WADLEY, Cecil A.
Sgt
38020357
 
26 Feb 1945
Monkey Pt
Plot D
3
258

NOTES/ COMMENTS: UNIT AT DATE OF DEATH - 603D TANK CO., 1ST CAVALRY.

     
BASED ON WHAT INFORMATION?  

Both of our tanks were tossed into the air like toys. The one I was driving was blown into the air and tumbled end over end and came to rest down the ridge, trapping  all of us inside.

The blast, according to other survivors and witnesses, was more violent than the one that detonated in the Malinta tunnels. The explosion sent Japanese and paratrooper bodies, arm, legs, and torsos flying into the air. The entire island was shaken as if an earthquake had struck.

They borrowed an acetylene torch from a Seventh Fleet destroyer and cut our tank open to get me out. They tell me it was incredible that the rescuers found that I was still alive. My right arm was near severed, I had numerous skull fractures, and my lungs burned like hell.

Sgt. Waddley (sic), my tank commander, was blown in half, and died from shock  when he saw both his legs were gone. Jenkins was the gunner, and he lost his legs. 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. 

SOURCE OF INFORMATION:   "I am the Tank Pilot" by Guy Crull
    http://www.corregidor.org/rock_force/crull/crull.html
UNIT/FORMATION   1st Platoon, 603d Tank Co.

 

 

            

'Murder Inc.', 1st Platoon 603 Tank Co.
Crew: Cecil A.Wadley (Commander), Guy Crull (Driver), Larry Farris (Asst Driver), Delbert R. Jenkins (Gunner), LaGrange (Loader).

 

 

 

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