Larry Hickey, President, IRPC
Boulder, Colorado
January 13, 1989

Dear Larry

They're out spreading fertilizer on top of the snow and here I am doing the same thing on this old typewriter. The only thing worse than my typing is my hand writing.

Letters have gone out to Jack Tuohy and Les Mondelli asking for information on those flight cadres at Charters Towers. Also a letter to Wilson;s widow for pictures of the "Kansas Comet." Except for Mondelli, whose address was listed in the 38th roster, Tuohy and Mrs. Wilson's addresses were ages old and I hope they receive our letters.

There were in fact two "Kansas comets"--"Kansas Comet," and "Kansas Comet II." Wilson got pretty well banged up in our crackup but when he returned to duty he was given another B-26 to crew.

One time I was at Garbut Field in Townsville needing to return to New Guinea with my B-25 tied up in the depot. This was in the July or August period of 1943, and with me were six or seven personnel of the 38th to be returned to 17-Mile. Parked out on the field was a B-26, and since I was looking for another airplane to get back in, I drove over to the B-26. Imagine my surprise to find Johnny Wilson sitting under the wing of "Kansas Comet II". His B-26 had been in the depot and he was waiting for it to be ferried back to the 22nd in Buna. The situation was made to order. I would take it to Moresby where it could be picked up. I recall the bunch of men were not pleased to ride in a B-26. Just about halfway to Moresby, the left engine started streaming smoke; later we found that one of the top cylinders had popped off. I had to feather the engine and tell the guys in the back of the aircraft to throw out any and all loose items, baggage, and all. They found my duffel bag first, it contained two things of value: a picture of my mother and a bottle of Corio (lousy Australian whisky). From the condition of these guys after landing there was no doubt as to what wasnÕt thrown out.

[Pat] Norton called the other night and mentioned Stanwood had reached him and spoke of an incident at Rabaul involving an aircraft carrier that you were curious about. I can't be sure it is the same carrier but a situation sticks in my craw about a carrier and I wrote Stanwood right away.

When Shanty (Col. Brian "Shanty" O'Neill) died, I wrote up a little memorial and addressed it to Gaylor. Gaylor was going to devote a piece in his newsletter about Shanty, but if he did, I must have missed it. I sent a copy to Marion, Shanty's wife, and a copy to a Patti D. Hall who was in contact with Robertson's son, John, (Robertson, that is, the Australian chap who died in our crackup.)

Larry, there is an enthusiastic young man by the name of Peter Marshall, in New Haven, Connecticut, a 14 year old kid who read a bunch of books about the Pacific World War II air stuff, an artist who has gained some recognition. He too has been wanting a picture of the Kansas Comet. In any event, I gave him your name and mentioned your work. He did send me a drawing of my airplane in combat, done 15 years ago, and plans to send me an enlarged copy 11" x 17" . It strikes me as quite good. [Note: Peter Marshall continues to keep in touch with us Krells from his home in New Haven, Connecticut, and continues to seek photographs and the like, none of which I have been able to supply him with.--Michelle].

Larry, I'm grateful for your kind words about the stuff I've been cranking out. I thought you'd have to dump it all out. Please know that I'm trying to be as factual and objective as possible. If something hits me as vague, indistinct, and requiring guesswork, it won't get to you. I have had to make calls to guys to corroborate details--if recollections don't match, maybe we're both full of balony and it's best forgotten. So if something comes your way from me that doesn't add up, please let me know. If I'm dead sure of myself, I'll stick to my story. If there is a question, I'll push to check it out.

In your letter of January 10, 1989, you ask for stories about the 22nd and for years I've been wanting to unload some stuff and in such a way that wouldn't hurt a lot of feelings. I'll count on your discretion. Years ago, I wrote up some missions while the recollections were sharp. They've been laying in the files all this time, so I'll dig them up.

Sincerely Yours,

Walt Krell

MHS # T-DA- 421
Written by: Walter Krell
Transcribed by: Michelle Krell Malone in "Micro Soft Word"
Title: Two Kansas Comets