"I'M LOOKING FOR. . ."
_________________
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[answers are marked with a green light ]

  I'M LOOKING FOR ANYONE WHO ... 

 knows current details of Basil MOSS 

knows current details of Robert G. CARSON or his next of kin 

knows about units on Corregidor during the 1930's 

knew the fate of the tank driver who survived the Monkey Pt. explosion

knew the fate of the 503rd trooper who suffered a serious grenade injury and may have lost his legs

knows the circumstances of Pfc Paul SAUL's  death on Corregidor

served in the PIR in New Guinea

was in "H" Company

INFORMATION ON

Robert ALLEN

  Al ALESSANDRA
Eugene A. CARTER

Lawson CASKEY

Leonard CHAMBER, "H" Co.

Wayman Ferris CHAMPNEY, "unknown" Co.

CHANALETTI

Daniel DRISCOLL, T-4

Hubert "Buddy" DAWSON

Frank E. DICKERT,  462d PFABn.

Caffery J. DUGAS

James L. FEDGATTER

Blaine C. GALLIMORE

Floyd GREER

Charlie HARTIS

Delmar HOLBROOK, 

Duane LARSEN, KIA Corregidor

John LESHINSKI,  4th Platoon "D" Co.

Harry N. LOVE

Mc CULLOUGH, Lt. 

Nelson MATT, Sgt. 

Duane R. MULLIS 

L. Sheldon OALLEY

Kenneth David PENROD

Roland PERRAULT 

Andrew J. PIWOWAR, Pfc - "F" Co.

Robert SCHWOVERLAND: 

Everett "Cot" SHACKLES, KIA Negros

Henry L.  SHEUERMAN 

Vincent "Peetsy" STISLOW, Pfc "I" Co. 

Macy TAYLOR  

Uliss "Whitey" THACKER

Dick THOMSEN

Blaine WARD,  "D " Co.

Robert (Bob) WEBER

Alva S. WHEATON, 3rd Bn, 

Ted WHITE, Scout, Monkey Point

WAYMAN FERRIS CHAMPNEY

Wayman Ferris Champney, Age 28, Westfield, Pennsylvania
Home on Leave Following Basic Training
Heading for Paratrooper Training in Georgia
 Source: Kinsman Family Album

Frank Kinsman is searching for anyone with information about his uncle (pictured). He's particularly interested in ascertaining the Company in which his uncle fought on Corregidor.  He writes:

My uncle was a BAR gunner and jumped.  Also, it is my understanding that the 3rd Bn was following the 1st Bn east to Water Tower Hill and then replaced them in the drive east of Monkey Point.  In Howard Lout's article he mentions his squad was left of A Co and right of B Co..  As I read it there was a machine gun crew  between his squad and B Co, and "Even a somewhat depleted parachute infantry battalion was crowed together on the small hill--and not dug in. My thought had been that the only battalion that dropped and was at Water Tower Hill was the 3rd and therefore my uncle was with the 3rd.  Maybe I'm wrong.  I hope to find out.

Frank Kinsman
[email protected]

LAWSON CASKEY

HARRY N. LOVE

My father, Harry N. Love, served with the 503rd during WW II. I would like to find information about his experiences, awards, and would like to contact any of his 'buddies'

Col.(Ret) Tommy L. Love

5

CHARLIE HARTIS

My father, Charles J. Hartis "Charlie" was a Staff Sgt. with Co. "I", 3rd Batt. who served with the 503rd RCT in the Pacific. He was from Monroe, or Charlotte, NC. Joined the Army at age 17. He was very proud of his service and very proud of the paratroopers. He often talked about Corregidor and the other campaigns. I am in possession of his maps, journal, etc. Is there anyone who is still around that served in Co. "I" 3rd Bat. with my father? I deeply respect and commend all those who served with the 503rd.

Rosemary Hartis Rentz

5

2Lt. ROBERT ALLEN

Would like to hear from anyone who served with or has knowledge of my brother 2/Lt Robert Allen 462 Prcht FA Bn, KIA on 16 Feb '45 in the Corregidor assault.

Chase Allen,
Burnsville, MN.

I did not know Robert Allen, but I do know he was in "D" Battery. 4652nd Parachute Filed Artillery, and I have heard Charlie Horton speak of his death several times. Charlie's address is: (address supplied) D Battery commander was 1LT Daniel J. Doherty, address: (address supplied). I hope this helps out

Proud I'm allowed,
Bill Calhoun

5

HUBERT "BUDDY" DAWSON

My grandfather was in the 503rd. I believe he was in the regiment from the start. Sorry to say I did not know him very well as he seemed to "change after the war" as my grand mother used to say. "He went into the war one person and came out another" she also used to say a lot. I don't know much about what happened to him or his unit but any information would be much appreciated. His name was Hubert Dawson but he went by Bud or Buddy. If anyone might have any information I would sincerely be thankful. I still have all his medals and photos. Sorry to say he died in the parking lot of the VA hospital in Dallas about 16 years ago. Thank-You,

Mike Dawson

Mike,

I cannot tell you a lot, but I knew him. I was the platoon leader of "F" Company. He was in the 2nd platoon whose leader was 1Lt. Edward T. Flash: (address supplied).  I believe he was in the 1st squad whose leader was S/Sgt Donald White. In the website "Night of a Thousand Hours" two squads of the 2nd platoon were with me, and he shared that horrible night. In fact his squad was one under particular heavy attack. White was killed. I believe Guy Lary and Tony Lopez were in that squad. Lopez, along with Flash had been wounded and missed the action. Guy's address is (address supplied). Tony Lopez lives at (address supplied).  I believe the other members of his squad were: Sgt. William F. Cox, Pfc's Ralph J. Bright, Allen J. Martin, Charles A. Morrison, James R. Pause, and Pvt. James T. Stoker. I do not know if all these l were present that night. don't know who is still alive, or any particulars of the others whose addresses are not given. Flash, Lopez, and Lary might. They are in good health and the best guys on earth like all our 503rd brothers.Hope this helps you. I help any way I can.

Proud I'm allowed
Bill Calhoun

5

BASIL B. MOSS

I am a former member of the 503rd AIR. I became a member of the 503rd AIR after spending 3 years in Kemper Military School. During that time I became friends with MSG Basil B. Moss, who had been in the 503rd & he was my motivator in becoming a Paratrooper. Little did I know when I volunteered for Airborne, I would end up in the 503rd. Every one was being sent to the 82nd Airborne Division. I was the only one to be sent to the 11th Airborne Division & hence to the 503rd. When I graduated from Jump School & Ft. Campbell, in the crowd beaming at me was MSG Moss. It appeared he was prouder of me than my father was. I have never forgotten MSG Moss & have often wondered what happened to him. I tried to pattern myself after him and always wanted to be a MSG, too, but I retired out of the Guard as a CSM. Do you happen to have any information on him?  If you do I would appreciate an information you have.

   John M. Brower,Sr

5

Pfc PAUL SAUL

Dear Sir:

I found your info on your website regarding the 503rd in Corregidor. Paul Saul was my uncle, my father's older brother.  I have been trying to research info on his service during WWII as he was a KIA in Corregidor.  Thru a paid website (ancestry.com) I learned that he was part of the 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment (stationed at Fort McKinley) which led me to your website, his DOD was 2/26/1945.   It appears that you already know as much as I have learned.  Do you have any info, etc. on their platoon or any further info on him?  Your website is wonderful and very informative for the descendents of these heroes.   I appreciate your help.

Rachel Rowley
Dayton, Ohio
 

Rachel,

Paul Saul was one of the men killed at Monkey Point, and the story of his last patrol and death is related by Harold Lout in his "Recollections". There are other references to the explosion at Monkey Point elsewhere in the website. We are preparing an article on that day, "26 Feb 1945 - Day of Tears". As he was "A" Company, you can trace his war back through the history of the 503d through any references to Company "A". If you want anything placed on the website, there is a special page for those who were KIA Corregidor - every trooper KIA Corregidor has a page where what is known about him can be published. If you scan any wartime photo of him, by all means send it to us. There's no charge.

Ed

5

BLAINE C. GALLIMORE

Gentlemen,

 I am the son of a 503rd warrior who is now deceased (1982).  I'm proud to say that I'm the son of Staff Sergeant Blaine C. Gallimore who jumped on  Corregidor and fought in the Negros and Philippines (I've believe I've  seen some documented evidence of this years ago).  When my dad was alive, he  seldom spoke of his past war experiences (which I understand that I'm  now much older).  Because of my longtime interest, it was on a hunch that I  found your website, and for that, I wish to commend and thank all of those who  organized and contribute to it.

 All I can tell you about my dad is this.  I believe I recall that he was in Company G, but I'm not real certain.  I've seen several of his artifacts including his 'The Rock' patch.  My mother recently gave me his Purple  Heart. Because of my interest, my mother is now searching for other items of  his 503rd past.

 With your assistance, I would be interested to find any information specific to my father.  Perhaps you could suggest some private or Government websites to search.  His service in the 503rd has always been a great source of  pride for me since I was a kid.  Now that I'm older (50) and able to  understand and discover his past, I'm on this adventure as a tribute to him. Any suggestions you could provide would be much appreciated.

 With great respect,

 Doug Gallimore
 God Bless America
 

-o0o-

Doug,

Specific info on a trooper is often difficult to find, unless you happen to find someone in the same squad who lived close to your dad; but we have a few troopers from G, Chet Nycum & Earl Sheldon come directly to mind. You've got to recognize and accept that troopers from different squads often had vastly different wars, depending on where they found themselves at a particular moment -  and then adjust the perception for different platoons and different battalions. I suggest you start by reading the articles by Chet Nycum, who is from G - and have a look at the photos from Frank Foster, who (I recall) is also from G. I'll send your letter to a number of other troopers.

Ed

-o0o-

Dear Doug,

I knew your father slightly.  I met him once with 1st Sgt. Robert Echols.  Both of these two talented medical personnel were assigned to the Medical Section, Regimental Headquarters and Headquarters Company. Both jumped on Corregidor.  I hope this helps to put you further onto others who may have known your father.

Robert Flynn

503rd RCT Historian

-o0o-

Doug

I don't know I am going to help you very much but here are some comments. Your father's name appears a number of times, including our most prestigious mission to retake Corregidor. Your father may have been in G Company but he shows up among the medics. He could logically in the Medical attachment, assigned to G Company. The only Doctor I know of remaining from WW II is Logan W. Hovis, 4604 River Rd., Vienna, WV 26105-11839. Phone (304)  295-XXXX.  If I remember correctly he was assigned to the third battalion (where G Company was located.)

Don Abbott

5

VINCENT "PEETSY" STISLOW (SCISLOWICZ) KIA CORREGIDOR 

As I search these web sites, I look for anyone who may remember my Great-uncle ("Peetsy") Vincent Stislow (Scislowicz) (KIA Corregidor).

Uncle Peetsy rests with his parents (my great grandparents) in Hastings, PA where he was born.  (He never knew his father, a Polish immigrant, as he was killed in a coal mine a few months before Vince was born). I think of him often although my family lost him 13 yrs before I was born. I have pictures of him and wonder what he may have become. Conversations about Peetsy are rare, but when they do come up, I am| usually nearby as mom's relatives always comment how I look and remind them of Peetsy. I guess there is a resemblance. 

If anyone from I Company remembers him, feel free to get hold of me. We have conflicting stories of his death. THE telegram from the Army said he was machine gunned while landing at Monkey Point. One other person I spoke with said he knew him and they were down off the point when they were mortared. Peetsy was killed on 18 Feb., the jump was 16Feb. Correct? I assume he was alive at least one day on The Rock.

 Thanks.
Dominick Kass 
[email protected]|

Dominic, I have sent your enquiry along to half a dozen of the troopers who have e-mail. We don't have many Troopers from "I" Company in our e-mail 'Ring', unfortunately.  The part of the story "while landing at Monkey Point" is not likely to be correct. There was no 'landing' there.  Monkey Pt. had not been reached by the 18th. 50 men were killed at Monkey Pt. but that was some days later. 

Paul Whitman

Paul is absolutely correct. There was no "landing" at Monkey Point and it was more than two days after the 16th, the day of the parachute landing, that we got to Monkey Point. I was a platoon sergeant in B Co. when the 1st battalion "took" Monkey Point. 

Thanks, 
Jack Herzig

This would tend to make sense as my uncle's date of death is the 18 FEB 45, which is 2 days after the jump, correct?

My mother always said that she was told he was killed on Monkey Point, which would show he survived the jump, correct? Am I getting warmer? My mom, aunts, cousins and other relatives did not have the best recollections from this traumatic news. Was "I" Company on Monkey Point at any time? Louis McCarroll and I had a conversation a few years ago and he's pretty sure he was with my uncle coming down a hill when they were mortared. Mr. McCaroll seemed fairly confident of the events. One thing that lead me to believe he knew my uncle was that he remembered Uncle Vincent's brother Tony Scislowicz (Stislow) meeting up before the Corregidor operation. Not many people including family, know of that event. It seems Vincent gave Tony a field jacket and remarked he won't be needing it anymore. 

Thank you all tremendously for any facts and insight.

Dom Kass
former HHC 2/327, 101st

I suggest that you call up "The Drop Zone", a site containing a picture album of my adventures as a paratrooper and my stories of several events, including that of what happened at the Monkey Point disaster. This will help to clarify those ancient events and where Monkey Point fits in with your uncle's death. Please don't hesitate to contact me again with any questions.

Jack Herzig

 

 

Karl,

PFC Vincent J. Sislow and other people listed in paragraph (i), Enclosure #2 to letter HQ 503d Parachute Infantry subject; "Report of Encounter with Enemy Forces" dated 26 October 1943   were recommended for the Silver Star [SS] for bravery in action at Nadzab, New Guinea [Log Crossing #2] simply because the regiment was not authorized to award the SS. The highest award the regiment could make was the Purple Heart [PH].  Only a general officer in command,  in this case the Sixth Army commander, can award the SS. All members recommended in paragraph (i) were awarded the SS. This award should be shown on Sislow's discharge. If it is not, then a Sixth Army General Order [GO] would show it. The only member I know of, still alive who got the SS at the Log Crossing is Larry Browne. He might be on the same GO as Sislow.  I'll ask him about the GO  If the discharge is misplaced a family member can request a replacement at this address. National Personnel Records Center, ATTN Army Reference Branch [NCPMA] , St. Louis, MO 63132 - 5200. [314] 538 4010.

ttfn, Jungle Fox (John Lindgren)      

 

Thank you gentlemen for the continued flow of information on my uncle, Vincent Stislow.

Dom Kass

[email protected] wrote:

 

 

5

JAMES L. FETGATTER

Dear Sir.

I am seeking information on James L. Fetgatter. He was in the 503rd. I don't know much else about his service. He was from Illinois, and was a machine gunner I think. He was my father-in-law and never talked about his service. My daughters are asking questions about their Grandpa that we cannot answer about where he served and the like. His wife gave me a map he used during the jump on Corregidor. Anything you could tell me would be greatly appreciated.

Respectfully
Grant Sork

Dear Grant.

Sergeant James L. Fetgatter is listed as having jumped on Corregidor on 16 Feb 45.  He was assigned to HQ &  HQ Co., Third Bn., 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment. If Sgt Fetgatter was with the 503rd from the time the unit went over seas and was with it all they way through, WW II he would have experienced the operations mentioned in the web page as a "Condensed History of the 503rd"

Don Ziler is one person who was in the HQ & HQ Co, 3rd Bn. He has an E-Mail address of ...

Good luck.

Don Abbott

5

LEONARD G. CHAMBER

Dear Susie & Doug Rodzon

Doug, your Grandfather was in �H� Company 503^rd Parachute Infantry Regiment.

A book published soon after the end of WW II had him listed as T-Sgt  Chamber, Leonard G.  This book was �Return to Corregidor � written by Harold  Templeman, the Red Cross man for the unit.  The lack of an �s� on the end of his name is, undoubtedly, a typo and the T-Sgt means he was, probably, a Platoon Sergeant instead of a Squad leader.

The fact his name was in this book indicates he took place in the recapture of the Island of Corregidor, Philippines, one of the most important operations in WW II.  The 503^rd was awarded the US Presidential Unit Citation and the Philippine Unit Citation for this mission.

 It is not surprising to see a Non Com being transferred from one Company to another,  particularly if it is in the same Battalion as this was.

You are in luck in that one of the officers of �H� Company, has a good record and memory of the people in that Company.  He is Jim Mullaney at <[email protected]m.  He lives in Louisville , KY.

You may be able to get some information on Sgt. Chambers by writing to the National Personnel Records Center , Military Personnel Records, 9700 Page Ave. , St. Louis , MO 63132-5100 .  When I checked their web page they indicate the request should be made on �Standard Form 180�.  You may want to write and ask them for a form.

Good luck with your research on your Grandfather.

Don Abbott

 BLAINE WARD

Dear Ed, 

My father was in the 503rd company D. His name was Blaine Ward. I would like to find out more information regarding the 503rd. I have his metals and I am not sure what they mean. I also have a picture of the company before they left the states in 1942( I am not sure of the year). I have his Discharge Certificate which states that he departed for the Asiatic Pacific Theater on Oct 20, 1942 and returned to the states on Oct 1, 1945. He was private first class. Would it help if I gave you his dog tag number? It is 19080064  7440A. I would appreciate someone from the company contacting me. 

Katie Gavin 
325 Iowa Street 
Crescent City, CA 95531

This enquiry was of particular interest, because a search of the alphabetic database roster initially did not locate Blaine Ward. The roster, which was compiled by Don Abbott from several separate lists published in the Harold Templeman book "The Return To Corregidor"  unfortunately contains a number of errors - Templeman's errors, not Abbott's. There is good reason to believe that the lists furnished to Templeman were incomplete and contained several errors and that the errors weren't attributable to Templeman himself.

Templeman lists Pfc Binion L. Harrison, the assistant squad leader of my 3rd squad who mysteriously suffered a severe burn to his arm late the night of the 15th.  A court of inquiry was threatened but never materialized. 1st Sgt Baldwin, S/Sgt Charles McCurry, Pfc Bill McDonald, Pfc Perry Bandt, and  Pfc Ralph Iverson are listed on both rosters as jumpers, but did not jump on Corregidor.  Their plane developed engine trouble, began losing altitude, and was forced to drop out of the airlift.  They jumped to safety and arrived on Corregidor by boat, and rejoined the Co., much to our relief.  Pfc Theodore Yokum and Pfc Paul Narrow are listed in Return To Corregidor  as jumpers were also in this plane.  1st Lt Wm. E. LaVanchure, T/Sgt Phillip Todd, T/Sgt Joseph Shropshire ( he is listed but as a private), Pfc (Assistant squad leader) Wright, Pfc James, Bradley, and Pvt George Pierce are not listed, but jumped. Wright was a casualty.

Closer study may reveal other errors.

In looking at Return to Corregidor, G Co is screwed up. Their dead are not listed: 1Lt Gordon English, S/Sgt James Reed, Sgt John Holmes, Pvt Rocco Difilipo, and Pvt Cecil Douglas. Their roster shows 110 jumping.

I have not gone over this closely, but I know the records are not complete. I know some have disputed them, even claiming many more fatalities than actually happened. We should be careful, though, in dismissing a man as a jumper because the rosters do not list him.

Bill Calhoun & Paul Whitman

Dear Katie Gavin ! 

Your email got to me and I have some information that might be useful to you. I would like to say at the outset that I am only too pleased to reply to any questions you might have. Your father's long service in the Pacific with D Company deserves our attention to it even more. I don't know if Colonel Calhoun can be of too much help since he was with another company [F] but I'll send a copy of this to him. His address is in the cc line. The material I present here is from documents  I have gathered over the years about D Company during WWII. 

Your father was indeed a member of D Company for a long time from Australia until the final battle for Negros Island in the Philippines. He was a rifleman in the first squad, second platoon.  I didn't know your father; I was in another platoon [mortar platoon]. On 2 December 1942 the company disembarked from the troopship, Poleau Laut, [a converted Dutch merchantman] at Cairns, Australia and three years later the company was disbanded. after the Japanese defeat. 

I do not show him on my Corregidor roster and that puzzled me. I looked through my morning report files and found what I think may solve the problem. The morning report is a document prepared daily by the company showing all personnel changes and absences; personnel joining, AWOL's, hospitalization, deaths, woundings, promotions, etc. 

He was definitely on Mindoro as the 10 January 1945 morning report shows him being promoted to PFC. A more telling entry however, may explain how he missed Corregidor, he was admitted to the hospital on 2 February. What he was admitted for is not shown. I have found his name on orders awarding him the Combat Infantryman's Badge [for Nadzab]. I found him on shipping lists to Noemfoor and Mindoro. I am nearly certain he was present for duty for the surrender as the medical records show he suffered a fractured foot on 26 July 1945, three weeks before the August 15 surrender. 

If you will send me your address I will send copies of any pertinent documents, I have, pertaining to your father and the history of his company. While all of these papers give you an idea of the company's war in the Pacific the best way to get a more personal view would be contact Company D survivors whose addresses are known. I will get those to you at a later date. One 2nd platoon NCO you might try is Harry Drews, 1218 Cedar Lane, Mount Carmel, IL 62803 [618] XXX XXXX. I hope this may be of some help.

John Lindgren

JOHN LESHINSKI

Dear Sir

Subject: John Leshinski 503rd 4th Platoon D Co.

John Leshinski was my Great Uncle, my Grandfather Dan Leshinskie's brother. I'm looking for any one who might remember him. I believe John L. Lindgren was in charge of this platoon. Any information would be greatly appreciated; a picture would be wonderful. I do know that he was awarded the Purple Heart for his bravery and some other medals of which I am not sure. My Grandfather said that the Government was supposed to send these medals to his mother after his death but she never received them. Can I get these medals reissued? Can anyone tell me how? Thank you for any and all information. 

Tracy Weiler

3794 Dartmouth Street

Hamburg, NY 14075

Dear Tracy Weiler

I was the platoon leader of the 4th platoon [ also called the mortar platoon] when John Leshinski lost his life in the early morning of February 19, 1945 at Wheeler Point on Corregidor. I joined D Company in August 1945 after serving with E Company 503rd for ten months. I knew him quite well. I hadn't been with the platoon as long as he, or most of the other men but I did get to know the people in the platoon. There are three men who were in the platoon and survived that terrible night and have addresses for: [1] Joseph Gouvin, 35 Pequot Trail, Pawcatuck, CT 06379 - 1435. The ranking NCO he took over from Staff Sergeant Robert Wenditz who was killed that night. I was wounded that night and evacuated so he took over my job as well.[2] Nicholas D. Valvannis, 200 Spring St., ENRVA Building 2, Room 357, Bedford, MA 01730. Nick was badly wounded the same night and is now in a VA facility. [3] Cletus A. Wesselman, 14060 Essex Court, Apple Valley MN 55124 [612] XXXX XXXX. his email address': [email protected]. Gus was wounded that night. All these people had been in the platoon for well over a year and knew him much better than I did. I don't know what documents you have but if you want to apply for the medals you must send a copy of his discharge with the request. Are you his closest relative? If you are you can request the medals be issued you. If you don't have his discharge you must request it and after you have it then you can request the medals. All of this takes a long time and you must start as soon as you can. You are right in saying that the medals and discharge papers should have been sent to his mother. The address you should write to about these matters is National Personnel; Records Center, 9700 Page Avenue, St. Louis MO 63132 -5100. Telephone [314] 538 426 Fax [314] 538 4175.

I have much much more to say to you and other things to send to you. I have a picture of J.L. and one of our platoon taken on the company street when I first got to the company. We looked very smart, all dressed up in our khakis and polished jump boots before going on parade to honor some D Company men who had won medals; all of them had been killed earning them. One man, Sergeant Eubanks would get the Medal of Honor. It was the first and last 503 parade I would ever be in. I will get some copies made and get them to you. I want to send you the company war diary that tells, among other things, the battle we had the night he died. I want to send a story of a night I spent at Wheeler Point fifty years later. I have a roster of the men in D Company who fought on Corregidor that may be of interest to you. I wish you luck in your quest. Do not hesitate to ask me about anything you need and I will do my best to help you. I think often of that night and of the young men who died there.

 John

ULISS "WHITEY" THACKER

Dear Sirs,

My name is Tracy (Thacker) Hyatt.  I live in Martinsburg WV.  My father  Uliss Thacker served with some of you fine gentleman in the 503rd.  I am sad to report to you that he passed away Oct. 18, 1992 due to his heart.

My siblings know very little about the time he spent in service for he spoke very little about it other than to tell us that he was quite a brawler. Obviously this was very difficult for him to discuss.  I know that he received several accomodations but am not sure of all of them.  He had told us that after he left the service that his mother threw out his gear that he returned home with including his uniform..We now think that he disposed of them himself because of the memories that it held were hard for him to face.

I would be most appreciative of any information you could give me.  I do believe he went by the nickname Whitey. My family is now in the process of trying to have his medals reissued for future generations to see.  Thank you so much for serving our country.

If anyone would happen to remember my dad I would love to hear from you.

Thank You
Tracy Thacker Hyatt
[email protected]

5

ROBERT G. CARSON

Cindy Crawford wants to locate ROBERT G. CARSON whose last known address was 315 Greer St., High Point, NC as she has  several photos of him from her  father's collection . He made the jump on Corregidor.

5

Alva S. Wheaton (RA 20341537) - Bill Wheaton

To:  Mr. John Reynolds; Mr. Ray Scofield; Mr. Dick Wynn; Mr. Don Abbott

March 24, 2001

Gentlemen,

My name is William M. Wheaton (Bill), my father was Alva S. Wheaton (RA 20341537), hometown Darlington, Maryland. Dad was a member of the 503rd PIR/503rd RCT during WWII, and was with the 3rd BN, I Co. I'm looking for people who knew Dad during those years and got your e-mail addresses from Mr. Don Abbott. I hope to discover more about the young man who was to later become my father, and the experiences that helped mould him into the man he was.

For some reason that I can not explain in early February of this year I developed a very strong need to learn all I can about Dad's WWII experiences. After the war Dad spent a few years as a civilian going to school, he rejoined the Army and served for over 28 years retiring, in 1971 or 72, as an EOD Master Sergeant. Dad died in December 16, 1987,  and Mom joined him in April of 1996. Unfortunately I never made a point of exploring this history while Dad was alive. When Dad did talk about WWII, which was not very often, I was too young to understand much about it, and likely did not pay very good attention as I now only have vague memories of any of it. Dad's Asia/Pacific Campaign Ribbon carried three stars and an arrowhead, and from what little I've learned, I think he was with the unit from early on and all the way through WWII.

In this pursuit I discovered the 503rd web site maintained by Paul Whitman which has been very useful in this journey of discovery. (Paul has been very helpful in our e-mail correspondence with putting me on the track to learning more about Corregidor).

I have learned a lot about the 503rd in the last 1 1/2 months, but still have much more to learn. I have acquired books by Belote, Breuer, Flanagan, and Devlin that are helping to give me a better understanding. But I really want to learn more not only about the Corregidor mission, but about the experiences of the 503rd in Australia and New Guinea during WWII.

I had the honor of meeting Mr. Ray Mitchell here in Kingsport Tennessee about four years ago, he had lent me a book, that I can not remember the title of, and shared a copy of the static line with me. I shared what few things I have left of Dad's with him. It was shortly before a 503rd Convention, and he really wanted to borrow the Corregidor map that Dad carried and the Japanese flag that was Dad's, but at the time I just was not willing to let them out of my hands. Meeting Ray Mitchell sparked an interest in learning more, but I failed to follow through at that time. I was sorry to learn from the web site of the death of Mr. Mitchell. He truly loved the 503rd and his relationship with the unit. The only things I have left of Dad's is a color copy of the map (in a moment of weakness I let my youngest sister keep the original, as the baby of the family she was closest to Dad), the Japanese flag (I have been told it is a prayer flag, it's covered with Japanese writing), his Bible, a Soldiers and Sailors prayer book, his Purple Heart from Corregidor, Bronze Star, and some assorted old ribbons (left overs from when he replaced with new ones) His CIB and wings along with his full rack of ribbons were buried with him. I'm trying to rebuild all that now for a display case. He also had a sword at one time but that disappeared in one of their last moves. I know there had to be photos and more, but don't know what ever happened to them.

I have provided a color copy of the map and Dad's diary from the back of it to Paul Whitman for possible use on the web site, and I am working on having it scanned to a CD for Paul the next time I get home to Maryland so he can work with it. The diary started on February 16th and ended on the 20th, I don't know why Dad stopped writing at that time, his Purple Heart indicates he was wounded on the 16th, but he say's nothing about it in the diary. I've attached a copy of the diary, at least as I translated Dad's writing, to this e-mail. I am 50 years old myself now, and have finally awoken to the fact that many of the WWII generation are no longer with us, and in many cases the history of their actions, that helped to give us the freedom we enjoy today, have been lost with them. I hope to help preserve that history by passing it along to my son, and by doing what ever I can to help keep the WWII history of the 503rd alive.

I'm asking for your assistance on this voyage of discovery. Any information, stories, recommended book list, or anything else you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

Most Respectfully,

Bill Wheaton
576 Old Hickory Drive
Mount Carmel, TN 37645

[email protected]

Bill

Sounds as if your dad must have done the whole bit from Fort Benning to Fort Bragg to Camp Stoneman to Australia, to Papua, to Australia, back to Papua, on to Hollandia, to Noemfoor, to Leyte, to Mindoro to Corregidor back to Mindoro and lastly for WW II to Negros. And that is just for WWII.

Your dad also had some of the coveted bits of ribbons and hardware. Two items, alone, were quite rare. He would have had a Combat Infantry Badge with two stars on it. He would have had wings with three combat stars. These are things that had to be earned. There probably is not a single general officer who has either of these items.

The three stars for the SW Pacific Ribbon indicate the campaigns he was in. I think they were Papua (Australian New Guinea), Dutch New Guinea (Hollandia and Noemfoor) and the Philippine Campaign. The Arrow Head represented an invasion (Nadzab). We did not get one for Mindoro, believe it or not.

Don Abbott

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BOB WEBER

My father is Robert (Bob) Weber, and he jumped on Corregidor on February 16th, 1945. He served briefly in A Company, then was in F Company and Service Company. He now lives in Hesperia, Ca., and would love to hear from any and all who served with him. He does not have a computer, but I will be glad to forward any messages to him. We, his children and grandchildren, would also like to hear any stories any of you have to tell. Thank you for this fascinating site. I've printed some of it and sent it along to Dad, and he was really happy to get it. I look forward to hearing from anyone who remembers my dad.  

              [email protected]

                                                                                                            Sincerely, 
Donna (Weber) Murphy

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DUANE LARSON

Dear Ed,

My father is Duane Larson, a paratrooper killed in action on Corregidor on February 26, 1945. He was awarded the Purple Heart. I was eleven months old at the time he was killed. My paternal grandmother told me that on the day my father died he volunteered to take the place of a friend who was ill and went out on patrol in his place. My mother found it almost impossible to talk about him and after she remarried she allowed little contact between me and my grandparents.

My father is buried in Niles, Michigan, the small town where he grew up. Is there any way I could find out anyone who might have known him in the service? I would very much like to find someone who knew him and could tell me about him.

I found out about you from members of AWON, the American War Orphans Network. I would appreciate any help you could give me. I am very grateful to you for posting the names of the men of the greatest generation who gave their lives for their country. Thank you!

Dolane Larson

Ms Larson

Your father was a member of Battery A 462nd Parachute Field Artillery. The best way to get information about your father is to contact members of the 503rd Association who were in the same battery. The association directory has the addresses of members. You must realize not all men who survived are members but it is the only way to contact members of his battery who fought on Corregidor. I'll give you some names and telephone numbers of Battery F. veterans who fought on Corregidor who may be able to provide information [1] Max W. Alberson [312] 555 9328 [2] Irenco Banuelos [915] 555 2096 [3] Harry R. Bass [504] 555 1524 [4] Eugene Bert [717] 555 2842 [5] Emmit Nugier [504] 555 4040 [6] Riley Jackso, [601] 555 3009 [7] Harold Link [910] 555 7736 [8] Kenneth Lyle [610] 555 4436 [[9] Walter Press [212] 555 1691 [10] Paul Raube [609] 555 9269. Some of these area codes and numbers may be incorrect since our directories are old. [I have changed the telephone numbers for publication for privacy reasons - Ed]  I used two of them', 1994 and 1998; the 1998 directory deleted many names because, for example, the veteran failed to pay his dues. At any rate, I hope you will do some good with these 10 names. If you need other information let me know and if you do get some useful information let me know that too. Good Luck! 

John Lindgren

Duane

Paul Whitman has put your letter on E Mail and addressed it to a number 503rd men who participated in the liberation of Corregidor. Unfortunately, I did not know your father but hope I can point you to some of our veterans who might have known him. Your father, Duane Larson, was assigned to Battery A of the 462nd Parachute Field Artillery. The 462nd, along with the 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment and the 161s Parachute Engineer Company formed the 503rd Parachute Regimental Combat Team (RCT). Pfc. Duane E. Larson, our records show, was killed on 26 February 1945.

On that date the 503rd RCT lost more men killed or wounded than any other day in the two weeks we were on Corregidor. An underground facility near the "tail" of Corregidor had held a Navy Radio Intercept unit during and before the siege of Corregidor. This was a very important facility and participated in breaking the secret Japanese Code. This was an important factor in the battle of Midway Island which marked the beginning of the end of the Japanese conquest. Between the surrender of the Island on 6 May 1942 and our parachute invasion of the Island on 16 February 1945, the Japanese had stored a large amount of explosives in the tunnel. The 503rd RCT approached the facility on 25 Feb and were in the process of routing the Japanese out of the tunnel on the morning of the 26th. A tank, assigned temporarily to us, was firing into the entrance when a catastrophic explosion shook the Island. The 503rd had more than 50 men killed outright and more than 150 were seriously injured. Your father, undoubtedly, was caught up in this tragedy. At least 15 of the members of the 503rd RCT Association are veterans who served in Battery A. Two of them I know well and suggest you contact them to see if they knew your father. They are: Tut Elmont, P.O. Box 65, Basalt, CO 81621 (970) 555-3912; Kenneth G. Lyle, 1944 Detwiler Rd. Box 72 Cedars, PA 19423 (610) 555-4436. I trust the above will get you started. Good luck and please let me know how you make out.

Don Abbott

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FLOYD GREER  

My Grandfather jumped on Corregidor. I was reading some of the stories of the fallen men. Perhaps my Grandfather had the name wrong but, before I ever heard of this web page I was told about a Lt. Ball who was shot in the forehead. My Grandfather claims to have been right there when he was shot.

Of course with the severity of the casualty he could have been hit in all areas. He has told my father many stories of which I would to share if anyone is listening.  Just in case you talk to other vets his name is Floyd Greer and he is in failing health and we are trying to help him enjoy every moment.

Son .... David Christian Greer .... Marine Vietnam Vet

Grandaughter... Shea Married Henry Randolph Ex military ...Army

Grandaughter ...Tempie served in the Air Force and married a Gulf vet also serving in the Air Force

Grandson ... Rance (me) Navy Submarines MM2(SS/DV)Greer 

Grandson ... Ruston Army

Grandson ... Brannon...Too young to vote

Mother served in the Army for a short time and was a skydiver. Her father and my Wife's Grandfather also served proudly! If there is anything I can do to possibly contribute to the completion of this site please let me know!

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DANIEL DRISCOLL

From: Dan Driscoll [[email protected]]
Sent: Monday, 20 November 2000 11:11 AM
Subject: can u help me?

Hi, I'm Marguerite Driscoll, and I was wondering if you had any information on Daniel Driscoll, T-4, a casualty from Corregidor? I'm very curious, and I'm trying to find information about my past... You can email me at [email protected]. if you can help that be GREAT. Than You~ Marguerite

From: [email protected]
Sent: Tuesday, 21 November 2000 11:21 AM
Subject: T4 Daniel W. Driscoll

Ms Driscoll

Technician 4th Class Daniel Driscoll was a member of Headquarters and Headquarters Company. The 503rd Parachute Infanttry veteran veteran fought on  the island of Corregidor, Philippines during February and early March I945. If you wish, I will send you some names of men who served with HQ Company 1st Battalion who are members of our association. What is the basis for your interest in this paratrooper?  A couple of names of men who served in his company, *Brown, Richard G. (address supplied) Casto,Ralph, (address supplied) Dallas, *Matthew J. M. (address supplied)[ * is a Corregidor veteran]. 

 John  

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I

CAFFERY DUGAS

(Deceased 2004)

was writing to see if anyone remembered my dad, Caffery J. Dugas from Carencro, LA. He served in the 503rd from May 23,1942 to October 28, 1945. Dad was a cook (T/4) in Service Company. I don't think he jumped on Corregidor, but he does have five pictures of the jump on the island. I think he did participate in New Guinea and the Philippines.

Dad is 81 now and doesn't remember much. My mom was interested in the reunion, but doesn't think dad is up to the trip. Dad would like to hear from anyone. Our e-mail is [email protected]

Thanks,
 Caffery J. Dugas ll

KENNETH D. PENROD

Would you be able to confirm whether my father, now deceased, Kenneth David Penrod, served in this command in WWII? Thanks

Judge Wayne E. Penrod
[[email protected]]

DICK THOMSEN

Many of you may not be familiar with Selma Harrison Calmes, but she is a regular contributor to the Corregidor Then and Now website, having written the story of how her parents met and married on The Rock.  She�s our only regular female audience, and mightily pleased I am for it.   She�s been collecting photos for the site,  finding many rare views of Corregidor in the 1920�s and 30�s.  She�s researching further articles, including one on minelaying at Corregidor.  She was born on the Rock in Feb 1940.  Her father, a West Point graduate, went on to command a company in Europe, where he was killed.   Selma is an MD, and sub-chair of the department of anaesthesiology at UCLA.  I met her on the Rock in January of this year, and she�s signed up for the January 2001 visit too.

Selma got a bit of a shock recently.  Her interest in Corregidor had been firmly upon pre-war Corregidor.  She was getting her dad�s medals out and�.

��I found 2 bars of ribbons also. One had a Pacific Campaign ribbon with 4 stars. This couldn�t be my dad�s.  I finally realised it was my step dad�s. (My mom married again when I was in high school.) Checked with my brother and it turns out he was 503d and jumped on Corregidor! �How Corregidor keeps weaving its way through my life. I didn�t think very much of the guy (dead now) as alcohol was a big issue for him then, and for the rest of his life. But maybe all that time in the Pacific did it.

His name was Dick Thomsen.�

Does anyone know of him?

Looks like Selma, Corregidor�s child,  is now one of the children of the 503d too!

Regards,

Paul Whitman

"H" COMPANY

Anyone who served in "H" company who jumped on Corregidor please drop me a line. 

Pfc. Sam Cunningham  
503rd "H" RCT 

Sam Cunningham

944 11th Street

Imperial Beach, Ca 91932

(619)429-6187

[email protected]

SGT. NELSON MATT

  My father-in-law has me looking for some old buddies, his name is Nelson Matt.  He was with the 503rd Regimental Combat Team Paratroopers, he was on Corregidor and Mindoro. Maybe you have heard of his unit.  He is 75 yrs old and lives in Louisiana.  My name is Cleveland Molitor, I was in Viet-Nam 1970-71 and know how important it is to find old friends. Thank you for your time and good luck to you."

Nelson Matt's name is in the current 503rd directory.  It says he was in "A" Co.  That is one of my            Companies but I'm afraid I don't remember him.  He was on Corregidor too.  The guy was prone to get wounded too.  He was wounded on Corregidor and again on Negros.

Don Abbott

L. SHELDON OAKEY

Dear Sir,

I was researching my Uncle's tour of duty in the 503rd. He would never talk about it, I have just rekindled my interest in his activities in the Pacific so I hope to find out some information. I was looking at the web site www.503rd.cjb.net and found some interesting information. I saw the 503rd mail call and decided to write to see if you had any information. This is what I know: His name was L. Shelton Oakey and he was a paratrooper and jumped on Corregidor. I believe he did attend reunions until he got sick, he passed away about 9 years ago. Any info you can provide will be gratefully appreciated.

Sincerely,
James C. Thomas
[[email protected]]

-o0o-

James,

Your uncle was in E company. Within a few days I will send you more info, his associates, his commander etc.  Feel free to contact me if needed. Your uncle jumped on same field as I (the Golf Course).

Tony Sierra
D Company

-o0o-

Jim,

The KIA list Paul Whitman has included on the Web Page is only for Corregidor.  In addition, the whole KIA list has 221 more names.  Included is the name of Pfc. Roland E. Perrault from "E" Company, killed on Negros on 4/28/45.

While I spent about two years with "E" Company I was with "A" Company on Negros where Perreault was killed.  My memory of Perrault is very hazy but the name is familiar and I know I must have known him slightly. 

At about the same day Perrault was killed by a sniper S/Sgt Kenneth Holder, the Supply Sergeant was also killed by a sniper. I happened to be at the "E" Co. CP when Holder was killed and even heard the shot fired which got him.  If Perrault's case was the same he would never have felt a thing--Holder didn't.

Several pieces of information for you: He was on a shipping list on 1 Apr 44 which must have been for the shipment from Brisbane to Oro Bay.  That would mean Perrault was at Hollandia, Noemfoor, Leyte and Mindoro besides Corregidor and Negros. His Serial Number was 31286197. I will try to find which platoon Perrault was in so I'll have an idea of who might have known him.

Don Abbott

-o0o-

James

We didn't get to Negros until April 7 , 1945. The month of April was when we had the severest casualties.  Abbott's KIA roster shows your uncle was killed 28 April 1945.

The 2nd  Battalion was pushing up Tokaido Road during this time [E Company was in the 2nd Battalion] and in early May had reached the end of the road and of enemy resistance. Tokaido Road is a major highway in Japan that among other places serves the Tokyo Airport, Narita. There was a pitched battle on the 28th and D [had two killed and 4 wounded] and F Companies were involved as well. Had PFC Perrault survived for a few more days he would have come out alive as the Japanese had quit and moved into the rugged mountains that run down the middle of Negros Island. The rest of your information is correct. I should tell you I left E Company at Noemfoor for D Company where I served from September 1944 until the war ended. 

John Lindgren

-o0o-

James,

Do you have a photo of Roland in uniform that we can publish? Or any letter which he may have written home about any of his experiences?

There are only about a dozen active 503rd paratroopers on the internet, and we are trying to get more involved in the site, because it IS theirs.  Part of that is to show them how the internet has been bringing people together in a way that the more traditional methods (snail-mail, word of mouth) never could.

It might surprise you that I am an Australian, and that the creation of a patriotic website of this nature is all the more a curious journey for a foreigner. I don't understand it all myself.

Regards
Paul Whitman

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PFC ANDREW J. PIWOWAR

I would like to hear from any 503rd member who personally knew my Dad. His  name and rank PFC A. J. (Andrew) Piwowar. He was a member of Company F, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Paratrooper Infantry.

Thanks,
George A. Piwowar
[email protected]

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FRANK E. DICKERT

I am looking for info on my grandfather. His name was Frank E. Dickert and he served with the 462nd Parachute Field artillery battalion. He died in Corregidor on Feb. 26, 1945. I am trying to get this info for my dad. It would meant the world to him if I could find out anything. His dad died when he was only 2. All he has is his purple heart and his name. If anyone could tell me how he died or any bit of info about that day I would greatly appreciate.

Heather Mendoza
[email protected]

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JAMES BENSON

I am the wife of a paratrooper that fought on Corregidor. He has mentioned from time to time "I wonder what ever happened to ....?" My husband's name is James Benson. So my question is, "Does anyone have information concerning the following names?"

 (I might not have the spelling right, please forgive me for this) 

Macy Taylor, Littleton,NC: 
Robert Schwoverland: 
Chanaletti, Jacksonville, Fla: 
Lt. Mc Cullough. 

Thank you for this 503 Mail page and all of the other sites pertaining to the 503 Regimental Combat Team. 

Sincerely,
[email protected] 
(James Benson)

DUANE R. MULLIS

Ed,

My father, Duane R. Mullis served in the 503rd throughout the war. He passed away in 1974 and I wondered if anyone would have a roster that would have his name and designation within the 503rd. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Brock Mullis, Missouri

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TED WHITE

 I would like to make contact with anyone who may have details of the Monkey Point explosion or who knew my father, Ted White, a scout, who was injured in the blast while standing near the entrance.

Michael White
[email protected]

5

EVERETT "COT" SHACKLES  

I am trying to track down any information on my Great-Uncle Pvt. Everett "Cot" Shackles, A Co., 503 PRCT, KIA 28 APR 1945 on Negros. I am a paratrooper currently stationed in Georgia and I'm trying to track down the history of my family's military service to pass down to my sons, all of which are planning on joining the service. My grandfather passed away in 1991, and other than the fact that he told me about his brother's death he never would talk about it. If there is anyone out there that knew my Great-Uncle or about his service and death I would appreciate to hear from you. Thanks. Hooah!

MSG Dean S. Shackles
[email protected]

MSG Shackles,

Paul Whitman forwarded your inquiry to me, as I have done quite a bit of research on the Negros Campaign. My father was in Company "G", so my research is focused on that unit. However, on the day your great-uncle was killed "G" and "A" were very close to each other at a spot I labeled "high ground" on attached maps..

I attached daily reports for the two days that cover the period of his death.

The 503d ran into stiff Japanese resistance the period of 22 - 28 April. They were assaulting high ground shown on the attached maps. After April 29 the Japanese scattered into the mountains to the south and east. I attached one picture labeled Terrain, which I took from near the spot called Japanese Shrine on the GPS map. The ridge your great uncle was killed on would have looked similiar to what you see in that picture.

Last September I visited Negros intending to hike to the battlefield but was rained out. I intend to go back next January in dry season and try again. My father was involved in a mine explosion at the point labeled "incident", but was shielded by a tree and uninjured. I would like to hike in that far, if possible, starting from the point labeled Japanese Shrine. A summary of my last trip to Negros is at

http://www.corregidor.org/heritage_battalion/foster/negros_2004.html

I have a poor quality map that has the original coordinate system used in the daily reports. I converted coordinates from the daily reports using that map to latitude and longitude and programmed it into my GPS. These homemade GPS coordinates matched very well with known sites I visited, such as the points named Hacienda Hinacayan, Tokaido Road, and Hill 3155.

Let me know if you have more questions, as I have a lot of information about this campaign.
 

Steve Foster
O'Fallon, Illinois
(e-mail address supplied on request)
 

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HENRY L. SHEUERMANN  

My Dad, Henry L. Sheuerman II, served with your Unit. He was stationed in Panama with the 501st when the war started. I'm not sure he was part of Test Platoon but I do know he was the first draftee to go to Jump School. I believe he was drafted in '39. He sailed with the Unit to Australia, made two combat jumps in New Guinea, Lae and Markham Valley, I believe, awarded the Bronze Star for Valor, wounded, sent to Australia and then Stateside in late '44. Once recovered, he taught at the Airborne School at Benning until his discharge in late '45 or early '46 as an E-6. Went back in the Army in '49 and retired as an E-9 in '68. Served with the 82nd in the early '50's.

I went to Jump School in late '69. Several of the NCO's teaching there knew my Dad and took a special interest in my training. I served in Vietnam as an attack helicopter pilot flying Cobras, 71-72.

My Dad lives in St Louis. A neighbor, Dave Morehead, noticed a photo my Dad has on the den wall of a combat jump in New Guinea. He asked my Dad if he was Airborne and what Unit. Turns out Mr Morehead was in the 503rd also. Small world.

If you served with my Dad, I'd like to hear from you. So would he.

Mike H. Sheuerman
[email protected]

[email protected]

5

DELMAR HOLBROOK

Greetings,

My father was a paratrooper with the 503rd and helped to retake the island. I don't know what group he was in, however I do have a few photos of the jump and shots of the boys on the ground. My father's name is Delmar Holbrook and he came from Illinois. Thanks for a great site and keep up the good work!  We can never forget what these men did!

I knew Del well.  He was my assistant gunner on my light 30 machine gun,  Headquarters Co. 2nd Battalion. 

We lost contact after the war. I always wondered what happened to him. At one of our reunions I asked Bernie O'Boyle if he had ever seen him. he said del had visited him once in Chicago but he did not have his address or phone number. 

Jeff, I hope your letter doesn't mean your Dad has passed on.

Victor Erdahl
Hdqs. 2nd

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DR. WATTERS & HEYWARD BURBAGE

When the first call from Dr. Watters came requesting the fate of a 503rd trooper who had suffered a serious leg injury and who had the possibility of loosing his limb, I dug into my rusty mind and came up with two names, Red Cantrell and Burbage.  At that time I did not know Burbage's first name.   I submitted the two names to Whitman and some one else refined the choice to Burbage.  I did not know exactly the road both of these troopers had followed after their wounding, but I heard somewhere during the reunions that both had survived and were in fact still living.  Cantrell has isolated himself from the association and I guess so has Burbage.  I submitted some D company names, including yours, who might have better follow up information and such has been the case.  I am happy that you and McNerney are so meticulous in searching out the detail records.  Additionally I hope you can send me a copy of the D company roster (Moresby-Mindoro era) .  I also wish you could list the awards and medals the average 503 trooper is entitled to wear.  I hope this is not on overload on you, but I have a project going with troopers from other outfits and I need to settle these issues.

Regards
Tony Sierra

-o0o-

I didn't get anything on who came up with the Burbage's name. I finally found it in McNerney's Noemfoor journal. God bless the Irish!    I must have missed a message somewhere after getting Heyward Burbage's name on another message. Who supplied the name?

GUY CRULL (THE TANK PILOT)

I have been researching Corregidor for my father.   He was on Corregidor when his Tank was blown up in fact.  He came in with your CO the 503 regiment paratroopers, his company was 1st Cavalry 603d tank Co.  (Murder Inc..)  His tank was blown up, he said,  on Monkey Point. (Kindley Field). He was the only survior in his Co.  He is reading a book called "Corregidor",   I think written by Gen. E.M. Flannigan.  The tank was blown up Feb 26 1945  and it was mentioned  in the book that they cut him out of the Tank.  Any information would be grateful...

Thanks
Patti Donath

-o0o-

Don Abbott

Hey old buddy! I just learned that you lost both legs in the blast that took your tank. Is this true?

Chet NYCUM

No, that wasn't me, my tank commander (Sgt. Waddley) was blown in half, he got commissioned in the field, Jenkins was the gunner, and it was he who lost his legs. Waddley died from shock when he saw both his legs were gone. Larry Farris  was assistant driver ,when the explosion happened the 75 mm went through him backwards.............Lagrange was the loader the gun mounting blew and crushed his head. 

Renea (for Guy Crull) 

5

By the way, are there any troopers active from the 503 PIR who were in New Guinea? My friend Phil Seff would more than likely like to be in contact with them.

Regards,
Verne White

-o0o-

Hi V,

I don't know if I fall under the "active" category but I was assigned to the 503rd in May/June 1942 - that is 1942- had the pleasure of the Paula Laut voyage, made the overland jump in Gordonvale and the weekly travels into the local scenic jungles, went to Port Moresby and made the jump at Nadzab, back to Brisbane, up to Buna and Hollandia, jumped on Noemfoor, landed at Leyte, then Mindoro, and the B Co assault on the radio station up the Mindoro coast at Palaun where we lost four dead and 13 wounded, thereby eliminating the 1st Battalion from jumping first on Corregidor, landed at Corregidor and then went down to Negros where I was among five of us in B Co who were the first to be returned to the USA.

If you have access to the internet, try thedropzone.org  In case you're not sure, try me at [email protected] or (other details withheld for privacy reasons).

Regards
Jack Herzig

5

I saw this wonderful web site while trying to research some family history. I was hoping that you could help me find out what U.S. Army units were on Corregidor Island in the 1930s. I am putting together a history of my family's Military service. My Grandfather was in the U.S. Army in the Philippines during the mid 1930s, for a long time that is all I knew. My Father was unsure what my Grandfather even did in the Army, and unfortunately I did not think to ask these questions while he was alive my Grandfather having passed away in 1983. In 1996 while cleaning out a closet in my Grandmothers house I found a bag full of black & white photos from Corregidor & Manila. One of the photos was of the Mile Long Barracks with soldiers on parade. Another was of a battery of guns in action. I asked my Granduncle about my Grandfather's time on Corregidor, all he could recall was he was in a Coastal Artillery unit. What I would really like to find out is what unit or units were on the island during the 1930s, and what kind of unit patches they would have worn i.e. division ect.

Thank You for any help you may be able to give me.

Semper Fidelis
John Rondina

Thank you so very much! You were very helpful, with the info you gave I looked the two units. It seems the 60th was an Anti Aircraft Unit, from one of the few stories I remember my Grandfather telling me, he & his unit were on combat alert when the Jap. Navy paid a visit. As I recall he said their guns were pointed right at the ships as the sailed past the Island. So I am guessing he was in the 59th.

Once again thank you very much for your help.

Semper Fi 
John Rondina

5