Showing posts with label WW II. Show all posts
Showing posts with label WW II. Show all posts
Friday, August 13, 2010
65th Anniversary of the End of World War II
Tomorrow marks the 65th anniversary of the Japanese surrender, marking the end of World War II. I haven't seen too much about it, actually just this one article in the August 13th Wilmington (NC) Star-News "Wilmington celebrates V-J Day" by Wilbur D. Jones, Jr.
Back on August 15, 1945 (Japan time) Winter Park resident and New Hanover High School graduate Lt. jg Ralph "Buck" Barden, a TBM Avenger bomber pilot, was on his way to bomb a Tokyo electronics plant.
Half way there, he was ordered to abort the mission, jettison his bombs and return to the carrier USS Lexington. His war was over and so was everyone else's.
President Truman announced that the Japanese had surrendered at 7 pm, Tuesday, August 14, 1945. News reached Wilmington at sunset. Those businesses still open, immediately closed and thousands of celebrants gathered at Front Street. Autos were blasting their horns and many people were singing patriotic songs.
The article's writer remembers sitting at home with his parents and sister and listening to the news over the radio and later managing to get through on their party line and call friends.
He remembers that friends of his family had a baby girl born that day and that his mother had tried, tongue-in-cheek, to have her named VJ.
Jones said that VE Day had come during the day and again all businesses and schools were closed and people were out on the streets to celebrate.
A Great Day in US History! --Cooter
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Repairs of the USS North Carolina-- Part 3
From the June 10th Wilmington Star News article by Amy Hotz.
The folks at the USS North Carolina took their cue from the repairs done on the battleship USS Alabama. It too needed hull repairs back in 2002 and a full cofferdam was built around it. It included a walkway around the top so tourists could see what was being done.
The North Carolina participated in most major Pacific Ocean offensives, including nine shore bombardments, sank a Japanese troopship and destroyed at least 24 Japanese aircraft and assisted in many more.
Then, it survived a trip to the scrapyard and ended up as a memorial in Wilmington, North Carolina. Back in 2001, the Battleship Commission announced that the 73-year old vessel would require a trip to Norfolk or Charleston.
However, after learning about the USS Alabama, the commission reversed itself and decided on the cofferdam.
To Be Continued. --Cooter
The folks at the USS North Carolina took their cue from the repairs done on the battleship USS Alabama. It too needed hull repairs back in 2002 and a full cofferdam was built around it. It included a walkway around the top so tourists could see what was being done.
The North Carolina participated in most major Pacific Ocean offensives, including nine shore bombardments, sank a Japanese troopship and destroyed at least 24 Japanese aircraft and assisted in many more.
Then, it survived a trip to the scrapyard and ended up as a memorial in Wilmington, North Carolina. Back in 2001, the Battleship Commission announced that the 73-year old vessel would require a trip to Norfolk or Charleston.
However, after learning about the USS Alabama, the commission reversed itself and decided on the cofferdam.
To Be Continued. --Cooter
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Battleship USS North Carolina-- Part 3
Of course, the main reason for the battleship's existence today is to honor all who have served their country in war, and especially the veterans of World War II, most of whom are in their mid-80s.
Bragg sees the North Carolina as more and more having to interpret the events of World War II to new generations to whom the conflict is as distant as the Civil War or Revolution. As such, Bragg plans to work with local school districts for field trips involbving math, science, and history.
One lesser-known feature of the ship is its Mark I Ballistic Calculators which were made by Ford in the late 1930s which Bragg calls"the oldest computers in the state." These, I imagine would be for firing the ship's guns.
As mentioned before, the ship is expanding to host meetings (such as a recent regional Home Depot employee meeting) and Halloween haunting.
CHARLIE, THE ALLIGATOR
Large alligators have been spotted by the battleship ever since it arrived. The largest one is always called Charlie. I've seen pictures of employees dangling meat overside and alligators launching themselves a few feet to grab it.
In addition, the memorial's grounds cover 61 mostly undisturbed woodland. The staff has been working with local birders to set up cameras to observe birds of prey on the property.
Then, there is the great view of the moored USS North Carolina from the Wilmington Riverwalk across the cape Fear River.
Thanks June 10th Goldsboro News-Argus.
One of the Best Things the State of North Carolina Did Was to Get This Wonderful Ship for Posterity. --Cooter
Monday, August 17, 2009
A Night to Remember: The Sinking of the John D. Gill-- Part 2
The HMdb, Historical Marker Database had a Marker of the Week located in Southport, North Carolina. The article said that World War II markers in the US, other than memorials are rare because with few exceptions, the war didn't reach our shores.
But, there is a marker here for a Filipino mess boy and others who died in the 1942 sinking of a US Merchant Marine tanker off Fort Fisher and the Cape Fear River by a German U-boat.
The marker is dedicated to the memory of Catalino Tingzon who was on the tanker SS John D. Gill which was torpedoed and sunk off the Cape Fear by the U-158, March 12, 1942. The citizens of Southport cared for the survivors.
This article got me to researching more into the sinking.
More to Come. --Cooter
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Dead Page: USS Waller "Plank Owner"-- WW II Vet Dies at Ceremony
HAROLD EDWIN KINGSTON, 90
Of Wilmington, Delaware, died October 8th. He was a "plank owner" which means an original crew member on the USS Waller, DD-466, a 2,100 ton Fletcher-class destroyer. He served as radioman from 1942-1944, and was many famous battles, including Rennell Island (where the Waller rescued survivors of the USS Chicago after it was torpedoed and sank), Guadalcanal, Bougainville, Kula Gulf, Vella Lavella, Solomon Islands, and others.
The Waller never suffered any casualties while Kingston was aboard. He attended every USS Waller reunion which took place every two years. Oct. 17th Coastal Point, Ocean View, Delaware.
JOHN WEINBERGER, 85
WTMJ Channel 4 of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, reported that John Weinberger died Tuesday at the Veterans Day ceremony in Washington County. He was one of the two remaining Pearl Harbor survivors in the Washington County.
In 2006, he had returned to Pearl Harbor and placed a wreath 50 yards away from where he had stood that day on board the USS Whitney.
The Greatest Generation.
Of Wilmington, Delaware, died October 8th. He was a "plank owner" which means an original crew member on the USS Waller, DD-466, a 2,100 ton Fletcher-class destroyer. He served as radioman from 1942-1944, and was many famous battles, including Rennell Island (where the Waller rescued survivors of the USS Chicago after it was torpedoed and sank), Guadalcanal, Bougainville, Kula Gulf, Vella Lavella, Solomon Islands, and others.
The Waller never suffered any casualties while Kingston was aboard. He attended every USS Waller reunion which took place every two years. Oct. 17th Coastal Point, Ocean View, Delaware.
JOHN WEINBERGER, 85
WTMJ Channel 4 of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, reported that John Weinberger died Tuesday at the Veterans Day ceremony in Washington County. He was one of the two remaining Pearl Harbor survivors in the Washington County.
In 2006, he had returned to Pearl Harbor and placed a wreath 50 yards away from where he had stood that day on board the USS Whitney.
The Greatest Generation.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Oldest World War II Medal of Honor Winner
While reading about Veterans Day observances, I came across the name of John W. Finn, 100, who is not only the oldest surviving World War II Medal of Honor winner, but also the only MoH winner at Pearl Harbor still alive.
On December 7, 1941, he was stationed at a VP-41 squadron at Kaneohe Bay on Oahu. He manned a 50 caliber machine gun in an open area and for 15 minutes maintained fire on the Japanese planes, shooting one down while being wounded 21 times in his chest and abdomen.
He was ordered to leave his post, was treated in sick, and returned to duty to rearm planes. He later spent 14 days in sick bay.
http://www.homeofheroes.com/united/finn.html
On 9-11, he was only 55 miles from New York City on his way to Boston for a Medal of Honor Reunion when the planes hit.
One of the Greatest Generation
On December 7, 1941, he was stationed at a VP-41 squadron at Kaneohe Bay on Oahu. He manned a 50 caliber machine gun in an open area and for 15 minutes maintained fire on the Japanese planes, shooting one down while being wounded 21 times in his chest and abdomen.
He was ordered to leave his post, was treated in sick, and returned to duty to rearm planes. He later spent 14 days in sick bay.
http://www.homeofheroes.com/united/finn.html
On 9-11, he was only 55 miles from New York City on his way to Boston for a Medal of Honor Reunion when the planes hit.
One of the Greatest Generation
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
The VJ Day Kiss Seen Round the World
The November 10th World Net Daily had an article on the woman in the famous Life photograph by Alfred Eisenstaedt at Broadway and 45th Street on Victory in Japan Day on August 14, 1945. This is where the sailor grabbed a nurse and planted a big kiss on her lips. This day is also called VP Day, Victory in the Pacific.
The nurse, Edith Shein, 90, of Los Angeles, will serve as the grand marshal at New York City's Veterans Day parade today. After the picture was taken, the former kindergarten teacher and still unidentified sailor went their separate ways.
She said, "This guy grabbed me and we kissed, and then I turned one way and he turned the other. There was no way to know who he was, but I didn't mind because he was someone who fought for me."
Several women over the years have claimed to be the nurse, but most believe Edith is the one.
Wouldn't It Have Been Neat If They Had Ended Up Marrying Each Other? --Cooter
The nurse, Edith Shein, 90, of Los Angeles, will serve as the grand marshal at New York City's Veterans Day parade today. After the picture was taken, the former kindergarten teacher and still unidentified sailor went their separate ways.
She said, "This guy grabbed me and we kissed, and then I turned one way and he turned the other. There was no way to know who he was, but I didn't mind because he was someone who fought for me."
Several women over the years have claimed to be the nurse, but most believe Edith is the one.
Wouldn't It Have Been Neat If They Had Ended Up Marrying Each Other? --Cooter
Monday, October 27, 2008
Sad News: WW II Veteran Dies Before Visit to WW II Memorial in DC
T, Dan Benson, in the October 12th Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports that Bob Smasal, 82, died just before his Stars and Stripes Honor Flight to see the World War II Memorial in Washington, DC.
In June 1943, the 17-year-old dropped out of high school and joined the Marine Corps in Milwaukee, One year later, he was at Iwo Jima to witness the historic flag-raising.
This past August, he learned of the Honor Flight Program that provides World War II veterans a free charter to DC to see the memorial and he was one of the first to sign up in Port Washington. On September 8th, he was diagnosed with lung cancer and died September 27th, two days after receiving notice of his acceptance on the flight.
However, the flag that draped with casket will make the trip this November 19th.
WW II VETS DYING
An average of a thousand World War II veterans are dying each day now as they enter their eighties and nineties. This program that provides quick, one-day trips to the World War II Memorial now has 52 hubs in 26 states. The one at Port Washington is Wisconsin's second, the first being at LaCrosse. The first flight from the Port Washington hub leaves November 19th and will have 113 aboard, including 80 veterans.
A Great Program, But Too Bad for Mr. Smaal. The Greatest Generation.
In June 1943, the 17-year-old dropped out of high school and joined the Marine Corps in Milwaukee, One year later, he was at Iwo Jima to witness the historic flag-raising.
This past August, he learned of the Honor Flight Program that provides World War II veterans a free charter to DC to see the memorial and he was one of the first to sign up in Port Washington. On September 8th, he was diagnosed with lung cancer and died September 27th, two days after receiving notice of his acceptance on the flight.
However, the flag that draped with casket will make the trip this November 19th.
WW II VETS DYING
An average of a thousand World War II veterans are dying each day now as they enter their eighties and nineties. This program that provides quick, one-day trips to the World War II Memorial now has 52 hubs in 26 states. The one at Port Washington is Wisconsin's second, the first being at LaCrosse. The first flight from the Port Washington hub leaves November 19th and will have 113 aboard, including 80 veterans.
A Great Program, But Too Bad for Mr. Smaal. The Greatest Generation.
Friday, October 10, 2008
USS Oklahoma Memorial Painting Unveiled
The October 9th Oklahoman reports that two Pearl harbor survivors, Ed Vezey of Colorado and Paul Goodyear of Arizona, were at the Oklahoma state capitol yesterday and unveiled a painting of the new Oklahoma memorial by OKC artist Christopher Nick. Both of these former USS Oklahoma sailors led efforts to get the long overdue memorial.
Lisa Ridge, a teacher from Indiana lost her grandfather, Paul Nash, and found out that one of the columns at the memorial is for him.
Eugene Wicker also attended the ceremony. His uncle, radio operator Eugene Wicker, gave the first warning to "man your battle stations."
Unfortunately, I have not been able to view this painting yet in any sources. They say the picture of the sailor in the clouds is particularly inspiring.
Let Us Never forget. --Cooter
Lisa Ridge, a teacher from Indiana lost her grandfather, Paul Nash, and found out that one of the columns at the memorial is for him.
Eugene Wicker also attended the ceremony. His uncle, radio operator Eugene Wicker, gave the first warning to "man your battle stations."
Unfortunately, I have not been able to view this painting yet in any sources. They say the picture of the sailor in the clouds is particularly inspiring.
Let Us Never forget. --Cooter
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Some More on Ewa Marine Air Station
From Wikipedia-- Located 17 miles west of Pearl harbor. After Pearl harbor, a hub for all Marine aviation in the Pacific Theater. Closed in 1952 when runways were too short for jets.
During the 20s and 30s, three of four dirigibles stationed there crashed, leading to the cancellation of the airship effort.
George Welch and Ken Taylor, the two aviators whose efforts to fight off the Japanese attack in their planes which was shown in the "Pearl Harbor" movie, were at a Christmas dinner/dance and an all-night poker party the night before the attack. When they heard of the attack, they drove their Buick at high speeds to Ewa and took off.
The were recommended for the Medal of Honor but received the Distinguished Flying Cross as they had taken off without orders. Imagine that.
It Would be Hoped That at Least Part of Ewa Will be Preserved. --Cooter.
During the 20s and 30s, three of four dirigibles stationed there crashed, leading to the cancellation of the airship effort.
George Welch and Ken Taylor, the two aviators whose efforts to fight off the Japanese attack in their planes which was shown in the "Pearl Harbor" movie, were at a Christmas dinner/dance and an all-night poker party the night before the attack. When they heard of the attack, they drove their Buick at high speeds to Ewa and took off.
The were recommended for the Medal of Honor but received the Distinguished Flying Cross as they had taken off without orders. Imagine that.
It Would be Hoped That at Least Part of Ewa Will be Preserved. --Cooter.
Ewa's "Lost Battlefield" Days Numbered?
The June 18th Honolulu Advertiser reports that today, the Ewa Marine Corps Air Station on Kalaeloa is overgrown with runways covered, foundations cracked, and only a quonset hut and one other building standing.
Dozens of arched concrete revetments, once used for aircraft, remain, some used as horse stables.
Up to 24 Japanese zeroes attacked the site on December 7, 1941.
John Bond has started a one-man campaign to preserve it from development.
It was used as an airship mooring station in the mid-1920s and the famous dogfight with George Welch and Ken Taylor took place over Ewa. During the attack, almost 50 US aircraft were destroyed or damaged on the ground during three waves of attacks. Four Marines were killed.
Here's Hoping for Success to John Bond. --Cooter
President Roosevelt, MacArthur, and Admiral Nimitz visited in 1944.
Dozens of arched concrete revetments, once used for aircraft, remain, some used as horse stables.
Up to 24 Japanese zeroes attacked the site on December 7, 1941.
John Bond has started a one-man campaign to preserve it from development.
It was used as an airship mooring station in the mid-1920s and the famous dogfight with George Welch and Ken Taylor took place over Ewa. During the attack, almost 50 US aircraft were destroyed or damaged on the ground during three waves of attacks. Four Marines were killed.
Here's Hoping for Success to John Bond. --Cooter
President Roosevelt, MacArthur, and Admiral Nimitz visited in 1944.
Dead Page-- Pearl Harbor Survivor
The Merced, Ca. newspaper reported Sept. 28th, that Pearl Harbor survivor, Fred McMullens, 88, died. He was on the USS Nevada that day and rarely talked about it afterwards until 2002, when his family sent him on vacation to Hawaii. This coincided with a reunion of the Nevada's crew.
After that, he spoke more of it. He threw a splicing tool at one Japanese plane that was quite close.
He was reassigned to the cruiser USS St. Louis for the remainder of the war and had vivid memories of the kamikazee attacks.
Another of the "Greatest Generation."
After that, he spoke more of it. He threw a splicing tool at one Japanese plane that was quite close.
He was reassigned to the cruiser USS St. Louis for the remainder of the war and had vivid memories of the kamikazee attacks.
Another of the "Greatest Generation."
Monday, October 6, 2008
USS Intrepid Returns
The USS Intrepid, an aircraft carrier dating back to World War II, is returning to its Manhattan pier after a 22 month $120 million overhaul and will feature more planes exhibits, and deckage than ever before.
It is referred to as the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum. Grand Reopening is scheduled at Pier 86 on November 8th.
On its way to its New Jersey drydock for the overhaul, the Intrepid ran aground and to make sure this didn't happen on the return voyage, $10 million was spent to dredge the Hudson River and the ship's four 16 ton, 22-foot diameter propellers were removed.
The USS Intrepid is 900 feet long and was launched in 1943. It participated in World War II, the Korean and Vietnam wars and was also involved in space capsule recovery.
Glad to Have You Back, Old Girl. --Da Coot
It is referred to as the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum. Grand Reopening is scheduled at Pier 86 on November 8th.
On its way to its New Jersey drydock for the overhaul, the Intrepid ran aground and to make sure this didn't happen on the return voyage, $10 million was spent to dredge the Hudson River and the ship's four 16 ton, 22-foot diameter propellers were removed.
The USS Intrepid is 900 feet long and was launched in 1943. It participated in World War II, the Korean and Vietnam wars and was also involved in space capsule recovery.
Glad to Have You Back, Old Girl. --Da Coot
Sunday, September 21, 2008
WW II German POW Camp Gets Marker in Wilmington,NC
WECT 6 News September 18th. Wilmington's WW II German POW camp at the corner of 10th and Ann streets had a sign dedication recently. The WW II Wilmington Home Front Heritage Coalition co-sponsored the event.
There were actually three German POW camps in Wilmington from February 1944 to April 1946. This was the location of the main camp, which, at its peak, housed 550 Germans and covered a four block square area. Local businesses and farms employed them.
Another camp was at the corner of Carolina Beach Road and Shipyard Boulevard and there was a satellite camp at Bluethenthal Army Air Base, now ILM, Wilmington's airport.
Wilmington has been doing a lot to portray the war on the home front, including a driving tour of war-related sites.
Keep Up the Good Work. --Old Coot
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
LST-342-- Part 2
The remains of the LST-342 can still be seen beached off Tulagi Island. The name/number is listed in Wikipedia, but nothing else.
It was commissioned December 15, 1942 and was a landing ship for tanks. It was flat-bottomed so it could get up close to the beach. They could hold twenty Sherman tanks. Crews called then "Large Slow Targets."
The Japanese submarine R0106 sank it off the island of New Georgia. After it was hit, the bow was towed and beached so the equipment could be salvaged.
There are many pictures of the remains of the LST-342 and LST-325 at http://richard-seaman.com.
Like I Said, Interesting Story. --Old Coot
It was commissioned December 15, 1942 and was a landing ship for tanks. It was flat-bottomed so it could get up close to the beach. They could hold twenty Sherman tanks. Crews called then "Large Slow Targets."
The Japanese submarine R0106 sank it off the island of New Georgia. After it was hit, the bow was towed and beached so the equipment could be salvaged.
There are many pictures of the remains of the LST-342 and LST-325 at http://richard-seaman.com.
Like I Said, Interesting Story. --Old Coot
LST-342 Disaster
The July 11th Orange County Register had an article about the loss of the LST-342 with 121 deaths and 158 survivors on July 18, 1943. Survivors of the attack met at the Hometown Buffet in Santa Ana.
This was organized by Lyon Harrer, 87, who wason a different ship that night, but has since become an expert on it. Three years ago, he realized that he didn't know a single man on the LST-342 and started to do research and even flew back to the Solomon Islands to view the wreck.
On that July night, no one aboard was happy to be cruising in Iron BottomSound, so-named for all the ships sunk there. Gunners Mate Theron MacKay had just begun the 2 am watch and clearly saw the torpedo wake.
Seaman Jim Cogswell had justloaded 325 tonsof ammunition into the hold. There were three explosions that night and by the time he reached topside, the stern was gone and men were jumping overboard. He jumped as well, but returned when he sawthe forward section was still floating.
At dawn, an APc 27 US troop transport came across them and picked up the survivors. They asked for two survivors to stay with the remaining hull and Cogswell volunteered.
Like Most Other Stories, I'd Never Heard of This One Either. --Da Coot
This was organized by Lyon Harrer, 87, who wason a different ship that night, but has since become an expert on it. Three years ago, he realized that he didn't know a single man on the LST-342 and started to do research and even flew back to the Solomon Islands to view the wreck.
On that July night, no one aboard was happy to be cruising in Iron BottomSound, so-named for all the ships sunk there. Gunners Mate Theron MacKay had just begun the 2 am watch and clearly saw the torpedo wake.
Seaman Jim Cogswell had justloaded 325 tonsof ammunition into the hold. There were three explosions that night and by the time he reached topside, the stern was gone and men were jumping overboard. He jumped as well, but returned when he sawthe forward section was still floating.
At dawn, an APc 27 US troop transport came across them and picked up the survivors. They asked for two survivors to stay with the remaining hull and Cogswell volunteered.
Like Most Other Stories, I'd Never Heard of This One Either. --Da Coot
Monday, September 1, 2008
Dead Page-- Tuskegee Airman --Bring 'Em Back WW II Aviator
CHARLES DRYDEN-- Sept. 16, 1920-June 24, 2008
Tuskegee Airmen who earned his wings in 1942. Nicknamed A-Train for Duke Ellington and the fact he was from New York City. Wrote his memoirs titled "A-Train: Memories of a Tuskegee Airmen. He and the others helped lay the foundation for the desegregation of the US military.
He also flew missions during the Korean War.
FRED MINGUS, 88
Died August 8th. Was a member of the 9th Air Force, 323rd Bomber Group, 453rd Bomb Squadron. Flew 65 missions and had four very close shaves.
Once, he landed a bomber with a 2000 lb. bomb dislodged in the bomb bay. Another time one of the engines was dead.
Yet another time, the right stabilizer was cut in half and brakes failed.
He also participated in D-Day.
Two More Members of the Greatest generation. --Old Coot
Tuskegee Airmen who earned his wings in 1942. Nicknamed A-Train for Duke Ellington and the fact he was from New York City. Wrote his memoirs titled "A-Train: Memories of a Tuskegee Airmen. He and the others helped lay the foundation for the desegregation of the US military.
He also flew missions during the Korean War.
FRED MINGUS, 88
Died August 8th. Was a member of the 9th Air Force, 323rd Bomber Group, 453rd Bomb Squadron. Flew 65 missions and had four very close shaves.
Once, he landed a bomber with a 2000 lb. bomb dislodged in the bomb bay. Another time one of the engines was dead.
Yet another time, the right stabilizer was cut in half and brakes failed.
He also participated in D-Day.
Two More Members of the Greatest generation. --Old Coot
Bits O'History: WW II Anniversaries-- Prop Returned-- WW II Group Disbands
Bits O'History-- New News About Old Stuff.
1. WW II ANNIVERSARIES-- This blog tends to cover World War II to a large extent. Two impotant anniversaries of that war took place on this date.
1939-- WW II began with Germany's invasion of Poland.
1945-- Americans received word of Japan's formal surrender that ended WW II.
A beginning and an end on this date.
2. PROP RETURNED-- The June 30th Northern Territory News reports that two fishermen accidentally raised up an airplane propeller from the wreck of the American troopship Mauna Loa which was sunk by Japanese planes on Feb. 19, 1942. The prop had come up when their anchor became entangles with it.
Darwin has been described as the "Pearl Harbor of Australia" when Japanese aircraft from four aircraft carriers attacked the unprepared port.
3. WW II GROUP DISBANDS-- For lack of members as the Greatest generation continues to die. There are only six members left of the Co. F 153rd Infantry who served in the Aleutian Islands. Unfortunately, this is happening all too often these days.
It Would Appear That the Darwin Story Needs to Be Examined in More Detail. I'd Never Heard of it Before. --Da Coot
1. WW II ANNIVERSARIES-- This blog tends to cover World War II to a large extent. Two impotant anniversaries of that war took place on this date.
1939-- WW II began with Germany's invasion of Poland.
1945-- Americans received word of Japan's formal surrender that ended WW II.
A beginning and an end on this date.
2. PROP RETURNED-- The June 30th Northern Territory News reports that two fishermen accidentally raised up an airplane propeller from the wreck of the American troopship Mauna Loa which was sunk by Japanese planes on Feb. 19, 1942. The prop had come up when their anchor became entangles with it.
Darwin has been described as the "Pearl Harbor of Australia" when Japanese aircraft from four aircraft carriers attacked the unprepared port.
3. WW II GROUP DISBANDS-- For lack of members as the Greatest generation continues to die. There are only six members left of the Co. F 153rd Infantry who served in the Aleutian Islands. Unfortunately, this is happening all too often these days.
It Would Appear That the Darwin Story Needs to Be Examined in More Detail. I'd Never Heard of it Before. --Da Coot
Thursday, August 21, 2008
William C. McTarnahan, Motor Tanker
The William T. McTarnahan was a 7,306 ton motor tanker launched in 1941 in Mobile, Alabama. It was attacked May 16, 1942 and seriously damaged by the U-506 under command of Erich Wurdemann. Of the 45 crew members, there were 18 dead and 27 survivors.
The ship, however, did not sink, and was repaired. In 1943, it was transferred to the Soviet Union and returned to the US in August 1944 and had the name changed to St. James.
At 11.01 hours, the McTarnahan, unescorted and cruising in a non-evasive manner, was hit by two torpedoes on the starboard side about 35 miles east of Sip Shoal Light, Louisiana. Fire broke out in the fuel bunkers on the after part of the vessel and killed everyone there. The U-506 then shelled the McTarnahan for 15 minutes before her crew abandoned ship. It then closed to within 400 yards and began shelling the burning ship with 12-15 shots.
The shrimp trawlers Defender, Pioneer (the article was about this boat) and Viscali picked up survivors and took them to Houma where four more died of burns.
The badly damaged McTarnahan was towed to the entrance of Southwest Pass and arrived in Mobile for repairs on the 23rd of June.
A Tanker is Still a Bad Place to Be When You're Torpedoed. --Da Coot
The ship, however, did not sink, and was repaired. In 1943, it was transferred to the Soviet Union and returned to the US in August 1944 and had the name changed to St. James.
At 11.01 hours, the McTarnahan, unescorted and cruising in a non-evasive manner, was hit by two torpedoes on the starboard side about 35 miles east of Sip Shoal Light, Louisiana. Fire broke out in the fuel bunkers on the after part of the vessel and killed everyone there. The U-506 then shelled the McTarnahan for 15 minutes before her crew abandoned ship. It then closed to within 400 yards and began shelling the burning ship with 12-15 shots.
The shrimp trawlers Defender, Pioneer (the article was about this boat) and Viscali picked up survivors and took them to Houma where four more died of burns.
The badly damaged McTarnahan was towed to the entrance of Southwest Pass and arrived in Mobile for repairs on the 23rd of June.
A Tanker is Still a Bad Place to Be When You're Torpedoed. --Da Coot
WW II Closer to Home
When most folks think of World War II, they think of Europe or the Pacific, but there was quite a way going on right off the US coasts as German U-Boats plied their deadly craft and a lot of men died and ships went down.
The August 17th Houma (La) Today had an article about a shrimp boats encounter with a U-Boat.
In May,1942, shrimper Ira Pete and his father were drifting along just after dark and separating the day's catch when they say a U-Boat nearby, also drifting. They could even hear the diesel engines, but fortunately, were not seen. Wisely, they decided to keep quiet and not do anything to draw attention.
The U-Boat suddenly pulled away at high speed and a short time later, the shrimpers saw a flash of light and heard an explosion as the submarine sank one of the 41 American ships sunk in the Gulf of Mexico during the month.
The victim was the tanker William C. McTarnahan. Always a bad thing to be on a tanker or ammunition ship when you get torpedoed. The Pioneer then spent the rest of the night rescuing the badly burned sailors from the ship.
STANDARD WARTIME OPERATIONS
Shrimpers could always expect to be boarded before leaving port during the war years. They were assigned a strict fishing area and even had the amount of fuel they were carrying checked. Authorities wanted to know the amount of time the ship would stay out as well.
Much More Serious Than Most Know. --Cooter
The August 17th Houma (La) Today had an article about a shrimp boats encounter with a U-Boat.
In May,1942, shrimper Ira Pete and his father were drifting along just after dark and separating the day's catch when they say a U-Boat nearby, also drifting. They could even hear the diesel engines, but fortunately, were not seen. Wisely, they decided to keep quiet and not do anything to draw attention.
The U-Boat suddenly pulled away at high speed and a short time later, the shrimpers saw a flash of light and heard an explosion as the submarine sank one of the 41 American ships sunk in the Gulf of Mexico during the month.
The victim was the tanker William C. McTarnahan. Always a bad thing to be on a tanker or ammunition ship when you get torpedoed. The Pioneer then spent the rest of the night rescuing the badly burned sailors from the ship.
STANDARD WARTIME OPERATIONS
Shrimpers could always expect to be boarded before leaving port during the war years. They were assigned a strict fishing area and even had the amount of fuel they were carrying checked. Authorities wanted to know the amount of time the ship would stay out as well.
Much More Serious Than Most Know. --Cooter
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