The phrase “history is written by the victors” has been around since the French Revolution, and it can make you wonder how truthful far-fetched historical stories actually are. For example, consider the famous WWII story about the USS O’Bannon. This ship notoriously sank a Japanese submarine using potatoes, but let’s take a closer look to separate fact from fiction. In early April 1943, the crew of the USS O’Bannon was returning to the island of Tulagi when they were asked to check out a submarine that had made contact with the surface not far from their location. It was a dark night, but the waters were calm, so it didn’t take long for the crew to spot a Japanese submarine 2,000 yards away. The sub headed right for their ship, and once it was less than 1,000 yards away, the O’Bannon crew knew they were face-to-face with the enemy. What Really Happened Aboard the O’Bannon? THE TATER TALE THAT TORPEDOES THE TRUTH
MARGIE’S KITCHEN Chocolate Sheet Cake
by Darlene Parman
Margie’s Kitchen is dedicated to Margie Trammell, my amazing mother, who embraced cooking as an art and expression of love. Here I share her other recipes in the spirit of gratitude and abundance, to show our appreciation for YOU, our Parman & Easterday Family of Clients & Friends, and in the hope that you may share that love with others. When I was growing up in East Texas, we constantly had family reunions, church socials, and Sunday school class parties, and this dessert was always present. As a kid, and still as an adult, I consider it one of the best desserts in the world! We are blessed that our dear friend and Parman & Easterday client, Elizabeth Wilson, makes this cake for her friends all the time, especially when it’s for Larry Parman’s birthday! I hope you get to celebrate a loved one with this yummy dessert as well!
For the cake • 2 cups sugar Ingredients
The O’Bannon unloaded their artillery at the Japanese sub, causing significant damage. They turned around for a second attack, and then a third attack until the sub sank below the surface. They were victorious, but when did potatoes come into play? It depends on the source you check. Commander MacDonald of the USS O’Bannon never mentions potatoes in the official report of the incident. He’s even gone as far as stating it never happened. However, a book called “Action Tonight” by James David Horan
• 1 tsp baking soda • 1 tsp vanilla For the icing • 1 stick butter (1/2 cup) • 4 tbsp cocoa • 6 tbsp milk • 4 cups sifted powdered sugar • 1 tsp vanilla • 1 cup chopped pecans
• 2 cups sifted flour • 1/2 cup shortening • 1 stick butter (1/2 cup) • 1 cup water • 4 tbsp cocoa • 1/2 cup buttermilk • 2 eggs, beaten
Directions 1. Preheat oven to 400 F. Grease a large sheet pan with sides (15 1/2 x 10 1/2 x 1-inch). Set aside. 2. In a large bowl, sift together the sugar and flour. 3. In a saucepan, bring the shortening, butter, water, and cocoa to a boil. Pour over flour mixture while still hot. 4. In a separate bowl, combine buttermilk, beaten eggs, soda, and vanilla. Pour into flour mixture and gently mix. 5. Pour batter into prepared sheet pan, and bake for 20 minutes. 6. While the cake is baking, make the icing: In a saucepan, bring the butter, cocoa, and milk to a boil. Add sugar, vanilla, and nuts, and mix well. 7. Spread over the cake while still hot. If you want us to share a recipe in Margie’s Kitchen, please email it to Info@ParmanLaw.com. We’ll feature it in our newsletter or on our website!
goes into meticulous detail about the events of that fateful night. Horan states that the crew threw everything they could at the Japanese submarine, including bolts, pieces of artillery, and potatoes. Other publications have repeated this story, noting that potatoes knocked Japanese sailors into the water, leading to the sinking of the submarine. Crew members have also stated that they saw people throwing potatoes. Now, 80 years removed from the event, many O’Bannon crew members have passed away. We’ll never know whether this story is true, but one detail may illuminate the truth. The USS O’Bannon was never closer than 90 yards to the submarine. Unless they had someone with the arm of an NFL- caliber quarterback on board, it’s unlikely that anyone hit the Japanese sub with a potato.
ParmanLaw.com | 3
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator