Memo To: The 4^th of July Celebrants

Received greetings from Cliff and Patsy Dotson and they are both fine.  They are still getting organized in their new home with noticeable daily progress.

CLIFF'S KWAJ MEMORIES

Memories of Kwaj brought him to interrupt their great spring weather schedule and think about the relationship that Albert Rothenbach had on everyone in 613.  Albert had a short wave radio which was enjoyed daily by those close by in their barracks.  Radio listening normally ended at lights out, but on the night that the Japanese surrender was to be announced he was allowed to keep his radio on so that all in the area could hear the surrender announcement late in the night.

Cliff woke up shortly before the surrender announcement with the wonderful Kwaj breeze blowing through the barracks quarters.  He noted that many of the barracks buddies were gathered around and sitting quietly around Albert’s bunk listening to music that preceded the anticipated announcement.  The song that was being played when he awoke was Sentimental Journey.  Cliff has cherished the memory totality of that moment for all these years and expects to carry that memory to his grave thanks to Albert.

He was wondering if other flight line mechanics, who were billeted in the same barracks, recall the beauty of that moment.  This is how he will always remember with gratitude, Albert Rothenback.

Received a message from Gil Peavey who sends his best wishes and good will to all.  He reported that weather wise it has been terrible in Maine, they had rain for 33 days out of the last 40.  He has had a few medical problems over the years, but is able to work and enjoy life.

In regards to the “8-Ball” he was the Crew Chief, A.J. Rothenbach was the 1^st Mech and Harlan Jason was the 2^nd Mech.  For a short period Bill Coffey was also in the crew.

In regards to the plane crash in D.C. he reported that he was sent to Anacostia Air Field, out side of D.C. to salvage a plane that “crashed” (ran off end of runway) and it would have been a 613 plane.

Received greetings from Lloyd McDaniel.  All is fine with them, he has gotten by May and is working on June.

Mac sent along his memories of the accident of April 4, 1944 in Washington, D.C.  He couldn’t remember all the details but he and Al Klinke were both scheduled for this flight.  Due to a shuffling of passengers he was pulled from the flight and Al Klinke was left on the crew as the radioman.  He was told that the plane landed and hit a slick spot on the runway and crashed into a small ditch at the end of the runway.  Again if he remembered correctly the plane split just back of the bomb bay.

Frank Carthey sends his wishes to all.  He reported that the Historical Society decided to interview and tape the experiences of the remaining WWII vets while we are still around.  He was interviewed by two high school boys who videotaped their questioning of him for the record.  Frank said that he was surprised by how little today’s young people knew about WWII.  Frank said that he was keeping busy with volunteer work and doing New York cross word puzzles.

Vern Beggs sends his regards to all.  They have been involved in getting hurricane roof repairs completed and are evaluating what else has to be touched up on the house. 

In talking to Foster Cummings he mentioned that the June 2005 Leatherneck had a picture of the Cherry Point Base ball team of 1950.  He was wondering if Carmine Nasta was in it and he said that if the picture had more clarity he would know for sure. 

I then called Carmine and he said no he wasn’t in the 1950 picture but he was in the 1951 picture of the team and played the entire season.  They had a great season playing all over the area close to Cherry Point and at times even areas farther away.  In addition to a black and white picture of the 1951 team they had one in color.

He received the vote for the Outstanding Play Of The Season.  In one game played around Goldsboro, NC he jumped into the air after a line drive, hit the ball, deflected it upwards, tripped, landed on his back and the ball came down over him and he caught it.  The committee members who were present voted his play of that line drive as the outstanding play of the season and he received an award of a trophy which he still has to this day.

Carmine reminisced about the Kwaj Lagoon and the presence of sting rays and sharks when he decided to enter the water one day.  For sure he made it back to shore in a hurry.  He continues to remain in touch with Walt Matheson, Walt Gravello and Gene Hansen.

Carmine sends his best to all.

Wayne Noble sends regards to all.  Things are going well in their area of Florida, limited hurricane damage from last fall and this years hurricane didn’t stay around too long but continued out to sea.   

He mentioned that he wears his VMB 613 Red Shirt and receives compliments from individuals who pay attention to the Marine Corps Emblem and the Squadron VMB 613 above it.  Hopefully all members wear theirs not only to special events but for practically every day wear.

Harlan Jason sends his regards to all.  He said that he is feeling pretty good and takes advantage of getting out to attend some social events.  The latest one that they attended was the high school graduation of a grandson.  At the reception following graduation he had to walk an “extra mile” it seemed, to get to the attendees area.

He made it and sat down to recuperate when the time came to get up and return to the upper level he suddenly realized that he didn’t have the physical enthusiasm to make the return walk.  He did make it though but it took longer to get back than it did to get there.

Mike Jacus sends his regards to VMB 613.  Everything continues well with them.  They had a large family members chicken dinner on Fathers Day which was enjoyed by all and there might have been a birthday celebration included.

He has heard from John Peterson who recently returned from a trip to the Lake Tahoe Casino where he visited with his son who is a shift manager in one of the casinos in the area.

He also has heard from Willis Roose who is recuperating from heart surgery.  This has limited his physical activities a little but he still has the energy to move about with some caution.

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