Show operation during gale saves life surgeon and helpers work under difficulties washington john peter van roon 18 fireman class of washington has returned to sea duty duly because the navy believes in caring for its own his experience began on the eve ol of his ibah birthday the navy said his destroyer escort on atlantic con convoy v oy duty was bucking gales that caused ships to roll 40 and more degrees van roon felt III and reported d to sick bay lt joshua B ca gambles m blos medical corps asheville N X C and Chief Pharmacist mate john cake philadelphia found he had appendicitis they began treatment but the appendix ruptured preparations for an emergency operation were made and the ship was given permission to leave formation to steer a sm smoother ather course emergency battery lights were set up protection t ion against possible power failure the operation required an hour and a half of major surgery with the attendants having difficulty keeping a firm footing during a particularly ticul arly heavy roll even the table shifted from its secured foundations the operation complete van roon was secured in a bunk nl next at to the sick bay and pharmacist in mates ates maintained a 24 hour watch during the more than a week required to reach port van eoon boon exhausted the ships supply of units of penicillin and 12 quarts of intravenous fluid |