It happened Tuesday when the 16-inch batteries of the 45,000-ton "Big J" belched more than 115 tons of high-explosive projectiles onto a Communist hill bastion near Kansong on North Korea's east coast.

At least 15 enemy-manned bunkers were smashed to rubble under this torrent of accurate shell fire from the sea.

A shore fire control party flashed to the New Jersey's gunners the words, "Best we've seen."

And the big battlewagon's commander, Capt. David M. Tyree, told his crew:

"It was the best shooting we've done yet. The New Jersey had a very successful day in dealing out punishment to the enemy. Good work."

Not a shell was wasted as round after roundd was poured into the Red defenses along the ridge. Shore observers reported the projectiles blanketed both the forward and reverse slopes of the elevation.

During the morning an estimated eleven enemy bunkers as well as other installations built to protect Red gun emplacements were destroyed.

In the afternoon four more bunkers were shattered on the seaward side of the ridge as the Jersey's massive guns gave close pinpoint support to Allied troops fighting up the far side of the hill.

Late afternoon fire from the battleship brought a "well donne" from ground and helicopter observers.

It was one of the heaviest firing days in a month for the "Big J," which is the flagship of Vice Adm. H. M. Martin, commander of the U.S. Seventh Fleet.