Monthly Archives: January 2017
September 1944 (2)
Morotai, 15 September 1944
Adm. Mitscher’s TF-38 bombings of Clark and Nichols airfields on Luzon, P.I., mowed down enemy bases. More than 200 planes were destroyed and the shipping in Manila Bay was ravaged. No Japanese aircraft reached the fleet, but 15 US aircraft were lost during the operation.
15 September – US troops landed at Morotai in the Netherlands East Indies. They were met by only light resistance despite its location at the entrance of the Celebes Sea off the southern coast of the Philippine Islands.
16 September – the Japanese escort carrier Unyo [“A Hawk in the Clouds”] was sunk in the South China Sea by the US submarine Barb. Although no US surface ships were in the area, the submarine service were causing havoc with the Japanese supply convoys between the N.E. I. and the southeastern Asian enemy forces.
Peleiu, 1944
On Peleliu. most of the 6 x 2 mile island was composed of coral ridges and heavily wooded scrub which made taking aerial photographs useless. Although on paper, the 1st Marines were reinforced to an adequate size, the figures convinced MGen. Rupertus that Operation Stalemate would only last 3-4 days. Col. Chesty Puller differed and pointed out the number of actual combat troops, but the general felt Chesty’s argument was groundless.
As the men crossed the airfield, E.B. Sledge, [author of “With the Old Breed’], said, “To be shelled by massed artillery and mortars is absolutely terrifying, but to be shelled in the open is terror compounded beyond belief of anyone who hasn’t experienced it. The temperature that day was 105°F in the shade.”
Peleiu landing
19 September – on the eastern coast of Peleliu, the Marines took Ngardololok and flushed out a large Japanese defense, but the enemy remained deeply embedded in fortified positions.
22-23 September – naval bombardment sank some of the enemy barges which headed out to Peleliu, but about 600 of the Japanese troops from the 2nd Batt/15th Regiment made it to shore. The Marines became even more weary of the continuing battle upon hearing this news. The situation was becoming a replay of Guadalcanal.
25 September – The US Army 321st Infantry Regiment/81st Division was brought to Peleliu to support the Marines. The joint effort created the III Amphibious Corps.
28 September – Marine pilots pounded the beach of Ngesebus, Peleiu for another amphibious landing. They found no resistance until the reached the second airstrip.
In mid-September, FDR and Churchill met for their 8th was summit known as the Octagon Conference. Most of the discussions revolved around the European Theater, but the British suddenly demanded more of a visible presence in the Pacific. This after 3 years of insisting the PTO was America’s responsibility. Adm. King vetoes the idea, but FDR accepted and this both embarrassed and infuriated the Chief of Naval Operations. Ground work was also started for post-war atomic bomb production and an agreement for the weapons use against Japan if necessary.
Click on images to enlarge.
An eye witness account of Peleliu will be in the following post.
#####################################################################################
Military Humor –
Sad Sack
Private Beetle
#####################################################################################
Farewell Salutes –
Anthol Bensley – Manawatu, NZ; RNZ Navy # 6389, WWII, Able Seaman
Joseph Frigenti – FL; US Army, Korean War
William Holden – Burlington, VT; US Navy, WWII, ETO, submarine service
Kenneth Irvin Sr. – Altoona, PA; US Army, WWII, 433rd Medical, Pfc
Philip Karp – Northdale, NJ; US Navy, WWII
Bob Leidenheimer Sr. – New Orleans, LA; US Army, 11th Airborne Division
Richard Manning – Norwell, MA; US Navy, WWII / US Army, Korea
Frank Puckett – Dickson, TN; US Army, WWII, ATO, Purple Heart
John Strudwick – London, ENG; RAF, 604 Squadron
William Tice – Ann Arbor, MI; US Army, 1st Infantry “The Big Red One”
#####################################################################################
Smitty’s drawings and a cold shower
Various Army latrines
Smitty did not write home about his experience with the showers. (Unfortunately, I do not remember which island this story occurred on.)
He was coming back into camp after having a nice cold shower. He walked back with a towel wrapped around his middle and held it closed with his left hand. The jungle appeared quiet except for the buzzing of the insects whizzing around him.
He said, “You know how annoying just one mosquito can be when it’s hovering by your ears. This was like a swarm and I tried like hell to use my right hand to swat them away from my face. When I began to approach our tents there was not one man to be seen and I couldn’t imagine where they all went. As I got closer I could hear the G.I.s yelling and they were waving their arms as they crouched in their tents, but I couldn’t make out what they were saying. Besides, I was too preoccupied with swatting the bugs.
“When I got back to my tent complaining about how aggravating the bugs on the island were, I asked them what all the hooting and hollering was all about. All they kept doing was checking my skin and asking if I was alright.
Somebody yelled, ‘Those were no jungle bugs — that’s shrapnel!’ When they discovered that I had been hit, someone happily said that I could put in for a Purple Heart.”
WAC Invasion
After a good laugh between Dad and I, I asked if he ever put in for the medal. He laughed again and said that he was too embarrassed. “For one thing I felt stupid for not realizing what was going on and second, I didn’t want to be grouped into being one of those guys that put in for a Purple Heart every time they nicked themselves shaving. It would be like taking something away from the men who actually did get wounded and deserved the medal.”
Click on images to enlarge.
#########################################################################
Current News –
WWII Veteran Honors Gen. George PattonProving that patriotism cannot be measured by a person’s race or culture, World War II, Korea and Vietnam War veteran Robert Nobuo Izumi has lived nearly his entire life serving our country. Izumi, who is a Japanese-American, was forced into an internment camp with his family shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor. In June 1944 he joined the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, an all Japanese-American unit. Read more about Izumi’s career and his visit to Luxembourg American Cemetery to honor Patton. |
################################################################
Military Humor –
Sad Sack on latrine duty
Proud of a job well-done.
######################################################################################
Farewell Salutes –
Louis Baron – Beechwood, OH; US Army, WWII
Thomas ‘Duke’ Davis – Huntsville, AL; US Army Air Corps, WWII, PTO, 11th Airborne Division
Clarence Herbin – Pillager, MN; Merchant Marines / US Army, WWII
‘On Guard’ by SFC Peter G. Varisano
Jack Kurtzer – Bronx, NY; US Navy, WWII, USS Rogers, Sonarman
Olzy ‘O.M.’ Mabry – Great Falls, MT; US Navy, WWII
David Nicholls – Sydney, AUS; RA Navy # NX269979, Captain (Ret.)
Margaret Percival – San Diego, CA; US Navy WAVE, WWII, yeoman
Ernest Rose – Sheboygan, WI; US Army, WWII, ETO
William Schilperoort – Seattle, WA; US Navy, WWII, mine sweeper
William Shields – Toronto, CAN; RC Air Force, WWII, ETO, pilot
#########################################################################################################################################################################
Smitty – Letter XIII
Back in the states, people were still dancing to the tunes of The Dorsey Brothers, Count Basie and Artie Shaw. They listened to the songs of Doris Day, the Andrew Sisters, Lena Horne and Rosemary Clooney. But, some others weren’t so lucky, in the army there was always latrine duty, as depicted in the following letter from Smitty.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Letter XIII Latrines Wednesday 9/5/44
Dear Mom,
Many are the times you have heard me refer to the latrines. Never before had I any conception or realized the amount of genius and mathematical figuring that was necessary for the building of one of these casual looking comfort stations.
Yesterday I had the dubious honor of being selected, with four other disgruntled G.I.s, to labor on a detail whose sole aim and mission was the digging and building of a latrine. It seems that in order to get a latrine built correctly there also has to be present a lieutenant and a hard to please sergeant. Their presence is essential due to the fact that if they weren’t around, it would never get built, no less started and to supervise the completion and finesse details of the finer points necessary for sanitation and the comfort of the men. You can most generally find these two worthy in some far off spot, away from all the work.
slit-trench
To begin with, a place is chosen suitable for a latrine, generally about a half mile from the nearest inhabitant and well hidden in the brush and woods. This is done for the very simple reason that it affords the stricken G.I. a chance to brush up on his long forgotten tracking and compass reading lessons, also the hike involved tends to make up for the many he has missed.
You wait then while the Lt., in a very business-like manner, marks out the length and width desired. When finished, he gives you a short speech on the importance of the detail and the time limit allotted, ending with: “Good digging fellows. I know you can do it, as you are the picked men!”
You pick up your shovels and picks and gloomily get to work. First, the picks are put into play loosening up the stubborn ground. Then, the shovels get to work removing the loose dirt, making sure to pile it evenly around the hole. This procedure is followed until finally you have now a hole six feet long by five feet in width with a depth ranging anywheres from six to eight feet. Try as you may to dig less than six feet, the sergeant always has a ruler handy which he guards with his life. One would think that a latrine hole that size would last forever, but as I found out, in the army — they don’t.
pit latrine
Next step is to lower into this hole oil drums whose both ends have been removed. This end cutting process is something foreign to us as they had another detail doing that the day before. I understand though that it is a highly skilled job in that keeping the ax blades from chipping is quite a problem. These drums, once lowered and set side by side, draws to a close the crude laborious end of the job.
Boards, saws, hammers and nails now appear along with some overbearing would-be carpenters. They proceed to build a coffin-like box which looks more like anything else but a box. This affair, when finished, is fitted over the hole, covering completely the hole and part of the piles of loose dirt spread around the outer fringe. This type of latrine box is called the settee type. It is very comfortable to sit on if rough boarding isn’t employed. When the box is completed to the satisfaction and sitting height comfort of all present, holes are then cut in the top. These holes are oval in shape, but of different width and shapes. The rear end of a G.I.’s anatomy, I’ve found, has many varied shapes and sizes.
The next thing to put in an appearance is the latrine blind and screen. This is very simple, although at times men have leaned back into it and got tangled up in the canvas, bringing it where the blind should be. While the blind is being put up on a long pipe, funnel-shaped at one end comes up and demands a lot of detailed attention. The height of this pipe, when set, is a trial and tribulation to all and never satisfies all who use it. This funneled affair is intended for what all funnels are. The directing of a stream of water.
The Lt. and sergeant now come out of hiding, inspect it and proclaim it a job well done and worthy of their time and supervision, strutting off gaily chatting, leaving us to find our way alone, unguided and without a compass, back to our tents. We, in the building of this latrine were fortunate in that we only had to erect it once and it was the correct position. Generally, you dig three or four only to find out that it is out of line somehow with the next latrine a mile away.
Army field latrine
Generals, colonels and majors all visit while you are at work. Their presence is also needed for the fact that when they are around, you stand at attention and in that way get a moment’s rest. The captain generally comes out to see how you are doing and always tells you to hurry it up as the boys back in camp are prancing around like young colts and doing weird dance steps all the while hoping that they can hold out until its completion.
When once finished and back in camp, you are kept busy giving the boys directions as to where it is and then have to listen to them gripe about the distance away from their tent the blame thing is. It is, I have found out, a thankless detail and one I intend missing the next time there is one to be built.There are of course different types of latrines as the illustrations show, but most of those are for troops on the move. Now, why they should say, ‘troops on the move’ I do not know, for certainly no matter whether in the latrines or on the way to it, you are most certainly moving.
Before any G.I. finds the latrine, the flies are already there. No latrine is a latrine until after a family or two moves in. They too are necessary in that without them as an annoying element, some men would never leave, others would fall asleep, while others would use it as an indefinite hiding place from some hike or detail. Latrines are also necessary for rumors. Until a good latrine is built, rumors around the camp lay dormant. Many new and strange acquaintances are made and the souls of many a man have been saved while sitting in this sanctuary place of appeasement.
No place in the army gets the care and attention of a latrine. Orderlies are assigned daily to see to its cleanliness. Medical inspections are twice a week, while on Saturdays it has to stand a general inspection. It is the haven of good-fellowship, conversations and a relief to all men in the end.
Hoping I have portrayed for you the army’s version of a rest station, I’ll close, as the flies in here are very annoying and the fellow standing and waiting for me to leave is going into a rage and walking up and down all the while eyeing me up and down as if to kill.
Ending this in a hasty departure and on the run, I am always, Your son, Everett
Click on images to enlarge.
[Smitty’s illustrations will appear in the following post.]
#####################################################################################
Military Humor –
#####################################################################################
Farewell Salutes –
Weston Boyd – Leesburg, FL; US Army, WWII & Korea
Dante Bulli – Cherry, IL; US Army Air Corps, WWII, B-26 pilot, SAC Col. (ret. 32 yrs), Bronze Star
painting “Take a Trip With Me” by SFC Peter G. Varisano
Arthur Cain – No.Hampton, NH; US Navy, WWII, PTO
Roy Countryman – Longview, WA; US Army Air Corps, WWII, PTO, 11th Airborne Division, 1st Lt.
Thomas Feran Sr. – Cleveland, OH; US Navy, WWII
Betty (Garber) Follander – Clinton, MA; cadet nurse, WWII
William McCurdy – Harrisburg, PA; US Army, WWII, PTO, Bronze Star
Seth McKee – McGehee, AR; US Army Air Corps, WWII, ETO, pilot, General (Ret.)
Patrick Stewart – Hawkes Bay, NZ; RNZ Navy # 7563, WWII, signalman
Clarence Young Jr. – Portland, OR; US Army, WWII, Africa & CBI, Engineers
#########################################################################################################################################################################
Floating Docks of WWII
SS Artisan (ABSD-1) w/ Antelope (1X-109) & LST-120 in the dock at Espiritu Santo, 8 January 1945
The United States Navy, during World War 2, decided to create a temporary forward base utilizing service stations; these stations meant the United States Navy could operate throughout the huge Pacific Ocean for more sustained amounts of time.
Creating these pretty much meant they could have a major naval base within a short distance of any operation carried out in the area. The base was able to repair; resupply and refit, meaning fewer ships had to make the journey to a facility at a major port, which allowed them to remain in the Pacific for up to a year and beyond.
This was vitally important as if ships were damaged enough (either by storms in the area or damage from the enemy) they would usually have to travel thousands of miles to get to the United States naval base that could carry out essential repairs. The distance to the San Francisco base (the nearest United States naval base) was as far from their location as it would have been to sail from London, England to San Francisco.
USS Iowa in dry dock
These temporary bases provided ships with supplies, ranging from food, fuel, ordnance and other much-needed supplies. This meant that these stations were vital in terms of practical use to the United States Navy and their operations in the area.
These stations were officially named Advance Base Sectional Docks (ABSDs) and were put together section by section. Each part was welded to the next once in their correct position.
There were two different sizes of floating docks created, the largest ones were created using ten sections and could lift 10,000 tons each – being 80 feet wide and 256 feet long. Once these sections were welded together, it became a fully assembled dock that was a whopping 133 feet wide, 827 feet long and could lift up to 90,000 tons.
Looking at an LST from inside the ASDR
This was more than enough lifting power for any ship within the Fleet.
The smaller dock was put together using eight sections and could lift 8,000 tons each – being 101 feet wide and 204 feet long. Once the sections of the smaller dock were fitted together, it was capable of lifting a ship up to 120 feet wide, 725 feet long and 8,000 tons of weight.
The sections used in the creation of these docks were given the form of a rough hull; this allowed the sections to be towed in place at a speed of 6-8 knots. The walls were capable of folding down so that they had resistance to the wind while being towed and helped to lower their center of gravity.
ABSD-2 at Manus w/ USS Mississippi (BB-41), 12 October 1944
Each dock had their own generator aboard (fueled by diesel) and quarters for the crew. Once fully assembled every dock had two cranes aboard, that could lift 15 tons; these ran on specially placed rails that sat on top of the dock walls.
Enough sections were made during the War that three large and four small docks were able to be assembled. The very first one was complete within 1943 (at Noumea) and a second was being fitted by the end of the year at Espiritu Santo. The total capacity of the dry docks in the Navy by the end of 1943 was 723,000 tons.
Idea for this post was suggested by Ian, the Aussie Emu.
Information retrieved from the War History on line.
Click on images to enlarge.
#####################################################################################
Military Humor –
#####################################################################################
Farewell Salutes –
Lawrence Apel – St. Louis, MO; US Army, ATO & PTO
Frank Bobb Jr. – San Francisco, CA; US Army Air Corps, WWII
Gene Cernan – Chicago, IL; US Navy, pilot, Astronaut (2 Moon voyages)
Max Duncan – Forest City, NC; US Navy, WWII, USS Barb (SS-220), Capt. (Ret. 30 yrs.), Silver Star
Robert Eaves – Boston, MA; US Army, WWII
Colin Gibbard – Wanganui, NZ; RNZ Army # 105345, WWII, 27th Machine-gun Battalion
Ernest Glass – Walpole, CAN; RC Air Force, WWII, ETO, KIA
James King – Temperance, MI; US Navy, WWII, PTO, USS Savo Island (CVE-78), machinist’s mate
Roderick McIntire – Kuluin, AUS; RA Air Force # 420241, WWII, navigator
William Mohr (108) – Hatboro, PA & Port St. Lucie, FL; US Army, WWII, ETO, 381st/45th Infantry Div., Sgt.
John Oblinger Jr. – North Bend, OH; US Army, West Point, 11th & 82nd Airborne, Major (Ret.)
#####################################################################################
Smitty – Letter XII
The 11th Airborne Division, still in New Guinea and continuing to specialize their training – little do they know that they are coming closer and closer to their time for combat. Their commander, General Swing, awaits the word from General MacArthur.
Backpacking the good ol’ fashion way
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Letter XII ?? Problems ?? 0800 Sunday 9/3/44
Dear Mom, We will start off first with “Webster’s” definition of the word — problem. “A question for solution, and a proposition to be demonstrated.” This is all very true, only in the army, although it is demonstrated, it never turns out in a satisfactory solution.
For some unknown reason, the hint of a problem soon-to-be gets around long before it is ever officially announced. When once you hear about it, you begin to wonder just how you will get out of going and wonder if going on sick call will help. The best thing is to try to get on some detail, but generally, the details floating around loose at that time are of such a nature that going on the problem is much easier.
No one likes or cares for problems including the officers and non-coms, except maybe a few who are bucking and hope to show their leader that they have tactical and sure-fire P.F.C. abilities.
No matter how easy or simple the problem, you always have to carry around a load of unnecessary equipment. On the day set forth for the problem they put up a list of the stuff you are to take with you. After an hour or two spent trying to get everything into the pack, just big enough to hold a pair of socks, a tent, poles, rain gear, poncho, insect repellent and your toilet articles, you are pretty well tired out and lie down for a few minutes rest. You no sooner do that than the sergeant will come around with a revised list of equipment and again you unpack and re-pack. This goes on through the day until finally in utter despair you pick up your duffel bag and carry that on your back.
Finally the whistle blows. You hurriedly put on your pack, pick up your rifle and dash to fall in the formation forming outside. After standing there for 30 or 40 minutes, you realize that all your rushing was in vain and that you have a chance to untangle yourself from the pack harness and straighten it out. You no sooner start to do this than the order comes to pull out and get going.
While marching out, it suddenly dawns on you that a quick visit to the latrine would have helped, but is now impossible to get to. After walking for two hours, your pack feels like a ton and your five-pound rifle now weighs twenty. The heat is slowly getting you down and you begin to wonder, is it all worth it? Soon the Lt. comes prancing alongside of you and walking just as easy as falling off a log. He says a few words to you, such as, “Close it up.” “Keep in line” or “How you doing fella?” as he passes by. You wonder how the devil he can keep it up, until you take a good look at his pack. Many are the times when I wondered what would happen if I stuck a pin in it. Wonderful things these basketball bladders.
When finally you arrive at the next to last stop, the Lt. calls his men around him and proceeds to try and tell them what this problem is about and what we are supposed to do. We are all too tired to listen in the first place and in the second place — don’t give a damn. All this time you watch the Lt. and soon you realize that he didn’t much care for the problem and is probably just as annoyed as you.
When you finally hit the place where the problem is, confusion takes over and the problem is started. Orders are given and not carried out, cause generally the G.I. has been told before to do something else, so that by the time order is restored, all is in a worse shape than before. The Lt. takes out a map to try and locate himself and is only to find that the map he has is the one relating to last week’s problem. No matter, from then on, where the C.P. and assembly area were to be, now, wherever you are at that particular moment will become the C.P. and assembly area. If the rest of the company was fortunate enough to locate the right place — the hell with them — let them find us.
You are then assigned to different spots and told to dig in. Now, digging in calls for some thought. If you just dig a slit trench, it doesn’t call for much work, but you can always be seen and so you can’t sleep. But, if you dig a larger hole, called a foxhole, you can safely sleep away the night and also — the problem. Myself? I go for the foxhole on the slit trench side as it affords me the opportunity of sleeping in a horizontal position.
Soon the whistle blows announcing the end of the problem. You awaken to find that it is the next day and that once again you slept through the whole mess. Questions are asked as to who or what side won, did the enemy get through and a thousand and one others. Before leaving the place, you now have to shovel the dirt back into your hole, as leaving blank open holes around are dangerous to life and limb. When that is completed, you put your backpack back on and trudge your weary way back.
Upon arriving back in camp, critiques are held and then you find out what you were supposed to have learnt while you were out there. I have always been of the opinion that if critiques were held before going out, it would save us all a lot of trouble and also make going on the problem — unnecessary. Once back in your tent, you unpack and think that now you will lie down and have a little nap, only to find out that the detail you tried to get on in order to miss the problem has materialized and that you are to get up and get on it. Oh, weary bones, will they never have any rest?
Don’t give up, for after all, the war can’t last forever. One thing you can always count on though, problems are the pride and joy of the army and will continue on being as long as there is an army.
Hope I’ve confused you as much as we are. I’ll leave you as that damn detail has come up and so I’ll have to carry my weary body out and hope I last out the day.
Confused as all hell, Everett
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
But training goes on …..
New Guinea, training. Notice the date on the picture –
#####################################################################################
Military Humor –
#####################################################################################
Farewell Salutes –
John ‘Spike’ Adochio – Miltown, NJ; US Army, WWII
Nevin Biser Jr. – Columbia, SC; US Navy, WWII
Joseph Chadwell – Tullahoma, TN; US Army Air Corps, WWII, 101st Airborne Division
Edward Elder – Los Angeles, CA; US Navy, USS Seawolf, KIA
US Army division salute for outgoing & incoming troops
Alan Fewer – Christchurch, NZ; RNZ Air Force # 413053, Squadron 485 & RAF 232, WWII
Bee Jay Garrison – Bethany, OK; US Army, WWII, PTO
Clare Hollingworth – ENG; Telegraph war correspondent, WWII, ETO
John McGrath – Calgary, CAN; RC Army, WWII, ETO, (Ret.)
Bruce O’Brien Sr. – Chicago, IL; US Navy, WWII, PTO, SeaBee
Joseph ‘Pip’ Paolantonio – Wayne, PA; US Army Air Corps, WWII, PTO, Cpl., 472 Glider Field Artillery/11th Airborne Division
####################################################################################
Friendship After Bombing Davao
Here is a close-up personal look at what occurred during one of the countless missions I mention.
Two 63rd Squadron B-24 Snoopers took off from Owi Island on the night of September 4, 1944 to bomb Matina Airdome at Davao, Mindinao. One of the B-24s soon turned back due to radar failure. Captain Roland T. Fisher, pilot of the other B-24, “MISS LIBERTY,” continued on alone. Fisher had flown night missions with the Royal Air Force in 1941 and would soon be needing every ounce of skill he had acquired over the last few years.
Twenty-one years after this mission, Fisher recounted his experience: “I could see again the bright moon in the clear night sky and the green shadow of Cape San Agustin below. I had entered Davao Gulf by crossing from the Pacific over the peninsula into the head of the gulf and made nearly a straight-on approach over Samal Isle to Matina air strip. I remember thinking perhaps this would allow me to enter…
View original post 664 more words
September 1944 (1)
Bonin and Volcano Islands
31 August → 2 September – US carrier aircraft started an intense 3-day bombing on the Bonin and Volcano Islands. The Japanese suffered heavy losses of matérial. A US Navy communiqué lists the enemy damages as : about 50 ground and airborne planes destroyed; around 15 ships sunk and damage to installations, hangers, ammo and fuel dumps.
1 September – the American submarine, Narwhal landed men on the eastern coast of Luzon in efforts to become logistics-ready for the Philippine invasion.
USS Narwhal
2 September – Wake Island, the most isolated post for the Japanese Empire, received bombardments from the Task Force of one aircraft carrier, 3 cruisers and 3 destroyers. The island would not be invaded; it would remain in Japanese hands until the end of the war. The main Allied advance was planned for the Philippine and Ryuku Island groups.
In China, the enemy-held airfield of Hengyang was bombed along with gun positions, and areas with apparent troops in the Changning areas. A bridge at Yangtien was also damaged.
3 September – the Japanese ‘hell ship’ Shinyo Maru left Mindinao carrying 750 American prisoners. She was torpedoed by the USS Paddle four days later, killing 668 of the POWs on board.
6 → 11 September – a massive naval force of 16 aircraft carriers, numerous cruisers and destroyers attacked Yap, Ulithi and the Palau Islands in the Carolines. The 5th Fleet became the 3rd Fleet when the Battleship USS New Jersey arrived flying Adm. Halsey’s flag. This started the air bombings of the Philippine Islands, Mainly Mindinao and Luzon.
In the CBI, in China, railroad yards, troop occupied areas, and trucks were hit north of Lingling. While 45 Allied aircraft attacked troops, warehouses shipping and communication targets in the Hukow area Pengtse areas.
8 → 11 September – Adm. Mitscher’s TF-38 hit industrial, naval and aviation positions around Mindinao. The airfields at DelMonte, Valencia, Cagayan, Buayan and Davao were the targets. On the first day of the attack, 60 enemy aircraft were destroyed.
12 September – Halsey signaled Admiral Nimitz after the attacks on Mindinao that it appeared enemy strength had been wiped out. There was “no shipping left to sink” and “the enemy’s non-aggressive attitude was unbelievable and fantastic.” He recommended that Leyte be the next invasion, but Nimitz refused to call off the pre-planned invasion of Peleliu. (Operation Stalemate).
#####################################################################################
Military Humor –
#####################################################################################
Farewell Salutes –
Richard G. Adams – Newbury, ENG; Royal Army Service, WWII, ETO, (beloved author)
Frederick Campbell – Bellingham, WA; USMC, WWII, Korea & Vietnam
John Carver Jr. – Preston, ID; US Army Air Corps, WWII, Undersecretary of the DOI, Lt. 
Earl Cumpiano – Santa Barbara, CA; US Navy, WWII, fireman striker
Allen Farington – Montreal, CAN; RC Navy
Luther Kimbler – Louis City, KY; US Army Air Corps, WWII, PTO, 411th Bomber Squadron, SSgt.
Donald McEvoy – N.Platte, NE; USMC, WWII
Edward O’Soro – Wakefield, MA; USMC, WWII, 1st Marine Division
Isadore Pette – Lakewood, WA; US Army Air Corps, WWII, PTO, 675th Medical/11th Airborne Division
Scott Sherman – Fort Wayne, IN; US Navy, USS Eisenhower, A-7 pilot
#####################################################################################
Smitty – Letter XI
Everett ‘Smitty’ Smith and the 187th Regiment
This following letter from Smitty will show how much the G.I.’s of WWII and those of today have in common. Human nature doesn’t seem to change very much in 68 years.
11th A/B patches
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
Letter XI Java at 2100 Thursday 8/10/44
Dear Mom, Java at 2100 is nothing more or less than a good old-fashioned gabfest or the same as women folk back home call a “Koffee Klotch.”
There are a few differences though that need a little explaining. At home, the girls gather and talk, generally about the one who isn’t present; including in this conversation, her husband and his family, also hers and then down the line to her most distant relatives. Also, they will gab for hours about the gossip of the neighborhood and of course add a little more to it. At times, arguments amongst themselves will ensue and that ends the present meeting and the next few to come.
With us there are a few differences and variations, such as: we don’t care whether the person being talked about is present or not; although his absence is preferred and appreciated. Of course we have our little gossip circles, but they mostly run toward the rumor side and therefore no one puts much stock in them. Invariably we always talk of home, such as what we did before the President greeted us, also what we intend to do when we get back. This home talk most always leads into a lively debate as to whose state, city or county is the best. Arguing that topic is just like arguing religion; no one is ever impressed or convinced.
The officers are always good for a good 20 to 30 minute razing, with no one pulling their punches. At times though you must be careful, as there might be someone present who is bucking like the devil and the talk will go back. Never is there a good word said in the officers’ defense and I doubt if there ever will be.
Another colorful period is spent when someone brings up non-coms. What is said at this time is unprintable. Surprise to say that if I was visited by the seven plagues, I wouldn’t be as bad off as the non-coms, if even half the things wished upon him should ever befall him. I sometimes wonder if ever in their own conceited way they know just how the private feels toward them.
At home, the girls are all gathered around strictly talking, but here again we vary. Some may be playing cards with every now and then some player adding his say, much to the consternation and anguish of the others. Over in another corner are the die-hards who always listen for rumors and continue on talking about the latest one long after the others have dropped it.
All this time the water is being boiled outside in a large five gallon can. Every now and then, someone will go out to see if it is time to add the coffee. When once the coffee is added, there comes over the tent a lull and then everyone shuffles out to get his cup, which he will dip into the can of coffee before coming back in. Conversation for a while is a combination of talk, loud sips and the blowing of the hot Java. We manage also to provide milk and sugar and at times, crackers. The last is generally present only around paydays.
I don’t know whether it is the effects of the hot coffee upon the vocal chords or not, but always right after the coffee, some would-be Crosby or Sinatra starts singing some old favorite and that is when music conquers over all. They say music has its charms, but after listening to it here — I have my doubts.
Some nights the conversations are really good and so is the coffee, on those occasions, talking lasts after taps has blown and then you are sure to hear the mournful wail of the company charge of quarters meekly saying, “Aw fellas, put out the lights.” Never has it happened that the request was heeded and I doubt if it ever will be. It isn’t long after though that the first sergeant comes barging in bellowing, “Get those blankety-blank lights out and get the H–l to bed!” Lights immediately go out and good-nights can be heard throughout the company area as Koffee Klotches all over break up.
Peace and quiet prevails until all one can hear is the not too soft patter of feet heading out to the place where, at some time or another, we all must frequent. Bits of conversation can be heard drifting through the night, but generally isn’t worth listening to, as it is only the rumor mongers at work again in their office.
Before I close this chapter, allow me to say that the evening coffee, sugar and milk are all donated cheerfully by the fellow most unfortunate enough to have had K.P. the day before.
Having nothing more to gab about and also having to pay a visit down to the end of the company street, I’ll close before I have to make a run for it.
Gabbingly yours, Everett (The Donator of This Evening’s Coffee)
Click on images to enlarge.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
####################################################################################
To the Arkansas veterans who read and listen to this site… may I send you a Happy New Year wish and hearty Thank You for all you’ve done for us !!
##############################################################################
Military Humor –
####################################################################################
Farewell Salutes –
Frank Ables – Kirkersville, OH, US Army, WWII
Joseph Charyk – Falmouth, MA; Under Sec. of the Air Force
W.L. Doerty – Gunnison, CO; US Air Force, Korea, pilot, POW &
Broad Channel veteran’s parade
Vietnam, Bronze Star
Fredene Frye – Greybull, WY; US Army WAC, WWII
Billy Hooks – Lake City, TN; USMC, Vietnam, Cpl.
Darlene Koering – Shellsburg – IA; US Women’s Marines, WWII
Troy Gilbert – Litchfield Park, AZ; US Air Force, Oper. Iraqi Freedom, Major, KIA
Charlie Laine – Broad Channel, NY; US Navy, WWII
Troy Gilbert – Nazzareno Tassone – Niagara, CAN; YPG, Syria
Floyd Passmore – Bedford, TX; US Army Air Corps, WWII, PTO, C/503rd/11th Airborne Division
####################################################################################
The Other Guam Story – George Ray Tweed
From: [article] Together We Served – [photos] Guam History Project
Most everyone knows or vaguely remembers Sgt. Yokoi finally surrendering in 1972, but another soldier was hiding on that island too…..
Lt. George Ray Tweed
|
After the attack on Pearl Harbor December 7, 1941, Japanese forces soon overran Guam Island in the Pacific. Tweed, then serving as a Navy chief radioman with several other U.S. personal slipped into the jungle rather than surrender. He became the only survivor after the others were captured and killed. He managed to elude Japanese soldiers for two years seven months, providing information to American forces that recaptured Guam Island in July 1944. His survival effort is considered one of the greatest feats in war history to date. For his contributions to the Pacific War victory, he was awarded the Legion of Merit Medal, Silver Star Medal and a Presidential Citation. He retired from the Navy as a Lieutenant. His story was told in the best selling 1945 book, ”Robinson Crusoe USN” and in the Universal Studios 1962 movie, ”No Man is an Island,” starring Jeffrey Hunter as George Tweed.
Guam under Japanese rule.
Check out this short description of Tweed’s 3 years in hiding….
The idea for using the video was from John Howell.
####################################################################################
Military Humor –
#####################################################################################
Farewell Salutes –
Marco Alleruzzo – Boston, MA; US Army Air Corps, WWII, ETO, ball turret gunner
Kenneth Cringle – Kingfisher, OK; US Army Air Corps, WWII, ETO, B-24 nose gunner
William Gannon – Westernport, MD; US Army Air Corps, WWII, Lt.Col.
Harvey Hansen – Fryeburg, ME; US Army, WWII, PTO, SSgt., 154th Infantry Regiment
Miriam Jacques – brn: Tel Aviv, ISR; W.British Army, WWII, ETO
Jack Meehan – Christchurch, NZ; RNZ Air Force # 426895, WWII, 75th Squadron
Lewis Miner – Salt Lake City, UT; US Army, 11th Airborne Division
Eddie Ott – Clarksville, TN; USMC, Vietnam, Cpl.
Jock Moffat – Swinton, UK; Royal Navy, WWII, ETO, Lt. Cmdr., HMS Ark Royal
Dee Simpson – Alamogordo, NM; US Navy, WWII, PTO, USS Brownson, gunner’s mate
####################################################################################
Pacific Paratrooper 