Memo To:  All the Happy Irishmen

Some of our members have contributed information to organizations who were obtaining comments from World War II veterans regarding their experiences.  We recently heard from Rutgers University on this same matter.  They are interested in hearing from veterans who would like to be interviewed.  Although they are interested in hearing from individuals who attended Rutgers University and live within one hour or so of their New Jersey location, it is possible they might be able to arrange for an interview with veterans who live just a little beyond their stated area.

Contact points are as follows:

Sandra Holyoak (or a member of her staff) Rutgers Oral History Archives, World War II - Korea Department of History, Rutgers University  16 Seminary Place New Brunswick, NJ 08901-1108 Office: (732) 932-8190  Fax: (732) 932-6763

Shaun Illingworth, Assistant Director Rutgers Oral History Archives World War II - Korea Department of History, Rutgers University  16 Seminary Place New Brunswick, NJ 08901-1108 Office: (732) 932-8190  Fax: (732) 932-6763

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NOTES FROM MEMBERS

We received an e-mail from Robert Shock a VMB 613 member whom we haven’t been in touch with for several years.  He came across our web page and sent a message to let us know where he now lives.  Our webmaster gave him instructions on how to sign on and visit the web page so that he could see more of the squadron history than the brief over view that he came across.  His current home address appears at the end of this letter.

Robert Shock did mention several members whom he had been endeavoring to contact over the years and information was sent to him regarding the members mentioned.

When I heard that Robert Shock had gotten in contact with Robert Yanacek I mailed him a copy of our latest Newsletter which he read with interest. 

He then sent a letter to Robert Yanacek in which he said that he was on Guard Duty on the side of the island when the B-29 went down.  He sent along a sketch of the island where the accident occurred.  He remembers it today, very clearly, as when it happened.  Although he had mentioned the accident to several 613'ers he never heard anything more about it until he read our Newsletter.  He was of the opinion that the Corporal of the Guard knew about it. He said the aircraft never got over 8 or ten feet from the water, the engines sounded OK, but it never gained altitude.  He saw it drop into the ocean. 

Robert re-enlisted and went to China with VMF 218 (F4U Corsairs) and John Glenn was one of their pilots.  They spent a year out side of Peking and then went down to Guam, NAS, Orote, Agana. 

Foster Cummings reported that they had 15" of snow and he had been operating his snow blower for several hours.  Since the snow was a fine powder not a wet snow it was pretty easy to move around.  He heard from DC Clay who called to let him know that the temperature in his neighborhood was only 80 degrees, just right for golf.  Foster sends his regards to all.

Bob Akerman sends his best to all.  He reported that a year ago he had a heart problem but it was fixed up nicely in the hospital.  Medicine has improved greatly in 15-20 years was his additional comment. 

In reading of the Dauntless Dotty plane crash and the pending plane search it brought back memories to him.  He arrived at Kwaj in early June of 1945 as a replacement.  One morning he and a buddy saw a large plane take off and drop into the ocean a short distance from the shore.  It was a fair distance from them and they didn’t see any activity around the plane at any time.  They often wondered what happened but never found out.  He sent along a sketch of where he was positioned when the aircraft went down and where the aircraft went down.  His information will be forwarded to the potential Search Team members for review and possible action. 

Warren Ritter sends his best regards to all.  All continues well with him in North Carolina. 

Mike Brennan says hello and regards to all. He is in the process of recovering from a stroke and has to undergo medical check ups periodically, feels pretty well though. 

Carmine Nasta says hello and regards to all.  Staten Island was in the process of recovering from the snow storm and waiting for a cold spell to hit the area.  This cold spell was supposed to bring a tornado and some rain. While talking to him he said that the temperature was 56 degrees.  This helped to finish off the snow.  They didn’t have any snow plows in operation during or after the snow storm, just machines that melted the snow and supposedly let the melted snow run into street drains. 

He has heard from several members, which included Ralph McClain, Jack Virga, Frank Noland. Walter Gravello, and Les Robinson.  All was with them. 

Ostell Scarborough, Jr. came across some pictures that his father had left in an old box.  There aren’t any dates, names or locations.  He was going to scan them into his computer and e mail them onto Robert Yanacek.  They will be transferred to the WEB site when received. 

Jack Barton says hello to all.  While a lot of us are experiencing weird weather temperatures he is basking in Arizona spring weather - February 80 degrees.  He is still fortunate to be able to play golf but doesn’t always keep the score - gets too depressing.  In 2001 he quite flying when he turned a certain age although his license was still good.  Now he lets others fly him around if required. 

Wayne Noble says hello to all.  Things are progressing well and he is able to do the least he can.  Time really flies when you are having fun he said and hopefully no hurricanes to mar things.

James Milhousen reported that they have had a mild winter in Schaumburg, IL.  At the time of his writing they started getting wind gust of 40 MPH.  Outside of that everything in Schaumburg is quiet.  Regards to all.

Marty Prock’s son got in touch with us.  He had been doing some research on Kwajalein and came across our website.  He told Robert Yanacek that his father was in the Marines and stationed on Kwaj.  He found his father’s name on the roster along with a photograph of him and Paul Yanacek. 

He reported that his Dad had passed away about five years ago.  He is a police officer for the Brookpark Police Department and wanted to thank Robert for the great job he has done with the web site.

Bill Barber sends regards to all.  Things are well in Indiana and he is waiting for warmer weather to arrive so that he can start up his bike riding routine.

George Comer reports that he has serious back problems from an old accident which makes travel very difficult and uncomfortable.  He is hoping that this condition will improve with the warmer months coming up.  Regards to all he says.

JD Garls says hello and regards to all.  All is well in Pekin he just wished that Spring would speed up its arrival, and that Global warming is welcome.

Calvin Russell sends his regards to all.  His weather is holding up well and so far no hurricane weather appears to be in sight for them.

Cliff Willis says hello to all.  Winter is still running rampart in his section of Iowa.  Hopefully it will remember to move on and let spring arrive as scheduled.

Norb Gibbs says hello to all. He and Betty have had good health, no problems.

Last year he purchased a snow blower and was able to use it once.  This winter they have had six inches of snow and the snow blower would not start.  At the time of writing they had about an inch of snow, covering the ice the he still couldn’t use the snow blower, it wouldn’t cooperate and start up.

He is still working part time, 4 ten hour days.  He needs the other three days to meet the demands for repair for his grandchildren.  They now have been blessed with two great grand daughters this year.

He was happy to read that Doc Scott was still up and running.  He remembers Doc Scott insisting that they go to Sick Bay even with the smallest cut or burn.

Norb didn’t until he had a lump in his arm pit.  Doc Scott scared the living day lights out of him when he said “I should cut your arm off” but if I can get the Corpsmen to sit up with you and soak your arm in Bi-chloride of Mercury, we will try to save it.”  The Corpsmen and the Cooks had a thing going while working on him.  To quench their thirst they had grapefruit juice with an additive, but none for him since he was the patient.

Cliff Dotson sends his best 2006 wishes to all of us that remain to enjoy the pleasures of life each day and the memories we have of all of modern history’s greatest effort to preserve our country. 

He and Patsy continue to be blessed by leading an active life.  Their main physical activities continue to be tennis, fitness workouts and the usual activities that go along with independent living in their own home.  They try to enjoy each day - day by day.  Although he continues to carry on his consulting activities associated with metallurgical failure analysis, it is done to a lesser extent than in the past.

Doc Protheroe says hello to all.  He and Jane have gone to Punta Gorda for a few weeks and will return to Hilton Head around the end of March.  They brought their computer with them so that they could keep in touch with the outside world. 

Robert Deboth, son of James DeBoth has sent three pictures to us for inclusion in our website.  One for sure is of the Havana Liberty Run and the other two could be shots at Boca Chica or Cherry Point. 

Bill Kehr located two more names of our aircraft.  We are now up to eight names as follows:  8-Ball; Betty-Lou; Flaming Fury; Green Weenie; Long Gone; Love Bug; and Miss-Carriage.  Check you memories, notes and pictures and see if you can add to the list.

Don’t forget our “MYSTERY PICTURE."    Heard from Dave Danser and he can’t recall any pertinent facts regarding the location of the picture or of any of the other individuals in the picture. 

If any flight crew personnel still have their flight log books could you check them and see if there are any flights recorded to any islands during the period of 14 December 1944 through 31 January 1945 that would have allowed for landings.

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IN MEMORIAM

Condolences from squadron members:

To the family of James “Bud” Montgomery.  James passed away on January 15, 2006.  Marines were well represented at his funeral.  A Marine Chaplain conducted the services and the Marine Honor Guard performed a flag folding ceremony and the playing of taps. 

To the family of Hunter Bernard.  Hunter passed away on February 4, 2006.  He had been in the hospital recovering from a stroke, cerebral hemorrhage, and had been on life support.  A memorial service was held on 18 February at the First Christian Church, Norfolk, VA.

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HEALTH REPORT

John Aymen had to return to the hospital for special treatment.  He suddenly felt very weak and had problems digesting food and the like so a hospital check up period was required.  His system  improved to the extent that he was able to be assigned to a Rehab Center.  He is showing a daily improvement, able to move about slowly but surely. 

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WEB NEWS

Robert Yanacek came across the following website addresses which should be of interest to members: 

A collection of photos that document the history of Micronesia.  The link is to the Campaign for the Marshall Islands is: http://www.micsem.org/photos/marshalls/index.htm

Other collections which include the Japanese Occupation, Transition to Peace, etc can be found at:  http://www.micsem.org/photos.htm

Three more organizations have added VMB 613's website by placing us on their link pages: National Museum of the Pacific War; Flying Leatherneck Historical Foundation, and; Marine Corps Aviation Association.

Pull up this link which contains a song written out of gratitude to the veterans of World War II.  The author was motivated to let all of you know how many people feel about what you did for future generations and how much we appreciate it.  It is very moving.  It may take some time to download, but it is well worth it.  It is a new song entitled “Before You Go” by someone named “Dr. Sam”.

http://www.managedmusic.com/beforeyougo.html

Remember that our new fiscal year started in January 2006.  If there isn’t an (06) or higher two digit number appearing after your name on the mailing label on your envelope you should mail a check to us made out to VMB 613 in the amount of $20.00 for payment of dues.

Note: (05) denotes 2005, (06) denotes 2006.  Many thanks to the members who have already sent in their dues checks.

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SQUADRON MEMORABILIA

THE LIMITED EDITION COLLECTORS ITEM, the squadron logo hat pin is still available for VMB 613 members and friends.  This pin is an inch in diameter and comes in a pewter finish or gold plated with a hand painted finish.  The colors are similar to the colored logo that was mailed out several months ago. Marine Corps Scarlet Red background, Gold Wings, Black Cannon and Maces.  Plus it is made in America.

Pewter finish logo hat pin - $4.50

Hand painted finish logo hat pin - $5.50

A new item is the license plate frame.  It is a composition material (special plastic) with a red background and gold lettering. The top of the frame has U.S. MARINES and the bottom VMB 613 WWII.  The cost is $5.00 INCLUDING PACKING AND SHIPPING.