| George L. Moscovis |
| Internet Document | Original Source | PIMA ID | Donor ID | Category |
| Richard P. Ellinger | George L. Moscovis Bill Trimble |
na | G-DA-140 | G-DA-A |
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The transcription of this diary was provided by Bill Trimble.It is provided here from an OCR scan which is thought to be quite accurate. Introduction:
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SERVICE RECORD - Transfers and Change in Rank |
March 30, 1944 We had our records checked this morning and this evening we had a real show-down inspection. Here we got all our overseas equipment. March 31, 1944 We got our plane this morning and this afternoon we took it up for a test hop. We stayed up for three hours. it's a brand new plane flown directly from the factory. It's a B-26 c type #2-107782. She is a honey and I sure hope we will be able to keep it after we get accross. April 1, 1944 We took off this morning at 15:15 and landed at Morrison Field, Fla. at 19:25. This field is located near West Palm Beach. I sure would like to go to town, but we all believe this is almost impossible. April 2, 1944 We had to listen to breafings all today and we are suppose to take off early tomorrow morning. We brought quit a bit at the p.x. because we know we won't be able to get it when we get accross. April 4, 1944 We were suppose to had taken off yesterday, but after waiting for several hours they put it off till today. We left Morrison Field at 9:55 and landed at Borinquen, P.R. at 14:45. This is one of the best equiped field I have ever been too. We have two sheets on the beds ore here, April 5, 1944 Left Borignquen, P.R. at 6:45 this morning and arrived here at Atkinson Field, B.G. at 12:25. This is an awlful place. It is located in the middle of the jungle and the nearest town is Georgetown. The living conditions is very bad and there are mostly natives over here that cannot speak English. April 6, 1944 At six o'clock this morning we pulled out of here and arrived at Belem, Barzil at eleven o'clock. This is a fair place and most of the people around here know a little English - or at lease they try and speak it.. April 7, 1944 We left Belem, Barzil at six forty-five this morning and arrived at Natal, Brazil at twelve thirty. 000095 -34- This is a pretty good place and we got fair food. We did a little shoping and each of us bought a pair of boots. April 8, 1944 Today I had to pull an fifty hour inspection on our plane. There were two other G.l.'s that helped me. So far our plane has been running perfect and I sure hope it doesn't start giving us any trouble. I pulled all the daily and pre-flight inspection myself with very little if any at all outside help. April 9, 1944 This morning I pulled my daily and preflight and then topped off all the gas tanks. Then we took off and headed for the Ascension Island. We took off at seven o'clock and arrived at the Ascension Island at two forty five this evening. We was in the air for seven hours and forty five minutes which is a long time for a B-26. We were sweating out the gas, but we had about a hundred gallons left in each main. If we would happen to miss this island we would had to ditch our plane - but Thanks God we hit it right on the head. This island is five miles by seven miles. It is thirteen hundred and sixtytwo miles from Accra which is located on the African Gold coast and fourteen hundred miles from Natal. This is generally called "God's Gift" because it is located in the middle of the Alantic ocean. This island is nothing but volcanic rock lava with a steady breeze blowing at all times. It was a hell of a job to build a run-way' over here because it is so rough and and nothing but volcanic rocks. There are a big bump on the runway and engineers used dynamite & T.N.T. but couldn't blase it out on account it being so hard. This bump has caused many planes to pile up at the end of the runway. We landed going down and we will have to take off going up hill because there's a mountain at one end of the runway. We had to to taxi up and around the side of the mountain before we got to a parking place. It took only ninty one days to build this seven thousand feet runway. There is no natives on this island and there are several British women over here. There- are suppose to be four theaters and a large up-to-date hotel, but didn't see any of this. There are hundreds of terns (birds about the size of a duck) over here. They have to take and run the birds off the runway in the morning to be able for planes to take off. Two nights ago the supply ship that were coming here were sunk right off the coast and now everyone over here is really on the elert. April 10, 1944 Took off at seven fifteen and landed at Robert's Field, Liberia at twelve thirty. This is a pretty crummy place but we did enjoy our stay with the natives. There may be black people in the U.S. but there are the very blackest I have ever seen. It was a show for us the way they acted. 000096 -35- April 11, 1944 1 pulled my daily and preflighted our plane and we took off for Dakar at seven fifty and landed there at eleven forty. This is another fair place although there are mostly French over here. April 12, 1944 Our plane is still in perfect condition. We took off at seven twenty and land at Marraketch at forteen o'clock. This was a pretty dangerous trip because we had to zig-zag between mountains and if a cloud came in front of us or if one of our engines went bad - we would be dead ducks now. Our plane was in first class condition and the weather was the same. I also pulled another twenty five hour inspection. It wasn't due, but I was a little eager so I went and pulled the inspection. I got very little help on this one. April 13, 1944 We left Marraketch and arrived in Algers at twelve thirty. This flight lasted only three hours and thirty minutes. The rest of the crew went to town, but I stayed. Today was the day I pulled the inspection I said I had did yesterday. I got my days a littled mixed up. This was the reason why I didn't go to town. I did do a little walking along the edge of town and what I did see was o.k. There was a lot of Italian prisoners over here and I believe they are the happiest soldiers we have - I mean the allies have. April 14, 1944 We left Algers ten-thirty this morning and arrived here at Telegmar at twelve thirty. There are a French field located about two miles from. here accross the mountain and by mistake we landed there first. The first thing they did when we landed was to take our plane away from us and then they put us in a tent. Believe it or not our whole crew were sleeping together. We are due for a little training here before we go into combat. We sure had when they took our plane away from us. We flew only two hours after the last twenty-five hour inspection was pulled and up to now if we didn't pull it - it still wouldn't be due. We were taking perfect care of our plane and in return it was flying perfect for us. We was the second crew to get therr that lefted together and then that first crew got here only a few hours ago. We just took off a little too late. Some say we will be here a few days and others say we are liable to be here a month. 000097 -36- April 15, 1944 We didn't get up till around ten o'clock this morning and it sure felt good in bed. This was the first time we stayed in bed that long in quite some time. We ate some of those so-called k-rations for breakfast. They taste pretty good when a fellow is hungry. April 16, 1944 Exactly four weeks ago today I were home. Three weeks ago today I was in Barksdale having a show down inspection. Two weeks ago today I was at Morrison Field, Fla. and only one week ago today I was on the Ascension Island. Well today I'm here. It sure have been a big change for me in that one month's time. If someone had told me that then in another month I would be here in North Africa - well I would probably told them that this couldn't be possible. April 17, 1944 Didn't do very much today except a few hours of ground school this morning. This evening I received the electrical system in our tent because McClusky had left a short some where in the line when he put it up the other day. April 18, 1944 Fired a hundred rounds of .50 calibre rounds in the martin turret this morning and we flew from 2:10 to 4:25 this evening. We were flying in a six plane formation and believe me it was plenty tight. We were tucking wing tips and the instructor kept telling us to get in closer. To make things even worse the weather was pretty bad and of course it was plenty rough to be flying close formation. The planes over here is pretty well beat up and they all have plenty of hours on them. All of them have been in combat and brought here for training. April 19, 1944 I believe I finished ground school today and will probably finish flying tomorrow afternoon. This evening we flew from 2:00 to 3:40, but it seemed as though it was several hours. It was another close formation flying and it was plenty rough up there. I sure got cold in bed this morning - in fact all of us got cold. I had five blankets, a mattress cover; heavy over coat and also my leather jacket on last night but with all this I still got cold. This morning I went to supply and got three more blankets, but Ringo got one of them away from me. 000098 -37- April 20, 1944 We didn't have any kind of school this morning so we all stayed in bed till about ten o'clock this morning. We sure had a time this evening. We had a tow target gunnery mission and at lease two out of our three gun positions was out when we came near the tow target. As a whole the waist guns were o. k., but these turret guns and tail guns was out practically all through the mission. I sure hope we won't have any kind of trouble like this with our guns in combat. April 21, 1944 We got up in time to eat breakfast and then we went to bed again. All those k-rations sure came in hand because many a mornings that was all we ate especially when we got up too late to go to breakfact. This was about all we took out of the plane. There were many tools in the tool kit I could have taken, but I didn't take a one out. All the other boys are braging about all the tools they took out and they called me a fool for not taking any, but I still done right when I didn't take any as lease I thought so. This afternoon Ringo and I went to Constantine and we had a swell time although he was a officer and I was a enlisted man. We got in town around two o'clock which meant it took us about one hour to get there. The streets in town are very narrow for both cars and people to travel on. About seventy five percent of the ones in town are arribs and the rest are soldiers with the except of a few french people around. Those arribs sure acts funny to me., We went down to the gorge and that sure is a wonderful place to see. The gorge itself is over a thousand feet deep and of course we wasn't going to walk all the way down. They had a elevator there so we took that down. Below they have several waterfalls and two beautiful swimming pools. We also took a few pictures while we were down there. After we left there we went uptown and bought a few pocket books. They wasn't worth the price, but still they were good souvenirs to remember this place by. We also went to the p.x. and got all of our rations which consist of gum, cigarettes, candy, and a bottle of coke each. April 22 1944 The weather is getting pretty bad over here. It have been raining quiet a bit and it is still raining. So far no water have gotten inside our tent and sure hope it doesn't because we have all our equipment on the ground in here. We was suppose to fly this morning and again this afternoon, but we couldn't on account of the weather. It sure is cold over here today. 00009-9 -38- April 23, 1944 Today is Sunday and it is still raining. So far it have been pretty cold and feel a little uncomfortable in these tents. I cannot complain about the food over here because they feed us pretty good - much better than any of us thought. I got up about eleven o'clock and about the time I got washed up it was chow time. We had real chicken fired in corn meal and mashed potatoes and creamed corn. The chicken sure tasted good. Tonight we had fried pork chops for supper and this was also good. April 2-1 1944 It is still raining and it was doing the same thing yesterday. Now it is getting muddy everywhere. We sure get plenty of sack time. April 26, 1944 We got up fairly late and we attended a lecture at 9:30. It lasted about two hours and it sure was interesting. It was mostly about excape procceedure. After the lecture Ringo & I went and located a stove and all the parts that went with it. 'This was pretty harrd because there are about a thousand others that are looking for the same. After we got it put up we went and located some tubing and made a gas stove out of it because it's very hard to get wood around here. Later on in the evening we decided to make some fudge candy. We got our sugar out of our "k" rations and also some chocolate bars. 1. thought we didn't have enough sugar so we went and got some sugar, butter and cream. McCluskey our radio operator did most of the cooking and he got the credit of making the fudge. While he was cooking I went out with Otnott and them and played a little football. Our candy sure taste good and this sure did surprise us. April 27, 1944 All we did today was to get some papers straighten out so we can get paid Sunday. April 28, 1944 We got up just in time to eat dinner. We had mashed potatoes and pork chops. Yesterday we had chicken and I ate' about a half chicken. This evening we played a little cards and then we went and played football. This was the second time I got any kind of exercise since I left Fort Myers, Fla. -39- 000100 April 29, -1944 We did a little fying this evening and that was about all we did today. We went up 13:45 and landed at 16:00. We shot four landings which I don't like on these rough runways. April 30, 1944 We flew twice this morning and both times it were formation flying. We stayed up three hours and of course we made two landings. We had chicken again for dinner and it sure tasted good. We also got paid today. May 1, 1944 We flew for two hours this morning and droped ten bombs. On our way back we did some buzzing and I mean we were really low. McCluskey our radio operator made a landing with very little help from our pilot. Today are suppose to be our last day of flying. I had also said this about two weeks ago and it turned out to be wrong. May 2, 1944 I got up in time to make a fire and eat breakfast. After breakfast I went back to bed and didn't get up till ten thirty. After dinner I washed some of my dirty clothes and that was about all for today. Tonight we had scramble eggs cooked in butter and this sure tasted really good. May 3, 1944 Well Ringo and I got up for breakfast and later on he decided to fly with some other crew. Naturally I came back to bed. About nine- o'clock this morning we got word that we were on shippment and for us to go & get cleared. We got through with this fairly early and we decided to go to town. All of us went. together and had a pretty good time. We got our rations and bought a couple of other things and we came back. After we got back we packed our clothing and maybe we'll ship out tomorrow afterall. Tonight we boiled all eggs because we didn't want to bring any raw eggs along. May 4, 1944 We went to bed fairly late last night so we wasn't anxious to get up when the C.Q. came around and told us to get ready to leave. That was around eight thirty. We turned in our beding and extra blankets and left on a C-47 at ten thirty. We arrived at Almas, Sardinia at twelve thirty. We stayed there several hours and then a truck came along and brought us to the 95th Bomb sqd. 17 bomb Gp. which is located here at Villacidio. The first thing we did were eat and then we were assigned to tents. One of the boys in here are going to rest camp tomorrow. -40- May 5, 1944 1 didn't do very much today except write several letters and straighten out some of my clothes. From what I heard the others say I believe this is a pretty good field. They said all I have to do is clean my guns once a week and go on missions. I believe the jerries were over last night. The guns around here went into action and I heard some say that parachutiest were dropped around here, but I don't know if any of this is true or not. I know there are many guards around here and at the field. May 6, 1944 Flew for a while this evening with my pilot. We went up at 14:00 and landed at 15:45. It was formation flying and we also shot two landings. I wrote a few more letters today. I sure hope I will start getting a little mail, but some of the older boys said it would be weeks before I will start getting any. May 7, 1944 1 got up fairly early and ate breakfast and later on went to church. This evening Ringo and I went down the creek. We did quite a bit of walking and we also shot up all our .45 rounds we had. Duensing, Ringo and McCluskey are going on a mission tomorrow. I sure wish I could go along with them. May 8, 1944 I didn't do a thing today except write few more letters. Last night I had about six dreams and all of them related to the family. I believe this is the first time I had so many dreams in one night. Sure hope all is o.k. also including Ned and John. I tried to take a show in, but the operator couldn't get it started working. Something were wrong with the sound system. While I was waiting I met LeeRoy Champagne from Breaux Bridge, La. He remembered Ned when he was at S. L. 1. He also knew a lot others from Opelousas. He been over here since August and completed only fourteen missions. He was in the hospital a few months and this is the reason why he don't have many missions. May 9, 1944 It's the same old story and that is get up for breakfast and go back to bed. I also wrote several more letters today. I met a boy from Baton Rouge who had just got back from rest camp. He had thirty- two missions and he is suppose to go back to the states with-in a 000102 -41- few day. He has been cripple all his life and the Army look as though they just found out. May 10, 1944 1 probably would have flow today if they didn't have me down as radio operator instead of engineer. I see where I'm flying tomorrow and this will be the first May 11, 1 44 I suppose I will remember this mission for some time to come as it was my first one. As a whole I didn't get nervious at all like everyone claimed I would for the first one. Our target was a railroad bridge at Florence, Italy. We damaged the bridge quite a bit - although we didn't knock it out completely. We didn't see any fighters and very little flak. We were suppose to have an escort of spitfries but we didn't see any. They generally stay out of sight because they like some Jerry to make a mistake and come up. May 12 & 13 1944 I didn't do a thing yesterday and it's the same today. I went to a show and that's all I have done for the past two day. I sure wish I'll fly tomorrow because I am getting tired of doing nothing. May 14, 1944 Today I was on another mission. Our target were a railroad bridge over at Arrezzo, Italy. We went after one bridge and ended up getting three. I seen quiet a bit of flak which were fairly accurate although no damage were done to any of our planes. May 15, 1944 I flew today on air space. We didn't fill in so naturally we didn't get a mission out of it. We had to get up fairly early on account of it was suppose to be an early morning mission, but after we started our planes up it was cancelled until noon and then we took at that time. May 16, 1944 1 was on another mission today. Our target was a railroad bridge near Pisa, Italy. We scored some direct hits on the bridge. We had an escort of spitfries with us; so therefore we didn't see any Jerries. I also seen the leaning tower of Pisa. 000103' -42- I also recieved several letters today and boy was I glad to get them although they were all old letters. May 17, 1944 We bombed hell out a couple of bridges near Ceprano, Italy. The damn Germans threw up a hell of a lot of flak which were pretty accurate. Two of our bombers were damage, but otherwise no one was hurt. All our planes returned to its base. We had to get up at five o'clock and we were over the target at ten-thirty. There's a funny feeling when there's flak all around and can't do a thing about it. To be frank we were expecting to lose a plane or two, but thank God all the planes returned and no one were hurt. The first thing I did when we got back was to drink a cup of coffee and a few donuts. As soon as I got through I went over and took a good hot shower and then came back and sleep a while. By now I have forgot most of what had happen and seen, but I suppose I could have written a whole book while I were in the turret over Italy. May 18, 1944 1 spent most of today in bed because I didn't have a thing to do. Tonight I wrote several letter and this was exactly all I did today. May 19, 1944 I were on another mission today. Our target was a railroad bridge at Lissono, Italy. We did damage by scoring some direct hits. We didn't see any fighters or any flak although we were expecting both. This is one of my largest missions I have been on. We came back here and tried to land, but the weather was so bad we had to go back to Corsica and land there. May 20, 1944 Well today was another dull day for me. I recieved a letter from home and one also from Ned. I still haven't heard from John and I sure would like to hear from him because we are so close and it funny for me not to hear from him. I have been writing to him fairly regular. May 21, 1944 Hopkins, his radio operator and I went down to the creek and did some shooting with my little Italian pistol that I bought lately. Later on we went to the U.S.O. show and it were a swell one. May 22, 1944 I went to another U.S.O. show again this -evening and we all enjoyed it quite a bit. Beau - the guy that went to rest camp got back late last night after spend a while at Naples and at the Island of Capri. 000104 -43- May 23, 1944 1 got up just in time to eat dinner. Afterwards I went down to the line and cleaned my guns. May 24, 1944 1 flew on another mission today. Our target was a road junction at Valmontone, Italy. We had to go over the beach-heard and we were expecting it to be pretty rough. We seen one Jerry way out of range flying around over formation and a few P- 47's took after it. I don't know if it was shot down or not. The bridge were bombed and also the roads. We sure ran into bad weather and the only clear spot over Italy was the target. It was pouring down rain when we got back and we sure were lucky to get back to the field because we couldn't see anything including the mountains. The tower heard us and they gived us the direction to the runway otherwise we wouldn't have been able to tell where we were at as going. Our planes all returned, but one of the other groups are having trouble. I heard that three had crashed into the mountain and a few are still missing. May 25, 1944 All I did today was just lay around. This evening I went and got my pictures. As a whole they came out o.k. except that the prints were too small. It is very hard to get print paper anywhere around here. May 26, 1944 I went down the line and stayed there a while and then I went over and got a piece of ply-wood from a M.E. 109, but still I haven't decided what I am going to do with it, but before long I'll make something out of it. May 27, 1944 I didn't get much sleep last night because I just laid in bed thinking about everything. I tried to get my mind on sleeping, but just couldn't. It looks as though something is worring me. At twelve o'clock we got word that some of us were on a mission and the trucks will leave at twelve thirty. During that thirty minutes we had to find out who was flying and then we had to go and sweat out the chow line - which in the end very few of us did get anything to eat. After we got to our planes they told us we had to wait about two hours before we could take off. We finially got them to bring us some k- rations. Our target was a railroad bridge at Pontassieve, Italy. The first flight missed the target, but we hit it directly on. the head. There were very little flak and no fighters. 000105 -44- May 28, 1944 1 received two letters from home and the letter dated May 10th - mom said she knew that it was a shock to get that telegram but I didn't see any telegram from the news I could gather I believe Ned have been either killed or shot down in action. This was my greatest shock I had in my life when I first started reading the letter. Mom started the letter by saying she were alone at home with her thoughts and memories. Then she went on to say that she had sent Merldine and Al (the new kid mother had just got) to Grandma after spending a few days there herself. Before I read any further I knew something terrible had happen. At first I thought it were someone at home, but later found out it was Ned. I still haven't heard from John and this is also worring me now. I know my family back home is taking this very hard. I went to church this evening and prayed that's if he did get killed God have mercy on his soul and also keep the rest of the family together. So far I been going to church every Sunday and it looks as though it keep my mind much clearer. As I am writing this my eyes are running water - not only because of what happen to Ned, but also my dear Mother, Grandmother, and Grandfather and all the rest of the family because I know if something really did happen to Ned - home will never be like it was before we got in the service - even if John and I are lucky enough to get back home intack. I been expecting something had to happen like this for several days now, but I wasn't expecting nothing like this. May 29, 1944 I sure was glad when I heard from John today. This is the first time I heard from him since I left the states. May 30, 1944 Today I went on my eighth mission. Our target was a road bridge at Bufolara, Italy which is located near Rome. It was a fairly long bridge and we did considerable damage to it. Our fight didn't get any flak, but all the rest sure got plenty and it was pretty accurate. May 31, 1944 1 got paid today and that's was all I done today. I see where I'm on another mission tomorrow. June J. 1944 Our target today was the town of Palestina 'which is also located near Rome. After the bombs hit the town great colums of smoke came up and by all probably we did considerable damage to warehouses and storage buildings. We didn't see any falk or fighters. This time I got a good view of Rome - in fact we flew right over it. - 45- June 2, 1944 Received another letter from John and he said Ned was killed in action April 26. 1 believe he was also late in finding out. Tonight I written several more letters. June 3, 1944 1 did a little flying this evening. We stayed up for about two hours and Ringo dropped ten bombs which were pretty good. He only droped one train of bombs which was only three and the rest he dropped single although he was suppose to drop only one at a time but the only time I seen him do it was when an instructor was along and then sometimes he slips a few away. June 4, 1944 1 made my tenth mission today. Our target was a road bridge at Civita Castellana, Italy. We developed engine trouble a few minutes from the target. When the pilot put the engines in high blower our left engine started smoking. We did our best to keep up with the flight, but all the while we were losing altuide and also loosing speed. Our engines started smoking even worst and was begining to cut out. It was pretty cloudy so we lost sight of the formation so we dicided to turn around and come back. Meanwhile we were by our selves and we were looking for a Jerry to drop out of the clouds and make a target out of us. We wanted to drop the bombs, but we thought it would be better to drop them in the water if we could possible get to the coast in time. After we got to the coast our einges started runing better, so we decided to keep our bombs. We got to the field about five minutes before the other planes got back. It's a funny feeling when one of the engines started smoking pretty bad and being by our selves over German soil or rather enemy soil. June _5, 1944 Didn't do a thing today. I was suppose to fly on transition, but we blew out a gasket when we was running the engines up. This plane had just had an engine change so we was suppose to take it up and put a few hours on the engine before it go on a combat mission. June 6, 1944 1 went on another mission today. Our target was a roadbridge near Bieda, Italy. There were three flights that went after three bridges and our flight was the only one to hit our target. It was a success 'and we didn't see any fighters or any flak. June 7, 1944 Today was another dull day over here for me. I were suppose to fly transition, but it was called off and I was sure glad. ad. 000107 -46- June 8, 1944 1 was put on air spare today, but it was a stand-by all day and finially in the late afternoon it was cancelled. June 9, 1944 We flew air spare and of course we didn't fill in. The right tire blew out while we were taxing out - so we had to go and reload and take off in the ground spare. The target was a Road Bridge at Roccastrada, Italy. As a rule when we are Hair spare" and if we don't fill in we are suppose to be on the next mission that goes out. June 10, 1944 Today I flew my twelveth mission. We had a Road Bridge to hit over at Fieulle, Italy. We made two bomb runs over the target - but we didn't drop any bombs. They had a little flak that was pretty darn accurate. We blew out the nose wheel tire right after we landed. I was pretty sick last night and early this morning. I vomited several times and couldn't sleep: I was feeling a little better when they called us out for the mission. I didn't eat a thing today and the little I did eat yesterday came out last night. I sure didn't feel like flying, but I wanted to get this mission in reguardless. This evening I went out and cleaned my guns but I didn't clean them because I felt like it - but because had to. This is a new ship and it just got in two days ago and this week was just about over so it was either today or never. Saturday is the last day of the week we clean the guns and Sunday starts a new week. June 11, 1944 I went to church this morning and again this evening. After dinner I played a little football, but otherwise today was a regular day off for me. June 12, 1944 Today I went on my hottest mission. Even some of the old gun ners said this was their hottest since they been flying. Our target was a highway bridge near Perugia, Italy. We completely distroyed the bridge. On the way to the target we ran into a little flak, but we sure ran into a lot of it after we broke away from the target. We was the one flight that ran into the flak. The other flights broke right and we broke left after we left the target. Right on the northern part of that large lake was where we caught all the heavy flak. We had many large holes in our plane and one hole in the left wing was large enough to run my arm in it. One of the other planes was destroyed after it landed. Our co-pilot, Jacobsen, was in it and they couldn't use their brakes - so the plane ran- off the runway and zig-zag through the field and after it crossed the main road the nose -47- 000108 wheel came from under and the plane crashed and behind repair. No one received a scratch which I think was pretty lucky. All of the planes that was in our flight was damaged to a certain extent. June 13, 1944 1 didn't do a thing today except just lay around all day and this sure get tiresome just laying around doing nothing. June 14_,_1944 1 went down to the creek and took a little swim. This was the second time I went swimming since I left Miami Beach, Fla. June 15, 1944 Had to get up fairly early this morning for the mission. We bombed a railroad bridge located on the Magia River near the City of Sarzana, Italy. We destroye the bridge by direct hits. Ringo was the Bombardier in the second element. We ran into a hell of a lot of flak which was pretty accurate. June 16, 1944 Had to fly transition this evening. Ringo & Harthone were the bombardier and Duensing and Albury were the pilots and of course I was the engineer. They dropped ten bombs and then did some buzzing. We also buzzed for about an hour before we went up and droped our bombs. June 17L 1944 1 was on another mission today. Our target was a railroad bridge at Rimini, Italy. We couldn't, reach the target on account of the weather - so we had to run around and come back. We didn't see any flak or fighters. June 18, 1944 Today was another dull day for me. All I did was just lay around all day. June 19, 1944 I went out and cleaned my guns and also wrote a few letters. I suppose we will be moving out of here in the near future because they are doing a lot of packing and I know they are not doing this for nothing. June 20, 1944 We flew for an hour tonight. We took off at eleven thirty and landed at twelve thirty. 000109' -48- June 21, 1944 Today was another rather dull day. About all we can do with days like this is sleep and read. June 22, 1944 1 went swimming again this evening. Later on I went over to Hopkins' tent and finished my roll of films. Tonight a bunch of us boys bought some ice cream from an Italian. I ate about a quart of it and it tasted pretty bad. We all knew it was made out of goat milk or maybe from cows that had T.B., but we was hungry for ice cream and we didn't care what it was made out of. I founded out from Charles Guilbeau that Ned and the crew as killed over at Haltenswil which is near Zurick, Switz. They were buried at Munisingen, Switzerland with military honors. From what I could pick up I believe they all had plenty time to bail out, but they wanted to get way into Switzerland so the Germans couldn't capture them. They had two choices and one was to bail out over Germany or take a chance and get to Switzerland and the latter which they tried was unsuccessful. June 23, 1944 All I did today was lay in my sack. I didn't eat any breakfast, very little for dinner and hardily any supper. For some reason or other I just can't eat much - but I am feeling pretty bad and I suppose that's the cause why I can't eat. I was feeling the same way yesterday. June 24, 1944 I felt pretty good today. This afternoon I went down to the creek and had a good swim. It been quite a while since I last heard from John. Sure wish I hear from him soon. I know we are both in danger - but I think it is much rougher for them then it's for me. June 25, 1944 Today's Sunday and I kept myself fairly busy all day. This morning I went to church and after dinner Hopkins' radio operator and I went down to the 319th Bomb Gp. to locate some of the old boy. All we could find was McDonald. All the rest of them were in town. I suppose we wouldn't have been able to find McDonald, but he got his left leg burned pretty bad so therefore he couldn't get around with out the aid of crutches. Later on in the evening I went to church and after church I went down to Hopkins' tent and we boiled some eggs which afterwards we ate. June 26, 1944 I didn't do a thing today except that I read a complete book "Thirty Seconds over Tokyo" by Capt. Ted W. Lawson. He was on the raid and he lost his left leg on account of wounds he received when his plane fell into the sea. -49- 000110 This was a swell book and when you start reading it you won't be able to put it down until you get through. June 27, 1944 1 went and cleaned my guns this morning and this evening we went swimming. Later on we boiled some more eggs which we ate. June 28, 194 Received a few more letters today - the first in several days. We went swimming again this evening and they sure had plenty down there at the creek. They had at least fifty in the water at all times. June 29, 1944 Today Hopkins' radio operator and I went down the mountain and tried to find a new place to swim, but we ended up by getting lost and I'm sure we walked ten miles. After all this we still didn't find another hole to swim in. I see where I'm flying tomorrow. June 30, 1944 We was suppose to go on a mission, but after we got out to the planes it. was canclled. I sure hope this won't happen again tomorrow. July 1, 1944 Today I went on my sixteenth mission. Our target was a railroad bridge at Villa Franca, Italy which is located near Spezia We didn't see any flak or any fighters. We destroyed the bridge completely and we had an escort ten spitfries, but 'they didn't see any action either. July 2, 1944 Today's Sunday and I didn't do very much today. The main thing I did was to go down to the creek and had a pretty good time. July 3, 1944 Recieved a diary from home today and also a letter from mother saying that she haven't heard from me for fourteen day. I don't see how this can be possible because I write home at least once every other day. July 4, 1944 Today is July the forth, but it sure don't look like it over here. I went out and cleaned my guns this evening and tonight some boys got some flars out and started a little shooting. 000111' -50- July 5, 1944 1 got paid today and also flew an hour and a half of transition. July 6, 1944 1 was awaken about 3:30 A.M. although I wasn't on the mission. An other engineer took sick and by me being so eager he came and got me up. Our mission was to Aulla, Italy which is located near Sarzana. It was a am dump, but after reaching the target we couldn't drop the bombs because we couldn't see the target on account of the clouds. July 7, 1944 Now everybody over here have dysentary (or the G.I.). Some have already gone to the hospital and others are pretty bad off. I went on another mission today. Our target were an amum dump, fuel dump and storage buildings at Collecchio, Italy. We got direct hits and smoke rose to ten thousand feet before we got away from the target area which meant we did a lot a damage. We also seen great fires and explosions. We had about ten to fifteen gallons of gas left in each main when we landed and boy did we sweat this mission out. We didn't see any fighters or flak. This makes my eighteenth mission: July 8, 1944 I went on another mission today. Our target was the marshalling yards at Novi Ligure, Italy which is located about Genova. It was a success and great fires started which meant we must have hit fuel tanks. We didn't see any flak or any fighters. I recieved a few more letters today and now I am trying to answer some of them. It sure is hard to write anything over here. it's too hot to be able to sit and write a letter. July 9, 1944 Today is Sunday and I didn't get a chance to go to church. This morning I flew transition with Jacobsen and Mueller and this evening I had to go and see a first-aid movie. We stayed up for about two hours and shot two landings. July 10, 1944 Today I cleaned my guns and tonight I went to the show. It started at six O'clock and lasted till nine o'clock. It was 'mostly G. 1. movies. 000112 -51- July 12, 1944 I went to Cagliari this morning and got my per-diem. As soon as I got back I founded out that I was on a mission this afternoon. Our target was a railroad bridge at Piaceza, Italy. It was a success by some direct hits. At first we had to get some gas at Corsica before we could get back. We had to land at ten o'clock without any landing lights. At first we started to land at the 319th, but we decided to try and find our own field. We had a hard time to find our field because it was so dark and us without any lights. We took a guess and made a good landing. There were no flak or fighters. July 1-3, 1944 Flew again today and our target was the same as yesterday. We did considerable damage again today. It's a fairly long bridge and it is pretty hard to knock it out. Day-before yesterday was a pretty dull day for me because many of the boys made staff and one or two of us didn't get a thing because our pilots didn't put us in for it and that's the one way a fellow can get an extra stripe. Yesterday I recieved four letters that I wrote to Ned and he didn't get because I wrote them after he went down. July 14, 1944 I was on transition today and- of course it messed up the whole day for me. We were on a bombing mission with three bombardiers. July 15 & 16, 1944 For the pass two days I haven't done a thing, but just lay around, sleep & read. July 17, 1944 I went on my twenty-second mission today. Our target was a rail road bridge at Ceva, Italy. We ran into prop-wash on our bomb run and we missed the bridge completely. They went after the same bridge yesterday, but they gived up after they made three bomb runs on the bridge. This bridge is located right behind the mountain and it is very hard to get a long enough bomb run to knock the bridge out or rather drop the bombs. We didn't see any flak and no fighters although we were expection fighters. The 319th lost a plane and also the French over here. To make things even worst my left turret gun had a short in the electric line going to the gun and most of the time it wouldn't shoot. One time it caught -on fire with me in the turret and this was the fastest I have ever put out a fire. Up to now the pilot and the gunners didn't know they had a fire in the turret and maybe it's a good thing they didn't. (00113 -52- July 18, 1944 Today I went out and cleaned my guns and. that's about all I did today. July 19, 1944 I was on another mission today. Our target was a rail-road bridge at Piacenza, Italy and we got a few direct hits on the bridge with two thousand pound bombs and when one of these hit it do quite a but of damage even if they do miss the target. July 20, 1944 Today I read the complete book of "The flying Tigers" by Russell Whelan. It's story about those American Volunteer Group. They had a very rough mission today. One plane went down with Co. Gilbert our Group C.O. He was in the lead ship with seven others. As far as I know two planes went down and about three came back with single engines. They didn't drop any bombs - as far as I know no one was hurt and no planes went down from this squadron. July 21, 1944 Today I finished recopying my diary and I sure was glad because it took me a good while before I got through. Tonight I also wrote a few letters. July-22 1944 1 flew two hours arid forty five minutes of transition this afternoon. We dropped ten bombs. I recieved two letters from home and mother said that clady's legs were giving him plenty of trouble and he couldn't walk. July 23, 1944 Today I made myself a table which took me about three hours to make. There a shelf in the bottom, a draw on the top of the table is on a angle so it would be easier to write on. I believe I am flying tomorrow although only time will tell. July 24, 1944 Today I flew my twenty forth mission. Our target was a railroad bridge and also a rail-junction at Ronco Scrivia, Italy. We didn't see any flak or fighters and best of all we did a lot of damage and by all probablity it was completely destroyed. Tonight I went to the movie and saw "Show Bussiness" with Eddie Canton and it were a swell picture, but I just couldn't enjoy it. I hate to write this in this diary, but something is really worrying me. I just keep on thinking -53- 000114 about John how he's getting along. All the ones at home because what I can pick up daddy is sick and so are grandpa and I know that mother and grandma are just about the same. Since Edward had to register it is even worst at home. It looks as though I could see Ned and the crew going down. Some were wounded all were bloody and sweating and up to the last second I could picture Ned thinking about his mother, father, sister, and the rest and it would be a long time before anyone would hear from them if God could only spare them - but they crashed and all were killed and the end of some fine men. Home will never be the same as it was before the war. The folks back home will be looking for all of us after the war - but deep in their hearts they know that some will not return. Tomorrow morning I am up to fly transition. July 25, 1944 This morning I flew transition for two hours and made two landings. One tire blew out and a actuacating cylinder were also leaking very bad and have to be removed and replace by a new one. This afternoon I went and cleaned my guns and afterwards went and seen a U.S.O. Show which were pretty good. It has been fairly cool for the last several days. July 26, 1944 I help put out a fire over the mountain near our amumotion dump. It was a pretty big fire, but we got it under control in about an hour and a half. I see where I'm flying again tomorrow morning on a mission. July 27, 1944 I went on my twenty fifth mission today. Our target was a railroad bridge at Pretra Ligure, Italy. We dropped our bombs while were still over water and our mission was a success. We didn't see any flak or fighters. We had a escort of ten spitfries with us. July 28 1944 We had about two hours of schooling on gunnery. Most of it consisted of malfunctions of the guns and turret. Otherwise today we didn't have a thing to do. July 29, 1944 1 went to a movie tonight the name of it was "Two -Girls and a Sailer" with Harry James and it was the best I have seen in quite some time. I haven't recieved my mail for several days now. I don't know what's the trouble, but I sure would like to hear from someone. It's pretty hard to continue writing and still don't get any mail. -54- 000115 July 30, 1944 Today was another dull day for me. Today's Sunday, but it was just another day for me. July 31, 1944 I was suppose to fly today, but it was cancelled, so I up again tomorrow. Sure hope I'll start flying more often because I'm tired of doing just nothing. Otnott and Henry George came down here together and Hopkins and the rest of us spent the evening together. We had a swell time together and spent the afternoon shooting the bull. We have been together since we been in the Army and always got along fine together although the others get drunk. Although they get drunk I know their ways and don't pay any attention to them when they get drunk. August 1, 1944 Today I flew my twenty sixth mission. Our target was a rail road and bridge at Ronco Scivia, Italy. We had two two thousand pounds bombs and we scored many direct hits. I seen one burst of flak and there were a lot of 40 milli-meter about five thousand feet. We didn't see any fighters. August 2, 1944 I flew transition this morning from 8:30 to 11:00. This evening I went to the movie and after I left the movie I stayed in the 332nd Sqd. quite a while before I decided to come back. As soon as I got back my pilot said "So you are going to rest camp amp tomorrow; and of course this was news to me. I got all packed up and now ready to leave tomorrow morning at 6:30. August 3 1944 We got up fairly early and headed for Elmas, Sardinia. There we picked up a C-47 and took off for Naples. Took off at 9:30 and got there at 11:30. After we got to the rest camp hotel they told us we had to go back to Sardinia tomorrow, but we are going to stay reguardless unless they give us some special orders which is doubtful a corporal and a P.F.C. can do. This evening we went to the aquarium and seen seen quiet a bit there. There were all kinds of sea fish and sea animals in there. August 4, 1944 This morning I went to Pompie and stayed -there several hours. While I was there I saw many interesting painting. Also saw the main points of interest which consisted of the "Street of Abundance," "The Amphitheatre," "Nolan Gate," "Bakery and Mills" "The Temple of Jupiter" and many, many others. -55- After I left the ruins of Pompie I went to the present City of Pompie and this is also an interesting place. There I saw the "Sanctuary of Pompie." This is a very beautiful church and with very beautiful paintings. On top of the alter there a beautiful picture of "Our Lay of Pompie". Near this Sanctuary I bought a beautiful pair of prayer beads which were blessed in this Sanctuary. After I left Pompei I came back to Naples and went to the Red Cross. There I had cake and coffee. I believe this was the best coffee and first time I tasted cake since I left the States. I suppose I walked about twenty miles today because it is so easy to get lost. August 5, 1944 1 went or rather we went to Naples again this morning and again we got lost. After I got back I took a bus out to the docks and there I took a boat and left for Capri. We left Naples at 2:30 and arrived at Capri at 4:30. This evening I rode a carriage down to the beach and saw many pretty sites. August 6 1944 They sure had plenty mosquitoes last night. We had nets on the beds, but they didn't have any posts - so therefore they bit through the nets wherever the nets rested against our body. This morning I went in a motor boat around the island and also seen the Blue Grotta (cave) and this sure is beautiful. This evening Fineman and I each took a kayak and we had a wonderful time in the ocean. I went over once and swam near the shore. There tried to empty the water out of the boat and I slipped into a pile of stikers. That night I had to go to the dispensary and get some of them out. The doctor said they came off a fish of some kind. He took some out but could get all of them out on account some were too deep. August 7, 1944 This morning I got my rations. This afternoon Fineman, Lones, and I went down to the beach and each got a kayak. We spend a wonderful evening together although Lones when over once. Tonight I took about a dozen more stickers out of my feet. Now they have only a very few left and I don't believe these will hurt. August 8, 1944 This morning I seen the ancient cartesian monastary or so-called "Convento Fella Certosa". They also had some beautiful paintings here and this place was worth seening. This evening I didn't do a thing except just took it easy. 000117 -56- August 9, 1944 This evening I walked all the way to Ana-Capri and back. This is a very beautiful place with many interesting sites. The main street going to AnaCapri is mostly lined with either stone walks going up or lined with trees on both sides as it is on top where the ground levels off a little. Aug ist 10, 1944 This morning I located some films. Although they sold them to me at two dollars a roll it sure is worth that price if the films are any good. I bought both 127 and six sixteen size filmes. Altogether I bought about ten rolls. This evening I seen Count Crano's father-in-law's home and it were among the best located way up. August 11 1944 Today I left Capri and got back to Naples. While I was at Capri I lived in the Villa Le Terrazze and in the last bed up in the last room room which were the top story. While I were there I ate at the Pensione Tragara Hotel and the food were swell. I got ice cream three times while I were there although I didn't see any fresh meat. I have seen practically all the places that are mention in "Capri" the guide that's put out by the American Red Cross. On the way back to Naples I sure seen a lot of boats at the Harbor which means they are ready for another beach head somewhere. We cannot leave today and we will be lucky if we can get back tomorrow. August 12 1944 By the hardiest we got a C-47 out of Naples to Almas, Sardinia. We stayed at the airport all day trying to get a ride back. When I got back the first thing I did was to see about the mail. I had thirteen letters and all were from home. I am always very anxious to read my mail, but this evening I wasn't. First I took a shower and then straighten out my clothes. Then I decided to read the first one which I did. It was the first one written and everyone were O.K. - but for some reason I just couldn't open any others. I picked them all up and went to the day room. I wanted to be by myself so I could read the mail and for some reason or other no one was in the day-room. Before I got to any sad news I started crying and it seemed as though I just could see in my mind that something terrible had happen. When I came to the death of John that was all I could go and my mine were blank for several minutes. No details were given except that. he was killed in action July 9, 1944. The only thing that brighten up my mine a little was a letter that Edward my brother had written earlier and stated that John had wrote about a month -57- 00011S earlier and said the war has separated him and Ned and the war will also unit them again. It's funny how a soldier's mind can think ahead. I have been looking for very bad news even before Ned had met his fate. After Ned was killed I kept on dreaming of all sorts of things and all related to the family. Sometimes I wonder if I am actually living myself because my mine just keep on changing. During the last war parctically all on my father's side were wiped out and now it's on my mother's side. First it was Ned, then John and God only know who will be next. No doubt there will be more to follow - but who - who - who - . It just keep me worried because I'm doing a dangerous job and as for the poor folks back home - well I just hate to think about it. I were very scared today from the time we took off till we landed I kept on trembling all the time I was in the plane and by the way this C-47 is much safer than a B-26 and I have never gotten scared like this in a B-26. While I was a way plane no. 51 went down. As far. as I know five got out of the plane and two didn't. If I wasn't at rest camp I could have easily been in that plane and went down like the rest. Today I found out that I am a staff sergeant and have been since the first of this month. There sure were a -.lot of ships at Naples that were starting to move around 3:30 which was the, time we were-over the harbor. They were headed up North and I believe this will be the ones that will do the invading. They were all loaded down with troops & supplies. August 13 1944 Today's Sunday and all I did were straighten things up a little and also went to church this morning. August 14 1944 1 flew two hours of early formation this morning. We loged two hours - took off at five o'clock. This afternoon all flying was cancelled and later on we found out that tomorrow will be the D-day. All the planes that are able to fly will be on the mission, but I'm not on the mission for tomorrow morning. If they have another mission tomorrow afternoon I suppose our crew will then fly. They have all the details of what's going on tomorrow in S-2 which we can see. August 15, 1944 Last night around eleven o'clock they came in and told me that I was flying this morning and they would wake us up at 1:30 AM. Today was the day they started the beachhead in southern France and we had to knok out some guns along the coast. We couldn't drop our bombs -58- because it was too cloudy over the target. Whereever we look they had fighter plane in the air and all of them were ours. Every type & every model. There was also three aircraft carriers with planes right off shore. There were hundreds of airplanes, ships and landing barges taking part in the invasion. There were a little flak and no enemy fighters. On this mission (27) 1 was the radio operator and that how I got to fly on the mission this morning. I didn't do a thing of any importance today. Recieved a letter from Lag Ledoux and he's in the pacific somewhere. Aug ist 1 7, 1944 Today was another rather dull day for me. This evening we was suppose to shoot skeet, but both of the guns were out so we had to put it off till some other day. I see that I'm flying on tomorrow's mission. Aug ist 13, 1944 This morning I went on my twenty-eighth mission and believe me it was plenty hot. We just did get off the runway and we used every inch of it and still we were in doubt. I believe everybody was sweating us out. After we got off we stayed a few feet above the trees for quite a ways. On the bomb-run we couldn't get the bomb bay doors open so we had to come back with two - two thousand pound bombs. As soon as the bombs were dropped they started throwing flak up at us. Up to now I still don't know how we got through all of it. We were in the third plane of the formation. Our plane recieved a few holes, one were shot down and several came back on a single engine. By all probability this mission was a success. We logged 3:40. August 19, 1944 Today was another dull day. They did quite a bit of bitching today because tomorrow is organision day for our squadron and we are planing on having a good time. As yet we are not suppose to fly, but they are liable to make us go on a mission tomorrow anyway. August 20, 1944 - Sunday NOTE: For dramatic photo from this mission - go to Today is Sunday and every thing were working out o.k. until we found out we had a mission and of course I was on it. We knew it was going to be a hot mission and McCluskey brought along a few extra-flak suits. Well at app. 2:55 this afternoon our plane -was shot out of the sky. The last burst of flak which hit the plane threw me clear out of the turret and it started burning. The right engine (this made history latter on) was shot completely off. After saving the life of McCluskey I bailed out of the plane 000120 -59 myself. My chute was badly damage and probably had many holes in it because he rip- cord was shot off including the rest of the top of the chute. Some of the silk was loose and was out. Before I bailed out I had noticed McCluskey was tied down with the flak suits, arm belts, etc. and I pulled all these things off him and gived him a good push and out he sailed. I had an awful time to get out myself, but I finially made it. I saw about four feet of the silk come out of the chute and then I went out cold. I probably were hit by the plane or maybe a shell burst. It was pretty low when I left the plane. One boy (everbody called him a fie) said he saw one chute come out and open and later on another one came out, but it didn't completely open on account of the plane being too low to the ground. So far I haven't found out the straight story and probably never will. When I came to after being out for about three hours the French underground had me. The first thing they did was to give me a shot of whiskey. Later on I found out I was stripped naked with only one towel over me. It look as though I was in a work shop. Shortly afterwards a doctor came in and put me on a stretcher and put me in an amblance and carried me to a private home. This was the most worst ride I have ever been on. It sure was plenty rough. The gived me two shots in my left ankle and bandged up my back and of course they also took care of the smaller wounds. My left ankle was fractured, my right knee was sprained and my chest and back were also killing me. It looked as though my back were sprained and I had internal wounds. My back was badly burussed and black with some extenial wounds. Tonight I was such in a bad condition that a french of girl slept besides me all night. She tried to keep up my courage all night because she knew as well as I that the chances were pretty slim. I asked for my dog tags and bible several times,' but were* unable to get this. They kept a lot of things secret from me and sometimes I thing maybe the Germans thought I were dead and stripped everything off me for souveniors. I don't recall what wounds I recieved in the plane, but I beleive the flak suits played a big part in saving my life. I also give a lot of credit to the French girl who kept up my courage because otherwise I am allmost certain I would finish. August 21, 1944 Monday There are German soldiers everywhere and there were French in my room all this morning and it was the same last night. I'm still in great pain and the French sure have great a lot of patience with me. So far I have had only wine and water. It looks like the French sure think a lot about us. I recieved a lot of kisses from the French - both young and old and of course I cried continuously. This morning my doctor came and examined me. Then he put me in a stretcher and carried me to the hospital. They took off my identification which were only my rings. Some young nurse took these and later gived them back to me when they had cleared the Germans from around where I were staying. -60- There were Germans all in the hospital and they sure would have loved to get their hands on an American Flyer boy if they only knew. In the hospital they put a cast on my left foot and they sure didn't waste any time in getting me out. After I left the hospital they brought me to another home because the doctor and the rest didn't want to take chances of sending me to the same place because too many had found out where I was staying and it was possible a spy or someone would get in touch with the Germans. These people are also very nice. They are also high-class people and there home is in Paris. They tried to give me things to eat but as before all I cared for was water and wine and they don't mine giving wine at all - in fact they keep a large supply in front of me. I hear the German soldiers all around here tramping on the streets. Boy - OH - boy if they only knew where I'm at. So far I haven't heard a word about the crew including McCluskey - the one I pushed out of the plane. I'm still asking for my dog tags & bible - but they don't want to understand this. I'm still in a dying condition. August 22, 1944 - Tuesday I didn't sleep again last night although I am now feeling much better. I heard Henry say that four airmen. bailed out recently near here and the Germans killed them on the spot. They will also do the same with me if they get hold of me. The Free French soldiers are in the streets around here and there sure is plenty of fighting going on in the streets around here. This evening I recieved choclate candy, cookies and jam which were very good. The girl I was staying with before brough these things to me. Later on two other very nice girls that is living right accross the street from me brought other good things to eat. They came close to go nuts when they saw me. One is about eighteen and her sister is about nineteen and both are very beautiful. 'There is vistors all the time up here with me and I am looking for a German to come up and visit me any minute. The French are begining to come in this city in forse and it won't be long now. So far I don't believe any American soldiers are near here. August 23, 1944 - Wednesday This morning I were looking out the window and seen Germans marching right before my eyes. The Germans had the street for a few hours and the French cleaned them out again. Today I heard that McCluskey is safe and unhurt staying nearby. The doctor told me he was unhurt, but I suppose he told him the same if he saw him yet. -61- 000122 They also told me that only two chutes came out of the plane and it completed burned up when it crashed. The other poor fellows didn't have a chance. One fellow living near by brough some liqure that tasted like sweet whiskey and this was the strongest drink I have even tasted. I felt the effects after the first shot. August 24, 1944 - Thursday The girl that is almost all the time here sure surprised me today. Somehow she found out where McCluskey was at and brough him over here to see me. He came around 11:00. We were so happy to see each other that both of us cried like babies and this is nothing to be ashame of. He thought I was killed when I fell out of the turret and was afraid to look back. Something he told me he couldn't understand and that's how he go out. He said he were pinned down and all at once he were cleared and pushed out. As soon as he found out I was alive he knew I was the one that saved his neck. He said he saw the plane crash and didn't see no other chutes come out and he wondered how in the hell I got out. Not even my chute. I believe they have cleared the Germans out of the street around here - because this evening they brought me back to the St. Ann's hospital. They brought me in the amblance and inside were full of shell holds and full of blood & flesh. Only a short time earlier the Doctor told me him, a nurse and another boy we re wounded when they were bringing three wounded Germans to the hospital when they got hit. All three Germans were killed by direct hits and blew the bodies all over the amblance. This was an awful site and the smell was awlful, too. There are many badly wounded soldiers here and many dead ones. It's a site to look at them. When I were put to bed I cried because as soon as the wounded French found out that I were an American they forgot about their wounds and tried to give me whatever they had. August 25, 1944 - Friday This morning XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX and McCluskey came to see me. This happened around 11:00 AM. He is going to try and get McCluskey back if he can. I sure would have liked to had went with them, but I am not in the condition to go. Later on this evening around 1:30 four American soldiers came and saw me. They were around taking pictures of street fighting when they found out about me. They also took a picture of me in bed and afterward did quite a bit of talking and I sure enjoyed this. Around three o'clock two English girls came and saw me , too. They had Free French clothing on and it surprise me to find them able to speek English so well until I asked them how they manage to speek English so good and they told me they were English -girls that was with the Free French. How they found me where I was at is behind what I can answer. 00012 -62- The French and also the doctors and I sure get along swell together. Tonight went down to the office and seen them and had a awlful time to leave them. Saturday It was pretty dull this morning until XXXXXXXX and McCluskey came and seen if I was in shape to leave Toulan and of course I said I was well and in shape to leave. I sure wanted to leave because there's not much room here and there is some very bad cases. One fellow next to me died last night. Others came in with arms , legs cut off and the worst part about it is that only the so called better cases is at this place. McCluskey was suppose to leave yesterday, but he said he wasn't going to go and leave me behind. After riding a jeep for two hours we stopped, ate and then we went to hg. near here. From there Mac & I got in a amblance and traveled about 30 miles which took about two hours to get to this place. This is the 95th Ev. Hospital. This is a fine place and vistors are in & out all times of the day. They bring us all kinds of fruit, wine and whatever they got. They took several x-rays of my foot and chest. After they took the cast off my foot was a little-worst that I thought at first. August 27, 1944 - Sunday Today I saw my X-rays and my chest is 0. K. and also my foot except that my ankle is bassed & many tissues are broken and it will take some time to heal up. This is a wonderful place, beautiful scenry and nothing like the place I have seen in Italy. Monday Today was rather dull for both of us. We still don't know exactly how long we will remain here, but it can't be too long. This place were set up about ten days ago and now they are taking the tents down and getting ready to move again. August 29, 1944 - Tuesday We are still here although we are expecting to leave tomorrow. This morning I donated a pint of my blood to a second Lt. that's in the engineering and were badly wounded in the chest. I was the only one with his type of blood and they asked me if I was able to give up. 'some of my blood and this was something I couldn't refuse although I was pretty weak myself. 000124 -63- August 30, 1944 - Wednesday This morning we was moved to a field hospital near the air field to be flown out. We were suppose to move out today but for some reason or other the planes didn't take off. August 31, 1944 - Thursday This morning we took off at 10:00 and landed in Naples at 13:00. It looks as though I will be here at lease a month and as usual I'm bitching - in fact both of us are. Mac thought he would go back, but I believe they made him change his mind. Sept. 1, 1944 - Friday Today was pretty dull. I took a shower for the first time since I left the Sqd. McCluskey just told me that he got straighten up and will leave tomorrow. I sure wish I could go with him, but there damn doctors won't let me go. Sept. 2, 1944 - Saturday McCluskey left today. He came around and saw me before he left and that was around noon. I sure was glad to see him go - but I know I will get pretty lonesome here by myself. He sure had a big smile on his face - but who wouldn't. Sept. 3, 1944 Sunday Today it was plenty dull. All I did was just lie around and read a little. I finished reading "Burning an Impire" by Stewart H. Holbrook. I have plenty time to read, but I just can't stay still long enough to keep still five minutes. I just got to keep moving. Sept. 4, 1944 - Monday Today was just another day for me. There's very little to do over here and then what they have to do it don't amount to a thing. All the reading material they have here is very old except the "Stars & Strips" which I enjoy a lot. Sept. 5, 1944 - Tuesday This morning the doctor came around and said I had to put another cast on. He said there were a chipped bone in my ankle & many broken tissues. All this adds up to that I will be here much longer. Sept. 6, 1944 - Wednesday I did a little writing for a change. I also drew my p.x. rations. I didn't have a cent on me - so of course I give three bottle of beer, 2 bottles of cake and my cigaretts for my regular ration which consists of candy and other few small items. He made money on the deal because he sold the cigaretts to an Italian for about five dollars. 000125 -64- |
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