EW435G

INTRODUCTION

Reunion associations of World War II military units, have stimulated interest in recalling incidents, deeds, disasters and names. Historians have been designated for each unit and this transcription of notes made by the author over a period from 16 May 1942 to 18 August 1943, was produced for filing with these historians.

I also have six grown children who have shown very little interest in what Daddy did during the war. In time, they will want to know.

The notes were written in the manner of a flight log, started upon departure from Hickam Field, Hawaii, so that I would never forget where I had been and what I did. Actually, the information is rather sketchy, but works well to stimulate the recall processes.

It is my belief that not all of the flights made were recorded but 40 years "apres la guerre", I won't attempt to reconstruct.

In transcribing the notes, the one thing that impressed me the most was how many times I might have, by all odds should have, been killed.

WILLIAM R. EATON

1023 Tenby Road

Berwyn, PA 19312

Preflight

On my 17th birthday, 8 October 1939, I decided to act on a plan to provide me with the preparation I would want prior to going to college or to war. I wanted to be as old as the other students if I went to college (maybe even older than the girls) and needed a place to grow (sow the wild oats) while waiting. I was equally convinced that we would be drawn into the European War that had been declared on Germany's invasion of Poland in the previous month. My years of listening to World War I stories had me believing that the safest place to be when war is declared is in the military; you are used to train the draftees, if they get any training at all. I was not interested in being shot at.

I persuaded my parents to swear by affidavit that I had been born in 1921, instead of 1922, provide a letter of consent for my enlistment in the U.S. Army Air Corps, including foreign service, and drive me to Amarillo, the nearest recruiting station. I was accepted on the 11th of November, traveling from Amarillo, to El Paso on the 12th. On the 13th I received processing and was sworn into the Army for a 3 year enlistment, to be shortened to 2 years if served overseas. I had enlisted specifically for duty in Hawaii, and was to be transported there as soon as possible.

A group of us that were bound for Hawaii or the Philippine Islands, were moved to March Field, California, where we received basic training prior to sailing from San Francisco, on the 16th of December.

The U.S. Army Transport Leonard Wood arrived in Honolulu on the 22nd of December, with all of us scheduled for rotation back to the states in order to arrive there by 16 December 1941. This meant leaving Honolulu on or about 8 December 1941.

I was assigned to the 17th Air Base Squadron, Hickam Field, for further training until a permanent assignment developed.

In February 1940, the 11th Bomb Group was formed by taking personnel and aircraft from the 5th Bomb Group, already located at Hickam Field. At this time I was assigned to the 72nd Bombardment Squadron, 5th Bombardment Group. In order to achieve air crew status as early as possible, I applied for and received training as an Aerial Armorer and Chemical Warfare Specialist. My duties were to maintain all armament and pyrotechnic equipment on an assigned aircraft, and fly as the rear gunner when that aircraft flew.

I volunteered my typing skills to assist the Armament Chief in his work of managing the ordnance supply function for the squadron. He left within a few weeks for training as a bombardier, leaving me to run the place, which I did.

During the time preceding 7 December 1941, I was promoted to sergeant, earned a First Class Air Mechanic ratings qualified as a Senior Master Armorer and Expert Aerial Gunner, I taught the use of all weapons to the squadron personnel, managed the supply of ammunition, practice bombs and a few demolition bombs.

In June 1941, we received our first B-17's and the Service Extension Act of 1941, extending Air Corps and Signal Corps personnel for the duration of their enlistment in foreign service.

In August 1941, each squadron contributed one B-17D and the necessary personnel to fly and maintain it, to a squadron formed for relocation to Clark Field, P.I.. I volunteered to go (my 2 year plan had been canceled) and was being processed when a friend, Joe Gulyas, decided that he wanted to go and outranked me in date of warrant and I let him go. I was recycled to be in another unit to make the trip the next month. That plan was canceled when the 19th Bombardment Group was reassigned from Albuquerque to Clark Field.

December 7th, "Day of Infamy", Pearl Harbor Day, or what ever name is used, was a terrifying experience for me, instantly canceling any desire to "have my war", that may have developed out of years of hearing and reading about the exploits and glory of World War I.

I was preparing to keep a date to play badminton in Hanger 5 at eight o'clock. I was sitting on my bunk in the Non Commissioned Officer's bay of the Main Barracks when a plane flew low across the barracks toward Pearl Harbor. It was not unusual for our Navy to do this since they often flew on Sunday and knew that we never did. However, this time an explosion in the harbor suggested that the guy made a mistake somewhere and crashed. Another explosion got me on my feet, out of the bay and to the main entrance of our wing of the barracks. I was dressed only in my underwear and stepped only a few yards outside the door. At that time, a torpedo bomber came from the harbor at strafing altitude with the rear gunner firing at me. The Red Suns on the wings were visible and it was instantly obvious what was happening.

My first reaction was to find cover, which I did in the ladies lounge of the closed Post Exchange building (non military target). [The Post Exchange was destroyed by a direct hit.] That room had a picture window which looked out over the harbor. As the bombing proceeded the magnitude of the disaster began sinking in and my training demanded that I get to the hangar line. This I did by way of the barracks for clothing and keys to the Armament Shack.

The rest of the day went in a blur of actions, dragging aircraft to the dispersal area, installing guns and ammunition, loading demolition bombs as they were delivered by the Ordnance Corps and reacting to the various attacks made by the Japanese.

In May 1940, all military units were placed on "War Time Alert", requiring: live ammunition issued to all personnel (in peace time), weapons to be worn or carried at all times when on duty, demolition bombs loaded in the aircraft in responding to frequent "Red Alerts". Tonnage limited in Pearl Harbor, carriers anchored in Honolulu Harbor instead of Pearl, restrictions in the number of personnel permitted off of the post or ship, and so on, and with all of this training and getting ready, it was incomprehensible how such an attack could be made without any warning. No alert was ever blown until the beginning of the 2nd attack.

Three or four days later, the 72nd Bomb Squadron was relocated to Bellows Field, given all or most of the operational B-18's and put on submarine patrol; 500 miles out, dog leg and 500 miles back. As Assistant Armament Chief, I worked most of the nights at changing bomb loadings and maintaining the guns, under blackout conditions, in the field and in cold windy weather. Bellows had one short runway with another under construction. During the day., we slept or carried out work details erecting prefabricated shacks in the algorroba bushes and trees.

Toward the end of December, I returned to Hickam for training on Sperry turrets in the B-17E.

In the days following the Coral Sea Battle, May 5-8, the need to learn what the Japanese were up to in the Solomon Islands, led to the creating of a five B-17 task force for reconnaissance of those islands. With 16 hours notice, I was detached from the 72nd, placed aboard an LB-30 (export version of the B-24 Liberator), with the ultimate destination of Tontouta, New Caledonia. on the 16th of May, 1942.

What follows is an edited transcription of information recorded between 16 May 1942 and 18 August 1943. As it is, the material is primarily a trip log but included other data, thoughts and impressions of a 19 year old soldier. Now, 40 years later, it is my belief that not all of the flights made were recorded, but most of them were.

The Log

Pilot; Copilot; Navigator Hours; Date

Eskridge; ; F.R. Whiteley 11.25; 5-16-42

Takeoff Hickam Field at 0515 for destination "X”, per orders from hdq. 7th Bomber Command, 7th Air Force, Hickam Field, T.H. My status is to be the Armament Specialist for what apparently is to be a task force of some sort? Landed at Palmyra Island at 1125, refueled and tookoff at 1210. Landed at Canton Island at 1715. While moving us from the parked aircraft to the barracks area, the truck on which I was riding, turned over. I was the most seriously injured, contusions and sprains, and spent a very restless night. There were rats all over the place. LB-30 # AL-633

Eskridge; ; F.R. Whiteley; 7.00; 5-17/18-42

Takeoff from Canton Island at 0625, and I was so stiff I could hardly get about. I laid on a mattress over the bomb bay. Roy Bouse had a quart of Schenley's Black Label so we didn't let it gain much age before it was polished off. Landed at Nadi (Nandi), Viti Levu, Fiji, at 1325. A U.S. Flight Surgeon that I had known at Hickam spotted me with all of the slings and wanted to slap me in the hospital. I talked him out of it but consented to xrays of my arms, back and shoulder, at the local Australia - New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) hospital. The ANZACs were interesting and so are the planes they fly. We crossed the International Date Line today. LB-30 # AL-633

C.H. Giddings; C.A. Olson; C.C. Metz; 4.00 5-19-42

Takeoff from Nadi at 0800 for a shakedown flight. I ran into an old buddy, Ernest Shirley; used to soldier with him in Oahu in the 72nd Bomb Sqdn. He went along for the ride. Airplane checked out okay. Landed at 1200. B-17E # 2663

C.H. Giddings; C.A. Olson; C.C. Metz; 4.25; 5-20-42

Takeoff from Nadi at 1300, landed at Nadi at 1715. Flew more checkout and cooperative attack maneuvers with some local P-400's. Had a lot of fun dry-run shooting them up. Looked like duck soup to me but don't know whether I care for any of the real stuff. B-17E # 2663

S.G. Salisbury; J.A. Ryan; F.R. Whiteley; 5.40; 5-21-42

Takeoff from Nadi at 0810, landed at Tontouta Strip, New Caledonia, at 1335. We flew a five plane formation since the rest of the task force finally arrived. I sat up front with Bombardier T/Sgt Randal. Fiji was interesting but I was very uncomfortable with the bum arm and back. New Caledonia is a Free-French Island (mostly but there are Vichy French that make life a little unpredictable) and Tontouta Strip is a former nonmilitary, temporary, steel grating covered strip, located about 40 miles northwest of Noumea, on the western coastline. Lots of mosquitoes. B-17E # 41-2015

C.H. Giddings; C.A. Olson; C.C. Metz; 1.17; 6-9-42

Takeoff from Tontouta at 1315, landed at Plaines Des Gaiacs (PDG), at 1425, changing locations. PDG is located on the northern tip of New Caledonia, again on the coastline. I rather like my job as Armament Specialist since it doesn't call for any work. Our Commanding Officer, Col Cobb, took Capt Bushnell's crew to New Zealand. I visited Noumea a couple of times, meeting some people who spoke English fairly well and proceeded to expand my French vocabulary.

PDG has a beautiful runway and everything. B-17E # 663

R.B. Irwin; J.W. Duerst; J.M. Menczkowski; 3.08; 6-12-42

Takeoff from PDG at 1320, landed at PDG, 1625. A local flight to test the Automatic Flight Control Equipment (AFCE). I am now a student on AFCE maintenance and want to observe it in operation. More or less, I just wanted a ride. Our task force has been formed into the 2nd Provisional Bombardment Squadron (H). There are rumors going around that the outfit is going to Australia, not being a crew member, I may not get to go along. Here's hoping anyhow because I don't want to stay in this place. Col Cobb crashed on takeoff in Aukland, killing everyone on board. Glad I did not get to go.

B-17E # 41-2658

R.B. Irwin; J.W. Duerst; J.M. Menczkowski; 6.25; 6-25-42

Takeoff from PDG at 0845, landed at Amberly Field, Ipswich, Queensland, Australia. The original ball-turret gunner, named Beauchesne, stayed in New Caledonia to try for Officer's Candidate School. How I was picked to replace him is not known to me. I've never been in a ball-turret and it looks a trifle small for me to fit. Anyhow, I'm in Australia, the land of "Down Under". The thing that I'm most pleased about is that after 6 months of steady trying, I finally got back on a crew, It may be my undoing but when you want something, you want it. Landed 1500. B-17E # 2658

R.B. Irwin; J.W. Duerst; J.M. Menczkowski; 3.83; 6-27-42

Takeoff from Amberly at 1300, landed at Charleville, Queensland, 1650. We had a two-day leave in Brisbane, rather short of the week we had been promised. My first time in a "non-island" town in almost three years. All I could do was stand on the streets, sweating-out the "funny looking" white girls. Really a treat to see them. I stayed at the Carlton Hotel, soft mattress, bath, waiters, etc. I met a few girls and wound up the last evening with 5 beauties, all mine. I tried dancing and had forgotten how. It didn't matter though, men were scarce and women plentiful. B-17E # 2658

R.B. Irwin; J.W. Duerst; J.M. Menczkowski; 3.92; 7-7-42

Takeoff from Charleville at 0700, landed at Townsville, Queensland, at 1055. Checked in at Garbutt Field and checked out again into the Railway Hotel on Flinders Street. B-17E # 41-9206

Commentary from a 1982 frame of reference:

At this point in the record we were about to enter the fight for New Guinea. We did not know this at the time since we were led to believe we were fighting a stalling action until help could arrive to defend Australia.

Australia, with a population of about 7,000,000, had been fighting in the Middle East for a year or more, supplying personnel for the Royal Australian Navy, the Australian Imperial Forces, and the Royal Australian Air Force. There were few if any fighting forces in the area of Australia during the movement of Japan into the islands north of Australia. Primarily desert fighters, new tactics had to be learned for jungle fighting on New Guinea. They were learned quickly.

No heavy bombers were based on New Guinea in July 1942; they were flown up from Australia for each set of missions. The Japanese controlled the air over New Guinea, making it difficult to protect our airfields.

On 23 January 1942, the Japanese landed at Kavieng on New Ireland and Rabaul on New Britain. By March 8th, Japanese troops had occupied Lae and Salamaua on New Guinea. On May 5-8, the Japanese task force aimed at Port Moresby was stopped in the Coral Sea; they did however land at various points in the Solomon Islands, as determined by our own task forced. reconnaissance flights from New Caledonia.

In July 1942, Japanese troops were approaching Port Moresby by way of the Kokoda Trail from Buna.

On August 7th, U.S. Marines landed and captured an air strip under construction on Guadalcanal. The Japanese efforts to recapture Henderson Field extended for months of bloody fighting on land, in the air and on the sea. These efforts were supported by bombing and reconnaissance flights from the Port Moresby operations of the 19th and 43rd Bomb Groups, operating as far south as New Georgia Island.

On August 16th, Australian troops made contact and started moving the Japanese troops back across the Owen Stanley Range to Buna by November.

Between August 26 and September 6, a major Japanese landing at Milne Bay was repulsed by the Australians.

As it developed, the Japs had been stopped in May in the Coral Sea, in June at Midway, in August on New Guinea and the Solomons; not beat, just stopped. The period of time from August 1942 to August 1943 churned like a meat grinder as each side tried to hold ground while gathering strength for whatever push could be mustered. The Battle of the Bismarck Sea in March of 1943 seemed to be the breaking point in the Japanese efforts.

The last mission by the writer, 17/18 August 1943, was the opener for the Allied thrust by General MacArthur's forces to return to the Philippines. The Japanese fleet of aircraft had been being pursued by our reconnaissance operations from field to field. It is believed that a death blow to Japanese air defenses were delivered in the bombing of Butt airfield on 17/18 August.

R.B. Irwin; J.W. Duerst; J.M. Menczkowski; 2.60; 7-16-42

Takeoff from Townsville, 1415, landed at Longreach, Q., 1640, ferrying a plane down to the 28th Bomb Sqdn. Stayed at the School of Arts Building, I met with E.C. Moody and Joseph Gulyas. (They went to the Philippine Islands in August of ‘41, with the 1st Provisional Bomb Sqdn). It was the first time they had seen anyone out of the old 72nd since they had left Hawaii. Gulyas came out of the Philippines in a submarine. I got the low-down on what happened to the rest of the boys. Townsville has lots of soldiers but it was a change. I'm getting acquainted with the crew's habits; Atchue's nightmares worry me.

B-17E # 2408

F. Hardison; ; ;, 1.50; 7-20-42

Takeoff from Longreach at 1015, landed at Charleville at 1145. We spent a quiet four days at Longreach and came back to Charleville. Only one other crew left here besides us, it didn't take us long to get into the old routines. B-17E # 2408

R.B. Irwin; V.H. Reeves; J.M. Menczkowski; 3.50; 7-29-42

Takeoff from Charleville at 1240, landed at Mareeba at 1615. Another ferry job, attached to the 93rd Bomb Sqdn. I spoke with W.P. Griffin and J.W. Kennedy out of the old 72nd and out of the Philippines. They said that my training program, done a year ago, had really helped them in the Philippines. Just glad to get out of Charleville and into a fighting outfit; this is a fighting outfit by reputation. They also serve beer every night and the chow is good. ?

R.B. Irwin; V.H. Reeves; J.M. Menczkowski; 3.60; 8-9-42

Takeoff from Mareeba at 1130, landed at Charleville, 1500. Back to Charleville again. Mareeba was disappointing because wake were only attached and pulling details for the 93rd. Checked in at the hotel. We are the only flying crew left here and have the run of the place. Everyone knows us by now. Flew down in a plane from the 28th Bomb Sqdn which needed repairs since it had a couple of cannon holes in it – two men killed. B-17E 4 2536

R.B. Irwin; J.W. Duerst; J.M. Menczkowski; 4.42; 8-27-42

Takeoff from Charleville, 1000, landed at Mareeba, 1425. Really glad to get out of Charleville. We are assianed to the 93rd Bomb Sqdn and maybe this time we will get some action. I learned that T/Sgt H.T. Randal and Sgt Coy Adams of the old 2nd Provisional Sqdn had been killed on a hop over Cairns, Q. Both good men. B-17E # 2464

R.B. Irwin; J.W. Duerst; Fairfax; 5.00; 3-28-42

Takeoff from Mareeba 0800, landed at Mareeba, 1300. We are back in the Army again. The second day in the outfit and they send us out on a practice bombing mission. I loaded the first bombs today in a mighty long time. Felt like my old Armorer days. ?

R.B. Irwin; J.C. Dieffenderfer; J.M. Menczkowski; 4.59; 9-1-42

Takeoff from Mareeba 1315, landed at Seven Mile Strip, Port Moresby, New Guinea, at 1750. We flew a seven ship formation searching for two Japanese cruisers in the Solomon Sea east of Milne Bay. The ceiling was very low so we weren't too eager to find them; they have plenty of antiaircraft protection. My first time in New Guinea and it is altogether different than I had expected. There are lots of mosquitoes, sunshine, jungle and what not. There are a number of airplanes here and the place is all torn to hell. Just beat a storm in when we landed. B-17E # 2650

R.B. Irwin; J.C. Dieffenderfer; J.M. Menczkowski; 3.58; 9-2-42

Takeoff from Port Moresby, 0830, landed at Mareeba, 1205. We didn't get to go on the mission we expected. They had us unload on the runway and come home. A bit disappointed but somewhat wiser. It rained most of the night and I slept in the airplane with one eye and one ear on the alert constantly (We had been advised that certain members of the Australian Imperial Forces had liking for the kinds of things found in airplanes). We did not have any action or air raid despite being told that we should expect one. I will probably get my belly full of that stuff later on. I hope not. B-17E # 2650

Gibson; ; ; 1.47; 9-7-42

Takeoff from Mareeba, 1200, landed at Townsville, 1340. We have been transferred to the 435th Bomb Sqdn to do reconaissance work. Sounds like plenty of action since the work consists of one ship reconn over all of the hot spots in the day time. I would much rather do bombardment work with a formation for protection. We still have the original crew that left New Caledonia: Pilot Robert B. Irwin,, Copilot John W. Duerst, Navigator John M. Menczkowskil Bombardier Sam H. Wilson, Engineer Leonard 0. Simmons, Asst Engineer Henry W. Atchue, Radio Operator Hyman Marder, Asst Radio Operator Michael A. Benna, Gunner William R. Eaton. ?

R.B. Irwin; J.W. Duerst; J.M. Menczkowski; 4.00; 9-13-42

Takeoff from Townsville 1240, landed at Seven Mile Strip at 1640 and will probably go on our mission tomorrow. We have a new man on the crew named Brill, an extra side gunner. Like us, he has never been in action in the air. Everyone is looking forward to the Nip Zeros as they have quite a reputation and the old hands say to treat them with great respect. We will see. They shoot down ships out of formation so what chance does one B-17 have? B-17E # 2645

R.B. Irwin; J.W. Duerst; J.M. Menczkowski; 9.50; 9-15-42

Takeoff from Port Moresby, 0555, landed at Port Moresby, 1525. Our first reconn mission and everything was fine, fine, fine. Had an interesting view of Jap held territory from Vitiaz Strait to Garove Island to Munda, New Georgia Island, to Port Moresby. No AA or Zero interception. Liked to have blinded myself watching for all that enemy aircraft that wasn't there, thankfully. Some of the other crews ran into a little competition. B-17E # 2645

R.B. Irwin; J.W. Duerst; J.M. Menczkowski; 9.10; 9-16-42

Takeoff from Port Moresby, 0550, landed at Port Moresby, 1455. We really got into it today, running a reconn from Moresby to Buka, Faisi, Tonolei Harbor and back to Moresby. We ran into plenty of AA at Tonolei Harbor; close enough to rock the plane and change it's course. We were attacked by three float Zeros and two land Zeros. My oxygen went out in the turret so I didn't see much of it. The Zeros made a couple of passes and went home. There was more shipping in that harbor than I have ever seen before outside of Pearl Harbor. Wilson went on a bombing mission and we took another observer.

B-17E # 2654

R.B. Irwin; J.W. Duerst; J.M. Menczkowski; 4.25; 9-17-42

Takeoff from Port Moresby, 0630, landed at Townsville, 1045. Return trip to home base and I will probably rest for a few hours before taking a 24 hour pass. B-17E # 2645

Tex Simmons; ; ; 3.67; 9-25-42

Takeoff from Townsville, 1305, landed at Port Moresby, 1645. Riding as passengers. Lt Simmons used to live at PamDa, Tex. His sister was my algebra teacher and still lives there.

B-17E # 2645

R.B. Irwin; J.W. Duerst; J.M. Menczkowski; 8.83; 9-27-42

Takeoff from Port Moresby, 0640, landed at Port Moresby, 1530. Reconn: Port Moresby, Buka, Faisi, Tonolei Harbor, to Port Moresby. There was lots of AA from Buka, Faisi and Tonolei Harbor, the ships provided the more accurate variety. Some of it close but suffered no damage; just nerve wracking. We had about five hours on Oxygen and it is most uncomfortable to breath the same breath over and over for that length of time. We have a new gunner on the crew, Robert E. Georae. Looks promising.

B-17E # 2639

R.B. Irwin; J.W. Duerst; J.M. Menczkowski; 4.92; 9-28-42

Takeoff from Port Moresby, 0840, landed at Port Moresby, 1335. Armed reconn (carrying demolition bombs): Port Moresby, Bunag Finschhafen, Lae, Salamaua, Buna, to Moresby. Made three passes at 15,000 feet over Lae, dropped 3 ea 300 lb bombs on the second pass. The bombs hit at the end of the runway. We received heavy AA all of the time and one Zero took off. We let down over Salamaua into a lot more AA. We were supposed to bomb Kokoda but everything was fogged in. Did me good to see some bombs falling from this end. B-17E # 2645

F. Eaton; ; ; 4.10; 9-29-42

Takeoff at Port Moresby, 0700, landed at Townsville, 1105. Going home after a couple of most interesting missions. I still can't get over the feeling I had at watching those bombs hit at Lae. It's a lot different than when they are coming down at me. Riding as passenger with a Capt Fred Eaton from New York and of no relation. He was forced down near Buna on his first mission and brought his crew back on foot, across the mountains through all of that jungle. B-17E # 9194

R.B. Irwin; J.W. Duerst; J.M. Menczkowski; 3.75; 10-5-42

Takeoff from Townsville, 1355, landed at Port Moresby, 1740. I have been biding my time around Townsville, taking in an occasional flick (movie) and reading quite a bit. I have received some mail from home and have written none whatever since I've been in Australia. I have seen several men from the old outfits in Oahu. B-17E # 9193

R.B. Irwin; J.W. Duerst; J.M. Menczkowski; 7.50; 10-6-42

Takeoff from Port Moresby, 0630, landed at Port Moresby, 1400. Reconn: Port Moresby, Steffen Strait, Kavieng, Wide Bay, Gasmata, down the shipping lanes to Buna and then Port Moresby. We received heavy AA from the ships in Kavieng. We were intercepted by one Zero, engaging us in a running dogfight for 45 minutes and no cloud cover available. I scored hits on the Zero but failed to shoot him down. We suffered no hits or casualties. The Zero made six passes from the nose and four passes from the sides. I had one gun out but gave him Hell with the other one. I fired 550 rounds alone. We had difficulty convincing people that we had expended all of our amino and had not shot down anything. Even more amazing, the Jap had done the same thing without making a hole in us. B-17E # 2639

R.B. Irwin; J.W. Duerst; J.M. Menczkowski; 8.58; 10-8-42

Takeoff from Port Moresby, 0620, landed at Port Moresby, 1455. Reconn and Photo: Port Moresby, Buka, East coast of Bougainville Island, Faisi, Gizo, to Port Moresby. There are a large number of ships at Buin and Tonolei Harbor. We received heavy AA at Buka and Buin with no damage; no Zero interceptions. We, saw flying boats landing and taking off in the harbor. Today is my birthday and what a birthday party. I had about four hours above 25,000 ft, with every yellow bastard in the Jap forces shooting at me, and not so much as a kind word to ease the situation. Three years ago today, the notion first hit me to join the Army. B-17E # 9193

H.E. Powers; ; ; 4.00; 10-9-42

Takeoff from Port Moresby, 0740, landed at Townsville, 1140. Riding as passengers, giving me a chance to catch-up on my sleep. B-17E # 2639

D.C. Surles; ; ; 6.25; 10-12-42

Takeoff from Townsville, 0615, landed at Mascot Field, Sydney, New South Wales, 1230. On my way to a weeks leave in Australia’s best. My first leave in three years of service. We ran into fog and icing in the hills outside of Sydney. We happened to have an RAAF pilot on board as a passenger and he recognized the terrain when we bottomed out with the fog. He guided us down a creek bed to the harbor.

B-17E # 2653

F. Eaton; ; ; 6.50; 10-21-42

Takeoff from Sydney, 1130, landed at Townsville, 1730. Wow, what a place! The people in Southern Australia are really different from those in the northern sections-. There are very few U.S. Soldiers in Sydney and we had the run of the place. It was the most fun I've had in three years. I wish I could remember what the States are like so I could compare the two. B-17E 4 2653

R.B. Irwin; J.W. Duerst; J. Ozanne; 4.00; 10-23-42

Takeoff from Townsville, 1330, landed at Port Moresby, 1730. Well they didn't waste much time getting us back into harness. I had hoped they would finish off this war before I got back. Charlie Simmons is no longer on the crew. He turned in at the hospital and believes he is on his way home on a medical discharge. There are rumors that the crew will be transferred to the 43rd Bomb Group. We're rather hoping that we would stay in the 435th Bomb Sqdn and go home, however that may be expecting too much. B-17E # 19193

R.B. Irwin; J.W. Duerst; J. Ozanne; 10.25; 10-24-42

Takeoff from Port Moresby, 0200, landed at Port Moresby, 1215. Reconn/photo: Port Moresby, Kavieng, to Port Moresby. Over Kavieng Field and harbor at daybreak to take pictures, making two passes over the field. Received no AA on the first pass but there was heavy AA on the second. They didn’t touch us. I watched four Zeros takeoff during the second pass and thay were at our altitude, 35,000 in five minutes. They intercepted us ten minutes out of Kavieng on departure. My Oxygen went out in the ball-turret and I had to come out. The only guns on the airplane that were working were one tail gun and the two waist guns. I got into the upper turret to fix those jams and got in a couple of good bursts. The crew got one Zero and one possible. This was apparently Ozanne's first combat because he did not know where we were when we hit a heavy fog bank and the Zeros broke off. He had put the cover over his compass, to keep the brass or empty shell casings from breaking it, ignored the time, airspeed altitude instruments, and joined the dogfight. He quickly concluded that we should circle while we climbed out of the soup. About five minutes from where we broke out, was a mountain on the heading we were on. Our plane had numerous bullet holes and one cannon hole. A "Brisbane" Colonel that we had along for a passenger, said he would recommend us for the Silver Star. What a way to celebrate my Dad's birthday.

B-17E # 19193

R.B. Irwin; J.W. Duerst; J. Ozanne; 9.75; 10-26-42

Takeoff from Port Moresby, 0600, land at strip # One, Milne Bay, 1445, takeoff from Milne Bay, 1600, landed at Port Moresby, 1700. Reconn: Port Moresby, Buna, Buka, Tonolei Harbor, Faisi, Milne Bay and Port Moresby. Tonolei Harbor was full of Jap war ships; 98 reported. We had an Aussie Air Commodore Hewitt along as an observer. He really knew his stuff; good Joe too. We received heavy AA over Faisi and Tonolei Harbor with no Zero interception. There was ample cloud cover all along the way. Five men were killed at Port Moresby in an air raid last night. Our acting engineer cut his feet up while running to a slit trench barefooted. The alarm did not sound until the bombs had already hit. What a night and what a day. Landed at Fall River or Milne Bay and refueled on the way back. Interesting place.

R.B. Irwin; J.W. Duerst; J. Ozanne; 5.25; 10-27-42

Takeoff from Port Moresby, 1600, landed at Townsville, 2115. Afternoon and night flight back to home base. We sat around waiting for them to repair the ship that we got shot up over Kavieng and finally decided to take another one. We had several pursuit pilots sand bagging down; on their way back to the States. Lucky dogs. Irwin has never made a night landing in a B-17 so everyone was more or less sweating him out. Ozanne hit Townsville okay and they turned the searchlights on us. The landing came out okay. We had a very late supper of fried eggs, sausage and milk. Good'o.

R.B. Irwin; J.W. Duerst; J.M. Menczkowski; 4.00; 11-8-42

Takeoff Townsville, 0930, landed at Port Moresby, 1330. Orders have come through assigning us to the 43rd Bomb Group but we have been attached to the 8th Photo Sqdn to photograph Rabaul. A special job, flying a B-17E with eight cameras mounted on it for mosaic work. Rabaul is the hottest spot in the Pacific. We should get a very good look at the harbor. B-17E # 2666

R.B. Irwin; J.W. Duerst; J.M. Menczkowski; 4.00; 11-9-42

Takeoff from Port Moresby, 1320, landed at Townsville, 1720. Well, someone decided that we had the wrong type of cameras in the ship so we flew down to get them changed. Rumors are that we will go back up tomorrow.

Reflecting back, as we are soon to leave the 19th Bomb Group, Lt Edward H. Hoffman, T/Sgt Charles P. Brunsoni T/Sgt Joe F. Lopez,, Sgt Harry Cohn, Cpl James Herriotts, Cpl John R. Clanton, Pvt Curtis L. Childers and Col Cobb were all killed at Aukland, New Zealand on about 8 June 1942. T/Sgt Harman T. Randal and Sgt Coy Adams were killed in an experimental flight out of Mareeba (Testing bombrack adapters for big flares for night bombing). Pvt Curtis T. Longenberger went down with a crew on a raid over Tonolei Harbor some time ago. He started out on the same crew as Randal and Adams. Lt Holsey's crew went down on the beach at Hood Point, no damage. Several others have gone down, been shot up, and so forth. Being separated from the rest of the Group, it is impossible to keep up on this kind of information. S/Sgt Everett F. Perkins was wounded in the leg by a cannon fragment. Nothing serious but just makes a fellow stop and think that maybe he won't be so lucky next time. All fellows were in the original task force sent out of Hawaii in May. B-17E # 2666

R.B. Irwin; J.W. Duerst; J.M. Menczkowski; 2.58; 11-11-42

Takeoff from Townsvilleg 10309 landed at Iron Range, 1305. The 435th ceased operations on the 9th, so we are moving to the 403rd Bomb Sqdn, 43rd Bomb Group, to do reconn for them. The 19th Bomb Group is going back to a zone of interior, probably the States, and we are staying here. We have as many missions and three times the service overseas as most of the men going back, yet we don't seem to qualify for the trip. Three years ago today, I left home to join the Army. Why didn't some kind, experienced soul take me off to a corner and explain things as they are. Well here is hoping this new, green and unorganized outfit is suitable for a promotion. B-17E # 19193

E.S. Hocutt; J.W. Duerst; J.M. Menczkowski; 2.50; 11-14-42

Takeoff from Iron Range, 1450, landed at Port Moresby, 1720. Lt Hocutt is acting as first pilot since Irwin grabbed a neat, safe, and sane, ground job as the S-4 Officer on the Squadron Staff. We have a new engineer, named Calderella; he is a six month S/Sgt and I have my doubts. We'll see? Iron Range is located about 250 miles north of Cooktown and is really in the jungle. The only time we see the sun is when the sky is clear and we are on the runway. There are 16 varieties of snakes and 14 of them are poisonous. Marder got stung on the chin by a scorpion the other night. Nothing serious.

B-17E # 24550

E.S. Hocutt; J.W. Duerst; J.M. Menczkowski; 9.00; 11-16-42

Takeoff from Port Moresby, 0420, Landed at Port Moresby, 1320. Reconn: Port Moresby, Buka Passage, Tonolei Harbor to Port Moresby. Stayed on Oxygen for about 7 hours. Number 3 engine cut out over the harbor, number 2 was missing and number 4 was running rough. I was getting the bends and had to come out of the ball turret over Tonolei Harbor. I walked into the radio operators compartment, plugged into an Oxygen outlet and evidently turned on another one right beside it, by mistake. I opened the door to the bomb bay with intentions of using the relief tube but passed out instead, at 30,000 feet due to the lack of Oxygen. Wilson heard about it over the interphone and started back to help me. He passed out in the crawlway by the AFCE because the walk-around bottle that he had grabbed, was empty. The pilot dove the airplane to 18,000 feet. Someone stuck a mask on my face and I came to and was lucky as Hell for it too. I had gone out on my feet, come to on my feet, and did not realize that anything had gone on until I looked out the window and noticed the difference in altitude. They said I had gone down like sack. Menczkowski rescued Wilson, fortunately. We had a USN Capt R.E. Hudson along as an observer.

B-17E # 24550

J. Zeamer; E.S. Hocutt; J.M. Menczkowski; 9.00; 11-20-42

Takeoff from Port Moresby, 0945, landed at Port Moresby, 1845. Reconn: Port Moresby, Buna, Vitiaz Strait, Rabaul, Gasmata, Buna, Port Moresby. The day started with some sort of omen.

Hocutt was first pilot and somehow while taxing toward the runway, we mired in the mud and had to wait for tow. This gave us a later than scheduled start and during the delay, Hocutt became Copilot and Zeamer took over as Pilot. We were supposed to stay at altitude over Rabaul but it was completely covered by clouds and evidently the importance of knowing what was in the harbor caused Zeamer to decide on going down until we could see the place. We broke out of the clouds at about 10,000 feet, found ourselves right over one of the airstrips and moving in the direction of the harbor, with at least 20 Zeros flying at our altitude. Some Zeros made passes at us while we were diving to 39,000 feet for a small cluster of clouds over Matupi Island in the Harbor. My turret door came off in the dive and I had a Hell of a time hanging on. Menczkowski talked to Zeamer while we were circling in the clouds, as to when to leave the clouds without heading back into the Harbor. We came out of the clouds right over Rabaul Harbor at 3,000 feet but escaped without further attack. The theory is that there were so many Zeros in the air that no AA could be used and the Zeros were too busy missing each other to figure out where we were going when we broke out. I was on side gun when we came back across Buna. We had been briefed this morning that our troops had captured the air strip at Bunal so we lined up to buzz the strip. We started receiving AA and 9 Zeros tookoff from the strip as we dragged it. I left the side guns and got into the ball-turret without the door on it. The dogfight took place at near tree top altitude with Zeamer using the low altitude to keep them busy watching for hills and denying them the belly attack since the ball-turret was out. Wilson was riding in the tail and shot down two of the Zeros; one blew up and the other went down burning. Atchue took my place on the side gun and split another Zero with Calderala in the upper turret. I didn't get to do any shooting because the pilot didn't know I would get back into the lower turret and dropped a wing on all low attacks, taking my turret out of firing position. I had no interphone since I couldn't keep a headset on in the slipstream. I spent most of my time cussing the Japs and hanging on. Zeamer handled that B-17 like a peashooter. We had a tire shot out and landed without knowing about it until we hit. A very busy day. We are supposed to be recommended for a Silver Star but that's an old story. Just another day to talk about. B-17E # 9011

2.50; 11-21-42

Takeoff from Port Moresby, 1330, landed at Iron Range, 1600. Came down as a passenger in a B-24D. I don't like B-24's or anything connected with them. The wings flap like a bird's and they land wrong end down. Fortunately, we had a safe trip. A B-24 blew up on takeoff from Iron Range the other day and killed several men. The crash totally ruined 4 other airplanes on the runway and killed or -injured several bystanders. These new fangled contraptions are getting dangerous, I'm thinking.

4.00; 11-23-42

Takeoff from Iron Range, 0910, landed at Number 3 Strip, Milne Bay, 1310. The Squadron changed bases today, moving to Milne Bay to cut down operating time. Malaria, mosquitoes, bad chow and dead Japs all over the place with a few live ones still out in the jungle. The native women dress "Au Natural", not like the ones at Moresby where the missionaries have them in full sarongs.

J.W. Duerst; ; J.M. Menczkowski; 1.75; 11-30-42

Takeoff from Milne Bay, 0930, landed at Port Moresby, 1115. Fall River is turning out to be quite a place. We had an air raid night before last with bombs hitting # 1 Strip (a fighter strip). All of the "Die Hards" in the squadron immediately went to work on slit trenches. We already had our's because we could see it coming. We have been thru several bombing raids on top of the ground and feel much safer about four feet below the ground surface. We had lots of AA shrapnel falling around us but no casualties in the squadron. B-17F # 24551

J.W. Duerst; ; J.M. Menczkowski; 9.17; 12-1-42

Takeoff from Port Moresby, 1130, land at Port Moresby, 2040. A creeping search from Moresbyt Buna, Gasmata, St. George's Channel, Vunakanau Field, Rabaul, Vitiaz Straits, Cape Ward Hunt, Buna, to Moresby. The AA was fairly heavy in the Rabaul area. We sighted 4 destroyers off Gasmata. 10 Zeros flew around above us but never attacked. Major Charles, the CO of the 403rd Bomb Sqdn, is missing from a reconn flight over Rabaul. Lt James Ozanne was his navigator. I sure hated to see Ozanne check-out. Hell of a nice guy. He was in a "Believe it or Not" Ripley cartoon as the first son of the. first son for 31 generations. His wife is pregnant and we we will never know if the continuity will continue.

B-17F # 24551

J.W. Duerst; ; J.M. Menczkowski; 10.25; 12-2-42

Takeoff from Port Moresby, 0620, landed at Port Moresby, 1635. Reconn: Moresby to Buna, Cape Ward Hunt, Vitiaz Straits, Vitu Islands, Cape Ward Hunt, Buna, to Moresby. A very quiet day; no AA, no Zeros. Lt Freeman's crew, 65th Bomb Sqdn, crashed into a hill on landing approach at Port Moresby. The ship burned and killed some of the oldest buddies of mine in the Army: W.H. Grogan, J.M. Iverson, Cullison, R.E. Wright, Lt Moy, MacFarland; all guys out of the old 72nd in Oahu. Not a better crew ever flew. It was their third mission that night and a tough break. We had an air raid last night but I slept right thru it. That has to be a sign of something. B-17F # 24548

J.W. Duerst; ; J.M. Menczkowski; 7.83; 12-4-42

Takeoff from Port Moresby, 0650, landed at Port Moresby, 1440. Creeping search from Moresby, Buna, Cape Ward Hunt, Vitiaz Straits, Vitu Islands and return. Nothing doing. B-17F # 24548

J.W. Duerst; ; J.M. Menczkowski; 1.75; 12-5-42

Takeoff from Port Moresby, 1500, landed at Milne Bay, 1645. There is some talk about going home but I've been hearing that for the past several months and as yet have not moved any closer to home.

B-17F # 24548

R.B. Irwin; E. Martin; J.M. Menczkowski; 1.75; 12-20-42

Takeoff from Milne Bay, 1000, landed at Port Moresby, 1145. Irwin is back. He let me make 3 or 4 practice bombing runs on the way up. Rather interesting to me but hell on him. Lt. Duerst and Pvt George are grounded for 30 days because of malaria and about ten percent of the outfit is in the hospital with malaria. I take 10 grains of quinine a day to control any that I might have. Capt Green is the Squadron Commander, replacing Maj Charles. Nothing has ever been heard from Charles. Milne Bay has turned out to be a fairly good place except for malaria. We have electric lights in the tent, a little to read now and then, and the chow is picking up somewhat. There is nothing but water to drink though. We buzzed native boats and villages on the way up. B-17E # 2666

R.B. Irwin; E. Martin; J.M. Menczkowski; 7.50; 12-22-42

Takeoff from Port Moresby, 0600, landed at Port Moresby, 1330. Reconn and photo: Namatani Air Field, Lakanti and Vunakanau Fields (Rabaul), and return to Moresby. Mike Benna is grounded because of ear trouble and we took 2 new gunners along. Everything was fine, fine, fine, until we went to sleep just south of Rabaul on the way back to Moresby. Three new type Zeros sneaked up on us and fair gave us a go. I was just getting ready to come out of my turret when they hit us. No one saw them until they made their first pass; I suppose it was their first pass, I hope. Anyhow, the damn things got on our tail, about 50 yards behind us, and emptied their guns at us and thru us. I couldn't do a hell'ova of a lot of shooting because when I fired, they would move up a few feet, causing my cut-off switch to stop the guns from firing. Even so, I should have gotten one. Someone saw my tracers going thru one but nothing resulted. Porky Atchue did a lot of useless shooting but got one. (Porky was tail gunner and obviously not at his best). We collected lots of holes and we were damn lucky to get out alive, much less with no injuries. The left aileron control was shot out, right elevator shot out, 2 gas tank punctured, main rib in the right wing shot out, 2 oil cooler hit, and plenty of 15 mm holes all over. It was a very, by-God, hot time. My left gun was out. B-17E # 2666

R.B. Irwin; E. Martin; J.M. Menczkowski; 7.67; 12-23-42

Takeoff from Port Moresby, 0530, landed at Port Moresby, 1310. Reconn and Photo: Port Moresby, Arawe, Gasmata, Mal Mal, Buka, Numa Numa, to Port Moresby. There was no rheostat control for my heated flying suit so I got cold today. Oxygen was out in both turrets. No AA or Zero interception, just a nice quiet reconn mission. We sighted one destroyer between Rabaul and Buka. I sat in the radio compartment most of the time. We buzzed some islands on the way back and I did a little practice firing. Greatly impressed by the accuracy of my turret when not shooting at Japs. We went thru a pip of an air raid at Moresby last night. B-17E # 627

R.B. Irwin; E. Martin; J.M. Menczkowski; 1.75; 12-24-42

Takeoff from Port Moresby, 1500, landed at Milne Bay, 1645. Ship heavily loaded with Sqdn maintenance personnel returning to Milne Bay for Christmas, but we still buzzed native boats and villages on the way home. All enlisted Bombardiers in the 43rd Bomb Group made Master Sergeant, so I guess Wilson is now a M/Sgt. The 64th Bomb Sqdn moved to 7 Mile strip at Moresby so we are no longer the only ones living on New Guinea. Rumors are, we will be quitting pretty soon, I hope. Here it is Christmas Eve and we are flying back to our home base. B17E # 627

12-25-42

This is my fourth Christmas in foreign service, my first three being in Hawaii, since 1939. Last year we were still trying to realize that the Japs had come, played Hell, and left again. This year, no mail, no presents, no carols or kind words.. We had an air raid alert last night; nothing happened. Benna chiseled in on a drinking party and came home sick, drunk and feeling like Hell; lucky dog. We had a pretty good dinner, received a box from the Red Cross; all Aussie stuff and of inferior quality, but nice to get anyhow. I wonder where I'll be next Xmas, if at all?

1-17-43

Oh happy, happy, January 17th. Today was Sunday and that should have been enough to warn me. We were scheduled to test hop B-17F # 551 with a takeoff at around 1300. As we were going to the Operations Hut, a red alert sounded so we hit for the trenches. After sitting around for about 10 minutes, Wilson came down and said we were taking off, alert or no alert. Wilson, Lawfer, some M/Sgt and I piled into a Jeep and took off for the flight line. Wilson looked up and said Good God, look what's up there". One peek and no more was needed. 23 Jap bombers, 2 photo planes and numerous Zeros, were right in the middle of a bombing run, headed right for us. Everyone left that Jeep like it was on fire. I headed down into the 43rd Engineers area and sprawled in a shallow ditch beside the road. I looked over my shoulder, decided I had time to find a slit trench and went on the prowl for one. Fortunately, I found the most beautiful little trench I had ever seen and there were only about six guys in it. I lay there watching the bombers on a perfect run, perfect formation (V of V,s), and no AA bothering them. Some P-39's were trying to get up to them but weren't having much luck. They were bombing from about 7,000 feet or less, so the 39's really were just getting airborne to save the planes. About that time, I heard a familiar swishing noise so I plugged my ears, ate my own tail out for not having my tin hat along, and started wondering when that $12,000 bomb was going to hit me. I could feel the bombs hitting all around me and then they went by. Something hit me on the neck and raised a welt and a blister. After that swishing noise went away, I worked up enough courage to poke my head over the top. Everything was smoking, burning, and for a short while, general confusion. The first daytime air raid Milne Bay has had since we arrived. One of the Engineers looked over, said something about a dynamite cache about a hundred feet away and how it was burning. All of a sudden, I find myself alone, wondering why everyone had left in such a hurry, and then I realized what the guy had said. I got the Hell out of there to my own camp area; direct hits were scored on the PX, Transportation Office (tent), and one or two tents. A direct hit was made on B-17F # 551, and had the bombing taken place five minutes later, we would have just been warming her up. The-Squadron's two remaining ships were demolished, one B-24 and most of the RAAF Hudsons were "Red Crossed".

For most of the fellows in the outfit, it was their first big raid, and I must say they took it pretty well. No casualties, minor wounds and a meaningful experience because it seems we might be in for a siege of this sort of thing. The bombs were of about 30 kilogram size, small but potent as hell. A good reminder of the fateful December 7th and how the high level bombing played havoc with the hangars and barracks. In that one, they missed the airplanes because we had already dispersed them. This time it was fewer planes, smaller bombs, no strafing, and most of all, I was in the neatest little slit trench, There were a few holes in our tent, bombs hit within a few feet of it, but no personal or material damage noted. It gave the boys a change of subject to throw the bull around about. What a pip; a lulu if I ever saw one.

We were later told that half of our anti aircraft batteries were being flown to Buna, which we had finally captured, with the fighters flying cover for the transports, and the anti aircraft guns remaining were being moved when the attack came. Another lulu if I ever heard one. We lost all of our planes, bombs, gas, parts supplies and whatever else I can think of.

E.S. Hocutt;. ; ; 4.00; 1-22-43

Takeoff Milne Bay, 0915, landed at Mareeba, 1315, in a plane borrowed from the Group. Leaving Milne Bay and damn glad of it. On 20 January, at night, we had four and a half hours of slit trench time with constant bombing and AA. Really hard on the nerves and I do mean I am jittery. We have about 35 men on the plane with baggage, tents, etc. Loaded, I must say but everyone is willing to take the risk just to get out. Between malaria cases and the bombing, we were going batty.

H.M. Brecht; C.E. O'Conner; R.O. Brown; 1.00; 2-15-43

Takeoff from Mareeba, 1540, landed at Townsville, 1640. Ferrying Col Roger Ramey, Group Commander down. Had a long conversation with him when he recognized the 72nd Insignia on my flight jacket. He was CO of the 42nd Bomb Sqdn, 11^th Bomb Group back in 1940, at Hickam. B-17E # 462

H.M. Brecht; C.E. O'Conner; R.O. Brown; 3.00; 2-16-43

Takeoff from Townsville, 1115, landed at Charters Towers, 1215. We stayed the night in Townsville and has that place gone to the dumps. I didn't see anyone that I knew. Takeoff from Charters Towers, 1400, landed at Mareeba, 1600. We buzzed the field pretty good. Charters Towers is a fair sized little Bush-town. B-17E # 462

Gibson; 3.25; 3-5-43

Takeoff from Mareeba, 0915, landed at Mareeba, 1230. Practice bombing at sand islands off Cairns. I slept most of the time. Bombing was poor. We had 3 Flight Surgeons from Pursuit outfits out for a ride. We buzzed some house outside of Cairns, going out and coming in. Lawfer, Wilson, Marder and Atchue are out on mission to Moresby. I wish could have gone along as I haven't flown in combat for a long time. Rumors are thick that some of us are going home. J.W. Duerst is leaving for the States??? today. Irwin is taking over the crew again. B-17E # 081

2.50; 3-6-43

Takeoff from Mareeba, 1330, landed at Mareeba, 1600. Practice bombing on sand islands off Cairns. The bomb racks were out of whack and I had to kick out six bombs. I made the only hit of the day by putting a bulls eye on a small reef - accident? The boys came back from Moresby yesterday. Wilson sank an 8,000 ton transport; I wish to hell I'd been there. Lt. Hocutt wounded in the head, Lt Moore hit in the neck, M/Sgt Salo hit in the neck, shoulder and stomach, and Sgt Rasco caught a big piece of shrapnel in the left arm. A real show, complete Air Corps victory and the boys are happy as Hell.

3-10-43 to 3-27-43

At last the unnatural has come and been. I've just completed a seven day leave with eight days travel time, destination – Sydney. We left Mareeba on the 1515 train to Cairns on 10 March. We stopped in Cairns to pick up 3 quarts of Corio Special, catching the train to Brisbane on the next day (a troop train with real cattle cars). For some reason we boarded a car right behind the locomotive that was a private car and not being used. No one said anything so we stayed, without tickets yet. Wilson, Lawfer and I were together, with Wilson staying drunk most of the time. We had one day in Brisbane and arrived in Sydney on 14 March. We checked in at the Carlton Hotel and proceeded to get tight; the Carlton lounge went dry for the first time in over seven years. Wilson and Lawfer stayed pretty high until the finances ran out. I really enjoyed the vacation and the association of the opposite sex.

We left Sydney on the 21 March, by rail, and arrived in Brisbane, 22 March. We left there on the 24th and arrived in Townsville on the 26th, getting a hop out of there to Mareeba on a B-17. Paris, in 1918, didn't have a thing on Sydney when it comes to rest and recreation. What a place! We were two days overdue in getting back but nothing was said. It is back in the old groove with insects, rain, tents, dirt, squadron duties and ample tough flying coming up. At the time we left, we expected to be going home soon but it appears as though that rumor kind fizzled out. Porky Atchue turned in today with a severe "Sydney Cold"; really has it bad. A little mail was waiting for me when I got back. Wish to Hell something would materialize in the way of going home. Everyone is worrying about income taxes and what not. I owe over $200 in taxes. Umph.

J. R. Glyer; 3.25; 3-31-43

Takeoff from Mareeba, 1330, landed at Mareeba, 1645. Practice bombing at Cairns. I had to kick out about half the bombs myself. The maintence is either no good or they just can't get parts replaced because those racks were no good. Did some practice firing and what not. B-17E # 462

D.D. McEachran, 2.92; 4-1-43

Takeoff from Mareeba, 1300, landed at Mareeba, 1555. Practice bombing off Cairns. I had to kick out some of the bombs again. I did some practice firing and messed around in general. The first time I've ever flown with Lt McEachran. He just got checked out as first pilot and apparently I am to remain on his crew. I wonder how it is going to turn out. B-17E # 481

H.M. Brecht; 3.00; 4-4-43

Takeoff from Mareeba, 0800, landed at Port Moresby, 1100. It is the first time I've been at Moresby since Xmas. Going up with a bastard crew; McEachran-pilot, O'Conner-copilot, Knapp-navigator, Wilson-bombardier, Powell-engineer, Schiffer asst engineer, Aden-radio, Golden-asst radio, and Eaton-gunner This will be McEachran's first time up as first pilot. We will be sweating him out under fire. Wait and see.

2.92; 4-14-43

Takeoff from Port Moresby, 0940, landed at Mareeba, 1235. We didn't fly mission one, just sat around and watched everyone else fly. We had plenty of excitement however. At about 0145, on the 12th, Major McCullar, CO of the 64th Bomb Sqdn, was taking off for Rabaul. Something went wrong and he crashed at the end of the runway, killing the entire crew. At a little past 0940, we had a Red Alert and at 1000 or later, 45 twin engined bombers and 60 Zeros approached from the South. We had AA and fighter protection, with AA getting two and the fighters getting some 25 or 30 others. They did not bomb our strip but hit the strips on each side of us. Had a great show of dog fights and planes falling out of control. We could see that they were not going to hit us so sat on the edge of our trenches and cheered the boys on. It was by far the biggest raid that Port Moresby had ever had. It was the largest formation of enemy planes I had seen since Pearl Harbor.

I noticed this time that when I'm in a place like Moresby, I'm nervous, can't sleep and jump at the slightest noise. I think that best they send me home; I'm bomb happy. At about 1730 on the 12th, following the bombing, a lone DC-3 transport approached the strips from the harbor in the usual manner except that he was about 8,000 feet high. Someone smelled a rat because three P-38's took out after him. He failed to give the countersign and was shot down. He would have gotten away with the whole show if he had come in low instead of high. Then again, if he had come in low, the rat might have been smelled sooner, like Rising Suns on the wings being more visible. We were listening in on the command frequency and it was interesting to hear the Peashooter boys. Nothing happened that night except that I didn't get any sleep.

DeWolf; J.A. Pickard; 2.50; 4-16-43

Takeoff from Mareeba, 0900, landed at Mareeba, 1130. Transition work, checking out pilots in our B-24. Nothing out of the usual way except that I don't relish the idea of flying combat in these freight cars. They are worse than a B-10 for shaking and vibrating. Scares me. Pickard goes on instruments when the landing gear comes off of the runway. Very dangerous when there are trees at the end of the runway, as is it here, and where the end of the runway is 40 feet higher at one end than at the other, like Seven Mile.

D.D. McEachran; Barnett; Sloan; 3.00; 4-19-43

Takeoff from Mareeba, 0930, landed at Port Moresby, 1230. We're going back to Port Moresby and it looks like work ahead. I only had a few days in Mareeba, drank a little beer and did a little transition work on B-24's. Nothing exciting. I received my orders for the Award of the Silver Star. Recommendation in for the DFC. Hope I get it. B-17E # 637

D.D. McEachran; Barnett; Sloan; 7.25; 4-22-43

Takeoff from Port Moresby, 0445, landed at Port Moresby, 1200. Reconn: Moresby to Kevieng, Finschhafen, Cape Glouchester, and back to Moresby. Taking pictures of Kevieng, the AA was not close and not as thick as usual. We were jumped by three unidentified fighters about 20 minutes out of Kevieng. They stayed with us about 30 or 40 minutes. They were the smoothest team of fighters we have seen yet. It was my first time in the tail gun position and I really got a grandstand view of everything. They made numerous passes at us from all angles, using deception attacks while another one would sneak in on us. Our gunners kept them from closing in on most of the runs but 3 or 4 did really get in there. We picked up one hole in the vertical fin (right over my head), tracers all around me, but they missed. We evaded several hits thru pilot action. This involved watching the attacking plane for signs of guns firing (smoke or tracers), and taking our plane up or down about 50 feet before the bullets arrived. I believe this tactic saved our necks more than once and I began to wonder why we hadn't used it before. Since this was my first time out of the turret, maybe I had been too busy to notice it if the tactic had been used. To that point, riding tail gunner is not for me. Ninety percent of attacks avoid coming within bearing of a B-17's tail guns, leaving the gunner nothing to do but sweat the incoming stuff and all of the armor plate is in the wrong place for protection from that. I really liked the way McEachran handled the job. The rest of the crew consisted of Wilson-bombardier, Lawfer-engineer, Marder-radio, Quillen-ballturret, Schiffer-side gunner and Eaton-tail gunner. All experienced men. It was my first mission in quite a while. I failed to shoot down any enemy aircraft but scored many hits. It was later discovered that an armor piercing bullet shattered the left wing spar. B-17E # 637

Capt Jack; 3.25; 4-30-43

Takeoff from Port Moresby, 1200, landed at Mareeba, 1515. We came home today to get ready to move to Port Moresby permanently. The Rumors are hot about going home. I wish they would do something soon. We only have 16 airplanes in commission in the Group and most of those are unsafe. Lt C.N. McArthur, who came down with us in May, was killed in a crash that occurred on a practice bombing flight. None of his old crew was with him. He hit Giddings on a crossover and spun in. B-17E # 431

D.D. McEachran; 2.00; 5-4-43

Takeoff from Mareeba, 0940, landed at Mareeba, 1140. We made a few landings and whatnot, checking out McEachran in, the B-24.

J.P. Rousek; 2.75; 5-8-43

Takeoff from Mareeba, 1030, landed at Port Moresby, 1315. This is a permanent move to Moresby so it looks like we are in for some more New Guinea life; more bombing, more flying, more malaria, more worries, more everything except wine, women and song.

W. Welch; C.E. O'Conner; B.B. Sloan; 6.67; 5-12-43

Takeoff from Port Moresby, 1140, landed at Port Moresby, 1820. We ran an armed reconn from Port Moresby to Cape Ward Hunt, Arawe, Gasmata, Wide Bay, Open Bay, Cape Glouchester, Vitiaz Strait, Finschhafen and Cape Ward Hunt, then back to Moresby. We bombed Gasmata from 16,500 feet. The bombing run was all messed up by the pilot and the bombs hit short of the target. No AA, no Zeros, no nothing. It was a fine, fine, fine mission. We flew at altitude all day and I nearly froze. Rest of crew: Wilson, Lawfer, Eaton, Marder, Carlson, Flockhart and Lamberg. B-17E # 662.

5-16-43

M/Sgt Sam H. Wilson took off this morning with orders to the effect that he would return to a zone of interior, the States. It came as a complete surprise to him as well as to everyone else concerned. Also on the same order was M/Sgt C. Racioppo, M/Sgt Salo and Capt R.B. Irwin. There were a few two-mission, eighteen-month wonders on the list also and we didn't appreciate that one little bit. It is good tho to see someone starting back. They got a royal sendoff the night before when several Nip bombers came over and put on quite a show. Our night fighters shot down two of them. Very little damage. The Nips were either strafing or shooting back at the night fighters.

5-21-43

Today plus last night proved to be a bit disastrous to the 64th Bomb Sqdn. Two B-17's were lost on a bombing mission to Rabaul. The cause was not certain and night fighters were in the area. Gordon E. Manuel, who came down with us in May, last year, was killed. Robert E. George, who was on the crew in the 435th and 403rd, was killed. W.R. Smith, who was also in the 435th and 403rd, was killed. The Squadron lost it's 6th or 7th CO in losing Capt Williams. Today they lost a B-24 on a bombing mission to Gasmata. Morale is low all over the Group.

H.M. Brecht; B.F. Collier; R.H. Fairchild; 6.75; 5-27-43

Takeoff from Port Moresby, 2420 (0020), landed at Port Moresby 0705. Bombing at Wewak, using 20 ea 100 pound demolition bombs set instantaneous, plus 75 ea 20 pound M-41 fragmentation bombs. The frag bombs were handled by throwing them out the waist windows. We were on Oxygen most of the time as I rode tail turret as assistant engineer. I don't quite fit the turret so I'm going to stay out of it in the future. We bombed from 7,500 feet. I ran out of Oxygen in the turret on the way back to Moresby. We went thru a big electrical storm which caused a lot of St Elmols lightening on the plane. I got a good slug of Corio Special from the Flight Surgeon when we landed. Burtis-bombardier, W.C. Norman-engineer, Eaton-asst engineer, W.R. Golden-radio, N.O. McCrary-asst radio, L.A. Lamberg-gunner.

B-24D # ____

H.M. Brecht; B.F. Collier; R.H. Fairchild; 0.34; 5-29-43

Takeoff from Port Moresby, 0625, landed at Port Moresby, 1240. We flew a freight run today, hauling supplies to Aussie Commandos about 40 miles from Wewak. We were right by a Jap air field and to avoid detection, we flew at tree-top altitude, down valleys and river beds for about an hour, looking for the drop area. We dropped 11 bundles into a river. No interception or AA, a nice and quiet mission. It looks halfway civilized compared to the other places we have been to. B-24D # 90

6-2-43

The ranks are really thinning out. Yesterday, 1 June, Virgil E. DeVoss and Thomas Fox, both with me in the 2nd Provisional Bomb Sqdn, were reported as missing in action while on operational flight duties with the 64th Bomb Sqdn. DeVoss was one of the best friends that I had in this area. He had worked for me in the 72nd Armament Section. On 31 May, a reconn ship was jumped by 16 Zeros and 3 men were wounded. They shot down 5 of the attacking planes. Among the wounded were Pittinger and Schiffer, both leg wounds and serious.

H.M. Brecht; Hawthorne; R.H. Fairchild; 8.20; 6-10-43

Takeoff from Port Moresby, 2335, 9 June, landed Port Moresby, 0745, 10 June. We bombed Lakunai air field, (Rabaul), using 6 ea 1,000 pound aerial burst bombs, 1 photoflash bomb, 12 fragmentation bombs plus propaganda leaflets. All bombs hit the target area. We received little AA and had no search lights on us while others were getting much more than we were. We had the Group Commander, Major Hawthorne, along as Copilot. All planes in our Squadron returned safely with one injured person, a Lt Jedlika. B-24D # 060

H.M. Brecht; W. Welch; 1.60; 6-12-43

Takeoff from Port Moresby, Seven Mile Strip, 0812, land at Thirty Mile Strip, takeoff and land at Seven Mile Strip, 0948. A banana run, we landed and loaded the plane with bananas. Nothing there, no airplanes, no nothings just an abandoned strip for emergency landing purposes. It had been abandoned when the Japs came across the Kokoda Trail in 1942. B-17E # 648

H.M. Brecht; B.F. Collier; R.H. Fairchild; 6.70; 6-12/13-43

Takeoff from Port Moresby, 2300, land at Port Moresby, 0542. We bombed Vunakanau air field (Rabaul), using 6 ea 1,000 pound aerial burst bombs, 12 each, 20 frag bomb clusters and 2 flares. Our bombs hit in the target area with damages unobserved. We experienced no AA, no searchlights, no night fighters, in fact, no nothing. I did see one unidentified aircraft, possible night-fighter but no shots were fired. We had a hellluva time getting into Port Moresby due to low hanging fog. Good piloting was all that got us down safely. Other crew: Fody-B, Norman-E; Eaton-AE; Golden-R; McCrary-AR; Lamberg-G. B-24D # 290

H.M. Brecht; W. Welch; R.H. Fairchild; 3.75; 6-14-43

Takeoff from Port Moresby, 0700, landed at Port Moresby, 1045. A freight run to some emergency strip between Madang and Finschhaven, dropping 5 bundles of supplies by parachutes. An easy flight with nothing intercepting. Lt J.A., Pickard and crew were killed this morning during a predawn takeoff for an armed reconn. Tough break to get it that way. The Nips raided here last night and our AA shot down one plane. Their bombs started large fires between 7 and 3 mile Strips. B-24D # 290

6-15-43

I was a pallbearer today at the funeral services for the crew that washed-out yesterday. Among those killed was Capt Jack A. Ryan, who came down from Hawaii with me in the 2nd Provisional Sqdn. Others in the crash were 1st Lt J. Picard, Capt Zahm, T/Sgt J.J. Meehan, S/Sgt E. Sparks, Cpl Mitchell. Averill was the only person to remain alive and his condition is very serious.

H.M. Brecht; B.F. Collier; R.H. Fairchild; 3.50; 6-19-43

Takeoff from Port Moresby, 1130, landed at Garbutt Field, Townsville, 1500. We ferried down a B-24 for repairs and modifications. The nose wheel had collapsed and pushed in the nose. There were no mishaps on our journey. We carried a skeleton crew: Fody-B, Norman-E, Eaton-AE, Golden-R, McCrary-AR, with numerous passengers. B-24D # 290

4.50; 6-22-43

Takeoff from Townsville Harbor, 0615, landed at Port Moresby Harbor, 1045. Our trip home was made in a Short Sunderland flying boat of the Quantas Empire Airways 4 VH-ABGG named Coriolanus. Boy what a boat. There were about 40 people aboard with plenty of room. The time in Townsville was very poor as usual. Everybody broke but me. I spent a couple of evenings at the Smallwoods.

H.M. Brecht; B.F. Collier; R.H. Fairchild; 2.83; 6-24-43

Takeoff from Port Moresby, 1400, landed at Dobradura 1530 B-24D # 060. Takeoff from Dobradura, 1630, landed at Port Moresby, 1750. B-17E # 464. A ferry trip to pickup Quennell that had been damaged on a bombing mission by AA.

H.M. Brecht; B.F. Collier; R.H. Fairchild; 7.00; 6-25/26-43

Takeoff Port Moresby, 1530, landed at Dobradura, 1630. Takeoff from Dobradura, 0115, 6-26, landed at Port Moresby, 0715. We bombed an aircraft carrier in Rabaul Harbor, using 6 ea 1,000 pound demolition bombs, 12 ea 20 frag bomb bundles, 2 flares. We were caught in the lights over Ropopo but received no AA. We went around and made a gliding run from 11,000 feet to 7,500 feet, where the bombs were released. We were in the search lights and received intense AA during the bombing run. Unobserved results on bombs but our flares were perfect, giving the next guy coming in a well lit target. Release time was 0404. We had heavy storms over and back. Lt McEachran has failed to come back. Fody-B. B-24D # 060

6-28-43

Still no word from McEachran's crew. Official orders list them as lost in action. Those missing are 1st Lt Donald D. McEachran-Pilot, Capt John W. Scott-Copilot, 2nd Lt Sumner L. Beck-Navigator, 1st Lt Mortimer K. Smith-Bombardier, Sgt Ralph H. Thomas-Engineer, Cpl Joel W. Griffin-Asst Engineer, T/Sgt JohnJ.Barry-Radio, T/Sgt Rodney J. Edwards-Asst Radio, Sgt Otto Russel-Gunner, Cpl Homer G. Harper-Gunner. McEachran and Griffin were in the 19th Bomb Group with me and Barry was from Oahu. Pretty good crew. It is believed they were shot down by night fighters. Another B-17 was lost from the 65th Bomb Sqdn on the same mission, making a total of 2 airplanes and at least 20 men. Very expensive.

Capt Carlson; 9.00; 7-3-43

Takeoff from Ward Strip (3 Mile), Port Moresby, 0630, landed at Townsville, 1030. Take off Townsville, 1130, landed at Amberly, Brisbane, 1630. I'm going south for a seven day leave in Sydney. We drank the month’s ration of Scotch in one evening. I think they use that story to limit the casualties.

C-47 # 420

Capt Carlson; 3.50; 7-4-43

Takeoff from Amberly, 0630, landed at Mascot Field, Sydney, 1000. I saw Joe Nelson, from Pampa, Texas, this morning for the first time in four years. I just happened to stroll in on him at 0530 while I was looking for some drinking water. Sydney looks okay but it is cold here today, damn cold in fact. There is an Army-Navy football game here today but I'm more interested in what supplies I need and where I have to go to get them. C-47 # 420

Capt Carlson; 3.50; 7-12-43

Takeoff from Mascot Field, Sydney, 1200, landed at Amberly, Brisbane, 1530. This has been a great leave, costing something better than $350 in eight days of revelry. I had a flat at a Mrs. Ryan, 73 Beronia Road, Belvue Hills, Rose Bay, plus a room at the Carlton Hotel. There were a few good parties at Romano's and I enjoyed myself thoroughly. Another list went home; Tony Day, Porky Atchue, Perkins, Martin, Leonard, and so forth. Not me tho. C-47 # 420

Capt Carlson; 8.42; 7-13-43

Takeoff from Amberly, Brisbane, 0720, landed at Townsville, 1130. We had lunch in Townsville, and took off at 1315, landed at Ward Strip, Port Moresby, 1730. I saw Joe Nelson again at Amberly and we went to Ipswich to a movie. He hasn't changed much and I got a lot of news about home from him. I had several letters waiting for me when I got home. C-47 # 420

H.M. Brecht; B.F. Collier; R.H. Fairchild; 4.50; 7-20-43

Takeoff from Port Moresby, 0730, landed at Port Moresby, 1200. A supply run to Mt. Hagen, dropping 12 bundles by parachute and about 25 dropped as is. We made 5 passes with all bundles dropped in the proper area. There were good signals out for recognition and so forth. B-24D # 351

H.M. Brecht; B.F. Collier; R.H. Fairchild; 4.50; 7-23-43

Takeoff from Jackson (7 Mile Strip), 0815, landed at Jackson, 1245. Group formation bombing a supply dump at Bogadj-1m. We were the first plane off the ground and the lead plane of the formation of 12 B-24D's and 12 B-17's. We carried 2 ea 1,000 pound bombs with delayed fuze and 6 each 1,000 bombs with instantaneous fuzes, 8,000 pounds of bombs in all. All of our bombs hit in the target area. The Group flew in a column of "V’s", with 16 fighter escorts of the P-38 type. The 65th Sqdn at the rear of the formation was jumped by 15 Zeros and shot down 5. The 64th Sqdn was jumped by 3, shooting down none. One airplane was damaged but no one was injured. Our fighters engaged the enemy and lost one plane. I don't know how many they shot down. I took photos of the bombing - I hope? Everything went off smoothly; 25 heavy bombers off the ground in 23 minutes, rendezvous was perfect, target time perfect, ETA at home was perfect, and formation excellent. It took 20 minutes to land. One plane had turned back due to trouble. We will probably have more of this. Major Rousek rode with us as Command Pilot.

B-24D # 065

H.M. Brecht; B.F. Collier; R.H. Fairchild; 2.00; 7-24-43

Takeoff from Jackson, 1015, landed Jackson,1215. Practice bombing from 1,800 feet on AFCE. I took pictures. B-24D # 065

H.M. Brecht; B.F. Collier; R.H. Fairchild; 1.75; 7-25-43

Takeoff-from Jacksong 0815, landed at Jackson, 1000. The mission called for bombing Salamaua but was called off due to weather. 8 ea 1,000 pound bombs. We had Major Rousek and a newsreel camerman from Universal, a guy named Crochette or something. He gave me some film. 13 B-24's and 13 B-17's. B-24D # 673

H.M. Brecht; B.F. Collier; R.H. Fairchild; 3.62; 7-26-43

Takeoff from Jackson, 0830, landed at Jackson, 1207. Group bombing at Salamaua. The mission was all messed up since the B-24's couldn't get into formation and straggled in two or three at a time. We dropped 8 ea 1,000 pound bombs on target at 1025. We made two runs, receiving heavy AA on both runs but no Zero interception, probably due to our fighter cover of P-38's, P-39's and P-40's. I took pictures.

B-24D # 673

H.M. Brecht; B.F. Collier; R.H. Fairchild; 4.50; 7-28-43

Takeoff from Jackson, 0715, landed at Jackson, 1145. Supply drop at Mt. Hagen and everything fine, fine, fine. B-24D # 682

H.M. Brecht; B.F. Collier; R.H. Fairchild; 2.25; 7-28-43

Takeoff from Jackson, 1430, landed at Jackson, 1645. Practice bombing from 14,000 feet. I was photographer and nearly froze. B-24D # 682

H.M. Brecht; B.F. Collier; R.H. Fairchild; 3.33; 7-29-43

Takeoff from Jackson, 0700, landed at Jackson, 1020. We bombed Salamaua, Kiela Township, missing the target completely. Twenty-four heavy bombers, as many B-25's and fighter cover. There was heavy AA but we were not hit. No Zero interception. B-24D # 680

H.M. Brecht; Travis; R.H. Fairchild; 3.33; 8-2-43

Takeoff from Jackson, 1020, landed at Jackson, 1340. Bombed Salamaua as one ship since the formation never caught up with us. 8 ea 1,000 pound aerial burst bombs in the target area. We had Lt Col Travis for Copilot and Lt Col Hawthorne as Command Pilot. B-24D # 351

W.R. Gowdy; 4.58; 8-15-43

Takeoff from Jackson, 0650, landed at Jackson, 1125. We bombed Salamaua with 8 each 1,000 pound aerial burst bombs. The mission was incomplete because the target was socked in. We ran low on gas so I transferred extra fuel from the wingtip tanks to main tanks. This was a mixed-breed crew; new, people from the States mixed with long-timers. As it turned out, the engineer didn't know how to transfer gas and asked me to do it. We were flying around Jackson so I went forward to find out why and found the engineer didn't know the emergency procedure for dropping the nose wheel, which had failed to come down. I kicked it out with no problem and we landed very low on fuel. B-24D # 394

W.R. Gowdy; 6.33; 8-17/18-43

Takeoff from Jackson, 2125, 8-17, landed at Jackson, 0345, 8-18. Bombed But Air Field, Wewak, with 20 each 126 incendiary bomb clusters, laying them right in the runway and dispersal bays. 2,520 bombs in one release. We were the first plane over the target and started lots of fires. We had an Aussie news correspondent along in the back. It was really cold out. B-24D # 394

Later 8-18-43

Marder came roaring into the tent with the "list". Woke me and we immediately tapped into a quart of Canadian Club I have been saving for just this occasion. Orders call for us to report to the 11th R.C.D., in Brisbane.

Return

That is where I stopped writing, nearly 40 years ago. Now, trying to recall the trip back to the States, things get a little hazy.

We did toss a few things into a B-4 bag attacked the Squadron Orderly Room and were informed that we were no longer members of the 403rd. We would have to get get back to the States the best way we could. Incidentally, the orders authorized any mode of travel and contained no reporting date.

There were no Short-timer parties, no nothing. On the 18th of August, after flying a bombing mission, we hitched a ride to Ward Strip, found a C-47 headed south and climbed on board. This one happened to belong to the U.S. Navy, but they were on our side. We spent the night at Townsville, reboarding the same plane on the morning of the 19th for Brisbane, where we checked in with Company A, 11th RCD, Air Corps, APO 923.

We were advised that we would have to wait for a plane for the flight to the States, or we could board an Army Transport ship leaving within a day or two, This was no choice, Brisbane was a nice place to wait and we were no longer in a hurry to get home. As it turned out, we beat, the ship to the States by a couple of weeks.

Other than checking in at the RCD each afternoon, we were free to do as we pleased, which usually included opening the pub at 1100 for an hour or so and again at 1700 hours. Much of my time went toward cultivating an American Red Cross group which I corresponded with until the end of the war.

On 9 September, we were notified to be at Amberley at midnight. Somehow, transportation from the 11th RCD to Amberley was provided, in this case it was a stretched sedan with about four rows of seats and a most unpredictable driver.

We loaded into a C-54 and took off around one or two in the morning, landing for breakfast and fuel at PDG, New Caledonia.

We spent the night of 10 September in Fiji, crossing the International Date Line the next day before landing for food and fuel at Samoa. We continued on to Christmas Island for fuel only, landing at Hickam Field, Hawaii, on the 11th.

Hickam was a different world and most unpleasant compared to pre December 7th. I cannot recall anything of interest during the five or six days that we waited there.

On the evening of the 16th of September, we were loaded on a C-87 (transport version of the B-24), left Hawaii, and landed at Hamilton Field some 12 hours later.

Departed the U.S. 12-16-39; returned to the U.S. 9-17-43, three months short of four years.

Under the supervision of CWO Harold S. Oberg, formerly Group Sergeant Major, 5th Bomb Group, we were treated royally; pay, uniforms, travel arrangements, furloughs, the works.

We departed Hamilton Field by bus to entrain in San Francisco, allowing time for collecting supplies, for the long journey ahead. All of the booze was placed in Wilbert C. Norman's B-4 bag and, as it developed later, he traveled on Section two of the train while everyone else held tickets for Section one.

I left the group in Colorado, changing to a train going to Amarillo, and eventually arriving in Pampa by some means that I have forgotten.

Following the furlough, I was processed in Salt Lake City, issued a high altitude flying suit, parachute, and lots of other useless stuff, and sent to Las Vegas as a gunnery instructor. I applied for transfer to Lowry Field, Denver, upon reporting and sat down for 30 days until it came thru, a transfer to Kingman, Arizona, that is. I had a weeks delay in route, which I spent in Los Angeles, and repeated the procedure in Kingman. This time I decided to teach a class while waiting. The students were cadet bombardiers and I soon found my classroom jammed with spectators; I did not follow the dry format prescribed by the school – we had fun.

30 Days later, my transfer to Lowry came thru with a 15 day delay in route, which I spent at home as my first Christmas there since 1938.

By the time I reported in at Lowry on 31 December 1943, I had decided that I no longer wanted to stay in the States. I obtained a transfer to student status and completed a four month training program on General Electric Central Station Fire Control System, as used on the B-29. I graduated on 7 May 1944, took a 15 day delay in route (Pampa, Texas) to Lincoln, Nebraska.

The other 25 men in the class were sent to B-29 units in training. I was sent to Herington, Kansas, to set up a Central Station Fire Control Section for processing B-29's for final modifications, flight test and departure for the Pacific. The Air Base had formerly staged B-24's and had never seen a B-29. Neither had I.

I reported in and applied for a transfer to a combat unit. Lt Col Henry Dittman, the Base Commander asked me for three months of my time and then he would put me on the first B-29 I wanted for transporting overseas.

'Pelly’ Dittman was an ex-Oahu type, went to the Philippines in August 1941, escaped in a submarine and understood my problem exactly, even though I did not.

I worked around the clock at Herington, liked it, and quickly forgot about going overseas.

Shortly after VE Day, I was offered the frightening choice of leaving the Army now, or wait around to see how the Japanese made out. I was discharged at Ft. Bliss, Texas, 23 May 1945.

I recycled my original plan, entered Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, in September 1945 (beating the rush), graduating with a Bachelor of Science Electrical Engineering Degree in August 1948. Oh yes, I was married to my present wife on 16 September 1945.

POSTSCRIPT - Irwin’s Crew

While waiting in Brisbane, I visited with John Duerst, our original copilot. He was Operations Officer at Eagle Farms, an airfield near Brisbane used primarily for experimental work. At the time, Duerst was testing B-25's that had been modified by installing a breech-loaded 75 mm cannon in the cockpit, and several pods of 50 calibar machine guns along the side and nose of the plane, all fired by the pilot. I flew a couple of test flights as his copilot and cannoneer. In September or October of 1943, John W. Duerst failed to return while flight testing a B-25 off the coast of Australia, over the Pacific Ocean.

I saw Sam Wilson in Denver in 1944. He was with a group touring the country and making appearances for the benefit of War Bond drives. We had an evening on the town and he left owing me $20. That's worth a piece of change, at five percent for 38 years, even with inflation.

In late 1944, Major Robert B. Irwin flew into Herington, Kansas, and asked me to go back overseas as his Central Fire Control Specialist. He was the Commanding Officer, 30th Bombardment Squadron, 19th Bombardment Group. I was flattered but felt I was contributing to the war effort more at Herington, than I would sweating out the war on Guam.

In 1956, I moved my family to the suburbs of Philadelphia, and looked up Hyman Marder. He was raising a family and working for the government in communications procurement. We have kept in touch through the years.

In 1965 or 66, Mike Benna showed up on my payroll in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. He had stayed in the service for a while, tookup flying as a bush pilot in Alaska, and generally following the aerospace programs of the ‘60s. I never knew what job he had in my operation but he did sell me a toy poodle pup before leaving for a test pilot's job with Martin Marretta in 1966 or '67.

William Eaton 1940 Hickam Fld William Eaton 1944 Herington KS William Eaton 1942 Townsville Aus

Lamberg, Norman, Day Sydney 1943 Hyman Marder Townsville 1942 Sam Wilson Townsville 1942

Toward 403^rd Sqd Mess Hall Port Morseby New Guinea W Norman Mareeba 1943

Silver Star Presentation to Eaton; Col Ramey, Gen Kenney June ’43 Morsby Atchue, Willson, Flockhart