|
170th Day, Ember Day, 195 Days to come Slept in this AM till 0630. 2 hr Local Patrol 1000. Stood alert all afternoon but nothing doing. Two marvelously stirring shows tonight. "Keeper of the Flame" & "The Great Man's Lady."
Sunday 20 June
171st Day, Trinity Sunday - Father's Day, 194 Days to come
Stood 0500 alert this AM. Went to mass, confession and communion 1000. Scrambled while at show at 1200. The damned bogie turned around again. Received letter from V.J. and Mother. Answered both. Maj. Weisenberger and last pilots came in today after scramble. Raid tonight but bogie went away.
Monday 21 June
172nd Day, 193 Days to come
Stood alert today at 0530. Afterday (sic) stood chow relief. Slept and washed clothes. The most amazing thing tonight. A USO show tonight, movie also.
~~~~~~~~~
NOTE:
The USO show was Artie Shaw, who had been called the "King of Swing," and was famous for
his orchestral jazz style. He had once hired Billie Holliday as his vocalist, the first black female
singer to work for a white bandleader. The Artie Shaw Orchestra was making as much as
$60,000 per week before the war, but the unpredictable perfectionist took a long break and
was living in Mexico when the war started. He joined the Navy, where he formed an award
winning band. The band toured Australia, New Zealand, and the front areas, such as
Guadalcanal, sometimes doing four shows a day. On a few occasions his show at
Guadalcanal was bombed out by the Japanese.
Some of Artie Shaw's hits were Begin the Beguine, Frenesi, Star Dust, Moonglow, Dancing in
the Dark, and Concerto for Clarinet.
Tuesday 22 June
173rd Day, Summer, 192 Days to come
Alert again at 0530. Knucklehead at 1100. Treffer had no power forced landing at Russells. Got home later in the afternoon. Saw "Barnacle Bill" with 10. Busy pilots meeting. Strike tomorrow. Tref & I won't go as Tref's delay in getting home so he didn't get the word.
Wednesday 23 June
174th Day, 191 Days to come
No alert this AM. There was a raid sometime last night but as no bombs dropped I hardly woke up. We didn't go on strike today though 2 divs of 213 did go. 1500 Local patrol. Rain started again tonight. Letter from Kit & 2 from Mother.
Thursday 24 June
175th Day, Nativity of St. John Baptist - Corpus Christi, 190 Days to come
Test hops all day today. Mine wasn't ready until about 1600. Tested swell but fabric tore off part of starboard wing in 420 K 14,000' =460 mph. Peck lost an elevator in a similar dive into rough air.
Friday 25 June
176th Day, 189 Days to come
Spent easy morning. Afternoon had duty. VMF 221 came in for duty with full compliment of planes. Great confusion but finally got them parked.
Wrote V.J. tonight in company with Virg. Ray.
Saturday 26 June
177th Day, 188 Days to come
Raid sometime during night but missed the show as I was dead asleep last night. Wonder of wonders today Stf.Sgt Coffeen was returned. Lost since 13 April. He really had a story, great hardship but he is alive!
Wrote mother tonight.
Sunday 27 June
178th Day, 187 Days to come
0630 Dumbo to Segi. Picked up some survivors of a B-24. Missed Mass as didn't return until 1030. Idle afternoon. Wrote Sis a good letter in afternoon and Dr. Watkins after the show. Last of 3 pages but took 2 ½ hrs to write. I hope I did a good job of it.
Monday 28 June
179th Day, 1st Sunday after Trinity, 186 Days to come
0530 alert. Local hop at 1100. Forced to return early due to engine trouble. Went to show but no letters written tonight.
Tuesday 29 June
180th Day, 185 Days to come
0530 local hop. Tref had to come home then 1st LT Tate attempted forced landing at Fighter two. Undershot, plane turned over, stump came up into cockpit. We buried him at 1400. Out here people get nothing but a sheet & a hole in the ground. Received three letters today. One from V.J., 2 from Mother. Answered V.J.
Strike called off due to weather. Injured left foot before hop this morning. Caught in hydraulic flap. Grounded today.
Wednesday 30 June
181st Day, 184 Days to come
1st Lt Peck killed this morning on a test hop. Landing force on Rendova Island. Our squadron got 16 planes. Maj. Weissenberger still missing. Only one not home. Grounded yet with foot so didn't get up at all. Foot better all the time.
Thursday 1 July
182nd Day, 183 Days to come
Final total for yesterday for the squadron 20 planes shot down, one lost. Maj. Weissenberger returned today. Bailed out picked up by DD. Strike to Kahili early afternoon 1125 - 1535. Kahili covered over by clouds but Bahli wide opened but the darned army either dropped on water on way home or landed with their bombs. Little party tonight for celebration.
Friday 2 July
183rd Day, Feast of the Sacred Heart, 182 Days to come
Rendova patrol 0655 - 1055 Landed at Russell Islands South Field. Ruby base recalled all trolleys then Japs hit. Really a mess. On way from patrol Vedder bailed out - engine failure. An F4U exploded on starting. Burned down, pilot VMF 122 terribly burned. I doubt he lives. Vedder is apparently OK, picked up OK. Returned Cactus 1700. Letter from Mother, answered it tonight.
Saturday 3 July
184th Day, 181 Days to come
I didn't fly today at all. The squadron bad luck is continuing. Lt. Ted Brown cracked up at Russells. Cut up a bit but came back this afternoon by SCAT. Lt. Herman Spoede is missing. Rest landed either here or at Russells. The pilot in 122, Lt. Rassmussen, died.
Sunday 4 July
185th Day, Independence Day, 180 Days to come
Rendova Patrol this morning. Somehow I missed it in the afternoon. Took duty for afternoon. Wrote V.J. a short letter tonight.
Monday 5 July
186th Day, 179 Days to come
Early take off planned but weather prohibited any operation until afternoon. Had Rendova patrol. Mixed divisions now. Tref had to come home, cold or sinus. Searched for Spoede on way home - no results.
~~~~~~~~~
NOTE:
"Dago" is San Diego. There are many marine training facilities in Southern California. Marine Corps Recruit Depot San
Diego is one of two current recruit training facilities, the other being, of course, Parris Island, South Carolina. A marine
who trained at MCRD San Diego is known as a "Hollywood Marine."
Tuesday 6 July
187th Day, 178 Days to come
7 ½ hrs today. Patrol over Munda and Rendova. No action. Had to cut afternoon short due to motor trouble. Lt. Boag had an emergency landing on this strip made it OK. Tref still sick. Boy, am I getting tired.
Wednesday 7 July
188th Day, 177 Days to come
Flew all day today. All but two pilots flew 10 ½ hrs. It's really getting tough. Did nothing but fly & eat a little & fall into bed. Sent for "Guide to USMC Administration"
Thursday 8 July
189th Day, 176 Days to come
Fifteen pilots in commission this morning. All had Rendova patrol in AM, only 12 for PM. I stayed down as have a little cold. As usual no mail today.
Friday 9 July
190th Day, 175 Days to come
Rendova Patrol in morning. Escort 3 DC-3s to drop supplies to Raiders on NW end of New Georgia. Now have Munda about surrounded.
Saturday 10 July
191st Day, 174 Days to come
Three Rendova patrols today. Total 10 hrs. Rather warm out. Swell letter from Mother. Subject V.J.. No letter from V.J. in a long time. Would feel less discouraged if I could only
Sunday 11 July
192nd Day, 173 Days to come
Missed mass this AM. Rendova patrol. Feeling badly with bad head. Doc grounded me as I was preparing for an escort this afternoon. Rec'd letter from V.J. written 28 June. Answered tonight though confined to bunk. First I have heard in over two weeks. A small fight this afternoon. Naturally I wasn't in it. Maj. got one, Defab 1, Boag bailed out, hit tail, no news. Thomas had motor failure, water landing, no news.
Monday 12 July
193rd Day, 172 Days to come
Scrambled for fight this AM. Rendova patrol in morning. Cold getting into ears & sinuses, grounded all afternoon.
Tuesday 13 July
194th Day, 171 Days to come
Duty officer most of morning. Flew in afternoon. I'll bull out this cold yet. Hop Rendova patrol with bogie chase but no results. Thomas reported safe at Segi. Two letters from Mother.
Stood 0500 alert this AM. Went to mass, confession and communion 1000. Scrambled while at show at 1200. The damned bogie turned around again. Received letter from V.J. and Mother. Answered both. Maj. Weisenberger and last pilots came in today after scramble. Raid tonight but bogie went away.
Monday 21 June
172nd Day, 193 Days to come
Stood alert today at 0530. Afterday (sic) stood chow relief. Slept and washed clothes. The most amazing thing tonight. A USO show tonight, movie also.
~~~~~~~~~
NOTE:
The USO show was Artie Shaw, who had been called the "King of Swing," and was famous for
his orchestral jazz style. He had once hired Billie Holliday as his vocalist, the first black female
singer to work for a white bandleader. The Artie Shaw Orchestra was making as much as
$60,000 per week before the war, but the unpredictable perfectionist took a long break and
was living in Mexico when the war started. He joined the Navy, where he formed an award
winning band. The band toured Australia, New Zealand, and the front areas, such as
Guadalcanal, sometimes doing four shows a day. On a few occasions his show at
Guadalcanal was bombed out by the Japanese.
Some of Artie Shaw's hits were Begin the Beguine, Frenesi, Star Dust, Moonglow, Dancing in
the Dark, and Concerto for Clarinet.
Tuesday 22 June
173rd Day, Summer, 192 Days to come
Alert again at 0530. Knucklehead at 1100. Treffer had no power forced landing at Russells. Got home later in the afternoon. Saw "Barnacle Bill" with 10. Busy pilots meeting. Strike tomorrow. Tref & I won't go as Tref's delay in getting home so he didn't get the word.
Wednesday 23 June
174th Day, 191 Days to come
No alert this AM. There was a raid sometime last night but as no bombs dropped I hardly woke up. We didn't go on strike today though 2 divs of 213 did go. 1500 Local patrol. Rain started again tonight. Letter from Kit & 2 from Mother.
Thursday 24 June
175th Day, Nativity of St. John Baptist - Corpus Christi, 190 Days to come
Test hops all day today. Mine wasn't ready until about 1600. Tested swell but fabric tore off part of starboard wing in 420 K 14,000' =460 mph. Peck lost an elevator in a similar dive into rough air.
Friday 25 June
176th Day, 189 Days to come
Spent easy morning. Afternoon had duty. VMF 221 came in for duty with full compliment of planes. Great confusion but finally got them parked.
Wrote V.J. tonight in company with Virg. Ray.
Saturday 26 June
177th Day, 188 Days to come
Raid sometime during night but missed the show as I was dead asleep last night. Wonder of wonders today Stf.Sgt Coffeen was returned. Lost since 13 April. He really had a story, great hardship but he is alive!
Wrote mother tonight.
Sunday 27 June
178th Day, 187 Days to come
0630 Dumbo to Segi. Picked up some survivors of a B-24. Missed Mass as didn't return until 1030. Idle afternoon. Wrote Sis a good letter in afternoon and Dr. Watkins after the show. Last of 3 pages but took 2 ½ hrs to write. I hope I did a good job of it.
Monday 28 June
179th Day, 1st Sunday after Trinity, 186 Days to come
0530 alert. Local hop at 1100. Forced to return early due to engine trouble. Went to show but no letters written tonight.
Tuesday 29 June
180th Day, 185 Days to come
0530 local hop. Tref had to come home then 1st LT Tate attempted forced landing at Fighter two. Undershot, plane turned over, stump came up into cockpit. We buried him at 1400. Out here people get nothing but a sheet & a hole in the ground. Received three letters today. One from V.J., 2 from Mother. Answered V.J.
Strike called off due to weather. Injured left foot before hop this morning. Caught in hydraulic flap. Grounded today.
Wednesday 30 June
181st Day, 184 Days to come
1st Lt Peck killed this morning on a test hop. Landing force on Rendova Island. Our squadron got 16 planes. Maj. Weissenberger still missing. Only one not home. Grounded yet with foot so didn't get up at all. Foot better all the time.
Thursday 1 July
182nd Day, 183 Days to come
Final total for yesterday for the squadron 20 planes shot down, one lost. Maj. Weissenberger returned today. Bailed out picked up by DD. Strike to Kahili early afternoon 1125 - 1535. Kahili covered over by clouds but Bahli wide opened but the darned army either dropped on water on way home or landed with their bombs. Little party tonight for celebration.
Friday 2 July
183rd Day, Feast of the Sacred Heart, 182 Days to come
Rendova patrol 0655 - 1055 Landed at Russell Islands South Field. Ruby base recalled all trolleys then Japs hit. Really a mess. On way from patrol Vedder bailed out - engine failure. An F4U exploded on starting. Burned down, pilot VMF 122 terribly burned. I doubt he lives. Vedder is apparently OK, picked up OK. Returned Cactus 1700. Letter from Mother, answered it tonight.
Saturday 3 July
184th Day, 181 Days to come
I didn't fly today at all. The squadron bad luck is continuing. Lt. Ted Brown cracked up at Russells. Cut up a bit but came back this afternoon by SCAT. Lt. Herman Spoede is missing. Rest landed either here or at Russells. The pilot in 122, Lt. Rassmussen, died.
Sunday 4 July
185th Day, Independence Day, 180 Days to come
Rendova Patrol this morning. Somehow I missed it in the afternoon. Took duty for afternoon. Wrote V.J. a short letter tonight.
Monday 5 July
186th Day, 179 Days to come
Early take off planned but weather prohibited any operation until afternoon. Had Rendova patrol. Mixed divisions now. Tref had to come home, cold or sinus. Searched for Spoede on way home - no results.
~~~~~~~~~
NOTE:
"Dago" is San Diego. There are many marine training facilities in Southern California. Marine Corps Recruit Depot San
Diego is one of two current recruit training facilities, the other being, of course, Parris Island, South Carolina. A marine
who trained at MCRD San Diego is known as a "Hollywood Marine."
Tuesday 6 July
187th Day, 178 Days to come
7 ½ hrs today. Patrol over Munda and Rendova. No action. Had to cut afternoon short due to motor trouble. Lt. Boag had an emergency landing on this strip made it OK. Tref still sick. Boy, am I getting tired.
Wednesday 7 July
188th Day, 177 Days to come
Flew all day today. All but two pilots flew 10 ½ hrs. It's really getting tough. Did nothing but fly & eat a little & fall into bed. Sent for "Guide to USMC Administration"
Thursday 8 July
189th Day, 176 Days to come
Fifteen pilots in commission this morning. All had Rendova patrol in AM, only 12 for PM. I stayed down as have a little cold. As usual no mail today.
Friday 9 July
190th Day, 175 Days to come
Rendova Patrol in morning. Escort 3 DC-3s to drop supplies to Raiders on NW end of New Georgia. Now have Munda about surrounded.
Saturday 10 July
191st Day, 174 Days to come
Three Rendova patrols today. Total 10 hrs. Rather warm out. Swell letter from Mother. Subject V.J.. No letter from V.J. in a long time. Would feel less discouraged if I could only
Sunday 11 July
192nd Day, 173 Days to come
Missed mass this AM. Rendova patrol. Feeling badly with bad head. Doc grounded me as I was preparing for an escort this afternoon. Rec'd letter from V.J. written 28 June. Answered tonight though confined to bunk. First I have heard in over two weeks. A small fight this afternoon. Naturally I wasn't in it. Maj. got one, Defab 1, Boag bailed out, hit tail, no news. Thomas had motor failure, water landing, no news.
Monday 12 July
193rd Day, 172 Days to come
Scrambled for fight this AM. Rendova patrol in morning. Cold getting into ears & sinuses, grounded all afternoon.
Tuesday 13 July
194th Day, 171 Days to come
Duty officer most of morning. Flew in afternoon. I'll bull out this cold yet. Hop Rendova patrol with bogie chase but no results. Thomas reported safe at Segi. Two letters from Mother.
Stood alert today at 0530. Afterday (sic) stood chow relief. Slept and washed clothes. The most amazing thing tonight. A USO show tonight, movie also.
~~~~~~~~~
NOTE: The USO show was Artie Shaw, who had been called the "King of Swing," and was famous for his orchestral jazz style. He had once hired Billie Holliday as his vocalist, the first black female singer to work for a white bandleader. The Artie Shaw Orchestra was making as much as $60,000 per week before the war, but the unpredictable perfectionist took a long break and was living in Mexico when the war started. He joined the Navy, where he formed an award winning band. The band toured Australia, New Zealand, and the front areas, such as Guadalcanal, sometimes doing four shows a day. On a few occasions his show at Guadalcanal was bombed out by the Japanese.
Some of Artie Shaw's hits were Begin the Beguine, Frenesi, Star Dust, Moonglow, Dancing in the Dark, and Concerto for Clarinet.
Tuesday 22 June
173rd Day, Summer, 192 Days to come
Alert again at 0530. Knucklehead at 1100. Treffer had no power forced landing at Russells. Got home later in the afternoon. Saw "Barnacle Bill" with 10. Busy pilots meeting. Strike tomorrow. Tref & I won't go as Tref's delay in getting home so he didn't get the word.
Wednesday 23 June
174th Day, 191 Days to come
No alert this AM. There was a raid sometime last night but as no bombs dropped I hardly woke up. We didn't go on strike today though 2 divs of 213 did go. 1500 Local patrol. Rain started again tonight. Letter from Kit & 2 from Mother.
Thursday 24 June
175th Day, Nativity of St. John Baptist - Corpus Christi, 190 Days to come
Test hops all day today. Mine wasn't ready until about 1600. Tested swell but fabric tore off part of starboard wing in 420 K 14,000' =460 mph. Peck lost an elevator in a similar dive into rough air.
Friday 25 June
176th Day, 189 Days to come
Spent easy morning. Afternoon had duty. VMF 221 came in for duty with full compliment of planes. Great confusion but finally got them parked.
Wrote V.J. tonight in company with Virg. Ray.
Saturday 26 June
177th Day, 188 Days to come
Raid sometime during night but missed the show as I was dead asleep last night. Wonder of wonders today Stf.Sgt Coffeen was returned. Lost since 13 April. He really had a story, great hardship but he is alive!
Wrote mother tonight.
Sunday 27 June
178th Day, 187 Days to come
0630 Dumbo to Segi. Picked up some survivors of a B-24. Missed Mass as didn't return until 1030. Idle afternoon. Wrote Sis a good letter in afternoon and Dr. Watkins after the show. Last of 3 pages but took 2 ½ hrs to write. I hope I did a good job of it.
Monday 28 June
179th Day, 1st Sunday after Trinity, 186 Days to come
0530 alert. Local hop at 1100. Forced to return early due to engine trouble. Went to show but no letters written tonight.
Tuesday 29 June
180th Day, 185 Days to come
0530 local hop. Tref had to come home then 1st LT Tate attempted forced landing at Fighter two. Undershot, plane turned over, stump came up into cockpit. We buried him at 1400. Out here people get nothing but a sheet & a hole in the ground. Received three letters today. One from V.J., 2 from Mother. Answered V.J.
Strike called off due to weather. Injured left foot before hop this morning. Caught in hydraulic flap. Grounded today.
Wednesday 30 June
181st Day, 184 Days to come
1st Lt Peck killed this morning on a test hop. Landing force on Rendova Island. Our squadron got 16 planes. Maj. Weissenberger still missing. Only one not home. Grounded yet with foot so didn't get up at all. Foot better all the time.
Thursday 1 July
182nd Day, 183 Days to come
Final total for yesterday for the squadron 20 planes shot down, one lost. Maj. Weissenberger returned today. Bailed out picked up by DD. Strike to Kahili early afternoon 1125 - 1535. Kahili covered over by clouds but Bahli wide opened but the darned army either dropped on water on way home or landed with their bombs. Little party tonight for celebration.
Friday 2 July
183rd Day, Feast of the Sacred Heart, 182 Days to come
Rendova patrol 0655 - 1055 Landed at Russell Islands South Field. Ruby base recalled all trolleys then Japs hit. Really a mess. On way from patrol Vedder bailed out - engine failure. An F4U exploded on starting. Burned down, pilot VMF 122 terribly burned. I doubt he lives. Vedder is apparently OK, picked up OK. Returned Cactus 1700. Letter from Mother, answered it tonight.
Saturday 3 July
184th Day, 181 Days to come
I didn't fly today at all. The squadron bad luck is continuing. Lt. Ted Brown cracked up at Russells. Cut up a bit but came back this afternoon by SCAT. Lt. Herman Spoede is missing. Rest landed either here or at Russells. The pilot in 122, Lt. Rassmussen, died.
Sunday 4 July
185th Day, Independence Day, 180 Days to come
Rendova Patrol this morning. Somehow I missed it in the afternoon. Took duty for afternoon. Wrote V.J. a short letter tonight.
Monday 5 July
186th Day, 179 Days to come
Early take off planned but weather prohibited any operation until afternoon. Had Rendova patrol. Mixed divisions now. Tref had to come home, cold or sinus. Searched for Spoede on way home - no results.
~~~~~~~~~
NOTE:
"Dago" is San Diego. There are many marine training facilities in Southern California. Marine Corps Recruit Depot San
Diego is one of two current recruit training facilities, the other being, of course, Parris Island, South Carolina. A marine
who trained at MCRD San Diego is known as a "Hollywood Marine."
Tuesday 6 July
187th Day, 178 Days to come
7 ½ hrs today. Patrol over Munda and Rendova. No action. Had to cut afternoon short due to motor trouble. Lt. Boag had an emergency landing on this strip made it OK. Tref still sick. Boy, am I getting tired.
Wednesday 7 July
188th Day, 177 Days to come
Flew all day today. All but two pilots flew 10 ½ hrs. It's really getting tough. Did nothing but fly & eat a little & fall into bed. Sent for "Guide to USMC Administration"
Thursday 8 July
189th Day, 176 Days to come
Fifteen pilots in commission this morning. All had Rendova patrol in AM, only 12 for PM. I stayed down as have a little cold. As usual no mail today.
Friday 9 July
190th Day, 175 Days to come
Rendova Patrol in morning. Escort 3 DC-3s to drop supplies to Raiders on NW end of New Georgia. Now have Munda about surrounded.
Saturday 10 July
191st Day, 174 Days to come
Three Rendova patrols today. Total 10 hrs. Rather warm out. Swell letter from Mother. Subject V.J.. No letter from V.J. in a long time. Would feel less discouraged if I could only
Sunday 11 July
192nd Day, 173 Days to come
Missed mass this AM. Rendova patrol. Feeling badly with bad head. Doc grounded me as I was preparing for an escort this afternoon. Rec'd letter from V.J. written 28 June. Answered tonight though confined to bunk. First I have heard in over two weeks. A small fight this afternoon. Naturally I wasn't in it. Maj. got one, Defab 1, Boag bailed out, hit tail, no news. Thomas had motor failure, water landing, no news.
Monday 12 July
193rd Day, 172 Days to come
Scrambled for fight this AM. Rendova patrol in morning. Cold getting into ears & sinuses, grounded all afternoon.
Tuesday 13 July
194th Day, 171 Days to come
Duty officer most of morning. Flew in afternoon. I'll bull out this cold yet. Hop Rendova patrol with bogie chase but no results. Thomas reported safe at Segi. Two letters from Mother.
Alert again at 0530. Knucklehead at 1100. Treffer had no power forced landing at Russells. Got home later in the afternoon. Saw "Barnacle Bill" with 10. Busy pilots meeting. Strike tomorrow. Tref & I won't go as Tref's delay in getting home so he didn't get the word.
Wednesday 23 June
174th Day, 191 Days to come
No alert this AM. There was a raid sometime last night but as no bombs dropped I hardly woke up. We didn't go on strike today though 2 divs of 213 did go. 1500 Local patrol. Rain started again tonight. Letter from Kit & 2 from Mother.
Thursday 24 June
175th Day, Nativity of St. John Baptist - Corpus Christi, 190 Days to come
Test hops all day today. Mine wasn't ready until about 1600. Tested swell but fabric tore off part of starboard wing in 420 K 14,000' =460 mph. Peck lost an elevator in a similar dive into rough air.
Friday 25 June
176th Day, 189 Days to come
Spent easy morning. Afternoon had duty. VMF 221 came in for duty with full compliment of planes. Great confusion but finally got them parked.
Wrote V.J. tonight in company with Virg. Ray.
Saturday 26 June
177th Day, 188 Days to come
Raid sometime during night but missed the show as I was dead asleep last night. Wonder of wonders today Stf.Sgt Coffeen was returned. Lost since 13 April. He really had a story, great hardship but he is alive!
Wrote mother tonight.
Sunday 27 June
178th Day, 187 Days to come
0630 Dumbo to Segi. Picked up some survivors of a B-24. Missed Mass as didn't return until 1030. Idle afternoon. Wrote Sis a good letter in afternoon and Dr. Watkins after the show. Last of 3 pages but took 2 ½ hrs to write. I hope I did a good job of it.
Monday 28 June
179th Day, 1st Sunday after Trinity, 186 Days to come
0530 alert. Local hop at 1100. Forced to return early due to engine trouble. Went to show but no letters written tonight.
Tuesday 29 June
180th Day, 185 Days to come
0530 local hop. Tref had to come home then 1st LT Tate attempted forced landing at Fighter two. Undershot, plane turned over, stump came up into cockpit. We buried him at 1400. Out here people get nothing but a sheet & a hole in the ground. Received three letters today. One from V.J., 2 from Mother. Answered V.J.
Strike called off due to weather. Injured left foot before hop this morning. Caught in hydraulic flap. Grounded today.
Wednesday 30 June
181st Day, 184 Days to come
1st Lt Peck killed this morning on a test hop. Landing force on Rendova Island. Our squadron got 16 planes. Maj. Weissenberger still missing. Only one not home. Grounded yet with foot so didn't get up at all. Foot better all the time.
Thursday 1 July
182nd Day, 183 Days to come
Final total for yesterday for the squadron 20 planes shot down, one lost. Maj. Weissenberger returned today. Bailed out picked up by DD. Strike to Kahili early afternoon 1125 - 1535. Kahili covered over by clouds but Bahli wide opened but the darned army either dropped on water on way home or landed with their bombs. Little party tonight for celebration.
Friday 2 July
183rd Day, Feast of the Sacred Heart, 182 Days to come
Rendova patrol 0655 - 1055 Landed at Russell Islands South Field. Ruby base recalled all trolleys then Japs hit. Really a mess. On way from patrol Vedder bailed out - engine failure. An F4U exploded on starting. Burned down, pilot VMF 122 terribly burned. I doubt he lives. Vedder is apparently OK, picked up OK. Returned Cactus 1700. Letter from Mother, answered it tonight.
Saturday 3 July
184th Day, 181 Days to come
I didn't fly today at all. The squadron bad luck is continuing. Lt. Ted Brown cracked up at Russells. Cut up a bit but came back this afternoon by SCAT. Lt. Herman Spoede is missing. Rest landed either here or at Russells. The pilot in 122, Lt. Rassmussen, died.
Sunday 4 July
185th Day, Independence Day, 180 Days to come
Rendova Patrol this morning. Somehow I missed it in the afternoon. Took duty for afternoon. Wrote V.J. a short letter tonight.
Monday 5 July
186th Day, 179 Days to come
Early take off planned but weather prohibited any operation until afternoon. Had Rendova patrol. Mixed divisions now. Tref had to come home, cold or sinus. Searched for Spoede on way home - no results.
~~~~~~~~~
NOTE:
"Dago" is San Diego. There are many marine training facilities in Southern California. Marine Corps Recruit Depot San
Diego is one of two current recruit training facilities, the other being, of course, Parris Island, South Carolina. A marine
who trained at MCRD San Diego is known as a "Hollywood Marine."
Tuesday 6 July
187th Day, 178 Days to come
7 ½ hrs today. Patrol over Munda and Rendova. No action. Had to cut afternoon short due to motor trouble. Lt. Boag had an emergency landing on this strip made it OK. Tref still sick. Boy, am I getting tired.
Wednesday 7 July
188th Day, 177 Days to come
Flew all day today. All but two pilots flew 10 ½ hrs. It's really getting tough. Did nothing but fly & eat a little & fall into bed. Sent for "Guide to USMC Administration"
Thursday 8 July
189th Day, 176 Days to come
Fifteen pilots in commission this morning. All had Rendova patrol in AM, only 12 for PM. I stayed down as have a little cold. As usual no mail today.
Friday 9 July
190th Day, 175 Days to come
Rendova Patrol in morning. Escort 3 DC-3s to drop supplies to Raiders on NW end of New Georgia. Now have Munda about surrounded.
Saturday 10 July
191st Day, 174 Days to come
Three Rendova patrols today. Total 10 hrs. Rather warm out. Swell letter from Mother. Subject V.J.. No letter from V.J. in a long time. Would feel less discouraged if I could only
Sunday 11 July
192nd Day, 173 Days to come
Missed mass this AM. Rendova patrol. Feeling badly with bad head. Doc grounded me as I was preparing for an escort this afternoon. Rec'd letter from V.J. written 28 June. Answered tonight though confined to bunk. First I have heard in over two weeks. A small fight this afternoon. Naturally I wasn't in it. Maj. got one, Defab 1, Boag bailed out, hit tail, no news. Thomas had motor failure, water landing, no news.
Monday 12 July
193rd Day, 172 Days to come
Scrambled for fight this AM. Rendova patrol in morning. Cold getting into ears & sinuses, grounded all afternoon.
Tuesday 13 July
194th Day, 171 Days to come
Duty officer most of morning. Flew in afternoon. I'll bull out this cold yet. Hop Rendova patrol with bogie chase but no results. Thomas reported safe at Segi. Two letters from Mother.
No alert this AM. There was a raid sometime last night but as no bombs dropped I hardly woke up. We didn't go on strike today though 2 divs of 213 did go. 1500 Local patrol. Rain started again tonight. Letter from Kit & 2 from Mother.
Thursday 24 June
175th Day, Nativity of St. John Baptist - Corpus Christi, 190 Days to come
Test hops all day today. Mine wasn't ready until about 1600. Tested swell but fabric tore off part of starboard wing in 420 K 14,000' =460 mph. Peck lost an elevator in a similar dive into rough air.
Friday 25 June
176th Day, 189 Days to come
Spent easy morning. Afternoon had duty. VMF 221 came in for duty with full compliment of planes. Great confusion but finally got them parked.
Wrote V.J. tonight in company with Virg. Ray.
Saturday 26 June
177th Day, 188 Days to come
Raid sometime during night but missed the show as I was dead asleep last night. Wonder of wonders today Stf.Sgt Coffeen was returned. Lost since 13 April. He really had a story, great hardship but he is alive!
Wrote mother tonight.
Sunday 27 June
178th Day, 187 Days to come
0630 Dumbo to Segi. Picked up some survivors of a B-24. Missed Mass as didn't return until 1030. Idle afternoon. Wrote Sis a good letter in afternoon and Dr. Watkins after the show. Last of 3 pages but took 2 ½ hrs to write. I hope I did a good job of it.
Monday 28 June
179th Day, 1st Sunday after Trinity, 186 Days to come
0530 alert. Local hop at 1100. Forced to return early due to engine trouble. Went to show but no letters written tonight.
Tuesday 29 June
180th Day, 185 Days to come
0530 local hop. Tref had to come home then 1st LT Tate attempted forced landing at Fighter two. Undershot, plane turned over, stump came up into cockpit. We buried him at 1400. Out here people get nothing but a sheet & a hole in the ground. Received three letters today. One from V.J., 2 from Mother. Answered V.J.
Strike called off due to weather. Injured left foot before hop this morning. Caught in hydraulic flap. Grounded today.
Wednesday 30 June
181st Day, 184 Days to come
1st Lt Peck killed this morning on a test hop. Landing force on Rendova Island. Our squadron got 16 planes. Maj. Weissenberger still missing. Only one not home. Grounded yet with foot so didn't get up at all. Foot better all the time.
Thursday 1 July
182nd Day, 183 Days to come
Final total for yesterday for the squadron 20 planes shot down, one lost. Maj. Weissenberger returned today. Bailed out picked up by DD. Strike to Kahili early afternoon 1125 - 1535. Kahili covered over by clouds but Bahli wide opened but the darned army either dropped on water on way home or landed with their bombs. Little party tonight for celebration.
Friday 2 July
183rd Day, Feast of the Sacred Heart, 182 Days to come
Rendova patrol 0655 - 1055 Landed at Russell Islands South Field. Ruby base recalled all trolleys then Japs hit. Really a mess. On way from patrol Vedder bailed out - engine failure. An F4U exploded on starting. Burned down, pilot VMF 122 terribly burned. I doubt he lives. Vedder is apparently OK, picked up OK. Returned Cactus 1700. Letter from Mother, answered it tonight.
Saturday 3 July
184th Day, 181 Days to come
I didn't fly today at all. The squadron bad luck is continuing. Lt. Ted Brown cracked up at Russells. Cut up a bit but came back this afternoon by SCAT. Lt. Herman Spoede is missing. Rest landed either here or at Russells. The pilot in 122, Lt. Rassmussen, died.
Sunday 4 July
185th Day, Independence Day, 180 Days to come
Rendova Patrol this morning. Somehow I missed it in the afternoon. Took duty for afternoon. Wrote V.J. a short letter tonight.
Monday 5 July
186th Day, 179 Days to come
Early take off planned but weather prohibited any operation until afternoon. Had Rendova patrol. Mixed divisions now. Tref had to come home, cold or sinus. Searched for Spoede on way home - no results.
~~~~~~~~~
NOTE:
"Dago" is San Diego. There are many marine training facilities in Southern California. Marine Corps Recruit Depot San
Diego is one of two current recruit training facilities, the other being, of course, Parris Island, South Carolina. A marine
who trained at MCRD San Diego is known as a "Hollywood Marine."
Tuesday 6 July
187th Day, 178 Days to come
7 ½ hrs today. Patrol over Munda and Rendova. No action. Had to cut afternoon short due to motor trouble. Lt. Boag had an emergency landing on this strip made it OK. Tref still sick. Boy, am I getting tired.
Wednesday 7 July
188th Day, 177 Days to come
Flew all day today. All but two pilots flew 10 ½ hrs. It's really getting tough. Did nothing but fly & eat a little & fall into bed. Sent for "Guide to USMC Administration"
Thursday 8 July
189th Day, 176 Days to come
Fifteen pilots in commission this morning. All had Rendova patrol in AM, only 12 for PM. I stayed down as have a little cold. As usual no mail today.
Friday 9 July
190th Day, 175 Days to come
Rendova Patrol in morning. Escort 3 DC-3s to drop supplies to Raiders on NW end of New Georgia. Now have Munda about surrounded.
Saturday 10 July
191st Day, 174 Days to come
Three Rendova patrols today. Total 10 hrs. Rather warm out. Swell letter from Mother. Subject V.J.. No letter from V.J. in a long time. Would feel less discouraged if I could only
Sunday 11 July
192nd Day, 173 Days to come
Missed mass this AM. Rendova patrol. Feeling badly with bad head. Doc grounded me as I was preparing for an escort this afternoon. Rec'd letter from V.J. written 28 June. Answered tonight though confined to bunk. First I have heard in over two weeks. A small fight this afternoon. Naturally I wasn't in it. Maj. got one, Defab 1, Boag bailed out, hit tail, no news. Thomas had motor failure, water landing, no news.
Monday 12 July
193rd Day, 172 Days to come
Scrambled for fight this AM. Rendova patrol in morning. Cold getting into ears & sinuses, grounded all afternoon.
Tuesday 13 July
194th Day, 171 Days to come
Duty officer most of morning. Flew in afternoon. I'll bull out this cold yet. Hop Rendova patrol with bogie chase but no results. Thomas reported safe at Segi. Two letters from Mother.
Test hops all day today. Mine wasn't ready until about 1600. Tested swell but fabric tore off part of starboard wing in 420 K 14,000' =460 mph. Peck lost an elevator in a similar dive into rough air.
Friday 25 June
176th Day, 189 Days to come
Spent easy morning. Afternoon had duty. VMF 221 came in for duty with full compliment of planes. Great confusion but finally got them parked.
Wrote V.J. tonight in company with Virg. Ray.
Saturday 26 June
177th Day, 188 Days to come
Raid sometime during night but missed the show as I was dead asleep last night. Wonder of wonders today Stf.Sgt Coffeen was returned. Lost since 13 April. He really had a story, great hardship but he is alive!
Wrote mother tonight.
Sunday 27 June
178th Day, 187 Days to come
0630 Dumbo to Segi. Picked up some survivors of a B-24. Missed Mass as didn't return until 1030. Idle afternoon. Wrote Sis a good letter in afternoon and Dr. Watkins after the show. Last of 3 pages but took 2 ½ hrs to write. I hope I did a good job of it.
Monday 28 June
179th Day, 1st Sunday after Trinity, 186 Days to come
0530 alert. Local hop at 1100. Forced to return early due to engine trouble. Went to show but no letters written tonight.
Tuesday 29 June
180th Day, 185 Days to come
0530 local hop. Tref had to come home then 1st LT Tate attempted forced landing at Fighter two. Undershot, plane turned over, stump came up into cockpit. We buried him at 1400. Out here people get nothing but a sheet & a hole in the ground. Received three letters today. One from V.J., 2 from Mother. Answered V.J.
Strike called off due to weather. Injured left foot before hop this morning. Caught in hydraulic flap. Grounded today.
Wednesday 30 June
181st Day, 184 Days to come
1st Lt Peck killed this morning on a test hop. Landing force on Rendova Island. Our squadron got 16 planes. Maj. Weissenberger still missing. Only one not home. Grounded yet with foot so didn't get up at all. Foot better all the time.
Thursday 1 July
182nd Day, 183 Days to come
Final total for yesterday for the squadron 20 planes shot down, one lost. Maj. Weissenberger returned today. Bailed out picked up by DD. Strike to Kahili early afternoon 1125 - 1535. Kahili covered over by clouds but Bahli wide opened but the darned army either dropped on water on way home or landed with their bombs. Little party tonight for celebration.
Friday 2 July
183rd Day, Feast of the Sacred Heart, 182 Days to come
Rendova patrol 0655 - 1055 Landed at Russell Islands South Field. Ruby base recalled all trolleys then Japs hit. Really a mess. On way from patrol Vedder bailed out - engine failure. An F4U exploded on starting. Burned down, pilot VMF 122 terribly burned. I doubt he lives. Vedder is apparently OK, picked up OK. Returned Cactus 1700. Letter from Mother, answered it tonight.
Saturday 3 July
184th Day, 181 Days to come
I didn't fly today at all. The squadron bad luck is continuing. Lt. Ted Brown cracked up at Russells. Cut up a bit but came back this afternoon by SCAT. Lt. Herman Spoede is missing. Rest landed either here or at Russells. The pilot in 122, Lt. Rassmussen, died.
Sunday 4 July
185th Day, Independence Day, 180 Days to come
Rendova Patrol this morning. Somehow I missed it in the afternoon. Took duty for afternoon. Wrote V.J. a short letter tonight.
Monday 5 July
186th Day, 179 Days to come
Early take off planned but weather prohibited any operation until afternoon. Had Rendova patrol. Mixed divisions now. Tref had to come home, cold or sinus. Searched for Spoede on way home - no results.
~~~~~~~~~
NOTE:
"Dago" is San Diego. There are many marine training facilities in Southern California. Marine Corps Recruit Depot San
Diego is one of two current recruit training facilities, the other being, of course, Parris Island, South Carolina. A marine
who trained at MCRD San Diego is known as a "Hollywood Marine."
Tuesday 6 July
187th Day, 178 Days to come
7 ½ hrs today. Patrol over Munda and Rendova. No action. Had to cut afternoon short due to motor trouble. Lt. Boag had an emergency landing on this strip made it OK. Tref still sick. Boy, am I getting tired.
Wednesday 7 July
188th Day, 177 Days to come
Flew all day today. All but two pilots flew 10 ½ hrs. It's really getting tough. Did nothing but fly & eat a little & fall into bed. Sent for "Guide to USMC Administration"
Thursday 8 July
189th Day, 176 Days to come
Fifteen pilots in commission this morning. All had Rendova patrol in AM, only 12 for PM. I stayed down as have a little cold. As usual no mail today.
Friday 9 July
190th Day, 175 Days to come
Rendova Patrol in morning. Escort 3 DC-3s to drop supplies to Raiders on NW end of New Georgia. Now have Munda about surrounded.
Saturday 10 July
191st Day, 174 Days to come
Three Rendova patrols today. Total 10 hrs. Rather warm out. Swell letter from Mother. Subject V.J.. No letter from V.J. in a long time. Would feel less discouraged if I could only
Sunday 11 July
192nd Day, 173 Days to come
Missed mass this AM. Rendova patrol. Feeling badly with bad head. Doc grounded me as I was preparing for an escort this afternoon. Rec'd letter from V.J. written 28 June. Answered tonight though confined to bunk. First I have heard in over two weeks. A small fight this afternoon. Naturally I wasn't in it. Maj. got one, Defab 1, Boag bailed out, hit tail, no news. Thomas had motor failure, water landing, no news.
Monday 12 July
193rd Day, 172 Days to come
Scrambled for fight this AM. Rendova patrol in morning. Cold getting into ears & sinuses, grounded all afternoon.
Tuesday 13 July
194th Day, 171 Days to come
Duty officer most of morning. Flew in afternoon. I'll bull out this cold yet. Hop Rendova patrol with bogie chase but no results. Thomas reported safe at Segi. Two letters from Mother.
Spent easy morning. Afternoon had duty. VMF 221 came in for duty with full compliment of planes. Great confusion but finally got them parked.
Wrote V.J. tonight in company with Virg. Ray.
Saturday 26 June
177th Day, 188 Days to come
Raid sometime during night but missed the show as I was dead asleep last night. Wonder of wonders today Stf.Sgt Coffeen was returned. Lost since 13 April. He really had a story, great hardship but he is alive!
Wrote mother tonight.
Sunday 27 June
178th Day, 187 Days to come
0630 Dumbo to Segi. Picked up some survivors of a B-24. Missed Mass as didn't return until 1030. Idle afternoon. Wrote Sis a good letter in afternoon and Dr. Watkins after the show. Last of 3 pages but took 2 ½ hrs to write. I hope I did a good job of it.
Monday 28 June
179th Day, 1st Sunday after Trinity, 186 Days to come
0530 alert. Local hop at 1100. Forced to return early due to engine trouble. Went to show but no letters written tonight.
Tuesday 29 June
180th Day, 185 Days to come
0530 local hop. Tref had to come home then 1st LT Tate attempted forced landing at Fighter two. Undershot, plane turned over, stump came up into cockpit. We buried him at 1400. Out here people get nothing but a sheet & a hole in the ground. Received three letters today. One from V.J., 2 from Mother. Answered V.J.
Strike called off due to weather. Injured left foot before hop this morning. Caught in hydraulic flap. Grounded today.
Wednesday 30 June
181st Day, 184 Days to come
1st Lt Peck killed this morning on a test hop. Landing force on Rendova Island. Our squadron got 16 planes. Maj. Weissenberger still missing. Only one not home. Grounded yet with foot so didn't get up at all. Foot better all the time.
Thursday 1 July
182nd Day, 183 Days to come
Final total for yesterday for the squadron 20 planes shot down, one lost. Maj. Weissenberger returned today. Bailed out picked up by DD. Strike to Kahili early afternoon 1125 - 1535. Kahili covered over by clouds but Bahli wide opened but the darned army either dropped on water on way home or landed with their bombs. Little party tonight for celebration.
Friday 2 July
183rd Day, Feast of the Sacred Heart, 182 Days to come
Rendova patrol 0655 - 1055 Landed at Russell Islands South Field. Ruby base recalled all trolleys then Japs hit. Really a mess. On way from patrol Vedder bailed out - engine failure. An F4U exploded on starting. Burned down, pilot VMF 122 terribly burned. I doubt he lives. Vedder is apparently OK, picked up OK. Returned Cactus 1700. Letter from Mother, answered it tonight.
Saturday 3 July
184th Day, 181 Days to come
I didn't fly today at all. The squadron bad luck is continuing. Lt. Ted Brown cracked up at Russells. Cut up a bit but came back this afternoon by SCAT. Lt. Herman Spoede is missing. Rest landed either here or at Russells. The pilot in 122, Lt. Rassmussen, died.
Sunday 4 July
185th Day, Independence Day, 180 Days to come
Rendova Patrol this morning. Somehow I missed it in the afternoon. Took duty for afternoon. Wrote V.J. a short letter tonight.
Monday 5 July
186th Day, 179 Days to come
Early take off planned but weather prohibited any operation until afternoon. Had Rendova patrol. Mixed divisions now. Tref had to come home, cold or sinus. Searched for Spoede on way home - no results.
~~~~~~~~~
NOTE:
"Dago" is San Diego. There are many marine training facilities in Southern California. Marine Corps Recruit Depot San
Diego is one of two current recruit training facilities, the other being, of course, Parris Island, South Carolina. A marine
who trained at MCRD San Diego is known as a "Hollywood Marine."
Tuesday 6 July
187th Day, 178 Days to come
7 ½ hrs today. Patrol over Munda and Rendova. No action. Had to cut afternoon short due to motor trouble. Lt. Boag had an emergency landing on this strip made it OK. Tref still sick. Boy, am I getting tired.
Wednesday 7 July
188th Day, 177 Days to come
Flew all day today. All but two pilots flew 10 ½ hrs. It's really getting tough. Did nothing but fly & eat a little & fall into bed. Sent for "Guide to USMC Administration"
Thursday 8 July
189th Day, 176 Days to come
Fifteen pilots in commission this morning. All had Rendova patrol in AM, only 12 for PM. I stayed down as have a little cold. As usual no mail today.
Friday 9 July
190th Day, 175 Days to come
Rendova Patrol in morning. Escort 3 DC-3s to drop supplies to Raiders on NW end of New Georgia. Now have Munda about surrounded.
Saturday 10 July
191st Day, 174 Days to come
Three Rendova patrols today. Total 10 hrs. Rather warm out. Swell letter from Mother. Subject V.J.. No letter from V.J. in a long time. Would feel less discouraged if I could only
Sunday 11 July
192nd Day, 173 Days to come
Missed mass this AM. Rendova patrol. Feeling badly with bad head. Doc grounded me as I was preparing for an escort this afternoon. Rec'd letter from V.J. written 28 June. Answered tonight though confined to bunk. First I have heard in over two weeks. A small fight this afternoon. Naturally I wasn't in it. Maj. got one, Defab 1, Boag bailed out, hit tail, no news. Thomas had motor failure, water landing, no news.
Monday 12 July
193rd Day, 172 Days to come
Scrambled for fight this AM. Rendova patrol in morning. Cold getting into ears & sinuses, grounded all afternoon.
Tuesday 13 July
194th Day, 171 Days to come
Duty officer most of morning. Flew in afternoon. I'll bull out this cold yet. Hop Rendova patrol with bogie chase but no results. Thomas reported safe at Segi. Two letters from Mother.
Raid sometime during night but missed the show as I was dead asleep last night. Wonder of wonders today Stf.Sgt Coffeen was returned. Lost since 13 April. He really had a story, great hardship but he is alive!
Wrote mother tonight.
Sunday 27 June
178th Day, 187 Days to come
0630 Dumbo to Segi. Picked up some survivors of a B-24. Missed Mass as didn't return until 1030. Idle afternoon. Wrote Sis a good letter in afternoon and Dr. Watkins after the show. Last of 3 pages but took 2 ½ hrs to write. I hope I did a good job of it.
Monday 28 June
179th Day, 1st Sunday after Trinity, 186 Days to come
0530 alert. Local hop at 1100. Forced to return early due to engine trouble. Went to show but no letters written tonight.
Tuesday 29 June
180th Day, 185 Days to come
0530 local hop. Tref had to come home then 1st LT Tate attempted forced landing at Fighter two. Undershot, plane turned over, stump came up into cockpit. We buried him at 1400. Out here people get nothing but a sheet & a hole in the ground. Received three letters today. One from V.J., 2 from Mother. Answered V.J.
Strike called off due to weather. Injured left foot before hop this morning. Caught in hydraulic flap. Grounded today.
Wednesday 30 June
181st Day, 184 Days to come
1st Lt Peck killed this morning on a test hop. Landing force on Rendova Island. Our squadron got 16 planes. Maj. Weissenberger still missing. Only one not home. Grounded yet with foot so didn't get up at all. Foot better all the time.
Thursday 1 July
182nd Day, 183 Days to come
Final total for yesterday for the squadron 20 planes shot down, one lost. Maj. Weissenberger returned today. Bailed out picked up by DD. Strike to Kahili early afternoon 1125 - 1535. Kahili covered over by clouds but Bahli wide opened but the darned army either dropped on water on way home or landed with their bombs. Little party tonight for celebration.
Friday 2 July
183rd Day, Feast of the Sacred Heart, 182 Days to come
Rendova patrol 0655 - 1055 Landed at Russell Islands South Field. Ruby base recalled all trolleys then Japs hit. Really a mess. On way from patrol Vedder bailed out - engine failure. An F4U exploded on starting. Burned down, pilot VMF 122 terribly burned. I doubt he lives. Vedder is apparently OK, picked up OK. Returned Cactus 1700. Letter from Mother, answered it tonight.
Saturday 3 July
184th Day, 181 Days to come
I didn't fly today at all. The squadron bad luck is continuing. Lt. Ted Brown cracked up at Russells. Cut up a bit but came back this afternoon by SCAT. Lt. Herman Spoede is missing. Rest landed either here or at Russells. The pilot in 122, Lt. Rassmussen, died.
Sunday 4 July
185th Day, Independence Day, 180 Days to come
Rendova Patrol this morning. Somehow I missed it in the afternoon. Took duty for afternoon. Wrote V.J. a short letter tonight.
Monday 5 July
186th Day, 179 Days to come
Early take off planned but weather prohibited any operation until afternoon. Had Rendova patrol. Mixed divisions now. Tref had to come home, cold or sinus. Searched for Spoede on way home - no results.
~~~~~~~~~
NOTE:
"Dago" is San Diego. There are many marine training facilities in Southern California. Marine Corps Recruit Depot San
Diego is one of two current recruit training facilities, the other being, of course, Parris Island, South Carolina. A marine
who trained at MCRD San Diego is known as a "Hollywood Marine."
Tuesday 6 July
187th Day, 178 Days to come
7 ½ hrs today. Patrol over Munda and Rendova. No action. Had to cut afternoon short due to motor trouble. Lt. Boag had an emergency landing on this strip made it OK. Tref still sick. Boy, am I getting tired.
Wednesday 7 July
188th Day, 177 Days to come
Flew all day today. All but two pilots flew 10 ½ hrs. It's really getting tough. Did nothing but fly & eat a little & fall into bed. Sent for "Guide to USMC Administration"
Thursday 8 July
189th Day, 176 Days to come
Fifteen pilots in commission this morning. All had Rendova patrol in AM, only 12 for PM. I stayed down as have a little cold. As usual no mail today.
Friday 9 July
190th Day, 175 Days to come
Rendova Patrol in morning. Escort 3 DC-3s to drop supplies to Raiders on NW end of New Georgia. Now have Munda about surrounded.
Saturday 10 July
191st Day, 174 Days to come
Three Rendova patrols today. Total 10 hrs. Rather warm out. Swell letter from Mother. Subject V.J.. No letter from V.J. in a long time. Would feel less discouraged if I could only
Sunday 11 July
192nd Day, 173 Days to come
Missed mass this AM. Rendova patrol. Feeling badly with bad head. Doc grounded me as I was preparing for an escort this afternoon. Rec'd letter from V.J. written 28 June. Answered tonight though confined to bunk. First I have heard in over two weeks. A small fight this afternoon. Naturally I wasn't in it. Maj. got one, Defab 1, Boag bailed out, hit tail, no news. Thomas had motor failure, water landing, no news.
Monday 12 July
193rd Day, 172 Days to come
Scrambled for fight this AM. Rendova patrol in morning. Cold getting into ears & sinuses, grounded all afternoon.
Tuesday 13 July
194th Day, 171 Days to come
Duty officer most of morning. Flew in afternoon. I'll bull out this cold yet. Hop Rendova patrol with bogie chase but no results. Thomas reported safe at Segi. Two letters from Mother.
0630 Dumbo to Segi. Picked up some survivors of a B-24. Missed Mass as didn't return until 1030. Idle afternoon. Wrote Sis a good letter in afternoon and Dr. Watkins after the show. Last of 3 pages but took 2 ½ hrs to write. I hope I did a good job of it.
Monday 28 June
179th Day, 1st Sunday after Trinity, 186 Days to come
0530 alert. Local hop at 1100. Forced to return early due to engine trouble. Went to show but no letters written tonight.
Tuesday 29 June
180th Day, 185 Days to come
0530 local hop. Tref had to come home then 1st LT Tate attempted forced landing at Fighter two. Undershot, plane turned over, stump came up into cockpit. We buried him at 1400. Out here people get nothing but a sheet & a hole in the ground. Received three letters today. One from V.J., 2 from Mother. Answered V.J.
Strike called off due to weather. Injured left foot before hop this morning. Caught in hydraulic flap. Grounded today.
Wednesday 30 June
181st Day, 184 Days to come
1st Lt Peck killed this morning on a test hop. Landing force on Rendova Island. Our squadron got 16 planes. Maj. Weissenberger still missing. Only one not home. Grounded yet with foot so didn't get up at all. Foot better all the time.
Thursday 1 July
182nd Day, 183 Days to come
Final total for yesterday for the squadron 20 planes shot down, one lost. Maj. Weissenberger returned today. Bailed out picked up by DD. Strike to Kahili early afternoon 1125 - 1535. Kahili covered over by clouds but Bahli wide opened but the darned army either dropped on water on way home or landed with their bombs. Little party tonight for celebration.
Friday 2 July
183rd Day, Feast of the Sacred Heart, 182 Days to come
Rendova patrol 0655 - 1055 Landed at Russell Islands South Field. Ruby base recalled all trolleys then Japs hit. Really a mess. On way from patrol Vedder bailed out - engine failure. An F4U exploded on starting. Burned down, pilot VMF 122 terribly burned. I doubt he lives. Vedder is apparently OK, picked up OK. Returned Cactus 1700. Letter from Mother, answered it tonight.
Saturday 3 July
184th Day, 181 Days to come
I didn't fly today at all. The squadron bad luck is continuing. Lt. Ted Brown cracked up at Russells. Cut up a bit but came back this afternoon by SCAT. Lt. Herman Spoede is missing. Rest landed either here or at Russells. The pilot in 122, Lt. Rassmussen, died.
Sunday 4 July
185th Day, Independence Day, 180 Days to come
Rendova Patrol this morning. Somehow I missed it in the afternoon. Took duty for afternoon. Wrote V.J. a short letter tonight.
Monday 5 July
186th Day, 179 Days to come
Early take off planned but weather prohibited any operation until afternoon. Had Rendova patrol. Mixed divisions now. Tref had to come home, cold or sinus. Searched for Spoede on way home - no results.
~~~~~~~~~
NOTE:
"Dago" is San Diego. There are many marine training facilities in Southern California. Marine Corps Recruit Depot San
Diego is one of two current recruit training facilities, the other being, of course, Parris Island, South Carolina. A marine
who trained at MCRD San Diego is known as a "Hollywood Marine."
Tuesday 6 July
187th Day, 178 Days to come
7 ½ hrs today. Patrol over Munda and Rendova. No action. Had to cut afternoon short due to motor trouble. Lt. Boag had an emergency landing on this strip made it OK. Tref still sick. Boy, am I getting tired.
Wednesday 7 July
188th Day, 177 Days to come
Flew all day today. All but two pilots flew 10 ½ hrs. It's really getting tough. Did nothing but fly & eat a little & fall into bed. Sent for "Guide to USMC Administration"
Thursday 8 July
189th Day, 176 Days to come
Fifteen pilots in commission this morning. All had Rendova patrol in AM, only 12 for PM. I stayed down as have a little cold. As usual no mail today.
Friday 9 July
190th Day, 175 Days to come
Rendova Patrol in morning. Escort 3 DC-3s to drop supplies to Raiders on NW end of New Georgia. Now have Munda about surrounded.
Saturday 10 July
191st Day, 174 Days to come
Three Rendova patrols today. Total 10 hrs. Rather warm out. Swell letter from Mother. Subject V.J.. No letter from V.J. in a long time. Would feel less discouraged if I could only
Sunday 11 July
192nd Day, 173 Days to come
Missed mass this AM. Rendova patrol. Feeling badly with bad head. Doc grounded me as I was preparing for an escort this afternoon. Rec'd letter from V.J. written 28 June. Answered tonight though confined to bunk. First I have heard in over two weeks. A small fight this afternoon. Naturally I wasn't in it. Maj. got one, Defab 1, Boag bailed out, hit tail, no news. Thomas had motor failure, water landing, no news.
Monday 12 July
193rd Day, 172 Days to come
Scrambled for fight this AM. Rendova patrol in morning. Cold getting into ears & sinuses, grounded all afternoon.
Tuesday 13 July
194th Day, 171 Days to come
Duty officer most of morning. Flew in afternoon. I'll bull out this cold yet. Hop Rendova patrol with bogie chase but no results. Thomas reported safe at Segi. Two letters from Mother.
0530 alert. Local hop at 1100. Forced to return early due to engine trouble. Went to show but no letters written tonight.
Tuesday 29 June
180th Day, 185 Days to come
0530 local hop. Tref had to come home then 1st LT Tate attempted forced landing at Fighter two. Undershot, plane turned over, stump came up into cockpit. We buried him at 1400. Out here people get nothing but a sheet & a hole in the ground. Received three letters today. One from V.J., 2 from Mother. Answered V.J.
Strike called off due to weather. Injured left foot before hop this morning. Caught in hydraulic flap. Grounded today.
Wednesday 30 June
181st Day, 184 Days to come
1st Lt Peck killed this morning on a test hop. Landing force on Rendova Island. Our squadron got 16 planes. Maj. Weissenberger still missing. Only one not home. Grounded yet with foot so didn't get up at all. Foot better all the time.
Thursday 1 July
182nd Day, 183 Days to come
Final total for yesterday for the squadron 20 planes shot down, one lost. Maj. Weissenberger returned today. Bailed out picked up by DD. Strike to Kahili early afternoon 1125 - 1535. Kahili covered over by clouds but Bahli wide opened but the darned army either dropped on water on way home or landed with their bombs. Little party tonight for celebration.
Friday 2 July
183rd Day, Feast of the Sacred Heart, 182 Days to come
Rendova patrol 0655 - 1055 Landed at Russell Islands South Field. Ruby base recalled all trolleys then Japs hit. Really a mess. On way from patrol Vedder bailed out - engine failure. An F4U exploded on starting. Burned down, pilot VMF 122 terribly burned. I doubt he lives. Vedder is apparently OK, picked up OK. Returned Cactus 1700. Letter from Mother, answered it tonight.
Saturday 3 July
184th Day, 181 Days to come
I didn't fly today at all. The squadron bad luck is continuing. Lt. Ted Brown cracked up at Russells. Cut up a bit but came back this afternoon by SCAT. Lt. Herman Spoede is missing. Rest landed either here or at Russells. The pilot in 122, Lt. Rassmussen, died.
Sunday 4 July
185th Day, Independence Day, 180 Days to come
Rendova Patrol this morning. Somehow I missed it in the afternoon. Took duty for afternoon. Wrote V.J. a short letter tonight.
Monday 5 July
186th Day, 179 Days to come
Early take off planned but weather prohibited any operation until afternoon. Had Rendova patrol. Mixed divisions now. Tref had to come home, cold or sinus. Searched for Spoede on way home - no results.
~~~~~~~~~
NOTE:
"Dago" is San Diego. There are many marine training facilities in Southern California. Marine Corps Recruit Depot San
Diego is one of two current recruit training facilities, the other being, of course, Parris Island, South Carolina. A marine
who trained at MCRD San Diego is known as a "Hollywood Marine."
Tuesday 6 July
187th Day, 178 Days to come
7 ½ hrs today. Patrol over Munda and Rendova. No action. Had to cut afternoon short due to motor trouble. Lt. Boag had an emergency landing on this strip made it OK. Tref still sick. Boy, am I getting tired.
Wednesday 7 July
188th Day, 177 Days to come
Flew all day today. All but two pilots flew 10 ½ hrs. It's really getting tough. Did nothing but fly & eat a little & fall into bed. Sent for "Guide to USMC Administration"
Thursday 8 July
189th Day, 176 Days to come
Fifteen pilots in commission this morning. All had Rendova patrol in AM, only 12 for PM. I stayed down as have a little cold. As usual no mail today.
Friday 9 July
190th Day, 175 Days to come
Rendova Patrol in morning. Escort 3 DC-3s to drop supplies to Raiders on NW end of New Georgia. Now have Munda about surrounded.
Saturday 10 July
191st Day, 174 Days to come
Three Rendova patrols today. Total 10 hrs. Rather warm out. Swell letter from Mother. Subject V.J.. No letter from V.J. in a long time. Would feel less discouraged if I could only
Sunday 11 July
192nd Day, 173 Days to come
Missed mass this AM. Rendova patrol. Feeling badly with bad head. Doc grounded me as I was preparing for an escort this afternoon. Rec'd letter from V.J. written 28 June. Answered tonight though confined to bunk. First I have heard in over two weeks. A small fight this afternoon. Naturally I wasn't in it. Maj. got one, Defab 1, Boag bailed out, hit tail, no news. Thomas had motor failure, water landing, no news.
Monday 12 July
193rd Day, 172 Days to come
Scrambled for fight this AM. Rendova patrol in morning. Cold getting into ears & sinuses, grounded all afternoon.
Tuesday 13 July
194th Day, 171 Days to come
Duty officer most of morning. Flew in afternoon. I'll bull out this cold yet. Hop Rendova patrol with bogie chase but no results. Thomas reported safe at Segi. Two letters from Mother.
0530 local hop. Tref had to come home then 1st LT Tate attempted forced landing at Fighter two. Undershot, plane turned over, stump came up into cockpit. We buried him at 1400. Out here people get nothing but a sheet & a hole in the ground. Received three letters today. One from V.J., 2 from Mother. Answered V.J.
Strike called off due to weather. Injured left foot before hop this morning. Caught in hydraulic flap. Grounded today.
Wednesday 30 June
181st Day, 184 Days to come
1st Lt Peck killed this morning on a test hop. Landing force on Rendova Island. Our squadron got 16 planes. Maj. Weissenberger still missing. Only one not home. Grounded yet with foot so didn't get up at all. Foot better all the time.
Thursday 1 July
182nd Day, 183 Days to come
Final total for yesterday for the squadron 20 planes shot down, one lost. Maj. Weissenberger returned today. Bailed out picked up by DD. Strike to Kahili early afternoon 1125 - 1535. Kahili covered over by clouds but Bahli wide opened but the darned army either dropped on water on way home or landed with their bombs. Little party tonight for celebration.
Friday 2 July
183rd Day, Feast of the Sacred Heart, 182 Days to come
Rendova patrol 0655 - 1055 Landed at Russell Islands South Field. Ruby base recalled all trolleys then Japs hit. Really a mess. On way from patrol Vedder bailed out - engine failure. An F4U exploded on starting. Burned down, pilot VMF 122 terribly burned. I doubt he lives. Vedder is apparently OK, picked up OK. Returned Cactus 1700. Letter from Mother, answered it tonight.
Saturday 3 July
184th Day, 181 Days to come
I didn't fly today at all. The squadron bad luck is continuing. Lt. Ted Brown cracked up at Russells. Cut up a bit but came back this afternoon by SCAT. Lt. Herman Spoede is missing. Rest landed either here or at Russells. The pilot in 122, Lt. Rassmussen, died.
Sunday 4 July
185th Day, Independence Day, 180 Days to come
Rendova Patrol this morning. Somehow I missed it in the afternoon. Took duty for afternoon. Wrote V.J. a short letter tonight.
Monday 5 July
186th Day, 179 Days to come
Early take off planned but weather prohibited any operation until afternoon. Had Rendova patrol. Mixed divisions now. Tref had to come home, cold or sinus. Searched for Spoede on way home - no results.
~~~~~~~~~
NOTE:
"Dago" is San Diego. There are many marine training facilities in Southern California. Marine Corps Recruit Depot San
Diego is one of two current recruit training facilities, the other being, of course, Parris Island, South Carolina. A marine
who trained at MCRD San Diego is known as a "Hollywood Marine."
Tuesday 6 July
187th Day, 178 Days to come
7 ½ hrs today. Patrol over Munda and Rendova. No action. Had to cut afternoon short due to motor trouble. Lt. Boag had an emergency landing on this strip made it OK. Tref still sick. Boy, am I getting tired.
Wednesday 7 July
188th Day, 177 Days to come
Flew all day today. All but two pilots flew 10 ½ hrs. It's really getting tough. Did nothing but fly & eat a little & fall into bed. Sent for "Guide to USMC Administration"
Thursday 8 July
189th Day, 176 Days to come
Fifteen pilots in commission this morning. All had Rendova patrol in AM, only 12 for PM. I stayed down as have a little cold. As usual no mail today.
Friday 9 July
190th Day, 175 Days to come
Rendova Patrol in morning. Escort 3 DC-3s to drop supplies to Raiders on NW end of New Georgia. Now have Munda about surrounded.
Saturday 10 July
191st Day, 174 Days to come
Three Rendova patrols today. Total 10 hrs. Rather warm out. Swell letter from Mother. Subject V.J.. No letter from V.J. in a long time. Would feel less discouraged if I could only
Sunday 11 July
192nd Day, 173 Days to come
Missed mass this AM. Rendova patrol. Feeling badly with bad head. Doc grounded me as I was preparing for an escort this afternoon. Rec'd letter from V.J. written 28 June. Answered tonight though confined to bunk. First I have heard in over two weeks. A small fight this afternoon. Naturally I wasn't in it. Maj. got one, Defab 1, Boag bailed out, hit tail, no news. Thomas had motor failure, water landing, no news.
Monday 12 July
193rd Day, 172 Days to come
Scrambled for fight this AM. Rendova patrol in morning. Cold getting into ears & sinuses, grounded all afternoon.
Tuesday 13 July
194th Day, 171 Days to come
Duty officer most of morning. Flew in afternoon. I'll bull out this cold yet. Hop Rendova patrol with bogie chase but no results. Thomas reported safe at Segi. Two letters from Mother.
1st Lt Peck killed this morning on a test hop. Landing force on Rendova Island. Our squadron got 16 planes. Maj. Weissenberger still missing. Only one not home. Grounded yet with foot so didn't get up at all. Foot better all the time.
Thursday 1 July
182nd Day, 183 Days to come
Final total for yesterday for the squadron 20 planes shot down, one lost. Maj. Weissenberger returned today. Bailed out picked up by DD. Strike to Kahili early afternoon 1125 - 1535. Kahili covered over by clouds but Bahli wide opened but the darned army either dropped on water on way home or landed with their bombs. Little party tonight for celebration.
Friday 2 July
183rd Day, Feast of the Sacred Heart, 182 Days to come
Rendova patrol 0655 - 1055 Landed at Russell Islands South Field. Ruby base recalled all trolleys then Japs hit. Really a mess. On way from patrol Vedder bailed out - engine failure. An F4U exploded on starting. Burned down, pilot VMF 122 terribly burned. I doubt he lives. Vedder is apparently OK, picked up OK. Returned Cactus 1700. Letter from Mother, answered it tonight.
Saturday 3 July
184th Day, 181 Days to come
I didn't fly today at all. The squadron bad luck is continuing. Lt. Ted Brown cracked up at Russells. Cut up a bit but came back this afternoon by SCAT. Lt. Herman Spoede is missing. Rest landed either here or at Russells. The pilot in 122, Lt. Rassmussen, died.
Sunday 4 July
185th Day, Independence Day, 180 Days to come
Rendova Patrol this morning. Somehow I missed it in the afternoon. Took duty for afternoon. Wrote V.J. a short letter tonight.
Monday 5 July
186th Day, 179 Days to come
Early take off planned but weather prohibited any operation until afternoon. Had Rendova patrol. Mixed divisions now. Tref had to come home, cold or sinus. Searched for Spoede on way home - no results.
~~~~~~~~~
NOTE:
"Dago" is San Diego. There are many marine training facilities in Southern California. Marine Corps Recruit Depot San
Diego is one of two current recruit training facilities, the other being, of course, Parris Island, South Carolina. A marine
who trained at MCRD San Diego is known as a "Hollywood Marine."
Tuesday 6 July
187th Day, 178 Days to come
7 ½ hrs today. Patrol over Munda and Rendova. No action. Had to cut afternoon short due to motor trouble. Lt. Boag had an emergency landing on this strip made it OK. Tref still sick. Boy, am I getting tired.
Wednesday 7 July
188th Day, 177 Days to come
Flew all day today. All but two pilots flew 10 ½ hrs. It's really getting tough. Did nothing but fly & eat a little & fall into bed. Sent for "Guide to USMC Administration"
Thursday 8 July
189th Day, 176 Days to come
Fifteen pilots in commission this morning. All had Rendova patrol in AM, only 12 for PM. I stayed down as have a little cold. As usual no mail today.
Friday 9 July
190th Day, 175 Days to come
Rendova Patrol in morning. Escort 3 DC-3s to drop supplies to Raiders on NW end of New Georgia. Now have Munda about surrounded.
Saturday 10 July
191st Day, 174 Days to come
Three Rendova patrols today. Total 10 hrs. Rather warm out. Swell letter from Mother. Subject V.J.. No letter from V.J. in a long time. Would feel less discouraged if I could only
Sunday 11 July
192nd Day, 173 Days to come
Missed mass this AM. Rendova patrol. Feeling badly with bad head. Doc grounded me as I was preparing for an escort this afternoon. Rec'd letter from V.J. written 28 June. Answered tonight though confined to bunk. First I have heard in over two weeks. A small fight this afternoon. Naturally I wasn't in it. Maj. got one, Defab 1, Boag bailed out, hit tail, no news. Thomas had motor failure, water landing, no news.
Monday 12 July
193rd Day, 172 Days to come
Scrambled for fight this AM. Rendova patrol in morning. Cold getting into ears & sinuses, grounded all afternoon.
Tuesday 13 July
194th Day, 171 Days to come
Duty officer most of morning. Flew in afternoon. I'll bull out this cold yet. Hop Rendova patrol with bogie chase but no results. Thomas reported safe at Segi. Two letters from Mother.
Final total for yesterday for the squadron 20 planes shot down, one lost. Maj. Weissenberger returned today. Bailed out picked up by DD. Strike to Kahili early afternoon 1125 - 1535. Kahili covered over by clouds but Bahli wide opened but the darned army either dropped on water on way home or landed with their bombs. Little party tonight for celebration.
Friday 2 July
183rd Day, Feast of the Sacred Heart, 182 Days to come
Rendova patrol 0655 - 1055 Landed at Russell Islands South Field. Ruby base recalled all trolleys then Japs hit. Really a mess. On way from patrol Vedder bailed out - engine failure. An F4U exploded on starting. Burned down, pilot VMF 122 terribly burned. I doubt he lives. Vedder is apparently OK, picked up OK. Returned Cactus 1700. Letter from Mother, answered it tonight.
Saturday 3 July
184th Day, 181 Days to come
I didn't fly today at all. The squadron bad luck is continuing. Lt. Ted Brown cracked up at Russells. Cut up a bit but came back this afternoon by SCAT. Lt. Herman Spoede is missing. Rest landed either here or at Russells. The pilot in 122, Lt. Rassmussen, died.
Sunday 4 July
185th Day, Independence Day, 180 Days to come
Rendova Patrol this morning. Somehow I missed it in the afternoon. Took duty for afternoon. Wrote V.J. a short letter tonight.
Monday 5 July
186th Day, 179 Days to come
Early take off planned but weather prohibited any operation until afternoon. Had Rendova patrol. Mixed divisions now. Tref had to come home, cold or sinus. Searched for Spoede on way home - no results.
~~~~~~~~~
NOTE:
"Dago" is San Diego. There are many marine training facilities in Southern California. Marine Corps Recruit Depot San
Diego is one of two current recruit training facilities, the other being, of course, Parris Island, South Carolina. A marine
who trained at MCRD San Diego is known as a "Hollywood Marine."
Tuesday 6 July
187th Day, 178 Days to come
7 ½ hrs today. Patrol over Munda and Rendova. No action. Had to cut afternoon short due to motor trouble. Lt. Boag had an emergency landing on this strip made it OK. Tref still sick. Boy, am I getting tired.
Wednesday 7 July
188th Day, 177 Days to come
Flew all day today. All but two pilots flew 10 ½ hrs. It's really getting tough. Did nothing but fly & eat a little & fall into bed. Sent for "Guide to USMC Administration"
Thursday 8 July
189th Day, 176 Days to come
Fifteen pilots in commission this morning. All had Rendova patrol in AM, only 12 for PM. I stayed down as have a little cold. As usual no mail today.
Friday 9 July
190th Day, 175 Days to come
Rendova Patrol in morning. Escort 3 DC-3s to drop supplies to Raiders on NW end of New Georgia. Now have Munda about surrounded.
Saturday 10 July
191st Day, 174 Days to come
Three Rendova patrols today. Total 10 hrs. Rather warm out. Swell letter from Mother. Subject V.J.. No letter from V.J. in a long time. Would feel less discouraged if I could only
Sunday 11 July
192nd Day, 173 Days to come
Missed mass this AM. Rendova patrol. Feeling badly with bad head. Doc grounded me as I was preparing for an escort this afternoon. Rec'd letter from V.J. written 28 June. Answered tonight though confined to bunk. First I have heard in over two weeks. A small fight this afternoon. Naturally I wasn't in it. Maj. got one, Defab 1, Boag bailed out, hit tail, no news. Thomas had motor failure, water landing, no news.
Monday 12 July
193rd Day, 172 Days to come
Scrambled for fight this AM. Rendova patrol in morning. Cold getting into ears & sinuses, grounded all afternoon.
Tuesday 13 July
194th Day, 171 Days to come
Duty officer most of morning. Flew in afternoon. I'll bull out this cold yet. Hop Rendova patrol with bogie chase but no results. Thomas reported safe at Segi. Two letters from Mother.
Rendova patrol 0655 - 1055 Landed at Russell Islands South Field. Ruby base recalled all trolleys then Japs hit. Really a mess. On way from patrol Vedder bailed out - engine failure. An F4U exploded on starting. Burned down, pilot VMF 122 terribly burned. I doubt he lives. Vedder is apparently OK, picked up OK. Returned Cactus 1700. Letter from Mother, answered it tonight.
Saturday 3 July
184th Day, 181 Days to come
I didn't fly today at all. The squadron bad luck is continuing. Lt. Ted Brown cracked up at Russells. Cut up a bit but came back this afternoon by SCAT. Lt. Herman Spoede is missing. Rest landed either here or at Russells. The pilot in 122, Lt. Rassmussen, died.
Sunday 4 July
185th Day, Independence Day, 180 Days to come
Rendova Patrol this morning. Somehow I missed it in the afternoon. Took duty for afternoon. Wrote V.J. a short letter tonight.
Monday 5 July
186th Day, 179 Days to come
Early take off planned but weather prohibited any operation until afternoon. Had Rendova patrol. Mixed divisions now. Tref had to come home, cold or sinus. Searched for Spoede on way home - no results.
~~~~~~~~~
NOTE:
"Dago" is San Diego. There are many marine training facilities in Southern California. Marine Corps Recruit Depot San
Diego is one of two current recruit training facilities, the other being, of course, Parris Island, South Carolina. A marine
who trained at MCRD San Diego is known as a "Hollywood Marine."
Tuesday 6 July
187th Day, 178 Days to come
7 ½ hrs today. Patrol over Munda and Rendova. No action. Had to cut afternoon short due to motor trouble. Lt. Boag had an emergency landing on this strip made it OK. Tref still sick. Boy, am I getting tired.
Wednesday 7 July
188th Day, 177 Days to come
Flew all day today. All but two pilots flew 10 ½ hrs. It's really getting tough. Did nothing but fly & eat a little & fall into bed. Sent for "Guide to USMC Administration"
Thursday 8 July
189th Day, 176 Days to come
Fifteen pilots in commission this morning. All had Rendova patrol in AM, only 12 for PM. I stayed down as have a little cold. As usual no mail today.
Friday 9 July
190th Day, 175 Days to come
Rendova Patrol in morning. Escort 3 DC-3s to drop supplies to Raiders on NW end of New Georgia. Now have Munda about surrounded.
Saturday 10 July
191st Day, 174 Days to come
Three Rendova patrols today. Total 10 hrs. Rather warm out. Swell letter from Mother. Subject V.J.. No letter from V.J. in a long time. Would feel less discouraged if I could only
Sunday 11 July
192nd Day, 173 Days to come
Missed mass this AM. Rendova patrol. Feeling badly with bad head. Doc grounded me as I was preparing for an escort this afternoon. Rec'd letter from V.J. written 28 June. Answered tonight though confined to bunk. First I have heard in over two weeks. A small fight this afternoon. Naturally I wasn't in it. Maj. got one, Defab 1, Boag bailed out, hit tail, no news. Thomas had motor failure, water landing, no news.
Monday 12 July
193rd Day, 172 Days to come
Scrambled for fight this AM. Rendova patrol in morning. Cold getting into ears & sinuses, grounded all afternoon.
Tuesday 13 July
194th Day, 171 Days to come
Duty officer most of morning. Flew in afternoon. I'll bull out this cold yet. Hop Rendova patrol with bogie chase but no results. Thomas reported safe at Segi. Two letters from Mother.
I didn't fly today at all. The squadron bad luck is continuing. Lt. Ted Brown cracked up at Russells. Cut up a bit but came back this afternoon by SCAT. Lt. Herman Spoede is missing. Rest landed either here or at Russells. The pilot in 122, Lt. Rassmussen, died.
Sunday 4 July
185th Day, Independence Day, 180 Days to come
Rendova Patrol this morning. Somehow I missed it in the afternoon. Took duty for afternoon. Wrote V.J. a short letter tonight.
Monday 5 July
186th Day, 179 Days to come
Early take off planned but weather prohibited any operation until afternoon. Had Rendova patrol. Mixed divisions now. Tref had to come home, cold or sinus. Searched for Spoede on way home - no results.
~~~~~~~~~
NOTE:
"Dago" is San Diego. There are many marine training facilities in Southern California. Marine Corps Recruit Depot San
Diego is one of two current recruit training facilities, the other being, of course, Parris Island, South Carolina. A marine
who trained at MCRD San Diego is known as a "Hollywood Marine."
Tuesday 6 July
187th Day, 178 Days to come
7 ½ hrs today. Patrol over Munda and Rendova. No action. Had to cut afternoon short due to motor trouble. Lt. Boag had an emergency landing on this strip made it OK. Tref still sick. Boy, am I getting tired.
Wednesday 7 July
188th Day, 177 Days to come
Flew all day today. All but two pilots flew 10 ½ hrs. It's really getting tough. Did nothing but fly & eat a little & fall into bed. Sent for "Guide to USMC Administration"
Thursday 8 July
189th Day, 176 Days to come
Fifteen pilots in commission this morning. All had Rendova patrol in AM, only 12 for PM. I stayed down as have a little cold. As usual no mail today.
Friday 9 July
190th Day, 175 Days to come
Rendova Patrol in morning. Escort 3 DC-3s to drop supplies to Raiders on NW end of New Georgia. Now have Munda about surrounded.
Saturday 10 July
191st Day, 174 Days to come
Three Rendova patrols today. Total 10 hrs. Rather warm out. Swell letter from Mother. Subject V.J.. No letter from V.J. in a long time. Would feel less discouraged if I could only
Sunday 11 July
192nd Day, 173 Days to come
Missed mass this AM. Rendova patrol. Feeling badly with bad head. Doc grounded me as I was preparing for an escort this afternoon. Rec'd letter from V.J. written 28 June. Answered tonight though confined to bunk. First I have heard in over two weeks. A small fight this afternoon. Naturally I wasn't in it. Maj. got one, Defab 1, Boag bailed out, hit tail, no news. Thomas had motor failure, water landing, no news.
Monday 12 July
193rd Day, 172 Days to come
Scrambled for fight this AM. Rendova patrol in morning. Cold getting into ears & sinuses, grounded all afternoon.
Tuesday 13 July
194th Day, 171 Days to come
Duty officer most of morning. Flew in afternoon. I'll bull out this cold yet. Hop Rendova patrol with bogie chase but no results. Thomas reported safe at Segi. Two letters from Mother.
Rendova Patrol this morning. Somehow I missed it in the afternoon. Took duty for afternoon. Wrote V.J. a short letter tonight.
Monday 5 July
186th Day, 179 Days to come
Early take off planned but weather prohibited any operation until afternoon. Had Rendova patrol. Mixed divisions now. Tref had to come home, cold or sinus. Searched for Spoede on way home - no results.
~~~~~~~~~
NOTE:
"Dago" is San Diego. There are many marine training facilities in Southern California. Marine Corps Recruit Depot San
Diego is one of two current recruit training facilities, the other being, of course, Parris Island, South Carolina. A marine
who trained at MCRD San Diego is known as a "Hollywood Marine."
Tuesday 6 July
187th Day, 178 Days to come
7 ½ hrs today. Patrol over Munda and Rendova. No action. Had to cut afternoon short due to motor trouble. Lt. Boag had an emergency landing on this strip made it OK. Tref still sick. Boy, am I getting tired.
Wednesday 7 July
188th Day, 177 Days to come
Flew all day today. All but two pilots flew 10 ½ hrs. It's really getting tough. Did nothing but fly & eat a little & fall into bed. Sent for "Guide to USMC Administration"
Thursday 8 July
189th Day, 176 Days to come
Fifteen pilots in commission this morning. All had Rendova patrol in AM, only 12 for PM. I stayed down as have a little cold. As usual no mail today.
Friday 9 July
190th Day, 175 Days to come
Rendova Patrol in morning. Escort 3 DC-3s to drop supplies to Raiders on NW end of New Georgia. Now have Munda about surrounded.
Saturday 10 July
191st Day, 174 Days to come
Three Rendova patrols today. Total 10 hrs. Rather warm out. Swell letter from Mother. Subject V.J.. No letter from V.J. in a long time. Would feel less discouraged if I could only
Sunday 11 July
192nd Day, 173 Days to come
Missed mass this AM. Rendova patrol. Feeling badly with bad head. Doc grounded me as I was preparing for an escort this afternoon. Rec'd letter from V.J. written 28 June. Answered tonight though confined to bunk. First I have heard in over two weeks. A small fight this afternoon. Naturally I wasn't in it. Maj. got one, Defab 1, Boag bailed out, hit tail, no news. Thomas had motor failure, water landing, no news.
Monday 12 July
193rd Day, 172 Days to come
Scrambled for fight this AM. Rendova patrol in morning. Cold getting into ears & sinuses, grounded all afternoon.
Tuesday 13 July
194th Day, 171 Days to come
Duty officer most of morning. Flew in afternoon. I'll bull out this cold yet. Hop Rendova patrol with bogie chase but no results. Thomas reported safe at Segi. Two letters from Mother.
Early take off planned but weather prohibited any operation until afternoon. Had Rendova patrol. Mixed divisions now. Tref had to come home, cold or sinus. Searched for Spoede on way home - no results.
~~~~~~~~~
NOTE: "Dago" is San Diego. There are many marine training facilities in Southern California. Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego is one of two current recruit training facilities, the other being, of course, Parris Island, South Carolina. A marine who trained at MCRD San Diego is known as a "Hollywood Marine."
Tuesday 6 July
187th Day, 178 Days to come
7 ½ hrs today. Patrol over Munda and Rendova. No action. Had to cut afternoon short due to motor trouble. Lt. Boag had an emergency landing on this strip made it OK. Tref still sick. Boy, am I getting tired.
Wednesday 7 July
188th Day, 177 Days to come
Flew all day today. All but two pilots flew 10 ½ hrs. It's really getting tough. Did nothing but fly & eat a little & fall into bed. Sent for "Guide to USMC Administration"
Thursday 8 July
189th Day, 176 Days to come
Fifteen pilots in commission this morning. All had Rendova patrol in AM, only 12 for PM. I stayed down as have a little cold. As usual no mail today.
Friday 9 July
190th Day, 175 Days to come
Rendova Patrol in morning. Escort 3 DC-3s to drop supplies to Raiders on NW end of New Georgia. Now have Munda about surrounded.
Saturday 10 July
191st Day, 174 Days to come
Three Rendova patrols today. Total 10 hrs. Rather warm out. Swell letter from Mother. Subject V.J.. No letter from V.J. in a long time. Would feel less discouraged if I could only
Sunday 11 July
192nd Day, 173 Days to come
Missed mass this AM. Rendova patrol. Feeling badly with bad head. Doc grounded me as I was preparing for an escort this afternoon. Rec'd letter from V.J. written 28 June. Answered tonight though confined to bunk. First I have heard in over two weeks. A small fight this afternoon. Naturally I wasn't in it. Maj. got one, Defab 1, Boag bailed out, hit tail, no news. Thomas had motor failure, water landing, no news.
Monday 12 July
193rd Day, 172 Days to come
Scrambled for fight this AM. Rendova patrol in morning. Cold getting into ears & sinuses, grounded all afternoon.
Tuesday 13 July
194th Day, 171 Days to come
Duty officer most of morning. Flew in afternoon. I'll bull out this cold yet. Hop Rendova patrol with bogie chase but no results. Thomas reported safe at Segi. Two letters from Mother.
7 ½ hrs today. Patrol over Munda and Rendova. No action. Had to cut afternoon short due to motor trouble. Lt. Boag had an emergency landing on this strip made it OK. Tref still sick. Boy, am I getting tired.
Wednesday 7 July
188th Day, 177 Days to come
Flew all day today. All but two pilots flew 10 ½ hrs. It's really getting tough. Did nothing but fly & eat a little & fall into bed. Sent for "Guide to USMC Administration"
Thursday 8 July
189th Day, 176 Days to come
Fifteen pilots in commission this morning. All had Rendova patrol in AM, only 12 for PM. I stayed down as have a little cold. As usual no mail today.
Friday 9 July
190th Day, 175 Days to come
Rendova Patrol in morning. Escort 3 DC-3s to drop supplies to Raiders on NW end of New Georgia. Now have Munda about surrounded.
Saturday 10 July
191st Day, 174 Days to come
Three Rendova patrols today. Total 10 hrs. Rather warm out. Swell letter from Mother. Subject V.J.. No letter from V.J. in a long time. Would feel less discouraged if I could only
Sunday 11 July
192nd Day, 173 Days to come
Missed mass this AM. Rendova patrol. Feeling badly with bad head. Doc grounded me as I was preparing for an escort this afternoon. Rec'd letter from V.J. written 28 June. Answered tonight though confined to bunk. First I have heard in over two weeks. A small fight this afternoon. Naturally I wasn't in it. Maj. got one, Defab 1, Boag bailed out, hit tail, no news. Thomas had motor failure, water landing, no news.
Monday 12 July
193rd Day, 172 Days to come
Scrambled for fight this AM. Rendova patrol in morning. Cold getting into ears & sinuses, grounded all afternoon.
Tuesday 13 July
194th Day, 171 Days to come
Duty officer most of morning. Flew in afternoon. I'll bull out this cold yet. Hop Rendova patrol with bogie chase but no results. Thomas reported safe at Segi. Two letters from Mother.
Flew all day today. All but two pilots flew 10 ½ hrs. It's really getting tough. Did nothing but fly & eat a little & fall into bed. Sent for "Guide to USMC Administration"
Thursday 8 July
189th Day, 176 Days to come
Fifteen pilots in commission this morning. All had Rendova patrol in AM, only 12 for PM. I stayed down as have a little cold. As usual no mail today.
Friday 9 July
190th Day, 175 Days to come
Rendova Patrol in morning. Escort 3 DC-3s to drop supplies to Raiders on NW end of New Georgia. Now have Munda about surrounded.
Saturday 10 July
191st Day, 174 Days to come
Three Rendova patrols today. Total 10 hrs. Rather warm out. Swell letter from Mother. Subject V.J.. No letter from V.J. in a long time. Would feel less discouraged if I could only
Sunday 11 July
192nd Day, 173 Days to come
Missed mass this AM. Rendova patrol. Feeling badly with bad head. Doc grounded me as I was preparing for an escort this afternoon. Rec'd letter from V.J. written 28 June. Answered tonight though confined to bunk. First I have heard in over two weeks. A small fight this afternoon. Naturally I wasn't in it. Maj. got one, Defab 1, Boag bailed out, hit tail, no news. Thomas had motor failure, water landing, no news.
Monday 12 July
193rd Day, 172 Days to come
Scrambled for fight this AM. Rendova patrol in morning. Cold getting into ears & sinuses, grounded all afternoon.
Tuesday 13 July
194th Day, 171 Days to come
Duty officer most of morning. Flew in afternoon. I'll bull out this cold yet. Hop Rendova patrol with bogie chase but no results. Thomas reported safe at Segi. Two letters from Mother.
Fifteen pilots in commission this morning. All had Rendova patrol in AM, only 12 for PM. I stayed down as have a little cold. As usual no mail today.
Friday 9 July
190th Day, 175 Days to come
Rendova Patrol in morning. Escort 3 DC-3s to drop supplies to Raiders on NW end of New Georgia. Now have Munda about surrounded.
Saturday 10 July
191st Day, 174 Days to come
Three Rendova patrols today. Total 10 hrs. Rather warm out. Swell letter from Mother. Subject V.J.. No letter from V.J. in a long time. Would feel less discouraged if I could only
Sunday 11 July
192nd Day, 173 Days to come
Missed mass this AM. Rendova patrol. Feeling badly with bad head. Doc grounded me as I was preparing for an escort this afternoon. Rec'd letter from V.J. written 28 June. Answered tonight though confined to bunk. First I have heard in over two weeks. A small fight this afternoon. Naturally I wasn't in it. Maj. got one, Defab 1, Boag bailed out, hit tail, no news. Thomas had motor failure, water landing, no news.
Monday 12 July
193rd Day, 172 Days to come
Scrambled for fight this AM. Rendova patrol in morning. Cold getting into ears & sinuses, grounded all afternoon.
Tuesday 13 July
194th Day, 171 Days to come
Duty officer most of morning. Flew in afternoon. I'll bull out this cold yet. Hop Rendova patrol with bogie chase but no results. Thomas reported safe at Segi. Two letters from Mother.
Rendova Patrol in morning. Escort 3 DC-3s to drop supplies to Raiders on NW end of New Georgia. Now have Munda about surrounded.
Saturday 10 July
191st Day, 174 Days to come
Three Rendova patrols today. Total 10 hrs. Rather warm out. Swell letter from Mother. Subject V.J.. No letter from V.J. in a long time. Would feel less discouraged if I could only
Sunday 11 July
192nd Day, 173 Days to come
Missed mass this AM. Rendova patrol. Feeling badly with bad head. Doc grounded me as I was preparing for an escort this afternoon. Rec'd letter from V.J. written 28 June. Answered tonight though confined to bunk. First I have heard in over two weeks. A small fight this afternoon. Naturally I wasn't in it. Maj. got one, Defab 1, Boag bailed out, hit tail, no news. Thomas had motor failure, water landing, no news.
Monday 12 July
193rd Day, 172 Days to come
Scrambled for fight this AM. Rendova patrol in morning. Cold getting into ears & sinuses, grounded all afternoon.
Tuesday 13 July
194th Day, 171 Days to come
Duty officer most of morning. Flew in afternoon. I'll bull out this cold yet. Hop Rendova patrol with bogie chase but no results. Thomas reported safe at Segi. Two letters from Mother.
Three Rendova patrols today. Total 10 hrs. Rather warm out. Swell letter from Mother. Subject V.J.. No letter from V.J. in a long time. Would feel less discouraged if I could only
Sunday 11 July
192nd Day, 173 Days to come
Missed mass this AM. Rendova patrol. Feeling badly with bad head. Doc grounded me as I was preparing for an escort this afternoon. Rec'd letter from V.J. written 28 June. Answered tonight though confined to bunk. First I have heard in over two weeks. A small fight this afternoon. Naturally I wasn't in it. Maj. got one, Defab 1, Boag bailed out, hit tail, no news. Thomas had motor failure, water landing, no news.
Monday 12 July
193rd Day, 172 Days to come
Scrambled for fight this AM. Rendova patrol in morning. Cold getting into ears & sinuses, grounded all afternoon.
Tuesday 13 July
194th Day, 171 Days to come
Duty officer most of morning. Flew in afternoon. I'll bull out this cold yet. Hop Rendova patrol with bogie chase but no results. Thomas reported safe at Segi. Two letters from Mother.
Missed mass this AM. Rendova patrol. Feeling badly with bad head. Doc grounded me as I was preparing for an escort this afternoon. Rec'd letter from V.J. written 28 June. Answered tonight though confined to bunk. First I have heard in over two weeks. A small fight this afternoon. Naturally I wasn't in it. Maj. got one, Defab 1, Boag bailed out, hit tail, no news. Thomas had motor failure, water landing, no news.
Monday 12 July
193rd Day, 172 Days to come
Scrambled for fight this AM. Rendova patrol in morning. Cold getting into ears & sinuses, grounded all afternoon.
Tuesday 13 July
194th Day, 171 Days to come
Duty officer most of morning. Flew in afternoon. I'll bull out this cold yet. Hop Rendova patrol with bogie chase but no results. Thomas reported safe at Segi. Two letters from Mother.
Scrambled for fight this AM. Rendova patrol in morning. Cold getting into ears & sinuses, grounded all afternoon.
Tuesday 13 July
194th Day, 171 Days to come
Duty officer most of morning. Flew in afternoon. I'll bull out this cold yet. Hop Rendova patrol with bogie chase but no results. Thomas reported safe at Segi. Two letters from Mother.
Duty officer most of morning. Flew in afternoon. I'll bull out this cold yet. Hop Rendova patrol with bogie chase but no results. Thomas reported safe at Segi. Two letters from Mother.