USS LaVallette (DD448) Dry Docked in ARD 7 Subic Bay, Phillipine Islands April 2, 1945 The LaVallette was hit by a land-based-controlled mine on February 14, 1945, which was D-1 day in taking Corregidor. When she was taken in for repairs, I climbed down a ladder to the bottom of the dry dock. I wanted to see the damage inflicted by the explosion and record it. The immensity of the ship that is never seen below the water line was mind boggling. The stench of death seemed everywhere.