GLENN MILLER
I was listening to the local TV-Community channel last night - while cleaning up the kitchen after dinner. My ears perked up when I heard this beautiful melody - Glenn Miller’s orchestra playing his theme song - “Moonlight Serenade” - one of my favorite tunes. Glenn would sign off his radio broadcasts with this song.
Glenn Miller and I go back a long ways - to 1937 - 70 years! While he was a few years older, we still had something in common. He could play very pleasing music, while I could appreciate the same music talent.
Talk about nostalgia! My thoughts went back to that era in a flash. I could visualize driving my 1931 Ford Model A coupe, near my parents home at 715 Oak Street, in Ypsilanti. On my car radio was Glenn Miller and his orchestra playing from Glenn Island Casino in New York. I would do this quite often. After supper on a warm summer evening I would just ride around town listening to the music on my car radio. I had the radio installed after I bought the car, second-hand, for $165.
Your first thought is, probably, what a waste of gas! Back then, gasoline was only $.18 a gallon.(I ,also, got good mileage from the small four-cylinder engine). Compared to the $3.35 a gallon, at our neighborhood gas station, it was cheap, but it is all relative. At the same time, I was only earning $.25 an hour. I was assembling Kadette radios and Argus cameras in Ann Arbor. (My Ypsilanti friend, Jim Leslie, still has a beautiful C-3 camera from that vintage.) So, I had to work about 43 minutes to pay for a gallon of gas. Today, assuming a wage of $10.00 an hour, I would have to work only 20 minutes to buy a gallon! Conclusion:- Things aren’t always what they appear to be.
Monday, December 31, 2007
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Bud
My Friend Bud.
Arthur Eldred Bauer, Jr., known to his family and friends as Bud, died on Sunday, October 28, 2007, at the age of 92! He would have been 93 on January 25, 2008. Bud was my friend! I think he was the friend of everyone he came in contact with - because he was friendly. I have never met anyone who was closer to his family than Bud. They supported each other, and liked each other. There is nothing Bud would rather do than be with his extended family. He was so proud of each of them.
Bud and I were big sports fans - he bigger than me. We were both partial-season ticket holders fro the Oakland Athletics baseball games. While we didn’t have exactly the same plans, we did attend many of the same games. We rode the Vallejo bus - Bart link - in to the El Cerrito BART station, where we caught the train which took us to the Coliseum station. In fact, during one of these trips, is where I met Bud. We sat together many times afterwards - both on the bus and onBART. Bud did most of the talking, because I would always ask him what was new with his family? He surely knew what was going on in the family, and he would tell me about their promotions, travels, what was going on in their jobs, the marriages, masters degrees, and other interesting events. Some people would not cozy up to such talk. But, I really enjoyed it. His tone was not one of bragging but just pure pride. I can still see the gleam in his eyes and his face light up, when he mentioned that all three of his sons - their wives - and two grandsons - were all - not only college graduates - but most of them also had their Masters degrees! Bud finished college and joined the Navy during World War II.
I would take a sandwich to the A's games, but Bud would just have a small bag of peanuts in his pocket. I thought that he just skipped lunch until he told me that he liked to get a sandwich and drink in the Westside Club.
Bud was at the October 17, 1989 World Series game, between the San Francisco Giants and Oakland Athletic, when the big Loma Prieto earthquake hit. He gave me an eye witness account of his experience.
The new Carquinez bridge was dedicated not too long ago. At that time, Bud told told me that he saw the dedication of the old 1927 bridge, that it replaced, from the water beneath the bridge. He was 13, and his dad rowed him underneath the new bridge as it was being dedicated!
Bud had a zest for life! He didn't let a hernia operation in his 90's, or a pacemaker, slow him down. He went to Virginia last summer to attend a wedding of one of his nieces. Then, in September, he went to Colorado, to attend another wedding of another niece.
When BART announced that the train would be operating to SFO, Bud suggested that we ride to the airport and check it out. Then, we could have lunch at the airport. I told that it sounde good to me. But, we never gotto take that excursion.
I would like to quote from his Obituary:- “He was a kind, gentle and generous man. He was always ready to laugh, and his love of sports was only surpassed by his great martinis, and fun-loving spirit.” That says it all. While I never tasted one of his martinis, I can vouch for his kindness and generosity, and his love of sports. He was a season ticket holder for both the Oakland Athletics as well as the Oakland Raiders! At 92 - with a pace maker - he seldom missed one of the games for which he had a ticket. When we walked over, from the Coliseum BART station to the Coliseum, on the pedestrian viaduct, there usually was a man sitting legless, on a skate board. Bud would always stop and greet him, and hand him some folded money!
When Laura was alive, the two of them, and Marie and I, would get together for lunch. After Laura died, Bud and I would occasionally meet for lunch Laura, the love of his life - and wife for nearly 64 years - died on April 12, 2006. They were very close and devoted to each other. She was a great lady and uplifting to be around. Bud was never the same after that sad separation. He was so lonesome and melancholy! His heart had been ripped out with her death. The family surrounded Laura as she was dying, and they were there at Bud’s bedside, that Sunday - not long ago - when he left this world to join her.
Bud’s son Bernard lived in Fresno. He was a raisin broker. I knew when Bud had been to Fresno, or Bernard had been to Vallejo, because I would get a phone call from Bud saying that he wanted to make sure that I was home, and he would be right over. He would bring me a large package of raisins! I haven’t had to buy raisins for my cold cereal since I met Bud!
I am so glad that Bud’s and my paths crossed in this life. I am much better for it, And I like to think that he benefited too.
Ray L’Amoreaux.
November 14, 2007. Edited 11-23-07.
Arthur Eldred Bauer, Jr., known to his family and friends as Bud, died on Sunday, October 28, 2007, at the age of 92! He would have been 93 on January 25, 2008. Bud was my friend! I think he was the friend of everyone he came in contact with - because he was friendly. I have never met anyone who was closer to his family than Bud. They supported each other, and liked each other. There is nothing Bud would rather do than be with his extended family. He was so proud of each of them.
Bud and I were big sports fans - he bigger than me. We were both partial-season ticket holders fro the Oakland Athletics baseball games. While we didn’t have exactly the same plans, we did attend many of the same games. We rode the Vallejo bus - Bart link - in to the El Cerrito BART station, where we caught the train which took us to the Coliseum station. In fact, during one of these trips, is where I met Bud. We sat together many times afterwards - both on the bus and onBART. Bud did most of the talking, because I would always ask him what was new with his family? He surely knew what was going on in the family, and he would tell me about their promotions, travels, what was going on in their jobs, the marriages, masters degrees, and other interesting events. Some people would not cozy up to such talk. But, I really enjoyed it. His tone was not one of bragging but just pure pride. I can still see the gleam in his eyes and his face light up, when he mentioned that all three of his sons - their wives - and two grandsons - were all - not only college graduates - but most of them also had their Masters degrees! Bud finished college and joined the Navy during World War II.
I would take a sandwich to the A's games, but Bud would just have a small bag of peanuts in his pocket. I thought that he just skipped lunch until he told me that he liked to get a sandwich and drink in the Westside Club.
Bud was at the October 17, 1989 World Series game, between the San Francisco Giants and Oakland Athletic, when the big Loma Prieto earthquake hit. He gave me an eye witness account of his experience.
The new Carquinez bridge was dedicated not too long ago. At that time, Bud told told me that he saw the dedication of the old 1927 bridge, that it replaced, from the water beneath the bridge. He was 13, and his dad rowed him underneath the new bridge as it was being dedicated!
Bud had a zest for life! He didn't let a hernia operation in his 90's, or a pacemaker, slow him down. He went to Virginia last summer to attend a wedding of one of his nieces. Then, in September, he went to Colorado, to attend another wedding of another niece.
When BART announced that the train would be operating to SFO, Bud suggested that we ride to the airport and check it out. Then, we could have lunch at the airport. I told that it sounde good to me. But, we never gotto take that excursion.
I would like to quote from his Obituary:- “He was a kind, gentle and generous man. He was always ready to laugh, and his love of sports was only surpassed by his great martinis, and fun-loving spirit.” That says it all. While I never tasted one of his martinis, I can vouch for his kindness and generosity, and his love of sports. He was a season ticket holder for both the Oakland Athletics as well as the Oakland Raiders! At 92 - with a pace maker - he seldom missed one of the games for which he had a ticket. When we walked over, from the Coliseum BART station to the Coliseum, on the pedestrian viaduct, there usually was a man sitting legless, on a skate board. Bud would always stop and greet him, and hand him some folded money!
When Laura was alive, the two of them, and Marie and I, would get together for lunch. After Laura died, Bud and I would occasionally meet for lunch Laura, the love of his life - and wife for nearly 64 years - died on April 12, 2006. They were very close and devoted to each other. She was a great lady and uplifting to be around. Bud was never the same after that sad separation. He was so lonesome and melancholy! His heart had been ripped out with her death. The family surrounded Laura as she was dying, and they were there at Bud’s bedside, that Sunday - not long ago - when he left this world to join her.
Bud’s son Bernard lived in Fresno. He was a raisin broker. I knew when Bud had been to Fresno, or Bernard had been to Vallejo, because I would get a phone call from Bud saying that he wanted to make sure that I was home, and he would be right over. He would bring me a large package of raisins! I haven’t had to buy raisins for my cold cereal since I met Bud!
I am so glad that Bud’s and my paths crossed in this life. I am much better for it, And I like to think that he benefited too.
Ray L’Amoreaux.
November 14, 2007. Edited 11-23-07.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
November 11, 1918.
November 11, 1918 - November 11, 2007.
Today is Veterans’ Day. I was born 89 years ago today! Back then, it was Armistice Day - the end of World War I. The Peace treaty, between Germany, England, France and the United States was signed at Versailles at 11am (France time), on Monday, November 11, 1918 (6 a.m. Michigan time). I was born at home (9 South Howder Street, Hillsdale, Michigan, twenty minutes later.
My Mother told me all about the wild celebration in the streets that morning - celebrating the end of the war. She said the people were waving American flags, hugging and kissing, dancing, whooping and hollering. I would give anything to have recalled all this excitement. I probably thought that they were celebrating my arrival!
My Mother also told me about the hours preceding my birth. She told about the doctor walking up to the house Sunday night, smoking a cigar. (I only wish that I had asked her how the doctor got there? - walk? Horseback? Car? Bicycle?) Dr. Greene placed his cigar on the porch railing, and went in the house to check on my mom. He decided that I wasn’t ready to appear, so he decided to stay all night! He slept on the davenport in the living room. At 6;20 the next morning, he delivered me. I have often wondered what the doctor charged my parents - probably $5! Another thing that I wished I had asked my Mother. (She probably would have shown me his bill which she must have saved, of her first born! So, all of you younger readers, ask your questions of your parents NOW! Tomorrow may be too late.
There was a big influenza pandemic in 1918, with thousands of deaths. Another wonder of mine is how my Mother and I survived this fatal illness. This is another discussion which I should have had with her. She lived to be almost 100, so I had plenty of time!
Today is Veterans’ Day. I was born 89 years ago today! Back then, it was Armistice Day - the end of World War I. The Peace treaty, between Germany, England, France and the United States was signed at Versailles at 11am (France time), on Monday, November 11, 1918 (6 a.m. Michigan time). I was born at home (9 South Howder Street, Hillsdale, Michigan, twenty minutes later.
My Mother told me all about the wild celebration in the streets that morning - celebrating the end of the war. She said the people were waving American flags, hugging and kissing, dancing, whooping and hollering. I would give anything to have recalled all this excitement. I probably thought that they were celebrating my arrival!
My Mother also told me about the hours preceding my birth. She told about the doctor walking up to the house Sunday night, smoking a cigar. (I only wish that I had asked her how the doctor got there? - walk? Horseback? Car? Bicycle?) Dr. Greene placed his cigar on the porch railing, and went in the house to check on my mom. He decided that I wasn’t ready to appear, so he decided to stay all night! He slept on the davenport in the living room. At 6;20 the next morning, he delivered me. I have often wondered what the doctor charged my parents - probably $5! Another thing that I wished I had asked my Mother. (She probably would have shown me his bill which she must have saved, of her first born! So, all of you younger readers, ask your questions of your parents NOW! Tomorrow may be too late.
There was a big influenza pandemic in 1918, with thousands of deaths. Another wonder of mine is how my Mother and I survived this fatal illness. This is another discussion which I should have had with her. She lived to be almost 100, so I had plenty of time!
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Wednesday October 27, 1943.
Wednesday, October 27, 1943.
The all day- train ride took us through West Virginia and Kentucky. We got in to Cincinnati at 3:30 this afternoon. Wolf and I took a taxi, and went out to see Miss Sudie (Aunt Nellie’s friend). We fooled around Cincinnati so long that we missed our train! So, we stayed at the Gibson Hotel all night.
Thursday, October 28, 1943.
We left Cincinnati this morning. Wolf went on to Fort Wayne, and I took the train for Detroit. I arrived at Union Station at 4:00pm. Dad met me and we came out to Ypsilanti on the “Doodle Bug”. Mom and Jack met us at the depot. Sure a treat to see them once again, as well as the old homestead at 715 Oak Street. I called Ruby tonight, after going to “Forty Hours”.
The all day- train ride took us through West Virginia and Kentucky. We got in to Cincinnati at 3:30 this afternoon. Wolf and I took a taxi, and went out to see Miss Sudie (Aunt Nellie’s friend). We fooled around Cincinnati so long that we missed our train! So, we stayed at the Gibson Hotel all night.
Thursday, October 28, 1943.
We left Cincinnati this morning. Wolf went on to Fort Wayne, and I took the train for Detroit. I arrived at Union Station at 4:00pm. Dad met me and we came out to Ypsilanti on the “Doodle Bug”. Mom and Jack met us at the depot. Sure a treat to see them once again, as well as the old homestead at 715 Oak Street. I called Ruby tonight, after going to “Forty Hours”.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Monday, October 25, 1943.
Monday, October 25, 1943.
It rained hard last night, and still raining all day today! I sent some telegrams telling people that I have returned to the States. Tonight, I saw the movie, “Princess O’Rourke”, and then I called home.
Tuesday, October 26, 1943.
It is still raining this morning, but Bob Jarrett, Jim Wolfcale and I went into town. We just intended to bum around. We went in on the bus, and then out to Langley Field. Jarrett used to be stationed there as an enlisted man. Our first stop was at the Finance Office, where we collected some per diem.
We found out that we could take our 6-4 physicals here, although we weren’t scheduled for them until Friday. Then, they decided that we would have to wait and take our physical at our next permanent station., instead! So, we went over to Headquarters and pushed our Orders through S-1. We hurried back to the Camp for our baggage, While Wolf waited for the Orders. We just made it back to Hampton Roads in time for the 7:15 pm train - after a taxi bill of about $15!
I received a telegram from Nancy Smith, but no money order from home. We changed trains at Richmond. I have a 20 day leave! Wolf and I have Pullman compartment together.
It rained hard last night, and still raining all day today! I sent some telegrams telling people that I have returned to the States. Tonight, I saw the movie, “Princess O’Rourke”, and then I called home.
Tuesday, October 26, 1943.
It is still raining this morning, but Bob Jarrett, Jim Wolfcale and I went into town. We just intended to bum around. We went in on the bus, and then out to Langley Field. Jarrett used to be stationed there as an enlisted man. Our first stop was at the Finance Office, where we collected some per diem.
We found out that we could take our 6-4 physicals here, although we weren’t scheduled for them until Friday. Then, they decided that we would have to wait and take our physical at our next permanent station., instead! So, we went over to Headquarters and pushed our Orders through S-1. We hurried back to the Camp for our baggage, While Wolf waited for the Orders. We just made it back to Hampton Roads in time for the 7:15 pm train - after a taxi bill of about $15!
I received a telegram from Nancy Smith, but no money order from home. We changed trains at Richmond. I have a 20 day leave! Wolf and I have Pullman compartment together.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Sunday, October 24, 1943.
Sunday, October 24, 1943.
We arrived in the harbor at Newport News at 3:24 this morning after a little more than a weeks trip. The tugs didn’t get us in tow and docked until 10:30. I ate dinner on board. The prisoners were unloaded afterwards. I got off the ship about 2:00 PM. They had a band on the dock playing the Air Corps songs, other marches, and songs that were popular when we were still Stateside.
The prisoners must have wondered, when they saw the German helmets and rifles some of the passengers brought back with them - possibly their own!
We boarded a troop train, which took us to Camp Patrick Henry (Virginia) - a Staging area. There was a very nice officers’ club, and very good food. I was surprised to see a mob of WAACS there - especially, after returning from “No Woman’s’ Land”. They are very impressive.
I tried calling home tonight, but no soap. There was much emotion, which the boys had been holding back, when they beheld the good old USA. Everything became more clear why we were fighting.
We arrived in the harbor at Newport News at 3:24 this morning after a little more than a weeks trip. The tugs didn’t get us in tow and docked until 10:30. I ate dinner on board. The prisoners were unloaded afterwards. I got off the ship about 2:00 PM. They had a band on the dock playing the Air Corps songs, other marches, and songs that were popular when we were still Stateside.
The prisoners must have wondered, when they saw the German helmets and rifles some of the passengers brought back with them - possibly their own!
We boarded a troop train, which took us to Camp Patrick Henry (Virginia) - a Staging area. There was a very nice officers’ club, and very good food. I was surprised to see a mob of WAACS there - especially, after returning from “No Woman’s’ Land”. They are very impressive.
I tried calling home tonight, but no soap. There was much emotion, which the boys had been holding back, when they beheld the good old USA. Everything became more clear why we were fighting.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Saturday, Ocyober 23, 1943.
Saturday, October 23, 1943.
I saw a plane today, so the good old USA can’t be too far away. This gives me a keen feeling to know that it had come from the states. I read and played rum this afternoon. Roast turkey for supper tonight. I guess this is our last night on the boat. The weather is much cooler for a change.
I saw a plane today, so the good old USA can’t be too far away. This gives me a keen feeling to know that it had come from the states. I read and played rum this afternoon. Roast turkey for supper tonight. I guess this is our last night on the boat. The weather is much cooler for a change.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Thursday, October 21, 1943.
Thursday, October 21, 1943.
We had roast duck for supper tonight. Our British waiters are very efficient and courteous. (An aside, I don’t remember tipping them at the end of our trip? I wasn’t “Cruise” savvy back then - nor am I now. I have never been on a “paid” cruise!)
We passed through a storm this afternoon, which gave us a very rough ride. I picked 514 ½ knots for today’s mileage, and missed it by ½ knot! We had our daily practice drill. I played cards and read tonight. I listened to a U.S. radio station, on the ship’s P.A. system. They gave their predictions for Saturday’s football games.
Friday, October 22, 1943.
The ship made only 479 knots today, due to the storm. Good meals as per usual. The prisoners on board must be sensing the closeness of the U.S., as they were frisky and playing games. I read and played cards tonight.
We had roast duck for supper tonight. Our British waiters are very efficient and courteous. (An aside, I don’t remember tipping them at the end of our trip? I wasn’t “Cruise” savvy back then - nor am I now. I have never been on a “paid” cruise!)
We passed through a storm this afternoon, which gave us a very rough ride. I picked 514 ½ knots for today’s mileage, and missed it by ½ knot! We had our daily practice drill. I played cards and read tonight. I listened to a U.S. radio station, on the ship’s P.A. system. They gave their predictions for Saturday’s football games.
Friday, October 22, 1943.
The ship made only 479 knots today, due to the storm. Good meals as per usual. The prisoners on board must be sensing the closeness of the U.S., as they were frisky and playing games. I read and played cards tonight.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Tuesday, October 10, 1943.
Tuesday, October 19, 1943.
Fresh oranges and apples today! Also, fresh steak and apple pie! The prisoners were out on deck singing. Another practice “Action and Muster” drill. I went to 8:00 o’clock mass and communion, this morning, in the Rec Room. I read tonight.
Wednesday, October 20, 1943.
Another day at sea. We had a practice emergency drill this afternoon, as per usual. The German Consul to Italy is on board. They captured him in Naples.
Fresh oranges and apples today! Also, fresh steak and apple pie! The prisoners were out on deck singing. Another practice “Action and Muster” drill. I went to 8:00 o’clock mass and communion, this morning, in the Rec Room. I read tonight.
Wednesday, October 20, 1943.
Another day at sea. We had a practice emergency drill this afternoon, as per usual. The German Consul to Italy is on board. They captured him in Naples.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Monday. October 18, 1943.
Monday, October 18, 1943.
A beautiful day on the Atlantic ocean today! We have traveled 521 knots the past 24 hours. I am in a “pool”, and we all guess the days mileage.” For today, I guessed only 489 knots. We are traveling a zigzag course, and I must have been influenced by that. Abut every 10 minutes, the ship changes it’s heading, because we are unescorted. The theory is, that it takes an enemy sub about that length of time to zero us in it’s sight.
It seems strange to order from a menu, instead of knowing that you were having “C” Rations - not by choice! I took a bath in the TUB in our suite, but it was lather-less due to using salt water. Fresh water is available only three times a day - at meal times - and even then, hot water is at a premium, and a real luxury.
We had a practice “Action and Muster” drill this afternoon. I read tonight. The clocks go back another hour at midnight. Supposedly, we are entering the most hazardous 24 hours of the trip!
A beautiful day on the Atlantic ocean today! We have traveled 521 knots the past 24 hours. I am in a “pool”, and we all guess the days mileage.” For today, I guessed only 489 knots. We are traveling a zigzag course, and I must have been influenced by that. Abut every 10 minutes, the ship changes it’s heading, because we are unescorted. The theory is, that it takes an enemy sub about that length of time to zero us in it’s sight.
It seems strange to order from a menu, instead of knowing that you were having “C” Rations - not by choice! I took a bath in the TUB in our suite, but it was lather-less due to using salt water. Fresh water is available only three times a day - at meal times - and even then, hot water is at a premium, and a real luxury.
We had a practice “Action and Muster” drill this afternoon. I read tonight. The clocks go back another hour at midnight. Supposedly, we are entering the most hazardous 24 hours of the trip!
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Sunday, October 17, 1943.
Sunday, October 17, 1943.
Very good food, today, as per usual. Fresh celery this noon, and apples tonight. They had mass this morning in the Recreation Room, so I attended. I saw about 200 German Officers march to chow. We had a life boat drill this afternoon Wolf, Fred and I played Rum tonight. I turned my watch back an hour. A PBY Flying Boat has been escorting us all day. They just keep circling - looking for German U boats, I presume.
Very good food, today, as per usual. Fresh celery this noon, and apples tonight. They had mass this morning in the Recreation Room, so I attended. I saw about 200 German Officers march to chow. We had a life boat drill this afternoon Wolf, Fred and I played Rum tonight. I turned my watch back an hour. A PBY Flying Boat has been escorting us all day. They just keep circling - looking for German U boats, I presume.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Saturday, October 16, 1943.
Saturday, October 16, 1943.
Up for breakfast at 0815. I have an assigned table, and time, for the whole trip! I am really surprised with the beautiful dining salon, and pleasantly pleased with the fine food! The service (all British personnel) is perfect. For breakfast, I had a choice of hot or cold cereal, coffee, rolls, toast, FRESH butter, marmalade, FRESH bacon and sausages!
They loaded hospital casualties aboard this morning - a very pitiful sight. At the same tome, fresh recruits were unloading. As the two groups passed, they wished each other luck! Very emotional and touching for me. The “rookies” must have done some tall thinking!
Dinner (lunch) was at 1300. I had STEAK, REAL mashed potatoes and gravy; rolls and butter, coffee, onions, FRESH tomato and lettuce salad, vegetable soup, rutabaga and rice pudding for dessert!
This afternoon, they loaded German prisoners of war aboard
At 1700, we shoved off, leaving the tugs and Casablanca behind, about 1800, and passing by American, French and British Men of War. The sea is noticeably rough, but to a seaman it is probably smooth. We carry our life jackets everywhere we go now. A blackout is enforced at 1830, and no one is permitted on deck.. We do not have an escort, so no unnecessary chances are taken. There is no beer or liquor aboard (officially). Some WAACs, nurses, and civilians, are also on board.
Supper at 2000. They served:- fresh veal, baked potato, rolls and butter, coffee, Brussels sprouts, potato soup, and Jell-O. Very fine meals. I stopped in at the small canteen. I was hungry for candy. You could buy only six Hershey’s or Nestles at a time.
Rain storms tonight. Red Bird Juster, Bob Jarrett and Jim Wolfcale have “Watch’ duty. Someone found a German prisoner scraping the black paint off the port hole. As a result, the prisoners lost their lighting privilege, and were blacked out. I had some orange juice in the Officers’ Club Room . I turned my watch back one hour.
Up for breakfast at 0815. I have an assigned table, and time, for the whole trip! I am really surprised with the beautiful dining salon, and pleasantly pleased with the fine food! The service (all British personnel) is perfect. For breakfast, I had a choice of hot or cold cereal, coffee, rolls, toast, FRESH butter, marmalade, FRESH bacon and sausages!
They loaded hospital casualties aboard this morning - a very pitiful sight. At the same tome, fresh recruits were unloading. As the two groups passed, they wished each other luck! Very emotional and touching for me. The “rookies” must have done some tall thinking!
Dinner (lunch) was at 1300. I had STEAK, REAL mashed potatoes and gravy; rolls and butter, coffee, onions, FRESH tomato and lettuce salad, vegetable soup, rutabaga and rice pudding for dessert!
This afternoon, they loaded German prisoners of war aboard
At 1700, we shoved off, leaving the tugs and Casablanca behind, about 1800, and passing by American, French and British Men of War. The sea is noticeably rough, but to a seaman it is probably smooth. We carry our life jackets everywhere we go now. A blackout is enforced at 1830, and no one is permitted on deck.. We do not have an escort, so no unnecessary chances are taken. There is no beer or liquor aboard (officially). Some WAACs, nurses, and civilians, are also on board.
Supper at 2000. They served:- fresh veal, baked potato, rolls and butter, coffee, Brussels sprouts, potato soup, and Jell-O. Very fine meals. I stopped in at the small canteen. I was hungry for candy. You could buy only six Hershey’s or Nestles at a time.
Rain storms tonight. Red Bird Juster, Bob Jarrett and Jim Wolfcale have “Watch’ duty. Someone found a German prisoner scraping the black paint off the port hole. As a result, the prisoners lost their lighting privilege, and were blacked out. I had some orange juice in the Officers’ Club Room . I turned my watch back one hour.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Friday, October 15, 1943.
Friday, October 15, 1943.
No breakfast this morning - fresh out! We have been alerted about shipping out, so I am staying in camp. A poor lunch and dinner. I got some money changed, and went to the PX. I ran into Beatty, who is just coming over here from the U.S.!
We left here about 1930, by truck, for the boat. After waiting around quite a while (the old military game), I boarded at 2330. My baggage almost got the best of me. It weighs more than I do!
This is a beautiful, and large ship - the Empress of Scotland, It used to be the Empress of Japan, and sailed on the Pacific run. It sure is nice! There are 12 of us in a fairly large room, in double-deck bunks. I have an upper berth - beneath a port hole. We have a separate bath. The room was a suite for two in peacetime! At that time, the ship carried about a tenth of the complement as now!
Our Steward is named “Snowy”, and he is very nice. Our bunks are very soft and inviting - with CLEAN linens and TWO soft pillows, and two woolen blankets. There are officers from P-40’s; B-17’s; b-25’s and B-26’s in here. We have already started arguing about the relative merits of our different planes. I go to bed not knowing if we will leave tonight or not. (P.S. - We didn’t get away.)
No breakfast this morning - fresh out! We have been alerted about shipping out, so I am staying in camp. A poor lunch and dinner. I got some money changed, and went to the PX. I ran into Beatty, who is just coming over here from the U.S.!
We left here about 1930, by truck, for the boat. After waiting around quite a while (the old military game), I boarded at 2330. My baggage almost got the best of me. It weighs more than I do!
This is a beautiful, and large ship - the Empress of Scotland, It used to be the Empress of Japan, and sailed on the Pacific run. It sure is nice! There are 12 of us in a fairly large room, in double-deck bunks. I have an upper berth - beneath a port hole. We have a separate bath. The room was a suite for two in peacetime! At that time, the ship carried about a tenth of the complement as now!
Our Steward is named “Snowy”, and he is very nice. Our bunks are very soft and inviting - with CLEAN linens and TWO soft pillows, and two woolen blankets. There are officers from P-40’s; B-17’s; b-25’s and B-26’s in here. We have already started arguing about the relative merits of our different planes. I go to bed not knowing if we will leave tonight or not. (P.S. - We didn’t get away.)
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Wednesday, October 13, 1943.
Wednesday, October 13, 1943.
This morning was damp and foggy - good California weather! I went in to town this afternoon. Tonight, I saw the movie, “Dumbo” - pretty good..
It rained hard tonight..
Thursday, October 14, 1943.
I packed up this morning and moved over to 32 Battalion; Company at Don Passage - awaiting shipment home. This is a new place - stone barracks - cots and a couple of blankets. They use mess kits - if you can find one. But, not much to eat if you do find one!
Jim Wolfcale, Bob Jarrett and I went in to Casa Blanca this afternoon. I did some shopping, and changed my few remaining Francs in to good old U.S. money. I ate supper in town, and had some beers. Then, went to the Red Cross Vox theatre, and saw “Honeymoon lodge.”
This morning was damp and foggy - good California weather! I went in to town this afternoon. Tonight, I saw the movie, “Dumbo” - pretty good..
It rained hard tonight..
Thursday, October 14, 1943.
I packed up this morning and moved over to 32 Battalion; Company at Don Passage - awaiting shipment home. This is a new place - stone barracks - cots and a couple of blankets. They use mess kits - if you can find one. But, not much to eat if you do find one!
Jim Wolfcale, Bob Jarrett and I went in to Casa Blanca this afternoon. I did some shopping, and changed my few remaining Francs in to good old U.S. money. I ate supper in town, and had some beers. Then, went to the Red Cross Vox theatre, and saw “Honeymoon lodge.”
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Tuesday, October 12, 1943.
Tuesday, October 12, 1943.
Columbus Day today. It is a very nice fall day. I went over to the PX and Air Corps Supply this morning. I slept for a while this afternoon, and then went in to town. I walked around sightseeing, and I did some shopping.
I ate supper in town, and then ran into Fred Olson - one of the Squadron’s pilots who has also completed his Tour of Duty. I went to the Red Cross theatre and saw “Casablanca” in Casablanca! How many people can say that? It was an outdoor movie, with a beautiful full moon shining above us, and shining through the palm trees, and reflecting off the white buildings!
Columbus Day today. It is a very nice fall day. I went over to the PX and Air Corps Supply this morning. I slept for a while this afternoon, and then went in to town. I walked around sightseeing, and I did some shopping.
I ate supper in town, and then ran into Fred Olson - one of the Squadron’s pilots who has also completed his Tour of Duty. I went to the Red Cross theatre and saw “Casablanca” in Casablanca! How many people can say that? It was an outdoor movie, with a beautiful full moon shining above us, and shining through the palm trees, and reflecting off the white buildings!
Friday, October 19, 2007
Monday, October 11, 1943.
Monday, October 11, 1943.
I went over to the PX this morning, and then to the Operations office. This afternoon, I went in to Casa Blanca and walked around town, and then back to the Officers’ Club. I ate dinner in town, and then listened to the World Series on the radio. The Yanks won, 2-0, and copped the Series 4 games to 1.
I went over to the PX this morning, and then to the Operations office. This afternoon, I went in to Casa Blanca and walked around town, and then back to the Officers’ Club. I ate dinner in town, and then listened to the World Series on the radio. The Yanks won, 2-0, and copped the Series 4 games to 1.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Sunday, October 10, 1943.
Sunday, October 10, 1943.
Father Maher sent his car to pick us up for mass this morning. And then out to the plane afterwards. I “served” mass for him, and I got a big thrill out of it, as did he. I bid him goodbye, and we took off for Casa Blanca.
We landed in Casa Blanca shortly after lunch. I got settled, and then took off for town. Casa Blanca is quite a large-modern and nice city. There are many novelty and souvenir shops - dealing mostly in leather, and in metal jewelry. There is a very nice Officers’ Club in the French Automobile Club. They have a wet bar and a snack bar, where you can get different kinds of sandwiches, ginger ale, Coke, lemonade and ice cream.
I listened to the World series on the radio tonight, and the Yanks beat the Cards again, 2-1.
Father Maher sent his car to pick us up for mass this morning. And then out to the plane afterwards. I “served” mass for him, and I got a big thrill out of it, as did he. I bid him goodbye, and we took off for Casa Blanca.
We landed in Casa Blanca shortly after lunch. I got settled, and then took off for town. Casa Blanca is quite a large-modern and nice city. There are many novelty and souvenir shops - dealing mostly in leather, and in metal jewelry. There is a very nice Officers’ Club in the French Automobile Club. They have a wet bar and a snack bar, where you can get different kinds of sandwiches, ginger ale, Coke, lemonade and ice cream.
I listened to the World series on the radio tonight, and the Yanks beat the Cards again, 2-1.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Saturday, October 9, 1943.
Saturday, October 9, 1943.
They picked us up at the hotel, and hurried us out, to wait at the field, for the transports. Not all of us got on. They went according to the length of time on the waiting list.
The four hour flight to La Senia, at Oran, was pretty rough. But, the old veteran C-47, with it’s wings flapping like a birds, weathered it O.K.
I picked up my Orders at Operations, sending me home. I had a snack at the snack bar (no breakfast or lunch!), and then went over to our quarters. It is an old French barracks, but quite comfortable. Italian prisoners of war help in the Mess Halls, and are Orderlies. They are very good workers and seem happy. They want to go home and fight against the Boche.
I noticed a Father Maher’s name on a church bulletin, so called him. Sure enough, it was THE FATHER MAHER!( He used to be the Associate Pastor at St. Mary’s church in Berea. My Dad took a liking to him, and Father Maher gave him “instructions”, and converted him to Catholicism in 1935or 6.). So, I went over to the chapel before services tonight, and had a good talk. I stayed for Rosary, Benediction and Novena, and then went to confession afterwards.
I then went back to the Officers’ Club for the dance. They had a very good orchestra, and some pretty fair nurses were there. I danced and then had a good buffet snack - baked beans, pickles, French fries, coffee, sandwiches, doughnuts, salad and fish, The Arab wine was cold - period.
They picked us up at the hotel, and hurried us out, to wait at the field, for the transports. Not all of us got on. They went according to the length of time on the waiting list.
The four hour flight to La Senia, at Oran, was pretty rough. But, the old veteran C-47, with it’s wings flapping like a birds, weathered it O.K.
I picked up my Orders at Operations, sending me home. I had a snack at the snack bar (no breakfast or lunch!), and then went over to our quarters. It is an old French barracks, but quite comfortable. Italian prisoners of war help in the Mess Halls, and are Orderlies. They are very good workers and seem happy. They want to go home and fight against the Boche.
I noticed a Father Maher’s name on a church bulletin, so called him. Sure enough, it was THE FATHER MAHER!( He used to be the Associate Pastor at St. Mary’s church in Berea. My Dad took a liking to him, and Father Maher gave him “instructions”, and converted him to Catholicism in 1935or 6.). So, I went over to the chapel before services tonight, and had a good talk. I stayed for Rosary, Benediction and Novena, and then went to confession afterwards.
I then went back to the Officers’ Club for the dance. They had a very good orchestra, and some pretty fair nurses were there. I danced and then had a good buffet snack - baked beans, pickles, French fries, coffee, sandwiches, doughnuts, salad and fish, The Arab wine was cold - period.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Friday, October 8, 1943.
Friday, October 8, 1943.
We went out to Foche Field this morning, and then out to our Field. Mac and Ray came in and picked us up. We got everything straightened out, and then found we were listed on Air Force Orders, as well as Group Orders.
We are supposed to leave on transport for Oran in the morning. We came back in to town to stay the night.
We went out to Foche Field this morning, and then out to our Field. Mac and Ray came in and picked us up. We got everything straightened out, and then found we were listed on Air Force Orders, as well as Group Orders.
We are supposed to leave on transport for Oran in the morning. We came back in to town to stay the night.
Monday, October 15, 2007
Thursday, October 6, 1943.
Thursday, October 6, 1943.
Red and I went to the show tonight. Saw “Nurse Edith Cavell”. Quite good and enjoyed it. Chow at the Red Cross Club. We found out that we are on orders to go to Oran, so went out to the field. Jim Wolfcale came back in town with us. He brought his cot, and stayed all night with us.
The Yankees beat the Cards 6-2 today.
Red and I went to the show tonight. Saw “Nurse Edith Cavell”. Quite good and enjoyed it. Chow at the Red Cross Club. We found out that we are on orders to go to Oran, so went out to the field. Jim Wolfcale came back in town with us. He brought his cot, and stayed all night with us.
The Yankees beat the Cards 6-2 today.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Sunday, October 14, 2007.
Sunday, October 14, 2007.
Brittney and Joan visited us today, and we really enjoyed seeing them. It had been quite a while since Marie had seen Brittney, and she really looked sharp! It was very thoughtful of Joan to drive her down. We are fortunate to have such a lovely granddaughter. Their visit really gave Marie a pickup! After they left, she got dressed, and went out in the back yard, and did a little gardening. She will work up a little appetite for dinner.
Wednesday, October 6, 1943.
I ate at the Baghdad this morning - bacon, fried eggs as well as melon. Then, I stopped in at the church, and another funeral mass was in progress. I read, wrote a letter and had a French class this afternoon.
It rained this evening. I ran into MacDonald in the ice cream line at the Red Cross Club. The Cards beat the Yankees 4-3 today.
Brittney and Joan visited us today, and we really enjoyed seeing them. It had been quite a while since Marie had seen Brittney, and she really looked sharp! It was very thoughtful of Joan to drive her down. We are fortunate to have such a lovely granddaughter. Their visit really gave Marie a pickup! After they left, she got dressed, and went out in the back yard, and did a little gardening. She will work up a little appetite for dinner.
Wednesday, October 6, 1943.
I ate at the Baghdad this morning - bacon, fried eggs as well as melon. Then, I stopped in at the church, and another funeral mass was in progress. I read, wrote a letter and had a French class this afternoon.
It rained this evening. I ran into MacDonald in the ice cream line at the Red Cross Club. The Cards beat the Yankees 4-3 today.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Tuesday, October 5, 1943.
Tuesday, October 5, 1943.
I ate at the Officers’ Mess this morning, and also this noon - fresh meat for a change! I stopped in at the cathedral this morning, during a mass for the dead.
I lounged around at the Red Cross Club, and had chocolate ice cream this afternoon. I went out to the field tonight, and picked up my mail, and took a shower, and change clothes. I ate supper - had a beer, and back into town tonight. I wrote a couple of letters.
The Yanks won the first game of the World series 4-2. Red stayed out at the field, and will be in tomorrow.
I ate at the Officers’ Mess this morning, and also this noon - fresh meat for a change! I stopped in at the cathedral this morning, during a mass for the dead.
I lounged around at the Red Cross Club, and had chocolate ice cream this afternoon. I went out to the field tonight, and picked up my mail, and took a shower, and change clothes. I ate supper - had a beer, and back into town tonight. I wrote a couple of letters.
The Yanks won the first game of the World series 4-2. Red stayed out at the field, and will be in tomorrow.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Monday, October 4, 1943.
Monday, October 4, 1943.
I ate breakfast at the Officers’ Mess this morning, and then stopped in at the cathedral in Tunis. I got some PX rations at the 2nd S.A.C. Then, I stopped at the regular officers’ PX, and got a haircut before dinner. Dinner at the Officers’ Mess, and then lounged around the Red Cross Club until “Snack Time”.
Tonight, Red and I saw Laurel and Hardy in “ A Haunting We Will Go”. A good laugh for a “blue” Monday. I came back to the Club, and a party was in progress. I hung around, listened to the music and watched them dance. Refreshments, and then upstairs to bed.
I ate breakfast at the Officers’ Mess this morning, and then stopped in at the cathedral in Tunis. I got some PX rations at the 2nd S.A.C. Then, I stopped at the regular officers’ PX, and got a haircut before dinner. Dinner at the Officers’ Mess, and then lounged around the Red Cross Club until “Snack Time”.
Tonight, Red and I saw Laurel and Hardy in “ A Haunting We Will Go”. A good laugh for a “blue” Monday. I came back to the Club, and a party was in progress. I hung around, listened to the music and watched them dance. Refreshments, and then upstairs to bed.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Sunday, October 3, 1943.
Sunday, October 3, 1943.
Redbird and I went to 0830 Mass this morning and communion. The French Boy Scouts also went - en masse!
I walked around Tunis, and then wrote some letters. I had dinner, and then looked around this afternoon. Pineapple ice cream today. Non-op today. Bum weather as per usual.
I talked with Elaine, a French girl that’s a hostess here at the Red Cross. I had a regular bull session. Heard a re-broadcast of Charlie McCarthy, also the Mothers’ Day program of the Band Wagon.
The pianist was in tonight. He is a student of Paderewski. He started playing piano at the age of 5, and gave his first concert when he was 11. He has toured in the States. He speaks broken English, and plays our tunes. He is a political refugee from Austria. He empties all the ash trays into his coat pocket. He is never without his pipe. He stopped in the middle of playing Lebensraum, to tear some cigarette butts up and fill his pipe, and light up. Then, he continued on playing from where he had left off!
Redbird and I went to 0830 Mass this morning and communion. The French Boy Scouts also went - en masse!
I walked around Tunis, and then wrote some letters. I had dinner, and then looked around this afternoon. Pineapple ice cream today. Non-op today. Bum weather as per usual.
I talked with Elaine, a French girl that’s a hostess here at the Red Cross. I had a regular bull session. Heard a re-broadcast of Charlie McCarthy, also the Mothers’ Day program of the Band Wagon.
The pianist was in tonight. He is a student of Paderewski. He started playing piano at the age of 5, and gave his first concert when he was 11. He has toured in the States. He speaks broken English, and plays our tunes. He is a political refugee from Austria. He empties all the ash trays into his coat pocket. He is never without his pipe. He stopped in the middle of playing Lebensraum, to tear some cigarette butts up and fill his pipe, and light up. Then, he continued on playing from where he had left off!
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
October 2, 1943.
Saturday, October 2, 1943.
I got up late for breakfast this morning, at the G.I. Mess, and so I ate at some dive. I got docked 75 francs for a couple of eggs, besides taking a chance on a good dose of the G.I’s.
I mailed some stuff home. It cost more than the stuff was worth. I ate dinner at the NASAF Mess. I lounged around, and then ate at the Red Cross this afternoon. I had steak for supper at the G.I. Mess. I came back to the Red Cross and wrote letters, and listened to the radio.
The Allies took Naples today!
I got up late for breakfast this morning, at the G.I. Mess, and so I ate at some dive. I got docked 75 francs for a couple of eggs, besides taking a chance on a good dose of the G.I’s.
I mailed some stuff home. It cost more than the stuff was worth. I ate dinner at the NASAF Mess. I lounged around, and then ate at the Red Cross this afternoon. I had steak for supper at the G.I. Mess. I came back to the Red Cross and wrote letters, and listened to the radio.
The Allies took Naples today!
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
REUNION Completion. Monday, October 1, 2007.
REUNION - Completion. Monday, October 1, 2007.
Well, the weekend flew by, and this is already get-away day. I am not looking forward to another 12 hour day! Of the less than 80 hours I was gone, 24 of them were spent going and coming! My Monday started out on the weird side. Saturday morning at breakfast, I asked the Hostess what time she would be open for breakfast the next morning. She said 6 o’clock. I told her that I had a 6 shuttle reservation. She then told me to come down about 5:30, and she would have a breakfast ready for me. Sunday night, I left a 5 A.M. “wake-up” call, and made a reservation for the 6A.M. shuttle to the airport. I also set my wind-up alarm for 5, figuring that between the two I would at least hear one of them. Well, I didn’t. When the phone rang, I jumped out of bed and looked at the clock, and it was 6 A .M.! What a shock! I can’t explain the weird feeling of hopelessness I had. I dressed hurriedly, brushed my teeth and finished packing, and was off. Fortunately, they put the statement under the door during the night, so didn’t have to check out.
When I got to the front of the hotel, I told the desk clerk That I left a call for 5. He said they called at 5, and there was no answer. He also said that he never saw anyone who slept so soundly. I didn’t tell him that I was still awake at 2;30! I didn’t sleep well any of the three nights I was there. I don’t know why. He could see that I was stressed, so he went in the back and came out with a Hampton Inn, “On the Run” sack breakfast. About then the breakfast hostess came up and said, “Where were you? I fixed breakfast for you!
About then, a shuttle driver came in and said she ate my breakfast, and would be driving me to the airport. She said she didn’t have any passengers at the Best Western, so she came over to take me to the airport. Apparently, the desk had called her. She did her best to relax me by assuring me that I had plenty of time to make my 0830 flight. She had been working all night, and was still friendly and up beat. Her shift ended at 7:00, and we arrived at the airport at 0630. No one ahead of me at Southwest ticketing, and Security went fast and smoothly, and had my shoes back on by 0700. On to Gate B-10 (at the end of the concourse, as per usual) to catch Flight 259 to Oakland - with one stop in Phoenix. The Cleveland airport is much quieter than Oakland’s. Of course, it is early in the morning.
I pre-boarded - what a nice benefit. I picked a window seat on the same side as when inbound - so I could see other scenery in the opposite direction going back. We pushed back from the Gate at 0828, and took off to the Southwest at 0835, after a 35 second run (there must not have been much wind.).
We passed through 10,000 feet at 0840. We are passing through a cold front, lying north-south through Toledo , at 0850. The seat-belt sign is still “On,” as it is a little bumpy, as we skim over the top of cumulus clouds just below us. We are through the front at 0910. It is 1110 (EDT), and the pilot reports that we are 570 miles from Phoenix. I can see many circles on the ground, and the pilot said that they do a lot of soy bean farming in the mid-west. We are leaving western Kansas and entering over Eastern Nebraska.
It is 1125, and flying over desert now. I can see a small plane flying about a 1,000 feet below us, heading in the opposite direction. They served a box of “Travel Snacks” shortly after take-off from /Cleveland. The flight attendants have come through the cabin twice since - serving water, soft drinks and coffee.
We are starting our letdown into Phoenix at 1155 EDT. I set my watch back two hours to Mountain Daylight Time - even though Arizona doesn’t observe Daylight Savings Time. It is overcast below, and our plane makes a great silhouette on the cloud tops. It is a smooth ride even though we are letting down through the overcast. We break out of the clouds, 100 miles out, at 12:20The pilot reports 85 degrees on the ground in Phoenix, and we will be on the ground in in 25 minutes. Also, that we will be on the ground for 20 minutes, and then on to Oakland. We are flying just above the mountains in the area. It is hard to believe the large area covered by the cities of Phoenix/Scottsdale. Between these two cities and Tucson, there’s not much desert left in Arizona. I’ve never thought of Phoenix as a big city. But, when I look down and see the vast and extensive freeway system, one would think that it is L.A. On our final approach we pass very close to the downtown high-rise buildings. We touched down at 1236.
While on the ground in Phoenix, I asked the flight attendant how many passengers the plane held. She said 137, with about 100 on board from Cleveland to Phoenix, and 11 of these remaining on board to continue on to Oakland.
One of the Phoenix passengers, picked the aisle seat in my row. To be friendly, I asked him what time it was in Phoenix? He replied, “The same time”! “They walk among us!”
We pushed back from the Gate at 1030 PDT, and were off the ground at 1036 - a 35 second takeoff- run to the west. There were a few middle seats vacant (a 3 by 3 configuration) on all legs of my flights - to and from!
I can see the Sierra Nevada mountains close by and visibility is so good that I can see the blue Pacific in the distance, off to the west. I can also see a wisp of smoke rising to the west. Don’t know if it is one of the old fires, or a new one. I would guess that we are flying at about 25 thousand feet. (the higher the altitude, the more efficient is the jet engine). We are flying over desolate desert area northwest of Phoenix. I can’t help but wonder where Fossett is when I look down at this large desolate area. I keep thinking what if I spot his crash site?
Flying across highways 395, 99, I-5 and the Central canal. It is noon, and we are experiencing a bumpy ride. The pilot is slowly descending to smoother airspace. It is noon. We are entering the top of the clouds - probably around 10,000 feet.
We touch down at Oakland at 1230. As we taxi in to the terminal, I notice a large boom pumping concrete on the ramp. More airport expansion I presume. Wouldn’t you know, we park at Gate 30 - at the end of the concourse.
I pick up my suitcase off the carousel and tow it over to Station 4E to await the 2:30 Evans. Back at the Courtyard hotel in Vallejo at 3:15, picked up my car, and walked in the door here at 3:30 - another 12 hour day .
To recap: It was a very interesting trip. I was very pleased at how well I weathered the trip. I was a little skeptical and hesitant to make the long trip, but I did just fine! I thank the Good Lord for a very nice and safe trip!
Well, the weekend flew by, and this is already get-away day. I am not looking forward to another 12 hour day! Of the less than 80 hours I was gone, 24 of them were spent going and coming! My Monday started out on the weird side. Saturday morning at breakfast, I asked the Hostess what time she would be open for breakfast the next morning. She said 6 o’clock. I told her that I had a 6 shuttle reservation. She then told me to come down about 5:30, and she would have a breakfast ready for me. Sunday night, I left a 5 A.M. “wake-up” call, and made a reservation for the 6A.M. shuttle to the airport. I also set my wind-up alarm for 5, figuring that between the two I would at least hear one of them. Well, I didn’t. When the phone rang, I jumped out of bed and looked at the clock, and it was 6 A .M.! What a shock! I can’t explain the weird feeling of hopelessness I had. I dressed hurriedly, brushed my teeth and finished packing, and was off. Fortunately, they put the statement under the door during the night, so didn’t have to check out.
When I got to the front of the hotel, I told the desk clerk That I left a call for 5. He said they called at 5, and there was no answer. He also said that he never saw anyone who slept so soundly. I didn’t tell him that I was still awake at 2;30! I didn’t sleep well any of the three nights I was there. I don’t know why. He could see that I was stressed, so he went in the back and came out with a Hampton Inn, “On the Run” sack breakfast. About then the breakfast hostess came up and said, “Where were you? I fixed breakfast for you!
About then, a shuttle driver came in and said she ate my breakfast, and would be driving me to the airport. She said she didn’t have any passengers at the Best Western, so she came over to take me to the airport. Apparently, the desk had called her. She did her best to relax me by assuring me that I had plenty of time to make my 0830 flight. She had been working all night, and was still friendly and up beat. Her shift ended at 7:00, and we arrived at the airport at 0630. No one ahead of me at Southwest ticketing, and Security went fast and smoothly, and had my shoes back on by 0700. On to Gate B-10 (at the end of the concourse, as per usual) to catch Flight 259 to Oakland - with one stop in Phoenix. The Cleveland airport is much quieter than Oakland’s. Of course, it is early in the morning.
I pre-boarded - what a nice benefit. I picked a window seat on the same side as when inbound - so I could see other scenery in the opposite direction going back. We pushed back from the Gate at 0828, and took off to the Southwest at 0835, after a 35 second run (there must not have been much wind.).
We passed through 10,000 feet at 0840. We are passing through a cold front, lying north-south through Toledo , at 0850. The seat-belt sign is still “On,” as it is a little bumpy, as we skim over the top of cumulus clouds just below us. We are through the front at 0910. It is 1110 (EDT), and the pilot reports that we are 570 miles from Phoenix. I can see many circles on the ground, and the pilot said that they do a lot of soy bean farming in the mid-west. We are leaving western Kansas and entering over Eastern Nebraska.
It is 1125, and flying over desert now. I can see a small plane flying about a 1,000 feet below us, heading in the opposite direction. They served a box of “Travel Snacks” shortly after take-off from /Cleveland. The flight attendants have come through the cabin twice since - serving water, soft drinks and coffee.
We are starting our letdown into Phoenix at 1155 EDT. I set my watch back two hours to Mountain Daylight Time - even though Arizona doesn’t observe Daylight Savings Time. It is overcast below, and our plane makes a great silhouette on the cloud tops. It is a smooth ride even though we are letting down through the overcast. We break out of the clouds, 100 miles out, at 12:20The pilot reports 85 degrees on the ground in Phoenix, and we will be on the ground in in 25 minutes. Also, that we will be on the ground for 20 minutes, and then on to Oakland. We are flying just above the mountains in the area. It is hard to believe the large area covered by the cities of Phoenix/Scottsdale. Between these two cities and Tucson, there’s not much desert left in Arizona. I’ve never thought of Phoenix as a big city. But, when I look down and see the vast and extensive freeway system, one would think that it is L.A. On our final approach we pass very close to the downtown high-rise buildings. We touched down at 1236.
While on the ground in Phoenix, I asked the flight attendant how many passengers the plane held. She said 137, with about 100 on board from Cleveland to Phoenix, and 11 of these remaining on board to continue on to Oakland.
One of the Phoenix passengers, picked the aisle seat in my row. To be friendly, I asked him what time it was in Phoenix? He replied, “The same time”! “They walk among us!”
We pushed back from the Gate at 1030 PDT, and were off the ground at 1036 - a 35 second takeoff- run to the west. There were a few middle seats vacant (a 3 by 3 configuration) on all legs of my flights - to and from!
I can see the Sierra Nevada mountains close by and visibility is so good that I can see the blue Pacific in the distance, off to the west. I can also see a wisp of smoke rising to the west. Don’t know if it is one of the old fires, or a new one. I would guess that we are flying at about 25 thousand feet. (the higher the altitude, the more efficient is the jet engine). We are flying over desolate desert area northwest of Phoenix. I can’t help but wonder where Fossett is when I look down at this large desolate area. I keep thinking what if I spot his crash site?
Flying across highways 395, 99, I-5 and the Central canal. It is noon, and we are experiencing a bumpy ride. The pilot is slowly descending to smoother airspace. It is noon. We are entering the top of the clouds - probably around 10,000 feet.
We touch down at Oakland at 1230. As we taxi in to the terminal, I notice a large boom pumping concrete on the ramp. More airport expansion I presume. Wouldn’t you know, we park at Gate 30 - at the end of the concourse.
I pick up my suitcase off the carousel and tow it over to Station 4E to await the 2:30 Evans. Back at the Courtyard hotel in Vallejo at 3:15, picked up my car, and walked in the door here at 3:30 - another 12 hour day .
To recap: It was a very interesting trip. I was very pleased at how well I weathered the trip. I was a little skeptical and hesitant to make the long trip, but I did just fine! I thank the Good Lord for a very nice and safe trip!
Monday, October 8, 2007
Reunion - Continued
REUNION - Continued.
We met at 11:30 on Saturday morning, September 29th, at the Station Restaurant in Berea. This building has a lot of history, as it formerly was the New York Central depot. My Dad commuted from here into his office, in the Cleveland Terminal building, for seven years. For the last three of these years, whenever I needed our car (most families were lucky - during The Great Depression to have one car - many had none.), I would drive my Dad down to the depot to catch the 7 A.M. “Plug” heading into Cleveland. Then, I would pick him up at 6P.M. Back in those days, there were many commuters. Today, Amtrak doesn’t even stop here.
There were 17 of us for lunch - 7 from our Class of 1936; 2 from the Class of ‘35 and 5 from the Class of ‘37. and three guests.
I sat across from Rose Petersson. a very charming and entertaining lady of 89 - the mother of seven! Rose is tiny - probably 5 feet tall and weighs 100 pounds. Gordon picked her up, and she rode to the Reunion with us. She lives in an apartment complex in downtown Berea, where Gordon also used to live. When they took our "drink" orders before we ate, she said "I think I will get a shot with a beer chaser!" But, she ended up ordering ice tea - big in the midwest. Then, for lunch, she ordered a sirloin steak - also big in the midwest.
My lunch was great! The waitress said that their specialty was quiche, and that the chef had made a seafood quiche especially for us , as it is not on the menu. So, I ordered that. It was the best quiche that I’ve ever had.
We had a leisurely lunch, and then re-convened at the Mahler Museum for a social get-together and cake.
It was great seeing everyone - especially realizing that this will probably be my last chance to join the others, for our Reunions.
On Sunday, Kathleen and Grady Dorsey picked me up and I accompanied them to St,. Mary’s church for their noon Mass. I was standing in the outer foyer of the hotel, waiting for my ride to church. Suddenly, I had a "flashback" to 35 years ago - when Virginia and Pete Parin would pick uop Mom, and give her a ride to and from St. John's church in Ypsilanti. She always stood by her front door waiting for them, so she wouldn't keep them waiting. Here I am, so many years later, following in her footsteps! I was a former member of the parish, when old St. Mary’s was located in downtown Berea, during the ‘30’s. After church, they drove me al around Berea so I could see old sights and new changes. It was very interesting to me to view all of this - including the house where I used to live, as well as the house where Kathleen (a native Berean) lived when she was growing up. After church, We spent the afternoon looking at pictures from their Alaska trip from which they had recently returned. At 5:00 we met Dorsey’s oldest daughter Maureen, husband Greg, and Michael and Megan for supper. The Dorseys treated us all at the Station restaurant. I could visit there every day and not get tired of it. Naturally, the “station” is close to two pairs of mainland tracks. Trains are going by about every 5 or 6 minutes - mostly freight trains - a lot of atmosphere! Nearby, every time a train would go by, I noticed a young boy popping up in his booth and waving at the train. I noticed that the freight trains no longer carry cabooses! Communication and control, today, are all electronic. A bit of mid-west humor! The waiter gave the bill-tray to Greg, and he, matter of factly, passed it on to Grady with the comment; “You can thank me, for I could very easily have intercepted it!”
The Dorseys dropped me of at the Hampton Inn, after a long but very interesting day.
We met at 11:30 on Saturday morning, September 29th, at the Station Restaurant in Berea. This building has a lot of history, as it formerly was the New York Central depot. My Dad commuted from here into his office, in the Cleveland Terminal building, for seven years. For the last three of these years, whenever I needed our car (most families were lucky - during The Great Depression to have one car - many had none.), I would drive my Dad down to the depot to catch the 7 A.M. “Plug” heading into Cleveland. Then, I would pick him up at 6P.M. Back in those days, there were many commuters. Today, Amtrak doesn’t even stop here.
There were 17 of us for lunch - 7 from our Class of 1936; 2 from the Class of ‘35 and 5 from the Class of ‘37. and three guests.
I sat across from Rose Petersson. a very charming and entertaining lady of 89 - the mother of seven! Rose is tiny - probably 5 feet tall and weighs 100 pounds. Gordon picked her up, and she rode to the Reunion with us. She lives in an apartment complex in downtown Berea, where Gordon also used to live. When they took our "drink" orders before we ate, she said "I think I will get a shot with a beer chaser!" But, she ended up ordering ice tea - big in the midwest. Then, for lunch, she ordered a sirloin steak - also big in the midwest.
My lunch was great! The waitress said that their specialty was quiche, and that the chef had made a seafood quiche especially for us , as it is not on the menu. So, I ordered that. It was the best quiche that I’ve ever had.
We had a leisurely lunch, and then re-convened at the Mahler Museum for a social get-together and cake.
It was great seeing everyone - especially realizing that this will probably be my last chance to join the others, for our Reunions.
On Sunday, Kathleen and Grady Dorsey picked me up and I accompanied them to St,. Mary’s church for their noon Mass. I was standing in the outer foyer of the hotel, waiting for my ride to church. Suddenly, I had a "flashback" to 35 years ago - when Virginia and Pete Parin would pick uop Mom, and give her a ride to and from St. John's church in Ypsilanti. She always stood by her front door waiting for them, so she wouldn't keep them waiting. Here I am, so many years later, following in her footsteps! I was a former member of the parish, when old St. Mary’s was located in downtown Berea, during the ‘30’s. After church, they drove me al around Berea so I could see old sights and new changes. It was very interesting to me to view all of this - including the house where I used to live, as well as the house where Kathleen (a native Berean) lived when she was growing up. After church, We spent the afternoon looking at pictures from their Alaska trip from which they had recently returned. At 5:00 we met Dorsey’s oldest daughter Maureen, husband Greg, and Michael and Megan for supper. The Dorseys treated us all at the Station restaurant. I could visit there every day and not get tired of it. Naturally, the “station” is close to two pairs of mainland tracks. Trains are going by about every 5 or 6 minutes - mostly freight trains - a lot of atmosphere! Nearby, every time a train would go by, I noticed a young boy popping up in his booth and waving at the train. I noticed that the freight trains no longer carry cabooses! Communication and control, today, are all electronic. A bit of mid-west humor! The waiter gave the bill-tray to Greg, and he, matter of factly, passed it on to Grady with the comment; “You can thank me, for I could very easily have intercepted it!”
The Dorseys dropped me of at the Hampton Inn, after a long but very interesting day.
Saturday, October 6, 2007
Reunion
REUNION - September 28, 2007.
I would like to invite you along to experience my 12 hour day:
I am about to head for Cleveland to attend my 71st high school reunion. I am able to go, first of all, because my daughters, Joan and Sue, agreed to alternate staying with Marie, while I was gone for nearly four days. Too, my health (at 88) permitted me to undertake the long and tiring trip - plus I could afford the moderate -travel expense.
I left the house at 0930 Friday morning (9/28/07), and drove to the Courtyard Hotel in Vallejo to catch the 10 A.M. Evans Airporter - (fare $29 each way). The Courtyard charges $5 per day ($20 per week) to park your car at the hotel. It I a cool and cloudy day.
We arrived at Stop 4E at the Oakland Airport at 1100. The airport was quite crowded, which didn’t surprise me being a “get-away” afternoon, and it had been three years since I last flew out of there. The long lines through Southwest ticketing and Security, wind back and forth paralleling each other. For a minute, I thought that I was in Disneyland! The sign said “e-ticket line”. In that I purchased my ticket on-line, I got in this line. Soon, a Southwest employee told me that I had to get in another line - “for age verification!” Thirty minutes for age verification, to check my suitcase and get my boarding pass.
Then, on to the next adventure. I took off my white-Rocsports and grabbed a bin to put them in - along with my jacket and sweater. Then, scrounged another bin for my “carry-on” bag (which Mary had given me) - a quart zip-bag, holding my meds, and another quart baggie holding my watch and car keys. In 20 minutes, I cleared Security, and re-dressed. But, I was in no hurry, Flight 2639 wasn’t scheduled to leave until 1445 - time to get, and eat, a ham and cheese sandwich, and to visit the Men’s Room a couple of times. No matter where I go - or what airport I use, my Gate is always the last one on the concourse. Today is no exception! - Gate 32!
It is surprising how many people travel with their pillows! One guy had to kneel on his suitcase - pushing his pillow inside as he struggled to zip it closed. Southwest doesn’t have “assigned seating” so it’s one big scramble for position, at the boarding gate - “first come - first served”. Your boarding pass assigns you to a row - A,B or C. About an hour before the scheduled departure time, the gate attendants permit the passengers to sit on the floor - to stake out their place in the boarding line. Before the magic hour, the boarding area is practically empty. Then, they come out of the woodwork and the place is jammed full! People preferring to sit and wait, have to maneuver around the “floor people” like an obstacle course. Cattle have more room in their environment! The “floor people” spend their time eating, drinking coffee, on their cell phones or using their laptops.
An interesting sight! A tall-thin young guy is running out to Gate 32. He is carrying his shoes, and wears an Afghan cap (similar to the Taliban!). It is two minutes before the scheduled departure time!
It is now 1500, and I still haven’t moved. It has been five hours since I boarded Evans. I decided to pre-board, because all the flights are running at least 90 % full - only a few middle seats unoccupied. Besides, I don’t own a laptop. I asked the gate attendant if she wanted to see my health letter, and she said she would take my word for it. (I had asked my Congestive-Heart Case Manager if he would prepare a letter explaining my health condition - which he did. I took this with me when I was going to the A’s games as I was using the VIP and handicapped elevator.) I hesitated to pre-board before, but at 88 I feel that I need the privilege. So, the parents with kids - the disabled in wheel chairs, and I board first. Nice to have your choice of seats, plus not getting hit with the wild -passengers boarding with huge shoulder bags! A young lady in one of the wheel chairs is paralyzed. An attendant wheels her to the end of the boarding ramp, and stop. The rest of the pre-boarders are lined up in the jet way behind her. Two airline employees lift her out of the wheel chair, and sit her on a little stool with wheels. (Apparently the wheel chair wouldn’t fit through the cabin door.) They wheel her in to the plane and lift her from the stool, and place her in a bulkhead-aisle seat, and strap her in. I couldn’t help but wonder what will happen if she has to use the rest room during our long flight to Chicago.
We push back from the gate at 1530. The plane is almost full - with many infants and small kids aboard. We taxi out to the runway and are number one for take-off. Away we go! Wheels up at 1537 - after a 30 second take-off run - about 30 minutes late. We’ve taken off to the North. The pilot makes a 90 degree turn to the right and starts his climb. We pass through the overcast quickly, as it is only about 2,000 feet thick. We level off and the pilot comes on the P.A. And said that we will be cruising at 39,000 feet. (With most of our bombing runs at 25,000 feet, this seems very high to me.) He says that we are 1460 miles from Chicago, and estimates our arrival at Midway at 4P.M. CDT. He also said that we are 40 minutes late but estimated an on-time arrival! There must be a good tail wind. Southwest estimates the flying time for the outbound leg - Oakland to Cleveland at 5 hours and 25 minutes. Yet, they estimate the time for our return flight at 7 hours! The difference in the two flight times is due to the Eastboud tail wind from the jet stream, which will be a headwind on the return trip. Another difference is the one stop outbound at Midway in Chicago is almost directly on course. Where the one stop on the return flight is in Phoenix, which is quite a way off from a direct flight from Cleveland to Oakland.
The sky is clear as we approach the desert. The flight attendants passed out little snack boxes, and our drink of choice. The Chip Ahoy cookies, dried fruit mix, peanuts, crackers and cheese spread hit the spot.
At 1710 PDT, the pilot said that we were 875 miles from Chicago, and we had made up half of the twenty minutes that we were late. Starting to get bumpy, so the seat-belt sign is back on.
At 1945CDT, we were 600 miles from Chicago, and still 25 minutes behind schedule. We are over NE Colorado and NW Nebraska.
At 2010 CDT, we have 360 miles to go to Chicago - about one hour. At 2130, we start our descent into Midway - 20 minutes away. It is interesting to see all the lights from the many cities in the Midwest, from above. As the lights of Chicago appear on the horizon, one doesn’t appreciate the large area of the city until you see it from the air. My Mother was born here, on September 6,1892. Her aunt Nellie (her Mother’s sister) lived in Chicago most of her life.
We are on our letdown, and the little kids are screaming bloody murder. Their ears plug up because of the small canals in their young ears. Unless you have flown with a cold and had your ears plug, you cant imagine the excruciating pain. It happened to me during the Korean war. I was flying a night mission out of Mather Field in Sacramento, and had a head cold. I was in such pain when I landed that they put me in the compression chamber. They reduced the pressure to that of 10,000 feet and slowly increased the pressure back to sea Mather’s ground elevation. My ears felt better, but even so, I still broke an ear drum.
We landed at 2100 CDT. We took off for Cleveland at 2155. We were supposed to be on the ground for only 40 minutes. We were almost full out of Chicago. The flight attendant said that our 737 held about 135 people. The pilot came on and said that the computer put us in Cleveland at 2342. It was a pretty moonlit night. We flew over the southern end of Lake Michigan and across Southern Michigan. I calculated that we were very near Hillsdale (where I was born) on our flight path. About 2330 EDT, I could see Toledo off to the left. The city has certainly grown since I was last there. We touched down at Cleveland at 2345 - 35 minutes late.
I had trouble contacting the Hampton Inn hotel in Middleburg Heights for a ride back to the hotel. I Didn’t get to bed until I:30 A.M. (10:30 Vallejo time.).
I would like to invite you along to experience my 12 hour day:
I am about to head for Cleveland to attend my 71st high school reunion. I am able to go, first of all, because my daughters, Joan and Sue, agreed to alternate staying with Marie, while I was gone for nearly four days. Too, my health (at 88) permitted me to undertake the long and tiring trip - plus I could afford the moderate -travel expense.
I left the house at 0930 Friday morning (9/28/07), and drove to the Courtyard Hotel in Vallejo to catch the 10 A.M. Evans Airporter - (fare $29 each way). The Courtyard charges $5 per day ($20 per week) to park your car at the hotel. It I a cool and cloudy day.
We arrived at Stop 4E at the Oakland Airport at 1100. The airport was quite crowded, which didn’t surprise me being a “get-away” afternoon, and it had been three years since I last flew out of there. The long lines through Southwest ticketing and Security, wind back and forth paralleling each other. For a minute, I thought that I was in Disneyland! The sign said “e-ticket line”. In that I purchased my ticket on-line, I got in this line. Soon, a Southwest employee told me that I had to get in another line - “for age verification!” Thirty minutes for age verification, to check my suitcase and get my boarding pass.
Then, on to the next adventure. I took off my white-Rocsports and grabbed a bin to put them in - along with my jacket and sweater. Then, scrounged another bin for my “carry-on” bag (which Mary had given me) - a quart zip-bag, holding my meds, and another quart baggie holding my watch and car keys. In 20 minutes, I cleared Security, and re-dressed. But, I was in no hurry, Flight 2639 wasn’t scheduled to leave until 1445 - time to get, and eat, a ham and cheese sandwich, and to visit the Men’s Room a couple of times. No matter where I go - or what airport I use, my Gate is always the last one on the concourse. Today is no exception! - Gate 32!
It is surprising how many people travel with their pillows! One guy had to kneel on his suitcase - pushing his pillow inside as he struggled to zip it closed. Southwest doesn’t have “assigned seating” so it’s one big scramble for position, at the boarding gate - “first come - first served”. Your boarding pass assigns you to a row - A,B or C. About an hour before the scheduled departure time, the gate attendants permit the passengers to sit on the floor - to stake out their place in the boarding line. Before the magic hour, the boarding area is practically empty. Then, they come out of the woodwork and the place is jammed full! People preferring to sit and wait, have to maneuver around the “floor people” like an obstacle course. Cattle have more room in their environment! The “floor people” spend their time eating, drinking coffee, on their cell phones or using their laptops.
An interesting sight! A tall-thin young guy is running out to Gate 32. He is carrying his shoes, and wears an Afghan cap (similar to the Taliban!). It is two minutes before the scheduled departure time!
It is now 1500, and I still haven’t moved. It has been five hours since I boarded Evans. I decided to pre-board, because all the flights are running at least 90 % full - only a few middle seats unoccupied. Besides, I don’t own a laptop. I asked the gate attendant if she wanted to see my health letter, and she said she would take my word for it. (I had asked my Congestive-Heart Case Manager if he would prepare a letter explaining my health condition - which he did. I took this with me when I was going to the A’s games as I was using the VIP and handicapped elevator.) I hesitated to pre-board before, but at 88 I feel that I need the privilege. So, the parents with kids - the disabled in wheel chairs, and I board first. Nice to have your choice of seats, plus not getting hit with the wild -passengers boarding with huge shoulder bags! A young lady in one of the wheel chairs is paralyzed. An attendant wheels her to the end of the boarding ramp, and stop. The rest of the pre-boarders are lined up in the jet way behind her. Two airline employees lift her out of the wheel chair, and sit her on a little stool with wheels. (Apparently the wheel chair wouldn’t fit through the cabin door.) They wheel her in to the plane and lift her from the stool, and place her in a bulkhead-aisle seat, and strap her in. I couldn’t help but wonder what will happen if she has to use the rest room during our long flight to Chicago.
We push back from the gate at 1530. The plane is almost full - with many infants and small kids aboard. We taxi out to the runway and are number one for take-off. Away we go! Wheels up at 1537 - after a 30 second take-off run - about 30 minutes late. We’ve taken off to the North. The pilot makes a 90 degree turn to the right and starts his climb. We pass through the overcast quickly, as it is only about 2,000 feet thick. We level off and the pilot comes on the P.A. And said that we will be cruising at 39,000 feet. (With most of our bombing runs at 25,000 feet, this seems very high to me.) He says that we are 1460 miles from Chicago, and estimates our arrival at Midway at 4P.M. CDT. He also said that we are 40 minutes late but estimated an on-time arrival! There must be a good tail wind. Southwest estimates the flying time for the outbound leg - Oakland to Cleveland at 5 hours and 25 minutes. Yet, they estimate the time for our return flight at 7 hours! The difference in the two flight times is due to the Eastboud tail wind from the jet stream, which will be a headwind on the return trip. Another difference is the one stop outbound at Midway in Chicago is almost directly on course. Where the one stop on the return flight is in Phoenix, which is quite a way off from a direct flight from Cleveland to Oakland.
The sky is clear as we approach the desert. The flight attendants passed out little snack boxes, and our drink of choice. The Chip Ahoy cookies, dried fruit mix, peanuts, crackers and cheese spread hit the spot.
At 1710 PDT, the pilot said that we were 875 miles from Chicago, and we had made up half of the twenty minutes that we were late. Starting to get bumpy, so the seat-belt sign is back on.
At 1945CDT, we were 600 miles from Chicago, and still 25 minutes behind schedule. We are over NE Colorado and NW Nebraska.
At 2010 CDT, we have 360 miles to go to Chicago - about one hour. At 2130, we start our descent into Midway - 20 minutes away. It is interesting to see all the lights from the many cities in the Midwest, from above. As the lights of Chicago appear on the horizon, one doesn’t appreciate the large area of the city until you see it from the air. My Mother was born here, on September 6,1892. Her aunt Nellie (her Mother’s sister) lived in Chicago most of her life.
We are on our letdown, and the little kids are screaming bloody murder. Their ears plug up because of the small canals in their young ears. Unless you have flown with a cold and had your ears plug, you cant imagine the excruciating pain. It happened to me during the Korean war. I was flying a night mission out of Mather Field in Sacramento, and had a head cold. I was in such pain when I landed that they put me in the compression chamber. They reduced the pressure to that of 10,000 feet and slowly increased the pressure back to sea Mather’s ground elevation. My ears felt better, but even so, I still broke an ear drum.
We landed at 2100 CDT. We took off for Cleveland at 2155. We were supposed to be on the ground for only 40 minutes. We were almost full out of Chicago. The flight attendant said that our 737 held about 135 people. The pilot came on and said that the computer put us in Cleveland at 2342. It was a pretty moonlit night. We flew over the southern end of Lake Michigan and across Southern Michigan. I calculated that we were very near Hillsdale (where I was born) on our flight path. About 2330 EDT, I could see Toledo off to the left. The city has certainly grown since I was last there. We touched down at Cleveland at 2345 - 35 minutes late.
I had trouble contacting the Hampton Inn hotel in Middleburg Heights for a ride back to the hotel. I Didn’t get to bed until I:30 A.M. (10:30 Vallejo time.).
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Diary - October 1, 1943
DIARY - Friday, October 1, 1943.
Our 2nd Bomb Group went on their first mission over Germany today. The target was the Messerschmitt plant at Augsburg. This would be a maximum range mission for the B-17’s - even with the “Tokyo” wing tanks installed. Refueling on the return trip would be available in Sardinia.
The Group had to return, before they got to the target, because of bad weather. The three B-24 Groups stationed here also flew a mission. Their target was an aircraft factory at Wiener-Neustadt, near Vienna. They had a very rough mission - losing 14 aircraft, and having 52 planes damaged by flak and fighters. The remainder of the B-24’s returned to England, after the raid.
Redbird, and I, stayed at the Transatlantic Hotel in Tunis last night. We saw the movie “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde”. Tonight, we saw the movie “Nice Girl”, and had some ice cream afterwards. We had supper back at the field. Then, we went back into town. We went up to Burt’s room at the Claridge and shot the bull. (we all are waiting for our orders returning us to the States.) We stayed in town tonight.
Our 2nd Bomb Group went on their first mission over Germany today. The target was the Messerschmitt plant at Augsburg. This would be a maximum range mission for the B-17’s - even with the “Tokyo” wing tanks installed. Refueling on the return trip would be available in Sardinia.
The Group had to return, before they got to the target, because of bad weather. The three B-24 Groups stationed here also flew a mission. Their target was an aircraft factory at Wiener-Neustadt, near Vienna. They had a very rough mission - losing 14 aircraft, and having 52 planes damaged by flak and fighters. The remainder of the B-24’s returned to England, after the raid.
Redbird, and I, stayed at the Transatlantic Hotel in Tunis last night. We saw the movie “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde”. Tonight, we saw the movie “Nice Girl”, and had some ice cream afterwards. We had supper back at the field. Then, we went back into town. We went up to Burt’s room at the Claridge and shot the bull. (we all are waiting for our orders returning us to the States.) We stayed in town tonight.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
DIARY
DIARY - Monday, September 27, 1943.
Soupy ground this morning - after last night's rain. I turned- in my equipment to Supply, and then sorted through my “junk”.
Tuesday, September 28, 1943.
I went in to Tunis this afternoon.
Wednesday, September 29, 1943.
I went in to Tunis this afternoon (about 18 miles). I saw a stage show. Then, tonight Les, Redbird and I saw Johannesen at the Red Cross. Also, saw “Ziegfield Girl."
Soupy ground this morning - after last night's rain. I turned- in my equipment to Supply, and then sorted through my “junk”.
Tuesday, September 28, 1943.
I went in to Tunis this afternoon.
Wednesday, September 29, 1943.
I went in to Tunis this afternoon (about 18 miles). I saw a stage show. Then, tonight Les, Redbird and I saw Johannesen at the Red Cross. Also, saw “Ziegfield Girl."
Monday, September 24, 2007
September 26, 1943.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1943.
Doc Hall, our Flight Surgeon, gave me a physical this morning. Then,
I went to 12 o’clock mass over at Group. The Catholic Chaplain that presided, came down with the 378th Group of B-24’s from England. He’s from Cincinnati. Afterwards, I went in to La Goulette ,with Jack, Redbird and Hank.
We went swimming in the Mediterranean, and then had a feast of : American hot dogs, pickles, doughnuts and beer. The orchestra played some jive to lighten things up.
Then we came back to Base, and went to the show at Group. We saw Abbott and Costello in “Who Done It?”. During the show, we got rained out - the first “dew” in a long time over here.
Doc Hall, our Flight Surgeon, gave me a physical this morning. Then,
I went to 12 o’clock mass over at Group. The Catholic Chaplain that presided, came down with the 378th Group of B-24’s from England. He’s from Cincinnati. Afterwards, I went in to La Goulette ,with Jack, Redbird and Hank.
We went swimming in the Mediterranean, and then had a feast of : American hot dogs, pickles, doughnuts and beer. The orchestra played some jive to lighten things up.
Then we came back to Base, and went to the show at Group. We saw Abbott and Costello in “Who Done It?”. During the show, we got rained out - the first “dew” in a long time over here.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
AGING SUMMIT - 2 - (Conclusion).
SUMMIT-2.
WHEN ROLES REVERSE.
PANEL:
Peggy Phelps - Yolo Adult Day Health Center.
Will Tift - Area 4 Agency on Aging.
Ted Puntillo - Yolo County Veterans’ Service Officer.
Paul Driver Shimada - Yolo County Commission on Aging.
Veterans’ Administration -
They have the second largest federal budget, second to the Defense Department. Their services include Medical; Compensation and Burial. Local veterans have free burial in the Dixon Military Cemetery.
The Department has 100,000 employees.
The veterans cost for prescription drugs is limited to $8 a month for each prescription. For service-connected hearing and sight loss, the veteran can receive free hearing aids and glasses.
The V.A. will help to pay for assisted living - dependent on income.
BARRIERS TO SERVICE:
1.Indepndent living in your own area. You will need monitoring supervision. Some elderly say that they don’t want help. They should have this conversation with their children.
2. An incident happens, and a diagnosis of dementia is similar to that of cancer. (This is the denial stage). There is need of acceptance - both by the individual as well as the family.
3. Hands-on care giving. This is very important! You need other resources - especially, if you are home alone. Many needy elderly will say, “I don’t need that” (as Mother told me when I suggested a hearing aid - a life-line emergency system - and some one to stay with her for a few hours, so that I can get out and do things that I like to do.) Don’t ever tell your loved one that “I’ll never put you in a rest home!” Because the best choice may be not to care for them at home. Too, people (especially women) don’t like people coming into their home.
Elder Care - This is assistance with one’s “Activities of Daily Living” (ADL). The local Area Agency on Aging tries to keep people in their home, through their In Home Supportive Services (IHSS) unit. However, when you are seeking a caregiver, you are largely on your own.
It is estimated that the cost to employers for employee care giving is 17 billion dollars a year! A source for working caregivers is - working caregivers.com. Employers should treat Elder -Care benefits just like they have treated Child -Care benefits.
Barriers to V.A. Benefits. (Every County has a Veterans’ Service Officer.)
The veteran benefits aren’t known.
There are 15,000 working caregivers in Yolo County - one in four! In 20 years, this ratio will be 1 in 2!
“It takes a village to take care of everyone!” - Peggy Phelps.
You can register “wandering” people with dementia.
We need a private “Registry” for “Referrals” and “screening”.
WHEN ROLES REVERSE.
PANEL:
Peggy Phelps - Yolo Adult Day Health Center.
Will Tift - Area 4 Agency on Aging.
Ted Puntillo - Yolo County Veterans’ Service Officer.
Paul Driver Shimada - Yolo County Commission on Aging.
Veterans’ Administration -
They have the second largest federal budget, second to the Defense Department. Their services include Medical; Compensation and Burial. Local veterans have free burial in the Dixon Military Cemetery.
The Department has 100,000 employees.
The veterans cost for prescription drugs is limited to $8 a month for each prescription. For service-connected hearing and sight loss, the veteran can receive free hearing aids and glasses.
The V.A. will help to pay for assisted living - dependent on income.
BARRIERS TO SERVICE:
1.Indepndent living in your own area. You will need monitoring supervision. Some elderly say that they don’t want help. They should have this conversation with their children.
2. An incident happens, and a diagnosis of dementia is similar to that of cancer. (This is the denial stage). There is need of acceptance - both by the individual as well as the family.
3. Hands-on care giving. This is very important! You need other resources - especially, if you are home alone. Many needy elderly will say, “I don’t need that” (as Mother told me when I suggested a hearing aid - a life-line emergency system - and some one to stay with her for a few hours, so that I can get out and do things that I like to do.) Don’t ever tell your loved one that “I’ll never put you in a rest home!” Because the best choice may be not to care for them at home. Too, people (especially women) don’t like people coming into their home.
Elder Care - This is assistance with one’s “Activities of Daily Living” (ADL). The local Area Agency on Aging tries to keep people in their home, through their In Home Supportive Services (IHSS) unit. However, when you are seeking a caregiver, you are largely on your own.
It is estimated that the cost to employers for employee care giving is 17 billion dollars a year! A source for working caregivers is - working caregivers.com. Employers should treat Elder -Care benefits just like they have treated Child -Care benefits.
Barriers to V.A. Benefits. (Every County has a Veterans’ Service Officer.)
The veteran benefits aren’t known.
There are 15,000 working caregivers in Yolo County - one in four! In 20 years, this ratio will be 1 in 2!
“It takes a village to take care of everyone!” - Peggy Phelps.
You can register “wandering” people with dementia.
We need a private “Registry” for “Referrals” and “screening”.
Saturday, September 22, 2007
AGING SUMMIT -1 (Cont.)
Summit 1C.
AGING AND HEALTH.
PANEL:
Dr. Beth Ober - Chair, UC Davis Human & Community Development.
Dr. Jon Caldwell - Adult Psychiatrist, Yolo County Alcohol, drug and Mental Health Services.
Dr. Jeff Yee - Medical Director, Woodland health Care.
Dee Dee Gilliam - Yolo County Public health Nursing.
De. Louise Betner - Psychologist, Faculty, John F. Kennedy University; Moderator.
Dr. Ober:- Alzheimer disease is the most common form of dementia - a cognition problem. About 85 % of the aging population show a normal cognitive function. Memory shows some decline in normal aging.
Most people have a memory of recent events and episodes (short-term memory). This is a mental time travel of personal events. Long-term memory is composed of semantics, world knowledge and facts’
The hippocampus in the brain, is involved with Alzheimer’s disease.
Dr. Yee:- Levels of Care
1. What happens in the doctor’s office - medications; instructions; follow-up?
2. What is the care outside of the doctor’s office? This is more important in defining the health of older patients.
Nurse Gilliam:- The primary service of public nursing is Prevention through intervention, such as education, diabetes, blood pressure and dietician.
Dr. Caldwell:- MediCal is a mandated health care provider. The patient needs a collaborative effort between care services. If you improve mental health, you improve physical health.
THE PANEL:
Mental Health Main Issues:
Evaluating the cognitive function status - get tested.
How do the patients present their care? (their lists to doctor)
Does the family member think that it is a problem? And why bring it up with the doctor? (memory screening).
(My note: If dr. Reynoso is Pete’s Gatekeeper, what other medical service will he refer her to? We would certainly use this service.)
There is a big fear among seniors of Alzheimer’s disease(just like cancer). People don’t recognize that they have a problem. It is a family member who detects something wrong. Memory loss has a high profile, with a high fear factor.
There is a disparity between the level of testing and ability to live in the community. Cognitive testing may not correlate with actual conditions.
Environmental support - Post-it reminders.
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) - if caught early enough, you can minimize the effects, or push out their deterioration.
Highly trained nurses (Home Health Nursing) could evaluate mental health in the home. Early intervention makes it easier to mitigate problems - “user friendly”.
Medication problems are one of the biggest correctible situations.
Types of Dementia:
1. Alzheimer’s
2. Multi-infarct (stroke)
3. A combination of 1 and 2.
Talk to your doctor about “functional improvement”
The use of “In Home Supportive Services” is very important and much needed. (see your local Area Agency on Aging.)
AGING AND HEALTH.
PANEL:
Dr. Beth Ober - Chair, UC Davis Human & Community Development.
Dr. Jon Caldwell - Adult Psychiatrist, Yolo County Alcohol, drug and Mental Health Services.
Dr. Jeff Yee - Medical Director, Woodland health Care.
Dee Dee Gilliam - Yolo County Public health Nursing.
De. Louise Betner - Psychologist, Faculty, John F. Kennedy University; Moderator.
Dr. Ober:- Alzheimer disease is the most common form of dementia - a cognition problem. About 85 % of the aging population show a normal cognitive function. Memory shows some decline in normal aging.
Most people have a memory of recent events and episodes (short-term memory). This is a mental time travel of personal events. Long-term memory is composed of semantics, world knowledge and facts’
The hippocampus in the brain, is involved with Alzheimer’s disease.
Dr. Yee:- Levels of Care
1. What happens in the doctor’s office - medications; instructions; follow-up?
2. What is the care outside of the doctor’s office? This is more important in defining the health of older patients.
Nurse Gilliam:- The primary service of public nursing is Prevention through intervention, such as education, diabetes, blood pressure and dietician.
Dr. Caldwell:- MediCal is a mandated health care provider. The patient needs a collaborative effort between care services. If you improve mental health, you improve physical health.
THE PANEL:
Mental Health Main Issues:
Evaluating the cognitive function status - get tested.
How do the patients present their care? (their lists to doctor)
Does the family member think that it is a problem? And why bring it up with the doctor? (memory screening).
(My note: If dr. Reynoso is Pete’s Gatekeeper, what other medical service will he refer her to? We would certainly use this service.)
There is a big fear among seniors of Alzheimer’s disease(just like cancer). People don’t recognize that they have a problem. It is a family member who detects something wrong. Memory loss has a high profile, with a high fear factor.
There is a disparity between the level of testing and ability to live in the community. Cognitive testing may not correlate with actual conditions.
Environmental support - Post-it reminders.
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) - if caught early enough, you can minimize the effects, or push out their deterioration.
Highly trained nurses (Home Health Nursing) could evaluate mental health in the home. Early intervention makes it easier to mitigate problems - “user friendly”.
Medication problems are one of the biggest correctible situations.
Types of Dementia:
1. Alzheimer’s
2. Multi-infarct (stroke)
3. A combination of 1 and 2.
Talk to your doctor about “functional improvement”
The use of “In Home Supportive Services” is very important and much needed. (see your local Area Agency on Aging.)
Friday, September 21, 2007
AGING SUMMIT
YOLO COUNTY AGING SUMMIT
Woodland Community & Senior Center
September 20, 2007.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER:
Dr. Michael McCloud - UC Davis. “ The Silver Tsunami”.
Dr. McCloud was very interesting and provocative. A summary of his talk follows:
The care of older adults is similar to the care of children.
In 1946, the birth rate increased by 20%! Between 1946 and 1965, the increase in the birth rate was 12%! There were 78.2 million babies born during those 18 years! We call them the “Baby Boomers.” 56,000 of them celebrate their 60th birthday every week. “Life Expectancy” has increased 8 years since 1960! The “Life Expectancy” during Ancient Rome was 23 years! Babies born in 2007, can look forward to living about 80 years!
We describe this group by - : “dream big; can be anything you want to be; cynicism; after Viet Nam - a distrust of the establishment; give me choices - I want options.” The boomers bought sports utility vehicles, which have never been off the road - the “Boomers” need them to drive to fitness classes! The Supreme Court nominees, for the next 20 years, will be Boomers! Labeling them as the “ME” society is a myth, for they are generous “givers”
When Dr. McCloud was born (circa 1950), there were 2,000 centenarians. Today - there are 60,000! The fastest growing segment of the population is 85 and older.
30 % of the Boomers are living pay -check to pay -check, with none having a net worth over $1,000. The medication contribution of the U.S. government will increase by 40% over the next 75 years! The dependency ratio - old and young vs. workers will change dramatically over the years.
Boomers will work beyond the normal retirement age. One in 50 will have Alzheimer’s disease. During the heat wave in Yolo County last July, 250 Seniors died! We must do a better job of planning.
Goals of Boomers:
1. Keep them working. The Seniors will not retire, but stay employed.
The Seniors will need the money, and society will need their knowledge and skills.
2. Keep them healthy.
Less than 2% of physicians have Geriatric credentials. Of the 125 medical schools in the U.S., only 6 have Geriatric departments!
- coumadin, lithium, digitalis and insulin.
There needs to be some incentives to produce more - give loan forgiveness to medical students in Geriatrics.
We need more health care workers - pharmacists, nurses, physical therapists, health aides etc. We need Geriatric Assessment clinics, that will provide better care than general practitioners.
“Prescription Cascade” - trial and error excessive use of medications.
There are four drugs that land the most people in Emergency Departments:
The brain produces images when vision is impaired by cataracts.
A cause of disabilities is over-mediation. Doctors and pharmacists need more “training in a list of portentously inappropriate medication for adults.” We need mandatory reporting of these preventable occurrences. There is more emergency care for such inappropriate drug use than there is for motor vehicle accidents!
We need to see more healthy-older adults aging in place.
Train people to be their own “geriatrician” - to age gracefully in place. What to ask your doctor? These topics are covered by Dr. McCloud in his Mini Medical School course at UC Davis. What a unique opportunity for seniors to learn more about their health and aging - and best of all - no Registration fee!
Dr, McCloud went on to say - “We need Adult -Day Health Centers - social workers and job consultants etc. on site.
Woodland Community & Senior Center
September 20, 2007.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER:
Dr. Michael McCloud - UC Davis. “ The Silver Tsunami”.
Dr. McCloud was very interesting and provocative. A summary of his talk follows:
The care of older adults is similar to the care of children.
In 1946, the birth rate increased by 20%! Between 1946 and 1965, the increase in the birth rate was 12%! There were 78.2 million babies born during those 18 years! We call them the “Baby Boomers.” 56,000 of them celebrate their 60th birthday every week. “Life Expectancy” has increased 8 years since 1960! The “Life Expectancy” during Ancient Rome was 23 years! Babies born in 2007, can look forward to living about 80 years!
We describe this group by - : “dream big; can be anything you want to be; cynicism; after Viet Nam - a distrust of the establishment; give me choices - I want options.” The boomers bought sports utility vehicles, which have never been off the road - the “Boomers” need them to drive to fitness classes! The Supreme Court nominees, for the next 20 years, will be Boomers! Labeling them as the “ME” society is a myth, for they are generous “givers”
When Dr. McCloud was born (circa 1950), there were 2,000 centenarians. Today - there are 60,000! The fastest growing segment of the population is 85 and older.
30 % of the Boomers are living pay -check to pay -check, with none having a net worth over $1,000. The medication contribution of the U.S. government will increase by 40% over the next 75 years! The dependency ratio - old and young vs. workers will change dramatically over the years.
Boomers will work beyond the normal retirement age. One in 50 will have Alzheimer’s disease. During the heat wave in Yolo County last July, 250 Seniors died! We must do a better job of planning.
Goals of Boomers:
1. Keep them working. The Seniors will not retire, but stay employed.
The Seniors will need the money, and society will need their knowledge and skills.
2. Keep them healthy.
Less than 2% of physicians have Geriatric credentials. Of the 125 medical schools in the U.S., only 6 have Geriatric departments!
- coumadin, lithium, digitalis and insulin.
There needs to be some incentives to produce more - give loan forgiveness to medical students in Geriatrics.
We need more health care workers - pharmacists, nurses, physical therapists, health aides etc. We need Geriatric Assessment clinics, that will provide better care than general practitioners.
“Prescription Cascade” - trial and error excessive use of medications.
There are four drugs that land the most people in Emergency Departments:
The brain produces images when vision is impaired by cataracts.
A cause of disabilities is over-mediation. Doctors and pharmacists need more “training in a list of portentously inappropriate medication for adults.” We need mandatory reporting of these preventable occurrences. There is more emergency care for such inappropriate drug use than there is for motor vehicle accidents!
We need to see more healthy-older adults aging in place.
Train people to be their own “geriatrician” - to age gracefully in place. What to ask your doctor? These topics are covered by Dr. McCloud in his Mini Medical School course at UC Davis. What a unique opportunity for seniors to learn more about their health and aging - and best of all - no Registration fee!
Dr, McCloud went on to say - “We need Adult -Day Health Centers - social workers and job consultants etc. on site.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
CLOTHESLINE
Clothes Line.
I read an interesting, and provocative, human-interest story in today’s (9/18/07) Wall Street Journal.
A lady in Bend, Oregon, put up an outside clothesline. While this sounds pretty innocuous to me, I don’t live in a neighborhood such as hers. There was a big brouhaha with her neighbors! They claimed that she violated the Neighborhood -homeowner associations’ rules. While the violator was cognizant of the covenants, she thought that her reasoning trumped those regulations. She rationalized that “clotheslines are one way to fight climate change, using the sun and wind instead of electricity” in response to Global warming. This sure makes sense to me - but apparently, not to the developer’s lawyer.
The article went on to quote statistics, and other related data, such as:
Clothes dryers account for 6% of total electricity used by U.S. families (at an average cost of $80 a year); third behind refrigerators and lighting!
I grew up in Michigan, and Ohio, with these contraptions! Clotheslines are sturdy-“tee” posts, imbedded in concrete, located in backyards, with rope or wire lines strung between them. (occasionally, we would get “necktied”, when we forgot to duck, when running below the lines!)
The clothes, dried outside in the sun, had a nice smell, and felt softer when I folded them. On rainy days, or in the winter, the clothes were hung on rope lines, fastened beneath floor joists, in the basement. Residents from these “gated communities” must shudder when they travel out of the country. Such clothes drying is standard practice. I remember our Tour Guide in Italy referring to all the wash hanging outside as “Italian flags.”
I read an interesting, and provocative, human-interest story in today’s (9/18/07) Wall Street Journal.
A lady in Bend, Oregon, put up an outside clothesline. While this sounds pretty innocuous to me, I don’t live in a neighborhood such as hers. There was a big brouhaha with her neighbors! They claimed that she violated the Neighborhood -homeowner associations’ rules. While the violator was cognizant of the covenants, she thought that her reasoning trumped those regulations. She rationalized that “clotheslines are one way to fight climate change, using the sun and wind instead of electricity” in response to Global warming. This sure makes sense to me - but apparently, not to the developer’s lawyer.
The article went on to quote statistics, and other related data, such as:
Clothes dryers account for 6% of total electricity used by U.S. families (at an average cost of $80 a year); third behind refrigerators and lighting!
I grew up in Michigan, and Ohio, with these contraptions! Clotheslines are sturdy-“tee” posts, imbedded in concrete, located in backyards, with rope or wire lines strung between them. (occasionally, we would get “necktied”, when we forgot to duck, when running below the lines!)
The clothes, dried outside in the sun, had a nice smell, and felt softer when I folded them. On rainy days, or in the winter, the clothes were hung on rope lines, fastened beneath floor joists, in the basement. Residents from these “gated communities” must shudder when they travel out of the country. Such clothes drying is standard practice. I remember our Tour Guide in Italy referring to all the wash hanging outside as “Italian flags.”
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
MISSION NO.50!
50th MISSION! - Bologna, Italy; Saturday, September 25, 1943.
This is my 50th official mission. I only hope and pray that I will complete it. This is my first flying in a week, due to bad weather.
Went up to North-Central Italy (Po Valley) this morning, unescorted. The weather was bad all the way up, over the target and on our return to base. Colonel Rice led the Group, and I flew with Major O’Connor (in “Vagabond” - #465), who led our squadron.
Our bombing was fair due to the lousy weather. A few planes went in to Sardinia on our return as they were low on gas. One plane went down 200 yards off the African coast, trying to stretch their fuel, and the crew is O.K.
I certainly had a great feeling of relief after landing, when I realized that my mind, body and nervous system would be getting a rest for a spell.
My total combat time was 325:20 hours, and I dropped 120 tons of bombs.
FINI!
This is my 50th official mission. I only hope and pray that I will complete it. This is my first flying in a week, due to bad weather.
Went up to North-Central Italy (Po Valley) this morning, unescorted. The weather was bad all the way up, over the target and on our return to base. Colonel Rice led the Group, and I flew with Major O’Connor (in “Vagabond” - #465), who led our squadron.
Our bombing was fair due to the lousy weather. A few planes went in to Sardinia on our return as they were low on gas. One plane went down 200 yards off the African coast, trying to stretch their fuel, and the crew is O.K.
I certainly had a great feeling of relief after landing, when I realized that my mind, body and nervous system would be getting a rest for a spell.
My total combat time was 325:20 hours, and I dropped 120 tons of bombs.
FINI!
Monday, September 17, 2007
Mission # 49.
Mission # 49. Viterbo, Italy. Saturday, September 18, 1943.
I flew a mission today - with Capt. Kutschera in #581 - “Sugar Puss”
We hit the airdrome, near Viterbo, with 100 # bombs and incendiaries, and did a pretty good job. There were supposed to have been 200 planes on the field and in the dispersal areas. These planes were mostly HE 111’s, according to the photo taken a couple of days ago.
The weather and visibility were fairly good in the target area. The flak was moderate to heavy, and quite accurate - even though we didn’t receive any holes. I didn’t see any fighters.
Bomb load - 38 - 100’s= 3800#. Mission time 06:30.
This is my 49th mission today. One more to go! I am really sweating out No. 50 - my last combat mission (at least in this theatre).
A group of B-24’s flew in from England today. They were on the Ploesti (Romania) oil field raid, and suffered large losses. They will operate out of here, temporarily.
I flew a mission today - with Capt. Kutschera in #581 - “Sugar Puss”
We hit the airdrome, near Viterbo, with 100 # bombs and incendiaries, and did a pretty good job. There were supposed to have been 200 planes on the field and in the dispersal areas. These planes were mostly HE 111’s, according to the photo taken a couple of days ago.
The weather and visibility were fairly good in the target area. The flak was moderate to heavy, and quite accurate - even though we didn’t receive any holes. I didn’t see any fighters.
Bomb load - 38 - 100’s= 3800#. Mission time 06:30.
This is my 49th mission today. One more to go! I am really sweating out No. 50 - my last combat mission (at least in this theatre).
A group of B-24’s flew in from England today. They were on the Ploesti (Romania) oil field raid, and suffered large losses. They will operate out of here, temporarily.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Letter to Editor
Readers’ Opinions - Times Herald: September 15, 2007.
Many, many, years ago, I took Econ 101 at Cal. During this economics course, I learned the following:
In a laissez-faire economy such as ours, you can set the price for your labor as high as you choose. But, at the same time, you cannot require employers to hire you at your price! During the past 50 years, I have seen this theorem proved - over and over again. If you doubt this, talk to anyone who used to work in the U.S. Auto or Steel industries!
Ray L’Amoreaux
528 Brooke Drive,
Vallejo, CA 94591-6628.
707-642-5389.
Many, many, years ago, I took Econ 101 at Cal. During this economics course, I learned the following:
In a laissez-faire economy such as ours, you can set the price for your labor as high as you choose. But, at the same time, you cannot require employers to hire you at your price! During the past 50 years, I have seen this theorem proved - over and over again. If you doubt this, talk to anyone who used to work in the U.S. Auto or Steel industries!
Ray L’Amoreaux
528 Brooke Drive,
Vallejo, CA 94591-6628.
707-642-5389.
Saturday, September 15, 2007
MISSION #48.
MISSION # 48 - CASERTA, ITALY. Thur. Sept. 16, 1943.
Briefing was at 0900. I flew with Major O’Connor, and Moe, in “096”, and led the Squadron. The weather was good in the target area, and we did quite accurate bombing. We hit the rail-marshalling yard and bridges.
I didn’t see any fighters, but noticed some accurate flak as we left the target area. Mac turned back about a half hour short of the Italian coast. Their No. 4 engine was feathered and they salvoed their bombs. The crew is still missing. I pray that they made it to land in Sicily, and they are OK.
Fred Olson (pilot) and Bob Jarrett (bombardier), completed their 50 missions today.
We carried 16 - 300 pounders today. Total bomb weight 4800 #. Time of mission - 06:00 hours. Total bomb weight, on all my missions to date, 229,600#
I got a tetanus booster shot tonight. Wolf and I went in to El Aouena to see Jack Benny and Larry Adler. I never saw such a mob! They put on a pretty good show.
Still no word from Mac and crew.
Briefing was at 0900. I flew with Major O’Connor, and Moe, in “096”, and led the Squadron. The weather was good in the target area, and we did quite accurate bombing. We hit the rail-marshalling yard and bridges.
I didn’t see any fighters, but noticed some accurate flak as we left the target area. Mac turned back about a half hour short of the Italian coast. Their No. 4 engine was feathered and they salvoed their bombs. The crew is still missing. I pray that they made it to land in Sicily, and they are OK.
Fred Olson (pilot) and Bob Jarrett (bombardier), completed their 50 missions today.
We carried 16 - 300 pounders today. Total bomb weight 4800 #. Time of mission - 06:00 hours. Total bomb weight, on all my missions to date, 229,600#
I got a tetanus booster shot tonight. Wolf and I went in to El Aouena to see Jack Benny and Larry Adler. I never saw such a mob! They put on a pretty good show.
Still no word from Mac and crew.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Mission # 47 , Sept. 15, 1943.
47th MISSION:- BATTAPAGLIE, Italy. Wednesday, Sept. 15, 1943.
I was at a Group Bombardiers meeting, when they announced that there would be a Briefing in 20 minutes - at 1430. I hurried back to the tent to pick up my equipment, and rushed over to Briefing - which they also rushed through. The target was a highway and bridge near Salerno. The Germans were making a “push”, and our troops were retreating. This explained the suddenness and urgency for the mission.
I was just working from a map for the target. We didn’t reach the target area until 1800. The weather was very hazy, and I didn’t pick up the target until we were directly over it. We continued flying on for a few minutes, and then made a 180 degree turn to head back in the opposite heading than we were briefed. Visibility was even worse. We were heading into a low sun. I dropped the 16 - 300# bombs on the highway, but missed.
Four ME-109’s hopped us, but they didn’t do any damage. I saw some flak, but it turned out to be from our batteries shooting at German dive bombers over the Gulf of Salerno. The German planes were attacking our invasion forces in both the harbor and on the beach. Our Fifth Army (headed by General Mark Clark) is desperate, and their situation is critical.
I flew with Major O’Connor, and Moe as co-pilot, and led the Squadron. I saw a most beautiful sunset behind the clouds, from 8,000 feet, on our return to Base. It was dark when we landed, as the traffic pattern was a “rat race”. This is the first time that we have flown so late in the day. Redbird, and Wolfcale, completed their 50 missions today!
Mission Time: 05:00.
I was at a Group Bombardiers meeting, when they announced that there would be a Briefing in 20 minutes - at 1430. I hurried back to the tent to pick up my equipment, and rushed over to Briefing - which they also rushed through. The target was a highway and bridge near Salerno. The Germans were making a “push”, and our troops were retreating. This explained the suddenness and urgency for the mission.
I was just working from a map for the target. We didn’t reach the target area until 1800. The weather was very hazy, and I didn’t pick up the target until we were directly over it. We continued flying on for a few minutes, and then made a 180 degree turn to head back in the opposite heading than we were briefed. Visibility was even worse. We were heading into a low sun. I dropped the 16 - 300# bombs on the highway, but missed.
Four ME-109’s hopped us, but they didn’t do any damage. I saw some flak, but it turned out to be from our batteries shooting at German dive bombers over the Gulf of Salerno. The German planes were attacking our invasion forces in both the harbor and on the beach. Our Fifth Army (headed by General Mark Clark) is desperate, and their situation is critical.
I flew with Major O’Connor, and Moe as co-pilot, and led the Squadron. I saw a most beautiful sunset behind the clouds, from 8,000 feet, on our return to Base. It was dark when we landed, as the traffic pattern was a “rat race”. This is the first time that we have flown so late in the day. Redbird, and Wolfcale, completed their 50 missions today!
Mission Time: 05:00.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
49th Sortie
49th Sortie (46th Mission) - Fri. Sept. 10, 1943. Vinchiaturo, Italy.
(To be counted as a “Mission”, towards our 50, we had to fly at least half way to the target before aborting. Otherwise, it didn’t count, and was classified as a “Sortie”.)
Briefing at 0550, and then off to the land of olives, grapes, spaghetti and Jerries. I flew with Major O’Connor, and we led the Squadron and the 2nd wave. We had bad weather all the way. We lost an engine, just before reaching the coast of Italy. We turned back after losing our wing Squadron in the overcast. We started losing altitude, flying on three engines, so I salvoed the bombs into the Mediterranean.
Our new Group Commander, Col. Rice, led for the first time today. Major “Pappy” Haynes finished his 50 Missions today, and celebrated by buzzing the field, after his return from the mission.
Mission time : 06:30.
(To be counted as a “Mission”, towards our 50, we had to fly at least half way to the target before aborting. Otherwise, it didn’t count, and was classified as a “Sortie”.)
Briefing at 0550, and then off to the land of olives, grapes, spaghetti and Jerries. I flew with Major O’Connor, and we led the Squadron and the 2nd wave. We had bad weather all the way. We lost an engine, just before reaching the coast of Italy. We turned back after losing our wing Squadron in the overcast. We started losing altitude, flying on three engines, so I salvoed the bombs into the Mediterranean.
Our new Group Commander, Col. Rice, led for the first time today. Major “Pappy” Haynes finished his 50 Missions today, and celebrated by buzzing the field, after his return from the mission.
Mission time : 06:30.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Missio # 48.
MISSION # 48 - Cantello, Italy. Thur. Sept. 9, 1943.
Briefing at 0450, and then we were off to North of Naples. I flew with Capt. Kutschera, leading the Squadron, in #773 - “Scrubby Ole Goat”.
We had to turn back 100 miles out over the Mediterranean, when the number 4 engine threw a cylinder head through the ring cowling. Then, the No. 3 engine started acting up. The Capt. Ordered me to get rid of the bombs, so I salvoed them into the water.
I was disappointed that I didn’t get to see the Invasion of Italy, around Naples. Our intended target was a bridge north of Naples, to cut off the retreat of the Germans.
We were unescorted and had a bomb load of twelve 500’s.
I tried getting in my 48th mission a couple of days ago, but Mac had engine trouble, and we never got off the ground.
Briefing at 0450, and then we were off to North of Naples. I flew with Capt. Kutschera, leading the Squadron, in #773 - “Scrubby Ole Goat”.
We had to turn back 100 miles out over the Mediterranean, when the number 4 engine threw a cylinder head through the ring cowling. Then, the No. 3 engine started acting up. The Capt. Ordered me to get rid of the bombs, so I salvoed them into the water.
I was disappointed that I didn’t get to see the Invasion of Italy, around Naples. Our intended target was a bridge north of Naples, to cut off the retreat of the Germans.
We were unescorted and had a bomb load of twelve 500’s.
I tried getting in my 48th mission a couple of days ago, but Mac had engine trouble, and we never got off the ground.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Mac's Letter
(Note: I have copied the following from the original- faded- hand written letter. The parens are mine for explanation.)
* UNITED STATES ARMY AIR FORCES *
February 24, 1944
Dear Junior:
Just read your letter and when I saw the picture, I wanted to cry like a baby, but I guess it would not help any. I’ll tell you a secret though. One night when I was in the Italian hospital, I had a terrific stomach ache - lack of food I guess. Damn near starved to death, no doctors or nurses around. So, I just broke down and really cried. It helped, too, stomach stopped hurting and I went to sleep. That was the worst I ever felt. All in all, I can’t complain as to the treatment they gave me. Saved my life. I got a bad broken neck and brain concussion out of the deal, and consider myself lucky. I was paralyzed all over for about 3 weeks, am coming out of it though. My hands and arms have been the slowest to come back. You can tell about how weak they are from the way I write. Can’t use a pen at all. They are snapping out though. My legs are fairly strong and have just reached the point where I can stay up most of the day. It looks like I’ll be down a long time yet. I don’t know much about our accident except that I distinctly heard three shell bursts. I passed out trying to get to the hatch (escape). Came to on the way down with my chute open, passed out again before I hit the ground and came to in the hospital where I stayed until our boys came into Naples
Oct. 1. happy Day!
Bill (Mayer his pilot) was in the same hospital with me. He just had a few burns and was sent to a prison camp where the Germans got him when the Italians quit. His wife hears from him. Al Nash, tail gunner, is also a prisoner of the Germans. Bill said that Aldo’s (navigator) chute didn’t open. Nothing has been heard from anyone else. We are still hoping and praying that they are safe somewhere. Rod O’Connor (our Squadron Commander) came by to see me last week on his way to Salt Lake. He is getting a Group and going to the Pacific. He told me again what a fine job you did and he isn’t the only one that has told me the same. I knew you would. Mary Lou and Anita came to see me last week. Brave girls! They both want snap shots. I thought of you but didn’t know your address. Remember the ones you took of Bill and Paul taking baths in the wide-open spaces of Africa? They would like to have any available.
Bill, Heberg, Grooms and Bentley all in same barracks!
If you will send me the pictures, I will have prints made and send the negatives back to you. We would appreciate it very much. I sure would like to have the negative of our plane, after it was hit. I believe Jarrett had it. Do you have his address?
I have often thought of how close you came to be with my crew that day. Thank God you weren’t. I’m glad that I was with my crew if it had to happen. I have heard about Ken (Spinning - my pilot) and all the rest. It’s hell.
Best of everything old man. Hope I can be back in sometime.
Your friend,
Mac. (2nd Lt. Elmo F. McClain.)
Mrs. Paul Wernich Mrs. William H. Mayer
2457 North 46th Street 478 12th avenue North
St. Petersburg, Florida.
Milwaukee, 10 Wisconsin.
(Note: As I recall, Mac was our Squadron Bombardier when they were shot down. I was named the new Squadron Bombardier. This is a key assignment, because you are the only bombardier using a bombsight. All the other bombardiers - in the other planes flying in the Squadron formation - when they would first see the bombs, from the lead plane, leave the bomb bay, they would hit a toggle switch on their panel, whichthen released their bombs. None used their bombsights to set up for the drop! Initially, each bombardier set up his bombsight. But, the resulting target coverage was quite broad and erratic. So, the powers that be, decided to put the best bombardier in the lead plane. He would set up his bombsight on the target, with all the others dropping on his settings. It worked better - the key being: a skilled bombardier, a skilled pilot and a quality- lead B-17 airplane.
* UNITED STATES ARMY AIR FORCES *
February 24, 1944
Dear Junior:
Just read your letter and when I saw the picture, I wanted to cry like a baby, but I guess it would not help any. I’ll tell you a secret though. One night when I was in the Italian hospital, I had a terrific stomach ache - lack of food I guess. Damn near starved to death, no doctors or nurses around. So, I just broke down and really cried. It helped, too, stomach stopped hurting and I went to sleep. That was the worst I ever felt. All in all, I can’t complain as to the treatment they gave me. Saved my life. I got a bad broken neck and brain concussion out of the deal, and consider myself lucky. I was paralyzed all over for about 3 weeks, am coming out of it though. My hands and arms have been the slowest to come back. You can tell about how weak they are from the way I write. Can’t use a pen at all. They are snapping out though. My legs are fairly strong and have just reached the point where I can stay up most of the day. It looks like I’ll be down a long time yet. I don’t know much about our accident except that I distinctly heard three shell bursts. I passed out trying to get to the hatch (escape). Came to on the way down with my chute open, passed out again before I hit the ground and came to in the hospital where I stayed until our boys came into Naples
Oct. 1. happy Day!
Bill (Mayer his pilot) was in the same hospital with me. He just had a few burns and was sent to a prison camp where the Germans got him when the Italians quit. His wife hears from him. Al Nash, tail gunner, is also a prisoner of the Germans. Bill said that Aldo’s (navigator) chute didn’t open. Nothing has been heard from anyone else. We are still hoping and praying that they are safe somewhere. Rod O’Connor (our Squadron Commander) came by to see me last week on his way to Salt Lake. He is getting a Group and going to the Pacific. He told me again what a fine job you did and he isn’t the only one that has told me the same. I knew you would. Mary Lou and Anita came to see me last week. Brave girls! They both want snap shots. I thought of you but didn’t know your address. Remember the ones you took of Bill and Paul taking baths in the wide-open spaces of Africa? They would like to have any available.
Bill, Heberg, Grooms and Bentley all in same barracks!
If you will send me the pictures, I will have prints made and send the negatives back to you. We would appreciate it very much. I sure would like to have the negative of our plane, after it was hit. I believe Jarrett had it. Do you have his address?
I have often thought of how close you came to be with my crew that day. Thank God you weren’t. I’m glad that I was with my crew if it had to happen. I have heard about Ken (Spinning - my pilot) and all the rest. It’s hell.
Best of everything old man. Hope I can be back in sometime.
Your friend,
Mac. (2nd Lt. Elmo F. McClain.)
Mrs. Paul Wernich Mrs. William H. Mayer
2457 North 46th Street 478 12th avenue North
St. Petersburg, Florida.
Milwaukee, 10 Wisconsin.
(Note: As I recall, Mac was our Squadron Bombardier when they were shot down. I was named the new Squadron Bombardier. This is a key assignment, because you are the only bombardier using a bombsight. All the other bombardiers - in the other planes flying in the Squadron formation - when they would first see the bombs, from the lead plane, leave the bomb bay, they would hit a toggle switch on their panel, whichthen released their bombs. None used their bombsights to set up for the drop! Initially, each bombardier set up his bombsight. But, the resulting target coverage was quite broad and erratic. So, the powers that be, decided to put the best bombardier in the lead plane. He would set up his bombsight on the target, with all the others dropping on his settings. It worked better - the key being: a skilled bombardier, a skilled pilot and a quality- lead B-17 airplane.
Sunday, September 9, 2007
MISSION: # 47. - Monday, SEPT. 6, 1943.
(Today is my Mother’s 52nd birthday. Happy Birthday, Mom. It is also Labor Day!)
Cappodichino Airdrome, Naples, Italy.
I flew today for the first time in 10 days!
Briefing at 0830. Major Melcher introduced our new Group Commanding Officer - Colonel Rice from the States. He seems to be a good replacement for our Col. Joe Thomas - the best!
We were warned that the weather on our mission would be bad, and the promise came true. We went in to the target area unescorted. I could make out the Initial point OK, but I couldn’t see the airdrome. Instead of dropping our bombs on an alternate target, we brought the load back with us. I saw some flak, but no fighters.
The fuses in the bombs are “live” at this point. Shortly before reaching the IP, the bombardier goes back into the bomb bay (wearing a oxygen mask and carrying a portable -oxygen bottle) and pulls the cotter pins out of the fuses, and this “arms” them, so that they are “live”. So. When the decision was made to return with the bombs, I had to repeat the procedure - in reverse. I had to go back into the bomb bay and replace all the cotter pins to make the fuses “safe” once again.
I flew with Capt. Kutschera, who led our 429th Squadron, in #465 - a beautiful airplane and a good crew (#13). We had twelve 250 pounders on board. Mission time: 6:00 hours.
The northern sky lit up tonight as the Germans attacked Bizerte.
(Today is my Mother’s 52nd birthday. Happy Birthday, Mom. It is also Labor Day!)
Cappodichino Airdrome, Naples, Italy.
I flew today for the first time in 10 days!
Briefing at 0830. Major Melcher introduced our new Group Commanding Officer - Colonel Rice from the States. He seems to be a good replacement for our Col. Joe Thomas - the best!
We were warned that the weather on our mission would be bad, and the promise came true. We went in to the target area unescorted. I could make out the Initial point OK, but I couldn’t see the airdrome. Instead of dropping our bombs on an alternate target, we brought the load back with us. I saw some flak, but no fighters.
The fuses in the bombs are “live” at this point. Shortly before reaching the IP, the bombardier goes back into the bomb bay (wearing a oxygen mask and carrying a portable -oxygen bottle) and pulls the cotter pins out of the fuses, and this “arms” them, so that they are “live”. So. When the decision was made to return with the bombs, I had to repeat the procedure - in reverse. I had to go back into the bomb bay and replace all the cotter pins to make the fuses “safe” once again.
I flew with Capt. Kutschera, who led our 429th Squadron, in #465 - a beautiful airplane and a good crew (#13). We had twelve 250 pounders on board. Mission time: 6:00 hours.
The northern sky lit up tonight as the Germans attacked Bizerte.
Saturday, September 8, 2007
Jane and Jim
JANE and JIM
I had a great afternoon today! My friend of 70 years - Jim Leslie - and his daughter Jane Brown, stopped by to see Marie and I. I am really flattered - that anyone, who will be 85 on December 7th, said that he wanted to see Marie and I - this was the primary reason that he flew out from Detroit.
Jim has been a loyal friend since July, 1937. My Dad had been transferred from the New York Central Railroad’s Cleveland office to their Detroit office. This was at the tail end of the Great Depression, and the Railroad was consolidating their District offices. I met Jim shortly after we moved from Berea to Ypsilanti. He was in my brother Bob’s high school class of 1940. Bob was a good athlete with a great sense of humor. He made friends easily.
I was working at the International Radio Company in Ann Arbor at the time. The few people I met were my fellow workers. So, I started hanging out with my brother Bob and his friends. Jim was among those friends. Of course their acceptance of me might have been influenced by the second hand Model A Ford that I had just bought. Subsequently, I played a lot of golf with Bob and Jim. (Bob was on the Ypsilanti high school- golf team.) Jim and I played about the same caliber of golf so it was always challenging and interesting. We also did a lot of bowling, pitching pennies and playing cards together.
I am very proud of my three daughters - Mary, Joan and Sue. They really stepped up to the plate today when I needed them. They responded to my request that they join Jane, Jim and I for lunch. (Marie was sick and couldn’t make it.) They added a lot to the occasion, and helped me entertain my friend. They made our get-together that much more enjoyable.
Jim has been a very loyal and supportive friend through the years. He attended my brothers Bob’s and Jack’s weddings. He was always there, supporting the family, when my Dad, Mom, sister Jeanne and brother Bob died.
So, thanks Jim, and Jane, for coming to see us. We appreciate your thoughtfulness. Thanks, too, Mary ,Joan and Sue for all of your support and friendliness to my friend Jim, and his daughter Jane.
After lunch at the Front Room, Jim removed his University of Michigan “maize and blue” tie and gave it to me for an early 89th -birthday present! Thank you very much, Jim.
After we returned home, Jane brought out Jim’s Argus C-3 camera. It brought back memories when I worked in Ann Arbor assembling Argus cameras. I used to put in the shutter- release pin assembly
when I worked at the radio factory in Ann Arbor - before WWII.
Parting was quite emotional for me, as they left for Reno. When I said “Goodbye Jim”, I suddenly realized that this is probably the last time that Jim and I will see each other.
(Note: For more on Jim, see “My Friend Jim” on page 217 of my book.)
I had a great afternoon today! My friend of 70 years - Jim Leslie - and his daughter Jane Brown, stopped by to see Marie and I. I am really flattered - that anyone, who will be 85 on December 7th, said that he wanted to see Marie and I - this was the primary reason that he flew out from Detroit.
Jim has been a loyal friend since July, 1937. My Dad had been transferred from the New York Central Railroad’s Cleveland office to their Detroit office. This was at the tail end of the Great Depression, and the Railroad was consolidating their District offices. I met Jim shortly after we moved from Berea to Ypsilanti. He was in my brother Bob’s high school class of 1940. Bob was a good athlete with a great sense of humor. He made friends easily.
I was working at the International Radio Company in Ann Arbor at the time. The few people I met were my fellow workers. So, I started hanging out with my brother Bob and his friends. Jim was among those friends. Of course their acceptance of me might have been influenced by the second hand Model A Ford that I had just bought. Subsequently, I played a lot of golf with Bob and Jim. (Bob was on the Ypsilanti high school- golf team.) Jim and I played about the same caliber of golf so it was always challenging and interesting. We also did a lot of bowling, pitching pennies and playing cards together.
I am very proud of my three daughters - Mary, Joan and Sue. They really stepped up to the plate today when I needed them. They responded to my request that they join Jane, Jim and I for lunch. (Marie was sick and couldn’t make it.) They added a lot to the occasion, and helped me entertain my friend. They made our get-together that much more enjoyable.
Jim has been a very loyal and supportive friend through the years. He attended my brothers Bob’s and Jack’s weddings. He was always there, supporting the family, when my Dad, Mom, sister Jeanne and brother Bob died.
So, thanks Jim, and Jane, for coming to see us. We appreciate your thoughtfulness. Thanks, too, Mary ,Joan and Sue for all of your support and friendliness to my friend Jim, and his daughter Jane.
After lunch at the Front Room, Jim removed his University of Michigan “maize and blue” tie and gave it to me for an early 89th -birthday present! Thank you very much, Jim.
After we returned home, Jane brought out Jim’s Argus C-3 camera. It brought back memories when I worked in Ann Arbor assembling Argus cameras. I used to put in the shutter- release pin assembly
when I worked at the radio factory in Ann Arbor - before WWII.
Parting was quite emotional for me, as they left for Reno. When I said “Goodbye Jim”, I suddenly realized that this is probably the last time that Jim and I will see each other.
(Note: For more on Jim, see “My Friend Jim” on page 217 of my book.)
Friday, September 7, 2007
CAIRO per ARVAL
Sept. 4, 1943. Per Arval Streadbeck.
(The “Skipper’ piloted our plane to and from Cairo. I would like to share with you, his write-up of our trip.)
We are back from our trip to Cairo and it was absolutely wonderful. We saw so much and did so many things. We were to stay 3 days but the prop on #4 engine wouldn’t change pitch so we stayed 5 days. It was a long trip to get there. As we approached Cairo we saw first a long dark line out on the horizon of the desert. We thought it must be the shore line of the Mediterranean. Fifteen minutes later we crossed over a line of small lakes with water the darkest color of purple you could ever imagine. Just a few bushes were around the lakes and then sand for as far as you could see. Fifteen minutes from there we could see the delta of the Nile out to the North, and to the south the long thin line of deep green on each side of the river. There on the West bank we picked up the pyramids and we flew straight for them, letting down to about 1,000 feet. The largest pyramid is450 feet high so we were just a little over twice as high. We circled more than once because I couldn’t see the Sphinx which is much smaller than I expected. There were some pyramids down by Memphis, or where Memphis was. We flew down to see them also. Then we flew over Cairo, found our airport and landed. We were anxious to leave the plane and get started. The army bus was just leaving, but we hurried and got on and rode to Heliopolis, a suburb of Cairo, and found our hotel. When I say our crew it means minus Lt. Juster - and plus Doc Hall, Lt. Lyons and Lt. Lamoreaux. The first thing we did was bathe in real hot water in a tub. Imagine hot water to shave with too. Sometimes we bathed twice a day it felt so good. After taking a taxi the six miles into Cairo, we found that an electric train ran between the two towns for 10 cents, even less for 2nd class. A piaster is one-hundredth of an Egyptian pound and a pound is worth $4. The taxi cost $2. All the advertising signs are in 3 languages. English, French and Arabian, Shows are in English, with sub-titles in French and Arabic., on an extra screen underneath. Sometimes Greek also. The food was good all but the milk. There are no cows in Egypt but water buffalo. The milk has a very dark brown flavor. On the way to the pyramids we stopped at the bazaars. The shops are small but richly furnished. Fancy boxes line the shelves on the walls.
The Great Pyramid of Cheops. The largest of the three at Giza, is the best known pyramid in the world - it took 20 years to build and 100,000 workmen working all the time. It is 450 feet tall and its base covers thirteen acres of ground. (that is larger than a square city block). Each one of its 2,300,000 blocks weighs two and one half tons, giving a total of 85 million cubic feet of stone (someone said this is enough to build a 4ft. Wall, I foot thick, around France. This building was meant to be a tomb. But, the rulers must have been mad, because the entire nation worked for over 100 years for this one purpose - that of building pyramids.
We climbed up to the entrance and to the “Robbers Tunnel” a 2nd means of entering made by robbers, about 200 years after the Pyramid was sealed - but there was little to see - a long passage and empty rooms with a few carvings. The pyramids are not smooth now as they were originally. The 2nd pyramid, that of Cephren, is still capped with the original casing but the Great Pyramids and the Mycerinus Pyramids casings have been removed to build Mosques and other buildings in Cairo. We walked down to the Sphinx. These things date back to about 3700 B.C.!
On our way back from Cairo to Tunis we laughed nearly all the way. We had engine trouble. The C.O. had wanted a new supply of liquor. We had all wanted the trip. He had sent along Lt. Lyons to buy $6,000 worth of booze. We couldn’t get over how funny it would be if we had to throw out the whole $6,000 worth all across the Libyan desert, to lighten the plane.
(The “Skipper’ piloted our plane to and from Cairo. I would like to share with you, his write-up of our trip.)
We are back from our trip to Cairo and it was absolutely wonderful. We saw so much and did so many things. We were to stay 3 days but the prop on #4 engine wouldn’t change pitch so we stayed 5 days. It was a long trip to get there. As we approached Cairo we saw first a long dark line out on the horizon of the desert. We thought it must be the shore line of the Mediterranean. Fifteen minutes later we crossed over a line of small lakes with water the darkest color of purple you could ever imagine. Just a few bushes were around the lakes and then sand for as far as you could see. Fifteen minutes from there we could see the delta of the Nile out to the North, and to the south the long thin line of deep green on each side of the river. There on the West bank we picked up the pyramids and we flew straight for them, letting down to about 1,000 feet. The largest pyramid is450 feet high so we were just a little over twice as high. We circled more than once because I couldn’t see the Sphinx which is much smaller than I expected. There were some pyramids down by Memphis, or where Memphis was. We flew down to see them also. Then we flew over Cairo, found our airport and landed. We were anxious to leave the plane and get started. The army bus was just leaving, but we hurried and got on and rode to Heliopolis, a suburb of Cairo, and found our hotel. When I say our crew it means minus Lt. Juster - and plus Doc Hall, Lt. Lyons and Lt. Lamoreaux. The first thing we did was bathe in real hot water in a tub. Imagine hot water to shave with too. Sometimes we bathed twice a day it felt so good. After taking a taxi the six miles into Cairo, we found that an electric train ran between the two towns for 10 cents, even less for 2nd class. A piaster is one-hundredth of an Egyptian pound and a pound is worth $4. The taxi cost $2. All the advertising signs are in 3 languages. English, French and Arabian, Shows are in English, with sub-titles in French and Arabic., on an extra screen underneath. Sometimes Greek also. The food was good all but the milk. There are no cows in Egypt but water buffalo. The milk has a very dark brown flavor. On the way to the pyramids we stopped at the bazaars. The shops are small but richly furnished. Fancy boxes line the shelves on the walls.
The Great Pyramid of Cheops. The largest of the three at Giza, is the best known pyramid in the world - it took 20 years to build and 100,000 workmen working all the time. It is 450 feet tall and its base covers thirteen acres of ground. (that is larger than a square city block). Each one of its 2,300,000 blocks weighs two and one half tons, giving a total of 85 million cubic feet of stone (someone said this is enough to build a 4ft. Wall, I foot thick, around France. This building was meant to be a tomb. But, the rulers must have been mad, because the entire nation worked for over 100 years for this one purpose - that of building pyramids.
We climbed up to the entrance and to the “Robbers Tunnel” a 2nd means of entering made by robbers, about 200 years after the Pyramid was sealed - but there was little to see - a long passage and empty rooms with a few carvings. The pyramids are not smooth now as they were originally. The 2nd pyramid, that of Cephren, is still capped with the original casing but the Great Pyramids and the Mycerinus Pyramids casings have been removed to build Mosques and other buildings in Cairo. We walked down to the Sphinx. These things date back to about 3700 B.C.!
On our way back from Cairo to Tunis we laughed nearly all the way. We had engine trouble. The C.O. had wanted a new supply of liquor. We had all wanted the trip. He had sent along Lt. Lyons to buy $6,000 worth of booze. We couldn’t get over how funny it would be if we had to throw out the whole $6,000 worth all across the Libyan desert, to lighten the plane.
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Happy Birthday, Mom!
September 6, 1892 - September 6, 2007.
My Mother, Elizabeth Mary (Flood) L’Amoreaux, was born on this date - 115 years ago - in Chicago, Illinois. Her parents were Elizabeth Mary (Anderson) Flood and Daniel Dennis Flood.
She died on May 27, 1992 in Vallejo, California. Of these intervening years, I was most fortunate to have experienced - first hand - her wisdom, love, humor and companionship for 89 of them. I miss this relationship very much! HAPPY BIRTHDAY , MOM!
My Mother, Elizabeth Mary (Flood) L’Amoreaux, was born on this date - 115 years ago - in Chicago, Illinois. Her parents were Elizabeth Mary (Anderson) Flood and Daniel Dennis Flood.
She died on May 27, 1992 in Vallejo, California. Of these intervening years, I was most fortunate to have experienced - first hand - her wisdom, love, humor and companionship for 89 of them. I miss this relationship very much! HAPPY BIRTHDAY , MOM!
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
CAIRO - September 3, 1943
Friday, September 3, 1943. - Cairo
We finally got underway this noon - after four memorable days in Cairo. We have the liquor on board - stowed safely in the bomb bay!
The billboards come into their own here in Cairo. There are many horse-drawn carriages. Our daily Hotel Heliopolis rate per person, including meals, was 94 pilasters (about a pound - $4 American.)
The City of Cairo has a population of about a million and a quarter people - 50% Arabs; the rest French, Jewish, and English. There used to be 50,000 Italians living here, but since the war, they have all vanished!
The street cars are about 20 years old. The front of the car is for women, the back for men, and the middle section for Arabs. (When we rode the street cars, I don’t remember this segregation.) I was surprised at how many people speak English here.
I gained 8 pounds, and spent $120 while here - a GREAT R & R.
Many movies are showing here - “Gone With the Wind”; “Yankee Doodle Dandy” and other current pictures. They are in English with French and Arab captions running underneath the screen.
There are many photo shops - proof of a tremendous tourist business in peacetime.
There are countless searchlights positioned around the city - making Hollywood seem very small scale!
The 10% tip is included on all checkups. Directions are given in minutes, instead of blocks. Women wear their wedding rings on the finger of their .right hands.
Gum is 20 cents a pack; gasoline 50 cents an Imperial gallon (5 liters). Auto tires are $200 each! There are convertibles for sale, but I don’t know the price.
It seemed good not to be mobbed by kids - all asking for “bon -bons” and “shewing gum”. “Cigarettes?” was their substitute plea - although they are sold in the stores. Again, I don’t know the price.
King Farouk has a mammoth palace here in Cairo.
I saw a large funeral procession. The mourners march behind the coffin. The pall bearers carry the corpse with the head always pointing towards the East!
When we got back to our base, we had covered the 1600 miles from Cairo to Tunis in 9 and ½ hours. All in all, a beautiful trip!
We finally got underway this noon - after four memorable days in Cairo. We have the liquor on board - stowed safely in the bomb bay!
The billboards come into their own here in Cairo. There are many horse-drawn carriages. Our daily Hotel Heliopolis rate per person, including meals, was 94 pilasters (about a pound - $4 American.)
The City of Cairo has a population of about a million and a quarter people - 50% Arabs; the rest French, Jewish, and English. There used to be 50,000 Italians living here, but since the war, they have all vanished!
The street cars are about 20 years old. The front of the car is for women, the back for men, and the middle section for Arabs. (When we rode the street cars, I don’t remember this segregation.) I was surprised at how many people speak English here.
I gained 8 pounds, and spent $120 while here - a GREAT R & R.
Many movies are showing here - “Gone With the Wind”; “Yankee Doodle Dandy” and other current pictures. They are in English with French and Arab captions running underneath the screen.
There are many photo shops - proof of a tremendous tourist business in peacetime.
There are countless searchlights positioned around the city - making Hollywood seem very small scale!
The 10% tip is included on all checkups. Directions are given in minutes, instead of blocks. Women wear their wedding rings on the finger of their .right hands.
Gum is 20 cents a pack; gasoline 50 cents an Imperial gallon (5 liters). Auto tires are $200 each! There are convertibles for sale, but I don’t know the price.
It seemed good not to be mobbed by kids - all asking for “bon -bons” and “shewing gum”. “Cigarettes?” was their substitute plea - although they are sold in the stores. Again, I don’t know the price.
King Farouk has a mammoth palace here in Cairo.
I saw a large funeral procession. The mourners march behind the coffin. The pall bearers carry the corpse with the head always pointing towards the East!
When we got back to our base, we had covered the 1600 miles from Cairo to Tunis in 9 and ½ hours. All in all, a beautiful trip!
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
CAIRO - September 2, 1943.
Thursday, September 2, 1943. CAIRO.
We expected to leave for Tunis today, but no soap again!
Tonight, I went out to A.T.S. and persuaded Laurie to forget the New Zealanders’ dance, that she had promised to attend. I tried calling her today, but I couldn’t get her. Two of her friends (Sargents on furlough), she and I piled into a Jeep and went riding. We ended up at the Beba Cabaret. I had a good cheese sandwich, chips (French fries) and a hot chocolate. A good time was had by all.
We expected to leave for Tunis today, but no soap again!
Tonight, I went out to A.T.S. and persuaded Laurie to forget the New Zealanders’ dance, that she had promised to attend. I tried calling her today, but I couldn’t get her. Two of her friends (Sargents on furlough), she and I piled into a Jeep and went riding. We ended up at the Beba Cabaret. I had a good cheese sandwich, chips (French fries) and a hot chocolate. A good time was had by all.
Monday, September 3, 2007
Cairo - "Laurie"
Cairo - September 1, 1943.
We were supposed to leave Cairo, for Tunis, at noon today. We had a prop-governor control problem, so couldn’t take off - darn it! So, we went downtown shopping this morning, to get in our last fill of ice cream. I was surprised and impressed by how modern the stores are - department, drug, dime, and barber shops.
I took a siesta this afternoon. Tonight, we went downtown and ended up at Groppi’s ice cream parlor. A couple of girls in uniform came in and sat at the booth across from us. Not bad looking either! So, we became interested. We went over and sat with them. The girl that I became “affiliated” with, is very nice -a Catholic; dark hair; dark eyes - a very fair Syrian. She is a private in the Auxiliary Territorial Service, with the Drivers’ Training Wing. She is very pleasant. She speaks English, French, Syrian, Arabic, Hebrew, Italian and Greek! (I felt pretty humble).
We then went over to Saults for supper, and I invited her to go along with us. I had a nice steak, with shoestring potatoes Her name is Cecile (“Laurie“) Saad. She is a good dancer. I got a kick out of her singing “Chattanooga Choo-Choo”; “You are My Sunshine”; and “Tangerine” - while we were dancing! She sounded very good. She said that she could always tell when the Yanks were around, because the orchestra played “Tangerine”! When the orchestra would take an intermission, New Zealanders, British soldiers and G.I’s would go up on the band stand and “sit in”, using the various instruments to beat out their own tunes! I was surprised at all the jitter-bugging!,
Afterwards, we took the girls back to their camp. We had an enjoyable taxi ride - past the pyramids - even though it cost us over a pound!
We were supposed to leave Cairo, for Tunis, at noon today. We had a prop-governor control problem, so couldn’t take off - darn it! So, we went downtown shopping this morning, to get in our last fill of ice cream. I was surprised and impressed by how modern the stores are - department, drug, dime, and barber shops.
I took a siesta this afternoon. Tonight, we went downtown and ended up at Groppi’s ice cream parlor. A couple of girls in uniform came in and sat at the booth across from us. Not bad looking either! So, we became interested. We went over and sat with them. The girl that I became “affiliated” with, is very nice -a Catholic; dark hair; dark eyes - a very fair Syrian. She is a private in the Auxiliary Territorial Service, with the Drivers’ Training Wing. She is very pleasant. She speaks English, French, Syrian, Arabic, Hebrew, Italian and Greek! (I felt pretty humble).
We then went over to Saults for supper, and I invited her to go along with us. I had a nice steak, with shoestring potatoes Her name is Cecile (“Laurie“) Saad. She is a good dancer. I got a kick out of her singing “Chattanooga Choo-Choo”; “You are My Sunshine”; and “Tangerine” - while we were dancing! She sounded very good. She said that she could always tell when the Yanks were around, because the orchestra played “Tangerine”! When the orchestra would take an intermission, New Zealanders, British soldiers and G.I’s would go up on the band stand and “sit in”, using the various instruments to beat out their own tunes! I was surprised at all the jitter-bugging!,
Afterwards, we took the girls back to their camp. We had an enjoyable taxi ride - past the pyramids - even though it cost us over a pound!
Sunday, September 2, 2007
CAIRO (continued).
CAIRO - Cont.
The Pyramids are mammoth things - nearly 500 feet high! The quarries, from where the sandstone was obtained, can be seen on the outskirts of Cairo in the distance. The outer surfaces were covered with alabaster - a type of marble - from quarries 500 miles away! About 500 years ago, the alabaster was removed to build the large Mosques.
The pyramids housed the tomb of an old ruler, and his queen. Napoleon removed all the valuables from the tombs during his visit. He also knocked off the nose of the Sphinx, and painted the head red, which still remains. He also ordered the Egyptians to pay more taxes through the prophets. When the people refused, Napoleon shelled the mosques with his cannons, not doing much damage to the mosques, as I can still see the ball-shot stuck in the walls of the mosque.
The Sphinx had been buried, until not too long ago, when an American excavator dug the rest of the it out. The Sphinx has the head of a man, the face of a woman and the body of a lion - denoting Wisdom; Beauty and Strength, in their religion. There is a tablet - with hieroglyphic lettering, which explains the past history. The chin of the sphinx is propped up with sand bags, for protection during the war.
There’s a hole in the forehead, from where the priest would step out, and call all the faithful to prayer - facing East. Once a week, the religious would come down from Memphis; which was under water, many years ago. (to be continued)
The Pyramids are mammoth things - nearly 500 feet high! The quarries, from where the sandstone was obtained, can be seen on the outskirts of Cairo in the distance. The outer surfaces were covered with alabaster - a type of marble - from quarries 500 miles away! About 500 years ago, the alabaster was removed to build the large Mosques.
The pyramids housed the tomb of an old ruler, and his queen. Napoleon removed all the valuables from the tombs during his visit. He also knocked off the nose of the Sphinx, and painted the head red, which still remains. He also ordered the Egyptians to pay more taxes through the prophets. When the people refused, Napoleon shelled the mosques with his cannons, not doing much damage to the mosques, as I can still see the ball-shot stuck in the walls of the mosque.
The Sphinx had been buried, until not too long ago, when an American excavator dug the rest of the it out. The Sphinx has the head of a man, the face of a woman and the body of a lion - denoting Wisdom; Beauty and Strength, in their religion. There is a tablet - with hieroglyphic lettering, which explains the past history. The chin of the sphinx is propped up with sand bags, for protection during the war.
There’s a hole in the forehead, from where the priest would step out, and call all the faithful to prayer - facing East. Once a week, the religious would come down from Memphis; which was under water, many years ago. (to be continued)
Saturday, September 1, 2007
August 31, 1943 (Continued).
CAIRO.
August 31, 1943. (Cont.)
The Moslems take their shoes off when they enter the Mosque. So, they placed slippers over our shoes. The Citadel is located at the entrance to the Mosque. Here are stone slabs, and the faithful sit on them. There are faucets in front of the faithful. The well that feeds these faucets is 300 feet deep, and is nearby. They sit on the stones and wash their hands, face and head three times before they enter the temple. The marble vaults, in the corridor, contain the remains of holy men.
Next, we went to the Bazaar - past the native section. In older times, when one of the family would pass on to their reward, they would be buried in the home or in the courtyard. Finally, after the whole family had died, the home served as a family plot and was no longer lived in.
The Bazaar is composed of many shops - perfume, jewelry, novelty items, etc. The merchants did a good tourist business - evident by their speaking English - even some slang! The merchant pulls up a chair for you to sit on, and then asks you if you care for coffee, tea or lemonade? They also pass you Egyptian cigarettes. Then, they drag out their wares on top of the counter. They are 20th century “feather merchants” for sure! They are gamblers from the old school. They are willing to “flip” you “double or nothing” for the material that you are interested in - or for either their price or yours. There are brass and copper shops; silk shops; ivory shops, etc.
Then, we get back into the 1931 Model A Ford -taxi, and proceed to another Mosque. Our guide’s father had been a Tourist Guide for 55 years, and was now working for one of the larger hotels. Between our guide, and his dad, they sent out 1,000 Christmas cards to people that they had worked for, to England and the United states. Our guide said that he had a chance to go back to the States with Mr. Reynolds, President of Camel cigarettes. But, he was only ten years old, and the only son. His mother cried so much that his father decided that he hadn’t better go! Our guide said that he has been unlucky ever since.
(to be continued.)
August 31, 1943. (Cont.)
The Moslems take their shoes off when they enter the Mosque. So, they placed slippers over our shoes. The Citadel is located at the entrance to the Mosque. Here are stone slabs, and the faithful sit on them. There are faucets in front of the faithful. The well that feeds these faucets is 300 feet deep, and is nearby. They sit on the stones and wash their hands, face and head three times before they enter the temple. The marble vaults, in the corridor, contain the remains of holy men.
Next, we went to the Bazaar - past the native section. In older times, when one of the family would pass on to their reward, they would be buried in the home or in the courtyard. Finally, after the whole family had died, the home served as a family plot and was no longer lived in.
The Bazaar is composed of many shops - perfume, jewelry, novelty items, etc. The merchants did a good tourist business - evident by their speaking English - even some slang! The merchant pulls up a chair for you to sit on, and then asks you if you care for coffee, tea or lemonade? They also pass you Egyptian cigarettes. Then, they drag out their wares on top of the counter. They are 20th century “feather merchants” for sure! They are gamblers from the old school. They are willing to “flip” you “double or nothing” for the material that you are interested in - or for either their price or yours. There are brass and copper shops; silk shops; ivory shops, etc.
Then, we get back into the 1931 Model A Ford -taxi, and proceed to another Mosque. Our guide’s father had been a Tourist Guide for 55 years, and was now working for one of the larger hotels. Between our guide, and his dad, they sent out 1,000 Christmas cards to people that they had worked for, to England and the United states. Our guide said that he had a chance to go back to the States with Mr. Reynolds, President of Camel cigarettes. But, he was only ten years old, and the only son. His mother cried so much that his father decided that he hadn’t better go! Our guide said that he has been unlucky ever since.
(to be continued.)
Friday, August 31, 2007
August 31, 1943.
CAIRO - August 31, 1943.
I got up early this morning and had breakfast in bed! Had a fresh egg omelet, coffee, toast - butter and marmalade - rolls and cantaloupe. After breakfast, we headed to town.
We picked up a Guide, and took a taxi to the Bazaar and Mosque. The blue mosque is inside a British fortress overlooking the city of Cairo. I can see the native quarters; the new part of the city; the winding Nile river; the Pyramids; and the quarry from where the stone for the Pyramids and Sphinx were quarried. The internal structure of the Mosque is of alabaster taken from the outer covering of the large pyramid. It is a beautiful tan and white marble, coming originally from quarries which are 500 miles away! The ceiling in the mosque is all hand-painted in blues, gold and red. The names of the four Moslem prophets are inscribed on the ceiling many hundreds of feet high! There are beautiful stained-cut glass-windows, coming from Italy, in the domes! There are over a thousand fine glass chandeliers, and beautiful carpets.
The building is 500 years old! A semi-circular cut in the wall, constitutes the altar, and faces due East towards Mecca. The prophet prays there, while the congregation sits out front on the carpet. They have a pillar that can be rotated towards Mecca. The person ,“wishing” for something, grabs iron rings that are fastened to the wall, and makes his petition - believing that whatever he asks for, he will receive. They then go out the door to the right called the “Good Luck Door”.
(to be continued)
I got up early this morning and had breakfast in bed! Had a fresh egg omelet, coffee, toast - butter and marmalade - rolls and cantaloupe. After breakfast, we headed to town.
We picked up a Guide, and took a taxi to the Bazaar and Mosque. The blue mosque is inside a British fortress overlooking the city of Cairo. I can see the native quarters; the new part of the city; the winding Nile river; the Pyramids; and the quarry from where the stone for the Pyramids and Sphinx were quarried. The internal structure of the Mosque is of alabaster taken from the outer covering of the large pyramid. It is a beautiful tan and white marble, coming originally from quarries which are 500 miles away! The ceiling in the mosque is all hand-painted in blues, gold and red. The names of the four Moslem prophets are inscribed on the ceiling many hundreds of feet high! There are beautiful stained-cut glass-windows, coming from Italy, in the domes! There are over a thousand fine glass chandeliers, and beautiful carpets.
The building is 500 years old! A semi-circular cut in the wall, constitutes the altar, and faces due East towards Mecca. The prophet prays there, while the congregation sits out front on the carpet. They have a pillar that can be rotated towards Mecca. The person ,“wishing” for something, grabs iron rings that are fastened to the wall, and makes his petition - believing that whatever he asks for, he will receive. They then go out the door to the right called the “Good Luck Door”.
(to be continued)
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Heliopolis
Monday, August 30, 1943.
We finally took off for Cairo at 0630 in #146 - minus turrets and guns. Aboard was Skipper (pilot), and his crew - except for Redbird - Bud Lyon, Doc Hall and myself.
We flew in cloudy weather en route. We followed the coast of the Mediterranean - past Sousse, Sfax, and Kairroun, Tunisia; Tripoli, Benghazi and Tobruq, Libya. We crossed into Egypt at Alexandria. I spotted the beautiful Nile Valley at 2pm., after crossing over more desert than I ever dreamed existed!
It wasn’t long before I could see the Great Pyramids on the outskirts of Cairo. This is both an ancient and modern metropolis of a million and a quarter people! The Skipper circled the city so I got a good bird’s eye view as well as some good pictures (I hope!), from the nose of the plane. After a dry run over one field, we landed at about 0230.
We took a bus from the field to suburban Heliopolis - where we were to stay - at the Heliopolis Hotel. There were three of us to a room. High-posted-metal beds, but very soft clean sheets, and soft clean pillows. There was a table and chairs; and many cabinets and dressers in the room. There was also a large 8 foot mirror, a fire place and hot and cold running water.
(to be continued.)
We finally took off for Cairo at 0630 in #146 - minus turrets and guns. Aboard was Skipper (pilot), and his crew - except for Redbird - Bud Lyon, Doc Hall and myself.
We flew in cloudy weather en route. We followed the coast of the Mediterranean - past Sousse, Sfax, and Kairroun, Tunisia; Tripoli, Benghazi and Tobruq, Libya. We crossed into Egypt at Alexandria. I spotted the beautiful Nile Valley at 2pm., after crossing over more desert than I ever dreamed existed!
It wasn’t long before I could see the Great Pyramids on the outskirts of Cairo. This is both an ancient and modern metropolis of a million and a quarter people! The Skipper circled the city so I got a good bird’s eye view as well as some good pictures (I hope!), from the nose of the plane. After a dry run over one field, we landed at about 0230.
We took a bus from the field to suburban Heliopolis - where we were to stay - at the Heliopolis Hotel. There were three of us to a room. High-posted-metal beds, but very soft clean sheets, and soft clean pillows. There was a table and chairs; and many cabinets and dressers in the room. There was also a large 8 foot mirror, a fire place and hot and cold running water.
(to be continued.)
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
August 29, 1943
Sunday, August 29, 1943.
I got up at 0530, but the plane we were assigned, to go to Cairo, is not ready, even after working on it all night. So, we postponed our departure until tomorrow.
So, Redbird, Don, The Skipper (Arval), Doc (our Flight Surgeon) and I, went in to Carthage, and went to Mass at the Cathedral. We ate lunch at the Red Cross, and then saw the movie, “Arise My Love”. We were back on the base for supper.
The plane, that we are using, is a stripped down B-17. The guns, two turrets (ball and upper),armor plating and life rafts, have all been removed. The de-icing boot, on the leading edge of the wing, has also been removed - as they have for all of our combat aircraft. (In this summer climate, there is no chance of icing.) Besides reducing the weight of the plane, the boot removal reduces the drag, which increases the potential speed and fuel efficiency.
.
I got up at 0530, but the plane we were assigned, to go to Cairo, is not ready, even after working on it all night. So, we postponed our departure until tomorrow.
So, Redbird, Don, The Skipper (Arval), Doc (our Flight Surgeon) and I, went in to Carthage, and went to Mass at the Cathedral. We ate lunch at the Red Cross, and then saw the movie, “Arise My Love”. We were back on the base for supper.
The plane, that we are using, is a stripped down B-17. The guns, two turrets (ball and upper),armor plating and life rafts, have all been removed. The de-icing boot, on the leading edge of the wing, has also been removed - as they have for all of our combat aircraft. (In this summer climate, there is no chance of icing.) Besides reducing the weight of the plane, the boot removal reduces the drag, which increases the potential speed and fuel efficiency.
.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
MISSION #46 - Terni, Italy. Sat. Aug. 28,1943.
Mission #46. -- Terni, Italy - Saturday, August 28, 1943
Briefing at 0745, and then off on the “Italian express” to Terni, north of Rome. The weather was very poor over Italy, with a cold front lying in with high-cumulus clouds. We had our “Guardian Angels” (P-38’s) along as a fighter escort.
I flew with Major O’Connor and led the Squadron. We bombed a rail-marshalling yard in this important industrial city. I didn’t see any enemy fighters, and the flak was light and inaccurate. We had a three -Squadron Group formation, along with the 301st Group.
We had a major Garcia riding with us, as an Observer. He was a classmate of the Major at West Point. He had been in England, and is leaving for the Middle, and Far East soon.
Tonight, I packed. Supposed to go to Cairo tomorrow for some R&R (Rest and Recuperation). Apparently, our Flight Surgeon thinks that I am getting a little “Flak-Happy”.
MEMO:
We were briefed at 0700 yesterday morning. we started on a mission to bomb the rail yard at Sulmona, Italy. We had engine trouble and never got off the ground.
Note: I copied the following from the “Defenders of Liberty” - a great historical book on the 2nd Bomb Group.:
Generals Spaatz, Doolittle and Atkinson made a short inspection trip to the Group on August 27th. The Generals were particularly impressed by the war room, in the former cow barn, and with the various officers’ and enlisted mens’ clubs. So much so, that Gen. Spaatz ordered pictures taken, that he could send to Gen. Arnold. The favorable impression of the facilities, was as much a tribute to the ingenuity they represented, as to the function they served.
.
Briefing at 0745, and then off on the “Italian express” to Terni, north of Rome. The weather was very poor over Italy, with a cold front lying in with high-cumulus clouds. We had our “Guardian Angels” (P-38’s) along as a fighter escort.
I flew with Major O’Connor and led the Squadron. We bombed a rail-marshalling yard in this important industrial city. I didn’t see any enemy fighters, and the flak was light and inaccurate. We had a three -Squadron Group formation, along with the 301st Group.
We had a major Garcia riding with us, as an Observer. He was a classmate of the Major at West Point. He had been in England, and is leaving for the Middle, and Far East soon.
Tonight, I packed. Supposed to go to Cairo tomorrow for some R&R (Rest and Recuperation). Apparently, our Flight Surgeon thinks that I am getting a little “Flak-Happy”.
MEMO:
We were briefed at 0700 yesterday morning. we started on a mission to bomb the rail yard at Sulmona, Italy. We had engine trouble and never got off the ground.
Note: I copied the following from the “Defenders of Liberty” - a great historical book on the 2nd Bomb Group.:
Generals Spaatz, Doolittle and Atkinson made a short inspection trip to the Group on August 27th. The Generals were particularly impressed by the war room, in the former cow barn, and with the various officers’ and enlisted mens’ clubs. So much so, that Gen. Spaatz ordered pictures taken, that he could send to Gen. Arnold. The favorable impression of the facilities, was as much a tribute to the ingenuity they represented, as to the function they served.
.
Monday, August 27, 2007
WAYNE DYER
Note: I made the following notes while listening to a Wayne Dyer VCR tape - “Power of Intention”. (My energy is coming from a Source.)
“Mans Search for Meaning” by Victor Frankel.
Sell your cleverness, and purchase bewilderment.
Anger, resentment and hatred are “low energy”.
2nd Truth is beauty.
Everyone is born a genius. But, living de-geniuses you.
Learn to think like God thinks - all the rest is detail.
Pay attention to your inner thoughts - radical humility.
What is my purpose?
I came from a Source - a Source that creates perfection.
Need to fulfill your beliefs - St. Francis of Assisi.
Be receptive. Recovery mode. “Let it go - Let God live it.
Motivation vs. Inspiration - you don’t want to die with your music still in you.
Your presence should do things to other people - they will feel calmer. They have high energy. Don’t join others in their low energy. Low energy can’t bring you down. Your presence makes other people feel up-lifted.
I am whole, and I came from a Source of creation.
When you “define” another human being, you are only labeling yourself. When you “judge” someone else, it doesn’t make them that. Try to be better than you used to be. BE LOVE!
Stand in the same room with the Michelangelo statue of David - 18 feet tall. (in Venice. “David was already in the block of marble. I just chipped the marble away.”) Every beauty that we see is connecting with “Source”.
“Ode to a Grecian Urn” - by Keats.
Natural state is “Beauty”. I want to experience “Beauty”!
DYER DOZEN.
1. Want more for others than you want for yourself.
2. Think from the end.
3. Be an appreciator.
4. Stay in rapport with Source energy.
5. Understand resistance. Unkind thoughts - judgments.
6.Contemplate yourself with the conditions you want to produce.
7.Understand the art of allowing. Allow energy.
8. Practice your humility.
9. Be in constant state of gratitude.
10. Do not resolve a problem by condemning it.
11. Play the “match” game.
12.Meditate. You cannot divide God. You can’t divide Source. It’s the way you look at things. Decide on happiness ahead of time.
Mission - God realization - stay in harmony with your Source energy. You never regret what you do. You only regret what you don’t do.
- -Wayne Dyer.
“Mans Search for Meaning” by Victor Frankel.
Sell your cleverness, and purchase bewilderment.
Anger, resentment and hatred are “low energy”.
2nd Truth is beauty.
Everyone is born a genius. But, living de-geniuses you.
Learn to think like God thinks - all the rest is detail.
Pay attention to your inner thoughts - radical humility.
What is my purpose?
I came from a Source - a Source that creates perfection.
Need to fulfill your beliefs - St. Francis of Assisi.
Be receptive. Recovery mode. “Let it go - Let God live it.
Motivation vs. Inspiration - you don’t want to die with your music still in you.
Your presence should do things to other people - they will feel calmer. They have high energy. Don’t join others in their low energy. Low energy can’t bring you down. Your presence makes other people feel up-lifted.
I am whole, and I came from a Source of creation.
When you “define” another human being, you are only labeling yourself. When you “judge” someone else, it doesn’t make them that. Try to be better than you used to be. BE LOVE!
Stand in the same room with the Michelangelo statue of David - 18 feet tall. (in Venice. “David was already in the block of marble. I just chipped the marble away.”) Every beauty that we see is connecting with “Source”.
“Ode to a Grecian Urn” - by Keats.
Natural state is “Beauty”. I want to experience “Beauty”!
DYER DOZEN.
1. Want more for others than you want for yourself.
2. Think from the end.
3. Be an appreciator.
4. Stay in rapport with Source energy.
5. Understand resistance. Unkind thoughts - judgments.
6.Contemplate yourself with the conditions you want to produce.
7.Understand the art of allowing. Allow energy.
8. Practice your humility.
9. Be in constant state of gratitude.
10. Do not resolve a problem by condemning it.
11. Play the “match” game.
12.Meditate. You cannot divide God. You can’t divide Source. It’s the way you look at things. Decide on happiness ahead of time.
Mission - God realization - stay in harmony with your Source energy. You never regret what you do. You only regret what you don’t do.
- -Wayne Dyer.
Sunday, August 26, 2007
AUGUST 23, 1943. - TUNIS, NORTH AFRICA.
AUGUST 23, 1943.
The Squadron is non-operational today. I worked in the Officers’ Club this morning. This afternoon, Mac, Harold, Bob and I went swimming in the Med. Afterwards, we went to the PX and had a good supper - steak, onions, tomatoes, creamed peas, baked pepper, bread and jam, coffee and caramel-custard crème puff for dessert.
I ran into Jack Fields. It is the first time that we have seen each other in five years. Jack and I are close friends. We both grew up in Hillsdale, Michigan. We were together at Central school from kindergarten through the sixth grade. We were Safety Patrol Boys together. Small world! I also saw John Cadger, who was in the Bombardier Class ahead of me (42-14), in Victorville, CA. I graduated on October 31, 1942.
The Club opened tonight, and it is quite nice. A game of “skill points” was in progress. A couple of enlisted men were singing hill billy and western songs. The beverages were good - rum, wine, bourbon, gin, lime mix, ginger ale, and fruit juices - direct from Cairo!
The Squadron is non-operational today. I worked in the Officers’ Club this morning. This afternoon, Mac, Harold, Bob and I went swimming in the Med. Afterwards, we went to the PX and had a good supper - steak, onions, tomatoes, creamed peas, baked pepper, bread and jam, coffee and caramel-custard crème puff for dessert.
I ran into Jack Fields. It is the first time that we have seen each other in five years. Jack and I are close friends. We both grew up in Hillsdale, Michigan. We were together at Central school from kindergarten through the sixth grade. We were Safety Patrol Boys together. Small world! I also saw John Cadger, who was in the Bombardier Class ahead of me (42-14), in Victorville, CA. I graduated on October 31, 1942.
The Club opened tonight, and it is quite nice. A game of “skill points” was in progress. A couple of enlisted men were singing hill billy and western songs. The beverages were good - rum, wine, bourbon, gin, lime mix, ginger ale, and fruit juices - direct from Cairo!
Saturday, August 25, 2007
MISSION NO. 45.
MISSION NO. 45 - Foggia, Italy Airdrome. Wed. August 25,1943.
0630 Briefing this morning, and then off to Italy, as per usual. We carried “frags” (fragmentation bombs), and had a P-38 fighter escort, which was comforting. Major O’Connor led the Squadron, and the Group, and he did a good job.
The weather was good en-route - and over the target. Moe lost an engine before reaching our Initial Point (to start our bomb run), and another engine after we left the target. I saw him flying thousands of feet below us on two engines, and still losing altitude. Four P-38’s were flying protection for him.
I didn’t notice any flak, but they threw plenty up at the Squadron behind us. I saw two German fighters, and they both came in at us. One of them was at our level and coming at us head-on. The German pilot and I were firing our guns point blank at each other. I could see my 50 caliber tracers (every fifth round) ricochet off his wing as he rolled and did a split “S” underneath and to our rear. He came so close that I could see that he needed a shave. This is my lucky day! The squadron shot down a ME 109. I don’t think it was the same one that I fired on. I think that one was a FW-190.
Bomb load 24 frags (2880#). Mission time 07:00 hours.
0630 Briefing this morning, and then off to Italy, as per usual. We carried “frags” (fragmentation bombs), and had a P-38 fighter escort, which was comforting. Major O’Connor led the Squadron, and the Group, and he did a good job.
The weather was good en-route - and over the target. Moe lost an engine before reaching our Initial Point (to start our bomb run), and another engine after we left the target. I saw him flying thousands of feet below us on two engines, and still losing altitude. Four P-38’s were flying protection for him.
I didn’t notice any flak, but they threw plenty up at the Squadron behind us. I saw two German fighters, and they both came in at us. One of them was at our level and coming at us head-on. The German pilot and I were firing our guns point blank at each other. I could see my 50 caliber tracers (every fifth round) ricochet off his wing as he rolled and did a split “S” underneath and to our rear. He came so close that I could see that he needed a shave. This is my lucky day! The squadron shot down a ME 109. I don’t think it was the same one that I fired on. I think that one was a FW-190.
Bomb load 24 frags (2880#). Mission time 07:00 hours.
Friday, August 24, 2007
MISSION #44.
MISSION NO.44. Aversa, Italy - Rail marshalling yards - Aug. 21,1943.
Briefing at 0830, and then off to Italy. I flew with Maj. O’Connor (our 429th Squadron C.O.) and Col. Thomas (our 2nd Bomb Group C.O.) The Col. led on his last authorized mission - his 55th mission!
We went in to the target area at 20,000 feet along with our 72 P-38 escort!. No wonder we didn’t see any enemy fighters to tangle with. Flak was light, as I saw only a few puffs of black smoke. We did a pretty good job bombing the marshalling yards. Jack had bomb- rack trouble, and couldn’t release his bombs. So, they made a pass over Naples and he salvoed them there. (that was a pretty risky alternative target!)..
Bomb load - 12- 500’s. Mission Time 6:00 hours.
Briefing at 0830, and then off to Italy. I flew with Maj. O’Connor (our 429th Squadron C.O.) and Col. Thomas (our 2nd Bomb Group C.O.) The Col. led on his last authorized mission - his 55th mission!
We went in to the target area at 20,000 feet along with our 72 P-38 escort!. No wonder we didn’t see any enemy fighters to tangle with. Flak was light, as I saw only a few puffs of black smoke. We did a pretty good job bombing the marshalling yards. Jack had bomb- rack trouble, and couldn’t release his bombs. So, they made a pass over Naples and he salvoed them there. (that was a pretty risky alternative target!)..
Bomb load - 12- 500’s. Mission Time 6:00 hours.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
APPLES
APPLES.
Joan brought us some food the other day. Included, was an apple from Manny’s tree. It had a great appearance. I kept looking for the little black dot, which was a sign that a worm had visited. I didn’t see any. When I cut it open, there wasn’t a worm - or evidence - inside either. (The apple tasted very good!). The reason that I was so worm-conscious, is that we used to have a golden -delicious tree in our back yard. I was on a first name basis with the worms, when I cut the apples open.
The tree bore great fruit for many years. Besides being a tasty eating apple -, I used them for apple pies and apple sauce. The tree was in among some junipers, so that the gathering of the apples was quite labor intensive. I wasn’t able to pick many of them. They ended up on the ground - under the junipers for compost, or food for wildlife.
The tree eventually picked up a disease, as I didn’t spray it. The apple crop was very small, and the quality was poor. Jeff, our yard man, suggested that he cut it down (for a fee). He said that he could use some of the wood for the ball-point pens that he was making. So, he talked us into it. While I miss the tree, and the apples a lot, the empty space is gradually being filled by the adjacent large-pine tree. I hired an Arborist a few years back, and at that time, he said that we should cut down the adjacent pine tree, as it was crowding out the very nice apple tree!
I grew up with apples - back in Michigan. While we didn’t have our own apple tree, there were plenty of apples (spies; Baldwin’s; great northerns and others) grown around the local area. Quite a few apple orchards had cider mills. We would drive out to one of these farms in the fall, and buy a couple gallons of cider plus a bushel of apples. We had to drink the cider fairly soon, or else we would have had cognac! We ate a few of the apples right away, but we wrapped the others, individually, in newspaper, and packed them back in the bushel basket. We stored them in the cold-cellar in the basement (along with the canned fruit; jellies and jams; and grape juice.) The apples stayed surprisingly fresh-like all winter. My Mother also used them for pies, apple sauce, apple cobbler, and apple butter and baked apples.
Joan brought us some food the other day. Included, was an apple from Manny’s tree. It had a great appearance. I kept looking for the little black dot, which was a sign that a worm had visited. I didn’t see any. When I cut it open, there wasn’t a worm - or evidence - inside either. (The apple tasted very good!). The reason that I was so worm-conscious, is that we used to have a golden -delicious tree in our back yard. I was on a first name basis with the worms, when I cut the apples open.
The tree bore great fruit for many years. Besides being a tasty eating apple -, I used them for apple pies and apple sauce. The tree was in among some junipers, so that the gathering of the apples was quite labor intensive. I wasn’t able to pick many of them. They ended up on the ground - under the junipers for compost, or food for wildlife.
The tree eventually picked up a disease, as I didn’t spray it. The apple crop was very small, and the quality was poor. Jeff, our yard man, suggested that he cut it down (for a fee). He said that he could use some of the wood for the ball-point pens that he was making. So, he talked us into it. While I miss the tree, and the apples a lot, the empty space is gradually being filled by the adjacent large-pine tree. I hired an Arborist a few years back, and at that time, he said that we should cut down the adjacent pine tree, as it was crowding out the very nice apple tree!
I grew up with apples - back in Michigan. While we didn’t have our own apple tree, there were plenty of apples (spies; Baldwin’s; great northerns and others) grown around the local area. Quite a few apple orchards had cider mills. We would drive out to one of these farms in the fall, and buy a couple gallons of cider plus a bushel of apples. We had to drink the cider fairly soon, or else we would have had cognac! We ate a few of the apples right away, but we wrapped the others, individually, in newspaper, and packed them back in the bushel basket. We stored them in the cold-cellar in the basement (along with the canned fruit; jellies and jams; and grape juice.) The apples stayed surprisingly fresh-like all winter. My Mother also used them for pies, apple sauce, apple cobbler, and apple butter and baked apples.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
MISSION No.43
MISSION NO. 43. Foggia. Thursday, August 19, 1943.
Briefing at 0720, and over Italy at noon. I was the lead bombardier for the Squadron, and also the second wave, with Capt. Kutschera. Our bomb run was at 20,000 feet. We also were escorted by P-38’s - from the 14th Fighter Group - for a change.
The flak was intense and very accurate, although we didn’t receive many holes. We lost five planes, and crews from the Group, due to enemy -fighters cannons and their aerial bombs (a new tactic). There were many injured crewmen, and many planes were damaged. Two planes left our formation after departing the target area, and went in to Palermo with injured aboard.
We hit the town with 12 - 500’s, and did a pretty good job of area bombing. The first wave of B-17’s wiped out a power house. Foggia, and all the surrounding airdromes; Naples and Messina have been our toughest missions. When they announce these targets at “Briefing”, I can feel the tension surrounding me.
After our mission, the Group received a “Commendation” from General Atkinson (Wing Commander).
Mission time 06:30. T.B.W.T.D. = 205,120#.
Briefing at 0720, and over Italy at noon. I was the lead bombardier for the Squadron, and also the second wave, with Capt. Kutschera. Our bomb run was at 20,000 feet. We also were escorted by P-38’s - from the 14th Fighter Group - for a change.
The flak was intense and very accurate, although we didn’t receive many holes. We lost five planes, and crews from the Group, due to enemy -fighters cannons and their aerial bombs (a new tactic). There were many injured crewmen, and many planes were damaged. Two planes left our formation after departing the target area, and went in to Palermo with injured aboard.
We hit the town with 12 - 500’s, and did a pretty good job of area bombing. The first wave of B-17’s wiped out a power house. Foggia, and all the surrounding airdromes; Naples and Messina have been our toughest missions. When they announce these targets at “Briefing”, I can feel the tension surrounding me.
After our mission, the Group received a “Commendation” from General Atkinson (Wing Commander).
Mission time 06:30. T.B.W.T.D. = 205,120#.
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