Journal of Jess W. Coppedge

Record of my life in the Army

 

August 4, 1941   –   Monday

I enlisted in the Army today and was sent to Fort Lewis, Washington.

August 5, 1941

We received our clothes today and got first taste of Army life.

August 7, 1941

Left Fort Lewis for Ellington Field, Texas, by way of Southern Pacific R.R. through Portland, Sacramento, Los Angeles, and across the Southern part of the country to Houston, Texas.

August 11, 1941

Arrived at Ellington, Field, Texas

August 13, 1941

Was put on K.P. for a week, only work every other day.

August 18, 1941 – Saturday

Started recruit drill today. All we do is march sleep and eat. It is plenty hot and damp. I sweat more here than I ever did before. We are confined to camp and not allowed to leave for three more weeks.

September 6, 1941 – Saturday

Finished recruit drill and have been given 24 hr. passes.

September 8, 1941 – Monday

Went to Houston Saturday night and stayed all night then went to Galveston Sunday. Had a fair time but it is lonesome running around alone.

 

September 12, 1941 – Tuesday

Left Ellington field for Mather Field California.   Am going East through Louisiana, North to Kansas City and then West through Denver and Salt Lake City. Ran short of food on the train. Get and eat a lot of cookies and candy at every stop.

September 1, 1941

Arrived at Mather Field and was sure glad to get off the train for a while and get a square meal.

 

September 22, 1941

Have been working around grounds cleaning up and leveling off.   The field is just getting started and it is plenty dusty. Cannot leave camp as our records have not arrived.

 

 

September 26, 1941

Our records arrived today and we will be able to leave camp tomorrow. Have not heard from Jean since I have been in the Army and have been wondering how things are. I think of her all of the time and look for a letter. I know she will write sometime.

September 29, 1941

Started to work at Section I as a clerk. Have been to Sacramento and find it is a very nice place, although the people are not as friendly as at Houston.

 

November 2, 1941

Have not been keeping this up very good. Am still at Mather and working in office at Section One. Am doing a lot of studying and not running around any. Went to San Francisco and saw Aunt Isabella. Heard from Jean and felt good to get a letter from her.

Jess W. Coppedge

Record of my life in the Army

1942-Flying Cadet

January 23, 1942 –

Put in my application for Flying Cadet and am studying hard so as to be sure to pass the test.

February 1, 1942 – Wednesday

Received raise in pay and Rank to P. F. C. $36.00 month.

 

February 2, 1942

Quit working in Section office.

February 3, 1942

Started working as a mechanic on line at Mather Field.

February 9, 1942

Took exam for cadet and passed Metal with a grade of 122. Failed eye test.

February 16, 1942

Took eye test for cadet over and passed.

February 19, 1942

Went before the Cadet Exam board and was accepted, will have to wait turn for appointment.

February 21, 1942

Received a letter from Cadet Board and I am No. 234 from this board. Will be called when my turn comes up.

February 27, 1942

Have been working on line. Nothing new and have not gone any place.

February 28, 1942 – Saturday

Worked on K. P. all day wasn’t bad. Had a beer party for 77 Air Base Group. Went to town to a show in evening.

March 1, 1942 – Sunday

Went to town in afternoon. Saw “Nazi Messerschmitt 109”. Went to Sutters Fort and Capital Grounds. Took a roll and a half of pictures.

March 2, 1942 – Monday

Warmed up AT-6 for the first time alone on a cold morning. Checked and preflighted ships.

March 5, 1942

Went on guard duty today, worked from 5-9 pm then from 2 to 7 am was issued guard belt and rifle. Rifle no. 1131501

March 9, 1942

Had to drill 1 hr. they are starting a permanent guard squad.

March 10, 1942

Was off duty today. Went off duty today. Went to town in afternoon and to the U.S.O. had a nice time and met several nice girls. Come home to find the guard barracks had been moved everything was in a mess. Most of my clothes had been dropped in the mud.

March 11, 1942

Slept till noon was issued new rifle in afternoon New No. 280059

March 13, 1942

Was my day off. Went to town in afternoon, Saw a show then went up to U. S. O. The women and girls are doing a lot for the boys at the U. S. O.

 

March 15, 1942 – Sunday

Laid around and cleaned up clothes and read. Have to work 5 hours tonight.

March 16, 1942

Another day off wrote letters and went to town and took in a show.

March 23, 1942

Still on guard duty working and laying around hard to find time to go any place or do anything.

March 24-27

Same old guard duty nothing new. Was to town Wednesday Night. Took in a show and came home.

March 28-30

Still the same nothing new and have not gone any place.

March 31, 1942

Pay Day, stayed in camp nothing new.

April 3, 1942

Went to town today. Found out I was leaving for Cadets on or about the 26 of April.

 

April 6, 1942 – Monday

Was relieved from guard duty today.

April 7, 1942

Worked on Line today was assigned to ship No. T-63. It is a AT-9A twin engine trainer.

April 8, 1942

Worked on line nothing new.

April 10, 1942

Was told we may get a furlough in the next few days for a month. Work still the same.

April 11, 1942

Am going to get the furlough. Will leave tomorrow I hope.

April 12, 1942           

Got my furlough am leaving on train for Orting at 7:55 p.m.

April 13, 1942

On train going home. Arrived home at 11:15 a.m.

April 14, 1942

Am home just laying around taking it easy.

April 15, to April 22, 1942

Stayed home at Orting and helped build built-ins in kitchen.

April 22, 1942

Went to Seattle to office and saw Frank, Mr. Rumsey and some of the other boys.

April 23, 1942

Went to Bremerton and out to job and saw all of the old gang. Everything just the same. Went out with Earl and Barney for evening.

April 24, 1942

Came to Seattle and saw Jean and came home.

April 25, 1942

Started in on built-ins at home.

May 7, 1942

Have been home working and was getting ready to go back to San Francisco. Today I got a letter from the Army giving me another 30 days leave so will stop here for a while.

May 20, 1942

Still home and working nothing new.

May 28, 1942

Got a letter from the Army giving me another 30 days furlough so am still home and looks like I will be for a while.

June 12, 1942

Still home and nothing new, went to Tacoma on Monday the 8^th and got my teeth fixed up. Had a letter from Jean yesterday and glad to hear from her. Looks like we will get more money now. Would have made $224.00 more if it had been in effect before.

June 14, 1942 – Sunday

Still at home and laying around today. Called Jean this morning and made a date for Tuesday evening with Jean.

July 16, 1942 – Thursday

Worked on Cleaning all day. Received letter from Army to Report back to San Francisco as soon as possible. Left for home then took train at midnight from Tacoma.

July 17, 1942

On train going south.

July 18, 1942 – Saturday

Arrived at Sacramento at 8 a.m. went out to Mather Field and picked up my clothes then to San Francisco and reported in. Arrived at 3:00 p.m. was told to report back Monday.

July 19, 1942

Went out to see Aunt Isabelle.

July 20, 1942

Reported back to Cadet Board and was told I may have to wait for a week or two before going in training. Am staying at the Y.M.C.A., Have a double room with another A/C by the name of Donald Young.

 

 

July 21, 1942

Went out to the beach and layed around all day.

July 22, 1942

Just layed around town all day.

 

July 26, 1942

Went to Sacramento and had a nice time at Maloohans* they are all find. Came back with Capt. Siegler by car.

July 27, 1942

Layed around town all day and did nothing.

July 31, 1942

Still in San Francisco lying around doing nothing.

August 4, 1942

Still laying around San Francisco and staying at the Y.M.C.A.

August 10, 1942

Still waiting for school call for Cadets nothing new.

August 12, 1942

Went to Sacramento Monday and came back Tuesday night. Had a fair trip. Still waiting.

August 13, 1942 – Thursday

At last am going to be sent out will leave Saturday night for San Antonio, Texas. Sure am glad to be going at last.

August 14, 1942

Got word I was leaving San Francisco for San Antonio, Texas Sunday the 16^th. Am still staying at the Y.M.C.A. But the Army gave us meal tickets and room tickets till Sunday.

August 15, 1942

Saturday, still waiting to leave.

August 16, 1942

Was Appointed an Aviation Cadet at 8:00 A.M. $74.00 a month now. Left San Francisco at 7:00 P.M. b Southern Pacific R.R. South to Los Angeles along the coast line.

August 17, 1942

On train to San Antonio, Texas. Arrived at Los Angeles Yards at 8:30 A. M. and left at 10:30 a.m. Did not go down to the station. Went out through Alhambra and Colton. There is 268 Cadets on the train and a major and one sergeant. No civilians we have two dinners on now and our meals cost us $1.00 each.

Arrived at Yuma, Arizona at 6:00 p.m. and was at Phoenix at 11:15 p.m.

August 18, 1942

Still on train to San Antonio. Was at Douglas at 6:15 a.m. and at El Paso at 11:20 a.m. Left El Paso at 1:00 p.m. and arrived at Sierra Blanca at 4:05 p.m., we only have two small engines on the train now one no. 446 and 457, three drivers on a side, did have one engine with 10 drivers on a side. Was at Moffa at 7:15 p.m.

San Antonio, Texas

August 19, 1942

Arrived at San Antonio at 8:00 a.m. and was at Kelly Field at 9:00 a.m. Was taken to the classification center and waited around till after dinner then we were processed, that is we received our ration money for meals bought on the train and made out our insurance papers and signed for a bond. Also had a haircut ¾“long now. They are very becoming.

Lights out at 10:00 P.M.

August 20, 1942

We roll out at 5:30 a.m., plenty early. Breakfast at 6:10. Just laid around today and seen about getting our baggage.

 

August 21, 1942 – Friday

Took the physical exam today. Pass all O’key. It took about 4 hours. Laid around and got our baggage.

August 22 1942 – Saturday

Took the metal test today it took 8 hours and was plenty tough. Mostly speed tests and you had to work fast. Lots of different fields covered plenty of math and map work.

Classification Center

San Antonio, Texas

August 23, 1942

My lucky day, I met Jean just five years ago to-day took the Psycho Motor test this morning and got along all right. It was changing pegs and other tests to see how steady you are and how fast you are and if you can use both your feet and hands at the same time. It took 4 hours and we laid around the rest of the day.

August 24, 1942

Drilled 1 hour in morning and had exercise for 1 hour and laid around the rest of the day. Expect to be classified tomorrow.

August 25, 1942

Was classified as a Pilot today and was moved from squadron 105 to 120 on the wing extension of tent city at Kelly Field. Was moved right after dinner and got settled the rest of the day.

August 26 1942

Worked on K.P. All day. Still in squadron 120.

August 27,1942

Turned in old Army issue this morning. Had P.T. for 2 hours this afternoon and fill out for retreat in the evening. Got a letter from home that was mailed on August 15, 1942.

August 28, 1942

Received our athletic clothes this morning and our Cadet issue this afternoon. Uniform is swell and sure looks good.

August 29, 1942 – Saturday

Stood Inspection in the morning (Full Dress), and drilled for about an hour. Had no duty in the afternoon.

August 30, 1942 – Sunday

Had a bad storm here today, had to take down the tents and tie things down. It got up to 90 M.P. H. at 11: a.m. continued bad all day and till almost midnight. Was on duty from 4 a.m. and all night things are really in a mess.

August 31, 1942 – Monday

Cleared up around here all day. Tent city is sure a mess, a good many of the tents are torn so that they will have to be replaced. Lots of the clothes are muddy and wet. And the tents are all muddy. Things are coming good tonight though as the storm is over and it is plenty hot.

September 1, 1942 – Tuesday

Good news today as we are leaving here tomorrow and going to Barracks at group 12 we do not know yet when we will start preflight. Got the rest of my GI Clothes turned in today and am all cleared on them. Rest of day was just cleaning up around here.

Preflight

San Antonio, Texas

 

September 2, 1942 – Wednesday

Moved to preflight school Group 12 Squadron 2 Flight B. Am in barracks and they are perty nice. Had nothing else to do except clean up the barracks.

September 3, 1942

Nothing in the morning and just a lecture in the afternoon for 2 ½ hours. The food is very good here we have table cloths and napkins and have to eat a square meal, use only one hand at a time. Heard that we well be here nine weeks.

September 4, 1942

Rained hard this morning we had indoor exercise and some marching this afternoon nothing new.

 

September 5, 1942 – Saturday

Just drilled and marched and had physical exercise also had the articles of war read to us.

September 6, 1942 – Sunday

Just laid around all day no duties.

September 7. 1942 – Monday

Started preflight today will have our first classes tomorrow. All we did was drill and listen to lectures today. Had to fix lockers and clothes for inspection today.

September 8, 1942 – Tuesday

Rained hard this morning and we did not have any classes, was shown a show on articles of war. Drilled an hour in afternoon.

September 9, 1942 – Wednesday

Was mail orderly today, they started classes today but did not get to attend.

September 10, 1942 – Thursday

Drilled and took calisthenics in the morning and had classes in the afternoon.

Take       Aircraft Recognition

Math

Ground Forces

And will have to take the following

Math                                   20 hrs

Code

Ground Forces                     6

Aircraft Recognition            8

Safe Ground Military Inf.    3

Chemical Warfare                 2

War DY Publications           2

Naval Forces                        5

 

 

September 11, 1942 – Friday

Same schedule Calisthenics Drill and school.

September 12, 1942 – Saturday

Same schedule nothing new classes all coming all right.

September 13, 1942 – Sunday

Was barracks guard and went to classes nothing new. Keep me plenty busy all of the time.

September 14, 1942 – Monday

Drilled and PT and lecture no classes today.

 

September 15, 1942 – Tuesday

Regular Schedule

Class in afternoon had two tests one on math and one on ground forces.

September 16, 1942 – Wednesday

Regular schedule. Had an exam in army publications.

September 17, 1942 – Thursday

Regular Schedule, had an exam in Army publications today, and learnt our grades in math and ground forces. I got math 100,   Ground forces 100. Went on guard duty at 6:00 p.m. until morning.

 

 

 

September 18, 1942 – Friday

Regular schedule, had only 2 hrs sleep last night but felt pretty good all day. Had a test in air craft recognition today and got 100 in it. Was not hard although a few failed it. Learnt that I passed in Army Publications but did not find out my grade yet.

 

September 19, 1942 – Saturday

Regular schedule Drill, Calisthenics and classes, lots of studying to do.

September 20, 1942 – Sunday

Open post today went to town and took in a show and spent most of the time at the Cadet Club. Don’t think much of the town. Had to be back early, so left town around eight P.M.

September 21, 1942

Regular Schedule and one extra class today. Started Naval Forces today and had 2 hours of studys in the first hour and 1 hour in the evening so have had 3 hours of it today. Looks like we will finish this week and may leave here next week.

September 22, 1942 – Tuesday

Regular Schedule No extra classes today but we had to stand retreat.

September 24, 1942 –   Thursday

Regular schedule today had test in math today, was not too bad everything still going good. Weather a little cooler.

September 25, 1942 – Friday

Regular schedule except on extra class in math. Nothing new . Had another haircut today.

September 26, 1942 – Saturday

Regular schedule except we had to go on parade this morning for a couple of hours but is was nice and cool for a change. Still don’t know when we are leaving but will probably be the last of next week.

September 27, 1942 – Sunday

Had classes this morning and drill and parade this afternoon. Had a review on the drill field was reviewed by

1. D. Roosevelt, General Arnold, Geo C. Marshal and several others. We were all in athletic clothes in our wing.

September 28, 1942 – Monday

Regular classes this afternoon. Nothing new on when we will leave here or go from here. Had our final in chemical warfare (got 100) and in naval forces (got 95). Only 5 more hours of classes scheduled.

September 29, 1942 – Tuesday

Drill, Calisthenics and 3 hrs of classes. Had a test in code and communication, (grade 100) had a review in math and Air Forces.

 

September 30, 1942 – Wednesday

Drill, Calisthenics and two classes, both of them exams , one in last math class (vectors) and one in Air Forces. All of our classes are through. A notice was posted that we would leave here the 8^th of October but was subject to change. Looks like we would leave sooner.

Preflight

October 1, 1942 – Thursday

Calisthenics and drill. We drilled with rifles and had gas masks drill. Have all of my final grades now and have an average of 98.1 Looks like we will leave the 8^th.

October 2, 1942 – Friday

Went on Maneuvers today-got back at 1700, we had rifles and blanks. Was attacked with tear gas and smoke screens and had to wear gas mask most of the time.   Was interesting and lots of walking. It rained this morning but turned off nice this afternoon.

October 3, 1942 – Saturday

Stood parade and inspection in the morning and drilled in the afternoon. Nothing new.

October 4, 1942 – Sunday

Had open post. Went to San Antonio and spent the day. Saw a couple of shows as it was raining hard all day and was too wet to run around.

 

 

 

October 5, 1942 – Monday

Drilled a couple of hours and laid around the rest of the time, understood we will get paid tomorrow and leave here on or about the eighth.

October 6, 1942 – Tuesday

Drilled and had gas identification and laid around. Got paid at eleven p.m. Received eighty bucks for two months, ration amounted to $58.00.

October 7, 1942 – Wednesday

Found out this morning that I am leaving here Friday the 9^th for Pine Bluff Arkansas. Had a practice departure this afternoon.

October 8, 1942 – Thursday

Had a practice departure and laid around. Packed my things.

October 9, 1942 – Friday

Finished packing and turned in bedding, left San Antonio Cadet Center at 2:30 P.M. Was loaded on train at Kelly Field and was out of San Antonio at about 6:30 p.m. Only had sandwiches for supper.

October 10, 1942 – Saturday

Arrived at Fort Worth at 6:00 a.m., we all got off train and went up town and ate breakfast. We arrived at Longview at about 1:30 and ate dinner there. Headed North through Texarkana to Little Rock, arriving there at midnight.

October 11, 1942 – Sunday

Arrived at Pine Bluff at 2:00 a.m., was out at the field by bus at 4:00 a.m., got a few hours sleep and was up at 7:30, was processed and had a class at 9:00 a.m.   Received our books and flying clothes n the morning, after dinner we unpacked and started getting things fixed up. Had an hour’s calisthenics in the afternoon. Had a lecture at 8:00 p.m. and had from 9:30 on till 10:45 to get ready for inspection tomorrow. The field is called Griger Field and the school is Pine Bluff School of Aviation.

October 12, 1942 – Monday

Had first class in theory of flight and talk on parachutes and form* ones. Went out to line and was assigned to Instructors, My instructor is Mr. Weaver. He just graduated from the school at Kelly field. Started a plane and checked it -will get our first flight tomorrow.

October 13, 1942 – Tuesday

Had 3 hours Air Craft engines at ground school and one class of aircraft identification. Was on flying line all afternoon was up and loaded 0:04 started out plenty good hope I can keep it up. I like it very much, am flying PT-19A’s.

October 14, 1942 – Wednesday

Class in the morning and flew for 40 minutes in the afternoon, cases all O.K. But having a little trouble with getting on to making correct turns and keeping the plane level. They sure give you plenty to do all of the time and keep us busy.

 

October 15, 1942 – Thursday

Class in the morning went to Grady field in afternoon and flew from there, got in :33 minutes. It is a 30 mile ride over there. I like the field better than the one here.

October 16, 1942 – Friday

Class in the morning flew for 45 minutes in the afternoon, done a tail spin and turns and was shown a rectangular course, am getting along fine so far.

October 17, 1942 – Saturday

Had no flying today, bad weather, Went to classes and had to parade in the evening. Went to town in the evening from seven to twelve, had a fair time.

October 18, 1942 – Sunday

No school today, Went to town and took in a show had a fair time but it is not much of a town. Sent some flowers to Jean.

October 19, 1942 – Monday

No flying, had classes in the evening and afternoon nothing new, just the same old story lots of studies.

October 20, 1942 – Tuesday

Flew in the morning not so good today, think I gave the instructor a tough time of it. Had a test in air craft engines think I done all right., Had a letter from Ralph Newman. Still on the job. Had a letter from Pearl, nothing new.

 

October 21, 1942 – Wednesday

Flew in the morning and classes in the afternoon. Got a grade of 90 in the test at yesterdays Engines class. Not so hot in flying today, flew S courses and rectangular courses.

October 22, 1942 – Thursday

Flew from Grady field this morning. Practiced stalls, spins, and landings and take-offs have 1:02 now. Classes in afternoon. Have had tumbling for calisthenics in the afternoon for the last couple of days.

October 23, 1942 – Friday

Flying & lots of studying nothing new.

Study’s good

Flying not so good.

October 24, 1942 – Saturday

Flew in morning classes in afternoon had a test in Theory of flight. Practiced lading in morning not so good. Had a parade in the evening, Open post so went to town.

October 25, 1942 – Sunday

Slept till 9, went to town had dinner and took in a show, came back about four and studied the rest of the day.

October 26, 1942 – Monday

Classes in the afternoon flew in the morning nothing new, some of the boys have started to solo.

October 27, 1942 – Tuesday

Still the same old grind nothing new flew in the morning practice landings only. Not too hot.

October 28, 1942 – Wednesday

Had a test this morning on fuel systems, flew in the afternoon practiced landing and forced landings not too good. Have in 9:30 hour should solo soon if I am gong to.

October 29, 1942 – Thursday

Class in the morning, was raining this morning but cleared up some in the afternoon, Flew 30 minutes, weather was plenty rough, have not soloed yet. (not so good)

October 30, 1942 – Friday

Classes in morning. Rained in afternoon. No flying. Laid around and wrote letters.

October 31, 1942 – Saturday

Classes in morning, was raining and wet so did not fly in afternoon went to town in the evening had a date and had a fair time.

November 1, 1942 – Sunday

Slept late went to town and out to the country club with a couple of the boys and played golf all afternoon. Was a nice day.

 

 

 

November 4, 1942 – Wednesday

Soloed again today not as good as yesterday on my landings. Had an exam in Airplane instruments and propellers, got 89 in it. One half of the class failed it. Nothing new, have to get in and pitch on my flying though.

November 5, 1942 – Thursday

No flying, bad weather, laying around and going to school.

November 6, 1942 – Friday

No flying, foggy and cold. Went to ground school in the afternoon.

November 7, 1942 – Saturday

No flying had a standby inspection in the barracks. Ground school in afternoon and parade. Went to town in evening had a letter from Jean.

November 8, 1942 – Sunday

Slept late went to town and took in a show with A/C James L. Crosby. Weather cleared up and looks good upper class flew this afternoon.

November 9, 1942 – Monday

Ground school in the morning and flew in the afternoon, soloed again had a fair day was quite windy.

 

November 10, 1942 – Tuesday

Ground school in the morning had our final test in theory of flight, got 85 in it. Had our last class in engines today will have a test in it tomorrow. Flew in afternoon, had rained all night last night and the field was so muddy we could not solo. Moved to barracks M-7.

November 11, 1942 – Wednesday

Ground school in morning final test in engines and first class in navigation. Flew in afternoon soloed and shot first stage. Passed it all right but my landing was poor.

November 12, 1942 – Thursday

Flew in morning shot last stages, Was SOD in afternoon and until noon tomorrow was plenty busy.

November 13, 1942 – Friday

Was S.O.D. did not get to fly but attended ground school in the afternoon. Started class on weather.

November 14, 1942 – Saturday

Flew in morning ground school in afternoon, got off from seven till eleven so went to town for a couple of hours and did a little shopping.

November 15, 1942 – Sunday

Flew all day got in three hours have been checked out of traffic so can really get out and do some practicing.

 

November 16, 1942 – Monday

Ground school in morning and flew in afternoon. Was storm and dual only so I only got in 47 minutes. Shot and passed my second stages.

November 17, 1942 – Tuesday

Ground school and flying nothing new am sure busy don’t have any spare time at all.

November 18, 1942 – Wednesday

Had a test in Navigation got 91, had a progress ride (civilian) passed it but was not too good. Flew over 3 hours.

November 19, 1942 – Thursday

Same old story no spare time flew 3:10 today now have in 30:31 sure keep us busy.

November 20, 1942 – Friday

Classes in the morning had a test in meteorology got 92, flew in the afternoon but the weather was bad and we had dual only, got in 55 minutes shooting power on landings, had 30 minutes of Link Traininer.

November 21, 1942 – Saturday

Classes in the morning and flew 2 hours and 12 minutes in afternoon, was a little cloud and could not fly all afternoon. Went to town in the evening and took in a show.

November 22, 1942 – Sunday

Rained last night and cloudy today so no flying. Am just laying around and studying.

November 23, 1942 – Monday

Flew in morning and had regular classes in afternoon, nothing new had a test in aircraft identification, got 100 in it.

November 24, 1942 – Tuesday

Flew in the morning solo only got in 2:05 and have a total of 38:36 now. Got in 30 minutes of link trainer. Had classes in the afternoon.

November 25, 1942 – Wednesday

Flew in morning had one solo flight and one dual ride getting along fair, classes in the afternoon, nothing new.

November 26, 1942 – Thursday

Thanksgiving Day, flew in the morning and classes in the afternoon had dinner at 4:30 and rest of the day off so wrote letters and studied. Have in 43 hours and 20 minutes now.

November 27, 1942 – Friday

Flew in morning and went to classes in the afternoon nothing much new, plenty busy. Received the picture I had made today.

November 28, 1942 – Saturday

Flew in morning and went to classes in the afternoon had a test in navigation did not do so good. Went to town in the evening and went to a show.

 

November 29, 1942 – Sunday

No flying and no classes just layed around and studied, wrote a few letters, and got caught up in general.

November 31, 1942 – Monday

Classes in the morning and a test in meteorology. Flew in afternoon, was pretty hazy so only got in an hour dual. Total time now 49 hours and 10 minutes, gave my instructor a good ride today.

December 1, 1942 – Tuesday

Rain and hail, no flying. Had classes as usual, nothing new.

December 2, 1942 – Wednesday

Flew cross country in the afternoon, Grider to Bainkley to Lonoke to Grider. Had my second progress ride and passed it today. Was with Mr. T. W. Ogle.

December 3, 1942 – Thursday

Classes in the morning and bad weather again so no flying today. Nothing new. Had final test in meteorology.

December 4, 1942 – Friday

Classes in morning and flew in afternoon, started sleeting and we had to stop flying early have in 54 hours and 50 minutes.

December 5, 1942 – Saturday

Classes in morning and still raining so no flying today-got in an hour link time. Went to town in the afternoon and took in a show.

December 6, 1942 – Sunday

Field too wet to fly from so just layed around and wrote letters and studied.

December 7, 1942 – Monday

Weather still bad and no flying. Finished up all classes got 100 in final exam in November.

December 8, 1942 – Tuesday

Weather bad no flying. Finished up all classes, got 100 in final exam in November.

December 9, 1942 – Wednesday

Got in an hour dual weather still bad, was on the line all day.

December 10, 1942 – Thursday

Only dual today again and only got in 50 minutes was on the line all day.

December 11, 1942 – Friday

Weather was bad and I got in no time at all.

December 12, 1942 – Saturday

Flew all day and finished up got in 60hours and 18 minutes. Had my army check ride and passed it all right.

December 13, 1942 – Sunday

Packed this morning and we left at 4:30 p.m., had to wait in Pine Bluff till 7:00 p.m. for the train to Waco, Texas.

December 14, 1942 – Monday

Arrived at Waco about 8:00 am and was out to the post about 9:00 am. Was assigned barracks and section and got unpacked.

December 15, 1942 – Tuesday

Was assigned to our instructors and looked over our new ships. They look pretty big after the P.T.’s.

December 16, 1942 – Wednesday

Was on regular schedule today and was up for 45 minutes. Theses ship fly a lot different than the P.T. Started classes today, Code and navigation. The physical training here is pretty rough, an hour and a half each day. The obstacle course here is called the commando course and is pretty tough.

December 17, 1942 – Thursday

Got in 50 minutes flying time and went to classes. The food here is much better than at primary classes, don’t seem to be as hard so far.

December 18, 1942 – Friday

Things are really getting started, got in an hour’s time today and it looks like we will have to be on the ball all of the time. Had a short test in navigation and will have one in code tomorrow.

Basic

December 19, 1942 – Saturday

Weather was bad, no flying. Had open post and I went to town and took in a show in the evening.

December 20, 1942 – Sunday

Weather was bad so just layed around and wrote letters.

December 21, 1942 – Monday

Still no flying, this Texas weather is not what it might be.

December 22, 1942 – Tuesday

Flew today and ground school as usual, keep us plenty busy and the physical training is plenty rough.

December 23, 1942 – Wednesday

Things about the same, weather is not good but we got in some time.

December 24, 1942 – Thursday

Flew for an hour today and had ground school as usual, Code is beginning to get rough.

December 25, 1942 – Friday Christmas

Had a swell dinner and was off al l day, no flying weather, bad again, took in a show here on the post.

 

December 26, 1942 – Saturday

Was on the flight line but did not get in any time, weather still bum. Looks like snow today.

December 27, 1942 – Sunday

Flew for awhile this morning and was off all afternoon, not much new around here.

December 28, 1942 – Monday

Flew an hour this afternoon but flying has been called off several times today. Snowed a little a couple of times today.

December 29, 1942 – Tuesday

Soloed the B.T. this morning got in 1:20 all together. Weather has cleared up and it is pretty nice. Ground School and P.T. just the same had a package from JMR and one from the Ragons.

December 30, 1942 – Wednesday

Shot stages at Aquilla field today, got in 2 hours one solo. Had final test in navigation today. Nothing else new. Two cadets got killed today the first of our class.

December 31, 1942 – Thursday

Weather will bad only get an hour dual instrument time, classes and everything else just the same.

January 4, 1943 – Monday

Same old story, flew 1:40 shot last stage and 40 minutes solo transition. Started meteorology today.

January 5, 1943 – Tuesday

Only got in 20 minutes today.

 

January 6, 1943 – Wednesday

Rained all day. Just had ground school and link training.

January 7, 1943 – Thursday

Had 40 minutes solo and an hour dual instruction, nothing new, classes and link.

January 8, 1943 – Friday

Had first check ride here with Lt. Plotner, C. M. Passed it all right!

January 9, 1943 – Saturday

Same old thing, flew an hour, went to classes and link. Went to town in the evening and came home early.

January 10, 1943 – Sunday

Went on cross country trip today, took 1:30, had a good trip. No classes.

January 11, 1943 – Monday

Weather bad again, got in 1 hour dual. We are on a new schedule, only have P.T. every other day and link every other day.

 

January 12, 1943 – Tuesday

Have been working on line. Nothing new and have not gone any place.

January 13, 1943 – Wednesday

Weather bad, but got in 50 minutes dual time, had my first stalls and spins under the hood today

.

January 14, 1943 – Thursday

Started night flying so do not have much time off.

January 15 to 25

Weather has been bad and we still had to meet the flight line every day and every other night.

Classes are still the same, am getting along fine so far.

January 26 to 31

Weather better and we are getting in our time all right but am flying all of the time.

February 1 to 8

Weather better and we are getting in our time all right, but am flying all of the time.

 

 

 

February 9, 1943

Had instrument check ride with Lt. Klapka. Finished classes today.

February 10 to 12, 1943

Have finished flying and classes and am going to Blackland Army Flying School at the other side of Waco for advanced.

Got in 71 ¾ hours here.

Dual Instruction                                              12 hours

Solo Instruction                                              8 hours

Formation                                                       5 ½ hours

Night form                                                      2 ½ hours

Other Night                                                     10 hours

Rest Transi and XC

Link Time                                                       15 Hours

Total to date

Dual Instr                                                        12 :00

Solo Instr                                                        8:05

Dual                                                                49:07

Solo                                                                 50:06

Dual Night                                                      10:40

Solo Night                                                       1:35

131:33

Link 18:00

February 13, 1943 – Saturday

Finished flying at Basic and went on Open Pass till Tuesday.

February 16, 1943 – Tuesday

Come back from Dallas and packed to move to Blackland Army flying school and started taking physical exam and was issued flying equipment.

February 17, 1943 – Wednesday

Moved to Blackland Army Base school and started taking physical exam and was issued flying equipment.

 

February 18, 1943 – Thursday

Took rest of physical exam, it took most of the day and we had the rest of the time off. The barracks are not quite as nice as the ones we left, but I think I will like it here.

Passed the Physical all right.

February 19, 1943 – Friday

Had to take some more physical exam and fill out application for our commissions.

February 20, 1943 – Saturday

We measure for our uniforms and had a get together with the tactics officers. Had open post but did not go to town, stayed here on the post and went to a show.

February 21, 1943 – Sunday

Layed around all day, and wrote few letters and took in the show here on the post. Sent in my income tax report.

February 22, 1943 – Monday

First classes and went to flight line and met our instructor ( Lt. Cooperten, Johnny F.). Looks like we are going to be plenty busy for the first 4 weeks here.

February 23, 1943 – Tuesday

Flew for 2 hours today don’t seem too tough but can’t tell yet, only an orientation ride today. Don’t have much time here.

February 24, 1943 – Wednesday

Didn’t fly today but had usual classes and P.T. the obstacle course here is the best yet. It is rightfully called Gremlin Park and is plenty tough.

February 25, 1943 – Thursday

Flew two hours today everything coming along fine. Plenty of ground school and we are plenty busy.

February 26, 1943 – Friday

Was checked out today and things are coming along fine had a couple of tests in ground school today.

February 27, 1943 – Saturday

Started instrument flying today got in one hour and a half. Regular classes and P.T.

February 28, 1943 – Sunday

No flying No classes, just layed around and took in a show here on the post.

March 1, 1943 – Monday

Flew 4 hours, 2 hours Pilot and 22 hours co-pilot regular classes and P.T. don’t have much spare time.

March 2-6 1943 – T-W-T-F-S

Weather has not been too good but we have been flying nearly every day. Classes and P.T. every day and plenty to keep us busy.

March 7, 1943 – Sunday

Spent the day in town took in a couple of shows and layed around. We came in Saturday night and got a room and stayed all night.

March 8, 1943 – Monday

Flew all afternoon got in 5:20, half co-pilot. Had classes and of course P.T. We have to go to a movie every night this week. They are training films and not too interesting.

March 9-10, 1943 – Tuesday and Wednesday

Nothing new here just flying and classes.

March 11, 1943 – Thursday

Was checked out in a AT-17 today and flew it for 1:30 more like driving a car than flying.

March 12, 1943 – Friday

No flying today, we had several lectures instead as the ceiling has been about 50 feet all day is lifting this evening.

Advanced

March 13-21, 1941 – Monday

Missed a couple of days flying but have been getting in a good bit of time. Have started night flying and finished ground school. Still have to go to a few lectures. Are now upper class men and have found out we will all get commissions as Second Lieutenants and none of us will be flight officers.

March 22-April 1, 1943 – Monday

Not much new we fly every other night and are pretty busy. Have been taking lots of cross country trips and not much local flying.

April 2-6, 1943

Things still about the same have tried on our uniforms and been fit for flying clothes. Lots of papers to sign and things to do to get ready for graduation on April 22.

April 7-16, 1943

Finished all my flying the 13^th. Have got our parachutes and am still filling out and signing papers and getting ready for the big day. Our uniforms were delivered today. Not many more days to go.

April 22, 1943

Graduated from cadets and was appointed a Second Lt. in the Air Corps A. U. S. Was discharged by special order No. 87 par. 6 and appointed 2^nd Lt. by special order no. 87 par 9 New serial No. 067744. Was assigned to 396th Bomb Group, Moses Lake, Washington by special order No. 96 Pr 17 dated April 22, 1943.

 

Leave

April 23, 1943 – Friday

Received our orders and left Blackland. Have ten days delay in route so am headed for home.

April 24, 1943 – Saturday

Arrived in Kansas City and am leaving at 8 p.m.

April 25, 1943 – Sunday

Arrived in St. Paul and leaving at 9:30 P.M.

April 26, 1943 – Monday

Arrived in Spokane and am staying over night.

April 28, 1943 – Wednesday

Am at home at Orting and will be here for a few days.

April 29-30

Laying around at home.

May 1, 1943 – Saturday

Went to Seattle and saw JWR and Frank and on to Bremerton. Stayed all night at the Ragons.

May 2, 1943 – Sunday

Came to Seattle in the evening and spent the evening with Jean.

Moses Lake

May 3 and 4, 1943

Layed around at home and left for Moss Lake Air force Base and am getting settled.

May 5, 1943 – Wednesday

Arrived at Moses Lake Air Force Base and am getting settled.

May 6, 1943 – Thursday

Still getting settled and have not started doing anything yet.

May 7, 1943 – Friday

Started Link trainer and am not doing much yet.

May 8, 1943 – Saturday

Started ground school today here and things will be going soon.

May 9, 1943 – Sunday

Made my first flight in a B-17 F today and met our crew. Will be the Co-Pilot, the first Pilot is 1^st Lt. White, Lester S.

May 10, 1943 – Monday

Had another flight today and our pilot was check out, we are ready to start our missions now. Have started ground school and bomb training.

May 11, 1943 – Tuesday

No flight today, just ground school and link.

May 12, 1943 – Wednesday

No flight today just ground school and link.

May 13, 1943 – Thursday

Just more ground school and ground instruction. Am sure short of planes here.

May 14, 1943 – Friday

Ground school and link trainer.

May 15, 1943 – Saturday

Still not flying just ground school and ground instruction

May 16, 1943 – Sunday

Still not flying just ground school and ground instruction.

May 17, 1943 – Monday

Still just going to ground school and going down to fly but never get a plane.

May 18, 1943 – Tuesday

Just gunnery range again have been shootin the fifty cal. Machine guns and learning all about turrets and sights.

May 19, 1943 – Wednesday

Same old story report for flying but never get a plane.

May 20, 1943 – Thursday

Flew last night got in 4.5 hours had a nice trip mostly making dry runs.

May 21, 1943 – Friday

Flew again early this morning took a trip over Coulee Dam and made a lot of dry runs and practiced instruments for about an hour.

May 22, 1943 – Saturday

Gunnery range again, have been shooting the fifty cal. Machine guns and learning all about the turretts and sights.

May 23, 1943 – Sunday

No plane today was scheduled to fly but plane was pulled out.

May 24, 1943 – Monday

Flew this morning, Lt. White was sick but Lt. Wert flew as first pilot and we shot out at the air to ground range. Got in five and a half hours.

May 25, 1943 – Tuesday

Went on two days leave.

May 26, 1943 – Wednesday

Was in Spokane and came back in the afternoon, had a fair time.

May 27, 1943 – Thursday

Gunnery range today.

May 28, 1943 – Friday

`           Flew from one to six today mostly dry runs and instrument time.

May 29, 1943 – Saturday

Found we are leaving the first of the month some time and will fly when ever we can get a plane.

May 30, 1943 – Sunday

Flew for 3.7 hours today and yes on the gunnery range all of the time. No more ground school here.

May 31, 1943 – Monday

Flew today and dropped 15 bombs on range, was up for 6.3 hours. Flew part of the runs.

June 1, 1943 – Tuesday

Didn’t do much today, no flying or ground school.

June 2, 1943 – Wednesday

Getting ready to leave for Wall Walla and filling out a few more papers.

June 3, 1943 – Thursday

Only filled out papers today and went to a meeting, we are leaving at eight in the morning.

Walla Walla

June 4, 1943 – Friday

Arrived at Walla Wall this afternoon and am getting settled again.

June 5, 1943 – Saturday

Filled out more papers this morning and had the afternoon and all day tomorrow off.

June 6, 1943 – Sunday

Had the day off and just layed around

June 7, 1943 – Monday

Started ground school again here and it looks like we will not start flying for awhile.

 

June 8, 1943 – Tuesday

Had an hour link today and no ground school.

June 9, 1943 – Wednesday

Ground school and link.

June 10, 1943 – Thursday

Ground school and link, also had four hours of Navo trainer.

June 11, 1943 – Friday

Found out today that our crew would go back to first phase again and I would get a chance to be first pilot. And that we would not stay here all through the phases but leave about as soon as we get in 70 hours or maybe sooner.

June 12, 1943 – Saturday

Ground school all day and got off till Monday morning.

June 13, 1943 – Sunday

Went to town in the morning and went to church and took in a show, came home early and studied.

Daughters (Bonnie)note: Jess was married to Velma Sevdy on June 21, 1943 They were able to spend some time together before he left. I have not located any journals yet for this period of time.

November 1, 1943 –

At Harrington air Force Base all processed and ready to leave expect to leave soon. Was alerted at 9:00 p.m.

November 2, 1943  

Was loaded on trucks and took to town about noon and was soon on our way, Don’t know where we are going.

 

November 3, 1943 –

Woke up in Illinois and had dinner on the train just outside of Chicago was in Chicago for several hours and started out East.

November 4, 1943 –

Woke up in West Virginia and got over into Virginia around 3 in the afternoon. Finally getting to see what a little of the East is like.   Virginia is a great deal like Washington , the trees are different.

November 5, 1943 –

Six of the boys got off the train at a small town and got left behind, they had to take a taxi to the next stop 80 miles. My Co-Pilot, Whitaker was among the, (that was yesterday). We did not get to got to bed on the train and arrived at Camp Patrick Henry at about 3 a.m. Got to bed about five and slept till ten. Can’t get off the Post here or make any phone calls. Our mail is censored from here on out.

November 6, 1943 –

Got some more equipment today and have spent the evening packing and writing letters. We are all set to ship out and are just waiting to go.

November 7, 1943 –

Still at Camp Patrick Henry waiting to be shipped out, can’t leave the post or call out.

November 8, 1943 –

Waiting to be shipped out and expect it soon

November 1, 1943 –

Still waiting and it sure is tiresome with nothing to do.

November 10, 1943 –

Shipped out our “B”baggage today and it looks like we are leaving soon.

November 11, 1943 –

We alerted today and am leaving tomorrow. Went down to the club I formation and had a good time for a couple hours. The swah * group just about took over the place.

Aboard the Alfred Moore

November 12, 1943 –

Boarded ship

Loaded on the boat about 5 p.m. there is 12 of us in a room. We are on a Liberty Ship, about 500 enlisted men and 50 officers. The ship is the Alfred Moore. They loaded the men and the baggage and we moved out into the bay.

November 13, 1943 –

Slept till nine and had breakfast at ten, we have two meals on board ship and have to sleep with our cloths on, have set in the bay all morning at Hampton Roads and are moving out some time tonight. Looks like we will be out for 17 to 25 days. The ship is loaded with trucks and P4DN Planes, as far as we can see.

November 14, 1943 – course about 85^o

Woke up this morning out in the Atlantic just out of sight of land, we sailed out of the bay at 0100. We went out in convoy and could see ships in front and behind us as far as we could see an* several planes and destroyers and two blimps. The sea was not to rough but some of the E.M. and a few ground officers are sick so far all flying officers are feeling good. We have to stay below decks after dark and sleep with our clothes on. The food is dam bum, but as long as our candy holds out we will make out. We joined the rest ( about 100) of the convoy about dark. It looks like a real large convoy.

 

November 16, 1943 – course 125^o

Got up this morning about nine and we had breakfast about ten. The meals are sure as hell bum on this boat and I don’t think they will get any better. We are in a convoy of about a hundred ships and are about the middle column and second from the rear.

O   O

ooo   ooo

O o o o o o o o o   O                □Ca.

o o o o o o o o

o o o o o o o o

O O O   o o o o o o o o O   …..

o o o o x o o o

O o o o o o o o o   O

O                               O □Ca

We have lots of destroyers and escort vessels around us and two carriers. Had a PBM with us for severl hours today. Stayed on deck most all day and came below at six. Ate and now am just laying around till time to roll in.

November 17, 1943 – course 94^o

                  Things about the same so had a good egg (fresh) sandwich from one of the crew this morning and a good cup of coffee, sure was a treat. The DDrivers dropping ash cans last night but don’t know if they got him or not. Was allowed on deck after dark tonight for awhile, sure was dark out and not a light anyplace in sight. It was so hot downstairs we could hardly stand it. It is much warmer than it was a few days ago. We were freezing the first two nights.

November 18, 1943 –

Weather a little worse today and it is raining out tonight. Our Carrier escort left us in the night last night and went out looking for trouble and haven’t got back yet, hope they do soon. The food is not any better as a matter of fact it is worse today. Sure nothing to do and it is tiresome doing it. Sure miss the wife and will be glad when I get back to her. I love her a lot.

November 19, 1943 –

Weather is a lot better today but the ship is sure rolling tonight and makes it hard writing. Nothing much happening, the carrier has not come back yet, we are making pretty good time and should be into Casablanca by the first of December. The food is not getting any better even the one slice of bread we got tonight was moldy. Sure wish I was home eating the wife’s cooking. Sure miss her and lover her a lot.

November 20, 1943

Roughest out yet tonight and we just had to stop as we got too close to another ship, but are back in formation again now. The K.P.s are singing but I don’t know why.

The boys in the room are all talking about women and that always makes me blue, thinking of the little woman. Sure wish I was home with her.

We are just about half way out or across now and they say the last half is the worst. Haven’t been feeling to good today, but some of the boys here think it can be blamed on the food. One of the CM is singing “Wait for Me Mary” am going to write to the Mrs.

November 21, 1943

A little smoother today but looks like it has not cleared up completely. Just laid around as usually all day and layed cards for a few hours tonight. The boat rolls and rocks so that it is even hard to set and play cards. The food is still the same bum as can be.

Well this waiting is hard and tiresome but maybe we are lucky we didn’t fly across but will know when we get over there.

November 22, 1943

Slept till ten today got up and ate and went on deck today till one when we had our second boat drill. I came below and slept a couple of hours. It was so rough last night I didn’t do much sleeping. Just kept getting tossed from one side of the boat to the other. Boy will I be glad to get on land again.

Evening and time to hit the hay, it is still rough and the boat is still rocking plenty hope it lets up so we can sleep tonight.

November 23, 1943

A little over a month since I last was with the wife and still miss her a hell of a lot. Although I do not worry about her as much as I did at first. Know that I love her as much as is possible and that she will be true to me. I sure feel that I can be true to her and will.

Just the same old story here on board ship.

Have a little cold and sure have been coughing tonight. Will be glad when this trip is over.

November 24, 1943

Hear that the news was pretty good today and it looks like this war might be over before too long.
Sure hope so.

The aircraft carrier has not joined us again and we are getting into bad waters now. Some time this morning we passed over the time zone line at 22.5 West longitude.

Got hold of a couple “K” rations and a couple good meals have made me feel a lot better. The meals are better than they were too. We should be in port this time next week.

November 25, 1943 – Thursday   Thanksgiving Day

It was a nice day today but is raining out a little now. Life on board one of these little ships is not too good. We had oatmeal mush for breakfast and ham and mashed potatoes for supper. Not much for a thanksgiving dinner, only hope that Xmas will find us under much better conditions.

We understand now that four ships going to Casablanca will leave the convoy Sunday and go on into Casablanca. Should have land based planes for protection from then on in.

November 26, 1943

Friday and we didn’t have fish to eat, did have the best meal so far tonight. We have been having shower all day and it is a little cloudy out now.

Should be getting in Monday if all goes well and we sure hope it does. I will never forget this trip across and sure hope the one back is a lot better or that we fly back. They have the convoy closer together now and the destroyers are sure patrolling more now.

Just hope we do not run into any trouble. Have been writing to the wife every day and sure love and miss her.

November 27, 1943 – Saturday

Our evening meal is over and have settled down for the night. Will write a letter to my dear wife.

We are dodging a bunch of Submarines now and are turning every few minutes. Hope we dodge them completely.

Haven’t felt very good the last couple of days and have been coughing a lot at night, will sure be glad when we get on land and can get a doctor that has something to work with. They say now that we will not be in till next Wednesday.

November 28, 1943 – Sunday

It looks like we are getting close to the North coast of Africa and should be landing in a day or two. Changed to Greenwich Time today. Saw a PBY 5 today and sure hope we see plenty of them.

This has been a long tiresome boat ride and am glad it is about over.

We had services on board ship today and one of the C M gave the sermon, he was pretty good and it was all right.

Weather was a little bad today and I stayed in most all day. Played several games of checkers and the day has gone by pretty fast.

November 29, 1943 Monday

Another day at sea and should be pretty close to port wherever it will be.

We have been sailing close to 90^o ever since we left port, it has gotten as high as 125^o and as low as 75^o but keep turning all the time. Didn’t notice any planes today but see that we have a few more destroyers patrolling for us.

Sure sleep a lot on this trip and don’t get a great deal of exercise, wonder what kind of shape I will be in when we start flying.

November 30, 1943 Tuesday

Saw the first fish I saw since we have been out today don’t know what kind it was, Was about foot long.

We have dropped a little behind the convoy now and expect to leave it soon.

The sky is all overcast and the sea is smooth, really is pretty out now.

Pulled out from the rest of the convoy tonight at about five thirty and are now headed a little south toward Casablanca. Will be in tomorrow morning sometime. Our little convoy now has four freighters all of our class about 10,000 tons and one navy tanker and 3 escort vessels.

December 1, 1943 Wednesday

Saw the first sight of land this morning at 0200 we dropped anchor about 0400 and waited till 0930 to go into the harbor. The harbor here is small but will hold a lot of ships. Saw eight or nine sunken ships in the harbor and the harbor is the only place I have noticed any signs that the war was here. Most of the boats were American in the port except a couple French passengers and one cruiser but they come and go all of the time.

We were the first off the boat and went right to Cassis Air Port where we are staying in a transit camp. Had dinner at 1200 and got our baggage right afterwards and cleaned up.

After supper we went into town and saw it. It sure is a lot different from anyplace I have ever been. There is not a wooden house in the town, all stucco or kind of sandstone. There is a lot of real nice looking places here and some that look more modern then you will see in the States. We went to the allied officers club and drank a couple of glasses of wine. The club is a branch of the American Auto Association. AAA. And is just as nice as any place back home. We went to a show at nine at the Red Cross theater and came on back to camp by G.I. Truck.

Casablanca Cazes Air Port

December 2, 1943 – Thursday

Looks like we will be here till Monday. I have written home and sent a couple wires, will not get any mail here. We think we will go on up to Tunis by rail. We have a radio on here. We think we will go on up to

Tunis by rail. We have a radio pn here in the barracks and am listening to the American expeditionary station at Casablanca. Got some of my things unpacked and repacked and wrote a couple of letters and went into town. We rented a couple of bicycles and rode around town for an hour or so and then walked around and done a little shopping, ate a bite and looked around some more and finely came home about eight.

The town closes up at dusk and as soon as it gets dark everyone gets off the streets, no street lights, it really is a blacked out city with out even a black out. The airport is a pretty good sized place and they have plenty of planes here all types and kinds the one runway is dirt and not too long or smooth but I don’t think we will do an flying here.

December 3, 1943 – Friday – Thursday

Still waiting to be sent on up in North Africa, spent all afternoon in town shopping and looking around. Bought a purse for the wife. It is a pretty thing, cost 12000 franks. Things are high and not much to buy. Getting tired of the town and people. Sure miss the wife and love her a lot.

December 4, 1943 – Saturday

Didn’t do much today, layed around all day, went over and got paid and went to a show here in camp in the evening. Have heard nothing new about when we re leaving.

December 5, 1943 – Sunday

Got up as usual at eight had breakfast wrote a couple letters, ate dinner and went to town. Had a few drinks of wine and went to Red Cross show at 9 and came on home. Sure don’t think much of the town or the people, and don’t like their wine, it is very poor.

December 6, 1943 – Monday

Cold as the dickens here and raining most of the time. Went to town in the afternoon and took in the red cross show at nine. Getting tired of the town and will be glad to get out of here. A Liet. Off one of the D.D. told us last night that the navy DD’s sunk 5 subs and one probably on the trip across with the convoy.

December 7, 1943 – Tuesday

Stayed in today and wrote a couple letters, two to the wife and one to May.

It is cold and wet here but they put a stove in the barracks today and I found a chair and table so am ficed up to stay in for the rest of my stay here. Don’t know when we will leave or where we will go.

December 8, 1943 – Wednesday

Just another day spent laying around, done a little washing and moved to another barracks, they have more men coming in so we had to bunch up more. Went into town and ate supper but it was raining so we came back early.   The President was supposed to land here today but we didn’t hang around to see. They say now that we will not leave here till about the 16^th so it looks like it will be a long time before we get any mail or get settled. Am getting plenty tired of these dirty Arabs and the stink of the town. I have been writing to the wife every day, and think I will have to spend more time waiting and studying while we are laying around.

December 9, 1943 – Thursday

Just another day laying around waiting to be shipped out we expect to leave by train about the 16^th and it will be about an eight day ride.

All I done today was play a game of soft ball and go to the P.X. and buy a pair of pants, will sure be glad when we can get settled and get all our clothes cleaned up. Was a swell day today, the sun was out all day and it only rained a little in the evening

December 10, 1943 – Friday

Just another day of laying around, we sure have had a lot of vacations during our training and suppose it will be a long time before we get into things yet. We seem to not be wanted here as other crews come and go and here we set.

December 11, 1943 – Saturday

Laid around all day, all I done was a little washing, didn’t go to town as two crews mine and one other one alerted and may get to fly out of here before long. I sure hope we do as I don’t think much of an eight day train ride, besides I sure would like to get into the air again for awhile. The weather has been good.

December 12, 1943 – Sunday

Looks like I will get to fly out of here in a B-17 tomorrow or as soon as the weather permits. I am supposed to fly with all my crew and baggage and half of another crew. Lt Revywina’s crew is going in my ship and Lt. Rocksteads   wane going from here to Oran and on from there. Am all packed and ready. There is supposed to be a ferry command pilot along in each ship. Have a little cold and don’t feel to good to night but am sure glad to get to fly instead of taking a train.

December 13, 1943 – Monday

We got briefed for our flight out of here and will leave just as soon as the airport of Oran is fit to land on which should be soon as we had a good day here. There will be three crews and four men from the ferry command with us in two ships, we will pick up two more planes at Oran and it looks like we will fly clear into Italy.

Had a dream last night, dreamt that I had got back and could find where the wife worked but couldn’t find her, something was wrong and I couldn’t get it straightened out. I sure love my wife and am not worried about her not being there when I get back.

December 14, 1943 – Tuesday

Things are looking up again we have our baggage loaded in a B-17 and think we will fly it out of here for Tunis tomorrow. It is a new B-17G number 4231400 and looks good to me. But will be about a 1000 mile flight and if the weather is good should have no trouble at all. There will be six planes in all and we will have one all to ourselves. Sure wlsh I could hear from the wife sure miss her and love her a lot.

December 15, 1943 – Wednesday

Pre-flighted our ship today and have it all ready to shove off in the morning if the field is not so muddy we can’t get off and I don’t think it will be as the sky is clear and tonight, will be great to be back in the air again.

Have a good plane, it is a new G and only has 62:60 hours on it. Was built in Seattle and maybe Pearl or LeRoi worked on it.

Tunis by Flashlight

December 16, 1943 – Thursday

Took off this morning from Casablanca and flew to Tunis got in just before dark and blew a tire as we turned off the taxie strip so it looks like we will not be able to go on tomorrow. Went into town and slept on a couple cots in a hotel, had only 2 blankets and believe me it was plenty cold. Had a dream last night and I was back home with the wife. There sure is plenty of evidence that the war hit the air field here. Lots of German planes wrecked here and the building around the field have all been hit and struaffed*.

December 17, 1943 – Friday

Spent all day getting the tire on the plane fixed and a few other things done up, and are ready to take off tomorrow if the weather permits.   Lt Rocketed came in today and he and I and a funny command plot are going to fly up to Foggia in Formation. Went to town in the evening and had to sleep on the floor. Found a place here called an Officer’s Club where they dance and drink this bum wine at 30¢ a small glass. We have been eating out at the field at the Hotel De Gink for 10¢ a meal. It has Italian prisoners for K.P. and is run by the army.

December 18, 1943 – Saturday

Started out this morning and was only out about 40 minutes and had to feather number 4 engine so turned around and came back. Spent all day getting the plane back into shape to go. It was late so I slept in the Plane with Lt. Wynn.

December 19, 1943 – Sunday

Got off this morning all right and ran into a front just before we hit Sicily and had to drop down to 300 ft over the ocean till after we got around the toe of Italy. When we were about half way around we turned around and spent some time helping a C-47 look for a glider he had lost in the ocean but he finally found it along the shore. We got into Foggio about two thirty and got assigned to the 301^st bomb group there and flew to this field about 20 miles from Foggia. It was just dark so we only unloaded what we needed for the night and went and ate.

Sure saw plenty of wrecked planes and bomb craters around Foggia and the town looks like the building are just a pile of rubbish from the air.

December 20, 1943 – Monday

Spent all day setting up our tent and digging our fox hole. There is two tents per crew, 4 officers and 6 enlisted men. We don’t have cots in hear or lights in the tent yet and it may be some time. We have to eat out of our mess kits here and out in the open but the food is plenty good especially the night meal. Have a little cold and I don’t think this sleeping on the damp ground is going to help it any. Have all our baggage moved up to our tent now.

December 21, 1943 – Tuesday

Spent all morning finishing up our fox holes and going to a lecture at S-2. It is raining a little and spent some time fixing a few holes in the tent and putting a ditch around it.

Took the ship up n the afternoon and test fixed the guns out over the ocean.

December 22, 1943 – Wednesday

Spent the day fixing up around the tent and getting something to make a stove out of. Mo went to town and we have a lamp now and we got 10 gals of oil from the line to burn for heating. Had a lecture on plane identification.

December 23, 1943 – Thursday

Flew co-pilot this morning for three hours on a practice mission, was just flying around in a 36 plane formation putting on a show for some General. Heard it was Eisenhower. Get down around twelve and spent the rest of the day washing out a few clothes and putting some dry dirt under my bed and wrote some letters. Sure do wish I would get a letter from the wife. I love that girl.

December 24, 1943 – Friday

Night before Christmas in Italy. Was scheduled for a mission today but it was called on account of weather, expect to go no one tomorrow. We fixed up our stove today and have a fire going tonight. All we need now is some cots and a little lumber to make a door and a table.

Mission # 1

Flying out of Italy

December 25, 1943 – Saturday

Flew my first mission today, it was to knock out a bridge up in Northern Italy in the Alps at Bolzano just before the Brenet Pass. The flack was pretty heavy and it knocked down one Fortress, it happened to be the lead ship with Col. Wert. Was up for 6 ¾ hours today. Saw a lot of the Alps they look a lot like part of our Rockies. Had a good Turkey dinner tonight and a couple of drinks of rum and wrote to my Honey and am going to shave and turn in.

December 26, 1943 – Sunday

Laid around today and fixed up our tent and stove a little more Have some tin tops from fin* crates under our beds and it gets them off the wet ground. They are getting a mess hall built and thin   should be pretty good here after all the supplies catch up and we get good and settled. Rained hard this morning and the raid was called off and the one tomorrow has been cancelled.

December 27, 1943 – Monday

Am grounded with ear trouble and laid around most of the day. Got a cot and fixed up my bed and made a rack* to hang up a few clothes. Was raining most all day and there was no mission. We are getting pretty well fixed up.

December 28, 1943 – Tuesday

All of the boys went out today and got back all right they had a milk run. I fixed up our oil container outside and piped it in to our stove so that we now have a pretty good set up. Got the oil line from a wrecked ship and have a pretty good set up now.

December 29, 1943 – Wednesday

Just laid around the tent today as it was raining some and nothing else to do. The boys all went out on a raid.

December 30, 1943 – Thursday

Worked on our tent some and fixed up around it. Am still grounded. Lt. Wynn was the only one to go on a raid today and the rest of the boys that is Dog and Mo went to Barnie*

December 31, 1943 – Friday

Got a Barrel of oil for our stove and wrote a couple letters today. We had a little party for all the crew n our tent and a couple of the boys got drunk, it didn’t turn out too good. Don’t think It is a good idea for the officers to drink with the E.M. Am still grounded but we have no raid tomorrow.

Tenting in an Olive Grove in Italy

January 1, 1944 – Saturday

Still grounded and still 49 missions to go. Raining like hell out and it looks like it will be for a while. Had a hell of a good turkey dinner in the rain. Our tent is getting pretty well fixed up now and our stove sure is doing swell now. Still need lumber for a door and a table. Wrote several letters today and done a little sleeping.

January 2, 1944 – Sunday

Went to church this morning and came back and worked on the oil supply to the stove have a 50 gallon drum hooked up now. My ears are feeling better now and I think I should be able to get back to flying soon.

January 3, 1944 – Monday

Was a swell day today and all the crew flew but Wynn and I. I got ungrounded today and am scheduled to fly tomorrow. Sure hope I don’t have any trouble with my ears. Went to Cerignoli today and bought some dates, figs, and nuts and sardines. The streets are narrow and the buildings all seem to be 2 or 3 story. All made of stone and the streets are paved with stone blocks. The people and the town are dirty but not as bad as Africa.

Raid # 2

January 4, 1944 – Tuesday

Went on a raid today but didn’t find our target, was supposed to bomb the city of Sofia, Bulgaria or the railroad yards at Nia* , Yugoslovis. Didn’t find either one of them as the valleys were all covered with clouds and I think the whole formation got a little lost. Go so far over the Danube Valley. Saw some flack and one fighter. Had a good P-38 and P47 escort. Had to feather #3 today and come in on 3 engines. Ship No. was 465* Saw a lot of rugged country and a small portion of I tis suitable for farming.

January 5, 1944 – Wednesday

Laid around all day and all I done was to write a couple letters and talk was sure tired last night after our trip and hit the hay right off the bat. Have plent to do but just didn’t get around to it. We got electric lights in now so are pretty well fixed up in our tent.

January 6, 1944 – Thursday

Just another day laying around done a washing, got my ration from the P.X. and took a bath.

One of the tests caught n fire tonight and I helped put it out and set up a new tent. The weather has been bad and we haven’t been out raiding for a couple days but it looks good for tomorrow.

January 7, 1944 – Friday

Raised the tent pole today and spent most of the day fixing up around the tent. Have to go no a raid in the morning so will have to hit the hay early tonight. The war news keeps looking good and I sure hope it is over soon.   Also hope that if it isn’t I get my fifty missions in soon and can go home.

Raid #3 Reggio Emilia

January 8, 1944 – Saturday

Went on a raid to bomb an aircraft and motor factory at Reggio Emilia today. It is in Nantheon*, Italy and was not a long raid. We hit the target well and had neither fighters or flack. Had a P-38 escort all the way and P-47‘s met us over the target. We went up the West coast of Italy and came down the East coast. Saw Vesuvius today and a lot of blown up buildings and bridges. A lot of this country is pretty rough but it is sure farmed every place is possible.

January 9, 1944 – Sunday

Got up late this morning and went to church. Came back and done a little laundry. Flew a trip out ove the ocean to test five guns an a new plane that came in today. It is a new G and was just 9 numbers below the one we brought over. It was 42-31/391. Good airplane and hope it doesn’t get wrecked for a while.

Spent a lot of time thinking of the wife and sure miss her. I love that woman with all my heart.

No. 4 Bombing Sofia

January 10, 1944 – Monday

Flew no. 4 today over to Sofiya and back. It was a little rough and I don’t mean maybe. The flak was heavy and accurate. The fighters were plentiful, and fairly eager. Had a good escort and they helped a lot.

Am tired tonight and am going to bed early. The country was rougt that we flew over and was all covered with snow. Flew with most of the crew all except co-pilot, navigator, and radio man along all right.

No. 5 Harbor at Athens

January 11, 1944 – Tuesday

A long hard day today flew over 7 hours. Several ships was lost today, one is still missing out of our squadron. Hit weather on the way to the target and it sure raised hell with the formation, some of us made up a formation on top of the clouds and hit the target. Done a good job on the target and got back. The clouds were sure pretty when we were on top but not when we were in them. Am tried and worn out tonight and a going to write to the wife and hit the hay.

Slow timing

January 12, 1944 – Wednesday
Got up this morning fixing to spend a quiet day , had my bed all out to air and had to go slow time on airplane, Was up for 4:20 just flying around Southern Italy took it al in South of here. Flew a little instrument time and made some dary runs. We turned in on London and had a news broadcast nd listened to music and a broadcast from home. Sure makes one homesick. Haven’t got any mail yet but Lt. Wynn got some yesterday so think I will in a day or so.

2 hours

January 13, 1944 – Thursday

Slept till noon and ate dinner and then had to fly for a couple hours to put some time on a ship. Wrote a letter home to the wife and one to the folks. Am going to shave and hit the hay.. Am flying first pilot tomorrow.

# 6 Mostar Yugoslavia

January 14, 1944 – Friday

Flew today’s mission as first pilot and done all right. It was a short ride just over into Yugoslavia and only took 3:55. The flak was heave and fairly accurate. There was no fighters hit us. We hit the target and airport and done a lot of damage. We were back shortly after one and went to the PX and got our ration for the week, a carton of cigarettes , a package of gum and a box of lemon drops.

# 7 Fano, Italy

January 15, 1944 – Saturday

Flew up into Italy a ways and was unable to see the target so returned with all our bombs. Had tough weather to fly through and all in all it was not a good trip, we had a few pieces of flack in the ship when we got back Made a good landing with a ship loaded with bombs.

Got a picture from the wife today and sure hope some letters come through pretty soon. Am flying again tomorrow.
#8 Klagenfurt, Austria

January 16, 1944 – Sunday

Six hours today and I am tired, we done a good job as an aircraft factory and marsheling* yards. There was some flak but not at the target and fighters hit the formation but none attacked us. Am finding out that flying pilot on these missions can be a hell of a lot of work.

Got a telegram from the wife today. It was a standard form one. Letters and parcels received, many thanks. Very happy to hear from you, dearest, and fit and well. Fondest love and kiss. And also a V-mail from the folks dates Nov 17.

#9 Pontassieve, Italy

January 17, 1944 – Monday

Bombing RR yards and bridge today. We done a good job. Had a
*hardships to fly and am really tired out tonight. Had all my crew except the navigator today and one extra gunner. Was not troubled by flak or fighters and was escorted all the way by 38’s and 47’s.

Am not flying tomorrow so am going to rest all day, and am sure tired enough to use it.

No mail today.

Day of Rest

January 18, 1944 – Tuesday

A very happy day of rest and I needed it and sure enjoyed laying around today and the best part of it ws that I got 21 letters today and have wrote a nice long one to the wife. Sure is good to know that everyone back home is well and what is going on. Done a little Washing today and am going to wash my feet and go to bed.

#10 Rome

January 19, 1944 – Wednesday

Bombed the airport at Ciampino, Italy, just on the out skirts of Rome. It was a milk run, no flak or fighters. Had to feather no. 2. engine as a cylinder blew out. Made a bum landing but got in all right. Am still happy over getting those letters last night and can write a couple more this evening.

# 11 Rome

January 20, 1944 – Thursday

Hit an airport at Centocelle, just on the outskirts of Rome. We done a good job on the airport and buildings don’t think they will be using it for a while, we dropped 500 lbs. and some planes dropped frogs.

Got a telegram from father today and am sure glad that they are all well and getting letters.

Day off

January 21, 1944 – Friday

Laid around all day doing a little washing and cleaning things up. Got out P.X. rationing so can smoke for another week.

Got a package today, it was my dying* I had sent out at Walla Walla

Sure wish I would get some more letters from the wife so I would know all about what she is doing and how she is getting along.

#12 Tenni , Italy

January 22, 1944 – Saturday

Got up early and had to stand by till ten as we had to be ready to help the invasion, if it was necessary. So went up and hit the R.R. yards at Terni and came back.
Am tired tonight and have to fly to mannous* so am going to bed now and be ready for the morrow.

January 23, 1944 – Sunday

Got it to fly but was scratched so started working on a map I am making of Europe and then had to go fly for a couple hours to check the AFCE and compasses on an airplane. It was the Cos. Ship and is a good plane 42-21391. Came back and worked all day on my map.   No mail today. Sure wish it would keep coming.

Sure wish I was back with the wife and will be glad when I am. Sure love that little woman.

#13 Lost over Balkans

January 24, 1944 – Monday

Was to bomb Sofia but the formation got lost and so did we. Had to climb with 23.50 and 40 in. and used up too much gas. On the way back had to feather no. 2 and could only get gas from taokys* so had to slow down and lean it out, lost the formation and had to get a fix by radio. Got in all right but didn’t have much gas left. But beat the formation in although we had to fly at 135 most of the time.

Got a letter direct from the wife tonight. She loves me.

#14 Italy

January 25, 1944 – Tuesday

as to bomb Perugia, Italy but couldn’t find it because of weather so dropped them near some bridge. It was another messed up mission. Was tired and not feeling well.

January 26, 1944 – Wednesday

Laid around all day writing letters and working on my map, also took a bath and cleaned up some of my things.

January 27, 1944 – Thursday

Slept till ten and then had to slow time a plane for four hours took up all the day. No mail for me today.

#15 Vienna

January 28, 1944 – Friday

A good mission today was hitting RR yards at Verona, think we done a good job. Had quite a bit of flack but didn’t get hit bad anyplace on the ship. Was flying a new G and it had a good heater. A good trip all in all. No mail today.

January 29, 1944 – Saturday

Had to turn back real early only got to 10,000ft. one bad motor. Got 4 letters from the wife today. Am not feeling to well having a little trouble with my stomach. Got myself grounded for a few days.

January 30, 1944 – Sunday

Just laid around all day and rested, nothing happened.

January 31, 1944 – Monday

Pay day, got $121.00 and think I will send $100.00 home to the wife. Went to town and got a haircut today and when we got back found out we have to move tomorrow.

February 1, 1944 – Tuesday

Moved to our new field about 7 miles N.W. of Foggia, we moved in a plane and didn’t get set up at all, as it was dark when we got our stuff unloaded and hauled to the area.

February 2, 1944 – Wednesday

Spent all day setting up our tent and stove and digging a ditch around the tent. Got 16 letters last night.

February 3, 1944 – Thursday

Spent the day building a table and door frame and leveling up the tent floor. Got no mail. Am not feeling too well and going to bed early as I have to fly tomorrow.

February 4, 1944 – Friday

Toulon France. Lane trouble today all 4 generators went out just before we hit the target, ran out of gas and finally got some transferred a couple fighters made a pass at us before we got back in formation.

February 5, 1944 – Saturday

Laid around all day doing nothing. No mail and nothing new.

February 6, 1944 – Sunday

Another day of rest no mail and nothing new. Am not feeling too good.

February 7, 1944 – Monday

Went to the hospital in Foggia and had my chest x-rayed, am still not feeling good but hope to get back on my feet soon

February 8, 1944 – Tuesday

Just another day laying around, fixed the top of the tent and a rack for our gas barrel. No mail. Haven’t heard how my x-ray came out.

February 9, 1944 – Wednesday

Just laid around all day, nothing new the weather is sure bum.

February 10, 1944 – Thursday

Bum weather, just laid around all day am not feelng to well but will be okay in a day or two.

February 11, 1944 – Friday

Still bum weather and am still grounded am feeling just a little bit better.

February 12, 1944 – Saturday

Laid around, got ungrounded and done a little ferry job this afternoon.

February 13, 1944 – Sunday

Was briefed for a raid on Verona but the weather never cleared up enough here to take off, we stood by in the plane till noon and came back. Took a bath and am going to write some letters.

February 14, 1944 – Monday

Was to hit Verona but it was clouded over. Hit Pontedera airport instead done a good job on it. Hit fighters and they knocked down one ship. Some flak but not damage. Am dam tired and am going to bed early.

Cassino Monastery

February 15, 1944 – Tuesday

Hit monastery at Cassino, it was supposed to have heavy gun implacements at it and was giving the ground troups some trouble, understand they have lost 2,000 men trying to take the point. It is no more. Am feeling good and had a letter from the wife. She said mother was low again. She is sick herself.

February 16, 1944 – Wednesday

Today was a holiday we just laid around and I went to town in the afternoon and bought a few things at the PX and sent some flowers home.

February 17, 1944 – Thursday

Was supposed to fly but was scratched at the last minute so just laid around all day. No mail.

 

February 18, 1944 – Friday

Got as far as the plane today and the mission was called off. Spent the day working around the tent and washing some clothes in gas.   No mail.

 

February 19, 1944 – Saturday

Mission called off on account of weather. Went to La Chenia today and got a haircut. Received a radiogram , Pearl has a daughter, Mother is getting better, was operated on the 7^th.

 

February 20, 1944 – Sunday

Was supposed to hit Resensburg today but had to turn back on account of weather. We are to get two missions for every one across the Alps. Had a letter from the wife. Mother is getting along all right and they expect to have her home about the first of March.

February 21, 1944 – Monday

Had a radiogram tonight. Mother passed away the 16^th. Don’t feel like writing much tonight, tried to write to dad tonight but couldn’t.

February 22, 1944 – Tuesday

Am going to the next camp at Capri tomorrow. Didn’t fly today just stayed around the camp and cleaned things up a little.

February 23, 1944 – Wedesday

Went to Naples by truck today and will go to Capri by boat tomorrow am staying in a nice hotel tonight. Everything is well. Naples is a nice town and quite large.

February 24, 1944 – Thursday

Got pearl and took an Italian LCT to Capri. Am in a swell hotel and have sheets on our beds and the food is swell. Shopped around today and intend to look around all day tomorrow.

Capri

February 25, 1944 – Friday

Got up at ten and ate breakfast and spent most of the day looking around in the shops, bought a turtle shell powder case for the wife. Ran into a couple English nurses and took them to dinner here and to a show afterwards.

February 26, 1944 – Saturday

We took our English Nurses to visit the church of San Michele n Capri and the house of Dr. Munthes. The church is very beautiful inside with the garden of Eden painted on the floor it is well worth seeing. Dr. Munthes house is nice and has many very old statues and furnishings in it. It has a very pretty garden and view. Took the girls to dinner and a show.

Capri

February 27, 1944 – Sunday

Spent the morning shopping for some film for the camera and walked up to the ruins of the castle of San Michele. Went to visit the monastery in the afternoon and spent most all afternoon there. They have a great man nice paintings there but the building was built in the 16^th century and is pretty old. Also visited the Blue Grotto.

 

February 28, 1944 – Monday

Started out this morning and walked to visit the Marina Piccolo. Didn’t think much of their beach. Walked up to see a cave then over to ari Capri and out to see the mine of some castle. Was plenty tired when we got back to
ani
Capri and took a car back home.

Capri

February 29, 1944 – Tuesday

Just laid around all day and rested wrote a couple letters and read a little. Am going back to camp tomorrow.

March 1, 1944 – Wednesday

Took the boat back to Naples today and hung around the motel all afternoon trying to find out when the truck was going back to camp.

March 2, 1944 – Thursday

Done a little looking around in Napels in the morning and took a truck back to Foggia, got back about eight.

March 3, 1944 Friday

Got in too late last night to fly today so spent the morning cleaning up the tent and boy it needed it. We are building a club and I worked on it all afternoon. Wrote a couple letters tonight.

March 4, 1944 – Saturday
Was up at 3 A.M. and started on a raid to Bresllan, Germany. It is almost at Berlin. We couldn’t get through the weather so had to turn back. Was flying co-Pilot in the squadron lead ship.

March 5, 1944 – Sunday

Got as far as briefing and the missoin was cancelled. Spent the day getting rock to build our club.

March 6, 1944 – Monday

Stood by at the planes till nine today and came back. Went to town and got paid and my P.X. rations, came back and have been writing letters tonight.

March 7, 1944 – Tuesday

Started to Toulon, France but had to turn back because no oxygen mask for the Ball turrette. He had left it in the Turrett and couldn’t get at it.

March 8, 1944 – Wednesday

Holiday today, just laid around the tent and wrote letters and cleaned things up a bit. Had a letter from JWR and one from the wife.

March 9, 1944 – Thursday

No flying today , went to town and took in a show.

March 10, 1944 – Friday

Field was too wet to take off so wpent the day working around the tent and writing letters.

#19 Padua, Italy

March 11, 1944 – Saturday

Hit weather & lost the formation, went over the target with the 2^nd bomb up* Was hit by fighters but we did not get hit hard. The ship Lt. Wynn was in was shot up pretty bad. Was flying Co- pilot in the lead ship.

March 12, 1944 – Sunday

Didn’t take off this morning so came back and spent the day writing letters and working on our club.

March 13, 1944 – Monday

Spent all day working on the club, got one letter from the wife. She loves me.

March 14, 1944 – Tuesday

Got as far as the planes and then turned around and came back. Was to go to Sofia but the weather was too bad. Worked on the club, and slept a while this afternoon.

Cassino

March 15, 1944 – Wednesday

Two trips to Cassino today poor bombing the first time and target covered the 2^nd. No flak to amount to anything and no fighters Led the 2^nd element of high night squad both trips. No mail. Am sure tired as it was a long day.

March 16, 1944 – Thursday

Bad weather stayed on the ground and worked on the club and around the tent.

Vienna

March 17, 1944 – Friday

Bad weather over the target so couldn’t bomb, brought back our bombs. Was hit by fighters for about thirty minutes and only last one ship out of our group. Am sure tired so it was a long hard trip.

Udine

March 18, 1944 – Saturday

Dropped frogs on a airport, accurate flak but light. No hits on my ship. Lots of fighter opposition but they left our group alone. Was seven ships shot down out of the wing. Was leading second element of No. 4 Squadron.

Turn Back

March 19, 1944 – Sunday

Flying copilot in 2-1 position, had an oxygen leak in waste* and had to turn back. Was headed for Stayne Austria, got almost 100 miles into Yugoslavia. Had six letters tonight, everything fine at home. I sure do miss and love the wife. Bless her. Am having gut trouble again feel tough.

March 20, 1944 – Monday

Grounded, laid around the tent all day and all I done was fix te walk in front. Am sure coughing a lot and not feeling too good. The Doc says I have a touch of bronchitis. I think my lungs just get over worked when I hae a tough run at altitude and when they get so sore I start coughing. Sure don’t feel good anyway.

 

March 21, 1944 – Tuesday

Went to the hospital and it looks like I will be here for a few days until I get this cough cleared up.

March 22, 1944 – Wedesday

Just laid here in the hospital all day and coughted, they haven’t given me anything to do any good yet.

March 23, 1944 – Thursday

Still in the hospital and still coughing they don’t know what is wrong yet. Maybe they will find out some day will be glad to get back to flying.

March 24, 1944 – Friday

Just another day laying around the hospital. Lt sillberman brought in a letter from dad today and stayed a few minutes everything is just the same.

 

March 25, 1944 – Saturday

Still in the Hospital laying around. It looks like I might be here for a couple weeks or so.

March 26, 1944 – Sunday

Same old story, reading and writing a few letters.

 

March 27, 1944 – Monday

Wrote several letters and had another X-ray taken today. Expect to be back on the job again in a few days. Have been felling good enough.

March 28, 1944 – Tuesday

Got out of the hospital today and came back to clean up around the tent.

Turin

March 29, 1944 – Wedesday

Went on raid to Turin, Italy, ascnate* flack and a few fighters, was a little rough. Sgt. Sharpe was wounded in both legs. Will be all right in a few months.

Sofia

March 30, 1944 – Thursday

Sofia again, long haul and tough flack and a few fighters. Sure be glad when I get through with 50 of these missions. Today was number 24. Flew Co-Pilot checking out a co-Pilot.

Haven’t had any mail fro the wife for some time. And sure do wish some would come through. Sure love that girl and will be glad when I can go back to her.

March 31, 1944 – Friday

Mission called off today on account of weather. Was to hit a RR yards in Northern Italy. Spent the rest of the day around the tent.

April 1, 1944 – Saturday

No mission today. Laid around the tent and helped on the club a little. Still no mail from the wife.

STEYR

April 2, 1944 – Sunday

Got up at 4 A.M. this morning and went to briefing as usual. The mission was to Steyr, Austria. Took off at 7:15 and ?? at 8:30 started out on course and started climbing about 9:30 out over the Adriatic. Everything went along good till we got almost to Fume when we were first hit by fighters. There were only about 30 and our escort had just arrived and the P-47’s took care of them. A few minutes later more fighters came up from the Udine area some of them made a few passes at our formation and knocked down one B-17. Our high cover* of P-38’s done a good job but there was too many enemy fighters for them and they kept chewing on us all the way to the target. As we approached the target we had to turn off as our leader messed up and a formation of B-24’s was over it at the time we made another pass at it and missed, all the time the fighters were chewing on us and during this time they knocked down one of our planes. Lt. Wynn, my bombardier was in it. I think he might have had a chance to bail out

We finally dropped our bombs on the 3^rd try at the target and got out of the area. The fighters were still coming in and our escort had long since run out of gas and gone home. Our ship had the tail shot up a little and a few holes in the nose and the left windshield shattered and a hole through it.

It was a rough raid and was made rougher than was necessary because of poor leadership. Because a man is a colonel or a Major they think he is a good flier and a leader even if he only has four or five missions.

We got home all right but hope I never have one as rough again.

LAGARUI DE PRIZONIERI NO 13

40 ROUMANIAN RED CROSS

BUCHAREST, ROUMANIA

Prisoner of war post.

April 5, 1944 – Wednesday

Was shot down between 1518 and 1538, was captured immediately, was kept at a small town west of Bucharest till around six when we were taken into Gychuresti, was interviewed by a General and placed in a small cell bout one in the morning.

 

April 6, 1944

After spending the night in a cell that was not large enough for all four of us to lay down in at a time we were taken to a garage where several other Americans were. About 1500 we were fed for the first time and we were sure were hungry. About midnight we were taken to an army garrison, and got to bed about two. It was the first time I had been to sleep.

April 7, 1944 -Friday

The beds are poor a straw mattress, a rag for a sheet and one blanket. It’s cold and we slept with all our clothes on. The food is poor mostly bread and soup, we only eat twice a day. The water mains are out and they just bring us enough water to drink.

April 8, 1944 Saturday

Had an air raid alert last night but they didn’t come here. There is twenty of us in a room that is just large enough for 20 beds, 2 high and a table. We just stay our beds.

April 9, 1944 Sunday

I had m New Testament with me and spend most of the time reading it.   The food is poor and we don’t get much of it. Most of us have been able to wash our face and hands.

 

 

 

April 10, 1944 Monday

I was interrogated today. I was the first one they took. Was taken to another room till night then they put us all together again.

April 11 1944 Tuesday

They moved us into a larger room where we can move around a little but it is a lot colder and damp.

April 12 1944 –Wednesday

They started bringing us tea and a slice of bread for breakfast. The rest of the food is still bad. I had a sheep’s eye in my soup at noon.

 

April 13, 1944 Thursday

They brought us enough water to wash our hands and face with this morning.

 

April 14, 1944 Friday

Same old food and still no lights or water, we did get a deck of cards today.

 

April 15, 1944 – Saturday

The boys were over and dropped us some eggs, they all fell north of us but I still don’t like it here in town.

 

April 16, 1944 – Sunday

The boys were over Romania but didn’t hit here. We got to set out of doors for a while today.

April l7, 1944 Monday

Just the same, played cards for a while and read some in the New Testament.

 

April 18, 1944 – Tuesday

Had an alert today, guess the boys like Romania.

 

April 19, 1944 Wednesday

The Red Cross was here today and we got to send a card home. They brought us each a toothbrush, a towel, a nightshirt, and several razors and a few blades and a tube of toothpaste apiece. We got enough water every day how so we can wash our face and hands and now we can shave.

 

April 20, 1944 Thursday

We manage to get outside every afternoon now and the time is going by fast.

 

April 21, 1944 Friday

Had another visit today, they seem to like this town. We just hope they keep hitting on the other side of town and never come over here. Every thing else is just the same, Lights but no water.

 

April 22, 1944 Saturday

The Romanian army has a cont here and we manage to buy a few things from it. I have been exchanging American dollars for 300 lire.

April 23, 1944 Sunday

Just a quiet day, would give anything for a little news. Red Cross comes again today.

 

April 24, 1944 Monday

The night boys were in the country last night and the boys hit the R.R.Y. again today will be ore of us tomorrow.

April 25, 1944 Tuesday

The food is a little better and things are a little cleaner, just laid around and read and played cards.

April 26, 1944 Wednesday

The King of Romania was here to see us today and promised to see if he could get us moved. We get to send quite a bit of time outside each day and the time goes by faster.

April 27, 1944 – Thursday

They have fixed up a mess hall here and we march over and eat there at noon and at night. It is much better and the food is better.

 

April 28, 1944 Friday

Spent all day carving out a chess set and it turned out all right.

 

April 29, 1944 Saturday

All quiet and nothing doing today.

 

April 30, 1944 Sunday

The same old story. The food is not any better and still tastes the same. We have water now, and can wash our clothes.

 

May 1, 1944 Monday

Nothing new today. The bed bugs are just as bad and the lice are beginning to come out now that the weather is warming up.

 

May 2, 1944 Tuesday

They promised us a bath but we didn’t get it today. The food is a little better, still mostly lambs heads.

May 3, 1944   Wednesday

Still getting things from the canteen. We manage to get enough cigarettes and some candy.

 

May 4, 1944 Thursday

The boys were over last night and believe me, I hope they never come back, they dropped plenty close. They did give us a bath today for the first time.

 

May 5, 1944 Friday

Had an alert this morning, but we were very thankful that they didn’t come here.

 

May 6, 1944 Saturday

Had an alert last night and another today, everyone is nervous and restless.

May 7, 1944 Sunday

The boys were over last night and believe me it was rough, one bomb hit right outside in the street and done a lot of damage, but no one was hurt. The big boys were over again today and some hit the R.R.Y. No bombs hit close to me but one hit the hospital where some of our boys are. Don’t think some of the boys could stand many more days like this.

 

May 8, 1944 Monday

The boys were over again last night and it looked like our garrison was the target. One bomb hit right in the middle of the street and several more close by. It was plenty rough and I sure hope I never have to go through another night like it.

They moved us today and gave us a bath and searched us. They took my knife, razor and notebook, everything I have wrote to date is from memory. They also took my lighter but I put up a fight and got it back.

We are in a schoolhouse in the center of Bucharest. We have an air raid shelter in the basement. The place is cleaner but not near as much room.

 

May 9, 1944 Tuesday

We had Russian prisoners here that clean up and cook for us. The food is about the same but should be cleaner.

 

May 10, 1944 Wednesday

They brought in some boys from the aid of the 6th. The only news we get is from the new boys.

 

May 11, 1944 Thursday

Had an alert last night and they let us go down to the mess hall for an air raid shelter. They let us outdoors for a while today.

 

 

May 12, 1944 Friday

Just laid around and played chess.

 

May 13, 1944, Saturday

Laid around played a few games of chess and read the New Testament

May 14, 1944 Sunday

Mother’s day today and here we set. No news.

May 15, 1944 Monday

Not a thing new, have a headache and the Romanian GI’s

May 16, 1944 Tuesday

Heard that the second front started so fore it is still a rumor. Don’t feel to good. The food is not too good either.

 

May 17, 1944 Wednesday

Still feeling bum, 2nd front still a rumor.

May 18, 1944 Thursday

Had an alert this morning and the Red Cross came in the afternoon. Still feeling bum.

May 19, 1944 Friday

The second front hasn’t started. Am feeling a little better.

May 20, 1944 Saturday

Feeling better, that’s all.

May 21, 1944 Sunday

Feeling good, was a nice day and I spent a lot of time outside.

May 22, 1944 Monday

Same old story the food is a little better.

May 23, 1944 Tuesday

Feeling restless today, sure wish I was out of here.

May 24, 1944 Wednesday

Another day, am nervous and restless, nothing much to do but play chess, don’t have many decks of cards and they are always busy.

May 25. 1944, Thursday

Had an alert today but they didn’t come here. They gave us 2000 lei in chits but have nothing to buy in the P.X.

May 26, 1944 Friday

Nothing to be said.

May 27, 1944 Saturday

Some of the boys got caught trying to get out. They spent the day counting us.

 

May 28, 1944 Sunday

Spent the day laying around and played a couple of games of chess.

May 29, 1944 Monday

Just the same old story am feeling plenty good,

May 30, 1944 Tuesday

Lots of rumors but no news.

 

May 31, 1944 Wednesday

The boys were in the neighborhood again today. They hit Polisti and Brasov.

 

June 1, 1944 Thursday

Have been here 57 days, the food has improved a lot and conditions are a lot better.

June 2, 1944 Friday

No cigarettes to be had and most of us are broke.

June 3, 1944 Saturday

Had an alert last night but it is quiet today. Was issued 1000 leis.

 

June 4, 1944 Sunday

Had evening Protestant services for the first time here. There was about 30 boys there and there seems to be plenty interested. Am not much of a preacher.

June 5, 1944 Monday

Everything about the same lots of rumors but no news.

June 6, 1944 Tuesday

Heard that the second front had started in France this morning. It sounds good if it is only true. Had an alert this morning. The boys hit Polisti, Brasov and Coaiova.

June 7, 1944 Wednesday

The invasion started yesterday, everything else is about the same but we all feel better, maybe we will get out of here before too long.

June 8, 1944 Thursday

All quiet and no news.

June 9, 1944 Friday

Got 100 Lei today. There is a rumor out that they invaded France.

 

June 10, 1944, Saturday

Had an alert this morning laid around the rest of the day. Everything is the same.

June 11, 1944 Sunday

Had another alertt this morning at 0800, played bridge most all day. Held Protestant services.

June 12, 1944 Monday

An alarm woke us up at 0200, laid around the food isn’t getting any better.

June 13, 1944 Tuesday

A very quiet day just lay around.

June 14, 1944 Wednesday

Another quiet day, not even many rumors.

June 15, 1944 Thursday

Received 2000 Lei. Stood in line for canteen most of the day.

 

June 16, 1944 Friday

They cut our bread ration in half today and we have to pay tax on everything we buy in the P.X. The news is scarce.

June 17, 1944 Saturday

Nothing to do but play chess and cards.

 

June 18, 1944 Sunday

Had church services again today, had over a hundred there and it was really O.K.

June 19, 1944 Monday

Big day the Swiss Legation and Red Cross were here today, no news.

June 20, 1944 Tuesday

An alarm at 11:05 hope they don’t come here, as it is overcast, poor day for us if the heavies come here. All alert at 1130, false alarm. It a big relieve when that long alarm rings for the all clear.

June 21, 1944 Wednesday

The boys put on a show here last night. “ Prison Oddities”. It was very good for what we have to do with.

 

June 22, 1944 Thursday

One year ago today this is a hell of a place to be today. Know I will be home next year. Have been thinking a lot today and am restless and nervous. Got 2 shots this morning to test for diphtheria and small pox.

June 23, 1944 Friday

Had an alert this morning for a couple hours. They hit close

June 24, 1944 Saturday

Alert same as yesterday lasted a couple hours.

 

June 25, 1944 Sunday

Had church services again, over 170. Had nice services, still need more songs.

 

June 26, 1944 Monday

Very quiet, The Red Cross brought a lot more books and 40 Bibles things are looking up.

June 27, 1944 Tuesday

Nothing doing all day played cards and chess.

 

June 28, 1944 Wednesday

1^st alarm 0915 2^nd 0935 1^st bombs 1000 last 1030 RRY and some close, everyone is nervous and quiet. Held first Bible class.

June 29, 1944 Thursday

1^st alarm 0145 2^nd 0200 all clear 0245

All quiet, had second Bible class

 

June 30, 1944 Friday

Nothing doing today. Spent most all day reading the Bible, haven’t heard any news.

 

July 1, 1944 Saturday

They started moving the enlisted men from here back to the prison and the officers up here they said we would get paid some tomorrow.

 

July 2, 1944 Sunday

Am sure nervous and restless this morning, hope something breaks for the better soon. Had services at 1700 no news.

 

July 3, 1944 Monday

1^st alarm 0055 2^nd 0110

1^st bombs, 0128 last 0138

Didn’t hit a case in northwest side of town RY

 

1^st alarm 115 2^nd 1138

No rest a little cloudy

1^st bombs 1206 last 1230 all clear 1305, A couple nice fires going one still brining at 10PM. Am on the rock again-sure feeling bum.

 

July 4, 1944 Tuesday

1^st alarm 0938 2 d 0950 all clear 1120

Still feeling bum but thin k I will be feeling better tomorrow, laid in bed all day.

 

July 5, 1944 Wednesday

Haven’t been able to sleep for a couple days. Got a bad stomach and my legs ache. No news or anything going on.

July 6, 1944 Thursday

Feeling better this morning heard some good news and the moral is good today. Had Bible class after supper. One of the new boys has studied to be a minister and is going to help us with our services.

June 7, 1944 Friday

Nothing new and done nothing today.

July 8, 1944 Saturday

Was cool and cloudy today, rained for a while in the morning. Read and played cards. Food just about the same except we had eggs for breakfast.

 

July 9, 1944 Sunday

1^st alarm 0905 2^nd 0929 all clear 1105. Had church services at 1115. Had the largest crowed yet and the best services. Lt Rittenhouse had the services and I think we will have him in charge most of the time.

July 10, 1944 Monday

Got a hold of a paper today but there was not much we could make out in it. As a whole the news looks good.

July 11, 1944 Tuesday

A very quiet day nothing new and no news.

July 12, 1944 Wednesday

Same old story, nothing new and no news.

July 13, 1944 Thursday

No news, the food is about the same.

July 14, 1944 Friday

Had eggs for breakfast got a haircut, no news.

 

July 15, 1944 Saturday

A hell of a place to spend today (this was his birthday) bread and tea for breakfast.

1^st alarm, 0908 2^nd 0930

All clear 1145

A little good news.

July 16, 1944 Sunday

Church services this morning was out in yard for a couple hours this afternoon, nothing new

July 17, 1944 Monday

Raining like the dickens except nothing new except a Col arrived here today.

 

July 18, 1944 Tuesday

They silver-plate our silverware today. We have been getting a cup of milk at noon every day lately. Spent all afternoon getting rid of lice and bed bugs, maybe they won’t carry me off.

 

 

July 19, 1944 Wednesday

A quiet day spent most of the time reading the Bible, the news is good but mostly rumors. Our new CO arrived this morning.

July 20, 1944 Thursday

Played a couple games of chess, nothing new except a lot of rumors.

July 21, 1944 Friday

Spent the morning being checked and counted, they were looking for a couple of us.

July 22, 1944 Saturday

1^st alarm 0945 2^nd alarm 1000

All clear 1240

Hit close by, no news yet. Soup and macaroni at noon, cucumbers and spuds for supper.

July 23, 1944 Sunday

Had church services at 1100 was bout 150 there, heard some rumors, no news.

 

July 24, 1944 Monday

1^st alarm 0040 2^nd 0102 1^st bombs 0106 last 0126 all clear 0210 that’s all except a little good news.

 

July 25, 1944 Tuesday

Anti committee committee   Some good news.

 

July 26, 1944 Wednesday

1^st alarm 1233 2^nd 1242 all clear 0133

Hear that we are going to get some credit tomorrow. All the news is good 1st alarm 1100 2^nd 1130 all clear 1300.

 

July 27. 1944 Thursday

All clear 1300 had a radio alert but no alarm. Have nothing in the canteen but nothing to buy things are looking better. Alarm at 1100 2^nd 1115 `1^st bombs 1135 last 1220 all clear 0100.

 

July 28, 1944 Friday

They came close last night and were plenty well all over town, several fires were going and still smoking

1^st alarm 0909 2^nd 0929 all clear 1103. Slept all afternoon and am still tired. Have got cakes in the canteen and had cake and ice cream for supper, it would be a joke in the states but was plenty good for over here.

 

July 29, 1944 Saturday

Heard again that they are going to move us out of town soon, sure hope so. The news seems to all be good. One room won its first basketball game in our tournament.

July 30, 1944 Sunday

Our Chaplin got to go over and hold services for the enlisted men today. Everything has been quiet and not much news.

 

July 31, 1944 Monday

1^st alarm 1026 2^nd 1040

1^st bomb 1130 last 1150 all clear 1220

RRY again, just laid around all day, not a lot of news but several rumors had a bottle of beer and we had the Russian boys sing for us.

 

August 1, 1944 Tuesday

A lot of rumors about Turkey but that is all the news. Had Bible class in the evening the food is getting worse.

 

August 2, 1944 Wednesday

Lots of rumors about Turkey. Weather fair. Food bum, feeling bum.

August 3, 1944 Thursday

Red cross brought us clothes today, I got OD pants, kaki shirt, underclothes, handkerchief, socks and soap dish, toothbrush & holder, razor and 5 blades, shaving soap stick.

August 4, 1944 Friday

1^st alarm 1029 2nd 1041 all clear 1150

Played bridge and started shortening a pair of pants. Had Bible class, we are having some good discussions.

August 5, 1944 Saturday

Lots of rumors and some good news have some men from the other prison camp here to stay. The food was fair today. Had a bath and it sure feels good to have on all clean clothes.

August 6, 1944 Sunday

1^st alarm 1040 2^nd 1050 All clear 1130. Had church and communion services. I do hope and pray that I will never forget or be lead away from God. We are nearer to God here then ever before. If it weren’t for our faith here it would be much rougher.

 

August 7, 1944 Monday

Coffee and bread for breakfast. Our coffee is burnt barley. 1^st alarm 1002 all clear 1030. We bought a new deck of cards in our room and played bridge all day. Fried potatoes and a tomato for supper.

August 8, 1944 Tuesday

Signing payrolls over here today.

1^st alarm 950 2^nd 1001

All clear 1130

Played bridge and watched basketball game.

August 9, 1944 Wednesday

An order came out that we were to stay out of our room from 0900 till 1200. Our CO got up and told us about it. He made the statement that we would get 4 days s— for being in our room and that he hoped the Romanians would get it to us.   1^st alarm 2225, 2^nd 2247. 1^st bombs 2315 al clear 2420 a few came over town but most of them were north of town card to wife.

 

August 10, 1944 Thursday

1^st alarm 0911 2nd 0934 all clear 1200

Planes were around here for almost 2 hours think they hit north of here. Food was fair today the news sounds good.

August 11, 1944 Friday

All quiet, the news is good and some good rumors

 

August 12, 1944 Saturday

Food was a little better today. Have some very good news, looks like we might get home for Xmas. We expect something to happen in this country within next two weeks.

August 13, 1944 Sunday

Went to church and played bridge the rest of the day. No news, some of the boys have gotten some mail sure will be glad when I get a letter.

 

August 14, 1944 Monday

Just lay around all day.

 

August 15, 1944 Tuesday

No news and nothing doing.

August 16, 1944 Wednesday

Good news, we heard the invasion of southern France has taken place. We are supposed to get credit in the canteen again in a day or so. Had another POW production. It went off good and made me a little homesick. Will sure be glad when we can start home. Will be a great day when we get home again. Wrote a card to Dad.

August 17, 1944 – Thursday

1^st alarm 0914 2nd 09474 all clear 1140

Spent the afternoon trying to buy a loaf of bread, Bible class in the evening. 1^st alarm 1025 2^nd 1040 all clear 1145. Could see flock North of here. There was a fire in town last night sure hope the boys never come here again. Have seen enough bombings to last me.

August 18, 1944 Friday

1^st alarm 0910 2nd 9038 all clear 1210

Looks like we had plenty of visitors today.

 

August 19, 1944 Saturday

1^st alarm 0953 2^nd 1008 all clear 1146

Spent the day being counted and playing bridge. Had to stay inside all day. RAF

 

August 20, 1944 Sunday

Our room lost its basketball game this morning. Played bridge and laid around.

August21, 1944 – Monday

Spent all morning getting a hair cut and most of the rest of the day help delouse our room. Got a rumor that the Red Cloud is moving in the South.

 

August 22, 1944 – Tuesday

Oatmeal for breakfast. Well it was supposed to be oatmeal. Am thinking the next two meals were not so hot. I‘m hungry. The princess was here and gave a talk.   We received our first Red Cross packages.

August 23, 1944  – Wednesday

Peace 1053 pm

Lots of things are happening, don’t think the Germans will take over the city. There is a Romanian Col. coming over to talk to us at 2300. We are waiting for him in the auditorium. He said they were our Allies and would do everything possible to keep the Germans from taking us over.

 

August 24, 1944 Thursday

Alarm at 10:15. 1^st bombs 10:35. Germans this time. Continuous bombings all day. Every one of us on edge. One enlisted man was killed. Every one is jumpy, some have taken off but most are coming back. Spent most all day in the air raid shelter. Not many planes but they come often. It’s rough here. There is Germans around town, straffing and sniping from armored cars and buildings. Looks like the town is about surrounded and this might go on for several days.

The Germans have poisoned the water. We are full but can’t get out of town. A few of us are armed. I have a good 45 and plenty of ammo.

August 25, 1944 – Friday

The bombers were around. All night, mostly dive bombers and fighters. The IIIs were over at 700 and hit a couple blocks away. Still no news, we need air support bad every few minutes.   A 109 somes over and dive-bombs. We have a couple barrels of water and plenty of canned meat from Red Cross packages.* Bombings continued all day some of the boys are in bad shape. Moved the enlisted men out of town. Their building was hit and burnt. Things don’t look too good.

August 26, 1944 – Saturday

Had a quiet night and a good night’s sleep, things are looking better. They didn’t come over at all last night only 3 fighters this morning so far. 0630

We are going to move out of town today. They have German’s pretty well cleaned up on the south side of town. No news. Had a headache last night but feel better now.

Col G and M. Y. left last night sure hope they get through. Can still hear gunfire 0900. 1130 just saw the last of the 15^th and boy did they look good. Think they dropped frogs on the Germans on the North side of town. Probably the airfield. Sure boosted moral.

All quiet and we are moving out of town. Some of the boys have been shaken pretty bad and are in bad shape. I am a little weak from lack of food and sleep but am plenty well off in comparison. 1800 moved out of town during an air raid.

August 27, 1944 – Sunday

Had good nights sleep and everything looks good. We are well scattered out and have plenty of —trenches. Spent the day walking around the fields and boy it feels good to be free. Things are looking good and hope to be out of the country in a few days.

 

August 28, 1944 – Monday

All quiet, we are getting organized, have 2 meals a day, having trouble getting food. We are out of town and have our own camp and grounds. There is 3 of us in a room and fairly well fixed. Sure is good to be free.

August 29, 1944 – Tuesday

Information at 0800. The news is good. Expect the Russians here tomorrow. Breakfast at 1000 someone sent a bunch of flowers out and we had some on each table. What a change.

Some big wigs flew in from Italy.

August 30, 1944  – Wednesday

K.P. this morning, a news hound took our pictures packing wood. We are going to fly out of here tomorrow. We are a happy bunch.

August 31, 1944 – Thursday

Up at 0500 and out to the airport. The beautiful 4——- showed up and we left at 1030 was back in Italy at 1340. They gave us a bath and clean clothes. Sure feels good to be clean and free. Am put up here in for a day or so.

 

September 1, 1944 – Friday

Had a good breakfast and was given a Red Cross package with a bit so am shaved and cleaned up. Sent a wire and wrote 2 letters home. Were interrogated and flown to long hinds in the afternoon. *

Some of the old boys are here but returning back to the States. Am going to stay here a few days.

September 2, 1944 – Saturday

Spent the day at the squadron getting things straightened out and in order. Feels good to be back and know I soon will be going home. Found I have been a 1^st Lt. Since April 2, 1944.

September 3, 1944 – Sunday

Spent most all day getting paid and took in a show in the evening.

September 4, 1944 – Monday

Spent all day getting promotions through for Briston and Armistead.

September 5, 1944 – Tuesday

Just laid around waiting sure hope to leave soon.

 

September 6, 1944 – Wednesday

Went to town and got our PX rations. Got picture taken and laid around all day.

September 7, 1944 – Thursday

Just laid around hoping was alerted this evening.

 

September 8, 1944 Friday

Left Foggia at 1350 am now flying across Italy for what I hope is the last time. It is a pretty picture looking down on the farms and villages. They look clean from the air but when you get down there they are so dirty. Landed near Naples and after a 25 mi. truck ride arrived at a replacement center where we will be shipped from the States.

Received my air medal.

 

September 9, 1944 – Saturday

Was processed this morning and spent most all afternoon in the ———? *while they   giving out promotions and awards. I collected the DFC and my orders. It has been a tiresome day and I am waiting for the show to start.

 

September 10, 1944 – Sunday

Spent the day putting our things   and went to church and a show in the evening. Don’t know when we will leave.

 

September 11, 1944 – Monday

Exchanged our money and laid around all day took in a show in the evening sure is good to know we will soon be on our way home.

September 12, 1944 – Tuesday

Loaded on board in the morning and moved in the harbor in the evening. We are on board a French passenger and cargo boat. It is supposed to be fairly fast. We hope.   We eat 2 meals a day and are crowded up in the hold but have plenty of deck space.

 

September 13, 1944 – Wednesday

Stayed in the harbor till 1900 when we started moving out. There is 8 ships and 6 destroyers and escorts.

 

September 14, 1944 – Thursday

Woke up al along Sicily and was along the coast of Africa in the afternoon. The food is very good and plenty of it.

September 15, 1944,  – Friday

Woke up still along the coast of Africa. The sky is cloudy today and it is not so hot. This is sure a lazy life.

September 17, 1944  – Saturday

A quiet day was out of sight of land most all day and went through Gibraltar late in the evening.

September 17, 1944 – Sunday

Out in the Atlantic had 2 church services today, the water has been smooth and the food has been good.

September 18 1944 – Monday

Closer and closer to home and the little woman will sure be a great day when I can be with her again.

 

September 19, 1944 – Tuesday

Just another day of sailing and every day seems to get longer.

 

 

September 29, 1944 – Wednesday

Have the G.I. S. the food is good but washing our mess kits is a proible3m.

September 21, 1944 –  Thursday

Was able to take in a show this afternoon was an old show carefree am feeling good.

 

September 22, 1944   – Friday

Looks like we will get in Tuesday or Wednesday. Don’t know when we3 will dock. Spent most of the day drying some clothes got up at 0200 so I could wash them this morning. Sailing on a crowded ship like this sure gets tiresome.

September 23, 1944 Saturday

Was told this morning we were going to New York. It made everyone happy. Spent part of the day on dry   you un forqling?

Played cards for a while, this trip *sure getting tiresome and sure will be glad when it is over. The closer we get the longer the days and the more time I spend thinking of the wife.

September 24, 1944 Sunday

Just another day on board the Thos II went to church twice and played cards for awhile. The days seem to be longer. Sure will be glad to hear from the wife.

September 25, 1944 Monday

Had a physical inspection this morning and spent the rest of the day reading and playing cards they just announced we would dock late tomorrow and sure hope we unload tomorrow.

 

September 26, 1944 Tuesday

Am setting in bed between sheets and boy is the bed soft. We unloaded this afternoon and just got settled.

They had some mail for us and I sure was happy to get any 4 letters and find out everyone is O. K.

This all seems like a dream here tonight. We are going to get 30 days leave and it will start from the Post nearest home. Hope to be able to wine the wife tomorrow.

September 27, 1944 Wednesday

Spent the day getting clothes and

Task in NY in the evening and wines and called the wifey Sure glad to find everyone all right.

September 28, 1944 – Thursday

Another day filling out my

Stayed in   all day     in the ferry and it didn’t work.

September 29, 1944 –   Friday

Laid around all day and kept come slo at 1900 took a boat to New Rochelle and to on to Grand Central. Left erhe at 2130 on N.Y. Central.

September 30 1944 Saturday.

Spent the day reading and just looking at the country. Arrived at Chicago at 1730 and left on the Burlington at 2315.

October 1, 1944 Sunday

Woke up at St. Paul and left there at 8:50 on the Great Northern.   We are making good time. Have wired the wife to get on at Spokane and am anxious to get there.

October 2, 1944 Monday

Woke up at 9 Fa? Expect to see the wife this evening. It’s been a long trip.