WW2Hero.com - Ted's Journalhttp://www.ww2hero.com/journal/A day-by-day, real-time account of World War II from a Distinguished Flying Cross awardeehttp://backend.userland.com/rss092en-us© 2002, Andy Goldbergandy@ww2hero.com (Andy Goldberg)andy@ww2hero.com (Andy Goldberg)Andy's WW2Hero custom blog generator2002-12-11T20:50:48Today is the big day. We are supposed to dock at New York Harbor tonite at about 7:30. All afternoon we were out on deck straining our eyes looking for land, of any sort, but so far no go. Did a little packing. I think I will wear my dirty khakis until we leave Camp Upton. OK? OK! Swiss steak for chow tonight! It is now 7:30 p.m. We are sitting in New York Harbor - the end of a long voyage. And, boy, does it look good. Yeh, man. Plenty of lights and millions of cars all over the place. What a great place to come home to and stay in. Came up Hudson River passing Staten Island, Battery Park, Aquarium, 42nd Street, and docked at 50th Street, site of the former Normandie. Time 10:00 p.m. Civilization! Yippee!

The End.
Thursday, 31 Aug 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-08-31T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440831.htmlPut in another good day's work as I was elected to help the doctor round up and check off about 200 men as he gave them a physical inspection (Peter Parade). Paid $3.00 for our Chinese waiters - plenty worth it. Getting to be a real rummy - played again today. Wednesday, 30 Aug 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-08-30T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440830.htmlLast nite we had the port holes open as usual and the OG (Officer of the Guard) spotted it and closed them. Today we got called up before the Colonel and he bawled us out. Tsk tsk! Official rumor - we arrive in New York at 6:00 p.m. Thursday and get off Friday morning. Ok by me. I am now pressing out a shirt which I washed last nite. Played rummy. Now reading "The Ordeal of Sgt. Smoot," by Louis Paul. Another Private Hargrove with a promotion. Do I look like an owl??? Tuesday, 29 Aug 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-08-29T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440829.htmlEn route 10 days. Right after breakfast we started a big 4-handed rummy game and except for noon chow (coffee and cookies) and our daily boat and fire drill, we played just about all day. Ran into the tail end of a storm all afternoon. Rain, high swells, fog and very dark sky. Storm passed but right now the boat is being subjected to high, powerful waves, rolling it mercilessly from side to side in a continuous roll. Got a haircut tonite. I am now reading a murder mystery, "And Then There Were None," by Agatha Christie. 10 people get killed, one by one. Got my daily 5 hershey bars (with almonds). Won't be long now. Rumor says it will be Thursday (???). Monday, 28 Aug 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-08-28T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440828.htmlDay of rest - and how we rested. Every day is Sunday around this place. Did a little washing today - 2 undershorts and one shirt. Read "Candide" by Voltaire - story of young man's travels and trials. The boat is now assuming a slow easy roll from side to side - which throws the shadows back and forth across the ceiling in a crazy pace. Rained slightly in the early morning, everything was grey and vicious looking, but now the water is teal and ideal. Had a peanut butter sandwich and coffee for lunch. Enroute 9 days. Sunday, 27 Aug 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-08-27T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440827.htmlI felt like a civilian working man today. I went to work at 7:00 a.m. and worked until 3:00 p.m. What I did - I got signatures of all the EM in shipment number N-247-2. They had to sign a "Customs Declaration" to the effect that they were not taking more than $100.00 worth of souvenirs and merchandise into the States. I chased all over the doggone boat looking for the guys - in the hospital, on the brig, on KP, all over, and located all but 9 out of 165. I came back to the stateroom all tired out, just like from Kodak. Then took a salt shower - the 9th wonder of the world - a salt shower. Played 500 rummy. This good chow is killing me. Saturday, 26 Aug 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-08-26T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440826.htmlRough life - no fooling. Am I kidding? The laundry problem here is a grave one. So I just now washed me out a shirt - some job - salt water and Lux soap. More fun. Played rummy all day. It seems liek we are always in the same place. Poor Jerome. 28 days. Just got my rations - 6 candy bars. He gypped himself and gave me one extra. My shirt is now dry. I folded it up neatly and placed it caefully under my blanket. I am now sitting on it, but heavily - the human pressing machine. Friday, 25 Aug 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-08-25T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440825.htmlAm now reading "Equinox" by Allan Seager. Swell. My bed just broke down and I fixed it. Had our daily boat and fire drill. Event of the day: Finkelman changes undershirt and Paris falls!!! Just lounging around all day. Played 500 rummy and finally won a game of cribbage. Thursday, 24 Aug 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-08-24T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440824.htmlToday we picked up in our convoy a large aircraft carrier loaded with planes and also several other destroyers. Bing Crosby is singing, "It's Always You." Remember? Kate Smith's program is now on "Stardust." It seems mighty funny not to be writing to Adele every day. But soon she'll be getting a big present - that's me. Joke!!! Song: "Who Hit Annie in the Fanny with a Flounder?" Had mince pie for dessert tonite. I didn't care for the inside but the crust was light, flaky and delicious. I ate it all up en masse. Was supposed to be on guard from 3 to 11 p.m. but spent most of it in bed. Got my 5 candy bar rations today and I already ate 4 of them. Took another lovely salt water bath tonite. Shouldn't be over 7 or 8 days from now on home, I hope. Wednesday, 23 Aug 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-08-23T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440823.htmlThe ocean is more rough than the sea and today I am standing guard from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Many of my men are bedridden because of seasickness but I, of course, must set an example for my men and carry on. Oh yeh, oh my poor stomach. Am now reading "Slim," a story of the guys who lay telephone wires and erect poles. Henry Fonda played in the movie version. Tuesday, 22 Aug 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-08-22T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440822.htmlWent on guard last nite at 11 PM and slept out on deck until 2:00 AM when it became so windy that I went inside and slept until 6:15. Then outside again, and I was relieved at 7:00. Didn't feel like eating breakfast so didn't eat. Slept all morning. We are now flanked by Africa on our left and Spain on our starboard. We have plenty of good recorded music all day long. Bing Crosby is the popular favorite. Have heard several "Hit Parades" with the Voice and all the songs from "Oklahoma." Also we have our daily newspaper called the "Galley Gazette" giving us all the latest news and ball scores. Am now reading "Dangling Man," a story of a young man trying to make a hermit out of his inferior complex life, by Saul Bellow. Slept peacefully last night. Passed Rock of Gibraltar at midnight. I opened the port hole and looked out. It was quite dark and all I saw was lights from the Rock but could not distinguish the fortress's stony features. We are now in the Atlantic Ocean heading west. Monday, 21 Aug 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-08-21T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440821.htmlStill wearing the same dirty old set of khakis but why change for this dirty trip. It's "good enough," to quote my Poppa! Learning how to play cribbage, another card game. Had another grand breakfast today but didn't eat any noon meal because I ate too much to start off with, besides my stomach is still kind of on the bum -and besides, all they have for the noon meal is sandwiches and coffee. Only two big meals a day. So far this trip has been wonderfully smooth. Can't even hear or feel the engines - as we near the Rock of Gibraltar. Sunday, 20 Aug 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-08-20T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440820.htmlThese meals are ruining me. Already my stomach is on the bum from eating so much and so good. Today I go on guard duty from 3 PM to 11 PM. Very lovely. Smooth trip so far. Swell escort of six destroyers. I sat out on deck for 8 hours. Watched crap games, etc. Met a guy named Joe Tripoli from Yussel Ave. and we gabbed about all the people we know in common - Molly Miller, Ossie Sussman, etc. Came in and slept like a rock until about 7:30 AM. We have to conserve our water supply as fresh water is limited. Water in the tap is salt water, and I can say it's no fun showering in it. Saturday, 19 Aug 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-08-19T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440819.htmlHad the most wonderful breakfast today. 2 fresh fried eggs, big thick slice of ham, fried potatoes, ice water, fruit juice, coffee, marmalade, plum jam, 4 slices of bread. Oh, this food is going to ruin me. We are still sitting in Naples harbor at 12 o'clock noon. It's plenty cool in our room now with both of our port holes wide open. I wish we'd gget started. About 3:00 PM we finally took off. A nice calm ride, i hope. Another boy in my room is from home - Drake from Lyell Ave. Found out that my pal Siegal is from Rochester. In all the time we knew him I never knew where he came from. Queer. Met a guy named "Lou" West who just came from Decimo in Sardina. He knows Jerome and says he is doing O.K. Tonite for supper we had another super meal. We were picked for guards today. 4 men to each hold, to work on 8-hour shifts. I go to work at 7:00 AM. I was surprised today to find out that Joe B. Stuart, our engineer, is on this boat. He's going to Louisiana. Flash - for the first time in my young sweet life I shaved myself without the loss of any blood whatsoever!! Took a picture of the harbor and the Isle of Capri. Friday, 18 Aug 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-08-18T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440818.htmlI went back to sleep - dead tired. Carried my bags to the Race Track at 11:30. We rode on trucks to the docks. Boarded the boat "Santa Paula," a former Grace luxury liner. And now at 8 PM here I am. We live 12 men in a room on improvised cots. Not much room to move around. But my bed is right next to the only two open port holes so it's not too bad. Tonite we had a grand "civilian" meal. Linen tablecloths, soup cups, soup spoons, grand hunks of beef, cabbage, fresh potatoes, coffee and rice and lemon dessert. Oh boy, oh boy, am I gonna love this trip if the chow keeps up. Slept good all night. Thursday, 17 Aug 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-08-17T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440817.htmlFinally got on orders to leave here at 11:30 a.m. on Aug. 17th. That's tomorrow on a boat called "Santa Paula." Spent all day packing and marking baggage. Taylor left already on another boat and Boles is also gone. Just Fish and I are left and he leaves at 3:30 in the morning. Today I got 5 letters - 3 from Adele, one from Jerome and one from Mom. This is to be my last night with Fisher. It will sure hurt to say so long to him. We played cards and then we went to the movies and saw "Guadalcanal Diary" (again). Came home and went to sleep around 12. At about one we had an air raid and everyone awoke and donned their steel helmets. Boy, did I look cute in my pajama bottoms, bare feet and clumsy helmet - half asleep. Anyhow, no one dropped bombs but we sure put up a heck of a lot of flak. It was one of the most impressive sights I have ever witnessed - the thousands of piercing red tracer shells streaking through the inky blackness of the sky. Beautiful indeed - as if war could ever be beautiful!! At 3:00 a.m. everyone was awakened for the shipment out at 3:30 a.m. Fisher was on this. There wasn't much fanfare to our adieu - we just shook hands, said "so long" and I said I would write to him and send some pictures. That was all. I shined my flashlight on him as he stumbled through the black night heavily laden with his bags. Presently he rounded a corner, went behind a tent and went out of my life. Just like that. A guy to whom I actually owe my life and freedom. A pal, buddy, father, teacher and inspiration if there ever was one. So ends the story of Ray Fisher and crew #3-0-58. Wednesday, 16 Aug 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-08-16T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440816.htmlDidn't go to Red Cross as everyone was alerted and restricted. So far everyone but Fisher and me are slated to go tomorrow. They better get in on it in a hurry or I'll be mad, but good!!! Boles and Taylor are leaving tomorrow but still Fisher and I are not on orders - doggone it! Played casino at night. Tuesday, 15 Aug 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-08-15T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440815.htmlBreakfast consisted of coffee, oatmeal, bacon, and two hard boiled (fresh) eggs. Laid around all morning, played casino with Taylor quite a while and read several stories in Redbook magazine. Sunbathed for about an hour, then took a shower. No ice cream at the Red Cross today so I didn't go there. But tomorrow!!! Monday, 14 Aug 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-08-14T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440814.htmlDidn't even get up for breakfast. Got up later, washed, brushed my teeth, shaved and am now lounging and eating Pep-o-mint life savers. Ate dinner, feh, and went to Red Cross and this time I got ice cream - 4 dishes of it plus a sweet bun and punch. Wrote to Adele, Mom, and to A.P.O. 558 for my long-lost cleaning. Saw Jerome's name in the New York register. He was there July 8th, the same day I finished my missions. Came back around 5:00 p.m. and right away I put my good pants back under the bed. Tonite we had a hot casino game. Fish and I against Taylor and Sierbe, and we lost 3 out of 5 but it was a battle. Played way into the darkness by candlelight. Rumors are still being spread around here like mad. Sunday, 13 Aug 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-08-13T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440813.htmlPlenty of rumors floating around this place like mad. Lounging around this morning as per usual. Shaved myself. Gee, these new razor blades are sharp. Oh well, I've got a lot of blood. Went to the Red Cross in the afternoon but again no ice cream. Wrote to Adele and to Annette Brown. Came back and CE, Fish and I reminisced for hours about our previous combat and training experiences. Slept darn good all night. Saturday, 12 Aug 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-08-12T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440812.htmlAte breakfast and lay on my bed all morning reading and trying to press a pair of pants under my blanket (mattress). Censored a few letters - just filled pen. For the past 3 days the PX has been out of cigarettes and the poor smokers are going wild trying to beg, borrow, or steal smokes - tsk tsk. Anyhow, today they finally got in some Pall Malls and declared an open sale so everyone took off for the PX - like a thundering herd in a cloud of dust. Slept this afternoon until the heat of the sun woke me. Got up and combed my now very short hair down and washed up a bit. In the evening about 6:30 Fish and I took a blanket and went to the movies which started about 9:00. We saw "Up In Mabel's Room," which was a hilarious comedy. It was the most entertaining funny picture I have seen in years. We all laughed until we cried. Dennis O'Keefe and Gail Patrick and Mischa Auer. At the nightly news report things sounded mighty encouraging with the Russians rolling and the Marines cleaning up in the Pacific and the Yanks only 40 miles out of Paris. Multo Bonno. Wrote a big long (?) letter to Adele - 5 pages - 2 lines. Friday, 11 Aug 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-08-11T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440811.htmlAte breakfast, laid around reading Radio Romances. What a crazy magazine. Went to the Red Cross Club in the afternoon but they had no ice cream. Boy, was I mad when I started dressing to go out. I looked through my laundry and found, first of all, that they lost the top of my blue striped pajamas and substituted a too small khaki shirt. Also, the khakis were just washed and not pressed and also they gave me back 2 pairs of pants which weren't even mince. One pair was too long and the other too short. I almost didn't go but Fish talked me into it. There I wrote to Adele, Mom and Eli Miller. Thursday, 10 Aug 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-08-10T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440810.htmlFisher put in for an airplane to fly home. Washed and ate breakfast (first time in ?). Was the first guy in line when the PX opened. Bought a Ronson lighter for $2.00 for future use. Also rations. Slept all afternoon. Played casino with Taylor and won $2.75. Not bad. Had a big gab session about women and stuff and went to bed. Oh, yes, finally got two letters from Adele dated July 19 and 26. Showered and picked up QM laundry. Lot of rumors floating around here. Wednesday, 09 Aug 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-08-09T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440809.htmlBoles and I go to town again. We ate dinner at the 12th A.F. mess and went roaming around town. Got me a good haircut finally. Boy, those guys in France are really going. OK by me. Drank champagne in a beer joint - gabbed with a bunch of sailors. Across the street was a plugged up water main in the sidewalk. Kids were drinking out of it, washing dishes, kids washed their feet in it, horses drank out of it. What a sight. Champagne real cold is a darn good drink. Went up to the Orange Club and ate supper. Had real fresh beef, french fries and squash, soup, coffee, chocolate pastry and ice cream. Hung around drinking juice for a while. Came home about 9:00. Tuesday, 08 Aug 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-08-08T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440808.htmlLounged around all morning. Censored a little mail for a change. Boy, I get sore when I see how easy some of these guys "overseas" really have it. Like the doctors and permanent personnel - with their own private jeeps, cars and drivers. What a life. And us poor guys who are really winning the war are considered just so much extra - "combat men" - scum. Oh well, such is life. Am lounging around all this afternoon. Monday, 07 Aug 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-08-07T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440807.htmlWent again to Naples with Ish. Ate dinner at Churchill Downs. Walked around the docks. Had our snapshot taken - lousy as usual. Went to the Orange Club at nite. Just like Butch Marten's Terrace Garden. Beautiful nurses, outside, soft lights, good dance music and juice to drink. Ran into Ruth Jane Lewis, a nurse with whom I went to Madison High. Sunday, 06 Aug 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-08-06T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440806.htmlAs it is now Aug. 5th I shall very skimpily go over the preceding few days. I had no book in which to write. Hence, no write.

Aug 1: We were flown down here by Brock and we arrived in a complete crew about 11:00 a.m. Made it up here in an hour. This place is the 7th Replacement Depot located outside the city of Naples. Here we live 6 men in a tent and eat out of mess kits. First time I have eaten this way since I first entered the Army. Here we met Sudin, Coll and King - and Siegel who are also sweating a boat home.

Aug 2: Got plenty of sleep. In the evening we saw a USO show. 4 gals singing and dancing. The mike was out of order and no one enjoyed the show.

Aug 3: Spent the whole day at the Red Cross Club. It was formerly a college for underprivileged children, then taken over by Germans for barracks, now used for a club by the Yanks. Really a beautiful place. At nite saw "Holy Matrimony." At least we saw about 5 min. of it then left - stinkeroo!!

Aug 4: Laid around all day. Getting very lazy. Slept all afternoon. Played casino with Taylor at night. Beat him too.

Aug 5: I went to Naples with Boles. Galavanted around town all day. Had our caricatures drawn. Ate dinner at ATC snack bar at apt. Ate supper at 12th A.F. rest camp mess. Double helping of ice cream. Bought new hat, etc. Came back tired. Saturday, 05 Aug 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-08-05T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440805.htmlPancakes again, my goodness. Censored mail again. Fish and I had to fly up to Bari. If it were tomorrow I would have gone. Shaved myself this morning. Gotta get me a new book to keep my daily accounts in. Today is our last day here (it says here). Got final papers signed today. Packed everything in my A-3 bag, then found out that we couldn't take A-3 bags so repacked everything in a barracks bag and boy, was it hot today. Where did I ever get so much stuff? Letter from Adele dated July 25. Gotta get home now!!!!!! Meeting with Col. Beir tonite at 6:45. Monday, 31 Jul 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-07-31T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440731.htmlAte pancakes again for breakfast, then censored mail. Fish and I went down to the sheet metal shop and cut out the Nazi swastikas from the tail assembly and we each took one for souveneirs. Down there they were putting a new engine on good Old Crone #74. The girl on the side is all painted up now. Finally receieved a letter from Adele acknowledging my one of July 8th. What a relief. Also a lovely congratulatory card. Cute too. Slept all afternoon. Wrote to Adele. My honey. Had 2 real hot dogs (fat ones) for chow tonite. Going to G.I. movies tonite. Good show - betcha. Mmmmm. Sunday, 30 Jul 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-07-30T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440730.htmlBreakfast of pancakes, then censored mail and wrote a long letter to the folks. And here I am in the club at 10:26 a.m. Quiet day. Wrote to Houghton too. Ate chow, then sunbathed for a couple hours. My stomach is now real red. No mail today from no one no how. Tsk, tsk. Had good chow tonite - real fresh meat, spanish rice, and real pineapple ice cream and gingerbread cake. Saw "Private Hargrove" again. Crazy. I wish that old Doc Wagner would keep that nurse out of this club. Gotta write to my honey now. Ho hum. All cleaned up. Love ya babe. Saturday, 29 Jul 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-07-29T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440729.htmlAte breakfast and censored mail. Ate chow. Shaved myself and then Fish and I took off for Lecce. First rode with Lt. Col. Fellows, Group C.O. but he forgot his beer and turned back. Ate 2 big bowls of gelato at Red Cross and 4 hunks of super cake with chocolate icing, just like Mother used to make (almost). Got picked up outside Red Cross by our squadron jeep - very lucky. Tonite we saw "See Here, Private Hargrove." Very entertaining picture. Donna Redd sure is eager. Letter today from good old Houghton. He's around here somewhere. No letters from Adele. Tsk. Nite toots. Friday, 28 Jul 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-07-28T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440728.htmlAte breakfast. Hung around all morning just doing nothing. Ate chow and took ride with Wagner in the afternoon. Saw B-24 (#53) which cracked up taking off this morning. Really a bad mess - 3 guys killed. Horrible sight. I'm glad I'm through or I would be now. Visited guys in hospital. Saw there a Lt. Mike Herlya - old roommate of mine from Hondo Nav. School. He was hit in left hand on 6th mission by flak. He is now a bombadier. No mission tomorrow. Shindig tonight. Bars open till breakfast. 5 letters from Adele today - real oldies. To bed early. 10:00. Thursday, 27 Jul 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-07-27T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440727.htmlUp and at 'em, two eggs "girate." Censored mail. Came back and laid out in sun for a while reading the Bible. Fisher came back late tonite with our orders, which means we should leave in just a few days. I sure do hope so. Had ice cream for chow again tonite. Sunbathed again this afternoon. Just red, that's all. Played casino with Ottone and Wagner, then went to 8:30 show. Saw "Two Senoritas from Chicago." Real punkeroo, but plenty of women. Letter from Mom today saying she got my letter of the 8th. Makes me very happy. Also letter from Honey Chile. Nite toots. Wednesday, 26 Jul 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-07-26T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440726.htmlFisher took off for Bari with our orders. Ate breakfast and censored mail this morning for a while. Ate round steak for chow. Meeting at 2:30 this afternoon about how we are supposed to act when we get back in the States. Just like we're a bunch of new-born babies. No sunbathing this afternoon. No mail again today ??? Tried to shoot a rat tonite but no go. Started reading a new book entitled, "BIBLE." Very good. Laid outside after dark tonite. Quite cool and invigorating. Kinda anxious for Fish to get to find out what's what. Retire at 9:30 or so. Tuesday, 25 Jul 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-07-25T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440725.html2 eggs "girate" for breakfast and then censored quite a bit of mail. Turned in all my watches and pistol. Starting to get cleared. Our orders are finally starting through. Fisher is going to the 47th Wing HQ at Manduria. So. Fried eggplant for dinner, not bad. Sunbathed for several hours this afternoon after writing a long letter to Adele about the financial status of us'uns. Rode to Manduria with Fish and Ottone to pick up our orders. Saw tonight's movie. Bought scout knife from Ottone for $1.00. Wrote to Adele, Aunt Rose, Lenny, Lismans. Actually watched a blackjack game. Monday, 24 Jul 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-07-24T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440724.htmlAte breakfast this a.m. Eggs are now free from the Q.M. Censored mail a while. Went down, took a shower and shaved. Filled up our two large water cans. Ate a punk dinner - 4 wieners and beans. Came back to club to write a few letters. Here I am. Wrote to Mom. Ate a punk dinner. Sunbathed for quite a while today. Really getting baked, but that's the way I like it. Got 4 lovely letters from Adele and one from Mom today. Swerll letters too. Ate a worse supper tonite. Went to see G.I. movies but no show - so no go. Took in laundry. Plenty hot today. Sunday, 23 Jul 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-07-23T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440723.htmlSurprised myself - got up early and ate breakfast. Came back and slept half-heartedly on my bunk. Ate a punk chow. In the afternoon I wanted to sunbathe but up comes a big sand and dust storm which really blew things around. Everything was covered with thick dust. Hung around club and wrote to Jerome and Adele. In the evening I went to the show and saw John Garfield, Cary Grant, Alan Hale in "Destination Tokyo." Very thrilling sub story. Sleep at 10:30. Feh, such dust. 2 letters from Adele. Saturday, 22 Jul 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-07-22T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440722.htmlRan around all morning and finally got a ticket for the Army show. Shaved by the I-Tye and took off in a GI truck at 10:30, arriving in Bari at 1:15. Saw shows; excellent beyond all description. Sat in box seats, excellent visibility. Most ornate theater I ever saw. Irving Berlin in person. Went backstage and got Belin's autograph, also Julie Oshin's. Real good show. Came a long way but finally saw it. Had 2 servings of ice cream at Officers' Red Cross. Rode in horse-drawn carriage. Letter from Jerome. He's in Sardinia. 3 other letters. Home at 10:30. Much tired, much happy. Friday, 21 Jul 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-07-21T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440721.htmlTried all morning to get transportation to Bari - Ottone, Wagner and I had tickets to see Irving Berlin's stage show, "This Is The Army," but all to no avail so no go. Wrote to Davids and Kodak and Mom this afternoon. Sunbathed about 1½ hours in front of the tent. Can't get red or brown on my legs ??? Got 5 letters today, all from England. Nothing much rest of night. Wrote a letter to Adele at the club and then got intoa card game - and lost about $30.00, all because of Sudin's forgetting to bury a card on 3 different occassions. Oh well, such is life. Thursday, 20 Jul 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-07-20T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440720.htmlHad just coffee for breakfast. Still plenty woozy. Went riding just about all day. Went with Ottone and Fisher for ice to Campi and in the afternoon we went to the PX at Manduria where we bought our weekly rations. Got shot in the arm today for Tetanus and Typhoid. Sore. Letter from Adele, real honey, with 6 pictures - excellent. Listened to Bob Hope. Put on clean pants. Saw Van Johnson in "Two Girls and a Sailor." Real excellent show. Have lived through the effects of last night. Forgot to buy some pajamas at the PX. Much tired. Retire at 10:15 p.m. Wednesday, 19 Jul 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-07-19T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440719.htmlAwoke early, ate 2 eggs, censored 3 letters, took shower - all this morning and now it's only 10:25. Came back and ate chow. Laid around in the sun for about 3 hours this afternoon. Really getting brown or red - really getting something. Fell asleep, woke up wet. At night we had a big party in the EM tent - beer, whisky, cokes, water, vino, wine, champagne, grapefruit juice, hard boiled eggs and fig newtons. Sang songs, told dirty jokes. Had a heck of a good time. Shorty led Fish and I home. Sick during night. Slept with pants and shoes on. Oh. Tuesday, 18 Jul 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-07-18T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440718.htmlSlept until 10:30, got up and shaved myself. Only 5 cuts. Washed up, all clean and spiffy. Ate dinner. We had round steak (wieners), corn, beans, and chocolate pudding - good meal. Expect to go to town this afternoon - maybe. Went to Lecce with Fisher and Ottone and had large dish of chocolate ice cream. Came back early and sunbathed for about an hour. Drove the Colonel's jeep into San Donachi with Elio to take in laundry. In the evening Fish and I and Ottone and guys saw Don O'Connor in "Chip Off the Old Block." Real good show, and March of Time. Rubber heels on shoes, 70¢ + cigar. Monday, 17 Jul 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-07-17T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440717.htmlAte breakfast. Censored several letters in the a.m. Read my book for quite a while in the club. Ate chow, had my haircut, sunbathed for two hours this afternoon. Wish those enlisted men would get out of this place before they start revisiting the old rules and make it hard for us in certain ways. Nice letter from Honey today - on July 4th. Cleaned up a tent and moved Taylor's bed in corner. Oh, is he mad!! Wrote a longie to Adele - my lover. Nothing new. Going to bed. 2 eggs and juice. Sunday, 16 Jul 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-07-16T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440716.htmlWrote to Eli Miller, Uncle Jack and finally Ezra Sarachan tonite while on OD - poor Ez. Still reading "M on the B." Ok book. Got off the OD at 0430 and went right to bed until 11:00 a.m. Washed, shaved by the I-Tye and ate lunch. Got a very nice letter from Adele today, written June 25. Nothing much this afternoon. Picked up our group picture of July 13th. Movie tonite, "True to Life." Powell, Martin, Tone, Moore. Real dandy comedy, ha ha. "How about you luscious?" Getting tired. I think I'll go to bed early, quite tired tonite. It is now 9:40 p.m. No mission tomorrow. Party at club. Saturday, 15 Jul 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-07-15T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440715.htmlUp early, ate breakfast. Reading my book in the club. Took a ride with Lt. Ottone to the ice plant at Campi about 20 miles away. Very enjoyable ride into the nearby countryside. 4 hunks of ice for 3 packs of Raleighs. Longed around and read in the afternoon. Finally got some mail - 4 letters from Adele. Oh happy day. I wanted to see "True to Life" at the show but was put on OD again so no go. Rode Fisher around in jeep. Wrote to Adele, Mom and Eli. Beautiful music on radio. Not much else. So long. Friday, 14 Jul 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-07-14T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440714.htmlHad tough pancakes for breakfast. Almost drowned by rain in and outside the mess tent. Shaved by the I-Tye. At 9:00 a.m. our crew had its picture taken, both individually and as a group, all except Boles. In front of #74, "Old Cronie," because all the ships with pretty gals were on the mission. Helped interrogate the crews today. Acted like a big shot asking involved questions. 1 V-mail from Evie is all the mail today. Pretty poor. Something wrong. Drew $43.75 per diem this afternoon. No show this evening, no film. Hung around club and read "M on the B." Heard Bob Hope. Thursday, 13 Jul 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-07-13T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440713.htmlAte breakfast today, Span 'n Eggs. That damn Span keeps coming up on me. Took shower this morning, put away laundry, folded up pajamas. Feel sharp. Fisher pulled guard last nite. Bought $2.00 of air mail stamps. Stayed at the club most of the afternoon. Found new book, "Mutiny on the Bounty," and started reading it for the steenth time. Wrote to Adele, Mom and to the Lisman boys. Got writers's cramps. Went to the movies in the evening but no one could find the film so picture show cancelled. No mail again today. Started raining like hell tonite. Wednesday, 12 Jul 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-07-12T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440712.htmlAte breakfast today, then got a nice shave by the barber. Also picked up my finished laundry. In the afternoon Taylor, Ish and I took off for Lecce - 30 miles away. In the town we walked our feet off, with nothing much to do. At the Red Cross Club we had 2 large dishes of chocolate ice cream. Very very good. Bought several pieces of jewelry. Drank 1 glass of champagne. Looked at some real pretty gals, but that's all. Found 3 guys from Aliquippa in the register. Home about 10:30. Tired, powerful tired. No mail 3rd day. Tuesday, 11 Jul 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-07-11T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440711.htmlGot off OD at 8:00 a.m. Ate breakfast, came back and went to sleep. Slept right through noon chow, awakening at about 3:00 p.m. Ate supper, laid down again. Came to club and wrote letter to Adele and Aunt Fay. No mail again today. 3-4 days. Can't figure it out ??? Ate 2 hard boiled eggs. USO show but me no go. Gee, I was tired after being up all night. What a punk deal that OD is. C.E. has it tonite - poor guy. Nothing much doing at night. Thought I lost Pop's pearl handle knife. Monday, 10 Jul 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-07-10T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440710.htmlAwakened at 3:00 a.m. by CQ calling for Boles - then at 6:00 by Fisher going to breakfast. What an eager guy. So I got up at 7:00 and ate. Nothing much all day long. In the evening I was officer of the day. My 6 boys were plane guards. So I stayed up all night in the operations office, occasionally taking coffee and pies and sandwiches out to the guys on the trucks. Typed a letter to Adele. Very tired. Let all the boys drive my jeep around - more fun. No sleep all night. Quite tired, I'll say. Sunday, 09 Jul 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-07-09T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440709.htmlMission #50 and 51 - finito to Markersdorf Airdrome, 35 miles west of Vienna, Austria. Finally finished up today with even one to boot. Real easy mission. Very light flak, no fighters, plus excellent fighter support. Total time 7½ hours - on oxygen about 3½ hours. Many good hits on the target. City of Vienna really took a pasting. 3 letters from Adele today - jackpot. Vanilla ice cream for supper. What a relief. Gee, I sure feel relieved. Big party tonite at the club. Maybe. Sure is a wonderful feeling no alert for the a.m. Saturday, 08 Jul 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-07-08T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440708.htmlMission #49 to Zagreb M/Y in Yugoslavia. Real nice mission except for the fact that we didn't drop any bombs. Weather was CAVU, target clear but no bombs dropped. Total time 6 hours, on oxygen 3½ hours. Came home at 10:45. Swell hour and had first noon chow for a long time. No mail today from anyone ??? Had a long talk with the guys today about going into pilot training when we get back. Should I go or shouldn't I - that is the question. Alerted again for tomorrow. Some fun I'll say. Friday, 07 Jul 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-07-07T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440707.htmlMission #48 to the Casarsa railroad bridge in North Italy. Same bridge we were supposed to hit before but missed because of undercast. Don't think we did a very good job today as most bombs seemed to land between the two bridges. Easy mission. No fighters, no flak. Dandy P-38 escort. Today i was promoted to First Lieutenant. Not bad, eh? Total time 6:15, on oxygen 3 hours. Sunbathed an hour. Alerted again for tomorrow to fly lead flight B - with Lt. Paul. Hope it's a good easy double. 6 letters today,4 from my gal, 2 from home. -20° Thursday, 06 Jul 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-07-06T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440706.htmlMission #47 to Toulon, France, submarine pens and harbor installations. Total time 8½ hours, 6 on oxygen. Long haul over water to France. Strong west wind blew smoke screen off target which was visible. No fighters. P-38 escort very comforting. Flak over target was quite heavy and accurate. We were hit 4 or 5 times. Many good hits on M.P.I. Took a whole roll of film. One letter from Adele today of June 19th. Chocolate ice cream for dessert tonite. Ship #74 - Old Cronie. Alerted again for tomorrow. Wrote home to Adele. Wednesday, 05 Jul 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-07-05T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440705.htmlMission #46 to Pitesti, Rumania large railroad bridge. First mission in years in which we had no flak and no fighters at all. Sure was a dandy mission - sure was. Total time was 7:15 hours - on oxygen 4 hours. Plane #74, still cold as hell, 20 below zero. Really hit the bridge, won't cross there for some time. Don't worry about it. No mail at all today - can't figure. Took 4 pictures on the mission. Hope they come out OK. All the boys went to work on the salami. Had meat and beans, cheese and lemonade. No chow. Plenty hungry you betcha. Feel sick. Tuesday, 04 Jul 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-07-04T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440704.htmlMission #44 and 45 to Giurgiu, Rumania oil refineries and storage. Encountered heavy unchartered flak enroute and light flak over target. 30 plane fighter attack just before IP - no real danger. Three flak holes, only minor. Flew ship #70, lead in C flight. Total time 7:15 - on oxygen 4 hours. Was supposed to have been an easy mission. Completely missed our MPI - according to the pictures. Oh well. Alerted again for the morning. Two letters today - from Aunt Fay and from George Lemberger. None from Adele??? Bed about 9:15 p.m. Monday, 03 Jul 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-07-03T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440703.htmlMission #42-43 to Budapest Vecses Airdrome #1 - 9 mi. SE of Budapest in Hungary. Total time 6:20 - on oxygen 4 hours. Very pleasant and smooth trip all the way. No fighters and light flak at the target. Beautiful P-38 and P-51 escort support all over the place. Excellent bombing results. Many planes on the ground hit. Slept this afternoon. Ate up the cookies from Mom Morris. Sure were good. Lost $20.00 playing blackjack last night. Sent $200 home in money orders. Alerted again for the a.m. Good deal. Sunday, 02 Jul 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-07-02T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440702.htmlAlerted and awakened at 5:00 a.m. for mission to Munich Motor Works. Mission called off by red-red flare for reasons of weather. Came back home at 8:15 a.m. Had coffee again. Took off at 10:45 a.m. on a practice gunnery mission. I fired the waist gun a few rounds and then Fisher got me in the co-pilot's seat and he let me fly. No fooling. I flew for about 15 minutes. Gee, it sure is fun but strenuous. Received 6 letters and finally the packages today - long underwear, cookies, hankies, salami, writing paper, etc. What a whole bunch of stuff. Sure is dandy. Lisman boys are in France. Love ya, kiddo. Saturday, 01 Jul 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-07-01T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440701.htmlMission #41 to airfield and dispersal area at Zagreb, Yugoslavia. Just short of a double mission. Tough. No fighter escort and no enemy fighters. Flak was slight in the target area. Got many good hits and planes on the ground were destroyed. Time 6½ hours, on oxygen 3¾ hours. Ship #74. Altered again for the a.m.

Sunbathed this afternoon. No mail.

Saw Ritz Bros. in "Never A Dull Moment" at the theater. They sang "The Best Songs from Shmagege Hall." Very good show.

Got paid today - $287.40. Wow. Sleep at 9:15.

I love you, Adele.

That's all, folks: Richard Durbin Griffin, John Ermintrout. Friday, 30 Jun 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-06-30T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440630.htmlAnother day off and a welcome relief. All rested up; fine now. All set to go finish up 10 more missions. Lounged around most of the day. Sunbathed for about an hour in the afternoon. Was careful not to get too burned. Just red on the outside a little. Wrote to Adele, Mom and Uncle Lee. Get mail from Adele, Mom. Alerted for tomorrow. Traded my limey shorts for Fisher's cadet shorts. I think I got the better deal.

Rations at the club tonite - 5 candy bars, 2 life savers, 4 cans beer.

Aired out blankets today. It's about time. Sleep 9:00 p.m.

Adele, I love you. Thursday, 29 Jun 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-06-29T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440629.htmlToday is the first day off in almost 3 weeks. Slept until 7:15. Ate breakfast, lounged around. Had navigators' meeting at 10. Fisher flew in the morning. Ate dinner. Was supposed to give a lecture on the GEE box at 1 p.m. but it was called off. No power on. Lounged around; took a shower. Got one letter from home and a returned letter to Len Robinson.

Nothing much. Good supper tonite. Stew, pineapple and Tutti-Frutti ice cream - rich and creamy.

No mission again for tomorrow. What's going on??? Wonder where Jerome is, huh? Bed - 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, 28 Jun 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-06-28T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440628.htmlMission #40 to Brod, Yugoslavia. Supposed to hit in Bucharest area but weather prevented it. Bombed Marshalling yards with very good results. Got loster than heck but found myself. Total time was 5:40, on oxygen 3½ hours. Ship #74 again. Temp. -21°. Good mission.

Today is Mom and Pop's anniversary. God bless 'em all.

Stand down for tomorrow. Will welcome the change. No mail came in today. Saw Gildersleeve in "G's Ghost." Corny as hell. Saw "Sex Hygiene" for the 'steenth time. Very tired and very stinky. Air raid alert today. Gun, gas mask, tin hat. Tuesday, 27 Jun 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-06-27T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440627.htmlMission #38 and 39 to Schwechat, Austria, 10 miles SE of Vienna. Hienkel aircraft plant. Excellent mission (AVO). Best fighter support yet, P-38's especially. Flew #74, Old Crone. Excellent bombing results. Good weather enroute. No fighter attacks but heavy and accurate flak. Received several holes in ship. Total time was 7:30, on oxygen 4:45. Took 6 pictures of planes, etc. enroute. Hope they come out.

Still reading "Escape." Can't seem to get into the feel of it, yet. USO show tonite but we didn't go. Wrote an 11 page letter to Adele. Received 3 letters and a whole bunch of Kodakerys.

No mission up yet. Don't know if we are alerted. Monday, 26 Jun 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-06-26T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440626.htmlMission #37 to Toulon, France. Harbor installations and submarine pens. Flew for hours at high altitude. Got to target which was completely covered by clouds. So we dropped our bombs in the blue sea and came all the way back high. Carried 10 x 500 GPs all to no avail. Slight flak at target. Got hole in #2 engine. No fighters. Good P-38 escort. Total time 7:50, oxygen 5½ hours.

Finally got 8 letters, 3 from Adele, 2 from Mom and Evie, K. Klass, Uncle Lee and V-Mail from Mom. Yippie. Sure is good news.

Alerted again for tomorrow. Flew 74 - Old Crone. Temp. -28°. Brrr. Sunday, 25 Jun 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-06-25T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440625.htmlMission #35-36 to Ploesti Americano Romano (Shell) oil refineries, north of Bucharest, Rumania. Same trip as planned yesterday. Total time 8:15 - on oxygen 6½ hours. Intense heavy accurate flak. Several holes in ship. No fighters except one ME-109 that made one pass at our tail. No hits. Target completely smoked out. Made 2 runs on it. Don't believe we hit even close. Altitude was 24,000, Temp. -26°. 10 x 500 GPs.

No mail today. Hope I get some tomorrow, or else. Now reading "Escape" by Ethel Vance. Nazi story.

Alerted again for tomorrow. Habit forming, but OK by me. Saturday, 24 Jun 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-06-24T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440624.htmlMission #34 (I think). Woke up at 3:15 a.m. Took off at 6:20 to go to Ploesti oil fields. After several hours on and off course we decided to turn back because of weather at target. Made dry run on secondary of NIS, Yugoslavia, but didn't drop bombs. Came back way south of course. Turned 180°. Traveled full length of Albania, then 270° to base. Total time 4:40 - on oxygen 2½ hours. A really screwed up mess.

Got my first letter today, from Mom dated June 13. V-Mail. Sure is a lifter upper. Alerted again for tomorrow. Saw Vince Turiano from Lyell Ave. Friday, 23 Jun 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-06-23T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440623.htmlWoke up at 4:00 a.m. Had eggs for chow. Took off at 0740 for Bridge at Casarsa in North Italy. Overcast. Rough navigating trip and so we bombed the wrong bridge. Really blasted it, but wrong bridge. I flew Deputy Lead on Col. Bier Mission #33. Time 7:10, on oxygen 4 hours only. Made 360° turn in Adriatic and two 360° turns over target itself. Queer deer. Met boy named Griffin, from Elmdorf Ave., Rochester. Found out we bombed the wrong bridge. 30 miles west of target. Alerted again for tomorrow. Good deal. No mail today. Sleep at 9:00 p.m. Wrote to Mom and Adele. Thursday, 22 Jun 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-06-22T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440622.htmlWoke up at 3:30 a.m. for mission to Vienna. Briefing and all and it was called off at 7:45. Red red flare from tower. Weather bad enroute and over target. Cam back and read "Claudia."

Punk dinner - cheese and corned beef sandwiches.

Bought 342 air mail envelopes today.

To fly with Brock, Sudin and crew.

Had spaghetti and corned beef meat balls for supper and apple pie and ice cream. No fooling. Now I'm sick. Too much.

Went to Italian stage show - pretty good. Not as good as 1st show. Had a 14-year-old girl singer who was very, very good, soprano. Skits, acrobats, a good magician.

Alerted again for tomorrow. Habit forming. No mail. Oh me! Wednesday, 21 Jun 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-06-21T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440621.htmlDidn't even awake us this morning. Can't figure it out. But little me stayed awake from 2:00 a.m. to 4:30, sweating the CQ out. What a jerk.

Finished "Claudia and David," and am now reading "Claudia" in the same series. Also quite interesting, along the same lines.

In the afternoon Rod, Buggar, Bray and I went to the beach swimming. Had great fun. Sunburned but good. Collected pretty sea shells. Explored old I-Tie fort. All on barefoot - oh my poor feet.

Parachute lecture tonite. Took pictures at beach. Now reading "Claudia."

Alerted for a.m. again. Tuesday, 20 Jun 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-06-20T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440620.htmlAlerted and woke up this a.m. at 3:00 to fly Deputy Lead with Lt. Paul to Bar River Bridge, France but mission was called off at briefing. Came back at 4:30 and went back to sleep until 10:30. Shaved by the I-Tie and ate a punk chow. In the afternoon, I went to the Officer's Club and read my book, "Claudia and David," and also wrote to Adele and a nine-page letter to Milly Golden.

Alerted again for the morning in Deputy Lead.

Movies - saw Tom Conway in "The Falcon Goes West." Real thriller diller, and March of Time. Bed at 9:15 p.m. Monday, 19 Jun 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-06-19T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440619.htmlAgain awakened at 3:00 a.m. for mission to Ploesti oil fields, but at 5:30 mission was called off because of bad weather enroute. I was to fly Deputy Lead with another crew - also Fisher.

Hope they have a good supper as lunch was stinky. Corned beef sandwiches and beans. Feh, what a meal. For supper we had vegetable stew. Feh, what a meal.

We are again alerted for tomorrow. Crew all together for tomorrow's flight.

Starting to read "Claudia and David" on Adele's recommendation. I hope it's as good as she says. Didn't write to Milly. Clean laundry back, cost $2.00. Retire at 9:00 p.m. Sunday, 18 Jun 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-06-18T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440618.htmlAlerted again and awakened at 4:00 to go to Arad, Rumania again. Mission was cancelled as we were on the taxi strip. Came back and went to sleep.

Spent the afternoon moving to our new tent - way the hell out of creation, in the woods. And after we built such a nice floor too.

Fisher and the guys went to the beach but I stayed here and read. Finally finished my letters to Adele and Mom. Ish and I went to the movies and saw Cowboy George Montgomery and Annabella in "Bombers Moon," story of the RAF, and of an American captains's escape from Germany. Pretty stinky. Sleep at 9:00 p.m. Tired. Saturday, 17 Jun 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-06-17T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440617.htmlMission #31-32 to Bratislava Apollo oil refineries and storage tanks. Attacked by JU 88 - 110's - 410's just before IP. Really rough battle for a while. Taylor and Bray claim a 410 and an 88 destroyed and I think they got them both. We blasted the heck out of the target which measured 1400 ft. x 1400 ft. Huge fires and smoke and explosions. Light and inaccurate flak on route in and out. Total time 7 hours, on oxygen 4½ hours. No fighter escort except one lonely P-47.

Still haven't finished my letters to Adele and Mom but some day, I hope.

Alerted again for the morning. Getting to be a habit. Skinned my little finger. 20,000 ft. Temp - 18° Friday, 16 Jun 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-06-16T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440616.htmlMission scrubbed at 6:30 this a.m. after briefing and out to ships. Was to be marshalling yards at Arad, Rumania. Slept the rest of the morning. Had a fluky meeting at 1:00 p.m. Sat around all day. Took a couple of pictures. Writing to Mom. Still. Got me a new A-3 bag. Fixed the lock on my navigation briefcase.

Never did finish my letters to Adele or Mom. But will. Fish and I went to the show tonite and saw Bing Crosby in "Going My Way." Very good show. Sure do go for his singing. Picture held up one hour. No projector, broken film, etc.

Alerted again for tomorrow. Getting to be a habit. Oh well! Thursday, 15 Jun 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-06-15T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440615.html Today is my Mom's birthday. Happy Birthday, Mom. Mission #30 - to the oil storage plant at Sisak, Yugoslavia. Time 5½ hours - on oxygen 3 hours. CAVU all the way. Made 2 runs on the target and blasted the daylights out of it. Huge black smoke clouds and fiery red flaming fires that could be seen for miles around. Good mission - no flak, no fighters. Alerted again for tomorrow.

Wanted to see Bing Crosby tonite but I guess it will have to wait. Haircut, shave and shower. Feel clean, free and easy. Can't find my little black address book - doggone it anyhow. Wednesday, 14 Jun 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-06-14T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440614.html Mission #28-29 to Bentz Motor Works in Munich, Germany. Total time 8:45, on oxygen 4 hours. Had oil and gas leaks all the way up and back. Had to emergency land at Bari, 93 miles from home, and refuel. Intense but inaccurate flak at target. No fighter opposition. Carried 6 x 1000 GP, dropped 4 in Alps to lighten load to stay in formation.

No mail yet but hope soon. Quite tired tonite. Alerted again for tomorrow.

Wrote a honey of a letter to Adele. At least I thought it was cute, so there. Ray just ripped his cot and fell almost to the floor. Some joke. Tuesday, 13 Jun 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-06-13T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440613.html Big celebration today. 2nd year overseas for the Group. Standown. Air show. Fisher and I worked on our floor until 3:00 p.m. Still not finished. Running out of ambition and wood too. Mostly ambition. Anyhow, later in the afternoon we finished the floor or until we ran out of boards. Need about 3 more to finish. Fish and I are now moved in. Swell place.

Altered again for tomorrow. That Spam on yesterday's trip made me and most of the guys sick. Today had the GI's. Taylor grounded for tomorrow. Been here a week today. 3 missions. Not good, not bad. We'll wait and see. No mail. Monday, 12 Jun 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-06-12T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440612.html Mission #26-27 to Constanta, Rumania. Oil storage plant on edge of Black Sea. South Rumania. Long haul and clouds partially over target but hits good. Time 7:40 on oxygen 4½ hours. No fighter opposition. Plenty of P-38's, they sure look swell against the blue. Slept most of the afternoon and then in the evening went to the movies with Bray, Buggar and Salmon. Saw Red Skelton in "Whisting in Brooklyn." Good show. Took the gold bar off my hat and sat with EM's after which we went to the Jr. N.C.O. Club and drank wine and sherry brandy. Swell time had by all. Didn't write to Adele today. Much sorry. Sunday, 11 Jun 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-06-11T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440611.html Mission #25 - was supposed to be oil refineries at Trieste, N. Italy. 9/10 undercast so we went south to Ancona - screwed up deal. No hits on nothing. Total time 6 hours - oxygen 3½ hours. Visibility good except primary target. Missed everything on secondary. Hupman and Sudin leading.

Woke up late this a.m. - 4:00. Briefing at 4:15 a.m. Got in on tail end of it all. Bomb bay doors wouldn't close. Takeoff delayed 20 min. No. 1 engine feathered for a few minutes.

Started building floor in our new tent. Tired out tonite. Alerted for tomorrow. Nothing more to write. Today was a milkrun. Hope this is an example of all the rest of our missions. Saturday, 10 Jun 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-06-10T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440610.html Got up and had breakfast - pancakes, oatmeal, tomato juice. Pretty good.

Had a boring lecture about escape and P/W all morning. Then again all afternoon - same old stuff. Took shower after lectures. Sure feels good after a thorough washing.

Had a punk meal tonite for chow. Baked ham, squash, peas, coffee, applesauce. Feh.

Drew personal flying equipment credit for 24 missions. Alerted for the morning. Got all my stuff ready tonite. Hope it is a nice easy one to start off with. Could be. Yeh man! Friday, 09 Jun 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-06-09T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440609.html Fisher had to test hop a plane today. This is the first place that they didn't require a navigator on every trip. Good. Started reading "30 Seconds Over Tokyo," but fell asleep. Woke up about 4:30 when at 4:45 we went over to meet the C.O. Lt. Col. Beir. What a good egg. He met us in his underwear shorts. that's all he had on. Looks about 26 - nice guy. Gave us some rules and regulations. Said he would see what he could do about getting us promotions. Spent some time at the Club reading Life and Reader's Digest. Also wrote letters to Adele, Aunt Fay and Aunt Sylvia. Quite chilly out tonite. Good for sleeping. Thursday, 08 Jun 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-06-08T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440608.html Talk this morning by P-38 pilot shot down. Slept all afternoon as it is very hot. Sun really gives out. Supposed to have meeting s but the big shot's nowhere to be found so we slept all day after chow.

No breakfast today. Dick wanted me to go swimming at 1:00 p.m. with him but I thought I had these damn meetings so I didn't go. Tonite we went to a GI-ITI (Eye Tie) show. Very good; singing; dancing, tap; juggling, etc. Excellent swing band. Comedians, pretty girl soloist sang American songs. Imitations. Best juggler I ever saw, no kidding. Wednesday, 07 Jun 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-06-07T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440607.html Slept all morning. Quite chilly at nite. Meeting with Capt. Mullins at 1:00 p.m. Ran into Richard Durbin - old time Madison pal. Good to see him. Married to Esther Berl.

To use mosquito netting again. Met doctor who gave us talk on V.D. Armament guy, talk on guns, etc. S-2 officers. Talk on censoring, interrogations, etc.

Heard about invasion. Great news. Hope it works. Got shaved by ITU for 10 lire - 10 cents. Paid $20.00 for club dues. Ridiculous but true. Drank coke at club. What a joint. 6 miles to shower. Tuesday, 06 Jun 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-06-06T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440606.html Ate breakfast this A.M. Shaved without water; no baths; move bowels without water. Some fun. Took off about 10:30 a.m. by G.I. truck for our camp of San Pancrazio at about 12:30. 93 miles to the SE of Bari. Made nice time.

This place looks like the middle of the desert. Sand all around. Tents. No water; heat; dusty.

They tell us it's a good deal. Put in large double tent. Dirty with junk left by guys homeward bound.

Expect credit for 24 missions, I hope. Met Carl Hupman and Al Sudin. Monday, 05 Jun 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-06-05T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440605.html Changed planes from plush job to Cargo C-47. Took off at 8:45 a.m. for Naples.

Buggar loses camera. Passing Sicily and boy this "blue" Mediterranean is really blue - no joke. Arrived Naples 11:45 a.m. Large bombed up town. Ate chow with pretty Italian girls waiting on tables - beans, corn, stewed meat, lemonade, peanut butter. Good too.

Took off 1:35 p.m. for Bari. In Tunis picked up knob in cockpit of Macchi 202. Arrived in Bari 2:30 p.m. Many Spits and captured DO 217 - P-39's - P-38's. Put in hotel in town. L'Oriente. No water, no nothing. Eating in big fancy restaurant now. Pork chops and Ice Cream. Saw movie W. Beery and M. Main in "Rationing." Amusing. That's all folks; there is no more. Sunday, 04 Jun 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-06-04T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440604.html Awakened at 5:30 for 6:45 takeoff. Joke - hung around until 10 a.m. at line before takeoff. Sister Evie's 18th birthday. Arrived at Algiers at 3:30 p.m. Ate junk at snack bar. Departed Algiers 4:30 p.m. nice ride. Nice sleep to Tunis at 7:30 p.m. Dropped woman passenger at Algiers.

Went to town of Tunis; walked around; dark, not much doing. Max's Cafe. Had G.I. band playing "Dinah" and "St. Louis Woman." Sounded good. First big town with no blackout. Bright car lights; houses lit up; looks good to see it all.

Alerted for a.m. Mosquito netting, etc., once again.

Stayed overnight at De Gink Hotel - Room 133. Saturday, 03 Jun 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-06-03T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440603.html Arrived Casablanca 8:15 am to eat chow and leave soon. All flights postponed. Bought khaki pants and shirt at PX - went to town all day. Very beautiful city, modern buildings, garden spots, inlaid marble work, many exceptionally pretty young French girls. Many historic statues and carvings and hand work in building arches and gates and window, etc. Many Am. cars and converts. Outside cafes and tables. Much growth of plants. White buildings - fancy staircases and banisters. Horses and buggies galore. Stayed at Italian Consulate. Carried Ish and C.E. home. Bought several leather items as gifts - discontinued money record. Too much spent. Wrote Adele. Asleep 11:30 pm. Tired feet. Friday, 02 Jun 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-06-02T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440602.html Held over today because of bad weather last nite. Just hanging around hotel. Weather looks bad, I hope.

Looks like we're finally going tonite. Figured up my expenses and money on hand and I am 6d to the good ????

Finally took off at 11:20 pm. Beautiful ship and beautiful gal aboard. C-87 - converted B-24 with seats. Thursday, 01 Jun 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-06-01T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440601.html
Ted's journals from May 25-May 31 were lost. During this time, he was transferred to Italy
Thursday, 25 May 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-05-25T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440525.htmlMission #12. Two concrete hangars and ammunition dump at Orly Airfield, Paris. 12 x 500 GP's - Time 5½ hours, oxygen 4 hours. Very good results. V-mail from Lenny Robinson - Rough. 2 air mails from Adele, April 18, May 18. Moving rumors. Wednesday, 24 May 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-05-24T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440524.htmlMission #11. Aircraft repair plant at Orleans, France. Time 7 hours, 4 ½ on oxygen, 12 x 500 GP. Little flak, no fighters. Looked like very good results - saw many good hits in specified area. Bombing visual. No mail today, darn it! Tuesday, 23 May 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-05-23T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440523.htmlFlew several hours. Also to Hardwick to pick up Major Sullivan. Laundry back. Dandy air mail from Nancy Chile. Gee! Monday, 22 May 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-05-22T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440522.htmlSoft day. Censored mail, went through a Halifax British Bomber today. WHat a terrific ship. 2 air mails from Adele today. Sunday, 21 May 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-05-21T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440521.htmlMission #10. R.R. Roundhouse at Rheims, France. Many beautiful hits. 6 x 1000 GP's - visual bombing 18,000 ft. Time 5½ hours, 4 hrs. on oxygen. Intense flak over target. Saw beautiful Rheims Cathedral. No fighters. Plane #299 hit twice by flak but all was OK. Very tired right about now. Returned to base at 1:30 PM. Saturday, 20 May 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-05-20T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440520.htmlMission #9. Railroad yards at Brunswick, Germany. Time 7:10, 5 hrs. on oxygen. Many 109's and 190's - much flak, very intense - several flak hits - but all is well. Thank God. Friday, 19 May 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-05-19T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440519.htmlSlept until 11 AM. Rode into town of Attleborough in the afternoon - no results. No nothing. Broke bike. Took a roll of film around camp here. Broke bike again. Oh my. Thursday, 18 May 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-05-18T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440518.htmlNothing at all. Wasted a whole day. Wednesday, 17 May 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-05-17T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440517.htmlCensored mail all afternoon. 4 letters from Adele, 1 from Jerome, 1 from Milly Golden. Nothing new or old. Tuesday, 16 May 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-05-16T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440516.htmlMission #8. Siracourt, Noball, France. 4 hours - quickie, no flak, no fighters - easy deasy. Slept all afternoon. 1 air mail from Adele, May 6 and 1 V-mail from Mom, May 8. Monday, 15 May 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-05-15T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440515.htmlSlept late. Alerted but no mission. All afternoon listened to critiques on old missions. Sunday, 14 May 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-05-14T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440514.htmlSlept late. Target identification in the morning and mail censoring in the afternoon. Saturday, 13 May 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-05-13T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440513.htmlMission #7. Zeist, Germany oil refineries. 7:40, 6 hours on oxygen at 20,000. Excellent results. Light flak, no fighters (?). Steak for dinner. Letter from Lisman boys. Friday, 12 May 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-05-12T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440512.htmlMission #6. Chaumont Marshalling yards in France. 9 hours, 6 on oxygen. Very poor results. All day trip, much tired. Alerted for the AM. No flak, no fighters, no mail. Thursday, 11 May 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-05-11T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440511.htmlSlept late - Nothing much doing today. Learned about McKay, Parker, Perro, Stilbert - Too bad. Wednesday, 10 May 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-05-10T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440510.htmlGot up at 9:00 and took off for Liverpool at 10:20, finally arriving back at camp about 11:45 PM and went to bed. First I read my mail and ate a K-ration. Almost fell over (in bed) when I learned about Jerome and Florence. WOW! WOW! WOW! WOW! WOW! WOW! I hope they will both be very happy. I sure know they will. Went to sleep (after eating).

Jerome Elman is Ted's brother, Florence is Jerome's wife.
Tuesday, 09 May 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-05-09T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440509.htmlTook 7 o'clock train for Liverpool arriving at 3 o'clock. Got a mailman to drive me out in big truck to APO 507 orderly room where I learned that Lenny was out on the inspection grounds. I hung around and waited until they were through then called Len. He cleaned up, I met all the guys in his room. Then he got a pass and we rode a train which resembled the Long Island RR. In fact one of the stations was called "Hillside," just like N.Y. We went to Southport, a resort town on the sea and hung around. We ate at the Red Cross club where I got a room for the night. We sat around and gabbed until about 11 PM when he had to take the last train back to his base. I walked him to the train station, where we said so long for then. He sure is one swell egg. Real nice boy. It seems after 2 years of working at the docks he is going to move closer to a combat area - but he said he was getting fed up anyhow. Will wait and see what develops. Took pictures in the A.R.C. yard.

Lenny (Leonard Morris) is Ted's brother-in-law.
Monday, 08 May 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-05-08T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440508.htmlMission #5 to Onasbruck, Germany. 5 hours. 52 x 100 lb incendiary bombs. Came back and went on pass. Slept in Norwich that nite, almost froze hands. Sunday, 07 May 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-05-07T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440507.html2 hours fly time this afternoon. Received 18 letters today. Big inspection today. Learned how to use liaison radio set and transmit to ground stations by Bray. Saturday, 06 May 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-05-06T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440506.htmlPW lecture at 7:00 PM. 3 letters, Adele, Avie and Aunt Fay. U.S.O show, went to hospital to visit C.E. Had bike all gone over - real nice now. Friday, 05 May 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-05-05T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440505.htmlAlerted and woke up at 2:00 AM. Took off for Brunswick, but turned back after going halfway over Channel, because of weather on the Continent. Recall word "City." Letter from Adele - 2 - one V-mail and one air-mail. Thursday, 04 May 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-05-04T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440504.htmlSlept late in the AM - flew practice mission in afternoon - mailed hankies home. Letter from Eli. Wednesday, 03 May 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-05-03T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440503.htmlNothing much, censored mail. Packed up half-dozen hankies. No fly for a change. V-mail from Adele written April 9th. Tuesday, 02 May 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-05-02T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440502.htmlMission #4 - Brussels Marshalling yards. 2300 gal. gas, 7 x 1000 GP - 4:15 total time. We got some swell hits right smack in the middle of the yards. Letter from Adele in 6 days written April 24. Fast service. Monday, 01 May 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-05-01T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440501.htmlMission #3, Noball, St. Pol, France rocket installation. Hit by flak. 22,500 ft., 8 x 1000 lb. bombs, 2000 gas load - 4:05 hrs. 1 air mail letter, 1 V-mail from Adele, 2 Kodakenids, 1 from Uncle Jack. Sunday, 30 Apr 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-04-30T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440430.htmlNothing much. Saturday, 29 Apr 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-04-29T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440429.html3 more letters. Alerted but no mission today. Slept late. Flew about 3 hours in the afternoon formation navigation. Letter from Eli. Alerted again for the AM. Friday, 28 Apr 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-04-28T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440428.htmlYesterday got 15 pieces of mail and 1 package of linens. Today got 11 more letters. Slept until 10 AM. Supposed to censor mail at 1:00 PM but loaded bombs instead as a quick mission was ordered. Alerted again for tomorrow. Have a slight cold. Thursday, 27 Apr 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-04-27T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440427.htmlMission #2 to Airdrome N.W. of town of Gutersloh. Complete overcast after leaving the Zuider Zee. Dropped bombs on leader at 21,000 ft. Took off at 6:37 AM with full crew. Milk run - little flak, no fighters, back at 11:30. Felt pretty all the way. 5 hours. Wednesday, 26 Apr 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-04-26T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440426.htmlWoken at 2 AM to go on Mission #1 to Manneheim Railroad yards. Took off at 5:30 AM with full crew except CP Boles. Traveled about 70 miles into France and turned around because of lost supercharger and engine trouble. Hit twice by light flak. Luckily we turned back as lead navigator has us way south of course and the rest all went directly over Paris and got shot up pretty badly. Came back to field pretty sick. Alerted for tomorrow again. 5 hours. Tuesday, 25 Apr 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-04-25T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440425.htmlTest hopped same ship again, same results - creeping landing gear. Monday, 24 Apr 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-04-24T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440424.htmlFlew 1 hour. Test hop landing gear creeping down. No mail no nothing. Sunday, 23 Apr 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-04-23T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440423.htmlFlew 3 hours this PM - pilotage - radio compass. No mail as yet. Got tin helmet and double rations - 2 Hershey's, 4 Mars bars. Saturday, 22 Apr 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-04-22T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440422.htmlFlew "Whambarn" lead assembly ship. Shower, shine, shave, feel good. No mail today yet. Signed locator card for mail. Friday, 21 Apr 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-04-21T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440421.htmlFlew today. Radio compass was out, so we landed. Cleaned pistol for tomorrow's inspection. No mail, hoping! Thursday, 20 Apr 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-04-20T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440420.htmlDR problem with Taylor. All afternoon censored mail, that's all. Fixed my bike after Taylor broke it - good fellow me, "sure, go ahead, take it!" Wednesday, 19 Apr 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-04-19T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440419.htmlNo write today for first time in a long time. Flew in afternoon and in evening. Took GEE fixes, etc. Tuesday, 18 Apr 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-04-18T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440418.htmlMet Coffenberry from Hondo - was all set to fly with him this afternoon but no go on account of the weather so we rode around camp all afternoon. In the morning we had a chat with Lt. Colonel Potts on C.O. Tonite I went to a French class for beginners. Didn't learn much but had much fun. Monday, 17 Apr 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-04-17T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440417.htmlAlerted to fly calibration mission but no fly because of weather. Censored mail. Sunday, 16 Apr 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-04-16T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440416.htmlGot up about 10:30 - formations of 17's and 24's making much noise. Went to Officer's Club and shaved and then ate. Saw Major Jimmy Stewart, Meistrich, Evans, etc. Were issued bicycles today. Saturday, 15 Apr 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-04-15T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440415.htmlChanged trains at 3:00 AM at Carlisle, Scotland. Changed again at 7:45 AM at New Castle. Had off until 11:30, went to town for breakfast and lost my gloves, damn it. Arrived at York at 2:15, changed, picked up junky lunches. Riding now, as you can see. Stopped for a while at Lincoln - big town, lots of action, lots of people. Arrived at Attleborough at about 10:30 PM. Loaded baggage on trucks and rode out to camp. Arriving well after eleven. 4 of us put up in what they call "the barn" - and it sure is. After carting all our luggage into our barn we went to the consolidated mess (officers and enlisted men) and what a mess. Here we learned that Bob Dooley & crew went down in Switzerland. Went to bed around 1:30 AM. Friday, 14 Apr 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-04-14T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440414.htmlLeft this AM at 9:30 for Cookstown and train to boat at Larne. Left on boat at 2:00 for Stranraer Harbour where we arrived at 4:30. We all had to unload our baggage so in the confusion of things I figured out how to unload our baggage. I found a long rope anchored to the side of the ship and I tied the rope to each piece of baggage and lowered it over the side to a couple of our men who untied it. We did our complete job in a hurry. A captain tried to stop me but I argued him out of it. Right now we are in the same barracks that we spent that horrible, unforgettable night a few weeks ago. We just ate supper and now at 8:40 PM we are waiting to get on the train. Thursday, 13 Apr 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-04-13T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440413.htmlWashed back a class today. Expect to get held back several days. Bought linens from PX officer George Lemberger - 2 tablecloths - 12 hankies. Bought hankies, sox, shoes, gloves from Mobile PX unit. Monday, 10 Apr 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-04-10T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440410.htmlFriday - Went to Belfast for Seder services. Went to Morris Solomon, Evelyn (wife), Mervin - 688 Antrim Rd. Had real Seder with all the trimmings. Stayed in Belfast 8th and left April 9 on the 5:00 PM train - everything OK. Went to Giants Causeway and into some Canes. In the morning (today) we went (Barry Brook) to visit Carrickfergus Castle - outside of Belfast. Swell time had by all. Received 7 letters when I got back. Friday, 07 Apr 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-04-07T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440407.htmlDrew per diem of $131.75 for almost 19 days. Tonite I picked up my blouse and pants which were pressed (supposedly) and wrote and air mail letter and a V-mail letter to Adele to check the speed of the two types. Thursday, 06 Apr 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-04-06T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440406.html1 air mail letter from Adele written March 2nd. No pay yet - expect per diem tomorrow nite. Wednesday, 05 Apr 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-04-05T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440405.htmlToday for the first time since I have been in this bad area I have taken cold. Not too bad, just irritating. Had 2 tests today. Got 90 in Aircraft Rec. and did quite well in Intelligence. I sure wish I could get some more mail from Adele or from anyone. I'm not particular anymore. Tuesday, 04 Apr 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-04-04T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440404.htmlNothing new - no mail, no pay. "Spark" Adams says to give his regards to little Peggy Curtis if we ever see her in Norich, Eng. Saw several good training movies. Monday, 03 Apr 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-04-03T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440403.htmlSchool getting quite interesting. Corned beef and cabbage for chow. No mail, no pay. Still happy. Wrote a cockeyed letter to Mrs. Morris - cockeyed. Sunday, 02 Apr 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-04-02T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440402.htmlStarted school - lectures, interersting. No mail today. Swiped peat at nite - no pay. Still happy. Oh Boy, Oh Boy - Do I love my little gal! Yeh man. Saturday, 01 Apr 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-04-01T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440401.htmlGot up, shaved, cut my nose off. No breakfast, pork chops for lunch. School this afternoon. Last nite is was really cold here. Fisher made a red hot fire, but it only lasted a few hours. I slept in underwear, heavy wool undershirt, pajamas and socks, and 4 blankets. No mail as yet but still hoping. Got a letter today from Adele - very happy. Tried to see the movie "As Thousands Cheer" but projector broke down 6 times and sound track wasn't working so we finally quit. Very happy tonite. Friday, 31 Mar 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-03-31T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440331.htmlGot up at 8:10 AM, checked out and went to the Great Northern RR across the street to get a train out at 8:45. On the train we ate breakfast about 10:00 AM on the diner - bacon, sausages, tea, bread and butter and marmalade. Changed at Dungannon for Cookstown and arrived at about 10:45. Walked downtown, we were hungry again as per usual so after finding out that we would have to wait until 1:15 PM for the shuttle, we went into some cafe and had honest-to-goodness steaks - real big ones for 3'6 - very well done - very good too. While in Belfast we went to the Classic Theatre and sae "guadalcanal Diary" and "The Man Who Broke the Bank at Monte Carlo" - a real real oldie. Many theatres there had cafes atttached, upstairs - odd but true. Walked up and down the town of Cookstown looking in and out of store windows. Steaks sure were good. Tonite I wrote to Molly Miller, Uncle Jack and Millie Golden. Sign off - 9:16 PM - Nitey nite. Thursday, 30 Mar 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-03-30T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440330.htmlWent window shopping in the AM. Lots of good shows and theatres in town - vaudeville. Plenty of girls but can't tell much in the dark. Fisher and I visited all throught the city hall and various places. At nite we went into a joint where they had an art exhibition of work by U.S. servicemen. They really had some wonderful stuff. Our boys sure are OK and I don't mean perhaps. At nite did more walking, then came back to hotel and ate sardine sandwiches, cheese sandwiches, tea with milk and sugar. All places close very early and we get very hungry just about that time. Wednesday, 29 Mar 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-03-29T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440329.htmlTuesday. Got 48 hr pass and went to Belfast arriving about 6:00 PM. Roomed at Kensington Hotel for 4 (80 cents) per. Went out walking at night, plenty dark, not much to do - broke as all heck. Tuesday, 28 Mar 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-03-28T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440328.htmlWe all have to wear Class "A" uniforms around here all the time - rules. We have a dandy club here with mess which is good and a movie house right in the club. Beer, wine and certain liquors are sold. Yesterday after playing ball I tried to shave and shower - and it's no fun with cold water, let me tell you. The shower is a tin can with holes to whic 2 hoses are emptied into it from the taps at a nearby sink. Last nite Fish and I went to the Post Theatre and saw "Shadow of a Doubt" with Joseph Cotten and Teresa Wright - a Hitchcock production which was excellent - different and full of suspense. This AM we got up, ate eggs for breakfast and came back for our 8:15 meeting. We were told we might get passes starting today so we are just hanging around waiting. Time 8:59 AM - Monday AM - Last night and yesterday afternoon they had a party and dance at the club with imported gorls from nearby Belfast. A good time was had by all if the condition of the club this AM is any criterion. They had quite an entertaining floorshow with a Captain (Irish?) for M.C. He sang Shoo Shoo Baby with some major playing drums. He also sang his own version of St. Louis Blues, full of dirty limericks. Cute too. Some of those Irish belles sure are nice. Yeh! Sat around barracks, gabbed, played cards, played ball this afternoon - real rough! Had beans for supper and went to see the 7:30 show. At 8:30 when they still hadn't fixed the projector we all took off and called it quits. So I don't like Frank Sinatra anyhoo. Especially in "Higher and Higher." Looks like we're going to get about $126.00 per diem for our trip over here. Not too bad. Not too bad. Monday, 27 Mar 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-03-27T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440327.htmlSunday all afternoon Fish, Taylor and I played softball with the E.M. in their area. It was the first time we all had played in many years and we sure did feel it. Last nite we went to the movies and saw half of "No Time for Love" - Goddard, McMurray - but in the middle of it all the fuse blew out and we all went home. General Jimmy Doolittle was on the post today but i didn't get to see him. Too bad or is it? Sunday, 26 Mar 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-03-26T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440326.htmlAbout 9:00 AM the boat took off and we arrived in N. Ireland about noon. We took a train from where we landed. Here we were given K-rations by the army. At 1:00 PM we took off and close to 2:30 we arrived at Cookstown. Here we were boarded on GI trucks and brought to camp - 11 miles distant. Saw a lot of my old buddies here - Meistrich, Evans, Barry Brook, Perry, etc. Saturday, 25 Mar 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-03-25T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440325.htmlAt 3 PM assembled at orderly room prepared to go. 4:30 - left on train at Kolby Station to which we walked - rode all evening until 1:45 AM March 23 when we detrained at Stranraer Harbor, Scotland. Before that we stopped at Carlisle for coffee. We marched from there for 8 miles (?) to a camp where we were put up (?) for the nite. We went to bed at 2:30 AM. They put us up in shacks with round tin wall and roof. Our beds were wooden cots - solid hardwood - no blankets or pillows - little stove - freezing weather - very cold - very tired - enjoy yourself. Most miserable nite spent in many days - since Adele and I slept in railway station in Richmond, Va. Couldn't even begin to sleep so we all got up at about 4-5 AM and huddled like dead men around the insufficient fire. We had bacon and potatoes at 7:00 AM and then marched to the docks. As we marched through the small Scotting town people were already up and they waved to us from the windows. We looked in several windows and invariably in each house I saw teacups on a table or on a dresser. Most of the women were typical mothers just like my own dear Mom. You could tell by the way they looked at us boys - just like at their own sons - very touching. Wednesday, 22 Mar 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-03-22T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440322.htmlAbout 11:00 AM we all woke up in a bunch and rushed our dressing and rushed down to eat. We had stew, corn, rice, marmalade, chocolate pudding and coffee. Not bad at all. Came back to barracks. It looks like we might be getting some mail soon (if we stay here long enough) as C.E. got a letter today. Sat around all afternoon telling dirty stories and drawing dirty pictures. Fish bough some lemon balls. Pretty good. I washed 10 hankies, 8 pr. socks, 1 undershirt, 1 undershort, 1 bath towel. Now 4:10 PM - not on shipping orders yet. Hello again. Take back that last statement. Went on orders today. Tonite 4 of us went to the movies and saw "Wintertime" with Sonja Henie, Cesar Romera, Jack Oakie, Carole Landis, Woody Herman & Band - Very good show. Came back and started to pack - same time in the AM. Got lots of nice clean clothes now - goodie - good nite. Tuesday, 21 Mar 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-03-21T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440321.htmlNothing much happened today. Rod, Bugger and Dyas woke us up about 9:30 AM. I shaved and we went out to eat. Had fried chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy. Excellent. Cut off a lump on my chin while shaving and it bled for hours. Sat around and gabbed all afternoon. Took a shower, put on clean clothes, shined my shoes. Then went out to eat again - vegetable plate. Ish and Fish went to town. C.E. dragged his long nose in, and clothes and all went to bed, dragging his chin on the floor - what a guy! As per usual! Fish told me to mail his letters if I was going past the club. So about 7:00 PM I strolled down there and mailed them. I walked into the card room to watch the games. Next thing I knew it was costing me money. About 11:00 PMwhen I quit I was several pounds out. Much fun however and an evening spent. Came back and ate a whole dinner K-ration. Monday, 20 Mar 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-03-20T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440320.htmlGot up at 10:45, went and got washed and brushed my teeth. Fish and I went to eat. I mailed 2 letters which I had written the night before. One was to Uncle Jack and the other to Avc. Len Robinson. We had roast beef, potatoes, gravy, peas, bread, butter, coffee and chocolate ice cream. Best meal since we've been here. At one o'clock in the afternoon Ish and I went to Howard Hall where they had a movie. All movies are free. We saw "Panama Hattie" - Ann Sothern, Red Skelton, Ben Blue, Dan Dailey, Jr., etc. Very good but very old. I came back to the barracks just now and made some lemonade and opened up a supper K-ration and as I write I am eating corned pork loaf and drinking lemonade. Mmmm. Just finished eating, feel good!

Time 3:37 PM. After eating supper Ish and I went to another movie. This time at Beatty Hall. We saw Spencer Tracy , Katherine Hepburn in "Keeper of the Flame." An oldie but one that I hadn't seen. It was very enjoyable. Also a comedy with the 3 Stooges which was a howl. Incidentally tonite for supper we had sausages, tomato sauce, mashes potatoes, carrots and peas, marmalade, coffee, buns. It was the first time since I've been in the army that we didn't have cold cuts for supper. Nice change.

Coming home from the show we noticed brilliant searchlights scanning the sky off to the north east - tell that by locating the North Star. We saw occasional flashes of light - but soon everything went out. Came inside and Ish is eating a K-ration and lemonade.

CE and Fisher have been gone all day. Somewhere in town. Must be having fun, or something. Tonight I bought a watch from Ish for 4 pounds ($16.00) Easily worth more - I shall use it for speculation. This afternoon I took 6 or 7 pictures of Ish and I standing by a fence with a pastoral background. Hope! Sunday, 19 Mar 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-03-19T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440319.htmlI got up early this AM (March 18 - Sat.) about 10:00 AM- went in and shaved and got cleaned up. I woke Fisher up and we went out to eat chow. We had Chili Con Carne, not too bad.

Tonite Ish and I went to the Beatty Hall auditorium and saw Judy Canova and Dennis Day in "Sleepy Lagoon" - a 4th rate pic and plenty sleepy. Fish went out alone tonite.

It's now about 10:40 PM March 18. Sat nite Fish just breezed in and rushed to the K-ration box exclaiming, "Damn it, you can't get any food anywhere in town." I rose out of my sleep (?) and said "grab me a dinner and I'll split it with you." So he threw me a dinner and old Ish a breakfast, and we put the lights on and started eating. Right now I've got my mouth stuffed with American cheese and Nabisco wafers. What a life. Saturday, 18 Mar 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-03-18T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440318.htmlThursday (yesterday) we awoke about 11:00 AM and went out and had chow. At 1:30 we had an orientation lecture or two in the auditorium - sex lecture - welcome lecture - English traits - words to use and words not to use, etc. We saw a one hour film "Welcome to Britain" starring Burgess Meredith with a short by Bob Hope - very good too. After that about 2:30 we drew new gas masks. We were supposed to be restricted for 48 hours but that evening (last nite 16th) found us 4 walking 3 miles to Stone from where we took a bus to Hanley - about 10 miles distant. It was pretty dark when we arrived there and we began galavanting around town. Presently we bumped into 2 gals who directed us to a pub (beer joint). Right away Taylor and Boles took over. Fish and I followed. Taylor bought 6 beers (brau or ale) and we all drank. Even I - it wasn't too bad - not good either. Shortly I said that Fish and I would walk over to a dance which was being held nearby at the Arcade. We finally stumbled to the door and went upstairs. Admission was 9 pence (1 and 6 for 2). Upstairs things were really humming - lotsa music - pretty gals galore and lots of soldiers - of all ranks and insignia. We didn't feel like dancing after walking so much - I never feel like it anyhow - so we pulled up 2 straw chairs, sat down, crossed our legs and just watched the proceedings. We expected Taylor and Boles to show up but they never did. Everyone was having a good time. Majors, Captains, Lt. Colonels, all cavorted with the local blonde chippies and everyone was merry. We watched it all from our ringside seats. Promptly at 10:30 they played the British National Anthem, everyone rose and stood at attention. This patriotic display only lasts a few seconds as compared to the American "Star-Spangled Banner" (I am getting very groggy from this cigar). We walked over to the motor pool and got on a truck for Stone which left at 11:30 (half-hour wait). We got off and walked the 3 miles back to camp. C.E. and I.W. were in bed when we arrived. It seems they were doing OK with their women. They made dates for tonite with them as the girls had an open house tonite. Fish and I went promptly to sleep (Just put the doggone cigar out - very groggy - chewing gum - gotta rest a minute). Here I am again.

Today (Friday March 17th, 1944) we again got up at 11:00 AM, went out and ate chow. Oh I forgot to mention - back in Blackpool - Tuesday afternoon I bought 620 Brownie folding camera from some dealer who had it in his store window. It cost 55 shillings or $11.00 - I hope it proves OK. This afternoon I shot off a roll of Ish and I and Taylor in front of the barracks - Fisher wasn't around at the time. We went to the club later and read the papers.

Today after noon chow I sent 2 cablegrams home - one to Adele and one to Mom - cost 2/6 - 2 to 3 day service, so he said.

About 6:00 the other 3 guys left for town but I wanted to stay here. I cleaned up our room as it was becoming unlivable. I threw out all the papers and junk, swept and mopped the floor, put bags under the beds, made up the beds and hung away the clothing. Place looks real nice now. It is exactly 8:41 PM - I am on my bed - top bunk - I wish I hadn't smoked that damned cigar.

We have tailor service here but no laundry service because of the shortness of our stay. Tonite I did a big washing. I really can appreciate how you felt back when - poor you!

About 12:30 AM, old Ish struggles in, pulls on the light and put it off. He ate a K-ration and went to bed. Fisher came in later - no light - he ate a K-ration in the hall and then went to bed. About 7:30 AM walks in CE - fully dressed. He hops in bed too. Friday, 17 Mar 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-03-17T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440317.htmlWell what do you know, the next hop was to England. We took off at 2:10 AM on Saturday March 11th. Flew up to the coast of Spain and Portugal on up past France and then turned about 90° - picked up a radio station and flew in on it. We landed at St. Mawgan Apt. at about 1:00 PM that afternoon. Everything was foggy and clouded over as per usual. After checking in at operations we changed and a truck took us to the nearby city of Newquay, only 3 miles distant. The hotel called the "Great Western" was taken over by the U.S.A. and R.A.F. for its personnel. Boles guarded the plane that night so we 3 took a room (#37) with 3 beds. After eating across the street at Anne's Pantry we walked downtown (central) and went to the Victoria Theatre. Saw a British Charlie Chaplin - and a Margo, Dennis O'Keefe oldie - not too bad however. Still no sleep to speak of in about 7 days. We ate supper and went upstairs. Fisher went to bed, Taylor went out and I wrote Adele a letter and went to bed. Felt pretty good in this morning when they called us about 9:30 the next day, over the PA system. We were supposed to take off for our final destination but weather cancelled the trip and so after working out a system whereby each man would have his share of guard duty, I went back to the hotel with Boles and Taylor. Fisher drew first guard from 12 noon to 3. I was to relieve at 3:00. We had a dandy chicken dinner - cranberry sauce, candied yams, creamed cauliflower, pineapple ice cream - delicious indeed. At 3:00 PM I relieved Fisher guarding the plane. During my 3 hour stay I cleaned my pistol and chatted with several crew members who hung around. After 6 i went back to the hotel, ate cold cuts and met Boles and Fisher and saw free movies in the lounge. We saw "The Fighting French" on the March of ??? and also Kay Francis and Charleston Heston in "Always In My Heart." Excellent show. Afterwards we took a walk in the inky blackness to a little restaurant and had spam and chips (french-fried potatoes). Very good. Went back to the hotel, I shaved, took a bath and went to bed. We were awakened about 9:00 AM by the loudspeaker which said we were to report to the flight line. We reported and while hanging around we opened several boxes of rations and ate breakfast and dinner.

About 12:30 we took off for Wharton where we are now about ½ hour out of. All through the trip Bray has been singing songs - clean and dirty. Just passed an English town full of castles and high stone walls. Bray is now singing "Bye Lo My Baby" - cute too. Now everyone is singing "Home On the Range." At 2:40 we landed at Wharton, England, whereever that may be. Right off the bat someone swipes 9 pair or silk stocking belonging to Ish. It seems we all left the ship to check in. Then they told us we would lose the ship so Ish and I went out in a jeep to start unloading. We saw 3 guys there - one on a tug and 2 jump out of the ship. I questioned one and he was checking the Form 1-A. I let it go at that and they scooted off as Ish and I went inside and found the stuff missing. I quickly called the MPs and Ish and I and MPs and their jeep started a merry chase for the vagrants. I was positive I could identify the man I talked to so we started off checking tugs that were out at that time - and drivers, etc. Meanwhile it was nearing 6:00 PM and we hadn't even eaten any breakfast - plenty hungry. One Lt. in a ahngar gave us some of his cake that was apparantly sent from home. Anyhoo we went to the GI barracks and finally rounded up the 3 guys - but of course they denied everything and invited us to search the barracks. It came to pass that this mechanic (Pfc. Goldfarb - Irish), No. 1 - had no permission to enter and search airplanes, No. 2 - was completely out of his appointed area (Zone 4), No. 3 Claimed to be checking the Form 1-A which wasn't even on the ship, as Ish had turned it in, No. 4 - was joyriding with the tug on the army's time, No. 5 - admitted he had bad intentions because he was looking for some tools which he intended to steal.

So after hemming and hawing back and forth, I realized we couldn't accuse him of stealing without the goods - (and besides I was starving). I let the whole matter drop. It was Ish's loss and he hardly seemed interested - but you know me - always a good guy. Anyhoo didn't do much that night except eat and go to bed. Slept late the next day. Wrote to Lenny - in Liverpool.

That evening 8 of the crew went to town (Blackpool) and started walking around. We lost one by one of our men as they dropped off in saloons and restaurants. Finally only Bugger, Rod, Dyas and myself were left - at a place called Winter Gardens - big dance hall, etc. They had a dance there and the place was enormous - hardwood floors. Spent many pennies in machines - chances etc. - won many useless gadgets - gave them back. Before dance us 4 went to movies and saw Lucille Ball in "Best Foot Forward," an oldie that I had seen before but it was enjoyable and very entertaining. Also a picture about juvenile delinquency - because of war parents.

After dance, which broke up about 10:00 Dyas and I went to a fish and chips place and for the first time we got fish with our chips (french fries). Then we caught a train - met Fish, Ish and Joe B at station - and went home. Left the next AM about 10:30 and went to the train station. Hopped a train bound for Stone - little bit south. We had regular trains as far as Stafford where we stopped for an hour for eats - naturally everyone was starved - who got up for breakfast? We ate cold meat pies, buns and unsweetened tea, but it tasted like steak. Then we took another train for the last 15 minute ride to Stone. All 10 of our crew sat in a little compartment of which the train was composed. (As I write this I am trying to smoke a King Edward cigar - what a job! what a feeling!) We arrived at Stone and GI trucks took us about 3 miles out to the camp. Out here I met Meistrich, Ed Lampich, Tom Perry, Evans, McCormick - old pals from way back. We registered and were given food. They told us this was a Rest Home and that we would be there 6-7 days and then we would go to Ireland for 12 more days training and then on to our permanent base. We are quartered in Barracks D - Room 44 which contains 2 double beds. Wednesday night (March 15) didn't do much but go to bed. Saturday, 11 Mar 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-03-11T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440311.htmlTwo PM went to a briefing and 7:00 to another briefing for our hop to Dakar. Took off last night at 10:35 to fly the South Atlantic. Right now it is 8:03 AM on March 8 and we are about 1:07 out of Dakar (I hope). Up all night flying and working.

Everyone at Fortaleza bought boots - except me - almost everyone had sore feet - except me too. Saw Ed Lampich again at Fortaleza.

Well we finally s out the Coast of Africa. We had a wind shift or something because my ETA was way off the beam. However we did come in about where we were supposed to. We landed at Eknes Field, Dakar, for the first time on steel mat runways which make a screeching noise. First off we noticed the red clammy earth. Something new. The place was very dusty and windy. They had a black native soldier guarding the planes. He was the blackest that I had ever seen. He wore khaki shorts - OD coat with leg straps. He had on a red fez and carried a long rifle with a long pointed bayonet. I had my picture taken with him and Boles - the co-pilot. When we landed most of us were very tired, as we were working all nite. We all were thankful to get across safely. I was especially!!

They met us in trucks and took us to operations where we checked in and I turned in my maps. Then a captain drove Fish and I to the center of camp where all the activity was. It was way the heck out - just like Blythe, Cal. and all the soil was red dirt. There was the PX, barber, post office, mess halls, Officers' Club, barracks, and transient headquarters where we were assigned beds. Our barracks were formerly used by the French Foreign Legion and the walls were lined with small round holes (14" diam) for windows. All cots had mattresses and mosquito nets. We went to the PX which was a large affair containing a restaurant separate and ate. I had hot dogs and a can of grapefruit juice. No American money could be used for exchange here. We had to turn in Washington bills for francs. No silver, but everything was in paper bills, even 1 franc which equalled 2 cents. Later we bought chocolate ice cream and cokes. In the PX they had little native barefoot boys giving free shoe shines - probably as an inducement for customers as the whole place was no beauty. After our 2 meetings in the afternoon and early evening we went to the Officers' Club which was nothing more than a few card rooms, pool table, porch and bar which only serves cokes, fruit juice, wine and brandy. I went to sleep about 9:30 after writing to Mom and my Honey.

Slept pretty soundly until about 5:00 AM when someone tried to wake me - finally did. The toilets here (joke) are lulus. No plumbing at all just wooden holes - some fun - reminds me of good old Fort Niagara.

We took off this AM about 8:00 and climbed to 9000 feet where we headed north to the next stop which is Marrakesh, N. Africa. We just passed over the town of Tindouf and are now heading for the coastline to get around a bunch of the high mountain ranges (17,000 feet) on our way to Marrakesh. We are smack in the middle of the Sahara Desert right now. On all sides as far as the eye can see stretches nothing but endless flat red sandy soil. Earlier before the sun was so high, the sand dunes made excellent picture studies as their deep shadows were contrasted against the light of the earth in many symmetrical patterns. We just turned in toward Marrakesh. We should be there in about 26 minutes. Next hop will probably be to England - I hope not. Wednesday, 08 Mar 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-03-08T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440308.htmlScheduled to leave Sunday Feb 27th at 2:00 am. Destination Trinidad. Didn't leave - motor trouble - landed with me in nose because of runaway propeller. Did not leave until Friday March 3rd when we flew to Borinquen, Puerto Rico. Slept overnight at Borinquen. Bitten by mosquitos. Awakened at 4:00 am by native boy to go to flight line. Ate terrible fried bread for breakfast. 3 men went on sick call. Came back and we finally took off near 7:30 am - already light. Home of real rum. Any mixed drinks or shots only 10 cents. Now "flying down to" Atkinson, British Guyana, S. America. Lost Adele's Eversharp pencil which she gave - on the way down to Borinquen. Plenty mad too. We arrived in Atkinson about 2:30 in the PM. It's a base traded to the U.S. by England for 50 old destroyers. Everyone drives on the left of the road here. The people are Puerto Rican, Spanish, Portuguese, etc. It rained just before we landed but cleared up in a few minutes. Georgetown, 60,000 pop. is 21 miles up the Demerara River. They have trees which are of smooth bark, towering to heights of 30-40 feet, clean save for a clump of bushy leaves at the extreme top. All types of vegetation is abundant. We parked our plane way off in the woods on a private little spot and rode into HQ. We got on a bus with a good looking native (?) girl (yellow dress, white blouse) and rode to the B.O.Q. Got cleaned up and went to the Officers' Club to eat. Had an awful meal. Cabbage and stuffed meat (?). Then went to PX. Nothing to buy for souveniers except 2 newspapers. I also purchased 2 $1.00 bills. American bills are worth $1.17 over here. Slept for first time in mosquito netted beds. Entirely enclosed on all sides and top with holeproof cloth netting. Not a bit of difference in my sleeping except the dampness in the air. At PX they had silk stockings for $1.48 and $3.12 in 9½ and 10's only. Didn't buy any - waiting for nylon. We awoke at 20 to 5 and had breakfast at Officers' Mess. Then to flight line and we took off about 6:37 AM. We first sprayed our plane with fumes (aerosol bomb) to kill any mosquitos that may have gotten in over night. Just about all the way down we had an undercast of pillowy soft white clouds with an occassional look at the ground for check points. At the present time we are crossing the Amazon River (11:17 AMEST). Boy, what a big, brown, muddy stream!!! There are 2 C-47's to our left making the same trip. Some clouds are really big ones running up to as high as 11-12,000 feet - we go around all the big ones as they are too dangerous to go through. We are making quite slow time as we have a strong head wind (129-133 Kts).

This is the land of Carmen Miranda (Brazil). Finally arrived OK at Fortaleza at 12:20 PM - we went here instead of Natal because there would be too much traffic if everyone went to Natal.

We checked in and found out that we had to sleep in tents. We brought 4 meal tickets for $2.00. After eating we went to the PX where for the next day and a half we practiaclly lived. Everyone spent a fortune in that place. They had lots of silk hose for $19.85 a dozen and up. I bought a hammock for $4.00 for Uncle Jack's yard this summer and I sent Adele 2 blouses and walnettos and perfume - also Uncle Jack a box of Brazilian cigars. They had a soda drink called "Champagne" of which we drank gallons, also fruit juices and beer. We sure have had swell meals since we have been in Brazil. They have been real swell compared to Puerto Rico and Atkinson. Slept overnight after going to town through a back gate. Got up about 7 AM and wrote to Adele. Roamed around all day back and forth to the PX, plane and tent. Slept in an open air tent #43 behind the latrine. Mosquito net bed on mattress on cot. Just like good old Durand Eastman Park and Jerome - them were the days, oh boy. Friday, 25 Feb 1944 11:59:59 GMT 1944-02-25T23:59:59Z http://www.ww2hero.com/journal/19440225.html