Events vs Time Dec 1941

12-07-41 Pearl Harbor,  Japan bombs Pearl Harbor, then the Philippines
12-7/8-41  Japanese begin devastating assault on U.S. shipping at Pearl Harbor. In two hours planes and submarines from Admiral Nagumo's task force destroy or badly damage six American battleships, many smaller vessels, and over 300 planes. At the same time Japanese forces commence invasion of Thailand and Malaya, and air attack on Singapore and Philippines. Japanese landings on Guam and Wake Islands. U.S. Congress adopts declaration of war on Japan; Churchill informs Parliament that Britain is at war with Japan.
12-08-41, Guam, US bases on Orote peninsula Guam hit by Japanese aircraft from Saipan at 8:45 am (Dec 8) 10,8000 Japanese troops off loaded onto shores of Tumon Bay, Agana, Agat, Sumay & Piti. 16 battleships moved into Apra Harbor.
12-08-41  Philippines  Japanese bomb Clark Field.
12-08-41, Roosevelt, “Yesterday”, Roosevelt declared in a war message to Congress, “December 7, 1941 - a date which will live in infamy - the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.” Roosevelt added: “No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory.”
12-09-41  The AAF had only 1100 combat worthy planes, 159 were four engine bombers, the most advanced fighter was the obsolescent P-40;.the new B-26 Marauder had already been dubbed Murderer....
12-09-41, 19th BG flyable B-17’s moved from Clark to Del Monte. Planes performed reconnaissance & bombing landing after dark at Clark for Fuel & repairs
12-09-41  Australia and New Zealand declare war on Japan. Curtin orders 7th Division A.I.F. from Middle East to Australia, despite opposition from Gt. Britain and within Australia.
12-10-41  Great Britain's two capital ships in the Far East, Prince of Wales and Repulse, sunk off Malayan coast by Japanese bombers, leaving Singapore without adequate naval forces, and its air defense’s outnumbered by superior Japanese air strength.
12-11-41  Germany and Italy declare war on the United States Congress recognizes existence of state of war with both countries.
12-17-41  12-17 to 12-24 19th BG air echelon to Bachelor Field Darwin Australia and flew missions back to the Philippines. They bombed, carried medicine & supplies, and returned with evacuated personnel.
12-17-41  Australian and Dutch forces occupy Timor, Netherlands East Indies.
destroyers Cassin, Shaw & Downes sunk, 4) mine layer Oglala sunk, 5) Oklahoma capsized. Personnel: Navy 91 officers dead, 20 wounded, 2,638 enlisted dead & 636 wounded. Army 168 killed, 223 wounded, 26 missing.  Japanese lost 2 mini subs, 1 reg sub and 41 aircraft.
12-22-41  Canal Zone, 1,370 Japanese, 1,002 German & 169 Italians arrested.
12-22-41  ABC-2  Churchill & Roosevelt met in Washington American British Conference 2 began.
12-22-41  First U.S. servicemen arrive Australia, when convoy on way to Manila diverted to Brisbane. Churchill arrives in Washington for conference with Roosevelt.
Monte field open.
12-24-41  British Eighth Army captures Benghazi in continuing offensive against Rommel's Afrika Korps.
12-25-41  British forces in Hong Kong surrender to Japanese.
12-27-41  Prime Minister Curtin appeals to America for help against advancing tide of Japanese forces: "Without any inhibitions of any kind, I make it quite clear that, Australia looks to America."
12-29-41  President removes head of Navy, Army & Air Forces in Hawaii and appoints Nimitz as Commander of the Pacific.
12-30-41  The remaining 10 B-17s of the 19th BG was ordered to Sengasari, Malang, in Java.
12-31-41  WWII  It was 26 months since Germany & Russia attack Poland. Great Britain had stood alone for 1.5 years.
12-xx-41, P-47, Republic; Thunderbolt first Production. 15579 will be built.

19th BG Disposition of Aircraft on Eve of WW II

Del Monte Field was in process of being built by 5th Air Base Unit.
Deployment to Del Monte was to make room at Clark  All facilities, parts and bombs were at Clark.

Dec 8 PI time bombs fell on Clark Field Philippines at noon without warning.

Warned of the attack on Pearl Harbor all available B-17s were sent aloft to find an invasion force.  They found none, Japanese bombers on Formosa (Taiwan) had been delayed by weather.  The B-17s had landed to refuel and prepare for expected orders to bomb Formosa – at noon looking up they saw planes in perfect formation – puzzlement turned to flight __ to the protection of “Matelands  trench” -- they cold see bombs falling.  The Japanese bombers had followed the weather front undetected.

The Japanese had plans for Empire

       At five minutes to eight, Hawaiian time, on the morning of December 1, 1941, a Japanese airman dropped a bomb on Pearl Harbor. It was the first of many to fall upon the great American naval base where the bulk of the U.S. Pacific Fleet was moored on that never-to-be-forgotten day when a sneak attack drew the United States into World War II and Japan herself on to ultimate disaster.
       Ironically, the United States  was responsible for awakening Japan from her ancient isolation when Commodore M. C. Perry’s four warships dropped anchor in Yedo (now Tokyo) Bay in July 1853. This ended more than 200 years of strict seclusion, and sudden exposure to Western ideas, production techniques and military systems. In the short space of 88 years, Japan turned herself from a feudal state into a nation with an army and a navy trained and equipped to rival those of the great European powers.
       Prodded by her militaristic leaders, Japan launched an attack on China. The Sino-Japanese War (1894-95) gave victorious Nippon possession of Formosa (Taiwan). A few years later the Russo-Japanese War (l904-05) over rival claims in Korea and Manchuria, Russia was defeated. Manchuria, was taken over by Japan in 1905. The Japanese continued their expansion by annexing Korea in 1910.

       Japan entered World War I on the side of the Allies in 1914. She occupied numerous German colonies in the Far East and later, as a member of the League of Nations, was given a mandate over the Caroline, Marshall and Marianas islands, with the exception of Guam, ceded to the United States by Spain in 1898.
       For some time a master plan had been evolving to give Japan domination of South-East Asia and the islands of the western half of the Pacific. The Greater East Asia Co- Prosperity Sphere, as the territory was called, extended from the Kurile Islands south-east to the Marshall Islands, west to Netherlands East Indies (now Republic of Indonesia), and in a great curve to India.
       In 1931 the Japanese overran Manchuria, later turning it into the puppet state of Manchukuo. Condemned by the League of Nations for her act, Japan resigned her membership. Clashes with the Chinese blazed into war fare in 1937, in which Peiping (now Peking), Shanghai, Nanking, Hankow, Canton and the important rail center of Tungshan (now Suchow) were captured.
       In February 1939 Japan seized Hainan Island, and after the fall of France in 1940, her troops moved into northern Indo-China with the permission of Vichy France. She occupied the entire country in the middle of 1941. The ultimate objective was the seizure of the rich Southern Resources Area.
       A critical stage in international relations was reached when the United States clamped down a total embargo, freezing all Japanese assets in America. Negotiators were sent to Washington to try to settle the disagreement between the two countries. But the talks were only a blind. The plans of the Japanese war party were set; war was to begin with the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Left: white wakes of Japanese torpedoes reach towards  the Oklahoma and West Virginia.
Right: A Japanese “Kate” torpedo bomber speeds from Hickham Field after dropping it’s cargo.

        “We want you to lead our Air Force in the event that we attack Pearl Harbor."
       It was all I could do to catch my breath. It was now late September 1941, and if the international situation continued to intensify, the attack plan called for execution in December. There was no time to lose in training for this important mission.
       In mid-November, after the most rigorous training, planes were taken on board their respective carriers, which then headed for the Kurile Islands, travelling singly and on different courses to avoid attention. Then, at six on the cloudy morning of November 26 [November 25 east of the international date line, in Hawaii and the United States] our twenty-eight-ship task force, including six carriers, left the Kuriles.
       Vice-Admiral Chuichi Nagumo was in command of the Pearl Harbor Attack Force. "In case negotiations with the United States reach a successful conclusion," he had been instructed, "the task force will return immediately to the homeland."
       Our course was to be between the Aleutian and Midway islands, so as to keep out of range of American air patrols, some of which were supposed to extend 600 miles. We sent three submarines ahead to report any merchant ships sighted, and maintained a constant alert against U.S. submarines.
       Strict radio silence was observed throughout, but we listened for broadcasts from Tokyo or Honolulu to catch any word about the outbreak of war. In Tokyo a liaison conference between the Government and the High Command was held every day from November 27 to 30 to discuss the U.S. proposal of the 26th. [This was the sharp rejection by Washington, on November 25, of "minimal conditions" for peace submitted by Tokyo on November 17.] It was concluded that the proposal was an ultimatum tending to subjugate Japan and making war inevitable, but that peace efforts should be continued "to the last moment."
       The decision for war was made at an Imperial Conference on December 1. Next day the General Staff issued the order: "X day will be December 8" [December 7, Hawaiian and U.S. time]. Now the die was cast. We drove headlong towards Pearl Harbor.
       Why was that Sunday chosen as X day? Because our information indicated that the American Fleet returned to Pearl Harbor on weekends after training periods at sea. Also the attack was to be coordinated with our operations in Malaya, where air raids and landings were scheduled for dawn of that day.
       Intelligence reports on U.S. Fleet activities were relayed to us from Tokyo: DECEMBER 1 [December 6, Hawaiian and U.S. time]: NO BALLOONS, NO TORPEDO-DEFENCE NETS DEPLOYED AROUND BATTLESHIPS IN PEARL HARBOUR. ALL BATTLESHIPS ARE IN PORT. NO INDICATIONS FROM ENEMY RADIO ACTIVITY THAT OCEAN-PATROL FLIGHTS BEING MADE IN HAWAIIAN AREA. LEXINCTON LEFT HARBOUR YESTERDAY. ENTERPRISE ALSO THOUGHT TO BE OPERATING AT SEA.
       We were 230 miles due north of Oahu shortly before dawn on December 1 when the carriers turned and headed into the northerly wind. The battle flag was now flying at each masthead. There was a heavy pitch and roll that had caused some hesitation about taking off in the dark. I decided it was feasible. Flight decks vibrated with the roar of aircraft engines warming up. Now a green lamp was waved in a circle. "Take off!" The engine of our fore most fighter plane built up to a crescendo and then the plane was off, safely. There were loud cheers as each plane rose into the air.
       Within fifteen minutes 183 fighters, bombers and torpedo-planes had taken off from the six carriers and were forming up in the still-dark sky, guided only by signal lights of the lead planes. After circling over the fleet formation, we set course due south for Pearl Harbor. The time was 6:15 a.m.
       Under my direct command were 49 level-bombers. To my right and slightly below me were 40 torpedo planes; to my left, about 200 meter’s [218 yards] above me, were 51 dive-bombers; flying cover for the formation were 43 fighters.
       At seven I figured that we should reach Oahu in less than an hour. But, flying over thick clouds, we could not see the surface of the water and had no check on our drift. I switched on the radio direction finder to tune in the Honolulu radio station and soon picked up some music. By turning the antenna I found the exact direction from which the broadcast was coming and corrected our course. We had been 5deg off. Now I heard a Honolulu weather report: "Partly cloudy, with clouds mostly over the mountains. Visibility good. Wind north, ten knots."
       A more favorable situation could not have been imagined. About 7:30 the clouds broke, and a long white line of coast appeared. We were over the northern tip of Oahu, time for our deployment.
       A report came in from one of two reconnaissance planes that had gone ahead, giving the locations of 10 battleships, 1 heavy cruiser and 10 light cruisers. The sky cleared as we moved in, and I began to study our objectives through binoculars. The ships were there, all right. "Notify all planes to launch attacks," I ordered my radioman. The time was 7:49.
       Bombs fell on Ford Island, on Hickam Field, where heavy bombers were lined up, and on Wheeler Field. In a short time huge billows of black smoke were rising from these bases.

From J. Carpenters files, Pearl Harbor ship unknown

       My level-bomber group kept west of Oahu past the southern tip of the island. None but Japanese planes were in the air. Ships in the harbor still appeared to be asleep. The Honolulu radio broadcast continued normally. We had achieved surprise!
       Knowing the General Staff would be anxious, I ordered the following message sent to the fleet: WE HAVE SUCCEEDED IN MAKING A SURPRISE ATTACK. REQUEST YOU RELAY THIS REPORT TO TOKYO.  Order changing our target to this ship.

            Now I saw water spouts rising alongside the battleships. Our torpedo-bombers were at work. It was time to launch our level-bombing attacks, so I gave the attack signal. All ten of my squadrons formed into a single column with intervals of 200 meters.
       As my group made its bomb run, American anti-aircraft batteries suddenly came to life. Dark-grey bursts blossomed here and there until the sky was clouded with shattering near-misses that made our plane tremble. The counter-attack came less than five minutes after the first bomb had fallen.
       My squadron was headed for the Nevada, which was moored at the northern end of Battleship Row on the east side of Ford Island. When it was nearly time for bomb release we ran into clouds and circled over Honolulu to await another opportunity. Meanwhile, other groups made their runs.
       Suddenly a colossal explosion occurred in Battleship Row. A huge column of dark-red smoke rose to 1,000 feet, and a stiff shock wave reached our plane. A powder magazine must have exploded. The attack was in full swing; smoke from fires and explosions filled most of the sky over Pearl Harbor.

Photo from J. Carpenter’s files, Pearl harbor ship unknown.

       From a great altitude near-misses are much more obvious than direct hits because they create waverings in the water which are plain to see. Observing two such rings plus two tiny flashes, I shouted, "Two hits!" I felt sure considerable damage had been done. I ordered the bombers that had completed their runs to, return to our carriers, but my plane remained to conduct operations still in progress.
       Pearl Harbor and vicinity had been turned into complete chaos. The Utah had capsized. The West Virginia and Oklahoma, their sides almost blasted off by torpedoes, listed sharply in a flood of heavy oil. The Arizona was listing badly and burning furiously. The Maryland and Tennessee were on fire.
       During the attack many of our pilots noted the brave efforts of American fliers to get planes off the ground. Though greatly outnumbered, they flew straight in to engage our craft. Their effect was negligible, but their courage commanded admiration.
       It took the planes of our first attack wave about one hour to complete their mission. By the time they were headed back to our carriers, having lost 3 fighters, 1 dive-bomber and 5 torpedo-planes, our second wave of 171 planes swept in.
       The second attack achieved a nice spread, hitting the least damaged cruisers and destroyers. This attack also lasted about one hour, but owing to the increased return fire it suffered higher casualties -- 6 fighters and 14 dive-bombers.
       After the second wave headed back to the carriers, I circled Pearl Harbor once more to observe and photograph the results. I counted 4 battleships definitely sunk, 3 severely damaged. Still another battleship appeared to be slightly damaged, and extensive damage had been inflicted on other types of ships. The seaplane base at Ford Island was in flames, as were the airfields, especially Wheeler.
       My plane was about the last to get back to the fleet, and I was summoned to the bridge immediately. Admiral Nagumo's staff had been engaged in heated discussion about the advisability of launching another attack.
       "Four battleships definitely sunk," I reported. "We have achieved a great amount of destruction at airfields and air bases. But there are still many targets which should be hit."
       I urged another attack. Admiral Nagumo, however in a decision which has since been the target of much criticism by naval experts, chose to retire. Immediately flag signals were hoisted, and our ships headed north-west at high speed.

88th Recon sqd lands while Japanese bomb Hickam Field

       Dec 7 HW:  7th BG B-17Es of the 88 reconnaissance squadron were arriving to land at Hickam Field when the Japanese were attacking Pearl Harbor. The 7th BG was queued up to fly to "Plum", Del Monte Field, Mindanao.  Theirs was a harrowing arrival.

from "Chief of Seattle"  by G. Spieth

       Lt Cook was flying as copilot for Lt Frank P. Bostrom in the B-17E No 41-2416, as they approached Hickam Field, Hawaii. The 7th Bomb Group had been ordered to the Philippines, and Hickam Field was the first stop on the flight. Their plane had left Hamilton Field at 10:35 p.m. pacific time on December 6, only to arrive at Pearl Harbor the same time as the Japanese. As they approached Diamond Head, they called the tower for landing instructions and were told that they were first to land, and to land west to east. There appeared to be some smoke at Pearl Harbor as they lined up on the final approach. A ship in the harbor was burning with heavy black smoke. As they neared the field, the tower instructed them not to land, so they swung to the left, down the hangar line. On that turn an antiaircraft shell exploded just off the right wing, and, at the same time, they spotted a plane burning on the field. Lieutenant Bostrom got on the radio and asked what the hell was going on. He was told that the field was under attack. They were then at 700 feet, coming around, ready for a second attempt to land, but a number of destroyers opened up with antiaircraft fire and cut them off. They swung northeast along the shoreline, planning to return as soon as the attack was over, but when they called the tower again, the tower responded that they were under attack again. Lieutenant Bostrom and Lieutenant Cook tried to keep the plane in the clouds, their only weapons were 45-caliber pistols. A Japanese fighter came in from the rear, but they out maneuvered him. Three more fighters came in, with at least two coming in close with guns blazing. A number of hits were taken in the tail and wings.
       No one on board was hurt, but the fuel was almost gone and the plane was still on full power since the first pass at the field. The throttles were pulled back to conserve fuel but the gauges now read empty. A place to set the plane down must be found or they would crash. A golf course was spotted and a decision was quickly made to put it down on a fairway. The landing was a success and no other damage was done to the plane. The fuel transfer line, a flap rod, and some electrical wiring was hit and damaged by Japanese shells. The fuel line was replaced using a part from one of the damaged planes at Hickam Field. The flap rod and some of the wiring was repaired. Enough fuel was obtained from Wheeler Field to fly the plane out. After two days and two nights making repairs, Lt Bostrom and Lt Cook flew the plane out.
       For the next few weeks these B-17’s would fly Recon missions from Hawaii looking for the Japanese force’s.  Mid Feb they were assigned to fly reconnaissance for the Navy delivering reinforcements by way of Australia. They would be stationed at Townsville Australia and in March 1942 officially became part of the 19th BG.  Bostrom would be the pilot of the plane that flew MacArthur out of the Philippines.

Bombs Fall on Clark extracted from H. Murdoc story

       There were about a dozen P-40 fighter planes stationed at Clark. They would take off and fly patrol missions. The Philippine Air Force was equipped with P-26s, a small, under‑powered, obsolete aircraft with fixed undercarriage. It proved no match for the Japanese Zero fighter. However, the P-40s, less maneuverable than the Zero, learned fighter tactics that eventually made them a worthy match for the Japanese fighter. We lost about half of our P-40s at Clark on December 8th. While half remained on patrol, the other half came in for lunch. They were caught during take‑off. I believe only a couple made it off. After the attack was over, we went out on the runway to clear it of bomb fragment and debris, throwing it into the bomb craters and covering it up. We came upon the wreckage of one P-40 badly burned with melted metal. The pilot was still in the cockpit, but dead, flesh burned away until his upper body had been reduced to a skeleton.
       Our outfit had been put on alert for two weeks prior to the outbreak of war, but no one seemed to believe that hostilities were imminent, and life went on at a leisurely pace. On the morning of Monday, December 8, 1941, around 6:00 o'clock A.M., little Joe Ivey, who had been to early breakfast, burst into our nipa hut gasping out that the Japanese had bombed Pearl Harbor. He said that it had been reported on the radio in the mess hall. We initially pooh‑poohed the report but dressed hurriedly, and hastened to the mess hall, where it was confirmed that Pearl Harbor had indeed reportedly been badly bombed. I was to report to the hangar right after breakfast to prepare old number 67 for combat, should war with Japan be confirmed. My duty was to check out the oxygen equipment and supplies, while armorers were to mount guns and load ammunition. It occurred to me that, if Pearl Harbor had already been hit, that our turn should be next‑‑and soon wondering what I would do when that happened.
       About eleven o'clock I was told to eat lunch at an early shift, while a second shift would eat around twelve o'clock. There was an open field about one hundred fifty yards between the mess and barracks area and the hangar line. While many of the second shift were returning across this field, our war began. I was inside No. 67, rechecking distribution of oxygen masks, when I heard someone shout, "Here they come!". I looked out the side door of the plane toward the front of the hangar and saw a large group of men looking up in the sky. one said, "They look like Navy planes.". My instinct told me to avoid the crowd in front, and went out the back door of the hangar. Looking up, all I could see at first was blue sky with some fleecy white clouds. Then I spotted them, a pyramid formation of V's of ghostly white aircraft, then another, and another, three flights. A chill went through me, as I realized the planes were just seconds from arriving directly overhead. Any bomber man knows that bombs from an aircraft hit the target when the plane is just overhead. At first I thought death had caught up with me. Glancing down at the open ground between our hangar and the next, I saw a slit trench in an L‑shape with sides bolstered with split bamboo. My feet did the thinking for me and I jumped into the trench.
       No sooner had I landed on my knees at the bottom of the trench, when others came piling in after me. Seconds later the bombs began to hit, starting at the west end of the main runway. At first it felt like a giant stamping his way toward us, then bombs hit all around us. The noise and concussions were terrific. Then the giant's steps moved on, and, except for the crackling of flames, it became comparatively quiet. The enemy did a professional bombing job, facing no anti‑aircraft fire. One flight bombed the storage and dispersal areas across the main runway and to the north of the hangars. The middle flight bombed the main runway and hangars, and the third flight bombed the open area, between the barracks and the hangar line. The men returning from the second lunch shift were caught in the open. We lost well over a hundred men, many of whom had taken cover in a straight‑line excavation for a pipe line. They were smothered by bombs covering them with the excavated dirt. Pvt. Borchers, who slept across the aisle from me in our nipa hut, had one leg blown off and died from loss of blood. None of us in the slit‑trenches were hit, although the side of one trench partially gave way, and we had to pry some of the occupants free.
       One large concussion during the bombing forcibly thrust my face down to the bottom of the slit trench. When I rose up, still on my knees, I realized I couldn't see. Feeling my face with my hand it came away wet. Momentarily, I assumed my face was blown away and I would soon be feeling agonizing pain. With my eyes staring wildly ahead I began to see the clouds of black smoke and flames from the burning hangars and some vehicles. I touched my face with my hand again, and it came away wet, ‑ with sweat.  You can be sure that I never felt more foolish in my life. A doctor later explained to me that the concussion had numbed my optical nerves, and I was temporarily blinded. A coke truck driver whose truck had been hit, announced to men beginning to emerge from the trenches, that free coke was for the taking. Selecting a bottle, I found the contents warm, and drank it slowly, while inspecting the immediate area. I found a slight bomb crater made by a daisy‑cutter bomb, (a small bomb loaded with shrapnel and with an instantaneous fuse used to kill personnel above ground), a few feet away from my trench. There was a large, deep crater about 30 feet across, right where I had been standing when I left the hangar to look up at the enemy bombers. If I had remained there a few seconds longer, I wouldn't be here to write these memoirs.
       A short time after the bombing attack was over we were standing around sipping free coke and talking, when the sound of aircraft approaching at high speed was heard. Everyone quickly took cover in the trenches, again. The aircraft proved to be enemy strafers and dive‑bombers coming to finish the job. They mainly went after any of our aircraft not destroyed, supply dumps, and anything that moved. Our light anti‑aircraft had unlimbered their guns and fired back, while the men in the slit‑trenches cheered the ack‑ack guys, and cussed at the intruding enemy. I was later informed that a small number of attackers were shot down. I did not see any planes shot down myself, during or after the attack. I could only see a few of the planes through the smoke and flames as they passed over on their runs. One dark painted strafer looked to me like a German ME 109 fighter.
       After approximately an hour that seemed much longer, the strafers and dive‑bombers left, and we crawled out of our slit trenches. We were organized into groups and headed for the main runway to repair the damage. The first sight that met my eyes was my old bomber, No.67 just southeast of the hangar line. It was just a burnt‑out shell of molten metal. There were four lumps above the rest of the mess, that once were the engines, and rising up out of the carnage was the tail fin with her number still proudly displayed. It had escaped the flames. Another lump was added in my throat at the sad sight. We picked up bomb fragments and other debris, threw them in the craters and a bull‑dozer covered up the holes.  The runway was now ready to receive aircraft.
       Finished with our work, since it was about chow time, we headed for the mess hall. We discussed the events of the day while eating our dinner. Bill Killin, my old buddy entered the mess hall, while we were eating, and joined us at our table. He had just landed from a long reconnaissance mission, in which they saw no enemy planes. They were advised by radio that Clark Field was under attack, so they flew around until told that it was all clear to land. Bill said that he could tell that we had been through an unusual experience. We asked why, and he told us that the pupils of our eyes were widely dilated.
       Before we finished our meal an officer instructed us not to sleep in our old nipa hut, but move away from the field, take some bedding, and sleep under the stars. We were issued a .45 caliber Colt pistol complete with web belt, two clips of ammo and leather holster. A WW I style helmet with liner was also issued. Bill Killin and I each took a blanket from our beds, and moved south of the field with a group of GIs, looking for a place to park for the night. We came to a plowed field, and I assured Bill that using the furrows would make a reasonably comfortable bed. We placed one blanket in the furrow as a ground sheet, and the other as cover against the mosquitoes. Between the mosquitoes and bombers rumbling overhead on the way to bomb Manila, and biting insects, we didn't get much sleep. In the morning we found that we had placed our make‑shift bed on top of an very disturbed ant‑hill, which explained the stinging.

Philippine Operations  Dec 8 to 31 1941

Extracted from Operations Diary for Dec 1941
93rd Squadron Combat Crews 12-08-41

14th Sqd Combat Crews 12-08-94

(*) #40-3097 Became known as the Swoose, the only one that survived, now in the Smithsonian.

30th Sqd Known Combat Crews Dec 8, 1941

       Captain Parsel and crew made reconnaissance of area south of Davao and observed results of bombing at Davao. No enemy activity reported. Later departed for San Marcelino, Luzon, landing just before dark. Fired on by friendly ground troops there with no damage to personnel, but oil lone on one engine hit by bullet.
       Lt Carpenter with regular crew left Clark Field at 0800 for photographic mission to Formosa, but was forced to return to Clark Field by engine trouble. Mission was not completed but no enemy activity reported.
       At 1430 the following crews took off Del Monte and arrived San Marcelino at dark:

       No bombs were carried and no enemy activity reported. Planes fired on by friendly troops (ground) upon approaching San Marcelino due to darkness and failure to recognize friendly aircraft. No damage to personnel or planes. No food available and crews slept at airplanes. Troops on duty this field reported that little or no food and been available for over 24 hours.

Dec 10, 1941 Colon Kelly bombs Japanese ship, is attack, on fire, crew bails, plane with Kelley crash.

Kelley awarded Distinguished Service Cross – becomes first US War Hero.

       Lt Bohnaker and crew were relieved by Lt Young and crew (30th B Sqd) (crew unknown here)
       At 0600 five (5) planes under command of Major Combs with following pilots and regular crews: Combs, Vandervanter, Ford, Shedd, and Young (replacing Bohnaker) took off Clark Field, all planes loaded with twenty 100 lb Dem. bombs to bomb enemy. Transports reported in Vigan in Lingayen Gulf. Initial attack made at 12,000 feet with all but one plane (Lt Vandevanter) dropping bombs. Another attack was made from west to east 500 ft higher. Several transports were hit, and one believed sunk. Lt Vandervanter made two attacks at 10,000 feet and 7,000 feet. Heavy anti-aircraft fire was encountered, only damage resulting in small fragment through wing of Lt Vandervanter’s plane. No enemy pursuit was observed and planes returned individually to Clark Field in cloud cover. Lt Shedd’s plane was reloaded with bombs. Other planes ordered into air immediately because of danger of attack on Clark Field. Received instructions in air to proceed to Del Monte, after message received that Del Monte might be in enemy’s possession. Due to shortage of gas Major Combs and Lt Ford landed at San Jose, Mindanao, and Lt Vanderanter landed at Tacloban, Leyte, to service.
       Capt Parsel and crew took off San Marcelino at 0600 and proceeded to Clark Field, landing there for repairs and bombs. With only seven (7) 300 lb bombs, he again took off at 0940 because of reported raid on Clark Field due at 0945 and proceed to Vigan where he bombed an enemy cruiser. First attack made at 12,500 feet in SE to NW direction, the first of a string of four (4) bombs being estimated as 50 feet short of target. Second attack from S to N made on a transport close to shore, three (3) bombs being dropped. Direct hits assumed as transport was observed burning after attack, Considerable anti-aircraft behind and below, but no damage to plane.
       Lt Connally departed Clark Field at 0530 on reconnaissance mission towards Formosa. Large formation of enemy pursuit was sighted, and returned to Clark Field but could not land because of attack by same pursuit. Landed after dark.
       Lt Pease took off Clark Field 1400 in Lt Young’s airplane with (19) 100 lb bombs to bomb enemy shipping at Aparri. Two runs were made at 24,000 feet on a cruiser and two runs on a transport. Bombs hit close to cruiser but not direct hits observed. No anti-aircraft or enemy pursuits was observed. Returned Clark Field to service gas and took off for Del Monte at 1830 but returned to Clark Field to service gas and took off for Del Monte at 1830 but returned to Clark Field because of bad weather.
       With instructions to remaining planes at San Marcelino to follow at daylight, Major O’Donnell and crew took off San Marcelino at dawn for Clark Field. Capt Kelly, Lt Montgomery, Lt Schaetzel, Lt Godman, Lt Teats, and Lt Keiser took off San Marcelino at 0630 for Clark Field. Kelly, Montgomery and Scheaetzel landed at Clark Field at 0730 to service and load bombs, the others being ordered to remain in the air. Maj O’Donnell took off Clark Field when loaded with eight (8) 600 lb bombs, proceeding to Vigan where several runs were made at 25,000 feet on an enemy aircraft carrier. No hits were observed. Anti-aircraft fire and enemy pursuit seen but no attack made. Returned to Clark Field taking off again for Del Monte. Attacked by enemy Pursuit in vicinity of Nichols Field, Manila, two of which were believed shot down. Landed Del Monte after dark with no damage to personnel or plane.
       Capt Kelly and Lt Schaetzel took off individually from Clark Field 0930 to bomb enemy shipping at Aparri. Capt Kelly’s plane loaded with (3) 600 lb bombs and Lt Schaetzel’s with (8) 600 lb bombs. Capt Kelly bombed an enemy battleship, getting one direct hit and two very near misses. While returning to Clark Field six (6) enemy pursuit were observed, two (2) of which attacked. A fire was started in the bomb bay and S/Sgt Delehanty -- Engineer Gunner was killed by enemy gun fire. The crew bailed out and was strafed in air by enemy pursuit. Capt Kelly’s parachute failed to open, reason unknown. Pfc Altman suffered scalp-wound, believed from metal splinter in plane, and Lt Bean had slight wound on ankle, possibly from strafing fire while parachuting. Attack on plane made at approximately 12,000 feet near Mt Arayat about 1400. No bomb-bay tank was carried.
       Lt Schaetzel bombed transports at Aparri under cloud cover from 25,000 feet; one believed hit, as sunk was seen. While making attack on cruiser he was attacked by enemy pursuit, one of which was believed shot down. Considerable damage was done to airplane but no casualties. Returned to San Marcelino, landing there at 1430 where orders were received for all planes to return to Del Monte. Due to poor servicing facilities, unable to take off until 2300. Landed at Cebu because of false report that Del Monte was in enemy’s possession.
       Lt Montgomery took off Clark Field at 0930 with only one (1) 600 lb bomb because of air raid alarm, dropping this bomb on enemy shipping at Vigan with no results. He returned to Clark Field and loaded twenty (20) 100 lb bombs, taking off at 1400 to bomb enemy shipping at Aparri. One transport was observed burning and sinking as result of this attack. No pursuit was sighted on this mission. On return to Clark Field, instructions were received not to land there but to proceed to Del Monte.
       Lt Montgomery could not locate the field at Del Monte after dark due too very bad weather and attempted to reach Zamboango. He was forced to land in water there, out of gas about 2200. Only minor injuries were sustained by the crew, which reached shore safely bout 0200 that night. Due to heavy rain and poor visibility  the plane was landed at fairly high speed and sank almost immediately, approximately 4 miles off shore.
       Lt Godman, Teats, and Keiser after take off at San Marcelion were instructed not to land at Clark Field. They remained in the air until low fuel supply necessitated return to San Marcelino at 1100. Lt Godman’s airplane was grounded by engine trouble. Lacking further orders Capt Parsel, Lt Teats and Keiser serviced and loaded six (6) 500 lb bombs in preparation for a mission to bomb enemy aircraft carrier in Lingayen Gulf. Orders to return to Del Monte were received prior to take off and these three planes departed San Marcelino at 1530 for Del Monte, landing there after dark with very bad weather closing down the field. Lt Godman repaired engine and left San Marcelino with Lt Schaetzel at 2300, landing Del Monte about 0900, December 11.
Dec 11-16 1941  More planes lost, cannot  defend Clark, Dec 17-18, 19th moves 1,700 mi to Australia.
       Lt Chiles, replacing Lt Shedd, and Lt Bohnaker, with regular crews on these planes, returned to Del Monte from Clark Field. Maj Combs and Lt Ford returned from San Jose, Mindoro and Lt Vandevanter returned from Tacloban, Leyte. Lt Vandevantor’s plane had stabilizer damage by hitting fence on take off 2000 for Clark Field. to prepare for photographic mission to Formosa.
       Prior to intended take off at Cebu, Lt Schaetzel discovered aileron control cable holding by only one strand, having been shot through on previous day. He was detained there two days while replacing this cable.
December 12, 1941
       Maj Combs, with regular crew, took off Del Monte at 0800 for bombing mission to Vigan. Attacks were made on enemy transports there but no hits were observed. Return was made to Del Monte.
December 13, 1941
       Lt Bohnaker and Lt Smith with regular crews took off Del Monte at 0545 for reconnaissance mission to Legaspi with orders not to bomb or alert any enemy shipping there. Bad weather was encountered in Legaspi area but enemy transports and one aircraft carrier were seen. Both planes returned to Del Monte about 1030.
       Lt Schaetzel arrived Del Monte from Cebu at 1040.
December 14, 1941
       Lts Connally, Ford, Vandevanter, Coates, Wheless, and Adams with regular crews were scheduled to take off at 1140 on bombing mission to Legasi. Due to tire blow-out Lt Connally was unable to take off. lt Coates and Lt Ford returned to Del Monte because of engine trouble. Lt Wheless was unable to find the formation due to poor visibility and bad weather in vicinity of field. He attacked enemy transports at Legaspi from 9,500 feet, with results of bombing unknown. While on bombing run he was attacked by 18 enemy pursuit, Pfc Killin 6934662 was killed, Sgt Brown 6911499 and Cpl Williams 6567079 were wounded by enemy gun fire. The plane was completely riddled by gun fire and a crash landing was made on barricaded field near Cagayen, where wounded members of crew were hospitalized. Four (4) enemy pursuit planes were believed shot down. Both “O” and “ME” type pursuit seen.
       Lt Adams and Lt Vanevanter, with Burke replacing Lt Miller on Vandevanter’s crew, attacked transports in same area from 21,000 feet. Lt Adams dropped all bombs and started to return to Del Monte when attacked by six (6) enemy pursuit. With two engines out of commission by gun fire he was forded to make a crash landing on Masbate. The plane was destroyed by enemy strafing fire after landing, but no casualties ere suffered by crew. Results of bombing are unknown.
       Lt Vanevanter with (8) 600 lb bombs made three (3) runs at 21,000 feet on two destroyers and a transport. One bomb hit very close to transport with resultant damage unknown. Anti-aircraft fire was encountered with no resultant damage to plane. Enemy pursuit sighted but no attack was made.
December 15, 1941
       Weather was bad during morning and no operations were scheduled. Maintenance was done on all airplanes. In the afternoon two planes No 3061, pilot Capt Broadhurst and No 3078 pilot Lt Teats, with crews were ordered for a late take off for Clark Field to pick up parts for the airplanes and two specialists, M/Sgt Olsen of 93rd Sqd and Cpl Long a metal worker. These planes took off at 1730 LT and landed 2100 at Clark Field.
December 16, 1941
       Capt Broadhurst and Lt Teats returned to Del Monte from Clark at 0800. The day was spent in maintenance in preparation for moving to Batchelor Field, Australia.
December 17, 18, 19, 20 1941
       The following crews went to Batchelor Field, Australia, this date.:

December 21, 1941

December 22, 1941
        Nine airplanes took off for the Davao area at 1043. The target was transports and military objectives in the Gulf of Davao. The time of the attack was sundown. Each airplane dropped (4) 500 lb bombs except one which had (3) hung up bombs. The target was seven ships -- results were uncertain due to a light overcast which impeded visibility.

       No anti-aircraft or enemy aircraft were encountered. No losses were suffered. the flight proceeded to Del Monte and landed after dark. The weather was average.
December 23, 1941
       Lt Ford and Sgt Whitehead took sick at Del Monte and were left in the hospital there. Lt Ford was replaced by Lt Bohnaker. Lt Snyder took Lt Bohnaker’s place in 3062. Sgt Whitehead was replaced by Sgt Claud. Other than these changes the crews remained the same as on the 22nd.
      Four ships (3074, 3078, 3072, 3066) took off from Del Monte at 0315. Target was ships in the Linguyan Gulf. Two ships were loaded with (7) 300 lb bomb each. The bombs were dropped in train. Results were uncertain due to target being obscured by a cloud layer after the run was made. Anti-aircraft fire and enemy pursuit both were encountered. AA never came close and EA were climbing to attack and the flight out-ran them. No losses. It was impossible to land at San Marcelino, as per orders, due to the prevalence of enemy pursuit in the vicinity. 3078 landed at San Jose, Mindoro at 0900, gassed up, took off at 1100, and landed at Ambon at 1700. 3074, 3066 and 3072 all proceeded to Ambon and landed at 1600. The weather was average. 2062, 3064 and 3097 took off from Del Monte at 30 min intervals beginning at 0430. Servicing was slow and word had been received that an air raid was coming. A rendezvous was attempted but failed. Having been ordered not to attack the Linguyan area individually, 2062 proceeded to Ambon and landed. 3064 proceeded to Batchelor and landed, and 3097 bombed the Davao docks at dawn and landed Batchelor. The docks were hit. No anti-aircraft fire or pursuit were encountered. No losses. A large fire was seen to be burning in Davao harbor before and after the attack. Presumably it was caused by the attack of the previous night.
       3062 and 3067 had engine trouble and each returned to Batchelor with crippled ships.
       At 1045 the following ships and crews too off from Batchelor to bomb the Davao area and land Del Monte:

       3070 developed supercharger trouble and returned to Batchelor at 1200. 3061 continued but returned to Batchelor at 1930 when it        was learned from ships returning from Del Monte that that place had been subjected to heavy bombing the that day and he was        unable to contact GE-6.
       December 24, 1941
       The following airplanes and crews took off from Batchelor this date and flew to Del Monte where they were to receive further orders:

Birrell Walsh, Maj Air Corps - Commanding.

       3062, 3079 and 2072 all gassed up with 2100 gal gas and loaded (7) 300 lb bombs each at Del Monte. The same personnel manned the planes as on the 24th. 3079 blew a tire taxiing our for take-off and remained at Del Monte. 3062 and 3079 took off at 0430, climbing to 15,000 feet and bombed the airport at Davao. The airport was hit and at least one enemy plane was destroyed. Both ships were attacked by an undetermined number of enemy pursuit which fired at them for about twenty minutes. Three types of enemy fighters were noted including the “zero” fighter. The B-17s climbed to 28,000 true altitude after the attack and the “zero” out performed the B-17 at that height. However, one engine had been pur out of commission on 3062, which was leading the formation and this slowed them down considerably. 2072 had been hit twice at lower altitudes by anti-aircraft fire. Two men in 2072 were injured slightly and sent to the hospital on landing at Batchelor. They were:
       S/Sgt James Cannon of 3062 was killed by enemy fire and was buried in Darwin on Dec 26. Both airplanes were badly shot up and will require a depot overhaul before they are fit for combat again. One enemy fighter was shot down by the crew of 2072. The weather was good on the way up to Del Monte.
Dec 24 two unidentified black naval vessels were sighted at 4” 00’ N 124” 00’ E making good a course of approximately 120” and a speed of about 10 K. Time 0842 GCT. Both airplanes landed Batchelor at 1530.
       December 25, 1941  Three B-17s in commission here. One at Del Monte. Status unknown. Seven here out of commission. Three need depot overhaul.
       3079 replaced wheel at Del Monte, took off at 1030, and proceeded to Davao. (7) 300 lb  from 22,000 feet bracketed one of four boats in the harbor at 1200. Believe damage done. No AA.  EA sighted, but below and could catch B-17. No losses. Sighted 2 destroyers, 2 subs, 4 large boats, and (4) four engined flying boats at Davao. 3 other large naval vessels sighted in a cove about 25 mi SW Davao. Landed Darwin 1800.
        No orders awaited 3062, 3079 and 2072 at Del Monte. It was attempted to contact Manila but not successfully. Because of frequent bombing and strafing of Del Monte, it was imperative that the ships be cleared of that place before daylight.

Birrell Walsh, Maj Air Corps - Commanding.

Recommendation for Citation

Recommendation for Citation

Recommendation for Citation

Status of Airplanes

Birrell Walsh , Maj A.C., Commanding

December 28, 1941
       3070 at Sourabaya.

Birrell Walsh , Maj A.C., Commanding

Status of Airplanes

Birrell Walsh , Maj A.C., Commanding

December 30, 1941
       The following airplanes and crews left Batchelor at 0800 and arrived Malang, Java at 1600:

Recommendation for Citation

December 31, 1941
       The following airplanes and crew left Batchelor Field at 1030 and arrived at Malang, Java, at 1730:

       At 0745 Capt Broadhurst, Lt Baxter, Lt Tarbutton, Sgt Hear, Sgt Clark, Sgt Richardon, Sgt Stephens and Capt Bettink, 1st Lt Berbvelt, Brig Dumortier (N.E.I.) took off for Samarimada II, Borneo, to survey the airport there. They landed at Samarinda II at 1115. Airplane 40-3061.
       Status Reports:  To FEAF-Darwin.
       “One in for high altitude mission. Six in for low altitude mission. Two our” will be in for low altitude mission in 24 hours. One on reconnaissance mission. Present stock of 100 octane gasoline here sufficient to service only four airplanes. Oxygen shortage acute but possibly can be remedied locally. Eubank.”
       Phoned to Surabaya at 1715 by Major Walsh.

To USAFFE - Manila

       “Eight B-17s in commission Malang. Eubank”
       Phoned to Sourabaya at 1715 by Major Walsh.