V1945-03TX.DOC

Production Line Maintenance Pecos TX

Pecos TX Pecos is in west Texas. The area is flat, dry, treeless and sparsely sprinkled with clump grass, even trees along the Pecos river are more like bushes. The economy was cattle and required a lot of acres to feed a few head. The Mexican border was nearby and its influence was apparent in the architecture, populace and vocabulary. Norman Rockwell’s painting of the local movie theater aptly depicts the town. The area was perfect for around the year flight training.

Twin Engine Flight Training Pecos TX Cessna UC-78

Twin Engine School The primary operation was pilot training using UC-78's. there were a few AT-6's and one B-25, not used by the students. I was happy to find classmate Moran from Yale there. We were assigned to work under Capt _X__ (don’t recall his name) who was in charge of the Production Line Maintenance (PLM) operation, Moran and I alternated on early and late shift.

Need Suntans My initial problem was clothes and money. My trailing footlocker and B-1 bag contained things I needed, I had to do without or purchase items. TX was hot and I was wearing winter cloths when I left KS for FL. Buying food and summer uniforms drained my finances.

Free Lunch I took advantage of free buffet dinners on Sunday nights at the officers club and lived on malts the rest of the week. The clubs “take” on slot machines paid for the free dinners. The machines were fed during the week by officers wives who had nothing better to do, I almost felt sorry for their husbands, After receiving my first Pecos pay things improved.

PLM Twin engine UC-78 aircraft fed through one side and back through the other side of the PLM hanger. Each station was equipped to perform routine maintenance and provide access for extensive inspection and checkout. The center section of the PLM hanger housed offices, parts cribs, a coffee break lounge, and special repair shops. About 30% of the ground crew were WAC's, 10% civilians, 10% negroes and 50% Caucasian GI's. The civilians handled supply and base maintenance. Twenty-five percent of the mechanics were WAC's, a new experience for me.

Washing Planes Negro's ran the “wash rack”, a sloping slab of concrete, cleaning planes before entering the hangers – and always left things in a mess. My new boss asked me to see that it was cleaned up at the end of the shift – so I called them together and told them to put things in order before they left. I’m certain the Capt had made such a request without success. The day after my instructions things were still a mess – I read this as deliberate, an incentive was needed.

Call to Squadron CO I called their squadron CO and told him to get them back to the flight line pronto, he did. I called them together and told them one more time like that and I'd have them confined to the base, I had no idea if I had such authority, but they thought I did. While playing the role of an irate Master Sergeant I noticed the deplorable condition of their shoes, wash rack conditions were hard on shoes, I figured if I was going to make demands of them I had an obligation to look after them.

Call to Supply Officer While they policed the area I got on the phone to their Supply Sergeant to obtain some boots or shoes. He claimed he didn't have authority to issue extra pairs of shoes. I called the Squadron CO who had similar excuses. Then I called the Post Supply Officer, saying I’d go to the Medical Officer if necessary. I soon had confirmation from the CO and Supply Sergeant that they would issue two extra pair of shoes to each man I named for use at the wash rack. The fellows were gratefully surprised. There was no further problem with their picking up at the end of the shift.

Footlocker After three weeks of making do my stuff caught up.

Moran ships out About the time my foot locker caught up Moran shipped out, this was probably his first training assignment as Dodge City was for Dusty and I.

The Captain ships out Not long after Moran left the Captain said your in charge now, I’m being transferred, he said where to but I don’t recall. The Captain was a competent older nice fellow but I don’t believe he had formal engineering training.

Four Squadrons There were four flight line squadrons. Three servicing planes used by students and the PLM doing periodic maintenance for all. I’m sure there was a table of organization showing the air base engineering officer I worked under but I never met or knew of him. The Captain said I was in charge, enlisted and civilian personnel knew that and followed my instructions.

Abnormal Activity I became aware of abnormal activity at the wash rack. Only half the crew seemed to be present but planes were being cleaned to perfection and available right on time. The work was performed in diligent bursts of energy. The usual horseplay, laughter and singing was missing. When I walked by they were abnormally serious. If they didn't know I was looking they'd whisper to each other, laugh, slap their leg, look about and seriously attack the planes if anyone walked by.

Line Chief investigates I discussed this with the line chief and went about my business. An hour later the line chief called me aside and said he found out what had been going on. A civilian employee, a Negro woman, was assigned to clean the WAC latrines in the buildings along the flight line. She had set up shop in one of these facilities in a seldom used hanger. The wash crew were taking turns doing the work so they could avail themselves of services she had to offer. Apparently word got out because MP's came and closed her private business enterprise in a government facility.

Knowing Personnel I tried to know the PLM enlisted personnel and took an interest in each of them. I checked their files for an indication of their inherent capability as measured by induction aptitude tests. I was surprised at the range of test scores. I particularly tried to help those who indicated an interest in improving themselves. One was an older Negro who worked very hard, I helped him learn about aircraft ignition systems though he had a limited formal education, he appreciated my show of interest.

Opportunity Pusher There was an intelligent but obnoxious Negro from personnel who told me I should give the Negro's more opportunity for better jobs. As I'd already taken steps to help those who would help themselves I didn't take kindly to his attitude – that the problem was people like me held them back. After listening to his speal I asked him if he'd talked with the men. He hadn't so I suggested he do so – before he defeated his purpose. The fellows and I got along fine, they knew I was trying to be of help.

WAC's The WACs were good workers and capable mechanics, tasks had become routine with them. Male and female GI's at “their station” evolved their own rules and standards for personal conduct. When they didn't know I was around they'd swear at each other – or so it seemed until I realized they were inverse terms of respect between friends. This could be humorous when one was inside and the other outside the plane setting an adjustment. If aware I was present they spoke in “proper”terms, when I'd leave they returned to being themselves.

Older WAC One of the most capable was an older WAC, a widow with son in service. She was a hard worker, intelligent and assumed the roll of mother with respect to other WAC's – not their mother, but mine!

WAC Dance The WAC Squadron put on a dance. They rented a place called the Oasis Club and had it planned and decorated in advance. I was invited by the PLM WACs, who came by the BOQ and picked me up, our gender rolls reversed. Army regulations prohibited officers from dating WACs – this occasion permitted WACs to invite officers of their choice to their dance. They seated me at their table as if I was the guest of honor. After the dinner I became their dancing partner, One by one they took their turn asking “will you please have this dance with me” I danced many times with each, they didn’t let me sit one out – it was their dance and they made the most of it. I knew those from the PLM hanger and recognized many from the flight line squadrons.

Know them as Ladies It was a fascinating study of behavior. The mechanics I knew became ladies. A few behaved as as would their male GI counterpart; however, most, though in uniform rather than a dress, took on a feminine demeanor as soon as it was their turn to dance. They would cut in or ask for the next dance as aggressively as any, then become lady like and gentle. They wanted me to know them as ladies not as WACs. Each seemed compelled to tell me where they grew up; and reason for joining the WAC's and their plans and wished for the future. This was a lady like way for “their” officer to know them. The fact that I was young, single and a good listener, in a neutral setting made this easy for them and most interesting and enjoyable for me – I enjoyed knowing them as Ladies.

Being Manipulated I had wondered what to talk about during an entire evening – I didn't have to say a thing, just dance and listen. As the dance proceeded the “mother” WAC moved in, I wasn't aware at first. She'd let me complete a dance with some and cut in on others. She maneuvered with such skill, creating a protective shield and assuring my chaperoned return. She was not domineering on the flight line and I was amazed by how other WAC's complied with her raised eyebrow and pleasant suggestions. The others seemed to understand and somewhat approved her taking over. Once I caught on to what she was doing I said, “I've never been so gracefully manipulated.” She smiled, realizing I'd caught on, saying you need protection from some of these girls, I'm going to see that you get home OK. A number of things bubbled up to say, but I never converted them to speech. Her motherly expression in eyes and face quelled my response. When the dance was over the ladies deposited me at the BOQ. I became very fond of those mechanics I now saw and spoke to as ladies.

Cracked Horizontal Stabilizers A primary UC-78 problem was cracked main spars in the horizontal stabilizer. Four newly commissioned pilots were assigned to work with me pending shipment to Advanced Training. I taught them how the innards of the planes worked and in turn they decided to teach me how to fly. In so doing I learned what caused the horizontal stabilizer problem.

Teaching me to Fly Three of us took off one afternoon and I enjoyed the birds eye view of the barren expanse of west Texas – there was plenty of room for an emergency landing. After gaining altitude they had me sit in the copilots seat and take over the controls. My reflexes caused me to “over control” and it took a bit for them to get me to let the plane fly itself – to attenuate my response The ride smoothed out once I gave it more slack to do it’s thing.

Full Power Stall They demonstrated pulling up in a stall then add power to nose over. After demonstrating they had me do 1/2 then 3/4 power stalls. As the plane went into a stall it would shudder and shake giving ample warning that it couldn't hold such an attitude. Just before it would mush out they'd say "now" and I'd apply full throttle and nose over to regain control and pickup speed. After they thought I had the knack of it they said now do a full power stall. As there was no more throttle left I didn't go all the way into a shuddering stall. Wanting to give me a thrill they insisted I nose it up more. I figured OK, you guys are not going to get me into something you can’t get us out of. I pulled back on the controls and let it hang on the props. Realizing I'd done a go-for-broke, they yelled, nose it over, nose it over! It shuddered and shook violently, poised on its tail at the whim of forces determining which way to fall. Lucky it didn’t fall right or left – it shuddered there until it fell forward. They were afraid it might drop back on its tail then snap over and plunge downward to pick up speed. This is the maneuver credited with cracking the horizontal stabilizers.

PLM a Tune-up Some things looked a bit run down or in need of repair when I took over. Within two to three weeks we had things arranged in good order and ground equipment repaired. The fellows found paint and converted our operation into a pleasant place to work. Taking an interest in the place boosted moral.

1933 Pontiac Three of my pilot buddies bought a 1933 Pontiac to drive to their new assignment, an advanced training base in Arizona. Something went wrong and they left it at a garage in El Paso and went on by bus. They contacted me to see if I’d buy the car. They said it runs but is slow, they figured I could drive it back to Pecos and know how to fix it. They said they would sell it to me for half what they paid for it. They paid $300, $100 each, and would sell it to me for $150, $50 each, if I’d pick it up and pay the storage fee. They said the garage doesn’t want to buy it and you’re the only one we know who could pull it off and we get half our money back. The next weekend I rode the bus to El Paso.

Engine timing off It was a sporty looking black car with red spoke wheels. It had a straight 8 engine under a long hood flanked by red wheels in fender wells on each side – these gave it a classy high speed look. The engine ran but it was gutless – like a Model-A with retarded spark. I rotated the distributor and that helped some. Though gutless it would move along and did not overheat. After paying the storage fee I discovered I'd been standing next to a floor heater and burned the back crease of my wool “pinks” trousers – those were expensive pants. I took off for Pecos and all went fine until climbing the steepest grade over some low mountains. Once over the hill it picked up speed and ran better. At 70 mph it ran as if timed for that speed – I made good time the rest of the way.

Slipped Timing Chain I found the crankshaft to camshaft timing chain had worn the fiber gear and permitted the timing chain to slip out of time. I replaced these and it ran just great, once you got it started.

Push to Start Some remaining pilot BOQ buddies joined me in going out in “my new car” but they had to push to start it. That didn't seem dignified for Lt's with dates to have to get out and push their car to start.

Second Battery The battery was under the floor board, and a new battery was not cheap. New car designs put the battery forward of the fire wall behind the engine. Used batteries were cheap so I made a mount and installed a used battery on the fire wall then connected them in parallel – the two old batteries would surge the engine to life. I tuned the engine when I changed the chain and except for new packing in the water pump I had no more trouble with it.

Prior Owner At required Physical Training the PT Officer took notice of me arriving and leaving in my new car. He said I used to own that car and couldn’t get it to start right, even after taking it to a garage. I said I bought it from the fellows you sold it to because it had a slipped timing chain, after I got that fixed I added a second battery to get it to start right. He walked over to look and I lifted the hood so he could see. He asked what’s your job here. I said I’m an EO on the flight line. He shook his head and said I almost gave that car away because it wouldn’t start, all it needed was someone with know how – you got a bargain, that’s a good car.

Winnie Mae Darrell

Winnie Mae I became acquainted with Winnie who worked in PLM parts supply. Pecos was her home town and her father worked on the base. She was a year younger than I blonde with attractive face, figure and personality. Winnie spoke with a captivating Texas accent & in private persisted in calling me Lil Boy. She showed me about down town Pecos and Judge Beans office. I was always fascinated by the divergent types of people patronizing the Lone Star Movie Theater. Pecos and New Haven were as if from different worlds. The New Haven girls would never have said, "Lil boy, you all be sure to be on time, ya hear?”

Trips Winnie found dates among her school girl friends for my pilot buddies. Six of us would pile in the 33 Pontiac and take trips on weekends and evenings to the maximum extent we could considering the problem with gas rationing. We took a trip to Carlsbad Caverns and to the Davis Mountains. The Davis Mountains were treeless and unimpressive. Most of our time was spend around Pecos. I learned to like Mexican food, except for the hot sauce, and we had fun trying to learn enough Spanish to speak to girls waiting tables.

Winnie’s Parents After my pilot buddies left, Winnie and I continued to date. She often invited me to her home and I got to know her Mother quite well, or I thought. Her mother would visit and insisted on sewing some of my shirts that needed tailoring or repair.

Overseas Request Late one afternoon I went for a walk – I wanted to think of the future. It was becoming obvious the war in Europe would be coming to an end, I felt I’d been training long enough and it was high time to make myself useful. I decided to request transfer to an overseas outfit – the next morning I went to base personnel and made the request to be shipped overseas. They were quite surprised as this rarely happened, they said we will let you know.

Base is to Be Closed After a couple weeks I wondered what happened to my request, then received word the base was to be closed. I was sign out for 60 airplanes plus a large amount of ground equipment associated with their up keep. What had been “signed out” to the Captain had simply been transferred to my name with no inventory check. After mentally projecting what a mess that might be in turning in equipment I decided we'd better get our equipment collected fast, locked up and turned in. The last guy would have trouble finding things. In my request to be sent over seas I forgot about the nitty gritty of clearing the base.

Turning in Equipment I gathered the squadron personnel together and briefed them. Before the day was over we had everything collected and accounted for. I have a feeling they acquired some missing items from other squadrons. The next day I asked where and to whom I was to turn in the equipment. The officer in charge hadn't really figured things out yet but told me to put it in one of the large warehouses as instructed by the people there. In two days we had everything turned in and I was cleared of any further accountability! In such matters it helped to have been an enlisted man,

Good by PLM personnel I gathered the crew together for the last time in the now empty building. I thanked them for their support and Job well done. I informed them I'd requested an overseas assignment and would probably be gone within the week. I said they'd probably be reassigned within the states unless they put in for overseas. I suggested they continue coming to the flight line. If they stayed in the area they'd be put on some work detail, if they were needed to do real work the Army knew where to find them. We shook hands and except for seeing one or two processing to go overseas I never saw any of them again. One of the fellows named Cody, who's folks lived on a farm near, by gave me some gas stamps to help on my drive home. He was a very nice fellow.

Overseas request accepted While turning in the equipment I was informed I'd be shipping out soon. For about a week I had nothing to do except sympathize with the other engineering officers trying to find their equipment. Those receiving the equipment discovered directives called for the equipment to be prepared and packaged for storage.

Clear the Base I was abruptly notified to clear the base in preparation for transfer to Kerns, Utah, an overseas processing center. I previously told Winnie that I'd be leaving soon, when told to check out I called her first thing to let her know. I told her I had a 10 day furlough and was going to go home by way of Denver. She said she'd been thinking of going to work in Denver. She had a civil service rating and knew with the base closing down she'd need to find another job.

Winnie asked for ride to Denver Winnie abruptly asked if she could go along to Denver? I said I had no objections but would only take her if it was OK with her folks, that I was leaving at the end of the day and that it seemed impossible for her to clear things in time. She insisted she'd be ready. I said are you sure this is what you want to do? She said yes, there's nothing here.

OK from folks – could friend come too We exchanged phone calls about three times during the day. She said she had terminated her job and cleared the base and that it was OK with her parents, then asked if a friend of hers from Wyoming could come along? Her friend worked on the base and lived on the base with her sister who was married to a soldier. I was to pick up her girl friend and then pick up Winnie at home. I told Winnie we'd drive straight through to Denver by taking turns driving. I picked up her friend, pulled up in front of her house and knocked on the door.

Mother says no Father yes Winnie came to the door, I removed my hat and stepped into the living room. Her mother rose from her chair glared at me? Something had gone wrong? I anticipated her words from her look – she said "What do you mean running off with my daughter?" This was contrary to having been assured that everything was fine, I was totally unprepared for this.

Brother in Law While I stood there speechless a man rose from a chair across the living room and said; "You smart aleck officers think you can get by with anything!". As he spewed his dislike at me I saw endorsement in her mothers expression -- I was the cause of her heart ache by abruptly taking her baby away. The man's wife had an embarrassed look, I was to find she was on Winnies side. It was pointless to respond. I turned to Winnie who was calm and composed after having endured this for some time before I arrived. I said, "I thought you said you had your parents permission?" She said, "I do, Daddy says its all right, it's Mother and her brother who disapprove". So that’s where this guy's coming from, he's family and defending his sister.

Lindberg Act Winnie's words launched the brother into another attack. He said, "Have you ever heard of the Lindbergh Act?" Before I could answer he said, "that has to do with taking underage girls across state lines, you do that and I'll have the police put you away where the likes of you belong!"

Where’s your father Up to then I'd been startled and dumbfounded. I turned to Winnie and asked where's your father? She said he's out in the back yard. I said I'd like to talk with him. While Winnie escorted me to the back, she said mothers brothers wife is on my side but doesn’t dare speak up.

Watering the lawn Her father was occupying himself watering, the hose didn't have a nozzle on it, he was just letting it run, pointing it at anything handy. I could tell that he was escaping a heated family argument. I walked up and we nodded at each other. I said I was sorry to have caused the trouble, that if I'd known this was how it was I would have told Winnie she couldn't ride with me. Now that I'm here I'll take her or not in accordance with what you think is best.

Help her get settled He said he knew she'd made up her mind to leave home, there is no work here and Denver’s was as good a place as any. That rather than her being out on her own he at least knew me. Then looking at me he said I'll trust you to look after her and see that she finds a good place to stay. I said I will, then asked about her Uncle's threat about the police. He said never mind him, I sense there was no love lost between them. I'd never met him before but was comfortable he knew what he was doing – I was not a stranger, Winnie had said Daddy checked up on you at the base,

Carry your own suitcase I went back in the house and announced that I was now going to leave, that Winnie was welcome to come along if she wished, but that she would have to carry her own bag as I wanted it clear that I was simply providing transportation. I told her Mother I was sorry I'd caused the family quarrel. This did little to soothe her ruffled feathers but the harsh words at me changed to words of mixed emotion to Winnie as Winnie followed me out of the house, suitcase in hand. With a brief strained farewell I drove off. I felt caught up in an unintended situation.

Winnie Drove I stopped the car before we crossed the border out of Texas and had Winnie drive and asked the girl with us to bear witness that no one was being kidnapped. Although we did it as a joke I wasn't convinced the Uncle would let the matter rest. I believed the man was capable of applying extreme means.

We drove all night and found ourselves in a beautiful seldom traveled part of the Rockies as dawn broke. We had breakfast at a picturesque mountain restaurant.

We traversed a high plateau during the afternoon, singing and trading off driving to break the monotony. The road was narrow, often winding but generally adequate. We couldn't drive very fast but kept up a steady pace. That evening we drove north along the east slope of the Rockies. We picked up a hitchhiker who gave us some gas ration stamps which were most welcome.

Hotel It was almost midnight when we pulled into Denver. After trying several hotels near downtown we found a nice place with a room for the girls. After getting their luggage I asked for a room and the woman said she didn't have anymore, then she added that she wasn't going to contribute to any plans I might have. To me this meant that she had a room, she just didn't want me in the same hotel. I said, "Look lady, I've been on the road continuously since Pecos Texas and I just want to get some sleep". She hesitated a moment and then rented me a room that had just been vacated. I helped her change the sheets and was soon sawing logs.

Apartment The next day I drove the girls all over town it seemed like, checking out "For Rent" adds in the Denver Post. We had poor luck until they inquired of the woman at the hotel. She gave them some addresses near by and within a half hour the girls had an apartment.

Denver Museum Winnie's girl friend decided to try to find work in Denver on her return from a visit at home in Wyoming. Her bus was to leave that evening so we took in the Denver Museum till time to take her to the bus station. I had become abrupt and sharp with Winnie's girl friend while at the Museum. She was nice but not too bright and after two days of dumb statements followed by two hours worth of dumb questions my patience began to wear thin. Winnie understood but called attention to my behavior, I thanked Winnie and I brought my disposition under control. After seeing the other girl off Winnie and I had a late dinner, I bid her farewell, planning to see her on the way back, then headed for Kansas about midnight.

Darrell with sister Phyllis before leaving, taken on west side of 306 W. Oak St home.

1933 Pontiac 1946

Ran out of Gas I started with a full tank of gas in Denver but no stations were open and I ran out of gas on Highway 36 about a half mile from the Kansas state line. The sun had been up about two hours when I knocked on the door of a farm house , explained my problem and asked if they'd sell me some gas. They were pleasant but non communicative as they sold me five gallons but refused my gas stamps. I carried the gas back to the car and was soon on my way again.

Furlough The furlough was relatively uneventful. I left the 33 Pontiac and caught a bus to Denver on my way to Salt Lake City and base at Kern Utah.

Good bye to Winnie Winnie and I spent a brief time at the Denver bus station, she had found a civil service job while I was on Furlough..

Salt Lake Barber When I arrived at Salt Lake I decided to get a hair cut at the bus depot before catching the local bus to the Kern base. I had a sore spot on my neck caused by an ingrown hair or pimple. The barber insisted on squeezing it – within a week it had formed into a boil,