to specific geographic locations (Bitelli, Bartolini, and Gatta 2016,
Carrion et al. 2016, Gregory, Kemp, and Mostern 2001, Padilla 2008). Thus, the analytical
capabilities of GIS software enable historical geographers to easily discover spatial patterns, as
well as visualize shifting temporal and spatial scales of historical places. Researchers therefore
gain new insights and even re-conceptualize well-accepted historical events (Gregory, Kemp,
and Mostern 2001). Historical documents previously overlooked, or that have been archived, can
likewise be rediscovered, bringing new awareness to communities, cultural events, and scholars
(Bitelli, Bartolini, and Gatta 2016).

LITERATURE REVIEW

Despite the popularity and promise of GIS technologies, several scholars have written
about some of the challenges that historical researchers face. One such challenge is that because
A Geospatial Case Study of the USS Ransom, USS Rodman, and USS Emmons 3

names and boundaries for places change over time (shifting spatial scales), the development of a
world-historical gazetteer (a database that links historical data to geographical places) has not
kept pace with the needs of historians and HGIS academicians (Bol 2013, Southall, Mostern, and
Berman 2011, Bitelli, Bartolini, and Gatta 2016).

Another challenge is the fact that historical maps are void of the emotional connection to
that certain place, i.e., the collective memory of a group of people, or emotional geographies,
which is the basis for human historical geography (Bodenhamer, Corrigan, and Harris 2010,
Pearce and Hermann 2010a). Lastly, historical maps often convey only one voice, only one
experience, or only one interpretation of history (Pearce and Hermann 2010a).

These challenges were addressed in researchers Bitelli, Bartolini, and Gattas 2016
historical geographical case study of the Ancient Mill in Cesena, Italy, and researchers Hermann
and Pearces 2008 map project of Champlains travels in Canada. By illustrating history through
the medium of maps the researchers were additionally able to visualize and analyze temporal
scales, i.e., temporal pace and fluidity. The present case study attempts to follow these models.
Additionally, the manner of map presentation and related text are modeled after researchers
Kulhavy et al., discussed below.

Changing Names and Boundaries for Places Over Time

Researchers Bitelli, Bartolini, and Gattas took a digitally interactive approach to

changing names and boundaries for places over time in their 2016 historical geographical case
study of the Ancient Mill in Cesena, Italy, that involved the hyperlinking of key documents into
the map. This approach offered a new method of retrieving archival documents, as well as
allowing the map reader contextual perspective. By being able to visualize key documents and
other artifacts within the context of its actual location, researchers could visualize how events
unfolded and could reconstruct changing space throughout time (Bitelli, Bartolini, and Gatta
2016).

In the Bitelli, et al., case study, over 600 historical documents and maps, dating as far
back as the 14th century, were collected, digitized, catalogued, and stored into a GIS database.
The ancient maps were then analyzed, georeferenced, mosaiced, and vectorized. The maps were
then overlain over a modern map-base and sorted into age groups. When a legend was clicked,
the overlain maps could be turned on and off, the result of which was that changes in the
landscape over time could be visualized. QGIS, an open source geographic information system
platform, was used to link and relate the documents to their respective geographical locations.

Researchers in this case study demonstrated the effectiveness of free online interactive
GIS cartographic tools, which produced quality maps and data analysis, and which proved to be
a useful tool for the storage, retrieval, and visualization of archival documents within the context
of the map. The rediscovery of historical documents in this case study brought about new interest
in the history of the Ancient Mill Channel by cultural associations and the community of Cesena.
(Bitelli, Bartolini, and Gatta 2016).
A Geospatial Case Study of the USS Ransom, USS Rodman, and USS Emmons 4

Emotional Geographies, Multiple Interpretations

In creating the maps of Champlains travels in their published works entitled, They Would
Not Take Me There: People, Places, and Stories from Champlains Travels in Canada, 1603
1616, researchers Hermann and Pearce gave voice to multiple emotional geographies and
multiple interpretations that reflect Canadas diverse history and identity.

Multiple interpretations to emotional geographies were accomplished by incorporating a

tri-label approach for labeling Indigenous, French, and English place names. Original texts from
Champlains journal, as well as Indigenous narratives drawn from ethnohistory, were inserted
into the maps, enhanced by using different typefaces and hues. In this way, multiple voices and
experiences could be illustrated, thereby giving voice to the voiceless, in the case of Indigenous
experiences and places, while at the same time allowing multiple interpretations of history. As
well, the cartographers voice was illustrated using black typography (Pearce and Hermann
2010b).

Shifting Temporal Scales

Sequential maps and route frames were used as insets into a larger map to convey shifting
spatial and temporal scales. To create mood, these shifting spatial and temporal scales were
matched by shifts in color symbolization (Pearce and Hermann 2010b).

Because Champlains route often backtracked, because he became lost at times, and
because he lingered in certain places longer than in other places, a ribbon that broadened,
narrowed, and disappeared as a dashed line was used without directionality or arrows, creating a
sense of temporal pace and fluidity. Along the routes, a feeling of intimacy was created using
small text that drew the reader closer to the map as the reader followed along Champlains route
(Pearce and Hermann 2010b).

Lastly, a feeling of unity and diversity was accomplished by discarding the original
exploration cartography images common in European maps of the day. Researchers Pearce and
Hermann were thus able to summarize Champlains journey while still retaining the storys
meaning and wholeness and giving the reader the feeling of experience and intimacy, while at
the same time, allowing for multiple interpretations.

Presentation of Maps and Related Text

Grounded in Kulhavys Conjoint Retention Theory, Paivios Dual Coding Theory, and
the principle of feature-to-fact referential connections proposed by researchers Mayer and
Anderson (Kulhavy et al. 1993, Paivio 1990, Mayer and Anderson 1992), the current case study
employed researcher Verdis 2002 model in Learning with maps and texts (Verdi and Kulhavy
2002). These theories postulate that increased learning occurs when maps are used
contemporaneously with related text in three ways: First, presenting a map prior to related text
promotes better recall and deeper understanding of map information and the related text.
Secondly, features located along the edges of the maps were recalled better than features located
in the interior of the maps. Finally, digital maps were found to be more advantageous to learning
than were traditional paper maps due to the computer rollover effect, where the learner is able to
view both the map and text at the same time (Verdi and Kulhavy 2002).
A Geospatial Case Study of the USS Ransom, USS Rodman, and USS Emmons 5

DATA SOURCES

The routes of the USS Ransom, USS Rodman, and USS Emmons were traced following
the narratives of deck logs, action reports, survivor reports, war diaries, and other historical
documents obtained from the Naval History and Heritage Command website and the National
Archives and Records Administration (below) (NHHC 2016). Historical facts surrounding these
narratives are supported by the published works of military historians Christopher Chant, Gordon
L. Rottman, Samuel Eliot Morison, Edward Baxter Billingsley, Rear Admiral (Ret.) USN, and E.
Andrew Wilde, Jr., Commander, (Ret.) USNR (Chant 2013, Rottman 2012, Morison 1962, 2002,
Billingsley 2005, Wilde 2001). Copies of the below source documents can be found here:
https://prezi.com/obcj8k6z0wnx/supporting-documents/

USS Ransom original document dated April 6, 1945:

Central to the present case study is an original document written by an unknown crew
member of the USS Ransom in 1945 that describes the events that took place on April 6, 1945, at
the Battle for Okinawa during World War II.

Deck Logs from the USS Ransom and USS Rodman dated April 6, 1945:

Following the narrative and clues given in the April 6, 1945 original document from the
USS Ransom (above), deck logs for the USS Ransom and USS Rodman were obtained through a
Freedom of Information Act request to the National Archives and Records Administration.

Survivor Report from USS Emmons (not dated); and War Diary from the USS Ellyson dated
April 6, 1945:

An internet search resulted in a published research paper entitled, The U.S.S. Emmons
(DD-457/DMS-22) in World War II: Documents and Photographs, by E. Andrew Wilde, Jr.,
Commander, (Ret.) USNR. Commander Wildes paper revealed extensive historical records and
supporting archival documents relating to the USS Emmons and USS Rodman detailing the
events that took place on April 6, 1945, at the Battle for Okinawa. In addition, Commander
Wildes research included detailed deck logs, action reports, war diaries, and survivor reports
relating to the USS Emmons and USS Rodmans participation in the Arctic Convoys, the
Invasion of North Africa, the Invasion of Italy, and the Invasion of Normandy and Southern
France (Wilde 2001).

TOOLS AND METHODOLOGY

Following the narrative of historical and archival documents, above, a chronology of each
minesweepers route was created in an Excel spreadsheet, listing the geographical coordinates
for each destination. After reviewing source documents for accuracy, the Excel data was then
imported and georeferenced into ArcGIS Map. To create the routes, a database was created for
each minesweeper, and then, using the edit tool, the routes were plotted.

From this, a series of seven maps was created illustrating the routes of each minesweeper
relative to major events that took place during World War II. When the maps were completed,
images and source documents matching each historical event were identified. A digital
A Geospatial Case Study of the USS Ransom, USS Rodman, and USS Emmons 6

presentation using Prezi, a free online visual storytelling software, was utilized to represent the
maps and related images and documentation. Lastly, a short essay summarizing the maps was
imported into the presentation, also appended to this paper.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Seven sequential maps were created in order to convey the story about how the USS
Rodman, USS Emmons, and USS Ransom came together on April 6, 1945, at the Battle for
Okinawa during World War II, following their routes as the war progressed from 1941 until
1945.

A link to the maps here: http://prezi.com/ds7jpqc-

wllc/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy&rc=ex0share

Presentation of Maps and Related Text

The maps were presented (above link) in a digital format utilizing Prezi, a free online
visual storytelling software. Following Verdis model, above, the maps were presented for the
viewer to ponder before any texts or images were introduced (Verdi and Kulhavy 2002). Then,
following researchers Bitelli, Bartolini, and Gattas digitally interactive approach, images and
source documents were introduced to allow for contextual perspective. In this way, the viewer
could visualize events as they unfolded and conceptualize changing space over time. Another
method used to convey changing space over time is through the selection of an appropriate
basemap.

Changing Names and Boundaries for Places Over Time

In the Champlain maps, original exploration map images were discarded because of the
bias and divisive nature that colonial exploration maps evoke (Pearce and Hermann 2010b).
However, since the story in this case study is strongly geopolitical in nature and happened in
memorable modern history, basemaps with political borders were used, bearing in mind that,
despite the importance of historical accuracy, the historical context and political borders are only
the backdrop of the story. One problem encountered was the fact that a basemap displaying
political borders that existed in the 1940s could not be found; thus, the ESRI National
Geographic and ESRI World Topographic basemaps were used because only the names of the
continents appeared at the scales presented in the maps.

Emotional Geographies, Multiple Interpretations

In the Champlain map study, above, emotional geographies were created by

incorporating a tri-label approach that enabled several voices and several experiences to be
heard, which allowed for multiple interpretations (Pearce and Hermann 2010b). However, the
story told in the present case study is told from only two perspectives: that of the ships
crewmembers and the historian. Therefore, as much as possible, in order to avoid bias and
divisiveness, narrative referring to the enemy was kept to a bare minimum.

Following researchers Pearce and Hermanns example in the Champlain maps, three
voices were identified: the cartographer, the historian, and the crews of the USS Rodman, USS
A Geospatial Case Study of the USS Ransom, USS Rodman, and USS Emmons 7

Emmons, and the USS Ransom. These voices were distinguished from one another by color
coding for each ship: red was used for the USS Rodman, blue for the USS Emmons, and green
for the USS Ransom. Varying typesets were also used to distinguish each voice. The
cartographers voice was illustrated using Arial typeface; the historians voice was illustrated
using Garamond typeface; and the voices of the crewmembers were illustrated using Courier
Standard because this was the typeface that was used in the military in 1945. In Map 7 relating to
the Battle for Okinawa, narratives extracted from deck logs, war diaries, and survivor reports
were displayed in order to create a sense of intimacy and emphasize emotional connection to one
exact geographic coordinate on the map identified as April 6, 1945, 2000 GMT,
Coordinates: 26-43.3 N, 127-39.0 E. Additionally, the survivors names are
revealed in the narratives to remind the reader of the personal nature of the story and that the
historical context is merely the backdrop.

Shifting Spatial And Temporal Scales:

In order to convey shifting spatial and temporal scales, several techniques were
employed. The first technique used was to create sequential maps that progressed from 1941
until 1945. The second technique was the appropriate selection of basemaps.

In order to convey shifting spatial temporal scales, a dark basemap was placed side by
side to a light colored basemap. The small-scale map view, which displayed the overall world
view and broader historical context, was placed next to a large-scale map view that emphasized
the minesweepers location on a particular day. The ESRI National Geographic basemap was
selected for the small-scale map view because of its warm, rich colors that helped convey a sense
of past. Whereas, in the large-scale and emphasis inset map views, the lighter colored ESRI
World Topographic Map was used. This helped to create the effect that one might have when
passing from a dark room and entering a lighted room, i.e., from the (dark) past to the (lighted)
present moment. The intimate details, such as dates, places, and narratives are seen with more
clarity. In this way, temporal pace was presented.

Temporal Pace And Fluidity

Another way to convey a sense of temporal pace (prolonged time), fluidity (constant
movement of the minesweepers), as well as extreme long distances, the routes of the ships were
displayed without directionality or arrows (Pearce and Hermann 2010b). Additionally, in order
to place the minesweepers routes within a particular historical timeframe, the routes were
presented within the small-scale view that conveyed overall world view and broader historical
context.

SUMMARY

Following the narrative of deck logs, action reports, survivor reports, war diaries, and
other historical documents obtained from the Naval History and Heritage Command website and
the National Archives and Records Administration, seven sequential maps were created in order
to convey the story about how the USS Rodman, USS Emmons, and USS Ransom came together
on April 6, 1945, at the Battle for Okinawa (NHHC 2016). The maps were created utilizing GIS
software and presented in a digital format utilizing Prezi, an online storytelling software, and
followed the routes of the minesweepers as World War II progressed from 1941 until 1945.
A Geospatial Case Study of the USS Ransom, USS Rodman, and USS Emmons 8

Well-accepted learning and design theories were applied in the creation of the maps and digital
presentation in order to optimize the viewer's understanding (Kulhavy et al. 1993, Mayer and
Anderson 1992, Crooks et al. 2008, Verdi and Kulhavy 2002). As well, following the examples
of the Champlain map project and the case study of the Ancient Mill in Cesena, Italy, emotional
geographies and shifting spatial and temporal scales were emphasized.

LIMITATIONS

There were four main limitations in this case study, the first being that there is much
more to the story that was not conveyed in this map series. The second limitation was the lack of
archival source documents. Despite the fact that the war diaries, deck logs, and survivor reports
consulted for the present study were very detailed, these records were only partial. Thirdly,
because there are other voices that deserve to be heard in this story--that being, other naval ships,
the Japanese airmen, and the native Okinawansadditional source documents will need to be
obtained. Further, an investigation of Okinawan historical and emotional geographies will need
to be conducted and well represented in future maps so that the story can be told as completely,
compassionately, and without bias as possible. And lastly, while the National Geographic and
World Topographic basemaps worked in this map series, a correct basemap reflecting political
borders that existed in the 1940s is preferred.

PROSPECTS FOR FUTURE RESEARCH

Based on the above limitations, plans are being made to expand this case study into a
poster-size and/or interactive digital map presentation, perhaps utilizing different geospatial
software and different design approaches. Beyond this particular case study, there are thousands
of source documents available through the National Archives and Records Administration whose
stories have yet to be revealed and visualized in a map.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

With Deepest Gratitude

and
In Loving Memory of the Greatest Generation Ever Lived.

This case study and map presentation is dedicated to the men aboard the USS Rodman
(DD-456/DMS-21), USS Emmons (DD-458/DMS-22), USS Ransom (AM-283), and all the men
and women who served so selflessly during the terrible time in human history that was World
War II.

***

For Scholarly Guidance and Moral Support, a Very Special Thanks to: Dr. Joseph Swain,
Associate Professor of Geography Arkansas Tech University.
A Geospatial Case Study of the USS Ransom, USS Rodman, and USS Emmons 9

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A Geospatial Case Study of the USS Ransom, USS Rodman, and USS Emmons 11

APPENDIX

Source Documents:
http://prezi.com/obcj8k6z0wnx/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy&rc=ex0share

1. USS Ransom original document dated April 6, 1945

2. Deck Logs from the USS Ransom and USS Rodman dated April 6, 1945

3. Survivor Report from USS Emmons (not dated)

4. War Diary from the USS Ellyson dated April 6, 1945

5. The USS Emmons (DD-457/DMS-22) in World War II: Documents and Photographs,
by Andrew E. Wilde, Jr., Commander, (Ret.) USNR.

6. FOIA Request to National Archives and Records Administration

Prezi Presentation: http://prezi.com/ds7jpqc-

wllc/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy&rc=ex0share

7. Essay accompanying Prezi presentation under separate cover.